Synopsis

The novel is set against the turbulent background of the 'Great' War and a rural village in Hampshire. This is a tale of the Cooper family, of conflict, sacrifice and betrayal.

After father's funeral Rose Cooper is determined to keep control of the strawberry smallholding. Since the age of ten when her mother died, she has been forced to care for her siblings, Archie, Lily and retarded Cissy; also Eli but, in Rose's eyes, since he's a foundling he doesn't count.

When a will is discovered in Eli's favour the whole family is thrown into trauma. Events rocket through one emotional squall after another. Threats and counter threats dominate as Rose takes charge and does everything in her power to stay one step ahead of Eli and rid them all from his intimidation - to prevent him from staining their lives.

Even when Rose discovers love from the unlikely source of Henry, the undertaker, the relationship is blighted with problems. It seems as if everything is stacked against her.

As the novel weaves to its tumultuous conclusion nothing could prepare her for the final nightmare. Control returns but at what cost?

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