Bess saw a man carrying a little girl in a pink nightdress run past. The child dropped her teddy bear and began to cry, ‘Daddy, stop!’. But he didn’t hear her above the noise of wailing sirens and collapsing houses. Dazed, Bess watched her old lodgings groan and lurch to the left. Then the stairs she had walked up so many times collapsed, one on top of the other, until there was nothing left but dust.

1939. Bess Dudley's life is filled with possibility. As the daughter of the groom at historic Foxden Hall, she has worked hard to secure a sought-after teaching position in London. Then, on a visit home for the holidays, Bess reconnects with handsome and aristocratic James Foxden, whom she has loved since childhood. There’s a new spark between them and Bess travels to London with James’s card and joy in her heart.

The war casts a shadow over Bess's bright future. In London, she’s confronted with the daily threat of terrifying air raids and vicious attacks on her Jewish friends. To make matters worse, Bess's teaching career abruptly ends around the time she discovers James is engaged to the beautiful and wealthy Annabel Hadleigh.

Returning to Foxden Acres, Bess dedicates herself to the war effort as a Land Girl, a far cry from the life she had envisioned. It’s back-breaking work, but she’s surprised to find she’s becoming friends with Annabel, despite her enduring love for James.

In a world torn apart by violence, Bess is forced to make an impossible decision, all while keeping a dark secret of her own. Is her love for James worth risking everything she’s built for herself from the ashes of her old life? And without James – without Foxden – would she have anywhere left to call home?

A gripping, epic and heartbreaking story about how adversity can change us in ways we never anticipate. Perfect for fans of Mandy Robotham, Glynis Peters and Rachel Wesson.

What readers are saying about this book:

“A stunning novel. At times I chewed my nails. At other times I cried. But I also felt my heart lift. This book has it all – tension, love and loss all against a backdrop of a bygone era. A great drama in all. I look forward to reading about the other Dudley sisters who, I believe, each have their own story to tell.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This novel made me smile; it also made me cry… it has enough tension and twists to keep the reader interested right to the end.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I loved this story and felt involved with the characters from the start.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The plot was a bit of a rollercoaster, and I laughed at times, cried a little, and would recommend this to all fans of historical drama or romance books.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I loved this book. The time period and place were wonderfully depicted and the story held my interest throughout. Well recommended.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2023 Storm Publishing (Audiobook): 9781805080459

Release date

Audiobook: 5 June 2023