Welcome to another review from Rosie’s Book Review Challenge. Today we hear from Alison, she blogs at http://alisonwilliamswriting.wordpress.com/
Alison chose The 20’s Girl, The Ghost and All That Jazz by June Kearns.
Here is Alison’s review.
The 20s Girl, the Ghost and All That Jazz – June Kearns
I loved this book! June Kearns has created a romantic page turner devoid of soppiness but full of heart, laughter and wonderful characters that draw you in to their well-drawn world.
Gerardina Chiledexter is struggling to fund the run-down bookshop that is all she has been left by her extravagant, glamorous aunt (except for a mountain of debts). Just when it seems she has nowhere left to turn, she receives a surprise inheritance – half a cattle ranch in Texas.
We are swept away with Gerry to the wildness and heat of Texas, where she is made less than welcome by co-owner Coop. Confused by her conflicting feelings towards him, Gerry makes some rash decisions that lead her further into debt and seem to pave the way to a life of lonely spinsterhood.
However, there are twists and turns and surprises galore, along with a helping hand from some friendly spirits hoping to guide Gerry towards a brighter future.
The author does a fantastic job of bringing two very different places to life – the contrast between the dry heat of the vast plains of Texas was contrasted beautifully with the cold wet winters of England. I could feel Gerry suffocating as she listened to the rain dripping on to the windows of Prim’s tiny cottage.
The context of the novel was really interesting. The lack of eligible men to marry after the end of WWI was a real problem for women who had few other opportunities in life. Gerry, although a bright, funny and lovely girl, is not immune to this pressure, or to the fear of spinsterhood. I hate it when writers give us feisty female heroines from history who live independent, happy lives immune to social pressures. It’s refreshing to have a realistic heroine who is more than aware of the social constraints that have a very real bearing on what she is and isn’t allowed to do. And the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter offered a real insight into the pressures put on women at the time.
I thoroughly recommend this novel and will definitely be reading more of June Kearns’ work.
Five out of five stars.
Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Thank you, Alison, for that great review. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the book.
Thanks to you, too, Rosie, for conceiving and hosting the review challenge. What a great idea!
It’s introduced me to a whole new range of readers and writers – such as Alison – with their own books.
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Thanks for taking part June, it was a fun challenge to do.
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Reblogged this on June Kearns.
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Reblogged this on New Romantics 4 and commented:
Thanks to Rosie for another great blog
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Well done to Rosie and Alison for all their good work with reviewing and supporting indie authors. June’s two books are a pleasure to read and I recommend to anyone looking for a well written novel telling a good story.
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Thanks Lizzie.
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Thank you, Lizzie!
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Another lovely interview, ladies. June’s a fab writer and both of her books left me wanting more, her characters and dialogue were that engaging. So looking forward to book 3 🙂
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Thanks Jan.
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Thank you, Jan.
It was a great interview – interesting questions!
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Totally agree with every word of Alison’s excellent review – June is a stunning new talent, with a vibrant and unique voice! Looking forward hugely to her next one.
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Ah, thank you, Adrienne!
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Bad Alison! You wrote such a terrific review that I had to go straight to Amazon and download The 20s Girl. And we both know what’s going to happen now… Instead of working on a deadline that I’ve got looming, that seductive Kindle and I will be sneaking off to the garden for some quality time. How could you do this to me?
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Thanks, Barb. That’s a lot of responsibility!
Hope you enjoy it!
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Ha ha, happy sneaking and reading.
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I’ve said it before, on other reviews of June Keanrs’ novel, The 20’s Girl etc. If you’re nostalgic for the 20’s, a splendiferous read. Especially if you need cheering up because here in England summer seems to have faded away..
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It does feel like autumn has arrived.
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Splendiferous? Wow, thank you, Mags, what a wonderful word!
(Dont be downcast, summer hasn’t faded yet!)
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