From Booklist
The Great Depression has reached the small village of North Waltham, tucked into the Hampshire, England, countryside. The villagers don't have much in the way of material goods, but they have plenty to eat, clean air, and caring friends. Emma Pearson is asked to consider hosting orphan children from London for a two-week holiday. After much soul-searching, Emma and several other women agree to open their homes. When the children arrive, everyone is struck by how thin and miserable the orphans look. Two boys are assigned to live with Emma; her husband, Sam; and their two girls. When the time comes for the boys to leave, they are much healthier and happier and loath to go. In such a short time, they've become members of the family. As the years roll by, the boys do become family, but the quiet village cannot escape the cataclysm of another war, and Emma's brood soon becomes embroiled in tragedy in Waite's sweetly told tale and poignant slice of life. Hatton, Maria
