The Runaway

A gripping historical novel from Catherine Law, set against the beautiful backdrop of Venice

To find what she has lost, she must go back to the beginning…

1924

The First World War is over and eleven-year-old Alexa is growing up on the idyllic Cornish coast with her best friend Harvey. But she soon discovers there are secrets at the heart of her family that have been hidden for years.

And when her mother dies suddenly, she finds her whole life thrown into turmoil.

1931

Still reeling from the secrets she uncovered, Alexa flees to the intoxicating city of Venice. But her new glamorous life is not what she hoped for and, with dark shadows closing in, she will question everything she thought she wanted…

Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes and Leah Fleming.

Praise for Catherine Law:

'A beautifully written emotional, absorbing story about love, family, and secrets. I absolutely loved it' Siobhan Daiko

'I was engrossed in this beautiful, heartfelt story. Characters to care about and a plot that kept me turning the pages' Helen Parusel

'A haunting story of love and war' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'You must read this book!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'I loved everything about this beautiful book. Simply wonderful' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Previously published as The First Dance

"The Runaway" was written by Catherine Law.

Catherine Law is the author of several historical novels set in the first half of the 20th century, in and around the First and Second World Wars. Her stories are inspired by the tales our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers tell us, and the secrets they keep. She lives ten minutes from the sea in Margate, Kent. Catherine is published by award-winning publisher Boldwood Books.