cover image For Better, for Worse

For Better, for Worse

Elizabeth Jeffrey. Severn, $28.95 (220p) ISBN 978-0-7278-8301-8

Jeffrey revisits WWI England with this tale of a young war widow who must learn how to cope after the death of her husband. Stella and John Nolan were only married for six weeks when John was killed by a sniper just before the end of the war. During a Christmas visit to the Nolan family’s home, Stella discovers that she is pregnant. Her new mother-in-law, Doreen, is overjoyed at the thought of having a grandchild, but thinks of Stella as a mere servant, only tolerating her presence because of the pregnancy, and Rosalie, John’s sister, is a spoiled young woman whose treatment of her husband, Philip, a wounded veteran, is as uncouth as her behavior toward Stella. Jeffrey expertly weaves historical details into the moving plot line, which is rich with Stella’s trials as she faces class discrimination, the possibility of being a single parent with no means of financial support, and a shocking attraction to Philip. Multidimensional characters add depth to this drama, which disappoints only with the somewhat abrupt and unconventional conclusion. (Sept.)