The Morning Gift

Eva Ibbotson

Age 12 +
25 July 2019
9781529012255
528 pages

Synopsis

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, author of Diary of a Crush.


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.

I have binged on Eva Ibbotson . . . I read one after another, and rather feel your Christmas might be brightened by doing the same.
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.
Sophisticated, brilliantly plotted and gloriously funny