"Melissa hooks her reader in from the very first page with a compelling narrative… Two unlikely characters connect, both harboring their own dark secret that highlights the prejudice of that time that builds to a gripping and heart-wrenching conclusion."

— Suzanne Kelman, author of Under a Sky on Fire 

 "A searing look at the toll which divisiveness, shame, and fear can take on one man, one town, and even one nation."

— James R. Benn, author of Road of Bones and other Billy Boyle mysteries  

 "I love historical fiction that takes a period we think we know, and finds an unexplored element - this is an intriguing glimpse into smalltown America in WWII, wrapped up in a thoroughly gripping mystery."

 —Frances Quinn, author of 

The Smallest Man  

 "[A] well-researched and assured debut novel … both a tender love story and a thoughtful examination of national and individual guilt, shame, responsibility, and healing."

 —Susan Elia MacNeal, author of the New York Times-bestselling Maggie Hope novels  

 "A spellbinding story about a town secret that might be revealed due to the relentless undertow of World War II… This is historical fiction at its finest."

 —Patrick Hicks, author of In the Shadow of Dora and  The Commandant of Lubizec

 "This intriguing and immersive novel is a real-page turner with plenty of romance and a dark mystery at its heart." 

—Rachel Hore, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Beautiful Spy