Part of the Furniture

Book excerpt: A smart, sharply written novel from a talent whose “fresh and original” works made her one of England’s most beloved authors (The New York Times). Abandoned by her mother and betrayed by the men she thought she loved, Juno Marlowe is alone. So alone that when the air raid sirens ring out, she has nowhere to hide until a kind but frail man offers to take her in for the night. Her sad story inspires him to write her a letter of introduction to his family—a caring gesture that will turn out to mean more than she could have imagined. With nowhere to call home, she seeks out the man’s father, Robert Copplestone, who lives on a quiet Cornwall estate where Juno is able to earn her keep by helping him tend to his animals. And she soon finds that the strong, handsome widower is more of a friend than she’s ever had and more like family than anyone she’s ever known. But when Juno’s fractured past catches up with her, the fragile and unlikely bond Robert and Juno have formed may be in danger of breaking under the strain. This “heartwarming story of May-December love” is a gentle look at the folly of humanity, weaving a tale of friendship, love, and healing (Publishers Weekly). “An elegant, satisfying entertainment.” —Kirkus Reviews