It's 1936 in West London, and fifteen-year-old May Stubbs and her family have endured the worst of The Depression. Looking forward to a more prosperous future, they take on a derelict cricket pavilion, convert it into a café and general store, and find it quickly becomes the hub of the community.
Then May contracts tuberculosis, and the way ahead looks less certain. Leaving her best friend, Betty Lane, and lifelong soul mate, George Bailey, behind, she is sent away to fight off the illness. But on her return to London, she finds things have changed. And when war is declared, it is clear that serious complications and heartache lie in store for them all.
Really enjoyed the book. Loved the characters and their lives surrounded by ww2. My only wish there was a sequel. As I found the ending longing to know what happened next
I adored this book. One of my favourite childhood authors introduced me to the theme of TB and revisiting it was eye opening. Evans really explores the theme very sensitively and assertively. I wasn't made to feel over sympathetic or that the character couldn't cope, this is a feat; they all went through so much and the twist is so hard to swallow. This is a sure favourite now, passed it to my mum as I knew she would love it.
This is the first ebook I've read, stumbled across this book some how, didn't think it would be my cup of tea but it's a good read and I've hardly put it down, good strong characters, interesting story line, you can't wait to see what's coming next, always the test of a good book. Pam Evans is such a prolific writer, think I'll be reading a few more.