I had to read this book in one sitting. I loved the strong female characters in this novel. It takes place as WWII unfolds. We read 2 stories taking place at this time in 2 different settings, England and Italy. The two story arcs will eventually be joined. The mystery of Kate, our main female character’, and her personal history drives the plot but all the supporting stories are gripping too. Kate’s drive for independence, her helping evacuee children near Stratford and Cornwall, and her siblings’ stories make for riveting reading.

This one ticked all the boxes for me. Historical fiction and an elusive mystery, set during and after World War 2., with a very likeable strong female character. Kate Arden doesn’t want to get married and take on that female role, she has painting in her heart. As her feelings of never quite belonging and her desire to find out more about her background strengthen, she accumulates clues, however, the start of the war impacts her life. The stories of her time looking after children who were bombed and evacuated were really interesting. After the war, the truth gradually comes out, despite the attempts of a couple of villains to thwart this. I enjoyed the characters and the way the pieces of the mystery fitted together, and I hope to read more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC to read and give an honest review of.