Painting by Numbers In the 1950's, when she is only 16, a cataclysmic event in Juliet's life causes her and her gay friend, Neil, to make a pact that they will never reveal the truth of what has happened to her. This well intentioned lie eventually throws a huge and destructive shadow over several generations until Juliet is faced with one of the most terrible choices a mother could make. Told from four points of view, the story begins in the 1930's and ends in the present day. Reviews for Sally Patricia Gardner's novels: It was a fantastic read, all the characters are extremely well rounded and believable and by the end you are glued to it because you just have to know what happens next in their lives. It can be sad, funny and filled with suspense all within a few pages. Highly recommended... ElaineG (Amazon Top Reviewer) Truly an amazing book which unites history, psychology, and gender identity issues in an amazingly engaging story... R.McClelland, Unbound Underground. I was fascinated by this book... Prunella Scales (Sally Gardner) really can write, I was reluctant to finish this lovely book... Tom Baker Your books are so truthful, I love truth in everything... Dora Bryan I really liked this book, which tells the story of hopes and fears, tragedies and achievements. Tony Benn