This book is about tragedy, second chances and ultimate success. Grace Brabazon is a dedicated teacher in war-weary rural Britain; and Grace Adams a talented young fashion designer, fighting to survive the pressures of 21st Century London. When both their promising careers are cut short, abruptly and dramatically, it seems that there can be no possible way forward for them. But then an extraordinary time-shift brings about a 'life-swap' between the women.
Outspoken individualist, Grace Adams, finds herself in wartime Quintin Parva, an isolated Dorset village with a very limited perspective; and gentle Grace Brabazon is transported to the bewildering world of the 21st Century, living in the same village - where she was born and where she taught - seventy years later. Because of their physical similarities, each is accepted by the communities in which they now find themselves and each responds to her new life very differently - their characters flowering in ways that would not have been possible had they remained in their own era.
Risk-taking Grace Adams relishes the bizarre opportunity and grasps it with both hands - whatever it offers. What is offered to her is beyond her wildest imaginings: she meets one of the major influences in her career, Angelo Romani, a groundbreaking mid-twentieth century Italian designer. They fall passionately in love, with a life-changing relationship that transforms both their lives. Battling against the judgmental attitudes of the villagers, they manage to survive the war and post-war years, eventually marrying in Quintin Parva before moving to live in Italy. Grace becomes Grazia Romani, co-founder of the House of Romani, whose designs so inspired her when a student in her twentieth century life.
Grace Brabazon initially has no memory of her life in wartime Britain, but recalls everything when she sees a plaque dedicated to the memory of her late father, the vicar. Gentle and reflective, her emotional and professional journey differs radically from that of Grace Adams. Only slowly is she able to accept the time-shift that has landed her in the middle of 21st Century Britain, where attitudes, technology and morals differ dramatically from her own. Equally slowly, she comes to love and respect Simon Patterson, the doctor who originally cared for her namesake in London, who now faithfully continues to support and advise her in her growing journey of awareness. Steadily overcoming the many obstacles in her path, Grace eventually opens a new village school and marries Simon.
When the school is formally opened by Grazia, regarded by the village as daughter of the benefactors of the school, the two Graces finally meet, sharing their experiences and finding a deep mutual liking and respect. Grazia, now a widow and a very old lady, demonstrates how a lifetime of Romani's love has transformed her: the emotionally raw, challenging young woman that she was before her life swap has become wise, generous and thoughtful. Grace Patterson is able to gain some understanding of the relationship that flowered between her mother and Grazia, and finally confides that she is pregnant. Later that night Grazia passes away, joyful and fulfilled to the end, believing that she has seen her beloved Romani one last time. She arranges to have the striking ring worn by Grazia, which contains Romani's ashes, remodelled to include Grazia's own, and she wears this to celebrate both their memories. In the Pattersons' daughter, Grazia Angelo, the lives and unique qualities of the two Graces are combined and celebrated.
