The Return

Gwen’s war is over, but her greatest battle is about to begin. ‘An engaging story of secrets, sacrifice and the persistence of love’ Sunday Times

‘A truly wonderful novel’ Jill Mansell

‘An enticing slant on wartime life’ Mandy Robotham

‘A beautiful and poignant love story’ Jenny Quintana

From the author of The Lost Ones, a mesmerising gothic novel which was shortlisted for the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award and the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown Award…

May, 1945. When bells ring out for Victory in Europe, young wife and mother Gwen wonders if her world is about to change.

Six years ago, on their wedding night, her husband Jack promised he would leave for the war and never return.

But Jack is coming home, unable to keep the promise he so faithfully made, and full of hope that he may at last win a place in Gwen’s life and her heart.

As events of the past return to haunt them, threatening all they hold dear, Jack and Gwen find themselves facing their greatest battle yet.

To win, they will have to stand together and fight as one.

In this sweeping historical story with huge heart, Anita Frank weaves a glorious tale of love and loss, secrets and promises.

Praise for The Return:

‘An engaging story of secrets, sacrifice and the persistence of love’ Sunday Times

‘A truly wonderful novel, so beautifully written and with an engrossing plot’ Jill Mansell

‘Draws you in with a deeply held secret so that just when you think it should all be over, it’s really just beginning – an enticing slant on wartime life’ Mandy Robotham

‘Set during WWII, Anita Frank weaves a beautiful and poignant love story that tugged at my heartstrings’ Jenny Quintana

‘An engrossing story of loss, betrayal and love on the farming home front’ Carolyn Kirby

‘Beautiful, atmospheric writing and masterful storytelling’ Jenny Ashcroft

‘A more modern take on Far from the Madding Crowd’ Historical Novel Society, Editors' Choice

‘Utterly gripping’ Iona Grey

‘A love poem to a lost agricultural way of life’ Caroline Scott

‘A beautiful tale of love, loss and survival’ Fíona Scarlett

‘A triumph of pacing and emotional power’ Lancashire Post

© 2021 HQ (Audiobook): 9780008341244

Release date

Audiobook: November 11, 2021