Found this book a little "stodgy" and with long winded pages of descriptive text. Story was OK and having not read the author's previous found that this book may be read without having done so with earlier books. Can't say it was one of my favourites, just OK.
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book

"Reminders of Home" is the fifth installment in a captivating series that delves into the lives of a unique family during the tumultuous times of war. While I enjoyed this book, I couldn't help but wish I had read the previous four books to fully appreciate the intricate backgrounds of the characters.

Set in July 191, in Clifton Park, the story revolves around Dorothea Kauffman, who returns to her family home for the memorial service of her beloved cousin, Roderick, who tragically lost his life in France. Her heart aches for her husband, Johann, whom she hasn't seen since the war's commencement. Dorothea must be a pillar of strength for Roderick's pregnant widow, Rosa, who faces the challenge of raising her unborn child without its father. The sorrow runs deep, particularly for Aunt Eloise, who is unable to recover from the loss of her son. As tensions simmer, a dark secret emerges, causing Rosa to flee Clifton and leaving Dorothea to care for her two children.

Although I was unaware that this was the fifth book in the series when I started reading, I did find the book enjoyable. However, I believe my enjoyment would have been enhanced had I read the preceding books in the series, as I felt like I missed crucial background information and character development.

The story skillfully portrays the hardships faced by the family members left behind during a time of war. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles are palpable, but there could have been more detailed descriptions of the surrounding areas to immerse the reader further into the narrative.

I'd like to express my gratitude to #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks, and the author #DominicLuke for providing me with an ARC of "Reminders of Home" in exchange for my honest review.

I really wish I had read the first 4 books. This was a captivating read about a unique family. The English, married to the German, and the struggles of living during the war. Very enjoyable.

I enjoyed the storyline but did find that I was skipping over large chunks of the book to get to the story which is something I rarely do with a book. It centres around a well to do family and the local villagers during the war with Germany. There are other books prior to this one but found it was ok to read without reading the others. I did feel that the ending was left unfinished.

3.5 stars rounded up.

July 191, Clifton Park. Soft-hearted Dorothea Kauffman returns to her family home for the memorial service of her beloved cousin, Roderick, following his untimely death in France. She yearns to be reunited with her husband Johann, who she has not seen since the war began. Dorothea must stay strong for Roderick's heavily pregnant widow. Rosa. whose unborn baby will never know its father. She fears her dear aunt Eloise will never recover from the death of her son. Soon tensions mount as a dark secret arises. Rosa flees from Clifton, leaving Dorothea to care for her two children.

I did not know that this was the fifth book in the series when I requested it. Although I did enjoy the book, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read all the books in the series. I feel I have missed out on a lot of the background stories. There's lots going on in this well written story. Life is not easy for the family members left behind as their loved ones are away fighting in the war. The characters seem to be well developed, but there isn't any real descriptions of the surrounding areas. I did enjoy this book., just not as much as I thought I would.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #DominicLuke for my ARC of #RemindersOfHome in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the story, but felt like it was lacking in detail and depth. It is a good story and nice to read, however I just felt like there was something missing the whole time I was reading it. If another one comes out I will read it because I want to know what happens to the characters.

this was such a good world war 1 historical fiction book, it had everything that I was hoping for from the description. The characters were what I was looking for and felt like they belonged in the setting. I really enjoyed getting to read this and thought it worked well overall. Dominic Luke has a great writing style that I enjoyed reading.

"None of this could Dorothea say to Owain; it was all too complicated to put into words, like trying to undo a knot tied up too tight. She stuck instead to simple facts about Cartwright. ‘He was a schoolmaster before the war. Aunt Eloise has kept in touch with him since his visit. She writes to several of Roderick’s old friends.’