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The Cowgill Family Saga #2
Storm Clouds over Byland Crescent
A HEARTWARMING AND HEART-WRENCHING NEW SAGA SERIES FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR BILL KITSON.
Please note this book was previously published as Renaissance.
From humble origins, the Cowgill family have bettered their lot. Through love and loss, hope and heartbreak, they work hard and face their troubles together, no matter what life throws at them.
Yorkshire, 1923.
Sonny Cowgill is slowly regaining his memory. He was declared missing in action in the First World War, presumed dead. But Sonny’s beloved wife Rachel found him and brought him home.
As he rebuilds his relationship with his wife and learns how to be a father to the son he never knew he had, memories begin to resurface. Sonny remembers something that the Cowgill family thought lost forever — the whereabouts of his eldest brother. James was disowned by their father and never seen again after he ran off with the housemaid. Can the family finally be reunited?
Sonny also discovers that the family’s business is in ruins. His cousin Clarence was left in charge after the war, but has just been charged with embezzlement, and even worse, murder.
Not for the first time, the Cowgill family must rebuild their reputation — and their business. But before long, tragedy strikes again as Europe is pulled towards another devastating war.
Please note this book was previously published as Renaissance.
From humble origins, the Cowgill family have bettered their lot. Through love and loss, hope and heartbreak, they work hard and face their troubles together, no matter what life throws at them.
Yorkshire, 1923.
Sonny Cowgill is slowly regaining his memory. He was declared missing in action in the First World War, presumed dead. But Sonny’s beloved wife Rachel found him and brought him home.
As he rebuilds his relationship with his wife and learns how to be a father to the son he never knew he had, memories begin to resurface. Sonny remembers something that the Cowgill family thought lost forever — the whereabouts of his eldest brother. James was disowned by their father and never seen again after he ran off with the housemaid. Can the family finally be reunited?
Sonny also discovers that the family’s business is in ruins. His cousin Clarence was left in charge after the war, but has just been charged with embezzlement, and even worse, murder.
Not for the first time, the Cowgill family must rebuild their reputation — and their business. But before long, tragedy strikes again as Europe is pulled towards another devastating war.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2022
322 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 19, 2022
I loved this second book in this wonderful series. It carried straight on from the first so you really need to read number one. The characters were interesting and most were likeable. I do hope there will be a third in this wonderful series. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 21, 2022
Discoveries
This second book of the Cowgill family saga is all about discoveries. Sonny, after returning home is starting to remember from his amnesia after being declared missing presumed dead. He is getting to know his son Mark.
After it is discovered that there has been a major embezzlement from the company by an employee, Sonny and his brother must decide what to do. When an offer to buy the company comes from an Australian Company wishing to keep the brothers on to run the company they cannot turn it down. However, Mrs. Cowgill , sonny's mother finds out a secret which about the Australian company which she cannot reveal.
James the eldest brother is still missing after he was disowned by his father for running off and marrying Alice, the housemaid. Will James and his family be united since his father's death, or will they stay estranged. Their story is still to be told.
This is a good second book to the series and was a good following to book one. I hope that book three is out soon and that it covers WWII and how the Cowgill family will fare. I also hope the Bentley is filled.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Bill Kitson for writing a second great book, to Jaffe Books for publishing it, and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
This second book of the Cowgill family saga is all about discoveries. Sonny, after returning home is starting to remember from his amnesia after being declared missing presumed dead. He is getting to know his son Mark.
After it is discovered that there has been a major embezzlement from the company by an employee, Sonny and his brother must decide what to do. When an offer to buy the company comes from an Australian Company wishing to keep the brothers on to run the company they cannot turn it down. However, Mrs. Cowgill , sonny's mother finds out a secret which about the Australian company which she cannot reveal.
James the eldest brother is still missing after he was disowned by his father for running off and marrying Alice, the housemaid. Will James and his family be united since his father's death, or will they stay estranged. Their story is still to be told.
This is a good second book to the series and was a good following to book one. I hope that book three is out soon and that it covers WWII and how the Cowgill family will fare. I also hope the Bentley is filled.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Bill Kitson for writing a second great book, to Jaffe Books for publishing it, and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
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January 9, 2022STORM CLOUDS OVER BYLAND CRESCENT an absolutely heartbreaking and unputdownable historical family saga (The Cowgill Family Saga Book 2)[Kindle Edition]
January 12, 2022
Book two as we rejoin the Cowgill family a very enjoyable family historical saga, that is in four parts from 1923 to 1939 another remarkable tale from this author that I so enjoyed reading. We join Sonny and James two brothers reunited and the sorrows and heartache really show through. I do hope there is a book three to look forward to that I persume will take us into WW2 as they are my most favourite era in family sagas. So glad I got the chance to read this series. Worthy five stars.
February 26, 2022
Great family saga
Sometimes difficult to keep up with all the characters almost need to see on paper the family tree. But we'll told and very readable.
Sometimes difficult to keep up with all the characters almost need to see on paper the family tree. But we'll told and very readable.
January 9, 2022
I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
“Storm Clouds Over Byland Crescent” is the second book in a historical fiction series (The Cowgill Family Saga) by Bill Kitson. This book, once again, follows members of the Cowgill family from the 1920s through the late 1930s. Because WWII wasn’t discussed, I’m assuming there may be another book in this series (and the author seems to hint at that in his Author’s Note).
My first comment is that if you haven’t read the first book, you may be a little lost at the beginning. After the first few chapters, as the characters are introduced (or reintroduced) the story gets going. In this book, the “next” generation of Cowgill members are followed as they go through Black Thursday, The Great Depression, the Spanish Civil War, and ends just as the United Kingdom enters WWII.
In the first book I felt like there was a plethora of characters and keeping track of who was who was difficult. In this book there are fewer characters, but two of them were not my favorites from the previous book - so while their adventures/story lines were interesting, I just didn’t care as much as the other story lines (sorry Mr. Kitson!). I also felt that the demise of one of my favorite characters, while believable, came so out of left field that it took time for me to process it. I did like that there was a glossary of UK/AU terms for possibly confused US readers. I still wish there had been a family tree, especially as I became a bit confused about how one character was attached to the family (though I got there in the end).
I think that this series would make for an interesting (if well done!) TV special - there’s action, adventure, family drama, suspense, and interesting story lines - but unlike the first book, because the family is more dispersed, the “family” tie wasn’t as strongly presented in this one.
“Storm Clouds Over Byland Crescent” is the second book in a historical fiction series (The Cowgill Family Saga) by Bill Kitson. This book, once again, follows members of the Cowgill family from the 1920s through the late 1930s. Because WWII wasn’t discussed, I’m assuming there may be another book in this series (and the author seems to hint at that in his Author’s Note).
My first comment is that if you haven’t read the first book, you may be a little lost at the beginning. After the first few chapters, as the characters are introduced (or reintroduced) the story gets going. In this book, the “next” generation of Cowgill members are followed as they go through Black Thursday, The Great Depression, the Spanish Civil War, and ends just as the United Kingdom enters WWII.
In the first book I felt like there was a plethora of characters and keeping track of who was who was difficult. In this book there are fewer characters, but two of them were not my favorites from the previous book - so while their adventures/story lines were interesting, I just didn’t care as much as the other story lines (sorry Mr. Kitson!). I also felt that the demise of one of my favorite characters, while believable, came so out of left field that it took time for me to process it. I did like that there was a glossary of UK/AU terms for possibly confused US readers. I still wish there had been a family tree, especially as I became a bit confused about how one character was attached to the family (though I got there in the end).
I think that this series would make for an interesting (if well done!) TV special - there’s action, adventure, family drama, suspense, and interesting story lines - but unlike the first book, because the family is more dispersed, the “family” tie wasn’t as strongly presented in this one.
February 21, 2022
Good but not as good as book one.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. As the branches of the family and their associates has grown it has become more difficult to follow the relationships between them. A printed family tree would be useful.
I also found it odd that there appeared to be no servants in some of the houses of wealthy people to observe comings and goings when murders took place and amours interlude happened. I understand it makes the story flow, but is in my opinion unrealistic. There would have been cooks, maids, housekeepers and gardeners living in the houses of prosperous business men.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. As the branches of the family and their associates has grown it has become more difficult to follow the relationships between them. A printed family tree would be useful.
I also found it odd that there appeared to be no servants in some of the houses of wealthy people to observe comings and goings when murders took place and amours interlude happened. I understand it makes the story flow, but is in my opinion unrealistic. There would have been cooks, maids, housekeepers and gardeners living in the houses of prosperous business men.
October 4, 2022
Having relished the first in this series (and due to the way it finished) I went straight onto this one!
The Cowgill Family haven't quite managed to come through the first world war unscathed and as Sonny begins to recover from his part in it all, it becomes clear that the family business has suffered too. There is much to be done to try and progress and save the jobs of their employees while doing what is necessary to protect their interests and sustain growth for future generations. But, as always, the family is the main focus of these books and I was once more whirled back to the time between the wars, finding out what happened to the existing family members and watching it expand as marriages and families occurred. Another wonderful addition to this saga and one which left it perfectly poised for the concluding book. Terrifically enjoyable, easily earning a full house of stars and my recommendation to all lovers of a rather good saga!
The Cowgill Family haven't quite managed to come through the first world war unscathed and as Sonny begins to recover from his part in it all, it becomes clear that the family business has suffered too. There is much to be done to try and progress and save the jobs of their employees while doing what is necessary to protect their interests and sustain growth for future generations. But, as always, the family is the main focus of these books and I was once more whirled back to the time between the wars, finding out what happened to the existing family members and watching it expand as marriages and families occurred. Another wonderful addition to this saga and one which left it perfectly poised for the concluding book. Terrifically enjoyable, easily earning a full house of stars and my recommendation to all lovers of a rather good saga!
January 5, 2024
Dreadful Proofreading
The punctuation faults throughout this and the previous book are, quite simply, criminal literary negligence. I have noted 1238 instances of these errors. I strongly suggest that the author fire his wife as proofreader and hire someone with even a rudimentary knowledge of proper punctuation. Better still, hire me! Of course, the author will probably blame the publisher.
The punctuation faults throughout this and the previous book are, quite simply, criminal literary negligence. I have noted 1238 instances of these errors. I strongly suggest that the author fire his wife as proofreader and hire someone with even a rudimentary knowledge of proper punctuation. Better still, hire me! Of course, the author will probably blame the publisher.
January 31, 2022
I have read other books by this author but nothing quite like this one. It is a brilliant read of epic quality, set mainly in Yorkshire in the period between the first and second world wars. It is a family saga where there are happy times but also very sad times, ties that can never be broken and enduring love. I was enthralled from beginning to end and can highly recommend.
February 7, 2022
When will I learn? Evidently never since I am 72 and still think book 2 in a series will be as good as the first.
This book is nothing like the first. I found it confusing, incomplete in thoughts and character development and all over the place.
I wish I would have stopped when I was so impressed and happy with Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent.
This book is nothing like the first. I found it confusing, incomplete in thoughts and character development and all over the place.
I wish I would have stopped when I was so impressed and happy with Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent.
June 19, 2022
A Wonderful Family Saga
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was difficult to put down. Book two follows the Cowgil family up to the beginning of WW2. It is well written with memorable characters. The author does an excellent job of following each of the main characters from event to event.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was difficult to put down. Book two follows the Cowgil family up to the beginning of WW2. It is well written with memorable characters. The author does an excellent job of following each of the main characters from event to event.
September 25, 2022
It was a little confusing to begin with, working out who was who. I didn't realise this was part of a series. There are a lot of characters and I had to look back to clarify some of them. Once I worked things out, I enjoyed the book, and will read the followup. Some of the stuff sounds unrealistic, but it is a novel.
October 28, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and the previous book in the series. Now on book 3. My only criticism is the use of the American spelling for Mum, these books are set in the UK and Australia, neither country uses ‘mom’. I find this grating and insulting in the lack of care by the author and/or the editors.
January 16, 2022
interesting and I look forward to more
The connections between Australia and English businesses was far more than I ever thought before, I enjoy learning and look forward to the next book
The connections between Australia and English businesses was far more than I ever thought before, I enjoy learning and look forward to the next book
March 6, 2022
Very good book
Very fast moving family saga. Even in todays world with children not knowing fathers, adoptions these relationships with siblings can happen without knowledge. This is a real indept story of a family who has seen it all and done it all.
Very fast moving family saga. Even in todays world with children not knowing fathers, adoptions these relationships with siblings can happen without knowledge. This is a real indept story of a family who has seen it all and done it all.
March 18, 2022
Atrocious over By land Crescent
Such an interesting story about the Cowgill family along with the Extended members.Of course it does show how different events and
Personalities were affected
Such an interesting story about the Cowgill family along with the Extended members.Of course it does show how different events and
Personalities were affected
September 29, 2022
Storm Clouds
Although not as riveting as Brothers & Sisters, it is still a book worthwhile reading. So much is based on fact, one can almost feel the pain and agony the people are going through. I was saddened with the death of James & his wife. Congratulations
Although not as riveting as Brothers & Sisters, it is still a book worthwhile reading. So much is based on fact, one can almost feel the pain and agony the people are going through. I was saddened with the death of James & his wife. Congratulations
October 3, 2022
Enjoyed this although I preferred the first book. I’m now finding it difficult to keep up with the genealogy of the family and needed a family tree to remind me if their relationships. Otherwise a good read
November 6, 2022
Hard to care about any of the characters
I'm a fan of historical fiction, but this was just a slog. Characters are barely developed; there's not much growth or learning for any of them; it's just hard to care about them. So I'm abandoning the series after two books.
I'm a fan of historical fiction, but this was just a slog. Characters are barely developed; there's not much growth or learning for any of them; it's just hard to care about them. So I'm abandoning the series after two books.
November 13, 2022
Very good
It was a great sequel to the others. I loved following the characters
we have come to know so well. Bill has such a brilliant imagination
and must have e done so much research
It was a great sequel to the others. I loved following the characters
we have come to know so well. Bill has such a brilliant imagination
and must have e done so much research
November 15, 2022
Not as good as the first
This started out very good.Then became hard to follow.Bouncing back and forth with the characters. Then it ended so abruptly. I bought this book,but won't continue the series.
This started out very good.Then became hard to follow.Bouncing back and forth with the characters. Then it ended so abruptly. I bought this book,but won't continue the series.
May 25, 2023
Forgive me, but....
This author, has caused me quite a few headaches, all of his books are so dam good that I read for hours, to the point of a headache, and I still can't stop.
What ive been desperately seeking.
This author, has caused me quite a few headaches, all of his books are so dam good that I read for hours, to the point of a headache, and I still can't stop.
What ive been desperately seeking.
January 25, 2022
Could not put down.
Liked the characters but became confused as so many of them.
All interesting as they interconnected with different generations. Very addictive.
Liked the characters but became confused as so many of them.
All interesting as they interconnected with different generations. Very addictive.
June 18, 2022
Great series!
September 25, 2022
Loved everything but the cricket stuff. I don't get most English sports, except tennis.
December 21, 2022
Really struggling to keep up with all the characters and different story lines. I am going to finish the trilogy, but these have not been my favourite books.
January 6, 2023
Good book.
Keeps moving with twists and turns. Keeps you wanting to read more. Can’t wait to start number three! An enjoyable read.
Keeps moving with twists and turns. Keeps you wanting to read more. Can’t wait to start number three! An enjoyable read.
May 27, 2023
Family sequel
I enjoyed this second book in the Cowgill family saga but was disappointed with the ending. I hope that a further chapter in this series will be forthcoming.
I enjoyed this second book in the Cowgill family saga but was disappointed with the ending. I hope that a further chapter in this series will be forthcoming.
June 27, 2023
Loved this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews