When Samantha Saunders, (friends call her Sam) is rescued from the sea by a handsome tramp, she never expected to see him again. Orphaned at twenty-six, she had moved from London to live with her aunt on the South Coast of England. She finds work at Flemings, the largest department store in the town. Sam loves the store and its colourful staff. The sad, Mary Maguire, eccentric Bill Cocker. Donald, the ex-Soldier, decorated for bravery, and the flamboyant Margo. She finds herself having to fend off the attentions of Andrew Fleming, the founder’s grandson. Pompous, arrogant, conceited, he is used to getting his own way, especially with women. Sam has no desire to be another notch on his bedpost. He appears shallow and selfish. But is he? What of the enigmatic tramp, who turns up where least expected? When Sam moved south, she never expected her life would change quite so dramatically. Cover picture: Lucy Piper Photography.