Rose's Choice: A heart-wrenching wartime saga of love, family and secrets

Rationing, bombing, disease and pit disasters are part of Rose Kelly's World War 2 childhood. When the spirited coalminer's daughter discovers a family secret, she makes a choice that overshadows her teenage years. Rose tries to make the most of post-war opportunities but family tragedy pulls her back to a life in the colliery rows. She relinquishes her bright future for domestic duties because her family comes first. Will family ties get in the way of her dreams?

"Rose's Choice' begins in 1944 when Rose is a ten-year-old and chronicles the highs and lows of Rose's life from World War 2 until 1955. Historical events of the times, such as WW2, the Easington Colliery disaster, Queen Elizabeth's coronation, VE Day  and the existence of the pitman painters are based on facts and add a realistic backdrop to Rose's story.

The book is set in Northumberland and describes colliery life during the war. This northern setting is close to Catherine Cookson country and the saga will appeal to her readers.