Generations of Love
by Wendy Pulford
Matador
Historical Fiction , Romance
A story crossing generations about hidden family secrets.
A tragedy from the past threatens to be repeated.
When handsome, career driven Detective Inspector Alex Hartman is instructed to investigate a High Court Judge his life instantly changes. Although forming an unfavourable impression of Judge Lionel Franklin, Alex becomes aware of an overwhelming attraction for Catherine Franklin, the Judge’s attractive niece, who seems to be closely controlled by her Uncle. He soon finds himself on a collision course between his duties and his personal feelings. Meeting again after a separation and realising his feelings are reciprocated, Alex takes the fateful decision of proposing marriage, but Judge Franklin is always in the background with his veiled attempts at control of Catherine for his own purposes. As Alex continues his investigations he uncovers more and more damning evidence, unaware that Lionel Franklin is devising a shocking plan, which in the events of one tragic night shatters the young couple’s dream for a future with their young child.
A generation on, haunted by the past but unaware of the whole truth, Peter Hartman finds solace in the attentions of his Great Uncle Lionel. Whilst on holiday in Canada he meets Christa Benjamin and a relationship begins between them and grows to something much deeper, unknowingly putting her life in danger. At the same time, after years of indecision and guilt, Alex Hartman’s former colleague finds the courage to confront the past, and, finally hearing the truth surrounding his parents, Peter sees how his own life has been overshadowed by the continued manipulation of Lionel Franklin and vows to seek justice. As matters reach a head Peter confronts Franklin about his knowledge of the past, but finds himself pitched into the nightmare of history repeating itself – can an echo from the past avert another tragedy?