Historical Fiction

**************THE EIGHTEENTH CLIFFEHAVEN NOVEL BY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELLIE DEANPeace has finally been declared in the Far East, but for those living at Beach View Boarding House, the news brings mixed emotions. Peggy Reilly is devastated that her husband Jim will not be coming home for Christmas. And Sarah and Jane, who have lived at Beach View throughout much of the conflict, dread what they will find when they go back to Singapore. Life in Cliffehaven is in a whirlwind of change as the men return from the war and Peggy’s evacuee chicks begin to spread their wings and start new lives in different corners of the world.Peggy and Jim have longed to be together after so many years apart, but war has left them profoundly changed. Can they rekindle the loving, close relationship they’d shared before?

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'An atmospheric and gripping standalone thriller' - THE TIMESThe gripping new 2024 thriller from the Sunday Times and one million copy bestselling author of The English Führer. In this brilliant standalone crime novel set in 1930s Munich, Detective Sebastian Wolff must walk a tight line between doing his job and falling foul of the Nazi party he despises.MUNICH, 1935 - The Bavarian capital is a magnet for young, aristocratic Britons who come to learn German, swim in the lakes and drink beer in the cellars. What they don't see - or choose to ignore - is the brutal underbelly of the Nazi movement which considers Munich its spiritual home.When a high-born English girl is murdered, Detective Sebastian Wolff is ordered to solve the crime. Wolff is already walking a tight line between doing his job and falling foul of the political party he abhors. Now Hitler is taking a personal interest in the case.Followed by the secret police and threatened by his own son, a fervent member of the Hitler Youth, the stakes have never been higher. And when Wolff begins to suspect that the killer might be linked to the highest reaches of the Nazi hierarchy, he fears his task is simply impossible - and that he might become the next victim.Praise for Rory Clements:'Master of the wartime spy thriller' - FT'Rich in deception' - DAILY EXPRESS'A dramatic, twisty thriller' - DAILY MAIL'Enjoyable, bloody and brutish' - GUARDIAN'A colourful history lesson . . . exciting narrative twists' - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *Sunday Times bestselling author of MUNICH WOLF w/c 27th January 2024 ending 3rd February 2024*

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'A haunting, gripping, deeply atmospheric novel' - Emma Stonex 'What a storyteller . . . masterful' - Donal Ryan 'Beautiful, compelling and exquisitely told. This story will haunt me' - Ruth Hogan 'To be savoured long after the last page' - Leonora Nattrass 'A master craftswoman. I am in awe at this novel's brilliance' - Louisa Treger 'A stylish, evocative novel from a born storyteller' - Sunday Independent Science and faith collide against tumultuous 20th-century Ireland in this heart-wrenching historical novel, perfect for fans of Stacey Halls and Laura Purcell. ___________Bestowed with the graces. Condemned by a secret. Redeemed by a lie.Dublin, 1918. Rosaleen Moore: The Rose. A seer and a healer.Revered by popular spiritualists and sought after for her gifts of prophecy and healing by fashionable society, the mighty of Dublin Castle and mercurial political agitators alike, her last extraordinary prophecy will only see her legend grow.On the anniversary of her death, pilgrims walk the Way of the Rose: to St. Kilian's Abbey and its bell tower which so lured the Rose in life. Although a shrine, the bell tower has seen tragedy – a heinous crime to which the monastery's once-beloved Abbot, now imprisoned, has confessed.Then emerges a deathbed revelation by Rosaleen Moore which casts doubt on the Abbot's word.The Rose has a different tale to tell . . . ___________PRAISE FOR SIOHAN MACGOWAN:'Keeps the reader hooked to the end' - The Times'Utterly absorbing and vividly realised' - Irish Independent'An enthralling drama' - Best'A sweeping, heart-breaking quest for justice' - Fiona Looney'A tale told with such ominous beauty. Lotta will stay with me forever' - Chas Newkey-Burden'Weaves historical fact with an engaging and page-turning plot' - Sinead Moriarty'This is a sit-down-and-do-not-get-up-until-you've-finished read' - Belfast Telegraph'A brilliant tale' - Sunday Business Post'A gripping story of injustice, intrigue and revenge set at the turn of the 20th century' - Irish Times

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A MOVING, HEARTFELT AND FAMILY DRIVEN SAGA SET IN TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY LONDON FROM THE BESTSELLING SAGA AUTHOREffie Grey has fallen on hard times since the death of her husband. Forced to live on a narrowboat owned by her tyrannical father-in-law, Jacob, Effie must put aside her own despair in order to protect her brother, Tom, and her young son, Georgie. Life becomes even more unbearable when Jacob hires the villainous Salter and his vile wife Sal to run the barge. When Tom is sent away without a penny, Effie is forced to make a choice to protect her family. Driven by desperation, Effie steals Jacob’s hidden cache of money and flees with her son in search of Tom. No matter what, she will make a home for little Georgie and keep him safe from harm.

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The author of The Gown returns with another enthralling and royal-adjacent historical novel - as the lives of three very different residents of London's historic Blue Lion hotel converge in a potentially explosive climax on the day of Queen Elizabeth's Coronation. Perfect for fans of The Crown..............................London, 1953. A new Queen is about to be crowned, and at the historic Blue Lion Hotel, the lives of three residents are about to change in unexpected ways. Edie Howard, owner of the hotel, needs a miracle to rescue it from closure. Now, it will become a sought after spot as the young Queen's carriage passes by on Coronation Day, offering Edie the chance to save her business from financial ruin. Stella Donati, an Italian photographer and Holocaust survivor, lives at the Blue Lion. Her coveted position at Picture Weekly magazine opens a different world, giving her a purpose she thought she had lost with everything else she knew. James Geddes, a gifted artist, has struggled to make his mark since his return from active service in the war in a world that disdains his Indian heritage. The Blue Lion affords him sanctuary and a welcome. Yet as his friendship with Edie deepens, he begins to suspect that something is badly amiss.When anonymous threats focus on Coronation Day, Edie, Stella and James are determined to save their home, their livelihoods, and to expose those who seek to destroy them and the joyful promise of Coronation Year..............................Don't miss The Gown - an enthralling historical novel about one of the most famous wedding dresses of the twentieth century - Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown - and the fascinating women who made it:'Will dazzle and delight' Independent'Robson succeeds in creating a riveting drama of female friendship, of lives fully lived despite unbearable loss, and of the steadfast effort required to bring forth beauty after surviving war' Independent'A great tale of female friendship' People's Friend

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A mother can never be free until she finds her children... The Good Morning America Book Club Pick February 2023 is a soaring novel inspired by true events.'A strong and beautiful novel that stares into the face of brutality and the heart of love' Jeanette Winterson'An intense, absorbing debut, concerned with the power and persistence of maternal love' The Sunday Times 'Action-packed, the novel paints an extraordinary portrait of motherly love and hope' Daily Mail----------------------------Mary Grace, Micah, Thomas Augustus, Cherry Jane and Mercy. These are the names of her children. The five who survived, only to be sold to other plantations. The faces Rachel cannot forget. It's 1834, and the law says her people are now free. But for Rachel freedom means finding her children, even if the truth is more than she can bear. With fear snapping at her heels, Rachel keeps moving. From sunrise to sunset, through the cane fields of Barbados to the forests of British Guiana and on to Trinidad, to the dangerous river and the open sea.Only once she knows their stories can she rest. Only then can she finally find home.----------------------------'Magnificent and epic. A story about love and the power it brings us' ' Frank Cottrell-Boyce'Like the River of its title, this novel sings. I was riveted by Rachel's story and I felt every fraught element of her journey. A beautiful debut' Cherie Jones'A powerful story, beautifully told' Jessica Moor'Immersive. A tender exploration of one woman's courage in the face of unbelievable cruelty. The heart of the novel lies in its celebration of motherhood and female resilience' Observer'The compelling premise of a mother in search of her children powers a moving and dynamic novel' Guardian 'A powerful, gripping novel about the strength of a mother's love' Red - The best books of January 2023'Full of love and compassion, this will be everywhere next year' Stylist - Pick of the big fiction books for 2023'Powerful, moving and lyrical' Woman & Home'A glorious and compelling story' Prima'It slices you open, lays out your parts, reassembles them and knits you back up again. A powerful account of love, loss, defiance... Breathtaking' Chikodili Emelumadu'Beautiful. A masterclass in how to speak of unspeakable things' Meg Clothier'Eleanor Shearer is a remarkable writer' Natasha Lester'A searing debut. Heartbreaking, hopeful, and unforgettable' Kristin Harmel

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Set on a single day in 1927, My Red Heaven imagines a host of characters—some historic, some invented—crossing paths on the streets of Berlin. The subjects include Robert Musil, Otto Dix, Werner Heisenberg, Anita Berber, Vladimir Nabokov, Käthe Kollwitz, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Rosa Luxemburg—as well as others history has forgotten: a sommelier, a murderer, a prostitute, a pickpocket, and several ghosts. Drawing inspiration from Otto Freundlich’s painting by the same name, My Red Heaven explores a complex moment in history: the rise of deadly populism at a time when everything seemed possible and the future unimaginable. A terrific read for fans of Richard Powers' The Overstory and Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin.

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‘I just loved everything about this book… Ticked all the boxes for the perfect read.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1933. Hannah Snow is fleeing her unhappy marriage when she finds herself in a small hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. But when a monster is spotted in the depths of the waters, the press descends – and Hannah finds her hiding place is discovered. Someone has been looking for Hannah, and when they find her events will take a devastating turn… Present day. True crime podcaster Scarlett finds herself intrigued by the mystery of Hannah Snow, wife of a promising government minister who disappeared in 1933 – just months before her husband also went missing, presumed dead. As Scarlett works to uncover the truth, she discovers a tragic family secret, and a story as murky as the depths of the loch where Hannah and her husband were last seen… From the bestselling author of The Book of Last Letters, get transported to Scotland in The Missing Wife, a gripping and emotional dual timeline historical novel, perfect for fans of Lorna Cook and Dinah Jeffries. Readers LOVE The Missing Wife! ‘I absolutely loved this book… An enthralling story that kept you guessing… An unexpected gem.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a great book! I’ve finished it in 2 days, absolutely loved every bit of it… Beautifully written and so easy to read. I’m off to find some more from this author!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I read this in less than a day… A brilliant read, uplifting and just a great story.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Enthralling and absorbing and I loved it. Definitely recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I really enjoyed this book… Gripping story, well written and researched. Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A pleasure to read and incredibly engaging… Undoubtedly a “just one more chapter” type of book… Quite possibly my most favourite book of 2022.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Kept me up way past my bedtime as I needed to know what happened… Definitely recommended for those who enjoy a mystery.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Great fun. Tragedy, romance, and history all mixed up together… Fast paced and very absorbing.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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London, 1940When tragedy strikes, Libby Gilbert is left homeless and destitute, fending for herself on the capital's most dangerous streets.Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Libby is on the cusp of making a decision that could jeopardise her future when a local boy saves her from ruin.The kindness of this stranger sets her on a different path, and Libby heads to Liverpool with a determined mind and hope in her heart.There, she reconnects with long lost family - but will she be able to uncover the truth that tore them apart all those years ago?WHY READERS LOVE KATIE FLYNN:'Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy''Hard to put down''Her characters are like old friends''Heartwarming romance'

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___________________________THE SEVENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIESSunderland, 1942: Christmas is fast approaching, and with it comes a flurry of snow and surprises...Against all odds, Polly's fiancé has finally returned home from the front line. If they can keep things on an even keel, she might get the winter wedding she's always dreamed of.Meanwhile shipyard manager Helen is determined to move on after a turbulent year. Her sights are set on breaking the yard's production record and no one, not even the handsome Dr Parker, is going to get in her way.And head welder Rosie's little sister Charlotte has turned up unannounced. Why is she back and so set on staying?Join the shipyard girls as they navigate through life, love and war this Christmas.___________________________Praise for the Shipyard Girls series:'Rhe 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'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo

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All she wants is a better life...Born in Sunderland's filthy, crime-ridden East End, Pearl Croft's childhood is desperately troubled. When her violent, drunken father is killed in a fight and Pearl's elder brothers are sent to prison, she is left to care for her baby brothers. Then Pearl's mother brings a 'client' to the house who has a penchant for little girls. Terrified and hurt, Pearl runs away from home and is found, feverish and near death, by Romany gypsies. But this is far from the end of her struggles. Years pass and as Pearl reaches womanhood she wonders if she will ever find happiness?

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What if everything your family ever told you was a lie? Frankfurt, 1963At the war’s end, Frankfurt was a smoldering ruin, severely damaged by the Allied bombings. But that was two decades ago. Now it is 1963, and the city’s streets, once cratered are smooth and paved. Shiny new stores replace scorched rubble. For twenty-four-year-old Eva Bruhn, World War II is a foggy childhood memory. Eager for her wealthy suitor, Jürgen Schoorman, to propose, Eva dreams of starting a new life away from her parents and sister. But Eva’s plans are turned upside down when an American investigator, David Miller, hires her as a translator for a war crimes trial. As she becomes more and more involved in the Frankfurt Trials, Eva begins to question her family’s silence on the war and her future. Why do her parents refuse to talk about what happened? What are they hiding? Does she really love Jürgen and will she be happy as a housewife? Though it means going against the wishes of her family and her lover, Eva, propelled by her own conscience, joins a team of fiery prosecutors determined to bring the Nazis to justice—a decision that will help change her country forever.

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During war, nothing is ever at it seems...Sally Hartley is a hopeless romantic. Her father died when she was a baby but she has lived off stories from her mother of what a wonderful man he was. Now, all she wants is a love like theirs. And she thinks she’s found it in Adam, the brother of a friend from home. When Adam is posted to Orkney, it’s like Sally’s dreams have all come true.After Italy changes sides in the war, the Italian POWs are granted more freedom on the islands, meaning Sally can spend more time with her friend, Aldo, and the two grow ever closer. But when a family secret is revealed, Sally's trust might be forever broken.Sally, Iris and Mary must continue their duties even as life changes drastically around them, including an attack on one of their fellow Wrens from an unknown assailant. Now the friends face danger not just from the enemy, but also someone much closer to home.An uplifting and dramatic WWII saga for fans of Kate Thompson, Margaret Dickinson and Daisy Styles.Praise for Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens ‘Vicki Beeby carried me along yet again with her skilful story weaving. The book has it all with romance and friendship, danger and intrigue. I didn’t want this series to end and I finished this book with a tear in my eye.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Absolutely brilliant! I love how the books follow on and if you love family saga based in wartime please read these books. Feel like I have gone through all the emotions with the girls.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend this series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Brilliant… There was drama (and plenty of it), romance, and humour too. I love Vicki’s style of writing.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A truly great series! I do love a good wartime book and this hit all the marks. The friendship, the strength in the face of adversity and the romance throughout such different times. The ending was amazing and so satisfying.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Wow what an emotional end to the girls! I loved following the adventures of Sally, Mary and Iris now sad that it’s over… Vicki has written this series perfectly.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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⭐ Don’t miss the new uplifting historical saga series from Molly Green, set at famous Bletchley Park: Summer Secrets at Bletchley Park – available to pre-order now! ⭐ In the midst of war, she knew her place was not at home… The most ambitious of three sisters, Lorraine ‘Raine’ Linfoot always dreamed of becoming a pilot. As a spirited seventeen-year-old, she persuades her hero Doug Williams to teach her to fly. When war breaks out in 1939, Raine is determined to put her skills to good use. She enlists in the Air Transport Auxiliary, becoming one of a handful of brave female pilots flying fighter planes to the men on the front line. Raine embraces the challenges of the job, despite its perils. But when Doug is reported missing after his Spitfire is shot down, she realises the war could tear apart not only her country, but also her heart… A gripping story of family, friendship and courage, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas, Nancy Revell and Call the Midwife. ‘Meticulously researched and brings into focus the sterling work of the women of the ATA … An engrossing story, with a strong, likeable female protagonist facing issues we still face today.’ Historical Novel Society magazine

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A heartbreaking story of wartime love, loss and courage, from No.1 Sunday Times bestseller and queen of saga, Maureen Lee.Liverpool, 1937. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Jessica endures her husband's petty cruelty for the sake of her two young children. Her only escape is the local cinema, where she can lose herself for an hour or two in the glamour and passion of the silver screen. But when she is offered a glass of champagne in a Liverpool hotel - and with it, the thrill of her own romance - her quiet life is shattered forever. When her husband uncovers the truth, he is ruthless in his revenge. Left without a home, and separated from her beloved children, Jessica is alone and desperate. But as the storms of war begin to gather, there are others in even greater need. Attempting to help a friend and her children escape from France, Jessica finds herself stranded in Paris under German occupation. To care for her new family in this darkest hour, she must find a courage she never knew she possessed...*Previously published as Au Revoir, Liverpool*

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'One of the best saga writers of her time' ROSIE CLARKE IN THE AFTERMATH OF WAR, CAN SHE SAVE HER FAMILY FROM RUIN? Following her mother's untimely death, Lizzie Allen is facing desperate times. Her father Tom, crippled during WWI, has been left a broken and bitter man; her elder brother Vinnie is in serious trouble with the local hard man; her two younger sisters are in danger of being taken into care, and her sweetheart Danny is heading for Australia to seek his fortune. Determined to keep her family together, yet unable to escape the poverty and degradation of the slums, heartbroken Lizzie is tricked into marriage by Danny's unscrupulous brother, Frank. Can she escape her increasingly unhappy and violent marriage and save her family? And will she ever be reunited with her one true love, former barrow-boy, Danny Flowers?A heart-warming and nostalgic family saga set at the heart of wartime London, from the bestselling author of MOLLY’S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS. Perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Rosie Goodwin.Praise for CAROL RIVERS:'A gripping page turner' LEAH FLEMING'Brings the East End to life - family loyalties, warring characters and broken dreams. Superb' ELIZABETH GILL

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'I love these type of books that tell the story of young women taking on the jobs of men and keeping the country going... Johanna Bell writes lovely books that make you feel as though you are there' Reader review 5 stars London, August 1940. The war is raging in Europe and on the home front ordinary women are stepping up to do extraordinary things to defend their country against Hitler. Dot is dreading the day that her thuggish husband comes home on leave. As she fights her own battle to contribute to the war effort, she won't let anything stand in her way. Peggy has found confidence as an Air Raid Precaution Warden, despite the jeers of the men she works with. But beneath her pluck she fears for her close-knit family, scattered by the war, all determined to do their duty. Vivian a glamorous former debutante is running away from her own heart and into danger as a volunteer ambulance driver. She will stop at nothing to save innocent lives, even if the cost is her own. As the bombs fall on London, these three women are thrown together into an unlikely friendship. Can the Blitz Girls protect each other in their darkest hour? Everyone loves The Blitz Girls: 'Absolutely loved this book, if you enjoy WW2 stories then this is for you' Reader review 5 stars'A heartwarming story of women discovering their inner strength. . . I couldn't put it down' Vicki Beeby, author of The Ops Room Girls 'Gripping new saga that I devoured. The research that has gone into this is unbelievable! The sense of camaraderie the girls have is honourable. A tough read at times but an important story' Reader review 5 stars'I LOVED this book, every single page from start to finish' Reader review 5 stars'Saga at its best. I sat up most of the night to finish it' Reader review 5 stars

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The first novel in the wonderful Factory Girls series. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Ellie Dean.'A brilliantly written and uplifting WWII story' Nancy Revell, author of the Shipyard Girls series‘A delightful authentic-feeling saga’ Peterborough Telegraph‘Highlights the strength of women during the toughest of times…Clarke’s love and respect for her family’s roots really shines through’ Culture Fly'Beautifully written, the warmth shines from every page and the layers are as deep and rich as the coal seams the men work upon.' Frost Magazine_________________________________________August 1941: As war sweeps across Britain and millions of men enlist to serve their country, it’s up to the women to fight the battle on the home front.Fran always thought she would marry her childhood sweetheart and lead a simple life in Massingham, the beloved pit village she has always called home. But with war taking so many men to the front line, the opening of a new factory in the north-east of England presents an opportunity for Fran to forge a new path.Against her father’s wishes and with best friends Sarah and Beth by her side, Fran signs up to join the ranks of women at the factory. It’s dangerous work but as the three friends risk life and limb for their country, they will discover that their lives are only just beginning…___________________________________________Look out for the next book in the series, Heroes on the Home Front, available now!

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The heartwarming new novel from the author of The District Nurses of Victory Walk. It’s autumn 1940 and the Blitz has cast its shadow over London. Everyone is doing their bit to help, including the three Harrison sisters of the East End’s Victory Walk.Nurse Rose is snowed under in the hospital tending to victims of the bombings. Her sister Clover is on active duty on the south coast, while the baby of the family, Daisy, is growing up quickly working on the London Underground, now that thousands of people are taking shelter down below.Even in wartime, the sisters find time for a wedding, but the bride is keeping a secret, which threatens to come to light. Can the three sisters stick together, for each other, and for King and Country?

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'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.

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What war destroys, only love can heal. Elisabetta, Marco, and Sandro grow up as the best of friends despite their differences. Elisabetta is a feisty beauty who dreams of becoming a novelist; Marco the brash and athletic son in a family of professional cyclists; and Sandro a Jewish mathematics prodigy, kind-hearted and thoughtful, the son of a lawyer and a doctor. Their friendship blossoms to love, with both Sandro and Marco hoping to win Elisabetta's heart. But in the autumn of 1937, all of that begins to change as Mussolini asserts his power, aligning Italy's Fascists with Hitler's Nazis and altering the very laws that govern Rome. In time, everything that the three hold dear--their families, their homes, and their connection to one another--is tested in ways they never could have imagined. As anti-Semitism takes legal root and World War II erupts, the threesome realizes that Mussolini was only the beginning. Against this backdrop, the intertwined fates of Elisabetta, Marco, Sandro, and their families will be decided, in a heartbreaking story of both the best and the worst that the world has to offer. Unfolding over decades, Eternal is a tale of loyalty and loss, family and food, love and war--all set in one of the world's most beautiful cities at its darkest moment. This moving novel will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of readers.

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'A twisty plot, warm-hearted characters, laughter, secrets and heartbreak - and bursting with fascinating detail' - Annie MurrayStratford, 1943. World War Two is still raging across Europe. But for the Lavender Girls, the workers at the Yardley cosmetics factory in East London, there are even more challenges on the home front.Esther, newly married, is learning to juggle life as a working woman with her duties as a wife and homemaker. And she must find a way to help her adopted family on the Shoot, who are battling their own hidden demons . . .Headstrong Patsy, a new recruit at the Yardley factory, has a double life that takes her from the East End lipstick belt by day to the stage in the West End at night. But will she be able to keep her secrets hidden from her controlling mother, Queenie?For bubbly Lou, a forbidden love forces her to choose between family loyalty and a chance at true happiness. Can she be brave enough to forge her own path in the chaos of a war?One thing is certain: the Lavender Girls need one another more than ever if they are going to survive . . .

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THE 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 Telegraph

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One mother's desperate hope for survival. 1943: In occupied Paris, Celine creates bespoke bouquets at her father's flower shop on rue Cler, whilst trying to shield her young daughter from the brutal reality of war. But when an SS officer takes an interest in Celine and her family, all their lives are put in jeopardy...One woman's search for the truth... 2009: Caroline wakes in Paris with no memory of her previous life. Hunting for clues to her identity in her apartment on the rue Cler, she discovers a bundle of letters written by a young widow during the Second World War. As she peels back the layers of the past, Caroline finds new purpose - but Celine's story is unfinished. Desperate to find out the truth, Caroline digs deeper, uncovering dark and dangerous secrets...Can learning the truth about Celine help Caroline unlock the mystery of her past?The compelling and evocative new historical novel from the international bestselling author Sarah Jio. Perfect for fans of The Key by Kathryn Hughes, The Parisians by Marius Gabriel and The Paris Secret by Lily Graham.

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Northern Britain, c. 300 BC. Former slave, indomitable survivor and now matriarch Rian returns with her daughters to her Celtic homeland. She navigates everything from plundered riches and feuding warlords to betrayals and menacing curses. But when a disaster befalls her older daughter mirroring the cruellest events in Rian's own past, Rian finds herself conflicted. A beautifully written, engrossing tale, The Lyre Dancers takes place in a richly imagined world that, despite its distance from our own times, is peopled with characters whose emotions and circumstances we relate to instantly. This is a powerful narrative that challenges our modern views of family, social roles and our place in the environment. Above all, the storytelling soars as grudges, peril and passions take their turn across the pages of this early Celtic saga.

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'Compelling and utterly absorbing ... an artfully crafted debut that echoes the dark essence of Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN while maintaining a fascinating originality all of its own' Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of PANDORA'A gripping Gothic tale of grief and ambition, passion and intrigue' Jess Kidd, author of THE NIGHT SHIPMary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic but she doesn't know why or how...The 1850s is a time of discovery and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary, with a sharp mind and a sharper tongue, is keen to make her name in this world of science, alongside her geologist husband Henry, but without wealth and connections, their options are limited.But when Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncle's past, she thinks she may have found the key to securing their future... Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland, to Henry's intriguing but reclusive sister Maisie, and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out to steal their secret..._______'A wonderful book; dark, passionate, multi-layered' Joanne Harris, author of CHOCOLAT & THE STRAWBERRY THIEF'Exquisitely written... a story worthy of Mary Shelley' Sean Lusk, author of THE SECOND SIGHT OF ZACHARY CLOUDESLEY'Sumptuously gothic, this atmospheric debut left me reeling' C.J. COOKE, author of THE LIGHTHOUSE WITCHES'

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A 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.

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Loch Ewe, 1940. When gamekeeper’s daughter Flora’s remote highland village finds itself the base for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys, life in her close-knit community changes forever. In defiance of his disapproving father, the laird’s son falls in love with Flora, and as tensions build in their disrupted home, any chance of their happiness seems doomed. Decades later, Flora’s daughter, singer Lexie Gordon, is forced to return to the village and to the tiny cottage where she grew up. Having long ago escaped to the bright lights of the West End, London still never truly felt like home. Now back, with a daughter of her own, Lexie learns that her mother—and the hostile-seeming village itself—have long been hiding secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew. As she pieces together the fragments of her parents’ story, Lexie discovers the courageous, devastating sacrifices made in her name. It’s too late to rekindle her relationship with her mother, but can Lexie find it in her heart to forgive the past, to grieve for all that’s lost, and finally find her place in the world?

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'Exciting and tragic . . . beautifully written' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A fantastic historical read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'I loved it!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'I highly recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Two orphaned girls are separated in the most heart-wrenching way in this gripping story of loss and friendship, inspired by real events. Perfect for readers of The Nightingale and The Midwife of Auschwitz. ----- 1939. A girl with auburn hair looks anxiously out of the train window, watching the mountains of Europe pass by. War is on the horizon at home, and Kirsty finds herself heading to neutral Hungary to help in a school for Jewish children. Little does she know that in leaving everything behind, she is about to find the most precious gift of all - a true friend in school pupil Anna. 1943. When the Nazis invade Budapest, Kirsty and Anna are on their own, and Kirsty worries desperately for her Jewish friend. What lengths must they go to in order to survive, and, when they are separated, can the guiding light of friendship bring them back to each other? Your favourite historical authors LOVE this moving and heart-wrenching novel: 'A powerful, poignant story of survival' KATE HEWITT 'A different aspect of the Second World War to any I've read before . . . both heartbreaking and compelling, yet ultimately uplifting. I loved it' DEBORAH CARR 'This is a story of amazing courage . . . an extraordinary novel that has stayed with me long after I turned the final page' CAROL McGRATH 'Beautiful and evocative . . . an intelligent, thrilling novel which will stay with me for a long time' LOUISE MORRISH

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It's 1952 and with a new Monarch about to ascend the throne, The Woolworths Girls will face fresh new challenges . . .At The Erith Store there is a new temporary manager and Sarah is getting more than a little concerned by problems he seems to be creating. The whole mess is enough to make her want to resign.Meanwhile, Ruby is extremely worried about her friend Vera, and with illness causing a problem from her past to come flooding back, Vera knows it’s going to take a lot of strength and willpower to do what needs to be done.Then there is Freda, looking forward to the arrival of her first child – but sick with worry that her Tony won’t have returned home in time for the birth.As Coronation Day for young Queen Elizabeth ll approaches, the girls from Woolworths celebrate friendship, family and overcoming anything that life can throw at them . . .Celebration for the Woolworths Girls is the ninth novel in Elaine Everest's bestselling Woolworths series.

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"I had read enough mystery stories to know that girls who went out to meet strangers at night never came to a good end..." Stirling, 1877. Lillias Gilfillan, a recently orphaned girl of sixteen, falls in love and elopes with a man who sees her as wealthy and naive: 'a little boat without its oars'. In a sea of rising debt and deception, Lillias must learn quickly, or drown. Glasgow, 1894. Clementina knows little mercy living in a home for 'wayward girls'. With the 'Jingling Devil' always lurking in the shadows and a child growing inside her, can she outrun him and save her best friend in the process? Glasgow, 1919. Mabel is one of the first policewomen in Glasgow, on a mission to find a murderer. In doing so, she finds a web of corruption and now the 'Jingling Devil' wants her dead. 'The Unpicking' spans three generations of 'hysterical women' who take on systemic corruption and injustice, despite all odds.

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