Ceylon, 1906: Stella Polegate steps off the ship in Colombo harbour, her heart beating with contradictory emotions. As her father’s unofficial research assistant, she’s thrilled to explore this island of ancient temples and verdant tea plantations—yet painfully aware that her brilliant mind will remain uncredited, her academic ambitions dismissed simply because she is a woman.

When her father’s doctoral student makes unwelcome advances that escalate to violence, Stella's carefully ordered world shatters. With her reputation and future hanging in the balance, she finds an unexpected ally in Norton Baxter, a principled young civil servant whose growing disillusionment with colonial rule mirrors her own questioning of societal constraints.

As Stella navigates the suffocating expectations of colonial society, she must make an impossible choice. Should she accept the limitations imposed upon her gender or fight for the academic future she deserves? And can she trust Norton with her damaged heart when every man in her life has sought to control her destiny?

From the misty highlands of Kandy to the bustling port of Colombo, Stella’s journey becomes a defiant quest not only for love but for something far more elusive—the freedom to become the author of her own story.

Readers who love The Tea Planter's Wife and Lucinda Riley will adore this atmospheric novel of forbidden love set in the twilight of the British Raj.

What readers say about Clare Flynn’s historical fiction:

“An absolutely beautiful story written with so much compassion… will touch your heart in ways you may never have dreamed.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I felt transported back in time. I loved it and didn’t want it to end.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Wow, what an amazing, powerful and moving story! It kept me captivated from start to finish… left me breathless and deeply engrossed.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Beautifully written… utterly addictive and will keep you riveted until the last page.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A poignant and beautiful story. Flynn writes with perfection. I absolutely loved this.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The emotions I went through were numerous... This book hit me in the gut… magical to read and will stay with me… Wonderful.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“PHENOMENAL! Loved reading it and didn’t want to put it down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Wow – where to begin... I am still thinking about this book! What an amazing story!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐