The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

On the eve of World War I, Beatrice Nash secures a job as the Latin teacher in the Sussex town of Rye. As a child, Beatrice traveled the world with her father, who was a professor and writer. Following his recent death, she now has to make her own way in the world. Local resident Agatha Kent, who helped Beatrice obtain the position, takes her under her wing. Agatha is aunt to Hugh Grange (who is training to be a doctor) and his cousin, Daniel Bookham (a poet).  The Summer Before the War follows these four characters and the villagers as the war changes their lives forever. Another memorable read from Simonson, although at times the book was very leisurely-paced. It will be published in March.