Secrets of a Charmed Life Audiobook By Susan Meissner cover art

Secrets of a Charmed Life

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Secrets of a Charmed Life

By: Susan Meissner
Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins
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About this listen

The author of A Fall of Marigolds journeys from the present day to World War II England, as two sisters are separated by the chaos of wartime.

She stood at a crossroads, half-aware that her choice would send her down a path from which there could be no turning back. But instead of two choices, she saw only one—because it was all she really wanted to see

Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades...beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden--one that will test her convictions and her heart.

1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, hundreds of thousands of children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old, Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister, Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage. Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed.

©2015 eChristian (P)2015 eChristian
Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction England Heartfelt

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Rare 5-Star Across the Board!

If you could sum up Secrets of a Charmed Life in three words, what would they be?

Enchanting, Intriguing, Powerful

Who was your favorite character and why?

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

Which character – as performed by Alana Kerr – was your favorite?

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

Who was the most memorable character of Secrets of a Charmed Life and why?

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.

Any additional comments?

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.

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74 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Heart Wrenching

If you could sum up Secrets of a Charmed Life in three words, what would they be?

Fate vs. Providence

What other book might you compare Secrets of a Charmed Life to and why?

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.

Which character – as performed by Alana Kerr – was your favorite?

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

If you could take any character from Secrets of a Charmed Life out to dinner, who would it be and why?

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.

Any additional comments?

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.

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28 people found this helpful

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Loved this book

What a beautiful and touching story. I was captivated by the backdrop of the London Blitz and the story of the two sisters whose lives changed on that day. I could not stop listening. If you are a fan of historical fiction I highly recommend this book. I let was my first by this author but I cannot wait to check out her other titles. The narrator did a great job with the performance and made it easy to listen to

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Insightful and Chilling truths

I never knew much about the actual details of the bombing of London during world war II. This story was frighteningly able to enable the reader to be in the midst of the devastation from the eyes of a child, and to follow the slow healing proves that followed.

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Secrets of a charmed life.

I did not like the ending. It was almost like another author took over and ended very quickly. There should have been more information about the sisters finding one another and the 20 years they spent together. It was almost as if, I found her, she died and now let's go to a party. disappointed really. Expected more once the sisters reunited.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful and compelling story.

Any additional comments?

Love the story and especially the underlying theme about the choices we make and their consequences. I could only give the narrator 3 stars though.....I found her performance lacking. The English accents seemed very forced.....like a little kid trying to talk in a fake accent. It was distracting from the story. Love this author though and will look for more of her work. A different narrator would be a great idea though...I have listened to lots of narrators with British accents that are beautiful, not this one.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story of 2 sisters during WWII

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you love historical fiction you will love this book.....

Who was your favorite character and why?

The sisters of course....

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many to count

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So worth it

A wonderful story told brilliantly. I found myself crying and feeling so strongly for Isabel.

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What a Great Story

I’ve always loved Susan Meissner’s books, and this is one of her best yet. The research is impeccable, her depiction of life in WWII-era London so real it feels like you’re actually there. The story feels almost epic in scope, with a compelling plot and memorable characters. Just wonderful!

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Full of twists and turns

Just when you think you have it figured out, you don't! This was a great story and very enlightening as far as what happened during the London Blitz. I had no idea it went on for 57 days and the degree of devastation described was horrendous.

It started to drag on a little at the end. It actually would have been better if she went a little deeper instead of trying to tie it up. Gwen, Mac, Tom and Simon could all have been given more time. I didn't like the Julia Letters. I thought that part was somewhat boring.

But, overall, a great story and worth the time.

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