Short description
Artist's daughter Penelope Keeling can look back on a full and varied life: a Bohemian childhood in London and Cornwall, an unhappy wartime marriage, and the one man she truly loved. She has brought up three children - and learned to accept them as they are. Yet she is far too energetic and independent to settle sweetly into pensioned-off old-age.
Long description
Artist's daughter Penelope Keeling can look back on a full and varied life: a Bohemian childhood in London and Cornwall, an unhappy wartime marriage, and the one man she truly loved. She has brought up three children - and learned to accept them as they are. Yet she is far too energetic and independent to settle sweetly into pensioned-off old-age. And when she discovers that her most treasured possession, her father's painting, The Shell Seekers , is now worth a small fortune, it is Penelope who must make the decisions that will determine whether her family can continue to survive as a family, or be split apart.
Review
'Her genius is to create characters you really care for' -- Daily Express 'The novel beguiles because of Pilcher's warmth, sincerity and easy, undemanding prose' -- The Sunday Times 'Pilcher's storytelling skills are serene and beguiling' -- The Times 'A wonderful, not-to-be-missed novel that is destined to provide many hours of pleasurable reading' -- Woman and Home 'Whether she is being poignant, wry or perceptive, Rosamunde Pilcher is always gentle' -- Woman's Realm 'It is never too soon to discover Rosamunde Pilcher' -- Good Housekeeping This is storytelling at its best ... A long satisfying read which would enhance any holiday -- Today 'A beautiful, haunting story ... that will tug at your heartstrings' -- Prima 'A huge, warm, saga ... A deeply satisfying story written with love and confidence' -- Maeve Binchy in The New York Times Book Review