The Charity of Strangers by Alison Burke- Women's contemporary fiction  

Zaffron, nineteen,  lives in a squat and has managed to get herself clean over

 the last few years. Also beginning to feel better from her mental issues she 

goes into a charity shop with the intention to steal a coat so that she would

 look smart for any job interview. What transpires changes her life and

 broadens her outlook as well as giving her friends and people she can trust-

 something she hasn’t had for a long, long time. Blaire comes across as the

 big hearted softie- but with that inner core of sense and protection. He

 has his own agenda but it is a symbiotic relationship rather than a parasitic

 one.  I liked Zaffy and Blaire- they bounced off each other well. A book 

of growing up, which doesn't always have to be in your childhood, and of

 being independent, rather than depending on others despite hardships 

and issues.  Of finding friendships and relationships in all formats and

 the love and security they can bring that doesn’t have to be family.

 A book to make you smile and perhaps a tear along the way. Wonderful. 

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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The Charity of Strangers

You can find almost anything in a charity shop, but can you find love?

            You can certainly find friendship and there is both laughter and tears ahead when 19yr old Zaffron, lonely, anxious and without direction, meets Blaire Daintry, good-looking, charming, and gay.

            Both volunteers in the charity shop, he has a hidden agenda, she has secrets,  but they are friends from the start, despite Blaire’s constant sparring with Ida, the stern, good-hearted older volunteer who Zaffron admires. And perhaps Ida has secrets too.

            Together with other victims of the city’s housing crisis, Blaire and Zaffron set up a safe and happy home.  Secure at last, she tells him of the dreadful incident in her childhood that has marred her life, but not even his total acceptance gives her the confidence to start a relationship with an attractive and decent young army sergeant who falls in love with her.

            Is it fear of the truth coming out that holds her back? Or is there some other reason, buried too deep in her heart for her to recognise?

Purchase Links 

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charity-Strangers-friends-secrets-lies-ebook/dp/B08NXHTG2B/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Charity-Strangers-friends-secrets-lies-ebook/dp/B08NXHTG2B/ 

Author Bio – I was born and grew up in Lancashire, gained several nursing qualifications and had the privilege of a long and varied nursing career, briefly in the Royal Army Nursing Service abroad, mainly in the NHS in UK. True love and a happy family came my way and now I have the time to  read, write and remember. 

Social Media Links 

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 Website https://www.alisonburkefictionwriter.com/