Jane Johnson

Kate Fordham fled to Spain to start a new life. But fate is about to bring her face-to-face with her greatest fear. Five centuries ago, a message was hidden in the Alhambra's walls. There it has lain, undisturbed by the tides of history – until Kate discovers it. Born of love in a time of desperation and danger, Kate's discovery will be the catalyst that changes her life.

From Tafraout's magnificent mountainside, Isobel absorbs the Moroccan vista. But a slip sees her tumbling into the arms of handsome rescuer Taïb, who notices her unusual silver amulet, with a tiny scroll hidden within. Entranced by the intricate and illegible script, they set out for the Sahara in search of a Tuareg elder to unlock the riddles of its past.

Following the death of her mother, Becky begins the task of sorting her empty flat. Starting with the letters piling up on the doormat, she finds an envelope post-marked from Cornwall - a desperate plea from her mother's elderly cousin to help save her beloved home. Becky arrives at Chynalls to find the beautiful old house crumbling into the ground and Olivia stuck in hospital until her home is made habitable. As Becci peels back the layers of paint, plaster and grime, she uncovers secrets buried for more than 70 years - from a time when Olivia was young, the Second World War was raging and danger and romance lurked round every corner.