The Dandelion Years

I didn't put it down , it was lovely. A bit slow in some parts perhaps but the characters were well developed and I was very sorry for it to end. It was sad and funny in parts. The family was lovely, you just want to know what becomes of them all. And the story within was also rather well done. Unfortunately it's now over and I have to wait for the next......

I found this an excellent book, a story within a story. Fascinated to read about The Dandelion Years, then also to read what is happening in the present. Interesting information on book restoration and amazed how hard it is to do, and also so very important to the owners of the books under repair. The characters were delightful to read about and I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Erica James of course is a very interesting author.

I love Erica James' writing and have read all of her books. The Dandelion Years was in many ways a surprise. It was different than her other books. More male point of view than usual, and so well done, and changes between past and present day also provided a wonderful insight and history into events of WW2. I love reading an author whose books gets better and now can't wait for her next release. Highly recommend.

I felt as if I missed something when I saw all the 4-4.5 reviews of this book. I have read a number of Erica James' novels and thought they were very entertaining, but it took me forever to finish this one. There are two story lines, one set in UK during WWII, about romances between two Bletchley Park operatives and a present day couple, tied together by a diary/autobiography. The WWII storyline was the better one. Very good sense of time and place, with the lovers from very different backgrounds causing their parents some concern. The present day story just never gained my interest. Although the young woman's family were interesting, the woman herself seemed unbelievable in her contentment with isolation from her peers and the lack of any sort of contemporary social life. And the man was...how to put it? A jerk! His behavior was reprehensible as he got involved with the heroine while still in a relationship with a girlfriend which he'd ended rather savagely and then resumed because he was too weak to draw a line. He was too inconsistent to have much chemistry with either. Oh, well, i will continue to read Erica James' novels, but was glad to turn the last page of this one.

I really enjoyed this book despite elements of it annoying me, in particular the predictability of the story, and what at times seems like quite one dimensional characters. Saying all that though, I really enjoyed the historical elements of the story and he way it flowed back and forth between modern times and times past. It was a very very easy read and a very pleasant one.

I have only just discovered this writer and I just live her work. I am reading another of her books right now. It was a poignant story which captured the attitudes if the people at that time very well. I love long stories and this kept me reading and not wanting it to end.

It is not often that one reads a book with two stories running concurently in as smooth a manner, I have enjoyed this book more than most novels. The descriptions of Britain during the war years seem very true to life as it was then, the author must have done a great deal of research. Altogether a fine piece of fiction.

Loved reading this book. In a time when we are revisiting the WW1 this is timely reminder to remember all those who helped out when it was war time. I loved the weaving of romance and war together with intrigue thrown in too. This book is worth making the time to read and enjoy.

I love this book! This has it all. It is written in two parts one historical based in Bletchley and the other modern day story. I do not want to spoil such a great story so I will not say much more - other than this book has been read by all my family! We do not read similar books at all, which illustrates what great writing this is. History of Bletchley told through relationships, modern relationships through a difficult situation, interesting characters, vivid landscapes and a love of people and books - YES YES YES!

un érica james parmi les meilleurs - avec a sense of belonging....

This book was beautifully written with the two stories of past and present melding seamlessly. The characters were so believable that you thought you knew them. The two stories were believable and gave you some heartbreaking moments but also some heartwarming moments. Definitely a book to read.

gut wie immer

Really enjoyable read. Wasn't too sure at the beginning but characters are very likeable and the storyline is very interesting - really enjoyed the story within the story. Highly recommend.