The Morning Gift

Description

A richly imagined story of unexpected love, independence, and belonging - The Morning Gift is a classic WWII romance from Eva Ibbotson, with an introduction from Sarra Manning. Eighteen-year-old Ruth lives in the sparkling city of Vienna with her family, where she delights in its music, energy and natural beauty. She is wildly in love with the brilliant young pianist Heini Radik and can't wait until they are married. But Ruth's world is turned upside down when the Nazis invade Austria and her family are forced to flee to England, and through a devastating misunderstanding she is left behind. Her only hope to escape Vienna comes from Quin, a young English professor, who unexpectedly offers her a marriage of convenience to bring her back to London. Ruth throws herself into her new life - but a secret marriage is more difficult than she expected, especially as she and Quin find themselves drawn together. 'I have binged on Eva Ibbotson . . . her elegantly written, witty and well-observed fables' - Nigella Lawson, The Times Rediscover Eva Ibbotson, award-winning author of Journey to the River Sea, in her sweeping historical romances, including The Morning Gift, A Song For Summer and The Secret Countess.

Eva Ibbotson was born in Vienna in 1925 and moved to England with her father when the Nazis came to power. She wrote more than twenty books for children and young adults, many of which garnered nominations for major awards for children's literature in the UK, including the Nestle Smarties Book Prize and the Whitbread Prize. Imaginative and humorous, Eva's books often convey her love of nature, in particular the Austrian countryside, which is evident in works such as The Star of Kazan and A Song for Summer. Eva passed away at her home in Newcastle on 20 October 2010. Her final book, One Boy and His Dog, was published in May 2011.

I have binged on Eva Ibbotson . . . I read one after another, and rather feel your Christmas might be brightened by doing the same. -- Nigella Lawson * The Sunday Times * Her adult books manage to be radiant and comforting, even though they address war, migration, racism and eugenics. In these frightening times, I want to read about open-hearted heroines pursuing happiness and love against the odds. -- Samantha Ellis * The TLS * Sophisticated, brilliantly plotted and gloriously funny -- Amanda Craig * Guardian * If you want to read a book that will immerse you in history, a beautiful setting and an adorable romance, this is definitely a book for you -- Charnell Vevers * LoveReading4Kids * Discovering Eva Ibbotson's books is one of the nicest things that's ever happened to me. The most beautiful, delicious, wry read -- Marian Keyes The beauty of their old life in Vienna and the descriptions of their refugee existence in north London are heart-rending . . . It is also sweetly romantic if you want cheering up. -- Harriet Green * The Guardian * Her books are utterly delightful * Daily Mail *