The Children's Hour

A novel of sisters and secrets: "She may not be as famous as Binchy or Pilcher, but British writer Willett is just as gifted . . . compelling women's fiction." —Booklist

In a big old rambling house overlooking the sea, assorted small children listened as their mother read them a story. It was an idyllic childhood, as they played on the beach and in the garden and woods, before the war—and other tragedies—disrupted their lives.

Now, many years later, two of the sisters, Nest and Mina, still...