Muriel Freeborn has given her heroine, Ellie Hopeson, the same age as her own, ninety-one. We can safely anticipate from the surname, 'Hopeson', that Ellie is a woman of fortitude and hope with a loving and forgiving nature. Ellie accepts the slower pace of life her age demands and uses the time released to contemplate her past. She remembers her husband, Norman, parents and sister, Patricia, long since emigrated to Australia, all now dead. She treasures the support of her neighbour, Bea, and son, Brian. A visit from Patricia's daughter, Maisie, reveals a disturbing family secret which takes some acceptance, and leads to a further visitation from Australia. However, there is a final suggestive twist! This is a peaceful read and one to inspire all of us readers, whatever our age!
