Aw what can I say. I’m a huge fan of penny Vincenzi. I thought initially it was just a book about posh romps but I stuck with it and loved it. So gutted I finished it but couldn’t put it down. It’s full of complex characters although no one character is the main character I just love Ned. It’s a must read and thoroughly enjoyed. In the beginning I feared it would fall of my expectations but it soon got there nd kept me enthralled.

Normally I love Penny Vincenzi novels as you always have a fantastic saga to read.

This story starts in the late 1930's and runs through to the 1950's follow the lives of Tom who is from a working class background with a grammar school education and a love of the Labour party and the wish to become an MP and to help with the change of the country after World War 2 and the start of the NHS.

Also Diana the rich socialite in a loveless marriage who becomes a famous model.

Some of the other characters in the story such as Ned and Jillie are really interesting but the story did feel really lacking with detail and seemed to skip so much of their lives. Still an enjoyable read but not one of the stories that will keep you interested with each page turn.

I love all of Penny Vincenzi's novels. They are long books to read but very worth the effort; the characters are believable, warm and entertaining and the stories are always gripping. This one is no exception - highly recommended!