Series: Banbury Street #2
Published by Aria on February 19 2019
Amazon UK, iBooks, Kobo
Goodreads
A poignant story which will tear at your heart strings. Perfect for the fans of Elaine Everest and Daisy Styles.
Summer 1945. The nation rejoices as the Second World War comes to an end but Banbury Street matriarch, Eva Parker, foresees trouble ahead.
Whilst her daughter, Mildred, awaits the return of her fiancé from overseas duty, doubts begin to seep into her mind about how little she knows of the man she has promised to marry. Or are her affections being drawn elsewhere?
Meanwhile, new neighbour, dancer Cissie Cresswell, hides a terrible secret. The end of the conflict will bring her no release from the horrific night that destroyed her life. Can she ever find her way back?
Under Eva's stalwart care, can the two young women unite to face the doubt and uncertainty of the future?
✮ My Review ✮
So I took a risk by stepping out my comfort zone and reading a book genre I normally stay away from. But then I saw this book cover, I read the blurb and thought ok let me give this go. Well, I am speechless, you could even say I have been converted. This book was breathtaking and so so beautiful.
I loved being transported back to 1944 and 1945, after a harrowing opening chapter I wondered where I was going to be led to with this story. I was shown a gorgeous tale of love, family, heartbreak and friendship, all this with the backdrop of the end of WWII. I will openly admit things I have taken for granted got me all choked up. One scene in particular sticks out for me, when the war was ending there was a celebration for the Big Ben being reilluminated. I was so overcome with emotion. It just struck me unexpectantly.
This is not a book to be skimmed or to plough through, you definitely need to take your time reading this. Once you learn the flow of the book, you will pick up instantly when the character viewpoint changes, at times I was confused but once I got into the stride I knew who was talking and when.
The Street of Broken Dreams had me mesmerised, I was transported back to the time of the street parties with rations, to two families who I have grown to love like they were my own. Eva Parker is seen as the matriarch of the street, she is the one that wants to look after everyone but not in a nosy busybody way she just loves to surround herself around people and support them, which is something she is so good at. I loved Mildred, and her conflict was one I could imagine many a woman suffered and Cecily, aka Cissie, her story was just so heartbreaking but she showed so much strength and I have so much respect for her and all the women to be honest.
Plus I have to mention Jack, all I can say is wow! He took my heart and ran!
Now I did not know this was the second book in a series, but you can definitely read this book on its own because in the first book it focuses on characters that are only touched upon in this book. I am going to go back and read the first book as I want to be transported back to the street as soon as possible.
Now I can say for sure I am glad it was Ms Crosse book I picked up first to enter into this genre because now I am obsessed. The detail she goes into and the magic of her writing truly transports you back into a time of grief and strife. But it shows you the warmth and love of a family and how with the right support you can get through anything.
I do hope it is not too long before we are back with the Parkers’ and Cresswells’ and the street in general.
I really do have to say thank you to Ms Crosse for her wonderful, detailed, well-researched story of love and loss to convert me over. It has captured my heart for sure and this book will stay with me for a long time! Definitely, one I will be buying as presents for the family.
I do thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre you will not be disappointed I know I was not!!!
Until next time xxx
So what has been said on the tour so far?
StacyisReading says
The Street of Broken Dreams is a compilation of love, family and starting over. I loved every moment of my time spent with the residents of Banbury Street and feel bereft the story has come to a close.
Dash Fan Reviews says
Tania has this way of transporting you right into the heart of the story.
The historical details and atmosphere was mesmerising and seamlessly descriptive. You can tell how much love and dedication Tania puts in to making her books authentic and real. WW2 is one of my favourite eras to read about and Tania gets it spot on! Thank you!
Ginger Book Geek says
Oh my goodness me, ‘The Street Of Broken Dreams’ really did tug on my heartstrings from the moment I started to read until the moment I finished the book. The author has a writing style that really draws you into the story and the characters seem so realistic that they just seem to come alive and jump off the page as it were. That’s what happened to me anyway. By the time I got to the end of the book, I felt like Eva, Mildred and Cissie were true friends and I could imagine sitting down for a gossip and a cup of tea with them. I felt myself growing very defensive and protective of all three ladies. If I could have jumped inside the pages of the book to sort out who was upsetting them then I would have.
Chells and Books says
This is a lovely written book and very easy to read. Warmth falls from the pages. A great read about love, friendship and hope with the message that we can overcome anything with a little help from friends and family and courage.
Bookish Jottings says
Tania Crosse has penned another winner with The Street of Broken Dreams! A story that will touch your heart and have you reaching for the tissues, The Street of Broken Dreams is a fantastic saga fans of Rosie Clarke and Donna Douglas will not want to miss. Full of characters that leap off the pages and searing emotional drama, The Street of Broken Dreams is a tale about family, friendship, secrets and the ties that bind that is absolutely superb.
Check out also the fabulous Guest Posts over at Short books and Scribes, Book Addict Rambles,
And exclusive Extracts over at Donna’s Book Blog, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews
Thank you so much to Vicky at Aria Fiction for the tour invite and the author for a copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Short Book and Scribes says
Aw, what a lovely review. You really loved this one, didn’t you?
Zoé says
Oh I really did. I am glad I took the risk and just jumped straight in was such an amazing book! Glad it showed through my jumble of a review lol x
Jenchaos says
Great review. I love your blog.
Zoé says
Thank you so much that means so much to me ❤️
likeherdingcatsblog says
Great review – I have an historical novel in the next few weeks as an attempt to step put of my comfort zone. Couldn’t resist as it is set in my local area.. Great review of this one – I’m tempted to add it to my pile.
Zoé says
Oh you would love this! It was so beautifully done! I didn’t know what to expect as I’ve never normally entered this territory but so glad I did. Thank you lovely xx
likeherdingcatsblog says
I’ll have to bear it in mind if I ever get my pile down
Zoé says
? yes I know feeling especially with my clicking habits lol x
likeherdingcatsblog says
Half my pile is your fault ??
Zoé says
Right back at you missy x
likeherdingcatsblog says
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calturner says
Lovely review! This book sounds like something I would love. Will have to add it to my (never ending) tbr list. ?
Zoé says
Ah thank you Cal! I hope you do pick it up! I am so glad I did and now it’s got me wanting to read more like it! X