Mary's Reflections

Inspired by real events, Mary's Reflections tells the story of a very strong woman who survives many hard knocks. Mary's life spans two world wars as she goes from rags to riches.

This heartfelt novel follows Mary from her poor childhood to old age as a wealthy woman. It portrays her life as a servant, her family dramas, loves and losses, and war survival.

I was filled with apprehension. What had I done to be summoned to an audience with the mistress? Would I be sacked? A hundred thoughts entered my mind as I made my way to her sitting room and knocked on the door.

"Come in," she called.

"Mary," she said as she came towards me, "your father has just been to see the butler who has informed me that you are not to go home this Sunday on your day off. Your little sister Bertha has been taken with diphtheria. She went quite quickly in your mother's arms. I'm afraid, with the exception of Frank, all your brothers and sisters have got it."

(About the Author)

Winsome Mary Payter was born in Biggin Hill, Kent. At age eleven, her family moved to Christchurch in Hampshire to escape the threat of bombing by the Luftwaffe. Her dream job was being a tracer in the drawing office at the Ministry of Defence, where her father was a scientific officer in Great Malvern, Worcestershire. Her family later moved to Loughborough, Leicestershire. She and her husband Stan have three daughters and a son. An avid reader, the author composed her own stories to tell her children. Once retired, she began her writing in earnest, including romance novels, short stories, poetry, and prose.