1939. Bombs threaten London and five small children step onto a rickety train, clutching their gas masks, heading to an uncertain future...
When the war with Nazi Germany sends five displaced children to her door, Dodie Fitznorton knows life in her quiet village will never be the same. Her once orderly home is now strewn with odd socks and abandoned toast crusts, and she gasps when she discovers a flea-infested ginger kitten hidden away upstairs.
But the baggage these little ones bring is far more than just their tattered suitcases. Eight-year-old Olive trembles when spoken to and won't say how she got a bruised lip, and her brother Peter seems angry at the entire world. Then Dodie meets the children's grey-eyed American teacher, Patrick Winter, who makes her feel she's not alone in this fight.
As darkness falls over Europe, Dodie's fragile sanctuary begins to feel like a fortress under siege. With whispers of spies in the village and the children's precious futures at stake, Dodie must decide who to trust before everything she's built crumbles to ashes around her...
A deeply poignant tale of love forged in wartime - heartwarming, captivating and impossible to forget. Perfect for fans of The Secret Orphan, Before We Were Yours and Anna Stuart.
About the Author :
Luisa A Jones lives in South Wales, and takes inspiration from the Welsh countryside, towns, history, and of course its people. Her writing explores the dynamics within relationships, the pressures that mental health issues can exert on people, and how these can be overcome. Luisa studied Classical Studies at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, University of London. Her previous jobs have included tour guide in an historic house; teacher in both primary and secondary schools; careers adviser; and corporate trainer/assessor. Luisa loves using her creativity for crafting and baking, as well as writing historical and contemporary fiction with romantic elements. She and her husband are the proud owners of Gwynnie, a Volkswagen camper van built in 1974, which inspired the story behind Luisa's first book, Goes Without Saying. They have three children, a dog, and two cats. Becoming an author fulfilled a lifelong ambition.
Review :
'My heart was torn out many times... achingly beautiful... gripped my attention every moment... gorgeous, haunting, tender and raw... A must read.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Absolutely stole my heart... so moving... beautifully written, deeply felt... I didn't want it to end... an absolute must-read.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An emotional journey bound to touch the deepest and most sensitive parts of our hearts... an extraordinary story I will never forget. A must read!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A heart-wrenching journey... deeply moved by the characters' struggles. I was completely captivated... truly moving and thought-provoking... you won't want to miss it.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Highly recommend this poignant and heartwarming story' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Absolutely beautiful and so worth the read. Would I recommend? Absolutely.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Poignant and beautifully written... heartwarming narrative... captures the enduring human spirit... beautifully written, emotional.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I really enjoyed this book - so much so I found my self snatching a few minutes here and there just to read another chapter... Well worth its 5 stars - a very good read.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
