Past Encounters
(formerly published under my pen name Davina Blake)
From the moment Rhoda Middleton opens one of her husband’s letters and finds it is from another woman, she is convinced he is having an affair. But when Rhoda tracks her down, she discovers the mysterious woman is not his lover after all, but the wife of his best friend, Archie Foster. There is only one problem – Rhoda has never even heard of Archie Foster.
Devastated by this betrayal of trust, Rhoda tries to find out how and why her husband, Peter, has kept this friendship hidden for so long. Her search leads her back to 1945, but as she gradually uncovers Peter’s wartime secrets she must wrestle with painful memories of her own. For if they are ever to understand each other, Rhoda too must escape the ghosts of the past.
Taking us on a journey from the atmospheric filming of Brief Encounter, to the extraordinary Great March of prisoners of war through snow-bound Germany, this is a novel of friendship, hope, and how in the end, it is the small things that enable love to survive.
‘For lovers of history and drama, this book is a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon’ – Bookgeeks
‘Past Encounters is a beautifully written and though-provoking story, an imaginative and emotive way to celebrate a fascinating slice of history, pay a poignant tribute to the suffering of forgotten wartime heroes and explore the heavy price paid by families torn apart by separation and conflict.’ – Lancashire Evening Post
‘it really makes you think about the relationships you have in real life and the choices you make. This story really hit home for me and gave me a lot to think about…Highly recommend’ – Layered Pages Blog
‘a compelling story about love and heartache and forgiveness and war’ – Library Educated Blog