Secrets of a Charmed Life

By: Susan Meissner

Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Truly inspiring!

This was a wonderful story of love & sacrifice! Please add this book to your listening library. You won't regret it!

Didn't put it down until I finished it

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. At first I thought it might not be my cup of tea; however I remained steadfast and it was worth it. Great story and fine mystery. I saw another side of the lives of the kids who were evacuated to the English countryside during the war. It wasn't always a beautiful life. As for the war, total devastation, nothing new there.

Amazing, a story that just gets better and better...

This book was full of twists and turns and while I didn't want the book to end, it killed me to wait to the end to find out what was going to happen. This might be my most favorite book of the year so far (that I've read). I would recommend to any one who loves historical fiction or any book club looking for a great read. This is the second book I've read by this author and I will definitely read her again.

Excellent

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

The main character, so well written, her grace and charm. And how open she was at the end.

Any additional comments?

Just a wonderful story well written and narrated, a don't miss.

A story of love and forgiveness

This book touched me so much, it only got better as it unfolded. I told my book club it was a must, because it teaches one must forgive, and not hold on because it only hurts the person that does not forgive. The story is so deep and full of life lessons, that I found extremely powerful and touching. I think this book was powerful and a book I will tell many people to read. I can't get it out of my mind, I loved it so much and felt like I was right there the whole time. Just beautiful and powerful.

Entranced by this story of love and loss

Where does Secrets of a Charmed Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Way up there! This was a different book for me and was not sure I would like it but was hooked within the first chapter.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Secrets of a Charmed Life?

The day the Blitzrieg started in London and how the two sisters were impacted from that day forward.

Have you listened to any of Alana Kerr Collins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am not sure I have ever heard her before, but she was marvelous.

If you could rename Secrets of a Charmed Life, what would you call it?

There Is No Charmed Life...Just Life.

Awakening

I want to give my appreciation to Susan Meissner for writing this book. I was totally filled with emotion as her story unfolded. Thank you Susan.

well written historical novel

the character development was cord to the story. It embraced the history surrounding the events of the war on London including the aftermath of those who survived. interesting from a historical point of view as well as personal implications

Loved this!

I love this book. The description is so beautiful and does not feel at all contrived. The reader is a beautiful speaker as well. I felt like I was there with Emmy and Julia and I feel like I miss them already now that I’m done reading. I will read this again.

Wonderful book !

This book and the reading of this book are absolutely enchanting. I love the story and the lessons to be pondered through the story.