I have read most of Gillian White's books (some were only obtainable second-hand) and loved them. However, I found this book dull, predictable and very repetitative in parts.Even the so-called "surprise ending" was not much of a surprise. A great shame as I was really excited when this book was reprinted and bought it immediately. I can thoroughly recommend some of her other titles, "Grandfather's footsteps", "Mothertime", "Beggar Bride."