"What a story. I wanted to get to the end, yet I didn't want it to be over. One of my favourite reads of all time. Thank you FJ."

Lovers separated by the Iron Curtain

Two women whose paths should never have crossed

A remarkable journey that changes all of their lives

Maria's history is a lie. Washed up on the shores of Sweden in 1944, with no memory, she was forced to create her own. Nearly half a century later she still has no idea of her true identity.

Forest Brother, Jaak, fights for Estonia's independence, refusing to live under Soviet rule. Neither will he accept the death of his fiancée Maarja, whose ship was sunk as she fled across the Baltic Sea to escape the Soviet invasion.

Angie knows exactly who she is. A drug addict. A waste of space. Life is just about getting by, until

a chance meeting in Edinburgh's Cancer Centre is the catalyst for something very different.

All of their lives are about to change, but do they have the strength to see it through, to rise above brutality, loss, and fear?

"The writing is spellbinding and beautiful and each character is extremely well developed. There is romance, history, drama and it's all told in a wonderful flowing narrative." Herding Cats

"Loved it - the best book I've read in ages. Such a page turner." Goodreads review

"I absolutely loved this book. At times upbeat, at times pained, it's the perfect blend of adventure and emotion, of harsh life conditions meets fellow-feeling, companionship and security. And love." Carol McKay