Taking as its foundation the concept of the Mass Observation diaries kept by women during WWII, the author weaves a story of romance and happiness, revenge and mystery, pierced by the horror of war and the heartbreak of loss.

In 1940s Kent, it’s time for the role of women  to change. And it does. The newly reformed Chilbury Ladies’ Choir sees to that.

When I say that they learn to stand together and support each other, it makes it all sound rather trite, but the sharpness of the writing and the idiosyncratic characters prevent it from being too predictable.

Although it’s not the sort of book I normally read, I liked it a great deal. And if you enjoyed Nella Last’s diaries or The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you’ll be in for a real treat.