The Drowned Village

'Forget The Notebook! It's all about The Captain's Wife. I read this entire book in two days... will fill you with hope, then will suddenly break your heart into a million pieces... truly an emotional rollercoaster, so tissues at the ready!" Goodreads reviewer,  

Britain, 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 that's been in her family for generations. Laughing, Al catches her around the waist, squeezing her tight. 'Marry me,' he whispers. 'I'll use my Navy liberty leave, we'll go ask your parents. I don't 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, Elin's frantic telegrams to him go unanswered. Then she receives an invitation to his wedding in Philadelphia. 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 hasn't 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 he'll confess why he couldn't 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, Soraya M. Lane and Kathleen McGurl will love this book.

What readers are saying about The Captain's Wife:

'I was so engaged in the story and characters, enjoyed the storyline throughout the book. It kept me reading until the end!! I would highly recommend this book!!' NetGalley reviewer,

'Heart wrenching.' NetGalley reviewer

'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,

'Truly