Barbara's War by Fenella J Miller

 

The Second World War has made its presence known in Barbara's life. Her best friend and childhood sweetheart John is leaving to join the RAF and Barbara feels that she needs to contribute to the war effort and wishes to join the Land Army. In doing so, Barbara will escape a brutal home life with a mother who terrorises her and a stepfather who fails to protect her. A life that not even John knows about. A surprise proposal from John just before his departure throws Barbara and out of duty, she agrees to marry him. Barbara soon discovers something surprising about her natural father and his family that set her on not only a physical journey, but an emotional one also. A journey where Barbara will need every ounce of courage she can muster. Friendships with 2 other young men who come into her life, further adds complication to Barbara's already frayed emotions and battered heart. Throw into this mix a mystery and the reader will not be disappointed in this book.

Barbara's War is a fantastic book of self discovery, love lost and found and family. Fenella J Miller paints such a realistic picture of wartime England that the reader actually feels they have been transported back in time. The language in the book compliments the wonderful picture the author paints of life back in a very difficult time. Barbara starts off as a terrified and shy young woman and it is a joy to see her character develop in the book. She soon blossoms into a young woman of incredible strength and her courage shines through.I really enjoyed Barbara's War and look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out what fate has in store for Barbara. Book 2 should hopefully be published early 2014. Definitely one to watch out for!