Set in England prior to the First World War, it continues the romance of Christina Parsons and Will Russell.

Peyton won the annual Carnegie Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book by a British subject.

[5] World Publishing Company of New York issued the first U.S. edition in 1969, retaining the Ambrus illustrations.

[2] The trilogy was adapted as a 13-part television series in 1979, Flambards starring Christine McKenna as Christina Parsons.

At the end, Will becomes famous as a stunt pilot and is thinking of joining the army, which—on the eve of their long-awaited wedding—worries Christina.