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Ripple Effect: Because Of The War
"Ripple Because Of The War" is a historical novel set in England in the WWII era. This would appeal to women who struggle with issues of raising a family, adoption, loneliness with absent partners in the military, and the repercussions of PTSD. The novel shows the effect of the war on a family.
The ripple effect of WWII, good, bad and ugly, spread far and deep in Britain.
Veronica, feared she would be too old to marry or ever bear children until she met Richard a handsome RAF pilot. He persuaded her to marry before he went to war. She was jealous when her sister Rachel produced an illegitimate child from an unknown father.
London after the Blitz bombing left much of the city in ruins. The compulsory evacuation of children in WWII gave Veronica the opportunity to bring Rachel's daughter, Susie, to live with her in the country. Rachel was presumed killed by a bomb in the Blitz so Susie grew up thinking Veronica was her mother and the absent Richard her father.
Veronica, similar to many other women in wartime, left alone, learned new survival skills with the deprivation of rationing in wartime. She learned to love Susie as her own. Loneliness, with war-forced separation from her husband, took a toll on her, and precipitated a wartime love affair.
After D Day and Victory In Europe Day, when the war ended, Richard returned to a wife and an adopted child he barely knew. Their military family stress after war effected them all. They struggled to adjust to each other. Richard was not alone to suffer from addiction after the war. His alcoholism and outbursts of aggression, and spousal abuse, as side-effects of battle fatigue (military PTSD), began to alienate Veronica and Susie.
Veronica despaired when the family appeared to disintegrate.
The truth emerged about Richard's issues and he sought treatments of PTSD and alcoholism. The truth emerged about Veronica's and Rachel's guilt and secrecy and Susie's adoption. Compassion for each other softened the anger. The family almost fell apart until they learned to trust and heal. Susie, an opinionated teenager began to accept but not forgive.
The characters are drawn with depth and humor as each deal with their secrets and struggle to lead normal lives after the war.
The ripple effect of WWII, good, bad and ugly, spread far and deep in Britain.
Veronica, feared she would be too old to marry or ever bear children until she met Richard a handsome RAF pilot. He persuaded her to marry before he went to war. She was jealous when her sister Rachel produced an illegitimate child from an unknown father.
London after the Blitz bombing left much of the city in ruins. The compulsory evacuation of children in WWII gave Veronica the opportunity to bring Rachel's daughter, Susie, to live with her in the country. Rachel was presumed killed by a bomb in the Blitz so Susie grew up thinking Veronica was her mother and the absent Richard her father.
Veronica, similar to many other women in wartime, left alone, learned new survival skills with the deprivation of rationing in wartime. She learned to love Susie as her own. Loneliness, with war-forced separation from her husband, took a toll on her, and precipitated a wartime love affair.
After D Day and Victory In Europe Day, when the war ended, Richard returned to a wife and an adopted child he barely knew. Their military family stress after war effected them all. They struggled to adjust to each other. Richard was not alone to suffer from addiction after the war. His alcoholism and outbursts of aggression, and spousal abuse, as side-effects of battle fatigue (military PTSD), began to alienate Veronica and Susie.
Veronica despaired when the family appeared to disintegrate.
The truth emerged about Richard's issues and he sought treatments of PTSD and alcoholism. The truth emerged about Veronica's and Rachel's guilt and secrecy and Susie's adoption. Compassion for each other softened the anger. The family almost fell apart until they learned to trust and heal. Susie, an opinionated teenager began to accept but not forgive.
The characters are drawn with depth and humor as each deal with their secrets and struggle to lead normal lives after the war.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2019
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Ferns
4 books9 followersJenny Ferns born was one of the first Baby Boomers, post World War II. She spent her formative years and education in England. She graduated from Keele University in with a joint honors degree in Biology and Psychology then moved to Canada . As a Biologist she taught High School for a few years before travelling Europe as a film production secretary for Ferns Productions. As a Biologist and fundraiser she worked for her naturalist mentor, Gerald Durrell and Wildlife Preservation Trust Canada. She completed a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology, and had a private practice in Canada, with a focus on alcoholism, trauma, family violence and PTSD. For something completely different, she is a master gardener and plant addict. Themes from her profession and life experiences surface in her writing.
Her first novel "Ripple Effect: Because Of The War" is set in her favorite places in England. The story is fictional, based on a family secret about life in the World War II era.
The novel won First Prize for its genre, historical fiction/women's fiction, in The Royal Palm Literary Awards competition in Florida in 2018. Also, it was awarded a silver medal with Readers' Favorites competition.
Because Jenny still has an English accent she made an audiobook using her voice.
https://jennyfernswriter.com/
She has written and and published several short stories.
As a change of pace from researching historical facts, she is writing a children's fairy story with magic, a princess, dragons and fairies.
Jenny lives in Florida with her husband and a miniature schnauzer. She visits family scattered through USA, Canada and England, whenever she isn’t writing, reading, playing Mahjongg or tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 24, 2019
Ripple Effect: Because Of The War (Ripple Effect, Book 1)
by Jenny Ferns
The terrors of war are as universal as they are devastating and in Ripple Effect the reader gets another heartbreaking - if fictional - example of this. In the British ruins of World War II, we meet sisters, Veronica and Rachel, Richard - Veronica's husband and Susie - Rachel's illegitimate daughter. Themes of abandonment, hunger, PTSD, alcoholism, and many other ravages of war are explored in varying depths but all with grand effect and tailored perfectly to the story. Jenny Ferns portrays these characters and their circumstances with heartfelt reverie, searing them into the minds and souls of her readers.
Though I am notoriously vicious about editing errors - the term "grammar Nazi" has been thrown about - in this case, I almost hesitate to mention them. They are there; misspellings, words in incorrect tense, etc... Obviously, though, the heart of the story was not lost so I can't be too harsh.
by Jenny Ferns
The terrors of war are as universal as they are devastating and in Ripple Effect the reader gets another heartbreaking - if fictional - example of this. In the British ruins of World War II, we meet sisters, Veronica and Rachel, Richard - Veronica's husband and Susie - Rachel's illegitimate daughter. Themes of abandonment, hunger, PTSD, alcoholism, and many other ravages of war are explored in varying depths but all with grand effect and tailored perfectly to the story. Jenny Ferns portrays these characters and their circumstances with heartfelt reverie, searing them into the minds and souls of her readers.
Though I am notoriously vicious about editing errors - the term "grammar Nazi" has been thrown about - in this case, I almost hesitate to mention them. They are there; misspellings, words in incorrect tense, etc... Obviously, though, the heart of the story was not lost so I can't be too harsh.
April 23, 2019
And after the war….
Author Jenny Ferns, a retired psychologist who specialized in addiction, PTSD, family dynamics and trauma, began her career in England, earning degrees is Biology and Psychology at Keele University, moving to Canada where she taught high school Biology, and ultimately arriving in the US. Her varied life experiences serve her well in this, her debut novel. She lives in Florida.
The after effects of war have achieved more recognition in contemporary times, in part due to the increasing rate of suicide among discharged servicemen and the impact of combat on the mind: the term ‘battle rattle’ used after WW II has been changed to PTSD after the Vietnam War and continuing as the diagnosis of many with the wars in the Middle East. Jenny Ferns treats this malady and has keen insight into the changes endured by soldiers and their families, and she uses that as part of her very successful debut novel RIPPLE EFFECT.
Weaving a realistic story about two sisters, Veronica and Rachel, whose lives were severely altered by WW II in England in 1937 and afterwards, is the nidus of this book. Rarely has an author created such a realistic vision of the London Blitz that opens the floodgates to the tale of love and marriage and the ‘ripple effects’ on a marriage after the war as this book shares. Ferns’ prose is eloquent in painting the varying landscapes of England and in sculpting the characters of her story with such finesse that the reader becomes a witness to the highs and lows of this fine story.
Veronica’s marriage to RAF pilot Richard seems perfect until Richard returns home, altered in his responses by the effects of PTSD and alcoholism – and to the reality that Veronica has ‘adopted’ her missing sister’s baby, Susie. The manner in which this complex combination of events plays out takes us to the mid 1950s when the focus is on teenage Susie and her response to her history. And that is the entry portal to the second Ripple Effect book yet to be published.
Impressive, involving, beautiful writing – this book gives notice of the arrival of a very fine new author. Highly Recommended.
Author Jenny Ferns, a retired psychologist who specialized in addiction, PTSD, family dynamics and trauma, began her career in England, earning degrees is Biology and Psychology at Keele University, moving to Canada where she taught high school Biology, and ultimately arriving in the US. Her varied life experiences serve her well in this, her debut novel. She lives in Florida.
The after effects of war have achieved more recognition in contemporary times, in part due to the increasing rate of suicide among discharged servicemen and the impact of combat on the mind: the term ‘battle rattle’ used after WW II has been changed to PTSD after the Vietnam War and continuing as the diagnosis of many with the wars in the Middle East. Jenny Ferns treats this malady and has keen insight into the changes endured by soldiers and their families, and she uses that as part of her very successful debut novel RIPPLE EFFECT.
Weaving a realistic story about two sisters, Veronica and Rachel, whose lives were severely altered by WW II in England in 1937 and afterwards, is the nidus of this book. Rarely has an author created such a realistic vision of the London Blitz that opens the floodgates to the tale of love and marriage and the ‘ripple effects’ on a marriage after the war as this book shares. Ferns’ prose is eloquent in painting the varying landscapes of England and in sculpting the characters of her story with such finesse that the reader becomes a witness to the highs and lows of this fine story.
Veronica’s marriage to RAF pilot Richard seems perfect until Richard returns home, altered in his responses by the effects of PTSD and alcoholism – and to the reality that Veronica has ‘adopted’ her missing sister’s baby, Susie. The manner in which this complex combination of events plays out takes us to the mid 1950s when the focus is on teenage Susie and her response to her history. And that is the entry portal to the second Ripple Effect book yet to be published.
Impressive, involving, beautiful writing – this book gives notice of the arrival of a very fine new author. Highly Recommended.
March 6, 2019
The ripple effect of a horrific war...
The author chose a wonderful and appropriate title for a story about a British family impacted by WWII and the myriad decisions made in its aftermath. As a fan of good historical fiction, I appreciated the opportunity to experience Veronica 's world: the horror of the London bombings, the retreat to the countryside, the complexities of her relationship with her sister Rachel, and the long-term tragic consequences of war even on those who are survivors. Veronica 's husband Richard, like so many soldiers before and after him, survives the war with no obvious injury, but finds it impossible to successfully grapple with the guilt and shame and horror of his wartime experience.
A well told story with a few surprises along the way. Well done!
The author chose a wonderful and appropriate title for a story about a British family impacted by WWII and the myriad decisions made in its aftermath. As a fan of good historical fiction, I appreciated the opportunity to experience Veronica 's world: the horror of the London bombings, the retreat to the countryside, the complexities of her relationship with her sister Rachel, and the long-term tragic consequences of war even on those who are survivors. Veronica 's husband Richard, like so many soldiers before and after him, survives the war with no obvious injury, but finds it impossible to successfully grapple with the guilt and shame and horror of his wartime experience.
A well told story with a few surprises along the way. Well done!
April 19, 2019
Disclaimer: There are some editing issues; typos, missing and repeat words, and spelling errors. If you’re the type of grammar Nazi who would rather miss a good story than suffer the ravages of a misplaced comma, move along - nothing for you here. As an indie author myself, I don’t ding for editing. I’m more concerned with story telling.
This is a wonderful period piece starting about 1937 to sometime in the mid 1950s. If follows the ripple effect of the Second World War on the lives and families of two sisters. We start in pre-war London and move forward in time to a war-ravaged London. Escaping the blitz, our story moves the the English countryside close to Cheltenham. We watch the aspirations and hopes of our main characters change as the pressure and stress of war shapes their expectations.
As an American, (East Texan to be exact) I found the descriptions of the English country side and smaller towns charming. I called up Google Street View and took a modern day, “virtual,” tour of many of the places mentioned in the book. That allowed me to enjoy the story even more. Fern brings the countryside and the characters to life. She creates characters I would like to know and become friends with. This is not a thriller nor action piece; just a satisfying tale of people I like finding peace and happiness. A story of eventually healing from the trauma of war. While this is in no way a knockoff of “Call the Midwife,” I responded to it emotionally in a similar fashion.
I’m glad I took the time to read it, and will certainly look for other works by Jenny Ferns.
This is a wonderful period piece starting about 1937 to sometime in the mid 1950s. If follows the ripple effect of the Second World War on the lives and families of two sisters. We start in pre-war London and move forward in time to a war-ravaged London. Escaping the blitz, our story moves the the English countryside close to Cheltenham. We watch the aspirations and hopes of our main characters change as the pressure and stress of war shapes their expectations.
As an American, (East Texan to be exact) I found the descriptions of the English country side and smaller towns charming. I called up Google Street View and took a modern day, “virtual,” tour of many of the places mentioned in the book. That allowed me to enjoy the story even more. Fern brings the countryside and the characters to life. She creates characters I would like to know and become friends with. This is not a thriller nor action piece; just a satisfying tale of people I like finding peace and happiness. A story of eventually healing from the trauma of war. While this is in no way a knockoff of “Call the Midwife,” I responded to it emotionally in a similar fashion.
I’m glad I took the time to read it, and will certainly look for other works by Jenny Ferns.
April 25, 2019
Ripple Effect: Because of The War (Ripple Effect, Book 1)
I love the choice of cover design Jenny Ferns chose for this book. It passes on a lot of useful messages. The author has proven her wealth of knowledge by digging deep into the facts and details of the second world war.
Fenny takes on the story of two sisters and how the outcome of the war took a toll on their lives. This book draws up a lot of emotions as we see Veronica trying so hard to adjust to her new life first as a post-war strategy and secondly with Richard who was a completely different person after returning from the war.
Susie grew up thinking that Veronica was her real mother and Richard her real father. Richard’s return from war and the family is thrown into chaos. Most times I try to put myself in the young man’s shoes to understand how deep war can tear into a man’s character and personality. The period of the chaos slowly fades as the family begins to make reconciliation. For Susie, it was a different story altogether.
There is a need for a sequel. Jenny Ferns really did justice to this book one.
I love the choice of cover design Jenny Ferns chose for this book. It passes on a lot of useful messages. The author has proven her wealth of knowledge by digging deep into the facts and details of the second world war.
Fenny takes on the story of two sisters and how the outcome of the war took a toll on their lives. This book draws up a lot of emotions as we see Veronica trying so hard to adjust to her new life first as a post-war strategy and secondly with Richard who was a completely different person after returning from the war.
Susie grew up thinking that Veronica was her real mother and Richard her real father. Richard’s return from war and the family is thrown into chaos. Most times I try to put myself in the young man’s shoes to understand how deep war can tear into a man’s character and personality. The period of the chaos slowly fades as the family begins to make reconciliation. For Susie, it was a different story altogether.
There is a need for a sequel. Jenny Ferns really did justice to this book one.
Read
May 25, 2019Jenny Fern’s award-winning first novel follows the lives of Veronica, Richard, Susie and Rachel, a family struggling with the effects of World War II and its aftermath. Will they be able to survive?
Beautifully written, the story begins with the giddy nightlife of pre-War London and tells a fascinating story of World War II’s effects on all Englanders. From the evacuation of children from London, to the air raids, to the post-War rationing we get a firsthand view of war’s effects on everyday people. It also examines the impact of Richard’s return on a family that of necessity learned to function without a man.
We watch as the family endures the hardships of war and its after-effects including post-traumatic stress, depression, alcoholism and alienation brought on by the child evacuation.
A thread of hope and optimism that people can survive and change pervades this well-crafted story.
This novel is especially strong in illuminating psychological struggles brought on by trauma and in describing pathways to healing. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of pre-War England and of the beautiful Welsh and English countrysides. The biggest appeal for me was the sense of hope instilled by the characters’ persistence in solving problems shared by many people even in today’s world. I highly recommend this book!
Beautifully written, the story begins with the giddy nightlife of pre-War London and tells a fascinating story of World War II’s effects on all Englanders. From the evacuation of children from London, to the air raids, to the post-War rationing we get a firsthand view of war’s effects on everyday people. It also examines the impact of Richard’s return on a family that of necessity learned to function without a man.
We watch as the family endures the hardships of war and its after-effects including post-traumatic stress, depression, alcoholism and alienation brought on by the child evacuation.
A thread of hope and optimism that people can survive and change pervades this well-crafted story.
This novel is especially strong in illuminating psychological struggles brought on by trauma and in describing pathways to healing. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of pre-War England and of the beautiful Welsh and English countrysides. The biggest appeal for me was the sense of hope instilled by the characters’ persistence in solving problems shared by many people even in today’s world. I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews