The Children's Hour

A novel of sisters and secrets: “She may not be as famous as Binchy or Pilcher, but British writer Willett is just as gifted . . . compelling women’s fiction.” —Booklist

In a big old rambling house overlooking the sea, assorted small children listened as their mother read them a story. It was an idyllic childhood, as they played on the beach and in the garden and woods, before the war—and other tragedies—disrupted their lives.

Now, many years later, two of the sisters, Nest and Mina, still live at Ottercombe, their beautiful family home. There they delight in their splendid dogs, the gorgeous Devon countryside, and visits from Lyddie, their much-beloved niece.

But when their sister Georgie comes to stay, unwelcome memories of their shared childhood start to emerge. As a child, Georgie claimed to know all their secrets—secrets that she now wants to share. Georgie’s revelations are a reminder of long-buried passions and promises, and bring unexpected shocks to a new generation struggling with their own unruly hearts. A triumph of beautifully interwoven story lines and unfolding dramas, The Children’s Hour secures Marcia Willett’s growing reputation as a world-class master storyteller.

“Echoes of carefree childhood summers resonate throughout Marcia Willett’s beguiling story of family relationships. They ensnare and entrance the reader in equal measure.” —Yorkshire Evening Post