Francesca Capaldi takes us back in time to life in Rhymney Valley in Wales. Dorcalon is a small village where life centres around the mine although the mine is more in the back ground with the author focusing on the residents themselves.

You get a real sense of how hard life was for many during WW1. Many of the men had gone off to fight leaving the women to do more at the mine as well as trying to make ends meet and look after the family home and inhabitants. Violet is one such character that we meet and I felt for this young mother who has so many issues to face. One being her over bearing mother in law who made my blood boil so many times when reading about her.

There is a fair bit of drama that unfolds within the village and it was like watching your favourite soap at times to see if certain characters were going to get away with their actions or if they would be found out. I loved the sense of community and the friendships, although at times some of these were put under strain.

War in the Valleys is another great story by the author that captivated my mind and heart. There is some great characterisation that had me go through so many emotions as these characters lives got under my skin. It’s a great insight into how people lived in those days and didn’t envy the women keeping house without all the mod cons we have nowadays. A must read for historical fiction fans who love to be transported to a time gone by where emotions are high and friendship and hope is strong.

Set in Wales. There has been a disaster at the local mine. Lots of people are out of work and Violet has just received a telegram from the new telegram boy. Life is about to get even worse.

I enjoy books set in this era. I found this book heartbreaking to read, so much sadness. As if loosing her husband wasn't bad enough. But I loved the way the tight-knit community came together with unbreakable friendship bonds. I hadn't heard the word 'cariad' but it was so fitting to the story. I enjoyed this book and will be looking out for more books by this author.

Dorcalon Wales,1916, this is the second book in this series.
Violet Jones and her two small children Benjamin and Clarice are coping, with her husband Charlie in the 13th battalion [Welsh] Division and has been sent to the front, she receives a letter from a fellow soldier Dylan Davies how he was a hero and would he pass on the message that he was ok and coping well. Hywel Llwellyn use to be her lodger but Charlie said it wasn't fit to have a single man in the house so after he was shot he moved in with his sister, but Violet knew he always had a soft spot for her. she was eager for Charlie to come home but a knock on the door its young George Lewis the telegram boy. Private C Jones is dead.
Times are set to be a hard struggle from now on for Violet, its going to be a long battle ahead,and I just loved reading her story. the characters, in the community and family make this book it's own. A unique book for readers to certainly enjoy.