Secrets of a Charmed Life

By: Susan Meissner

Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins

The author of A Fall of Marigolds journeys from the present day to World War II England, as two sisters are separated by the chaos of wartime.

She stood at a crossroads, half-aware that her choice would send her down a path from which there could be no turning back. But instead of two choices, she saw only one—because it was all she really wanted to see

Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades...beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden--one that will test her convictions and her heart.

1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, hundreds of thousands of children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old, Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister, Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage. Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed.

©2015 eChristian (P)2015 Christian Audio

Truly inspiring!

This was a wonderful story of love & sacrifice! Please add this book to your listening library. You won't regret it!

Didn't put it down until I finished it

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. At first I thought it might not be my cup of tea; however I remained steadfast and it was worth it. Great story and fine mystery. I saw another side of the lives of the kids who were evacuated to the English countryside during the war. It wasn't always a beautiful life. As for the war, total devastation, nothing new there.

Amazing, a story that just gets better and better...

This book was full of twists and turns and while I didn't want the book to end, it killed me to wait to the end to find out what was going to happen. This might be my most favorite book of the year so far (that I've read). I would recommend to any one who loves historical fiction or any book club looking for a great read. This is the second book I've read by this author and I will definitely read her again.

Excellent

Which character – as performed by Alana Kerr Collins – was your favorite?

The main character, so well written, her grace and charm. And how open she was at the end.

Any additional comments?

Just a wonderful story well written and narrated, a don't miss.

A story of love and forgiveness

This book touched me so much, it only got better as it unfolded. I told my book club it was a must, because it teaches one must forgive, and not hold on because it only hurts the person that does not forgive. The story is so deep and full of life lessons, that I found extremely powerful and touching. I think this book was powerful and a book I will tell many people to read. I can't get it out of my mind, I loved it so much and felt like I was right there the whole time. Just beautiful and powerful.