City of Belmont - Ruth Faulkner Public Library

Townsville, 1942. Young women aged 16 and over are obliged by law to join the war effort and longing to escape the humdrum poverty of oceanside Blueholm Bay, Emma Hatton reaches the bustling wartime mayhem of Townsville. Befriending charismatic Cassie O'Byrne, Emma believes her adult life has finally begun. Private Frank Kendrick's kisses make her heart beat faster and surely a proposal is imminent. But after a hasty seduction, Frank disappears and Emma finds herself in trouble. Her family's solution is the Holy Refuge of Saint Philomena in Brisbane, a prison-like 'home' where unmarried, pregnant young women are sent to repent and used as drudges while they wait out their term before their babies are forcibly adopted. Longing to keep her child, Emma befriends other girls struggling in this cruel environment while her dearest friend of all seeks a way to help. The choices Emma must make will lead her to true adulthood, forever friendships ... and a home and family she could never have anticipated.

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Daughter of the Home Front