Family saga / generational saga fiction

Book SynopsisOne dismal day in 1857, Maria Mundy arrives at Hatter''s Hall, the local mental asylum, not as an inmate but as a worker. Here, she is ordered to care for Isabelle Montgomery, the daughter of an influential land-owner. But Isabelle is not insane. She, like many other young women confined within the walls, has been banished here by her family. Hatter''s Hall serves to hide unmarried women, in the family way, from prying eyes As the women's lives become entwined, they realise the dangers they face. But there is only one way out of Hatter''s Hall. The women must escape and there is one man who can help, Isabelle's brother Joshua who can barely keep his eyes off Maria. Otherwise, there's every chance they might never leaveTrade ReviewGoodwin is a master of her craft: she excels in writing about the complexity of relationships, the hardships of life, the ties of family and the joys of love and friendship * Lancashire Evening Post *Rosie is a talented storyteller * Dee Williams *

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Book SynopsisCan Irene find a new home by the docks?Newly married to dashing RAF officer, Tom, Irene Farley leaves behind her safe countryside life to move in with his family by the docks in South Shields. Little prepares her for the devastation the Jerry bombers have wreaked on the Sixteen Streets or that they would be living under her mother-in-law''s roof, alongside Tom''s three brothers and two wives!Irene''s only escape is her job at the local Wright''s Biscuit factory packing up a little taste of home for the brave boys fighting for King and country across the channel. As the threat of war creeps ever closer to the Sixteen Streets, the biscuit factory girls bond together, because no one can get through this war alone...

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Book SynopsisThe dramatic conclusion to the inspirational family saga that has captivated millions of readers around the world!A New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestseller from the author of Redeeming Love.In the dramatic conclusion to the Marta's Legacy series, the beloved author of Redeeming Love and The Masterpiece delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.Marta's granddaughter, Carolyn, comes of age during the turbulent sixties, struggling to navigate a tense family life. Though college offers a taste of freedom, tragedy shatters her confidence and she disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help her rebuild a life for herself and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn.But famili

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Book SynopsisTwo girls in 19th-century rural France. Annette works below stairs. Hélène is a daughter of the house. As children on the mean streets of Paris, they went through more together than anyone must ever guess and they share a secret to be kept at all costs. Now Hélène is in love with a man she cannot marry. And must marry a man she cannot love. A man she is beginning to suspect is both cruel and dangerous... 'Truly captivating' Woman & HomeTrade ReviewTruly captivating * Woman & Home *A captivating read, it brings together vibrant characters and historical settings with great success * Woman's Weekly *A truly captivating read that brings together vibrant characters and a historical setting * Woman's Own *Gripping tale of love, secrets and peril * Wells Journal *Gorgeous... Full of love, secrets and danger... The perfect escapist page-turning read' * Weston Mercury *The Somerset historical author takes us on a journey of friendship, romance and scandal set in 19th-century France * Somerset Life *

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Book SynopsisSisters Mattie, Nell and Renie have all managed to escape their oppressive and bullying father, but now separated, the girls must draw upon their strength and courage to build new lives for themselves.Renie, the youngest sister, is living with the newly married Nell, happy in her waitressing job at the King''s Head Hotel. But a shadow falls over her the day Mr Judson arrives as assistant manager. Feeling increasingly harassed by him and also eager to escape from Nell''s unpleasant husband, Renie is delighted when she is offered a new job in London. Although she at first finds the city a huge and bewildering place, soon she is settling in and making friends. And yet she still worries about her sister Nell, and the way her husband Cliff treats her.When tragedy strikes Nell and her family, Renie is left feeling horrified and helpless. Her only comfort is her growing friendship with the injured Gil, towards whom she has felt an instant trust and affection. But can their relationship progre

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Book SynopsisCall the Midwife meets Dr Barnardo's in this gritty drama that will appeal to fans of Nadine Dorries and Kitty Neale.When there is nowhere else to turn, St Saviour's will give them hopeIt's 1947 and London's East End is still a bombed-out landscape. Sister Beatrice, who runs the St Saviour's Children's Home, knows that life is still a precarious existence for many children and it seems that there is no end to the constant stream of waifs and strays who appear at their door looking for a safe haven.One such arrival is Mary Ellen whose mother is gravely ill. The one silver lining is her best friend, the tearaway Billy Baggins, also a resident of the home, but Billy seems intent on falling foul of Sister Beatrice's strict regime.New arrival on the staff, Angela, admires Sister Beatrice, but can see that the children need love and kindness as well as a strong hand. When an unwelcome face from Billy's past arrives on the scene, things are brought to a head. Can the two women work together tTrade Review.

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Book SynopsisOne summer can change everything . . .Perfect for readers who love Debbie Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Trisha Ashley.Warm and funny and feel-good. The best sort of holiday read. Katie FfordeFilled with warm and likeable characters. Great fun! Jill MansellDemi doesn't expect her summer in Cornwall to hold anything out of the ordinary. As a waitress, working all hours to make ends meet, washing dishes and serving ice creams seems to be as exciting as the holiday season is about to get.That's until she meets Cal Penwith. An outsider, like herself, Cal is persuaded to let Demi help him renovate his holiday resort, Kilhallon Park. Set above an idyllic Cornish cove, the once popular destination for tourists has now gone to rack and ruin. During the course of the Cornish summer, Demi makes new friends and foes as she helps the dashing and often infuriating Cal in his quest. Working side by side, the pair grow close, but Cal has complications in his past which make Demi wonder if he could everTrade Review“Warm and funny and feel-good. The best sort of holiday read.” Katie Fforde "Filled with warm and likeable characters. Great fun!" Jill Mansell “An utterly glorious, escapist read from a one of the freshest voices to emerge in women's fiction today. I loved every gorgeous page.” Claudia Carroll “A deliciously entertaining twist on the Poldark tale.”Liz Fenwick “A glorious, tantalising taste of Cornwall, I could almost taste the salt of the sea air as I read it.” Jules Wake “Made me want to run away to the Cornish coast immediately! Lovely, romantic summery escapism. Loved it!” Lorelei Mathias “You can't help but fall in love with the characters in this book. With its determined heroine and smouldering Poldark-alike this sweeping love story grips you and doesn't let go until the very last page.” Helen Cox “Summer at the Cornish Cafe hooked me right from the start, I ended up reading it in a day as I couldn't put it down. The first book in a very long time that has made me just curl up with a cuppa and lose myself in the pages. If you love Cornwall, you'll love this book.” A Cornish Mum “Phillipa Ashley is without doubt a very accomplished writer and the picture she paints of St Trenyan enthrals the reader and makes you want to book your own holiday to Kilhallon Park. The story expertly switches between the two lead character viewpoints giving you both sides of the story. The backgrounds of the characters are beautifully told as the story that brings them together unfolds. Add in some wonderfully eccentric locals, the perfect modern villain in Mawgan Cade and a special little dog called Mitch and you have yourself a terrific cast. Summer at the Cornish Cafe is a perfect summer read for the beach wherever you take your holiday but chances are if you read this first you’ll want to be heading to Cornwall!” Bella Osborne "Ashley's writing is deft, sexy, and full of humour." Trashionista.com

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Book SynopsisScotland, 1940In a house on the east coast, Jane faces motherhood alone. With her husband away at war, there is no one to protect her from small town suspicions and she must learn to keep her secrets to herself.Three decades later her daughter Felicity leaves their life behind for Montreal, glad to flee the unknowns that have plagued her so far. But her personal battles are nothing compared to the unrest here, where a commune in rural Quebec and a child of her own might be her saviours.The child grows up to be Pidge, a woman surprised to find that she will inherit her grandmother''s Scottish house, yet curious about the ingredients that make up a family''s history.Amidst the flying feathers of the wild goose that stalks the kitchen, Pidge will find unexpected answers to the questions that have beset these women through the years.The Heart Beats in Secret is a powerful story of three women and the secrets and bonds that have defined them. It explores the wilderness of the heart, the secTrade Review‘Textured and beautiful. Katie Munnik has a voice full of quiet passion and poetry’ Kate Hamer ‘Munnik unfurls her story in quiet, reflective prose, but there is much to enjoy along the way’ Town and Country ‘[A] powerful, multi-generational novel … full of secrets, stories and discoveries’ Prima ‘Beautifully written and moving’ Woman’s Own ‘The Heart Beats in Secret is a spacious and yet densely woven work … beautifully written’ The Cardiff Review

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Book SynopsisFor readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Kate Furnivall comes a gritty tale of courage, betrayal and love in the most unlikely of places.Also published as The German Midwife.A powerful, haunting debut' Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice NetworkIncredibly powerful, harrowing but ultimately uplifting. I couldn't put this down.' Katie Fforde, author of A Rose Petal SummerA fascinating story which had me forgetting it's fiction! So well written, I was left pondering if the events could actually be true. Enthralling!' Kitty Neale, author of A Sister's SorrowAbsorbing and totally believable a wonderful WW2 novel.' Molly Green, author of An Orphan's WarI cannot give enough praise for A Woman of War. This is definitely #1 on my list of [historical fiction] books I've read in 2018.' NetGalley ReviewerIf you are looking for a page turner, this is it. I read the book cover to cover in 48 hours. If I could give this book a 6/5 stars I would!' NetGalley ReviewerThe wriTrade Review‘Incredibly powerful, harrowing but ultimately uplifting. I couldn’t put this down.’ Katie Fforde ‘A fascinating story which had me forgetting it’s fiction! So well written, I was left pondering if the events could actually be true. Enthralling!’ Kitty Neale ‘Absorbing and totally believable – a wonderful WW2 novel.’ Molly Green ‘I cannot give enough praise for A Woman of War. This is definitely #1 on my list of historical fiction books I’ve read in 2018.’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘If you are looking for a page turner, this is it. I read the book cover to cover in 48 hours. If I could give this book a 6/5 Stars I would!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘The writing was excellent and the characters realistic […] an interesting and thoughtful page turner.’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘Very compelling.’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘This book absolutely DESTROYED me. I went into it with high expectations, and I certainly wasn't let down.’ NetGalley Reviewer

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestsellerShortlisted for the Women's Prize for FictionLonglisted for the Booker PrizeIt is a book not read, but lived' TelegraphMantel has taken us to the dark heart of history and what a show' The TimesThe Sunday Times bestselling sequel to Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, the stunning conclusion to Hilary Mantel's Man Booker Prize-winning Wolf Hall trilogy.If you cannot speak truth at a beheading, when can you speak it?'England, May 1536. Anne Boleyn is dead, decapitated in the space of a heartbeat by a hired French executioner. As her remains are bundled into oblivion, Thomas Cromwell breakfasts with the victors. The blacksmith's son from Putney emerges from the spring's bloodbath to continue his climb to power and wealth, while his formidable master, Henry VIII, settles to short-lived happiness with his third queen, Jane Seymour.Cromwell is a man with only his wits to rely on; he has no great family to back him, no private army. Despite rebellion at home, traitTrade Review‘Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall novels make 99 per cent of contemporary literary fiction feel utterly pale and bloodless by comparison’ The Times ‘Hilary Mantel has written an epic of English history that does what the Aeneid did for the Romans and War and Peace for the Russians. We are lucky to have it.’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Very few writers manage not just to excavate the sedimented remains of the past, but bring them up again into the light and air so that they shine brightly once more before us. Hilary Mantel has done just that.’ Simon Schama, Financial Times ‘A masterpiece that will keep yielding its riches, changing as its readers change, going forward with us into the future’ Guardian ‘The most masterful story telling imaginable’ Graham Norton ‘The final book in the trilogy charts [Cromwell’s] inexorable downfall with the dark brilliance and profound humanity that makes it, like its forerunners, a masterpiece’ Daily Mail ‘Ambitious, compassionate, clear-eyed yet emotional, passionate and pragmatic, The Mirror & the Light lays down a marker for historical fiction that will set the standard for generations to come’ Independent ‘It’s the crowning glory of a towering achievement’ Mail on Sunday ‘This is a must-read’ Good Housekeeping ‘On closing the book I wept as I’ve not wept over a novel since I was a child . . . Mantel struck her spear against the flint of Thomas Cromwell, and lit such a candle in England as will never go out’Telegraph, Sarah Perry, ‘A masterpiece . . . Mantel has redefined what the historical novel is capable of . . . Taken together, her Cromwell novels are, for my money, the greatest English novels of this century’ Observer, Stephanie Merritt

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Book SynopsisPresented for the first time as a standalone work, the epic tale of The Fall of Gondolin reunites fans of The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings with Elves, Balrogs, Dragons & Orcs and the rich landscape unique to Tolkien's Middle-earth. This brand new unabridged audio book is read by Timothy West & Samuel West.Gondolin, beautiful but undiscoverable, is central to the enmity of two of the greatest powers in the world.Morgoth of the uttermost evil seeks in vain to discover the marvellously hidden city of his Elven enemies, while the gods in Valinor refuse to support Ulmo Lord of Waters'' designs to protect it.Into this world comes Tuor, cousin of Túrin, and guided unseen by Ulmo he sets out on the fearful journey to Gondolin to warn them of their coming doom. Then Morgoth learns through an act of supreme treachery all that he needs to mount a devastating attack on the city, with Balrogs and dragons and numberless Orcs.Trade Review‘Never did [Tolkien] write a more sustained account of battle. With dragons and fiery balrogs galore, the attack on Gondolin makes Peter Jackson’s souped-up cinema battles look like tabletop games.’The Times ‘The text is rife with references to characters and creatures that come to play a role in The Lord of the Rings… one passage in particular seems to set up one of the most famous scenes from the LOTR trilogy.’Time ‘It’s a load-bearing pillar in the grander narrative that eventually came to encompass better-known works. Tolkien explicitly expressed his wish later in life that the three Great Tales of Middle-earth’s early days — The Children of Húrin, Beren and Lúthien, and The Fall of Gondolin — along with The Lord of the Rings and other writings, should be considered as “one long Saga of the Jewels and the Rings”.’Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisAll the Button Street children deserve a good homeAlone and on the streets after their mother ends up in hospital, Charlie has promised his little sister Maisie he'll never let her feel frightened again. That promise is hard to keep when Maisie falls ill.Hope comes in the shape of Susan and the other nurses at the local hospital. Times are tough and lately they've seen even more children come through their doors who need kindness and a loving home.The only way to keep Charlie and Maisie out of the orphanage is to find them a good foster home, but there are far too many people who'd take them in for their own ruthless ends. With decent folk in short supply, can Susan help Charlie to keep his promise?Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Glenda Young!Trade ReviewReader’s love Cathy Sharp ‘A brilliant book!’ 5* Amazon reviewer ‘Enjoyed every page’ 5*Goodreads reviewer ‘Another brilliant book’ 5* Amazon reviewer ‘Loved this book … had me gripped waiting for next page’ 5* Amazon reviewer

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Book SynopsisThe emotional, heartrending story from the bestselling author of The Orphans of Halfpenny Street and An Orphan's DreamCan he find a new family?Schoolboy Luke runs away to London, far from the abusive orphanage where he grew up. Desperate not to end up as a petty criminal, forced to beg for scraps on the street. Luke wanders the East End docks searching for honest employment and a morsel of food.Longing to be a part of the close-knit community, Luke volunteers to work with the local doctor and his wife. Their welcoming home is all he's ever wished for. But not everyone wants the best for Luke and his new friends.A dangerous man is looking for revenge, and Luke risks being pulled into the dark criminal underworld of the docks. Will he be forced to sacrifice the life he's built for himself in order to protect those he's grown to love?Reader's love Cathy SharpA brilliant book!' 5* Amazon reviewerEnjoyed every page' 5* Goodreads reviewerTrade Review Reader’s love Cathy Sharp ‘Loved this book … had me gripped waiting for the next page’ 5* Amazon reviewer ‘Another brilliant book’ 5* Amazon reviewer ‘A must read’ 5* Amazon reviewer ‘I could not put it down’ 5* Amazon reviewer ‘Keeps you captivated start to finish.’ 5* Goodreads reviewer ‘Absolutely brilliant’ 5* Goodreads reviewer

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Book SynopsisThe International No.1 BestsellerThe perfect summer escape' Sarah MorganYou will love this' Philippa Ashley This will sweep you away to Italian citrus groves' FabulousHer summer escape will awaken the pastIn the Golden Age of Hollywood, Kelly Sinclair is on the cusp of becoming the next big movie star. Until then, she's spending the summer of 1953 on the magical island of Capri Sixty years later, on a visit to her elderly grandmother's cottage, photographer Maddie Williams unearths a box of old film memorabilia featuring a glamorous and beautiful young woman with platinum blonde hair. She also finds a postcard from the island of Capri, detailing the heart-breaking end of a passionate love affair.Her grandmother now has trouble remembering anything from all those years ago. So when Maddie is commissioned for a photoshoot in Italy, she visits Capri to see if she can find out the truth. Can she unravel the mystery and discover what really happened in the summer of 1953, and will her magiTrade ReviewPraise for A Postcard From Capri: ‘A gorgoeusly evocative summer read’ My Weekly ‘The best escapist fiction’ Prima Praise for Alex Brown: 'A glamorous and moving portrayal of love, war and friendship.' – Carmel Harrington ‘I adored it’ – Milly Johnson ‘A really lovely read' – Sarah Morgan ‘Very lovely’ – Jill Mansell ‘An intriguing and heart-warming story you will love’ – Katie Fforde ‘Warm and cosy’ – Lucy Diamond 'Poignant and moving, the cleverly entwined stories kept me turning the pages.’ – Trisha Ashley ‘Alex Brown at her very best – charming, witty, heartwarming and full of absorbing characters' – Carmel Harrington 'A lovely, warm-hearted and compassionate tale’ – LoveReading ‘This was genuinely one of the most special books I've read this year.’ – Bookish Escapes ‘A lovely book to curl up and unwind with, as sweet and charming as home made apple pie’ – Milly Johnson

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Book SynopsisWhen war breaks out, friendship will see them throughA heart-warming story perfect for saga lovers', Nancy Revell,Sunday Times bestselling author of The Shipyard Girls seriesSheffield, 1939. With war declared, these brave women will step up and do their bit for their countryHousewife Nancy never dreamed that she'd end up in Vickers steelworks factory but when husband Bert is called up to serve, she needs to put food on the table for her two young children.Betty's sweetheart William has joined the RAF Reserves so she can't sit around and do nothing even if it means giving up her ambitions to study law at night school.Young Patty is relishing the excitement the war brings. But this shop-girl is going to have to grow up quickly, especially now she's undertaking such back-breaking and dangerous work in the factory.The Steel Girls start off as strangers but quickly forge an unbreakable bond of friendship as these feisty factory sisters vow to keep the foundry fires burning during wartime.HTrade Review Praise for The Steel Girls: ‘A riveting saga about love, courage and, above all, female friendship’ Best ‘A lovely read’ Bella ‘Hardship, courage and hope on the Home Front’ Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Lavender Girls ‘A heart-warming story perfect for saga lovers’ Nancy Revell, bestselling author of The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front ‘A great read’ Yorkshire Post ’A heart-warming tale of the brave women who stepped up to become the backbone of Sheffield’s steel industry during the Second World War’ Yours

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Book SynopsisA TOP TEN NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERAN OPRAH BOOK CLUB PICKONE OF BARACK OBAMA'S FAVOURITE BOOKS OF THE YEARAstonishing A great work infused with love and honesty' Alice Walker, author of The Color PurpleDeeply moving it is magnificent' Sarah Winman, author of Still LifeA remarkable work' Afua Hirsch, author of Brit(ish)Epic It just consumed me'' Oprah Winfrey, Oprah Book ClubThe kind of book that comes around only once a decade'' Washington PostA breath-taking debut novel that chronicles the journey of generations of one American family, from the centuries of the colonial slave trade to our own tumultuous eraThe great scholar, W.E.B. Du Bois, once wrote about the Problem of race in America, and what he called Double Consciousness,' a sensitivity that every African American possesses in order to survive. Since childhood, Ailey Pearl Garfield has understood Du Bois''s words all too well.From an early age, Ailey fights a battle to feel like she belongs, made all the more difficult by a hoTrade Review‘Astonishing… I lived in this novel for three weeks. It is long. It is a journey. It is something so remarkable I’m not sure we collectively ever even dreamed it.’ Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple ’A major, almost 800-page novel that beautifully, and traumatically, weaves a spell of a story about more than ten generations of an American family—indigenous, African and European. It’s going to be a long time before I stop thinking about Ailey and Uncle Root. A remarkable work’ Afua Hirsch, author of Brit(ish) ‘Once in a while a book comes along whose scope in storytelling is breath-taking. Whose characters are so vivid they embody a sense of rich familiarity. A book I urge everyone to read. The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is that book’ Sarah Winman, author of Still Life ‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is the kind of book that comes around only once a decade … With the depth of its intelligence and the breadth of its vision, Love Songs is simply magnificent’ Washington Post ‘Quite simply the best book that I have read in a very, very long time… Just as Toni Morrison did in Beloved, Jeffers uses fiction to fill in the gaping blanks of those who have been rendered nameless and therefore storyless… A sweeping, masterly debut’ New York Times ‘Just as brilliant as it is necessary, just as intimate as it is expansive. An outstanding portrait of an American family and in turn, an outstanding portrait of America’ Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give ‘It’s awe-inspiring. Massive, unflagging, gripping, gorgeous. A sweeping family saga that is also history at its most intimate and vital. I will be recommending it everyone I know. Unforgettable’ Stef Penney, author of The Tenderness of Wolves

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Book SynopsisReaders will be captivated by this story of love, sacrifice, and destiny, where the past and present collide to rewrite the future.The Lost Memories gathered me up and swept me away. A beautiful, uplifting tale of life's many types of love, and how the truest are never forgotten. Amanda Geard-Suffolk, 1944. American pilot Charlie's second tour is about to draw to a close, but his heart is forever changed when he meets Kitty, a local girl with dreams of joining the Women's Land Army. As love blooms, the pair are all too aware that every perilous mission Charlie flies may well be his lastSuffolk, 2011. When Kitty's granddaughter and ambitious tearoom owner Amy meets American tourist and photographer Jack, she agrees to show him around in exchange for his photographic talents. The deal quickly grows into an unexpected bond but when long-buried secrets emerge, neither of their worlds will ever be the same againThe Lost Memories is a heartwarming, multi-generational love story, perfect for

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Book SynopsisIn 1911, two English roses embark on an adventure under the Indian sun that will test their every limitWhen high society sisters Isobel and Violet find themselves down on their luck, an unexpected inheritance sends them on an unforgettable voyage of discovery to face a wild destiny, deep in the jungles of India. With only their widowed Aunt Bea to guide them, the sisters will have to bond together through sickness and health if they have any hope of surviving this strange new world.But with Violet determined to marry well and return to England as soon as possible, Isobel faces an uncertain future. And yet, as the mystery of this unknown and lavish landscape and its people pulls Isobel under its spell, their past life fades to a distant memory and a strength and courage born of her experiences and surroundings sets her on a path few well-bred ladies have ever trod one of independence and freedomReaders are loving Under a Cerulean Sky:Pure escapismit has drama, secrets and history galorTrade ReviewReaders ADORE The Jasmine Wife: ‘As historical fiction goes, this is the best I've read in a long time’ Naomi Greenway, Librarian ‘Fantastic…I couldn’t read this fast enough!’ Amanda Driver, Netgalley reviewer ‘A provocative and compelling novel, this romantic and suspenseful story will be difficult to put down’ Debra Schoenburger, Goodreads ‘Giving this 5 stars *. From the beginning until the end I felt the romance’ Cynthia D., Netgalley reviewer ‘A lovely, lovely book and I'm glad to have had the chance to read it’ Laura Hanna-White, Goodreads ‘I loved the setting. I loved the characters. I loved the story. I loved it all’ Lynsey Crockett, Goodreads ‘Historical romantic fiction is soooo my genre…evocative and vividly written – so atmospheric’ Maria, Librarian ‘This book had it all…set my imagination on fire’ Ethel Fagin, Netgalley reviewer ‘I enjoyed every minute…just the right amount of tension and intrigue to keep me guessing’ Heather B, Librarian ‘I love Coverdale's writing, and while this is my first book I've read of hers, it won't be the last!’ The Book Distiller

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Book SynopsisThe Silk Code had me absolutely hooked A great storyline full of bravery, trust, love, survival, betrayal and determination.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????Based on the true story of Englandspiel', one woman must race against the clock to uncover a traitor, even if it means losing the man she loves.England, 1943:Deciding to throw herself into war work, Nancy Callaghan joins the Special Operations Executive in Baker Street. There, she begins solving indecipherables' scrambled messages from agents in the field.Then Nancy meets Tom Lockwood, a quiet genius when it comes to coding. Together they come up with the idea of printing codes on silk, so agents can hide them in their clothing to avoid detection by the enemy. Nancy and Tom grow close, and soon she is hopelessly in love.But there is a traitor in Baker Street, and suspicions turn towards Tom. When Nancy is asked to spy on Tom, she must make the ultimate sacrifice and complete a near-impossible mission. Could the man she loves be the enemy?An utterly gripping and unputdownable WW2 historical fiction novel, perfect for fans of Ella Carey and Ellie Midwood!Readers LOVE The Silk Code!Characters that you could get into and a storyline that kept you hooked wanting to read on to find out what happened next my sign of a good book!' NetGalley reviewer, ?????A brilliant book, one of Swift's best. I can't wait for the next one.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????I loved the characters that Deborah Swift crafted well written and a good mix of historical fiction and mystery.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????Really enjoyed this book [a] fantastic read.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????The depth of research this author does is obvious but she makes it so easily absorbable with characters you either hate or love and a plot that just keeps the pages turning.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????An excellent book on World War 2 history.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????

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Book SynopsisIn the quiet of a warm summer''s evening, two young mothers are forced to give up their babies.As the years have passed, Kate has grown up knowing only poverty and servitude, whilst Josie''s world is one of privilege and luxury.Despite the differences in their circumstances, Kate and Josie have been friends since childhood. But their past binds them together in ways they must never know.Until a chance meeting forces Kate and Josie to confront the truth of that night nearly twenty years before - a truth that turns both worlds upside down and threatens to destroy their friendship forever. . .

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Book SynopsisWritten around the thirteenth century AD by Icelandic monks, the seven tales collected here offer a combination of pagan elements tightly woven into the pattern of Christian ethics. They take as their subjects figures who are heroic, but do not fit into the mould of traditional heroes. Some stories concern characters in Iceland - among them Hrafknel's Saga, in which a poor man's son is murdered by his powerful neighbour, and Thorstein the Staff-Struck, which describes an ageing warrior's struggle to settle into a peaceful rural community. Others focus on the adventures of Icelanders abroad, including the compelling Audun's Story, which depicts a farmhand's pilgrimage to Rome. These fascinating tales deal with powerful human emotions, suffering and dignity at a time of profound transition, when traditional ideals were gradually yielding to a more peaceful pastoral lifestyle.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literaTable of ContentsHrafnkel's SagaIntroductionNote on the Translation1. Hrafnkel's Saga2. Thorstein the Staff-Struck3. Ale-Hood4. Hreidar the Fool5. Halldor Snorrason6. Audun's Story7. Ivar's StoryList of Personal NamesMaps

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Book SynopsisFrom the internationally bestselling author Lesley Pearse comes the compelling tale of one girl caught in a family mystery, a struggle against cruelty and a quest for loveWithout her mother she is alone in the world . . .1930.Twelve-year-old Adele is placed in a bleak, cruel children''s home after a family tragedy drives her mother to madness. But when trust is betrayed Adele has no choice but to run away . . .Alone and friendless, she heads for Sussex, to seek out the grandmother she has never known. However, the journey, without food or shelter, leaves her desperately ill.Surrounded by the beautiful Rye Marshes, Adele is finally nursed back to health.Can she now dream of a new life?And what will happen when her mother reappears, bearing shocking family secrets?Praise for Lesley Pearse:''With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling atTrade ReviewIt's 1930, and Secrets tells the tale of one girl caught in family mystery, a struggle against cruelty, and a quest for love . . . * from the publisher's description *With characters it is impossible not to care about, this is storytelling at its very best * Daily Mail *An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry * Woman’s Weekly *

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Book SynopsisAdam Swann has grown old, and is struggling to keep up with the changing times. The Victorian age is giving way to the Edwardian and the horse is being overtaken by the motorcar, with devastating effect on his transport business.As the new century is born, the Boer war brings tragedy, but even this cannot quench the indomitable spirit of the Swann family.Trade ReviewR.F. Delderfield is a born storyteller * Sunday Mirror *His narratives belong in a tradition that goes back to John Galsworthy * Life Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThere is no love like a mother''s for her child . . .Little Billy, Polly''s son, is the light of her life. It''s for his sake that she puts up with an unkind mother-in-law and life on an isolated farm. When Billy is knocked down by a car, his father is killed attempting to save his life, and Polly, cast off by her husband''s family, is left with a child who may never walk or talk again.Polly turns to her own family, the Kershaws, for support, but they are unable to outmaneuver the malicious Dr Browning-Baker, who is determined to have Billy taken away from his mother, depriving him of the exercises and stimulation that are his only hope. Forced to flee to the Fylde coast, Polly and Billy find that their future may lie with another damaged family - an ex-Army captain whose First World War marriage was a terrible mistake, and his daughter, who has never recovered from the hostility of the mother she loves.But danger threatens their fragile happiness . .Trade 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 OUR POLLY * - *Absolutely fantastic story. I enjoyed it from the beginning to end and can't wait to read the next book in the series. ***** * Reader review *First Class! ***** * Reader review *What a clever plot . . . beautifully written, as usual. ***** * Reader review *

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Book SynopsisThe final installment in the breathtaking Kershaw Sisters series.Trade 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 OUR MARY ANN * - *I couldn't put this book down. ***** * Reader review *Glued from beginning to end. ***** * Reader review *Another brilliant book. ***** * Reader review *

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Book SynopsisIt is 1942. The theatres of war are North Africa and Italy. All eyes follow the front, but behind the scenes a messier war continues, an improvised game of snatched triumphs, terrible mistakes and terrifying uncertainty.Cabaret singer by night, spy by day, Richard risks his life to help British servicemen escape occupied France and get back to England. Rose leads a group of dancers with mixed morals high-kicking to entertain the troops as Hitler''s bombers roar in the skies above. Then she is given orders to join the forces in the field, destination unknown.Meanwhile a phantom pianist, who has lost the love of his life, is following Montys soldiers across the African desert, mocking the enemies guns by playing Beethoven between the lines.Trade ReviewPraise for THE FOLLIES series: * - *'Epic' * Sunday Express *Compelling * Publishing News on WE'LL MEET AGAIN *'An unforgettable saga of love and loss in wartime' * Good Book Guide on NOW IS THE HOUR *'Green's book is a delightful and heady mix of romantic ingredients spies, high-kicking dancers, forbidden love and friendship in the face of death. Who could ask for anything more?' * Lancashire Evening Post on NOW IS THE HOUR, the first in THE FOLLIES series *

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Book SynopsisNorah''s husband was killed in the Great War, and she''s struggling to provide a home for her daughter. Andrew''s wife is dead and he wants to make a new life for his two sons. The Australian government is giving ex-servicemen a farm. But to join the group settlement scheme, Andrew must find a wife. Will a marriage of convenience give Andrew and Norah the chance they seek? Can two strangers be happy together? In Australia they have to clear the forest to make their own farms. But they''re both strong and willing to give it everything they''ve got. Then nature intervenes and not only their farms but their lives are in danger. Will they survive? Can they still make their dreams come true?Trade Review'A compelling read' * Sun *Impressive grasp of human emotions. * The Sunday Times *Jacobs excels at creating vivid, memorable characters. * Booklist USA *Vivid insight into family relationships * Coventry Evening Telegraph *'A gripping storyteller.' * Sunday Star Times, Auckland, NZ *'This is a fascinating insight into a piece of Australia's history that receives little attention.' * Newcastle Herald, Australia - FREEDOM'S LAND *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the story of Ursule Orchière in this captivating tale of family, witchcraft and love, perfect for fans of Practical Magic, The Witch''s Daughter and A Discovery of Witches.Brittany, 1741: There hasn''t been a witch born in the Orchière clan for generations. According the elders, that line is dead, leaving the clan vulnerable to persecution. Ursule Orchière has been raised on stories of the great witches of the past. But the only magic she knows are the false spells her mother weaves over the women who visit their fortune-telling tent. All of that changes when Ursule comes of age and a spark of power flares to life. Thrilled to be chosen, she has no idea how magic will twist and shape her future. Guided by the whispers of her ancestors and an ancient grimoire, Ursule is destined to walk the same path as the great witches of old. But danger hovers over her. Will she be able to escape the bloodlust of the mob or the flames of the pyrTrade ReviewA beautiful generational tale, reminiscent of Practical Magic . . . but much more expansive in scope. Grounded and real, painful and hopeful at the same time -- Laure Eve, author of THE GRACES, on A SECRET HISTORY OF WITCHESA must-read for those who like magic, love, and a little bit of feel-good feminism in their historical fiction -- LIBRARY JOURNAL on THE AGE OF WITCHES

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Book SynopsisDr Rodney Prince has never seen a girl look more out of place in the grime of the Fifteen Streets than Kate Hannigan. Her beauty and intelligence far outshine that of his hard, brittle, calculating wife. And as their paths continue to cross, Rodney cannot fail to be drawn towards her.But as an unlikely romance blossoms, the union fuels vicious gossip amongst the denizens of the Fifteen Streets. For it is a love that opposes all the concepts of Edwardian society . . .Kate Hannigan is the partly autobiographical, enthralling story of a controversial love affair, from one of the most talented storytellers of the 20th century.Trade ReviewHumour, toughness, resolution and generosity are Cookson virtues . . . In the specialised world of women's popular fiction, Cookson has created her own territory * Helen Dunmore, The Times *

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Book Synopsis1860. Harriet Miles is trying to take care of her seriously ill mother, and just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse she is fired from her job at the hostelry. The last thing she expects after her mother dies is a marriage proposal from a man she barely knows, but her only alternative is the workhouse. And so begins her new life with Noah Tuke. But instead of marital bliss, Harriet finds herself in the cramped farmhouse which Noah calls home, and in this overcrowded and angry household she meets with hostility and bitterness. The only person who offers her friendship is Noah's brother, Fletcher. Gradually she learns the true reasons behind Noah's desire to marry her and realises that the only person she finds real companionship with is the person she can't possibly be with . . .If you enjoy books by Katie Flynn and Dilly Court, you''ll love Val''s heartwarming stories of triumph over adversity.Trade ReviewWith His Brother’s Wife, Val is at the top of her game * Scunthorpe Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisCan new hopes bloom when summer begins again? who has loved Tim in silence for years.As Tim begins to open up, Mattie falls deeper in love. And as summer warms the wild Dartmoor landscape, new hopes begin to bloom .

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Book SynopsisA powerful story about the bond of sisterhood and how it can triumph against any adversity, from the Sunday Times bestselling author Val Wood.Hull, 1852. Matty has had to care for her three younger sisters ever since their mother's death ten years ago.

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Book SynopsisJo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, including time at Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Radio 2's The Steve Wright Show.Jo's debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook. Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.Trade ReviewAn absolute treat . . . fabulous setting, gorgeous food and wonderful characters * Jill Mansell *Another gem from Jo Thomas. Fun, food, love and France, what more can anyone want? * Katie Fforde *So good I could almost taste it. Magnifique! * Milly Johnson *If you want to get away from it all this festive season, this is just the novel to transport you * Heat *A gorgeous winter read * My Weekly *[A] joyous romcom ... This has everything you want from an escapist read: romance, food and beautiful descriptions of the French countryside * Good Housekeeping *An utterly delightful Christmas read! * My Creative Notebook *A feel-good festive romp * Best *Atmospheric and romantic * The People's Friend *Feel-good fiction at its best... the perfect read' * NB *

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Book SynopsisNell feels very at home in Wiltshire but she could do with a challenge. Bringing life back to an abandoned row of houses is just what she's looking for. Stacy is trying to start over. And Elise longs for a home where she can get back to her painting. When their paths cross, the future starts to look brighter although not all goes according to plan.

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Book SynopsisBeryl Matthews was born in London but now lives in a small village in Hampshire. As a young girl her ambition was to become a professional singer, but the need to earn a wage drove her into an office. After retiring she joined a Writers' Circle in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming a published author. She has since written over twenty novels.

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Book SynopsisAt the age of ninety-five, Sarah Blakemere signs her final will and testament, pleased with how it will throw the cat among the family pigeons. She has left her luxurious home in Mandurah, Western Australia, to two female relatives in the UK, on the condition that they live in the house together for a year. After that they can sell and split the money, but if either of them doesn''t last the full year, the next person on the list will be invited to try for the inheritance. Will the experience do as Sarah had hoped and shake Portia and Fleur out of their ruts? And when they find another surprise bequest from Sarah, what will they do with it? Life-changing decisions lie ahead .

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Book SynopsisRosie Goodwin''s heartwarming addition to Catherine Cookson''s series.Tilly Trotter seems to have finally found lasting happiness in her engagement to Steve McGrath. But just as everything falls into place for Tilly it seems to be falling apart for her loved ones . . .Whilst her son, Willy, is refusing to acknowledge the existence of his newborn illegitimate child, her adopted daughter Josefina has slipped into a deep depression after tracking down her real family in America. Tilly is determined that with Steve by her side she can find a way to get her children through their troubles. But she hasn''t counted on the malicious ways of her oldest enemy - Steve''s mother, Mrs McGrath. A bitter and twisted old woman, she will stop at nothing to destroy Tilly''s happiness. And Tilly knows that finding a way for her family to be free to live their lives in peace is going to take all her strength and courage . . .Trade ReviewPraise for Rosie's first novel, THE BAD APPLE: 'Rosie Goodwin is a born storyteller - she'll make you cry, she'll make you laugh, but most of all you'll care for her characters and lose yourself in her story. An author destined for the top * Jeannie Johnson, author of THE REST OF OUR DAYS *Rosie deserves all her success. She is a talented storyteller and will go all the way to the top * Dee Williams *The tearjerker of the season...[a] heart-rending tale * Western Mail *A promising and well-drawn debut * Lancashire Evening Post *A good tearjerker...compelling * Reading Evening Post *A gifted writer... Not only is Goodwin's characterisation and dialogue compelling, but her descriptive writing is a joy * Nottingham Evening Post *A heart-throbber of a story from Goodwin that puts many other so-called emotional blockbusters in the shade * Northern Echo *Goodwin is a fabulous writer...she reels the reader in surprisingly quickly and her style involves lots of twists and turns that are in no way predictable * Worcester Evening News *A touching and powerful new novel from a wonderful writer * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisPage Street, a shabby, cobbled and gaslit Bermondsey backstreet is home to a diverse and close-knit community fighting an ongoing battle against poverty, hunger and the devastating effects of the Great War.George Galloway owns a cartage business; his right-hand man is William Tanner. William''s loyalty has worn thin over the years but he cannot break the ties with Galloway because times are hard and the house in which he lives belongs to him. Carrie Tanner grows up in the heart of a poor yet loving family, but as she becomes a young woman she becomes involved in the Suffragette movement. The times are changing - and quickly. Will this close-knit community be able to pull together or will it be torn apart?

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Book Synopsis Once war strikes, life can never be the same again... A close-knit community is devastated by the outbreak of World War I in heart-breaking saga, Mist over the Mersey - a tale of families, friendship and romance from bestselling author Lyn Andrews. Perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Maureen Lee.The Chatterton family is far too posh for the Liverpool slums where they''ve ended up. Nancy Butterworth and Abbie Kerrigan, lifelong residents of the place, tried to befriend Dee Chatterton, but her mother wants her to have nothing to do with such rough children. The Burgess family looks forward to the arrival of their young cousin Sean from Dublin, and Nancy is not the first to lose her heart to the Irish charmer.In 1914 things are to change dramatically, and the families are to find that money and social position mean nothing when the horrors of the First World War invade their lives and take away their sons...Don''t miss Lyn Andrews'' sequel to the novel, Mersey Blues. What Amazon readers are saying about Mist Over the Mersey: ''This book grabs you from the first word to the last. As soon as I started to read it, I could see all the characters so clearly, as if I were there with them. It only took me two days to read it, as I could not put it down''''Lyn Andrews is definitely an author you want to discover time and again. She writes with real clarity, wit and warmth...The characters that Lyn Andrews has written about are people that you feel are truly real''

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Book SynopsisRosie Goodwin''s engaging addition to Catherine Cookson''s series.Despite her success as a writer, Maisie''s life has never been easy. But with the help of Hamilton, the imaginary horse she conjures up to escape harsh reality, her humour and courage pull her through. Now married to Tommy, Maisie''s hopes of happiness are shattered when he becomes jealous and controlling - threatening even her relationship with her beloved adopted son, Harold. After a tragic accident, Maisie reluctantly agrees to move back to her home town of Fellburn, Tyneside, for a fresh start. But her husband''s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic and one of his new employees, a strange man nicknamed the Sand Dancer, strikes fear into her heart every time she meets him. Maisie begins to avoid his place of work, little realises that Tommy is concealing something so terrible it could destroy everything she holds dear...Trade Review'A touching and powerful new novel from a wonderful writer' * Bookseller *

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Book Synopsis''Dad, it''s the happiest day of my life,'' Kate said. ''I wish time would stand still and it could be today forever.'' It''s June 1897, and Kate is celebrating her eleventh birthday on the day of Queen Victoria''s Diamond Jubilee. Kate''s joy is short-lived, as tragedy strikes, threatening her family with the loss of all they hold dear. Before long they are evicted from their home in Ancoats, Manchester, and with no wages coming in and a mother unable to cope, Kate has to grow up fast. Her deepest desire is to keep her brothers and sisters together. A journey of hope and heartache takes Kate from the hardships of the workhouse to the dubious comforts of a position in service to the rich; from the joys of marriage to a good man, to the sorrows and losses suffered during the Great War.Trade ReviewA truly heartwarming read * Lancashire Life *A fascinating author * Manchester Evening News *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLING AUTHOR A baby rescued from the snow. A wealthy family''s tragic secret. A girl determined to make her mark. A heart-warming saga of love, ambition and jealousy. The ebook No.1 bestselling author of No One''s Girl, Mothering Sunday and The Little Angel, Rosie Goodwin, weaves her magic yet again in The Ribbon Weaver. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Nadine Dorries. One winter''s night, Molly Ernshaw rescues a baby from the snow and changes two families for ever. The tiny girl grows into a gifted young woman and, encouraged by her neighbour''s son, Toby, she dreams of moving beyond ribbon-weaving to designing the hats and clothes the ribbons adorn. When her talent is recognised by Samuel Forrester, the owner of famous hat factories and shops, Amy''s flair leads her to London and then Paris. But Samuel and his family are haunted by the pastTrade ReviewPraise for Rosie Goodwin's heartwarming novels: 'An absorbing story in the grand tradition of the best saga authors' -- Margaret Dickinson'A wonderful heroine, plucky, determined and warm-hearted. A believable and compelling read' -- Jennie Felton'Rosie writes such heart-warming sagas' -- Lyn Andrews'The new Catherine Cookson' * Coventry Evening Telegraph *A heart-throbber of a story from Goodwin that puts many other so-called emotional blockbusters in the shade * Northern Echo *'A touching and tender story...tremendously uplifting and life-affirming. A feel-good read that tugs at the heart strings' * Historical Novels Review *'The perfect book for a cold winter's evening' * Lancashire Evening Post *'Not only is Goodwin's characterisation and dialogue compelling, but her descriptive writing is a joy' * Nottingham Evening Post *Goodwin is a fabulous writer...lots of twists and turns that are in no way predictable * Worcester Evening News *'Goodwin [has] been hailed as the new Catherine Cookson...an incredibly consuming, uplifting read...splendid company for when you're feeling down in the dumps' * Readers’ Digest *

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Book SynopsisGlasgow, 1971. The old way of life is under threat for the tight-knit community in Dalbeattie Street, Maryhill. The shadow of the wrecker''s ball looms large over their homes, and they must face the choice of moving to a new estate or dispersing throughout the city.But powerful friendships refuse to be broken. These characters have gone through too much together to be destroyed by some measly planning scheme. They''ll face this with the same inimitable Scottish humour and strength of spirit that have carried them through other tough times.Douglas'' vivid portrait of Seventies Glasgow recreates, in glorious detail, a particular time and place, but at its heart are the universal themes of love, friendship and community.

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Book SynopsisA riveting, heart-rending tale of betrayal and revenge.Erica andSimon Dunmore have been happily married for fifteen years. The only thing thatcasts a shadow over Rica''s happinessisher failure to have a baby and Simon realises he would do anything to provide her with the child she so desperately craves.Thenunexpectedly hebrings homea beautiful baby boy whose mother has given him up for adoption and Rica cannot believe her luck-they can be a proper family at last. Little doesshe realise the horror that lies aheadwhen her husband and son gomissing...Trade ReviewPraise for Lynda Page: 'You'll be hooked from page one * Woman's Realm *Cookson/Cox aficionados who've missed her should grab this. Romantic and gripping * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Ms Page creates strong characters and is a clever and careful storyteller... A great writer who gives an authentic voice to Leicester... A formidable talent * LE1 *In Lynda Page, we have an author who writes with skill and style... Leicester's Lynda Page is destined to share the limelight - and bestseller lists - with the likes of Catherine Cookson * Hull Daily Mail *If you want an enthralling saga read Lynda Page * Martina Cole *Lynda Page is a leading purveyor of the saga, enlivening her plots with all manner of page-turning twists and turns. Expect the unexpected * Choice magazine *Inspirational and heart-warming * Sun *

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Book SynopsisEsther Doyle is a young Irish girl growing up in a small fishing community in Connemara in the 1950s. Her life is a stable one, bound by the slow rhythms of farming life and the joy of looking after her handicapped sister Nonie. But her existence is horribly changed when she becomes pregnant and is sent to the home for fallen women in Dublin, the Magdalen Laundry...Trade ReviewThis book pulls no punches...Marita Conlon-McKenna is breaking new ground with The Magdalen * Image Magazine *

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Book SynopsisCharlotte Mendelson's novels include Daughters of Jerusalem, When We Were Bad, Almost English, and The Exhibitionist. She has won both the Somerset Maugham Award and the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, has been longlisted for the Man Booker, and has been longlisted and shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction. She is also the author of one work of non-fiction, Rhapsody in Green, and is the gardening correspondent for The New Yorker. She lives in London.Trade ReviewAs intelligent as it is funny. A beautifully observed literary comedy as well as a painfully accurate description of one big old family mess. A joy -- Viv Groskop * The Observer *Fast-paced and engaging. Brilliant, touching and true -- Naomi Alderman, Women's Prize-winning author of The PowerA dazzling portrait of a family in crisis * The Guardian *A completely brilliant book. Breathtakingly good -- Barbara Trepido, bestselling author of Brother of the More Famous JackAssured, inventive and entertaining . . . Brilliantly climactic . . . Intelligent and witty. The Rubin family may be a singular one but the delights and the difficulties its members have with sex and spirituality, food and domesticity, expectation and achievement, will have a universal appeal * The Sunday Telegraph *Funny and emotionally true, this is a comedy with the warmest of hearts and the most deliciously subversive of agendas * Marie Claire *Charlotte Mendelson’s When We Were Bad will take its place among classic accounts of tribal misadventure with the same apparent effortlessness that proves so pleasurable in her writing. Rarely can readers of contemporary fiction feel themselves to be in such safe hands -- Hannah Betts * The Times *Written with tremendous authority, insight, humour and even wisdom . . . Convincing and moving . . . Funny, absorbing and certain to linger in the imagination * Spectator *Never has the perfect family cracked and crumbled with such elegance, warmth and humour -- Meg Rosoff, bestselling author of How We Live NowRarely has the suffocating hold of family life been so powerfully portrayed as it has here . . . Mendelson’s great achievement is to make us care . . . Uncompromising and brave * Daily Mail *With great delicacy and elliptical prose, Mendelson draws a subtle and compassionate picture of a family as it unravels. A novel about secrets and the damage they cause * Metro *Compelling . . . A poignant and compassionate novel of a family in crisis as one member after another faces some home truths * Woman & Home *Secret thoughts and unnameable hangups are teased out in glowing, metaphorical and often very funny prose . . . Mendelson explores the shadows and ghosts haunting a family which appears to outsiders to be a harmonious, messy, intellectual ideal * Times Literary Supplement *Brilliant . . . highly entertaining -- Matthew Reisz * Independent *Quite superlative * Scotsman *Immensely funny and affecting . . . A novel that wittily and searingly explores the relationships between parents and their adult children . . . an elegant comedy of longing and survival * LA Times *Astute, affectionately mocking prose and a wicked but merciful intelligence * Kirkus *Absolutely spellbinding, so funny, so moving, so totally believable -- Jacqueline Wilson

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Book SynopsisThe Woman Who Left is a dramatic and gripping tale of jealousy, sibling rivalry and revenge.Louise and Ben Hunter''s loving marriage is marred only by their unfulfilled longing for a child. Living and working with Ben''s father, Ronnie, they are quietly contented. But when Ronnie dies, their whole world changes.Ben''s lazy brother, Jacob, returns, convinced he stands to inherit Ronnie''s small fortune. And he means to have his brother''s wife; though just as she did years before, Louise warns him off. Jacob, however, is not so easily dismissed. When he realises Ben will inherit everything, Jacob is beside himself with rage, and commits a terrible deed, one that threatens to destroy everything his brother and Louise hold dear . . .

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Book SynopsisHero is a love story for our times: a novel that exposes the precious things women give up in order to be loved, and in order to be free.''Pulls no punches... A fearless interrogation of female desire'' Observer''The truest representation of the headiness and power of female longing I''ve ever read'' Kirsty Capes, author of Girls and Careless''Thrilling and dynamic'' Andrew McMillan, author of Pity and Playtime''Fierce and thrillingly subversive'' Financial TimesShe''s a waitress. He''s a chef. They used to be best friends, but now, they''re in love and living together in a studio apartment. She''s also a selkie, Odysseus, and a cowgirl called Quick Fingers. He''s a really good man.When he asks her to marry him, Hero panics. She is lots of things but one thing she doesn''t want to be is anybody''s wife.Drawing on a rich history of myth and legend, Hero is a story about what it means for women to be supporting characters in a world written by men. How can you be yourself when you are a product of other people''s imaginations? How can you love another person and be free?

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