To have and to hold
By: Anne Bennett
Publisher: HarperCollins; Harper Collins; Harper
Published: 2006
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 538
ISBN-13: 9780007225996; 9780007226009; 9780007805952
Subjects: Irish fiction; Nurses; Fiction; World War, 1939-1945
Description: Carmel Duffy is the eldest child of a brutal and abusive marriage, and she can't wait to leave home. She's equally determined to have no husband or family of her own - what she wants more than anything is to be a nurse. As soon as she turns eighteen, she heads for Birmingham and begins her training. However, her resolve is tested when Dr Paul Connolly comes onto her ward. Gradually he wins her heart, and they agree to marry, both certain that they want no children. But World War Two's years of courage and devastation will change everything ...