It’s hard to convey how much this novel impacted me. I was thoroughly captivated by it and shall never forget it. It is beautifully written and tuned into the glories of nature, the fallibility of human nature, and the fragility of relationships. It’s down to earth with no holds barred, displaying the extraordinary beauty of the consummation of love so sensitively described. Socially, Gabriel and Beth are far removed, but they find a connection as teenagers and spend a hedonistic summer together until they become estranged through a misunderstanding. Beth marries Frank, a dedicated farmer. Tragedy stalks them, and the union wobbles. The loss of their son, Bobby, is the white elephant between them. When Gabriel reappears in her life, Beth is at a vulnerable point of time. The first cut is the deepest. Beth can’t resist the magnetism – like a moth to a flame. The consequences are dire.

I loved the descriptive passages of the village, the farm, the farm animals, and the wildlife. The imagery will remain with me. I devoured every word with a mix of immense enjoyment shadowed by the tragic incidents. I loved all the characters, which were so well-defined and with humour. The literary and musical references were nostalgic, personally, as they were set in my childhood and teenage era. I struggled with the lurcher incident despite understanding from all points of view the necessary but shocking action taken. The catalyst that possibly triggered events.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.