Family saga / generational saga fiction

Book SynopsisJeffrey Archer, whose novels and short stories include the Clifton Chronicles, Kane and Abel and Cat O' Nine Tales, is one of the world's favourite storytellers and has topped the bestseller lists around the world in a career spanning four decades. His work has been sold in ninety-seven countries and in more than thirty-seven languages. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction, short stories and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).Jeffrey is also an art collector, sports lover, and amateur auctioneer, conducting numerous charity auctions every year. A member of the House of Lords for over a quarter of a century, the author is married to Dame Mary Archer, and they have two sons, two grandsons and a granddaughter.Trade ReviewI guarantee that anyone who takes this book from the shelves will not be able to put it down -- Jerry Hayes * The Spectator *Probably the greatest storyteller of our age * The Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisA moving historical novel inspired by the German occupation of the Channel Islands during WW2. This is a story of courage, resilience and everyday acts of defiance from ordinary people forced to live in an extraordinary time.The USA Today bestseller!June 1940While her little sister Rosie is sent to the UK to keep her safe from the invading German army, Estelle Le Maistre is left behind on Jersey to help her grandmother run the family farm. When the Germans occupy the island, everything changes and Estelle and the islanders must face the reality of life under Nazi rule.Interspersed with diary entries from Rosie back on the mainland, the novel is also inspired by real life stories from the author's own family who were both on the island during the occupation and in London during the Blitz and is a true testament to the courage and bravery of the islanders.Readers are loving An Island at War: A mesmerizing' story of a island captured by the Nazi''s in World War II' DebbieI fell head over Trade Review Readers love Deborah Carr: ‘A book that drew me in…I cuddle up on my reading chair and entered the world of Boots’ Abby ‘Vibrant, believable, characters and an absorbing plot’ Tabby ‘This will definitely pull at your heartstrings…Loved it’ Beverley ‘I’m so glad this is the beginning of a series and I can't wait to read the rest! Wonderfully written’ Grace ‘If you like historical novels this is a book for you’ Bookoholic Cafe ‘A gorgeous start to a new historical series that captivated, charmed and inspired me’ Adele ‘A great and powerful read about love, relationships, and the trials and tribulations in between…a true thrill’ Donna ‘Watch this author–this is a series you'll want to stick with’ Micah

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling author and master storyteller David Baldacci, Wish You Well is a dramatic and enthralling tale of family unity in the face of adversity.Tragedy strikes the New York-based Cardinal family when their car is involved in a terrible accident. Twelve-year-old Lou and seven-year-old Oz survive, but the crash leaves their father dead and their mother in a coma. It would seem their world has been shattered forever until their great-grandmother, Louisa Mae, agrees to raise the children on her Virginia mountain farm.But before long their rural idyll is threatened by the discovery of natural gas on the mountain. Determined to protect her home from the ravages of big business, Louisa Mae refuses to sell, but when the neighbours hear of the potential wealth the company could bring, they begin to turn against her. And now the Cardinal family find themselves ensnared in another battle, to be played out in a crowded Virginia courtroom: a battle for justice, for survival, and for the right to stay together in the only place they know as home.Filled with both rich humour and desperate poignancy, Wish You Well is a tale of family, faith, humanity and prejudice, set in the 1940s against the magical backdrop of the Virginia high rock.Trade ReviewBaldacci triumphs with his best novel yet, an utterly captivating drama. This novel has a huge heart * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThrilling and absorbing, Cometh the Hour is the sixth novel in international bestseller Jeffrey Archer’s the Clifton Chronicles and sees the Clifton and Barrington families navigate the 1970s in an epic tale of tragedy and hope.There are devastating consequences for Harry and Emma Clifton, her brother Giles Barrington and their arch enemy Lady Virginia when a suicide note is read out in court.Having fallen in love, Giles must decide if he should withdraw from politics to try and rescue the woman he loves from behind the Iron Curtain.Lady Virginia faces bankruptcy, and can see no way out of her financial problems, until she is introduced to a rich, hapless American. Harry and Emma’s son, Sebastian Clifton, now the Chief Executive of Farthings Bank, falls in love with the wrong girl even as his rivals plot to overthrow him. Meanwhile, his father remains determined to free a fellow author from a gulag in Siberia, following the internatiTrade ReviewArcher continues his storytelling magic to create characters of spellbinding substance, and readers can count on his surprising twists and shocking conclusion. Here, just when the end seems too tidy, Archer provides a killer cliffhanger * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisBlack Country Orphan is a moving story of the courage and strength of women, by the Sunday Times bestselling author Annie Murray.The early 1900s: Cradley Heath, a town in the Black Country near Birmingham and centre of the world’s chain-making trade. Lucy Butler, a young girl crippled by a cruel accident, lives with her two brothers and widowed mother, a chain-maker barely making ends meet. When tragedy strikes, the Butler family is separated and Lucy is taken in by Bertha Hipkiss, another impoverished chain maker, struggling to look after her own family.Lucy, while feeling the loss of her own family, relies on the company of Bertha’s two sons, charming Clem and straight-laced John. Though clever at school, Lucy knows she must leave and earn her keep, working many hours in the backyard forge. The five women toiling side by side, inevitably have their own friendships and squabbles. But they’re united in their hatred of loathsome middleman Seth Dawson, who treats the women with contempt, and keeps their pay punishingly low. But by the 1910s, there is a movement stirring, as across the country workers begin unionising for their rights. For Lucy, Bertha and the women of Cradley Heath, the promise of a better life seems almost too much to hope for – and the fight may end up costing them everything . . .Trade ReviewThis heart-warming story is a gripping read, full of drama, love and compassion (Soldier Girl) * Take a Break *This epic saga will have you gripped from start to finish (Chocolate Girls) * Birmingham Evening Mail *Just the right mix of mystery and nostalgia (Birmingham Friends) * Parents' Magazine *A tale of passion and empathy which will keep you hooked (Birmingham Blitz) * Woman's Own *

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Book SynopsisShe has the chance for a new life, but will she take it?When their mother dies of pneumonia, Ellie and her younger sister Dora are left alone in the world. Their hard-drinking, womanising father has abandoned them, and they cannot afford the rent on their East End tenement alone. Ellie is proud but she cannot turn down an offer of help from Doctor Lowe, a kindly man who sees Ellie as the replacement for his own recently deceased daughter.Though Doctor Lowe’s motives are misguided, his kindness offers Ellie and Dora an opportunity to escape the poverty of their background and make something of themselves. But will Ellie risk her chance at a new life for revenge on her father? An enthralling Victorian saga of family and female independence, perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Val Wood.

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Book SynopsisWhen the Great Depression hits Liverpool hard, can Weaver Street's close knit community keep each other safe?As Liverpool and its residents begin to heal from the wounds and memories of World War I, life on Weaver Street in 1924 is blessedly peaceful. At number eleven, widow Kitty Conlon is dreaming about her upcoming wedding to John, while at number nine her best friend Maggie is cursing her bad luck as she juggles the demands of her cantankerous mother, stroppy daughter and fly-by-night beau. At number fifteen, Mavis has a mysterious new lodger, while further along the street the O Malley family are missing their beloved Ireland.But as the Depression begins to bite, and the arrival of the Muller family on Weaver Street signals the worrying drumbeats of conflict coming from Germany, the fragile happiness and peace Liverpool has been enjoying looks destined to end. And as the neighbours pull together in the toughest of times, the women on Weaver Street face the prospect of waving their menfolk off to war.If you love Lyn Andrew, Katie Flynn and Pam Howes, you'll love Chrissie Walsh. What readers say about Chrissie Walsh’s stories:‘This was a very, very, very good read from start to finish I didn't want to put it down, the storyline is amazing.’‘I really enjoyed this book, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days. Such a great author, I do hope there will be follow on books on Weaver Street following the lives of all the people I’ve now come to know.’‘Great book with brilliant characters Kitty, Tom, Maggie, Beth and lots more. One of the best books I've read this year. Can't wait until next one comes out to see what happens to Kitty and her family.’‘Loved this story couldn’t put it down a fab read. Kitty showed what a strong character she was. I can’t wait for next one. Have a try you’ll not be disappointed.’

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Book SynopsisBook two in Fenella J. Miller's gripping and emotional WWII series.Will her secret destroy her chance at happiness?The phony war is over and Hitler is beginning his rampage through Europe. But back home Barbara Sinclair has troubles of her own. With her wedding to Spitfire Pilot Alex Everton imminent, Barbara is worried about a secret she is keeping from her new husband – one that could ruin everything.Determined to try and maintain some normality in her life, the wedding goes ahead, but Alex leaves almost immediately to continue fighting the Germans. Barbara fears for his safety and for the moment, her secret must wait…But when bombs fall on Barbara’s new home, the war feels closer than ever. And Barbara realises that time could be running out for both of them…'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie LanePlease note: This books was originally published as Barbara's War: The Middle years.

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Book SynopsisThe first in an explosive series featuring the Strong family and a legacy of lies that leads to passion, love, murder and heartbreak…Barbados 1818 One fateful night, a terrible tragedy occurs at the Strong family sugar plantation on the paradise island of Barbados. The Strong family quickly move to keep the shocking event a secret. But secrets can’t stay hidden forever… Twenty-two years later Blanche Strong, the living, breathing proof of that night, is left following her mother's sudden death. Now, alone in the world Blanche is determined to get answers about her past. Otis Strong, the second eldest son of the Strong Sugar dynasty arranges for Blanche to travel to Bristol and be installed in the Strong family home at Marstone House, where they can keep her under their watchful eye. Lulled into a false sense of security and harbouring her own suspicions surrounding her parentage, Blanche dreams that she will be acknowledged as the daughter of one of the three sons. But her hopes are dashed when on arrival she is treated as nothing more than a servant. Only her friend, Captain Tom Strong, adopted son of Jeb Strong, youngest of the three brothers, shows her any kindness. Whoever her father is remains a secret. One of many that the Strong family wish to keep to themselves. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies and Fiona ValpyPreviously published as Like an Evening Gone by Jeannie Johnson and Daughter of Destiny by Erica BrownDon’t miss the rest of the Strong Family Sagas: 1. Daughter of Destiny 2. The Sugar Merchant’s Wife 3. Secrets of the Past

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Book SynopsisMarch 1941. As the war rages on, the Buckingham Hotel has become a microcosm of the world. Its ballroom and restaurant are peopled with exiled royal families, politicians and dignitaries, but the beating heart of the Buckingham remains its hardworking, talented staff.  With the heroic Raymond de Guise away fighting in North Africa, his beloved wife Nancy must balance her new position in life- as Head of Housekeeping at the Buckingham, but also as a new mother to their child.  And all the while, mysterious new figures are beginning to take centre stage: a secretive new bandleader from across the Atlantic, an unknown thief pilfering luxury goods from the Buckingham's larders, and a charismatic ghost from Raymond's past, stirring up old memories from his time on the circuit in 1920s Paris. As tensions flare and dark secrets rise to the surface, it's all the Buckingham staff can do to retain their trademark elegance a

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Book Synopsis'Exquisite' – Daily MailShortlisted for the Walter Scott PrizeBased on true events, The Good People is Hannah Kent's engrossing novel about superstition and devoted love.Ireland, 1825. Nóra, bereft after the sudden death of her husband, finds herself alone and caring for her young grandson Micheál, who cannot speak or walk. What happened to the healthy, happy grandson she met when her daughter was still alive?Mary arrives in the valley to help Nóra just as the whispers are spreading: stories of unexplained misfortunes, of illnesses, and rumours that Micheál is a changeling child who is bringing bad luck to the valley.Nance has lived in the valley all of her life. She is a healer who knows how to use the plants and berries of the woodland; she understands the magic in the old ways. And she might be able to help Micheál . . .As these three women are Trade ReviewExceptional . . . The Good People is an even better novel than Burial Rites — a starkly realised tale of love, grief and misconceived beliefs * Sunday Times *Lyrical and unsettling . . . A literary novel with the pace and tension of a thriller . . . I am in awe of Kent's gifts as a storyteller. -- Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the TrainAn imaginative tour-de-force that recreates a way of perceiving the world with extraordinary vividness . . . With its exquisite prose, this harrowing, haunting narrative of love and suffering is sure to be a prize-winner * Daily Mail *Kent has a terrific feel for the language of her setting. The prose is richly textured with evocative vocabulary . . . A serious and compelling novel about how those in desperate circumstances cling to ritual as a bulwark against their own powerlessness -- Graeme Macrae Burnet * Guardian *Hannah Kent's second novel is a thorough study of the faiths and rituals of a rural community, as well as a poignant portrayal of grief * Financial Times *The Good People lies somewhere between Andrew Michael Hurley's gothic The Loney and Emma Donoghue's The Wonder . . . an absorbing and imaginative novel about superstition and the old ways * The Times *A thoroughly engrossing entrée into the macabre nature of a vanished society, its virtues and its follies and its lethal impulses . . . utterly unexpected -- Thomas Keneally, Booker Prize-author of Schindler's ArkBeautiful . . . the setting and the characters drew me in immediately and kept me completely absorbed -- Claire King, author of The Night RainbowAn immersive, startlingly lyrical portrait of a time when the borders between logic and superstition were dangerously porous . . . thrillingly alive * Metro *Remarkable . . . Kent displays an uncanny ability to immerse herself in an unfamiliar landscape and to give that landscape a life - a voice - that is utterly convincing . . . a haunting novel, shrewdly conceived and beautifully written * The Australian *A sensitively drawn tale of love, grief, and terrible loss * The Age *The Good People is a sensitively drawn tale of love, grief, and terrible loss, set in a tiny Irish village in the early 19th century . . . filled with descriptions of ritual and rhythm * Canberra Times *

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Book SynopsisA rich and gripping war story that hooked me from the first pageI was effortlessly swept into the drama' USA Today bestseller Andie NewtonDivided by war. Reunited by courage.Phoebe is a volunteer nurse at a Base Hospital in Étaples, France, treating men who've served on hte Western Front. Their courage and resilience inspires her, and though she's meant to keep her distance, Captain Archie Bailey soon captivates her heart.Her younger sister Celia is a nurse at a POW camp on the island of Jersey. These men fight for the forces that bombed her brother and parents, but long hours spent healing them shows her they aren't the monsters she expected.Despite the miles between them, both Celia and Phoebe come to see the commonality in their experiences the sense of community and friendship, the unexpected moments of love and laughter, and a bond so strong that even war can't break itReaders are loving The Poppy Sisters:What a first class read! Definitely recommend it' ?????An excellent and emoTrade Review Readers love Deborah Carr: ‘A ‘mesmerizing’ story of a island captured by the Nazi's in World War II’ Debbie ‘I fell head over heels in love with this book…It brings to light strong female characters, who have bravery and courage to stand up for themselves and for what is right’ Jenny ‘I loved getting to know the characters and truly experiencing their rather unique predicament…a fascinating read to those who enjoy WWII fiction’ Denise ‘Absorbing and full of emotion, compassion and wisdom’ Joan ‘Very well written and a great curl up with a cuppa and get lost in the story kind of book’ Gill ‘Will pull at your heartstrings…beautifully written’ Louise ‘The story was much more meaningful knowing it was written by someone that was from the island…I enjoyed reading about the beautiful island and the community that stuck together to help each other’ Shirley ‘It ticked the boxes of love, family, strength, and character and I would recommend it for others looking for an engaging historical fiction read’ Stacey ‘An emotional story of how life changed for the residents of Jersey during the German occupation’ Ethel

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning author of The Apothecary's Daughter, The Fading of the Light is the next book in the Spindrift Trilogy, a beautifully evocative, multi-generational family drama set at the turn of the century and perfect for fans of Elizabeth Jane Howard, Santa Montefiore and Lucinda Riley.

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Book SynopsisSusanna Bavin has variously been a librarian, an infant school teacher, a carer and a cook. She lives in Llandudno in North Wales with her husband and two rescue cats, but her writing is inspired by her Mancunian roots.

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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 SynopsisAnnie Murray was born in Berkshire and read English at St John's College, Oxford. Her first Birmingham novel, Birmingham Rose, hit The Sunday Times bestseller list when it was published in 1995. She has subsequently written many other successful novels, including War Babies and Girls in Tin Hats and the bestselling novels Chocolate Girls, Sisters of Gold and Black Country Orphan. Annie has four children, all Birmingham born and she lives near Oxford.

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Book SynopsisThe second novel in the Earth''s Children series, Jean M. Auel''s internationally bestselling reconstruction of pre-historic life, when two kinds of human beings, Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon, shared the earth.Forced to leave the Clan and her young son, Ayla sets out alone to travel the frigid steppes until she comes across the valley of horses. Unable to find people like herself, the Cro-Magnons, she settles there and seeks friendship elsewhere. First she adopts a young filly, then a wounded lion cub.But far to the west, two young Cro-Magnon brothers have begun a journey. One of them is Jondalar, whose destiny is bound inextricably with Ayla''s.Set 25,000 years in the past, yet utterly relatable today, The Valley of Horses is an epic tale of love, identity and the struggle to survive, rich in detail of language, culture, myth and ritual.Praise for Jean M. Auel''Beautiful, exciting, imaginative'' NTrade ReviewIt has magic * Daily Telegraph *A panorama of human culture in its infancy . . . THE VALLEY OF HORSES is great fun. * New York Times Book Review *Holds the reader in a powerful spell. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis'My dear, I don't give a damn.'Margaret Mitchell’s page-turning, sweeping American epic has been a classic for over eighty years. Beloved and thought by many to be the greatest of the American novels, Gone with the Wind is a story of love, hope and loss set against the tense historical background of the American Civil War. The lovers at the novel’s centre – the selfish, privileged Scarlett O’Hara and rakish Rhett Butler – are magnetic: pulling readers into the tangled narrative of a struggle to survive that cannot be forgotten.WINNER OF NATIONAL BOOK AWARD AND PULITZER PRIZE'For sheer readability I can think of nothing it must give way before' The New Yorker'What makes some people come through catastrophes and others, apparently just as able, strong, and brave, go under?’ Margaret MitchellTrade ReviewThis is beyond a doubt one of the most remarkable first novels produced by an American writer. It is also one of the best. I would go so far as to say that it is, in narrative power . . . surpassed by nothing in American fiction. * The New York Times *For sheer readability I can think of nothing it must give way before * The New Yorker *Gone With The Wind is a rich, complicated book . . . we can and should argue about a story that’s achieved such a hold on the American imagination * The Washington Post *Mitchell carefully analyses the nature of human resilience, and holds up hopefulness as the critical tool for getting through the worst times… most of all, in the[se] bleak days . . . it is Scarlett’s belief that tomorrow will be better that feels endlessly and gleefully hopeful. After all, as she knows so well: “Tomorrow is another day.” * The Guardian *Anyone who has not read it has missed one of the greatest literary experiences a reader can have.

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Book SynopsisPRAISE FOR SARUM 'A high-speed cavalcade of our island story' DAILY EXPRESS'Supremely well crafted and a delight to read' CHICAGO TRIBUNE'A thundering good read' THE BOOKSELLER'A richly imagined vision of history' SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE _______________________________FIVE INTERCONNECTED FAMILIESSarum weaves an enthralling saga of five families - the Wilsons, the Masons, the family of Porteus, the Shockleys, and the Godfreys - who reflect the changing character of Britain.CENTURIES OF TURMOIL AND TYRANNYIn a novel of extraordinary richness, the whole sweep of British civilization unfolds through the story of one place, Sailsbury, from beyond recorded time to the present day. The landscape - as old as time itself - shapes the destinies of the five families.AN EPIC SAGATracing historical moments from the Ice Age through to the present day, all set against the backdrop of an ever-changing England, Sarum is a novel of breathtaking scope, perfect for fans of Ken Follett and Diana Gabaldon.Trade ReviewA heck of a story ... a grand read * Daily Mail *A high-speed cavalcade of our island story ... a heady and sometimes sexy brew * Daily Express *Bursts with action, encyclopedic in historic detail ... supremely well crafted and a delight to read * Chicago Tribune *A richly imagined vision of history, written with genuine delight * San Francisco Chronicle *A thundering good read … a great achievement * The Bookseller *

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Book Synopsis A problem shared, is always a problem halved on Mulberry Lane...LONDON 1950 Peggy Ronoscki is happily settling back into life running her guesthouse on Mulberry Lane, surrounded by close friends and family. Life just seems too good…but then disaster strikes. Pip, her beloved son is left in a coma following a devastating car crash and a young girl collapses in the market leaving Peggy no option but to nurse her back to health. As things begin to go awry, Peggy worries she has brought trouble to her own doorstep? Can her life ever return to normal? Or has Peggy’s good nature led her astray?Praise for the Mulberry Lane series:'When it comes to writing sagas, Rosie Clarke is up there with some of the best in the business' Bookish Jottings.'Full of drama, romance and secrets ... A perfect example of its genre' That Thing She Reads.'This is wonderful historical fiction that is so character-driven you'll wish these women lived on your street' 'Absolutely loved this latest instalment and revisiting the ladies of the Lane. Another great story of love and heartache'

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Book SynopsisShe isn’t looking for trouble – but trouble is coming to find her.Still grieving the death of her watchman husband in a terrorist attack during the Outrages, factory worker Rose is struggling to make ends meet when she encounters middle-class Annie, a newspaperman’s wife who devotes her time to lobbying for better working conditions.Rose is desperate to avoid making waves with three mouths to feed. But she can’t sit back and watch women and young girls continue to work in dangerous conditions, including her desperately sick lodger.Fearing for her daughter’s future and with her husband’s killer still on the loose, all Rose wants is justice.. Just how far is she prepared to go?An enthralling and emotional Victorian saga for fans of Kitty Neale, Libby Ashworth and Emma Hornby.Praise for The Watchman's Widow ‘Joanne Clague writes with such energy, wisdom, compassion and gentle humour, taking me right to the heart of her characters’ lives.’ Suzannah Dunn, author of The Testimony of Alys Twist‘A great read and an enthralling story.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I loved the fact that there is a mixture of serious and more light-hearted moments. I look forward to the author’s next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisEnthralling and ambitious, Sunday Times bestseller Jeffrey Archer’s As The Crow Flies brings to life one man’s rise from rags to riches - a boy who inherits a barrow and ends up with the biggest supermarket chain in the world.Growing up in the slums of East End London, Charlie Trumper dreams of someday running his grandfather’s fruit and vegetable stall. That day comes all too suddenly when his grandfather dies, leaving him his legacy: his barrow.The onset of World War I takes Charlie far from home to the trenches of Normandy, where he learns to deal with any enemy. Returning to the East End, he finds his barrow stolen – and comes straight into conflict with a dangerous enemy, whose legacy of evil will follow him and his family for generations, even as Charlie strives to fulfil the dream his grandfather inspired.In an epic journey set against the turbulent backdrop of a changing century, spanning three continent

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Book SynopsisSoon to be a major television event from Pascal Pictures, starring Tom Holland. Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, the USA Today and #1 Amazon Charts bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours. Pino Lella wants nothing to do with the war or the Nazis. He’s a normal Italian teenager—obsessed with music, food, and girls—but his days of innocence are numbered. When his family home in Milan is destroyed by Allied bombs, Pino joins an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps, and falls for Anna, a beautiful widow six years his senior. In an attempt to protect him, Pino’s parents force him to enlist as a German soldier—a move they think will keep him out of combat. But after Pino is injured, he is recruited at the tender age of eighteen to become the personal driver for Adolf Hitler’s left hand in Italy, General Hans Leyers, one of the Third Reich’s most mysterious and powerful commanders. Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret, his courage bolstered by his love for Anna and for the life he dreams they will one day share. Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love.Trade ReviewA Goodreads Choice Award Finalist, Historical Fiction A 2017 Goodreads Top 20 Most-Read Book A Goodreads Best Book of the Month “Exciting…taut thriller…Beneath a Scarlet Sky tells the true story of one young Italian’s efforts to thwart the Nazis.” —Shelf Awareness “Meticulous research highlights this World War II novel of a youth growing into manhood…a captivating read…” —RT Book Reviews “An incredible story, beautifully written, and a fine and noble book.” —James Patterson, New York Times bestselling author “Sprawling, stirring, like the richest of stories, and played out on a canvas of heroism and tragedy, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is like one of those iconic World War II black and white photos: a face of hope and tears, the story of a small life that ended up mattering in a big way.” —Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of The One Man “Action, adventure, love, war, and an epic hero—all set against the backdrop of one of history's darkest moment—Mark Sullivan's Beneath a Scarlet Sky has everything one can ask for in an exceptional World War II novel.” —Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Playing with Fire “This is full-force Mark Sullivan—muscular, soulful prose evincing an artist’s touch and a journalist’s eye. Beneath a Scarlet Sky conjures an era with a magician’s ease, weaving the rich tapestry of a wartime epic. World War II Italy has never been more alive to me.” —Gregg Hurwitz, New York Times bestselling author of The Nowhere Man “Beneath a Scarlet Sky has everything—heroism, courage, terror, true love, revenge, compassion in the face of the worst human evils. Sullivan shows us war as it really is, with all its complexities, conflicting loyalties, and unresolved questions, but most of all, he brings us the extraordinary figure of Pino Lella, whose determination to live con smania—with passion—saved him.” —Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of Suspicion and The Switch

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Book SynopsisThe final installment in Anna Jacobs' beloved Irish 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 A PENNYWORTH OF SUNSHINEI was on edge of my seat reading this! ***** * Reader review *As usual I was totally obsorbed in it and could not put it down. ***** * Reader review *Completely gripping. ***** * Reader review *

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Book SynopsisThe beginning of a brand-new trilogy from bestselling author Kay Brelland, featuring the Silvertown Explosion, the rise of women''s football, and East End suffragettes.She is her family''s only hope.1916. East London. When sixteen-year-old Clover Cooper''s mother, Iris, calls her home from work one day, the last thing Clover expects is to find that her mother has given birth to another baby. After all, Clover''s unpleasant father, Sidney, has been in France for longer than nine months. Banned from questions, and bound to secrecy by her beloved mother, Clover leaves her infant brother at a nunnery for safekeeping, despite her heartbreak at parting with him.But when Sidney unexpectedly returns from the Western Front, life at home suddenly feels more dangerous than a battlefield. Strained by keeping such a secret, Clover turns to her fiercely protective grandmother, Elsie, for advice. But Elsie has her own life-changing decision to make. The

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

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Book SynopsisDiane Allen was born in Leeds, but raised on her family's farm, deep in the Yorkshire Dales. After working as a glass engraver, raising a family and looking after her ill father, she found her true niche in life, joining a large-print publishing firm in 1990. She now concentrates on her writing full time, and is Honorary Vice President of the Romantic Novelists' Association. Diane's novels include A Precious Daughter, The Girl from the Tanner's Yard and The Miner's Wife.Diane and her husband Ronnie live in the Dales market town of Settle, and have two children and four beautiful grandchildren.

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Book SynopsisSet between the wild fells of North Yorkshire, Canada and Liverpool, A Precious Daughter by Diane Allen is a sweeping saga novel following a family's struggles in the 19th century.When Ethan Postlethwaite, his wife Grace and their daughter Amy announce that they will be leaving the family home in the Yorkshire Dales, Grace’s parents are heartbroken. Hoping for a new life prospecting for gold in the wilds of Canada, the young family say goodbye and set sail across the Atlantic in search of a brighter future.The journey there proves hard and treacherous, however, and upon arrival it becomes apparent that the riches they had been promised in the gold fields have already been plundered. So when the family is devastated by the death of Grace, Ethan decides he must take his daughter back to England.Arriving in Liverpool, Ethan and Amy soon find work in a dairy as cow-keepers, but Amy is restless and struggles to settle into yet another new life. And when a chance encounter at a cattle show ignites an old friendship, she must decide where her own future lies and what she must do in order to find happiness at last . . .Trade ReviewIf you are a lover of historical sagas and the sweep of the northern hills and their romance, then this novel is definitely for you * Historical Novel Society *An enthralling tale packed with emotion, drama and the harsh realities of life in nineteenth-century northern England * Lancashire Post *

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Book Synopsis‘See that patch of blue sky,’ he said. ‘Whenever you see one, that’s where I’ll be – thinking of you.’Against the chaotic backdrop of World War II, Grace Murphy is working as a midwife in Doncaster Royal Infirmary with her two friends, Clodagh and Patsy. In between delivering babies and tending wounded airmen, the girls endure bombing raids, rationing and the hardships and heartbreak that war brings. But in the faces of the new babies she welcomes to the world, Grace always looks for hope, as she dreams of a time when the war will end.When the midwives get the chance to go to a dance at the nearby RAF Finningly, they jump at the offer. The hangar is crowded with happy dancing couples but when the glamourous Spitfire pilots saunter in, looking dashing in their leather flying jackets and brightly coloured silk scarves, Grace can’t resist taking a peek. And the moment Grace meets pilot, Richard Carmichael, she knows he will capture her heart.With every daring flying raid, Grace and Richard risk losing each other forever. All Grace can do is look out for Richard in the patches of blue sky, and hope that fate will bring them their very own wartime happy-ever-after…Chrissie Walsh is back with this heart-breaking tale of love against the odds, perfect for fans of Fenella Miller, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson.What readers are saying about Chrissie Walsh:‘Chrissie Walsh is a wonderful writer who brings the past to life and will make readers feel as if they are living the story and not just reading it. Her characters are strong and resourceful protagonists who find themselves with no other choice but to battle against all the obstacles in their way.’‘This was a very, very, very good read from start to finish I didn't want to put it down.’‘What a great story, didn't want it to end. Great characters and certainly made great reading. Looking forward to reading more from this author.’‘What a lovely book the story flowed beautifully. The characters were introduced slowly so as not to confuse the reader and they all brought something different to the book.’‘Just brilliant! From the first page to the last I was completely enthralled.’

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER ‘Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!’ The Northern Echo ***********Sunderland, 1941With a brief break in air raids providing some much-needed respite from the war, things are looking up for head welder Rosie, who has fallen head over heels for Detective Sergeant Miller. But how long can their romance last in such uncertain times?Life remains full of challenges for Gloria, who must face her abusive ex-husband and confront her own guilty conscience about baby Hope’s real father. The secret is tearing her apart but if she admits the truth, she will risk losing everything. Both women are determined that their love and faith will be enough to keep the most difficult of promises, but nothing is as simple as it seems…Praise for The Shipyard Girls series:‘This author is one to watch!’ Sun‘A brilliant read’ Take a Break‘Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages’Woman

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Book SynopsisCan she have a second chance at happiness?Mary Lett has been struggling since the death of her baby daughter. Her husband Geoffrey cannot understand why she finds it so difficult to let go of the memory of their child and seeks solace elsewhere.In an effort to forget his own feelings for Mary, Geoffrey’s brother, Henry, marries another woman. Meanwhile, Will considers marriage to be out of the question.When it becomes clear that Mary and Geoffrey have really hit the rocks, both Henry and Will are presented with another chance at happiness, but are either of them able to take it?An emotional saga of love and second chances, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Rosie Harris.

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Book SynopsisJo worked for many years as a writer and producer on soaps ranging from The Archers to EastEnders, before creating her own fictional world in her popular Shop Girls and Victory Girls novels, set around a family-run department store in World War Two.A New Chapter at the Little Penguin Bookshop is the second in an exciting new series that began with The Little Penguin Bookshop.She lives near Bath.

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Book SynopsisBooks can change lives, even in wartime. . .When World War II breaks out, Carrie Anderson sets up a bookstall at her local train station in the hope of providing a sense of escapism for travellers, troops and evacuees.Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and armed with a colourful array of Penguin paperbacks, Carrie's business soon booms. And when she gifts a book to a dashing officer, an act of kindness becomes the beginning of Carrie's very own love story.But as war rages on, and Mike is posted abroad, Carrie's world is turned upside-down.With the help of her station community, and the power of her paperbacks, can Carrie find the strength to battle through?________________________Praise for The Little Penguin Bookshop ''Romance, nostalgia, family, and books! The Little Penguin Bookshop has it all'' Elaine Everest''Endearing characters [...] wartime loves, laughter and heartbreak'' Annie Mu

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

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Katie Flynn and Sheila Jeffries, Far From Home Home is a heart-warming winter read from the Queen of family saga, and author of The Nursemaid's Secret, Sheila Newberry. Ipswich, 1923After an unlucky start in her first role as a nursemaid, sixteen-year-old Elin Odell looks forward to seeing in the New Year at home. Little does she know, her family is changing and she has no idea what lies ahead . . .Having been offered the role as governess for the Lamberts in Middlesex, Elin quickly accepts, leaving her own family behind in Ipswich. But when tragedy strikes at her new home, Elin steps up to hold everyone together at the expense of her own happiness. As the Lambert's troubles grow, so do her family's back home and she finds herself struggling to support them both. But with the help of her employer's charming brother, Mark, might she find her own happiness after all?'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.Previously published as The Little Train Home

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Book SynopsisTHE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERAN OPRAH BOOK CLUB PICKDeeply moving' Sarah Winman, author of Still LifeRemarkable' Afua Hirsch, author of Brit(ish)A sweeping epic Outstanding' Daily MailImmerse yourself in a celebration of Black womanhood and an epic tale of the stories that span generations.Ailey Pearl Garfield grows up between the City in the north and summers spent in her mother's small hometown of Chicasetta, Georgia. From an early age, she finds herself in a battle for belonging that's made all the more difficult by a hurt in her past, as well as the whispers of womenher mother, Belle, her sister, Lydia, and a maternal line reaching back two centuriesthat urge Ailey to succeed in their stead.To come to terms with her identity, Ailey embarks on a journey through her family's past, uncovering the shocking tales of generations of ancestorsIndigenous, Black, and whitein the deep South. In doing so Ailey must learn to embrace her full heritage, a legacy of oppression and resistance, bondTrade Review‘Prepare to be wholly engrossed… Phenomenal’ Observer ‘Utterly essential’ iNews ‘Intimate, considered, beautifully written and perceived, ambitious and ultimately satisfying. Outstanding’ Daily Mail ‘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 ‘Beautifully, and traumatically, weaves a spell of a story about more than ten generations of an American family―indigenous, African and European… Remarkable’ Afua Hirsch, author of Brit(ish) ‘Breath-taking … A book I urge everyone to read. It is deeply moving and deeply informative. It is magnificent’ Sarah Winman, author of Still Life ‘Exceptional in the way it engages so deeply and emphatically with history’ Guardian ‘Epic and intimate… an extraordinary achievement’ The Spectator ‘A work of profound beauty’ Irish Times ‘Extraordinary … moving and evocative’ TLS ‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is the kind of book that comes around only once a decade … Simply magnificent’ Washington Post ‘Quite simply the best book that I have read in a very, very long time’ 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 ‘Masterful and stunning … These Love Songs make for a frank, feminist, and unforgettable read’ Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies

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Book SynopsisSpellbinding and suspenseful, Jeffrey Archer delivers thrills like no other author in The Prodigal Daughter. A magnificent story of love and politics, a No. 1 worldwide bestseller and the enthralling sequel to the multimillion-selling global phenomenon Kane and Abel.With a will of steel, Florentyna Rosnovski is indeed Abel’s daughter.Inheriting all of her father’s drive but none of his wealth, she is in pursuit of an ambition that far exceeds either her father or his great rival William Kane – to be the first female president.Born into a life of luxury, Richard Kane is determined to carve his own path in the world whilst building a future with Florentyna, the woman he loves.With Florentyna’s ultimate goal only a heartbeat away, both are about to discover the shattering price of power as a titanic battle of betrayal and deception reaches out from the past – a blood feud between two generations that threatens to destroy everything they have fought to achieve.‘If there were a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win’ - The Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewA master entertainer * Evening Standard *If there was a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win * Daily Telegraph *Witty, action-filled . . . Archer's masterful narrative produces thrills and surprises * Publisher's Weekly *

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Book Synopsis**LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE**A powerful, heart-breaking story about tempting fate and living with the consequencesArthur and Jake are brothers yet worlds apart.Arthur is older, shy, dutiful and set to inherit his father''s farm. Jake is younger, handsome and reckless, a dangerous man to know.When Laura arrives in their rural community, the fragile balance of the brothers'' rivalry is pushed to the edge of catastrophe...''An enthralling read, both straightforward and wonderfully intricate'' Guardian''Evokes beautifully the big joys and sorrows of most people, no matter how small their town'' The TimesTrade ReviewA beautiful read, on every level * Independent on Sunday *Like the great 19th-century novelists of provincial life, Mary Lawson is fluent in the desperate intensity of the small, individual dramas of respectable people - and she paints an eloquent picture * Sunday Telegraph *Evokes beautifully the big joys and sorrows of most people, no matter how small their town * The Times *Discreetly powerful * Daily Telegraph *This is a fine book - an enthralling read, both straightforward and wonderfully intricate * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisWinston Graham is the author of more than forty novels, which include Cordelia, Marnie, The Walking Stick and Stephanie as well as the highly successful Poldark series. His novels have been translated into seventeen languages. Many of Winston Graham's books have been filmed for the big screen, the most notable being Marnie directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The BBC television series of the Poldark novels was broadcast in twenty-two countries and stars Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson. Winston Graham was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and in 1983 was awarded the OBE. He died in July 2003.Trade ReviewRoss is one of literature's great heroes . . . [with] elements of Darcy, Heathcliff, Rhett Butler and Robin Hood -- Debbie HorsfieldFrom the incomparable Winston Graham . . . who has everything that anyone else has, then a whole lot more. * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisWinston Graham is the author of more than forty novels, which include Cordelia, Marnie, The Walking Stick and Stephanie as well as the highly successful Poldark series. His novels have been translated into seventeen languages. Many of Winston Graham's books have been filmed for the big screen, the most notable being Marnie directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The BBC television series of the Poldark novels was broadcast in twenty-two countries and stars Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson. Winston Graham was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and in 1983 was awarded the OBE. He died in July 2003.Trade ReviewRoss is one of literature's great heroes . . . [with] elements of Darcy, Heathcliff, Rhett Butler and Robin Hood -- Debbie HorsfieldFrom the incomparable Winston Graham . . . who has everything that anyone else has, then a whole lot more. * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisClaire Nightingale is haunted by the memory of childhood abuse and the painful choices she was forced to make. Longing to find peace, she knows she must first confront her demons. Moving to Solihull with her adopted daughter Nikki, she tries to make amends with the family she left behind. But Claire is not the only one hurting: Nikki is scarred by her own abusive past, and their relationship, once loving, becomes fraught with tension and resentment. Struggling to come to terms with their pain, it is not long before ghosts from the past bring a new threat that jeopardises the possibility of any future happiness... A heartbreaking tale of abuse, courage and, above all, the redemptive power of love.Trade Review'A touching and powerful new novel from a wonderful writer' * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisWith a new introduction by Lorraine Kelly, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE ISLAND SWIMMER''This is Binchy at her best'' MAIL ON SUNDAY''A brilliant storyteller'' GRAHAM NORTONRia and Marilyn have never met, but they''re about to switch lives for the summer... Ria Lynch lives in a big, warm, Victorian house in Tara Road, Dublin, where her life revolves around family and friends. Marilyn Vine lives thousands of miles away in a quiet, modern house in New England. After a terrible loss, she has closed herself off from the world. Two more unlikely friends would be hard to find, but when each needs a place to escape to, a house exchange seems the ideal solution. Along with the borrowed houses come neighbours and friends, gossip and speculation, and Ria and Marilyn soon realise that swapping lives won''t be the peaceful escape they''d been hoping for ... Though it might turn out toTrade ReviewAn irresistible tale * ELLE *What is Maeve Binchy's magic? Every time she publishes a novel the race is on to the armchair or the poolside seat, telephones fall eerily silent . . . Her great gift is to suck her reader into the drama of everyday lives without fuss . . . She relies on dialogue and on keeping up a cracking pace * DAILY MAIL *A tender novel of the pleasures and pitfalls of friendship, TARA ROAD is an ultra-modern love story for women, about women, between women that is sure to delight * NEWSDAY *Engrossing * WALL STREET JOURNAL *You can see why, for a legion of female readers, Maeve Binchy is a one-woman opiate of the people * EVENING STANDARD *She is one of the few writers who can pull at your heartstrings . . . The author's great skill is to draw you into the world she creates, so that reading her books is like gossiping with old friends * DAILY EXPRESS *Binchy is a consummate storyteller who involves the reader in the world she creates ... Binchy is a Dickens: she writes about the dilemmas of human beings with a backdrop which describes the manners and morals of a society * IRISH TIMES *Maeve Binchy's novels are just the kind of comforting companions so many women can't wait to take to bed ... Binchy's prose flows as naturally as conversation with a good friend * THE LADY *Two women, one from Dublin one from New England, end up on a house swap for the summer and find their lives changed for ever. Another tale with strong female characters and the importance of friendship. As always there are a host of characters to keep the interest going and plenty to make the reader question the nature of relationships * LOVE READING *She is the Queen of Fiction and one of the funniest and best-loved storytellers in the world...once you read Maeve you are hooked for life * IRISH TIMES *Maeve Binchy's work continues to inspire ... thought-provoking, warm and funny in equal measure * WOMAN *In TARA ROAD the extraordinary Maeve Binchy spins an irresistible tale of modern life, creating a world so packed with telling details and emotional perspicacity that you feel instantly connected to the heartbroken Ria Lynch and Marilyn Vine * ELLE *Absorbing and delightful * SUNDAY TIMES *Full of characteristic humour and warmth, a lovely read * SUNDAY MIRROR *Moving, original, funny and entertaining... It's the same skill shown in their craft by Irish writers such as Marian Keyes and Sally Rooney. A rare gift. -- Róisín Ingle * Irish Times *There is always a moment of mild astonishment when you turn the final page of a Maeve Binchy novel and look up, only to discover that the characters don't actually live in your house * Irish Times *TARA ROAD, even years later, is still everything you want in a Maeve Binchy book. It's moving, original, funny and entertaining...It's the same skill shown in their craft by Irish writers such as Marian Keyes and Sally Rooney. A rare gift -- Roisin Ingle * IRISH TIMES *

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Book SynopsisThe Great War is over and Dilly has made a new life for herself - but can she lay the ghosts of the past to rest? Dilly's Hope is the heartwarming conclusion to the much-loved trilogy from bestselling author Rosie Goodwin.

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Book SynopsisA poignant and dramatic saga set in Liverpool, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Annie Groves and Lyn Andrews. Praise for Anne Baker''s Merseyside sagas: ''A stirring tale of romance and passion, poverty and ambition'' Liverpool EchoIt''s 1937 and for sisters Lizzie and Milly Travis there''s nothing quite like the thrill of the funfair at New Brighton. Amid the bright lights and whirling rides, Lizzie wins a lucky sixpence on a stall - as well as the heart of a handsome stallholder.Ben McCluskey isn''t the type of man Lizzie''s respectable parents had in mind for her, nevertheless the young couple embark on a whirlwind romance. Lizzie''s mother worries that history will repeat itself when Ben introduces her daughter to a world she never knew existed. And, as war looms, Milly realises that her sister''s luck can''t last for ever...Trade ReviewPraise for Anne Baker's previous novels: 'Baker's understanding and compassion for very human dilemmas makes her one of romantic fiction's most popular authors' * Lancashire Evening Post *A stirring tale of romance and passion, poverty and ambition * Liverpool Echo *Truly compelling...rich in language and descriptive prose * Newcastle Upon Tyne Evening Chronicle *A heartwarming saga * Woman's Weekly *With characters who are strong, warm and sincere, this is a joy to read * Coventry Evening Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisA gripping saga evoking the spirit of the 1970s East End, from the author of Room for a Lodger and Banished from Bow.Sandy Brent''s life is blown apart the day her husband offers to drive her to work. On the way he tells her that their marriage is over and that he''s seeing someone else. Sandy''s refusal to believe that it''s finished sends Roy into a frenzy - and the car into a head-on collision. When she wakes in hospital, Sandy is alone, and must start her life over from scratch. She decides to head back to her roots in the colourful East End and set up her own boutique. But someone is set on bringing her down: her own sister, Ruth. Deeply angry towards Sandy because of a childhood secret, Ruth is determined to see her sister run aground. Gathering her new friends and neighbours around to combat Ruth''s warped machinations, Sandy needs to draw on strength she never knew she had. Then disaster strikes again...Trade ReviewShe brings the East End to life -- Barbara WindsorUnbridled passions run riot * Daily Mail *Sizzles with passion * Guardian on WILD HOPS *A rich, vivid, three-dimensional, gutsy and sexy narrative which has you turning the pages into the early hours * Eastern Daily Press on WILD HOPS *

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Book SynopsisBlack Country Orphan is a moving story of the courage and strength of women, by the Sunday Times bestselling author Annie Murray.The early 1900s: Cradley Heath, a town in the Black Country near Birmingham and centre of the world’s chain-making trade. Lucy Butler, a young girl crippled by a cruel accident, lives with her two brothers and widowed mother, a chain-maker barely making ends meet. When tragedy strikes, the Butler family is separated and Lucy is taken in by Bertha Hipkiss, another impoverished chain maker, struggling to look after her own family.Lucy, while feeling the loss of her own family, relies on the company of Bertha’s two sons, charming Clem and straight-laced John. Though clever at school, Lucy knows she must leave and earn her keep, working many hours in the backyard forge. The five women toiling side by side, inevitably have their own friendships and squabbles. But they’re united in their hatred of loathsome middleman Seth Dawson, who treats the women with contempt, and keeps their pay punishingly low. But by the 1910s, there is a movement stirring, as across the country workers begin unionising for their rights. For Lucy, Bertha and the women of Cradley Heath, the promise of a better life seems almost too much to hope for - and the fight may end up costing them everything . . .

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Book SynopsisAn odyssey of loss and salvation ranging across four generations of fathers and sons, in the finest tradition of American storytelling.The year is 1966 and a young man named Vollie Frade, almost on a whim, enlists in the United States Marine Corps to fight in Vietnam. Breaking definitively from his rural Iowan parents, Vollie puts in motion a chain of events that sees him go to work for people with intentions he cannot yet grasp. From the Cambodian jungle, to a flophouse in Queens, to a commune in New Mexico, Vollie's path traces a secret history of life on the margins of America, culminating with an inevitable and terrible reckoning.Scibona’s story of a restless soldier pressed into service for a clandestine branch of the US government unfolds against the backdrop of the seismic shifts in global politics of the second half of the twentieth century. Epic in scope but intimate in feeling, this is a deeply immersive read from a rising star of American fiction.Trade ReviewA magnificent counterpoint of four generations of fathers and sons... Like DeLillo in [Underworld], Scibona wreaks an epic from the lives of ordinary, supposedly negligible men. Scibona has built a masterpiece. * New York Times Book Review *[Scibona is] a born novelist: He conveys a world in a detail. Scibona can take us into the broken heart of a child lost in a foreign airport, the shattering chaos of a night assault during the Vietnam War and the quiet intensity of a working-class New York neighborhood... Work like The Volunteer can never be one thing only, upbeat or down. It’s teeming, brilliantly. * The Washington Post *Salvatore Scibona’s exhilarating new novel [is]… a searing record of war and the lies people live by… Despite all the destruction and despair, in this novel hope emerges as the wildest high. * Economist *What perfect pitch, what perfect rhythm. These are sentences that are in love with the world and that make us love the world, too. * The Boston Globe *Scibona is a remarkable writer and The Volunteer is a remarkable book... It is a war story unlike any other war story, a story of fathers and sons, of family (both biological and manufactured) and of generations of betrayal and abandonment... All of it — all of it — is just so ridiculously beautiful. * NPR *

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