Quickly Read and Enjoyed

My first book read from those brought home from the library van was this........

Have to say it deserves all the good reviews on the back cover by other authors "irresistible." "generous, touching and romantic.........." "........Pure joy............"

I read it almost in one go during Sunday afternoon and evening, really enjoyed it and was sad to get to the end.

In 1945 Corporal Valentine Vere-Thisset is on his way home. Home is Dimperley a vast and dilapidated country house, built in the 1500's, with many odd additions and now up to it's eaves in debt. Following the death of his heroic older brother Valentine is now Sir Valentine and responsible for it all and frankly terrified.

Zena Baxter doesn't see Dimperley as a wreck because, after being evacuated there with her small daughter, it's the first real home she has ever known.

Dimperley is full of characters - Lady Irene Vere-Thissett, her middle son Cedric who suffered a brain injury as a ten year old and now is only able to say one sentence. Barbara, also Lady Vere-Thissett, the wife of the lost heroic son, Barbara's two daughters, who were sent off to America at the first sign of war and have returned as Americans used to showers, refrigerators and central heating - Dimperley has none of those. Then there is Miss Hershey, once Lady Irene's Ladies maid and now the only full time 'servant' having to look after everyone and everything. Finally Alaric, Irene's brother in law who spends all his time researching the history  of the Vere-Thissetts and writing a never ending book. 

Zenas husband is still abroad and after evacuees go home she stays at Dimperley as Alarics secretary.

It is the return of Valentine and the two young girls and the changes that happen that is the main theme of the book.

One of Lissa Evans books was made into a film (Their Finest Hour and a Half- the film was called Their Finest) and had a sad ending but I can see this book being turned into a happy ending film- it would make a good one.

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Sue