A woman searching for a different future

A man desperate to escape his past

Can they find what they are looking for on the beautiful island of Korčula?

Antonia Butler is on the brink of a life-changing decision and a job advert looking for a multilingual housekeeper at a beautifully renovated Croatian farmhouse, Vila Maslina, is one she can’t ignore.

Arriving on the tiny picturesque island of Korčula, Antonia feels a spark of hope for the first time in a long time. This is a chance to leave the past behind.

But this island, and its inhabitants, have secrets of their own and a not-too-distant past steeped in tragedy and war. None more so than Vila Maslina’s enigmatic owner Damir Maric. A young man with nothing to lose but everything to gain…

'An unexpected delight' Catherine Miller, bestselling author of The Day That Changed Everything

‘An absorbing, compelling read perfect for escaping into after a stressful day’ Joanna

‘A real page turner…beautifully written, eloquent and well crafted’ Carol

‘What can I say, absolutely beautiful book and I just could not put it down’ Odette

‘A beautifully written book which made me want to visit Croatia’ Jill

‘Loved this book from the cover to the amazing storytelling…don't kid yourself that you'll be doing anything other than reading on the day that you start this one. Simply beautiful ★★★★★’ Michelle

‘The most magical setting…I was transported to another country and loved how all of my senses were stimulated by the evocative descriptive writing’ Laura

‘A story of finding peace after a childhood damaged by the war… One of those books you thought about when you were not reading it’ Rosamund

‘A lovely story, tinged with the reality of a war torn country and the sadness of families torn apart’ Jill