The Girl from Bletchley Park

 The Girl from Bletchley Park

A country at war. A heartbreaking betrayal.

 

1942. Three years into the war, Pam turns down her hard-won place at Oxford University to become a codebreaker at Bletchley Park. There, she meets two young men, both keen to impress her, and Pam finds herself falling hard for one of them. But as the country’s future becomes more uncertain by the day, a tragic turn of events casts doubt on her choice – and Pam’s loyalty is pushed to its limits…

 

Present day. Julia is struggling to juggle her career, two children and a husband increasingly jealous of her success. Her brother presents her with the perfect distraction: forgotten photos of their grandmother as a young woman at Bletchley Park. Why did her grandmother never speak of her time there? The search for answers leads Julia to an incredible tale of betrayal and bravery – one that inspires some huge decisions of her own…

 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09F92Q8KP/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09F92Q8KP/

 

Author Bio – 

Kathleen McGurl lives near the coast in Christchurch, England. She writes dual timeline novels in which a historical mystery is uncovered and resolved in the present day. She is married to an Irishman and has two adult sons. She enjoys travelling, especially in her motorhome around Europe.

Social Media Links – 

https://www.facebook.com/KathleenMcGurl

https://twitter.com/KathMcGurl

https://kathleenmcgurl.com/

My Review

I love dual timelines and this one is no exception. both the modern timeline and the wartime one are fascinating as the writer gets under the skin of the characters to keep the reader engrossed.

I could empathise with Julia in the contemporary version as she struggles to juggle running her own business with bringing up two sons and a husband who is unsupportive. As her world slowly unravels, Julia begins to research her grandmother's history which links us to Bletchley Park.

The Bletchley Park story is well-researched and full of intrigue , which kept me turning the pages.

I liked how everything came together in the end although I did think Julia's problems were resolved a little too quickly and easily.  All in all, a really enjoyable read.

The Halfpenny girls at Christmas

 

Will their prayers be answered at the most wonderful time of the year?

As Christmas approaches, Alice, Edith and Marg continue to face hardships growing up on one of the poorest streets in Blackpool. Penniless, their friendship has helped them survive this far, but it'll take more than that to see them through the dark days that lie ahead . . .

Newly married Alice receives shocking news about her pregnancy that threatens the future she's always dreamed of, Marg is struggling to care for her ailing mother and ensure her little sister receives the education she deserves, and Edith is grieving the loss of her family while preparing to marry her sweetheart.

The Halfpenny Girls once again are faced with a struggle, but with the festive season upon them will family, friendship and Christmas spirit see them through?

About the author

Maggie Mason, who also writes as Mary Wood, was born the thirteenth child of fifteen to a middle-class mother and an East End barrow boy. Her family were poor, but rich in love. Over time, she developed a natural empathy with the less fortunate and is fascinated by social history. Maggie raised four children and has numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid reader, she first put pen to paper in 1989, and is now a full-time novelist.

My Review

Fabulous to discover what happens next in the lives of the Halfpenny Girls. No problem if you haven't read the first book as there is enough of the backstory given to be able to read as a standalone. 

As always, Maggie Mason takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as tragedy hits the girls. their friendship and resilience will see them through but only after a lot of heart-searching. another great series from a much-loved author. Would make a lovely Christmas pressie for someone dear.

Under the mistletoe

Under the Mistletoe

Christmas. A time for family, friends – and rekindling old flames…

When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

An enchanting, festive read, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Carole Matthews.

Purchase Links 

Bookshop.org:

https://uk.bookshop.org/books/under-the-mistletoe-9780008393052/9780008393052

Amazon UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Mistletoe-Sue-Moorcroft-ebook/dp/B0918SXFN2/

WH Smith:

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/sue-moorcroft-untitled-xmas-book-9/sue-moorcroft/paperback/9780008393052.html

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/under-the-mistletoe-59

Apple Books:

https://books.apple.com/gb/book/under-the-mistletoe/id1567181050

Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Under-the-Mistletoe-Audiobook/B09D8KPLRR. 

 

Author Bio – 

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has reached the coveted #1 spot on Amazon Kindle UK as well as top 100 in the US. She’s won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, Readers’ Best Romantic Novel award and the Katie Fforde Bursary. Sue’s emotionally compelling, feel-good novels are currently released by publishing giant HarperCollins in the UK, US and Canada and by other publishers around the world. She’s also well known for short stories, serials, columns, writing ‘how to’ and courses.

Born in Germany into an army family, Sue spent much of her childhood in Cyprus and Malta but settled in Northamptonshire, England aged ten. She loves reading, Formula 1, travel, time spent with friends, dance exercise and yoga.

 

Social Media Links – 
Website [www.suemoorcroft.com]

Blog [http://suemoorcroft.wordpress.com]

Facebook profile [Sue.Moorcroft.3]

Facebook author page [https://www.facebook.com/SueMoorcroftAuthor

Twitter  [@suemoorcroft]

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/suemoorcroftauthor/] @SueMoorcroftAuthor

LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suemoorcroft]

My Review

'Under the mistletoe' combines a love of Art with all things Christmassy. there is such a lovely snowy vibe to this book that I immediately went into Christmas mode in October.

Returning to Middledip after her divorce Laurel finds herself caught up in the school bullying of her niece and her sister Rea's agoraphobia. These themes help to make the characters multi-faceted. However, something that happened in Laurel's past is never far from the surface, and although it makes uncomfortable reading, I found myself in for the long-haul with her as she tries to move on and makes a future with her childhood sweetheart. 

This book is guaranteed to put you in the mood for Christmas while tackling serious issues that many of us face.