Patricia H. (beachcomber) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 320 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I usually don't care for British authors, but this was an exception. Set in Britian during the period before WWII, it is family saga. Each "chapter" is titled for one of the characters. The author doesn't burden the reader with a long list of characters, and family members. You don't need a score card to keep track of who is who, and who belongs to what family. There are those of "wealth and privledge" as well as those not so lucky. The book doesn't have the sex, violence and foul language so familiar to readers today.
Don't be tempted to read the last pages. This is the first book of the series, and I am very anxious for the second book to be published in the late spring.
The book is worth the wait. My copy came from the library.
Don't be tempted to read the last pages. This is the first book of the series, and I am very anxious for the second book to be published in the late spring.
The book is worth the wait. My copy came from the library.
Mary C. (nursemare) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 75 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm already reading book 2 "Sins of the Father" - another fabulous book!
This is the story of Harry Clifton, his mother, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Harry lost his father when he was too young to remember him, allegedly killed during WWI. Maisie, his hard working mother struggles to support, not only Harry, but her parents who live with them. Of course, there's also an abusive uncle who lives in the house as well, adding a little color to the story.
Archer tells this story mostly from the point of view of Harry, but in the earlier sections he also tells it from Maisie's point of view and the rest of the cast of characters of this story, each with their own section labelled with their names and the years that portion of the story covers. Small portions at the start of each section are told in first person point of view, changing to third person limited point of view further into the story. At first the shift from third person to first person and back was a little disruptive, but then it flowed quite well. The strength of this technique also served as a weakness - near the middle of the story, Archer shifts from character to character telling different sides of the same story. That became a bit tiresome, but it wasn't enough to disrupt things to the point of not enjoying this book immensely.
As I turned the last page of this book, I was satisfied, but also frustrated. If I had book two in the series in hand I would have started reading it immediately. I just have to find out what happens to Harry next, so I'll be getting book two as soon as it comes out.
This is the story of Harry Clifton, his mother, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Harry lost his father when he was too young to remember him, allegedly killed during WWI. Maisie, his hard working mother struggles to support, not only Harry, but her parents who live with them. Of course, there's also an abusive uncle who lives in the house as well, adding a little color to the story.
Archer tells this story mostly from the point of view of Harry, but in the earlier sections he also tells it from Maisie's point of view and the rest of the cast of characters of this story, each with their own section labelled with their names and the years that portion of the story covers. Small portions at the start of each section are told in first person point of view, changing to third person limited point of view further into the story. At first the shift from third person to first person and back was a little disruptive, but then it flowed quite well. The strength of this technique also served as a weakness - near the middle of the story, Archer shifts from character to character telling different sides of the same story. That became a bit tiresome, but it wasn't enough to disrupt things to the point of not enjoying this book immensely.
As I turned the last page of this book, I was satisfied, but also frustrated. If I had book two in the series in hand I would have started reading it immediately. I just have to find out what happens to Harry next, so I'll be getting book two as soon as it comes out.
Peggy F. (pafmarwog) reviewed Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic Compelling Start of a new Saga by Jeffrey Archer. I literally could not put this book down until I finished it. This novel fulfilled all of the elements that make a great story; and it certainly captured my attention and held my interest. I cannot wait for the next installment " Sins of the Father". I have read a couple of other books by this same author and have enjoyed his ability to entertain me with his tales.
