Past Encounters - Softcover

Davina Blake used to be a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, during which time she developed a love of research which fuelled her passion for the past.She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and also writes successful seventeenth century historicals under the pen name Deborah Swift.  
From Davina: 
'I was inspired to write 'Past Encounters' because I live close to the railway station where the iconic 'Brief Encounter' was filmed in 1945. I have often used the refreshment room that featured in the film when waiting for a train. I love a good cup of tea, preferably accompanied by a chocolate brownie!' 
Find her at deborahswift.com
'Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended. ' The Historical Novels Review.    

Past Encounters is a beautifully written and thought-provoking story, an imaginative and emotive way to celebrate a fascinating slice of history, pay a poignant tribute to the suffering of forgotten wartime heroes and explore the heavy price paid by families torn apart by separation and conflict. Lancashire Evening Post
The account of the prisoners' march through Germany towards the end of the war is especially moving. I don't think I have read any war-time stories quite like this one. Past Encounters is a thought provoking book about love, loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness, full of tension with well-drawn characters and a great sense of time and place' Books Please

'a compelling story about love and heartache and forgiveness and war' - Library Educated Blog

'Past Encounters is really a tightly-focused and strong narrative that supports and explores varying themes from duty to love and more against the backdrop of WWII in England.' 
Ageless Pages Blog 

'Where the novel shines, however, is in its underlying themes... Reminiscent of The Railway Man, Past Encounters is a brilliant exploration of the psychological effects of war and their lasting impact'  Flashlight Commentary Blog

For lovers of history and drama, this book is a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon' Bookgeeks

'Her writing style invited the reader into another world that I was totally immersed in . . . delicate and graceful' - Just One More Chapter Blog

'it really makes you think about the relationships you have in real life and the choices you make. This story really hit home for me and gave me a lot to think about...Highly recommend' Layered Pages Blog



Blake reminds us how much a well-told, cleverly-plotted story can resonate with its readers. She achieves that which only a truly good book can and envelops the reader in the story, forging a spellbinding link with the characters, and only letting go when the final page is turned...Highly compelling historical fiction and a genuine page-turner, Past Encounters is recommended without reservation.  Book Viral