This year, however, outside realities are pressing hard: Pamela and John, married for four decades, know that time is catching up with them. And trouble is brewing in the lives of their four children.

Cassie, the cossetted youngest, is in the throes of an affair with a married man; Elizabeth, her awkward older sister, is struggling with a faltering second marriage; Peter, the eldest and designated inheritor of Ashley House, is beginning to meet resistance to such a prospect from his career-orientated wife.

Only Charlie, the charming and carefree younger son, and his wife Serena, seem truly content, with nothing to worry about except their adolescent twin girls and the simpler teething troubles of their toddler.

Absorbed in their own lives, not one of them is prepared when real tragedy strikes, rocking their world to its core, changing them all forever.

What readers are saying about Amanda Brookfield:

‘I’ve loved all Amanda Brookfield’s books and this latest one was excellent too. She writes so well, with insight and natural dialogue.’

‘I could read it again, I read it so fast, I couldn't put it down. Very well written. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.’

‘Brilliant book - just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, another twist popped up - had me picking it up whenever I had the chance.’

‘A great story, great characters, vivid, immediate, so 'real', and such compassion. Every bit a page turner as Brookfield so gets you into her people. Only my second (Good Girls was a lucky dip first), but am hooked. If you like reading really well written real-life novels about your relationships, try this.’

‘I enjoyed Amanda Brookfield’s writing style. She really taps into her characters and writes them warts and all, with some raw and honest emotions.’

‘All of Amanda's books are well written. She certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be an enjoyable read.’

Praise for Amanda Brookfield:

'An engaging, emotionally-charged and intriguing story' Michelle Gorman

'No one gets to the heart of human relationships quite so perceptively as Brookfield.' The Mirror

'Unputdownable. Perceptive. Poignant. I loved it.' bestselling author Patricia Scanlan on Before I Knew You

'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.' Oxford Times