Michael Stone was once a famous author. That was before he went to prison. Now, just released, he needs to get his bearings. In the village of Belmaray he finds much to muse on...a former sweetheart who has married the kindly vicar, a young schoolmistress, shopkeepers and children, animals and nature are all intertwined in this finely spun tale.

"Elizabeth Goudge has a real gift in evoking atmosphere and in expressing her Franciscan love of birds and nature." (The New York Times)