LoveReading Says
A dramatic and enthralling relationship tale that captures emotion and takes you on a journey through the Second World War. When Sara and her parents flee their homeland taking refuge in the French Alps, the full impact of the Nazi oppression edges ever closer. Inspired by her visit to a small museum in the Lower Alps Carol Drinkwater has created the most captivating story of young love, and the courage needed to face the most devastating of times. She has the ability to focus on the things that make us human, to create a link that alters the focus from watching, to actually feeling the events that take place. A balance is created between the intimate moments of relationships and how they sit within the wider fields of battle during the horror of war. This is ultimately as much a story about Sara’s own relationship with, and understanding of herself as it is with the man she falls in love with. The ending came with beautiful words and tears welling up in my eyes, I just had to include this as a Liz Robinson Pick of the Month. An Act of Love will encourage emotions to dip and soar as it gives hope even in the darkness.
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Liz Robinson
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An Act of Love Synopsis
It was an idyllic summer. Until they had to escape.
France, 1943
Forced to flee war ravaged Poland, Sara and her parents are offered refuge in a beautiful but dilapidated house in the French alps. It seems the perfect hideaway, despite haunting traces of the previous occupants who left in haste.
But shadows soon fall over Sara's blissful summer, and her blossoming romance with local villager Alain. As the Nazis close in, the family is forced to make a harrowing choice that could drive them apart forever, while Sara's own bid for freedom risks several lives.
Will Sara be reunited with those she loves?
And can she ever find her way back to Alain?
By turns poignant and atmospheric, this is the compelling new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Carol Drinkwater about the power of first love and courage in our darkest hours.
About This Edition
Carol Drinkwater Press Reviews
A lovely novel. A moving story of love and friendship with a wonderful sense of place -- Kate Mosse
Carol skilfully draws us in to the beautiful Alpes Maritimes region of France to tell the story of Sara, a Polish refugee who want to live her life her way. The writing is evocative and Sara's story is both moving and inspiring -- Sheila O'Flanagan, bestselling author of The Women Who Ran Away
A terrific story [...] skilfully written & heart-rending, we are pulled into the beauty and destruction of the French countryside in WW2, as a young Jewish girl discovers what matters in life & fights for her love & for freedom -- Miriam Margolyes
An outstanding and beautifully written story and one not to be missed. This compelling and meticulously researched WWII novel tells a part of history that should never be forgotten. Thoroughly recommend -- Shirley Dickson, author of The Lost Children
I loved An Act of Love: it's a virtual hug of a tale; warm, and engaging, and tender. Just what I needed -- Joanne Harris, Sunday Times bestselling author
Romantic, evocative and pulse-racingly dramatic, this novel views the war from an unusual and fascinating angle -- Wendy Holden, Sunday Times bestselling author
An emotional and moving read. The beauty of the French landscape contrasts starkly with the fear and oppression of the war years in this story of love, loss and courage -- Fiona Valpy, bestselling author of The Beekeeper's Promise
I enjoyed it very much. Her portrayal of damaged and fearful teenager is so good and believable ... I longed to be in France. It's her best -- Elizabeth Buchan, author of The Museum of Broken Promises
I loved reading An Act of Love. It kept me engaged, fascinated and eager to turn the pages ... It's a wonderful, enjoyable novel with courage and survival at its heart -- Elizabeth Chadwick, author of The Wild Hunt series
About Carol Drinkwater
Carol Drinkwater was our Guest Editor in May 2011 - click here - to see the books that inspired her writing.
Carol Drinkwater is a multi-award-winning actress who is best known for her portrayal of Helen Herriot in the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small. She is also the author of over twenty books, both fiction and non-fiction. Her quartet of memoirs set on her olive farm in the south of France have sold over a million copies worldwide and her solo journey round the Mediterranean in search of the Olive tree's mythical secrets inspired a five-part documentary film series, The Olive Route. Carol lives in the south of France where she is writing her next novel.
Author Photo © Michel Noll
Carol Drinkwater is our Putting Authors in the Picture feature for November 2018. Click here to read more about her author journey on our blog.
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