Paper Doll — Janet Woods

A moving romance set in the 1920s England

Julia Howard tried to be a perfect daughter to her father, a nearly-bankrupt toy manufacturer who created a paper doll in her image. Julia longs for the freedom of her fast friends, with whom she tries to keep up. She becomes friends with Martin Lee-Trafford, her father's new factory manager, but their relationship is prickly. Martin is a World War 1 hero--a doctor of medicine who used his skills to save lives, and is now burned out.

At her ailing father's urging, Julia marries wealthy businessman, Latham Miller. Latham soon proves controlling. He keeps Julia secluded in the country and visits his mistress in France.

When Julia is reacquainted with Martin Lee-Trafford their relationship strengthens to love. Their affair is short. Martin is going back to doctoring. Julia manages to fool her husband as to her relationship with Martin, but she lives in fear, since Latham is unpredictable.

Martin has recovered from his trauma and is well enough to resume doctoring. He's going away, to a town where he can do the most good as well as gain some experience. He asks Julia to go with him. When Julia becomes pregnant she sacrifices her love by convincing Martin that the baby isn't his, and he must go.

The infant Julia bears resembles Martin, though Latham can only see himself in the boy. She then faces a heart-wrenching decision -- If she runs away to be with Martin, she'll be forced to leave her beloved son with Latham.