Fleeing her husband’s mysterious death in Oxford, Charlie adopts a new identity as Céline Dupont and escapes to France. In Marseille, she enjoys the city’s pleasures, a brief Mediterranean cruise, and a liberating encounter, but her past continues to haunt her.

Seeking refuge, she takes a job at Château Pascal, a remote vineyard, where she discovers a WWII journal mirroring her own emotional struggles.

As Céline grows in confidence, she embraces the vineyard’s vibrant community and begins to learn about the delicate art of vine-tending. Yet, her lustful and passionate relationship with a manager and the secrets she carries force her to confront a crucial choice: will she return to England as Libby Wilkinson to face her past, or remain forever hidden in the shadows?

Liz van Santen grew up in Oxford and enjoyed a successful career in education. Passionate about the magical power of creativity, she is also a keen acrobatic dancer and musician. Since retiring, Liz has embraced writing, travelling, sailing, skiing, and spending time with her family. The first book in her duology, The Humble Pawn, will be published in January 2025, followed by Queen in the Shadows, in May 2025. Both books are published by The Book Guild.