I read this book while being in a very long, super boring advanced training session. So maybe I'm biased but this piece of magical realism kept me going. I was bored out of my mind and "The Toymakers" kept me awake.

Cath is 15 and pregnant. Her parents want her to give up her baby to cover her shame. Instead, she runs away from home and starts working as a shophand at the magical "Emporium", where toys are made, children are enchanted and reality can be twisted. But winter will soon end and her baby will be born. Will she be able to stay? Have her baby and a future? And will the two sons of the toymaker Jack make piece?

In addition, a world war is lurking just behind a corner. The novel starts in 1906 and ends after 1953. It was enchanting in parts but also partly annoying. I grew only semi attached to the characters and the toys that seem to be alive and have a will of their own. I also loved the mechanical little dog. *sigh*

3 Stars