For Better, For Worse

July 8, 2013
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.

Starred review from August 1, 2013
It's near the end of WWI. Stella marries John, an army captain with a shoulder wound and battle fatigue, whom she has spent two months nursing back to health. The joy of a whirlwind romance and wedding soon ends when John is shipped back to the battlefield and killed. Now John's wealthy family wants to meet the common girl who tricked their beloved son into marrying her. The grandeur of Warren's End, the family estate, overwhelms Stella, but this pales in comparison to the reality of their thinly disguised disdain for her. When they discover she's pregnant, however, their attitude changes. Sort of. Clearly, they are far more excited about having a grandchild than concerned about Stella, and the prospective grandmother's behavior is downright Machiavellian. There's no lack of drama with the servants, either. Despite centuries of class distinction, both rich and poor suffer horrible losses in Jeffrey's smart and compelling novel, and some even find true love. Fans of Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs will enjoy another journey to the grand mansions of England and portrayal of the fascinating people who live there.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)