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Portsmouth in the dark years of the first World War is the setting of Julia Bryant’s first novel in her series about the Forrest women of Portsea.
The day the Jutland telegrams arrive in Portsea, the lives of three women change dramatically.
Miriam Slattery, the barmaid at the Captain Hardy, believes that afternoon in 1916 will be the happiest day of her life. Instead, a terrible betrayal is waiting for her.
Beattie Forrest, mother, grandmother and widow of sailors, faces tragedy again – while rescuing a family even harder hit than hers. And Lily Forrest, just twelve years old, will always believe that the telegram boy who brought the news of her brother’s death stole her birthday.
But all three women have reserves of courage and hope beyond even their own dreams. As the grim days of the war give way to peace at last, Miriam, Beattie and Lily go on to grab their futures with both hands. Soon each of them, in her own way, will find the love and security she has been craving.
Julia Bryant’s first novel is a moving and joyous story of the women who stayed behind in Portsmouth in World War I and the sailors they loved.
The day the Jutland telegrams arrive in Portsea, the lives of three women change dramatically.
Miriam Slattery, the barmaid at the Captain Hardy, believes that afternoon in 1916 will be the happiest day of her life. Instead, a terrible betrayal is waiting for her.
Beattie Forrest, mother, grandmother and widow of sailors, faces tragedy again – while rescuing a family even harder hit than hers. And Lily Forrest, just twelve years old, will always believe that the telegram boy who brought the news of her brother’s death stole her birthday.
But all three women have reserves of courage and hope beyond even their own dreams. As the grim days of the war give way to peace at last, Miriam, Beattie and Lily go on to grab their futures with both hands. Soon each of them, in her own way, will find the love and security she has been craving.
Julia Bryant’s first novel is a moving and joyous story of the women who stayed behind in Portsmouth in World War I and the sailors they loved.
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Reviews
A pulsating and heart-warming saga peopled with human and compelling characters and with convincing dialogue . . . a rich first novel.
A rich first novel . . . packed with interesting people living what might appear to be mundane lives, but of course they are not. We get an insight into the lives of the families of sailors, their good and bad fortune, their ups and downs. Decent people who we want to win through.
Here's a great excuse to put your feet up and escape into a world which celebrates Portsmouth's past...It's really well worth the read
A vividly told and heartwarming saga.
Julia Bryant creates a vivid picture of Portsmouth in the final years and aftermath of the "Great" War of 1914-1918, weaving it into a story that pulses with the warm blood of humanity.
Fresh and thoughtful.