The Lives We Left Behind

Brannans Family Saga #4

by Dominic Luke

August 1914, Clifton Park.

Mrs Eloise Brannan refuses to believe there will be a war. For she knows what troubles and hardship it will bring upon her now grown-up children: headstrong Roderick and sweet Elizabeth, and their ever-patient cousin Dorothea.

But war does indeed come, and Roderick is determined to fight. He secures a commission in France, leaving behind his pregnant wife, whose unhappiness at Clifton Park is no secret . . .

Elizabeth remains at home with her mother, their once bustling house now almost empty. Even Dorothea has left for London to serve King and Country as a frontline nurse.

A little over a year later.

Looking through the windows at the beautiful September gardens, Eloise spots the Post Master’s boy coming up the path.

He’s holding a telegram.

What Eloise cannot know is that the contents of this message will irrevocably change her family’s life for ever. But whatever happens, she knows the Brannans must stick together to survive.

Genres: Historical

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2023

About the author

Dominic Luke was born in London and lives in Northamptonshire. He has written five published novels: Aunt Letitia, a story ranging from the 1880s to the Second World War; the contemporary Snake in the Grass; and three interlinking novels set in the first decades of the twentieth century, Autumn Softly Fell, Nothing Undone Remains and Dreams That Veil.

Reviews

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read any of the others the Brannan's family saga, but found this did not matter at all. Eloise is a widow and custodian of Clifton. The story starts just before the start of WW1 and focuses on Eloise and her memories and life during the first half of the war as her son goes to war and the world changes around her.
An enjoyable read.

[Sue Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story but it can't be read as a stand alone as it this book does refer to previous storylines within this saga. I had to admire Eloise, the matriarch of the Family who tries to keep her family in line. Can't wait for the next instalment of this saga.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author, it was okay, I can't say much more. The characters didnt particularly interest me, the story had quite a lot of dialogue but not much substance. Sorry not a book I can rave about

[Cora Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with others. Something present in Luke's other novels was missing in this one. I'm starting Brannans Family Saga #5 and it's already much, much more interesting. I doubt as a writer I would've built Saga #4 totally around Eloise's life and memories.

[Amy Driver · Rating 2 out of 5]

The descriptions of the beauty of the land were very enjoyable reading. The story, however, not so much. The only likeable person was Doro. The book was very depressing, and the ending was so abrupt.

[Bonnye Reed]

Complimentary Joffe Books. Fourth in a series featured on KU

[Julie Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like waiting all the way threw

I knew the end from the beginning of the book .well written.but needed something more,something was missing in the story.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that makes you feel like you are right there in the action with a multitude of storylines and the characters are brilliantly scripted. A hard one to put down!

[Morgan]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.