
A Handful of Stars
An Enthralling Story of Poverty, Passion and Survival - One of the Tyneside Sagas
Janet MacLeod Trotter(Author)
MacLeod Trotter Books (Publisher)
Published on 1. July 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
270 pages
978-1-908359-19-3 (ISBN)
Description
It's 1931 and the Depression has brought Tyneside to its knees. Young, pretty Clara Magee is devastated when her father commits suicide leaving secrets behind him and the family is forced to sell their fancy-goods shop to a German couple. Despite her mother Patience's disapproval, Clara befriends their daughter Rennie and hot-headed son Benny, but her heart lies with their dashing elder brother Frank. Patience thinks businessman Vinnie Craven, who runs the local boxing hall, a far better catch for Clara. When Frank leaves abruptly for Germany, Vinnie single-mindedly pursues the vivacious Clara, determined to make her his wife. Tempted by the glamorous life-style Vinnie is offering and security for her family, Clara buries her feelings for Frank. But she hadn't bargained for Vinnie's ruthless nature or growing fascination for Mosley's Fascist Party. Yet the greatest shock is still to come ...
Set against the momentous backdrop of rising fascism in the 1930s, A Handful of Stars is an enthralling story of poverty, passion and survival with a captivating young heroine.
Reviews / Votes
'A vivid and compelling read ... If you like books that reflect a particular point in history then you will find this one fascinating.' Derby Evening Telegraph 'Weaving vivid history with a heart-breaking love story, A Handful of Stars, is an outstanding depiction of the tensions and turbulence of life in the 1930s. Janet is often compared to Catherine Cookson, but she is a true original - and an author you'll take straight to your heart after just one chapter!' World Books 'MacLeod Trotter writes with confidence and conviction, weaving together a panorama of inter-connected incidents, all charged with feeling and emotion. It's another good read and it proceeds to a dramatic climax.' The Newcastle Journal 'An enjoyable read giving a vivid picture of the Depression years.' Bradford Telegraph and ArgusMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Morpeth
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
black & white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
415 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-908359-19-3 (9781908359193)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Janet MacLeod Trotter was brought up in the North East of England with her four brothers, by Scottish parents. She is a best-selling author of 27 novels, including the hugely popular Jarrow Trilogy and India Tea Series, and a childhood memoir, BEATLES & CHIEFS, which was featured on BBC Radio Four. Her novel, THE HUNGRY HILLS, gained her a place on the shortlist of The Sunday Times' Young Writers' Award, the TEA PLANTER'S DAUGHTER was longlisted for the RNA Romantic Novel Award and IN THE FAR PASHMINA MOUNTAINS was shortlisted for the RNA Historical Novel Award. A graduate of Edinburgh University, she has been editor of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, a columnist on the Newcastle Journal and has had numerous short stories published in women's magazines. Find out more about Janet and her other popular novels at: www.janetmacleodtrotter.com