A Handful of Stars

by JanetMacLeodTrotter (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2007

  $3.24

  It's 1931 and the Depression has brought Tyneside to its knees. Eighteen-year-old Clara Magee is devastated when her father commits suicide, leaving his wife Patience and the family struggling with debts. Facing ruin, the Magees are forced to sell their business to a German couple whom Patience resents, but whose dashing eldest son, Frank, soon becomes the object of Clara's affections. Frank's sudden departure for Germany leaves a disappointed Clara vulnerable to the attentions of old family friend, Vinnie Craven, much to her mother's satisfaction, and Clara eventually agrees to marry him. But she hadn't bargained for Vinnie's violent temper and fascination for Mosley's Fascist party. As darkness gathers in Europe, Clara discovers more evidence of her husband's disturbing political views. But the greatest shock is still to come...

• Used

  Hardcover
  2006

  $3.24

  An enthralling northeastern saga of the 1930s. It's a tale of passion, poverty and survival as the Depression brings Tyneside to its knees.Eighteen-year-old Clara Magee is devastated when her father commits suicide, leaving his family with nothing but gambling debts. Facing ruin, the Magees are forced to sell their business, a fancy-goods shop, to a German couple whom Patience resents. Despite her mother's disapproval, Clara befriends their daughter Reenie and hot-headed son Benny. Patience thinks old family friend Vinnie Craven would make far better company for her daughter, and Vinnie's admiration of Clara is obvious to all. Yet her heart lies elsewhere -- with Reenie and Benny's dashing elder brother Frank. When Frank leaves abruptly for Germany, a disappointed Clara tries to dismiss her feelings for him and eventually agrees to marry Vinnie. Clara hadn't bargained for Vinnie's violent temper, however, and his growing fascination with Mosley's Fascist party is disturbing. But the greatest shock is still to come!