“An extraordinary story... she writes with warmth, lovely earthy detail and a pathos which keeps a lump lodged in the throat.”—The Daily Mail

Philippa Smith is in her forties and has a beautiful newborn baby girl. She also has no husband, and nowhere to turn. So she turns to the only place she knows: the beginning.

Retracing her life, she confronts the daily obstacles, historic events, and even TV shows that shaped her very existence. From the tragedy of her childhood abandonment, to the astonishing accomplishments of those close to her, Philippa learns of the sacrifices others chose to make, and the outcome of buried secrets.

What Philippa eventually discovers is a celebration of life, love, and the golden era of television—a reflection of everyday people, in not so everyday situations.

“A powerful first novel.”—Katie Fforde, author of A Rose Petal Summer

“Bold, warm, rich, amusing…sits well alongside more established authors like Kate Atkinson’s Behind the Scenes at the Museum.”—Hello Magazine

“A warm, moving, wonderful read.”—Wendy Holden, author of The Royal Governess