The Drowned Village: A heartbreaking and absolutely gripping WW2 romance

Based on an incredible true story... How could a once beautiful and lively village just disappear? Britain, 1954. The Second World War has ravaged the country, and for years families had been forced to go without to help the war effort. Even in the tiny stone village of Capel Celyn – where time seemingly stands still in the lush beauty of the surrounding hills – the war has left behind empty tables and broken hearts. But then the residents learn that their beloved village is at risk of being taken from them, and in the most shocking way imaginable. Who will be brave enough to save it? Present day. Al Locke , retired Navy Captain, sets off up the well-worn track through the valley, towards the pretty village of Capel Celyn, determined to find the girl he once loved. Elin Jenkins : the dark-haired Welsh beauty he was going to marry after the war... until tragedy tore them apart. But what he finds in that silent valley is a mystery greater even than their own. The village, once lively, is underwater. A shimmering ghost town in the depths of a vast lake. How can he find Elin when all trace of her has vanished? And will she be capable of forgiving him for his part in their tragic loss? A gorgeously atmospheric and page-turning read about family secrets, heartbreak and learning to forgive. Fans of Kate Morton, Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook will adore this beautiful book. What readers are saying about The Drowned Village : ‘This beautifully unique tale will fill you with hope, then will suddenly break your heart into a million pieces. Without giving too much away, it is truly an emotional rollercoaster, so tissues at the ready! Norma Curtis, you have gained a new fan :).’ Off the Hook Books , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ Heart-wrenching .’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Kept me reading until the end !! I would highly recommend this book !!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ Truly heart-wrenching .’ Goodreads reviewer ‘ A beautiful and heartbreaking story... I cannot wait to read more by this author . This author has now become a go-to author.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘ I absolutely loved this.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Excellent story... So much emotion ... A definite must read .’ Goodreads reviewer ‘Set around WWII this is a heartbreaking tale of love and loss ... beautifully written... a poignant ending ... Loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer Shes guarded her secret for a lifetime. Hes not ready to let go. Sixty-five years ago. Pushing aside drooping hollyhocks, Elin Jenkins tosses back her dark hair and runs up the familiar path to the tiny village of Capel Celyn, past the mossy graveyard with its crumbling stones, towards the farm thats been in her family for generations. Laughing, Al catches her around the waist, squeezing her tight. Marry me, he whispers. Ill use my Navy liberty leave, well go ask your parents. I dont want this to end. Tears prick her eyes as she smiles up at him. Three days later, Al is on his ship back to Pennsylvania. And in the months that follow, Elins frantic telegrams to him go unanswered. Then she receives the wedding invitation. Scribbled on the back are three words: No hard feelings. Present day. Al Locke, retired Navy Captain, smooths his silver hair and finishes up with a spritz of aftershave. With a spring in his step he hasnt had for decades, he sets off up the well-worn track through the valley. As he rounds the last bend, his heart begins to race. He has no doubt he will meet her in the village today. He will at last hear the horrible truth of what happened to Elin after he left, and hell confess why he couldnt face coming back until now. As Al crests the final, familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. Before him, a glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village of Capel Celyn, and all trace of Elin, are gone A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kate Morton and Kathleen McGurl will love this book.