This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended

I've dipped into Fraser's books set within a set of law chambers, but this family saga/romance is very different and seems to be aimed at Downton Abbey fans. Opening in 1936, it follows a group of friends and relations through love and lust affairs, marriage, separation, heartbreak and war. It doesn't add anything fresh to the genre and is a gentle rather than a gripping read. The writing can be cliche-ridden: 'she felt the familiar fire glowing in her loins'; 'their love was like a plant which had struggled to survive in the harshest circumstances'. Light, easy, a bit bland but pleasant.

I received this book through NetGalley. This book is much more than the title or cover discloses; it is much more than a one-week summer party. The setting initially is in England prior to WWII but progresses through the war. It begins very lighthearted and is a pleasant read.

The introductions to characters are primarily made in the first chapter. As the story progresses, the complexity of the characters and relationships becomes evident. The story includes war, survival, infidelity, homosexuality, and relationships. The book does a fairly good job developing characters. With that said, some characters, such as Avril, could have been developed more. I wonder what happens to this character; she is left somewhat hanging.

I enjoyed the perspective of life in and near London prior to and during the war. It portrays some of the hardships for, primarily, women (since the men were at war) due to rationing which is overcome with gardening. Yet, at times it is somewhat predictable but overall entertaining.
The book is enjoyable and I recommend it as a good summer read.

The book starts in the summer of 1936 at a party at the Summer House. It is a normal party with alcohol and flirting between guests - Dan definitely has a thing for Meg - a fight breaks out between Paul Latimer and Charles Asher.....so normal sort of party! That is until a death happens and that certainly puts a damper on events!

This story is a great saga that follows the house guests through the war that breaks out 3 years later - there is plenty of intrigue to keep your interest and although quite a long book is definitely a page turner

Interesting read, and a real insight into life just before, and during WW2. The story starts with a house party in the late 1930s. All the characters are gathered together, when the weekend has a somewhat unexpected ending. The book follows the characters through the start of the war, covering deaths, marriages, births and everyday life. The description of everyday life is a vivid reminder of how people lived during this period, the stresses and strains that relationships were under and the inevitable results of husbands/ lovers away at war. This is quite a long book, which kept me engrossed throughout. A recommended read!