Wartime tragedy tears family apart (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Wartime tragedy tears family apart

10:38am Monday 20th February 2012 in Reviews By Telegraph & Argus

Ellie Dean – Far From Home (£5.99, Random House) ****

It’s 1940 and Polly Brown is on her way to southern England to take up a posting in the hospital where her husband lies badly injured. Polly has had to make the heart-wrenching decision to send her daughter overseas to Canada, away from the bombing, and tries to settle into Beach View boarding house, where she receives a lukewarm reception from some of the boarders. When a telegram arrives announcing the sinking of the ship her daughter was on, it seems her life is about to take a turn for the worse. A warm and uplifting novel, full of emotion.

Rachel Bellerby, 37, writer, Addingham

John Gardner – For Special Services (Orion, £7.99) ***

James Bond knew he had killed Blofeld himself, but as events unfolded, it looked as if Specta was alive and operating again – but who is Blofeld’s successor? Of course, the only person to avert terrorism and ultimate disaster is – you’ve guessed it – James. Accompanied by the beautiful Cedar Leiter, the daughter of his friend Felix, the pair are assigned to stop Specta getting their hands on data which would control America’s defence. What part ice-cream and Harvester ants play in the plot you’ll have to read this exciting book to discover. A must for James Bond fans.

Patricia Roberts, Brighouse

Edward Wright – From Blood (Orion Fiction, £7.99) ***

Shannon Fairchild’s life is falling apart. She doesn’t fit – not at work, not with her family, not anywhere. Her life is spiralling out of control and she doesn’t know how to stop. But stop she does after the brutal murder of her parents. As Shannon delves into the mystery surrounding their murder, she finds a place where she does fit. In and among political activism, bombings, murders, the FBI and a family she was unaware of, she finally fits. An easy, fast-paced read, but you can pretty much guess where it’s going. Despite that, it’s still a nice read.

Julie Gatenby, 46, Harden, Bingley