Description

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February 1941
The world is at war and Joyce Cooper is doing her bit for the war effort. A proud member of the Civil Defence, it is her job to assist the people of Notting Hill when the bombs begin to fall. But as the Blitz takes hold of London, Joyce is called upon to plot the devastation that follows in its wake. Night after night she must stand before her map and mark the trail of loss and suffering inflicted upon the homes, families and businesses she knows so well.

February 1974
Decades later from her basement flat Joyce watches the world go by above her head. This is her haven; the home she has created for herself having had so much taken from her in the war. But now the council is tearing down her block of flats and she's being forced to move. Could this chance to start over allow Joyce to let go of the past and step back into her life?

An emotional and compelling historical fiction novel perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Mandy Robotham and Catherine Hokin.

Readers love Jan Casey:

'Captivating, heart-wrenching'saga... I adamantly recommend' NetGalley 5* Review

'A story of courage and hope' NetGalley 5* Review

'Drew me in straight away and I just wanted to keep on reading until I finished it' NetGalley 5* Review

'Gut-wrenching and hopeful, this book is just beautiful. I stayed riveted the entire time and could not put it down' Goodreads 5* Review

'Full of fervour and the characters grow from beginning to end! I could not put the book down!' NetGalley 5* Review

'A book that you won't want to put down. I loved all the characters and where this book took me. A lovely read' NetGalley 5* Review

'Was desperate to see how it panned out... Very interesting reading it from both sides rather than just your own country. Recommend it' NetGalley 5* Review

About the Author

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Jan Casey's novels, like her first – The Women of Waterloo Bridge – explore the themes of how ordinary people are affected by extraordinary events during any period in history, including the present. Jan is fascinated with the courage, adaptability and resilience that people rise to in times of adversity and for which they do not expect pay, praise or commendation. Jan is also interested in writing about the similarities as opposed to the differences amongst people and the ways in which experiences and emotions bind humans together. Jan was born in London but spent her childhood in Southern California. She was a teacher of English and Drama for many years and is now a Learning Supervisor at a college of further education. When she is not working or writing, Jan enjoys yoga, swimming, cooking, walking, reading and spending time with her grandchildren. Before becoming a published author, Jan had short stories and flash fictions published.

Praise For…

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“The historic narrative begins at the height of the London Blitz and carries through the V-bomb raids to the end of the war” —Historical Novels Review