new review – this time from Australia

Martin\’s novel took me on a gentle journey of discovery through the years preceding and during World War One. The fresh approach to this timeframe, so different to recent Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, was that it was from the point of view of the villagers rather than the aristocracy. Their heartache and hopes were palpable in a story where the heroine was plucky and more importantly believable. I found each time I picked the book up, I didn\’t want to put it down and without issuing spoilers, I would say Katy\’s journey had me trussed and bound to the end. Each of Martin\’s characters were so very real and I believe this is the author\’s real skill. She can create a character so genuine, it\’s as if they are sitting opposite drinking tea. Her research into the timeframe is evidenced with a light hand and I commend this book to anyone wanting a love-story with honest depth and detail.