Do
our actions and decisions mark us and stay with us for the rest of
our lives? Gracie has her life before her as the dark clouds of the
Second World War gather.
Though
she and her family cope well with the stresses on the home front,
Gracie's transformation to adulthood is swifter and more brutal than
she could have ever imagined.
Gracie
meets Tony, who arouses such feelings in her that she has never
experienced before - not with Joe her regular beau who considers her
his girl. Then, one night, one mistake, and she realises she is
carrying Joe's child.
And
now Tony has gone to war.
My Review:
★★★★☆
I enjoyed this book and wish there was more to it! It went so fast through Gracie's life. I would have liked to read more about her day to day as she went through the years. She went through so much after she left home. I felt so sorry for her through most of the book, while admiring her for her determination to get through it the best she could.
Occasionally she annoyed me with what I felt was her lack of backbone, but then I reminded myself of the time she lived in. Could I have done any better had I been in her situation? I really doubt it. The only thing that could have changed most of what had happened would be if the one incident on her birthday hadn't happened.
I really wish I could go more into the story, but it is such a good one and I don't want to give too much of it away. From the description you know that Gracie ends up carrying Joe's baby. They end up marrying, even though she has feelings for Tony. There is a war going on and that just makes everything worse for everyone in the story except for Joe.
Joe is a character that I loved to hate. He wasn't worth the mud on Gracie's shoe. I have no idea what about him attracted her. Maybe it is the whole bad boy thing. I just kept yelling at her in my head to stay away from him as I read the book. I knew what was going to happen and was still mad when it did.
Then there is Tony. He frustrated me in a different way. Why must he keep secrets? Of course Gracie isn't going to totally trust him if he isn't going to be totally open with her! Gosh it was all so irritating. Things could have gone so differently for all of them if they hadn't all been so secretive and had just a little bit of patience.
I think that this story was well written. The characters were frustratingly realistic. I definitely want to read more from this author. I recommend this to anyone that likes a quick read set in a historic time with characters that make you feel for them. There is romance and a war, secrets and dreams, and everything that makes a compelling read.
About
the Author
Elaine
Everest is a freelance writer and lives in Swanley, Kent with her
husband Michael and Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Henry. She has written
over sixty short stories for women’s magazines worldwide. Her
features have appeared in publications ranging from The Guardian, The
Daily Express and the Daily Mail to My Weekly and Your Dog. Her
opinion pieces have led to many appearances on radio including
chatting to Jenni Murray on Woman’s Hour about having a husband
under her feet all day long. Elaine has written numerous columns for
canine publications centred around her expertise in the world of
dogs. This has led to commissions to write three successful books for
dog owners.
Elaine’s
successful writing life led her to become a qualified teacher for
adult education. Four years ago she founded The Write Place creative
writing school and holds regular classes at The Mick Jagger Centre in
Dartford Kent.
Elaine
was BBC Radio Short Story Writer of the Year in 2003, short listed
for The Harry Bowling Prize in 2012, Short listed for The Festival of
Romance novel competition in 2012 and winner of the Myrmidon Books
(Pulse Romance) Write for Us competition in 2013.
Gracie’s
War is her first published novel and is set
in North West Kent where she grew up. A member of the Romantic
Novelist Association, Elaine is a graduate of the RNA New Writers
Scheme. Gracie’s War
is short listed for their Joan Hessayon Award in 2014.
Ecopies only
are available on this tour.
The publisher
is requesting that reviews are posted on Amazon and Goodreads.
There will be
a giveaway on this tour but it is yet to be structured.
Thank you so much for the lovely review of Gracie's War. It was a joy to write snd I'm so pleased that everyone seems to like her story
ReplyDeleteElaine
x
Great review Amanda.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking part in Elaine's tour.
Shaz
I'm really enjoying following Gracie's progress. A lovely review.
ReplyDeleteNatalie