Secrets of a Charmed Life

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It is a wonderful story about two sisters who become separated in the London Blitz (1940) at the start of WWII. Well written. It will bring tears to your eyes. Good from the beginning to the end.

This was a different twist to the WWII genre of books. The story of the children evacuated to the country the the devastation to the families as a result of the bombing of London was eye opening.

The characters were compelling and the story was beautifully woven with loss, despair, love and hope. The narration was superb! Well done!

Awesome. I cried at the end. Really great story full of remarkable characters. I will definitely look for more from this author.

Enchanting, Intriguing, Powerful

The two sisters, Emmy and Julia - both superbly drawn.

It's mainly a narrative spoken by Emmeline, and Alana's interpretation was lovely.

It was a story about two sisters, Julia and Emmeline, who were separated at the beginning of the Blitz on London. Both of these characters were equally memorable.

I truly enjoy historical novels -- stories set in the past-- but this was more than that. Ms. Meissner's tale of what innocent civilian's of London endured during Hitler's assault on the city and the surrounding area, was the most emotionally evocative telling of this bit of history that I have ever read. The intimate details, sometimes grotesque and sometimes touchingly beautiful, provided a perspective on this brief period that I had never considered. But most significant was her insight into the human experience, the weaknesses and strengths of the human mind and heart. Almost immediately, I felt like I knew Emmeline - her free spirit and rebellion against her mother's authority mixed believably with her love and protectiveness towards her little sister, Julia. The relationship of these two half-sisters is timeless. Every twist and turn of their young lives as they faced and triumphed over the horrors of loss and destruction all around, kept me longing to know where their choices would lead them next.

When reading for enjoyment, I tend to want everything to fall into place, not predictably, but neatly with a happily ever after tone. This is not what I found in Secrets of a Charmed Life. I found much more. An intriguingly complex tale with events as varied and unsettling as life itself. And, as is often the case in life, Ms. Meissner reminds us that troubled times do not preclude rich and precious rewards.

This was well written and the story, beautifully told. It made me interested in the London Blitz and how people were affected- forever.

This was a wonderful story of love & sacrifice! Please add this book to your listening library. You won't regret it!

Fate vs. Providence

The Secret Life of Bees because it is also historical fiction and documents a young girl's emotional journey in dealing with her perceived guilt over her mother's death and how she found a safe place in Miss August's home and family.

Juliana. She was so different from Isabel and was a pleasant surprise later in the book.

Isabel. Because she was two people in one. I think that her journey to make peace with her two identities and the impact this had on her loved ones was a message of hope and tolerance for the healing process that many cultures do not embrace. It is an individual journey as was clearly exemplified by both sisters. No one can do this for you.

I enjoy Alana Kerr's narration which is what led me to this book. Plus I learned something new about the war along with the author regarding the foster program for London's children. I think the author kept the backdrop simple while creating a complex web of emotions and people which is a fair balance. Some author's of historical fiction tend to overwhelm readers with what they know. I'm sure the temptation was there but overall, a good read.

This is not to be missed! Such a terrific story and performance. Can't wait to download another book.

It's a fine story, and the reader is very good, but overall it's a shallow story. I'd hoped for richer symbolism and more complex character relationships.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. At first I thought it might not be my cup of tea; however I remained steadfast and it was worth it. Great story and fine mystery. I saw another side of the lives of the kids who were evacuated to the English countryside during the war. It wasn't always a beautiful life. As for the war, total devastation, nothing new there.