'Ten years ago, my top holiday read was Victoria Hislop's The Island; this summer's great escape belongs to Catherine Banner.' The Pool

'Delightful ... A captivating tale of love ... and loyalty peopled by wonderfully vivid characters.' Sunday Express

'Readers, prepare to be captivated.' Irish Independent

On a tiny island off the coast of Italy, surrounded by the sound of the sea and the scent of bougainvillea, the Esposito family have been running the bar, the House at the Edge of Night, for generations.

Over the course of a century, as the town is transformed by war, fascism, tourism and recession, the spirited Esposito women are determined to keep the doors to the bar open. It is, after all, the place where unexpected friendships are forged, betrayals are discovered and great love affairs begin.