This delightful family drama takes us back to a quiet, genteel Sussex in the summer of 1914. But appearances are deceptive and there is darkness at the heart of this novel.
In the last peaceful summer before the First World War, trouble is rumbling within the tranquil, idyllic setting of Summerhayes in Sussex. Head strong, independent Elizabeth is resisting the expected path of a young lady in her position and dreams of an independent life making her way as a professional artist. Inspired by the suffragette movement she dares to dream that a more exciting future could be hers for the taking and yet she knows that her traditional family expect nothing more from her than to settle down, marry well and protect the future of the estate. Elizabeth is not interested in marriage though, that is until she meets Aiden Kellerway a young architect’s assistant. Their background couldn’t be more different and yet they think alike and soon an attraction begins to grow between then.
Elizabeth begins to realise that life at Summerhayes is not quite as it appears as an unexpected enemy begins to try and destroy all that her father has built. Can she help save her family and herself from the threat that will stop at nothing to take their home and heritage and will she ever have the freedom to be with the man she loves? This is an engrossing drama that looks at the effect family ties can have in a time when the world was changing and moving towards an unknown, darker future. A delightful piece of period escapism. ~ Shelley Fallows
May, 1914. Nestled in Sussex, the Summerhayes mansion seems the perfect country idyll. But with a long-running feud in the Summers family and tensions in Europe deepening, Summerhayes' peaceful days are numbered. For Elizabeth Summer, the lazy quiet of her home has become stifling. A chance meeting with Aiden Kellaway, an architect's assistant, offers the secret promise of escape. But to secure her family's future, Elizabeth must marry well. A man of trade falls far from her father's uncompromising standards. As the sweltering heat of 1914 builds to a storm, Elizabeth faces a choice between family loyalty and an uncertain future with the man she loves. One thing is definite: this summer will change everything.
Merryn Allingham was born into an army family and spent her childhood on the move. Unsurprisingly, it gave her itchy feet and in her twenties she escaped from an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world. The arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England where she's lived ever since. It also gave her the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university. Merryn has always loved books that bring the past to life, so when she began writing herself the novels had to be historical. She finds the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries fascinating eras to research and her first book, The Crystal Cage, had as its background the London of 1851. The Daisy's War trilogy followed, set in India and London during the 1930s and 40s. Her latest novels explore two pivotal moments in the history of Britain. The Buttonmaker's Daughter is set in Sussex in the summer of 1914 as the First World War looms ever nearer and its sequel, The Secret of Summerhayes, forty years later in the summer of 1944 when D Day led to eventual victory in the Second World War. Along with the history, of course, there is plenty of mystery and romance to keep readers intrigued. If you would like to keep in touch with Merryn, sign up for her newsletter at www.merrynallingham.com
