"There are difficult topics covered, I felt quite sensitively, and ups and downs for the characters to face but ultimately this is a relatively gentle and heartfelt romance that will be an enjoyable read for fans of the genre."
Available in Ebook and Paperback from Amazon, Waterstones, Google Play, Apple Books and Kobo.
Although 19-year-old Amanda is excited about leaving her life in London to live in rural Sussex with her parents, there are some obstacles she worries about overcoming. She’ll miss her best friend Sam and may struggle to find work in the smaller surrounding towns. She’s also leaving behind the possibility of a budding romance with Sam’s cousin after a promising first meeting. A Year at Marshywood by Marina McLune tells the emotional ups and downs of Amanda’s first year in Magham Down.
The story is set in 1979 which adds a wholesome traditional feel to Amanda’s tale. She’s described as inexperienced and is keen to grow up, leave her Jackie magazines behind and find lasting love, despite fears of a lack of prospects in a small village compared to her previous city life. The clash of the cosmopolitan city and more isolated rural village isn’t just apparent in Amanda’s hypothetical love life. Readers may wish to be aware that going into the book, racial prejudice and assault is tackled sensitively, and we walk alongside Amanda and her difficult emotions as she starts to see her hopes for the future unravel.
Marina McLune’s writing is engaging, Amanda’s enthusiasm and general feeling oozes off the page and the glimpses at the other character’s perspectives make the narrative well-rounded. There are difficult topics covered, I felt quite sensitively, and ups and downs for the characters to face but ultimately this is a relatively gentle and heartfelt romance that will be an enjoyable read for fans of the genre.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Romance / Relationship Stories |
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