Light and Darkness: 1 (Home Fires Series) Paperback – 30 Jun. 2013

This book compelled me to read it till the end in record time for me. It was so brilliantly descriptive I had to remind myself it was a book I was reading and not a film I was watching. I could see the men, the houses, the sadness, the happy times. Wendy has such an in depth understanding of the First World War she has captured her knowledge and shared it with her readers in a way it leaves you wanting the story never to end. Now I have bags under my eyes so thanks for that but I have not read a book that comes anywhere near as compelling a read for a very long time. I wish you every success with this one and hope you are on the next one. Let me know when that is published! Thank you for filling my sleepless nights.

This is a wonderful book. It is thoroughly researched and well written - which makes it a joy to read.Following the story of Harry Belmont as he struggles to come to terms with firstly a personal tragedy and then the public tragedy of the first world war, this is a particularly moving novel. (I don't want to include any spoilers) A lot happens in this book, and there are twists and turns throughout - however at no point does the feel contrived or unrealistic. It deals with complex issues of grief and recovery in a sensitive and considered way. Wendy Lawrance's detailed understanding of the historical context shines through, adding a depth to the writing that is often lacking in books set in this period. Thoroughly recommended - I hope there's a sequel!

This was an absolutely fantastic read I couldn’t stop reading it and just didn’t want it to end recommend it without reserve

I really enjoyed reading this novel. Characters were well written and I genuinely cared what happened to Harry. The story was exciting and there was never a dull moment - I certainly didn't expect the twist that came towards the end! It's not the sort of genre I would normally go for but it was recommended on my kindle and I found that it was a real page-turner. Real rollercoaster of emotions too - I laughed and I cried. Overall, a brilliant novel that I would happily read again... I just hope there's a second one!

Wow ! What an amazing book ! Couldn't put it down.....and yes, it made me cry !....Happy tears as well as sad tears though

Very touching story of someone coming to terms with the horrors of war.

This book is truly a wonderful read. There is the harsh reality and awful agony of trench warfare, with the backdrop of a beautiful and endearing love story. This is a story that would captivate every reader of whatever age or gender. From the homely scenes in an England protected from the truth of the war being washed across a narrow stretch of water to the blood and Gore being played out in the filth and mud of the trenches, all life at that time is reflected. The historic content is a revelation to the generations that have come along since as it refers to a type of war the like of which we ought never see again. I now long to see how Rose, Edward Junior and the other children move forward through the post WW1 depression and on towards Hitler's Europe. Also I reckon that Harry and Elise have a loving relationship which so many would envy. A really beautiful book.

Am enthralling read