And in the Morning — Elizabeth Darrell

The Sheridan family fought for king and country through the Great War, when two of the brothers were killed in action. Now, two days before Christmas 1939, the one who survived against all odds faces another world war along with his family. Many years have passed since those earlier war days, but the desires and betrayals that once threatened to destroy the family are stirred yet again by the new conflict.

Sir Christopher Sheridan, knighted for his services to world peace, had believed he would grow old in the exquisite Dorset village of Tarrant Royal, but he is wearing Khacki again, knowing that the War Office desperately needs his formidable intelligence skills and experience.

David, his son, is obsessed by the legend of his late Uncle Rex, the Royal Flying Corps Ace who was hailed as a hero. Hoping to emulate him, David eagerly takes to the air with his Spitfire squadron against the Luftwaffe. Within weeks, however, a tragic incident replaces his illusions with the reality of war's death and destruction. When glory proves an empty reward, David turns to the love of a beautiful foreign woman, unaware of the price he will have to pay for his momentary happiness.

Vesta, David's sister, who is embittered by an unhappy love affair of her own, joins the army and learns the hard way what it takes to be a woman on active service and what it takes to love or trust another man.

Elizabeth Darrell, who has been acclaimed for her universal characters and themes, has once again written a spellbinding story of human emotions set against an impeccably researched background. She brings rare insight into the effects of war on ordinary men and women to this powerful story of a new generation that is willing to risk everything for family and country.(