Historical Fiction Books

Book SynopsisShe is their youngest, sweetest sister, yet she is fated to become their strongest leader . . . The Coritani are a matriarchal line of great power, blessed with three princesses to carry the royal bloodline forward. Confident, fiery Goneril; fierce, earthy Regan; and gentle, water-blessed Cordelia. The future, the druids are certain, is secure.But when Goneril decides she wants power on her own terms, even at the expense of her fragile father, the princesses'' triple bond is threatened and then tragically broken. Quiet Cordelia finds herself cast adrift, forced to flee for her life across dark, stormy seas.Can Cordelia find the strength to challenge her sisters and their pet druids, and bring truth, right and justice back to the Coritani before it''s too late for them all?This is Shakespeare''s Cordelia as you''ve never seen her before. Joanna Courtney''s sweeping Historical trilogy is perfect for fans of Elizabeth

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Book Synopsis''One of the best books I''ve read this year!'' Melissa Ashley, author of The Birdman''s WifeAlready a bestseller in Australia, this is a haunting, memorable and moving debut of one family''s search for belonging. For fans of The Light Between Oceans and The Woolgrower''s Companion.Every family has its secrets . . . 1932. Ernie and Lily Hass and their daughter, Girlie, have lost almost everything in the Depression; all they have keeping their small family together are their secrets. Abandoning their failing wheat farm and small-town gossip, they make a new start on the west coast of Australia, where they begin to build a summer guesthouse. But forming new alliances with the locals isn''t easy.Into the Hasses'' new life wanders Lily''s shell-shocked brother, Tommy, after three harrowing years on the road following his incarceration. And Tommy is seeking answers that will cut to theTrade ReviewOne of the best books I've read this year. I absolutely loved it. Totally gripping, beautifully written, the characterisation is superb. An absolutely stunning book. I am still thinking about it -- Melissa Ashley, author of The Birdman's Wife This beautifully written, intense tale of a family's heart-rending search for belonging is Kali Napier's debut novel, but there's a sophistication to her storytelling. The secrets of the title unfurl slowly with hints dripping through every page * Australian Woman's Weekly *Napier has blended fact and fiction to great effect, writing with a raw emotional power that at times, is devastating * Better Reading *Kali Napier may be a debut author but she is certainly no novice. The Secrets at Ocean's Edge is an incredible novel, a story layered with all of the hallmarks that make for an Australian classic -- Theresa SmithIf you enjoyed similar recent Australian novels such as Joy Rhoades' The Woolgrower's Companion, Lucy Treloar's Salt Creek, Lisa Bigelow's We That Are Left, and Rosalie Ham's The Dressmaker, then this is definitely for you * Historical Novel Society *An engaging mystery while also being an absorbing tale of family secrets, lies, betrayal and sacrifice. The story brims with authenticity that comes from painstaking research. The gradual release of information about the family combines to create a level of suspense that is sustained and that kept me guessing until the very end. I found it difficult to put down. The author knows how to keep a secret, how to pass on a secret and how - and when - to divulge a secret -- Cass Moriarty, author

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Book SynopsisThe perfect treat for fans of Poldark, Downton Abbey and Dilly Court - discover the first in a heartwarming new series set in the 1920s in a glamorous hotel on the Cornish Riviera . . .Welcome to Fox Bay Hotel, where family fortunes rise and fall.1920, Bristol. Helen Fox is happily married to the love of her life: charming, former playboy Harry. With their three children, glamorous lifestyle and extravagant parties, they have the perfect life. But after a tragic motorcycle accident, nothing will ever be the same...Helen is forced to leave their home and move to the Fox family''s hotel on the Cornish coast - where she discovers her perfect life has been based on a lie.Now Helen must find a way to build a new life for herself and her children with the help of a vivacious new friend, Leah Marshall.But when the future of the hotel is threatened, Helen discovers thaTrade ReviewTerri Nixon has created a captivating backdrop for the Fox Bay Hotel, and the Fox family who run it. I guarantee their story will stay with you long after you have finished reading this beautifully written book -- Lynne Francis, author of A Maid's RuinI thoroughly enjoyed this elegantly crafted 1920s novel that captures the glitz and sophistication of the decade after the Great War. Love, loss and old rivalries are skilfully woven against an atmospheric coastal backdrop holding a promise of new beginnings. There are some clever plot twists and turns and the characters - even the deceitful ones - are engaging , hooking me into sympathising with their motives and emotions. A five star page turner from the start -- Kay Brellend, author of A Workhouse ChristmasA moving story of tragedy, deception and one woman's determination to protect her family. I couldn't put it down! -- Charlotte Betts, author of The Light Within UsThis is the second historical novel I've read by Terri Nixon and it won't be the last. Sensitively written, the author explores beautifully the full spectrum of human emotions, expressing them with intense feeling. The characters are warm and engaging, and I like the fact that there is no real villain, just circumstances. The story was quite intriguing, and I'm now off to order the second in the series. A worthy five stars! -- RoNA award-winning, bestselling novelist Tania Crosse

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Book SynopsisThe perfect treat for fans of Downton Abbey, Poldark and Dilly Court - discover the third novel in a heart-warming new series set in the 1920s in a glamorous hotel on the Cornish Riviera . . . 1930, Liverpool. Reformed con-artist Leah Marshall has long yearned for the thrills of her former life. Now she has the chance to relive it all as an exciting new ''game'' beckons, but she soon discovers the rules have changed. One slip-up and she could lose everything . . . including her life. Back home in Cornwall, the Foxes are making their own difficult decisions. An old agreement has turned sour, putting the hotel at risk once more, and the children have grown and are embarking on their own, sometimes perilous, paths. Matriarch Helen Fox knows she must take charge of her own future now, or be left alone while her family and home splinter around her. Should she hold on a little longer, or let go and move on? But when a new and deadly d

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Book SynopsisA saga of love and betrayal in late 18th century Kent and London from saga author Lynne Francis, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin

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Book SynopsisA sweeping saga of love and betrayal, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin.Margate, 1786. Dairymaid Molly Goodchild dreams of a better life. Up at the crack of dawn to milk her uncle''s cows, the one comfort of her day is her friendship with apprentice gardener, Charlie. When dashing naval officer, Nicholas, arrives in town, Molly''s head is turned by his flattering attentions and she casually spurns Charlie - believing this is her chance to escape a life of drudgery. Yet when Molly needs Nicholas most, he lets her down.With her hopes in tatters, Molly is forced to flee Margate for London, where she finds herself struggling to survive.What will she risk in her search for a better life? And will she ever find the love she deserves? ''An impressively researched Cinderella tale of a sweetly ambitious country girl, deserving of a better life than being her aunt''s drudge. I loved this five star book'' Kay BreTrade ReviewAn impressively researched Cinderella tale of a sweetly ambitious country girl, deserving of a better life than being her aunt's drudge. Feisty, but too innocent with men, she falls unwisely in love and is forced to find a new life and place to call home. Themes of art and horticulture perfectly link the locations of Kent and London and the City tavern scenes with their lusty characters, are a particular delight. I loved this five star book -- Kay Brellend, author of A Workhouse ChristmasAn engaging, thoroughly researched tale of youthful naivety and courage in the face of adversity, full of rich detail and imagination. Highly recommended! -- RoNA award-winning, bestselling novelist Tania Crosse

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Book SynopsisMolly''s story continues in this gripping saga of love, betrayal and secrets that can''t stay hidden . . . perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Libby Ashworth and Rosie Goodwin.Kent 1816Now Molly Dawson''s family have grown up and left home, she has every reason to expect that her life on the Woodchurch Manor estate with her husband, head gardener Charlie, will settle into happy contentment. It seems, though, that her estranged half-sister, Harriet, has other ideas. When the secret Molly has kept for over twenty-five years is revealed in front of her whole family, Molly''s relationship with her son and her husband begins to crumble. And when she takes a trip away from home to allow things to settle, Harriet steps in - with devastating consequences.Will Harriet prevail, or can Molly win back Charlie''s heart, and heal the rift with the son she had been parted from for so many years?Praise for Lynne Francis:

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Book SynopsisFast-paced and highly topical, Theresia Enzensberger's story depicts a young woman in the throes of life: from brutal conflicts between right and left, to a pair of young lovers leaping into a river at night, almost one hundred years ago.

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Book SynopsisThe last members of the secret society known as the Oversight still patrol the border between the natural and supernatural, holding a candle to the darkness. But the society''s new members are unproven, its veterans weary and battle-scarred. Their vulnerability brings new enemies to London, and surprising new allies from across the sea.But most surprising of all are revelations about the Oversight''s past, secrets that will expose the true peril of the world in which their friends Sharp and Sara are trapped - the riddle of the Black Mirrors, and what lies beyond. And the catastrophic danger that will follow the duo home, if they ever manage to return.The dark waters rise. The candle is guttering. But the light still remains. For now . . .Trade ReviewThe Paradox serves to provide us with fantastically dark characters, goodies and baddies, as well as some rather unexpected alliances Time Out Exciting, exhilarating, scary and moving in equal measure, The Oversight is a teeming world of dark deeds and dark magics, brilliantly realised. This feels like the start of something amazing -- Mike Carey Confirms his position as one of the most ingenious and intelligent writers of fantasy ... I can barely wait for the next volume The Scotsman on The Paradox The Paradox is the real deal, darkly dusted Dickensian counter mythology at its very best. SF Site An atmospheric, creepily delicious concoction of alleyways and dark magic, mirror worlds where danger dwells at every turn, and nuanced, complex characters, all with their own story. Those already familiar with this world will be delighted, and newcomers will eagerly lose themselves in this utterly imaginative fantasy -- Publishers Weekly The Oversight is - and let's be clear here - something very special ... It's oh so moreish a morsel. I'd read a prequel this evening, a sequel as soon as. Tor.com A dark and glinting book ... told in a kind of compelling and hypnotic poesie that I just lapped up ... I'll certainly be reading the next one -- Cory Doctorow on The Oversight BoingBoing.net A highly entertaining fantasy that promises a trilogy worth sinking your teeth into SciFiNow on The Oversight Fletcher's Victorian London is juicily vivid, and laced with macabre Dickensian wit. There's a real sense of grim danger, both natural and unnatural, hungrily awaiting the slightest mis-step -- Frances Hardinge on The Oversight Richly atmospheric (the evil lurks in the background of every paragraph), the book should be a big hit with supernatural-fantasy readers ... the second book can't come soon enough Booklist (starred review for The Oversight) A richly atmospheric and intensely readable slice of Victoriana, with a splendidly eerie sense of the way the unearthly lies cheek-by-jowl with the mundane -- Adam Roberts on The Oversight A remarkable combination of British folklore, brisk pacing and wide-ranging imagination Kirkus Reviews on The Oversight Utterly enthralling: Charles Dickens meets Susanna Clarke -- Lou Morgan

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Book SynopsisIn this classic novel Richard Yates, hailed as a preeminent chronicler of the American condition and author of the acclaimed Revolutionary Road, weaves a masterful, unflinching tale of two families brought together by chance, desperation, and desire. Evan Shepard was born with good looks, bad luck, and a love for the open ro But it was on one such drive, with his father from rural Long Island into lower Manhattan, that Evan’s life would be changed forever. When their car breaks down on a Greenwich Village street, Evan’s father presses a random doorbell, looking for a telephone. Within hours, two families—sharing equally complex and addled histories—will come together. There will be flirtation. There will be a marriage. There will be a child, a new home… But as Evan moves further into the uncharted land of manhood, as the women and men around him come into focus, he faces roads not taken and a journey not made—in Richard Yates’ ha

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Book SynopsisNATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the author of The Perfume Thief, a remarkable tale about the life-changing power of books and second chances, following the Titanic librarian who opens a bookshop in Paris where he meets a secret society of survivors.Deeply moving and rich with vivid detail . . . Timothy Schaffert is an exquisite storyteller.—Lara Prescott, New York Times bestselling author of The Secrets We KeptFor weeks after the sinking of the Titanic, Yorick spots his own name among the list of those lost at sea. As an apprentice librarian for the White Star Line, his job was to curate the ship’s second-class library. But the day the Titanic set sail he was left stranded at the dock.After the ship’s sinking, Yorick takes this twist of fate as a sign to follow his lifelong dream of owning a bookshop in Paris. Soon after, he receives an invitation to a secret society of survivors w

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Book SynopsisFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis comes a wonderfully evocative novel, perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Fiona Valpy and Rosamunde Pilcher.READERS ARE LOVING AN ORDINARY WOMAN! A remarkable story of love, life, pleasures and hazards. Strong characters who define this story. Excellent read and would strongly recommend Susan Sallis -- 5 STARSThe storyline was captivating from the start... - 5 STARSThis book held me from the first page to the last! - 5 STARSVery good story, loved every minute... - 5 STARS***********************************************WHEN NEEDED, WILL SHE BE ABLE TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE?1945, Connecticut. A scandal breaks which forces a baffled Rose, aged four, and her mother to leave America and return home to England.The following May, a sister is born - Joanna or ''Jon''. Rose and Jon are like chal

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Book Synopsis''Action-packed and panoramic.'' Observer''Magnificent . . . there won''t be a finer piece of Scottish fiction published this year.'' Big Issue ''A galloping and impressively wide-ranging read.'' Herald (Scotland) ''Gripping.'' Times Literary Supplement 1956, the Scottish Highlands: Aaron and Robbie, a schoolmaster's son and a farmer's boy, are fast friends with a shared passion for diving, but very divergent ideas of what they will do with their lives.Meanwhile, Mark and Ally, bright pupils at Edinburgh's grandest private school, are aspiring to make change in the world one through high finance, the other on the political stage.And Joseph, heir to an Aberdeen trawler-fishing dynasty, is brooding over whether his true ambitions are set higher than his father's succession plan.For each of them, the discovery of oil under the North Sea will make their dreams achievable. But behind the

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Book SynopsisTwo sisters navigate the thrilling, euphoric early days of California surf culture in this dazzling saga of ambition, sacrifice, and the tangled ties between mothers and daughters from the New York Times bestselling author of The Aviator’s Wife.“A shimmering rendering . . . pairs the surf culture of the Beach Boys with the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll of Daisy Jones & The Six.”—Entertainment Weekly (“Best Books of the Summer”)Southern California, 1960s: endless sunny days surfing in Malibu, followed by glittering neon nights at Whisky a Go Go. In an era when women are expected to be housewives, Carol Donnelly breaks the mold as a legendary female surfer struggling to compete in a male-dominated sport—and her daughters, Mindy and Ginger, bear the weight of Carol’s unconventional lifestyle.The Donnelly sisters grow up enduring their mother’s absence—p

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Book Synopsis1565, Malta - and a disparate group of pirates, mercenaries and misfits must band together to face the greatest siege the world has ever known...Trade ReviewThis is history - and terrific history - on every page * Frederick Forsyth, author of The Day of the Jackal *Set in a period of unparalleled brutality, and told with drama, sweep and passion, Blood Rock is fiction on an epic scale * Malta Independent *A good read if you can stand the blood and guts of 16th-century warfare * Folkstone Herald & Dover Express *

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Book SynopsisEllie Walsh lives in a battlefield. Her out-of-work father, selfish sisters and violent, bitter mother, Ruby , are constantly fighting - and Ellie is always caught in the crossfire. So when a charming customer, Leonard Kent, comes into the local tearoom where she is a waitress, she is flattered by his attention. And when he reveals he plays the piano in a West End club by night, she is thrilled by the glamorous life she imagines him leading - so far removed from the grind of poverty-stricken Rotherhithe.But though she is increasingly attracted to Leonard, Ellie has secretly never forgotten Terry Andrews, who lives on the other side of Elmleigh Square to her. But Terry has made it clear he is not interested in her and, in any case, Ruby Walsh hates Terry''s mother and would never permit a relationship between Terry and her daughter. Events, though, soon take an extraordinary turn, destroying the flimsy foundations on which Ellie has built her world. It is up to her, an

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Book SynopsisWHEN TOMORROW DAWNS is a moving, compelling saga from bestselling author Lyn Andrews. Not to be missed by readers of Kate Thompson and Donna Douglas.1945. The people of Liverpool, after six years of terror and grief and getting by, are making the best of the hard-won peace, none more so than the ebullient O''Sheas. They welcome widowed Mary O''Malley from Dublin, her young son Kevin, and Breda, her bold strap of a sister, with open arms and hearts.Mary is determined to make a fresh start for her family, despite Breda, who is soon up to her old tricks. At first all goes well, and Mary begins to build an understanding with their new neighbour Chris Kennedy - until events take a dramatic turn that puts Chris beyond her reach. Forced to leave the shelter of the O''Sheas'' home, humiliated and bereft, Mary faces a future that is suddenly uncertain once more. But she knows that life has to go on...

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Book SynopsisIn the aftermath of the First World War, the painter Walter Cox cherishes the place of his childhood to keep the pulse of his art alive. Haunted by his work, his young daughter Meredith has her own fight: to quell the power of her inner life.Deeply affecting, shot through with a shimmering apprehension of the natural world, EARTH AND HEAVEN is about life''s fragility, and the power of love and painting to disturb, renew and reveal us to ourselves.Trade Review'A nicely-turned, old-fashioned narrative. In an evocative period piece, the smell of Woodbines and turps curls up from the page' The IndependentBeautiful... Clever, compelling * The Times *A compassionate account of the life of an artist, particularly strong in its evocation of post-war London and the countryside of Kent * Woman and Home *'...a painterly sensibility...' TimesMemorable, poetic... Wonderfully evocative writing - you can almost smell the hop vines as you read * Ms London *'Gee's subtle and sensitive romance evokes the inter-war years, a period that already feels impossibly far away' The Mail on Sunday'So atmospherically written, you feel you're living through a Kentish summer' Northern EchoDescriptive brilliance... Its emotional tenor remains buoyant and unfaltering from the first page to the last * TLS *'A terrific writer' Adele Geras * Adele Geras *

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Book SynopsisEvery night Hester Monk tends to women of the streets who have been injured as a result of their trade. But the injuries are becoming more serious, and now a body has been discovered in one of the area''s brothels. The dead man is the respected head of a successful railway company, Nolan Baltimore. With calls for the police to clean up the streets, Hester decides she must intervene to protect these women who stand to lose everything. Meanwhile her husband, William Monk, is investigating a possible fraud at Baltimore and Sons. As Monk endeavours to prevent a serious crime from taking place, he faces some staggering revelations, and finds that the time has come to confront his own demons - even if it means losing all he holds dear...Trade ReviewAnne Perry's novels are New York Times bestsellers and have earned much critical acclaim: 'Give her a good murder and a shameful social evil, and Anne Perry can write a Victorian mystery that would make Dickens' eyes pop out * New York Times Book Review *A totally contemporary feel ... admirably well-written * Guardian *Her Victorian England pulsates with life and is peopled with wonderfully memorable characters * Faye Kellerman *A complex plot supported by superb storytelling ... and William Monk, a contender for the post of Most Original Investigator in recent fiction * Scotland on Sunday *

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Book Synopsis1842. Joshua Weyland is languishing in America and desperate to return to England and his fiance. He ships home on a small brig but when it founders on rocks off the coast of Cornwall and he narrowly escapes with his life, it's clear to him that the ship had been deliberately wrecked.Trade Review'A lively historical novel with plenty of adventure and a touch of romance' MyShelf.com

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Book SynopsisCharles Belfoure is an author and architect who lives in the US. A graduate ofthe Pratt Institute and Columbia University, he practices historic preservation asboth an architect and consultant.Trade Review'A pulse-raising read for historical crime and historical thriller fans' Library Journal 'A pulse-raising read for historical crime and historical thriller fans' Mara Brandy, Champaign 'A most memorable, evocative read' Publishers Weekly 'With authentic architectural and historical grace notes ... I couldn't put House of Thieves down' Alex Grecian, national bestselling author of The Yard and Harvest Man 'House of Thieves grabs you from the first lines and explosive opening pages, pulling you right into a time and place-just how our favorite historical novels always do' Matthew Pearl, NYT bestselling author of The Dante Club, The Poe Shadow, and The Last Bookaneer 'A splendid page-turner' Edward Rutherfurd, New York Times bestselling author of Paris: The Novel and New York: The Novel 'Beguiling tale of mystery and intrigue' Steve Berry, NYT bestselling author of The Patriot Threat and The Lincoln Myth 'This is historical fiction at its best' Ariel Lawhon, author of the THE WIFE, THE MAID, AND THE MISTRESS 'House of Thieves was great fun... Charles Belfoure continually offers an unusual perspective on the calling of architecture' Becky Milner, Vintage Books (Vancouver, WA) 'Charles Belfoure has brought us another intricate novel full of suspense and daring... With architecture again playing a crucial part in the plot, Belfoure has produced a page turner' Carol Timblin, BookBar (Denver, CO) 'Intriguing from page one' Kathryn Lindberg, Liberty Bay Books (Poulsbo, WA) 'This was a great story that offered insight into the lives of the very wealthy in New York's Gilded Age. The architectural details of the mansions in the city and the beautiful houses in Newport - one even had an interior fire escape slide! - was fascinating reading, as was the glimpse into the underbelly of the time' Laura Cummings, White Birch Books (North Conway, NH) 'This is an excellent historical thriller. The setting is exceptionally authentic and evocative. But the strongest parts of Belfoure's narrative are his characters. Much like his main character in "The Paris Architect," John Cross is skillfully crafted. Every nuance of his personality and psyche is carefully examined as he attempts to combat exploitation. And James T. Kent is a phenomenal villain that is undoubtedly my second favorite character. Old New York society has been cleverly re-imagined by a stellar wordsmith. This is must-read for anyone who loves thrilling mysteries and historical fiction' Romy Griepp, Once Upon a Time (Montrose, CA) 'With a backdrop of the excesses and extravagance of the upper classes (albeit with strict social rules) and the searing poverty of the lower classes, Belfoure leads us on Architect Cross's dizzying descent into a world of crime... I enjoyed this clever romp through the uptown mansions and downtown gambling halls, and the introspection by the main characters as to how new experiences can cause surprising feelings' Janice Shannon, BookTowne (Manasquan, NJ) 'A well-wrought mystery told in such a way to immerse the reader into the lives of the historical elite and slum dwellers of the Gilded Age of New York'- Maggie Carter-de Vries, Books Plus (Fernandina Beach, Florida)

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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 SynopsisCynthia Jefferies is a long-established writer for children, whose work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. She was born in Gloucestershire and her love of history was encouraged by regular family outings to anything of interest, from great cathedrals to small museums. The Outrageous Fortune of Abel Morgan was her first historical novel for adults and was published to great critical acclaim. She lives in Stroud.

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Book SynopsisJune Tate was born in Southampton and spent the early years of her childhood in the Cotswolds. After leaving school she became a hairdresser on cruise ships the Queen Mary and the Mauretania, meeting many Hollywood film stars and VIPs on her travels. After her marriage to an airline pilot, she lived in Sussex and Hampshire before moving to Estoril in Portugal, and then back to Sussex. June passed away in 2019.

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Book SynopsisWhen Mara Gregory travels to Australia to meet the father whom she had believed dead, will she be disappointed or might she find a whole new life waiting for her?

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Book SynopsisShe has inherited her mother''s exquisite beauty, as well as her sensuous, impulsive nature - a legacy that will plunge her life into turmoil . . .Antoinette, daughter of the beautiful Scarlett and a French Vicomte, is irresistibly drawn to her mother''s former lover, Sir Peregrine Waite. But he only sees her as a child and does not yield to her passionate advances.Burning with fury and humiliation at his rejection, Antoinette offers herself to the most notorious poet in Europe and finds herself thrown into disgrace and degradation. But her love still burns for Peregrine, the man whose dangerous secret she has uncovered. The secret he shares with her fiercest rival - Scarlett.

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Book SynopsisIt''s 1917 and the Allies are determined to finally defeat a weakened Germany - everything is building up to the summer''s Big Push. Germany strikes back with U-boat attacks to starve England out, giant aeroplanes to bomb London, and the cunning withdrawal to the Hindenberg Line. Every Briton must do his bit, and the Morlands are involved at every stage: fighting and nursing in France, stoically surviving at home - and finding love where they can along the way.Continuing the great saga of the Morland dynasty, The Foreign Field carries its members into a new set of conflicts and tests their courage to the limit.Trade ReviewReading her is a joy * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisA gripping, gritty novel set during the run-up to the launch of Titanic - published in time for its 100th anniversary year

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Book SynopsisEach novel in this thrilling series of historical mysteries is based on a real unsolved Tudor crime. This second instalment reunites readers with its star, London goldsmith Thomas Treviot.The Real CrimeHans Holbein, King Henry VIII''s portrait painter, died in the autumn of 1543. A century later a chronicler reported that the artist had succumbed to plague, yet there is no contemporary evidence to support this. Suspicions have been raised over the centuries, but the mystery of what actually happened remains unsolved to this day.Our StoryYoung London goldsmith Thomas Treviot is awaiting a design for a very important jewellery commission from Hans Holbein. When the design fails to turn up, Thomas sends a servant to track Holbein down, only to discover that the painter has disappeared. In his hunt for Holbein and the lost design, Thomas is led into a morass of dangerous political intrigue, Spanish spies and courtiers that is more treacherous thaTrade ReviewIf you liked Shardlake, you will love this exciting new series of novels set in the turbulent age of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell, and effortlessly underpinned by the brilliant scholarship for which Derek Wilson is renowned. We feel we are really there, in an authentically evoked Tudor London, hot on the trail of a real-life murder mystery. Highly recommended! * Alison Weir, bestselling author and historian *[Full of] Murder, kidnapping and intrigue...the fictitious characters blend well with the real protagonists...and the red herrings abounded as they should in any good mystery tale. Recommended. * Historical Novels Review on THE TRAITOR'S MARK *The sense of period is impeccable, and the reader really gets a sense of how shocking this murder must have been... The story has more twists than a dancing serpent and the pace is relentless, yet it is the characterisation and the little details that make it such a good read. * Historical Novels Review on THE FIRST HORSEMAN *The First Horseman is a resounding success that blends fact and fiction to create a gripping, fast moving Tudor crime story that educates as well as fascinates...Wilson has created a compelling character, and the fact that this series will continue to revolve around real life Tudor mysteries is fantastic...unputdownable would be an understatement. * The Bookbag on THE FIRST HORSEMAN *Wilson wonderfully [evokes] the street-level reality of Tudor-era England in its weathers and sights and smells and even in its unexpected beauties. The plot is charged with genuine suspense * Christian Science Monitor *

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Book SynopsisFor a small-town girl with big dreams in 1955, there is no address more desirable than New York''s Barbizon Hotel - the place where Grace Kelly lived when she first came to the big city. Laura is an aristocratic beauty from Connecticut who arrives with a magazine internship and dreams of becoming a writer Dolly is a hopeless romantic working the secretarial pool and looking to be swept off her feet Vivian is a red-headed British bombshell who yearns to make it as a singer while working nights as a cigarette girl Perfect for fans of Mad Men, The Best of Everything and The Paris Wife, this is a novel filled to the brim with glamour, following the lives of three women as they are lured into the exhilarating, dazzling world of New York City and embark on a journey that will alter their lives for ever.Trade ReviewCallahan has managed to capture a thrilling side of vintage New York that still speaks to us today * Stylist *An engaging, nostalgic read brimming with tragedy, romance and glamour * Candis *A wonderful champagne bubble of a book - glamorous, aspirational, and relatable! The fifties never seemed so fun! Wicked, naughty and clever. * Melissa de la Cruz *Deliciously stylish. Callahan suavely combines literary finesse and pulp fiction to create a fast-moving, heartwrenching tale of romance and tragedy in a time of tyrannically sexist social conventions. * Booklist *This tale of big dreams, drop-dead glamour and fragile hearts will have you turning pages late into the night... Suspenseful, sharp and romantic, I loved every minute of it. * Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black *A light and frothy anecdote to Mad Men withdrawal symptoms * The Lady *

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Book SynopsisThree sisters. One throne. An epic battle begins.Abandoned by her beloved older sister Cleopatra and an indifferent father, Arsinoe, a young Egyptian princess, must fight for survival in the bloodthirsty royal court after her half-sister Berenice seizes power. But despite using her quick-wits to win Berenice''s favour, Arsinoe struggles to establish herself in a uncertain new world, one that carries her from the conspiratorial dangers of the palace, to the streets of war-torn Alexandria.Meanwhile, her other sister, the usurper Berenice, has her own demons to confront - her cruel, flagging mother, a pair of fickle husbands, and the ever-present threat that her father will return from exile-as she fights to hold the throne as the first queen of Egypt in a thousand years.Perfect for historical fiction fans who loved discovering The Other Boleyn Girl, Cleopatra''s Shadows reimagines Cleopatra''s rise to power through theTrade ReviewEvocative, immersive and engrossing. These characters lived and breathed their lives beyond the page and I could feel them in the room with me. The historical setting was excellent too and an integral part of the story. As a story of women each vibrant in her own way, it was also a case of damned if you did and damned if you didn't, but I loved seeing how they worked through their circumstances. The author conveyed a real sense of the knife-edge on which they lived. I truly loved it. Elizabeth Chadwick Magnificent... The vivacity, the verve, the sense of bone deep truth of the writing - all are superb. Some writers seem destined to unearth the truth of a time and a place and a set of people: Mary Renault and Alexander, Hilary Mantel and Thomas Cromwell and now Emily Holleman and the last generation of Ptolemies. There's a freshness to the prose that is truly captivating, and a dynamism to the narrative that gives life to the people whose names are otherwise a footnote in history. Manda Scott Cleopatra is a minor character in this novel, with Holleman telling the story from the points of view of Bernice and Arsinoe. This produces an engaging story of family dynamics, trust and politics, as both sisters try to survive in the new world. An excellent debut from Holleman about two sisters often forgotten by history. Sydney Morning Herald

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Book SynopsisIt''s the dawning of a new era for Alexandria and Cleopatra and her younger brother, Ptolemy are established on the throne. Long overlooked by his father in favor of his beguiling sister, eleven-year-old Ptolemy is desperate to assert himself as a man and as a king. But he and his advisors are no match for Queen Cleopatra, who''s quick to establish her primacy throughout the land, from Alexandria to Upper Egypt. When, a year later, Cleopatra alienates Rome''s remaining legions and flees the palace, Ptolemy finally gets his first taste of power, though not without its complications: Cleopatra has joined forces with their sister Arsinoe in Egypt, and Ptolemy must prepare to meet their army head-on and prove his ruthlessness to Caesar. Despite mounting doubts about where her sister''s loyalties lie, Arsinoe has remained faithful to her. But when news comes that Cleopatra has manipulated Caesar to regain the throne and embraced Rome''s dominance, Arsinoe is torn between her warrTrade Review'The Drowning King contains everything that a real-life Game of Thrones would: sibling incest, backstabbing court politics, invasions and treachery at every turn. Don't miss this enthralling installment in the Fall of Egypt saga, and be sure to pick up the remaining two volumes when they hit shelves' * Book Reporter *'Readers fascinated by political intrigue and dynasty building of the ancient world will enjoy this, especially if they have read the first volume' * Library Journal *'A fast-moving, heart-poundingly good follow-up' * Marie Claire *'Holleman's poetic language contributes to the atmosphere of intrigue and menace, expertly capturing the roiling anxieties of the principals as they battle for Rome's scraps. Holleman's gift of characterization will have readers rooting for all three Egyptian royals, hoping against historical fact that this sibling rivalry has no losers - at least not until the next installment' * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisIn 1641, the country of England stands divided. London has become a wasps'' nest of spies, and under the eyes of the Roundheads those who practice magic are routinely sent to hang. Living in exile in the Surrey countryside is the Master Astrologer and learned magician William Lilly. Since rumours of occult practice lost him the favour of Parliament, he has not returned to the city. But his talents are well-known, and soon he is called up to London once more, to read the fate of His Majesty the King.What he sees in the stars will change the course of history.Only Lilly and a circle of learned astrologers - Cunning Folk - know that London is destined to suffer plague and fire before the decade is through, and must summon angel and demon to sway the political powers from the war the country is heading toward. In doing so, Lilly will influence far greater destinies than his own and encounter great danger. But there will be worse to come . . . Trade ReviewSome authors stand out from the crowd. TS Learner is one of them - SunLearner is that rare beast: a wordsmith who can spin a yarn - The Times

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Book SynopsisA heart-breaking wartime saga from the much-loved author of THE TILBURY POPPIES. Perfect for fans of Annie Murray and Donna DouglasHow far would you go to protect your family? . . .Essex, 1950.The Empire is a pub run by Vi, Doris''s mother. When Doris falls pregnant out of marriage, she is kicked out of the house and forced to fend for herself.Desperate to look after her daughter, Doris finds refuge in Southend and takes a job in a factory, hoping for a better life. When she finds herself cast out one night, Doris has nowhere to go but home - back to Tilbury. But she''s still not welcome there and once again has to look for shelter and work. Homeless and as a single mother, life is tough for Doris. And it becomes harder when she helps a neighbour, Claude, to find a new life in Britain. Now Doris must decide where her heart lies . . .A heart-warming Trade ReviewIt's a page-turning, well-researched and revealing story filled with heartache and drama as two very different women battle with the hardships and prejudices of life in the Fifties. * Lancaster Evening Post *a gripping page-turner about resilience, hope and the triumph of the human spirit readers will not be able to put down. * Bookish Jottings *

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Book Synopsis''An epic tale of one woman''s determination to follow her dreams'' People''s FriendSet in 1920s Scotland, this beautifully written and satisfying saga follows the fate of a shipyard owner''s daughter as she is faced with an impossible decision . . . Perfect for fans of Diney Costeloe, Rita Bradshaw and Nadine Dorries.5-star reader reviews for The Shipbuilder''s Daughter''Beautifully written with a great deal of empathy, very satisfying plot. Lovely mix of old Glasgow and the western Isles''''A definite must-buy''''A lovely read''''Fabulous reading''Glasgow, 1928. Margaret Bannatyne lost both of her brothers in the Great War and is now the last remaining child of wealthy and powerful shipyard owner William Bannatyne. Without a male heir to carry on the family business, William expects his daughter to do her duty, marry well and provide him with a grandson to inherit his business.MargaretTrade ReviewAn epic tale of one woman's determination to follow her dreams * People's Friend *A powerful and at times gritty tale of love and loss . . . a great, insightful read * Novelicious on WE SHALL REMEMBER *Fans of Lily Baxter and other saga authors will enjoy * The Bookseller on WE SHALL REMEMBER *This is first rate * Lovereading on WE SHALL REMEMBER *A touching, thought-provoking saga * Lancaster Guardian on WE SHALL REMEMBER *

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling wartime saga adored by readers everywhere. Perfect for fans of Annie Murray and Donna Douglas Can the factory girls work together for a better future?Essex, 1916Lily is a housemaid up at St Clere''s Hall. But times are changing with the outbreak of war. With a husband bent on signing up for the trenches and a lecherous master of the house, Lily is forced to leave.Doing her bit for the war effort - and bringing in more money for the family - Lily goes to work in a factory making explosives to send to the trenches. It''s a hard job. The munitionettes must face terrible working conditions, the constant danger of accidents and air strikes and a patronising, self-serving boss. And then someone she never wanted to see there arrives. Lady Charlotte, the pampered daughter of the Hall, joins the factory as a supervisor...Lily and Charlotte have choices they never hadTrade Reviewatmospheric page-turner * People's Friend *

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Book SynopsisEssex, 1916Lily is a housemaid up at St Clere''s Hall. But times are changing with the outbreak of war. With a husband bent on signing up for the trenches and a lecherous master of the house, Lily is forced to leave.Doing her bit for the war effort - and bringing in more money for the family - Lily goes to work in a factory making explosives to send to the trenches. It''s a hard job. The munitionettes must face terrible working conditions, the constant danger of accidents and air strikes and a patronising, self-serving boss. And then someone she never wanted to see there arrives. Lady Charlotte, the pampered daughter of the Hall, joins the factory as a supervisor...Lily and Charlotte have choices they never had before - but in the shadow of the Great War, can the factory girls work together for a better future?Trade Reviewatmospheric page-turner * People's Friend *

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Book SynopsisThe BRAND NEW wartime saga from the much-loved author of THE TILBURY POPPIES. Perfect for fans of Annie Murray and Donna DouglasThe war is over, but their friendship has just begun . . .Essex, 1918Working at the local munitions factory has given Aggie the freedom she''s long desired. But the Great War is coming to an end, and the men are coming home. Determined to hold on to her new-found independence, Aggie decides to join the Women''s Police Service and become a Copperette.Like Aggie, Mim wants nothing more than to do her bit for her country. Never one to shy away from hard work, she''s eager to help her fellow women and keep up morale - even if that does mean opening her home to Aggie and helping her train.With the last days of war upon them, Aggie and Mim face shocking loss. But in the face of great hardship, can they find a way to work together?A heartTrade ReviewPacked with drama, dark humour and shocking truths about life for working class women nearly 60 years ago, When My Ship Comes In is a compelling first novel, a gritty page-turner - Lancashire Evening Post

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Book SynopsisThe BRAND NEW wartime saga from the much-loved author of THE TILBURY POPPIES. Perfect for fans of Annie Murray and Donna DouglasThe war is over, but their friendship has just begun . . .Essex, 1918Working at the local munitions factory has given Aggie the freedom she''s long desired. But the Great War is coming to an end, and the men are coming home. Determined to hold on to her new-found independence, Aggie decides to join the Women''s Police Service and become a Copperette.Like Aggie, Mim wants nothing more than to do her bit for her country. Never one to shy away from hard work, she''s eager to help her fellow women and keep up morale - even if that does mean opening her home to Aggie and helping her train.With the last days of war upon them, Aggie and Mim face shocking loss. But in the face of great hardship, can they find a way to work together?Trade ReviewPacked with drama, dark humour and shocking truths about life for working class women nearly 60 years ago, When My Ship Comes In is a compelling first novel, a gritty page-turner - Lancashire Evening Post

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