Another great story, this time bringing some conflict for the Resistance and SOE when a Jedburgh team is parachuted in. Those in France feel somewhat Another great story, this time bringing some conflict for the Resistance and SOE when a Jedburgh team is parachuted in. Those in France feel somewhat affronted by this team, and its arrival does not go to plan. Dealings with the officer in charge are difficult due to his superior "I can get away with anything" attitude (he can't, and doesn't) but they work with him to railroad artwork stolen by the Nazis. This mission sees Eve catch up with someone she detests with a vengeance, someone she has vowed to kill. Will she? Can she? Great tension, drama as always. ...more
As the Allied Invasion begins, the team have instructions to cause havoc for the Nazis, from destroying communications centres to securing bridges. OfAs the Allied Invasion begins, the team have instructions to cause havoc for the Nazis, from destroying communications centres to securing bridges. Of course, none of this comes with risk, but Eve couldn't have foreseen herself "negotiating" with a German officer in a small cafe while the cafe owner gives birth! Yet again, another well-paced story, with emotional impact on many levels. ...more
Yet again, this short tale packs a punch. Rumours of Gestapo officers homing in on foreign citizens and questioning their presence in France sends EveYet again, this short tale packs a punch. Rumours of Gestapo officers homing in on foreign citizens and questioning their presence in France sends Eve into hiding. But it's not enough and she is captured. Don't underestimate her though, for she and Mimi (also captured) are made of strong stuff and they're not above donning a nun's habit to achieve their goals. Of course, it's not just their own freedom they're fighting for, and heaven forbid anyone trying to stop them. Well-paced, engaging and packed with true details, I'm glad I came back to finish this series. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and as it was my first "Annie Valentine" book, I have plenty to catch up on. It can easily be read as a standalone, though, II thoroughly enjoyed it, and as it was my first "Annie Valentine" book, I have plenty to catch up on. It can easily be read as a standalone, though, I imagine that if you're new to the series, you'll quickly become enamoured with Annie and her family and friends. Annie is so likeable, very believable and so "normal". She walks the tightrope of life as a busy mum, knowledgeable career woman, loving wife and caring friend in precariously high high heels. It's not easy being everything to everyone and sometimes she makes matters worse but always with the best of intentions. Being as far removed from a fashionista myself as it's possible to be, I loved how each chapter opened with advice from the fabulous MM; she and Annie were destined to meet. A hugely entertaining read, one I didn't want to put down. This was a funny, optimistic, heart-warming and incredibly relatable story and I'm looking forward to reading up on Annie Valentine's life. ...more
When the case under investigation is some 60 years old, you might be concerned that evidence has been lost, and more to the point that witnesses are nWhen the case under investigation is some 60 years old, you might be concerned that evidence has been lost, and more to the point that witnesses are no longer around. But that didn't deter Annie and Rose - well, not too much anyway.
Annie has never really got over the death of René, her fiancé 60 years ago, and despite having had a happy marriage and a family, she still senses that his death was not the suicide it was claimed to be. So she "hires" Rose, a PI in training to investigate.
Now, Annie and Rose are polar opposites: Annie suffers with her arthritic knee and Rose (not one to admit to her real age) is a yoga fan, her limbs and mind more supple and adventurous than Annie's. The contrast in their personalities couldn't be more stark, and their different attitudes - both set in their ways - often impact their progress, causing some terse moments between them that puts their ability to solve the case at risk. Yet, with the help of their families (and shared romance between their offspring) they rub along together well enough to crack the mystery of Renè's death and to prove Annie's instincts right. The cold case, however, is not as cold as you might expect, with many similarities to present-day political shenanigans that cannot be ignored and which, when seen in conjunction with the past, help to solve the mystery and deliver justice to the past and to the present. I enjoyed the charming setting in France and the Christmas traditions that occurred as the case unravelled. An enjoyable read, an off-the-wall sleuthing partnership, and a captivating cosy tale. ...more
Yay, I’m back in “la belle France” with another of Gillian Harvey’s books, and the setting is as stunning as ever, the characters believable and relevYay, I’m back in “la belle France” with another of Gillian Harvey’s books, and the setting is as stunning as ever, the characters believable and relevant for women of a certain age, and the whole story as highly entertaining and full of hope as always. Katy’s life is pretty normal – at 49, she’s married with a grown-up daughter, and is going through the motions. Get up, work, cook, clean, got to bed. Thank heavens for her friends and their exercise group to break the routine, but when even that becomes part of the routine, you have to wonder what Katy is getting out of life. Is she happy? Has she ever asked herself that question? When change is thrust upon by her husband leaving her for a younger woman, and her daughter taking up a job in Australia, Katy’s world crumbles. What does she have left without her family? She enjoys her job, but she’s not passionate about it. Cue an intervention by her friends who whisk her away to France. Can they help her see that she is worthy of a happy life? Well, their holiday is not without friction – Katy is struggling to accept her new status quo, and her friends are treading on eggshells to not upset her further. But two weeks in a beautiful French village, rediscovering her love of painting, enjoying great food… and meeting Valentin, the host’s brother seems to be having an effect. Until her world is tipped upside down again. Will Katy go back to her former, dull but steady existence, or is she ready to take a chance on a new life? The answer will surprise you at first, but maybe the choice she makes is only the first step in finding herself and her own happy ever after. Fabulous setting, great friendships, real conversations, and tough decisions make for a wonderfully immersive read....more
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