Definitely a contender for my book of the year, I absolutely adored this Second World War family saga that reminded me so much of a long term favourite author, R F Delderfield.

This book has a huge heart, wonderful characters you care about instantly, and a rich feeling of community.

Set mainly during, and a little after, the Second World War, this is different to the typical ‘home front’ story because the war forms the backdrop, rather than being centre stage.

With Angela Petch’s sumptuous descriptions of the landscape, people and food, it was certainly worth the wait to get to Sicily.

Please can I go on a Caroline James holiday every year? Her books are so full of joy, feeling, and wonderful characters I just want to be part of them.

The Cowgirl Nanny is the perfect heart-warming read, with characters who’ll live with me for a very long time.

Writing as Maisie Thomas, Susanna Bavin excels at creating incredibly well researched novels of female friendship during the Second World War, and this book is no exception.

If you read only one First World War saga this year – make it Wartime on Sanctuary Lane.

More absolute brilliance from one of my favourite authors.

My, but this book is good. It treads in so many places where angels would fear to, tripping across difficult and heart-breaking issues with just the right weight of feet.