A magnificent story of love and war for all who enjoy Catherine Cookson

He survived the carnage of war. But it was bitter conflict on the home front that tore his life apart

After a year of fighting in the Boer War, Corporal Russ Hazelwood missing his wife and tired of long, passionless nights seeks solace in the arms of an African woman. Only his friend Jack Daw knows of the relationship and the son born of it. Returning to York, he builds a successful career in business and raises six daughters and a son with his wife Rachel.

But when his former comrade branches into local politics, rivalry breeds betrayal. Suddenly the past comes back to haunt Russ, shattering bonds between husband and wife, father and son.

Then comes the most dreadful war of all. But when it is over, the greatest battle has still to be won

Sheelagh Kelly is an author from York. She worked as a book-keeper whilst bringing up her two daughters, and her interest in genealogy and a desire to trace her ancestors resulted in her first novel. She writes historical fiction, often based in the city of York, ranging from Viking times to the 19th century.