a grand piece of literature, as those intense pieces of work,I was very impressed and found that I quite liked this novel. In fact, I could say I loved it as a simple, casual read

really enjoyed this novel - many layers of intrigue,a sumptuous theatre setting and the background of WW2 all make for a complex novel of split personalities, shadows behind the curtains and never really knowing who or what is just out of sight, stage left.

There is something very shadowy about the world of the theatre - all those people pretending to be what they're not - and during war time this is more symbolic than most. This is a novel which captured me from the opening scene as the setting is so strong, the cast of characters intriguing and you just know there is someone and some secret just lurking in the shadows.

I felt so involved in this book - this is a fully formed world Natalie has drawn here - and it reads like it's being drawn and recreated right down to the smell of the greasepaint and the feel of the costumes, the anguish of wartime troubles and at the heart of it, a world wanting to carry on as best they could. The Farren theatre is at the heart of this story and it's a theatre with so much hidden meaning and depth. The story plays out as if you are watching it unfold on the stage - it's very visual and evocative and I was dying to know how it all tied together with Vanessa's fate. The story of Alistair and the theatre was just captivating and very well imagined. Natalie has really researched the nuances and settings of the time well as the novel draws you into each and every scene. London during the war is a dangerous place with hidden depths and unsavoury characters but the theatre is a beacon to many..

The writing was strong and lyrical throughout and the plot unfolded with all the flair and panache you might expect of a top london theatre. Bravo Ms Evans - encore!

I absolutely adored this beautiful book. The author's writing is a treat to the senses, bringing scenes alive with her stunning prose. I lived this amazing book. Highly recommend this colourful, poignant tale to everyone!

The war is finally over, and widow Vanessa Kingcourt must make her way into a new world. She’s drawn to the Farren theatre, a place filled with memories of her father, an actor. The current owner, former boat captain, Alistair needs a seamstress for his wardrobe and Vanessa agrees to take the job. No matter that she has no experience, she has imagination and intuition to guide her, making costumes out of bits and pieces f fabric left over from the war. And while she counts on the theatre to give her a fresh start, she will uncover secrets about her father that may derail her future before it can even begin. Beautifully told, this is a lush, descriptive story about life after World War II