Why a Booktrail?
1914 – 1919: As the end of the war nears, change arrives at Woodicombe House…
The Soldier’s Return
What you need to know before your trail
Kate Channer is settled in London helping half-sister, Naomi, as her housekeeper while the Great War rages on. When Naomi’s brother, Ned, is sent home seriously injured it’s up to Kate to manage the household as well as Ned’s rehabilitation.
But with the growing workload, Kate struggles to keep everything running smoothly and yearns to return to Woodicombe House. And with no word from her husband, Luke, fighting in France, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay positive.
Hard times are ahead for Kate and her family – when the realities of war land on their doorstep, can Kate find the strength to keep going?
Travel Guide
BookTrail it down to Devon to visit Woodicombe House
Woodicombe House
The house set in the heart of the Devon countryside is a glorious manor home surrounded by gardens and the quiet passage of time. It is old and built on tradition with ornate wall carvings, ticking clocks and places to wander. There are a few staff but the war has put paid to that and the numbers are dwindling as the war continues, men disappear to the front line and women have to work as maids.
There is a sense of tradition in the house, pride and heritage. The gardens are luscious and the pride of the owner as a house such as this has to have gardens to keep the whole house in the manor to which it has become accustomed.
Imagine working as a lady’s maid in this grand home?
Sadly it’s fictional but there are many in Devon which it could be (and where you should take this book and pretend)
Booktrailer Review
I’ve read this series as I wanted a book that took me back to the world of Downton Abbey. It’s a similar story in many ways about maids and working life for women and later on, when the house is requisitioned, shows how the house and dynamics changes.
I do like a saga now and again. The covers might be tame and cosy but the subjects within aren’t! I’ve taken ages to read this series as it’s one to read at night when you want some characters to get to know slowly and it’s definately a series to read from book one. The story continues and this one needs the backstory to be fully appreciated.
We all envy people living in these grand homes but rarely stop to think how war really did level the playing field. Girls with dreams of escaping, boys with dreams of returning home. How people survived the nightmare of not knowing if their loved ones were returning home.
A good saga to while away the cold nights.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: The Soldier’s Return
Destination/Location: Devon, London Author/Guide: Rosie Meddon Departure Time: 1914 onwards
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