The first novel in a family saga

— From the page

Thursday, September 12, 1918

Marguerite woke up before the tiny hammers struck the bells atop the alarm clock. She got up and put on her light housecoat. When she left the bedroom, the clock was still ringing and winding down as Pierre battled to wake up.

She opened the kitchen door to get the milk and smelled the crisp air. The eastern sky was brightening, but there was still a half an hour until dawn. Ça va être une belle journée, she thought. It’s going to be a beautiful day! She looked at her kitchen and smiled.

(C) 2026 John Gray Swan