She was nicknamed 'The Gooding Girl' because she so much resembled her formidable grandmother. But her real name was Julia Coulsden - born on the day the family fishing boat Silver Lady was launched, in July 1910.
The Coulsdens were propserous and hardworking, with a boatyard and fishing business centred in Rye and Hastings. But even their small community was challenged by the uncertain fortunes of the new century.
Against a background of middle-class prosperity and social ambition, the story of Julia Coulsden unfolds. The fears of childhood and the dreams of adolescence... unexpected death and unwanted pregnancy... controversial marriages and sudden inheritance - are all part of this rich and eventful family saga.