The Schoolmistress

The Saga series by Maggie Sullivan is a heartwarming and nostalgic look at life in a small town in 1940s England. The characters are relatable, and the stories are filled with love, friendship, and conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

‘Sullivan has created a warm and evocative tale of friendship and love set in the heart of rural England during World War II.
In the charming town of Greenhill, nestled in the heart of Lancashire, 1940 brings with it a wave of change and unexpected connections. Local schoolteacher Violet Pegg receives a letter that shakes up her world, as her Canadian pen-friend, Daniel, is set to join the Royal Air Force and be stationed nearby. Violet harbours hopes of their long-distance friendship blossoming into something more. Meanwhile, Vicky Buckley, the town postmistress, finds herself surprised by an unexpected visitor on her doorstep, adding an extra layer of mystery to her life. Claire Gold, a young woman working in her aunt's haberdashery shop, finds herself entangled in a web of events that threatens the strong bond she shares with her friend, Violet. As the shadows of conflict loom on the horizon, Greenhill faces a pivotal moment—will love triumph over war, or will the town be torn apart by the forces of adversity?

Maggie Sullivan, the talented author behind the beloved Mothers Day on Coronation Street, has crafted a heartwarming and nostalgic new Saga series that transports readers back to a time of resilience and camaraderie. With her vivid storytelling and vivid portrayal of characters, Sullivan has created a warm and evocative tale of friendship and love set in the heart of rural England during World War II.

Violet Pegg, the schoolteacher, is caught off guard by the arrival of a letter from her Canadian pen-friend, Daniel. The news that he will be joining the Royal Air Force and stationed close by fills her with anticipation and hope. Violet cherishes their long-distance friendship and dreams of a future together.

Vicky Buckley, the town postmistress, has recently married the local doctor, but her happiness is short-lived when an unexpected visitor arrives on her doorstep. This visitor brings with them a secret that threatens to unravel the foundations of Vicky's new life. Vicky must navigate through a web of lies and deceit, while also dealing with the emotional turmoil that comes with the knowledge of betrayal.

Claire Gold, the young woman working in her aunt's haberdashery shop, finds herself caught in the middle of a series of events that test the strength of their friendship. When Violet asks her for a favour, Claire is drawn into a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear them apart. Claire must navigate through a maze of treachery and deception, while also trying to protect the bond she shares with Violet.

As the war rages on, Greenhill faces the challenges of conflict and adversity. The townspeople come together to support each other, but the scars of the past continue to haunt them. The shadow of the war looms large, casting a dark cloud over the town.

Through the characters of Violet, Vicky, and Claire, Sullivan explores the themes of love, friendship, and resilience. She delves into the complexities of human relationships, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of standing up for what is right. The characters are well-developed, with their strengths, weaknesses, and flaws making them relatable and authentic.

The setting of Greenhill during World War II adds an extra layer of nostalgia and emotion to the story. The town is a microcosm of the larger world, with its own set of challenges and struggles. The war brings out the best in some people, while also testing the limits of others. Sullivan captures the essence of the era, with its sense of community, camaraderie, and the indomitable spirit of the human spirit.

Maggie Sullivan's writing is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into the world of Greenhill and immersing them in the lives of its characters. The prose is rich with detail, and the characters come to life on the page. Sullivan's ability to create a sense of place and time is remarkable, making the reader feel as if they are right there in Greenhill with the characters.

In conclusion, Maggie Sullivan's new Saga series, set in the charming town of Greenhill during World War II, is a heartwarming and nostalgic choice read. With its vivid storytelling, well-developed characters, and evocative setting, the book offers readers a glimpse into a bygone era and the resilience of the human spirit. Sullivan's writing is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into the world of Greenhill and immersing them in the lives of its characters. This is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, friendship, and the power of love to overcome adversity.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008419899