The Map Maker's Promise

by Catherine Law

Preorder the beautiful new historical fiction novel from bestseller Catherine Law One night, everything changed…

It is yet another night of air raids, and instead of heading to the basement of her London workplace – risking being in the same vicinity as him, the man who hurt her in the worst way possible – nineteen-year-old Clare runs to the first place she can think of…

… and makes a decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life.

Over a year later, and Clare is heartbroken to be saying goodbye to her newborn Mirren. Leaving her in the care of her sister, in the remotest – and therefore safest – village in Scotland, she heads back south to take up the position of mapmaker in the Air Ministry department.

The work is tough, and Clare struggles with the fact she has a direct hand in hurting the enemy – hurting people. Combined with the guilt for leaving her sweet angel behind, the dark thoughts could destroy her… or make her stronger than ever.

A heart-breaking tale of love, loss, and redemption, this is a moving and poignant story of motherhood and the complexities of healing in the aftermath of war.

Praise for Catherine

'A beautifully written emotional, absorbing story about love, family, and secrets. I absolutely loved it.' Siobhan Daiko, author of The Girl from Venice

'‘I was engrossed in this beautiful, heartfelt story. Characters to care about and a plot that kept me turning the pages.’ Helen Parusel, author of A Mother's War

Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Historical, Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2024

About the author

Catherine Law is the author of eight historical romantic novels, set during the first half of the 20th century, inspired by the tales our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers tell us, and the secrets they keep.

Her new novel, The Girl From The War Room is out now.

Catherine lives 10 minutes from the sea in Kent.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underpinning this story is the “war work” carried out at Hughenden Manor, Disraeli’s former home in Buckinghamshire – only known about in any detail since 2004 when the MoD released those who worked there from the constraints of the Official Secrets Act. It had the code name “Hillside”, and focused on providing accurate maps for bombing missions, updating them from multiple sources. The work is absolutely fascinating – so well researched by the author, and the emotional toll too on those who carried out the work knowing their part in causing such destruction.

But that’s only part of this sweeping and emotionally affecting dual time story. Working with the BBC in 1940, Clare is flattered when invited to eat with her charismatic manager – young and naive, she has no idea what will follow. Distraught and pregnant, she’s invited to live with her married sister Anne in the Scottish Highlands and finds some solace and support there – but is haunted by the sequence of events that changed her life. Her mental health is fragile – a near disaster only avoided when a caring man is in the right place at the right moment – and she makes the heartbreaking decision to leave her young child with her sister, unable to have a family of her own, joining the war effort at Hughenden Manor. In the 1980s, brought up by her loving family, Mirren has few memories of her mother – other than the fact that she once visited, leaving a treasured pair of earrings, but leaving her behind.

The story is wonderfully told, moving seamlessly between past and present, and capturing so well the emotional impact of Clare’s difficult decision on her own peace of mind and Mirren’s need to understand how her mother felt able to abandon her. There’s far more to the story – with Clare’s past catching up with her, and Mirren’s gradual uncovering of the course of events that separated them – and I found it absolutely enthralling. The impact on Clare’s mental health is sensitively and realistically portrayed – despite her actions, she remains sympathetic throughout – and I particularly liked the drawing of the family relationships with their many complications. There’s a strong supporting cast too – every individual beautifully drawn, all playing their significant part as the many secrets are slowly uncovered. The author is a wonderful storyteller, and the ending was both satisfying and uplifting – and, after a particularly emotional journey, everything I wanted it to be.

This was an engrossing – often heartbreaking but entirely compelling – story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and one I’d very much recommend to others.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Map Maker’s Promise covers an intriguing mix of topics such as the challenges of motherhood, the burden of mistakes, the pain of violations and the fear of choices to name a few. And yes, the terrible effects of WW2 on personal lives and the sacrifices of those who tried to fight back by entering the domain of various secret services. For protagonist Clare, becoming a map maker for Bomber Command gave her a focus but it separated her from her family. And she struggled with the killing part of the operation which added even more guilt to her already overburdened conscience.

When Clare was nineteen and working in a BBC office, she fell to the wiles of her boss, which led to a violation. Her parents were not supportive in helping her after the devastating event. Because she kept secret what really happened, they assumed the fault was with her. And when the encounter resulted in a pregnancy, they were more concerned with what their neighbours thought than making sure their daughter was okay. Clare then decided to move away to her sister’s home in The Highlands where she could sort out her life and give birth to her daughter. But her troubles did not end there. In fact, the stresses of motherhood were more than she could bear. She was haunted by what had happened to her and afraid of the man who violated her. Suffering in silence she felt lost and about to make a regrettable choice. But is rescued by a local fellow named Cal McGinnis: ‘the man with white hair who ran the post office at Foyers.’ Yet again, disappointment in herself continued to grow and it seemed she would never be free to live a normal life. When she is offered a job to work as a map maker, she grasps on to it while making a promise to return for her daughter when the war is over. But when that day comes, things do not go as planned.

In the second timeline, we see Clare’s daughter, Mirren, fully grown and married and with a daughter of her own. She never quite feels like she belongs and cannot understand why her mother left her as an infant. Or why when Clare comes home to get her after she has settled with her new husband, that she is left behind again. Of course, we get the backstory from Clare of what happened to bring about the change of plans. But Mirren spends much of her life trying to understand and process what she thinks is rejection. In time, events transpire that provide her with some information— including letters from her mother to a friend that end up in her possession. The conclusion is quite revealing when she says she is not ‘lost’ anymore. Which brings us full circle if we go back to the Prologue (which I did) and re-read it. When she was a child riding in Cal’s car, he tells her if she ever gets ‘lost’ to remember she lives in ‘the last house on the lochan’. At the time she could not understand why he said that. But much later in her life she finally understands and she reconnects with the land that adopted her and reconnects with her husband. Plus she remembers the experience with the deer and how it compares to her mother. This realisation frees her.

Because the conclusion at first seemed abrupt, I went back to the beginning and re-read the Prologue. And I found so much more by doing so. I think you need to do this to get the full meaning of the ending. As there are many little words or hints in the Prologue that are also dotted throughout the novel that when joined together give this story added meaning and magnitude. There is so much more here below the surface than what initially appears. It is like looking into the Loch and seeing past surface reflections. When peering into the depth of the waters, there is another world hidden from view. Much like a person’s heart filled with secrets and fears. And Clare’s heart was much like this. Shaped by environment, expectations, family and tragedies. Broken and unable to trust or believe or maintain hope.

A big part of this story is the Highland setting. It is a character itself and stunningly portrayed with all its beauty and fierceness. Nature has its own order and wildness which is in contrast to Clare’s life that is filled with disharmony and unnaturalness. Ms Law uses this tool well to show us the discord in humans but how the environment can provide restoration and balance. And she painted such a vivid picture of the Highlands that I felt transported there! The Map Maker’s Promise initially exhibits a lot of sadness and pain but it also evolves into a landscape of healing and hope. Highly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An emotional dual timeline story from Catherine Law. The first narrative is from Clare and I really enjoyed her story. From a young and naive woman to a mother and wife, we see Clare fight against the views of the time against women and mothers and see how she never really comes to terms with having to leave Mirren. Having little support apart from Anne, you could see why she felt unable to provide the love and life the child deserved.
Mirren’s story is almost the mirror image of Clare’s - the impact of being left behind obviously affecting her throughout her life - never really understanding the impact on her mother’s mental health at the time.
The details about the map making Clare was involved in sounded fascinating and I’ve never considered the amount of people and time involved to ensure the enemy targets were in sight.

[annasbook nookk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in wartime London, this story is about the life of nineteen-year-old Clare, whose decision to escape the threat of an air raid brings her face to face with her own trauma.
The novel explores Clare's struggles as she struggles with the devastating effects of war.
I loved Clare’s character development.
The difficult themes of trauma, guilt, and redemption was well written.
This story was a beautifully written. And was a historical fiction with emotional depth. Clare's story was a story about the strength of the human spirit.

[Deborah J Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was enticed into choosing to read The Map Maker's Promise by the blurb and its World War II setting. I have not read anything by Catherine Law previously but I do love stories set in that time frame and all the little historical facts they throw up.

The Map Maker's Promise is a duel time line story, with Clare's story set between 1940 and 1948 and Mirren's story set in 1985.

In 1940, nineteen-year-old Clare is working for the BBC in London. She is naive and taken advantage of by Leo Bailey which results in a pregnancy. Her parents never ask for her side of things and decide to pack her off to live with her older sister Anne and her husband Allister Fraser in Scotland, to have the baby.

In the months leading up to the birth, Clare begins to feel accepted by the people who have already adopted her sister Anne as one of their own. Allister's cousin Isla is a standout character, warm, friendly, non-judgemental and understanding. The postmaster Cal McInnis is one of my favourite characters. He is well-regarded by the locals and is there for Clare in her time of crisis.

An opportunity to help the war effort arises when Clare's old boss at the BBC Meryl Sandford writes to her with the possibility of a job with the Air Ministry. After some thought, Clare considers it best to leave her baby with Anne and Allister and return to London to accept the job. At the Air Ministry the work that she is doing preys heavily on her mind, as does a death she feels personally responsible for.

In contrast, Mirren's story is about her deep-seated belief that her mother simply abandoned her and asks herself how that event had affected her whole life. As Mirren only has vague memories to call upon and nobody talks to her about her mother, she is filling in her own blanks.

I could not get to the whys and wherefores in this story fast enough for my liking. Clare has so much to contend with: Parents who were more concerned with what the neighbours would think than their daughter's welfare; A sister who had been waiting for motherhood all her married life and who seems to be able to settle the baby immediately, reinforcing Clare's feeling of inadequacy; The desperate need to keep the baby safe; The knowledge that something she did, caused another to die; And the work at the Ministry, finding targets for the bombers and resulting in more deaths. It is no wonder it took its toll on her mental health.

Mirren as a mother herself is unable to understand why a mother would reject their own child. Nobody has talked to her about her mother since her mother left without her in 1948. It is only once Isla provides access to Clare's letters that Mirren can begin to make sense of it all.

This is a well-written and very emotional story which had me gripped for two whole days.

[Keka Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Book Review: "The Map Maker’s Promise" by Catherine Law
📚Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

🔍The Map Maker’s Promise by Catherine Law is a deeply moving narrative that intertwines love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of redemption against the backdrop of World War II. The story centers around Clare, a young woman who makes a fateful decision during a night of air raids in London—one that will forever alter the course of her life.

💡Why You'll Love It:
❤Emotional Depth: Catherine Law masterfully delves into the complexities of Clare’s emotions, capturing the raw pain of a mother separated from her child and a woman haunted by her past. The emotional depth of this story will resonate with readers, making Clare’s journey one of unforgettable sorrow and strength.
🗺Historical Intrigue: The novel’s setting within the Air Ministry offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts of the war, particularly the intricate and morally fraught work of mapmaking. This unique perspective adds a layer of historical intrigue that enriches the narrative.

🎯 Perfect For:
✨Fans of historical fiction with strong, emotionally complex female protagonists.
✨Readers who appreciate stories that explore the moral dilemmas and personal tolls of war.
✨Anyone who enjoys a deeply reflective and heart-wrenching narrative about love, loss, and the search for redemption.

🌟A must-read for those who seek stories that touch the soul and stay with you forever. Clare’s journey is one that will break your heart and mend it all at once. 📖💔Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for the #ARC #BlogTour

#BookReview #TheMapMakersPromise #CatherineLaw #WWIIFiction #HistoricalFiction #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity #Netgalley

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Map Maker’s Promise is both fascinating for the glimpse it gives of an aspect of World War Two that is rarely considered and tragic for the impact on Clare of being raped and trauma caused by the nature of her work. This story is told in two timelines, the first during the war and the second forty or so years later. As the story opens, we meet nineteen year-old Clare, ten years younger than her sister Anne and working at the BBC, where she has a crush on her boss Leo Bailey. He has a reputation but she feels comfortable having dinner with him after work one night. The after effects of that dinner are an va abiding sense of shame and guilt for Clare, disdain and disapproval from her parents, hope for sister Anne and a sense of abandonment for her daughter Mirren. When Mirren takes up the story as a woman in her mid-forties, her marriage is going through a rough patch and her husband Gregor has moved out. While most of Clare’s story takes place in London and southern England, Mirren’s is all told in the small town of Foyers near Loch Ness, where she was raised by her aunt and uncle. Both Clare and Mirren are strong women in many ways, though each is also vulnerable, Clare because of her parents’ apparent lack of interest in and love for her and because she was raped, and Mirren because she has always felt abandoned because of her mother’s absence from her life. While the backdrop of war makes for an interesting sub-plot, this is very much a character-driven story and the two women at its centre are both easy to like and to cheer for. This has been the first time I’ve read anything by Catherine Law but I will certainly be on the lok-out for more from this talented author in the future.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Map Maker’s Promise by Catherine Law is a comprehensive dual timeline novel that entertained me from the start. The story is fiction but is grounded in fact.
The action is set during the 1940’s and in 1985. The two time periods alternate as the setting moves from London and the south, to Invernesshire. Scotland is a peaceful location, with its’ fresh air, beautiful scenery and isolation. The residents of a small community function as a family, offering support to each other.
War-torn London is stifling. Friendships and work colleagues are not always supportive. Those who should set examples, take advantage of the young and innocent. A life is ruined forever after a character abuses his position.
During the 1940’s, unmarried mothers were viewed as a disgrace. We follow a young woman who is shipped off to Scotland rather than subjecting the family to gossip and shame. The character always feels ‘less-than’ and is ashamed of her situation. She keeps quiet about one awful night that will haunt her forever.
Children are a gift, no matter how they came about. We see a young life treated with love but abandoned by her mother. This abandonment will haunt her forever.
War was a time of secrets. A character who carries her own secret is the perfect candidate for war work that falls under the official secrets act.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. They were easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Map Maker’s Promise and read it in just two sittings.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is official. The more I learn the more I realize I need to learn. I had never stopped to think how the British pilots had the maps to help guide them to their targets. I had never stopped to think how many people it would take to create the maps. It was quite interesting to read about, even better to research and learn more about.

The Map Maker's Promise opened my mind to the challenges of a Map Maker. The story gave insight into the importance of them during the war, but also the after effects that some might have suffered.The story is packed full of lots of drama and emotional moments. It isn't just about World War Two England, but what war could do to families. It is the story of what can happen to those responsible for those maps.

The Map Maker's Promise centers around Clare, a young lady in London working for the BBC. Clare is young. Clare is naive. She will have to grow up fast after the worst happens. She soon finds herself on a train going to her sister's in Scotland.

Clare takes the job with the government to escape, to runaway from a reminder. It was a way to avoid dealing with the memory, the trauma. She needed to escape Scotland and go where no one knew her or what happened. Unfortunately no one told Clare you can't runaway forever. My heart broke for Clare as she tries to move on, tried to begin again. This story is a great reminder that we don't know what people are going through. We need to let people talk. More importantly, we need to listen to them.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional and often heartbreaking, this is a dual-time family drama set in the 1940s during WW2 and the mid-1980s. Mirren has only vague memories of her biological mother, and now, in her mid-forties, with her marriage in trouble and a daughter of her own, she wonders if the little she remembers about her mother is real. She grew up and lived in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by the love of her aunt, uncle, and great-aunt, but one childhood memory defines her. Clare's life changed irrevocably one night, resulting in a pregnancy. Invited to live with her older married sister, Anne and her husband, she discovers supportive family and friends, but the circumstances of the conception haunt her. The birth leaves her unable to cope, and she makes a soul-destroying decision. Clare contributes to the war effort in a secret government role, which adds to her guilt. The issues explored in this haunting story are disturbingly poignant. What happens to Clare alters her life, and without the support of her parents, she looks to her sister, who helps but has her own needs. It is an emotional journey where happiness seems elusive for Clare and later Mirren, her daughter. The family relationships are believable, Clare's challenges are authentic and heartbreaking, and the conclusion gives the reader an uplifting feeling despite what has come before. I like the characters, the believable relationships and the emotional storytelling.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fascinating and complicated dual-timeline World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Clare, a map maker working to defeat the Nazis, and her daughter Mirren, who is grappling with Clare’s abandonment of her and its effect on Mirren’s ability to form relationships. Dealing with their emotional struggles and the challenges of single motherhood in the mid-twentieth century, Clare’s story brings the sacrifices of war work to life, while Mirren resembles the generation dealing with the secrets and aftermath of the Official Secrets Act. A complicated novel about estranged families and involvement in wartime deaths, Law’s novel is detailed and incredibly emotional. Clare and Mirren are fascinating and complex characters with unique traumas and difficult emotional journeys that they go on over the course of the novel. The World War II angle is also interesting in how it deals with questions of morality and guilt from a different job in the intelligence and military planning sphere. With the strong character arcs and the powerful emotions at the heart of the novel, Law’s novel engages readers with the story and draws them in with the emotional throughline of Clare and Mirren’s relationship. A strong, complex, and emotional historical fiction novel, fans of the genre are sure to enjoy Law’s powerful narrative.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or publisher's blurb - you can find such reviews out there already.

I was drawn to this book as it was a "dual timeline" story - set partly during WW2, and partly in the present (ish) day.

The story covers the lives of two very different women - Claire (WW2) and her daughter, Mirren. There is a wide cast of supporting characters, and all are well written, authentic, and well described - so that you can imagine them as real people.

The plot is interwoven between the two timelines, which adds to the interest. The WW2 action is largely set in London and a "top secret location", where Claire carries out her work in helping to make maps to aid the war effort. The author draws out the effect of the war, her work, and her choices on Claire's mental state very well.

There are also elements of romance, in both timelines. However the book also has a few darker threads woven through the story, including wartime single motherhood, loss, abandonment, and depression.

All in all an enjoyable read, with rather more substance than I expected.

I look forward to reading more from Catherine Law.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[Gregory Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

The content was not entirely consistent with the synopsis posted on the Amazon site. I relied on the title and the genre - identified as historical fiction - to make my reading choice. This story covers little about what the workers at Hillside actually did, ie, how they furthered the defeat of Germany in WW2 by map making for Bomber Command.

Instead, the story concentrated on the sad case of a young woman being abused by a person of power and living with the guilt of the results and how it affected her family relations. That is fine as a story unto its own, but don't represent something different - even the title is deceptive in that regard.

If you want to read WW2 historical fiction, pick up one of the many stories written about Bletchley Park - which also have romance diversions, but not that consume 90% of the storyline.

This was all the more disappointing because I believed the author had a fresh topic to present, which was squandered. .

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is a delightful dual timeline novel. At the start of the book, we meet Clare, in the 1940s, and Mirren in the 1980s. Part of the book takes place in London, and part of it takes place in the Scottish Highlands.

When I started reading, the story started to come to life in my mind. I thought the writing had a lovely nostalgic sort of quality, and I felt a kind of appreciation for times gone by. Clare was a wonderful character, and I loved the sisterly bond between Clare and Anne.

I was swept away by this book, and it warmed my heart to see the story unfold. If you enjoy timeslip novels, give this a try.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading The Map Maker's Promise and that was it - I was completely enthralled. I could not put this beautifully written book down and read it in one glorious sitting. Such wonderful writing. Such a compelling and haunting story. And the descriptions! The settings come alive and I absolutely lived every scene. Loved the significance of the deer and Clare's earrings too. Loved Mirren and Gregor finding each other again. Loved all the characters - Cal, Isla, Aunt Emily, Allistair, Anne, Kirstine, Mirren and of course Clare. Beautiful book, great story. Another author whose books I will be eagerly waiting for and whose back list I will now devour! 

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting story. I loved the dual timeline going between the turmoil of a naïve young women and the thoughts and views of the time to her daughters’ challenge of feeling abandoned. Another fascinating aspect of the story was the map making, I had no idea so much went into the maps that were required by the pilots. The settings of London and Scotland were vividly brought to life on the page. i felt the ending finished a little abruptly, would have preferred a bit more resolution. The Map Makers Promise is a good historical fiction book covering mental illness, guilt, love, family, loss and redemption.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dual timeline story that is fiction but is interspersed with true facts and has been thoroughly researched. I enjoyed learning how the pilots knew exactly where the targets were it was definitely eye opening. Clare is a single mother and she leaves her young daughter with her sister as she joins the war effort. The book is very atmospheric as everything is described in delicate detail. I could feel the fear and devastation as the bombs dropped you can hear the dreaded planes approaching. A well written and researched tale that kept me highly entertained.

[Emma Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book.

Clare falls pregnant and ends up with their sister Anne and her husband Allister. Clare feels she cannot cope and leaves her daughter Mirren with Anne. Mirren finds it hard to talk about her Mother she remembers an incident when Clare came back and no one seems to talk about Clare. It was interesting to read about the map makers in the War.

I enjoyed the book but I thought the ending was a bit abrupt and you wonder what happens to them all I think it would have been nicer to see what happens.

Some of the characters I liked.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Map Maker's Promise

A moving and emotional story of Clare, a young and innocent nineteen year old in London and Scotland in 1940 and Scotland again in 1948. One night, in London in 1940, her life changes forever and she makes a decision that will forever haunt her.
This is a heartbreaking story of loss, love, secrets and redemption. It is a story of motherhood and the complexities of healing in the aftermath of war and how decisions can reverberate through generations.
The first novel I have read by Catherine Law and I highly recommend it to other readers.

[Mrs J A Saxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sad but brilliant read

I loved reading this book but felt so really sorry and sad for Clare. Her whole life was ruled by wanting to be the mum she thought she could be one day but circumstances got in the way. The description of the Scottish highlands was so perfect that I could see it and smell it too. Excellent read.

[Margaret Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking story. So many emotions in reading this book that emotionally leaves you worn out Clare to my thoughts suffered post natal depression which no doubt was not recognised back in the 1940’s due to the war.
The story does take you on a journey of a young girl and the events that defined her life.
Would recommend

[Caroline Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heart stoping and sad story of a young woman who was taken advantage of, become a single mother, and joined the war effort. Most of the story focuses on Clare’s pregnancy and struggles with glimpses into 1985 and Mirrin as an adult.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A duel time lime book well written and a good story. Thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book. Liked how the story dealt with the secret map readers of the war but also brought in their stories into it.

[Jayne Greig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, didn’t want it to end. Heartwarming, sad, entangled characters who are well described and fit into the detail of the novel. Many heart wrenching emotions are sprinkled in the story which makes it an enchanting read. Awaiting next book.

[brenda clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The map makers promise

What a story about ones life ,the difficulties of family life,the sadness of the pressures of that eara, the fear of society reaction too families misfortunes with their sad,confused out comes, an interesting read.

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional story

This the first time I've read a story written by Catherine. I loved every moment and while sad in parts, the storyline kept me engaged right throughout the book. I highly recommend this story. Thanks Catherine.

[Terri Stenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gripping story. Clare is such a brave lady in a time of war and family values of that era.

[Liane Flynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok read but pretty thin plot.

[Fran Kalk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and learned about a different aspect of WW2 but felt the book ended rather abruptly. I was disappointed that there was not more of a resolution.

[Mrs Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish we found out how clares meeting with mirren went

Waw what a storry tho I'd have loved to hear what happened when clare went to talk to mirren it feels so unfinished