The Metal Heart A Novel of Love and Valor in World War II

"A perfect, gripping winter read. I loved it." - Sophie Mackintosh, author of The Water Cure, on The Glass Woman

"Full of emotion, mystery, and suspense, this unique love story will keep readers guessing until the very end." - Booklist on The Glass Woman

"Memorable and compelling. A novel about what haunts us-and what should." - Sarah Moss, author of Ghost Wall, on The Glass Woman

"A fantastic, atmospheric debut." - Times, London on The Glass Woman

"Gripped me in a cold fist. Beautiful." - Sara Collins, author of The Confessions of Frannie Langton on The Glass Woman

"...evocative second novel...poetic language..." - Historical Novel Society

"Piercing. . . . Devastating and revelatory." - New York Times Book Review on The Glass Woman

"The story of true innocents caught up in the machinery of war. Exquisitely researched, beautifully told, this tiny corner of Scotland came alive for me in all of my senses and I found myself rooting for the central characters with all my heart."

"Transported me to Orkney during the Second World War. Lyrical writing, a compelling plot and a very strong sense of place-I loved it" - Harriet Tyce, author of The Lies You Told and Blood Orange

"Atmospheric, heart-wrenching, evocative-this is a gorgeously written story about the scars we carry with us, and how they can be overcome." - Gytha Lodge, author of Watching from the Dark and She Lies in Wait

"A powerful Second World War love story. As tensions grow between the Italian PoWs and the Orkney men, the scene is set for a dramatic reckoning. Lea writes beautifully of island life and love, and the sacrifices that both demand." - Times, London

"Lea brings to life a story inspired by real lives and events of WWII in this captivating, harrowing tale of wartime survival and sacrifice." - Booklist