Another of the books told in alternating chapers about two different time periods, and we gradually learn how the two stories converge. I was put off at first by that style, since I've read so many of them recently, but very quickly the story and the characters grabbed me. Of the two stories, the one I found more engaging was the story of Lexie, who in the early 1950's left her rural Devon home and large family for London after meeting an exciting, exotic flirt Innes Kent whose car broke down near her house. At first she is determined to make her own way, but very soon she is taken in by Innes, who teaches her about writing (he runs a magazine), about art (he is a collector and a dealer), and about love (they move in together). They live in Soho, a bohemian arts community, and we readers get a wonderful glimpse into that exciting, vibrant time and place.

Then there is Elina, a Finnish painter living in modern-day London with her boyfriend Ted. They just had a baby, and Elina almost died during childbirth. She can't seem to remember anything about her life before the baby. Ted, on the other hand, has started to have some unsettling memories involving his early life.

This book incorporated mystery, "period piece" history, strong characters, excellent writing (very frothy and dreamy in spots, strong and to-the-point in others), and some unexpected surprises in the plot.

Highly recommended.