I love historical fiction and this was another lovely addition to the genre. Set mostly in the West country and spanning from WW1 to WW2, this book tells the story of a range of characters and social classes who are struggling with sadness and dark secrets. Beautifully written.

When Freddie's brother doesn't return from the great war Freddie must take control of the family estate and put the life he was going to live aside. When a soldier who was with his brother comes to the house with his family Freddie invites them to stay. Freddie soon realises the link to his brother. A well written story.

This a great family saga.
Freddie’s brother is reported missing in action, presumed dead , so he finds he now has to fill his brother’s role in the household. Freddie is torn between his own plans for the future - a tea plantation in India, his growing attachment to Celia, and his duty to the family estate,. Will duty come first, or one’s own dreams and love?

I really enjoyed this one e, quite sad in places but, very well written. An Interesting era and one I love reading about. A great read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is a really good historical story set between the two World Wars. I liked the characters, and found Freddie to be really engaging. As the story unfolds, the description in the book is really well depicted, drawing me into the story. There is love, loss, drama, secrets and longing all portrayed really well, and the stifling of dreams for duty really struck a chord with me. The writing flows beautifully, and I really enjoyed the book.

A Time To Live is a family sage set over a 20 year period.

Freddie's life changes dramatically when his elder brother doesn't return from WWI. His Ceylon dream is shattered and he has to take control of the family estate. What follows is the story of the family and the country between the World Wars.

The story felt very long, with a lot of characters introduced quickly, many of whom are not explored enough in my opinion. There is also some very extensive description, which at times felt unnecessary. The story does however provide a good reflection on class at the time, and gives some interesting points for modern readers to reflect on.

Historical fiction set between WW1 and WW2

Edward the oldest brother doesn’t come home from war so his younger brother Freddie has to take over his responsibilities of looking after the estate and not following his own hopes and dreams.

Well written, set in hard times the author has really made you are there living with the characters.

I really enjoyed this book

This story dealt with a number of issues that concerned people living at this time. There was definitely a feeling of them and us at the beginning, there was also the political situation with the rise of fascism, and also the way mental health was regarded, particularly with those involved in the First World War. There were a number of interesting characters, Freddie, the second son of an earl and Celia, the daughter of a self made man. Freddie and Celia do have an attraction but they come from different stations in life. There is also a young lad called Wilf who has his part to play. This was an engaging and interesting read, the pace was a little slow at times but it did have a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

1918: Freddie was destined for a different life, determined to make his fortune in the plantations of Ceylon. But just as the great war comes to an end, the eldest brother and heir to Coombe Hall, Edward, doesn’t return. Freddie must now sacrifice his own dreams to keep the estate and the future of Coombe alive. And now he must now marry for an heir, not for love. When an unexpected legacy blows in from Edward’s secret past, Freddie’s grip on the estate – and his future – looks more uncertain than ever.
A well written book covering the inter war years. The characters have depth & are well portrayed. The pace is good & I thoroughly enjoyed this family saga
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

The story is set between the two wars.

Following the First World War, Edward, the elder brother of Freddie doesn’t come home. So Freddie, who instead of going to do what he dreamed of, now has to take charge and run Combe Hall, which is the family estate.

All that live in the village rely on the work they get from the estate. Freddie also has to marry Elizabeth, from a wealthy background, in order that current situation stays the same.

But, is Edward dead?

I highly recommend this book.

A most interesting and somewhat tragic story of England between WW1 and WW2 on life during the general strike, depression and the rise of the communists engendered by the comintern and the Black Shirts Inspired by Hitler and the Nazis. It follows the struggles of three intertwined families, a landed lord of the manor in slow decline, selling assets to survive, a returning soldier who was batman to the lord of the manor killed in action, and a captain of industry of the newly rich emerging middle class commoner able to acquire land fron the lord of the manor. Tale of a generation trapped under the restraint of duty and family honour and a rigid class system frustrated from the following their own desires. Beautifully written and heart breaking in parts with a hope for the future menaced by WW2 on the horizon.

The end of WW1 and two brothers, only one, the youngest returns with plans of his own but he has to see things are run properly and live the life expected of him. Things can change, but do they. Well worth reading and with 5 stars, find out for yourselves.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

What a great and well told story. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and how the characters mixed with each other and the secrets held. Would definitely recommend this book

Its the end of the War and second son Freddie is off to make his fortune on his tea plantation in Ceylon.
Just before his departure news comes that his brother and heir, Edward, is missing so Freddie's plans are thrown into disarray and he finds himself in charge of the estate.
But Edward 's legacy isn't going to go away and this is the beginning of Freddie's problems.

A family saga centering around the aristocratic Thorneycombe family Devon. Told from the viewpoint of 4 different voices charting a time between the two World Wars. Highlights the social change in the aftermath of WW1 in particular and the treatment of the war veterans whilst the entitled upper classes expect life to go along as before although not without fallout.

Good characters which developed throughout as dreams and expectations get shattered and the country tries to go back to some semblance of normality whilst in the background WW2 is looming.

The trials and tribulations of a family as war impacts their fabric was a good read. It touched on the treatment of the men coming back from the war broken and unable to function in normal life and how they were sidelined and treated barbarically.

It shows war has always taken its toll but it's only now that we realise what this means with the mental health of those fighting.

A good read.

I just reviewed A TIME TO LIVE by Vanessa de Haan. #NetGalley

I love stories set in Victorian England OR the time of WW1 so this book really resonated to me when I read the description.

I devoured this story of life, love, grief, forgiveness and redemption after WW1. It covered veterans trying to find a job and make a life when they got back from fighting. These were the “lucky” ones who came back disabled, maimed or disfigured.

The only negative is the politics and strike discussed at length in the book which, although I admit, it was all happening at that particular time leading up to WW2, it tainted the flow of the story and had to skim through those parts.

The last chapter was where all the pieces slot into place and it really IS a Kleenex moment! 🤧

This a great family saga. Perfect for fans of The Cazalet Chronicles and Downton Abbey. Freddie’s brother is reported missing in action, presumed dead , so he finds he now has to fill his brother’s role in the household. Freddie is torn between his own plans for the future - a tea plantation in India, his growing attachment to Celia, and his duty to the family estate,. Will duty come first, or one’s own dreams and love? This is all set against the backdrop of the rapidly changing political and economic climate between the first and second world wars. It looks at the issues of class and the role of women in society. I particularly liked the way the author created Celia, reminding me very much of some of D H Lawrence’s female characters. Whilst the story was fairly predictable, the issues it concerns were generally very well tackled . There were some exceptionally well written sections - the scene at night at the lake was expertly crafted and very impactful. However, I did not like the way the book started and this nearly put me off continuing. I am so glad I continued as this was a very enjoyable and at times thought provoking read.

Set between the wars, the novel covers a lot of ground: the differences between the social classes with the privations of the war just ended, the politics of the time, the status of women, and onto the rise of the Communists and Fascists. At the heart of it is a family and responsibility and how it affects all around them. It is well researched and written, although I felt it could have been slightly condensed and less descriptive. Having said that, it flowed well and was a rewarding read. It will definitely appeal to lovers of historical fiction. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thanks to HarperCollinsUK and NetGalley for an early ARC in return for an honest review.

What an EPIC family drama set just after WW1. Following Freddie’s life when it takes a sudden turn after his brother is missing presumed dead. A wonderful in depth story that kept me hooked throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.