Family saga / generational saga fiction

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Book SynopsisTwists of Fate: If by Chance and Destination Paradise combines volumes 6 and 7 of Michel Tremblay''s acclaimed Desrosiers Diaspora series. In If by Chance, the great Ti-Lou, the famous She-Wolf of Ottawa, returns to Montréal after a fruitful career in the royal suite at the Château Laurier, where she welcomed diplomats and men of the world, politicians and ministers of worship. But in 1925 she packs up and sneaks off, her suitcases replete with savings. When she arrives at Windsor station, five possible fates await her, each with their share of risks and opportunities, of good and less good fortune. But in each of these lives, Ti-Lou will have to deal with more than mere chance; waiting for her at the crossroads are the blade of loneliness and, worse still, the fear of allowing herself to be loved. In Destination Paradise, set in 1930, we enter the Paradise Club, one of the few places that caters to confirmed bachelors. Precocious despite his young age, Édouard is carried away by the story of la Duchesse de Langeais, which he has just read in Balzac's eponymous novel. Of course we already know that Édouard will become the undisputed queen of the Montréal drag scene, but we knew less about his beginnings in life. Destination Paradise narrates Édouard's rite of passage.

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Book SynopsisA moving family saga from the author of the bestselling Voices in the StreetIt is the time of the Great Depression and jobs are scarce. Like many others in Dundee, the Neill family are struggling just to make ends meet. Ann would love to stay at school but, following the tragic death of her mother, she is forced to take a job as a housemaid to support her family. Her employer, Mrs Barrie, couldn't be kinder but the spiteful housekeeper, Miss Hood, has a guilty secret and is determined to make Ann's like a misery.Ann's desperation to provide for her family keeps her going through hard times until she meets Maddie, the daughter of a prosperous Dundee solicitor. The only thing they seem to have in common is that they were both born on a Sunday but soon the girls become firm friends and discover that, despite these being the hardest of hard times, they can still find fun and laughter to help them through good times and bad.Following the runaway success of Voices in the Street, Maureen Reynolds new trilogy starts with The Sunday Girls, a compelling story describing the trials and tribulations of working-class life, family and a close-knit community in pre-war Dundee.

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Book SynopsisA dramatic and nostalgic saga of two sisters coming of age in 1960s Essex. Angie Smith lives in Greenway, Chelmsford, with her elder sister Doreen, their struggling mother and their drunk, violent father. Bored of her job, and of her dull, ordinary boyfriend, Angie dreams of bigger and better things.But then she meets boutique owner Gene Battini. He is older, handsome, charming - and married. She is completely swept off her feet. But little does she know that Doreen is falling for Gene, too, and that their affair will have disastrous consequences.As things at home go from bad to worse, Angie and Doreen must struggle to fight for what they want.Can the girls from Greenway ever achieve their dreams?'[A] beautifully written saga which brims with the spirit of youth and is rich in period detail.' Lancashire Evening PostPraise for Elizabeth Woodcraft'A book to read in great gulps' Sheila Newberry'Beautifully written . . . she has a real talent' Mary Gibson

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Book SynopsisThe fourth novel in a stunning romance series set in eighteenth-century Cornwall, perfect for fans of POLDARK.Educated, beautiful and the daughter of a prosperous merchant, Angelica Lilly has been invited to spend the summer in high society. Her father's wealth is opening doors, and attracting marriage proposals, but Angelica still feels like an imposter among the aristocrats of Cornwall. When her brother returns home, ill and under the influence of a dangerous man, Angelica's loyalties are tested to the limit. Her one hope lies with coachman Henry Trevelyan, a softly spoken, educated man with kind eyes. But when Henry seemingly betrays Angelica, she has no one to turn to. Who is Henry, and what does he want? And can Angelica save her brother from a terrible plot that threatens to ruin her entire family?Trade ReviewA most enjoyable read set in the wild and majestic landscape of Cornwall. It will delight Poldark fans. * Ellie Dean, Bestselling Author of 'Keep Smiling Through' and 'Where the Heart Lies' on Pengelly's Daughter' *

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Book Synopsis***ORDER NOW*** A heart-warming tale of courage and sisterly love. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin._______________________________Margate, 1884: When seventeen-year-old Hannah Bentley fled the family home, she never dreamed she’d find her feet working as a nurse on the children’s ward at the Royal Sea Bathing Infirmary. She adores her patients and the sea air, and looks forward to a time when she’ll have put away enough money so her younger sister can join her. But when her sister suddenly turns up unannounced, she brings more trouble than Hannah bargained for. As Hannah is forced to risk everything to keep her sister out of trouble, she must somehow find the strength to save herself too…Praise for The Seaside Angel‘Grace’s skill is in bringing her characters vividly to life while maintaining an authentic historical background... It’s warmhearted and moving.’ Peterborough Evening Telegraph‘Evie Grace brings to life the hardships experienced by 17-year-old Hannah Bentley.’ Woman‘Delivering wonderfully vivid characters alongside expertly crafted detail…A heart-warming, relatable and redemptive read.’ Woman’s OwnTrade ReviewEvie Grace brings to life the hardships experienced by 17-year-old Hannah Bentley. * Woman *Grace’s skill is in bringing her characters vividly to life while maintaining an authentic historical background ... It’s warmhearted and moving. * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Delivering wonderfully vivid characters alongside expertly crafted detail…A heart-warming, relatable and redemptive read. * Woman’s Own *

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Book Synopsis**************THE EIGHTEENTH CLIFFEHAVEN NOVEL BY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELLIE DEANPeace has finally been declared in the Far East, but for those living at Beach View Boarding House, the news brings mixed emotions. Peggy Reilly is devastated that her husband Jim will not be coming home for Christmas. And Sarah and Jane, who have lived at Beach View throughout much of the conflict, dread what they will find when they go back to Singapore. Life in Cliffehaven is in a whirlwind of change as the men return from the war and Peggy’s evacuee chicks begin to spread their wings and start new lives in different corners of the world.Peggy and Jim have longed to be together after so many years apart, but war has left them profoundly changed. Can they rekindle the loving, close relationship they’d shared before?

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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.

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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

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Book SynopsisThe stunning follow-up to The Lonely Wife from bestselling author Val Wood.''With fully developed characters and a compelling story, it''s no wonder the author won the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her debut... A great choice for a book club'' Belfast Telegraph---------------------------1864: Following the untimely death of her cold-hearted husband, Beatrix and her three children are finally free. While Ambrose has already determined his path in life, eldest son Laurie''s future is less certain. With the responsibility of the family estate on his shoulders, Laurie must decide between staying in Yorkshire to farm the family land and following his dreams.Meanwhile, headstrong and independent Alicia is defying expectation and excelling at school. There she befriends the enigmatic Olivia Snowdon and they quickly become inseparable. But Olivia''s past is shrouded in mystery and as the two fami

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Book SynopsisA story of family, secrets and love set in the beautiful Devonshire countryside at Woodicombe House.Kate Bratton dreams of more. It’s 1914, and her life is mapped out ahead of her: continue working as a maid in the beautiful Woodicombe House, settle down with Luke the gardener and, of course, start a family.Desperate to run away in search of adventure, Kate’s plans are curtailed by the arrival of the Russell family at Woodicombe House. Tasked with becoming a ladies-maid for their daughter, Naomi, Kate gets a glimpse of the other side of life. Little does she know that all families have secrets, no matter their standing.Will Kate return to the safety of her life before the Russell’s departure? Or will the handsome Ned Russell turn her head?The Woodicombe House Sagas The Housekeer’s Daughter A Wife’s War The Soldier's Return Praise for The Housekeeper's Daughter:‘I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found the story to flow well. There were many twists and turns that built up to the final conclusion. Very enjoyable and definitely recommended’ 5* Reader review

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Book SynopsisAs the Great War looms, will the women of Kendal rise to meet the challenge?After giving birth to her daughter, Kate O’Connor finds herself back in Poor House Lane with some momentous decisions to make.Faced with the opportunity to move out of the slums, she invests her unexpected fortune in a new shoe factory to challenge Eliot Tyson’s monopoly over the workforce, regardless of whether or not he is the father of her children.But nothing is ever that simple, especially when old enemies and estranged relatives return to thwart her every scheme…The second, moving instalment in The Poor House Lane Sagas, The Child From Nowhere is a wartime saga perfect for fans of Val Wood and Katie Flynn

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Book SynopsisA touching story of Welsh village life.Cockney born Nelly Luke is an essential part of the community. Yet not even Nelly, with her shrewd eye, can predict the surprises in store for her family and friends.A new year brings new faces: Maurice Davies is back from the army, and Sheila Powell, a shop-girl, is eager to help him make up for lost time. But for some there’s no escaping the past, and widow Prue Beynon finds herself confronted by a legacy she’d rather forget…Through the seasons, Nelly watches over the valley with a wry chuckle and an ever-helping hand.Valley Affairs is a warm-hearted novel packed with nostalgia and glorious period detail.

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Book SynopsisCan she save her family, and her name, from destruction?As financial troubles wrack the Killigrew household, the passion and strength of the man Morwen loved so dearly ebb away, and into this turbulent landscape arrives a dynamic stranger from America. Randell Wainwright is determined to forge a stronger bond with one particular person – Morwen.As old hurts are renewed, as bitter family quarrels rage, and as blackmail and tragedy threaten the foundation of her home, Morwen struggles to save her name, and her family, from destruction.A heart-wrenching saga of love and family, perfect for fans of Maureen Lee, Linda Finlay and Lesley Pearse

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Book SynopsisIn the heart of the rainforest, Katharine will fight for her life and for love1890: When Katharine and her husband, Anselmo, set sail to Brazil to reap the spoils of the rubber boom, it seems as if they cannot fail. But when Anselmo dies suddenly on the treacherous waters of the Amazon, a pregnant Katharine must decide whether or not to continue her husband’s dream, alone. And when new love appears on the horizon, she must determine if she's brave enough to risk her heart again...Meanwhile her sister Mabel is struggling to support their family back in London. Navigating new worlds in the upper class, she discovers that life as a housemaid has its own dangers, and Mabel soon learns that the whims of men can prove deadly…Mabel and Katharine must both fight for their futures if they are ever to be reunited. Can they find love and happiness along the way?A stunning saga of love, betrayal, secrets and family for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Erica Brown and Renita D'Silva.

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Book SynopsisIs she prepared for the answers she might find?Jeanette Walker’s mother disappeared without a trace during a wartime bombing raid and for twelve years she has been left to wonder what happened to her. Was she killed outright, or did she choose to leave?Determined to find out the truth, Jean embarks on a mission to discover what really happened to her mother, but she is not prepared for the web of family secrets and lies that her investigation uncovers. Will she find any answers? And will they be the ones she was hoping for?An enthralling saga of love and heartache in 1950s Liverpool, perfect for fans of Pam Howes and Kitty Neale.

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Book SynopsisSome secrets can’t stay buried forever…In 1942, two young women, Dorothy Wilson and Lynne Donegan, give birth in a home for unwed mothers. Thirteen years later, Dorothy is offered her first major role in a feature film and it becomes clear that she and her boyfriend Sam have different ideas for their future together. Meanwhile, Lynne, having lost her childhood sweetheart in the war, is a struggling dressmaker bringing up her daughter on her own.Though their lives have taken different paths, Dorothy and Lynne are brought back together in ways that neither could have predicted, and the secrets both women are keeping from their loved ones threaten to burst into the open and change the two women’s lives forever.A gripping saga of heartbreak and family drama, perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews and Katie Flynn.

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Book SynopsisAn old secret is about to be uncovered…Daisy is devastated when her lover, Percy, abandons her. All alone, Daisy is forced by her own mother to give up her baby son for adoption – shortly before she throws Daisy out. War is imminent, and Daisy is evacuated to the Lake District, where she eventually tracks down her black-sheep aunt, Florrie. Together they set up a guest house, and when Daisy meets and falls in love with a young airman, Harry, happiness is within her reach. The guest house is full of eccentric characters, and all of them use Daisy's shoulder to cry on. But when Percy turns up holding a baby, Daisy is torn between her yearning to reclaim her son and her love for Harry. Will the truth set Daisy free, or break her heart once more?A compelling saga of wartime struggle and triumph over adversity, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Val Wood.

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Book SynopsisHer destiny was certain but love had other plans…Lieutenant Kate Russell’s post-war life was all mapped out. According to her upper class parents’ wishes, she planned to marry a man with a pedigree like her own. But fate had other ideas in the form of Robert Campbell, a mere staff driver. Kate is irresistibly drawn to him and they decide to wed. Her family, initially outraged by the proposal, agree to accept their marriage but only if Robert climbs the ranks of the army.But when the Allied forces declare victory and Robert goes on to become a Major, Kate finds that she has another bitter war to fight. Trapped by the possessive demands of her aristocratic parents, she fights her own lonely battle to save her marriage and her reputation.An enthralling saga of love and marriage, perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Anna Jacobs.

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Book SynopsisA new decade brings change and challenges for three friends… Having been firm friends ever since they met in a Blackpool boarding house, Val, Cissie and Janice are all now happily settled with their families. But the new decade brings changes for all three women: Val finds it hard at times to love her son who is causing problems. Janice and her husband make a decision about their future, but quickly begin to wonder if they have bitten off more than they can chew. And Cissie’s contented life as a wife and mother is thrown in jeopardy when she encounters an old flame… An engaging 1960s saga of marriage and motherhood, perfect for fans of Lynda Page and Maureen Lee.

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Book SynopsisA poignant family saga perfect for fans of Janet Tanner, Grace Thompson and Nadine DorriesWhen Amy Kennedy is sent from Lambeth Workhouse to Devon alongside her closest friends Seth, Jed and Daisy, it finally seems like life is taking a turn for the better. But life at the seaside is not the safe haven they’d hoped for.Though Amy finds a happy escape from her difficult job in the arms of handsome Daniel Newton, Seth flounders in the harsh realities of a fisherman’s life despite Jed’s protection and Daisy faces abuse at the lecherous hands of her employer. Now, as tragedy strikes, they each face repercussions their days as orphans could never have prepared them for.The Devon Sagas1 To Dream Again2 A Safe Haven3 Daughter of the River

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Book SynopsisWhen struggle comes, she must learn to start anew.When Brabazon Nairn’s family make their home in one of the tiny flats of Perseverance Place it is because her husband has been forced into bankruptcy. They must relinquish their fine brewer’s mansion, although they vow to recover it.Brabazon and Duncan find, to their relief, that the Place soon numbers them amongst their own. Apart from their former employee, Tom Lambert, a man who will stop at nothing to take revenge on those he is convinced did him wrong...A gripping Scottish saga of strife and starting over, perfect for fans of Tessa Barclay and Val Wood.

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Book SynopsisCan Ella learn the truth about the fate of her mother and brother?One dark and stormy night, a terrified young mother seeks refuge at the home of her former nanny. Louise Polmar begs her former nanny to care for her baby then she flees. Louise never returns and until she is eighteen her child, Ella grows up unaware that she is one of the Polmars of Porthminster Hall.Ella tries to uncover the truth about the fate of her mother, but there are dark secrets at Porthminster Hall and as Ella delves into the mysteries of the past she finds herself in mortal danger. The same mortal danger her mother fled from more than twenty years ago...A captivating novel full of family secrets, perfect for fans of Linda Finlay and Gloria Cook.

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Book SynopsisA heart-warming historical novel about surviving against the odds and finding a family, from top 10 bestseller Lindsey Hutchinson.In two rundown houses, at the side of a barren heath, live six children with no family but each other. Abandoned or orphaned, every day is a fight to find food and keep warm. But they are determined to stay free of the clutches of the workhouse and the horrors that would face them if they were ever torn apart.Dora Parsons lives with her mother Mary and her evil grandmother Edith. Edith’s house may be comfortable and warm, and food is plentiful, but every day Dora suffers at the hands of her spiteful gran. Desperate to protect her child, Mary longs to run away but she has no money to keep them alive and nowhere else to call home.When fate intervenes and Mary and Dora meet the children, events are set in train that will change all their lives forever. But will the friends find peace and comfort at last, or does the chill of the winter signal the most desperate ending of all… The top 10 best-seller is back with a heart-breaking, page-turning story of survival, friendship and what it means to be a family. Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.Praise for Lindsey Hutchinson:'A great story with a great mix of characters, well written and keeps you hooked with each page turn!' Sarah Davies, NetGalley'A wonderful read ... The author writes so well, it's a really hard novel to put down!' Grace Smith, NetGalley.'Make sure to read this book where you won't be disturbed because once it gets going, you won't want to put it down' Andrea Ruiz, NetGalley'A very poignant, feel-good-factor novel' Shelia Easson, NetGalley'Excellent story!' Stephanie Collins, NetGalley'The story will linger in your mind long after you finish it' The Avid Reader

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Book SynopsisIn the third instalment of Rachel Brimble's exciting Victorian saga series, The Ladies of Carson Street will open the doors on a thoroughly modern marriage – and William is about to get a lot more than he bargained for... He needs a wife... Manchester industrialist William Rose was a poor lad from the slums who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, but in order to achieve his greatest ambitions he must become the epitome of Victorian respectability: a family man. She has a plan... But the only woman who's caught his eye is sophisticated beauty Octavia Marshall, one of the notorious ladies of Carson Street. Though she was once born to great wealth and privilege, she's hardly respectable, but she's determined to invest her hard-earned fortune in Mr Rose's mills and forge a new life as an entirely proper businesswoman. They strike a deal that promises them both what they desire the most, but William's a fool if he thinks Octavia will be a conventional married woman, and she's very much mistaken if she thinks the lives they once led won't follow them wherever they go. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin, Lizzie Lane and Emma Hornby. Readers love A Very Modern Marriage! 'Superb... A captivating Historical Romance' Dash Fan Book Reviews, 5* Review 'Passionate, compelling and immensely romantic... Unforgettable... Readers will be completely charmed' Bookish Jottings, 4* Review 'Heartwarming and romantic... A Very Modern Marriage is a step back in time with a wonderful romance at its heart!' Rae Reads, 4* Review 'Gripping... Kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat... Extremely well written' Ginger Book Geek, 4* Review 'Engrossing' Corinne Rodrigues, 4* Review 'Emotive... A story of shared love, goals and dreams' Quirky Book Reads, 4* Review 'Lavishly descriptive and utterly compelling' Chez Maximka, 4* Review 'Dramatic, accessible, escapist and interesting' Ceri's Lil Blog, 4* Review

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Book SynopsisIs their love strong enough to weather the storm?It’s 1945, the war is over and the soldiers are coming back to the bomb-ravaged East End. Tom Smith is one of the thousands who are returning home. He can’t wait to see his wife, Jessie, their son, Billy, and the new baby daughter he hasn’t even laid eyes on.But life back home wasn’t easy, especially once Jessie’s army pension was stopped after Tom deserted. So when she was told to put her infant daughter Emma-Rose into a home for her own good, she thought it was for the best. But how will Tom take the news? And how will he react when he learns that Jessie’s old boyfriend has been helping her during the war?A compelling family drama set in London, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Mary Collins.

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Book SynopsisWith hope dwindling, can she find her way again?The three Caldwell sisters have split up. Imogen has joined the war effort, Elsie has married, and Daisy is living away from home and missing her sisters.Although busy making new friends and dancing with handsome young men, Daisy cannot avoid the horrors of the war. As a nurse she is confronted by death daily, and she can’t help but worry that one day she’ll lose those closest to her.As the chaos of the Second World War rages on and her life becomes ruled by uncertainty, Daisy dreams of real love, lasting friendship and a brighter future. Now, she must find the strength to fight for it…An emotional and compelling wartime saga, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Rosie Hendry and Fenella J. Miller.

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Book SynopsisThe war is drawing to a close, but life for the Caldwell sisters is far from peaceful…Still waiting for her fiancé, James, to return from fighting in North Africa, Imogen focuses her attention on driving for the Auxiliary Territorial Service General. Between work and looking out for her sisters, she soon finds she has very little time left over to worry.Meanwhile, Elsie continues to nurse her husband back to health, finally content with her quiet family life in Yorkshire. But she is nostalgic for happier times, before the war, and longs to be reunited with her sisters again.Daisy is also desperate for an end to the war – she fears for her love, Glenn, and longs to see him return home safely. In these uncertain times, she needs all the support Imogen and Elsie can give to her.When yet another tragedy befalls the Caldwell family, will the sisters be able to lift each other up to carry on?The captivating finale to the Second World War set Caldwell Sisters series, perfect for fans of Emma Hornby, Elaine Everest and Katie Flynn.

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Book SynopsisShe is determined to live the life she wants…Cassandra Trent does not like being told what to do. So when she is forced to leave behind her beloved Bardsley and join her aunt in London, she is furious. She wants nothing to do with polite society and useless noblemen.But Cassandra finds some comfort in the friendship she forms with her kind and gentle cousin, Susannah Berrinden. Despite being destined to marry Simeon Giffard, a charming and – more importantly – wealthy young man, Susannah has other ideas…And it seems Simeon does too. He has eyes only for Cassandra – but winning her over might prove to be a near impossible task.A heartwarming historical saga perfect for fans of Elisabeth McNeill, Rosie Goodwin and Gloria Cook.

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Book SynopsisA dramatic and heartwarming Victorian saga, perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Anne Bennett. 1850s Shropshire. Returning to her mother's birthplace at the age of eighteen, Beatrice encounters a complex family she barely knows. Her great-grandmother Queenie adores her, but the privileged social position of Beatrice's family as masters of the local brickworks begins to make her uncomfortable. And then she meets Owen Malone: handsome, different, refreshing - and from a class beneath her own. They fall for each other fast, but an old family feud and growing industrial unrest threatens to drive them apart. Can they overcome their different backgrounds? And can Beatrice make amends for her family's past? Praise for The Daughters of Ironbridge: 'A Journey. Compelling. Addictive.' Val Wood'Evocative, dramatic and hugely compelling . . . The Daughters of Ironbridge has all the hallmarks of a classic saga. I loved it' Miranda Dickinson 'Feisty female characters, an atmospheric setting and a spell-binding storyline make this a phenomenal read' Cathy Bramley 'The Daughters of Ironbridge has that compulsive, page-turning quality, irresistible characters the reader gets hugely invested in, and Walton has created a brilliantly alive, vivid and breathing world in Ironbridge' Louisa Treger 'Such great characters who will stay with me for a long time' Beth Miller 'The attention to period detail and beautiful writing drew me right in and kept me reading' Lynne Francis 'Vivid, page-turning drama' Pippa Beecheno 'A powerful sense of place and period, compelling characters and a pacy plot had me racing to the end' Gill Paul 'A story that is vivid, twisting and pacy, with characters that absolutely leap off the page' Iona Grey'Beautiful and poignant. I'll definitely be reading The Secrets of Ironbridge' Tania CrosseTrade ReviewAn addictive, heart-warming book, with an unputdownable plot. I didn't want it to end * Dinah Jefferies *Beautiful and poignant. I'll definitely be reading The Secrets of Ironbridge * Tania Crosse on The Daughters of Ironbridge *A Journey. Compelling. Addictive * Val Wood, on The Daughters of Ironbridge *Feisty female characters, an atmospheric setting and a spell-binding storyline make this a phenomenal read * Cathy Bramley on The Daughters of Ironbridge *Evocative, dramatic and hugely compelling . . . The Daughters of Ironbridge has all the hallmarks of a classic saga. I loved it * Miranda Dickinson, on The Daughters of Ironbridge *The attention to period detail and beautiful writing drew me right in and kept me reading * Lynne Francis, on The Daughters of Ironbridge *

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Book SynopsisA dramatic and heartwarming Victorian saga, perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Anne Bennett.Shropshire, 1875.Hettie Jones has grown up in Ironbridge. She has never known her father and, since her mother's death, has been brought up by the Malone family, who treat her as one of their own. She works as a pit girl at the local coal mine, alongside her childhood playfellow, Evan - although lately, their friendship seems to be blossoming into something more.But when Queenie King takes a fancy to her, Hettie's life is transformed. Trained first as a lady's maid, and then hurtled into a world of luxury and gentility, she finds her new position difficult to reconcile with her past life. And with Queenie's daughter-in-law scheming against her, Hettie's situation becomes dire.Can Hettie really use her new position for good, and will she find a way to bridge the divide between rich and poor?'A compelling blend of real history, rich period detail, and a gritty, authentic story brimming with love, loss, intrigue, hope, and bitter revenge, The Orphan of Ironbridge delivers a dramatic final chapter to this exciting trilogy.' Lancashire Evening Post Praise for The Daughters of Ironbridge: 'A Journey. Compelling. Addictive.' Val Wood'Evocative, dramatic and hugely compelling . . . The Daughters of Ironbridge has all the hallmarks of a classic saga. I loved it' Miranda Dickinson 'Feisty female characters, an atmospheric setting and a spell-binding storyline make this a phenomenal read' Cathy Bramley 'The Daughters of Ironbridge has that compulsive, page-turning quality, irresistible characters the reader gets hugely invested in, and Walton has created a brilliantly alive, vivid and breathing world in Ironbridge' Louisa Treger 'Such great characters who will stay with me for a long time' Beth Miller 'The attention to period detail and beautiful writing drew me right in and kept me reading' Lynne Francis 'Vivid, page-turning drama' Pippa Beecheno 'A powerful sense of place and period, compelling characters and a pacy plot had me racing to the end' Gill Paul 'A story that is vivid, twisting and pacy, with characters that absolutely leap off the page' Iona Grey'Beautiful and poignant. I'll definitely be reading The Secrets of Ironbridge' Tania CrosseTrade ReviewAn addictive, heart-warming book, with an unputdownable plot. I didn't want it to end * Dinah Jefferies, on The Secrets of Ironbridge *A Journey. Compelling. Addictive * Val Wood, on The Daughters of Ironbridge *Feisty female characters, an atmospheric setting and a spell-binding storyline make this a phenomenal read * Cathy Bramley on The Daughters of Ironbridge *Evocative, dramatic and hugely compelling . . . The Daughters of Ironbridge has all the hallmarks of a classic saga. I loved it * Miranda Dickinson, on The Daughters of Ironbridge *A compelling blend of real history, rich period detail, and a gritty, authentic story brimming with love, loss, intrigue, hope, and bitter revenge. * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisThe fifth book in a sweeping historical romance series set in Cornwall, perfect for fans of PoldarkCornwall, 1798. Eighteen months have passed since Midshipman Edmund Melville was declared missing, presumed dead, and Amelia Carew has mended her heart and fallen in love with a young physician, Luke Bohenna. But, on her twenty-fifth birthday, Amelia suddenly receives a letter from Edmund announcing his imminent return. In a state of shock, devastated that she now loves Luke so passionately, she is torn between the two. When Edmund returns, it is clear that his time away has changed him - he wears scars both mental and physical. Amelia, however, is determined to nurse him back to health and honour his heroic actions in the Navy by renouncing Luke. But soon, Amelia begins to question what really happened to Edmund while he was missing. As the threads of truth slip through her fingers, she doesn't know who to turn to: Edmund, or Luke?Trade ReviewA most enjoyable read set in the wild and majestic landscape of Cornwall. It will delight Poldark fans. * Ellie Dean, author of the Cliffhaven series, on Pengelly's Daughter *

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Book SynopsisAfter the sorrows of war, can Christmas wishes come true?Manchester, 1922: Nancy Pike is out of her depth at Miss Hesketh's school for surplus girls, blundering through her lessons and her job placements. Her only joy is getting to know the children at St Anthony's orphanage. And working for Mr Zachary Milner twice a week.Alone in the world since the death of his brother, Nancy's presence has brought a little sunshine back into Zachary's life. But when she makes a terrible mistake that puts his livelihood in jeopardy, he has no choice but to let her go. As she battles the prejudices around her, and her own fear, Nancy is determined to bring some Christmas cheer to the orphanage - and maybe even to Zachary Milner...The third in a quartet of sagas set during the early 1920s, following three Surplus Girls - those women whose dreams of marriage perished in the Great War, after the deaths of millions of young men - and the new lives they forged for themselves.Trade ReviewAn enjoyable read full of good friends and bad characters * People's Friend on the Surplus Girls *A real page-turner that will tug on your heart strings * Anna Jacobs on The Surplus Girls *Pleasant and engaging * NB Magazine on The Surplus Girls *

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Book SynopsisBrutal y sobrecogedora, una novela con la dictadura argentina como telón de fondo.Tres historias que forman parte de una misma historia. En 1941, en una ciudad de provincias argentina, una niña confiesa a un sacerdote los primeros y difusos impulsos sexuales que nota en su cuerpo, relacionados con la atracción que siente por un joven apellidado Videla que pasa cada día bajo su ventana. En 1977 un grupo de jóvenes revolucionarios prepara un atentado en un aeródromo para liquidar a un Videla que ya no es joven y es conocido por todos. Y, por último, una anciana –la niña de la primera historia– juega una partida de cartas con su nieto, que ha ido a visitarla a la residencia donde pasa sus días, y entre jugada y jugada le cuenta lo que le sucedió a su hijo, el padre del chico, en lo que resulta una nueva confesión. Tres historias y tres tiempos que se entretejen para forjar una única historia. Tres historias que hablan de dolor, culpa y confesiones.Una novela sobrecogedora y deslumbrante, construida con una brillantísima arquitectura que le permite al autor penetrar hasta la médula de las historias –de la historia– que nos relata.Brutal and overwhelming, Confession wrestles with the legacy of Argentina’s past and the passions of one young girl.There are mysteries in the world of man, just as there are in the Kingdom of God, and that they too, albeit quite differently, are unfathomable.When Mirta López looks out the dining room window, she sees a slim, self-possessed older boy on his way back from school. It’s 1941 in provincial Argentina, and the sight of the Videla’s eldest son has awakened in her the first uncertain, unnerving vibrations of desire. Naturally, she confesses. But she cannot stop herself. Thirty years later, Videla is a general, leading the ruling military junta, and a cell of young revolutionaries plot an ingenious attack on him, and the regime. Writing from the present into the past, Martín Kohan maps the contours of Argentina’s 20th Century, but finds his center in one woman—devout, headstrong, lit up with ideas of right and wrong—not the grand historical figures of her lifetime’s omnipresent, brutalizing history. “There is an art to keeping lives constant, not allowing them to be altered by facts that are merely external.” And there is great beauty in Confession , its decades and landscapes, and the legacy of love and guilt playing out in one family and against the background of dictatorship’s traumas.Trade Review"An expertly structured, morally complicated, and surprisingly timely blend of fact and fiction." —Kirkus"Beguiling." —Publishers Weekly"Hypnotic prose. A writer who owns a literary universe and a style all his own; a writer of unquestionable solidity." —El periódico"A must-read." —Morning Star"A stupendous novel." —El País"One of Argentina’s greatest living writers." —La gaceta literaria"A fantastic writer whose texts question established ideas." —Letras Libres"Kohan works with tradition and with the Borgesian idea of the traitor and the hero. He chooses three situations and explores them minutely." —La Nación"Kohan’s novel understands and helps to understand; it delimits, records, pursues and reaches the most slippery crevices of history." —Letralia"The end result is a fluid, disturbing novel, one that neither resorts to low blows nor commonplaces when it comes to the military regime and the disappeared, but puts its finger on that concept that still causes unease when spoken aloud: civilian complicity." —La primera piedra"Martín Kohan is becoming an obligatory name in Argentinian literature." —Pagina/12************Praise for Martín Kohan"The worthy successor of Borges, Sábato and Bioy Casares." —Le Devoir"An expertly structured, morally complicated, and surprisingly timely blend of fact and fiction." —Kirkus"Beguiling." —Publishers Weekly"The prose of Argentinian writer Martín Kohan, above all in the most recent books, conveys a clinical precision and cool distance. From one novel to another, however, the effects are different. – Edmundo Paz Soldán"" —Edmundo Paz Soldán , author of TURING'S DELIRIUM and NORTE"Hypnotic prose. A writer who owns a literary universe and a style all his own; a writer of unquestionable solidity." —El periódico"Confession delves into Kohan’s poetics in an agile and determined manner, preserving his affectionate distance from the intimate affairs of his characters, as well as his freedom vis-à-vis militant writing" —Latin American Literature Today"A must-read." —Morning Star"A stupendous novel." —El País"One of Argentina’s greatest living writers." —La gaceta literaria"A fantastic writer whose texts question established ideas." —Letras Libres"Kohan works with tradition and with the Borgesian idea of the traitor and the hero. He chooses three situations and explores them minutely." —La Nación"Kohan’s novel understands and helps to understand; it delimits, records, pursues and reaches the most slippery crevices of history." —Letralia"The end result is a fluid, disturbing novel, one that neither resorts to low blows nor commonplaces when it comes to the military regime and the disappeared, but puts its finger on that concept that still causes unease when spoken aloud: civilian complicity." —La primera piedra"Martín Kohan is becoming an obligatory name in Argentinian literature." —Pagina/12"With a gift for totally natural dialogue, Kohan writes with an elegant lightness, paying great attention to rhythm. His specialty is the measured, exact word. Impeccable" —El Mundo************

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Book SynopsisIt is January 2017. E.G. Rawlings, a noted foreign correspondent forced into retirement after a serious injury in the field, arrives by boat at a vacant mooring on the Thames. To his surprise, he finds it is owned by an old friend from Afghanistan, Isobel Mallinson, the widow of a British diplomat. On learning that Rawlings is now writing an account of his war experiences, Isobel allows him to use her mooring for the year he needs to finish his memoir. During the months that follow, Rawlings, suffering from PTSD and in terrible emotional and physical pain, finds solace in the peaceful life of the river and the community he finds there. Although a loner by nature, he becomes particularly close to Marnie, a middle-aged art teacher with a fragile heart who lives near him in the boathouse. He begins to tell Marnie his story, explaining the unexpected events that have resulted in what he calls 'turning points' in his life, taking him in surprising and new directions. Little does the jaded reporter realise that another turning point is just around the corner that will not only profoundly affect his life, but also the lives of all those around him.Trade ReviewA remarkable story of love and survival. Brilliant, compelling and unexpected. Gyles Brandreth; A truly outstanding story. 5 stars; Marnie rents the boathouse on Lady Isobel Mallison's land. She's startled when a man emerges out of the mist, asking if he can moor his houseboat. Little does she know how E.G. Rawlings' arrival will change her life as she gets acquainted with him over the year.... she invites him to share either dinner or coffee. She uses these occasions to find out about his life as a war correspondent. The places he's reported from, the love of his life, the PTSD he and other wartime journalists have in common. However, this book is so much more than Marnie and her growing interest in Rawlings. Lady Isobel Mallison, the owner of this beautiful property, had first met Rawlings while she was a diplomat's wife at the embassy in Kabul. Her husband Peter had passed from cancer a couple of years before leaving her with this beautiful property they had both so looked forward to exploring and developing in their retirement. Isobel was a woman in her own right, having been a Justice of the Peace. It was through this role that she met Marnie and offered her the boathouse to rent. She shines through this storyline as this graceful, elegant but very kind "matriarch". Others interact throughout the novel with the main protagonists. All are superbly drawn so that as the reader, you feel like you're getting acquainted not just with Rawlings, Marnie, and Isobel, but with all those who make up this very lively house filled with love. There were so many things I loved in this book, Rawlings view on Brexit. The confidence Marnie embraces to hide her past. Isobel's role as the matriarch of this strange group of players. Felix's arrival brings love and life to all who he meets while grappling with his demons. I stupidly started reading this book at midnight, thinking "I'll read a chapter to lull me to sleep". It did not! Instead, I read until the sun came up at six. Fortunately, I was able to close the book with a deep sense of fulfilment and love with one proviso, Jane McCulloch; this was such a beautiful storyline filled with interesting, vibrant characters from whom I want to hear more... With a bit of luck, I won't have to wait too long to find the answers. Treebeard; Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisA novel of one family, a century of war, and the promise of homecoming from Dayton Literary Peace Prize winner and National Book Award finalist Andrew KrivakRooted in the small, mountain town of Dardan, Pennsylvania, where patriarch Jozef Vinich settled after surviving World War I, Like the Appearance of Horses immerses us in the intimate lives of a family whose fierce bonds have been shaped by the great conflicts of the past century.After Bexhet Konar escapes fascist Hungary and crosses the ocean to find Jozef, the man who saved his life in 1919, he falls in love with Jozef’s daughter, Hannah, enlists in World War II, and is drawn into a personal war of revenge. Many years later, their youngest son, Samuel, is taken prisoner in Vietnam and returns home with a heroin addiction and deep physical and psychological wounds. As Samuel travels his own path toward healing, his son will graduate from Annapolis as a Marine on his way to Iraq.In spare, breathtaking prose, Like the Appearance of Horses is the freestanding, culminating novel in Andrew Krivak’s award-winning Dardan Trilogy, which began with The Sojourn and The Signal Flame. It is a story about borders drawn within families as well as around nations, and redrawn by ethnicity, prejudice, and war. It is also a tender story of love and how it is tested by duty, loyalty, and honor.Trade ReviewPraise for Like the Appearance of HorsesLibrary Journal “Best Literary Fiction of the Year” selectionWashington Independent Review of Books “Favorite Books of the Year” selectionSaturday Evening Post “Hot Weather” selection“Raises provocative questions about how we perceive and engage with the past and is a further testament to Krivak’s masterful abilities as a storyteller.” —WBUR“Forceful and absorbing.” —WOSU“Lyrical, moving. . . . While Krivak depicts the violence of war with frightening intimacy, he’s also attuned to the persistence of beauty and grace in nature and in what love endures.” —Fordham Magazine“A startling clarity characterizes [Krivak’s] language, which can only be called luminous.” —Washington Independent Review of Books“[Krivak’s] prose is spare and exquisite, breathing life into the mountains, the forests, and the foxholes these characters inhabit. A beautifully emotional and delicate novel.” —Historical Novels Review“Krivak’s resplendent multigenerational family saga expertly braids the horrors of war with the struggles of those waiting for loved ones to return home.” —Booklist (starred review)“[An] intensely readable whopper of a book.” —Library Journal (starred review)“Subtle and nuanced.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“Krivak impresses with this layered story of deferred homecomings and the elusive nature of peace.” —Publishers Weekly“Compelling and deftly crafted.” —Midwest Book Review“Andrew Krivak charts a razor-fine line between war and peace, damnation and redemption, estrangement and love, and along the way gives us a gorgeously detailed portrait of an American family. Whether he’s writing about battle, the natural world, or the most private, searing matters of the heart, Krivak brings a rare mastery to the page, a synthesis of language and deep perception that delivers revelation after revelation. Like the Appearance of Horses is a major achievement.” —Ben Fountain, author of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and Devil Makes Three“Krivak’s Homeric novel is at once intimate and sweeping, expanding an epic story set into motion in The Sojourn. Tenderly attentive to all that is given and taken by war, Like the Appearance of Horses is a graceful, heroic accomplishment that speaks to the costs of duty when violence is as constant as the Pennsylvania mountains that anchor and separate this indelible family we’ve come to know so personally.” —Asako Serizawa, author of InheritorsSelect Praise for Andrew Krivak“Some writers are good at drawing a literary curtain over reality, and then there are writers who raise the veil and lead us to see for the first time. Krivak belongs to the latter.” —National Book Award judges’ citation“[Krivak’s] work has been compared to William Faulkner’s in its rich sense of place, to Wendell Berry’s in its attentiveness to natural beauty, and to Cormac McCarthy’s in its deep investigation of violence and myth. Yet all of Krivak’s writing, and especially his fiction, presents a truly singular vision.” —Anthony Domestico, Image“An extraordinarily elegant writer, with a deep awareness of the natural world.” —Roxana Robinson, New York Times Book Review“Eloquent, sensitive.” —Jennifer Haigh, Boston Globe“Incandescent.” —Marlon James“Spare and lovely.” —Adam Johnson“Grand and unforgettable.” —Maaza Mengiste“A writer of rare and powerful elegance.” —Mary Doria Russell“Destined for great things.” —Richard Russo“[A] singular talent.” —Jesmyn Ward“Explores themes that profoundly resonate today.” —Harper’s Bazaar

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