On July 7th 2005, London is high on the success of winning the 2012 Olympics bid. The celebrations come to an abrupt end when terrorists attack the city's transport network, striking Underground trains and a bus during the morning rush hour.

At the other side of the country, in comparatively peaceful, beautiful Cornwall, aspiring journalist Jamie Calder finds her own life directly affected by the bombs. Her partner Dave vanishes in London at the same time the attacks take place. The initial impact of that terrible day is followed by a slow but sure falling apart of the life...

Sarah Marchley is eleven years old when her mother dies. Completely unprepared and suffering an acute sense of loss, she and her father continue quietly, trying to live by the well-intentioned advice of friends, hoping that time really is a great healer and that they will, eventually, move on. Life changes very little until Sarah leaves for university and begins her first serious relationship. Along with her new boyfriend comes his mother, the indomitable Hazel Poole. Despite some misgivings, Sarah finds herself drawn into the matriarchal Poole family and discovers that gaining a mother...