They hoped it would be over by Christmas... Britain is at war and the proximity of the docks means that life in and around London's Turnbury Buildings is hard and dangerous. Chances are taken, people have secrets, hearts are broken. And feelings about foreigners are running high. Sixteen-year-old Freddie Jarrett is secretly seeing a girl from the local Chinese community - a relationship that would be frowned on by both families, despite the fact that they all support the fight for freedom from oppression. And his sister Grace has her own secret to hide. A secret that no one outside the immediate family must ever know. As the threat of the Luftwaffe looms over the docks, the community is threatened with being torn apart by prejudice, fear and separation, and the disturbing loss of stability that brings with it the feeling that it is only what happens today that counts for anything...

    Can she survive the lecherous landlord and will she be able to keep a roof over their head? Emma never understood the realities of poverty until her dear mama became sick. Now she is alone and she never found out the secret of why their papa left them. It doesn’t matter, he is not coming back. That was just a childish hope she needs to let go. What must two children do to survive Victorian London? Emma must take care of her brother and do everything she can to keep her job. Only she hides a terrible secret. One that could lose them everything. Seeing danger in every kindness, they are left without hope. A chance encounter on the market could bring good fortune. Has David found a way to take care of them. Are their fortunes looking up or is this the nightmare their mama always warned them of? Perfect for lovers of Dilly Court, Faye Godwin and Emma Hornby