Cirrus@Austlit

'Lily was widowed while pregnant with her daughter, Rose; her husband having been killed during active service in the Vietnam War. Although she was much sought after by gentlemen of the district, Lily never engaged the thought of remarrying. She filled her time building up her baking business from home and she was the person most went to for the special occasion cakes. She also always won the Best Cake at the annual Harvest Moon Show until they made her a judge to give others a chance.

'At her 70th birthday celebrations she had a big surprise for Rose and her two granddaughters, Poppy and Daisy. How this would impact on her life she gave little consideration to, and certainly didn't think she'd meet a dapper, widowed Englishman who had recently moved to the Retirement Village where her best friend, Ellen, had bought a unit. Lily enjoyed his company and flirtation, and particularly loved his wit and humour. Malcolm's daughters, however, disliked Lily, and in particular the fact they would be travelling to England together and catching up with his and their late mother's family and friends.

'Would their friendship and budding relationship be strong enough to withstand the interference of those who disagreed with their romance?'  (Publication summary)