In this novel inspired by the real-life story of a woman deceived, Johanna is determined to make the best of her marriage to watchmaker Willie Lockhart. Swept away to a tiny house in quiet Haddington, reality sets in as their family grows. With her mother’s words, ‘Ye’ve made yer bed, now lie in it’, ringing in her ears, she seeks solace in memories of the man she loved, who was lost to the Great War.

The more Willie tests her mettle the fiercer grows her love for her dead soldier, a man she barely knew. As a marriage built on lies, drink and fiddle music chips away at her dignity, the past becomes a happier country.

This is the story of one woman’s hopes, struggle and survival.