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Uncertain Years
Four London friends face hardship, drama and tragedy during WWII - As World War II breaks out, four friends consider the changes that war will mean. Tomboyish Becky plans to join the ATS, her neighbours Bob and Jim the navy and army respectively. Only Becky’s brother Will is left out of the excitement; because of a slight physical disability, he is forced to stay behind. As the friends are separated, their youthful enthusiasm is tempered by the grim newspaper headlines and their own experiences, and they will feel both joy and pain before the war is over.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 4, 2021
This is a book set in the UK during WW2. It follows the lives of Becky, Will, Bob and Jim. They are close neighbours in London excited about how life is about to become an adventure with the prospect of a war.
For Becky, a tom boy, who loves anything mechanical she is determined to her part and sign up. She spends the war on an army base in the UK as a mechanic and driver for various officers. Initially it is not easy for her to prove herself in this very male domain, but when a certain ranking officer takes an interest in her, her path becomes a little easier, but what is in it for him?
Will is Becky's brother and is bitterly disappointed after being knocked back due to a birth defect that means one of his arms is shorter and weaker than the other. He is determined to make the most of a sudden promotion at his newspaper from copy boy to reporter.
Bob and Jim sign up and eagerly await adventure with Bob going into the Navy and Jim off to the paratroopers.
This book gives a good account of life in the war from a few different perspectives. It is a wholesome book told in an Enid Blyton type of way which may seem somewhat frustrating for those who like a good gritty war story but heartwarming for those who like an old-fashioned piece of fiction.
For Becky, a tom boy, who loves anything mechanical she is determined to her part and sign up. She spends the war on an army base in the UK as a mechanic and driver for various officers. Initially it is not easy for her to prove herself in this very male domain, but when a certain ranking officer takes an interest in her, her path becomes a little easier, but what is in it for him?
Will is Becky's brother and is bitterly disappointed after being knocked back due to a birth defect that means one of his arms is shorter and weaker than the other. He is determined to make the most of a sudden promotion at his newspaper from copy boy to reporter.
Bob and Jim sign up and eagerly await adventure with Bob going into the Navy and Jim off to the paratroopers.
This book gives a good account of life in the war from a few different perspectives. It is a wholesome book told in an Enid Blyton type of way which may seem somewhat frustrating for those who like a good gritty war story but heartwarming for those who like an old-fashioned piece of fiction.
August 22, 2017
Not just another WWII story.
Great read of Becky Adams, her family and friends during the war in London. Her brother Will working past his disability, her working on the mechanics that she loved and and all the friends they made during the war years made for an adventurous and enjoyable story.
Great read of Becky Adams, her family and friends during the war in London. Her brother Will working past his disability, her working on the mechanics that she loved and and all the friends they made during the war years made for an adventurous and enjoyable story.
July 2, 2017
A wonderful book!
I loved this book, and enjoyed every minute. This is a truly fine story, with great characters. I am very interested in ww2 stories, and this one did not disappoint.
I loved this book, and enjoyed every minute. This is a truly fine story, with great characters. I am very interested in ww2 stories, and this one did not disappoint.
August 2, 2018
A bloody good read
Fantastic from start to finish.
Fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to see what would happen between Becky and David as I thought Bob might have stood a chance lol.
But all's well that ends well.
Great believable storyline and though there were many characters, each had their place
Fantastic from start to finish.
Fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to see what would happen between Becky and David as I thought Bob might have stood a chance lol.
But all's well that ends well.
Great believable storyline and though there were many characters, each had their place
June 22, 2017
Another Great War Story
I identify closely with this author, and admire her writing. I, too, began writing at age 71. We both love WWII stories set in England. Keep up the fine work MS. Matthews!
Mary Christian Payne
I identify closely with this author, and admire her writing. I, too, began writing at age 71. We both love WWII stories set in England. Keep up the fine work MS. Matthews!
Mary Christian Payne
September 21, 2020
3.5***
March 15, 2024
This was ok as a read but It didnt hold my attention very much so I did speed through it.
May 16, 2025
Loved this book from page one full of atmosphere and the characters portrayed the war years with great feeling -felt like you were part of the family with all the emotions felt . Highly recommend
January 13, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. However, I thought it moved rather quickly. I would have loved to see it done as a series with several books covering the war rather than shoving all 4 years of the war into one book. Even so, the characters were lovable and you felt their pain, sorrows, joy, and happiness as they lived and contributed in their own way during the war.
August 31, 2014
A charming easy historical romance.
August 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book
October 1, 2016
A good easy read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews