The Very Thought Of You by Rosie Alison

London 1939: War is on the horizon and the children are being evacuated to the countryside for their safety. Anna Sands mother Roberta is trying to make their last day together special, Anna is excited for the coming adventure, not understanding what being away from home will mean.

She arrives at Ashton Park. Ashton Park is a large country estate that has been opened to accept the evacuated children. Mr. Ashton and his wife Elizabeth, a childless couple, have opened up their home to the children. Mr. Ashton hopes that having the children around will help ease his wife's pain.

Anna settles into her new life and the story unfolds as she becomes apart of this new life. The characters are well developed. I found myself wanting to hug Anna as she struggles with her emotions. The Gothic feel of the house is captured perfectly and the poignant description of Mr. Ashton is excellent.

Highly recommend!