• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2020 November #1
  Dickson's sequel to her novel The Orphan Sisters (2020) is an emotional journey following one young woman's life in England during WWII. After May Robinson loses her mother in a tragic accident, her life changes forever when she decides to train as a nurse to honor her mother and help the war effort. But May's life is shrouded in shame and secrecy, and her secrets seem to haunt her relentlessly. Continuously disappointed by the people in her life, May finally finds solace in Richard, a conscientious objector who works at the hospital where she is on staff. But will revealing her secret to him tarnish their relationship? Readers follow May through many twists, turns, and tragedies in this easy-to-read novel that should be paired with a box of tissues. Some readers may be disappointed with the abrupt ending, but perhaps a third installment is planned. Readers who enjoy the books of Sarah Sundin, Pam Jenoff, and other gentle historical fiction authors are sure to delight in Dickson's tale. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

Shirley Dickson lives under the big skies of Northumberland, United Kingdom with her husband, family, and lucky black cat. She wrote her first short story at the age of ten for a childrens' magazine competition. She didn't win but was hooked on writing for a lifetime. For many years she wrote poetry and short stories and got many rejection slips. Shirley decided to get serious about writing novels when she retired. She signed with Bookouture in 2018 for a two-book deal. She has written two stirring WWII historical novels. Shirley says she is a prime example of "never give up on your dream."