THE CHESTNUT TREE

By Charlotte Bingham

Synopsis

In the summer of 1939 the residents of the village of Bexham prepare for war. Four young women are determined to play an active part and they join the women of the Sussex port. Their world is changed irrevocably, yet the chestnut tree flourishes.

Sample Player

Narrator	Margaret Hodgson
Length	14hrs
Catalogue No.	6181
Publisher	Bantam

Other audiobooks by Charlotte Bingham

THE BLUE NOTE

Three young wartime evacuees are sent to live in the country with two unmarried sisters. It is an idyllic time for them until they are cruelly split up. By chance they are reunited after the war, when hearts will be broken and mended.

THE BUSINESS

Meredith Browne and Max Kassov are from very different backgrounds but both work in showbusiness. The story reveals the corruption and abuse of talent behind the glittering façade of the entertainment world.

DISTANT MUSIC

In post war England, Elsie Lancaster and Oliver Plunkett are both determined to become successful actors, whilst Coco Hampton yearns to be a costume designer. When they meet agent and manager Portly Cosgrove their theatrical and personal lives become emotionally entangled.

THE HOUSE OF FLOWERS

In 1941, when England is at its lowest ebb, MI5 realise that there is a double agent operating at its base, Eden Park. Poppy, Kate, Lily, Marjorie and Billy are all a part of Eden Park and all their lives are threatened as the spymasters attempt to identify the traitor.

THE KISSING GARDEN

Childhood friends, George and Amelia fall in love but the war of 1914 cuts across any romantic plans. After four years at the front George returns and marries Amelia but the old magic is missing.

THE LAND OF SUMMER

When Emmaline falls in love with Julius in America, she has visions of a wonderful life in England. When she moves there to marry him, the reality bears no resemblance to the description of his family that Julius had given her.

THE LOVE KNOT

In 1900 the paths of three young women, Leonie, Dorinda and Mercy, cross and all their lives are affected. They support each other as they strive to be independent at a time when this is could lead to ostracism and even tragedy.

THE MAGIC HOUR

When Alexandra Stamford goes to stay with her cousins at Knighton Hall she meets their handsome stable lad, Tom O'Brien. But are they really destined to be together?

MI5 AND ME

When aristocrat's daughter Charlotte Bingham was summoned to her father's office aged eighteen, she never expected to discover that he was a spy. Even more ominous was his decision that she should work for MI5. As fellow secretary Annabella illuminates the mysteries of MI5, and Lottie's home fills with actors doubling as spies, Lottie feels well and truly spooked. This hilarious memoir is a window into 1950s Britain, where debutantes are typists and where Englishness is both a nationality and a code of behaviour.

THE MOON AT MIDNIGHT

In 1962 the threat of atomic war is very real, which bewilders many of the older generation who believed they had sacrificed everything in WW2 to avoid such threats. At the same time a group of friends in Sussex are facing a personal crisis brought about by their teenage children.

NANNY

Being Nanny to the children of an aristocratic family conflicts with her personal life;

THE NIGHTINGALE SINGS

After the death of her husband, Cassie is forced to battle hard to keep her home, Claremore, and everything that makes her life worthwhile.

THE SEASON

Portia and Emily are both about to launch their daughters in the Season of 1913. Their arch-enemy, Daisy Lanford, is busy launching American heiresses but Portia, Emily and their girls are intent on spoiling American chances.

SUMMERTIME

Having met Trilby, Lewis Jones, powerful owner of a newspaper group is determined to marry her. Despite opposition from her family and friends Trilby accepts, but once married finds herself a virtual prisoner in her own home.

TO HEAR A NIGHTINGALE

Having experienced a difficult childhood as an illegitimate girl in New Hampshire, Cassie McGann is willingly swept off her feet by Irish horsebreeder Tyrone Rosse, but with his sudden death, she must call upon her own spirit and courage.

THE WHITE MARRIAGE

Sunny is engaged to wealthy Gray after meeting him when his Bentley breaks down outside her parents' country home. Sunny moves into her friend Arietta’s lodgings in London and meets and falls in love with Hart. Then Arietta finds out a secret about Gray…

THE WIND OFF THE SEA

Sequel to 'The Chestnut Tree' (6181). Waldo Astley visits the Sussex village of Bexham on a personal mission, but he has a warming effect on all the residents who are suffering in the terrible winter of 1947.