Connie Monk 
To Light A Candle 

Cynny Barlow is just eighteen when she falls helplessly in love with the dashing Ralph Clinton, an ambitious and talented actor visiting her home town for the summer. However, when Ralph is talent-spotted by a film producer, he puts everything behind him and leaves for the big time, with no idea that Cynny is already pregnant. Whilst her daughter Suzie is a toddler, Cynny can see no way out of her life of drudgery, working at the grocer’s during the day, and as a barmaid in the evenings to make ends meet. Her one friend in the village, the vicar’s wife Kate Bainbridge, is sympathetic, but has her own problems. Although the face she shows the parishioners is one of contentment, Kate yearns for more passion in her life than her husband Richard seems able to give her. Lately, she has been charmed by Richard’s old friend, Perry Sylvester, a famous jazz pianist. But so far, there is nothing in his behaviour to suggest that he feels the same way. But everything is set to change for all concerned, for when Perry makes Cynny’s acquaintance, he recognises in her a rare singing talent, one that would perfectly match the jazz he plays in the nightclubs of London.