Birds in the Spring: AND The Silken Thread

Dive into a sweeping saga of love, war, and family secrets with "Birds in the Spring: AND The Silken Thread" by E.V. Thompson, a master storyteller celebrated for crafting emotionally rich narratives rooted in history. This captivating paperback edition, published by Sphere, combines two enthralling novels, "Tomorrow is For Ever" and "The Lost Years", offering readers over 800 pages of immersive historical fiction. "Tomorrow is For Ever" transports you to the tumultuous years of World War I. Alan Carter, a young man barely settled into married life, is thrust into the Great War. Wounded and convalescing in Cornwall, Alan finds himself drawn to the vibrant art colony of Newlyn. There, he discovers a hidden passion for writing and an unexpected connection with Vicky Hazleton, an artist who ignites feelings that challenge his loyalties and his understanding of himself. Torn between his East End roots, his wife Dora, and the alluring world of art and forbidden desires, Alan must navigate the complexities of love and duty against the backdrop of a world irrevocably changed by war. This story explores themes of artistic awakening, social class disparities, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. It delves into the emotional impact of war on individuals and communities, offering a nuanced perspective on the sacrifices and transformations experienced during this pivotal period in history. Readers who enjoy stories of self-discovery and unconventional love triangles set against the backdrop of early 20th century England will find this novel particularly compelling. "The Lost Years" unfolds in Cornwall in 1914, as Perys Tremayne arrives at the ancestral Heligan House. Driven by a desire to forge a military career with the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry, Perys hopes to leverage his family connections. However, being only distantly related to the main Tremayne line, he faces familial tensions and the challenges of proving his worth. Amidst this backdrop of social hierarchy and impending war, Perys finds solace and friendship with Annie Bray, a local farm girl. Their burgeoning connection is complicated by Annie's pre-arranged marriage to Jimmy Rowe, a young man injured at Ypres. "The Lost Years" explores themes of social obligation, forbidden love, and the unpredictable nature of fate during wartime. Thompson paints a vivid picture of rural Cornish life and the impact of the war on close-knit communities. Readers are drawn into a world of tradition and duty, where personal desires clash with societal expectations. Will Perys and Annie find a way to defy the odds and find happiness amidst the chaos of war? The novel is praised for its vivid depiction of Cornwall and its compelling portrayal of characters grappling with profound personal and social challenges. It offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of ordinary people caught in the extraordinary circumstances of World War I. E.V. Thompson, also known as Evelyn Hood, brings a wealth of life experience to her writing. Having worked in journalism and even tried her hand at poultry farming, Thompson's diverse background informs her authentic and relatable characters. While she is best known for her family sagas set in and around her hometown of Paisley, Scotland, Thompson is also a prolific writer of stage plays, short stories, pantomimes, and children's musicals. Her ability to create compelling narratives and explore the complexities of human relationships has earned her a dedicated following of readers who appreciate her insightful and emotionally resonant storytelling. "Birds in the Spring: AND The Silken Thread" is a testament to Thompson's skill and a must-read for fans of historical fiction, family sagas, and tales of love and resilience in the face of adversity.