Historical Fiction Books

Book SynopsisNancy Revell is the author of twelve titles in the bestselling Shipyard Girls series - which tells the story of a group of women who work together in a Sunderland ship yard during the Second World War. Her latest books, The Widow's Choice, A Secret in the Family and A Daughter's Love feature some of the characters from the world of the Shipyard Girls series in a new County Durham setting. Nancy's books have sold more than half a million copies across all editions.Before becoming an author, Nancy was a journalist who worked for all the national newspapers, providing them with hard-hitting news stories and in-depth features. She also wrote amazing and inspirational true life stories for just about every woman's magazine in the country.

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Book SynopsisHope Never Knew Horizon fictionalises the origins of three cultural objects associated with hope - the blue whale skeleton hung in London's Natural History Museum, Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers', and G. F. Watts' painting 'Hope' - telling their stories from the perspective of someone marginalised from history.

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Book SynopsisA courageous wife, mother, and resister confronts the devastation of World War II in a heartbreaking and hopeful novel by the bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Tuscan Child. Londoner Madeleine Grant is studying at the Sorbonne in Paris when she marries charismatic French journalist Giles Martin. As they raise their son, Olivier, they hold on to a tenuous promise for the future. Until the thunder of war sets off alarms in France. Staying behind to join the resistance, Giles sends Madeleine and Olivier to the relative safety of England, where Madeleine secures a job teaching French at a secondary school. Yet nowhere is safe. After a devastating twist of fate resulting in the loss of her son, Madeleine accepts a request from the ministry to aid in the war effort. Seizing the smallest glimmer of hope of finding Giles alive, she returns to France. If Madeleine can stop just one Nazi, it will be the start of a valiant path of revenge. Though her perseverance, defiance, and heart will be tested beyond imagining, no risk is too great for a brave wife and mother determined to fight and survive against inconceivable odds.Trade Review“Bowen perfectly develops both narratives with absorbing details about several characters and different geographical environments. And she tops her story off with a realistic, satisfying ending!” —Historical Novels Review “Bowen’s story sweeps up the reader on a nonstop rollercoaster ride of action, espionage, heartbreaking sacrifice, revenge, and reunions both joyful and painful that should come as no surprise to fans of her work. While one of the plot points requires a healthy suspension of disbelief, it does not detract from the novel’s overall satisfying message of love lost and regained in the fiery crucible of World War II.” —BookTrib “Rhys Bowen’s multitude of fans will love The Paris Assignment, a story of love and war, of bitterness and brutality, of bravery and forgiveness, woven together with a rich sense of time and place, and characters only a master storyteller could create.” —Jacqueline Winspear, New York Times bestselling author of The White Lady and the Maisie Dobbs series “No one writes a wartime historical novel as well as Rhys Bowen. The Paris Assignment is a gripping, evocative, and skillfully plotted read, with a heroine you will root for right up to the satisfying conclusion. I couldn’t put it down!” —Deborah Crombie, New York Times bestselling author of the Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James novel series “Gorgeous, authentic, and absolutely riveting. There is no better storyteller than Rhys Bowen! The Paris Assignment, like all her novels, is meticulously researched, brilliantly told, and endlessly captivating. Bowen’s extraordinary ability to synthesize history and present it as essential and heartbreaking human drama is unmatched. I read this in total awe, as it honors reality and cinematically brings it to life again. The Paris Assignment is emotionally and historically immersive, and no reader will be the same after they turn the final page.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author, Mary Higgins Clark and five-time Agatha Award winner “The Paris Assignment is a sweeping story of love, bravery, and ultimately hope. Rhys Bowen masterfully weaves an immersive story that carries us through the crucible of war with characters that capture your imagination and heart. Traveling through Paris, London, and Australia, The Paris Assignment is a story about the things we do when we believe there might be nothing left to lose, about the irrepressible love of a wife and mother, and about courage in the face of great and terrible odds. Historical fiction at its best, The Paris Assignment is a rich and absorbing experience.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea “Rhys Bowen has written an absolute stunner! Her grasp of the soul of a Parisian artist, mother and fighter is perfect. Madeleine Grant is a gripping, powerful and unforgettable character who I cheered for and cried with. The Paris Assignment is truly an unforgettable novel.” —M.J. Rose, New York Times bestselling author of The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams

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Book Synopsis‘A gorgeous story full of emotion and a very special library.’ – Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop Some stories stay with us forever…Trade Review'A lovely story that celebrates books, family and kindness. Touching and beautiful.' – Hazel Prior, bestselling author of Away with the Penguins 'The Memory Library is so joyful. Kate Storey writes from the heart and the gut about mistakes and how we can learn from them. Great characters and a truly heartwarming story – I loved it!' – Laura Pearson, author of #1 Kindle bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont ‘A gorgeous novel that pairs my (and many people’s) perennial love for books about books with themes of family – and just how complex they can be.' – Platinum 'An utterly gorgeous page turner about the power of books, family and forgiveness.' – Phaedra Patrick, The Library of Lost and Found ‘The Memory Library is a magical story…It’s a magnificent celebration of the wonderful world of books and libraries – one to treasure and re-read over and over again!’ – Celia Anderson, author of USA Today bestseller 59 Memory Lane ‘A beautiful, poignant tale of family, friendship and the power of books. I was completely swept away.’ – Kindle bestseller Annie Lyons

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Book SynopsisTHE NO. 1 IRISH BESTSELLERThe dramatic, poignant and unputdownable story of a young woman caught up in Ireland's fight for freedom. Inspired by the true story of the author's grandmother. Trade ReviewWinnie's a great character, a terrific guide. She brings us through big history, but she has to feed the kids. She's always real - she's always human * Roddy Doyle *A riveting rollercoaster of drama, tragedy, triumph and love. I enjoyed it SO much! You will too. * Patricia Scanlan *Utterly captivating, a novel that resonates as a piece of history and yet also as a modern story of love, war and how women will fight for the people they love * Cathy Kelly *Historical fiction at its best. Unputdownable, full of poignancy, warmth and real and relatable women * Kate Thompson *Winifred's personality leaps off the page and her story is one that is both filled with drama and truly fascinating. I loved this book! * Jill Mansell *

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Book Synopsis'A vivid, gripping story, beautifully handled, with a gem on every page' - Tracy Chevalier'Once again J.C. Harvey has cleared the high bar in historical fiction by a mile.' - S. W. Perry'Vibrant, twisting and compelling' - Minette Walters'Excellent writing, intricate plotting and masterful senses of place and time make Harvey's books compulsive reads.' - HistoriaSummer 1630. The Swedish army is fighting its way down through Germany, with Jack Fiskardo and his company of scouts, or 'discoverers', fighting the guerrilla war ahead of the main advance. There are new allies to be made, new perils to overcome, new enemies to outwit and new adventures to pursue; but there is also a fortune for the taking, a mystery to be solved, and a destiny to fulfil - one that will see Jack brought face-to-face at last with his sworn enemy, Carlo Fantom. And in the wintry forests of Bohemia, that destiny will present Jack with an almost impossible choice - does he pursue his final vengeance, or does he turn aside, to help a child as helpless as he once was himself?Trade ReviewA vivid, gripping story, beautifully handled, with a gem on every page. I'm full of admiration, if not a little envy at Harvey's confidence; she knows exactly what she's doing. -- Tracy Chevalier * Tracy Chevalier *Vibrant, twisting and compelling. The Dead Men will appeal to old and new fans of Jack Fiskardo as he fights for Protestantism in a 17th Century Europe, ravaged by war. This is a series worth following! -- Minette WaltersOnce again J.C. Harvey has cleared the high bar in historical fiction by a mile. -- S. W. Perry * S. W. Perry *[A] marvellous [...] intelligently written romp through history -- NB Magazine * NB Magazine (THE SILVER WOLF) *Multi-layered, compelling and intriguing, The Silver Wolf draws us into the murky underbelly of Europe's Thirty Years' War. -- Minette Walters * Minette Walters (on THE SILVER WOLF) *Excellent writing, intricate plotting and masterful senses of place and time make Harvey's books compulsive reads. -- Frances Owen * Historia *

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Book SynopsisVirginia, 1850: ''Ain''t many choices for a slave woman. Just know everything I do is for you. You are meant to see freedom. I''s makin'' sure.''Pheby Delores Brown was born on the Bell Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. The daughter of the estate''s medicine woman, and cherished by the Master''s sister, her days as an enslaved girl are almost over... She has been promised freedom on her eighteenth birthday.But when she finally turns eighteen, the life she has dreamed of is tragically torn from her. Instead of being free, she is thrust into the bowels of slavery at the infamous Devil''s Half-Acre, a jail where slaves are broken, tortured and sold every day.Her life flashing before her eyes, Pheby is forced to become the mistress of the jailor, the brutal man who owns the prison. Yet even in hell, Pheby never loses sight of her freedom. But how much will she have to sacrifice? And in the face of such darkness, will she survive?Just as tran

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Book SynopsisPublished for the first time in English, the sweeping debut novel set in bohemian Paris, by the author of international bestseller The Eighth Life. In 1953, a teenage girl, Jeanne Saré, jumps in front of a train at the Gare du Nord station. She leaves behind writings that to some are unreadable, but to others tell universal, unspoken truths about the lives and struggles of women. When published in the 1970s, her work triggers a rash of copycat suicides. It is hastily withdrawn from sale and eventually forgotten about. Then, in 2004, two women from opposite corners of the globe — Amsterdam and Sydney — rediscover Jeanne Saré’s book and set out to discover who the author was and what happened to her. Women across the ages have attached their own stories to Saré’s, often with devastating results, but the truth about her may be even stranger than the fictions they have invented.Trade Review‘Haratischvili's lyrical prose and mastery of tone shine … Her mosaic of broken souls and elusive mystery offer many rewards for patient readers, culminating in a provocative statement on art's capacity to both shatter and redeem.’ -- Chris Reed * NZ Booklovers *‘You can see in this novel the fledgling novelist testing the reader and I can see her magnificent book Eighth Life emerging from the embers of Juja.’ -- Rosalind Ephram * Burway Books *Praise for The Eighth Life: ‘Something rather extraordinary happened. The world fell away and I fell, wholly, happily, into the book ... My breath caught in my throat, tears nestled in my lashes ... devastatingly brilliant.’ -- Wendell Steavenson * The New York Times Book Review *Praise for The Eighth Life: ‘The Eighth Life … is a lavish banquet of family stories that can, for all their sorrows, be devoured with gluttonous delight. Nino Haratischvili’s characters … come to exuberant life. Her huge novel … shows a double face, its crushing pain and loss nonetheless conveyed with an artful storyteller’s sheer joy in her craft.’ -- Boyd Tonkin * The Financial Times *Praise for The Eighth Life: ‘A harrowing, heartening, and utterly engrossing epic novel … astonishing … A subtle and compelling translation by Charlotte Collins and Ruth Martin should make this as great a literary phenomenon in English as it has been in German.’ -- Maya Jaggi * The Guardian *Praise for My Soul Twin: ‘A passionate novel.’ -- Matthew Janney * The Guardian *Praise for My Soul Twin: ‘The novel’s sexual voltage buoys you through its twists and turns.’ -- Anthony Cummins * The Observer *

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Book SynopsisBased on the true story of Costanza Piccolomini - a fierce feminist icon who has been written out of history - this unputdownable, sultry and deliciously evocative novel brings to life the dizzying rise and fall of a brilliant young woman in 1600's Rome, and Costanza reclaiming herself after she loses everything.

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Book SynopsisYears ago Dilly made the devastating decision to give her baby daughter to wealthy local family, the Farthings. She is still living with the consequences of her choice when the daughter she gave away all those years ago turns up on Dilly''s doorstep, with a baby girl in tow, begging for help. Olivia has a secret she only feels safe telling Dilly.Sworn to secrecy, Dilly agrees to help, delighted to be spending time with her new granddaughter and daughter. She can''t tell Max Farthing, the man who took in Olivia all those years ago and who Dilly has feelings for. For Max has problems of his own: he''s married to Camilla, who has lost leave of her senses. Could Dilly and Max ever come together?Dilly''s Lass is a wonderfully heartfelt portrayal of families beginning to rebuild after WW1, from much-loved author Rosie Goodwin.

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Book SynopsisElaine Everest, author of bestselling novels The Woolworths Girls, The Butlins Girls, Christmas at Woolworths and The Teashop Girls, was born and brought up in north-west Kent, where many of her books are set. She has been a freelance writer for twenty-five years and has written widely for women's magazines and national newspapers, both short stories and features. Her non-fiction books for dog owners have been very popular and led to her broadcasting on the radio about our four-legged friends. Elaine has been heard discussing many topics on the airwaves, from canine subjects to living with a husband under her feet when redundancy looms.

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Book SynopsisEverything about Adeline Copplefield is a lie . . .To the world Mrs Copplefield is the epitome of Victorian propriety: an exemplary society lady who writes a weekly column advising young ladies on how to be better wives.Only Adeline has never been a good wife or mother; she has no claim to the Copplefield name, nor is she an English lady . . .Now a black woman, born in Africa, who dared to pretend to be something she was not, is on trial in the English courts with all of London society baying for her blood. And she is ready to tell her story . . .From the author of The Attic Child, Lola Jaye, comes The Manual for Good Wives, a dual narrative historical novel about love, generational trauma, second chances and hope.

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Book SynopsisFrom New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon comes the saga of a young woman who dares to chart her own destiny in life and love during the American Revolutionary War. In 1760, Deborah Samson is born to Puritan parents in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons the family and her mother is unable to support them, Deborah is bound out as an indentured servant. From that moment on, she yearns for a life of liberation and adventure. Twenty years later, as the American colonies begin to buckle in their battle for independence, Deborah, impassioned by the cause, disguises herself as a soldier and enlists in the Continental Army. Her impressive height and lanky build make her transformation a convincing one, and it isn’t long before she finds herself confronting the horrors of war head-on. But as Deborah fights for her country’s freedom, she must contend with the secret of who she is—and, ultimately, a surprising love she can’t deny.Trade Review“This is a thought-provoking, deeply moving read in which a patriotic woman, forbidden from serving her country due to her sex, defies all odds to do it anyway. Harmon’s riveting narrative allows Samson’s bravery, both on and off the battlefield, to soar from the pages of long-forgotten history.” —Historical Novels Review “This story has completely captured my adventurous heart.” —Brenda McDearmon, Texas Over Fifty Travel Blog “A masterpiece. This is a brilliant book.” —Christina Shoemaker, author of The Whole Cook “A story of courage, hope and love. It touched all the most sensitive parts of my soul.” —Barbara Kloss, author of The God's of Men series “A Girl Called Samson is a history lover's dream. These are the stories that often get overlooked.” —Book Adoration Reviews “An incredibly moving story of bravery and love that stretches far beyond the page.” —Books Uncharted Reviews

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Book Synopsis*NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!* From “one of those special writers capable of delivering both poetry and plot” (The New York Times Book Review) an immersive historical novel inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th-century China—perfect for fans of Lisa See’s classics Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian—born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness—is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking—something a man can never do with a female patient. From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose—despite the prohibition that a doctor should never touch blood while a midwife comes in frequent contact with it—and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other’s joys and struggles. No mud, no lotus, they tell themselves: from adversity beauty can bloom. But when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. Yunxian is to act like a proper wife—embroider bound-foot slippers, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights. How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions and lead a life of such importance that many of her remedies are still used five centuries later? How might the power of friendship support or complicate these efforts? A captivating story of women helping each other, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a triumphant reimagining of the life of one person who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today.

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Book SynopsisAn emotional and inspiring World War Two time-slip novel of danger and courage. This is a story inspired by true events and stories of Irena Sendler and the women of the Polish Zegota.It''s the worst time in humanity and yet there is still light in the darkness1942, WarsawYoung Zofia finds herself leading a double life when she is enlisted to help the fearless Irena Sendler save hundreds of Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto.Every night, Zofia risks her life to shepherd the children to safety. But when the worst happens, she is forced to make her riskiest journey yet to keep Irena's mission alive.Now, SeattleAfter yet another miscarriage, heartbroken Lizzie returns to the comfort of her childhood home, where she stumbles upon a hidden photograph of her great-grandmother among a mysterious group of people.On a quest to discover more, Lizzie uncovers a buried past darker and more dangerous than she could ever have imaginedA sweeping and heartbreaking story of two remarkable women, geTrade ReviewTo come

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Book SynopsisCan she help the village survive the war?April 1941. When Bobby Bancroft arrived in Silverdale to take a job as a reporter on The Tyke magazine, the sleepy Yorkshire Dales village felt like a little pocket of a past long gone.While much of the country was suffering nightly bombing raids as the Blitz raged, life in isolated Silverdale carried on just as it had for a hundred years or more. But as the summer of 1941 approaches, war finally seems to have come to Silverdale. The villagers face new hardships when shortages and rationing begin to bite, young men become scarce as more and more are called up, and Bobby finds herself juggling her job on the magazine with a new role as an ARP warden. Even her surly editor Reg and his wife are doing their bit, taking two young evacuees from London into their home.Meanwhile, Bobby has been growing closer to village vet Charlie, who is preparing to leave Silverdale to begin training with the RAF. The villagers are whispering that wedding bells will soon be chiming, but then Bobby is confronted with an impossible choice. Can she bring herself to give up the job she adores to be with the man she loves?Don't miss this heart-warming, captivating WWII saga series set in the Yorkshire Dales. If you like James Herriot, Gervase Phinn, Pam Howes or Maggie Mason, you'll love this.Praise for Betty Firth's Made in Yorkshire saga series:‘One of the best books I have read in a very, very long time.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A gorgeous setting, appealing characters and brimming with warmth and humour. It’s a long time since a book has so thoroughly captured my heart. Don’t miss it!’ Kate Field‘This was such a good story from start to the end… Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the village characters were so true to life.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewWhat a brilliant book…Family saga at its best.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘LOVED IT!!!...My heart ached when reading this… A lovely story, full of heart and home. I didn't want it to end…’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Read in 24 hours! Exceptional!...The storyline was strong and the characters were all likeable and relatable... There were lots of twists and turns that kept me wanting to read more.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘**I absolutely loved this book! **The life and times of a wartime Yorkshire village and its people shine through, authentic, realistic and charming, and Bobby is a highly likeable heroine with ambition and heart.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'I am beyond impressed with this book. I hope this truly is the start of a long series’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisAD 265, Gaul - The Roman Empire is on the brink.Emperor Gallienus has amassed a huge army across the Alps to seize back the mountains from the usurper Postumus.War has come.Ballista and his cavalry are on the frontline, battling in the most brutal of conditions. But if he is to survive the campaign and finally retire to his beloved Sicily, it's not just the battlefield he needs to navigate.As he and Praetorian Prefect Volusianus lay siege to Postumus' armies, it becomes clear the greatest threat to Ballista's life might just come from within his ranks. After all, Volusianus has shown he will go to any distance for his own ends. Is Ballista just another pawn in his game?

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Book SynopsisIn the always eventful worlds of Jodi Taylor, it''s never Christmas without illegal expeditions, riotous misbehaviour and stories you just can''t put down . . .This festive collection takes readers from Frogmorton Farm to Time Police HQ via the Institute of Historical Research at St Mary''s in five (and a bit) short stories. A Bumper Bundle of Christmas tales all in print for the very first time.Includes a Christmas message from the author herself and an exclusive new St Mary''s scene, ''A Storm in a Teacup'' ---Why is Nothing Ever Simple? For once, this Christmas jump is perfectly legal - though that doesn''t make it any less dangerous. It''s Major Guthrie''s last, and to the Battle of Bannockburn, no less.The Ordeal of the Haunted Room Who wouldn''t jump at the chance to experience an authentic Victorian Christmas? Complete with a murderous ghost and one terrifying night in a terrible storm.

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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 SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The London Girls comes a story of courage and resilience amidst the horror of Auschwitz—and one woman’s last chance to share it with the world. London, 1995: When on the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz a news broadcast runs an appeal for information on the identity of a midwife who saved hundreds of lives, Emilia knows it is time to finally tell her story. Occupied Poland, 1942: Despite the constant presence of German soldiers in her village, Emilia is allowed certain freedoms as a midwife—the most precious is innocently cycling past Nazi checkpoints to the homes of expectant mothers on her rounds. But Emilia has a secret: for years she’s also been visiting the hidden Jewish mothers and working for the resistance…until she is betrayed. Suddenly a prisoner of Auschwitz, Emilia is surrounded by horror and despair. When she is put to work as a midwife in the camp, she realises that she has a chance to bring a small glimmer of hope to the pregnant women of Auschwitz. Alongside a brave imprisoned doctor, Aleksy, and an innocent outcast, Lena, she comes up with a dangerous plan. A plan that if discovered could mean a fate far worse than death, but if they act undetected, they could save countless lives… The Secret Midwife is a work of fiction, but inspired by many real-life accounts of the Polish resistance, the brave doctors, nurses and midwives imprisoned in the camps and those who fought to save as many lives as possible in Poland during World War II.

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Book SynopsisJohn Pearce faces a court martial, but will cowardly Toby Burns, chief witness, stand up to questioning? With the matter unresolved, HMS Hazard is put under the command of Horatio Nelson, with whom no cruise can be without incident. Sure enough, battle is joined with two Spanish frigates, though success is short-lived and flight in the face of a superior foe becomes the only option.In London, the government denies prize money for the cargo of silver Pearce took off the Santa Leocadia, claiming it as property of the Crown. Pearce's prize agent seeks to fight this, only to be outmanoeuvred by devious Henry Dundas. Worse, some very bad pennies from the past have come back to haunt the life of Emily Barclay and the thief-taker Walter Hodgson.From Elba, Pearce is sent on a mission to collect fleeing members of the Corsican government: an assignment which looks simple but is anything but. Seeking a solution which will not risk his ship, he seeks the aid of a local clan chief

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Book SynopsisA sweeping tale of life and death, set in the Syrian capital at the turn of the twentieth century from the International prize winning author of Death is Hard Work and In Praise of Hatred.A soulful and perfectly unsentimental writer. Hisham MatarDecember, 1907: one morning after a night of drunken carousing in the city, Hanna and his friend Zakariya return home to their village near Aleppoonly to discover a scene of tragedy. A devastating flood has levelled their homes, shops and places of worship, and their neighbours, families and children are nearly all dead. Their lives will never be the same.Tracing Hanna's life before and after the floodwhen he embarks on a search for the meaning of lifeNo One Prayed Over Their Graves is a portrait of a wider society on the verge of great change; from the provincial village to the burgeoning modernity of the city, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews live and work

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy, the final book in his authentic, action-packed trilogy set on the frontiers of the Roman Empire. AD 117: BRITANNIA. Roman centurion Flavius Ferox is trying to live a quiet life of dignified leisure, overseeing his wife's estate and resisting the urge to murder an annoying neighbour – until someone else does it for him. Dragged back into a life of violence, Ferox finds himself chasing raiders, fighting chieftains and negotiating with kings. Under the new emperor, Hadrian, the whole world seems to be changing: old friends are now enemies, enemies claim they are friends, and new and deadly threats lurk in the shadows. When Hadrian himself comes to Britannia to inspect his great wall, war erupts suddenly. Ferox is the only one who can save the emperor – but with his family, and his own life, in danger, he must first decide whose side he is on… Gritty, gripping and profoundly authentic, The Wall is the final book in the City of Victory trilogy from bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Harry Sidebottom. Reviews for Adrian Goldsworthy 'No one writes more convincing Roman fiction.' Harry Sidebottom 'Gritty and realistic.' Daily Telegraph 'An extraordinarily rich picture of a battle on the Roman empire's borders.' The Times 'Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain.' New Books MagazineTrade Review'No one knows the Roman army better than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no one writes more convincing Roman fiction.' Harry Sidebottom 'Gritty and realistic... Goldsworthy's characters are authentically ancient and his descriptions of Roman Briton ring true.' Daily Telegraph (Sydney) 'Incredibly authentic... Plenty of action and a cracking read for lovers of historical fiction or fans of Roman history.' What Cathy Read Next 'An extraordinarily rich picture of a battle on the empire’s borders.' The Times 'A hugely enjoyable read by a master of non-fiction turned deft hand at Roman historical fiction.' Historical Novel Society 'Goldsworthy is an erudite guide.' BBC History 'Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain' New Books Magazine * Reviews for Adrian Goldsworthy *

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Book Synopsis'A glorious love story' – Sarah Winman, author of Still LifeLonglisted for the Dublin Literary AwardA stunning story about the impossible lengths we go to for the ones we love, with a breathtaking twist, from the bestselling author of Burial Rites, Hannah Kent.Hanne and Thea’s friendship is a miracle. Before, Hanne always felt apart from the local girls, but with Thea it all came easy. Suddenly she could imagine a future for herself, a happy one, by Thea’s side.But when their tight-knit community embarks on a long and brutal journey to Australia, in search of new freedoms on old land, Hanne and Thea’s bond must find a way to survive the most impossible devastation.Will their love prove too strong for even Nature to break?'Extraordinarily daring . . . a remarkable novel, an almost visionary celebration of the death-defying power of the women’s love' - Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month'Exquisite . . . it's taken root in my heart' – Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies'So beautiful and so raw . . . Devotion is impossibly good' – Evie Wyld, author of The Bass RockTrade ReviewPiercingly beautiful . . . [Hanne and Thea's] story is an elegy, freighted with loss and longing * Guardian *With an extraordinarily daring twist halfway through its narrative Devotion is a remarkable novel, an almost visionary celebration of the death-defying power of the women’s love * Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month *A modern classic, on par with heart wrenching love stories such as Wuthering Heights and Pride And Prejudice. It tells the story of an achingly beautiful love and a brutal search for freedom . . . A moving tale with a breathtaking twist * The Herald *Devotion is rare and exquisite, both beautiful and muscular in its portrayal of love found and denied. It’s a story of love as a radical act . . . this is masterful storytelling with pull-no-punches stakes. It’s taken root in my heart -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The MerciesKent tells her heroine's burgeoning love story beautifully * The Times *Such a glorious love story. And the poetry of the landscape had, for me, a Whitmanesque sensibility. A mighty impassioned cry to love and the land -- Sarah Winman, author of Still LifeHannah Kent’s latest novel is stunning - full of magic and adventure. I fell in love with language again reading it. So beautiful and so raw. Devotion is impossibly good -- Evie Wyld, author of The Bass RockAbsolutely stunning. The writing, the characters and the twist were just perfect. Any Hannah Kent novel is guaranteed to be powerful, moving and so imaginative, but this was something else. It is a story that will stay with me -- Elizabeth Macneal, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Doll Factory and Circus of WondersA poetic story of friendship, nature and what it means to step into a new world - both physically and spiritually * Cosmopolitan *A superb novel. A fantastic merging of exquisite lyrical writing and page-turning adventure. Devotion had me constantly surprised, always entertained, and ultimately deeply moved: it deserves to be a glittering success -- Emma Stonex, Sunday Times bestselling author of The LamplightersKent combines lyrical writing with a strong sense of place in this novel that takes us from a 19th-century Prussian village to the dusty plains of Australia * Good Housekeeping *It is a love story, ardent and wholesome, and it drapes its reader in lush historical detail. Fans will find a lot to savour * Guardian Australia *[A] marvellous queer love story * InDaily *Draped in rich historical detail, Hannah Kent's luminous and poignant story explores kindred spirits and an epic search for freedom * Woman's Own *Devotion, is nothing short of divine. Kent uses prose like a magician might use a wand. I could say so much about the depth and scope of this novel, its raw, powerful connection to nature and human emotion, and it still wouldn’t do it justice. Simply put, this is a beautiful book. A liturgy of love, full of grace and wonder. -- Nydia Hetherington, author of A Girl Made of AirOne of my favourite reads of the year . . . While there is great sadness and hardship here, this surprising novel is ultimately about beauty, nature and an epic love. I adored it * ABC Arts *A tale of the refiguring might of faithful hearts; of love that sustains and love that ruins; of exile and dominion * Sydney Morning Herald *Exceptional . . . there are not many novelists writing today who can conjure a European past as vividly as Hannah Kent . . . she is a master at immersing the reader in a particular place and a particular period, specialising in stories of women on the margins trapped in close-knit communities and claustrophobic situations * New European *Devotion is utterly original. A glorious heartbreaking love story of infinite beauty -- Heather Rose, author of The Museum of Modern Love

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Book Synopsis Don’t miss the new summer novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan! ‘A glorious summer escape!’ My Weekly ‘A sun-soaked adventure’ Best * * * A family weddingCatherine Swift is a bestselling romance author, but her personal story hasn’t been quite so successful; three failed marriages have left her relationship with her daughters strained. Engaged once again, Catherine is counting on this wedding, at her villa in Corfu, to finally bring the family together. A summer of secretsAdeline can’t believe her mother is getting married for a fourth time, or that she’s expected to attend. It brings back the pain of her mother’s infidelity and the baby who was the result. Not that she blames her half-sister Cassie, but then she's never tried to know her, either. Cassie, on the other hand, is thrilled by her mother’s news – she’s always admired Catherine’s resilience, and is excited to meet the mystery groom. Cassie also has a secret of her own, and a summer in Corfu will give her the time she needs to process everything. A chance to start over againAs the guests arrive on the island, and the big day approaches, Catherine begins to reveal secrets from her past, and suddenly both Cassie and Adeline realise that they don’t know their mother at all . . . * * * Read yourself happy with Sarah Morgan! ‘Sarah Morgan never disappoints. . . the way she describes her characters makes you feel like you know them’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Love all of Sarah Morgan’s books and they just keep getting better’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘One of my favourite authors, never fails to produce an ideal place to lose yourself in for a day or two!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Such a brilliant top writer’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Trade Review Praise for Sarah Morgan ‘Gloriously romantic, the perfect summer escape!’ Cathy Bramley ‘A perfect slice of joyful summer escapism from Sarah Morgan, the master of the genre’ Clare Pooley, The Authenticity Project ‘Sarah Morgan has the ultimate golden touch for me – no other author makes me lose myself in a world like she does’ Laura Jane Williams, The Lucky Escape ‘As with all Sarah’s books, Sarah is so good at hooking you from the first page and keeping you there. I fell easily into the story, and never wanted to leave. Nobody does heartfelt, sexy romance quite like Sarah’ Cressida McLaughlin, The Staycation ‘Warm-hearted, tender and wise, a truly uplifting story’ Miranda Dickinson, author of The Start of Something ‘Sunshine in a book! Joy and optimism infuse every word of this delicious novel – I couldn’t put [it] down’ Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author ‘Big-hearted book from bestseller Morgan’ My Weekly ‘The cast of lively characters instantly draws you in’ Woman & Home ‘A lovely read’ Platinummagazine ‘A captivating romance’ Woman’s Own ‘The perfect escapist read’ The Sun

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Book Synopsis'A brilliant, original read' – Daily Mail'Totally absorbing, this is a story that will keep you gripped' – Janice Hadlow, author of The Other Bennet SisterThe case is unexceptional, that is what I know. A house full of stuff left behind by a dead woman, abandoned at the last . . .When trauma cleaner Essie Pound makes a gruesome discovery in the derelict Edinburgh boarding house she is sent to clean, it brings her into contact with a young policewoman, Emily Noble, who has her own reasons to solve the case.As the two women embark on a journey into the heart of a forgotten family, the investigation prompts fragmented memories of their own traumatic histories – something Emily has spent a lifetime attempting to bury, and Essie a lifetime trying to lay bare.Emily Noble’s Disgrace is the third novel from Mary Paulson-Ellis, the bestselling author of The Other Mrs Walker, a Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year.Trade ReviewPaulson-Elis writes with poetry and compassion about the forgotten and overlooked . . . A brilliant, original read * Daily Mail *Totally absorbing, this is a story that will keep you gripped through all its unexpected twists and turns -- Janice Hadlow, author of The Other Bennet SisterThis book is a swoon and slither of silk with the grit of salt underneath. Mary Paulson-Ellis is a genius at peeling away the layers and slowly, skilfully putting flesh on the bones of an extraordinary, sinuous story -- Sarah Hilary, author of FragileSuperb -- Wendy Holden * Daily Mail *The territory of the dead — and the objects they leave behind — is the subject of this beautifully written, compelling contemporary gothic novel. Mary Paulson-Ellis strips back the secrets and lies hiding within one house with a deft touch -- Andrew Wilson, author of I Saw Him DieThe author writes with such compassion about people and there is poetry in her prose * Prima *A richly rewarding, gripping page-turner -- Val McDermid on The Inheritance of Solomon Farthing

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy, the second book in his authentic, action-packed City of Victory series set on the frontiers of the Roman Empire. AD 114: NICOPOLIS In the arid plains beyond the empire's Eastern Frontier, a Roman legion lays siege to the city of Nicopolis. Estranged from his beloved Enica to keep her safe, centurion Flavius Ferox is still working for the emperor's cousin, the calculating and ruthless Hadrian. Sent to uncover corruption in the army, Ferox has killed a tribune and is under suspended sentence of death – but he knows more traitors are at large. As the siege builds, Ferox will have to figure out who can be trusted, and just what it is that Hadrian really wants... Gritty, gripping and profoundly authentic, The City is the second book in the City of Victory trilogy, set in the Roman empire from bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy. Praise for Adrian Goldsworthy: 'No one knows the Roman army better than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no one writes more convincing Roman fiction.' Harry Sidebottom 'Gritty and realistic.' Daily Telegraph 'Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain.' NB MagazineTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR ADRIAN GOLDSWORTHY: 'No one knows the Roman army better than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no one writes more convincing Roman fiction' Harry Sidebottom, on Brigantia. 'Gritty and realistic... Goldsworthy's characters are authentically ancient and his descriptions of Roman Briton ring true' Daily Telegraph (Sydney). 'Incredibly authentic... Plenty of action and a cracking read for lovers of historical fiction or fans of Roman history' What Cathy Read Next. 'An authentic, enjoyable read' The Times. 'Much more accurate than the usual action fiction about legionaries and Rome... Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain' * New Books Magazine *

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Book SynopsisCollecting the fifth volume of the classic comic adaptation of Michael Moorcock's bestselling fantasy saga! With his reluctant companion Moonglum in tow, the albino emperor embarks upon a perilous quest in search of the dark sorcerer Theleb K'aarna. But in order to achieve his goal, he must first prove himself against the many horrors of the Young Kingdoms and form an unlikely pact with the beautiful and mysterious, Myshella - the Empress of the Dawn. Based on Michael Moorcock's most popular work. Essential reading for all fans of the novels - the epic tales brought to life with luxuriant imagination! Perfect for fans ofFables, Sandman, Elfquest, andA Game of Thrones. Elric's antihero protagonist will also appeal to readers looking for an alternative to Tolkienesque Fantasy. Praise for Michael Moorcock Library Previous Volumes: "This spectacular, resplendently flamboyant adaptation is a deliciously elegant, savagely beautiful masterpiece of the genre effortlessly blending blistering action and gleaming adventure with the deep, darkly melancholic tone of the cynical, nihilistic, Cold-War mentality and era that spawned the original stories." - Comics Review "Fantasy of the highest order, with dragons, pirates and magic swords coming together into an incredibly epic and robust world"- Adventures In Poor Taste Captures all the weird and terrible beauty of Moorcock's novels, and the new edition is a perfect companion to Titan's other Elric offerings."- Ron Marz (Silver Surfer, Green Lantern) "Unforgettable action and intrigue...a must-read for any fans of science fiction, sorcery or sword-and-sorcery epics!"- Comics Bulletin "Richly deserves to be back in print...can't wait to return to the dreaming city!"- SFX "Working together, these three creators made an adaptation that remains faithful to the original novel but never feels like a mere adaptation or retelling of the source material. They made Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melnibone novel into their great comic book."- Newsarama"

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Book SynopsisStep right up for the most captivating read of the year . . .Filled with the sights and sounds of Victorian England, Circus of Wonders is the instant Sunday Times bestseller from Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory.‘Intensely satisfying’ – Stacey Halls, author of The FamiliarsEngland, 1866. When Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders arrives in a coastal village, Nell soon catches the showman’s eye. Shunned by her community because of the birthmarks speckling her skin, to Jasper she is a prize – she could be his very own leopard girl. But how to make her his?Soon Nell finds herself the star of Jasper’s show. Suddenly she is famous. Crowds rush to watch her soar through the air. Figurines are cast in her image. Even Queen Victoria wants to see her perform. But is Nell free to live and love as she chooses? And when her fame begins to eclipse Jasper’s own, could she be in danger? After all, the higher you fly, the steeper the fall . . .‘Filled with character and life’ – The Times‘Utterly beguiling’ – Daily Mail‘Brilliantly involving’ – Daily Express‘Exhilarating’ – Sunday Times, Books of the Year‘An immersive gem’ – Red‘Joyous, frightening, heartbreaking’ – Independent‘Deliciously vivid’ – Woman & HomeThe Burial Plot, Elizabeth's latest cat-and-mouse thriller, is available to pre-order now!Trade ReviewA glittering follow-up to The Doll Factory . . . a mark of Macneal's subtlety and originality * Guardian *Elizabeth Macneal’s marvellous debut, The Doll Factory, was a bestselling success. This second book, beautifully written and filled with character and life, cements her reputation as a new talent * The Times *Elizabeth Macneal has done it again . . . Entrancing, tender, captivating. A marvel. I couldn’t put it down. -- Sara Collins, author of Costa First Novel Award winner The Confessions of Frannie LangtonWonderful . . . Glitters and gleams with the grimy stories of a travelling circus . . . Utterly beguiling * Daily Mail *Spectacular . . . A brilliantly involving story, vivid with the sights and sounds of Victorian England. A fantastic read * Daily Express *Exhilarating . . . shows the same rich imagination Macneal revealed in her debut novel, The Doll Factory * Sunday Times, Books of the Year *An absolute triumph. Exquisitely written, intensely satisfying -- Stacey Halls, author of The FamiliarsDark but tender, evocative and compelling. I loved it -- Laura Shepherd-Robinson, author of Blood & SugarAn equally satisfying exploration of some of the odder corners of Victorian life . . . a novel that again highlights Macneal’s rich imagination and vivid prose * Sunday Times Ireland, Historical Fiction Book of the Month *A fantastical, absolutely immersive gem of a read * Red *Macneal’s complex characters allow her to question how society treats difference, the price of power and vanity, and the pursuit of self-determination. At turns dark, joyous, frightening and heartbreaking, Circus Of Wonders makes for an absorbing read * Independent *A tremendous read. Richly imagined, vividly rendered, each scene is like an old painting in which light gleams off the detail . . . The story is full-bodied and addictive from the outset, told with pace and verve but never compromising style . . . Circus of Wonders displays in abundance everything readers loved about The Doll Factory . . . an ambitious, enlightening novel -- Emma Stonex, author of The LamplightersDeliciously vivid . . . every bit as atmospheric as you’d expect . . . A hopeful story of a girl taking charge of her destiny * Woman & Home *Set in the same Victorian London as her stunning debut, The Doll Factory, Macneal's second novel is both thrilling and humane, bringing to life the brutal world of the freak show * Mail on Sunday *You can’t help but be drawn into the exciting and sometimes macabre world of the circus, with its colourful cast of characters * Good Housekeeping *Another seductive slice of Victorian noir * Sunday Times Scotland *Circus of Wonders is confident and beautifully written -- Sarah Vaughan, author of Anatomy of a ScandalA glittering, begrimed tale of love and self-determination flush with richly detailed prose. Sumptuous, macabre, enthralling; a perfect slice of Victoriana. -- Jane Healey, author of The Animals at Lockwood ManorElizabeth Macneal's novel is spectacular - a book of wonders! -- Alix Nathan, author of The Warlow ExperimentA beautifully told and immersive look at a complex dance between exploitation and empowerment, and the question of what it really means to have control over your own life. I adored its characters, I was utterly gripped throughout, and I loved having my eyes opened to the troubling yet fascinating world of Victorian circuses -- Naomi Ishiguro, author of Escape RoutesCircus of Wonders is a soaring, tumbling, whip-cracking book. Elizabeth Macneal has brought an extraordinary group of characters together in these pages; the result is a glittering world, a story as moving as it is deeply entertaining -- Daniel Mason, author of The Piano TunerExpansive and tender . . . it really pulls you into this fascinating world. -- Beth Underdown, author of The Witchfinder's SisterI loved The Doll Factory and I loved Circus Of Wonders just as much . . .An intriguing and beautifully written love story as well as an exploration of the journey from rejection to adoration . . . Elizabeth Macneal explores the nature of exploitation, pride and vanity through her vibrant and believable characters -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing GirlAt turns dark, joyous, frightening and heartbreaking, Circus of Wonders is an absorbing read * Sunday Life *A glittering, soaring, magical exploration of showmanship, voyeurism and storytelling, Circus of Wonders is also a wonderful, sumptuously-written love story. Visceral & cerebral. I loved it. -- Caroline Lea, author of The Glass WomanEngaging and enjoyable * Scotsman *I loved it. Circus of Wonders is a terrific successor to The Doll Factory. I adored the vibrant cast of characters - they are tenderly drawn yet dazzle off the page -- Rachel Hore, author of Last Letter HomeI was dazzled by it from beginning to end. What a fabulous, riveting, engrossing story! There's such a creepy undercurrent of dread and violence running just beneath the surface of everything she writes, yet there's humanity and kindness, a palpable love for Nell and the other circus performers that makes all the characters come to life -- Whitney Scharer, author of The Age of LightAn enjoyable and engrossing novel, which captivates from beginning to end * Historical Novel Society *The gritty glamour of the circus and the horrors of war. Macneal’s characters are finely drawn, their entwined stories playing out against the backdrop of the big top * Daily Mirror *Wonderful * Woman's Weekly *The author of The Doll Factory returns with more high Gothic Victoriana * i newspaper *Deliciously vivid . . . every bit as atmospheric as you'd expect * Woman's Own *The kaleidoscopic world of the Victorian circus, at once enchanting and grotesque, is vividly brought to life . . . a gripping tale * Northern Echo *Fantastic * Psychologies *Packed with atmosphere * Prima *Wonderful * My Weekly *I loved this story for its plot, its characters and its beautiful writing. The author engages all our senses to explore illusion versus reality, keeps us on a tightrope of emotions and presents us with a truly dazzling show * NFOP Magazine *A gripping exploration of fame, love, hope, friendship and whether we can ever own our own stories * New European *[Macneal's] great strength is in imagining vivid inner lives and narratives for people usually sidelined, who in the historical great-man theory merely provide delicacies and amusements for the rich * Catholic Herald *Brilliantly involving, vivid with the gritty glamour of the circus and horrors of war. * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisThe Forgotten Legion fought against almighty odds at the very edge of the known world - and lost.Now Brennus the Gaul, Tarquinius the Etruscan soothsayer and Romulus, bastard son of a Roman nobleman, are prisoners of Parthia. They dream of escape, but in the brutal fighting which lies ahead, only two will survive.Meanwhile, Fabiola, Romulus's twin sister, is caught up in the vicious eddies of Roman politics. Hunted by slave catchers she flees, hoping to find her lover, Brutus, bound for Alexandria with Caesar.Ben Kane's brilliant second novel plunges his characters into a cauldron of war and terror, as Caesar and the Roman Republic hurtle towards their day of reckoning.Trade ReviewThe Forgotten Legion marches again. On an epic scale, Ben Kane vividly captures the heat and the dust, and the despair of the survivors of a defeated Roman army now forced to fight for their savage captors in the barbarous lands of the east. Three men with nothing left to live for but each other and the memories of a life they fear they will never return to. Tarquinius, Romulus and Brennus battle for their very existence in the face of impossible odds while, back in Rome, Romulus's sister Fabiola is threatened by the same political forces that threaten to destroy the Republic. The Silver Eagle is an utterly engrossing combination of historical fact and believable fiction that draws the reader in and holds his interest to the last page. * Douglas Jackson, author of Caligula *

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Book SynopsisWARRIORS OF GOD, the second volume of the Hussite Trilogy by Andrzej Sapkowski, author of the bestselling Witcher series, depicts the adventures of Reynevan and his friends in the years 1427-28 as war erupts across Europe. Reynevan begins by hiding away in Bohemia but soon leaves for Silesia, where he carries out dangerous, secret missions entrusted to him by the leaders of the Hussite religion. At the same time he strives to avenge the death of his brother and discover the whereabouts of his beloved. Once again pursued by multiple enemies, Reynevan is constantly getting into and out of trouble. Sapkowski''s deftly written novel delivers gripping action full of numerous twists and mysteries, seasoned with elements of magic and Sapkowski''s ever-present - and occasionally bawdy - sense of humour. Fans of the Witcher will appreciate the rich panorama of this slice of the Middle Ages.Trade ReviewSapkowski's love for the period is clear as he touches on notorious historical events and figures, including the Defenestration of Prague and printing press inventor Johannes Gutenberg. The carefully painted landscapes and intricate politics, meanwhile, effortlessly draw readers into Reinmar's life and times. This is historical fantasy done right * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *A ripping yarn delivered with world-weary wit, bursting at the seams with sex, death, magic and madness * Joe Abercrombie *

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Book SynopsisWhen a flight of unidentified fighters is photographed off the Antarctic continent, where no military presence is authorised, the carrier Harry Truman is sent to investigate. After a few reconnaissance flights, Buck and his friends locate a lifeless body on a drifting iceberg, as well as a suspicious cargo ship. Alongside the pilots of the French Navy, Colonel Danny will have to solve that mystery in the land of eternal ice.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERThe most anticipated spy thriller of 2020, from the award-winning author of Corpus.Autumn 1941. The war is going badly for Britain and its allies. If Hitler is to be stopped, a new weapon is desperately needed.In Cambridge, professor Tom Wilde is approached by an American intelligence officer who claims to know of such a weapon - one so secret even Hitler himself isn't aware of its existence. If Wilde can smuggle the package out of Germany, the Third Reich will surely fall.But it is only when he is deep behind enemy lines that Wilde discovers why the Nazis are so desperate to prevent the 'package' falling into Allied hands. And as ruthless killers hunt him through Europe, a treacherous question hangs over the mission: if Hitler's secret will win them the war, why is Wilde convinced it must remain hidden?Dramatic, intelligent, and utterly compelling, Hitler's Secret is the Sunday Times bestselling spy thriller of 2020 from the award-winning author of Corpus and Nucleus - perfect for readers of Robert Harris, C J Sansom and Joseph Kanon._____________________________Praise for Rory Clements:'Political polarisation, mistrust and simmering violence' The Times'A standout historical novel and spy thriller' Daily Express'Enjoyable, bloody and brutish' Guardian'A dramatic, twisty thriller' Daily Mail'A colourful history lesson . . . exciting narrative twists' Sunday TelegraphTrade ReviewEngaging...intriguing and plausible and the story is so readable that you will fly through it. * NB magazine *A tense twisty thriller ... [an] enjoyable slice of espionage * Daily Mail *Entertaining, eye-opening ... gripping ... breathtakingly authentic ... And with an ingenious twist in the tail, this is fact and fiction, history and mystery, action and humanity at its heart-thumping best. * Lancashire Evening Post *Beautifully written, extremely well-plotted ... compelling and riveting ... extremely well-written, as we'd expect from master storyteller Rory Clements, and very clever, with its dark and dangerous world brilliantly depicted. * For Winter Nights *Exciting! * Sunday Sport *A rollercoaster ride ... a plausible idea and backed with research, and I found it to be exciting, well-written and full of twists and turns ... it's a thriller that thrills. * Historical Novels Review *A gripping spy thriller with unusual and well thought through plot twists ... A cast of colourful characters, a plot rich in deception and intrigue and a tangled web of espionage and murder offer first-class entertainment. * CrimeReview.co.uk *An exhilarating ride ... The narrative turns come so quick and many that it is only as the final twist is revealed that Clements allows you to draw a deep but satisfied breath. * Historia magazine *Superbly entertaining ... Clements writes historical crime fiction of the first order. * Yorkshire Evening Post *BOOK OF THE MONTH: A plot within a plot, with some devious twists keeping the tension high. * Choice magazine *

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Book Synopsis'A thoroughly gripping and mesmerising work of black comedy and political disaster' - GuardianWinner of the 2017 Prix GoncourtÉric Vuillard’s gripping novel The Order of the Day tells the story of the pivotal meetings which took place between the European powers in the run-up to World War Two. What emerges is a fascinating and incredibly moving account of failed diplomacy, broken relationships, and the catastrophic momentum which led to conflict.The titans of German industry – set to prosper under the Nazi government – gather to lend their support to Adolf Hitler. The Austrian Chancellor realizes too late that he has wandered into a trap, as Hitler delivers the ultimatum that will lay the groundwork for Germany’s annexation of Austria. Winston Churchill joins Neville Chamberlain for a farewell luncheon held in honour of Joachim von Ribbentrop: German Ambassador to England, soon to be Foreign Minister in the Nazi government, and future defendant at the Nuremberg trials.Suffused with dramatic tension, this unforgettable novel tells the tragic story of how the actions of a few powerful men brought the world to the brink of war.Trade ReviewA tightly paced and gripping read . . . Vuillard has written a magnificently entertaining account that manages to capture the wild and uneven emotional climate of the 1930s and speaks too to our own era of liars, demagogues and politics as farce, which, as Vuillard deftly shows us, can slide all too quickly into tragedy. -- Andrew Hussey * Observer *A thoroughly gripping and mesmerising work of black comedy and political disaster. It seems designed single-mindedly to remind us that, as it says, “Great catastrophes often creep up on us in tiny steps. * Guardian *Remarkable . . . It captures the bizarre blend of wishful thinking, clownish self-importance, and cold calculation that characterized many of the Nazis’ powerful enablers. * New Yorker *Gripping . . . The method of [The Order of the Day] is to peel away the veils of dissimulation, disguise and self-justification that conspire to make historical disasters appear as just the way things happen. * Wall Street Journal *Quietly momentous. * Evening Standard *A chilling, gripping novel – it takes a number of key moments in the run-up to the Second World War and uses tremendous skill and verve to dramatize hours and minutes in which often quite ordinary men took decisions that would destroy whole nations. -- Simon Winder, author of GermaniaOffering us a seat at the jolly lunches and country retreats where a handful of men condemned their nations to unthinkable slaughter, The Order of the Day is a powerful warning that cowardice saves no one, not even the coward. -- Alex Christofi, author of GlassBeautifully and economically crafted . . . The Order of the Day is a stark examination of the price of silence, the cost of sticking to the rules to keep the peace, and the human toll when ruling elites not only go along to get along, but support the ravings of a violent and vengeful leader. * Millions *A book whose staggering power lies in its simplicity. * Le Monde *A powerful story you read in one go, with astonishment and dread. * La Presse *Just brilliant. [ . . . ] Vuillard shows what literature is capable of in its moments of greatness: a lightning-like transformation of a tired, old, and far too often told story into a shocking new narrative. * Der Spiegel *Brief and striking . . . history behind the scenes. * L'Express *Snatched from oblivion, these scenes spring to life in our minds like a jack-in-the-box. * Le Figaro Littéraire *A fascinating novelisation of the pivotal meetings that took place in the run up to the Second World War . . . A damning indictment of politicians and those in power, with obvious resonances in today’s global political climate. * Big Issue *Striking imaginative flair . . . Vuillard explores the thoughts and feelings of his protagonists with nimble facility in this tour de force of enhanced realism. * i *Eerily resonant . . . a story of ultimatums and compromises, forced agreements and wishful thinking among European powers. * The Times *Vuillard has a good eye for issues such as war, empire, the fate of colonized peoples, and the gulf between perception and reality…[His] prose – muscular, concrete, richly inventive, ironic, sardonic, opinionated – is no doubt the feature of The Order of the Day that most appealed to the Goncourt jury. Vuillard is expert at black humor. * New York Review of Books *[The Order of the Day] scripts the awful behind-the-scenes march, with all its corporate and foreign complicity, from 1933 to Hitler’s rise to power in ways so closely observed it feels lived. -- Best Books of the Year * Boston Globe *[A] masterpiece . . . [Vuillard] illuminates in glorious and ugly precision how the concentration of wealth and power, a cult of personality, political corruption, bigotry, and narcissism are the necessary but sometimes ignored steps that lead to catastrophe. -- Favorite Books of the Year * Literary Hub *

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Book SynopsisIt is February 1976, and the naked corpse of a young rent boy is fished out of a pond on Hampstead Heath. Since the police don't seem to care, twenty-year-old Tommy Wildeblood - himself a former 'Dilly boy' prostitute - finds himself investigating. Dodging murderous Soho hoodlums and the agents of a more sinister power, Tommy uncovers another, even more shocking crime: the senior politician Jeremy Thorpe has ordered the murder of his former male lover. The trail of guilt seems to lead higher still, and a ruthless Establishment will stop at nothing to cover its tracks. In a gripping thriller whose cast of real-life characters includes Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his adviser Lady Falkender, Adam Macqueen plays 'what if' with Seventies political history - with a sting in the tail that reminds us that the truth can be just as chilling as fiction.Trade Review'After I finished writing A Very English Scandal, I took a solemn vow - that I would rather spit-roast my own offspring than read anything else about the Jeremy Thorpe Affair. Seldom have I gone back on my word with more pleasure. As boldly conceived as it is vividly realised, Beneath the Streets is a delight' - John Preston, The Critic; 'Gripping... this very English scandal has wit and invention to spare' - The Observer; 'Adam Macqueen's excellent debut thriller [has] a thoroughly likeable hero while the plot skilfully mixes fact with fiction' - Mail on Sunday; 'What if Jeremy Thorpe had succeeded in murdering Norman Scott? That's the gripping premise behind this smart story of corruption, murder and establishment cover-up' - iPaper, 40 best books of the year

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Book SynopsisTender and heartwarming, Wedding Bells for Woolworths is the fifth instalment in Elaine Everest's much-loved WW2 saga. July 1947. Britain is still gripped by rationing, even as the excitement of Princess Elizabeth’s engagement sweeps the nation. In the Woolworths’ canteen, Freda is still dreaming of meeting her own Prince Charming. So far she’s been unlucky in love.When she has an accident on her motorbike, knocking a cyclist off his bicycle, it seems bad luck is still following her around. Anthony is not only a fellow Woolworths employee but was an Olympic hopeful. Will his injured leg heal in time for him to compete? Can he ever forgive Freda?Meanwhile, Sarah's idyllic family life is under threat with worries about her husband, Alan. Does he still love her?The friends must rally round to face some of the toughest challenges of their lives together. And although they experience loss, hardship and shocks along the way, love is on the horizon for the Woolworths girls . . .Wedding Bells for Woolworths is the fifth instalment in the Woolworths series. The series continues with the prequel story A Mother Forever, available now.Trade ReviewA lovely read -- Bella on The Woolworths GirlsHeart-warming . . . a must-read -- Woman's Own on The Woolworths GirlsA warm, tender tale of friendship and love . . . sweet as a Woolies pick’n’mix -- Milly Johnson, author of The Teashop on the Corner, on The Woolworths Girls

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Book SynopsisAnna Jacobs was born in Lancashire at the beginning of the Second World War. She has lived in different parts of England as well as Australia and has enjoyed setting her modern and historical novels in both countries. She is addicted to telling stories and recently celebrated the publication of her one hundredth novel, as well as sixty years of marriage. Anna has sold over four million copies of her books to date.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling author and historian Lisa Hilton picks up the mythical City of Ladies' where the medieval writer Christine de Pisan left off, continuing a conversation about gender and greatness that began more than six hundred years ago. In 1405 Christine de Pisan took up the pen to defend her maligned sex. Her book, The City of Ladies, was built around preserving women''s reputations from the slights and misunderstandings of history. In it the author is visited by three spirits Justice, Rectitude and Reason who guide her in sifting through countless lives, in search of worthy citizens.Over 600 years later, the historian and novelist Lisa Hilton picks up the book and promptly falls asleep, only to be visited by three great women from history: Cleopatra, Lucrezia Borgia and Catherine the Great. And they aren't happy. Having found themselves barred from the original City of Ladies', they want to know why. And isn't it time, they ask, for a new author to take up the pen?What follows isTrade Review'Clever, droll and fabulous – a thought-provoking blend of history, fable and glamour' Lucy Worsley, historian ‘A witty and wonderful woman's-eye view of three of history's most maligned female power brokers’ Hallie Rubenhold, 2020 Baillie-Gifford-Prize-winning author of The Five

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction.Powerfully told from an all-female perspective, in A Thousand Ships, classicist and author of Divine Might, Natalie Haynes retells the story of the Trojan War – putting the women, girls and goddesses at the centre of the story.For fans of Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles and Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls.'With her trademark passion, wit, and fierce feminism, Natalie Haynes gives much-needed voice to the silenced women of the Trojan War' – Madeline Miller, author of CirceThis was never the story of one woman, or two. It was the story of them all . . .In the middle of the night, a woman wakes to find her beloved city engulfed in flames. Ten seemingly endless years of conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans are over. Troy has fallen.From the Trojan women whose fates now lie in the hands of the Greeks, to the Amazon princess who fought Achilles on their behalf, to Penelope awaiting the return of Odysseus, to the three goddesses whose feud started it all, these are the stories of the women embroiled in the legendary war.'A gripping feminist masterpiece' – Deborah Frances-White, The Guilty FeministTrade ReviewA gripping feminist masterpiece -- Deborah Frances-White, The Guilty FeministWith her trademark passion, wit, and fierce feminism, Haynes gives much-needed voice to the silenced women of the Trojan War. Her thoughtful portraits will linger with you long after the book is finished -- Madeline Miller, author of CirceNatalie Haynes is swiftly becoming this generation’s Mary Renault; her retelling of the Trojan war from an all-female perspective, A Thousand Ships, is her best yet. * Observer *Haynes is master of her trade . . . She succeeds in breathing warm life into some of our oldest stories * Telegraph *Absorbing and fiercely feminist * Guardian *The forgotten women are vividly brought to life in this moving, intelligent and witty book -- Martha Kearney, BBC Radio 4Elegant, intelligent . . . Haynes combines a wide-ranging knowledge of the original myths with a gift for compelling narrative * The Times *A sparkling narrative . . . A Thousand Ships blows the dust off the classics * Washington Post *Haynes is the nation’s great muse, and her latest retelling of the story of Troy told from the perspective of Helen and the women of The Iliad is beautiful -- Adam Rutherford * The Week *If you are new to myths, then this is a learned, well-fashioned introduction, with many shining moments of subtle power * Spectator *A joy to read: fast paced, cracking with emotion and tension -- Professor Michael ScottHere, in this treat of a book, the women take centre stage - and how brilliantly . . . Natalie Haynes brings them to witty, lyrical, scintillating life . . . A book to both savour and devour -- Suzannah LipscombBreathtaking . . . Her writing isn’t merely clever, or elegant, or (at times) extremely funny - though it is all of those things. It’s also viscerally vivid. -- Catherine NixeyThis subversive reseeing of the classics is a many-layered delight * Guardian *Haynes takes the baton from Renault and runs with it. Her modern take on antiquity is exquisitely informed without ever being research-heavy . . . Glorious! -- Damian BarrHaynes expertly crafts an emotional and vivid historical tale with high stakes and female empowerment at its core * Woman's Own *

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Book SynopsisAn old adage says there are really only two stories: a man goes on a voyage, and a stranger arrives in town. This is the third: a woman breaks the rules . . .Can you uncover the truth when you’re forbidden from speaking it?A Sin Eater’s duty is a necessary evil: she hears the confessions of the dying, eats their sins as a funeral rite. Stained by these sins, she is shunned and silenced, doomed to live in exile at the edge of town.Recently orphaned May Owens is just fourteen, only concerned with where her next meal is coming from. When she’s arrested for stealing a loaf of bread, however, and subsequently sentenced to become a Sin Eater, finding food is suddenly the last of her worries.It’s a devastating sentence, but May’s new invisibility opens new doors. And when first one then two of the Queen’s courtiers suddenly grow ill, May hears their deathbed confessions – and begins to investigate a terrible rumour that is only whispered of amid palace corridors.Set in a thinly disguised sixteenth-century England, Megan Campisi's The Sin Eater is a wonderfully rich story of treason and treachery; of women, of power, and the strange freedom that comes from being an outcast – because, as May learns, being a nobody sometimes counts for everything . . .Trade ReviewA dark and thrilling page-turner that turns a dystopian eye on the past in an unnervingly contemporary way. All hail Megan Campisi -- Emma Donoghue, author of Room and The WonderRich with imaginative and historical details, The Sin Eater is ultimately a timeless story of one woman regaining her power. I loved it from beginning to end -- Christina Dalcher, author of VoxA riveting description of hardwon female empowerment that weaves together meticulous research, unsolved murder -- and an unforgettable heroine. Exhilarating . . . great storytelling . . . reminiscent of The Handmaid's Tale * The Washington Post *Magnificent . . . Hillary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies brought new vividness and insight to the court of Henry VIII; in The Sin Eater, Megan Campisi brings as much or more energy to the court of Elizabeth I . . . The only disappointment it offers is the absence of a massive body of work waiting for the reader to devour when this first book ends * New York Journal of Books *The atmospheric, historical fantasy setting combined with May’s jarringly eccentric personality creates a novel as strange as it is captivating * BuzzFeed *Captivating . . . An original melding of mystery and alternate history * Booklist *Richly imaginative and strikingly contemporary [and] very much reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale * Kirkus *[A] rousing, impressive debut . . . Spellbinding -- Publisher's WeeklyDark and evocative * Pop Sugar *

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Book SynopsisA classic novel, turbulent and emotional, from Sunday Times bestselling writer Josephine Cox, ''hailed quite rightly as a gifted writer in the tradition of Catherine Cookson'' Manchester Evening News. The Devil You Know is perfect for fans of Lesley Pearse and Rosie Goodwin. Sonny Fareham''s lover - and also her boss - is the charismatic Tony Bridgeman, a successful and ruthless man who usually gets what he wants. But for Sonny, the affair that has promised a future of hope and happiness must end in desperate fear. Late one evening, Sonny overhears a private conversation between Tony Bridgeman and his wife. Only then does she realise she is in great danger. Pregnant and afraid, Sonny flees her home to make a new life in the north of England, where she meets a gregarious and motherly new friend, Ellie Kenny. When the mysterious and handsome David Langham seems drawn to her, Sonny almost dares to believe that she could be happy again. But ne

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Book SynopsisJACK LARK: SOLDIER, LEADER, IMPOSTER.The second book in the enthralling military adventure series for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Anthony Riches and Matthew Harffy. ''Brilliant'' Bernard Cornwell ''Jack Lark is an unforgettable new hero'' Anthony Riches ''Page-turning adventure, a hero with issues yet who''s likable, and antagonists you will love to hate... It was hard to put down and a real pleasure to read'' Historical Novel SocietyJack Lark barely survived the Battle of the Alma. As the brutal fight raged, he discovered the true duty that came with the officer''s commission he''d taken. In hospital, wounded, and with his stolen life left lying on the battlefield, he grasps a chance to prove himself a leader once more. Poor Captain Danbury is dead, but Jack will travel to his new regiment in India, under his name. Jack soon finds more enemies, but this time they''re on his own side. Exposed asTrade ReviewPage-turning adventure, a hero with issues yet who's likable, and antagonists you will love to hate... It was hard to put down and a real pleasure to read. If you enjoy books by Bernard Cornwell, you'll want to put this book on your reading list * Historical Novel Society *The story is tightly planned and written, the characters three-dimensional and appropriately sympathetic or hateful, and the language and turn of phrase thoroughly engrossing... Quite simply do yourself a favour and read these books * S.J.A. Turney *The story is well written with some very comprehensive descriptions of both people and their surroundings. In each of the actions the pace is dynamic and brutally described making it one of those books where there is always the tendency to just read one more chapter before putting it down for a while. Well worth reading * ARRSE *It's not since I first picked up Sharpe's Eagle that a single character captured my imagination so totally, this supported by a fast fluid pace of writing, and a vivid portrayal of the Indian country, people, time period, the east India company and as usual the brutal, uncompromising and occasionally morally bankrupt officer corps coupled with the efficiency of the ordinary men of the British army, all this condensed into 336 pages of explosive action, violent emotions, uncompromising unbending discipline and a man with the courage to do what is right * Parmenion Books *

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Book SynopsisThe Highly Unreliable Account of the Brief History of a Madhouse is an ever-expanding novel that moves at a dizzying pace. A literary panorama of Turkey that defies boundaries spatial or temporal: one end in the 19th century, and the other in the 21st. A book of ‘human landscapes’ that startles anew with a completely unexpected turn of events, immediately after deceiving the reader into thinking the end of a plot line might be in sight. The novel starts in a small-town mental asylum with its back to the Black Sea, and weaves its way through a highly entertaining chain of interlinked lives, each link a complex and bewildering personality. The Highly Unreliable Account… follows the trails of political and social milestones left on individual lives across a span of nearly a century.

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Book SynopsisThe prequel to the million-copy bestseller, A Woman of Substance, where, high on the Yorkshire moors, the story of Blackie O'Neill and Emma Harte beginsOrphaned and alone, 13-year-old Blackie O'Neill must leave County Kerry to find work and put food in his mouth. His only chance of survival lies with his mother's brother, far away in Leeds.There, amid the noise and bustle, the mills and manufactories of the clothing industry that have made Leeds one of England's most prosperous cities, Blackie's spark of ambition becomes a flame. Working in his Uncle's business, he nurtures a dream of throwing off the impotence of poverty, of building houses and perhaps even of becoming a gentleman.And then, high on the Yorkshire moors, in the mists of a winter morning, he meets a kitchen maid called Emma Harte. And as the Victorian world gives way to the freedom of the Edwardian age, so a young man and a servant girl seize a chance, against the odds, to build a better lifeHeart-soaring and hopefuly, tTrade Review Praise for Barbara Taylor Bradford ‘An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion.’New York Times ‘A mighty saga. Little has been so riveting since Gone With the Wind’ Evening News ‘A long, satisfying novel of money, power, passion and revenge, set against the sweep of 20th-century history.’Los Angeles Times ‘Few novelists are as consummate as Barbara Taylor Bradford at keeping the reader turning the page. She is one of the world’s best at spinning yarns’ Guardian ‘A classic saga of loyalty, secrets, passion and intrigue … if you’ve been suffering withdrawal symptoms from Downton, this is for you’ Daily Mail ‘A stately home, a dangerous secret and two families whose fates have been intertwined for generations … a gripping period piece set on the brink of the Great War. Exquisite escapism of the highest order’ The Lady

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Book SynopsisOctober, 1471. Edward IV sits on the English throne; the House of York reigns supreme. With her young son, Henry Tudor, in exile in France, Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, shelters deep in the shadows, secretly plotting for the day when Henry can be crowned the rightful king.But as her supporters are picked off one by one, it becomes clear that a traitor lurks within Margaret''s household. When one of her most loyal henchmen, Jacob Cromart, is murdered in St Michael''s Church, where he had claimed sanctuary, Margaret orders her sharp-witted clerk, Christopher Urswicke, to find out who has betrayed her.How could a man be killed inside a church where the doors are all locked, with no sign of an intruder or weapon? If he is to protect Margaret''s remaining supporters from suffering a similar fate, Urswicke must solve a baffling mystery where nothing is as it first appears.

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