Such Sweet Sorrow

Hearts of Gold #5

by Catrin Collier

In Pontypridd, in 1939, blackouts and conscription are beginning to strain the community. And three women are separated—perhaps forever—from the men they love. Jenny Powell's husband, Eddie, abandoned her on her wedding night, and she must struggle to cope alone. Italian Tina Ronconi's sweetheart enlists, and she and her sister face internment as enemy aliens. And Bethan's doctor husband is called up, leaving her, along with all the women, with endless worry and fear. Forced to adjust to a world at all, all they can do is wait. Then comes news of the Allies' retreat at Dunkirk and, for many, life will never be the same again.

Genres: Historical, Romance

416 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2006

About the author

Catrin Collier is Wales' most prolific and well-known author of historical, romantic fictions. The daughter of a Prussian refugee and Welsh father, she grew up in Pontypridd. Her first historical novel Hearts of Gold, was filmed as a mini-series by the BBC in 2003. Her crime book, By Any Name, written as Katherine John was filmed by Tanabi and released on Amazon Prime in 2017. She lives with her family on the Gower Peninsula, near Swansea. More information on Catrin Collier, Katherine John and Caro French's books can be found on her website www.catrincollier.co.uk

Reviews

[Juliana Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series of books - a good old family saga, but properly written!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, most of it didn’t have a lot of meat in it until towards the end but it was easy to read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such Sweet Sorrow is part of the Hearts of Gold series by Catrin Collier, which focuses on the town of Pontypridd and many of its residents, before, during and after the second world war.

In this installment we say goodbye to many of the men as they go to fight for their country. The women are left feeling hopeless and wondering if they will ever see the men they love come home again.

Love is lost between Diana and Tony after Diana admits her deepest secret to him after they make love for the first time. She seeks comfort and consolation in her best friend Wyn. After Tony has left for the war, and the unexpected happens to Diana, Wyn offers her marriage on the basis of their friendship to give her an optimistic future where she will be well looked after and safe.

Tina and Gina Ronconi are left to running their family's cafes after their father is arrested along with many other Italian residents after Italy's Mussolini joins Hitler's army. Tina is already under enough stress as she hangs onto every last letter William, her fiance, sends. All she prays for is his safe and speedy return so they can finally get married.

Megan Powell, Diana and William's mother, is unexpectedly released from her prison sentence early. The Powell's couldn't be more happier to have their Megan back, and she is lucky enough to be released in time to farewell her son before he leaves with the army.

Gina Ronconi finds her first love in Luke, a new lodger of the Powell's.

Jenny desperately tries to make amends with her husband, Eddie. When he gets special leave and they finally see eachother for the first time since their marriage, bridges and hearts are mended. In 'All That Glitters' I was furious with Jenny and was appaulled at what she did to Eddie on their wedding day. Though this time I was feeling sorry for her. I truly felt she was remorseful and extremely ashamed of herself, and was so glad that Eddie found it in his heart to give her another chance. Eddie is finally optimistic for their future together once the war is over.

[Shirley Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first novel I've read by Catrin Collier. I enjoyed the story but in my opinion, there were far too many characters to keep track of. There was no need for the amount of people in the Ronconi family, it just added to the confusion. The end was far too abrupt and a bit of a let down.

[Punit Sahani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite hard hitting narration from the world war. The difficult times people have survived and lived through. Just felt the story was dragged a bit too long.

[Denise Musson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say other than Collier is one of my favourite authors I love saga, especially set in Wales so ticks the boxes

[joan caryl jewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in this series!!!

Once again I have been captivated by reading another wonderful book in this series!
I should have guessed from the title that there would be some sadness but am intrigued and looking forward to reading Book 6!

[Liz Balaam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series just gets better and better

[Nella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't know it was the fifth in a series - finished mid air