From war-torn Somerset to modern-day London, a novel about family secrets, the power of friendship and the courage to search for freedom against all odds.

London, 2004. Growing up, Frankie didn’t always have it easy. But her life is firmly back on track these days and the memory of the painful rift with her beloved grandmother slowly fading. It’s not until their paths cross again, however, that Frankie realises the past is far from over. And more: that her grandmother harbours a devastating secret that could tear both of their lives apart.

Somerset, 1940. When seventeen-year-old Violet’s life is devastated by the London Blitz, she runs away to join the Women’s Land Army, wanting nothing more than to leave her grief behind. But as well as the terror of enemy air raids, the land girls at Winterbourne Orchards face a powerful enemy closer to home. Before long, their friendship and courage will be put to the test, on a night that must be kept secret for ever . . .

What readers are saying about My Mother’s Shadow & Summer of Secrets

 

‘If you’re after a well-written, intriguing read fully of family secrets, grab a copy of this brilliant debut.’ Fabulous

 

‘A thoughtful, sad and beautifully-written debut.’ The Daily Mail

 

‘An emotional and involving story.’ Woman and Home

 

‘A delightful debut about family and secrets.’ — Prima Magazine

 

‘A charming and beautifully written story… hugely pleasurable to read and a little bit heartbreaking. I’ll definitely be looking out for Nikola Scott’s next book.’ — Nicola at Short Book and Scribes

 

‘A delightful family mystery. Beautifully written and hugely enjoyable.’ — Inside Out

 

‘I was completely enthralled from the beginning. Everything, from the setting to the time period to the characters felt totally authentic. I raced through it.’ Kathryn Hughes

 

‘I loved this touching exploration of love and its capacity for consolation and destruction… The characters were vivid and involving and Nikola Scott expertly entwined the two stories, so that both were compelling and satisfying. Beautifully written.’ Judith Lennox

 

‘An atmospheric and gripping read’ My Weekly

 

‘Wonderful characters and a very moving storyline’ Sun

 

Nikola has a real gift for writing sumptuous, atmospheric fiction that has the heady advantage of pulling you into her world immediately, keeping you captivated throughout and making it very difficult for you to want to let go by the end. Curling up with Summer of Secrets was like having a cup of tea with your oldest friend. Beth at Bibliobeth