These two charming stories take us on a roller coaster of intense emotion. Love, loss, friendship and hard work are all examined within these beautifully crafted tales. The first and second World Wars form a dramatic backdrop as our main protagonists` lives are irrevocably altered by the violent world that surrounds them. Through sensitive language, hardship and pain are tackled head on in these intense stories. Martin transports us to a different world where strong characters struggle through difficult times to emerge triumphant and content with the lot that life has thrown them.