Silent Stars Go By

In the historical novel "The Return of Harry," Margot's fiancé, Harry, went missing in action on the Western Front three years ago. She was left with a devastating secret that threatened to ruin her life and destroy her family's reputation. Now, miraculously, Harry has returned, hoping to rekindle their romance. Can Margot ever reveal the shocking truth to the only man she has ever loved?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd

A captivating historical novel, The Times hailed it as "Best Books of the Year." The Observer deemed it a "festive classic in the making," while also nominating it for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. Three years ago, Margot's world was upended when her fiancé, Harry, tragically disappeared in action on the Western Front. In a cruel twist of fate, she was left burdened with a devastating secret that threatened to shatter her life and tarnish the reputation of her family. As the respectable daughter of a vicar, Margot had been compelled to uphold that secret with utmost vigilance, regardless of the immense pain it caused her.

Fast forward to Christmas 1919, and Margot's family is reuniting for the first time since the conclusion of the Great War. To their astonishment, Harry has returned, eager to reconnect with Margot and reignite their romance. However, the question remains: Can Margot dare to reveal the shocking truth to the only man she has ever loved?

The weight of her secret hung heavy over her, casting a shadow on every moment of her life. She longed for freedom, for the ability to be true to herself and to share her pain with the one person who had always understood her. But the fear of losing him was too great, and she clung to the illusion of perfection, desperately holding onto the hope that one day, the truth would be revealed without consequence.

As the festive season unfolded, Margot's family gathered together in the vicarage, filled with joy and anticipation. The air was thick with the scent of freshly cut pine trees and the sound of laughter and music. Harry, too, was present, his presence causing a mixture of excitement and nervousness in Margot's heart. They spent days catching up, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories of their experiences during the war.

But as the days passed, Margot found herself increasingly drawn to Harry. She couldn't help but admire his bravery and resilience, his unwavering commitment to his country and to her. And as they spent more time together, she began to see him in a new light, as a man who had been shaped by his experiences and who was capable of great compassion and understanding.

One evening, as they sat by the fire, Margot couldn't resist the urge any longer. She took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice trembling with emotion. "Harry, there's something I need to tell you," she said. "There's a secret that I've been carrying for three years, and it's been tearing me apart. I know that it's going to change everything between us, but I need you to know the truth."

Harry's eyes widened with surprise, and for a moment, Margot feared that he would reject her. But then, to her relief, he reached out and took her hand. "Margot, I love you more than anything in this world," he said. "And I promise you, I will always be here for you, no matter what. You can tell me anything, and I will listen with open ears and an open heart."

Margot took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice growing stronger with each word. "There was a reason why I didn't tell you about Harry before," she said. "It's because I was afraid. I was afraid that you would judge me, that you would think less of me. But I need you to know that I didn't do anything wrong. I was just trying to protect the people I love, and I thought that by keeping this secret, I was doing the right thing."

Harry listened intently, his expression softening as he realized the depth of Margot's love and sacrifice. "I understand," he said. "And I'm sorry that I didn't trust you enough to know the truth. I know that it's been a burden for you, and I promise to make it up to you in any way that I can."

Over the next few weeks, Margot and Harry spent every moment they could together, exploring their feelings and their past. They talked about the war, about their hopes and dreams for the future, and about the secrets that had kept them apart. And as they shared their stories, they began to heal the wounds that had been festering for so long.

In the end, Margot was able to reveal the shocking truth to Harry. And though it was a difficult and painful process, it was also a liberating one. She had finally been able to let go of the burden that had been weighing her down for years, and she had found a sense of peace and closure that she had never thought possible.

As they sat together on Christmas Eve, watching the snow fall outside, Margot felt a sense of gratitude and joy that she had never felt before. She knew that she had been given a second chance, and she was determined to make the most of it. She looked at Harry and smiled, feeling a deep sense of love and appreciation for the man who had loved her unconditionally, even in the face of her darkest secret.

And as they exchanged gifts and shared a meal, Margot knew that their love was stronger than ever before. They had faced the worst of times together and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. And though there would always be challenges and obstacles in their path, they were ready to face them head:
A captivating historical novel, The Times hailed it as "Best Books of the Year." The Observer deemed it a "festive classic in the making," while also nominating it for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. Three years ago, Margot's world was upended when her fiancé, Harry, tragically disappeared in action on the Western Front. In a cruel twist of fate, she was left burdened with a devastating secret that threatened to shatter her life and tarnish the reputation of her family. As the respectable daughter of a vicar, Margot had been compelled to uphold that secret with utmost vigilance, regardless of the immense pain it caused her.

Fast forward to Christmas 1919, and Margot's family is reuniting for the first time since the conclusion of the Great War. To their astonishment, Harry has returned, eager to reconnect with Margot and reignite their romance. However, the question remains: Can Margot dare to reveal the shocking truth to the only man she has ever loved?

The weight of her secret hung heavy over her, casting a shadow on every moment of her life. She longed for freedom, for the ability to be true to herself and to share her pain with the one person who had always understood her. But the fear of losing him was too great, and she clung to the illusion of perfection, desperately holding onto the hope that one day, the truth would be revealed without consequence.

As the festive season unfolded, Margot's family gathered together in the vicarage, filled with joy and anticipation. The air was thick with the scent of freshly cut pine trees and the sound of laughter and music. Harry, too, was present, his presence causing a mixture of excitement and nervousness in Margot's heart. They spent days catching up, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories of their experiences during the war.

But as the days passed, Margot found herself increasingly drawn to Harry. She couldn't help but admire his bravery and resilience, his unwavering commitment to his country and to her. And as they spent more time together, she began to see him in a new light, as a man who had been shaped by his experiences and who was capable of great compassion and understanding.

One evening, as they sat by the fire, Margot couldn't resist the urge any longer. She took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice trembling with emotion. "Harry, there's something I need to tell you," she said. "There's a secret that I've been carrying for three years, and it's been tearing me apart. I know that it's going to change everything between us, but I need you to know the truth."

Harry's eyes widened with surprise, and for a moment, Margot feared that he would reject her. But then, to her relief, he reached out and took her hand. "Margot, I love you more than anything in this world," he said. "And I promise you, I will always be here for you, no matter what. You can tell me anything, and I will listen with open ears and an open heart."

Margot took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice growing stronger with each word. "There was a reason why I didn't tell you about Harry before," she said. "It's because I was afraid. I was afraid that you would judge me, that you would think less of me. But I need you to know that I didn't do anything wrong. I was just trying to protect the people I love, and I thought that by keeping this secret, I was doing the right thing."

Harry listened intently, his expression softening as he realized the depth of Margot's love and sacrifice. "I understand," he said. "And I'm sorry that I didn't trust you enough to know the truth. I know that it's been a burden for you, and I promise to make it up to you in any way that I can."

Over the next few weeks, Margot and Harry spent every moment they could together, exploring their feelings and their past. They talked about the war, about their hopes and dreams for the future, and about the secrets that had kept them apart. And as they shared their stories, they began to heal the wounds that had been festering for so long.

In the end, Margot was able to reveal the shocking truth to Harry. And though it was a difficult and painful process, it was also a liberating one. She had finally been able to let go of the burden that had been weighing her down for years, and she had found a sense of peace and closure that she had never thought possible.

As they sat together on Christmas Eve, watching the snow fall outside, Margot felt a sense of gratitude and joy that she had never felt before. She knew that she had been given a second chance, and she was determined to make the most of it. She looked at Harry and smiled, feeling a deep sense of love and appreciation for the man who had loved her unconditionally, even in the face of her darkest secret.

And as they exchanged gifts and shared a meal, Margot knew that their love was stronger than ever before. They had faced the worst of times together and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. And though there would always be challenges and obstacles in their path, they were ready to face them:

Margot and Harry's journey was not an easy one, but it was a journey that was filled with love, hope, and resilience. They faced many challenges along the way, but they never gave up on each other. And in the end, their love was stronger than ever before, and they were able to overcome any obstacle that came their way.

As they looked back on their journey, Margot and Harry knew that they had been given a precious gift. They had been given the chance to love each other unconditionally, to be true to themselves, and to live their lives without fear of judgment or rejection. And they were grateful for every moment of their journey, for every tear that they had shed, and for every moment of joy that they had shared.

In the end, Margot and Harry's love story was a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It was a story that would inspire others to believe in the power of love and to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. And as they looked forward to the future, they knew that they would face whatever challenges came their way with the same strength and determination that had carried them through their darkest moments.

As the festive season drew to a close, Margot and Harry settled back into their lives in the vicarage. They continued to spend time together, sharing their joys and sorrows, and supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. And though they knew that their journey was far from over, they were grateful for the love that had brought them together and for the hope that it had given them for the future.

Years passed, and Margot and Harry grew old together. They watched their children and grandchildren grow up, and they were filled with pride and joy to see the legacy of their love continue. They knew that their story would inspire others, and they continued to share their love and wisdom with those who needed it.

In the end, Margot and Harry's love story was a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It was a story that would continue to inspire generations to come, and it was a reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, love is always worth fighting for.

As Margot and Harry's story came to a close, they knew that their love would never fade. They had been given a precious gift, and they had cherished it every day of their lives. And though they knew that they would never be together again in this world, they knew that their love would live on in the hearts of those who had been touched by their story.

In the end, Margot and Harry's love story was a beautiful reminder that love is the most powerful force in the world. It is a force that can bring people together, heal wounds, and inspire hope. And it is a force that will never fade, no matter how difficult life may seem.

Weight: 195g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839131134