Manchester, 1941

Kitty learned early on in her marriage that her husband, Bill Dunbar, isn’t reliable with money. So when they inherit the Dunbar family hotel at the start of the war, she's hopeful that their financial worries are over… until the bailiffs turn up! With Bill now in the army, it’s up to Kitty to turn things around for her family, or risk ruin.

Lily worked as a chambermaid at Dunbar’s before the war. She met Daniel there, but their relationship was complicated by class differences and the disapproval of Daniel’s mother. Now Lily is pregnant – and with Daniel away at sea, she is all alone. When tragedy strikes, will Kitty and Dunbar’s come to her rescue?

Beatrice is in her forties, unmarried, and working in a job that exposes her to the harsh realities of poverty and sacrifice. She wonders whether the war might give her the opportunity to change lives for the better - including her own. But when she's accused of a crime she didn't commit, the future looks bleak... until Kitty makes a surprising suggestion.

Can the community around Dunbar’s hotel pull together and provide a beacon of hope and resilience, in the dark days of war?

'An irresistible wartime saga brimming with warmth, courage and charm. The fabulous Maisie Thomas has woven a rich, emotional story of friendship and fresh starts and I can't wait for the next installment.' Kirsty Dougal, author of The Poppy Girls

'A wonderful and uplifting tale of female friendship' Eva Glyn, author of The Dubrovnik Book Club

'In this heartwarming saga, Maisie Thomas depicts the strength and resourcefulness of ordinary women in wartime, and evokes the world of early 1940s Manchester with affection and skill.' Rose Warner, author of The Teacher Evacuees

Praise for Maisie Thomas:

'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' Reader Review

'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' Reader Review

'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' Reader Review