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When War Came to Laundry Cottage: Sometimes the enemy is closer than you think.
When Sybil Cooper is sent to the countryside to escape the increasing bombing raids, she expects to be bored and lonely. Living with her aged Aunty Violet, at Laundry Cottage, she soon adapts to a simpler existence, despite feeling as though she has travelled back in time. But life in Dewton proves to be anything but calm and easy.
In this coming-of-age story, Sybil meets a colourful array of people, who will impact her life and set her on a path of love, suspicion and grief.
This is a tale of love, injustice, and destiny.
In this coming-of-age story, Sybil meets a colourful array of people, who will impact her life and set her on a path of love, suspicion and grief.
This is a tale of love, injustice, and destiny.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2024
19 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Colliver
11 books10 followersHello! I live in the Forest of Dean, with my husband and tiny pug.
I love writing, and do so whenever my chronic illness allows. I also work part time for the NHS.
I love to hear feedback and comments about my characters, and it makes my day to know somebody, somewhere, has enjoyed what I have created.
I currently have FIVE books available:
IN DEEP- A spicy thriller set beneath the heat of the Spanish sun.
DEEPER STILL - sequel to IN DEEP- a coming of age tale of revenge.
WE CLOSE OUR EYES, is an intriguing and suspenseful drama.
WHEN WAR CAME TO LAUNDRY COTTAGE - a compelling tale of courage, prejudice and intrigue, set against the backdrop of WW2. A firm favourite with my readers.
Readers tell me that they love the twists and turns in my stories.
I also have a small poetry collection, WHEN WORDS ARE ENOUGH, which is only available on kindle.
The other books listed on here, were from a while ago, and I have since removed them from sale.
'IN DEEP', began as a weekly series which I published on a blog a few years ago. I then pulled it together into one story called HEAT. I have since worked hard to bring it up to a higher standard of writing, and then gone on to produce the second instalment: 'DEEPER STILL'.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 15, 2025
I loved my trip to Laundry Cottage! It's very impressive how so much story has been squeezed into what felt like a very quick and immersive read. You are absorbed from chapter one. As if on a proverbial rollercoaster with Sybil and her Aunty Vi. Despite being away from the city, the effects of war are still prominent. This book captures how resillient those experiencing the war had to be, especially when faced with an unexpected turn of events...
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Look forward to reading more from the author.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Look forward to reading more from the author.
May 3, 2024
Thought Provoking, Unexpected, Emotional
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
When War Came To Laundry Cottage by Sarah Colliver Writing 🏠
When Sybil's parents suggest that she re-locate to the country to stay with her Aunty Vi for the remainder of the war, she becomes acquainted with Harriet who has gained employment as a children's nanny for a family who live nearby. As the months roll on, Harriet becomes much more gregarious and outgoing, not to mention outspoken than at first, which sparks Sybil's suspicion. Furthermore, her employers have gone away taking their offspring with them, leaving Harriet the run of the house, complete with housekeeper and chauffeur, prompting Harriet to play 'lady of the manor'. This includes holding many parties, and the girls attend many held at local barracks. Sybil begins to feel uncomfortable with Harriet's 'playful ways'. Then she meets Jeremiah, and although there is a spark, he is keen to emphasise that they cannot be together, and after he attends one of Harriet's many social occasions to appease his new female companion, things take a rather nasty turn when Sybil realises that not only has she inadvertently endangered Jeremiah's life, but maybe her own, when it becomes all too clear that certain people are not who they first appear to be. 🕍 🧑✈️👨🍳
Intrigued by the title, I did not read the synopsis, as I was fairly certain that I would enjoy this novel. The narrative felt to me as if it really had three elements, which kept it fresh and full of surprises. It also took me through a range of fairly rapid emotions. At the beginning I felt sympathy with Sybil and feared for her safety amongst the air raids and the bombs being unleashed on London, then happiness that she had made a friend and now had this lovely existence in the country with her wonderful Aunty Vi, who was such a strong character in her unquestioning, unwavering support of her niece. I adored their bond. At this point I really liked Harriet. She was a fun character to internally narrate and imagine, and I was quite envious of the girls' closeness and mutual dependency. Like Sybil though, my suspicions were aroused by the absence of her employers, especially as their children had gone with them. I'm usually pretty good at spotting unexpected elements of a plot before they occur, however, I could not work out why Jeremiah was so reluctant to be with Sybil. My unsuspecting naivety can probably be seen simply as a result of changing times and attitudes. 👱♀️👩🏼👵
The second plot twist completely caught me off guard and changed the narrative, which took me a minute or two to adjust to, as it seemed to happen so suddenly. It also threw me, now having to see certain protagonists in a different light. I initially thought that Sybil and Jeremiah became 'acquainted'with each other rather hastily, but then, as it was explained by another character, the fraught times they were living in would have made them not want to waste any time. The best revelation is of course saved until the last. It is both brilliantly heart wrenching and warming. A wonderful way to end a very real story about war, oppression and prejudice, lifted by friendship, family bonds and love. 🪖 🤝 ❤
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
When War Came To Laundry Cottage by Sarah Colliver Writing 🏠
When Sybil's parents suggest that she re-locate to the country to stay with her Aunty Vi for the remainder of the war, she becomes acquainted with Harriet who has gained employment as a children's nanny for a family who live nearby. As the months roll on, Harriet becomes much more gregarious and outgoing, not to mention outspoken than at first, which sparks Sybil's suspicion. Furthermore, her employers have gone away taking their offspring with them, leaving Harriet the run of the house, complete with housekeeper and chauffeur, prompting Harriet to play 'lady of the manor'. This includes holding many parties, and the girls attend many held at local barracks. Sybil begins to feel uncomfortable with Harriet's 'playful ways'. Then she meets Jeremiah, and although there is a spark, he is keen to emphasise that they cannot be together, and after he attends one of Harriet's many social occasions to appease his new female companion, things take a rather nasty turn when Sybil realises that not only has she inadvertently endangered Jeremiah's life, but maybe her own, when it becomes all too clear that certain people are not who they first appear to be. 🕍 🧑✈️👨🍳
Intrigued by the title, I did not read the synopsis, as I was fairly certain that I would enjoy this novel. The narrative felt to me as if it really had three elements, which kept it fresh and full of surprises. It also took me through a range of fairly rapid emotions. At the beginning I felt sympathy with Sybil and feared for her safety amongst the air raids and the bombs being unleashed on London, then happiness that she had made a friend and now had this lovely existence in the country with her wonderful Aunty Vi, who was such a strong character in her unquestioning, unwavering support of her niece. I adored their bond. At this point I really liked Harriet. She was a fun character to internally narrate and imagine, and I was quite envious of the girls' closeness and mutual dependency. Like Sybil though, my suspicions were aroused by the absence of her employers, especially as their children had gone with them. I'm usually pretty good at spotting unexpected elements of a plot before they occur, however, I could not work out why Jeremiah was so reluctant to be with Sybil. My unsuspecting naivety can probably be seen simply as a result of changing times and attitudes. 👱♀️👩🏼👵
The second plot twist completely caught me off guard and changed the narrative, which took me a minute or two to adjust to, as it seemed to happen so suddenly. It also threw me, now having to see certain protagonists in a different light. I initially thought that Sybil and Jeremiah became 'acquainted'with each other rather hastily, but then, as it was explained by another character, the fraught times they were living in would have made them not want to waste any time. The best revelation is of course saved until the last. It is both brilliantly heart wrenching and warming. A wonderful way to end a very real story about war, oppression and prejudice, lifted by friendship, family bonds and love. 🪖 🤝 ❤
July 23, 2025
An absorbing, fast moving coming of age tale as Sybil learns to grow up the hard way in wartime England.
Sybil thinks life in the countryside with her Aunty Vi will be dull, if safe, away from the Blitz. Yet a chance encounter on the bus to her new home with the glamorous Harriet turns her expectations on their heads. Add falling head over heels in love with the 'wrong kind' of US soldier and the consequences of that, and Sybil quickly finds herself less than safe, and life is certainly not dull.
The author breathes life into her characters as she effortlessly embroils Sybil in violent racism, heady partying (where you fear for her constantly!), and unexpected traitors. Through it all, Sybil has the loving pragmatism of Aunty Vi to give her the occasional push as well as the comfort she needs. I loved the fact that Sybil had to grow into whatever heroism she displays - very realistic.
A good, pacy read where the action never lets up!
Sybil thinks life in the countryside with her Aunty Vi will be dull, if safe, away from the Blitz. Yet a chance encounter on the bus to her new home with the glamorous Harriet turns her expectations on their heads. Add falling head over heels in love with the 'wrong kind' of US soldier and the consequences of that, and Sybil quickly finds herself less than safe, and life is certainly not dull.
The author breathes life into her characters as she effortlessly embroils Sybil in violent racism, heady partying (where you fear for her constantly!), and unexpected traitors. Through it all, Sybil has the loving pragmatism of Aunty Vi to give her the occasional push as well as the comfort she needs. I loved the fact that Sybil had to grow into whatever heroism she displays - very realistic.
A good, pacy read where the action never lets up!
December 31, 2024
Never judge a book by its cover, especially this one! The cover and the title made me think this would be a heartwarming book about how a sleepy English village weathered World War II. Instead, it was edgy and tackled the serious issues of racism and segregation in the American military stationed in England. It's ugly and the author pulls no punches. Other themes include PTSD experienced by active military personnel as well as espionage and treason among the aristocracy. All of this is expertly woven into a tight plot that kept me turning the pages without taking a break until the end. Even with all of the twists & turns, I was shocked at the ending but I loved it. Do yourself a favor and read this book...you deserve it.
August 5, 2024
I ploughed through this book in one sitting, something I never normally do. Such is the hold the main character has over the reader (but for my money, the character of Auntie Vi proved to be the real star!). The story sucked me in and tiptoed into other genres I wasn't expecting. I don't want to spoil the plot as I sincerely think you should approach it blindly with as little info as possible. Just enjoy the ride. An excellent read and further proof that Sarah Colliver is a hugely talented writer who has multiple strings to her bow. Can't wait for her next book.
February 6, 2025
Read now!!!
This book had everything!!! It made me smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time. I am so lucky to have a local author of this calibre. Can't wait to read her others.....I have downloaded them already.
This book had everything!!! It made me smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time. I am so lucky to have a local author of this calibre. Can't wait to read her others.....I have downloaded them already.
March 20, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
Read with book club and had the chance to meet the fab Sarah!
Read with book club and had the chance to meet the fab Sarah!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews