Woodspring
This novel is a riveting family saga, split into three separate stories about the owners of Woodspring, a Regency house in Berkshire. The first, “Harry,” is set in 1940 and follows Major Harry Dane who is training to be a commando up in the Highlands of Scotland, during World War II. His marriage is over and his wife and baby girl, Nell, leave for America and safety. By chance he meets Faith Yorke and finds a love worth risking his life for.
The second story, “Nell,” is set in 1975. Nell Dane works for the Red Cross in Geneva. She is completely satisfied with her life in Switzerland, until she inherits Woodspring, after the deaths of both her father and uncle. She falls under the spell of Woodspring and meets an orphaned, five-year-old boy called Joey, who needs her love and protection.
The final story is called “Mia” and is set in 2005. Mia works for MI5 as a surveillance officer, keeping the country safe. She grows dissatisfied with her job when she meets Joey Dane, a handsome vet with a house in the country. Due to the nature of her work, she has to keep secrets from him, and this threatens their blossoming relationship.
This is a well-written novel which I devoured in one day. These three stories mesh together nicely to tell one family’s tale of love, service and sacrifice. There are a couple of convenient plot coincidences that irked me slightly, but overall, this is a lovely book for a quiet weekend or to take on a summer holiday.
