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...