Publication Date: November 22, 2014 | CreateSpace | Paperback; 442p
Genre: Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction
England 1955.
The day Rhoda Middleton opens a letter from another woman, she becomes convinced her husband, Peter, is having an affair. But when Rhoda tracks the mysterious woman down, she discovers she is not Peter?s lover after all, but the wife of his best friend, Archie Foster. There is only one problem - Rhoda has never even heard of Archie Foster.
Devastated by this betrayal of trust, Rhoda tries to find out why Peter has kept this friendship a secret for so long. Her search leads her back to 1945, but as she gradually uncovers Peter?s wartime experiences she must wrestle with painful memories of her own. For Rhoda too cannot escape the ghosts of the past.
Taking us on a journey from the atmospheric filming of Brief Encounter, to the extraordinary Great March of prisoners of war through snow-bound Germany, PAST ENCOUNTERS explores themes of friendship, hope, and how in the end, it is the small things that enable love to survive.
Includes bonus material for reading groups.
Praise for Past Encounters
"Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly Recommended!" - The Historical Novels Review
Praise for Deborah Swift
"stellar historical fiction" -Orange Prize Nominee Ann Weisgarber
"compelling'" -Westmorland Gazette
"The past comes alive through impeccable research...and the sheer power of descriptive prose" -Lancashire Evening Post
Buy the Book
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the Author
Davina Blake used to be a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, during which time she developed a love of research which fueled her passion for the past. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and also writes successful seventeenth century historicals under the pen name Deborah Swift. 'Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended.' The Historical Novels Review From Davina: 'I was inspired to write 'Past Encounters' because I live close to the railway station where the iconic 'Brief Encounter' was filmed in 1945. I have often used the refreshment room that featured in the film when waiting for a train. I love a good cup of tea, preferably accompanied by a chocolate brownie!'
For more information visit Davina Blake's
website and
blog. You can also find her on
Twitter.
Past Encounters Blog Tour Schedule
Saturday, November 15
Spotlight & Giveaway at
Passages to the Past
Sunday, November 16
Review at
Library Educated
Monday, November 17
Review at
Dianne Ascroft Blog
Review at
Flashlight Commentary
Tuesday, November 18
Review at
Oh, For the Hook of a Book!
Wednesday, November 19
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Just One More Chapter
Thursday, November 20
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Ageless Pages Reviews
Friday, November 21
Review & Interview at
Bookish
Saturday, November 22
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History From a Woman's Perspective
Monday, November 24
Review at
A Bookish Affair
Review & Giveaway at
Peeking Between the Pages
Tuesday, November 25
Guest Post at
A Bookish Affair
Wednesday, November 26
Review at
Book Nerd
Thursday, November 27
Interview at
The Maiden's Court
Saturday, November 29
Spotlight at
What Is That Book About
Monday, December 1
Review at
Layered Pages
Review & Interview at
Casual Readers
Tuesday, December 2
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My Reader's Block
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A Bibliotaph's Reviews
Wednesday, December 3
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The Worm Hole
Review at
Diary of an Eccentric
Thursday, December 4
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Beth's Book Reviews
Guest Post at
Historical Tapestry
Friday, December 5
Review at
Bibliophilia, Please
Saturday, December 6
Review at
Unshelfish
Review at
Historical Tapestry