I really loved and enjoyed reading this book. The story starts just before the second world war and finishes up in May 1950. It is all centred around a young girl Cora, who we first meet in hospital and she is given a gingerbread man by her mother who is not allowed to visit her as Cora has been really ill. Cora treasures this gift and she doesn't realise that this will be the last time she sees her mum. As the story goes on Cora is brought up by her mum's best friend Eliza, as well as her younger sister Dede they are loved by Eliza as if they were her own daughters. They have friends in the Norfolk countryside so another group of good friends look out for Cora over the years. No spoilers here but if you like a good family saga set in ww2 you will love this book.