Member Reviews
When I started this book I didn’t realise it was part of a series , I think it’s number 7 but not sure. Anyway it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of, this saga book. I loved the story and the characters.
I really loved this book! Excellent story with brilliant main characters. I would recommend this book.
Review: This is a book that is part of a long series but I found it good even thought it was the first I had read. It has made me need to go and read the others. This is a good historical novel based around hope, family and community. I cant wait to read more of the backstory to this book. A great read.
I love family sagas but was unsure about reading this book as it was so far into the series. I always like to start at the beginning of the series and work my way through. But I am so pleased I did read it as loved it and will now have to read all of the other 12 books!
It is a wonderful book with a fascinating storyline. The characters are ordinary people but are really interesting and emotive. I loved how the women are portrayed as strong characters and how the war affected them and their daily lives. The tragedy of what happened at Slapton Sands was heartrendering and the fact that it was covered up is horrific.
Beautifully written, I couldn't put this book down. I am excited to begin the rest of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Waiting Hours is the 13th book in the Beach View Boarding House series by Ellie Dean. It can be read as a stand alone but as Peggy Reilly, her family and her boarding house have been the central theme to this series, it's wonderful to read the whole series from the start.
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live through World War 2? What would it be like to have your men leave to fight, never knowing if they would return? Could you cope with the rationing during the war or the constant fear of being bombed? Could you deal with having your children sent away for their safety? Could you see yourself as a land girl and coping with the copious amount of hard work they had to do? Well, wonder no more because those and many other situations are dealt with in this series and this book. The author's descriptions of life during war time are so thorough that you can easily put yourself into those situations. In fact, it feels like Peggy, her family, and all that have stayed at the boarding house are close friends to yourself by the time you are fully engrossed in the story.
As this book is set during the harsh times of the war you could be forgiven for imagining that it could be a very depressing story. You would be wrong. Yes, there are very emotional moments when your heart feels like it could break. At the same time, the author makes sure she adds just the right amount of light hearted fun moments that will have you smiling. You are never made to feel that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Our characters keep their spirits lifted as much as possible and try to remain positive. They don't feel guilty when they find something to laugh about. The war continued for so long that they really had no choice but to keep that stiff British upper lip as best they could. I absolutely loved reading about how people, even strangers, rally around to help others in need. The war may have been horrendous but it really did bring out the kindness in people.
I absolutely adored this book, as I have the whole series. I wish that it could be made into a TV Series, it definitely would be the top of my viewing list. Until then I will happily make do with these books as they are ones that I will be able to read over and over again.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers' copy of this book.