The world stands on the brink of war, and life at Easterleigh Hall is about to change again It's 1935, and Evie's daughter Bridie is learning her trade as a cook at her mother's side. But while she is stuck in the Easterleigh Hall kitchen, her lifelong friends James and Tim are off to embroil themselves in world events. James joins the International Brigade and goes to fight in Spain, while Tim announces his intention to visit his mother in Germany. Despite their wildly contrasting politics, Bridie has feelings for them both, and all she can do is pray they make it home safely. But before they can return, events overtake them all as war sweeps through the world.