In 1938, Rani - the bright and spirited daughter of an Indian Crown Prince - leads a privileged if lonely life. But everything is about to change...

Longing for freedom and purpose, she escapes the confines of her father’s palace and meets Prasad – a poor young man – with whom she falls deeply in love. But her plan to gain her father’s approval for the match disastrously backfires.

Estranged from her family and haunted by guilt, Rani’s path takes her from Cambridge to Bletchley Park and a new world of intrigue and secrets. Against the backdrop of war, Rani finds comfort and a sense of belonging with fellow codebreaker William and his young son. Could they heal her heart and become the family she craves?

Then Prasad reappears – and past and present collide, shattering Rani’s fragile happiness. As retribution for the hurt she caused him, he demands she pass him secrets from Bletchley. But at what cost?

Torn between her past and her present, love and loyalty, Rani must face up to a heart-wrenching sacrifice . . .

An evocative and heart-rending historical novel that will stay with you beyond the final page, for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Fiona Valpy, Kathleen McGurl and Siobhan Daiko.

'This book is a gem. I loved the richly evocative settings and unforgettable story.' Alexandra Weston

Readers are loving Renita D'Silva:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Utterly unforgettable and heartbreaking… An absolutely gripping and totally addictive story that will keep you racing through the pages all night long.’ Reader review

‘A feast for the senses… I adored this story. It kept me so hooked that I read it in one sitting.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Stunning!… Renita D’Silva’s writing is sublime; I could taste the chilli on my tongue and smell the cardamom in the air… Incredible… Inspired me with every page… An important story that embraced my heart.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wonderful… Transported me... Fabulous… Fascinating… My heart broke.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Both heartbreaking and warming… It will change you… Food for the soul.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A joy… A wonderful, evocative read.’ Reader review