Glamorous debutantes, heartbreak and discovering just what is worth fighting for in the new historical novel from Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks.
1914. Vivian, a young, impassioned debutante is hurried into a pedestrian marriage to cover a scandal. War breaks out on her wedding day – domestically and across Europe. Quick to escape the disappointment of matrimony, her traditionalist husband immediately enlists and Vivian has no alternative than to take up the management and running of his estate – after all, everyone is required to do their bit. Even pretty, inadequately-educated young wives.
Howard, a brilliant young playwright rushes to the front to see for himself the best and the worst of humanity; he cannot imagine what the horror might be. In March 1916, when conscription becomes law, it is no longer enough for him to report on the War, it’s a legal requirement that he joins the ranks. Howard refuses, becoming one of the most notorious conscientious objectors of the time. Disarmingly handsome, famous, articulate and informed, he’s a threat to the government. Narrowly escaping a death sentence by agreeing to take essential work on Vivian’s farm, it’s only then Howard understands what is worth fighting for.
1914. Vivian, a young, impassioned debutante is hurried into a pedestrian marriage to cover a scandal. War breaks out on her wedding day – domestically and across Europe. Quick to escape the disappointment of matrimony, her traditionalist husband immediately enlists and Vivian has no alternative than to take up the management and running of his estate – after all, everyone is required to do their bit. Even pretty, inadequately-educated young wives.
Howard, a brilliant young playwright rushes to the front to see for himself the best and the worst of humanity; he cannot imagine what the horror might be. In March 1916, when conscription becomes law, it is no longer enough for him to report on the War, it’s a legal requirement that he joins the ranks. Howard refuses, becoming one of the most notorious conscientious objectors of the time. Disarmingly handsome, famous, articulate and informed, he’s a threat to the government. Narrowly escaping a death sentence by agreeing to take essential work on Vivian’s farm, it’s only then Howard understands what is worth fighting for.
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Reviews
Epic, romantic, devastating and overflowing with emotion and authenticity, this is an absolutely stunning novel that will totally sweep you up in to its world
A passionate, harrowing love story you just HAVE to read
A slow-burn love story... that builds to a tear-jerking climax. Adele Parks' best book yet
Teems with vivid detail... this meticulously researched story will hook you right in
I adored it for the depth of research behind the historical detail, the pacey narrative with its alternating viewpoints and the wonderfully vivid and believable characterisation. Reading this is a real emotional treat
Reading this is a real emotional treat
Rich in period detail and romance, this page-turner offers escapism and intelligent historical writing in equal measure
A beautifully written story of love and heartbreak
I loved last years SPARE BRIDES and Adele's latest novel is equally as good
This meticulously researched story will hook you right in
A well-written novel about romance, class and war. One of Adele's best yet
Beautifully written