LoveReading Says
The final novel in the historical romance series where, like The Sliver Locket and The Golden Chain, our heroine faces a romantic dilemma, this time in the shape of twins, Stephen and Robert. These are compelling reads packed with historical detail and Cassie our central leading lady is a bit like a Jane Eyre of the 1940’s. They are perfect for anyone looking for a little escape from their daily grind.
Sarah Broadhurst
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The Penny Bangle Synopsis
When should you trust your heart? It's 1942 when Cassie Taylor reluctantly leaves Birmingham to become a land girl on a farm in Dorset. There she meets Robert and Stephen Denham, twins recovering from injuries sustained at Dunkirk. Cassie is instantly drawn to Stephen, but is wary of the more complex Robert - who doesn't seem to like Cassie one little bit. At first, Robert wants to sack the inexperienced city girl. But Cassie soon learns, and Robert comes to admire her courage, finding himself deeply attracted to Cassie. Just as their romance blossoms, he's called back into active service. Anxious to have adventures herself, Cassie joins the ATS. In Egypt, she meets up with Robert, and they become engaged. However, war separates them again as Robert is sent to Italy and Cassie back to the UK. Robert is reported missing, presumed dead. Stephen wants to take Robert's place in Cassie's heart. But will Cassie stay true to the memory of her first love, and will Robert come home again?
About This Edition
About Margaret James
Margaret James was born and brought up in Hereford. She studied English at London University, and has written many short stories, articles and serials for magazines. She is the author of fifteen published novels. This is Margaret’s third Choc Lit novel. Her first The Silver Locket, received a glowing review from the Daily Mail and reached the Top 20 Small Publishers Fiction List in November 2010.
It was also selected as a Valentine pick at Lovereading in February 2011 and a Reviewers’ Choice Award for 2010 at Single Titles. The Golden Chain also hit the Top 20 Small Publishers Fiction List in May 2011.
Margaret is a long standing contributor to Writing Magazine for which she writes the Fiction Focus column and an author interview for each issue. She's also a creative writing tutor for the London School of Journalism.
An active member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, she contributed to the 50th anniversary anthology Loves Me, Loves Me Not. Margaret's short story is The Service of My Lady.
Below is a Q&A with this author.
Who’s your favourite author?
Jane Austen – nobody does it like Jane.
Who is your favourite literary character?
Catherine Morland, the heroine of Northanger Abbey. She’s intensely romantic and imaginative. She’s just as naïve as I was at her age, but she’s also funny, brave and charming. The hero Henry Tilney is a very lucky man.
What’s the first book you remember reading?
Winnie the Pooh.
How would you describe your novel?
It’s a contemporary romantic comedy starring a feisty Cinderella, a gorgeous Prince Charming and a terrifying Fairy Godmother who seriously frightened me.
What gave you the inspiration for the story?
I saw a competition to win a fabulous dream wedding and thought - what would you do if you won the competition, but you didn’t have anyone to marry?
Where and how do you write?
At home straight on to screen, but also on public transport. I did a lot of travelling while I was writing The Wedding Diary. I wrote most of the first draft in notebooks and on my laptop while I was on trains.
Who do you base your characters on?
They’re all inventions. They walk into my head and say write about me. I don’t know where they come from and I find this quite spooky.
What would you rescue from your house if it was on fire?
I’m not very attached to material things, and I hate clutter, so I don’t think I would be worried about losing any objects. As long as the living, breathing inhabitants got out, I’d be happy.
What three things would you take if you were to be stranded on a desert island?
Frying pan, box of matches, hammock!
Did you always want to be an author- if not, what did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be an archaeologist and I studied Anglo-Saxon Archaeology at university, but I’ve always enjoyed telling stories. As an only child for some years (my sister didn’t come along until I was seven) I had many imaginary friends. As a novelist, I guess I still do!
More About Margaret James
