A BRIEF AFFAIR

Reminiscent of classic films like Brief Encounter and The End of the Affair, this is a stunningly captured story of a woman finding herself whilst the world is at war

September 1940. England is a war once again and London has become an ever-fragile place for widowed Livia Ripley and her two young daughters, Polly and Eliza. When Livia meets charismatic publisher Hugo Ballantyne, she is hopeful that her life is about to change for the better. But as clouds gather in the clear autumn sky, the wail of the siren heralds the arrival of the Luftwaffe.

As the raids intensify, Livia volunteers to be a warden at the invitation of enigmatic Justin Connelly. Here she experiences the true reality and despair of war, a contrast to the world of comfort and cocktails provided in fleeting afternoons at the Balfour Hotel with Hugo. And ultimately, Livia discovers a strength she never knew she had that will give her the power to save those she loves. For when you don't know what tomorrow may bring, there is no choice but to live for today.

This is a wonderful novel about love, motherhood, sacrifice, and jeopardy. A beautifully told, compelling story that you will read in one sitting.

Margaret Leroy studied music at Oxford, and has worked as a music therapist and social worker. She has written six previous novels, including her first novel, Trust, televised by Granada; The Perfect Mother was also a NYT Notable Book of the Year, The Drowning Girl was chosen for the Oprah Summer Reading List, and The Soldier's Wife was a GoodReads Historical Fiction finalist. Her books have been published in twelve languages. She is married with two children, and lives in London.