Family saga / generational saga fiction

Book SynopsisYoung Maisie Halliday has escaped the grinding poverty of the northern town where she was born to live in the glittering world of professional dancing. At the outbreak of the Second World War, she volunteers as an ambulance driver, finding joy both in helping the wounded during the Blitz and also in her friends among the other drivers in the Bloomsbury Auxiliary Ambulance Depot. Maisie is at the Cafe de Paris nightclub when it is bombed. In the chaos, she attempts to help an injured man, and by this charitable act she becomes mixed up in what may well be a murder. A series of incidents, all connected to a handsome, arrogant American, throw Maisie''s life into a dangerous spin. Is anything what it seems in wartime? With one serious misjudgement, Maisie risks losing everything she holds dear...

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Book SynopsisFollow the epic life and times of the Moorhouse family as they rise from the obscurity of an Ayrshire farm to wealth and prosperity in Victorian GlasgowIn 1870s Glasgow, Arthur Moorhouse, a savvy businessman, and his wife Bel, driven by ruthless social ambition, lay the foundation of their family empire.

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Book SynopsisA GUARDIAN, NEW STATESMAN, SPECTATOR, AND IRISH TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR A new, feminist translation of Beowulf by the author of the acclaimed novel The Mere Wife. Nearly twenty years after Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf — and fifty years after the translation that continues to torment students around the world — there is a radical new verse interpretation of the epic poem by Maria Dahvana Headley, which brings to light elements never before translated into English. A man seeks to prove himself as a hero. A monster seeks silence in his territory. A warrior seeks to avenge her murdered son. A dragon ends it all. These familiar components of the epic poem are seen with a novelist’s eye towards gender, genre, and history. Beowulf has always been a tale of entitlement and encroachment — of powerful men seeking to become more powerful and one woman seeking justice for her child — but this version brings new context to an old story. While crafting her contemporary adaptation, Headley unearthed significant shifts lost over centuries of translation.Trade Review‘Allied to a cunning ear for alliteration, this makes for a text of rollicking, restless verve. The masculine boasting, besting and butchering are duly in place, but Headley adds a sharp focus on the actions and motivations of the female characters ... Maria Dahvana Headley’s radical translation of Beowulf sets out to make you look again at the Norse epic … If you’ve ever struggled with the poem, this is the retelling for you, its ferocious clarity turning Beowulf into a Hollywood superhero.’ -- Rishi Dastidar * The Guardian *‘[The Mere Wife] includes some tantalising snippets of Beowulf as translated by Headley. Now we have the full version, and it is electrifying … It is brash and belligerent, lunatic and invigorating, with passages of sublime poetry punctuated by obscenities and social-media shorthand … With a Beowulf defiantly of and for this historical moment, Headley reclaims the poem for her audience as well as for herself.’ -- Ruth Franklin * The New Yorker *‘Bold … Electrifying.’ -- Ron Charles * The Washington Post *‘There is a glory and thrill to her verse, which brings the blood, fire and youthful energy of the original to the surface … a gift.’ -- Hetta Howes * TLS *‘Maria Dahvana Headley’s decision to make Beowulf a bro puts his macho bluster in a whole new light.’ -- Andrea Kannapell * The New York Times *‘Maria Dahvana Headley has made an enthralling, scalding, contemporary epic; she combines newly-wrought ancient kennings with US street slang and lights up the women in the poem with unusual sympathy.’ -- Marina Warner * New Statesman 'Books of the Year' *‘Her verse has a swaggering, street-smart bite.’ -- Alex Diggins * The Sunday Telegraph *‘An iconic work of early English literature comes in for up-to-the-minute treatment … Headley’s language and pacing keep perfect track with the events she describes … [giving] the 3,182-line text immediacy without surrendering a bit of its grand poetry. Some purists may object to the small liberties Headley has taken with the text, but her version is altogether brilliant.’ STARRED REVIEW * Kirkus Reviews *‘Beowulf is an ancient tale of men battling monsters, but Headley has made it wholly modern, with language as piercing and relevant as Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. With scintillating inversions and her use of au courant idiom — the poem begins with the word ‘Bro!’ and Queen Wealhtheow is ‘hashtag: blessed’ — Headley asks one to consider not only present conflicts in light of those of the past, but also the line between human and inhuman, power and powerlessness, and the very nature of moral transformation, the ‘suspicion that at any moment a person might shift from hero into howling wretch.’ The women of Beowulf have often been sidelined. Not so here.’ -- Danielle Trussoni * The New York Times Book Review *‘Move over, Tolkien and Heaney. This translation of Beowulf into muscular urban slang is electric … The American novelist’s sharp new version slices clean and bright to the brutal heart of this ancient adventure like a sword snatched from the dull grey stone of academia.’ -- Helen Brown * The Telegraph *‘Stupendous … exhilarating and dangerous.’ -- Philip Hensher * The Spectator *‘Maria Dahvana Headley’s radical translation of Beowulf turns the old epic into a rollicking tale for today, grabbing your lapels from its very first word.’ -- Rishi Dastidar * The Guardian *‘I have a lot of things to say about Maria Dahvana Headley's new book, Beowulf … The first thing I need to tell you is that you have to read it now. No, I don't care if you've read Beowulf (the original) before … I don't care what you think of when you think of Beowulf in any of its hundreds of other translations because this — this — version, Headley's version, is an entirely different thing. It is its own thing.’ -- Jason Sheehan * NPR *‘[L]ively and vigorous … I am delighted. I’ve never read a Beowulf that felt so immediate and so alive … It’s profane and funny and modern and archaic all at once, and its loose and unstructured verses are full of twisting, surprising kennings.’ -- Constance Grady * Vox *‘[A]s a poetic meditation on the poem, it’s full of startlingly powerful and often raucously lovely language.’ -- Steve Donoghue * Open Letters Review *‘The author of the crazy-cool Beowulf-inspired novel The Mere Wife tackles the Old English epic poem with a fierce new feminist translation that radically recontextualises the tale.’ -- Barbara VanDenburgh * USA Today *‘Thrilling … she interrogates the text to great effect.’ -- Erica Wagner * The Spectator *‘Of the four translations I’ve read, Headley’s is the most readable and engaging. She combines a modern poetry style with some of the hallmarks of Old English poetry, and the words practically sing off the page … Headley’s translation shows why it’s vital to have women and people from diverse backgrounds translate texts.’ -- Margaret Kingsbury * Buzzfeed *‘Without sacrificing the rhythm, rhyme, and visceral language of the original, Headley’s spin is refreshing. Her use of contemporary slang and tempo make the ancient text appealing to a younger audience … For Headley to find a feminist angle in the midst of all this macho behaviour is a feat — but she does it … This is a translation that deserves a wide audience. It’s clear Headley had a lot of fun with this text, and it is to be hoped it lands on the school curriculum.’ -- Afric McGlinchey * Irish Examiner *‘Headley brings a directness, intensity, and rhythm to her translation that I haven’t seen before. This is what it must have felt like to sit in a mead hall and listen to a scop tell the tale. Other translations may be more scholarly, literal, or true to the poetic form of the original, but it’s been a thousand years since Beowulf was this accessible or exciting.’ -- Steve Thomas * The Fantasy Hive *‘Headley’s Beowulf is kindred in spirit to The Mere Wife — highly conscious of gender and modernised to the hilt — but totally different in form. Instead of changing names or places, Headley sticks closely to the original Old English text while updating the vocabulary with flourishes of internet humour … The feminism in Headley’s translation is embedded in the texture and language of the poem itself rather than in its individual events or characters … Her Beowulf is a tragicomic epic about the things men do to impress one another. It’s as fierce an examination of masculine weakness as The Mere Wife was of feminine strength.’ -- Jo Livingstone * Poetry Foundation *‘The new Beowulf is incredibly exciting from beginning to end!’ -- Jason Furman * Harvard University *‘The new translation of Beowulf by Maria Dahavana Headley is the best thing I've read all fucking year.’ -- Mike Drucker, TV Writer and Comedian‘Finally, a Beowulf translation that leaves us feeling ‘hashtag: blessed’.’ -- Alena Smith * SLATE/Future Tense virtual event *‘Beowulf: a new translation pulls Beowulf into the fraught discourse on masculinity in the 21st century … Headley’s choice of backward-hatterd beer-soaked vernacular has its origins in the grandstanding language of the hero as we've always known him — a beefcake who wants to pull off such incredible feats that dudes will hype his reputation for centuries to come.’ -- Miles Klee * MEL Magazine *‘Maria Dahavana Headley’s breathtakingly audacious and idiomatically rich Beowulf: a new translation is a breath of iconoclastically fresh air blowing through the old tale's stuffy mead-hall atmosphere.’ -- Mike Scroggins * Hyperallergic *‘Joy. That is the primary emotion I felt as I was reading Maria Dahvana Headley’s new translation of Beowulf … I cannot recommend this translation more highly. It is accessible to the reader who has never encountered Beowulf before, yet it intrigues and challenges those who study the poem professionally.’ -- David Wilton * WordOrigins.org *‘The sheer poetry lifts the reader into a realm that is both familiar and even enlivening.’ FOUR STARS * Carpe Librum *‘Now science fantasy writer, Maria Dahvana Headley has cut through with a punk sensibility. Hers is a culturally radical reading with a feminist edge and it opens a pathway to a deeper historical reading.’ -- Barry Healy * Green Left *‘Compelling and persuasive … Maria Dahvana Headley’s new translation is bold, exciting and breathes new life into an old classic. With a more nuanced approach to some characters and some inspired language choices, Headley helps Beowulf reclaim its rightful place as a raucous and boozy crowd pleaser.’ FOUR STARS -- Simon Clark * The AU Review *‘This latest reimagining of the epic is through the feminist lens of Maria Dahvana Headley. Bringing this ancient text up to date is no mean feat; Headley does it with flair, fury, and fresh relatability.’ * Happy Magazine *‘This is a version that is highly recommended, not so much to ensure you’re up with your classic education, but rather, for the sheer pleasure of the story and its execution … There’s nothing quite like reading the book.’ -- Magdalena Ball * Compulsive Reader *‘In the wake of Seamus Heaney’s energetic and masterly translation 20 years ago, it took a brave writer to attempt a radically different one. But Headley’s engaging introduction to her almost rap-like version shows up many of the places where a translation can slant the original this way or that, and uses her own life and times as a starting point.’ -- Kerryn Goldsworthy * Sydney Morning Herald *‘[A] bold and fabulous feminist translation … This Beowulf is a joy to read: Headley has loosened herself from the shackles of stuffy scholarship and archaic language (although do not be fooled – she is adept at understanding her source material) to provide a rollicking good yarn.’ -- Clarissa Sebag-Montefiore * The Saturday Paper *‘[An] incredible feminist interpretation.’ * Keeping Up With the Penguins *‘It definitely isn’t your grandma’s Beowulf … Hooked from the first word … Headley's combination of alliteration, assonance, and consonance makes for verse that we can’t help but tap our feet and bob our heads to.’ -- Kwan Ann Tan * Asymptote *‘The critical aspect of this translation is that Headley uses language to bring the story vividly to life. Reinterpreting the text enables it to sing off the page, deploying verse and modern interpretations when necessary to recreate Beowulf as a flowing, visceral tale … a joy to read and highly recommended.’ -- Robert Goodman * Newtown Review of Books *‘Headley’s Beowulf demands to be read in one sitting … Barrelling along at breakneck speed, pulsating and breathless with excitement, it’s an outstanding poetic feat … It’s an astonishing world, and Headley offers us a uniquely powerful way into it.’ -- Carolyne Larrington * Literary Review *[T]here is precise scholarship at work here and a deep understanding of the language and style of the original poem – but Headley’s translation also injects new life into the epic … Headley is dragon-like in bringing her courage, grit and considerable poetic talent to the task of translation, yet also conveys plenty of its literary tradition … The Beowulf that emerges not only speaks to us but demands to be heard in our 21st-century moment. And what a captivating shout it is.’ -- Laura Varnam * History Today *‘Maria Dahvana Headley has satisfied the most deeply-felt and desired dream of any translator, to transfer into her language the words, feelings and cultural icons of a classic, lost tongue. Her Beowulf is wild and wiry, rich and ribald. It sings and dances, curtseys and copulates, although with a more graphic update of the latter, and it quite simply takes one's breath away … This Beowulf is born and eats from language at home in the world of the internet, robots, genes but maintains the alliterations and rhymes of traditional poetry, keeping the tradition alive and renewing it at the same time.’ -- Indran Amirthanayagam, judge in the Academy of American Poets' Harold Morton Landon Translation Award‘An electrifying translation.’ * The Telegraph *‘It’s awesome how strictly she follows the structure and rules while escalating the giddy gallop into a crescendo of overwhelming terror of the destructive marauder.’ -- Sue Prideaux * New Statesman *Praise for Maria Dahvana Headley: ‘Maria Dahvana Headley is a firecracker: she’s whip-smart with a heart, and she writes like a dream.’ -- Neil GaimanPraise for The Mere Wife: ‘There’s not a false note in this retelling, which does the Beowulf poet and his spear-Danes proud.’ STARRED REVIEW * Kirkus *Praise for The Mere Wife: ‘Vivid and thrilling.’ * The Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisMightier than the Sword is the fifth gripping novel in the epic Clifton Chronicles series from master storyteller Jeffrey Archer.Trade ReviewA rip-roaring read * Mail on Sunday *If there was a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisRachel Norris wants to forge a new life and career. And she wants to forget her past.When Rachel qualifies as nurse, she does so because she wants to help others and make a difference. But she is also running from a past life that must stay hidden forever.Completing her training, Rachel moves to London but misses home desperately, so when she hears about an opportunity to train as a district nurse in a village near Rochdale, she seizes the opportunity, even though it will take her closer to the trouble she left behind. She knows nothing about Eastby End and she is shocked to find it a little more than a slum. It''s clear she will need to work hard and keep her wits about her to win the trust of the villagers.Joss Townley has been reluctantly working in his father''s factory but is dismayed at the conditions the workers endure. When his father dies, he sells up immediately to begin travelling but is called home by his mother in an emergency - in order t

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Book SynopsisThe perfect heartwarming romance for Christmas, rich in historical detail. She turned the picture of the Christmas card over with her frozen hands, a pretty picture of a family gathering at Yuletide. How different from her own life; stiff with cold on the icy cobbles, aching for shelter . . .When her father dies leaving Alice and her ailing mother with only his debts, the two grieving women are forced to rely on the begrudging charity of cruel Aunt Jane. Determined to rid herself of an expensive responsibility, Jane tries forcing Alice into a monstrous marriage. And when Alice refuses, she is sent to work in a grand house to earn her keep.Finding herself in sole charge of the untameable and spoilt young miss of the house, Alice's only ally is handsome Uncle Rory, who discovers that Alice has talents beyond those of a mere servant. But when someone sets out to destroy her reputation, Alice can only pray for a little of that Christmas spirit to save her from ruin . . .Trade ReviewPraise for Dilly Court: ‘A fast-paced, riveting read’ Sunday Express ‘A heart-warming, fast-paced story that will keep you gripped till the end’ The People’s Friend ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Atmospheric, vivid and compelling’ My Weekly ‘An excellent, well-researched read’ People’s Friend ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph

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Book SynopsisLove can cross oceans . . .Keara Michaels doesn''t want to leave her family in Ireland, but fate sends her first to Lancashire, then across the sea to Australia, pregnant and penniless. And Theo Mullane, the man who loves her, is married, with an ailing baby son, so cannot follow her as he longs to.Mark Gibson leaves Lancashire to avoid marriage. But gold prospecting is a dangerous pursuit, and when his gentle young wife dies in childbirth, his father-in-law kidnaps the baby. So Mark runs away again, this time to Western Australia, where he employs Keara in his country inn.But danger threatens them all, even in the bush, as Keara searches for her lost sisters, Theo comes looking for the woman he loves, and Mark at last confronts his past.**********************What readers are saying about A PENNYWORTH OF SUNSHINE''I couldn''t put it down'' - 5 stars''An excellent read from start to finish'' - 5 stars''Brilliant, as always . . . Anna Jacobs never fails to keep the story line motivated, gripping, and endearing'' - 5 starsTrade ReviewPraise for Anna Jacobs[Anna Jacobs' books have an] impressive grasp of human emotions * The Sunday Times *Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around * Historical Novels Review *[Anna Jacobs is] especially big on resourceful, admirable women. Great stuff! * Daily Mail *Reader reviews on A PENNYWORTH OF SUNSHINEAnother joy from the pen of Anna Jacobs. ***** * Reader review *A brilliant read. ***** * Reader review *A captivating read. ***** * Reader review *Catherine Cookson fans will cheer * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe Woolworths girls have come a long way together . . .Fun loving Maisie, is devoted to her young family and her work at Woolworths. But her happy life with her RAF officer husband, their baby daughter leads her to think of the family she left behind . . . With the war now into its fourth year, what will she find when she sets about searching for them?Sarah and her husband, Alan, are blissfully happy and long for a sibling for their daughter. But dark days lay ahead for this close family.Freda heads home to Birmingham, to go in search of her family, back to the life she fled – far from the safety of Woolworths and her new friends.With families’ separated by war, will the Woolworths girls be able to pull together?Wartime at Woolworths is the third moving instalment in the much-loved Woolworths series by bestselling author Elaine Everest.Trade ReviewHeartwarming . . . a must-read * Woman's Own on The Woolworths Girls *A warm, tender tale of friendship and love . . . sweet as a Woolies pick'n'mix * Milly Johnson on The Woolworths Girls *A lovely read * Bella on The Woolworths Girls *Elaine brings the heyday of the iconic high-street giant to life in her charming novel * S Magazine on The Woolworths Girls *

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Book SynopsisThe second book in the five-part Lancashire-based Gibson series.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 SynopsisBorn the thirteenth child of fifteen to a middle-class mother and an East End barrow boy, Mary Wood's childhood was a mixture of love and poverty. Throughout her life, Mary has held various posts in office roles, working in the probation services, and brought up her four children and numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid reader, she first put pen to paper in 1989 while nursing her mother through her final months, but didn't become successful until she began self-publishing her writing in 2011.Her novels include the Jam Factory Girls series, the Orphanage Girls series, All I Have to Give, An Unbreakable Bond, In Their Mother's Footsteps and the Breckton novels.

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Book SynopsisBOOK 16 IN THE EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY, FROM INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' ­-The Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorTWO HEROES. ONE UNBREAKABLE BOND.Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives.Gerhard - despite his objections to the Nazi regime - is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping one day to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.Meanwhile Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster. Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of all: sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.A Courtney Series adventure - Book 3 in the Assegai sequence.Courtney's War is an epic historical adventure of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the reader to the very heart of a world at war, from Wilbur Smith, one of the best and most beloved authors of the century. Don't miss the thrilling conclusion of the Assegai sequence, Legacy of War, available now.Book 17 in the Courtney family series, Ghost Fire, is available now.'Courtney's War' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 09-09-2018.

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Book Synopsis''An inspiring story of personal growth, and the edifying power of friendship, The Santorini Writing Retreat left me feeling uplifted and hopeful and craving a holiday in the Greek sunshine.'' Kate Storey, bestselling authorThree women, one writing retreat, endless possibilitiesBestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that's robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina's plans, but now she's determined to make her new business a success.And then there's Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud.In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud ofReaders love The Santorini Writing Retreat:????? ''Oh how I would love to be one of the three women in this book. It was a joy to read and I adored the setting of Santorini''?????''The Santorini Writing Retreat is the most wonderful novel. Thoughtful, poignant and insightful fiction at its absolute best''?????''Great characters, thought-provoking storylines, beautiful location and delicious sounding food - an excellent summer holiday read''?????''Another wonderful book from Eva Glyn! I drew it out as long as I could just to stay in Santorini with this wonderful group of people''?????''I couldn''t put this book down. A real gem of a story''?????''Wonderfully drawn characters, a stunning location and a plot that kept me turning the pages. A treat of a novel!''????? ''A gripping read with lots of secrets. You will love it''Authors love The Santorini Writing Retreat:''A glorious book celebrating the power of friendship, storytelling and the kindness of strangers. I adored spending time with these characters. A beautiful novel that instantly transported me to the pistachio groves of Santorini.'' Emma CowellThis story is emotional and life-affirming, and the sun-soaked setting will have you reaching for the travel brochures'' Maisie Thomas''A true page turner no hesitation in awarding five stars.'' Angela Petch''I loved every page of this beautiful, heart-felt tale. For a summer read that will have you moving from laughter, to tears to genuine sadness as the stories of the women unfold, The Santorini Writing Retreat is the one book you must read'' Alexandra Walsh''The story beautifully captures the evolving bind between the women. An uplifting read, both atmospheric and heartfelt, Eva Glyn has done it again.'' Caroline JamesI very much enjoyed meeting these characters Highly recommended. Rosanna Ley

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Book SynopsisA glorious, bloody, perfect Viking saga of honour, courage, blood feud and revenge from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Lancelot, Giles Kristian. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Games of Thrones.Unrelenting pace, brilliant action and characters. A masterwork. - CONN IGGULDENAction-packed storytelling which stirs the blood and thrills the soul - WILBUR SMITHEasily one of the best books I''ve had the pleasure to read - ***** Reader review.*******************************************************************************IT BEGAN WITH THE BETRAYAL OF A LORD BY A KING...Norway 785 AD. When King Gorm puts Jarl Harald''s family to the sword, he makes one fatal mistake - he fails to kill Harald''s youngest son, Sigurd.His kin slain, his village seized, his taken as slaves, Sigurd wonders if the gods have forsaken him. Hunted by powerful men, he is unsure who to trust and yet he has a small band of loyal followers at his side. With them - and with the help of the All-Father, Odin - he determines to make a king pay for his treachery.Using cunning and war-craft, Sigurd gathers together a fellowship of warriors - including his father''s right-hand man Olaf, Bram (who men call Bear), Black Floki who wields death with a blade, and the shield maiden Valgerd, who fears no man - and convinces them to follow him. For, whether Ódin is with him or not, Sigurd WILL have vengeance. And neither men nor gods had best stand in his way . . .Sigurd''s story continues in Winter''s Fire.Trade ReviewAction-packed storytelling which stirs the blood and thrills the soul * WILBUR SMITH *What elevates Kristian above the many pretenders to Cornwell's crown is the style and swagger of the prose. He is a modern skald, borrowing the old rhythms to create a brutal, absorbing tale -- Antonia Senior * THE TIMES 'Books of the Year' *Unrelenting pace, brilliant action and characters. A masterwork. * CONN IGGULDEN *A glorious, bloody, perfect Viking saga, rich with the poetry of the skald, ripe with blood and glory, vengeance and heartbreak. The characters stride from the page, alive, hungry, real . . . this is Viking writing at its very best * MANDA SCOTT *This is the best kind of storytelling – a saga full of blood and thunder that grabs you and doesn’t let go until long after the final page is turned * STEVEN PRESSFIELD *A pulse-pounding tale of blood, betrayal and honour. Hereward and his spear-brothers would definitely feel at home here * JAMES WILDE *A great success . . . His knowledge of the period, and imaginative immersion in it, mean that God of Vengeance conjures up Sigurd's bloody, violent world, with all its alien beliefs and strange customs, in vivid and compelling detail -- Nick Rennison * BBC HISTORY *Epic in character, atmosphere and deed . . . Kristian is a terrific storyteller . . . the writing and language are wonderfully rich, and you want to savour every bone-shattering, blood-curdling, sentence * TOBY CLEMENTS *A revenger's tale writ large . . . Kristian's latest Viking-era saga won't disappoint * DAILY MAIL *A pulsating saga delivered with the sweep and power of a Norse war axe -- TIM SEVERIN

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Book SynopsisBe Careful What You Wish For is the fourth incredible book in the epic Clifton Chronicles series, from master storyteller Jeffrey Archer.Trade ReviewProbably the greatest storyteller of our age * Mail on Sunday *If there was a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisTwo women search for a place of belonging, in this stunning novel that will break your heart and lift you up.''Evocative and exhilarating. Christina Fonthes is a fresh and powerful new writer with a beautiful voice and bold talent''Salena Godden, author of Mrs. Death Misses Death''A wonderful, vital novel exploring familial legacies and queer lives. Fonthes deftly charts the complex paths of these characters with real verve and authenticity''Irenosen Okojie MBE''A captivating read from an exciting new voice''Cherie Jones, author of How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House______London, 2004. Bijoux has a secret. To the world, she is the obedient child, dutifully attending prayer meetings and following the rigid expectations of her silent and austere Pentecostal aunt, Tantine Mireille. But Bijoux is in love with a woman. She has been for a year. When her aunt wants her to marry one of the young men from the church, Bijoux has to make a decision. Kinshasa, 1980s. Mira is the teenage daughter of a family on the rise. When she falls in love with an impoverished singer, a criminal the eyes of her parents, her choices will set her on a dramatic path that winds its way across oceans and decades.Vividly bringing to life the Congo and its diaspora, Where You Go, I Will Go weaves Bijoux and Mira''s stories together across two continents, two generations, through the mess of love and sexuality, and the pull of mother-daughter relationships, to finally bring them to a place of belonging - home. ______''Actually can''t believe this is a debut!'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Real reader review ''I was totally immersed in Mira and Bijoux''s world'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Real reader review ''I sobbed multiple times'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Real reader review''These characters [will] have you holding your breath and hoping they will find true happiness'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Real reader review

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Book Synopsis**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**THE SWEEPING, SUN-DRENCHED STORY OF LOVE, FAMILY AND UNTOLD SECRETS SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF WWII, FROM THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER''Adriana is a storyteller second to none'' HEATHER MORRIS, bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz''Trigiani never fails to sweep you away . . . an emotional and beautiful tale of family, love, and loss'' TAYLOR JENKINS REID, bestselling author of Malibu Rising''There is a reason Adriana Trigiani is so beloved by her millions of devoted readers . . . gorgeous'' SARAH JESSICA PARKER''A big, beautiful, wonderful book; romantic, moving, transporting, affecting I will do everything I can to encourage everyone to read it'' LOUISE DOUGLAS, bestselling author of The House by the Sea_________Domenica Cabrelli had two great loves of her life.<Trade ReviewThere is a reason Adriana Trigiani is so beloved by her millions of devoted readers. We all wait for the next book by this gorgeous writer. It's here at last. Let Adriana Trigiani take you far away -- Sarah Jessica ParkerWe are swept from Italy to France, Scotland, England, given memorable characters, rich detail, tragedy, triumph, secrets and surprises. Epic and captivating, this is a multi-generational saga told by a gifted storyteller * Choice *Adriana Trigiani never fails to sweep you away with her richly transportive prose. The Good Left Undone takes you through time and across the globe from the Italian coast to the Scottish Highlands as long-held secrets of the Cabrelli family come to light. An emotional and beautiful tale of family, love, and loss -- Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of Malibu RisingA story only Adriana Trigiani could have told. Rich in all the elements that make a story memorable, relatable; family complications we all share, choose to ignore, or seek to explain as time closes in on us. Family secrets, family jealousies, across the generations, across the landscapes under the Tuscan sun, the charm of Marseille and the rugged beauty of Scotland, Domenica creates a legacy for her children and grandchildren to unravel. Adriana is, indeed, a storyteller second to none. -- Heather Morris, bestselling author of The Tattooist of AuschwitzTrigiani writes an unforgettable historical epic in Italy, France, Scotland and Churchill's England on the cusp of World War II. Matelda Cabrelli Roffo, the matriarch of her contemporary Italian family is determined to reveal her mother's secret past before it's too late. This rich family story is magnificent in the telling. -- Lisa JewellI honestly can't remember the last time a novel gave me such absolute pleasure. The Good Left Undone is the perfect novel. It carried me away and wrapped me up in the lives of generations of women in one family. It touched on love and loss, on life and death, on what's truly important; it made me forget everything except what I was reading. A big, beautiful, wonderful book; romantic, moving, transporting, affecting I will do everything I can to encourage everyone to read it because I know they won't be disappointed -- Louise Douglas, Richard and Judy and Kindle Top 5 Bestselling AuthorAt once epic and intimate, a delightful novel about the mysterious lore of an unforgettable Italian family whose characters walk right off the page -- Jess Walter, author of Beautiful RuinsA sprawling, majestic historical fiction feast that spans countries and generations to find the heart and soul of a beautiful family. This is Adriana Trigiani at her best -- Laura Dave, author of The Last Thing He Told MeA wondrous novel of storytelling, love, war, religion and that which defines us all: family. Adriana Trigiani has outdone herself with her sharp eye, her humor and her warm and generous heart -- Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling authorAdriana Trigiani merges life and fiction so completely it's impossible to sort one from the other. Through Matelda and the Cabrelli women, readers will find themselves fully immersed in another place and time, but also vividly recalling the histories of their own ancestors. An enduring testimony to the power of family and stories - those we know well and those that have shaped us without our knowing. Breathtakingly beautiful, powerful, lyrical, and ultimately filled with goodness -- Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were YoursAdriana Trigiani is a gifted, natural storyteller and The Good Left Undone is her at the top of her game. This beautiful, sweeping historical epic about three generations of women paints an exquisite portrait of love, loss, the ravages of time and the price a family pays for its secrets. Brava! -- Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The NightingaleAn exquisite gem of a novel, as it flits between present day and the calamitous times of World War II. No one does historical fiction better than Trigiani. You will fall in love with the characters, especially Matelda Roffo. Godere! -- David BaldacciFrom time to time, readers are fortunate enough to come across a novel that transports us so completely to a different time and place, we can smell the air, taste the food. The Good Left Undone is such a book: the power and the beauty of Italy and the Italians, the devastation of wars and callous disregard for humans, the love of life and others; all come across in this exquisite novel. Trigiani has accomplished a true miracle -- W. Bruce Cameron, New York Times bestselling authorAdriana Trigiani has written the triumph of her career in this historical epic. This novel is the dramatic, emotional, and profound saga of three generations of women in the Cabrelli family of gemcutters-Domenica, Matelda, and Anina-and each character is more brilliant than the last. This novel shines like a flawless diamond, with a multifaceted narrative that shifts seamlessly between Viareggio, Marseilles, and Scotland, bringing to light a sweep of history that I never knew existed. Most of all, at its core is the generous, beating heart of family - and a love story that will seep into your soul. I have always loved Adriana Trigiani's books, but The Good Left Undone is a crown jewel of historical fiction -- Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling authorThis beautifully written, immersive novel gripped me from the first page and didn't let go. In The Good Left Undone, Adriana Trigani sweeps you up and takes you on an epic journey both geographically and emotionally in a story about love, grief and the heartbreaking secrets woven into the tapestry of every family. Trigani's evocative, richly textured prose conjures a fully-realised world with characters and situations that you feel acutely invested in - the cast of strong female characters resonated with me in ways I didn't imagine and as I turned the last page I didn't want this book to end. An emotional rollercoaster of a read, it's a book that you'll need tissues for, but also one that brings immense joy. A must-read for 2022 -- Sarah Pearse, bestselling author of The SanatoriumAdriana Trigiani is a treasure and The Good Left Undone is a gem: a sweeping epic that spans a century. Chronicling the fallout from the cataclysmic sinking of the Arandora Star - torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1940 - this extraordinary novel manages to mourn the dead, celebrate the living, and remind us that every family has secrets that are heartbreaking, heartwarming, and (yes) inspiring -- Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling authorA wildly entertaining story about the life of the remarkable Italian nurse Domenica Cabrelli and her daughter Matelda. The novel is a wonderful love story, rife with sea captains and childhood sweethearts and a family that never gives up on one another. I adored it -- Ann Napolitano, author of Dear EdwardAdriana Trigiani reshapes the words of Phillip Larkin - 'the good not done, the love not given, the time torn off unused' -- as a focal point for a wonderfully agile novel that rounds off the sharp edges of our times -- Colum McCannI can lie on my couch and travel the world - and through time - reading Adriana Trigiani's The Good Left Undone. Italy, France, Scotland. 1920s to the present. Her storytelling is genius. Her understanding of love and family moves me to tears -- Delia EphronThis is a sweeping story of the complexities of love and family . . . A beautiful historical romance, this book manages to be epic and intimate at the same time -- ADELE PARKS * SUN *Adriana Trigiani knows that a great life is made up of memories and morsels: Kisses and cakes; heartbreak and honey salves. In The Good Left Undone, Trigiani's women share secrets in the safety of kitchens, are carried off to bed during war, fight to keep a sense of themselves, and appreciate that a first love that arrives second is the sweetest and most substantial of all -- Helen EllisAdriana Trigiani's latest novel is a delicious immersion into a hidden Italy, a world of Vatican jewelers, of ledgers, maps and strega, of people who tell time by the 'bells and the baker,' and are connected to their history and to the far corners of the spinning globe by love, blood, and rubies. And that's just the first course of this literary feast, that is also a profound meditation on old age and an intimate conversation between generations of a quietly dazzling family -- Alice RandallWith its epic sweep, radiant characters, and uncommon insight, The Good Left Undone expertly spans generations and geography, luring the reader into a world where family love and family legacy are both a gift and an inspiration. -- Lisa GrunwaldA gorgeous and lush multi-generational epic about the Cabrellis, a vibrant Italian family descended from master jewelers, from the harrowing days leading up to WWII to the modern era, celebrating the pieces they create and the myths that power them and hold families together; an absolute triumph from Adriana Trigiani -- Gigi LevangieShe's done it again, given us a story deep and wide, written with heart and soul. Each one of Trigiani's books is a rich tapestry, woven with stories that reach back through generations with love and family at the center. . . The Good Left Undone is a complex and absorbing reminder of the connection and grounding of family, the stories that bind us and the resilience of love amidst the devastation of war. -- Lee WoodruffThis master storyteller has outdone herself with The Good Left Undone. What an epic, wonderful sprawling novel, her writing lush and luminous as she draws us into the world of three generations of women with her signature warmth, humor and huge heart. There is no-one like Adriana, and here she is at her absolute best -- Jane Green, author of Sister StardustIt's impossible not to be absolutely enthralled by the latest immersive Trigiani masterwork about family, food (oh my God, so delicious), loyalty and legacy. A story bristling with so much generous life, you'll swear you are there for all of it: the great loves, the unfathomable losses, the betrayals and the secrets of the artisan Cabrelli family, especially with matriarch Matelda, caught between the end of her own life, the beginning of her granddaughter Anina's, and the dramatic, love-torn and war-torn life her mother Domenica had led. Spanning Italy, France and England, and decades, The Good Left Undone is thrilling proof that, 'A family is only as strong as their stories.' -- Caroline LeavittAdriana Trigiani once again proves her mastery at breaking your heart, and then mending it together again. Writing of strong women, steadfast loves, settings that whisk you away, and the legacy of the Cabrelli family, this is Trigiani at her finest. Sweeping yet intimate, The Good Left Undone is a love letter to matriarchs everywhere-prepare to be dazzled -- Karma Brown, author of Recipe for a Perfect WifeThe Good Left Undone is as exquisite as the jewels the Cabrelli family creates. The breadth of the story, Trigiani's trademark humor, and emotional depth is a memento mori. What a gift for us who now truly contemplate our mortality to follow Matelda Roffo as she contemplates her life and its meaning. Trigiani writes, 'A family is only as strong as their stories.' This family is made of iron. -- Susan Fales HillIn The Good Left Undone Adriana Trigiani creates a powerful evocation of grief, love and war through three generations of one family. The memorable Tuscan setting is interleaved with tender relationships that bring history to life. Trigiani's love of place and people leaps off the page -- Lucy Jago, bestselling author of A Net for Small FishesAn epic story that takes its readers on a journey through several generations, from past to present day * My Weekly *Praise for Adriana Trigiani * : *A comedy writer with a heart of gold * New York Times *Trigiani is a master of palpable and visual detail * Washington Post *One of my all-time favourite novels -- Whoopi GoldbergHonest, wholesome entertainment * Daily Mail *Utterly addictive * Glamour *Exquisite writing and a story enriched by the power of abiding love * USA Today *Full of romance, drama and snappy dialogue * People *Eminently readable and richly imagined * Publisher's Weekly *Hilarious and romantic. I couldn't put it down -- Sarah Jessica Parker

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Book SynopsisSuspenseful and thrilling, Sunday Times bestselling author Jeffrey Archer’s Sons of Fortune is a powerful tale of twins separated by fate and reunited by destiny.In the late 1940s in Hartford, Connecticut, a set of twins is parted at birth.Nat Cartwright goes home with his parents, a schoolteacher and an insurance salesman. His twin brother is adopted and becomes Fletcher Davenport, the only son of an American multi-millionaire and his society wife.Unaware the other exists, the brothers grow up and follow different paths, confronted by challenges and obstacles, tragedy and heartache. Nat goes to Vietnam and returns a hero, whilst Fletcher distinguishes himself as a criminal defence lawyer before embarking on a political career.But when Nat enters politics and both decide to run for governor, the brothers become unwitting rivals, setting off a train of events that will either forge their bond or break it forever . . .Absorbing and powerful, Archer’s tale is as much a chronicle of a nation in transition as the story of the making of these two men - and how they eventually discover the truth-and its tragic consequences. ‘If there was a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win’ - Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewProbably the greatest storyteller of our age * Mail on Sunday *If there was a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win * Daily Telegraph *The plain storytelling is unimprovable. Few literary writers could do his job better * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisKatie Flynn is the pen name of the much-loved writer, Judy Turner, who published over ninety novels in her lifetime. Judy's unique stories were inspired by hearing family recollections of life in Liverpool during the early twentieth century, and her books went on to sell more than eight million copies. Judy passed away in January 2019, aged 82.The legacy of Katie Flynn lives on through her daughter, Holly Flynn, who continues to write under the Katie Flynn name. Holly worked as an assistant to her mother for many years and together they co-authored a number of Katie Flynn novels.Holly lives in the north east of Wales with her husband Simon and their two children. When she's not writing she enjoys walking her two dogs, Sparky and Tara, in the surrounding countryside, and cooking forbidden foods such as pies, cakes and puddings! She looks forward to sharing many more Katie Flynn stories, which she and her mother devised together, with readers in the years to come.

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Book SynopsisBOOK TWO IN ELIZABETH GILL'S HEART-WRENCHING FOUNDLING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS TRILOGYWhen little Ella's grandmother dies, she is turned out of her home with nowhere to go. After her mother chooses her new husband over her daughter, Ella is forced to seek refuge at the Foundling School for Girls.Meanwhile, twins Julia and Ned are torn apart by their parents, sent away to different schools. They long to be reunited but will have to take matters into their own hands.In a world of hardship and betrayal, three children search for belonging. But with a lifetime of scars to carry, can they ever find true happiness?'Elizabeth Gill is a born storyteller' Trisha Ashley

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Book SynopsisFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF REBECCA'Daphne du Maurier has no rival' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'du Maurier is a magician, a virtuouso' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 'A storyteller of cunning and genius' SALLY BEAUMAN 'I tell you your mine will be in ruins and your home destroyed and your children forgotten . . . but this hill will be standing still to confound you.' So curses Morty Donovan when 'Cooper John' Brodrick builds his mine at Hungry Hill. The Brodricks of Clonmere gain great wealth by harnessing the power of Hungry Hill and extracting the treasure it holds. The Donovans, the original owners of Clonmere Castle, resent the Brodricks' success and consider the great house and its surrounding land theirs by rights. For generations the feud between the families has simmered, always threatening to break into violence . . .Trade ReviewDaphne du Maurier has no rival * Sunday Telegraph *du Maurier is a magician, a virtuouso. She can conjure up tragedy, horror, tension, suspense the ridiculous, the vain, the romantic * Good Housekeeping *A storyteller of cunning and geniusAs poignant and powerful as du Maurier's better-known romantic fiction * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis'In this superb fantasy saga of tough, old martial-arts masters and inexperienced young heroes, Wesley Chu has given us a richly inventive page-turner that delights on every page.' — Helene Wecker, author of The Golem and the JinniAn epic fantasy ode to martial arts and magic about what happens when a prophesied hero is not the chosen one after all, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lives of Tao.So many stories begin the same way: With a prophecy. A Chosen One. And the inevitable quest to slay a villain, save the kingdom, and fulfil a grand destiny. But this is not that kind of story.It does begin with a prophecy: A child will rise to defeat the Eternal Khan, a cruel immortal god-king, and save the kingdom. And that prophecy did anoint a hero, Jian, raised since birth in luxury and splendour, and celebrated before he has won a single battle.But that's when the story hits its first twist: The prophecy was wrong.What follows is a story more wondrous than any prophecy can foresee, and with many unexpected heroes: Taishi, an older woman who is the greatest grandmaster of magical martial arts in the kingdom but who thought her adventuring days were all behind her; Sali, a straitlaced warrior who learns the rules may no longer apply when the leader she pledged her life to is gone; and Qisami, a chaotic assassin who takes a little too much pleasure in the kill.And Jian himself, who has to find a way to become what he no longer believes he can be — a hero after all.

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Book SynopsisA heartbreaking story of love and loss, based on a true story OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLDTHE NO.1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERWINNER OF GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS 2017 BEST HISTORICAL FICTION AWARD***************************Memphis, Tennessee, 1939Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge, until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents - but they quickly realize the dark truth...Aiken, South Carolina, present dayBorn into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.*********************Based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals, in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country, Before We Were Yours is a riveting, wrenching and ultimately uplifting global bestseller. 'A tale of enduring power' Paula McLain'It is impossible not to get swept up in this near-perfect novel' Huffington PostTrade ReviewOne of the year's best books . . . It is almost a cliché to say a book is 'lovingly written' but that phrase applies clearly to Lisa Wingate's latest novel, Before We Were Yours. This story about children taken from their parents through kidnapping or subterfuge and then placed for adoption, for a price, clearly pours out of Wingate's heart. . . . It is impossible not to get swept up in this near-perfect novel. It invades your heart from the very first pages and stays there long after the book is finished. Few novelists could strike the balance this story requires but Wingate does it with assurance. There are a lot of books that will catch your eye this summer, some from our best storytellers. Make sure this one is on your radar. It should not be missed * The Huffington Post *

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Book SynopsisThe first book in the dramatic new saga from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling authorHolding the letter in trembling hands, Daisy's future crumbled before her the words engraved on her heart forever.The village of Little Creek, the long winter of 1867The first flakes of snow are falling when Daisy Marshall, secretly engaged to her master''s son, finds herself jilted at the altar.Heartbroken, Daisy flees to the small village of Little Creek, nestled on the coast of Essex. There she is warmly welcomed but the village is poverty-stricken, suffering under a cruel Lord of the manor. And when cholera hits, the villagers are truly in dire straits.Determined to help, Daisy makes new friends in earnest doctor Nicholas and dashing smuggler Jay but also dangerous new enemies, who threaten to destroy everything she's built. Can Daisy save the village and find happiness in time for Christmas?Trade Review Praise for Dilly Court: ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Dilly Court’s latest novel is another page-turner that will keep you gripped to the end – 5 stars’ The People’s Friend ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail ‘A fast-paced, riveting read’ Sunday Express ‘A heart-warming, fast-paced story that will keep you gripped till the end’ The People’s Friend ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Atmospheric, vivid and compelling’ My Weekly ‘An excellent, well-researched read’ People’s Friend ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph

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Book SynopsisFrom nineteenth-century cigar factories to present-day detention centres, from Cuba to the United States to Mexico, Gabriela Garcia’s Of Women and Salt follows Latina women of fierce pride, bound by the stories passed between them.‘Vivid details, visceral prose and strong willful women’ – Angie Cruz, author of DominicanaFive generations of women are linked by blood and circumstance, by the secrets they share, and by a single book passed down through a family, with an affirmation scrawled in its margins: 'We are force. We are more than we think we are.'1866, Cuba: María Isabel is the only woman employed at a cigar factory. These are dangerous political times, and as María begins to see marriage and motherhood as her only options, the sounds of war are approaching.1959, Cuba: Dolores watches her husband make for the mountains in answer to Fidel Castro’s call to arms. What Dolores knows, though, is that to survive, she must win her own war, and commit an act of violence that threatens to destroy her daughter Carmen’s world.2016, Miami: Carmen, still wrestling with the trauma of displacement, is shocked when her daughter Jeanette announces her plans to travel to Cuba to see her grandmother Dolores. In the walls of her crumbling home lies a secret, one that will link Jeanette to her past, and to this fearless line of women.Of Women and Salt is a haunting story about the choices of mothers and the tenacity of women who choose to tell their truth despite those who wish to silence them.'A multi-generational story that, at its heart, is a tribute to imperfect mother-daughter relationships and the enduring strength of women' – Stylist‘Extraordinary . . . stunning’ – Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll FactoryTrade ReviewGabriela Garcia captures the lives of Cuban women in a world to which they refuse to surrender and she does so with precision and generosity and beauty -- Roxane Gay, author of Bad FeministI am a sucker for intergenerational family dramas and fraught mother and daughter relationships. Garcia's vivid details, visceral prose and strong willful women negotiating how to survive in this world are easy to fall for -- Angie Cruz, author of DominicanaExtraordinary . . . A book that made me fall in love with reading again . . . A stunning hymn to the strength of mothers . . . I cannot stop thinking about it -- Elizabeth Macneal, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Doll FactoryI devoured it, and in return it swallowed me whole into the lives of women whose decisions mould and make each other. It’s about mothers & daughters - fierce love and the terror that comes with it. How we save each other. How we save ourselves. -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The MerciesThis stunningly accomplished first novel is both epic and intimate. * O, The Oprah Magazine *A mesmerizing patchwork of determination, courage and survival. * Washington Post *The women in Garcia's striking debut novel are connected not just by blood but by the need to endure or escape abusive relationships and countries. She captures the hope and pain of immigration and the terror of deportation with an unsentimental yet empathetic eye * New York Times *A stunning achievement. I loved its intensity, its scope, its vivid prose. An essential, profound story about mothers and daughters, the Latina Experience, and the indomitable beating heart of womankind. -- Emma Stonex, author of The LamplightersA moving intergenerational epic * Refinery29 *A multi-generational story that, at its heart, is a tribute to imperfect mother-daughter relationships and the enduring strength of women * Stylist *A vivid, engrossing novel . . . it utterly absorbed me with its luminous, exacting prose and depictions of redemption and violence -- Sharlene Teo, author of PontiExpansive yet intimate . . . this gorgeous debut heralds the arrival of a literary star * Elle *A sweeping tour de force about addiction, displacement, and the legacy of trauma * Harper's Bazaar *Gripping, accomplished . . . an interlocking portrait of women striving, loving, losing, getting lost and getting found * Lit Hub *The debut that's had publishing buzzing all winter long meditates on the way immigration shapes the lives of Latinx women * Entertainment Weekly *A fierce and powerful debut. Garcia wields narrative power, cultivating true and profound work on migration, legacy, and survival -- Terese Marie Mailhot, bestselling author of Heart Berries An outstanding debut from a supremely talented writer, this story stayed with me for a long while. Spanning different time frames, and locations across the US to Mexico, the engrossing tale interlinks the lives of five Latina women living in challenging circumstances. A book about resilience, strength and empowerment * Prima Magazine *[A] deeply American story about the pieces of self people leave behind on their journeys to become "Americans" * San Francisco Chronicle *Of Women and Salt defies convention and sentimentality and chips away at all manner of myths . . . [it] reads like poetry * Vogue *An impressive debut about heritage, baggage, and needing the kind of 'love that erases everything that came before it' . . . [Garcia is] an outstanding novelist and an exciting new voice with a talent for bringing humanity to the page * Boston Globe *Wonderful . . . a captivating and harrowing debut that will undoubtedly put Garcia on the literary map for years to come * Seattle Times *Garcia’s debut is slim yet lush, imbued with a harsh beauty * Oprah Daily *A tale weaved with pain, loss and strength, Of Women and Salt is a story of America’s most tangled, honest, human roots * SUCCESS *An enthralling and important story . . . Garcia shines in her ability to ultimately emphasize the strength, the perseverance, of these Latinx women * The Nerd Daily *Highly anticipated . . . The intergenerational narrative tackles immigration, addiction, and sexual trauma with ambition and a poetic voice * Elle.com *Garcia makes a powerful statement about how we draw on our roots to understand our place in the world, showing that no matter how much we may try to escape the past, it always influences the present * Real Simple *A powerful novel from an eye-catching new voice * Bustle *An impressive, tightly braided whole. This riveting account will please readers of sweeping multigenerational stories * Publisher's Weekly *In her beautifully written debut, Gabriela Garcia presents a new classic of mother-daughter literature . . . quietly heartbreaking * BookPage *Phenomenal . . . readers won’t want to put [it] down * BUST *This remarkable debut shines a brilliant light on the broken immigration system and legacy of trauma for the people who endure it * Ms. *Speaks to immigrant experiences in so many different ways. . . . Garcia demonstrates how migration can bring us closer together and tear us apart, how we reinforce borders all the time, how we fail each other * BITCH *

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Book SynopsisA sweeping dual-timeline novel from the bestselling author of The Girl from Bletchley Park.All she wanted was a child of her own1912. As the steamship Carpathia takes the survivors of the Titanic to New York, Lucy desperately searches the decks for her baby, thrust into the arms of another woman as a lifeboat left, and now nowhere to be found. Madeleine is helping her journalist husband to interview the survivors, and when she meets Lucy, she promises she will do anything she can to help her find her lost child.2022. When archivist Jackie finds a notebook containing the stories of women saved by the Carpathia amongst an auction lot, she learns the story of the missing baby. Desperate to start a family of her own, she feels compelled to dig further. And her search will lead her to a century-old mysteryInspired by true events, bestselling author Kathleen McGurl weaves history and fiction together in this captivating, deeply moving story.Readers LOVE The Lost Child!''Such a great story it blends the two eras so well'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''A story that will haunt you, in a good way!, long after you have finished the last page'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''A fantastic, heart wrenching novel'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''A must read'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''This compelling read was hard to put down'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''Made my heart smile'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''Well-researched and fast-paced I thoroughly enjoyed it'' Netgalley reviewer ?????Trade ReviewReaders LOVE Kathleen McGurl! ‘I LOVED this book!… I was totally engrossed… I'd highly recommend it!’ NetGalley reviewer ‘An absolute page turner, it had me gripped and in its spell… From the first page I was absolutely hooked on this book.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘A brilliant book.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘An inspiring coming-of-age story, combined with a fascinating history lesson… Five stars from me.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Outstanding… I loved this from start to finish.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Riveting… I loved it.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Beautifully written… A fabulous read with a teary ending.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘What a great novel!’ NetGalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisDora Preston has guts but it will take more than that for her to break free from Hedderby and make a life for herself on the stage. Then she meets Gideon - and pursuing her ambitions becomes even harder. Gideon has returned from the fighting in India only to discover that an impostor has stolen his inheritance. He has vowed he will claim his birthright but his enemies are ruthless and desperate. Arson attacks, crime and drunkenness have beset the Lancashire mill town, but the forces of goodness are rallying and are determined to prevail, whatever it takes.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 SynopsisAngels Cry Sometimes is a heartrending novel of discovering happiness again through heartbreak, grief and despair from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling storyteller Josephine Cox.The marriage of Marcia and Curt Ratheter seemed idyllically happy. As much in love as on their wedding day, nothing could mar their joy. But one fateful day in 1931 brought Marcia''s world tumbling about her ears and left her and her two daughters bereft.Barty Bendall had always loved her, he said; and the girls needed a father. Marcia moved to Blackburn with him, where she tried to forget the past. Barty, though, sank into bad ways, tyrannizing the family. In particular he would vent his aggression on Polly, Curt and Marcia''s first-born, blonde as an angel but afflicted since birth with an ominous shadow over her health.Even in troubled times, lovely raven-haired Marcia was a fighter. But the news that Curt Ratheter had reappeared would render her the helpless prey of wildly conflicting emotions. What readers are saying about Angels Cry Sometimes: ''All [Josephine Cox] books really engross me and Angels Cry Sometimes is no exception. Very moving''''Enjoyable and realistic characters that we can all identify with''''One of the best books I have read in a long time''

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Book Synopsis**Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award 2020** 'The great African novel of the twenty-first century' Tade Thompson, author of Rosewater On the banks of the Zambezi River, a few miles from the majestic Victoria Falls, there was once a colonial settlement called The Old Drift. In 1904, in a smoky room at the hotel across the river, an Old Drifter named Percy M. Clark, foggy with fever, makes a mistake that entangles his fate with those of an Italian hotelier and an African busboy. So begins a cycle of unwitting retribution between three Zambian families as they collide and converge over the course of the century, into the present and beyond. 'Extraordinary, ambitious, evocative, dazzling' Salman Rushdie 'Brilliant . . . heartbreaking' Sunday Times 'Charming, heartbreaking and breathtaking' Carmen Maria Machado, author of In the Dream HouseTrade ReviewExtraordinary, ambitious, evocative… The Old Drift is an impressive book, ranging skillfully between historical and science fiction, shifting gears between political argument, psychological realism and rich fabulism…a dazzling debut, establishing Namwali Serpell as a writer on the world stage -- Salman Rushdie * New York Times Book Review *Brilliant...there are moments of such heart-wrenching poignancy that I had to put the book down several times and recompose myself. Serpell writes with the emotional maturity and sardonic smile of one who has lived several times already -- Leaf Arbuthnot * Sunday Times *An intimate, brainy, gleaming epic... The reader who picks up The Old Drift is likely to be more than simply impressed. This is a dazzling book, as ambitious as any first novel published this decade. It made the skin on the back of my neck prickle...she’s such a generous writer. The people and the ideas in The Old Drift, like dervishes, are set whirling -- Dwight Garner * New York Times *From the poetry and subtle humor constantly alive in its language, to the cast of fulsome characters that defy simple categorization, The Old Drift is a novel that satisfies on all levels. Namwali Serpell excels in creating portraits of resilience—each unique and often heartbreaking. In The Old Drift the individual struggle is cast against a world of shifting principles and politics, and Serpell captures the quicksand nature of a nation’s roiling change with exacting precision. My only regret is that once begun, I reached the end all too soon -- Alice SeboldAn impressive first novel… The Old Drift is electric with the sense that Serpell is laying down pieces in a puzzle kept teasingly out of sight... A growing sense that The Old Drift could go on for ever is tribute to its inventiveness -- Anthony Cummins * Observer *

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Book Synopsis1875With their father missing and their mother suddenly passing, Esme and Gabriel are forced to track down their estranged grandfather in Lincolnshire. Cold and unwelcoming, he is reluctant to take them in, but aware of his standing as the village vicar, he knows must protect his reputation, and allow the children to stay with him.Esme's relief at finding refuge soon turns to despair when Gabriel is sent to boarding school, leaving her alone in their grandfather's unhappy home. But the house isn't as empty as it first appeared and Esme, with her unusual gift of being able to see spirits, begins to encounter the ghosts of young women in the abandoned rooms and dark corridors of the rectory. The women are trapped between this world and the next, seeking help from Esme and leaving her with a mystery to solve if she is to stand a chance of establishing a peaceful, happy life.Can Esme lay the ghosts to rest to save herself and find the life she deserves?

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Book SynopsisIn the war against Hitler every secret countsShines a light on a part of the British war effort I'd previously not been aware ofa fascinating, informative and heartwarming novel, and I loved it' The New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller Jill MansellSociety heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a skilled interrogator her beauty making her a non-threat in the eyes of the prisoners.Farm girl Betty Connors may not be able to type as she claimed, but her crack analytical skills soon find her unearthing covert connections.German ex-pat Judith Stern never expected to find herself listening in to German POW's whispered conversations, but the Nazis took her father from her so she will do whatever it takes to help the Allies end this war.Billeted together in the attic of Latimer House a place where secrets abound Evelyn, Betty and Judith soon form a bond of friendship that carries them through the war. Because nothing is stronger than women united.Tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Latimer House, a grand country estate, stands proudly a witness to some of greatest secrets of WW2.Used by the SOE to hold Nazi prisoners of war, this stunning historical novel is inspired by the untold story of the secret listeners of M Room' who worked day and night to help the Allies win the war. A must-read for fans of Mandy Robotham, Fiona Valpy and Kate Quinn.Readers love The Secrets of Latimer House:Freaking fabulous! Five perfect stars for this perfect book!The writing was wowza. So beautifully done. It flowed amazingly and honestly I couldn''t tear my eyes from my Kindle' RubieA truly fabulous read, full of drama intrigue and three fabulous characters' JeanieI really enjoy this type of book which brings strong women together in exceptional circumstances, and this one did not disappoint' AngelaThis five-star read is the first historical fiction novel for Jules Wake and I think you'll agree with me it's a real treat for lovers of this genre!!!' NormaAn excellent WWII-era historical fiction novel that is gripping, suspenseful, and engaging. I really enjoyed it!' Rachel

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Book SynopsisShe longed to be reunited with her family. The compelling new novel from the Sunday Times top ten bestselling author of The Workhouse Girl.Eleven-year-old Stella Barry is forced into service when her family find themselves living hand-to-mouth.Trade ReviewPerfect for Downton Abbey fans ... heart-tugging. * Peterborough Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisWritten around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. The only medieval chronicle to have Orkney as the central place of action, it tells of an era when the islands were still part of the Viking world, beginning with their conquest by the kings of Norway in the ninth century. The saga describes the subsequent history of the Earldom of Orkney and the adventures of great Norsemen such as Sigurd the Powerful, St Magnus the Martyr and Hrolf, the conqueror of Normandy. Savagely powerful and poetic, this is a fascinating depiction of an age of brutal battles, murder, sorcery and bitter family feuds.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to prov

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Book SynopsisOne of the most iconic fictional debuts of all time turns 25 this year!What's past is prologue'First published in the year 2000, Zadie Smith's White Teeth was one of the most celebrated novels of the new millennium. Adored by critics and readers alike, it remains a perennial bestseller, which still delights with the audacity of its scope and vision, its fresh-minted style, and the wit and warmth of its voice.Funny, generous and big-hearted, it deals among many other things with friendship, love, war, three cultures and three families over three generations, one brown mouse, and the tricky way the past has of coming back and biting you on the ankle.A life affirming, riotous must-read of a book, it won the Guardian First Book Award, the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction and the Whitbread First Novel Award.Curl up with it, savour every sentence, then turn around and reread' The TimesThe outstanding debut of the new millennium' ObserveTrade ReviewFunny, clever ... and a rollicking good read * Independent *Do believe the hype, buy into it, curl up with it, savour every sentence, then turn around and re-read * The Times *An impressive début, not only for its vitality and verve, but mainly for the sheer audacity of its scope and vision ... an epic tale ... swooping, funny ... it has ambition, wit and is unafraid -- Meera Syal * Express *Announces the debut of a preternaturally gifted new writer ... street-smart and learned, sassy and philosophical all at the same time * The New York Times *Relentlessly funny ... idiosyncratic, and deeply felt * Guardian *An astonishingly assured début, funny and serious ... I was delighted -- Salman RushdieShe is . . . a George Eliot of multi-culturalism * Daily Telegraph *[Zadie Smith] is one of the prominent voices of her generation * Sunday Times *Britain's finest young author * The List *[Zadie Smith] packs more intelligence, humour and sheer energy into any given scene than anyone else of her generation * Sunday Telegraph *[White Teeth] established a model for how to make sense-and art-out of the complexity, diversity and pluck that have defined the beginning of this century * Time *Funny, clever ... and a rollicking good read * Independent *Do believe the hype, buy into it, curl up with it, savour every sentence, then turn around and re-read * The Times *An impressive début, not only for its vitality and verve, but mainly for the sheer audacity of its scope and vision ... an epic tale ... swooping, funny ... it has ambition, wit and is unafraid -- Meera Syal * Express *Announces the debut of a preternaturally gifted new writer ... street-smart and learned, sassy and philosophical all at the same time * The New York Times *An astonishingly assured début, funny and serious ... I was delighted -- Salman RushdieRelentlessly funny ... idiosyncratic, and deeply felt * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisA moving story of three sisters and their unhappy childhoods; the secrets they keep from each other until their mother's next-door neighbour dies, and the truth begins to surface, with dramatic consequences.

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Open Door comes a moving and uplifting story about a generation of young people living through World War II September, 1939. In the sleepy village of Roehampton, Annie Webster has finally found comfort for herself and her close-knit family, far from the poverty and hardships of their childhood in Bermondsey. Then, an announcement shatters their newfound peace. England is at war . . . As her brothers enlist for duty, Annie sacrifices her glamorous job in London for the urgent work of the WAAF, where women of all backgrounds pull together tirelessly for the war effort. Brave, resourceful and determined to do her bit for her country, Annie''s intelligence and warmth singles her out for a daring new role . . .But as Annie quickly catches the eye of a dashing officer, will she ever find peace in her heart? And will Annie and her loved ones survive Britain''s darkest hour?Trade ReviewPraise for The Winter Child * - *A heartwarming and uplifting tale, much like the author's own experience * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisPre-order the second book in The Chocolate Box Girls series now! York, 1940World War Two has arrived for the girls of the Rowntrees factory, and with rationing crippling the country, chocolate production has been driven to a bare minimum. It''s all change for the Freeman sisters when the Rowntrees factory is turned over to making munitions.Molly is put on the fuse and detonator line, soon becoming skilled at her work despite the dangers. Rose copes with husband Ned's absence with the RAF by relishing her position on the Board. And Annie joins the Land Army, billeted to a pig farm in Lancashire.Despite the heartache and worry, nothing will stop the Freeman sisters from doing all they can for theirmen and country.

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Book SynopsisBook threein the heartwarming Lancashire-based Gibson series by beloved saga author Anna Jacobs.It''s 1848 and preparations are underway for Annie Gibson''s wedding to Bilsden''s wealthy millwoner, Frederick Hallam. But not everyone is as pleased as they are. Frederick''s daughter, Beatrice, is horrified at the prospect of a new attractive stepmother arriving at the house on Ridge Hill. Even Annie''s own family feels threatened. The only person who seems pleased is Tom, Annie''s brother. Soon, however, real troubles begin to pile up for the Gibsons. Tom''s happiness is jeopardised by the news that he is father to a child he never knew about. Annie''s son, William, is devastated to find out that his real father is not the man who brought him up. And even Annie''s joy cannot last. Because someone has uncovered the secrets she has fought so hard to keep hidden...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 SynopsisThe classic story of post-war English life, from the author of A City of Bells and Green Dolphin Country.Trade Reviewa charming and appealing story of the disentanglement of tangled lives. - Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisSet on the wild moors of West Yorkshire, The Girl from the Tanner's Yard by Diane Allen is a moving family drama about a girl who rises to prosperity from humble beginnings.After facing the horrors of the Crimean War, Adam Brooksbank returns to Black Moss Farm filled with regret over the path in life he has chosen. Starting anew, he decides to focus on rebuilding his family’s rundown farm and make it a home again.Lucy Bancroft lives with her parents on Prospect Terrace which backs onto the local tannery, and is the most beautiful girl in the village. But unfortunately her wealth doesn’t match her looks, and she soon realizes that nobody wants to court a girl from the filthy Flay Pits, let alone marry her.Yet when Lucy comes to work for Adam as his maid she finds herself falling in love with the farm set high upon the wild Moors of Haworth. Furthermore she begins to imagine a life with her new employer that goes beyond just being his maid. As they spend more time together, their feelings develop for one another despite her parents warning her nothing good will come of it. As rumours swirl around the village igniting jealousies and unearthing deeply buried secrets, will love find a way?Trade ReviewAn enthralling tale packed with emotion, drama and the harsh realities of life in nineteenth-century northern England * Lancashire Post *If you are a lover of historical sagas and the sweep of the northern hills and their romance, then this novel is definitely for you * Historical Novel Society *

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Book Synopsis1939. After the sudden and tragic loss of her husband, Helen is returning home to her mother’s house in Biggin Hill, Kent – the one place she vowed she’d never go back to again.Alone and not knowing where to turn, Helen finds herself joining the local women’s sewing circle despite being hopeless with a needle and thread. These resourceful women can not only make do and mend clothes, quilts and woolly hats, but their friendship mends something deeper in Helen too. Lizzie is a natural leader, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Effie has uprooted her life from London to keep her two little girls away from the bombing raids, and the sewing circle is a welcome distraction from worries about how to keep a roof over their heads and about her husband too, now serving in active duty overseas.When the reason for Helen's husband's death comes to light, her world is turned upside down yet again. The investigating officer on the case, Richard, will leave no stone unturned, but it’s not long before his interest in Helen goes beyond the professional. As she pieces together old fabrics into a beautiful quilt, will Helen patch up the rifts in her own life?The Patchwork Girls by Elaine Everest is a moving story about the ties of friends and family, set during the turbulence of World War II.Trade ReviewHeartwarming . . . a must-read -- Woman's Own on The Teashop GirlsA warm, tender tale of friendship and love . . . sweet as a Woolies pick ’n’ mix -- Milly Johnson on The Woolworths GirlsA lovely read -- Bella on The Woolworths GirlsElaine brings the heyday of the iconic high-street giant to life in her charming novel -- S Magazine on The Woolworths Girls

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Book SynopsisWhen her loving but strict parents pass away, twenty-one-year-old Megan is left penniless and alone. However, for the first time in her life, she finally has the freedom to explore who she really is.She begins to come out of her shell, trying daring new things such as wearing makeup, buying modern clothes and going out dancing. Soon, she starts stepping out with a solid, dependable local man. And when she is taken under the wing of the wealthy Celia Bevington, she discovers that there is so much more to life than working as a paintress in the local pottery factory. But as she gets to know Nathan, a dashing American visitor, she starts to question whether she should be wanting more from life. On top of that, a mysterious silver hairbrush left to her by her late mother is about to lead to revelations that will turn her world upside down . . . When the chance comes to fulfil her every hope, will she find the courage to follow her heart? Readers are already being swept away by A DAUGHTER'S HOPE:'The story will tug at your heartstrings . . . a page turner. Read it!''Margaret has a gift of captivating her readers' and holding their attention. Beautifully told with humour and sadness in equal measure. A brilliant read!''Beautifully written and captivating, I can highly recommend.''This is a beautifully told tale and there's a great feeling of time and place. Margaret Kaine has that storyteller's gift of grabbing the reader's attention and holding on.' 'Margaret Kaine writes with supreme skill. Thank you for a wonderful story, Margaret.''I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end'A Daughter's Hope was previously published as Song for a ButterflyTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR MARGARET KAINEIt's an absorbing read, so well crafted that your heart will beat just a little faster as you're drawn into the riveting battle between heartbreak and hope * Daily Record *If your heart doesn't bear a little faster whilst reading this, regardless of whether romantic novels are your thing or not, then you just couldn't be human * Irish World *A touching and genuinely moving novel with a cast of brilliant characters * Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark *A sensitive and well crafted portrayal of a young, unmarried girl . . . How true to life it seemed * Historical Novels Association *

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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, from the bestselling author of A Shilling for a Wife---------------------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. Determine

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Book SynopsisA wonderful new Christmas story of friendship, love and duty in wartime by the author of The Air Raid Girls, for fans of Elaine Everest and Rosie Hendry.November, 1941. Christmas is coming... and despite the blackout, shortages and a constant threat of air raids, the inhabitants of Kelthorpe on the Yorkshire coast are determined that war won''t stop them celebrating.The run-up to Christmas sees sisters Connie and Lizzie, and their good friend Pamela, busier than ever. Between their jobs, carol-singing rehearsals with the church choir and night shifts doing their bit as Air Raid Wardens and ambulance drivers, it''s all go.But when Connie and Lizzie''s dear dad falls ill, their sweethearts Tom and Bill are called up by the Royal Navy for dangerous mine-sweeping duties, and Pamela''s sweetheart Fred is targeted by vicious locals, the girls have to believe in miracles to keep soldiering on.Can their

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Book Synopsis**Available for pre-order now**Alice, Kate and Naomi want to keep the magic of Christmas alive in their village of Churchwood but a thief in the area and a new family that shuns the local community are only the first of the problems they face.Naomi is fighting to free herself from Alexander Harrington - the man who married her for her money then kept a secret family behind her back. It could be the start of a whole new life for her, but after years of Alexander controlling - and draining - her finances, two questions remain to be answered: how much of her money is left, and will she be able to achieve the independence she craves?Alice's dreams came true when she married sweetheart Daniel. Now he has returned to the war and Alice misses him terribly, but she is delighted to discover that she's carrying his child. Will she, Daniel and the baby make it through the war unscathed?For Kate, life with her dysfunctional family on Brimbles Farm has never been easy but she now has Land Girls Pearl and Ruby to help, giving her more time for her friends. She's also in love with pilot Leo. But what sort of shadow will be cast over the lives of all at Brimbles Farm when her brother returns from the war with terrible injuries? And why has Leo stopped writing?As ever, the Wartime Bookshop is a source of community and comfort. But disaster is about to strike...Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop is the third novel in the uplifting Wartime Bookshop series, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest.**Real readers are LOVING The Wartime Bookshop series**'BRILLIANT''Oh I loved this book... please carry on the good writing''Wow what a brilliant start to a new series''Outstandingly fabulous, warm and inviting... so glad there is going to be a follow-on''I was only two pages in when I knew this would be a 5 star read... I honestly can't put my excitement into words at the thought of reading the next one'Trade ReviewPraise for the Wartime Bookshop series * :- *A cosy winter read if ever there was one... a refreshingly comforting book telling the story of a little village, with some wonderful character developments in the process * Anything Goes Lifestyle Magazine, Book of the Month *A delightful wartime saga about a young girl making a difference in her new village... Beautiful book and I loved it * Rosie Clarke, author of the Mulberry Lane series *If you enjoy wartime dramas such as Home Fires you'll love The Wartime Bookshop * Yours Magazine *Written by Lesley Eames, an author with romance at heart, The Wartime Bookshop is a wholesome novel questioning how friendship can be the answer. Snuggle up and experience her storytelling for yourself * Chat Magazine, Book of the Month *A pleasure to read for anyone who enjoys a good wartime saga * Lizzie Lane, author of The Tobacco Girls *A real cosy novel of women and friendship. I'm looking forward to seeing what this threesome gets up to next * Bishop's Stortford Independent *Heartwarming... an uplifting tale with well-drawn characters * Candis Magazine *A delight from start to finish - the perfect comfort read! * Vicki Beeby, author of The Ops Room Girls series *I could spend hours in the company of Alice, Kate and Naomi who by the end felt like firm friends. The Wartime Bookshop is a must-read for all saga fans * Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls series *

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Book SynopsisShe's ready to serve. Even if it means heading straight into danger. England, 1940. Shedding a tear as she says goodbye to her new fiancé when he leaves to fight, Lily Baker begins her own journey in the ATS. Thrilled after she wins the assignment to work in a coveted post, Lily is shocked to find out that one of her new colleagues might be a spy. And when she learns that her beloved is missing in action, she vows to do all she can to protect those around her. An uplifting wartime saga, perfect for fans of Elaine Everest, Vicki Beeby and Daisy Styles

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Book SynopsisA compelling family saga set in a mining town in South Wales, depicting life in the challenging times of war, strikes and fast changing circumstances.

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