Anne here, interviewing my friend, Barbara Hannay about her newest book, THE SECRET YEARS. Barbara is an award-winning, bestselling author. She's written many short series romances for Harlequin, and has won several major awards, including RWA's RITA, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and Australia's Romantic Book of the Year Award (twice) — but in recent years she's moved into longer, more mainstream fiction. 
I mentioned her book Moonlight Plains last month in What We're Reading, but her new book is something else again. It's been listed as a book of the month on iTunes-books, and Penguin Australia has given it one of their coveted "Guaranteed Great Read" medallions on the cover. The reviews are also glowing, and since there is a strong WWII thread in the book, I thought wenchly readers might enjoy meeting Barbara and finding out more about THE SECRET YEARS.
THE SECRET YEARS is set across two eras; World War II England (and other places) and modern-day Australia. As the blurb says, it "spans three generations of secrets, romance and heartbreak."
Anne: Welcome to the Word Wenches, Barbara. There are two intertwining stories in THE SECRET YEARS — a contemporary and a historical story, but since this is a historical blog, let's start with the historical one — your hero Harry and your heroine, George, aka the Honourable Georgina Lenton. Tell us about Harry and George.
Barbara: Thanks so much for the welcome, Anne. I'm thrilled to be visiting with wenchly readers. As for Harry and George… they meet on a train in London during the Blitz in 1940. Originally an Australian cattleman, Harry Kemp is in England prior to being posted to Tobruk in the Middle East. Georgina is the daughter of a baronet, but has joined the Army Service Corps.
Being a cheeky Aussie, Harry asks Georgina if she will show him the sights of London and she ends up taking Harry home. Her parents are away on their Cornwall estate and she and Harry spend the night in the basement of their house in Belgravia.
The war provides many twists and turns for both of these characters, however, and they end up meeting again in New Guinea where they flee through the jungle from the Japanese. Of course, in the midst of all this, they also fall in love… with ramifications for subsequent generations.
Anne: Wenchly readers would, I think, especially enjoy reading about the London debutante scene when young women were presented to the King in 1939, in what became the last ‘ season’ before World War II was declared. What drew you to this period?
Barbara: I loved researching the glamour and excitement of the London season and I was fascinated by the way everything must have changed in a blink for these elegant girls from wealthy families. One minute they were enjoying the height of luxury and sophistication in Buckingham Palace and at parties in London’s best hotels; the next they were plunged into the horror of another war, coming far too soon after the previous war that had devastated their parents’ generation.
I was inspired by how many of these girls threw themselves into the war effort, not only coping with the London Blitz, but learning how to type, or to nurse, or to drive trucks and change tyres. It was out of this fascination that my character George, or rather the Honourable Georgina Lenton was born, and, of course, I had to make her heroic.
Anne: And she is. The story takes us to some wonderful places — Cornwall, London, the Australian outback, New Guinea, and I have to say, you evoke those places superbly.
Barbara: Thank you, Anne. Evoking a sense of place has always been important for me as a writer. Settings can provide a wonderful layer of atmosphere.
I prefer to write about places I've actually visited and in the past I've written many stories about the Australian outback where I've spent a lot of time camping and canoeing. I've also been lucky enough to visit both London and Cornwall, so I enjoyed bringing these places to life, too. I love how totally different these settings are from Australia.
The sophistication of London and the stormy cliffs of Cornwall are a far cry from the red dirt of the Aussie outback and I do enjoy a strong contrast in settings! I think it helps to add drama to the story. 
I had planned to travel to New Guinea as well, but this idea was abandoned when my husband became ill. (He's fine now.) Fortunately though, the rainforest of Far North Queensland where I live is not all that different from New Guinea's mountains and jungle, so I felt comfortable about taking my readers there. (Note from Anne: the photos on this blog, of Cornwall and of the outback, are Barbara's)
Anne: You didn't only have to research history and geography to write THE SECRET YEARS, did you? Tell us a little about some of your other research.
Barbara: The heroine in the contemporary thread of this novel is Lucy Hunter, a female soldier returning to Australia from Afghanistan. Although my focus is mainly on Lucy's adjustments after arriving home, I also wanted to understand what she might have experienced in Afghanistan. Tracking down someone from the army who was prepared to answer my questions was quite a challenge. Going through official army channels became a nightmare, but eventually a kind friend of a friend who had a son in the army came to my rescue. My interview with a real soldier proved to be a highlight of my research and I'm very grateful to him.
Anne: Would you give us a brief taste of THE SECRET YEARS please?
Barbara: This 'after-dinner' scene takes place outdoors, by a lake on Georgina's family's estate in Cornwall. Harry has made the long journey back from Australia after the war.
Georgina couldn't stand it, couldn't bear the suspense a moment longer. 'Harry, please don't play games.'
'That's the last thing I want.'
'You are going to ask me to marry you, aren't you?'
'That's what I'd planned.' He seemed to speak with difficulty, as if he was dragging the words out. 'But I realise now that I was fooling myself.'
'Why?' The single word was a cry, a howl of despair.
'George, I –'
'You love me.' Georgina didn't care that she sounded desperate. Harry had told her that he loved her. So many times.
'The thing is… I have so little to offer you.'
So there it was. Just as she had feared. Harry had been overawed by her family, by the estate, the titles.
Here's a link to a longer excerpt. 
Anne: Lovely, thank you — and I loved the longer excerpt as well. So, what's next for Barbara Hannay?
Barbara: I've really enjoyed writing these dual time lines that combine a historical and contemporary thread, so I'm working on another one with the working title The Grazier's Wife. The settings for this will be Far North Queensland and wartime Singapore.
Anne: I'm looking forward to it. Thanks, Barb, for visiting the Word Wenches and sharing a little about THE SECRET YEARS with us.
Barbara: Thanks again, Anne for the invitation to join you here.
Anne: Barbara will be giving away a copy of THE SECRET YEARS to someone who leaves a comment or answers the following question: Do you enjoy reading books with dual timelines? Any favorites? What about WWII stories—do you enjoy them or not?
It makes it more interesting reading dual storyline as also you have to be with it.
It makes it more interesting reading dual storyline as also you have to be with it.
It makes it more interesting reading dual storyline as also you have to be with it.
It makes it more interesting reading dual storyline as also you have to be with it.
It makes it more interesting reading dual storyline as also you have to be with it.
Dual timelines themes are my favourite style of books to read. Barbara Erskines Lady of Hay was a great book in this style. I LOVED The secret Years. Loved it! 🙂
Dual timelines themes are my favourite style of books to read. Barbara Erskines Lady of Hay was a great book in this style. I LOVED The secret Years. Loved it! 🙂
Dual timelines themes are my favourite style of books to read. Barbara Erskines Lady of Hay was a great book in this style. I LOVED The secret Years. Loved it! 🙂
Dual timelines themes are my favourite style of books to read. Barbara Erskines Lady of Hay was a great book in this style. I LOVED The secret Years. Loved it! 🙂
Dual timelines themes are my favourite style of books to read. Barbara Erskines Lady of Hay was a great book in this style. I LOVED The secret Years. Loved it! 🙂
I’m glad you find them more interesting. I’ve certainly found them fun to write.
I’m glad you find them more interesting. I’ve certainly found them fun to write.
I’m glad you find them more interesting. I’ve certainly found them fun to write.
I’m glad you find them more interesting. I’ve certainly found them fun to write.
I’m glad you find them more interesting. I’ve certainly found them fun to write.
Thank you Anne-Marie. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. And thanks for the Barbara Erskine rec. I’ve been meaning to read her for ages now.
Thank you Anne-Marie. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. And thanks for the Barbara Erskine rec. I’ve been meaning to read her for ages now.
Thank you Anne-Marie. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. And thanks for the Barbara Erskine rec. I’ve been meaning to read her for ages now.
Thank you Anne-Marie. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. And thanks for the Barbara Erskine rec. I’ve been meaning to read her for ages now.
Thank you Anne-Marie. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. And thanks for the Barbara Erskine rec. I’ve been meaning to read her for ages now.
I love the sound of this and can’t wait to read it. I especially want to read about the young ladies whose lives changed so quickly. Thanks for a great interview. Carol x
I love the sound of this and can’t wait to read it. I especially want to read about the young ladies whose lives changed so quickly. Thanks for a great interview. Carol x
I love the sound of this and can’t wait to read it. I especially want to read about the young ladies whose lives changed so quickly. Thanks for a great interview. Carol x
I love the sound of this and can’t wait to read it. I especially want to read about the young ladies whose lives changed so quickly. Thanks for a great interview. Carol x
I love the sound of this and can’t wait to read it. I especially want to read about the young ladies whose lives changed so quickly. Thanks for a great interview. Carol x
Thanks Carol. I found the research about the London debs fascinating.
Thanks Carol. I found the research about the London debs fascinating.
Thanks Carol. I found the research about the London debs fascinating.
Thanks Carol. I found the research about the London debs fascinating.
Thanks Carol. I found the research about the London debs fascinating.
Barbara, thanks so much for visiting up at Word Wenches! The book sounds terrific. Like you, I find that WWII period fascinating, though I hadn’t specifically thought about going from the debutante’s ball to driving trucks and the rest. GREAT material–now I have to hop off and buy a copy!
Barbara, thanks so much for visiting up at Word Wenches! The book sounds terrific. Like you, I find that WWII period fascinating, though I hadn’t specifically thought about going from the debutante’s ball to driving trucks and the rest. GREAT material–now I have to hop off and buy a copy!
Barbara, thanks so much for visiting up at Word Wenches! The book sounds terrific. Like you, I find that WWII period fascinating, though I hadn’t specifically thought about going from the debutante’s ball to driving trucks and the rest. GREAT material–now I have to hop off and buy a copy!
Barbara, thanks so much for visiting up at Word Wenches! The book sounds terrific. Like you, I find that WWII period fascinating, though I hadn’t specifically thought about going from the debutante’s ball to driving trucks and the rest. GREAT material–now I have to hop off and buy a copy!
Barbara, thanks so much for visiting up at Word Wenches! The book sounds terrific. Like you, I find that WWII period fascinating, though I hadn’t specifically thought about going from the debutante’s ball to driving trucks and the rest. GREAT material–now I have to hop off and buy a copy!
Yes!! And yes!!!
In fact, I’m reading a WWII London and contemporary story now whose heroine was in the war in Afghanistan. Small world, and I’m personally glad WWII is becoming such a popular historical romance niche.
Yes!! And yes!!!
In fact, I’m reading a WWII London and contemporary story now whose heroine was in the war in Afghanistan. Small world, and I’m personally glad WWII is becoming such a popular historical romance niche.
Yes!! And yes!!!
In fact, I’m reading a WWII London and contemporary story now whose heroine was in the war in Afghanistan. Small world, and I’m personally glad WWII is becoming such a popular historical romance niche.
Yes!! And yes!!!
In fact, I’m reading a WWII London and contemporary story now whose heroine was in the war in Afghanistan. Small world, and I’m personally glad WWII is becoming such a popular historical romance niche.
Yes!! And yes!!!
In fact, I’m reading a WWII London and contemporary story now whose heroine was in the war in Afghanistan. Small world, and I’m personally glad WWII is becoming such a popular historical romance niche.
I don’t like dual timelines because usually there is no “happily everafter” in the first storyline. Reading is an escape for me! When it ends I want to go “Ahhhhhhhhh!”
I don’t like dual timelines because usually there is no “happily everafter” in the first storyline. Reading is an escape for me! When it ends I want to go “Ahhhhhhhhh!”
I don’t like dual timelines because usually there is no “happily everafter” in the first storyline. Reading is an escape for me! When it ends I want to go “Ahhhhhhhhh!”
I don’t like dual timelines because usually there is no “happily everafter” in the first storyline. Reading is an escape for me! When it ends I want to go “Ahhhhhhhhh!”
I don’t like dual timelines because usually there is no “happily everafter” in the first storyline. Reading is an escape for me! When it ends I want to go “Ahhhhhhhhh!”
I’ve been reading and enjoying Barbara Hannay’s Harlequin Romances for years and have also loved her mainstream books. The Secret Years looks absolutely stunning – I do hope that the Book Depository have it in stock.
I’m a huge fan of timeslip books. I love Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne (who incidentally also used to write for Harlequin Romance as Jessica Hart!).
I also looking forward to Nicola Cornick’s House of Shadows out later this year!
I’ve been reading and enjoying Barbara Hannay’s Harlequin Romances for years and have also loved her mainstream books. The Secret Years looks absolutely stunning – I do hope that the Book Depository have it in stock.
I’m a huge fan of timeslip books. I love Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne (who incidentally also used to write for Harlequin Romance as Jessica Hart!).
I also looking forward to Nicola Cornick’s House of Shadows out later this year!
I’ve been reading and enjoying Barbara Hannay’s Harlequin Romances for years and have also loved her mainstream books. The Secret Years looks absolutely stunning – I do hope that the Book Depository have it in stock.
I’m a huge fan of timeslip books. I love Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne (who incidentally also used to write for Harlequin Romance as Jessica Hart!).
I also looking forward to Nicola Cornick’s House of Shadows out later this year!
I’ve been reading and enjoying Barbara Hannay’s Harlequin Romances for years and have also loved her mainstream books. The Secret Years looks absolutely stunning – I do hope that the Book Depository have it in stock.
I’m a huge fan of timeslip books. I love Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne (who incidentally also used to write for Harlequin Romance as Jessica Hart!).
I also looking forward to Nicola Cornick’s House of Shadows out later this year!
I’ve been reading and enjoying Barbara Hannay’s Harlequin Romances for years and have also loved her mainstream books. The Secret Years looks absolutely stunning – I do hope that the Book Depository have it in stock.
I’m a huge fan of timeslip books. I love Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne (who incidentally also used to write for Harlequin Romance as Jessica Hart!).
I also looking forward to Nicola Cornick’s House of Shadows out later this year!
Thanks Mary Jo. I hope you enjoy.
Thanks Mary Jo. I hope you enjoy.
Thanks Mary Jo. I hope you enjoy.
Thanks Mary Jo. I hope you enjoy.
Thanks Mary Jo. I hope you enjoy.
Wow, what’s the name of the book you’re reading, Faith?
Wow, what’s the name of the book you’re reading, Faith?
Wow, what’s the name of the book you’re reading, Faith?
Wow, what’s the name of the book you’re reading, Faith?
Wow, what’s the name of the book you’re reading, Faith?
Yes, I do understand this, Margaetta, and I think you’ll find I’ve given my ending an ‘Ahhhh’ moment.
Yes, I do understand this, Margaetta, and I think you’ll find I’ve given my ending an ‘Ahhhh’ moment.
Yes, I do understand this, Margaetta, and I think you’ll find I’ve given my ending an ‘Ahhhh’ moment.
Yes, I do understand this, Margaetta, and I think you’ll find I’ve given my ending an ‘Ahhhh’ moment.
Yes, I do understand this, Margaetta, and I think you’ll find I’ve given my ending an ‘Ahhhh’ moment.
Thank you, Julie. Waving from DownUnder. I love Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne, too. I’m not sure if The Secret Years is available in the UK yet.
Thank you, Julie. Waving from DownUnder. I love Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne, too. I’m not sure if The Secret Years is available in the UK yet.
Thank you, Julie. Waving from DownUnder. I love Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne, too. I’m not sure if The Secret Years is available in the UK yet.
Thank you, Julie. Waving from DownUnder. I love Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne, too. I’m not sure if The Secret Years is available in the UK yet.
Thank you, Julie. Waving from DownUnder. I love Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne, too. I’m not sure if The Secret Years is available in the UK yet.
I’m a great fan of dual time frame novels. Books with links to World War II grab my attention immediately, but I don’t mind slipping further back in time. The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine is one of my World War II favourites. Other authors I’ve enjoyed are Rachel Hore, Emma Fraser, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley and Kate Morton. My most recent read was The Governor’s House by J.H. Fletcher. Barbara Hannay’s The Secret Years is in my reading pile, courtesy of my local library, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
I’m a great fan of dual time frame novels. Books with links to World War II grab my attention immediately, but I don’t mind slipping further back in time. The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine is one of my World War II favourites. Other authors I’ve enjoyed are Rachel Hore, Emma Fraser, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley and Kate Morton. My most recent read was The Governor’s House by J.H. Fletcher. Barbara Hannay’s The Secret Years is in my reading pile, courtesy of my local library, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
I’m a great fan of dual time frame novels. Books with links to World War II grab my attention immediately, but I don’t mind slipping further back in time. The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine is one of my World War II favourites. Other authors I’ve enjoyed are Rachel Hore, Emma Fraser, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley and Kate Morton. My most recent read was The Governor’s House by J.H. Fletcher. Barbara Hannay’s The Secret Years is in my reading pile, courtesy of my local library, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
I’m a great fan of dual time frame novels. Books with links to World War II grab my attention immediately, but I don’t mind slipping further back in time. The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine is one of my World War II favourites. Other authors I’ve enjoyed are Rachel Hore, Emma Fraser, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley and Kate Morton. My most recent read was The Governor’s House by J.H. Fletcher. Barbara Hannay’s The Secret Years is in my reading pile, courtesy of my local library, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
I’m a great fan of dual time frame novels. Books with links to World War II grab my attention immediately, but I don’t mind slipping further back in time. The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine is one of my World War II favourites. Other authors I’ve enjoyed are Rachel Hore, Emma Fraser, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley and Kate Morton. My most recent read was The Governor’s House by J.H. Fletcher. Barbara Hannay’s The Secret Years is in my reading pile, courtesy of my local library, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Thanks for yet another Barbara Erskine recommendation, Yvonne. I can see I must read her. I hope you enjoy The Secret Years!
Thanks for yet another Barbara Erskine recommendation, Yvonne. I can see I must read her. I hope you enjoy The Secret Years!
Thanks for yet another Barbara Erskine recommendation, Yvonne. I can see I must read her. I hope you enjoy The Secret Years!
Thanks for yet another Barbara Erskine recommendation, Yvonne. I can see I must read her. I hope you enjoy The Secret Years!
Thanks for yet another Barbara Erskine recommendation, Yvonne. I can see I must read her. I hope you enjoy The Secret Years!
Thanks, Julie
"Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne " — you've just named some of my favorite authors, here — Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pam Hartshorne have all been regularly featured on our regular end-of-month "What We're Reading" round up, and Susanna and Pamela are both honorary wordwenches, having done at least one guest appearance here. Barbara Erskine is the only one I haven't read, and clearly I need to, as you're the second wenchly reader who's mentioned her in this comment stream. 🙂
Thanks, Julie
"Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne " — you've just named some of my favorite authors, here — Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pam Hartshorne have all been regularly featured on our regular end-of-month "What We're Reading" round up, and Susanna and Pamela are both honorary wordwenches, having done at least one guest appearance here. Barbara Erskine is the only one I haven't read, and clearly I need to, as you're the second wenchly reader who's mentioned her in this comment stream. 🙂
Thanks, Julie
"Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne " — you've just named some of my favorite authors, here — Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pam Hartshorne have all been regularly featured on our regular end-of-month "What We're Reading" round up, and Susanna and Pamela are both honorary wordwenches, having done at least one guest appearance here. Barbara Erskine is the only one I haven't read, and clearly I need to, as you're the second wenchly reader who's mentioned her in this comment stream. 🙂
Thanks, Julie
"Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne " — you've just named some of my favorite authors, here — Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pam Hartshorne have all been regularly featured on our regular end-of-month "What We're Reading" round up, and Susanna and Pamela are both honorary wordwenches, having done at least one guest appearance here. Barbara Erskine is the only one I haven't read, and clearly I need to, as you're the second wenchly reader who's mentioned her in this comment stream. 🙂
Thanks, Julie
"Barbara Erskine, Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pamela Hartshorne " — you've just named some of my favorite authors, here — Christina Courtenay, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Pam Hartshorne have all been regularly featured on our regular end-of-month "What We're Reading" round up, and Susanna and Pamela are both honorary wordwenches, having done at least one guest appearance here. Barbara Erskine is the only one I haven't read, and clearly I need to, as you're the second wenchly reader who's mentioned her in this comment stream. 🙂
Margaretta, Barbara is an absolute romantic, and would not leave readers feeling gutted at the end, believe me. 🙂
Margaretta, Barbara is an absolute romantic, and would not leave readers feeling gutted at the end, believe me. 🙂
Margaretta, Barbara is an absolute romantic, and would not leave readers feeling gutted at the end, believe me. 🙂
Margaretta, Barbara is an absolute romantic, and would not leave readers feeling gutted at the end, believe me. 🙂
Margaretta, Barbara is an absolute romantic, and would not leave readers feeling gutted at the end, believe me. 🙂
The Emerald Brooch, by Katherine Lowry Logan. I’m working on an advance copy, but it should be available November 1. The heroine is a US citizen instead of Australian, and there’s a time travel twist that’s fun. Can hardly wait to read yours, and hope it’s a bestseller, Barbara!
Cheers,
Faith
The Emerald Brooch, by Katherine Lowry Logan. I’m working on an advance copy, but it should be available November 1. The heroine is a US citizen instead of Australian, and there’s a time travel twist that’s fun. Can hardly wait to read yours, and hope it’s a bestseller, Barbara!
Cheers,
Faith
The Emerald Brooch, by Katherine Lowry Logan. I’m working on an advance copy, but it should be available November 1. The heroine is a US citizen instead of Australian, and there’s a time travel twist that’s fun. Can hardly wait to read yours, and hope it’s a bestseller, Barbara!
Cheers,
Faith
The Emerald Brooch, by Katherine Lowry Logan. I’m working on an advance copy, but it should be available November 1. The heroine is a US citizen instead of Australian, and there’s a time travel twist that’s fun. Can hardly wait to read yours, and hope it’s a bestseller, Barbara!
Cheers,
Faith
The Emerald Brooch, by Katherine Lowry Logan. I’m working on an advance copy, but it should be available November 1. The heroine is a US citizen instead of Australian, and there’s a time travel twist that’s fun. Can hardly wait to read yours, and hope it’s a bestseller, Barbara!
Cheers,
Faith
Thank you, Faith. I’ll look out for The Emerald Brooch. Time travel sounds like an interesting twist.
Thank you, Faith. I’ll look out for The Emerald Brooch. Time travel sounds like an interesting twist.
Thank you, Faith. I’ll look out for The Emerald Brooch. Time travel sounds like an interesting twist.
Thank you, Faith. I’ll look out for The Emerald Brooch. Time travel sounds like an interesting twist.
Thank you, Faith. I’ll look out for The Emerald Brooch. Time travel sounds like an interesting twist.
Thanks for the great interview. I am definitely more interested in the book now.
Thanks for the great interview. I am definitely more interested in the book now.
Thanks for the great interview. I am definitely more interested in the book now.
Thanks for the great interview. I am definitely more interested in the book now.
Thanks for the great interview. I am definitely more interested in the book now.
That’s great. Thanks Christina.
That’s great. Thanks Christina.
That’s great. Thanks Christina.
That’s great. Thanks Christina.
That’s great. Thanks Christina.
I don’t much care for dual time line books because far too often the story set earlier ends on a down note. I also usually dislike sequels or generational stories because the second story usually disturbs the HEA of the first one.After the first couple achieves their HEA, I don’t want to see them suffer because their children make the same mistakes or show little sign of having been brought up correctly.
I don’t much care for dual time line books because far too often the story set earlier ends on a down note. I also usually dislike sequels or generational stories because the second story usually disturbs the HEA of the first one.After the first couple achieves their HEA, I don’t want to see them suffer because their children make the same mistakes or show little sign of having been brought up correctly.
I don’t much care for dual time line books because far too often the story set earlier ends on a down note. I also usually dislike sequels or generational stories because the second story usually disturbs the HEA of the first one.After the first couple achieves their HEA, I don’t want to see them suffer because their children make the same mistakes or show little sign of having been brought up correctly.
I don’t much care for dual time line books because far too often the story set earlier ends on a down note. I also usually dislike sequels or generational stories because the second story usually disturbs the HEA of the first one.After the first couple achieves their HEA, I don’t want to see them suffer because their children make the same mistakes or show little sign of having been brought up correctly.
I don’t much care for dual time line books because far too often the story set earlier ends on a down note. I also usually dislike sequels or generational stories because the second story usually disturbs the HEA of the first one.After the first couple achieves their HEA, I don’t want to see them suffer because their children make the same mistakes or show little sign of having been brought up correctly.
LOVELY interview, Barbara and Anne. The story sounds wonderful! The time period is fascinating—like the Regency, an era where war was causing so much personal upheaval as well as the larger devastations. And I love family sagas that twine in how the choices we make ripple out to affect the lives of others. Can’t wait to read this!
LOVELY interview, Barbara and Anne. The story sounds wonderful! The time period is fascinating—like the Regency, an era where war was causing so much personal upheaval as well as the larger devastations. And I love family sagas that twine in how the choices we make ripple out to affect the lives of others. Can’t wait to read this!
LOVELY interview, Barbara and Anne. The story sounds wonderful! The time period is fascinating—like the Regency, an era where war was causing so much personal upheaval as well as the larger devastations. And I love family sagas that twine in how the choices we make ripple out to affect the lives of others. Can’t wait to read this!
LOVELY interview, Barbara and Anne. The story sounds wonderful! The time period is fascinating—like the Regency, an era where war was causing so much personal upheaval as well as the larger devastations. And I love family sagas that twine in how the choices we make ripple out to affect the lives of others. Can’t wait to read this!
LOVELY interview, Barbara and Anne. The story sounds wonderful! The time period is fascinating—like the Regency, an era where war was causing so much personal upheaval as well as the larger devastations. And I love family sagas that twine in how the choices we make ripple out to affect the lives of others. Can’t wait to read this!
Those are interesting concerns, Nancy. I’ve worked hard to give all three generations satisfying, uplifting endings, even though not everything that happens is perfect. I think I’ve been writing romance for too long to risk letting my readers down. But you’re entitled to your opinion, of course.
Those are interesting concerns, Nancy. I’ve worked hard to give all three generations satisfying, uplifting endings, even though not everything that happens is perfect. I think I’ve been writing romance for too long to risk letting my readers down. But you’re entitled to your opinion, of course.
Those are interesting concerns, Nancy. I’ve worked hard to give all three generations satisfying, uplifting endings, even though not everything that happens is perfect. I think I’ve been writing romance for too long to risk letting my readers down. But you’re entitled to your opinion, of course.
Those are interesting concerns, Nancy. I’ve worked hard to give all three generations satisfying, uplifting endings, even though not everything that happens is perfect. I think I’ve been writing romance for too long to risk letting my readers down. But you’re entitled to your opinion, of course.
Those are interesting concerns, Nancy. I’ve worked hard to give all three generations satisfying, uplifting endings, even though not everything that happens is perfect. I think I’ve been writing romance for too long to risk letting my readers down. But you’re entitled to your opinion, of course.
Thank you, Cara/Andrea. It was certainly interesting to explore the ripple effect within the generations.
Thank you, Cara/Andrea. It was certainly interesting to explore the ripple effect within the generations.
Thank you, Cara/Andrea. It was certainly interesting to explore the ripple effect within the generations.
Thank you, Cara/Andrea. It was certainly interesting to explore the ripple effect within the generations.
Thank you, Cara/Andrea. It was certainly interesting to explore the ripple effect within the generations.
I should add, a thank you for sharing your thoughts, Nancy. They’re certainly worth bearing in mind.
I should add, a thank you for sharing your thoughts, Nancy. They’re certainly worth bearing in mind.
I should add, a thank you for sharing your thoughts, Nancy. They’re certainly worth bearing in mind.
I should add, a thank you for sharing your thoughts, Nancy. They’re certainly worth bearing in mind.
I should add, a thank you for sharing your thoughts, Nancy. They’re certainly worth bearing in mind.
The Secret Years was a beautiful read. I like the dual timelines in the story. Harry was such a phenomenal character to read and the character development in the story was some magic reading. Congratulations on a fabulous book Barbara and a great interview to read Anne 🙂
The Secret Years was a beautiful read. I like the dual timelines in the story. Harry was such a phenomenal character to read and the character development in the story was some magic reading. Congratulations on a fabulous book Barbara and a great interview to read Anne 🙂
The Secret Years was a beautiful read. I like the dual timelines in the story. Harry was such a phenomenal character to read and the character development in the story was some magic reading. Congratulations on a fabulous book Barbara and a great interview to read Anne 🙂
The Secret Years was a beautiful read. I like the dual timelines in the story. Harry was such a phenomenal character to read and the character development in the story was some magic reading. Congratulations on a fabulous book Barbara and a great interview to read Anne 🙂
The Secret Years was a beautiful read. I like the dual timelines in the story. Harry was such a phenomenal character to read and the character development in the story was some magic reading. Congratulations on a fabulous book Barbara and a great interview to read Anne 🙂
I enjoy Dual Time frame novels greatly. They are memorable, captivating and unforgettable. I especially love World War 11 novels since that is my favorite era. Novels by Kimberley Freeman such as The Forgotten Garden, Letters to the lost, Juliet by Anne Fortier, A cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware.
I enjoy Dual Time frame novels greatly. They are memorable, captivating and unforgettable. I especially love World War 11 novels since that is my favorite era. Novels by Kimberley Freeman such as The Forgotten Garden, Letters to the lost, Juliet by Anne Fortier, A cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware.
I enjoy Dual Time frame novels greatly. They are memorable, captivating and unforgettable. I especially love World War 11 novels since that is my favorite era. Novels by Kimberley Freeman such as The Forgotten Garden, Letters to the lost, Juliet by Anne Fortier, A cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware.
I enjoy Dual Time frame novels greatly. They are memorable, captivating and unforgettable. I especially love World War 11 novels since that is my favorite era. Novels by Kimberley Freeman such as The Forgotten Garden, Letters to the lost, Juliet by Anne Fortier, A cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware.
I enjoy Dual Time frame novels greatly. They are memorable, captivating and unforgettable. I especially love World War 11 novels since that is my favorite era. Novels by Kimberley Freeman such as The Forgotten Garden, Letters to the lost, Juliet by Anne Fortier, A cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware.
What a fascinating post which resonates with me. The Secret years sounds like a treasure which I would cherish and enjoy. The story and characters are meaningful and wonderful. I love dual time frame stories since they reach out to me and make me feel the emotions, and lives of so many characters. Time and Again by Jack Finney. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. The Memory Garden by Rachel Hore are all exceptional. World War 11 is my era which I appreciate and enjoy the most.
What a fascinating post which resonates with me. The Secret years sounds like a treasure which I would cherish and enjoy. The story and characters are meaningful and wonderful. I love dual time frame stories since they reach out to me and make me feel the emotions, and lives of so many characters. Time and Again by Jack Finney. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. The Memory Garden by Rachel Hore are all exceptional. World War 11 is my era which I appreciate and enjoy the most.
What a fascinating post which resonates with me. The Secret years sounds like a treasure which I would cherish and enjoy. The story and characters are meaningful and wonderful. I love dual time frame stories since they reach out to me and make me feel the emotions, and lives of so many characters. Time and Again by Jack Finney. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. The Memory Garden by Rachel Hore are all exceptional. World War 11 is my era which I appreciate and enjoy the most.
What a fascinating post which resonates with me. The Secret years sounds like a treasure which I would cherish and enjoy. The story and characters are meaningful and wonderful. I love dual time frame stories since they reach out to me and make me feel the emotions, and lives of so many characters. Time and Again by Jack Finney. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. The Memory Garden by Rachel Hore are all exceptional. World War 11 is my era which I appreciate and enjoy the most.
What a fascinating post which resonates with me. The Secret years sounds like a treasure which I would cherish and enjoy. The story and characters are meaningful and wonderful. I love dual time frame stories since they reach out to me and make me feel the emotions, and lives of so many characters. Time and Again by Jack Finney. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. The Memory Garden by Rachel Hore are all exceptional. World War 11 is my era which I appreciate and enjoy the most.
I plan to look into “The Secret Years.”
For me World War II stories are a different view of my life’s timeline. I remember 1939. I remember waiting in St. Louis, Missouri to learn if two family friends who were separately turing Europe got out safely (they did). I remember hearing President Roosevelt’s “This is a day that will live in infamy” speech. — and so on. But I experienced all this from the true safety of the center of the U. S. Midwest. So the actual war stories are an entirely different look at the sime period (from the inside as it were).
I plan to look into “The Secret Years.”
For me World War II stories are a different view of my life’s timeline. I remember 1939. I remember waiting in St. Louis, Missouri to learn if two family friends who were separately turing Europe got out safely (they did). I remember hearing President Roosevelt’s “This is a day that will live in infamy” speech. — and so on. But I experienced all this from the true safety of the center of the U. S. Midwest. So the actual war stories are an entirely different look at the sime period (from the inside as it were).
I plan to look into “The Secret Years.”
For me World War II stories are a different view of my life’s timeline. I remember 1939. I remember waiting in St. Louis, Missouri to learn if two family friends who were separately turing Europe got out safely (they did). I remember hearing President Roosevelt’s “This is a day that will live in infamy” speech. — and so on. But I experienced all this from the true safety of the center of the U. S. Midwest. So the actual war stories are an entirely different look at the sime period (from the inside as it were).
I plan to look into “The Secret Years.”
For me World War II stories are a different view of my life’s timeline. I remember 1939. I remember waiting in St. Louis, Missouri to learn if two family friends who were separately turing Europe got out safely (they did). I remember hearing President Roosevelt’s “This is a day that will live in infamy” speech. — and so on. But I experienced all this from the true safety of the center of the U. S. Midwest. So the actual war stories are an entirely different look at the sime period (from the inside as it were).
I plan to look into “The Secret Years.”
For me World War II stories are a different view of my life’s timeline. I remember 1939. I remember waiting in St. Louis, Missouri to learn if two family friends who were separately turing Europe got out safely (they did). I remember hearing President Roosevelt’s “This is a day that will live in infamy” speech. — and so on. But I experienced all this from the true safety of the center of the U. S. Midwest. So the actual war stories are an entirely different look at the sime period (from the inside as it were).
Thank you, Karen. I’m thrilled that you liked Harry so much.
Thank you, Karen. I’m thrilled that you liked Harry so much.
Thank you, Karen. I’m thrilled that you liked Harry so much.
Thank you, Karen. I’m thrilled that you liked Harry so much.
Thank you, Karen. I’m thrilled that you liked Harry so much.
Wow, thank you for those suggestions, Pearl. I’m making a fabulous TBR list thanks to Wenchly readers.
Wow, thank you for those suggestions, Pearl. I’m making a fabulous TBR list thanks to Wenchly readers.
Wow, thank you for those suggestions, Pearl. I’m making a fabulous TBR list thanks to Wenchly readers.
Wow, thank you for those suggestions, Pearl. I’m making a fabulous TBR list thanks to Wenchly readers.
Wow, thank you for those suggestions, Pearl. I’m making a fabulous TBR list thanks to Wenchly readers.
More great titles. Thank you! And I’m so pleased that The Secret Years concept appeals.
More great titles. Thank you! And I’m so pleased that The Secret Years concept appeals.
More great titles. Thank you! And I’m so pleased that The Secret Years concept appeals.
More great titles. Thank you! And I’m so pleased that The Secret Years concept appeals.
More great titles. Thank you! And I’m so pleased that The Secret Years concept appeals.
Thank you, Sue. My interest in WW2 started when thousands of American servicemen returned to North Queensland to commemorate fifty years after Victory in the Pacific. Listening to their stories and to the stories of people in our city who had lived through the war years really set my imagination flying.
Thank you, Sue. My interest in WW2 started when thousands of American servicemen returned to North Queensland to commemorate fifty years after Victory in the Pacific. Listening to their stories and to the stories of people in our city who had lived through the war years really set my imagination flying.
Thank you, Sue. My interest in WW2 started when thousands of American servicemen returned to North Queensland to commemorate fifty years after Victory in the Pacific. Listening to their stories and to the stories of people in our city who had lived through the war years really set my imagination flying.
Thank you, Sue. My interest in WW2 started when thousands of American servicemen returned to North Queensland to commemorate fifty years after Victory in the Pacific. Listening to their stories and to the stories of people in our city who had lived through the war years really set my imagination flying.
Thank you, Sue. My interest in WW2 started when thousands of American servicemen returned to North Queensland to commemorate fifty years after Victory in the Pacific. Listening to their stories and to the stories of people in our city who had lived through the war years really set my imagination flying.
Yes to both questions. Some stories with dual timelines that I’ve enjoyed are The Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig, as well as several of Connie Willis’s books. Michael Crichton’s Timeline would also fit the definition. I could probably easily think of many more!
Yes to both questions. Some stories with dual timelines that I’ve enjoyed are The Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig, as well as several of Connie Willis’s books. Michael Crichton’s Timeline would also fit the definition. I could probably easily think of many more!
Yes to both questions. Some stories with dual timelines that I’ve enjoyed are The Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig, as well as several of Connie Willis’s books. Michael Crichton’s Timeline would also fit the definition. I could probably easily think of many more!
Yes to both questions. Some stories with dual timelines that I’ve enjoyed are The Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig, as well as several of Connie Willis’s books. Michael Crichton’s Timeline would also fit the definition. I could probably easily think of many more!
Yes to both questions. Some stories with dual timelines that I’ve enjoyed are The Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig, as well as several of Connie Willis’s books. Michael Crichton’s Timeline would also fit the definition. I could probably easily think of many more!
"making a fabulous TBR list from wenchly readers" — hmm this rings a bell indeed, Barbara. This also happens at the end of every month, when the wenches share what they've been reading and enjoying, and (and we all buy books) and then wenchly readers fill the comment stream with what they've been reading and enjoying during the last month — and we all go shopping again. We're really all just book addicts — but what a wonderful addiction to share.
"making a fabulous TBR list from wenchly readers" — hmm this rings a bell indeed, Barbara. This also happens at the end of every month, when the wenches share what they've been reading and enjoying, and (and we all buy books) and then wenchly readers fill the comment stream with what they've been reading and enjoying during the last month — and we all go shopping again. We're really all just book addicts — but what a wonderful addiction to share.
"making a fabulous TBR list from wenchly readers" — hmm this rings a bell indeed, Barbara. This also happens at the end of every month, when the wenches share what they've been reading and enjoying, and (and we all buy books) and then wenchly readers fill the comment stream with what they've been reading and enjoying during the last month — and we all go shopping again. We're really all just book addicts — but what a wonderful addiction to share.
"making a fabulous TBR list from wenchly readers" — hmm this rings a bell indeed, Barbara. This also happens at the end of every month, when the wenches share what they've been reading and enjoying, and (and we all buy books) and then wenchly readers fill the comment stream with what they've been reading and enjoying during the last month — and we all go shopping again. We're really all just book addicts — but what a wonderful addiction to share.
"making a fabulous TBR list from wenchly readers" — hmm this rings a bell indeed, Barbara. This also happens at the end of every month, when the wenches share what they've been reading and enjoying, and (and we all buy books) and then wenchly readers fill the comment stream with what they've been reading and enjoying during the last month — and we all go shopping again. We're really all just book addicts — but what a wonderful addiction to share.
More titles. Thanks Jane!
More titles. Thanks Jane!
More titles. Thanks Jane!
More titles. Thanks Jane!
More titles. Thanks Jane!
That sounds fabulous, Anne. I can see I’ll have to drop by for more of these book suggestions. It’s always exciting to discover new “favourite” authors.
That sounds fabulous, Anne. I can see I’ll have to drop by for more of these book suggestions. It’s always exciting to discover new “favourite” authors.
That sounds fabulous, Anne. I can see I’ll have to drop by for more of these book suggestions. It’s always exciting to discover new “favourite” authors.
That sounds fabulous, Anne. I can see I’ll have to drop by for more of these book suggestions. It’s always exciting to discover new “favourite” authors.
That sounds fabulous, Anne. I can see I’ll have to drop by for more of these book suggestions. It’s always exciting to discover new “favourite” authors.
I absolutely loved this book, and made a note to buy a few copies as Christmas presents. It’s one of those stories you keep on thinking about after you’ve finished it.
Obviously I don’t need to be entered to win!
I absolutely loved this book, and made a note to buy a few copies as Christmas presents. It’s one of those stories you keep on thinking about after you’ve finished it.
Obviously I don’t need to be entered to win!
I absolutely loved this book, and made a note to buy a few copies as Christmas presents. It’s one of those stories you keep on thinking about after you’ve finished it.
Obviously I don’t need to be entered to win!
I absolutely loved this book, and made a note to buy a few copies as Christmas presents. It’s one of those stories you keep on thinking about after you’ve finished it.
Obviously I don’t need to be entered to win!
I absolutely loved this book, and made a note to buy a few copies as Christmas presents. It’s one of those stories you keep on thinking about after you’ve finished it.
Obviously I don’t need to be entered to win!
Thank you so much, Sonya, both for your kind words and for your Christmassy intentions.:)
Thank you so much, Sonya, both for your kind words and for your Christmassy intentions.:)
Thank you so much, Sonya, both for your kind words and for your Christmassy intentions.:)
Thank you so much, Sonya, both for your kind words and for your Christmassy intentions.:)
Thank you so much, Sonya, both for your kind words and for your Christmassy intentions.:)
I LOVE dual timeline books. The past demonstrates former lifestyles, but the present shows how our human capacity to hope, dream and love in any era. My favorite is Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balsam. It deals with kindness and treachery in Poland during WWII told by a brother, the recipient of the disloyalty. The dual timeline makes it so riveting and powerful.
I LOVE dual timeline books. The past demonstrates former lifestyles, but the present shows how our human capacity to hope, dream and love in any era. My favorite is Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balsam. It deals with kindness and treachery in Poland during WWII told by a brother, the recipient of the disloyalty. The dual timeline makes it so riveting and powerful.
I LOVE dual timeline books. The past demonstrates former lifestyles, but the present shows how our human capacity to hope, dream and love in any era. My favorite is Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balsam. It deals with kindness and treachery in Poland during WWII told by a brother, the recipient of the disloyalty. The dual timeline makes it so riveting and powerful.
I LOVE dual timeline books. The past demonstrates former lifestyles, but the present shows how our human capacity to hope, dream and love in any era. My favorite is Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balsam. It deals with kindness and treachery in Poland during WWII told by a brother, the recipient of the disloyalty. The dual timeline makes it so riveting and powerful.
I LOVE dual timeline books. The past demonstrates former lifestyles, but the present shows how our human capacity to hope, dream and love in any era. My favorite is Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balsam. It deals with kindness and treachery in Poland during WWII told by a brother, the recipient of the disloyalty. The dual timeline makes it so riveting and powerful.
That sounds like a wonderful book, Gloria. We certainly have collected some lovely recommendations in the comment stream this time. Thanks, everyone.
That sounds like a wonderful book, Gloria. We certainly have collected some lovely recommendations in the comment stream this time. Thanks, everyone.
That sounds like a wonderful book, Gloria. We certainly have collected some lovely recommendations in the comment stream this time. Thanks, everyone.
That sounds like a wonderful book, Gloria. We certainly have collected some lovely recommendations in the comment stream this time. Thanks, everyone.
That sounds like a wonderful book, Gloria. We certainly have collected some lovely recommendations in the comment stream this time. Thanks, everyone.
Thanks Gloria. Another great title to add to my list. Although I mostly read novels written by women, I do I like to read men’s writing. This sounds very interesting.
Thanks Gloria. Another great title to add to my list. Although I mostly read novels written by women, I do I like to read men’s writing. This sounds very interesting.
Thanks Gloria. Another great title to add to my list. Although I mostly read novels written by women, I do I like to read men’s writing. This sounds very interesting.
Thanks Gloria. Another great title to add to my list. Although I mostly read novels written by women, I do I like to read men’s writing. This sounds very interesting.
Thanks Gloria. Another great title to add to my list. Although I mostly read novels written by women, I do I like to read men’s writing. This sounds very interesting.
I love dual timeline stories. Also time slip and anything at all set in WW1 or WW2. Barbara Erskine is one of my favourite authors of the genre. Another great book is The House On The Strand by Daphne DuMaurier. A truly great read. Can’t wait to read The Secret Years and Nicola Cornicks’ new book later in the year.
I love dual timeline stories. Also time slip and anything at all set in WW1 or WW2. Barbara Erskine is one of my favourite authors of the genre. Another great book is The House On The Strand by Daphne DuMaurier. A truly great read. Can’t wait to read The Secret Years and Nicola Cornicks’ new book later in the year.
I love dual timeline stories. Also time slip and anything at all set in WW1 or WW2. Barbara Erskine is one of my favourite authors of the genre. Another great book is The House On The Strand by Daphne DuMaurier. A truly great read. Can’t wait to read The Secret Years and Nicola Cornicks’ new book later in the year.
I love dual timeline stories. Also time slip and anything at all set in WW1 or WW2. Barbara Erskine is one of my favourite authors of the genre. Another great book is The House On The Strand by Daphne DuMaurier. A truly great read. Can’t wait to read The Secret Years and Nicola Cornicks’ new book later in the year.
I love dual timeline stories. Also time slip and anything at all set in WW1 or WW2. Barbara Erskine is one of my favourite authors of the genre. Another great book is The House On The Strand by Daphne DuMaurier. A truly great read. Can’t wait to read The Secret Years and Nicola Cornicks’ new book later in the year.
Thanks Teresa — yes, I'm waiting eagerly for Nicola's Time Slip too.
Thanks Teresa — yes, I'm waiting eagerly for Nicola's Time Slip too.
Thanks Teresa — yes, I'm waiting eagerly for Nicola's Time Slip too.
Thanks Teresa — yes, I'm waiting eagerly for Nicola's Time Slip too.
Thanks Teresa — yes, I'm waiting eagerly for Nicola's Time Slip too.
The winner for this post has been drawn and contacted — it’s JANE. Thank you all for the lovely discussion and thank you to Barb Hannay for being such a lovely guest.
The winner for this post has been drawn and contacted — it’s JANE. Thank you all for the lovely discussion and thank you to Barb Hannay for being such a lovely guest.
The winner for this post has been drawn and contacted — it’s JANE. Thank you all for the lovely discussion and thank you to Barb Hannay for being such a lovely guest.
The winner for this post has been drawn and contacted — it’s JANE. Thank you all for the lovely discussion and thank you to Barb Hannay for being such a lovely guest.
The winner for this post has been drawn and contacted — it’s JANE. Thank you all for the lovely discussion and thank you to Barb Hannay for being such a lovely guest.