An absolutely heartbreaking and uplifting First World War story of hardship and hope.

1912. Fifteen-year-old Kate Truscott waves goodbye to her family and leaves her small Hampshire village to become a nursemaid to five children she's never met. Her heart full of hope, she's looking forward to a new adventure.

Life in town with the wealthy Winton family is very different to anything this simple country girl has known before. Mr Winton is strict but his wife is kindly, and Kate soon settles in. She enjoys looking after her mischievous young charges, and becomes firm friends with Clara, the eldest daughter. At the same time, she can't help but notice that eighteen-year-old Philip, the eldest son, is so very handsome.

Kate knows that society would never accept a match between a wealthy banker's son and a lowly nursemaid. So when local gardener Archie asks her to walk out with him, Kate agrees - even though her heart belongs to Philip.

Then war breaks out. Both Philip and Archie enlist in the army and head to France, leaving Kate bereft.

When Kate discovers she's pregnant, she has no one to turn to. Facing the horrors of the workhouse, Kate's future looks bleak.

What will happen to Kate as a penniless unmarried mother at a time when women are judged harshly and the men are away at war?

The Country Girl is Sally Tarpey's debut novel, and is inspired by the true story of her grandfather's first wife.