A heart-warming and nostalgic family saga set at the heart of post-war London. Perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Rosie Goodwin 'Surely one of the best saga writers of her time' - Rosie Clarke IT'S RUBY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS AWAY FROM HOME, BUT WILL HER FREEDOM COME AT A PRICE? Pretty and ambitious 19-year-old Ruby Payne and her lifelong friend Kath are eager to enjoy their post-war independence. Moving away from home to a flat in the East End of London is a chance to break free for them both: Kath from her abusive family and Ruby from the unhappy memories of her brother's suicide two years earlier. Ruby finds work immediately at a dog-grooming parlour close to the city, having high hopes of changing her fortunes. Kath isn't quite so lucky and has to make do with her tough factory job, leaning more and more on Ruby for support. But then Ruby meets the handsome and charming Nick Brandon, ignoring the warnings from those around her that he is trouble. Ruby wants a glamorous life - but will it come at a high cost? Praise for CAROL RIVERS: 'A gripping page turner' - LEAH FLEMING 'Brings the East End to life - family loyalties, warring characters and broken dreams. Superb' - ELIZABETH GILL