The First World War is over, and in a quiet Hampshire village, artist Stanley Spencer is working on the commission of a lifetime, painting an entire chapel in memory of a life lost in the war to end all wars. Combining his own traumatic experiences with moments of everyday redemption, the chapel will become his masterpiece. When Elsie Munday arrives to take up position as housemaid to the Spencer family, her life quickly becomes entwined with the charming and irascible Stanley, his artist wife Hilda and their tiny daughter Shirin. As the years pass, Elsie does her best to keep the family together even when love, obsession and temptation seem set to tear them apart...
Nicola Upson
Nicola Upson is a British author known for her series of mystery novels featuring fictionalized versions of real-life mystery writer Josephine Tey. Upson's works blend historical fiction with crime fiction, often exploring complex characters and relationships. Her most notable work is "An Expert in Murder," which was nominated for several awards and introduced readers to her unique take on the classic detective genre. Upson's contributions to literature include bringing new life to a beloved genre and shining a light on the often overlooked figure of Josephine Tey. Her works have had a significant impact on the mystery genre, earning her a dedicated following of fans.