REVIEW: Until We Can Forgive by Rosemary Goodacre

Until We Can Forgive (Derwent Chronicles #3) by Rosemary Goodacre

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas, WW1, General fiction

Read: 25th October 2020

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Published: 28th October 2020

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

They survived the Great War, but will life ever be the same?

Spring 1919: WW1 is over and a fragile peace has descended over the country. Now living in Cambridge with husband Edmond, Amy Derwent is settling into her new life as wife and mother to little Beth. But the shadow of the Great War looms large, particularly as the injuries Edmond sustained at Ypres still take their toll on him today.

Edmond’s cousin, Vicky, has now grown into a fine young woman, eager to help her country. Throwing off her privileged background to train as a nurse, she spends her days tending to the many soldiers still suffering the after-effects of their time on the battlefield.

Meeting Maxim Duclos, a young Frenchman who has arrived in Larchbury, fills her heart with joy - but when it is discovered that Maxim may be hiding the truth about his past, Vicky is faced with an impossible choice. Follow her heart’s desire and risk her family’s disapproval or keep her family – but deny herself the chance of true love?

The war may be over, but Edmond, Amy and Vicky must all face a new battle, finding their own peace in a country wounded by loss.

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BlogTour for Rosemary Goodacre's final installment in the Derwent Chronicles Trilogy UNTIL WE CAN FORGIVE.

After reading the first two books in quick succession I was excited to discover the final part of the trilogy UNTIL WE CAN FORGIVE so soon after and couldn't wait to find out how things played out for the young Derwent couple. Rosemary loved my reviews for the first two but sadly she passed away just two weeks ago and did not live to see her last book published. I was deeply saddened to hear of Rosemary's passing as her books are just so easy to read and immerse yourself into the era. She will be missed by many in the literary community as well as her fans.

Spring 1919: Picking up from where the previous book "Until the War is Over" left off, the story begins with Amy and Edmond finally able to settle into their new home in Cambridge with baby Beth whilst Edmond studies at the university nearby. After being wounded during the war, Edmond has taken a long time recovering and even then he still tires easily, what with having part of his lung removed as a result of his injuries. As Amy was a VAD nurse during the war, her abilities have always been needed at one time or another caring, more recently nursing Edmond's mother during the Spanish flu. But now that her mother-in-law has recovered, Amy is finally able to join Edmond in Cambridge having been separated for many months after first her surgery to repair her broken ankle and then caring for Ma.

Amy's friend Florence has now married her cousin James and Lavinia and Charles are also about to enjoy a lavish wedding at her home in Alderbank. Edmond's sister Beatrice is still seeing her American beau, Caleb, much to her mother's chagrin as he is but a Warrant Officer and not someone of a higher rank and class which is far more desired for a lady such as Beatrice was raised to be. Edmond's cousin Vicky,who had been a frequent visitor to The Beeches over the years, as the daughter of Ma's brother, is now a young woman and pursuing a career as a nurse...training in nearby Wealden.

Although the war has been over for a year, James was still with the army as a medical orderly and awaiting his discharge papers, whilst Caleb was sent to the Rhineland to oversee the occupation and the peace treaty with Germany. Despite the end of hostilities, tensions are still rife regarding Germans and the horrors they inflicted on Britain and her Allies. Whilst some thought it was time to put the tensions behind them, to forgive and move on, many refused to entertain such notions.

When young Maxim Dulcos arrives with Edmond's older brother Peter from Europe as his guest, Vicky notices the young Frenchman immediately. The two begin a tentative courtship stealing moments between their respective jobs. As a chef, Maxim desires to live and work in England so the local vicar finds him lodgings with Miss Miller who lives next door to Amy's parents and work in the local inn as a chef. 

But when there are whispers about Maxim's true identity going around in Larchbury village, questions arise as to what he may be hiding. And Vicky then finds herself faced with an impossible choice - to follow her heart or risk her family disapproval?

Following on from the previous book, UNTIL WE CAN FORGIVE takes place between 1919 and 1921 as the country moves into a new decade with new ideas and a far different world than before. Rosemary has done a wonderful job of continuing the story of Amy and Edmond and their respective families as if I had come straight from the previous book without taking a breath. Whilst the struggles and worries are real, there is a real sense of moving on without complaint.

As with both the previous two books "Until We Meet Again" and "Until the War is Over", UNTIL WE CAN FORGIVE is a fitting ending to the trilogy bringing closure to each of the stories as well as giving hope and promise for the future. It was refreshing to see Beatrice, particularly, morph into a much more likeable character than the spoilt ornament she was at the beginning. Her character was the most surprising and refreshing to see her grow from the world for which she was brought up in to the one she now inhabits. Seeing the attitudes of people change over the course of the trilogy has been exhilarating as we see how friendships and relationships overcome their differences.

Although UNTIL WE CAN FORGIVE is the third and final installment of this wonderful trilogy, it can easily be read as a standalone as previous important incidents that had taken place in the previous two books are referred to in enough detail so as to not confuse the reader. However, I do recommend reading them all from the beginning as it is such a wonderful journey back in time and a delightful and engaging read.

My only regret is that there will be no more, since Rosemary's passing just two weeks ago. But while the world has lost an engaging storyteller, at least her stories will live on in her memory.

Perfect for fans of wartime fiction, particularly World War One.

I would like to thank #RosemaryGoodacre, #NetGalley, #RachelsRandomResources and #HeraBooks for an ARC of #UntilWeCanForgive in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rosemary Goodacre is thrilled to have a three book deal with Hera Books. Her World War I romance Until We Meet Again will be released on 31/10/19. Her heroine, Amy, faces many challenges as she works as a nurse and struggles to spend time with Edmond, her sweetheart.

Previously Rosemary has had a novella published, entitled A Fortnight is not Enough, and a science fiction story in the anthology Telescoping Time.

Rosemary has always loved languages and travel, mainly in Europe. In her spare time she enjoys country walking, bridge and classical music. She lives in Kent, England.

Sadly Rosemary passed away earlier this month but the completion of the Derwent Chronicles Trilogy has now become her legacy.

REVIEW: Until the War is Over by Rosemary Goodacre

 

Until the War is Over (Derwent Chronicles #2) by Rosemary Goodacre

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas, WW1, General fiction

Read: 24th September 2020

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Published: 6th May 2020

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

In a world destroyed by war, can hope survive?

Summer 1918: Young couple Amy and Edmond Derwent, after their experiences on the front line of battle – Edmond as an officer and Amy as a VAD in France - have now settled back in England and are starting to build a life as a family, with the arrival of baby Beth bringing them much-needed joy. But while she may have married into the wealthy Derwent family, now living with her in-laws in their grand home, Amy’s modest upbringing means that she is never truly accepted by Edmond’s family.

The Great War rages on, and while the men are off fighting, those left at home steel themselves for tragic news, praying that their loved ones return safely.

Edmond, still struggling with the effects of the injury he sustained at Ypres, feels the guilt of remaining at home while his friends are sent into battle. But life at Larchbury is not without its own problems – as food becomes scarce, and the Spanish Influenza causes deaths throughout England, tragedy strikes closer to home and it seems no one is safe from heartbreak.

Can Amy and Edmond keep their love strong, even in a world crumbling all around them?

A captivating family saga set in WW1 about the power of love amongst the heartbreak of war – if you like Rosie Goodwin, Katie Flynn and Val Wood, you’ll be swept away by this engrossing, emotional novel.

MY REVIEW:

Having enjoyed the first book in this exciting new series "Until We Meet Again", I jumped straight into UNTIL THE WAR IS OVER without even taking a breath or taking time to review book one first! I was just excited to continue Amy and Edmond's story with their baby daughter Beth...although I was hoping she would make her appearance on New Years Eve and share my birthday but that was not to be. And it was like I didn't miss a step! This book simply picks up directly where the first one ends, so it feels as if I have read one big book, having devoured them back to back in two days. The difficulty with that is how to separate both books when reviewing...since I have reviewed them both together.

I will mention that although this is part of a series, UNTIL THE WAR IS OVER can be read as a standalone as there is enough background given to the overall story. But to fully appreciate the characters and their story, I think it is best to read the first book before this one. In that book we are introduced to Amy and Edmond, their romance, their difficulties and their time in France. This book continues their story...

Larchbury Sussex, 1918: Having hidden her pregnancy from her superiors until she could tell Edmond, Amy has returned to Larchbury, with Edmond following a short while later after being critically injured in battle, before giving birth to a baby girl in the early hours of New Years Day. Now settling back to life at The Beeches with Edmond's family, the couple try to adjust to their first taste of married life after being separated for the first two years of their marriage. But it's not all smooth sailing as each have seen and experienced things the rest of their family could never imagine. 

Beatrice continues to remain an ornament, whimpering about the absence of social events, while Mrs Derwent still finds their lack of servants inadequate...not to mention distressing. However, Beatrice has drawn the eye of Edmond's friend Charles Shenwood and they soon announce their engagement at the Christmas dance. Whilst Charles returns to the Front, Beatrice begins to plan her lavish wedding all the while remaining oblivious to her intended's experiences on the battlefield. But when Charles is critically injured and is brought back to Larchbury after some months in hospital in France, how will Beatrice react to her fiance's new limitations?

Amy's dear friend Florence is still in the barrage of grief over her fiance Bertie's death at the Somme firmly believing she will never love again. So when she catches the eye of Amy's cousin James, a medical orderly in France, she dismisses him somewhat harshly believing him to have shirked his responsibilities by choosing not to fight. She refuses his kindness to the point of rudeness that even Amy is angered by it. Will Florence ever move on from Bertie and find happiness again? Will that be with James?

Now that baby Beth has arrived, Amy has decided that she wants to raise her herself without the aid of a nanny. However, with her ankle never having been set right after breaking it during an uninvited assault in Ypres the year before, she realises that once Beth starts toddling she may have to rethink Mr Westholme's offer to reset it correctly. Edmond is also finding life a challenge with his reduced lung capacity, but is adamant about returning to Cambridge in the autumn to continue his studies. The couple plan to rent a house near the university and be a family the three of them together. But plans go awry when the Spanish flu hits and Amy's medical expertise is needed once again.

As with the first book, UNTIL THE WAR IS OVER is a wonderfully gentle paced read that is easily devoured in a day...or a night, in my case. Rosemary Goodacre has a way of drawing readers into the story as if we were there living alongside the characters and experiencing the journey firsthand. The only thing I was disappointed about was reaching the end so quickly! And I cannot wait to join Amy and Edmond once again in the next book "Until We Can Forgive", due for publication 28th October 2020.

I especially love the line spoken by Edmond's uncle to his cousin Vicky: "Really Victoria! You mustn't damage your chances of marriage by aspiring to appear intellectual." It really made me laugh!

What more can I say about this book without spoiling it? You need to experience it for yourself. If you love historical fiction, I can assure you that you won't be disappointed with UNTIL THE WAR IS OVER...or the entire series!

I look forward to rejoining Amy and Edmond in "Until We Can Forgive" soon.

I would like to thank #RosemaryGoodacre, #NetGalley and #HeraBooks for an ARC of #UntilTheWarIsOver in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rosemary Goodacre is thrilled to have a three book deal with Hera Books. Her World War I romance 'Until We Meet Again' was published 31st October 2019 with the second book 'Until the War is Over' was published 6th May 2020. The third book in the series 'Until We Can Forgive' will be released 28th October 2020. Her heroine, Amy, faces many challenges as she works as a nurse and struggles to spend time with Edmond, her sweetheart.

Previously Rosemary has had a novella published, entitled 'A Fortnight is not Enough', and a science fiction story in the anthology 'Telescoping Time'.

Rosemary has always loved languages and travel, mainly in Europe. In her spare time she enjoys country walking, bridge and classical music. She lives in Kent, England.

Social Media links:

Twitter | Facebook

REVIEW: Until We Meet Again by Rosemary Goodacre

 

Until We Meet Again (Derwent Chronicles #1) by Rosemary Goodacre

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas, WW1

Read: 23rd September 2020

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Published: 31st October 2019

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

The Great War drove them apart – but love kept them together

Summer 1914: Shy young woman, Amy Fletcher, lives a quiet life in Sussex. An office worker, she lives at home, along with her parents and spirited younger brother, Bertie. But her life is transformed when she meets handsome young man, Edmond Derwent, son of one of the wealthiest families in the small town of Larchbury, and student at Cambridge University.

The couple are falling deeply in love when war breaks out and, eager to do his duty for England, Edmond signs up as an officer. The couple plan to be wed, eager to start a new life together - but their happiness is short-lived when Edmond is sent to Flanders to lead his men into battle. Amy trains as a VAD nurse and is soon sent to France, where she sees the true horror of war inflicted on the brave young men sent to fight.

Separated by war, Edmond and Amy share their feelings through emotional letters sent from the front line. But when Edmond is critically wounded at Ypres, their love faces the biggest test of all – can their love stay strong while the world around them is crumbling?

A romantic, emotional saga set in WW1 – readers of Rosie Goodwin, Katie Flynn and Val Wood will be captivated by this story of love.

MY REVIEW:

A debut historical romance novel, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN by Rosemary Goodacre is a wonderful lighthearted read that will have you turning the pages and yearning for more. Beginning just before the outbreak of the First World War, its simple enough premise promises an emotional story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Larchbury Sussex, 1914: Nineteen year old Amy Fletcher is a strong and capable young woman. The daughter of a school teacher, she works in an accountant's office as a typist and is a member of the Suffragette movement, campaigning for a woman's right to vote. When we meet Amy, she is lead by her older friend Lavinia as they break into the town's cricket pavilion and paint slogans "Votes for Women" throughout, a spontaneous and foolish act that will come back to haunt her. But she is resolute in her beliefs and stands behind them strongly.

Edmond Derwent is the second son of Larchbury's wealthiest family, studying science at Cambridge. He and his brother Peter were tutored by Amy's father as children so he is no stranger to her family. When their paths cross over a bathing box in Hove one afternoon, the couple are instantly drawn to one another and it isn't long before they start "walking out" together, despite his family's reservations. Edmond's mother and sister Beatrice are especially displeased, pointing out that Amy does not move in the same social circles as they. However, the couple are not deterred and soon become engaged.

When war breaks out, Edmond joins up as an officer and is sent to the Front. Although the two write constantly, Amy finds herself worrying for him before deciding to train as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) nurse. However, planning a wedding around a war is no easy feat but the Derwents organise a feast at their home, The Beeches, and Amy's mother makes her wedding dress. They set the date in June and Edmond is granted leave, though it is shortened and they bring the nuptials forward by a couple of days. But Amy and Edmond's day is thwarted by the arrival of the local police constable...and Amy is arrested for criminal damage to the cricket pavilion the year before. She refuses to give up the names of the other women and is sentenced to a week's jail...in her wedding dress...and Edmond returns to the Front.

Edmond's mother and sister are mortified by what took place and refuse to forgive Amy for disgracing and embarrassing the Derwent's good name. His father is more sympathetic, assuring Amy that he will bring them round in time. Despite their troubles and his family's reservations, the couple endeavour to marry the next time Edmond has leave gaining a special licence to do so at short notice. In the meantime, Amy continues her training as a VAD nurse and before long finds herself stationed in France near the Front line treating the injured. Her work is hard and the conditions harsh but Amy finds it rewarding and the fact that she is doing something for the war effort. As an added bonus, she finds that Edmond is able to gain short leave for them to spend a little time together.

Meanwhile back in Blighty, Edmond's sister Beatrice is growing tired of the lack of men for social functions such as dances while their mother is distressed over the servants leaving their employ to either join up or acquire new positions that have been vacated by the men who have gone off to fight. Beatrice, it seems, has been brought up to be merely an ornament and loathes to imagine herself gaining intellect or even working for a living.

But life for Amy and Edmond is wrought with troubles but nothing the couple cannot overcome. They are both resolute in their feelings for one another and their place in this world. Despite this, they are still confronted with heartbreak and difficulties inflicted by the war as well as society.

There really isn't a lot more I can say without spoiling the story. However, there are many emotional scenes which bring the story to life making each of the characters real and relatable, despite the era. Most of the characters are likable with the odd few that are not. Even Edmond's mother and sister display some endearing qualities at times, though there is one character who is particularly loathsome.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN is a wonderful lighthearted read that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The simplicity of the story made it easy to read and devour in one night. I picked up this book to read simply because I had the second one in my Netgalley list and decided to start the story from the beginning. And I am glad I did for I loved every minute of it. It is such an easy read I can see myself re-reading it again.

If you love historical fiction then you will love UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN and I thoroughly recommend it!

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rosemary Goodacre is thrilled to have a three book deal with Hera Books. Her World War I romance 'Until We Meet Again' was published 31st October 2019 with the second book 'Until the War is Over' was published 6th May 2020. The third book in the series 'Until We Can Forgive' will be released 28th October 2020. Her heroine, Amy, faces many challenges as she works as a nurse and struggles to spend time with Edmond, her sweetheart.

Previously Rosemary has had a novella published, entitled 'A Fortnight is not Enough', and a science fiction story in the anthology 'Telescoping Time'.

Rosemary has always loved languages and travel, mainly in Europe. In her spare time she enjoys country walking, bridge and classical music. She lives in Kent, England.

Social Media links:

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