A Shadow on the Sun — Francis Cottam

First published in 2006, this is the story of Polish war exile Julia Smollen who has escaped the horrors of Nazi labour camp to forge a new life in California with her daughter, Natasha.



It's an exciting time to be in America. With Sinatra and the ratpack dominating a golden Hollywood and the young Jack Kennedy emerging on the political scene, it's a time of optimism and opportunity. Under the protection of her former lover's great friend, Bill, Julia and her daughter thrive.



Yet Natasha remains unaware of her true identity. She knows nothing of her father, the courageous German officer Martin Hamer, fatally wounded helping the then-pregnant Julia flee her occupied homeland.



Julia cannot keep the truth hidden from her daughter forever. A sinister figure from the past has tracked them down, with his own dark, vengeful agenda...