Wartime in the Valleys Book Reviews

Wartime in the Valleys by Francesca Capaldi Book Summary

Let yourself be transported back in time with the captivating Wartime in the Valleys series. Includes all four sagas; the RNA Historical Romantic Novel Award 2021 shortlisted Heartbreak in the Valleys, War in the Valleys, Hope in the Valleys and Trouble in the Valleys.

Heartbreak in the Valleys: November 1915. For young housemaid, Anwen Rhys, life is hard in the Welsh mining village of Dorcalon. She cares for her ill mother and beloved younger sister Sara, all while shielding them from her father’s drunken, violent temper. Anwen comforts herself with her love for childhood sweetheart, Idris Hughes, away fighting in the Great War. Yet when Idris returns, he is a changed man – harder, more distant – and quickly breaks off their engagement. But when an explosion at the pit brings unimaginable heartache to Dorcalon, Anwen and Idris put their feelings aside to unite their mining community. In the midst of despair, can Anwen find hope again?

War in the Valleys: July 1916. Young mother, Violet Jones, lives a tough life in the Rhymney Valley, caring for 4-year-old Clarice and baby Benjy on her own while soldier husband Charlie fights on the Front Line. The Great War takes its toll on the nation – with very little money coming in, and two babies to care for, Violet takes in a relative to help make ends meet. But far from easing her burden, it might turn out to be the worst decision she’s made. All alone in the world, can she protect her children, and herself? And will she ever find joy out of the depths of despair?

Hope in the Valleys: August 1917. WW1 continues to take a toll. The villagers of Dorcalon, a mining village in the Rhymney Valley, try to keep hope alive; but every day brings fresh tragedy as more of their sons and fathers are killed on foreign battlefields. Elizabeth Meredith, daughter of mine manager Herbert, enjoys a privileged position in the village, but she longs to break free of society’s expectations. Falling in love with miner, Gwilym Owen, brings more joy to her life than she’s ever known… until she’s forced to choose between her love and her disapproving family. Seeking an escape, Elizabeth signs up as a VAD nurse and is swiftly sent to help the troops in France, even as her heart breaks at leaving Gwilym behind. Separated by society and the Great War, can Elizabeth and Gwilym find their way back together again? Or will their love become another casualty of war?

Trouble in the Valleys: Spring 1919: WW1 might be over, but the inhabitants of Dorcalon in the Welsh Valleys still feel the pain of the war that took so many of their men. Polly Smith is trying to survive her own battle at home. After her abusive husband, Gus, was finally jailed, Polly has been raising her two-year-old son, Herby alone. Lonely and struggling for money, Polly retreats as she becomes the subject of cruel gossip. A job offer throws her a lifeline, and as she grows closer to soldier, Henry Austin, it seems that Polly might finally be changing her life – until dark secrets from her past emerge, threatening her new happiness. Will the mistakes of the past ruin her future?

An emotional wartime saga series set in the Welsh valleys. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin, Katie Flynn and Sheila Newberry.

Praise for Francesca Capaldi

‘Rich with well-drawn characters, twists and turns, sense of history and place... hard to put down!’ Rosie Hendry, author of the East End Angels series

‘Heart-wrenching, highly emotional and hard to put down...saga writing at its mesmerizing best.' Reader Review

‘Worthy of a 5 star rating… a good book that commands your attention and emotions.’ Reader Review

‘An all-engrossing story that swept me along. It is a wonderful historical saga… With a hint of romance… It had me go through an array of emotions.’ Reader Review

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Wartime in the Valleys (Francesca Capaldi) Book Reviews 2024

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