If it hadn’t been for the book description I would have given this one a miss based on the book cover, as serene and pleasing on the eye it is, it didn’t give any clue as to how good this story is. I enjoyed reading about Eve and her situation after hearing of her husband’s death as well as reading how he actually survived the war through his own words. There was plenty of dramatic events to keep the reader’s attention. I’m grateful to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a story of World War II and the people who survived. Set in a small English village, Eve is devastated to learn her beloved husband has died in the waning months of the war. With a family to feed and a small business to run, she marries an Italian refugee, Luca. The story brings you insight into the history of Russian POW's and how two families are changed forever by a knock on the door. This is the first book I've read by Susan Wuthrich and the story was interesting and informative. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Susan Wuthrich brings us an excellent historical novel spanning early 1939 when Harry Pritchard was called up for active duty through autumn of 1975 when Faith brings home good news to mother Eve. In the small English village of Widgley Brook everybody knows everybody's business. Sometimes this is a catastrophe. Occasionally it is a blessing. But always it is inevitable. And it is gossip that gets this family back into shape. Not the shape they started with, of course, but nevertheless into admirable shape.

This is a story that bleeds hope. Even when the darkest times are upon our protagonists, there is always a glimmer of hope. And though the story does not fall into the way of the average historical, it is a special ending to a very special tale. The protagonists are very human, the details of English village life, food shortages and famines, travel through European nations following the cease-fire are portrayed accurately, and heart shines though it all. Wuthrich is an author I will want to add to my must read list.

I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Susan Wuthrich, and Amazon Digital in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

Usually I just don’t enjoy books that flip back and forth between two points in time. This, however, worked well for this story. It was a pleasure to read a book that had characters with imperfections and whose lives were not completely perfect in every way. Poor Eve had more hardships than most people can begin to imagine. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

Eve's life is full of surprises, some good, some not so good. First, her husband is unexpectedly called to serve in the armed forces of WWII, but as VE-Day approaches, she receives a telegram stating that he is missing, presumed dead.

Next, she receives unexpected help with her small farm from the man whose land adjoins hers. Signor Fancelli [Luca] proves to be immensely supportive, and soon Eve finds herself in a romantic attachment. Marriage follows, and the two families are blended into one.

Just at the time that their farm produce business is flourishing, another knock at the door brings shocking information.

This is a well-written page turner that will keep you guessing until the very last pages.

I read this EARC courtesy of Net Galley and Books Go Social. pub date 01/20/18

A very enjoyable read! It's been a while since i have read a novel that I couldn't put down until finished. So many twists and turns and although i rarely write what a story is about for fearing of spoiling for others, i do highly recommend. It is the first time that i have read a book by this author and shall be wanting to read more.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.

Reviews have been placed on Goodreads and Amazon.

An interesting story about two families torn apart by war. As the war ends Eve has lost her husband, Harry and Luca’s wife has died. There the romance starts and both families become one as Eve and Luca marry. Their happiness is disrupted when a homeless man, with severe psychiatric problems including amnesia turns out to be Harry.

A most enjoyable read which I won’t spoil be telling more.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a preview copy.

There are very few chances that I take with regards to authors that I have not yet come across somewhere. But the fact that this book had good reviews and looked interesting I decided to give it a go.

It starts quite well and has a very good protagonist. The lady Eve Pritchard is mourning the news of her husband going missing during the tail end of the war and being presumed dead. She is supported during this grief by her neighbour Luca who soon makes a more permanent arrangement.One fine day a little into that life, the past blows up and there is so much left unsaid.The book moves seamlessly between the past and almost thirty years later. We are given enough hints to keep trying to guess exactly what we are in for. There is perseverance and determination that holds together Eve's sanity. She continues past just surviving and needs to live and fights for it.

I would give the book four stars but the timeline felt a little off, and I am going to have to round it off to three stars. The story has all the right elements and I could feel the brunt of emotions that go with reading the trauma of living with the repercussions of war.It is emotional at the right times and has people who are flawed and do not necessarily have miraculous transformations(as in real life). I would surely try another of the author's books when I get the chance.

Eve is devastated by the death of her husband Harry, killed in action in WWII, left as widow with children to bring up she had to bring the family nursery back to life, hard work that she does with the help of her handsomeneighbour....... but how will this work out will they become more than friends and is it destined to last?

A great novel with some very interesting characters, told in two time frames which worked really well, a book that stayed with me after I had finished it