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Secrets of a Charmed Life
- Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins
- Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
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Secrets of a Charmed Life
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Summary
The author of A Fall of Marigolds journeys from the present day to World War II England, as two sisters are separated by the chaos of wartime.
She stood at a crossroads, half-aware that her choice would send her down a path from which there could be no turning back. But instead of two choices, she saw only one—because it was all she really wanted to see
Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades...beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden--one that will test her convictions and her heart.
1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, hundreds of thousands of children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old, Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister, Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage. Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed.
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What listeners say about Secrets of a Charmed Life
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- angela
- 22-03-17
Beyond charming!
I've been living in London for over a year now, I'm ashamed to say I didn't really know or understand the extent to which the 2nd world war affected this city. ofcourse you learn about it in museums but reading this book has made me feel the pain and anxiety almost like I was there. I loved the character of Charlotte, she reflects the good in humans, giving it all without expecting anything back. I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book, I'm inspired by the message it portrays and completely taken by the story that wraps so delicately around it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Min
- 28-12-22
Thoroughly engaging
An engaging read, the period is well researched and the characters well developed and beautifully woven into a complex story.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Marjorie Willcox
- 15-10-24
Rather disappointing!
After thoroughly enjoying ‘ A fall of marigolds ’ I was keen to try another of Susan Meissner’s. However although well researched, this time focusing on the London blitz & evacuation of children, I found this one rather turgid. It improved for me when I increased the narration to 1.2., but too much convolution & angst.
Both books were freebies, but my first listen was the best & I would highly recommend.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- B. Mote
- 21-10-15
Outstanding!
If you could sum up Secrets of a Charmed Life in three words, what would they be?
Emotional believable warstory
Who was your favorite character and why?
Charlotte - I think she was a saviour in the turbulent life
What about Alana Kerr’s performance did you like?
Oh - I could listen to her all day long - her voice is soft and kind and warm!
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
yes YES yes!
Any additional comments?
It is the first book since "The Goldfinch" I have truly enjoyed - I loved the writing, the story and the narrator ... more please!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 17-06-24
Brilliant story of love, courage and forgiveness
This story was told beautifully, the narrator took you into the great emotions of the two main characters. It is a thought provoking story that makes you question how you would cope if put through an emotional upheaval. It also gave a more personal insight the the bombing of London, how brave those people were in the face of death and what parents must have felt handing the children over to strangers and what the children felt being torn from their parents and I am sure some of the homes they were sent to were not the most loving. I just loved it and wish it didn’t have to end.
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