From the author of the Richard and Judy Book Club selection THE ROSE OF SEBASTOPOL. Katharine McMahon's previous novels reprinted regularly, and have been extremely well received - The Alchemist's Daughter was a Waterstone's Paperback of the Year. All her novels have attracted excellent reviews: 'A superbly crafted novel about duty, compromise and inspiration' Sunday Times. 'The figure of Jane Eyre presides over this lively debate in fictional form about what women really want' Mail on Sunday. 'An excellent thought-provoker which interweaves the plight of two schoolmistresses, separated by a hundred years, both trapped by duty and dedication' Woman's Journal. 'Convincing, dramatic and authentic' The Times. 'Rich with the sounds and scents of long ago English summers, this could easily be a study in nostalgia, but it is more than that' Sunday Times 'McMahon has given us a first rate historical romance: it's hard to think it will be bettered this year' Independent on Sunday. 'If you come across a more satisfying novel during the latter half of this year then count your blessings' Sunday Times.

'A satisfying multi-nuanced treatment of what women want and the sacrifices they make to acheive.' IRISH EXAMINER

Katharine McMahon is the author of five novels. She has taught in secondary schools, performed in local theatre and worked as a Royal Literary Fund fellow teaching writing skills at the Universities of Hertfordshire and Warwick. She lives in Hertfordshire.