Family saga / generational saga fiction

Book SynopsisThe course of true love never did run smooth…Val Walker is looking forward to starting a family, her best friend Cissie is expecting her second child, and newly engaged Janice is looking forward to wedded bliss. But the road to happiness isn’t easy. Val struggles to fall pregnant with her longed for first baby, Cissie’s husband starts taking an interest in a new female colleague, and Janice is torn between leaving her widowed father and younger brother behind in Blackpool and her new life in Yorkshire. Are the three friends’ marriages strong enough to survive, or are they all headed for heartbreak?An enthralling tale of marriage, love and friendship, perfect for fans of Margaret Dickinson and Rosie Harris.

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Book SynopsisAs the world teeters on the brink of war again, change is in the air… After graduating from finishing school, Celia and Wenna Pengelly go their separate ways – Celia to New Jersey to recover from a broken heart, and Wenna to London, where she discovers ambitions she never knew she had.However, though worlds apart, both sisters are inexorably drawn towards Cornwall, to the family businesses of china, clay and pottery. And as the world teeters once more on the brink of war, the Pengellys struggle to keep pace with change.The only source of stability is their family unit and now even that is at risk, threatened by uncontrollable external forces.Perfect for readers of Emma Hornby, Rosie Goodwin and Lesley Pearse, September Morning is an emotional and unputdownable saga of love and war

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Book SynopsisIs the past sometimes best left alone?Fiona Norwood is happily married, with a small daughter and another baby on the way. Her life should be complete. But she has a secret in her past, and a part of her cannot forget the baby girl she was forced to give up for adoption when she was seventeen.Meanwhile, Debbie Hargreaves has known ever since she was a little girl that she was adopted. Her parents are kind and loving and she has a happy home life, but there is a part of her that is desperate to find out about her birth mother. Debbie’s search will awaken powerful and long-buried emotions, and life for Debbie, Fiona and their friends and relatives will never be quite the same again… An enthralling family saga of family and secrets, perfect for fans of Rosie Harris and Pam Evans.

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Book SynopsisFaced with hurtful memories, can she learn to forgive?Vivien's mother, Hilda had always been the black sheep of the family: the only person to have a child out of wedlock; the first person in the family to shake the dust of Liverpool off her feet and emigrate to America; the very last person Vivien had expected to see again. But then, quite suddenly, her scandalous mother returns to stir up painful memories and barely suppressed resentment. In her quest to discover who her father is, Vivien finds she and her mother have more in common than she expected.An enchanting 1950s saga perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Katie Flynn.

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Book SynopsisWill love be enough to protect her children?After her husband Jack is transported to Australia as a convict, Hannah and her children are sent to the workhouse. Hearing nothing from Jack and believing he’s dead, Hannah reluctantly agrees to marry widower Ellis Duxbury.But her children must remain in the workhouse, and when they are sent away as apprentices, it’s up to Hannah to track them down.On Christmas Eve, Hannah is blessed with a miracle when Jack returns to the village. Yet more trouble lies ahead as Hannah is arrested, accused of bigamy and threatened with deportation herself. Having fought so long for her and her children’s freedom, Hannah must once more dig deep to keep her family together.A gripping and inspiring saga for readers of Val Wood and Emma Hornby.Praise for A Mother's Fight ‘I loved reading this book. It was so well written I couldn’t put it down.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘An absorbing story… I am never normally a fan of historical fiction but this book had me hooked from page one!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A lovely emotional read with good characterisation. Well written storyline.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I enjoyed this exciting read and the poor plight of Hannah and her children. It was well written with a great story and interesting characters.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘What a brilliant book – so many emotions! If you love family saga you will definitely love A Mother’s Fight.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Love Libby Ashworth books and this was no exception. It followed on so well from The Convict’s Wife… the style of writing hooked me. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend this absorbing tale.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader reviewTrade Review'Using her vast local knowledge and research, and her gift for transforming real history into page-turning drama, this is a captivating opener to what promises to be an exciting new series.' Lancashire Post

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Book SynopsisCan she leave her troubles behind to find true happiness?In the aftermath of the Great War, many are searching for a new life. But has Tilly missed her only chance for love?Since the end of the First World War, the residents of Victoria Crescent have been slowly rebuilding their lives. For Tilly Moran, this means living under the watchful eye of her elder sister, Alice, while waiting to come of age. Unable to bear the restrictions placed upon her, Tilly flees to Liverpool for a fresh start.As Tilly enters a new line of work she meets many interesting characters, and is charmed by Leonard Parker, a shipping entrepreneur. But when Tilly becomes involved in an investigation for a private detective agency she discovers that some of her new associates aren’t what they seem. Can Tilly’s dreams of love and independence come true, or will her luck run out?

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With three men vying for her attention, which will she choose?Mary Owen is forced to seek work in order to support her elderly aunt. Catching the eye of Will, a young waiter at Letts restaurant, she strikes it lucky: Will is desperate to meet her acquaintance and persuades the head chef to take Mary on in the kitchen.It is not only Will who takes an interest in Mary. After spending two years in the trenches, Henry Lett has taken on the running of the family’s famous London restaurant since his father got sick. Henry is intrigued by Mary’s mysterious beauty and promoted her to an office job. But before he can make a move, his younger brother enters the scene. Charming, irresponsible Geoffrey, with film-star looks and money to burn, seems to have everything a girl on the brink of womanhood could desire.An engaging saga set in 1920s London, perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Katie Flynn.

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Book SynopsisNo one is spared from the heartache of warAs the Blitz destroys lives in Liverpool, three sisters are forced to make difficult choices to protect themselves and those they love. When Nellie Callaghan marries her love in secret, it causes a rift in the family. But when the bombs drop on Liverpool grievances must be put aside as the people of the city are brought to despair. Nellie’s mother is killed and her sister Lottie is injured, while her other sister Babs runs away to join the WLA. It falls to Nellie to care for the family. Despite the suffering that the war brings, it is trouble on the homefront that leads to further hardship for each of the sisters. Before the war is over, each of the Callaghans will have faced heartbreak and sacrifice. But amongst the sadness they will find some joy, and never giving up hope for a brighter future.

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Old secrets will threaten everything they hold dear… When Henry Lett dies, he leaves a restaurant that is far from thriving. His nephew, Edwin, is loath to see the once-famous Letts pass out of the family’s hands, and he persuades his aunt to sell her shares and give him a chance to get the restaurant back on its feet. As Edwin prepares to marry Helen, the lovely young daughter of restaurant manager, William Goodridge, it seems everything has fallen into place. But the flame of attraction between Helen and Hugh, Edwin’s cousin, simmers in the background. A fearful Will watches over the trio, waiting and wondering when to reveal a secret that will reopen old wounds.An absorbing saga of post-war London, perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Fiona Ford.

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Book SynopsisShe must uncover the secrets of her mother’s past… Eighteen-year-old Katarin arrives in England having fled the rising tensions in Germany. She instantly senses that she is unwelcome on her grandmother’s Norfolk estate, although she has no idea why. There is a bitterness that her mere presence seems to provoke in her relations. Gradually she starts to piece together the truth: that she is paying the price for her mother’s past, a mystery that nobody is willing to reveal to her.As the tide of the Great War begins to wash across Europe, Katarin feels increasingly cut off from her family, and increasingly drawn to a man whose history is tragically entangled with her own… An engaging saga set in Norfolk against the backdrop of the First World War, perfect for fans of Iris Gower and Rosie Goodwin.

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Book SynopsisThree girls go to war and find true friendshipEthel runs away from a violent father, a man so fierce he beat her fiancé senseless. Gorgeous Kate leaves her doting parents and their grocery store. Shy and sheltered Rosie, who has grown up with her grandmother, decides to escape her sleepy home town.All three join the NAAFI, determined to do their bit against Hitler. Through the travails of war they become each other's new family. Through desperate love affairs, charming pilots, unplanned pregnancies and postings around war-torn Europe, they resolve to stick together. But will the war tear them apart?And when the fighting draws to an end they realise the world – and their lives – can never be the same again...A spellbinding standalone Second World War saga from Grace Thompson.

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Book SynopsisWhen a childhood mystery resurfaces, a bitter rivalry threatens to destroy the Penrose family...When Tamsin Hardy returns home from her post as a lady’s maid to attend her beloved mother’s sickbed, her childhood playmate Isobel Penrose offers her a post as her companion at Trevarrah House.Tamsin reluctantly accepts, but she feels instinctively uneasy about Trevarrah House despite her growing attraction to Isobel’s brother Adam, recently returned from the war in America. There is a bitter rivalry between Adam and his brother Nicholas, and Tamsin increasingly fears for her growing involvement with the Penrose family…A gripping tale of love and family, perfect for fans of Linda Finlay and Gloria Cook.

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Book SynopsisAll’s fair in love, war, and bakingA delightful standalone Grace Thompson saga set during World War IIGilly Jenkins is the third generation to bake for her family firm. Also on Bread Street, in the same Welsh seaside town, is the rival bakery: Green’s.As Gilly’s grandfather falls ill, and facing the outbreak of the Second World War, things look tough for the Jenkins. Amidst the hardship of war they face an unexpected tragedy. Their feud with the Greens intensifies, and a new arrival in the town causes consternation. Yet, despite it all romance blossoms across the divide as Gilly falls for Paul, a dashing pilot and heir to the Green business. Secrets old and new come to light. Can the families come to terms with the past? And will love conquer all?

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Book SynopsisFrom the wreckage, they must piece together new lives for themselves...Determined not to waste his life toiling for his cruel brother, Silas, the second son of a farmer, arrives in town to seek his fortune. Harriet has reconciled herself to a life no better than domestic service for her austere uncle. And John Gunson, Chief Engineer at the Sheffield Waterworks Company, has just completed his crowning glory – the Dale Dyke dam.But one stormy night, the unthinkable happens. The dam bursts. A wall of water is unleashed, destroying everything in its path.The aftershocks of the flood reach far beyond that night, with consequences that could never have been foreseen. Fatefully brought together, Silas and Harriet must now contend with their families as new love blooms. Meanwhile, Gunson faces not only an angry community but also a court of inquest looking for a scapegoat.Can any good come from the disaster, and will justice be served for those who lost everything?A thrilling saga inspired by the real events of the Great Sheffield Flood, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Emma Hornby and Elisabeth McNeill.Praise for The Ragged Valley 'A powerful and absorbing story and an impressive debut. Her passion for the era and area in which she writes shines through. A 'dam' good read!' Emma Hornby'A fabulous debut by a new saga author!' AnneMarie Brear'Combines real people and fictional characters in a story both tragic and inspiring as Silas and Harriet overcome their brush with death.' Libby Ashworth'Terrific characters - from endearing to dastardly - and an exciting storyline kept me turning the pages, eager to find out what happened next.' Lesley Eames'The Ragged Valley delivers a captivating insight into a part of Sheffield history long forgotten. Silas and Harriet's relationship is tender and at times thwarted. An authentic story with motivating characters.' Sylvia Broady'A gorgeous debut from new saga author Joanne Clague! Written with passion and attention to detail, Clague leaves no stone unturned, bringing to life the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864 and the people who lived through it. Hard choices, starting over, and family are at the heart of this novel, and a must read for saga fans.' Andie Newton, USA Today bestselling author of The Girls from the Beach‘This is a total five stars for me. I'd never heard of the Sheffield flood before, but this novel brings it all to life. End of the book had me in tears. This is historical fiction at its best.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I adored this book.These characters are so real that when the unthinkable happens… it's truly gut-wrenching. The Ragged Valley is the start of something epic.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘It had me hooked from the first page. The writing is gorgeous and the characters instantly come alive. It’s a wonderful romance with a lot of heart. A beautifully written book that I highly recommend for lovers of saga, romance or historical novels.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Katie Flynn and Sheila Jeffries, Angel's Secret is an uplifting novel from the Queen of family saga, and author of Bicycles and Blackberries, Sheila Newberry.Suffolk, 1924.After the death of her fiancé in the field hospitals of France, Angel becomes nurse to the MacDonald family in the small village of Uffasham.Taking residence at the appropriately named Angel Inn, she is met by many new faces - and old ones, too. Edith, a fellow nurse from the war, while taking great interest in Angel's new life, refuses to let her forget her old one.As Angel grows closer to her employer, Robert, Edith threatens to expose a secret that could ruin everything . . .Can Angel ever be free to move on with her new life and her new family, or will the secrets of her past finally be revealed?'Reading a Sheila Newberry book is like having dinner with your mother in her warm and cosy kitchen. You can feel the love and care put into every juicy morsel' - Diane Allen, bestselling author of For the Sake of Her Family'I have long been a fan of Sheila Newberry's novels. I love their wonderful warmth and charm.' Maureen Lee, bestselling author of The Seven Streets of Liverpool

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Book SynopsisIn the darkness of the Great War, can she create a brighter future?Martha Owen has not had an easy start in life. Her abusive father dominates the family and she has lost her only friend after a painful falling-out.Her father’s reliance on the bottle, and his increasingly violent temper, brings turmoil for Martha, her mother and her three siblings and with World War One causing more strain on the home front, her prospects look bleak.With no money or qualifications to speak of, starting a job at the Potteries feels like a lifeline, but Martha finds herself wanting more than the production line job she works on.Her one talent is her artistic flair, but will this be enough to help her rise the ranks at Paradise Pottery and make a future for herself? And can she ever escape her father’s dark shadow over her?An uplifting and moving saga from the author of the bestselling Wartime with the Tram Girls. Fans of Nancy Revell and Rosie Hendry will be captivated.Praise for Lynn Johnson’s Potteries Girls series:‘A poignant, emotional and heart-wrenching read…best read with a box of tissues handy’ Bookish Jottings‘This truly was a fabulous story from beginning to endand I struggled to put it down!… richly detailed, beautifully written and the storyline along with the characters was enthralling' Rose is Reading‘I highly recommend reading this and being transported back in time. An excellent historical fiction that had me compulsively turning the pages.’ Books and Bookends‘Overall, I loved it. There were lots of moments that made me gasp and others that almost made me cry, and then there were those that made me smile and sigh.’ Jess Bookish Life‘heartwarming and emotional. I absolutely love the story line…I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely a book to read ’ Jessica Belmont Book Reviews‘I’m quite astonished this is a debut novel… The characters came alive on the page, and it’s a fully rounded story… A fabulous read’ Grace J Reviewerlady‘an emotional, captivating read which is perfect for anyone who loves a good saga!… a fantastic read that quickly drew me into the story and kept my interest throughout with its fabulous plot.’ Over The Rainbow Book Blog‘the author winds her story around your person and snares your heart… Though filled with much darkness and despair, ;there is also hope and love’ Insatiable Readers‘Johnson has a Cookson flair…she does capture the heart and soul of her characters.’ Cheryl M-M Book Reviews

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Book SynopsisWhen her life is thrown into disarray, can she remember what matters most?Beth Brandon and her twin sister, Sarah, are polar opposites in every way, except in their love of their home, Larkrigg Hall. Beth is the romantic one, with dreams of an idyllic life in rural Lakeland, while Sarah is willing to take risks to achieve the lifestyle she craves.When tragedy strikes, and both sisters are thrown into chaos, they are forced to come to terms with an entirely new situation. Sarah flees to Italy while Beth loses the man she loves and throws herself into an unplanned marriage. Facing emotional turmoil and financial ruin, Beth must learn to fight for, or lose, the things that matter most to her.An unputdownable saga of love and resilience, perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs and Ruth Hamilton.

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Book SynopsisHer desire for love will have disastrous consequences…Lissa Turner has everything a girl could wish for. She’s beautiful, intelligent and has a wonderful family in the picturesque Lake District. But despite her good fortune, Lissa is unhappy. Her mother abandoned her as a baby, and ever since, she’s been wracked with insecurity, fearing everyone else will leave her too.As soon as she is old enough, she takes up a job in Carreckwater, a lively village in the heart of Lakeland. She makes many friends, but Lissa’s need to be loved and cherished leads her to rush into marriage. Can she make the relationship work, or will she live to regret her decision?An enchanting saga set in the Lake District, perfect for fans of Ruth Hamilton and Rosie Goodwin.

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Book SynopsisCan she overcome her family’s doubts to achieve her dream?Meg Turner has a hard life. She lives on a lonely farm in the Lake District and her only company is her bully of a father and her brother, who resents her. They want to keep her at home, but Meg is desperate for more. She finds comfort in her best friend, Kath, and Lanky Lawson, who is more of a father figure to her than her own. Her true source of hope though, is Lanky’s son, Jack, who she loves and hopes to marry one day. However as war looms on the horizon and the world is thrown into chaos, Meg realises that the only thing she can really count on is the land she loves. She throws herself into tending the farm, but when a stranger arrives in the dale, her world will change forever.A vivid and enchanting saga of Lakeland life in the Second World War, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Anna Jacobs.

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Book SynopsisCan sisterhood pull them through the darkest days?Imogen Caldwell and her sisters, Daisy and Elsie, are fighting to save their childhood home and stay in Bristol. After times became hard their father sold the family business – now all they have left is each other.When tragedy tears the Caldwell girls apart, they begin to forge their own futures. But the Second World War looms, and their lives will change more dramatically than they could have ever imagined.Through love and heartbreak, fear and loss, can they make it through the war unscathed?This inspiring wartime, coming of age story is perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke, Michelle Rawlins and Elaine Everest.

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Book SynopsisThey must band together to get through the toughest of times…Imogen Caldwell is excelling in her role as an Auxiliary Territorial Service driver, trying her hardest to distract herself from worrying about her fiancé, James Church, who is off fighting in North Africa.Meanwhile, the Bristol Blitz finally persuades sister Elsie to move her family to Yorkshire in an attempt to leave the war behind. But her husband's physical and emotional wounds make it far harder than she imagined...Daisy, trying to choose between her dreams of the stage and her nursing career, struggles with her feelings for gorgeous Canadian pilot Glenn Fraser. His job puts his life on the line every day, and Daisy can't handle the uncertainty.With the sisters terrified by how much they have to lose, can they see each other through such hardship? Or will they be pulled further and further apart?A gripping historical saga set in wartime Britain, perfect for fans of Emma Hornby, Rosie Clarke and Pam Howes.

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Book SynopsisThe eighth, heartwarming instalment in the much-loved Railway Girls series!This will be a Christmas to remember for the railway girls. . .Little Max is growing day by day and Joan is adjusting to her new life. But in her heart of hearts, she is desperate to return to work on the railways.Margaret's job in the engine shed is demanding. But when a friend finds herself in crisis, she knows she must do everything she can to help her.Alison is overjoyed at the prospect of organising a Christmas wedding until a long-held secret is revealed. Knowing the truth, can she find the strength to forgive those she holds most dear?As war rages on, the railway girls must also battle with matters of the heart. Can they overcome their troubles in time for Christmas?Readers LOVE the Railway Girls:'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down''I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!''Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester''Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart''It's just like catching up with old friends'

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Book Synopsis‘Downtown fans will enjoy this well-crafted novel’ Choice Magazine ________________________________Buckingham Palace, 1951The nation is on the road to recovery after World War Two. And so is Milly Hendry.When her parents were killed in the Blitz, she was taken in by her aunt who works in the prestigious Royal Army of Cleaners. Buckingham Palace has since become like home to Milly, and the people she works with like family.Though tensions in the palace are rising as the King's health is declining, the staff gather below-stairs to celebrate Milly's 21st birthday. But her day quickly takes a turn when some unexpected post arrives.Could a letter containing secrets from the past change Milly's whole future?________________________________Praise for The Palace Girls: 'Breathtaking, richly atmospheric, and totally immersive' Andie Newton'An engrossing, emotional read' Betty Walker‘A treasure trove of fascinating historical detail' Lesley Eames‘A clever, pertinent and enjoyable read’ Jenny Holmes'Five stars!' Norma Curtis ‘Intriguingly romantic’ Peterborough Review

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Book SynopsisFrom the pen of multi-million copy seller and Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis comes a magnificent and sweeping novel that asks whether friendships really can endure through thick and thin. Readers of Rosamunde Pilcher, Maeve Binchy and Fiona Valpy will not be disappointed.READERS ARE LOVING COME RAIN OR SHINE!"Brilliant, I couldn't put it down." - 5 STARS"Great storyline. Took me a while to place everyone, so many wonderful characters. But so worth it. Susan Sallis puts you right there, in the thick of it." - 5 STARS"Wonderful" - 5 STARS"It was exciting and intriguing and nicely slow at the same time" - 5 STARS***********************************************************************************************************SOME FRIENDSHIPS REALLY DO STAND THE TEST OF TIME. WILL THEIRS?The four of them were close when they worked together in the 1960s: Natasha, Prudence, Rachel and Maisie.Now, twenty years later, Natasha, newly divorced and back from America with a fifteen-year-old daughter, decides there must be a reunion. Pru, always the mysterious one, deeply involved with her commune in Cornwall, unexpectedly offers to host at Prospect House, a property she has inherited in the Malvern Hills. Rachel, married to her former boss, a Liberal MP, gladly leaves a tangled domestic situation to join the friends she hasn't seen for so long.And Maisie ... Maisie, perhaps the most vulnerable of the four, mother of five children, married to the unpredictable Edward, fails to arrive at Prospect House.The drama of her disappearance has a far-reaching effect on the lives and destinies of them all...

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Book SynopsisMargriet grew up as a lonely child in the old town of Hull. Her adored father often travelled by sea to the Netherlands, leaving her with an unaffectionate mother and only her imagination of a little Dutch girl, Anneliese, to keep her company. When devastation ravages her tiny family. Annelise becomes the comforting friend Margriet needs for a long time to come.A few years later, Margriet is blossoming into a kind young lady. Keen to escape her mother and strike out on her own, she forms an unlikely friendship with some of the street children who roam the town.As Margriet acts upon her inspiration to help them, will the troubles of her past break her spirit, or will she be able to overcome them?If you've liked books by Katie Flynn and Dilly Court, you'll love Val's heart-rending stories of triumph over adversity.Trade ReviewPraise for Val Wood * - *A heart-warming story filled with compelling action * Rosie Goodwin *Hull's answer to Catherine Cookson * BBC Radio 4's Front Row *With fully developed characters and a compelling story, it's no wonder the author won the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her debut... A great choice for a book club * Belfast Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisA moving and tragic cross-cultural love story for readers of Dilly Court and Kitty Neale. Oxfordshire, 1917Ellen is growing up in the Oxfordshire countryside. The granddaughter of a Methodist preacher and intending to marry Charlie, a boy from the local village, Ellen's life is mapped out for her. When Charlie is killed on the battlefields of the First World War, Ellen is left heart-broken and lost. But then she meets Sam Loveridge. Mysterious and unruly, Sam is from a local Gypsy community, and unlike anyone Ellen has ever met before. Before she knows what's hit her, Ellen is swept off her feet and shown a world of passion, excitement - and true love. But the conservative world that Ellen is from can't possibly understand or approve of their relationship, and Ellen and Sam are torn apart. Is their love strong enough overcome their cultural distances, or will the hostility and prejudice they face destroy their chance at happiness?The Gypsy Bride is a dramatic new saga for readers of The Country Bride. Don't miss Katie Hutton's brand-new book, The Gypsy's Daughter. Available to pre-order now. - - - - 'The history is meticulous and fascinating and the character of Sam Loveridge is absolutely captivating - I can still hear his voice perfectly, months after finishing.' Julie Cohen, bestselling author of The Two Lives of Louis and Louise'A family saga that had me hooked from the first page.' Lynn Johnson, author of The Girl from the Workhouse'A richly evoked, completely involving story of love, loss and redemption. So satisfying.' Elizabeth Woodcraft, author of The Saturday Girls and The Girls from Greenway 'Katie Hutton transports you to a forgotten England in this poignant story of star-crossed lovers. A triumph!' Catherine Kullman, author of The Gracechurch Trilogy'A moving love story, brilliantly depicting the dynamic between settled communities and gypsies.' Patricia O'Reilly, author of The First Rose of Tralee'[A] moving and well-wrought tale' Historical Novel Society'An enthralling and well-researched saga.' Lancashire Evening Post'The characters and storyline were fantastic.' Netgalley reviewer'A powerful saga full of tragedy and such sadness.' Netgalley reviewerTrade ReviewA richly evoked, completely involving story of love, loss and redemption. So satisfying. * Liz Woodcraft, author of The Girls from Greenway *Katie Hutton transports you to a forgotten England in this poignant story of star-crossed lovers. A triumph! * Catherine Kullman, author of The Gracechurch Trilogy *The history is meticulous and fascinating and the character of Sam Loveridge is absolutely captivating - I can still hear his voice perfectly, months after finishing. * Julie Cohen, bestselling author of The Two Lives of Louis and Louise *A moving love story, brilliantly depicting the dynamic between settled communities and gypsies. * Patricia O'Reilly, author of The First Rose of Tralee *A family saga that had me hooked from the first page. * Lynn Johnson, author of The Girl from the Workhouse *The Gypsy Bride is an enthralling and well-researched saga * Lancashire Evening Post *[A] moving and well-wrought tale * Historical Novel Society *

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Book SynopsisA charming new saga by Sheila Newberry, author of The Nursemaid's Secret and The Winter Baby, for fans of Call the Midwife. Sunny grew up in the Mother and Baby Home on Grove Lane, London. The daughter of a wartime nurse and a pilot, she was abandoned by her mother shortly after her birth and taken in by Nan, the warm and gentle proprietor of the home. Never having known her parents, Sunny has always felt like she doesn't quite fit in, but now at sixteen-years-old she is ready to find her place in the world. Heading out to start her first job, she finally feels she has some idea of who she wants to be.As 1950s London is changing at a rapid pace, so is Sunny. And when someone from her past returns, Sunny has some tough decisions to make. Decisions that could affect the rest of her life . . . - - - - Praise for Sheila Newberry 'The Forget-Me-Not Girl is a drama-packed and emotional saga full of nostalgia, warmth and charm.' The Lancashire Post'So gloriously nostalgic . . . a perfect example of her talent.' Maureen Lee, bestselling author of The Seven Streets of Liverpool'Like having dinner with your mother in her warm and cosy kitchen.' Diane Allen, bestselling author of For the Sake of Her FamilyReaders are already loving The Mother and Baby Home:'A lovely emotional book.' Netgalley reviewer 'A delightful read . . . will pull at your heartstrings.' Netgalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisBe swept away by the new breath-taking romantic novel from Sunday Times bestselling author and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke.You are cordially invited to the wedding of the year! London, 1938.When fiercely independent chambermaid Nancy Nettleton first moved to London and the Buckingham hotel, the last thing on her mind was finding love, let alone falling for the debonair demonstration dancer Raymond de Guise.As the festive season approaches, life at the exclusive hotel is busier than ever, with guests arriving from around the world, seeking comfort, relaxation and refuge as tensions build across Europe and it looks like another war is imminent.Behind the scenes, the staff work tirelessly, ensuring the smooth operation of the hotel, guarding the secrets of their guests - but they have many of their own that they fear will be revealed.As the band strikes up in the Grand Ballroom to celebrate Nancy and Raymond's wedding, one thing is certain - this will be a Christmas to remember.Trade ReviewA novel that's like a hug! -- Phillip Schofield

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming and dramatic World War I saga of secrets, love and the British royal family for readers of Daisy Styles and Maisie Thomas. 'A heartwarming historical novel' Rosie Goodwin'A gripping historical saga' Daisy StylesRoll out the red carpet. The royal train is due in half an hour and there's not a minute to be wasted.It's 1915 and the country is at war. In the small Norfolk village of Wolferton, uncertainty plagues the daily lives of sisters Ada, Jessie and Beatrice Saward, as their men are dispatched to the frontlines of Gallipoli.Harry, their father, is the station master at the local stop for the royal Sandringham Estate. With members of the royal family and their aristocratic guests passing through the station on their way to the palace, the Sawards' unique position gives them unrivalled access to the monarchy.But when the Sawards' estranged and impoverished cousin Maria shows up out of the blue, everything the sisters thought they knew about their family is thrown into doubt.The Royal Station Master's Daughters is the first book in a brand-new World War I saga series, inspired by the Saward family, who ran the station at Wolferton in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Through this history-making family we get a glimpse into all walks of life - from glittering royalty to the humblest of servants.Don't miss the second book in the series, The Royal Station Master's Daughters at War, coming in 2022. Pre-order now. 'Anyone who reads romantic fiction in a historical setting should love [The Royal Station Master's Daughters] but for anyone who knows Sandringham it really does evoke something of the place and life on the estate' Neil Storey, WWI historianTrade ReviewA heartwarming historical novel * Rosie Goodwin *A gripping historical saga * Daisy Styles * Anyone who reads romantic fiction in a historical setting should love [The Royal Station Master's Daughters] but for anyone who knows Sandringham it really does evoke something of the place and life on the estate. * Neil Storey, WWI historian *Ellee has brought [these characters] to life * Lynn News *

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Book SynopsisThe Flour Mill Girls is the first book in an uplifting and emotional new saga series of family, friendship, love and war set in the heart of WWI Kent. For fans of The Jam Factory Girls and The Woolworths Girls.Crumford, Kent, 1914There are rumours of war besetting the country but sisters Daisy, Violet and Holly Graham have other things on their minds. With the family smock mill keeping them busy and the local brewer boys turning their heads, the girls are looking forward to a summer of fun. But their plans soon come crashing to the ground as war is declared. As their brothers, Asa and Clem, and the three Brewer lads Ren, Alder and Rosen, all volunteer to do their part for the war effort and are shipped off, the women are left with the problem of how to keep the business running. With the men away at war, and life increasingly hard, will the Graham girls find the answers they're looking for? And when long-held secrets are revealed could their lives change forever . . .

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Book SynopsisNot even the Blitz can shake a mother's love.Cathy was a happy, blushing bride when Britain went to war with Germany three years ago. But her youthful dreams were crushed by her violent husband Stanley's involvement with the fascist black-shirts, and even when he's conscripted to fight she knows it's only a brief respite - divorce is not an option. Cathy, a true Brogan daughter, stays strong for her beloved little son Peter.When a telegram arrives declaring that her husband is missing in action, Cathy can finally allow herself to hope - she only has to wait 6 months before she is legally a widow and can move on with her life. In the meantime, she has to keep Peter safe and fed. So she advertises for a lodger, and Sergeant Archie McIntosh of the Royal Engineers' Bomb Disposal Squad turns up. He is kind, clever and thoughtful; their mutual attraction is instant. But with Stanley's fate still unclear, and the Blitz raging on over London's East End, will Cathy ever have the love she deserves?Jean Fullerton, the queen of the East End saga, returns with a wonderful new nostalgic novel.Trade ReviewRichly-textured and engrossing... Jean Fullerton's meticulous research and background knowledge enable her to create a wholly convincing and engaging wartime novel... Completely immersive. With humour to lighten the mood as well it can be laugh-out-loud funny as well as deeply poignant, but it is the emotional richness and heart to the book that draws the story together and makes this such a rewarding read. * Nicola Cornick, Historia, on A Ration Book Childhood *Lovely... The author's writing captures the atmosphere and emotions and difficulties of life during wartime. It is a great piece of historical fiction which centres on World War II... The book was an emotional read with a few tears along the way. * New Books Magazine, on A Ration Book Childhood *Charming and full of detail... You will ride emotional highs and lows... Beautifully written. * The Lady on Jean Fullerton *A real page-turner with larger-than-life characters and convincing period detail * Daily Express, praise for A Ration Book Christmas *A lovely, fascinating, proper treat of a read set during the Blitz of World War Two... A Ration Book Christmas is food for the soul, it's simply deliciously readable and enjoyable. * Liz Robinson, LoveReading, on A Ration Book Christmas *A delightful, well-researched story that really does depict nursing and the living conditions in the East End at the end of the war. * Lesley Pearce, on Call Nurse Millie *

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Book Synopsis'An enthralling page-turner' DILLY COURT'A heart-warming WW2 love story' ROSIE GOODWIN'The queen of East End sagas' ELAINE EVEREST Jean Fullerton, the RNA-shortlisted queen of the East End, returns with the final nostalgic and heart-warming story of the Brogan family. _____In the final days of war, only love will pull her through . . . Queenie Brogan wasn't always an East End matriarch. Many years ago, before she married Fergus, she was Philomena Dooley, a daughter of Irish Travellers, planning to wed her childhood sweetheart, Patrick Mahone. But when tragedy struck and Patrick's narrow-minded sister, Nora, intervened, the lovers were torn apart.Fate can be cruel, and when Queenie arrives in London she finds that Patrick Mahone is her parish priest, and that the love she had tried to suppress flares again in her heart.But now in the final months of WW2, Queenie discovers Father Mahone is dying and must face losing him forever. Can she finally tell him the secret she has kept for over fifty years or will Nora once again come between them?And if Queenie does decide to finally tell Patrick, could the truth destroy the Brogan family?___Praise for Jean Fullerton: 'Charming and full of detail... You will ride emotional highs and lows... Beautifully written' The Lady on A Ration Book Daughter'A delightful, well researched story' bestselling author Lesley Pearse*What are readers saying about Jean Fullerton?'I loved it. Easy to read and loveable characters. If you love novels set during WW2 then this is a must read.''A must-read story that I'd strongly recommend for readers who enjoy historical family stories.''This author never fails to keep you enthralled with each page. Hopefully this isn't the last we see of the Brogans.'THE RATION BOOK SERIESA Ration Book DreamA Ration Book Christmas A Ration Book Childhood A Ration Book WeddingA Ration Book DaughterA Ration Book Christmas KissA Ration Book Christmas Broadcast A Ration Book VictoryTrade ReviewRichly-textured and engrossing... Jean Fullerton's meticulous research and background knowledge enable her to create a wholly convincing and engaging wartime novel... Completely immersive. With humour to lighten the mood as well it can be laugh-out-loud funny as well as deeply poignant, but it is the emotional richness and heart to the book that draws the story together and makes this such a rewarding read. * Nicola Cornick, Historia, on A Ration Book Childhood *Lovely... The author's writing captures the atmosphere and emotions and difficulties of life during wartime. It is a great piece of historical fiction which centres on World War II... The book was an emotional read with a few tears along the way. * New Books Magazine, on A Ration Book Childhood *Charming and full of detail... You will ride emotional highs and lows... Beautifully written. * The Lady on Jean Fullerton *A real page-turner with larger-than-life characters and convincing period detail * Daily Express, praise for A Ration Book Christmas *A lovely, fascinating, proper treat of a read set during the Blitz of World War Two... A Ration Book Christmas is food for the soul, it's simply deliciously readable and enjoyable. * Liz Robinson, LoveReading, on A Ration Book Christmas *

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Book SynopsisManchester, 1923: Jess Mason is determined to make her own way in the world. When she's appointed manager for Holly Lodge, a new home for old soldiers, she must convince the owner that she can run things just as well as any man - if not better.To everyone around him, Tom Watson seems a cheerful and sociable man, but he has secretly vowed to go through life alone. However, when he takes on the renovation of Holly Lodge and meets Jess, the walls he has built around himself start to crumble.As the opening of the new soldiers' home proves to be less than straightforward, Jess must fight tooth and nail to hold on to her precious new role. And with her affections for Tom growing stronger by each day, she can't help but wonder if there is room in her life for both love and the career she's always dreamt of.

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Book Synopsis'Funny, stark, fascinating' THE INDEPENDENT'An extraordinary celebration of a bygone era' KATE THOMPSON, author of The Stepney Doorstep Society'A vivid portrait of the post-war years, but also a unique community spirit that is in danger of being lost forever' Choice Magazine *** Featured on BBC RADIO, WOMAN & HOME, PEOPLE'S FRIEND, INSIDE SOAP & LONDON LIVE!***Life in Cockney London was tough in the post-war years. The government's broken promises had led to a chronic housing shortage, rampant crime and families living in squalor. But one thing prevailed: the unbeatable spirit of the East End, a tight-knit community who pulled through the dark times with humour and heart.Drawing on both family history and her own memories of growing up in the 1950s and '60s, as well as her working life as a district nurse and local police officer, Jean Fullerton vividly depicts this fascinating part of London - from tin baths, to jellied eels, to tigers in a Wapping warehouse.***Includes a bonus 8-page photo plate section!***-FIND OUT WHY READERS ARE FALLING IN LOVE WITH JEAN FULLERTON: 'Food for the soul, it's simply deliciously readable and enjoyable' LoveReading'Charming and full of detail... You will ride emotional highs and lows... Beautifully written' The Lady on A Ration Book Daughter 'A delightful, well researched story' bestselling author Lesley Pearse'A real page-turner with larger-than-life characters and convincing period detail' Daily ExpressTrade ReviewVivid, unsentimental and very funny. An extraordinary celebration of a bygone era by the Queen of the East End ... a cracking read and a golden nugget of 20th century history. * Kate Thompson, author of The Stepney Doorstep Society on A Child of the East End *Funny, stark...grimly fascinating. (...) A Child of the East End offers a powerful corrective to a romanticised, nostalgic way of looking at a past that was (...) often regressive and oppressive * The Independent *Richly-textured and engrossing... Jean Fullerton's meticulous research and background knowledge enable her to create a wholly convincing and engaging wartime novel... Completely immersive. With humour to lighten the mood as well it can be laugh-out-loud funny as well as deeply poignant, but it is the emotional richness and heart to the book that draws the story together and makes this such a rewarding read. -- Nicola Cornick * Historia, on A Ration Book Childhood *Food for the soul, it's simply deliciously readable and enjoyable * LoveReading on A Ration Book Christmas *Charming and full of detail... You will ride emotional highs and lows... Beautifully written * The Lady on a Ration Book Daughter *A delightful, well researched story -- bestselling author Lesley Pearse * on All Change for Nurse Millie *From jellied eels to tin baths . . . a richly evoked portrait of a bygone world * The Lady *A vivid portrait of the privations of the post-war years, but also a unique community spirit that is in danger of being lost forever * Choice Magazine *

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Book Synopsis'An enthralling page-turner' DILLY COURT'A heart-warming WW2 love story' ROSIE GOODWIN'A great new series from the queen of East End sagas' ELAINE EVEREST A brand new historical romance series from Jean Fullerton, charting the loves, hopes and heartaches of three women who move into a rectory in Stepney, East London during WW2.*East London, 1940. Prue Carmichael never dreamed that she'd end up working at a railway yard. But when her reverend father is called up to Stepney, she and her family are uprooted from their country home for a new life in the turbulent city.Determined to help with the war effort, Prue signs up for work and soon becomes intrigued by handsome train engineer Jack Quinn. But as the spark between them grows apparent, so does his troubled past - a past that Prue's mother would certainly not approve of.In between cleaning train carriages and helping to shelter Jewish refugees, Prue manages to stay busy. But she has more than one admirer, and when Jack is recruited into Churchill's secret army, a very different suitor begins to pursue her.As air raid sirens sound overhead, Prue Carmichael is facing her own battle - the fight between her heart and her head . . .Amidst the ruins of war, will Prue and Jack's love find a way?*PRAISE FOR JEAN FULLERTON 'Food for the soul, it's simply deliciously readable and enjoyable' Liz Robinson, LoveReading'Charming and full of detail... You will ride emotional highs and lows... Beautifully written' The Lady'A delightful, well researched story' bestselling author Lesley PearseTrade ReviewAn enthralling page turner -- Dilly Court, no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling authorA heart-warming WW2 love story -- Rosie Goodwin, Sunday Times bestselling authorI can honestly say that Jean Fullerton still deserves the crown of 'The Queen of East End Sagas. A Stepney Girl's Secret - such a wonderful WW2 saga and a great start to a new series. * Elaine Everest *

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Book Synopsis All she wanted was a mother’s love… Curl up with this heartrending new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Mother’s Struggle and A Daughter’s Ruin. DESPISEDPenny’s childhood was spent in the shadows of her mother’s business schemes, feeling alone and unimportant. It fell to Lorna, her mother’s acquaintance, to take care of the lonely little girl, but the rejection always cut deep. DETERMINEDWhen Penny turns sixteen and tragedy strikes, Lorna’s cousin Maureen, a feisty ex-stripper from London, strides into her life. Penny determines to make her own way in the world and, with Maureen, throws herself into a thrilling new life on the grimy streets of Soho. She makes new friends, but can’t avoid crossing the paths of some very dangerous men. DANGERIn this seedy world of dancing girls and gangsters Penny must grow up quickly, she must be brave, and she’s forced to face the truth about some very dark secrets from her past. A heartbreaking historical novel about betrayal, hardship and ultimately hope. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Dilly Court. Trade ReviewPraise for Kitty Neale: 'Heartbreakingly poignant and joltingly realistic.’ Annie Groves ‘A moving tale of love, hope and family…full of drama and heartache.’ Closer

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Book Synopsis**A gritty and emotional family drama, from the Sunday Times bestseller. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries and Katie Flynn.** You can never leave a bad man behind… Mavis Pugh has had a hard life. Despised and abused throughout her teenage years, she turned to the first man who showed her kindness. But her new husband, Alec, quickly revealed himself to be a violent bully. When Mavis escapes from Alec, she thinks the worst is behind her. Moving to a large family house with her two children is more than she ever dreamed of, and when handsome sign-writer Tommy takes an interest in her, she can't believe her luck. But Alec is far from a distant memory and, unbeknown to Mavis, he’s watching her and her happy family closely. Just waiting for the right time to make his next – and final – move…Trade ReviewPraise for Kitty Neale: 'Heartbreakingly poignant and joltingly realistic.’ Annie Groves ‘A moving tale of love, hope and family…full of drama and heartache.’ Closer

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Book Synopsis From Sunday Times bestselling author, Freda Lightfoot. 1943, when hundreds of US Marines arrive at a quiet Cornish town, two lives will never be the same again. Trapped in a small town resistant to change, Bette can’t resist handsome GI, Chad. But when reality draws in, Bette realises that their love was based on empty promises… Meanwhile Bette’s sister Sarah, is tormented by her possessive husband, but even his jealous attempts to keep her out of temptation can't prevent Sarah falling for officer Charlie. Caught in the very worst of times with the turmoil and upheaval of war all around them, can these sisters find a brighter future for tomorrow? A compelling family drama for fans for Maureen Lee and Katie Flynn. Praise for Freda Lightfoot ’Freda's book was a joy to read for her characters were so believable and richly drawn I really cared what happened to them and interspersed with the story was the arrival of the Americans, who caused such a furore in that small Cornish town as D Day approaches, And when World War 2 grinds to a halt, people's lives are changed for ever. It was a real page turner with a very satisfying end.’ - Anne Bennettt

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Book Synopsis What do you do when you meet the love of your life…twice? Ashley Ryan met her soul mate in her husband Devon and when he is killed in a car accident she struggled to move on. Until 3 years later her friends buy her a weekend away in the small town of Catalina Cove. The beautiful small town offers her peace and escape from her memories. Until she meets Ray Sullivan – fisherman, loner, and most definitely her dead husband. Ray arrived in Catalina Cove to start his life again after waking up from a coma with no memory of his previous life. Hidden away in Catalina Cove he is determined to take one day at a time until a visitor to the town sparks a distant memory and a feeling he can’t ignore… Ashley knows who he is. Ray does not. The question is can you fall in love with someone you never stopped loving…

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Book SynopsisAn enthralling, eventful WW2 saga from the popular writer of the Daisy Lane novels - perfect for fans of Daisy Styles. 1943, Gosport, Hampshire. Pixie Saunders is 19 and employed in the local armaments factory. Not for the first time, her mother has run off with a dodgy-looking bloke, leaving Pixie to pay the rent and fend for herself. Pixie, along with her best friend Rita, Em, the factory overseer, and the rest of the girls are making the most of the war while trying to stay alive. The work is dangerous and the hours long, but in the evenings they take off their overalls and go to the pub or, better still, go dancing. Pixie meets American serviceman Cal and falls in love. But then Cal rejoins his ship. When Pixie falls pregnant, her life changes dramatically. Alone and unable to work, she has to rely on the kindness of friends to help her survive. Happiness seems like a thing of the past. Little does she know that there are plenty of surprises waiting for her - good ones at that. Love may be closer than she thinks.

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Book SynopsisIf you love Lesley Pearse, you're sure to fall for Tamara McKinley. A tale of hardship, hidden identities and our shared struggle to survive. Becky Jackson's family has been managing the hospital in far-flung Morgan's Reach for three generations. When Becky's husband is tragically lost at war, she and her young son Danny must leave the city and return to her birthplace to start over. But for all its charm, Morgan's Reach is a divided community, where blood is thicker than water and grudges run deep. So when a mysterious stranger appears outside the town and Danny begins to act strangely, it is not only Becky's newfound stability that's threatened. And what of the fact that there's not been a drop of rain in over three years? The risk of wildfire looms large and the hospital is already pushed to breaking point. A single spark could level the area in minutes - burning away everything for which the town has worked so hard; exposing the secrets they've fought to keep so close.Trade ReviewSo well written you can almost feel the hairs on your arm scorching! A truly absorbing and engaging novel * Rosie Goodwin, Sunday Times bestseller *Tamara Mckinley's sweeping saga of life in the Australian outback will delight her ever-growing legion of fans * Dilly Court, Sunday Times Bestseller *Gripping ... tautly plotted * Time Out *'Big, sweeping historical drama ... certainly on a par with Lesley Pearse' Bookseller. * Bookseller *Big, sweeping historical drama ... certainly on a par with Lesley Pearse * Bookseller *'Gripping ... tautly plotted' Time Out. * Time Out *'So well written you can almost feel the hairs on your arm scorching! A truly absorbing and engaging novel' Rosie Goodwin, Sunday Times bestseller. * Sunday Times *'Tamara Mckinley's sweeping saga of life in the Australian outback will delight her ever-growing legion of fans' Dilly Court, Sunday Times top ten bestseller. * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Independent Book of the Year Against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution and Europe’s sexual revolution, the fates of two families in London and Beijing become unexpectedly intertwined, in this dazzling new novel from the author of Mrs Engels. In London, sisters Iris and Eva plan an attack on the West End theatre where their mother is playing the title role in Miss Julie; in Beijing, Jiang Qing, Chairman Mao’s wife, rehearses a gala performance of her model ballet, which she will use to attack her enemies in the Party. As the preparations for these two performances unfold, these three ‘sisters’ find themselves bound together by the passions of love, by the obsessions of power, and by the forces of history. Exquisitely observed, relevant, and wise, The Sisters Mao shows us that the political is always personal.Trade Review‘McCrea’s portrait of Jiang Qing is a masterpiece of characterisation: at once monstrous and pitiable. The Sisters Mao is dazzlingly clever and original.’ -- Antonia Senior * The Times *‘The work of a master storyteller.’ -- Joseph O’Connor‘A capacious work of social realism … dazzlingly ambitious yet modestly human.’ -- Lara Feigel * The Guardian *‘A study of political madness … modifying the old cliche that the personal is political, the message here is a reminder that the political is always personal.’ -- Phil Baker * The Sunday Times *‘It is impeccably researched and he interweaves the personal and the political to great effect.’ -- Lucy Popescu * Financial Times *‘Manages to combine vast research with lightness of touch and superb insights.’ -- Caitriona Lally * Sunday Independent *‘McCrea’s observations are a joy … this is a novel worth taking time over, for readers anywhere on the political spectrum.’ -- Christopher Harding * The Telegraph *‘Written with McCrea’s trademark confidence and virtuosity, this is a sumptuous, winning book. Its characters are not so much drawn from life (Imelda Marcos makes an entrance) as strange revenants from a turbulent dream. Its high intelligence throws light everywhere, and suggestive shade.’ -- Sebastian Barry‘McCrea has conducted exceptionally deep research to conjure up nuanced, authentic portrayals of the worlds of the book — but the text carries his knowledge lightly, supporting rather than dominating the story. The Sisters Mao is the best sort of historical fiction; one that illuminates the contemporary moment with great insight. Profoundly brilliant, it will no doubt be a huge contender on the literary awards circuit, but also one that is pushed feverishly from reader to reader with excitement.’ -- Helen Cullen * The Irish Times *‘The tremors of Gavin McCrea’s prose thrillingly record what happens as a world spins off its axis, shattering public and private lives. This electrifying fiction confirms McCrea’s status among the leading novelists of his brilliant generation.’ -- Frank McGuinness, author of Someone Who'll Watch Over Me‘The Sisters Mao is a spectacular novel, utterly enthralling and insightful; every voice is penetrating, dazzling. In spite of the setting, it is full of relevance for these times; it manages to be both historically authentic and thrillingly contemporary. Gavin is a writer of extraordinary talent, and I cannot think of a kind of reader who I would not recommend this novel to.’ -- Sara Baume, author of Spill Simmer Falter Wither‘Gavin McCrea is a wonderful writer: bold, innovative, and fiercely intelligent, and these qualities shine from this magnificent novel. I was enthralled from the first sentence to the last.’ -- Donal Ryan, author of Strange Flowers‘A sweeping political saga spanning East and West. McCrea’s confident and lucid prose gives us both the personal and the political. Mesmerising.’ -- Xiaolu Guo, author of A Lover’s Discourse‘Dynamic.’ -- Sebastian Barry * The Irish Times *‘The writing has an engrossing flow of energy, a vigour, and a flair which have the audacity of invention … Given its immensity and arguments the novel could invite comparison with some of the great Russian writers.’ -- Mary Leland * Irish Examiner *‘Major recommendation ... The incredible Gavin McCrea, beloved author of Mrs Engels, publishes his second novel, The Sisters Mao ... It’s profoundly brilliant!’ -- Helen Cullen‘Brilliantly chronicles the corrosive collision between the personal and the political.’ -- Jane Shilling * Daily Mail *‘A new novel that's so powerful I think it's going straight onto my shelf of favourite books. It's a moving, thrilling, and thoughtful story that will captivate you.’ -- Eric Karl Anderson * Lonesome Reader *‘Ideas flow ceaselessly and impact in unexpected ways in Gavin McCrea’s compendious novel.’ -- Neil Hegarty * The Irish Times *‘Ambitious … McCrea writes insightfully about mother-daughter dynamics, the power of theatre, and women’s roles in revolutionary movements.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘A stirring, perceptive exploration of radical politics … a sweeping portrait of three women shaped by fanaticism, dysfunctional families, intra-group sexism, and politics-as-performance … This excellent novel, populated by maddening, memorable characters, offers a timeless reminder of extremism's perils.’ -- Kevin Canfield * Minneapolis Star Tribune *

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Book SynopsisFive hundred miles from mainland Colombia, grassroots resistance, sloppy vacationers, and a muddy history of conquest converge for Verónica, returning after living in Mexico City, ready to understand herself and the place she came from.San Andrés rises gently from the Caribbean, part of Colombia but closer to Nicaragua, the largest island in an archipelago claimed by the Spanish, colonized by the Puritans, worked by slaves, and home to Arab traders, migrants from the mainland, and the descendants of everyone who came before.For Victoria – whose origins on the island go back generations, but whose identity is contested by her accent, her skin colour, her years far away – the sunburnt tourists, sewage blooms, sudden storms, and ‘thinking rundowns’ where liberation is plotted and dinner served from a giant communal pot, bring her into vivid, intimate contact with the island she thought she knew, her own history, and the possibility for a real future for herself and San Andrés.Trade Review"Colombian writer Bendek’s clear-eyed debut….heralds an intriguing new voice." —Publishers Weekly"A brilliant and sensory overload of a novel." —The Crack Magazine

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Book SynopsisEl Caribe es un ombligo, profundo, infinito.... susurro. Me aprietan unos músculos firmes, me hace cosquillas la brisa de un aliento fresco. Tiembla San Andrés extasiada. Y tiemblo yo.A mil doscientas millas de tierra firme, resistencia raizal, turistas descuidados, y una historia embarrada sobre la conquista convergen para Victoria, quien vuelve a su hogar desde la Ciudad de México lista para descifrarse a sí misma y al lugar de donde viene.Regresar a san Andrés hace que Victoria Baruq cuestione su relación con la isla. Una foto inquietante de sus tatarabuelos y el raro encuentro con Maa Josephine, una anciana raizal a quien conoce frente a la First Baptiste Church, son algunos de los detonantes que empiezan a revelar detalles de sus orígenes. Su pasado no solo la pone en contacto con la desconocida historia de la isla, sino también con los movimientos sociales que, entre zouk y calipso, celebran la identidad raizal, hacen thinking rundowns, resisten.Esta obra fue ganadora del Premio de Novela Elisa Mújica 2018 (Colombia).Five hundred miles from mainland Colombia, grassroots resistance, sloppy vacationers, and a muddy history of conquest converge for Verónica, returning after living in Mexico City, ready to understand herself and the place she came from.San Andrés rises gently from the Caribbean, part of Colombia but closer to Nicaragua, the largest island in an archipelago claimed by the Spanish, colonized by the Puritans, worked by slaves, and home to Arab traders, migrants from the mainland, and the descendants of everyone who came before.For Victoria – whose origins on the island go back generations, but whose identity is contested by her accent, her skin colour, her years far away – the sunburnt tourists, sewage blooms, sudden storms, and ‘thinking rundowns’ where liberation is plotted and dinner served from a giant communal pot, bring her into vivid, intimate contact with the island she thought she knew, her own history, and the possibility for a real future for herself and San Andrés.Trade Review"Colombian writer Bendek’s clear-eyed debut….heralds an intriguing new voice." —Publishers Weekly"A brilliant and sensory overload of a novel." —The Crack Magazine

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