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Rivenshaw #1
A Time to Remember
1945 - the war in Europe is over. It should be a time of utter joy and celebration.
Most women can't wait for their men to return, but in the small town of Rivenshaw in Lancashire, Judith Crossley fears having her husband back in the house. He'd grown into a bully and a drunkard, and on the occasions he'd come home from leave, he'd hit her. He wasn't a good father, either.
Luckily Judith has found an unlikely ally, a friend to turn to - Maynard Esher, from an old aristocratic family on the other side of town. But Judith knows that when her husband returns, she and her children will be back in the firing line again.
>She decides that for the children's sake, she must leave her husband. But with the house rented in his name and other accommodation scarce, where on earth can they go...?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
424 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
264 books500 followersAnna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 14, 2021
A Time to Remember is a worthy historical read that talks about how war makes people love and care for each other when there is nothing other than sufferings to endure.
In the time of war, Rivenshaw is different than it used to be. Women are taking over the work that men used to do, not only the wages but also rations are low. Everyone is doing their best to survive. For Judith and her children, war is better than being together with her violent husband. As soon as he returns, she is willing to leave him, even the law wouldn't give her the slightest chance. The loving Mayne is just a dream for her, being a wealthy Esher and all. On other hand, there is Jan and Helen, who seems so in love with each other, but the things around, are not good for them too.
When people are concerned about war, have they forgotten all about humanity and love? All Rivenshaw need is a war, where humanity wins.
In the time of war, Rivenshaw is different than it used to be. Women are taking over the work that men used to do, not only the wages but also rations are low. Everyone is doing their best to survive. For Judith and her children, war is better than being together with her violent husband. As soon as he returns, she is willing to leave him, even the law wouldn't give her the slightest chance. The loving Mayne is just a dream for her, being a wealthy Esher and all. On other hand, there is Jan and Helen, who seems so in love with each other, but the things around, are not good for them too.
When people are concerned about war, have they forgotten all about humanity and love? All Rivenshaw need is a war, where humanity wins.
August 4, 2015
enjoyed anna jacobs book
March 4, 2019
The overall plot was quite enjoyable but the characters were underdeveloped. I found a lot of the dialogue to be silly and very dramatic. Like the characters of Doug and Dorothy said the most ridiculous things and acted dumbly; they were just plain unrealistic. Well developed characters are what I enjoy most about reading so this book fell very short in this area.
Enjoyable plot, themes and setting, but it was truly, only average.
Enjoyable plot, themes and setting, but it was truly, only average.
May 4, 2016
It's been a long time since I read something so riveting really enjoyed this book, so many things going on really takes domestic violence and classes into account during the Second World War
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2015
Great new series
June 15, 2018
A lovely story that was easy to follow, interesting characters that are well thought out and you almost think you know them. I have read these books in the wrong order, unfortunately I read the second book in the series first, so now after reading the first I have found out how it all started and especially about Judith' s background. Now I have the third book to read, can't wait to get stuck in.
March 3, 2019
A slow start but warmed up as it went along looking forward to part 2
June 15, 2023
A lovely war time read! Really made me feel like I was in 1945. Very good.
February 12, 2015
A Time to Remember by Anna Jacobs is a gorgeously told contemporary historical novel set in Britain's Lancashire region during world war two. The author has cleverly focused her characterisations within the three months between the conclusion of the European theatre of the war and before the pacific theatre's dramatic finale. Hence the immediate life threatening dangers of day-to-day existence and the necessity to pull together to defeat the enemy has been lifted from the shoulders of Anna Jacobs's characters while the harsh austerity measures required to wage war still remain firmly in place.
Ms Jacobs does a marvellously moving job of documenting, though her characters, the frustration of being victoriously freed, only to become aware that everyone is now required to weigh the costs and repay the financial burden the previous half-decade of unimaginable destruction has produced.
Anna Jacobs, as always, sides with her women, who, together with men brought out of retirement, have been running the cogs that turn Britain while the fit and healthy males have been absent plotting and waging war. Yet now, it would seem the new focus is on returning to normality as it was before the war. Women at home tending the needs and whims of their husband who have been locked in a violent time warp, while the people at home have been educated by necessity and produced a new normality that perhaps shouldn't easily be undone.
A Time to Remember stands alone as an intriguingly entertaining, intelligently crafted visual escape into a masterly realistic setting full of graciously loveable, and a few not so cuddly, characters that will quickly etch their way into the reader's emotion.
This novel is the first of Anna Jacobs newest historical series, 'Rivenshaw'. I have no idea where the following books will lead but I'm happy to follow as I'm sure they'll be my perfect reading companion.
A Time to Remember by Anna Jacobs, five stars and a personal thank you to the author for reminding me what my parents actually went through to help me arrive at this place I can take for granted.
Ms Jacobs does a marvellously moving job of documenting, though her characters, the frustration of being victoriously freed, only to become aware that everyone is now required to weigh the costs and repay the financial burden the previous half-decade of unimaginable destruction has produced.
Anna Jacobs, as always, sides with her women, who, together with men brought out of retirement, have been running the cogs that turn Britain while the fit and healthy males have been absent plotting and waging war. Yet now, it would seem the new focus is on returning to normality as it was before the war. Women at home tending the needs and whims of their husband who have been locked in a violent time warp, while the people at home have been educated by necessity and produced a new normality that perhaps shouldn't easily be undone.
A Time to Remember stands alone as an intriguingly entertaining, intelligently crafted visual escape into a masterly realistic setting full of graciously loveable, and a few not so cuddly, characters that will quickly etch their way into the reader's emotion.
This novel is the first of Anna Jacobs newest historical series, 'Rivenshaw'. I have no idea where the following books will lead but I'm happy to follow as I'm sure they'll be my perfect reading companion.
A Time to Remember by Anna Jacobs, five stars and a personal thank you to the author for reminding me what my parents actually went through to help me arrive at this place I can take for granted.
January 8, 2018
1945 & the war in Europe is over..
Most women can't wait for their men to return, but in the small town of Rivenshaw in Lancashire, Judith Crossley fears having her husband back in the house. He had grown into a bully and a drunk, and on the few occasions he'd come home from leave, he would hit her.
He wasn't a good father either - when their eldest daughter Kitty won a prestigious scholarship to the private girl's grammar school, Doug had tried to stop her going, saying it would turn her into a snob. Luckily Judith had an unlikely ally - Maynard Esher, from an old aristocratic family on the other side of the park - but Judith knows that when her husband returns, she will be blamed for letting Kitty take up her school place.
She decides that for the children's sake, she must leave her husband. But with the house rented in his name, and other accommodation scarce, where on earth can they go?
Most women can't wait for their men to return, but in the small town of Rivenshaw in Lancashire, Judith Crossley fears having her husband back in the house. He had grown into a bully and a drunk, and on the few occasions he'd come home from leave, he would hit her.
He wasn't a good father either - when their eldest daughter Kitty won a prestigious scholarship to the private girl's grammar school, Doug had tried to stop her going, saying it would turn her into a snob. Luckily Judith had an unlikely ally - Maynard Esher, from an old aristocratic family on the other side of the park - but Judith knows that when her husband returns, she will be blamed for letting Kitty take up her school place.
She decides that for the children's sake, she must leave her husband. But with the house rented in his name, and other accommodation scarce, where on earth can they go?
May 15, 2015
My first time to read an Anna Jacobs novel. I must say the characters dialogue's irritated me a little. The author has a tendency to over-explain using fairly mundane dialogues between characters. The storyline, however was interesting, well-paced and enjoyable and some of the characters fairly likeable if not a somewhat clichéd. Overall a very average read in my opinion.
January 29, 2017
A good relaxing read, lots going on, possibly a bit black and white! The villain is very bad, the heroine perfect in every way!!! How ever it did show how dreadful attitudes used to be to domestic violence and how a woman was supposed to put up with all sorts of abuse. Thank goodness that isn't the case any more.
Read
April 25, 2015Got book from library by mistake. Thought author was Anna Funder.
June 28, 2017
Lovely easy read from Anna Jacobs set just after the end of WW2, Book 1 of 4 in the Rivenshaw series.
June 24, 2018
Just could not put this book down. It was a very light enjoyable read. A Time for Renewal is ext on the list. Recommended read.
June 1, 2024
Great story with a lovely happy ending
February 4, 2019
Very rarely do I give 5*s for a book.
I picked up the Peppercorn Series really by chance at my local library and I loved it so much that I even purchase the last book in the series as the library doesn't carry it.
For my next series to read, I was choosing really carefully which to savour. As luck would have it, I saw a few of the Rivenshaw series books available at the library and viola!
To be honest, there are some similar threads running through this book and the Peppercorn series; namely themes like Family, Women Abuse, Neighbours helping one another in a small town, finding a second chance at love etc. Also, there is always one fiesty, old spinster who comes to the aid of whichever lass is in need.
Some might say its formulaic and predictable but I beg to differ. Anna Jacobs has a marvellous way with language and with her simple prose, she manages to bring out the essence of the plot/characters quite easily. The book is an enjoyable read despite my reservations about world word and historical novels; this book really surprised me!
I was invested into the story and unlike the first book in the Peppercorn Series, the focus in this book is more on Judith (and her three kids who suffered through the physical abuse from her husband) and Maynard Esher (a young lad who has plans to turn his family home into a building firm). Really glad to see the good townfolk coming together against 1-2 bad people.
A must read!
I picked up the Peppercorn Series really by chance at my local library and I loved it so much that I even purchase the last book in the series as the library doesn't carry it.
For my next series to read, I was choosing really carefully which to savour. As luck would have it, I saw a few of the Rivenshaw series books available at the library and viola!
To be honest, there are some similar threads running through this book and the Peppercorn series; namely themes like Family, Women Abuse, Neighbours helping one another in a small town, finding a second chance at love etc. Also, there is always one fiesty, old spinster who comes to the aid of whichever lass is in need.
Some might say its formulaic and predictable but I beg to differ. Anna Jacobs has a marvellous way with language and with her simple prose, she manages to bring out the essence of the plot/characters quite easily. The book is an enjoyable read despite my reservations about world word and historical novels; this book really surprised me!
I was invested into the story and unlike the first book in the Peppercorn Series, the focus in this book is more on Judith (and her three kids who suffered through the physical abuse from her husband) and Maynard Esher (a young lad who has plans to turn his family home into a building firm). Really glad to see the good townfolk coming together against 1-2 bad people.
A must read!
February 1, 2015
I loved this book aptly named A Time To Remember. It is evocative of the period towards the end and after WW11 as Judith waits in fear for her bully of a husband to return from the war. The book is filled with characters I came to love and presents an accurate picture of the times which are very different from today. What remains the same is the importance of helping others. A wonderful addition to my Anna Jacobs library. I look forward to the next Rivenshaw book which I'm sure will be equally delightful.
December 31, 2015
I enjoy reading Anna Jacobs books and this one was no different. It is set entirely in England during World War 2 and the end of it. It gives an insight into what people went through with the bombing of England, their food rations and general life at that time.
Judith Crossley is dreading the return of her husband, Doug, as he beats her and the children. She decides to leave him, loses her job and has no where to go. Two of her three children have won academic scholarships to a prestigious school and she doesn't want them to have to give them up.
What becomes of her and her children?
Judith Crossley is dreading the return of her husband, Doug, as he beats her and the children. She decides to leave him, loses her job and has no where to go. Two of her three children have won academic scholarships to a prestigious school and she doesn't want them to have to give them up.
What becomes of her and her children?
August 13, 2017
A really good book. Follows the life of Judith Crossley during the 2nd World War - her husband subjects her to continued domestic abuse and this is also endured by her three children. A local private school support their children and Miss Peters, Helen and Jan also help the family. At the end of the book, the husband is arrested for bigamy and abusing a previous ex wife. Judith also begins to fall in love wit Mr Esther.
January 20, 2018
Judith
What a wonderful book this was to read from page 1 i was hooked a lot of sorrow for lot of sorrow for poor Judith being married to Doug and those poor children having a father like him . She was a strong woman with some very good friends like miss Peters and Helen and Jan and Mayne well done Anna Jacobs now I must get the next book 5 STARS well deserved .
What a wonderful book this was to read from page 1 i was hooked a lot of sorrow for lot of sorrow for poor Judith being married to Doug and those poor children having a father like him . She was a strong woman with some very good friends like miss Peters and Helen and Jan and Mayne well done Anna Jacobs now I must get the next book 5 STARS well deserved .
May 8, 2015
Felt very much like a Catherine Cookson. Everything is black and white - you know exactly who the good guys and bad guys are from the very beginning. No surprises. Lots of hate for those performing social injustice. I liked it, but it's note exactly a Pulitzer.
May 13, 2015
My first Anna Jacobs book and I have to say that it won't be the last. Hooked from the first few pages and couldn't put it down. The characters are likeable from the start and I really felt for them.
A very enjoyable read, I can't wait for the next in the series.
A very enjoyable read, I can't wait for the next in the series.
Read
July 15, 2016I really loved listening to this MP3 edition. A real finger nail biting story about a battered wife post war London and her children. The laws of the time protected husbands. But it is a positive story about doing what is necessary to escape a critical situation.
August 17, 2018
Enjoyed this as it had some interesting details about the Second World War and the partying that went on when it was announced it was over but the troops weren't home yet. Just a good family type tale with a nice ending and shows that lying never wins in the end.
November 9, 2015
This is only my second Anna Jacobs book and I have to say I found it a bit slow. I have the second book in the series to read next so hopefully I can get into the storylines a bit more.
July 3, 2017
Really this would be a one and a half star. It wasn't that I didn't like it, I just didn't really care. It was badly written and boring and I wouldn't read anything by her again.
August 22, 2017
Fantastic post war story. Can't wait to read the next three in the series!
May 13, 2024
I read the ellandale series a few years a go which got me into this authors work. After reading that I was informed by my friend who recommended the ellandale series that Burch end and Rivenshaw had there own series as the two places are mentioned a lot in that saga so now i've finally got around to getting these books. After reading the ellandale saga and falling in love with the characters i've collected more by this author and enjoyed everything so far.
As I am from Lancashire myself it's wonderful to read sagas set in the part of the world where I was born. The first book in this series was amazing and I think it's going to be just as good as ellandale was.
This first book is focusing on Judith Crossly, the war has just ended and she's dreading having to live back with her husband Doug who beats her and the children. realizing her family won't be safe when he returns Judith knows she needs to leave her husband but where will she go. This was a wonderful book and it was lovely to se the group of characters helping each other and being a community. I loved Helen, Main, Judy, Jan but my favourite character has to be Miss Peters.
I was excited when i heard the other two places mentioned a lot in the ellandale saga had there own series and if the first book of this series is anything to go by then i won't be dissapointed. Going to Read the first book of burch end now and then come back to this series as want to read the two series side by side to make them last longer. Can't wait for the rest of this saga and am really excited to get to know this group of characters plus the friends of Main who will be coming into the saga.
As I am from Lancashire myself it's wonderful to read sagas set in the part of the world where I was born. The first book in this series was amazing and I think it's going to be just as good as ellandale was.
This first book is focusing on Judith Crossly, the war has just ended and she's dreading having to live back with her husband Doug who beats her and the children. realizing her family won't be safe when he returns Judith knows she needs to leave her husband but where will she go. This was a wonderful book and it was lovely to se the group of characters helping each other and being a community. I loved Helen, Main, Judy, Jan but my favourite character has to be Miss Peters.
I was excited when i heard the other two places mentioned a lot in the ellandale saga had there own series and if the first book of this series is anything to go by then i won't be dissapointed. Going to Read the first book of burch end now and then come back to this series as want to read the two series side by side to make them last longer. Can't wait for the rest of this saga and am really excited to get to know this group of characters plus the friends of Main who will be coming into the saga.
October 27, 2020
This epic is a piece of Anna Jacobs' arrangement named, "Rivenshaw" that incorporates an aggregate of 4 books. The story spins around the hour of second world war where the creator has zeroed in her story on the undermining perils of the character's everyday presence. A memorable chance is a keenly made novel which has zeroed in especially on its characters. It is to some degree enthusiastic as the characters which are an aspect of the story are written in a way that they scratch the peruser's feelings so without any problem. I am happy to have gotten this book. Worth perusing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews