I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found the story to flow well. There were many twists and turns that built up to the final conclusion. Very enjoyable and definitely recommended.

War is coming. 

It is going to bring changes to Kate Bratton whose life is already planned for her, to be a maid, marry the gardener and have children for the cycle to start all over again, just like her own mother. 

When the Russell family arrive at Woodicombe House, Kate is surprisingly elevated to position of ladies maid to Naomi Russell and whilst it is not her ideal job, it means she is exposed to thoughts and ideals of others and the handsome Ned, Naomi's twin brother.

A friendship deepens between Kate and Naomi as they are both trying to avoid the paths that have been laid out for them. 

War might be coming but it is secrets which is going to be the undoing of the Russell family and it seems that Kate is going to suffer as well.

Which is the safer option to follow the path or break out on your own?

I found this book slow in parts and I admit to skim reading quite a bit until the plot got going in the last third of the book. There was too much made of nothing I felt to pad the book out and the characters other than probably Kate and her family were rather too flat.  I have read better saga's.

If you like historical fiction and don't mind being taken on a slow stroll through a story then this book is ideal for you. I would be intrigued a to how the saga continues, I am assumed by the marketing that their will be more than one book but I am not sure if I would want to read it.

Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this book.
It has all the ingredients.
Set just before the outset of World War 1 .
A lovely country house in the depths of Devon hosts a family holiday of the rich family the Russell,s. Amongst the party are their twin grown up children Naomi and Ned.
Added into the mix are the below stairs staff Mabel Britton and her two daughters Edith and Kate..
Kate is restless and wants more from life and due to several events finds her life inextricably entangled in the lives of the Russell’s through their son and daughter. But will it end well for Kate or will events occur to end her dreams,