Cradle the Light

Claire O’Neill is an American artist determined to live life on her own terms. The bohemian life of an artist is what she images for herself, refusing to follow in her mother's footsteps, a life less lived when Katherine O'Neill chose marriage over her career as a poet. Richard Hart, ace saboteur, is weary of fighting the war. His war experience has affected him emotionally and mentally, and he is wary of getting into a relationship, or trusting in a girl's heart. Richard is asked by Leslie Havens, a friend and colleague, to befriend Claire and to show her around London. Unbeknownst to Richard, Leslie also has asked Claire to date Richard, and to report on Richard's mental condition. Richard prefers to keep to himself. Well, that will not do, not with his condition. Leslie has another reason to introduce him to Claire. She might be the breath of air Richard needs to heal. At the same time, Claire befriends Samuel Jamieson, a poet who had a questionable relationship with Katherine before Claire was born. Samuel’s fixation on Claire makes Richard question Samuel's motives. But, Claire shakes it off as jealousy, for Samuel is more than nice to her, introducing her to London's art community. A well-known poet, Samuel is the only connection Claire has to her mother's past. He understands Claire's passion for her art and how relationships can get in the way of an emerging talent. Sparks fly between Richard and Claire, and love comes to them unexpectedly at the worst possible time. Claire struggles with the mystery surrounding her mother’s death, and with learning to trust in her talent and in a man's love. Richard struggles with the issues of trust and the betrayal that sent him to prison. Claire lives with her father, Jack O'Neill. Jack's motive for moving to war-torn London is to be near Lady Gwen Albert, a friend of his deceased wife. Engaged to marry another man, Jack is determined to win Gwen's love. Jack and Gwen are confronted with old memories that create unexpected consequences in their relationship. Their relationship interweaves with the ghost of Katherine and Claire's memories of her mother. The London Blitz, the smoldering ruins and devastation of war threaten to tear people apart. When the scenes shift to San Francisco, the relationships take more twists and turns, with hopes that the human spirit will triumph.