Stepping inside, Margot could hardly contain herself. On gold-striped wallpaper hung photographs of theatre stars in gilt frames. Maroon velvet curtains at the doors perfectly matched the seats. This was where she belonged. Only not down here, sitting in the stalls. Her place was up there, on the stage, in the spotlight...
London, 1940. As bombs rain down on London, the beautiful, talented Margot Dudley lands a job as an usherette at the Prince Albert Theatre in the West End. It's not quite her dream of taking centre stage, but at least it gets her closer to it. When an opportunity arises to join the costume department, Margot revels in the glamourous world of silk, taffeta, sequins and pearls, all while harbouring a secret desire to wear the dazzling creations herself.
One night, after being attacked by her abusive Nazi ex-boyfriend, one of the lead dancers of the show begs Margot to take her place on stage. This is her big break, a chance to make her West End debut in front of thousands...
But her newfound stardom comes with a price. As Margot basks in the limelight, a dangerous fascist sets his sights on her. Meanwhile, the war is taking its toll - frequent bombings threaten the safety of everyone she holds dear. Immersed in a world of bright lights and deception, Margot doesn't realise she's at risk of being torn apart from her family, friends and the man she loves, until it is too late...
A gripping and utterly captivating tale of glitz and glamour, ambition and heartbreaking loss, set within the perilous world of the London Blitz.
What readers are saying about this book:
"Totally absorbing! Reading this novel, I felt as though I was living the experience of World War Two through Margot Dudley's eyes." Online reviewer, 5 stars
"I loved Foxden Acres, the first of the Dudley Sisters novels, and this one is every bit as good." Online reviewer, 5 stars
"From the first few chapters I was hooked." Online reviewer, 5 stars
"The second book in the Dudley Sisters series is every bit as absorbing as the first. A very enjoyable read." Online reviewer, 5 stars
"Love this book what a brilliant story from such a great writer... there was no disappointment, first class all the way." Online reviewer, 5 stars
