William Street

Discover the start of a wartime saga series from Renita D'Silva, author of the West India Dock Road novels

An emotional, uplifting saga of sisterhood, sacrifice, love and community, set against the backdrop of WWI

Brighton, 1914. Jean Morgan has always put others first. So, when her mother died, Jean sacrificed her dream of becoming a midwife to raise her younger sisters – Edie, Mary, and Bess – taking on back-breaking work to keep them safe and out of the workhouse.

Now, the outbreak of war brings fear and darkness to them all. But with her sisters mostly grown up, Jean can finally answer her long-held calling to nursing, joining the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD). She’s posted to Brighton’s Royal Pavilion – the magnificent seaside palace, now a military hospital for Indian troops.

There, Jean meets Private Dilip Patel. Despite the horrors he has faced in the trenches, Dilip maintains a sunny spirit, winning Jean’s heart. But in a society deeply divided by race, their blossoming love story is strictly forbidden.

As Dilip prepares to return to the battlefields of France, Jean must decide: will she bow to the prejudices of her community or find the courage to follow her heart?

Fans of Annie Groves, Rachel Brimble and Donna Douglas will adore this sweeping historical saga.

Praise for Renita D'Silva:

'Beautifully told. I became immersed.' Patricia McBride

'A beautifully descriptive, original and emotional story.' Jane Lark

‘Utterly unforgettable and heartbreaking… An absolutely gripping and totally addictive story that will keep you racing through the pages all night long.’ Reader review

‘I adored this story. It kept me so hooked that I read it in one sitting.’ Reader review

‘Stunning!… Renita D’Silva’s writing is sublime. Inspired me with every page… An important story that embraced my heart.’ Reader review

‘Fabulous… Fascinating… My heart broke.’ Reader review

‘Both heartbreaking and warming… It will change you… Food for the soul.’ Reader review

‘A joy… A wonderful, evocative read.’ Reader review