The International bestselling author of Somewhere in France returns with her sweeping second novel—a tale of class, love, and freedom—in which a young woman must find her place in a world forever changed.
After four years as a military nurse, Charlotte Brown is ready to leave behind the devastation of the Great War. The daughter of a vicar, she has always been determined to dedicate her life to helping others. Moving to busy Liverpool, she throws herself into her work with those most in need, only tearing herself away for the lively dinners she enjoys with the women at her boarding house.
Just as Charlotte begins to settle into her new circumstances, two messages arrive that will change her life. One, from a radical young newspaper editor, offers her a chance to speak out for those who cannot. The other pulls her back to her past, and to a man she has tried, and failed, to forget.
Edward Neville-Ashford, her former employer and the brother of Charlotte’s dearest friend, is now the new Earl of Cumberland—and a shadow of the man he once was. Yet under his battle wounds and haunted eyes Charlotte sees glimpses of the charming boy who long ago claimed her foolish heart. She wants to help him, but dare she risk her future for a man who can never be hers?
As Britain seethes with unrest and post-war euphoria flattens into bitter disappointment, Charlotte must confront long-held insecurities to find her true voice . . . and the courage to decide if the life she has created is the one she truly wants.
Author Info
Jennifer Robson is the Globe & Mail and Toronto Star number-one bestselling author of six novels, among them The Gown and Somewhere in France. She holds a doctorate in British history from the University of Oxford and lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and children.
Reviews
Charlotte Brown spent the war years giving basic nursing care in a neurological hospital for officers with injuries ranging from shell shock to actual brain and spinal cord injuries—quite a change from her former duties as governess for a titled family. Most of the family were consummate snobs who wanted their youngest daughter educated only enough to snag wealthy titled husband. Her brother disagreed and found a well-educated young woman qualified to give Lilly a liberal education. Over time, he and Charlotte became close friends in this lovely novel that is not the familiar romantic cliche one might expect. Instead, the plot addresses the failure of the British government to provide sustenance to the survivors of the men killed or disabled by the conflict. I loved it. - Kathy Ashton, King's English Bookshop
I very much enjoyed reading Jennifer Robson's new book, After the War is Over and will easily hand-sell this to our many customers who are Downtown Abbey fans! This tale is written much like the mystery, Mr. Churchill's Secretary, by MacNeal, but for the WWI era. After the War is Over was beautifully researched. She captures the flavor of this time period perfectly: the clothing, the stringent class differences, as well as the women's issues on overcoming political invisibility and the fact that they often are booted out of their jobs in favor of the soldiers returning from battle. It's also a story of love, friendship and family ties. Charlotte Brown, the heroine who was one of the first trained wartime nurses, now writes newspaper articles to increase British awareness of the struggle for survival of the common people. Her romantic distractions give us a well-rounded plot and a fascinating storyline. - Letterpress Books Inc
“A glorious journey from grief to celebration. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put this novel down. The story is engaging, memorable and beautifully imagined.” — Jeanne Mackin, author of The Beautiful American
“I loved this book! Jennifer Robson is a gifted, compelling storyteller who creates memorable characters. In this novel she perfectly captures the hopes and fears of a generation in the turbulent times of post-war Britain. I look forward to her next!” — Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Came Home
“Robson captures the atmosphere of post-WWI England beautifully, portraying the changing social and political climate, as well as the rebuilding of the country in the aftermath of the Great War. Calmly and compassionately rendered, realistic and romantic, After the War is Over is a wonderful testament to its survivors.” — RT Book Reviews
