Friday, 29 January 2016
While I was Waiting by Georgia Hill
Release Date: 2/7/15 (e-pub) 10/9/15 (print)
Publisher: Harper Impulse
Publisher: Harper Impulse
Genres: Historical Romance / Time slip
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Tired
of her life in London, freelance illustrator Rachel buys the beautiful but
dilapidated Clematis Cottage and sets about creating the home of her dreams.
But tucked away behind the water tank in the attic and left to gather dust for
decades, is an old biscuit tin containing letters, postcards and a diary. So
much more than old scraps of paper, these are precious memories that tell the
story of Henrietta Trenchard-Lewis, a love lost in the Great War and the girl
who was left behind.
I absolutely adore books that hold an air of mystery about them and While I was Waiting was one such book. Rachel has bought a cottage in the countryside to escape the rat race in London. I wanted to be Rachel! She does exactly what I can only dream of! Unfortunately her dream new home requires quite a bit of work. Enter the gorgeous Gabe who is very handy! Whilst carrying out repairs he finds a tin hidden in the attic and in that tin is the life of Hetty, the previous owner of the cottage. At first Rachel only reads a few things in the box but is soon seduced into the life of a woman from a bygone era.
Rachel soon becomes intrigued with the memoirs that Hetty has left behind and like Rachel, the reader also becomes engrossed in Hetty's life. Rachel, initially a cold woman who finds it difficult to make friends in her new village and often is a bit rude to poor old Gabe, soon begins to feel Hetty's presence in the cottage. But, unafraid of the intriguing Hetty, Rachel's life and own personality soon begin to change in ways she could never have imagined. Is she influenced by Hetty who is a fantastically interesting and feisty character who I fell in love with!
I love stories that allow me to slip seamlessly between different time periods and Georgia Hill has managed this easily in her writing. Obviously very well researched for the time period, the author has written a wonderful story with some amazing characters. A host of supporting characters add so much to the story and contribute to a fantastic tale. The writing style is beautifully descriptive and flows wonderfully. Who could fail to be entranced by the beautiful countryside and wonderful personalities. And, don't even get me started on the beautiful cover! If that doesn't make you want to read the book then nothing will! I'll be looking out for more books by Georgia Hill. A highly recommended read!
ABOUT GEORGIA HILL
I
used to live in London, where I worked in the theatre. Then I got the bizarre
job of teaching road safety to the U.S. navy – in Marble Arch!
A
few years ago, I did an ‘Escape to the Country’. I now live in a tiny
Herefordshire village, where I scandalise the neighbours by not keeping ‘country
hours’ and being unable to make a decent pot of plum jam. Home is a converted Oast
house (Old agricultural building used for drying hops),
which I share with my two beloved spaniels, husband (also beloved) and a ghost
called Zoe.
I’ve
been lucky enough to travel widely, though prefer to set my novels closer to
home. Perhaps more research is needed? I’ve always wanted to base a book in the
Caribbean!
I
am addicted to Belgian chocolate, Jane Austen and, most of all, Strictly Come
Dancing.
AUTHOR LINKS
I'm absolutely thrilled with this review. Thank you SO much for loving this book as much as I did writing it 😘 Love, Georgia x
This book is "my cup of tea", looking forward to reading it!