The third saga of life in Victorian Portsmouth is the story of a girl who
is rescued from the sea when just a child. Beatrice Salter has never
known who her family is or where she truly belongs. Passed from family
to workhouse, she finally finds a home and a place to feel accepted at
the Mariner’s Home for Children.
She finds an unlikely friend in Dr Pragnell, the kindly gentleman who
rescued her when she was a child. Working in his household, Beatrice
observes the love Augusta Pragnell showers on her two sons, Albert
and Samuel and realises what she has missed.
Meanwhile Augusta, learning to accept her husband and the life she
has chosen, puts aside her ‘fripperies’ and learns things about herself
that she never knew. As the Pragnell household comes ever closer
together, Beatrice and Albert find themselves thrown together in a situation
which can only cause heartbreak to those they love the most.
is rescued from the sea when just a child. Beatrice Salter has never
known who her family is or where she truly belongs. Passed from family
to workhouse, she finally finds a home and a place to feel accepted at
the Mariner’s Home for Children.
She finds an unlikely friend in Dr Pragnell, the kindly gentleman who
rescued her when she was a child. Working in his household, Beatrice
observes the love Augusta Pragnell showers on her two sons, Albert
and Samuel and realises what she has missed.
Meanwhile Augusta, learning to accept her husband and the life she
has chosen, puts aside her ‘fripperies’ and learns things about herself
that she never knew. As the Pragnell household comes ever closer
together, Beatrice and Albert find themselves thrown together in a situation
which can only cause heartbreak to those they love the most.
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Reviews
A pulsating and heart-warming saga peopled with human and compelling characters and with convincing dialogue . . . a rich first novel.
A rich first novel . . . packed with interesting people living what might appear to be mundane lives, but of course they are not. We get an insight into the lives of the families of sailors, their good and bad fortune, their ups and downs. Decent people who we want to win through.
A vividly told and heartwarming saga.
Here's a great excuse to put your feet up and escape into a world which celebrates Portsmouth's past...It's really well worth the read
Julia Bryant creates a vivid picture of Portsmouth in the final years and aftermath of the "Great" War of 1914-1918, weaving it into a story that pulses with the warm blood of humanity.
Fresh and thoughtful.