‘The Orchard Girls’ by Nikola Scott is a dual timeline historical family drama that is a completely captivating read. This is the first time I have read anything of Nikola Scott’s work so wasn’t sure what to expect. I only knew the cover and the synopsis definitely piqued my interest.
Two women whose life’s are decades apart are the main characters of this story, 2010 in London we meet Frankie who has been brought up by her grandmother but who has betrayed her. Their rift seemed impossible to mend. When she sees her grandmother again, Frankie realises that she is losing her memory and secrets are going back to wartime that will impact Frankie’s life.
The story then transports us to Somerset in 1940. Violet, seventeen and her life wrecked by the London Blitz sees her run away to join the Women’s Land Army. All she wants is to leave her grief behind. Living with the terror of the enemy raids the girls at Winterbourne Orchards also have a danger closer to them. One night will see their courage tested to its limits…and the truth buried forever.
I always love a dual timeline story and the author has so skillfully woven these women’s lives together, past and present so smoothly interlinking. I felt like I was so immersed in Frankie and Violet’s lives I could have been there.
I love it when the main characters are strong and these two are very definitely that. Their lives both showing us they needed to be.
Nikola Scott creates a picture of the war for the Land Girls that is the harsh realities and not through rose coloured glasses as people tend to do these days. The fabulous characterisation of the two women make this a story you cannot help being captivated by. The revelations are shocking and it has you turning the pages so fast so you can discover how these affect Frankie.
A definite heartbreaking and uplifting story of love and family for anyone who enjoys dual timelines and just an excellent story.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Nikola Scott for my copy of the book.
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