The paper is stiff and brittle with age as Kate unfolds it with trembling hands. She gasps at the pencil sketch of a rippling waterway, lined by tall buildings, curving towards the dome of a cathedral. She feels a connection deep in her heart. Venice.

England, 1941. When Kate Arden discovers a secret stash of drawings hidden in the pages of an old volume of poetry given to her as a baby, her breath catches. All her life, she has felt like an outsider in her aristocratic adoptive family, who refuse to answer any questions about her past. But the drawings spark a forgotten memory: a long journey by boat... warm arms that held her tight, and then let go.

Could these pictures unlock the secret of who she is? Why her mother left her? With war raging around the continent, she will brave everything to find out...

A gripping, emotional historical novel of love and art that will captivate fans of The Venice Sketchbook, The Woman on the Bridge and The Nightingale.

Readers adore Juliet Greenwood's WW2 novels:

"This story was compelling, emotional, and left me thinking about what would come next every time I had to set it down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"What a beautiful story, I absolutely loved it. With a heart-wrenching decision, lovely characters, awful characters, beautiful settings and lots of love it's a book that you won't want to put down. Also, remember the tissues!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Emotional and heartbreaking... A very compelling story and one I highly recommend." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Not just a gripping historical narrative but also an exploration of the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. That even in the darkest times, there is hope, compassion, and the potential for redemption." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This book is one that as soon as you start reading you cannot put down. I highly recommend reading it." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"A gripping, emotional journey into the impact of war on ordinary families... Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"An inspirational story that will grip you... I truly loved reading it." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This is a beautifully written book with a powerful message about families... Truly a book to savor." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐