Echoes of Time by Anne Allen

Echoes of Time by Anne Allen

Betrayal, injustice and revenge echo down the years

1940Olive marries farmer Bill FallaThe Germans occupy Guernsey

All too soon Olive realises she's made a mistake

Her life changes when she meets Wolfgang, a German officer-

but there's a price to pay

2010Natalie Ogier returns to Guernsey to escape an abusive relationship - only to be plagued by odd happenings in her beautiful cottage on the site of a derelict and secluded farmDisturbing dreams, disembodied voices and uncanny visions from the pastShe becomes increasingly ill at ease as someone else's past catches up with her own

Her only immediate neighbour, Stuart, is the grandson of the original owners, Bill and Olive

Thrown together in a bid to find out what really happened to Olive, can they each survive the repercussions of the past and move on?

REVIEW

For the last three days I have been thoroughly immersed in Echoes of Time, a family saga set in GuernseyLet me begin by saying how gripping this story isNot only is the plot packed full of twists and turns, but the setting - and the characters - are lovingly describedThere is, I think, nothing better than a novel written by an author who knows how to balance setting, speech and plot

So, what did I like? Well, the opening chapter, albeit very short, is a real 'grabber'I'm very fond of books which open with a 'BANG ' and not with endless paragraphs of flowery proseWell, trust me, this opens BIG, hooking the reader in

I also very much enjoyed the pacing of this novelThe chapters were surprisingly short for this genre and there's often a cliffhanger at the end of the chaptersSo, although it is a family saga of sorts it is also very much a thriller and a mystery, and the style of writing reflects that

So, would I recommend this book? Yes, absolutelyAnd who to? Well, pretty much anybody and everybodyIf you enjoy a good thriller, this is for youIf you enjoy a complex family saga, this is for youOr, if you simply love Guernsey, this is for you

A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review wwwthewsacouk