Secrets of a Charmed Life

De: Susan Meissner

Narrado por: 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 eChristian

Amazing novel

I loved this story. I listened to it from Atlanta to Dallas and I was rushing et every break so I could press play again. The protagonist is so endearing. You root for her and wish you could comfort her through the rough spots. This is one you don't forget.

Really enjoyed this book

I enjoyed the story even though it was a little predictable. The performance was good.

Excellent book!

I really loved this book - I am just guarded with giving 5 stars, but this is better than just 4 stars. This is a story of an elderly woman recalling her past and how she survived the London Blitz of 1940 - she essentially is telling her life story. This story is of two young sisters during World War II and how their lives were forever altered by the war. I feel like I'm giving too much away if I go into further detail, but I will say that it was very intriguing and the reader was excellent.

Couldn't stop listening!

Wonderful story, fine character development, excellent depiction of the very personal toll WWII took on individual people. I value and need my sleep, but this was so good I couldn't stop listening!

My Favorite Book of the Year 2016

What did you love best about Secrets of a Charmed Life?

Everything. I never knew much about the London Blitz and this book definitely opens a window to it as well as the children evacuation to the countryside. It is engaging and will keep you wanting more.

Any additional comments?

I thought Emmy's character was a bit selfish with running away from Charlotte's and being stubborn leaving London in the first place. Then again, I had to remind myself that she was a 15 year old girl. What 15 yr old girl ISN'T stubborn and selfish at that time in her life. I always think that when I truly love/hate a character in a book, that is when the author did a great job at describing them and making them come alive.

Good story, but a bit drawn out

Dramatic story good but I felt it was a bit drawn out, which did create suspense but I got a bit impatient waiting for what u hoped was gonna happen. The narrator did a good job but the American accent (I think) seemed out of sorts with the London drama. Worth a listen

many surprising twists

historical memoir with a present day connection, great representation of how children survived WWII in London

Nice twists and turns

It was easy to slip into each character and feel their motivation-desires – and needs throughout the book. I very much enjoyed it.

Longing, loss, hope-it’s all there woven into this historic gem

This book tugs on so many emotions and feelings. It is well played woven into the historic fabric of the London Blitz.

Susan creates an amazing historical fiction novel

Truly enjoyed this novel as I did Fall of Marigolds. I loved getting to know Emily, Julia, and their hardworking secretive mother. Learning about the challenges families faced during the bombing of London during WWII (1941) through the eyes of Emily and those close to her made this novel a page turner. All the efforts to relocate children outside of London during the war and balance safety, life and personal dreams have been woven into a beautiful, heartwarming read.