Tag Archive | Harpers Emporium

Changing Times At Harpers by Rosie Clarke

May2

Of Kind & Encouraging Hearts

Changing Times At Harpers by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel and the seventh book in the Harpers Emporium series. It can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces. It is now 1920, the first world war is behind but its affects are still being felt in the form of shell shock. A character has been altered from a gentle soul to an angry, fearful young man. With specialist care, it is hoped that he will recover.

The 1920’s are years of change. Women did men’s jobs during the war and kept Britain going. Now they are being forced back into the home but having tasted freedom, the Women’s Movement is gaining momentum and lobbying for change.

Women have a mental strength of character but can still be overpowered physically by men who are stronger.

Tragedy strikes as illness brings down a family member. We see the shock and devastated lives.

Continue reading →

Victory Bells For The Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke

May8

Community Care And Compassion

 Victory Bells For The Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel. It is the sixth book in the Harpers Emporium series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The novel covers the year 1918, a year that everyone hoped would bring the end to the world war. As the book closes on 1918 we see the hope of peace has materialised.

War touches everyone. Many suffered losses. Those who did return often left pieces of themselves on the battlefields of Europe. Many suffered physical wounds – disfigurations were common as it was only with the end of World War I that plastic surgery and reconstructions began. The men who returned whole in body had often left their minds behind. Shell shock or PTSD was not understood. The returning men needed love, care and compassion. Their families witnessed huge personality changes in previously mild-mannered men.

Continue reading →