Despite a comfortable living, surrounded by lush farmlands, Jennie's life under the critical eye of her tyrannical mother is hard. Desperate for affection, she stumbles upon dark secrets and into the uncertain murmurings of love. On the other side of the scarred mountainside, and in the wake of a disaster that tears through his family and their tight-knit mining community, Harry finds the burden of manhood abruptly thrust upon his young shoulders. Through the turmoil of the Depression years, life for both Harry and Jennie takes many unexpected turns, with love won and lost. But the onset of World War II brings changes that neither could have imagined"

lie McGowan is an established short story and feature writer for national and international publications, and has won numerous writing competitions over the years. Her writing credits also include educational features, pantomimes, sketches and songs and newspaper columns. Well known in her home town of Usk for her work in the community, Julie runs a theatrical group which performs variety shows and her witty pantomimes to sell-out audiences every year. She also co-runs Is It?, a theatre company which runs young people's drama workshops and tours schools in Wales with productions covering health and social issues. Born in Blaenavon, Julie left Wales for Kent at the age of 12. She trained as a nurse at Guy's Hospital, London, and then as a Health Visitor in Durham, living there for 4 years after her marriage to Peter. The couple now have four adult children and have lived in Surrey, Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire before returning to Wales 19 years ago. Julie has had a variety of jobs including teaching piano and a stint as Town Clerk in Usk.