Five women and one city in a heartwarming story of life, love and war.
Belfast 1939: Martha Goulding’s world is shattered by a sudden death and the outbreak of war that leaves her family facing an uncertain future. Her daughters are talented singers who join a troupe of entertainers led by Goldstein, a Polish Jew, who is determined to raise morale and money for the war effort. But Martha is torn between allowing her girls to perform and keeping them safe from men, both in and out of uniform, and their own headstrong personalities.
Irene is drawn to Sean, but the relationship leads her into danger. Peggy is charmed by the enigmatic Harry. Pat doesn’t realise she’s fallen in love at all until it’s too late. Sheila longs to sing with her older sisters.
The rise in the girls’ success as the renamed Golden Sisters is played out against a backdrop of Belfast life – from elegant Royal Avenue, into the mills, aircraft factory, concert and dance halls to the heart of the Stormont government. Apathy and lack of resources have left the city unprepared and vulnerable, its people unaware of the horror about to befall them, and Martha’s family will need all their strength and courage to survive.
Review:
"I was swept up in the Goulding family and felt as though I was side by side with the all characters. I am a lover of the more gentle type of novel and although this is one of those stories, it does have a good sprinkling of drama and excitement but no abuse or violence (there's enough of that on TV). Good, clean. nitty gritty family life with a backdrop in Belfast, I couldn't wait to get back to this wonderful family every evening. We go on a vivid journey with these women just as war looms and I found myself wrapped up in their every day lives. I read it in record time for me, which just left me wanting to know more ... can't wait for the next one to find out what happens to Martha and her daughters, Irene, Peggy, Pat and Sheila. Simply wonderful!" ~Three Hearts
Martha's Girls by Alrene Hughes
Reviewed by DAL
on
July 07, 2012
Rating:
Reviewed by DAL
on
July 07, 2012
Rating:
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