1. It is spring, late morning, when Flora’s life changes for ever. She is standing on a platform in the Swiss mountains, watching as a cattle train draws near. From within the wooden trucks she can hear human voices - groaning, pleading and desperate.

Horrified, she begins to run alongside the train, frantically trying to help. But as the train picks up speed, a filthy bundle of rags is thrust through the slats and into her arms - ‘Take him. His name is Simon.’

Flora stands on the platform, a baby boy cradled against her. And although everything looks exactly as it had done moments before, nothing will ever be the same again.

SUNDAY TIMES bestseller Maureen Lee has written a powerful, moving story of war, motherhood and love.