Review ~ A Mother's Love by Katie Flynn

Arrow
21 March 2019

My thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book

Liverpool, 1940: there comes a moment in every child’s life when they must learn to stand on their own two feet. For fifteen-year-old Ellie Lancton, that time has come all too soon. The death of her mother and the increase in air raids leaves Ellie alone and in grave danger. It’s not long before she is forced to leave her beloved Liverpool behind and cross the Mersey to seek refuge in the countryside. But as the war takes comforts away, so too does it bring new opportunities; for work, new friendships, and perhaps a little love… It will take all of Ellie’s courage to find her way without her mother’s guidance. But if Ellie can soldier on with grace and dignity, there might just be light at the end of the tunnel.

My thoughts..

After her mother's untimely death, fifteen year old Ellie Lancton is forced to make her own way in the world, and cared for by her warm hearted Liverpool friends Ellie soon discovers that true friendship will see her through the worst of her troubles.  Ellie and her best friend, Arla can't wait to do their bit for the war effort, and as soon as they turn sixteen they decide to enroll together in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, better known as the ATS.

The girls embark on a grand adventure, but as so often happens in war-time, life has a habit of taking a few unexpected turns. However, regardless of how far she moves from Liverpool, Ellie always knows that she carries her mother's love with her, and the occasional scent of lavender in the air confirms her belief that her mother is always with her.

I've really enjoyed reading this historical saga and have spent a couple of pleasant afternoons with Ellie and her pals in the ATS. The author has captured both the sombre mood of wartime, whilst at the same time allowing a glimpse into just how people coped with the momentous changes which were happening during WW2.

From the slums of Liverpool, to the camaraderie of women in wartime, and the dangers of flying Lancaster bombers, A Mother's Love is a novel about the power of love and how a mother's love for her child never goes away.

A perfect read for Mother's Day ♡

About the Author

Katie Flynn is the pen name of the much loved writer, Judy Turner, who published over ninety novels in her lifetime. Judy's unique stories were inspired by hearing family recollections of life in Liverpool during the early twentieth century, and her books went on to sell more than eight million copies. Judy passed away in January 2019, aged 82.

The legacy of Katie Flynn lives on through her daughter, Holly Flynn , who continues to write under the Katie Flynn name.

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