It is 1939 and Bess is looking forward to completing her teacher training in London. Then she must decide whether to look for a post in the city or return home to the countryside near Rugby. Her happy childhood was spent playing and riding on Foxden Acres estate where her father works but her affection for James, son of Lord and Lady Foxden is unlikely to be returned since she is not of his class. Returning to London, her handbag is stolen, but she is rescued by Natalie Goldman and her husband Anton. They talk to her about the increasingly dangerous situation in Germany for Jewish families and they become good friends.
On the outbreak of war, life is turned upside down for Bess, her family and her friends. When the school where Bess teaches is evacuated out of London, she is asked by James to return to Foxden Acres to help organise the conversion of the estate into arable land with the assistance of a team of Land Army girls. James has joined the RAF as a pilot while her brother Tom has signed up as a soldier.
This novel gives a wonderful picture of wartime life for families and those who served on the Home front. Long hours of hard work are interspersed with the tragedy of air raids and the loss of dear friends. The best and the worst of humanity is revealed in the events of the plot. It is both inspiring and upsetting but is also a tribute to love and friendship. I can’t wait to read about the other Dudley sisters.
Foxden Acres on Amazon UK
Lizanne lost in a good book 
I like the sound of this one. Thanks for the recommendation, Lizanne!
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