Life Continues
A Christmas Baby At Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller is a marvellous historical novel. It is the seventh book in the Goodwill House series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books first in order to see character progression and development.
The action is set during 1941 as we rejoin the residents of Goodwill House. It is the start of a new era. “I now make my decision on acquaintances based on who they are, not where they come from.” War is a great leveler. The old class system is crumbling. People earn their reputations and not by the circumstances of their birth.
All the residents of Goodwill House have kind hearts, helping where they can. As Christmas approaches, they are determined to ensure all the children of the village receive gifts. They truly do ‘make do and mend’ as they repurpose old toys found in the attic.
We also follow RAF pilots. We see the responsibility and the heartache. Also there are conflicting emotions when one is congratulated for shooting down the enemy. “He was uncomfortable celebrating the death of anyone, even an enemy.” Every pilot will have a mother somewhere.
We learn the value of family. Family is not always blood related but those who love and care for us.
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