Book excerpt: Bluey O'Donnell and Ellen Sommers are childhood sweethearts ready to take on the world when news of the war hits their quiet country town. Spurred on by thoughts of glory, and physically strong from a lifetime of hard work on his family's property, Bluey rushes to enlist and is soon on his first overseas posting. Ellen, left behind to help manage the farm, lives in hope that she will see Bluey again, and guards a special secret through the anxious wait for his return. But nothing can prepare the couple for what lies ahead. As Bluey faces the greatest battle of his life, Ellen must make a heart-wrenching choice. This is a stirring and inspiring saga of a family torn apart by war, its unforgettable characters proving beyond doubt that love is stronger than fear. 'A moving and classically Australian story' SUNDAY MAIL 'Sincere and engaging . . . it is simply a darn good, fair dinkum yarn' SUNSHINE COAST SUNDAY 'Full of dinky-di characters, a good dose of hardship and tragedy, plus an against-all-odds romance' ADELAIDE ADVERTISER