Family saga / generational saga fiction

Book SynopsisLondon, 1942Flo Canning’s heart is beyond repair following the news that she has been dreading since the outbreak of war. As Flo throws herself into the role of fabric manager at Liberty’s, old and new friends alike help pull her from a whirl of despair. Between work and home life there’s plenty to keep Flo occupied. Not least new deputy store manager, Henry Masters, whose arrival has consequences that Flo and her workmates could never have foreseen.But there is more tragedy still to come, and Flo and her friends will need each other more than ever if they are to survive the uncertainty ahead.

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Book Synopsis***A HEARTWARMING WARTIME TALE OF FAMILY SECRETS, ROMANCE AND WINTER WEDDING BELLS FOR FANS OF DILLY COURT, ELAINE EVEREST AND NANCY REVELL***______________________________London, 1943: Dot Hanson has never forgotten the thrill of seeing the beautiful Christmas displays at Liberty’s department store as a young girl.Never in her wildest dreams did she think she would one day work there, or that she would fall in love with the store’s manager, her childhood sweetheart Edwin Button.But in spite of the life Dot has built for herself, and the tight-knit community around her, she lives in the shadow of a terrible secret. And as the bombs continue to fall across Britain there is more heartache still to come.All Dot wants is a family of her own with the man she loves by her side.Will her dreams come true in time for Christmas?

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Book SynopsisTHE EIGHTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES!'Emotional and gripping' Take a Break______________________________Sunderland, 1943: With the future of Britain uncertain, the shipyard girls fight to keep their lives on an even keel. Head-welder Rosie is just about managing to keep her double life hidden from little sister Charlotte's prying eyes. But Charlotte senses something is up and, with a secret this big, the truth is bound to come out. After a whirlwind wedding, Polly must bid farewell to her sweetheart as he returns to the front line. And there is something odd about yard manager Helen's newest recruit Bel. But in resolving to uncover the truth, Helen might discover more than she bargained for... Only by rallying together will the shipyard girls triumph.______________________________Praise for Nancy Revell 'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo 'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph'the author is one to watch' Sun'Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages' Woman

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Book Synopsis**THE NINTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES**'Emotional and gripping' Take a Break______________________________Sunderland, 1943: As Christmas approaches in the shipyards, everyone is hoping for a little magic... Helen would love to find the courage to tell the dashing Dr Parker of her true feelings for him. But how can she when he clearly has eyes for someone else?More than a year has passed since Bel's wedding to sweetheart Joe. She knows she has much to feel thankful for and yet there is still one burning desire which she cannot ignore.And as Polly grows with child, she hopes against hope for a safe delivery - and that her husband Tommy can soon return from the front line to meet their new arrival.There will be storms to weather, but guided by their strength and friendship there is still hope for each of the shipyard girls that their Christmas wishes will come true.______________________________Praise for Nancy Revell'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph'The author is one to watch' Sun'Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages' Woman

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Book SynopsisTHE TENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES'Emotional and gripping' Take a BreakDecember 1943 As the war effort gathers steam in Europe, it's all hands on deck on the home front. Gloria is over the moon to be reunited with her sweetheart Jack. But her sons Bobby and Gordon are away with the Navy and still know nothing of their mother's divorce and new half-sister. Rosie's squad of welders must work gruelling hours in the yard as they prepare for the Allied invasion of Normandy. All the while Rosie herself waits anxiously for news of her husband Peter, who is carrying out dangerous work as an undercover operative in France. Meanwhile welder Dorothy has a feeling that her beau Toby is planning to pop the question when he's next on leave. But it seems that her head is being turned by someone closer to home... It will take great strength and friendship if the shipyard girls are to weather the storms to come.______________________________Praise for Nancy Revell 'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo 'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening TelegraphTrade ReviewNancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart! * Northern Echo *the 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 *Heart-warming... powerful story telling from a great saga author. * CHOICE *

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Book SynopsisTHE ELEVENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIESSunderland, 1944As the promise of victory draws closer, this Christmas will surely be one to remember.It should be a magical time for Dorothy, who has just been proposed to by her sweetheart Toby. But with each day that passes, Dorothy's feelings for someone else are growing stronger. Now she has an impossible choice to make.Gloria is thrilled that her sweetheart Jack is finally home after more than two years away. But his past is continuing to catch up with them both - creating untold heartache for Gloria and everyone she holds dear.Meanwhile Helen must contend with the fall-out of a shocking family secret that has repercussions for all the Shipyard Girls, while holding out hope for her own happy ending...Can a little festive magic help them win the day?___________________________________________Praise for Nancy Revell:'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Emotional and gripping' Take a BreakTrade ReviewNancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart! * Northern Echo *the 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 SynopsisThe brand new novel from bestselling author Evie Grace, set amongst the Napoleonic Wars in the 1800s. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Poldark. _______________________KENT 1815 Her heart led her to him, but will loyalty be enough to make her stay . . .When the beautiful but naïve Grace Lennicker falls for Isaiah Feasey, son of a rival smuggling family and owner of a local tavern, her sisters try to intervene. But as tensions grow, there is another suitor also hoping to win her hand in marriage, the dashing and more favourable Albert Enderby, a young lieutenant in the Revenue.Grace is unwittingly drawn back into the world of smuggling that her sisters fought hard to leave behind, and as violence erupts, she finds herself unable to stand by, knowing the rival gangs will kill anyone who stands in their way. When her husband becomes involved, Grace is forced to make a difficult decision - turn him in and risk her life, or stay loyal and risk the lives of those she loves . . .Praise for Evie Grace'Intriguing' Val Wood'A charming historical read that hits all the right notes' Woman's Weekly'Heart-tugging saga of which Catherine Cookson would've approved' Peterborough Evening TelegraphTrade ReviewThere's a swashbuckling adventure quality that makes this trilogy finale stand out in the saga market. Grace has a flair for creating feisty women and rugged heroes . . . * Peterborough Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis'Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson' Eastern Daily Press___________________Manchester, 1941Christmas is the season for family and friends, and this year the railway girls will need each other more than ever.Cordelia appears to have the perfect life. When her daughter Emily arrives home unexpectedly, she can't wait to introduce her to her friends. But when things don't go to plan, Cordelia must decide where her loyalty lies.Things aren't going too smoothly for Alison either. Her beloved boyfriend has yet to propose, but there's a charity fundraiser dance and she's dressed up specially. Surely, tonight must be the night.Colette's friends are envious of her devoted husband; he meets her after every shift on the railway, and accompanies her around town. But Colette has a secret, one that will change her life - if only she knew who to confide in.With the festive season fast approaching, the railway girls are hoping for some Christmas magic... ___________________ 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'Trade ReviewHeartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell and Margaret Dickinson. * Eastern Daily Press *

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Book SynopsisCan she hold on to hope?Liverpool, 1937When Miranda awakes one morning to find her mother has disappeared, her life is about to change forever. She raises the alarm amongst the locals, but her mother's whereabouts remains a mystery.With nowhere else to turn, Miranda is forced to live with her aunt and cousin, who resent her presence and treat her badly. She struggles to hold onto hope until she meets Steve, a neighbour who promises to help her in her search - until war intervenes...Miranda will never forget the past, but can she find the courage to open her heart and forge the future she deserves?A classic Katie Flynn story of tragedy, triumph and love from the Sunday Times bestselling author.Trade ReviewFlynn clearly has an excellent knowledge of the times of which she writes and creates an evocative atmosphere which carries the reader along. The characters are vivid, rich and interesting. * No.1 magazine *

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Book SynopsisGripping family drama from household name Prue Leith. Perfect for fans of Penny Vincenzi and Barbara Taylor Bradford.'An unmissable read packed with secrets and revelations' OK!The Angelotti family reels when the lost son, given up for adoption in the war, traces his birth family and returns to the fold, with devastating consequences. As poverty-stricken newlyweds, Laura and Giovanni Angelotti were forced to put their first child - a boy - up for adoption. They have had other children since, and their first little Italian cafe has become a restaurant empire, but Laura is still haunted by thoughts of the baby she lost.Tom is a successful businessman enjoying the fast-paced City lifestyle - until his best friend and business partner is killed in the 9/11 attacks and his world turns upside down. Searching for meaning in his life, he decides to track down his birth family: the Angelottis.But Laura has been keeping an explosive secret about Tom's parentage that means his reappearance in her life is bittersweet. She may have found her son, but will it be at the cost of everything it has taken her fifty years to build?Trade ReviewAmiable, absorbing and satisfying, with some sensitive things to say about adoption and addiction * Daily Mail *Lovers of Bake Off are likely to find this offering more than a little tasty - it's peppered with lots of delicious food preparation detail * Sunday Post *An unmissable read packed with secrets and revelations! * OK Magazine *Ideal for fans of Penny Vincenzi * Candis *A tasty romance * Oxford Times *Fast paced, engaging page-turner * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisEpic multi-generational family saga from household name Prue Leith, perfect for fans of Penny Vincenzi and Barbara Taylor Bradford.A proud family. Snubbed by aristocratic neighbour Lord Frampton at a coming-of-age ball, Donald Oliver dreams of the day he'll have his vengeance.A wild daughter. Laura Oliver, beautiful and tempestuous, falls in love with Giovanni, an Italian ex-prisoner-of-war, now a humble cook. Disdaining her father's snobbishness - and his wrath - the couple flee to London.A desperate hope. Giovanni and Laura arrive to a city that has not yet re-awoken after the traumas of war. Facing destitution, only their love for one another and their dream of opening a restaurant business keeps them going.From Cotswolds farmland to London fish markets, society ballrooms to icy gutters, this is a tale of prejudice and ambition, power and passion, and one couple's struggle to overcome all obstacles and carve out a life of their own.Trade ReviewA book not to miss . . . an uplifting tribute to female friendship - Good HousekeepingLeith's subtle characterizations never sound a wrong note . . . a satisfying and illuminating read - Daily TelegraphPrue Leith, as well as being a brilliant cook and business woman, is also a highly accomplished novelist - Sue McGregorA delicious family saga - Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisEmotional family saga following the Angelotti food dynasty, from household name Prue Leith. Perfect for fans of Penny Vincenzi and Barbara Taylor Bradford.A new generation. It is 1968. Angelica Angelotti has grown up in her parents' Italian restaurant. Now she is striking out on her own in Paris. There she falls in love with her charismatic but unpredictable cousin Mario.A fresh challenge. Navigating a blossoming career, from the Savoy hotel to the world of television, alongside an increasingly toxic relationship proves impossible. The offer to run the pub on her family's estate as a restaurant seems like the perfect escape. Chorlton has called her home...A brighter future. Soon she has a thriving business, and even the chance of a new love. But when Mario reappears, determined to win her back, will Angelica be able to hold on to everything she's sacrificed so much for?Trade ReviewAn enjoyable, well-written love story * Good Housekeeping (on The Food of Love) *Prue Leith knows about colour and flavour and this has lots of both . . . a delicious family saga * Daily Mail (on The Food of Love) *A mouthwatering first course * Hello (on The Food of Love) *

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Book Synopsis'Elizabeth Gill is a born storyteller' Trisha AshleyAfter Ruth Dixon's mother deserts her on Christmas Eve, her father comes home drunk and commits an unthinkable act. Without money or friends she has nowhere to go, but when he hurts her a second time, she knows what she must do. She is rescued by Jay, a businessman, who takes her to the convent where she meets Sister Madeline. Along with the rest of the nuns, Maddy provides food, shelter and education for orphans. Ruth comes to see her new friends as family and things are finally looking up. But then a pit accident changes everything, and they all stand to lose something - or someone - they love...From the bestselling author of Miss Appleby's Academy and Nobody's Child comes a new series about the lost orphans of Durham and the nuns who take them in...Trade ReviewWarm-hearted, gritty and enthralling, this is a memorable tale from a master storyteller - Lancashire Post

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

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Book SynopsisWhen Mary's father, the miller, leaves his family and runs away with another woman, Mary and her siblings are left to weather the storm. But when their mother dies soon after, the children, alone and unwanted, are sent to the Foundling School for Girls to start a new life.When the miller learns of his wife's death and what has happened to his children, he tracks them down and brings them to be a part of his new family, safe at last. But the miller is desperate for a son, and when Mary's newest sibling turns out to be a girl, he begins to court a vulnerable and lonely young woman called Isabel.After Isabel gives birth to a boy, the miller believes that the son he has been waiting for is finally here. But when rumours abound that the miller may not be the father of Isabel's child, he begins to lose control. The miller will stop at nothing to keep his son.Will Isabel escape with her child, or will the miller's wrath destroy everyone in his life, including his daughter...?Trade ReviewOriginal and evocative - a born storyteller * Trisha Ashley *A wonderful book, full of passion, pain, sweetness, twists and turns. I couldn't put it down * Sheila Newberry *Elizabeth Gill writes with a masterful grasp of conflicts and passions * Leah Fleming *An enthralling and satisfying novel that will leave you wanting more * Catherine King *

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Book SynopsisWhen Mary's father, the miller, leaves his family and runs away with another woman, Mary and her siblings are left to weather the storm. But when their mother dies soon after, the children, alone and unwanted, are sent to the Foundling School for Girls to start a new life.When the miller learns of his wife's death and what has happened to his children, he tracks them down and brings them to be a part of his new family, safe at last. But the miller is desperate for a son, and when Mary's newest sibling turns out to be a girl, he begins to court a vulnerable and lonely young woman called Isabel.After Isabel gives birth to a boy, the miller believes that the son he has been waiting for is finally here. But when rumours abound that the miller may not be the father of Isabel's child, he begins to lose control. The miller will stop at nothing to keep his son.Will Isabel escape with her child, or will the miller's wrath destroy everyone in his life, including his daughter...?Trade ReviewOriginal and evocative - a born storyteller * Trisha Ashley *A wonderful book, full of passion, pain, sweetness, twists and turns. I couldn't put it down * Sheila Newberry *Elizabeth Gill writes with a masterful grasp of conflicts and passions * Leah Fleming *An enthralling and satisfying novel that will leave you wanting more * Catherine King *

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Book SynopsisGripping, emotional Second World War saga for fans of Annie Groves, Shirley Dickson and Soraya Lane.1943, and The Bluebird Girls are at the top of their game. They are touring with ENSA, visiting army bases across the world in order to boost the morale of the brave boys fighting in the desert and the jungle. The hours are long and the travelling uncomfortable, but Bea, Rainey and Ivy wouldn''t be anywhere else for the world.Then tragedy strikes the group and their little showbusiness family. Their manager, Blackie, and Rainey''s mother Jo find themselves with heavy new responsibilities, and the change in circumstances causes the girls themselves to reconsider their lives.For years, singing on stage has been their only dream, and they have made so many sacrifices to get where they are. But now other possibilities - relationships, babies - are on the horizon. Could this be the end for The Bluebird Girls?

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Book SynopsisWill he ever find the life he longs for?Born to a mother who died in childbirth and an uninterested father, Niall McAndrew grows up a solitary child, without a home to call his own. His only friend is Bridget, a young girl forced prematurely into womanhood.Niall has brains, spirit and ambition, as well as being blessed with handsome good looks. But his loveless childhood has left its mark. Can he ever find the happiness he yearns for? A moving and uplifting tale of a young boy with big dreams...From the bestselling author of Far From My Father's House and Miss Appleby's Academy comes a rags-to-riches tale of one man's determination to succeed. Perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Diane Allen.Trade ReviewOriginal and evocative - a born storyteller * Trisha Ashley *Elizabeth Gill writes with a masterful grasp of conflicts and passions hidden among men and women of the wild North Country * Leah Fleming *

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Book Synopsis**Shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Saga Award 2022!** The first book in Emma Hornby''s page-turning Worktown Girls at War series, from the bestselling author of A Shilling for a Wife---------------------Bolton, Lancashire: 1940A family torn apart by war, held together by a secret . . .Janie and her husband James have a strong, loving marriage. A move from an inner-city slum to a peaceful new estate outside of Bolton should have been a fresh start for them and their three children. But when war is declared and James announces he has signed up, Janie fears it''s the beginning of the end. Waving goodbye to their menfolk is a sacrifice that families are making all over the country and Janie does her best to make do, forging friendships in her new community.But when James comes home on leave a traumatised and desperate man, then goes AWOL, Janie''s heart goes out to him. Determine

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Book SynopsisEmma Hornby lives on a tight-knit working-class estate in Bolton and has read sagas all her life. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly, to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She was inspired to write after researching her family history; like the characters in her books, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums.

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Book SynopsisThe second book in the page-turning Worktown Girls at War series, from the bestselling author of A Shilling for a Wife, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin.At seventeen, Renee Rushmore lives at home with her father Ivan - a cruel man who rules the house with an iron fist and keeps Renee isolated and alone. She is desperate to escape him, but with no friends to help her, what hope does she have?Then war breaks out. With factories and farms looking to take on female workers, Renee dares to hope that her freedom might be within grasp. And when she hears through a kindly local farmhand named Jimmy that Oak Valley Farm is in need of help, she might just have found her chance. But her father''s eyes are on her day and night. With the help of Jimmy, will Renee be able to escape Ivan''s cruelty and find happiness at last?Readers love Emma Hornby:''Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma

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Book SynopsisA brand-new page-turning Victorian saga from the bestselling and RNA shortlisted author.Orphaned Jenny and her chimney sweep brother Noah eke out life in a cellar dwelling in the heart of the slums.Noah is the main breadwinner, but he is treated horribly by his master. Worried for her brother's safety and health, Jenny resolves to put her talent for singing to good use and begins trawling the low inns and taverns at night entertaining the punters.When she catches the attention of a music hall manager and is offered a spot on the stage, it seems like a dream come true. But her newfound success can't include her brother.Will Jenny choose Noah over the bright lights of the theatre? And will he want her to?Readers love Emma Hornby's gritty and gripping thrillers:'Emma Hornby has done it again, with her brilliant storytelling... A big thank you to Emma' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'What an excellent read... Emma Hornby writes some wonderful stories and this one hits the mark' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A heartbreakingly good read... Very worthy five stars and more from me it's a must read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'I do love to read Emma Hornby's books they are so atmospheric and draw you into the story from start to finish and make you want more. Excellent' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Wow, what a book. Its such an emotional roller-coaster... I devoured this in one sitting' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐Trade ReviewIf you enjoy Dilly Court's stories, you'll love the latest heart-warming romance from Emma Hornby. * Yours *Authentic, compelling . . . another winner for a northern author who has her home county written right across her heart. * Lancashire Evening Post on A Daughter's War *Praise for Emma Hornby: * - *'Compelling. A gripping and powerful tale of vengeance and reprisal' * Val Wood, author of Children of Fortune *'Emma Hornby writes strong, working-class women with heart and humour. The book is an absolute joy' * Glenda Young, author of The Miner's Lass *'I loved the twists and turns. The emotional pull on my heartstrings was exquisite. Emma Hornby is a natural storyteller who always delivers and, from the first words to the last, my attention was captured. Read this story at your leisure, read it on the bus or on the train, in your lounge or in your bed - but you must read it. Storytelling at its best' * Sheila Riley, author of The Mersey Mistress *

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Book SynopsisMay, 1941. Meet the Air Raid Girls: three young women keen to do their bit during the Yorkshire blitz. Connie''s life has taken an unexpected turn since her husband died - she''s living at home and working in the family bakery - but night shifts as an ARP Warden give her a firm sense of purpose.Her younger sister Lizzie is eager to play her part too, perhaps as an ambulance driver. Her fiance refuses to support her decision... but does he really know what''s best for her? Twenty-year-old Pamela has led a sheltered life, but when her family''s home is destroyed in a raid she must learn to stand on her own two feet - helped by new friends. As bombs fall and fires rage, the young women face the destruction of everything they''ve ever known. Can their fighting spirit prevail? And what of their families and the men they love?A thrilling and heartwarming new story of friendship, love and duty in wartime by the author of

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

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

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Book SynopsisWith her trademark warmth and powerful characters, Winter''s Daughter is a stunning new Victorian saga - about a young child separated from her mother, and the family who bring her in from the cold.''As always, Val tells it from the heart . . . A stirring story of faith, hope and charity will enthral you'' Peterborough Telegraph Hull, 1856.James Ripley and his wife Moira have always looked out for the poor of Hull. When, during one stormy night, there is a flood in a nearby cellar - a popular shelter for the homeless - James rushes to help.Among those rescued is a dark-haired little girl who speaks a language no one can understand. Some say that she came to the cellar with her mother, but no one knows where the mother is now.Concerned for the child''s safety, James is unsure of what to do. Where has the girl''s mother disappeared to? And what can be done to help the homeless who have lost the only shelter they knew

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Book SynopsisThe third book in the Air Raid Girls series - a heart-warming new story of friendship, love and duty in wartime, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Donna Douglas.Spring, 1942. Lizzie is making plans for her wedding with fiancé Bill. But preparations during wartime aren''t easy, and attacks on the Yorkshire port of Kelthorpe are only getting worse. Connie wants to be there for her sister, but she has troubles of her own - a secret that is driving a wedge between herself and those who love her.Meanwhile, Pamela faces new complications in her romance with Fred, and the arrival of two new RAF servicemen stirs up trouble.As bombs fall and friendships are tested, will the air raid girls keep their fighting spirit and find their happy endings? ---------------------------------------------Readers LOVE the Air Raid Girls series:''There wasn''t anything I did

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Book SynopsisAs war rages on, can they keep dancing?Blackpool, November 1942Wartime worries fail to dampen the glitz and glamour of the ballroom in the run-up to Christmas. After all, life is for living.Newlywed Pearl's bliss is cut short when her beloved Bernie is called up into the Army. Will dancing at the Tower Ballroom take the edge off her heartache or will it throw temptation her way?Unexpected news of an inheritance presents Joy with a different dilemma. Should she move to Scotland in line with her parents' final wishes or stay in Blackpool to dance with Tommy, the man she loves?Meanwhile, ambitious Sylvia ditches Eddie, her loyal dance partner, and launches into a new career teaching jive and jitterbug. Regrets soon set in, however. Is this the worst mistake she's ever made?Change is in the air. Can our Ballroom Girls fulfil their dreams and make this a Christmas to remember?Trade ReviewFull of drama, romance and the thrill of dancing . . . A heartwarming and uplifting story * Lancashire Post on THE BALLROOM GIRLS *Full of drama, romance and the thrill of dancing . . . A heartwarming and uplifting story * Lancashire Post on THE BALLROOM GIRLS *

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Book SynopsisLesley is an author of historical sagas. Having previously written sagas set around the time of the First World War, she ventured into the Second World War period with her fifth book, The Wartime Bookshop. Originally from the north west of England (Manchester), Lesley's home is now Hertfordshire where The Wartime Bookshop's fictional village of Churchwood is set. Lesley is thrilled to have enjoyed success in competitions as varied as crime writing to writing for children. She is particularly honoured to have won the Festival of Romance New Talent Award, the Romantic Novelists' Association's Elizabeth Goudge Cup and to have been twice shortlisted in the UK Romantic Novel Awards (RONAs).

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

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Book SynopsisJames Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. The author of a number of best-selling histories including most recently Brothers In Arms and Normandy '44, he is also the author of ten works of fiction and a dozen Ladybird Experts.He is the co-founder of the annual Chalke Valley History Festival which is now in its twelfth year, and he has presented - and written - many television programmes and series for the BBC, Channel 4, National Geographic and the History and Discovery channels.With Al Murray, he has a successful Second World War podcast, We Have Ways of Making You Talk, which also has its own festival, and is a research fellow at St Andrew's University and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He can be found on Twitter as @James1940 and on Instagram as @jamesholland1940.

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2022 A SUNDAY TIMES HISTORICAL NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2022 AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4 OPEN BOOK 'Brilliantly recounts the story of the American theatrical dynasty that produced Lincoln's assassin' Sunday Times Book of the Month In 1822, a stage is set: Englishman Junius Booth - celebrated Shakespearean actor and man of mesmerising charm and instability - moves to a remote cabin outside Baltimore with his wife, who bears him ten children. Of the six who survive infancy, one is John Wilkes - the hot-tempered but much-loved middle son who, in 1865, fatally shoots Abraham Lincoln in a Washington theatre, changing the course of history. What makes a murderer? His family or the world? And how can those who love him ever come to terms with his actions? Strikingly relevant to the world today, Booth is the story of one extraordinary family and the terrible act that shattered their bonds forever.Trade ReviewBooth is a triumph! No one writes like Karen Joy Fowler. With wit, heart, and revelatory insight, she teases ghosts from their shadows, transforming the way we see the past, shedding new light on our troubled present. -- Ruth OzekiAccomplished, immersive, and profoundly satisfying. Booth is both highly relevant to modern life and a fully realised piece of fiction ... I can't praise it highly enough, what a range Karen Joy Fowler has. -- Cathy RentzenbrinkBooth is a subtly devastating meditation on how the USA arrived at this troubled point in its present history by looking at a mid-nineteenth-century family. Its world - dense, granular, intricate - is created with immense care and precision ... This is her finest, most beautiful novel to date. -- Neel MukherjeeWith each book, Karen Joy Fowler masterfully fuses style with subject, prose with plot, and explores the terrifying power that parents wield. Booth brilliantly cracks open the history of a country and a family and shows us the private secrets and suspicions that run underneath. -- Jonathan Lee, author of The Great MistakeThe historical context [Fowler] offers is of a pre-Civil War America of deep moral divides, political differences tearing close families apart, populism and fanaticism run amok. The similarities to today are riveting and chilling. * Kirkus starred review *Fowler sets the stage in remarkable prose ... the nuanced plot is both historically rigorous and richly imagined. This is a winner. * Publishers Weekly starred review *Booth is an epic tale of a divided country seen through the prism of an extraordinary family and with uncanny parallels to the present moment. Stunning. -- Simon Humphreys * Mail on Sunday *A historical epic that's like Succession set against the backdrop of the looming Civil War in 1830s America. Explaining so much of the country's history while telling a deeply immersive story, it's an unforgettable read. * Stylist Best New Books March 2022 *An impressive epic * Independent, Books of the Month *An imaginative new novel offers glimpses of John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln's killer, and his family, told chiefly through the perspectives of some of his nine siblings * The New York Times, books to read in March 2022 *An intimate, engaging portrait of a tribe whose aims and alliances were always shifting, buffeted by tragedy (several beloved siblings died young) and fickle fortunes * Entertainment Weekly *Effortlessly resonant... breathes rich imaginative colour in her characters -- Claire Allfree * Daily Telegraph *Karen Joy Fowler's novels are wildly inventive and deservedly popular * Daily Mail *Captures with enthralling vividness a country caught in the grip of fanatical populism, ripped apart by irreconcilable political differences and boiling with fury and rage .... An unalloyed triumph. Like Hilary Mantel in her Wolf Hall trilogy, Fowler skilfully exploits the present tense to remake the past as something surprising and new. -- Clare Clark * Literary Review *The Booths have receded into history, but in Fowler's telling their stories - personal and political - remain painfully relevant ... Booth is yet another urgent reminder that the US has been down the road to disunion before, with horrific consequences. * Financial Times *Fowler's riveting saga explores these strains of familial devotion and sorrow connecting the colorful Booth brothers and sisters * Washington Post *Booth doesn't hold anyone in judgment; like all the best literature, it seeks to better understand the human heart in all its flawed complexity. It's a haunting book, not just for all its literal ghosts, but for its suggestion that those ghosts still have not been exorcised from this country. * USA Today *She weaves an intimate, engaging portrait of a tribe whose aims and alliances were always shifting, buffeted by tragedy (several beloved siblings died young) and fickle fortunes. * Entertainment Weekly *Masterful...Fowler's excavation of this material is astonishing in its breadth and specificity, treating events of historical record with the same detail and care as secret bedtime talks and plays staged in treetops. * San Francisco Chronicle *Fowler returns here with an ambitious and consequential saga about a family with a monster in their midst. * Philadelphia Inquirer *Solid research mixed with empathetic imagination enriches Booth. * Christian Science Monitor *Fowler unfurls the Booths' tumultuous, theatrical lives against the backdrop of an unruly America, mired in the brutal violence of the Civil War, in this troubling, nuanced, engrossing novel -- Eithne Farry * Daily Mail *A labyrinthine and detailed exploration of the family... Fowler has form in family dynamics: her joyous, heart-breaking novel We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves anatomised the complexities of parental and sibling bonds under extraordinary stress. She does something similar in Booth, charting the personal stories that culminated on that fateful day in Washington. * Spectator *Drives home with rich theatrical flair the extent to which contemporary America remains locked inside the ugly ideological battles of the Civil War -- Claire Allfree * Telegraph *Booth manages to combine its interests with great skill, depicting slavery and all of its horrors accurately, while also showing the political consequences as those in the Union tentatively seeking abolition... Anyone with an interest in American history, family life 150 or so years ago or the stage should relish a book that brings all three together in a dramatic story that is both informative and enjoyable throughout * British Theatre Guide *History may claim to be about facts, but stories, like families, are largely about feeling, and the novel gives us feeling on a grand scale, even as it asks pertinent and topical questions about who owns those facts ... In its stretch and imaginative depth, Booth has an utterly seductive authority * Guardian *Brilliantly recounts the story of the American theatrical dynasty that produced Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth ... The story moves inevitably towards the fatal encounter in Ford's Theatre, but its strengths lie in its depiction of the decades-long interactions and rivalries between the various members of an extraordinary family. * Sunday Times Book of the Month *Captivating ... looks beyond the criminal * Press Association *Enjoyable and exceptionally poignant -- Alex Clark * Irish Times *A slice of social history, subtly evoking the horrors of slavery and touching on the fanatical populism that kept such a system in place. You don't have to look too hard to find such echoes today. * The Crack *A wonderful evocation of the colourful family life of John Wilkes Booth ... Deftly conjuring a 19th-century America riven by Civil War, it is a cautionary tale of divisive politics and rash impulses present-day world leaders should pay heed to. * Traveller *Fascinating * Metro *Absorbing and expansive * Irish Times *Absorbing and expansive new novel ... an insightful look at both a unique family and the dark roots of modern America. -- Anna Carey * the Irish Times *Utterly brilliant * Irish Catholic *The epic-sized tale of an ill-fated theatrical family living in 183Os Baltimore as civil war draws ever closer, this is a whip- smart, funny, inventive and blazing triumph of a book -- Rachel JoyceMoving and colourful and tragic * Evening Standard *Accomplished, immersive, and profoundly satisfying. Booth is both highly relevant to modern life and a fully realised piece of fiction. I loved learning about the Booth family and all their eccentricities, set against the backdrop of American history. I can't praise it highly enough, what a range Karen Joy Fowler has. -- Cathy Rentzenbrink

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Book SynopsisA heartbroken young widow joins the police force during World War Two in Manchester. Perfect for fans of Diney Costeloe and Dilly Court. WW2 Manchester. Newlyweds Helen and Jim Harrison have big plans – to leave the family shop where Helen works and set up home together. But when Jim is tragically killed in an air raid, Helen is heartbroken, her life in ruins. Battling grief and despair, Helen resolves to escape her domineering mother and rebuild her shattered world. Wartime Manchester is a dangerous place, beseiged by crime and poverty. So when Helen joins the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps, working with evacuees, the destitute and the vulnerable, she finds a renewed sense of purpose. She's come a long way from her place behind the counter in the corner shop. But there's still something missing in her heart. Is Helen able to accept love and happiness and find the courage to change her life? Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE GIRL IN THE PINK RAINCOAT: 'Difficult to put down... A strong and riveting story' Historical Novel Society. 'I LOVE The Girl in the Pink Raincoat. It's engaging and entertaining' Bits About Books. 'Absolutely a full five stars!' Grace J Reviewer Lady. 'I love a romance set in war time and this was amazing. I cannot recommend it highly enough' Chells and Books. 'A beautiful and powerful novel not only about a young woman and a first love... An outstanding novel that I highly recommend!' * Dandelions Inspired *

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Book SynopsisLove, marriage, birth, death and betrayal in the East-End of London make up life in Mulberry Lane, perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Cathy Sharp and Donna Douglas. Maureen Jackson knew life as a trainee nurse wouldn't be easy, but she didn't expect her hospital to be badly bombed on her first shift. Plus Maureen still has her family and friends in Mulberry Lane to keep her busy – she's needed as much there as she is by her patients. Running the pub on the corner of Mulberry Lane, Peggy Ashley is used to taking in all sorts of waifs and strays. But the arrival of a dashing American Captain has got tongues wagging about Mulberry Lane's favourite landlady... Janet Ashley husband is back from the frontline. Which is more than so many of the wives of Mulberry Lane. But her beloved Mike is a completely different man to the one she fell in love with – and what's more he doesn't remember her, or their young daughter. How do you cope when your darling husband is a virtual stranger? As WW2 continues around them, the women of Mulberry Lane know that community spirit and friendship is the key to surviving the Blitz. A WEDDING AT MULBERRY LANE is the second book in the riveting and heart-breaking Mulberry Lane series from Rosie Clarke. Order the next book, MOTHERS OF MULBERRY LANE, out July 2018.

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Book SynopsisThe final gripping instalment of the bestselling Four Streets trilogy which began with The Four Streets and continued in Hide Her Name. Christmas morning, 1963. Fifteen-year-old Kitty Doherty gives birth in a cold, unfriendly Irish convent. She knows her beautiful baby boy presents a huge danger to her family's Catholic community back in Liverpool's Four Streets. When her baby is adopted by a wealthy family in Chicago, Kitty considers the problem solved. But soon it's obvious the baby is very sick and only his birth mother can save him. In Liverpool, a charismatic new priest has arrived. As the Dohertys cope with the tragic consequences of Kitty's pregnancy, the police seem close to solving the double murder which rocked the Four Streets to the core. But now all that is about to be put at risk once again.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR NADINE DORRIES: 'The characters are engaging, the streets scenes cinematic and the theme of the novel powerful' The Times. 'A vigorous and vibrant story... to be devoured in one sitting' Sunday Express. 'Fabulous characters... gorgeous sentences and sensational plotlines' With Love For Books. 'Catholic Liverpool, Irish immigrants and dark secrets... I couldn't put it down' Cristina Odone. 'Captivating, phenomenal and touching' * 23 Review Street *

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Book SynopsisAn evocative novel of secrets, love and redemption under the Greek sun. Perfect for fans of Kate Furnivall and Julia Gregson. They have come to Santaniki for different reasons. Some with a dream of happiness. Some running from sadness and failure. But all of them have fallen in love with this most beautiful of Greek islands. When bossy retired bookseller, Ariadne Blunt, suggests that the English residents form a choir, she did not expect it would unleash quite so much drama. Secrets surface, old rivalries spring up, new friendships are formed and passions are rekindled. In this bittersweet tale of love and loss, people quite literally find their voices – showing that life can begin again when you let go of the past.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR LEAH FLEMING: 'A born storyteller' Kate Atkinson. 'It's a moving and compelling story about a lifetime's journey in search of the truth' Rachel Hore. 'A fabulous story of people, places and pearls from a master storyteller' Lancashire Post. 'Fascinating and unputdownable' -- Trisha Ashley

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Book SynopsisWhen war threatens, hope will keep them aliveIn 1939, with the war having been declared, evacuees arrive in the small Welsh seaside town of St David’s Wells. When Eirlys Price convinces her parents to take in three young children, she never imagined it could lead to shocking family revelations which threaten all her future plans. Amidst homesickness, local gossip and the challenges of wartime, the community must pull together and wait until summer, when the town will come alive in all its seasonal glory…​Wait Till Summer is a classic wartime saga, filled with warmth, nostalgia and period detail, wonderful characters and finely-crafted plot. It is the first in the Holidays at Home series.Grace Thompson is an acclaimed author of saga and romance novels, and a mainstay of libraries throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. Born and raised in South Wales, she is the author of numerous series, including the Valley series, the Pendragon Island series, and the Badgers Brook series. She published her 42nd novel shortly after celebrating her 80th birthday, and continues to live in Swansea.

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Book SynopsisEven war won’t stop her chasing her dreamShirley Downs has always known she was no ordinary girl. But when she enters and wins a singing contest, she begins to realise that her talent is really something special. However, it is 1941, and a career on the stage comes second place to rationing and bomb threats. Nevertheless, Shirley is determined to succeed, and no-one will get in her way...Waiting for Yesterday is the third of the Holidays at Home books, a captivating series of wartime sagas from the much-loved author Grace Thompson.Grace Thompson is an acclaimed author of saga and romance novels, and a mainstay of libraries throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. Born and raised in South Wales, she is the author of numerous series, including the Valley series, the Pendragon Island series, and the Badgers Brook series. She published her 42nd novel shortly after celebrating her 80th birthday, and continues to live in Swansea.

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Book SynopsisPassion and tragedy rock the Harvey familyIt is 1931 and Emilia and Alec’s marriage is under strain. Prone to melancholy, and injured in a storm, Alec’s misery draws him to seek solace with his brother’s new wife.But when Perry Bosweld, a disabled army surgeon, re-enters Emilia’s life, she finds that she is still attracted to him. Emilia’s first duty is to her husband and to the farm, and she will not allow herself to swerve from this path…The third captivating instalment of the Harvey Family Saga, From a Distance is a perfect read for fans of Anne Baker, Maggie Hope or Daisy Styles.

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Book SynopsisAfter The Great War, will life ever be the same?The Great War is over, and the Harvey family of Ford Farm are slowly picking up the pieces. But Alec and Emilia's newly-wedded bliss is shattered when their third child is born with a life-threatening disease, a fate which Alec finds particularly hard to accept. Alec's relationships with his two brothers, Ben and Tristram, are strained by their differing loyalties and ambitions for the farm, and Emilia is torn reluctantly between them… The second of the gripping Harvey family sagas from the masterful Gloria Cook, this is perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Margaret Dickinson and Mary Gibson.

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Book SynopsisA little bit of laughter will always see you throughSt David’s Wells blossoms in the English tourist trade of the war years. The Castle family run the rides and stalls, struggling to manage without their absent sons, and amid tragedies and anxieties, there is time for what St David’s Wells does best – fun and laughter.The fourth in Grace Thompson’s bestselling Holidays at Home series, Day Trippers is a wonderful journey into a seaside town in wartime Britain.Grace Thompson is an acclaimed author of saga and romance novels, and a mainstay of libraries throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. Born and raised in South Wales, she is the author of numerous series, including the Valley series, the Pendragon Island series, and the Badgers Brook series. She published her 42nd novel shortly after celebrating her 80th birthday, and continues to live in Swansea.

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Book SynopsisBadgers Brook once again provides sanctuary for a family in needMarried life hasn't been easy for Hope Murton – her mother-in-law, Marjorie, is overbearing and critical, and Hope's husband, Ralph, refuses to stand up for himself. Eventually Hope persuades him to move out and to set up a new home at Badgers Brook with their small son, Davy.Soon they are beset by tragedy when a road accident leaves Ralph confined to a wheelchair. He takes the only way out he can think of, leaving Hope destitute. Desperate not to return to her mother-in-law's house, she turns to friends for help, including local trader Peter Bevan. Can Hope overcome all that befalls her, and will she ever find true happiness?The second in the Badgers Brook series, A Girl Called Hope is a gripping tale of post-War life, filled with family and loss, secrets and romance. Perfect for fans of Ellie Dean and Sheila Newberry.

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Book SynopsisBadgers Brook offers her the chance for a fresh start.As the Second World War ends, Sophie Daniels quits the WAAF with nowhere to go. She wanders around the country searching for a place where she can settle, living in bedsits, barns, and small guesthouses in the meantime. Eventually she finds Badgers Brook, where she meets and befriends nine-year-old Bertie, neglected and running wild.The neighbours warm to her, the place is welcoming, and Sophie knows she has found her home. Friendly local Ryan Treweather is a welcome distraction, and potentially more, if she can just trust him with one big guilty secret. But if Sophie grows closer to Ryan, what will it mean for poor young Bertie?The captivating third instalment of Grace Thompson’s hugely popular Badgers Brook saga series, perfect for fans of Maureen Lee and Ellie Dean.

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