Seasons of War Series by Amy Myers

The end of the old world' people said about the long hot summer of 1914. It was the last season of optimism, of certainty about the future as the sun set on the Edwardian age.That summer Aunt Tilly comes to stay with her brother the Rector and his four lively daughters in the sleepy Sussex village of Ashden... moreThe end of the old world' people said about the long hot summer of 1914. It was the last season of optimism, of certainty about the future as the sun set on the Edwardian age.That summer Aunt Tilly comes to stay with her brother the Rector and his four lively daughters in the sleepy Sussex village of Ashden. Aunt Tilly's visit sparks off a chain of events which threatens to split Ashden apart, in which Agnes Pilbeam, the Rectory palourmaid, and her sweetheart Jamie find themselves bewilderingly caught up. Then in August the lamps go out all over Europe and war bursts open the straitjacket of rural village life. The war will bring tragedy, change and love as private torments and struggles are subjected to the greater need. The challenge will prove too much for some and the making of others. less

Summer, 1914.Change is coming as swiftly as the seasons themselves. And the catalyst is the arrival of Aunt Tilly . . .Preparations for the wedding of the Rector’s eldest daughter, Isobel Lilley, are well underway. The Rectory larders are full to the brim. The bridesmaids’ dresses fitted and pressed. The bridal gown allotted a room of its own. The only thing missing is Aunt Tilly... moreSummer, 1914.Change is coming as swiftly as the seasons themselves. And the catalyst is the arrival of Aunt Tilly . . .Preparations for the wedding of the Rector’s eldest daughter, Isobel Lilley, are well underway. The Rectory larders are full to the brim. The bridesmaids’ dresses fitted and pressed. The bridal gown allotted a room of its own. The only thing missing is Aunt Tilly.But little does the Lilley family know, the arrival of Aunt Tilly will spark a chain of events that threatens to tear the village of Ashden apart.When the dark clouds of war reach Ashden, Isobel and her sisters face daunting personal and social changes. Women of all classes are called upon to rise to the challenges of war and the Lilley family find themselves facing a new world that brings both tragedy and newfound freedom.The whole village comes together in the face of adversity, but Aunt Tilly takes it one step too far, putting the stability of the Rectory in jeopardy.Can the Lilley family survive Aunt Tilly’s visit and the outbreak of war? less

Autumn, 1915.As sure as the trees and leaves change with each season, we too must learn to adapt in order to survive.The Great War is in its second year and the Lilley family are struggling to cope with the many changes it brings.Caroline Lilley’s fiancé, Reggie, is away at the Front. Worried his wife-to-be’s volunteering for the war effort is putting her at risk, he insists she returns home to the safety of the little village of Ashden... moreAutumn, 1915.As sure as the trees and leaves change with each season, we too must learn to adapt in order to survive.The Great War is in its second year and the Lilley family are struggling to cope with the many changes it brings.Caroline Lilley’s fiancé, Reggie, is away at the Front. Worried his wife-to-be’s volunteering for the war effort is putting her at risk, he insists she returns home to the safety of the little village of Ashden.Back home, Caroline’s desire to help the war effort remains strong, so she throws herself into saving the harvest by organising the women in the village.But Reggie's mother, the formidable Lady Hunney, doesn’t believe such work is suitable for her future daughter-in-law — and she’s not shy about making her feelings known to Caroline.Meanwhile, the rest of the Lilley children await their chance to leave the Rectory and help the war effort in their own ways, despite their mother’s pleas for them to stay.As the war rages on, the mood in Ashden changes. This is going to be a war unlike any other — with devastating consequences for everyone. less

By the summer of 1916, there is still no end to the war in sight and in the Sussex village of Ashden, as elsewhere, optimism has given way to stoicism. In the year that follows, bereavements and shortages take their toll on village life, and at the Rectory the four Lilley sisters each find their own way of contributing to the war effort, while their brother George joins the Royal Flying Corps... moreBy the summer of 1916, there is still no end to the war in sight and in the Sussex village of Ashden, as elsewhere, optimism has given way to stoicism. In the year that follows, bereavements and shortages take their toll on village life, and at the Rectory the four Lilley sisters each find their own way of contributing to the war effort, while their brother George joins the Royal Flying Corps. Gradually coming to terms with her broken engagement to Reginald Hunney, Caroline Lilley numbly continues with her agricultural work at home, until tragedy forces her into leaving Ashden. Unexpectedly plunged into the fascinating and often frustrating world of military intelligence, she also finds her personal life re-emerging when she renews her contact with the enigmatic Belgian liaison officer Yves Rosier. But how can she tell if this new relationship is right -- and will the war give them the chance to find out? less

A ROMANTIC, SWEEPING AND EMOTIONAL WORLD WAR I HISTORICAL FAMILY SAGA.Winter, 1916.The darkness of the winter sky will always give way to the spring.As the war ravages Europe, in the little village of Ashden optimism has given way to stoicism — bereavements and shortages are taking their toll.The Lilley family, once safe within the walls of the Rectory, are now scattered across Europe.Felicia and Aunt Tilly are nursing at a front-line in Ypres. Despite the relentless suffering, Felicia shines... moreA ROMANTIC, SWEEPING AND EMOTIONAL WORLD WAR I HISTORICAL FAMILY SAGA.Winter, 1916.The darkness of the winter sky will always give way to the spring.As the war ravages Europe, in the little village of Ashden optimism has given way to stoicism — bereavements and shortages are taking their toll.The Lilley family, once safe within the walls of the Rectory, are now scattered across Europe.Felicia and Aunt Tilly are nursing at a front-line in Ypres. Despite the relentless suffering, Felicia shines. Faced with unimaginable horrors, she never falters in her desire to give hope to those who lie on the brink of death.Meanwhile, Caroline Lilley is grappling with her own grief and uncertainty. She takes a leap of faith and plunges into the dangerous world of military intelligence. Not only is her life at risk, but after meeting an old acquaintance, so is her heart . . .The two Lilley sisters find themselves in a world so far removed from the comforts of Ashden. Both must face the stark realities of conflict and draw upon their inner strength to survive.This captivating and heartfelt historical saga delves deep into the lives of those left behind during the First World War, exploring themes of love, loss, and the indomitable human spirit. less

Christmas 1917, and as the Lilley family gathers at the Rectory in the Sussex village of Ashden, the mood is far from festive. Caroline’s parents refuse to support her love of Belgian Army intelligence officer Captain Yves Rosier, and she is forced to leave abruptly. Phoebe falls in love with a divorced music-hall singer, and she too incurs her parents’ disapproval. The new year brings fresh tragedy, and Caroline returns to Ashden as the war ends... moreChristmas 1917, and as the Lilley family gathers at the Rectory in the Sussex village of Ashden, the mood is far from festive. Caroline’s parents refuse to support her love of Belgian Army intelligence officer Captain Yves Rosier, and she is forced to leave abruptly. Phoebe falls in love with a divorced music-hall singer, and she too incurs her parents’ disapproval. The new year brings fresh tragedy, and Caroline returns to Ashden as the war ends. The Rectory opens its doors to a new world, its inhabitants strengthened by the grief and happiness shared during the long years of war. less