We stand in the back of the hall as the children troop in. Big ones, little ones. Straggly hair, cropped hair, curls… the adults surge forward to choose and soon there is just one child left, a little girl sitting on the floor. She is thin as a string bean and her sleeve is ragged and damp – like she’s been chewing it.
1939. War has broken out – hundreds of children are evacuated to the countryside to keep them safe from the bombs raining down on the cities. Wrenched from her family in the East End and sent more than a hundred miles away, seven-year-old Pearl Posner must adapt to a new life away from everything familiar.
Vivienne didn’t ask for an evacuee child. In fact, she’s not sure her heart can take it. So many years, so many disappointments… Vivi’s ability to feel love left her the day she learned the truth about her husband Edmund, and when she made the worst decision of her life and left her cherished sister to her fate. But like it or not, Pearl is here to stay, and what with the rumours about what’s happening to children in mainland Europe, it might be the last safe place for her.
As Pearl and Vivi learn how to live together, they discover that they have a connection that runs more deeply than they could ever have guessed – from before Pearl was born, and deep into Vivienne’s past. And will it be Pearl – the little girl who says so little and sees so much – who forces Vivi to finally confront what happened in her marriage… and to the long-lost sister she loved so dearly and let fall so far, just when she needed Vivi most?
A beautiful and emotional wartime historical novel – heart-breaking, moving and unforgettable. Perfect for fans of Orphan Train and Before We Were Yours.
Readers absolutely love Lizzie Page:
‘Once in a while a book comes along that just burrows its way into the heart of me, that stirs my soul. This is one such book… I spent quite a bit of this book trying to swallow the lump in my throat or wiping my eyes… God, I could gush and gush… Her writing is sublime, her plotting is perfection and her characters are fantastic. This is one special book.’ Short Book and Scribes, 5 stars
‘Made me feel so emotional… This was such a wonderful read, which certainly tugged at my heart-strings. I loved this author’s writing and it was so realistic that I felt like I was actually there. A perfect read and a perfect tribute to the wonderful women who did their duty as War Nurses.’ Stardust Book Reviews
‘I couldn’t wait to get started on the book… Oh my word, this was one hell of an emotive read… I was hooked from the moment I picked the book up… I had a great great Aunt, who was a nurse during the First World War and to read this book made me feel closer to her… The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages turned… I just wanted the book to continue.’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars
‘An unputdownable book that had me reading under the covers, so keen was I to find out what happened next… fabulous.’ Julie Davis, 5 stars
‘Absolutely loved this book! One of the best books I've read in ages, even with my love of wartime novels! Brilliant story and characters and a gripping read that I both couldn't wait to finish but also didn't want to end. Can't wait to read more from the author now.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I absolutely loved it. A beautiful wartime story… I wouldn't expect anything less from Lizzie Page. She always delivers in spades.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
