Book synopsis

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 Timesbestselling author Carol Drinkwater about the power of first love and courage in our darkest hours.

About the author

Carol Drinkwater is a multi-award-winning actress who is best known for her portrayal of Helen Herriot in the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small. Her quartet of memoirs set on her olive farm in the south of France have sold over a million copies worldwide and her solo journey round the Mediterranean in search of the olive tree’s mythical secrets inspired a five-part documentary film series, The Olive Route. She is also the author of novels The Forgotten Summer, The Lost Girl and The House on the Edge of the Cliff. She lives in the south of France.

My review

This was an outstanding book. you follow the journey of Sara and her parents that have to settle in France. Amongst this turbulent time she finds friendship and love. One particular part was heartbreaking but written so well I could feel the emotion. Lots of descriptive parts in this book that the author did really make you feel like you were there too, living this life with them.

Purchase link – Amazon

Disclaimer – Thank you to the author and publisher for my gifted copy for my honest review