1940. The Blitz rages, but life goes on in the heart of London’s East End.

Charity has spent her life keeping her family together – raising her younger brothers, running the family boarding house on West India Dock Road, and now shielding her fragile parents from the relentless bombardment outside their door. When her teenage brother runs away to enlist, she faces a battle she never expected – one that could tear her family apart. But help comes from an unexpected new arrival…

Across the road, Divya, a young Indian woman with a gift for cooking, has found a happy home among the dockside community. But as she feeds the neighbourhood at her bustling curry house, she secretly yearns for news of the man she loves, who is fighting for their freedom. Will she see him again?

As the bombs fall and the East End burns, the residents of West India Dock Road must rely on each other like never before. In a world shattered by war, friendships will be tested, love will be lost and found, and courage will be discovered in the most surprising places.

Heart-breaking, heart-mending and richly evocative, this is a story of resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of a community under siege. Perfect for fans of Patricia McBride, Jean Fullerton and Call the Midwife.

Praise for Renita D'Silva:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Utterly unforgettable and heartbreaking… An absolutely gripping and totally addictive story that will keep you racing through the pages all night long.’ Reader review

‘A feast for the senses… I adored this story. It kept me so hooked that I read it in one sitting.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Stunning!… Renita D’Silva’s writing is sublime; I could taste the chilli on my tongue and smell the cardamom in the air… Incredible… Inspired me with every page… An important story that embraced my heart.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wonderful… Transported me... Fabulous… Fascinating… My heart broke.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Both heartbreaking and warming… It will change you… Food for the soul.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A joy… A wonderful, evocative read.’ Reader review