Thoroughly enjoyed this book. great descriptions and enjoyable plot and characters! I've not read this author before but will do so again in the future!

I read this on holiday and it was a change to the other books I was reading - nicely written and an unusual storyline.

Tracy Rees' fourth book Darling Blue takes her readers to 1920's London and more specifically the affluent area of Richmond. The 'Darling Blue' of the title is Ishbel Camberwell known as Blue to her family and friends, the reason for her name becomes apparent much later on and is quite a sweet sentiment. When we are first introduced to the Camberwell's it is on the occasion of Blue's birthday and as people gather to celebrate, Kenneth, the patriarch of the family, stands on the stairs and makes an announcement. Potential suitors for Blue must woo her. They must win over her affections in the form of a love letter which in turn must be written anonymously, the winner will be announced in a years time. Blue is horrified at her father's surprise. She does not have marriage in her sights at all, preferring to follow her dreams to become a writer. She feels she has been backed into a corner and is now under pressure to conform. But that is not in her nature. The announcement may have captured the imagination of the opposite sex but she rather wishes the words had never entered her father's head.

Following on from this opening I presumed this book would closely follow Blue as she engages with various suitors through letters that may diverge into something deeper and to some extent this did occur but thankfully this was not the entire plot of the book. Given the book was well over 500 pages, and heading towards 600, this aspect of the storyline couldn't have been stretched out so thinly over such length. Truthfully, I did think this book was too long. I understand the author took us through the four seasons compromising of four parts which form the backdrop to a year in the Camberwell's lives but there were aspects of the story that just didn't go anywhere and had far too much detail which led to not much happening. Certain parts could have been curtailed in turn leading to a shortening of the book and therefore more action could have occurred. I read someone else's comments on this book saying she was rapidly turning the pages to see what would happen and I was too in a similar fashion and like this person says it was to see would something occur to catch my breath, to leave me astounded, to leave me guessing but this didn't happen. Admittedly in the last 150-200 pages the book did pick up pace and in my mind was definitely the strongest section of the book. It really held my interest and all the story lines began to bear fruit in some surprising and heartfelt ways even if some had been quite tedious at various points during the book.

Darling Blue branches off into three distinct strands following the lives of three different women who are united through family and friendship. It is an observation of family life and how even though it may be the roaring twenties and Blue does come from an affluent family, all is not as it seems and behind closed doors people are struggling on a daily basis. Blue, herself was a character I did warm to but then over the course of the book my opinion of her swayed back and forth. I loved the fact she wanted to follow her own dreams and aspirations in becoming a writer. She was clearly a person who went against societies expectations and she wasn't going to conform to the norm. Losing her mother at a young age could have made her a person who became lost but thanks to stepmother Midge she had an anchor and a united family. Her sister Merrigan had done the usual thing of getting married and starting a family and had done what was expected of her. But Blue questions why should she follow suit? I did think she had a lack of personal control when it came to Kenneth's surprise and that given time to reflect she should have been stronger and stood up for herself and said no I don't want this to happen. Given she was a free spirit who knew what she wanted I felt this went a little against her character. Her dalliances through the form of letters didn't fully engage me and I wasn't as hooked on this aspect of the storyline as I felt I should have been given it formed a major part of the premise of the book.

I much preferred when Blue got a six month contract with the local paper and her interests and ambitions beyond that of her family began to become clear. She wasn't like a fish out of water in her job even though she got the worst most light and fluffy stories to write about. She sensed this could only be a stepping stone to even greater things. One thing I did admire about Blue was her kindness and compassion when it comes to her family and friends. She had a sweet, soft and sensitive side to her nature and she always worried about others and wanted to hep people if at all possible in their times of need. Most noticeably when it came to Delphine, but also her childhood friend Foster whose sister Tabitha was also a close friend. The same can't be said though when it comes to Midge. The storyline regarding Foster I did guess at fairly early on and I do think it was handled with tact and respect given to the situation especially considering the potential outcome because of restrictions and in a way beliefs and superstitions of the time.

Delphine as mentioned above comes into the Camberwell's lives very unexepedetly. She was a character I wanted to know more about and delve deeper into what motivated her. I thoroughly enjoyed her storyline and it was good to see the theme of domestic violence being dealt with in a period story given it features so much in modern day books. It makes the reader realise that sadly this is a long standing issue and that there will always be people in need of refuge and a place where they can feel safe. The Camberwell's gave this to Delphine but she was still a person living in constant fear of discovery and retribution, yet I felt the Camberwell's and her new employer’s would always have her back.

Yes in my mind her arrival and then Blue more or less adopting her into the family seemed a bit far fetched given the huge differences in their backgrounds and social classes. But on reflection I think maybe the Camberwell's were that type of family, that in times of need they unite together and they wouldn't like to see anyone suffering. I loved observing the transformation in Delphine. To go from a stuttering bundle of nerves to a woman confident and capable in her own skin was amazing. When the Camberwell's needed their own comfort and support she was able to return all they had done for her. Delphine's storyline wasn't without its dramatics and I loved how things took on a few twists and turns with regard to her towards the end.

My most favourite character of all was Midge, Kenneth's second wife and therefore stepmother to Blue and Merrigan. She knows she can never replaced their beloved mother Audra but she feels for the most part that she has developed a good relationship with her stepchildren. I really liked how Midge wasn't portrayed as the evil stepmother that nobody liked, instead she was a part of the family much loved and respected. But poor old Midge is tormented and she can't share her worries with anybody. To be honest I thought she drove herself made worrying and fretting over things that she had created all in her head and that others would give scant thought to. That was until things came out into the open. I knew there had to be more going on than at first meets the eye and as we delve deeper into her mind things slowly started to become clear. In doing so I felt the utmost of pity for her. I wanted her to feel happy and contented and not living in fear that she would be cast out. She didn't realise how much she was loved and appreciated and that all could always be forgiven no matter how traumatic, upsetting and devastating one's actions could be.

Midge behind it all was crying out for help and a shoulder to cry on but I felt the family were so caught up in their own little trials and tribulations that Midge was often taken for granted and in some ways left on the sidelines. If they had been more aware of her plight things mightn't have taken on the heartbreaking twists and turns that followed. Even when revelations about Midge became apparent I didn't lose any respect for her instead I grew to love her as a character more simply because she was lost and overwhelmed and she felt she had no other choice and in my mind she didn't deserve blame. Although her abrupt decision was something I felt was too rushed and a judgement made in haste that she would later come to regret. I felt she shouldn't have given up her safety net that easily.

Overall Darling Blue was a good read despite some of my misgivings as mentioned above. I don't think it is the strongest book the author has written, Amy Snow and Florence Grace still remain my firm favourites. It was an interesting read but it needed a bit more mystery than was present. It was very character driven and any mystery that was apparent was resolved far too quickly given such time was put into the lead up. I'll be interested to see what era Tracy Rees will venture to with her next read and to see will even more mystery appear to keep the readers guessing until the very end.

Blue Camberwell lives quite the charmed life. Then at her 21st birthday party, her father Kenneth sets the young men of Richmond the ultimate task. Impress Blue by letter and earn her hand in marriage. What a way to start, what becomes a most eventful year in the young lady’s life.
While Blue is the central character to this novel, set in 1920’s Britain, two other women have big roles to play too. Blue lives with her family at Ryan’s Castle, a plush house in Richmond. They are well to do but not blind to those around them. The Camberwells are a close-knit family but not without their issues. Blue’s stepmother Midge should be on cloud nine, married to Kenneth and stepmother to Blue and her sister Merry who both adore her. Instead, Midge is insecure, feels like she’s living in the shadow of Kenneth’s first wife and questions how he could love her. Add to this, a huge heartache, and Midge is truly a woman on the edge.
Delphine Foley has found the strength to escape her vicious husband. When her escape route doesn’t go to plan she finds herself in Richmond, having been rescued by Blue, Merry and their friend Tabitha. She tells them her story and she is quickly moved into Ryans Castle and under the wings of the Camberwells.
I loved this, the supplementary characters all had vital roles and added such depth. The descriptions of 1920’s Britain, the lifestyle and the role of women were wonderfully portrayed. The author had twists and turns but what stood out most for me were the feelings depicted. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend.

Darling Blue is a wonderful story set in the 1920’s about love, life and finding yourself that was fantastic to read.

Firstly I loved the Camberwells, Blue’s family. Their obvious love for each other was so nice to read about, particularly as most books seem to focus on dysfunctional families. They are so kind and supportive which just makes you warm to them. I would definitely have liked to be a member of their family.

I thought the idea of writing a letter to win Blue’s hand was a fabulous, sweet idea from Blue’s father. I think it showed how much he knew and cared about his daughter. It was great to read all the letters, to see the different styles and the sentiments expressed. I enjoyed trying to guess who wrote what and who Blue would go for.

This was a charming, easy read that just invites the reader into Blue’s world and let’s them relax into the story. There are a few story lines running through the book which were well developed and plenty happening to keep my interest. This is definitely a ‘feel good’ book and I closed the book with a contented sigh, though I was sad to leave the wonderful characters behind.

I have read all of Tracy’s books and in my opinion she keeps getting better and better. Darling Blue is easily her best book yet! I’m normally a bit cautious when I see one author compared to another buying this case the comparison to Lucinda Riley was justified.

Huge thanks to Ella from Quercus books for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour. If you like historical fiction that just immerses you into the story, making you want to live in the characters world then you’ll love this book.

It is 1923. The First World War is still in the minds of some people but life has moved on and this is the era of the "Bright Young Things" and we get to meet three very different women experiencing their own lives in very different ways but all been drawn together by Darling Blue.

Blue is the main character of the novel, as the title suggests, Ishbel known as Blue turns 21 and at her party, her father announces that the man who can capture Blue's heart by love letter can have his permission to marry her. Blue is aghast at the statement but that does not stop her being intrigued by the men who do send the letters.

Midge has found love quite late in life but she doesn't think she deserves it. She is the second wife of Blue's father and whilst she loves the man and his daughters wholeheartedly she does not think it is reciprocated.

Delphine, desperate to escape her trapped love falls into the path of Blue who takes her under her wing and sees that she never returns to the past she is trying to escape.

All three of these women are having different experiences of love, romance, marriage and life, Tracy Rees has woven a tale of differences and similarities by these three women in this novel.

Not wanting to shy away from matters which were not named in the 1920s but Tracy tackles domestic violence, homosexuality, postnatal depression and women trying to find their way in the world of work. Topics that perhaps some might find depressing, but it is far from that. It is a quiet book which tells a simple tale, with some perhaps rather interesting diversions and the odd little twist and thrill of a turn it is a read to be savoured and reflected on once complete.

Tracy Rees books change as each one is published, none of them fit into the genre box that many probably want it to, but that is the beauty we discover different stories told in many ways that affect us all so differently.

I will certainly be intrigued as to what comes next from Tracy.

A year in the life in the 1920s Blue has come of age and her father offers her hand to the the most eloquent letter writer suitor. Fast forward a year, the introduction of Delphine and the discover of Midges secrets to see how Blues life has changed.

Overall I enjoyed the book. It was slow to start, there are a few twists throughout a couple of which I didn’t expect. There is an air of calmness and laid back elegance throughout the narration but at times the story line is quite unbelievable. I was left with a slight air of confusion on finishing.

A beautiful, light book with some darker themes at its core. I particularly rooted for Delphine. The author has captured the time and place well. I always look forward to a Tracy Rees book.

Blue is a priviledged young lady in 1920s Richmond but unlike most girls of her class and generation she is not interested in getting married, she really wants to be a writer. When her father hosts a 21st birthday party for her she is horrified when he announces that potential suitors must win her heart and hand through a love letter..... will she be able to forge her own future and can love go hands in hand with her own dreams.

A lovely book with great storyline and characters and working well being told by the points of view of Blue, Midge and Delphine

A sumptuous historical tale set in 1920s Richmond that is superbly written, wonderfully evocative and wholly mesmerizing, Darling Blue is an enchanting and engrossing read that is simply perfect for losing oneself in!

Ishbel ‘Blue’ Camberwell is well aware that everybody seems to want to find out who will be the man she will marry, but she is far more interested in becoming a writer than she is in matrimony! Blue’s love life might have captured the attention of the local press and have all of Richmond agog and on the edge of their seats desperate to find out who will be the lucky man who will win her hand, but she would much rather be left alone and left to write. Unfortunately for Blue, her father is hosting a twenty-first birthday party for her and during his speech he makes a startling toast that threatens to throw all of her plans to become a writer into disarray: he will consent for his daughter to be married to whichever man captures heart best in the form of a love letter. However, little does Kenneth Camberwell realise that Blue has other ideas about her future…

With her father seemingly keen on forcing any man interested in Blue to play bewildering games and making them jump through hoops, Blue becomes even more determined to forge her own path and be the mistress of her own destiny. Although Blue wants for nothing and has more than enough money to ensure that she need never go without, she has her heart set on becoming a writer and on earning her own living. Settling down to being a wife and mother holds no appeal whatsoever for Blue, but will one of her many suitors manage to change her mind? Will Blue manage to find happiness on her own terms? Or will all of her plans to be free and independent fail to come to fruition?

A richly woven tapestry that transports the reader back to the 1920s with style, panache and flair, Darling Blue is an atmospheric and elegantly written historical novel with a wonderful heroine at its heart whose spirit, tenacity and resilience is sure to make her a huge favourite with readers everywhere. Darling Blue is a splendid tale about the ties that bind, taking chances and having the courage to fight for one’s right to happiness that is simply irresistible.

An outstanding tale that is an absolute treat from start to finish, Darling Blue is another winner by Tracy Rees.

Darling Blue was not what I expected, though it wasn't any less for it - in fact it was more. From the blurb I was expecting a flapper version of a Regency romance, but this is a million times more than that. It has depth, a wealth of complex characters and stories, and a much more realistic plot. The way Blue's own story is intertwined with those of her family and friends was unexpected but deeply interesting. It's the kind of book I would have devoured once upon a time, before chronic illness affected my reading habits, making me swap complex historical sagas for light romance and YA fiction. So reading it was not easy for me, but it was rewarding, to find that I could still follow multiple story lines, I could remember who everyone was, and these things are testament to Rees' great writing.

After reading the sweet and romantic debut novel Amy Snow from Tracy Rees, I was excited to get my hands on Darling Blue. Though it´s not my usual style of fiction, I found Darling Blue to be an enjoyable read. The main character, the dreamy and warm hearted Blue is horrified when on her 21st birthday party her father announces that her hand in marriage is to be won through a letter. Though Blue´s initial reaction is one of horror, she learns to enjoy the adventure that this announcement sends her on, going through the 1920s equivalent of online dating.

Through the book, we get to meet a multitude of characters and see the story from the viewpoint of other characters in the novel. I found the different points of view to be quite refreshing. Sometimes I found it a bit tedious that all the main characters were so friendly and warm and I felt like their opinions were often not to be typical of the early 20th century. However, I felt that Rees´s attention to detail was meticulous and the book was a love letter to her old hometown of Richmond. I look forward to reading future books by Tracy Rees.

Set in the 1920’s and told in alternating points of view between Blue, Midge and Delphine, 3 women that are nothing alike but brought together through love, grief and above all else – family.

The story centres around Ishbel “Blue” Camberwell, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood as she tries to find her own way into the world. She wants more from life than becoming a wife, she wants to be a writer and although money has never been an issue for her and her family she still wants to work and hold her own as a journalist.

As we follow her through the trials and tribulations that come hand in hand with the courting world and the attentions of several young men she comes to the rescue of the quite, scared, stuttering Delphine.

Delphine has escaped an abusive marriage and has run away when she is rescued by Blue and her sisters. And as Delphine story unfolds she soon becomes fast friends with Blue, Midge and the Camberwell family.

Although the Camberwell’s appear the perfect family who want for nothing their lives have been anything but perfect. A family who have suffered tragic losses and 1 family member with a secret so great that it could shatter it all.

The three woman’s stories intertwine bringing them all closer and at the same time putting them all in danger, the story plays out full of courage, hope, love and grief into an unforgettable conclusion.

Be prepared to be swept off your feet and submerge yourself into a stunning setting as well as back in time to the 1920’s where women are finding their independence and a bobbed haircut was considered outlandish. Where writing becomes a life line and the past that won’t stay in the past.

I have read all of Tracy Rees’s books and whilst Amy Snow remains my favourite Darling Blue is a worthy runner-up! Beautifully written and researched this book will restore your faith in true love.

Enjoyable read nice characters,brings us back to a gone by era.
Lovely description,relaxing read.
Would love to see a sequal to the book.