'Celia's Secret' is an intensely personal and truthful account of Martha Ashwell's struggle to come to terms with a family secret. The earlier part of the book is set in wartime Manchester in 1942, a time when rules and boundaries were set aside. In September 1964, the scene moves to Oxford and Martha writes evocatively about this period of her life. Seeking answers to her unresolved questions she examines the impact which the secret has had upon her and her family. Martha reflects on family relationships, her education, her training in social work and her knowledge of counselling. A life-long Christian, she explores religious and literary themes in order to express her thoughts and feelings. Martha tells this story to fulfil a deeply-felt need to be reconciled with her much-loved mother.