Family saga / generational saga fiction

Book SynopsisThree very different girls sign up as student nurses in 1936, while England is still mourning the death of George V. Dora is a tough East Ender, driven by ambition, but also desperate to escape her squalid, overcrowded home and her abusive stepfather. Helen is the quiet one, a mystery to her fellow nurses, avoiding fun, gossip and the limelight. In fact she is in the formidable shadow of her overbearing mother, who dominates every aspect of her life. Can a nursing career free Helen at last? The third of our heroines is naughty, rebellious Millie an aristocrat on the run from her conventional upper class life. She is doomed to clash over and over again with terrifying Sister Hyde and to get into scrape after scrape especially where men are concerned. This utterly delightful novel brings a London pre-war hospital vividly to life.Trade ReviewA gripping coming-of-age drama about life and love on the wards of a pre-war London hospital. * Weightwatchers Magazine *A touching novel...reminiscent of Call The Midwife * Star Magazine *Excellent characters...absorbing story...I look forward to the next instalment in the lives of these interesting women. * Bookersatz *Fans of Call the Midwife will enjoy this * Woman's Own *With some nice romantic elements and sub-plots that are ripe for development in future, this is a great start to a new series of books and I’m already looking forward to The Nightingale Sisters4/5 * One More Page Blog *

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Book SynopsisDilly Court grew up in North-east London and began her career in television, writing scripts for commercials. She is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband. She is the bestselling author of more than thirty novels.Trade ReviewAtmospheric, vivid and compelling. * My Weekly *

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of The Nightingale Girls, The Nightingale Sisters and The Nightingale Nurses – perfect for fans of Call the Midwife1937 sees new challenges for the trainee nursesDora and her old enemy Lucy are paired up on the children’s ward for the final three months of their training.Trade Reviewa fascinating journey into the past filled with historical detail ... Highly recommended * Jera’s Jamboree *Breathes the life and times of the late 1930's into you * A Novel Thought *

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Book SynopsisAs Christmas 1938 approaches, the staff at the Nightingale Hospital have their own wishes for the festive season. Ward sister Frannie Wallace is hoping she won't have to live through another war like the one that claimed her beloved fiance. But with bomb defences going up all around London, it seems as if her hopes are in vain. Staff Nurse Helen Dawson wants to find happiness again after the death of her husband Charlie. A handsome stranger seems to offer the chance she wants. But is she looking for love in the wrong place? Matron Kathleen Fox struggles to keep up morale amongst her nurses as the hospital faces the threat of evacuation. But while everyone else worries about the future of the Nightingale, it's for her own future that Kathleen truly fears.As the country prepares itself for war, one thing is for sure by the time next Christmas comes, nothing at the Nightingale Hospital will be the same again

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Book SynopsisChristmas 1941 and the nurses at the Nightingale are facing their toughest winter yet.With shortages everywhere, and every news bulletin announcing more defeats and losses, the British people are weary and demoralised and The Nightingale Hospital is suffering too. Millie is recently widowed and dealing with the demands of her family's estate. It's not long before her old world of The Nightingale begins to beckon, along with a long-lost loveJess is struggling with her move from East London to the quiet of the countryside.Effie finds herself exiled to a quiet village, but the quiet doesn't last for long as she soon finds excitement in the shape of a smooth-talking GI. As Christmas approaches, even the shelter of the countryside can't protect the girls from heartache. Trade ReviewIt was a perfect winter read as I sat in front of a roaring fire, mug of tea and a box of choccies to hand. I was soon deep in the world of nurses and country living. The characters are likeable and realistic and the author strikes a perfect balance between the hard, grudging work that nurses do and the camaraderie that comes from pulling together. It doesn’t shy away from the awfulness of war but deals with it in a way that’s informative without being too upsetting and certainly made me wonder at the bravery of people during those trying times. That said there is humour and warmth on every page. * Frost *great story-telling * Choice Magazine *Written in a heart-warming and easy-going style, it is a perfect book to curl up with on a winter’s afternoon. * Nursing Standard *Written in a heart-warming and easy-going style, it is a perfect book to curl up with on a winter’s afternoon’ 5* review * Nursing Standard *

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Book Synopsis''You will be made an outlaw, forced always to live in the wilds and to live alone.''A sweeping epic of the Viking Age, Grettir''s Saga follows the life of the outlaw Grettir the Strong as he battles against sorcery, bad luck, and the vengefulness of his enemies. Feared by many, Grettir is a warrior and also a poet and a lover, who is afraid of the dark. Unable to resolve the dispute that has outlawed him, he lives outside the bounds of family life and he roams the countryside, ridding Iceland and Norway of berserker warriors, trolls, and the walking dead. The saga presents a poignant story of medieval Icelandic society, combining details of everyday legal disputes with folklore and legend. Written in the fourteenth century, but based on earlier oral and written sources, Grettir''s Saga, with its scathing humour, explicit verses, and fantastic monsters, is among the most famous and widely read of Iceland''s sagas.This new translation features extensive illustrative material to elucidate the story. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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Book SynopsisA TALE OF A TRAGEDY SEEPING THROUGH GENERATIONS, AND A FAMILY FRACTURED BY HISTORY AND DESIRE''Bad Relations is an amazing achievement and one of the most satisfying books you''re likely to read this year'' The Times''Haunting and beautiful... In recent British fiction I can think only of Tessa Hadley who rivals Connolly in exacting such intricate, compelling drama from close-knit families... I don''t often wish a book were longer, but this one I did'' ObserverOn the battlefields of the Crimea, William Gale cradles the still-warm body of his brother. William''s experience of war will bring about a change in him that will reverberate through his family over the next two centuries.In the 1970s, William''s descendants invite Stephen, a distant relation, to stay in their house in the English countryside - but their golden summer entanglements will end in a shocking fall from grace.Half a century later, a confrTrade ReviewA ravishing novel from the great family saga-teller Cressida Connolly and an honourable tribute to the past * The Times, Best Books for the Summer *Connolly's vivid characterisation, supple prose and striking imagery sweep you along, in an absorbing and affecting saga that uses one family's story to anatomise the different stages of grief * Daily Telegraph *In recent British fiction I can think only of Tessa Hadley who rivals Connolly in exacting such intricate, compelling drama from close-knit families . . . I don't often wish a book were longer, but this one I did * Observer *Masterful . . . a joy to see it garnering the ecstatic reviews it deserves -- Polly Samson, author of A Theatre for DreamersMoving [and] powerful . . . Connolly's vividly drawn characters grapple with trauma, unkindness and greed in an intriguing novel where past actions reverberate in the present * Daily Mirror *Connolly, like Anne Tyler and Tessa Hadley, is a master of fluidly shifting perspectives, a sharply witty observer of social class, and a champion of imaginative empathy * Daily Mail *Bad Relations is an amazing achievement and one of the most satisfying books you're likely to read this year * The Times *Elegantly written, this subtle, satisfying, well-observed novel is a delight * Country and Town House, Books of 2022 *Another fascinating, moving story from the author of After the Party * Good Housekeeping *This clever novel set across three timelines tells the story of a family haunted by tragedy. A skilfully written, powerful drama * BEST *The plot is neat, tight and unexpected but the novel's deep satisfaction comes from Connolly's total immersion in historical atmosphere and profound understanding of human pain * Literary Review *A gripping story of love, loss and tragic betrayal * Country and Townhouse *What if you could write a novel whose main plot points are a death in combat, a suicide and the breakdown of family relations, and make it beautiful? What if you dared not to show the grimmest bits, but let them happen off-stage, while using elegant, beautiful prose to paint the spaces around them? Cressida Connolly is that brave writer and Bad Relations is her latest masterpiece . . . ravishing * The Times *Haunting * Observer *The characters in Bad Relations are so brilliantly real, so wonderfully compelling at their best, and at their worst, that I can't get them out of my head. A wonderful novel -- Nina StibbeA writer who seems able to peer directly into the human heart -- John PrestonUncanny, evocative, atmospheric * Sunday Times on 'After the Party' *Connolly is a terrifically subtle writer... [she] slyly sweeps her readers into the period drama as tensions tauten between families and social classes * Daily Telegraph on 'After the Party' *Profound and moving and completely original, with a storyline that is completely satisfying. It'll be one of those novels that stays in my mind forever... it's a work of art -- Craig Brown on 'After the Party'I finished it in two days flat and I've never read anything quite like it -- Hilary Spurling on 'After the Party'A wonderfully subtle and interesting account of the Mosley women, with a compelling voice -- Linda Grant on 'After the Party'

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Book SynopsisA heartbreaking, enduring and masterfully told story set in the battlefields of the First World War from the international number one bestselling author Lesley PearseWar threatens to take all she has loved and lived for . . .On the outbreak of war, Belle Reilly''s husband Jimmy enlists and heads for the deadly trenches of northern France. But Belle knows she cannot stand idly by when so many are sacrificing their lives.Volunteering to help battlefield wounded, Belle is posted to France as a Red Cross ambulance driver. There, a tragic accident brings her face to face with Etienne - a man from her past she''s never quite forgotten.Torn between forbidden passion, loyalty and love, Belle is caught in an impossible situation.Will she succumb to the dark forces of this most brutal of wars?Or will fate intervene and finally lead her to lasting happiness?_________''Pearse will pull your heartstrings''Trade ReviewFull of love, passion and heartbreak * Best *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry * Woman's Weekly *

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Book SynopsisIn this saga set in 19th-century Lancashire and featuring the Gibson family, Annie is now happily married to mill-owner Frederick Hallam, but a threat from the past emerges to cause her anxiety.Trade ReviewAnna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around. * Historical Novels Reviews *Catherine Cookson fans will cheer! * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions. * The Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis''One of the bad girls of gritty crime'' Daily Mirror When four old school friends decide to make some easy money, they pick the wrong target.Very wrong.Robbing a small supermarket on a Manchester estate looks easy - but with one of them wounded and a dead body on their hands, things can''t get worse. But they do. The supermarket is merely the front for something bigger.The friends are small fish who have unwittingly plunged into a very big pond and they are now swimming with the great white sharks of the criminal underworld. ''A cracking read that will chill you to the bone'' Sun on Two-Faced''Mandasue has played a real blinder with this fantastic novel'' Martina Cole on Forget-Me-NotTrade Review'A remarkable debut . . well worth reading.' * Deadly Pleasures *

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Book SynopsisLiverpool 1942. Seventeen-year-old Frankie Franconi falls in love with charismatic British officer Nick Harper as quickly and certainly as the bomb that falls on their shelter. He is impressed by her good looks and intelligence, and the fact that, like him, she speaks fluent Italian. When she insists on staying to help rescue others who have been trapped he realises that she has courage, too. He gives her a business card with a Baker Street address, and suggests she put her skills to good use. Within a month Frankie has joined the FANYs and started her training. Stationed first in England, then Africa and finally Italy, Frankie and her fellow recruits work tirelessly decoding messages from agents in the field by day, and enjoying the wartime parties at night. But when she signs the Official Secrets Act she has no idea of the danger, adventure and terrible choices that are in store.Trade ReviewCompelling * Publishing News on WE'LL MEET AGAIN *'An unforgettable saga of love and loss in wartime' * Good Book Guide on NOW IS THE HOUR *'Green's book is a delightful and heady mix of romantic ingredients spies, high-kicking dancers, forbidden love and friendship in the face of death. Who could ask for anything more?' * Lancashire Evening Post on NOW IS THE HOUR, the first in the Follies series *'Epic' * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisDiana ''Steve'' Escott-Stevens knows what she is getting herself into. For 12 months she has fed and looked after agents preparing for a mission in France. She knows that only half of them will come back. But she is young, brave and moreover speaks fluent French. When she applies to become an agent for the Special Operations Executive she is readily accepted and sent off for training to prepare her for the field. The training is demanding; sabotage, codes, hand-to-hand combat, parachute jumps. But it is only too quickly that she finds herself in a Lysander flying to France, where any mistake could mean capture, torture or death, for her and others.

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Book SynopsisAnna Jacobs brilliantly recreates life in 1919 in this gripping story of women struggling to find love and freedom in a world of hardship, death, and poverty.Trade ReviewPraise for Anna Jacobs: 'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around. * Historical Novels Review *Once again you have given us a story that has me hooked from the first page to the last. The characters are so alive that I am loath to call them characters, they are people - so real * Reader from Scotland on OUR MARY ANN *An exciting book of immensely brilliant character portrayal and a great storyline * Bangor Chronicle on OUR EVA *Another cracking read with a vivid insight into family relationships * Coventry Evening Telegraph on OUR EVA *

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Book SynopsisWidowed; poor; childless; the outlook is grim for Vi . . . The gripping new novel from Anna Jacobs.Trade ReviewPraise for Anna Jacobs: 'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around. * Historical Novels Review *Once again you have given us a story that has me hooked from the first page to the last. The characters are so alive that I am loath to call them characters, they are people - so real that you almost feel for them * Reader from Scotland on OUR MARY ANN *'An exciting book of immensely brilliant character portrayal and a great storyline' Bangor Chronicle on OUR EVAAnother cracking read with a vivid insight into family relationships * Coventry Evening Telegraph on OUR EVA *

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Book SynopsisLeeds, 1914. Sisters Julia and Margaret Wood are struggling to rise above devastating poverty, while the threat of war looms large over their community. Angry feelings about foreigners have reached boiling point; their German-Jewish father''s search for work proves hopeless, leaving entrepreneurial Julia to keep the family afloat by hawking homemade pies on the streets of Leeds.Her beautiful elder sister Margaret, an apprentice milliner and new member of the suffragette set, seeks a faster way out of the daily grind, pinning her hopes on a rich suffragette''s journalist son, Thomas. But as the war rages on, it is left to Julia to discover the true meaning of courage and family, as she learns to look forward to the start of the new day - and the promise of a better life ahead.Trade ReviewFrances writes strong, believable characters and has a meticulous eye for period detail. -- Leah FlemingFrances Brody captures the tragedies and joys of old working-class Leeds in vivid and heartfelt storytelling. -- Elizabeth GillFrances Brody makes every turn of the page a step back into time in her wonderfully sumptuous sagas . . . storytelling at its very best. -- Diane Allen

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Book Synopsis''Vividly rendered'' Historical Novel Society''A fantastic cast of characters'' Goodreads''Thoroughly absorbing'' Goodreads ____________________Growing up in fear of their cruel, drunken father, Olivia Bone and her siblings haven''t had an easy start in life. But when Livvie''s fiancé Joe is killed at Ypres and he bequeaths her his house in Islington, it seems like the Bone family might finally escape the worst street in north London.Though their new life is anything but settled, at least Livvie has good friends, and perhaps more than a friend in Lieutenant Lucas Black, her old boss at the Barratt''s Sweet Factory. Although they come from very different worlds, he never treats her as anything less than a lady. As they grow closer, she decides to enlist as a war nurse, hoping to help brave men like him in fighting for their country.Livvie soon realises that

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Book SynopsisEleven-year-old Billy Clegg and his big sister Peggy disappear from their home in Leeds after a suspicious fire in a local mill. The owner says the children caused it by lighting fireworks on Mischief Night. Their widowed mother Betty, badly injured in the incident, doesn''t know if her children are alive or dead. She prefers to think of them as being elsewhere.Following a series of accidents and adventures, the resourceful duo find themselves a long way away from bleak post-war Britain, earning a living in an entirely unexpected way. They make a success of their new lives but both of them are haunted by memories of the fire and the possibility that they caused their own mother''s death. It takes all the ingenuity of Betty''s two determined suitors to reunite the family - and the complications don''t end there.Fans of Jessica Blair and Dilly Court will enjoy the latest heart-warming nostalgic story from Ken McCoy.Trade ReviewA moving story and well told * Yorkshire Evening Press on Tell Me It's Not True *A staunchly powerful novel by a local author * Bradford Telegraph on Tell Me It's Not True *

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Book Synopsis From the multi-award-winning author of The Apothecary''s Daughter comes a beautifully evocative, multi-generational family drama set at the turn of the century and perfect for fans of Elizabeth Jane Howard,Santa Montefiore and Lucinda Riley. 1891. Spindrift House, Cornwall. Talented painter Edith Fairchild is poised to begin a life of newlywed bliss and artistic creation in the inspiring setting of Spindrift House, freshly inherited by her charming husband, Benedict, and overlooking the stunning harbour of Port Isaac. But when her honeymoon turns sour, her dreams are all but dashed and after a moment of madness and desire she finds herself pregnant with another man''s child. Edith swears never to tell her secret and devotes herself to her art. Joined at Spindrift House by her friends - Clarissa, Dora and the secret father of her child, Pascal - together they turn the house into a budding artists'' community. But despite theiTrade ReviewWhat an engrossing read! The small group of artistic friends who take up residence at Spindrift House in Cornwall are intriguing and fascinating people * Discovering Diamonds *The descriptions are atmospheric and rich in detail - a work of art in words to complement the artistic theme of the story * Karen’s Book Bag *I thoroughly enjoyed this sweeping historical novel set in Cornwall . . . Beautifully written, engaging and heartwarming the perfect read for the summer! * Book Club Mumma *I can't even begin to explain how much I loved this book. I really wasn't expecting to get so invested in these character's lives... but WOW. I thought this would just be a simple love story, but it is SO MUCH MORE than that. * Rainy Reads *Charlotte Betts writes wonderfully immersive historical novels. The Light Within Us is the latest in a long line of evocative, enthralling and enjoyable tales sure to hold readers spellbound. Written with flair, style and confidence, The Light Within Us ... touches the heart and lifts the spirit * Bookish Jottings *A poignant, compelling and extensively researched novel that left me wanting the next book in the series . . . I cannot wait to find out what happens next to these characters * Sarah’s Vignettes *A delightful historical saga which is so beautifully woven together that from the very start I was enchanted -- Jaffa Reads TooI became so invested in these characters that I found myself crying throughout (both happy and sad tears!). I'm really excited to read the next two books and for me there's no way I could give The Light Within Us less than a five-star rating. * The Little Library x *The Light Within Us is a book that captivated me from start to finish. Rich in detail, full of passion this is a delightful and fascinating read. I really can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the trilogy * Book Literati *Charlotte's writing is captivating. I cannot wait for the second book * Steph Loves *This book was a pleasure to read, from beginning to end. A story in which to lose yourself, and become part of the community... It's Spindrift House against the world, and you'll be one of them, every step of the way! -- Terri NixonI loved this book . . . The Light Within Us is a real page-turner, and I'm very much looking forward to reading the next stage of the journey through the lives of those who inhabit Spindrift House. Highly recommended -- Liz Harris

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Book Synopsis''Lush, romantic and full of intrigue'' Tracy Rees, Richard & Judy bestselling authorFrom the award-winning author of The Apothecary''s Daughter comes The Fading of the Light, the next book in the Spindrift Trilogy - a beautifully evocative, family drama, perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Elizabeth Jane Howard''s Cazalet Chronicles.1902. Spindrift House, CornwallEdith Fairchild, deserted by her feckless husband Benedict eight years before, has established the thriving Spindrift artists'' community by the sea and found deep and lasting love with Pascal. They have accepted that they cannot marry, but when Benedict returns unexpectedly to Spindrift House, all Edith and Pascal''s secret hopes and dreams of a joyous life together are overturned.Benedict''s arrival shatters the peaceful and creative atmosphere of the cTrade ReviewThe Fading of the Light is a stunning and captivating read with wonderful characters facing the problems we face today. Full of drama, love, loss and life with a strong plot line that captured my attention and didn't let go until the final sentence on the last page * Book Literati *Romantic, poignant and gripping . . . a fabulous holiday read -- Deborah SwiftThis is a story filled with secrets and revelations. It is one that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned. The Fading of the Light is a must read for anyone who wants to be absorbed as well as utterly enchanted -- Carol McGrathLush, romantic and full of intrigue. I loved the idyllic setting of a Cornish artists' community in Edwardian times. A book to drift away with -- Tracy Rees, Richard & Judy bestselling authorA compelling story, beautifully written and brought alive with rich historical detail . . . I was delighted to be taken back to Cornwall -- Liz HarrisA rich cast of characters, whose complex personalities I totally believed in, pulled me into this absorbing story -- Molly Green, bestselling saga authorA deeply romantic novel whose vivid characters will linger in your mind . . . enthralling, poignant and beautifully written -- Margaret Kaine

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning author of The Apothecary''s Daughter comes the next book in the Spindrift Trilogy - a beautifully evocative, family drama, perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Elizabeth Jane Howard''s Cazalet Chronicles.1914 Spindrift House, CornwallEdith Fairchild''s good-for-nothing husband, Benedict, deserted her when their children were babies. Now the children are almost adult, Edith and Pascal, her faithful lover of two decades, are planning to leave their beloved Spindrift artists'' community and finally be together.But an explosive encounter between Benedict and Pascal forces old secrets into the light, causing rifts in the happiness and security of the community. Then an assassin''s bullet fired in faraway Sarajevo sets in motion a chain of events that changes everything. Under the shadow of war, the community struggles to eke out a living. The younger ge

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning author of The Apothecary''s Daughter comes the next book in the Spindrift Trilogy - a beautifully evocative, family drama, perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Elizabeth Jane Howard''s Cazalet Chronicles.1914 Spindrift House, CornwallEdith Fairchild''s good-for-nothing husband, Benedict, deserted her when their children were babies. Now the children are almost adult, Edith and Pascal, her faithful lover of two decades, are planning to leave their beloved Spindrift artists'' community and finally be together.But an explosive encounter between Benedict and Pascal forces old secrets into the light, causing rifts in the happiness and security of the community. Then an assassin''s bullet fired in faraway Sarajevo sets in motion a chain of events that changes everything. Under the shadow of war, the community struggles to eke out a living. The younger generation enlist or volunteer to support the war effort, facing dangers that seemed unimaginable in the golden summer of 1914.When it''s all over, will the Spindrift community survive an unexpected threat? And will Edith and Pascal ever be able to fulfil their dream?Why do readers love Charlotte Betts?''Romantic, engaging and hugely satisfying'' Katie Fforde''A highly-recommended novel of love, tragedy and the power of art'' Daily Mail''Beautifully written, engaging and heart-warming'' Book Club Mumma''A highly compelling, engrossing read'' Discovering Diamonds''Evocative, enthralling and enjoyable'' Bookish Jottings''Poignant, compelling and extensively researched . . . I cannot wait to find out what happens next to these characters'' Sarah''s Vignettes''A delightful historical saga which is so beautifully woven together that from the very start I was enchanted'' Jaffa Reads Too''Rich in detail, full of passion this is a delightful and fascinating read'' Book Literati

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Book Synopsis''A brilliant read'' RoNA award-winning, bestselling novelist Tania CrosseThe perfect treat for fans of Poldark, Dilly Court and Downton Abbey - discover the second in a heartwarming new series set in the 1920s in a glamorous hotel on the Cornish Riviera . . . Welcome to Fox Bay Hotel, where family fortunes rise and fall . . .1929, Cornwall. Fiona Fox, youngest child of the celebrated Fox family, is a devoted volunteer at the local lifeboat station, giving all her free time and her energy to the selfless crew. But when she seizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do more, she sets in motion a chain of events that sparks danger and intrigue at Fox Bay Hotel. The stranger she brings into her family home provides an unsettling presence over Christmas, and when visiting ''Hollywood Royalty'' is drawn into the web, Fiona has to decide how much her promisesTrade ReviewHaving read the first in the Fox Bay series, I couldn't wait to read the sequel. It was great to meet up again with the amazing, well drawn characters from the first book and see what the future holds for them, especially the younger daughter, Fiona, who comes into her own in this story. The cast is also swelled by more fascinating characters in this intriguing saga that is full of twists and turns. As before, the author's style is natural and well expressed, dialogue and characterisation spot on. Her descriptions of the Cornish countryside and seascape - and the weather - made me feel as if I was there. A brilliant read, and I can't wait to find out what happens in book three. -- RoNA award-winning, bestselling novelist Tania Crosse

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Book SynopsisA USA TODAY BESTSELLERA PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLERA WOMAN''S WORLD BEST NEW BOOK''I read well into the night, unable to stop. The book is unputdownable'' Debbie Macomber, New York Times bestselling author Inspired by the real team of female pilots who trained World War II soldiers, a stunning debut novel about friendship and its power to make us soarAudrey Coltrane has always wanted to fly. It''s why she implored her father to teach her at the little airfield back home. It''s why she signed up to train pilots in Hawaii when the war in Europe began. And it''s why she insists she is not interested in any romance, even with the disarming Lieutenant James Hart, who fast becomes a friend as dear as the women she flies with. Then one fateful day, she gets caught in the air over Pearl Harbour just as the bombs begin to fall, and suddenly, nowhere feelsTrade ReviewI read well into the night, unable to stop. The book is unputdownable -- Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

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Book SynopsisAfter escaping the grip of the workhouse, Lily has kept her fiancé''s business afloat while he is away fighting on the Western Front. Still battling on, she''s now doing her bit for her country as an auxiliary nurse - but one thing above all else continues to weigh heavily on her heart: her long-lost sister.Born just before her mother died, the scandal was hushed-up and the baby spirited away. But now, at last, there is hope Lily could find her little sister for she has a clue to go on: the name of the notorious baby farmer who bought the child all those years ago. Mrs Jolley.Using all her pluck, and with the help of her two friends Margie and Fanny, Lily will do anything in her power to find her little sister and save her from the dark streets of London.With Winter drawing in, and the war with no end in sight, will she be able to bring her family together?

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Book SynopsisFrom the brilliant author of the Fox Family saga comes a new spin-off novel, following Bertie''s journey to become a pilot as she takes to the skies in Cornwall1930, Cornwall. Bertie Fox has had her dreams of motorcycle racing cut short by a life-changing accident, but now her thrill-seeking ambitions have turned towards the skies. Along with her two friends, Gwenna and Tory, Bertie''s joined the flight training school on Pencarrack Moor.When a fourth girl moves onto the base, it''s clear she''s hiding something from her fellow pilots, even as they try to earn her trust. But the more they get to know the secretive Irene, the more they suspect she might be just as dangerous as she is mysterious.Soon, the three young women uncover something more sinister than they could have imagined. As they''re drawn into a complex web, dark pasts and uncertain futures threaten them all - and the Pencarrack girls must learn who they can trust, before it''

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Book SynopsisThe second in a brand-new trilogy from bestselling author Kay Brelland, inspired by true events, following A Daughter''s Heartbreak.Abandoned twice, can he find a way to trust again?When orphaned Jake Harding is sent away from his adoptive home aged just seven, he does not understand why - especially as his adopted brother, Toby, is kept by their mother.Forced to make his own way in the world, Jake falls in with a gang of petty thieves, who make their living lifting valuables from those who are better off. At sixteen, he crosses paths with the charismatic Johnny Cooper and his nemesis George Payne, and risks making an enemy when he attracts the attention of George''s beautiful daughter Rebecca.Johnny Cooper is a rogue with a heart of gold. He senses a kindred spirit in Jake and a talent he could put to good use if Jake worked for him. However, Jake is determined to make something of himself so that no one can ever reject hi

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Book SynopsisA woman''s ability to see ghosts draws her into a journey of redemption and unexpected friendship in thisunforgettable story from the acclaimed author of A Secret History of Witches.Beatrice Bird is plagued by ghosts. It''s a gift she''s had since she was a small child. Unfortunately, it''s a gift that has grown more intense, shifting from flashes and feelings to physical manifestations she can''t escape. In a desperate attempt for relief, Beatrice flees her home, her partner and a psychology practice in San Francisco for a remote island with only nuns and a few cows for company. She sees as few people as she possibly can. She doesn''t call home. Then she meets Anne Iredale, a timid woman who has lost everything that matters to her. For the first time in a long time, Beatrice''s gift will be called on to help someone in need. The path to healing awaits both of them - ifBeatrice can find the courage to take the first step.Trade ReviewA beautiful generational tale, reminiscent of Practical Magic . . . but much more expansive in scope. Grounded and real, painful and hopeful at the same time -- Laure Eve, author of THE GRACES, on A SECRET HISTORY OF WITCHESA must-read for those who like magic, love, and a little bit of feel-good feminism in their historical fiction -- LIBRARY JOURNAL on THE AGE OF WITCHESMorgan's superbly written historical novel set during the 1960s and 1970s offers a touch of the paranormal, complex and relatable characters, and resonant issues of abuse and control in a satisfying and highly relevant read . . . At once surprising, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, this may be Morgan's most compelling book yet -- BOOKLIST (starred review)

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Book SynopsisAn orphaned child from an island on the east coast of Yorkshire grows up to discover the secrets and tragedies of her past.

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Book SynopsisDanielle Steel is one of the world's most popular and highly acclaimed authors, with over ninety international bestselling novels in print and more than 600 million copies of her novels sold. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; and Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved.To discover more about Danielle Steel and her books visit her website at www.daniellesteel.comYou can also connect with Danielle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial or on Twitter: @daniellesteel

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Book SynopsisHarriet and Fletcher Tuke have worked hard to raise their children well. Daniel, the eldest son, has always accepted that his birth father died soon after he was born, and Fletcher has raised Daniel as his own. But as Daniel comes of age and begins to fall in love with childhood friend Beatrice Hart, he can't help but wonder about his heritage his olive skin and dark eyes reminding him daily of the difference between him and his siblings, and between his and Beatrice's families. Meanwhile, shocking truths about Fletcher's own family line are suddenly brought to the surface, revealing a connection between the two families.Daniel's wish to learn about his bloodline takes him to Europe, where decisions about his future take shape. But will it be one he can share with Beatrice? And as Harriet hopefully awaits his return back home on the farm, she could never imagine that answers to questions about her own family are also just on the horizon.If you enjoy booksTrade ReviewFull of characters the reader will care about . . . a heartwarming story filled with compelling action * Rosie Goodwin, bestselling author of Home Front Girls *

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Book SynopsisWhen Lucy's parents are killed in a train crash, her kindly uncle steps in to look after the little girl to the initial apprehension of his wife and her son. However, Lucy's sweet, spirited charm slowly wins over her new family, and as she overcomes the trauma of her childhood, she grows up inspired to become a doctor, just like her father.But studying medicine in London takes Lucy far from her home in Hull and the people she loves, and she has to battle to be accepted in a man's world.With the dark clouds of the First World War gathering on the horizon, an even greater challenge approaches. Can a woman find her place on the front line of battle? Will Lucy be able to follow her dreams and find love in a world shattered by war?Val Wood''s wonderful historical sagas are perfect for readers of Dilly Court, Maggie Hope and Rosie Goodwin.

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Book Synopsis**Don''t miss Emma Hornby''s gripping new wartime saga, A SISTER''S FIGHT**----------------------------Moll thought she could keep her family safe . . .Eighteen-year-old Moll Chambers works her fingers to the bone doing all she can to support her family. With an ailing father and a wayward mother, Moll is the only one who can look after her siblings, Bo and Sissy.But Manchester is an increasingly dangerous place to live, overrun with a ferocious rivalry between gangs of so-called ''scuttlers'': young men and women bent on a life of violence and crime. And they have her brother in their sights. Soon even Moll can''t protect Bo from the lure of the criminal underworld.Then the scuttlers looked her way.When she herself falls for the leader of a rival gang, Moll''s choices place her and Bo firmly on opposite sides of the city''s turf war.With her loyalties now torn in two, and tragedy lurking round everyTrade ReviewA woman’s lot was shocking in the 1850s as this Cooksonlike saga brilliantly describes... Have some tissues handy! * Peterborough Telegraph on A Shilling for a Wife *

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Book SynopsisCatherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, whom she believed to be her older sister. She began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master. Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many bestselling novels established her as one of the most popular of contemporary women novelists. After receiving an OBE in 1985, Catherine Cookson was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993. She was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997. For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne. She died shortly before her ninety-second birthday, in June 1998.Trade ReviewHumour, toughness, resolution and generosity are Cookson virtues . . . In the specialised world of women's popular fiction, Cookson has created her own territory * Helen Dunmore, The Times *

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Book SynopsisSince winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK.Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley.When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. In 2017 she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Hull for service and dedication to literature.Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valwood.co.ukTrade Review"Valerie Wood's skill takes you through a complicated plot to a magical ending ... a page-turner of the best kind." -- Elizabeth Gill Mslexia

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Book SynopsisFor ten years, Delia has had to fend for herself and her son Jack, and as a young unmarried mother, life has never been easy.Trade Review[A] finely crafted historical story with unforgettable characters and a feisty heroine * Peterborough Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisAfter her devious husband Billy tries to sell her at a wife sale, Lily Fowler finds herself alone, frightened and heavily pregnant on the streets of Hull.Running out of options when even the workhouse turns her away, Lily is forced to swallow what little pride she has left and accept work in a once-grand mansion in Leadenhall Square now a brothel.Unexpectedly, she soon forges a strong bond with the group of people she finds there, all good-hearted women who have simply fallen on hard times. Seeing potential where others see only destitution, Lily and her fallen angels' join forces to outwit the low-life brothel-keeper. In working to transform the house in Leadenhall Square into something more respectable, doors to new opportunities are opened and lost loves are rekindled.Can the happy endings the fallen angels never dared to dream of finally come true?If you''ve liked books by Katie Flynn and Dilly Court, you''ll love Val''s heartwarmiTrade ReviewAn intriguing tale of family relationships * Yorkshire Herald *A heartwarming story filled with compelling action * Rosie Goodwin *Cookson fans will adore this saga * Woman's Own *

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Book SynopsisFans of Rosamunde Pilcher, Maeve Binchy and Fiona Valpy will love this beautifully captivating romantic saga from multi-million copy seller and Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING!''I could not get over how beautifully written this book is'' -- ***** Reader review''Highly recommend this book'' -- ***** Reader review''A page-turner'' -- ***** Reader review''Could not put it down! -- ***** Reader review''Don''t miss this one'' -- ***** Reader review*******************************************************************************************************YOUR DESTINY CAN BE SHAPED BY THE MOST UNLIKELY OF THINGS...For Alice Pettiford, living near Gloucester in the late 1940s, leaving school for a job as a railway secretary makes perfect sense: most of her family have worked

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Book SynopsisDon''t miss Emma Hornby''s gripping new wartime saga, A SISTER''S FIGHT----------------------------She thought she was finally safe. But a roof over her head comes with a price to pay...Laura Cannock is on the run. Suspected of killing her bullying husband, his family are on a merciless prowl for revenge. Fleeing from her beloved home of Bolton to Manchester, Laura seeks refuge with her coal merchant uncle. But it soon becomes clear that a roof over her head comes with a price - of the type so unbearable she must escape once more.Destitute and penniless, a stench-ridden housing court in the back streets of the factories is Laura''s only hope of a dwelling - a place where both the filth and the kindness of neighbours overwhelm. Here people stick together through the odds, leading Laura to true friendship, and possibly love. But with the threat of her past still hanging over her, there''s still one battle she must fight Trade ReviewReaders love Emma Hornby:'Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma Hornby tells a brilliant story that will keep you guessing with twists and turns. Pure talent.''Emma Hornby's books just keep getting better and better. Honest, gritty, lovely characters.''Keep writing Emma, you are very talented and can't wait for your next book. I've read them all.''Emma is a wonderful storyteller and I can't wait for the next one!''Thank you again Emma Hornby for a captivating read''Another beautifully written story by Emma Hornby' * Amazon reader reviews *A woman’s lot was shocking in the 1850s as this Cooksonlike saga brilliantly describes... Have some tissues handy! * Peterborough Telegraph on A Shilling for a Wife *

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Book SynopsisAt only thirteen, Mikey Quinn is arrested for stealing a rabbit to feed his family. Despite his age, he’s shown no mercy by the wealthy lawyer who sends him to prison. He returns home to find that his mother has died and his younger siblings taken into the workhouse. With only his determination, Mikey makes his way to London to seek a better life for his family. Whilst there, he meets Eleanor who he recognises as the daughter of the lawyer who ruined his life. Desperate, they band together forging a new life for themselves on the streets of London. Overlooking their initial differences, the two come to rely on each other and, when the time comes to return to Hull, they face the long walk home together.

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Book SynopsisA powerful story about a woman's struggle to claim what is rightfully hers, from the Sunday Times bestselling author Val Wood.1850: Beatrix Fawcett is just eighteen when her father tells her she is to marry a stranger.Trade ReviewWonderfully fully-fleshed characters are the mainstay of [Val Wood's] stories, and fans will love Beatrix Fawcett. * Peterborough Telegraph *A gripping saga. * The People’s Friend *

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Book SynopsisMay, 1941. Meet the Air Raid Girls: three young women keen to do their bit during the Yorkshire blitz.Connie''s life has taken an unexpected turn since her husband died - she''s living at home and working in the family bakery - but night shifts as an ARP Warden give her a firm sense of purpose.Her younger sister Lizzie is eager to play her part too, perhaps as an ambulance driver. Her fiance refuses to support her decision... but does he really know what''s best for her?Twenty-year-old Pamela has led a sheltered life, but when her family''s home is destroyed in a raid she must learn to stand on her own two feet - helped by new friends.As bombs fall and fires rage, the young women face the destruction of everything they''ve ever known. Can their fighting spirit prevail? And what of their families and the men they love?A thrilling and heartwarming new story of friendship, love and duty in wartime by the author of <Trade ReviewA story vibrant with the atmosphere of the time and fuelled by the power of duty and friendship. * Peterborough Telegraph *Gritty and uplifting, it's a tale of triumph over adversity. * Choice on The Mill Girls of Albion Lane *Praise for Jenny Holmes * : *Vibrant and heart-warming, Jenny Holmes makes Chapel Street come alive. * Sunday Express on The Shop Girls of Chapel Street *Gritty and uplifting, it's a tale of triumph over adversity * Choice on The Mill Girls of Albion Lane *

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Book SynopsisJenny Holmes lives in Ilkley, the gateway to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, and sets her sagas in her beloved home county and in neighbouring Lancashire. She enjoys playing tennis, being around horses and walking her dog by the river. She also writes children's books as Jenny Oldfield.Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/JennyHolmesAuthorTrade ReviewPraise for The Air Raid Girls at Christmas * : *'An ideal stocking filler for those who enjoy a well-written novel depicting wartime life' * Holderness Gazette *'A festive tonic!' * Peterborough Telegraph *'An evocative and nostalgic book about love, family, friendship and fortitude' * Culturefly, 6 Uplifting Books to Read over the Festive Season *

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Book Synopsis'Humour, toughness, resolution and generosity are Cookson virtues . In the specialised world of women's popular fiction, Cookson has created her own territory.' - Helen Dunmore, The TimesEveryone, including her family, thought Ward Gibson would marry Daisy Mason.Trade ReviewQueen of raw family romances * Telegraph *Humour, toughness, resolution and generosity are Cookson virtues . . . In the specialised world of women's popular fiction, Cookson has created her own territory * Helen Dunmore, The Times *Catherine Cookson soars above her rivals * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisA young girl struggles to realise her dreams when her life is derailed - from the Sunday Times bestselling author Val Wood.---------------------Holderness, 1846.For reliable, thirteen-year-old Bella, life isn''t turning out quite as she''d hoped. She lives at the Woodman Inn - an ancient hostelry run by her family in the Yorkshire countryside - with her parents and siblings, but when she learns not only that her father is seriously ill, but that her mother is expecting a fifth child, her dreams of leaving home to become a schoolteacher are quickly dashed.Times are hard, and when their father dies Bella also has to take on the role of mother to her baby brother. Her days are brightened by the occasional visit from Jamie Lucan - the eighteen-year-old son of a wealthy landowning neighbour. Also grieving the loss of a parent, Jamie has more in common with Bella than she thinks.When her mother announces out of the blue that she wants to move the family to Hull, Bella is forced to leave the only home she has ever known. They arrive to find that the public house they are now committed to buying is run-down and dilapidated. Could things get any worse? Or could this move turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Bella?If you''ve liked books by Dilly Court and Katie Flynn, you''ll love Val Wood''s heartwarming stories of triumph over adversity.---------------------Praise for Val Wood:''A heart-warming story filled with compelling action'' Rosie Goodwin''Hull''s answer to Catherine Cookson'' BBC Radio 4''s Front Row''Wonderfully fully-fleshed characters are the mainstay of [Val Wood''s] stories'' Peterborough Telegraph

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Book Synopsis**Shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Saga Award 2022!** The first book in Emma Hornby''s page-turning Worktown Girls at War series - don''t miss the newest book in the series, A SISTER''S FIGHT---------------------Bolton, Lancashire: 1940A family torn apart by war, held together by a secret . . .Janie and her husband James have a strong, loving marriage. A move from an inner-city slum to a peaceful new estate outside of Bolton should have been a fresh start for them and their three children. But when war is declared and James announces he has signed up, Janie fears it''s the beginning of the end.Waving goodbye to their menfolk is a sacrifice that families are making all over the country and Janie does her best to make do, forging friendships in her new community.But when James comes home on leave a traumatised and desperate man, then goes AWOL, Janie''s heart goes out to him. Determined t

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Book Synopsis**Don''t miss Emma Hornby''s gripping new wartime saga, A SISTER''S FIGHT**__________________Manchester, 1867Mara longs for a peaceful life free of violence and poverty. But she has married into the O''Hara family, who have a reputation for drunkenness and quick tempers. Her eldest stepson Conrad is the worst of them all - a brute and a criminal who makes Mara''s life a misery.But when Conrad is accused of a crime he didn''t commit, Mara is the only one who can prove his innocence. Perhaps this is her chance to finally free her family from his toxic influence . . .Will Mara clear Conrad''s name, or will she have the courage to break away from her stepson''s villainy?_______________________Readers love Emma Hornby:''Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma Hornby tells a brilliant story''''Emma Hornby''s books just keep getting better and better''''Keep writing Emma, you are vTrade Review'Emma Hornby writes strong, working-class women with heart and humour. The book is an absolute joy' * Glenda Young, author of The Miner's Lass *'Compelling. A gripping and powerful tale of vengeance and reprisal' * Val Wood, author of Children of Fortune *'I loved the twists and turns. The emotional pull on my heartstrings was exquisite. Emma Hornby is a natural storyteller who always delivers and, from the first words to the last, my attention was captured. Read this story at your leisure, read it on the bus or on the train, in your lounge or in your bed - but you must read it. Storytelling at its best' * Sheila Riley, author of The Mersey Mistress *'Edge of your seat drama, a book not to be missed!' * Lindsey Hutchinson, author of The Hat Girl from Silver Street *'A moving picture of an abused mother's love for her family, beautifully written and enthralling from the very first word' * Gracie Hart, author of The Baker's Girl *

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Book SynopsisEmma Hornby lives on a tight-knit working-class estate in Bolton and has read sagas all her life. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly, to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She was inspired to write after researching her family history; like the characters in her books, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums.Trade ReviewAuthentic, compelling . . . another winner for a northern author who has her home county written right across her heart. * Lancashire Evening Post on A Daughter's War *Emma brings earthy authenticity to her ever-popular sagas * Peterborough Telegraph *Praise for Emma Hornby: * - *'Compelling. A gripping and powerful tale of vengeance and reprisal' * Val Wood, author of Children of Fortune *'Emma Hornby writes strong, working-class women with heart and humour. The book is an absolute joy' * Glenda Young, author of The Miner's Lass *'I loved the twists and turns. The emotional pull on my heartstrings was exquisite. Emma Hornby is a natural storyteller who always delivers and, from the first words to the last, my attention was captured. Read this story at your leisure, read it on the bus or on the train, in your lounge or in your bed - but you must read it. Storytelling at its best' * Sheila Riley, author of The Mersey Mistress *

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Book Synopsis**Don''t miss Emma Hornby''s new, gripping wartime saga, A SISTER''S FIGHT**''If you enjoy Dilly Court''s stories, you''ll love the latest heart-warming romance from Emma Hornby.'' Yours_________________A page-turning Victorian saga from the bestselling and RNA shortlisted author.Jenny and her little brother Noah are orphans, living hand to mouth in a cellar dwelling in the heart of the Manchester slums.At the tender age of nine, Noah is a chimney sweep''s boy: a dangerous job, where he''s wickedly mistreated. But they survive on his earnings, for which his older sister Jenny feels terrible guilt. It''s only her fiery temper that''s prevented her keeping down a job herself. With her brother''s safety - his life - on the line, Jenny resolves to try and control herself, and put her talent for singing to good use. Can she earn a crust by entertaining the punters at the taverns and inns around town?It seems likeTrade ReviewIf you enjoy Dilly Court's stories, you'll love the latest heart-warming romance from Emma Hornby. * Yours *Authentic, compelling . . . another winner for a northern author who has her home county written right across her heart. * Lancashire Evening Post on A Daughter's War *Praise for Emma Hornby: * - *'Compelling. A gripping and powerful tale of vengeance and reprisal' * Val Wood, author of Children of Fortune *'Emma Hornby writes strong, working-class women with heart and humour. The book is an absolute joy' * Glenda Young, author of The Miner's Lass *

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