The stunning new novel from the author of The Lost Girl and The House on the Edge of the Cliff

'A moving story of love and friendship with a wonderful sense of place' KATE MOSSE
'Beautifully written, each sentence shimmers in thought-provoking prose' MY WEEKLY
'A virtual hug of a tale; warm, and engaging, and tender' JOANNE HARRIS
'Exciting, evocative and beautifully written' DAILY MAIL
'An emotional and moving read' FIONA VALPY
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France, 1943.

Forced to flee war ravaged Poland, Sara and her parents are offered refuge in a beautiful but dilapidated house in the French Alps. It seems the perfect hideaway, despite haunting traces of the previous occupants who left in haste.

But shadows soon fall over Sara's blissful summer, and her blossoming romance with local villager Alain. As the Nazis close in, the family is forced to make a harrowing choice that could drive them apart forever, while Sara's own bid for freedom risks several lives . . .

Will her family make it through the summer together?
And can she hold onto the love she has found with Alain?

By turns poignant and atmospheric, this is the compelling new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Carol Drinkwater about the power of first love and courage in our darkest hours.
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'Romantic, evocative, and pulse racingly dramatic' WENDY HOLDEN

'A moving story of love, friendship and bravery that simply races along' WOMAN'S WEEKLY

'A terrific story . . . skilfully written and heart-rending' MIRIAM MARGOLYES

'I love Carol Drinkwater's writing . . . So evocative of the south of France - you can almost smell the maquis . . . Engrossing' Reader Review

'Carol skilfully draws us in to the beautiful Alpes Maritimes region of France to tell the story of Sara . . . the writing is evocative and Sara's story is both moving and inspiring' Sheila O'Flanagan, bestselling author of The Women Who Ran Away

'Great storyline, great characters. A thoroughly enjoyable read' Reader Review

'I enjoyed it very much . . . it's her best' Elizabeth Buchan, author of The Museum of Broken Promises

'A wonderful, enjoyable novel with courage and survival at its heart' Elizabeth Chadwick, author of The Wild Hunt series

'One not to be missed ... tells a part of history that should never be forgotten' Shirley Dickson, author of The Lost Children

Praise for Carol Drinkwater:

'I was hooked from the start' Dinah Jefferies

'Carol Drinkwater's writing is like taking an amazing holiday in book form' Jenny Colgan

'Beautifully woven and compelling' Rowan Coleman

'Secrets, tragedy, hidden pasts and family secrets - I loved this' Santa Montefiore