Historical Fiction Books

Book SynopsisBorn on a Friday, Sophie Winters has always been a loving and giving child, who''d do anything for her family. Yet her father, Bill, has always seemed to resent her. For her mother''s sake, Sophie learns to live with Bill''s animosity - until the night he drunkenly forces himself upon her. Left pregnant and ashamed at seventeen, Sophie doesn''t know where to turn. So when she meets the charming Ben Lewis and he offers her refuge at his mother''s hotel, she accepts. At first it seems that Ben and his mother are quite the good Samaritans. But there is little goodness in the Lewises'' hearts. As Sophie realises their dark intentions, a web of danger and deceit wraps itself around her. She knows if she is to survive, she will have to fight for all she''s worth...Trade ReviewPraise for Rosie's first novel, THE BAD APPLE: 'Rosie Goodwin is a born storyteller - she'll make you cry, she'll make you laugh, but most of all you'll care for her characters and lose yourself in her story. An author destined for the top * Jeannie Johnson, author of THE REST OF OUR DAYS *Rosie deserves all her success. She is a talented storyteller and will go all the way to the top * Dee Williams *The tearjerker of the season...[a] heart-rending tale * Western Mail *A promising and well-drawn debut * Lancashire Evening Post *A good tearjerker...compelling * Reading Evening Post *A gifted writer... Not only is Goodwin's characterisation and dialogue compelling, but her descriptive writing is a joy * Nottingham Evening Post *A heart-throbber of a story from Goodwin that puts many other so-called emotional blockbusters in the shade * Northern Echo *Goodwin is a fabulous writer...she reels the reader in surprisingly quickly and her style involves lots of twists and turns that are in no way predictable * Worcester Evening News *A touching and powerful new novel from a wonderful writer * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisMichael Dobbs, author of the No. 1 bestseller that inspired the hit Netflix series House of Cards, returns to the subject that made him a household name - the human drama and scandal in Westminster. First Lady is a compelling and witty novel of power, seduction and revenge, perfect for fans of John Grisham and Philip Kerr.Virginia Edge: mid-thirties, attractive, self-sufficient, ambitious. This is the story of her transformation from dutiful political wife to masterful manipulator of the entire political process at Westminster. She is a woman who is driven by the failings of men and the greed of others to take over their system and undermine it, to repay them in kind. In this battle she has two great allies - the intuition and determination of a wronged wife, and the blind ineptitude of Westminster men.Praise for Michael Dobbs:''Brilliant... Full of magnificently dark political characters'' Daily Mail<Trade Review'Dobbs' writing is highly polished and divertingly sophisticated' * Sandra Howard, Spectator *'It's barbed and breakneck, often very funny and hugely entertaining' * The Times *'It is brutal, coruscating stuff' * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisJanuary 1304 and Hugh Corbett, devoted emissary of King Edward I, has been charged with yet another dangerous mission. Scrope, an unscrupulous manor lord, has reneged on his promise to hand over a priceless ornate cross he stole from the Templars during the Crusades. Furthermore, he has massacred as heretics fourteen members of a religious order, whose corpses now hang in the woods near Mistleham in Essex. The King, determined to restore order, sends Corbett to Mistleham in his stead. But as Corbett reaches the troubled village, it becomes obvious that the situation has worsened. A mysterious bowman has appeared, killing townspeople at random. Is one of the Brethren responsible, or have the Templars arrived to wreak revenge? Can Corbett restore Mistleham to peace, and return the treasure to the King, before further blood is shed?Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty and his other novels: 'Resurrectionist magic * New York Times *The best of its kind since the death of Ellis Peters * Time Out *I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *The maestro of medieval mystery * Books Magazine *Doherty dazzles with his story-telling * Nottingham Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisSeptember 314 AD and once more death strikes the sprawling streets of Imperial Rome. When two prostitutes are found murdered - their bodies ripped open and their right eyes gouged out - it''s feared a notorious killer, the Nefandus, has returned. Rumoured to be an imperial officer, he once waged bloody murder amongst Rome''s prostitutes but vanished before his identity could be discovered. Has he reappeared, or is someone working in his guise? Desperate to retain order, the Empress Helena turns to her most trusted agent, Claudia. Helena commands her to discover the truth behind the Nefandus, before Rome descends further into chaos and confusion.Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty and his other novels: 'Resurrectionist magic * New York Times *The best of its kind since the death of Ellis Peters * Time Out *I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *The maestro of medieval mystery * Books Magazine *Doherty dazzles with his story-telling * Nottingham Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisA magnificent Cornish historical family drama charting the dramatic and scandalous lives of the Loveday family...When long-lost cousin Tristan Loveday returns to Cornwall with a deadly score to settle, his presence sends shockwaves around the family. Tristan holds the key to more than one secret that could destroy the Loveday family. And it seems everyone has something to hide. Senara Loveday fears a shadow from her past could bring about her downfall, St John risks losing all he owns while, in London, Georganna Loveday is hiding a scandalous secret. As lies are uncovered, the cracks begin to show. And before the summer is over, lives will be irrevocably changed for ever...

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Book SynopsisThe fifth in Anne Perry''s series of charming Christmas novellas.For Superintendent Runcorn, Christmas has rarely looked so bleak. Believing that a change of scenery may help him finally forget Melisande Ewart, Runcorn heads for the beautiful, desolate Isle of Anglesey. Any hopes of Christmas passing quietly are dashed, however, when he discovers Melisande is also in Anglesey and, moreover, that she is engaged to another man. Then the local vicar''s sister is found murdered and Melisande''s brother is implicated in the crime. Determined to assist Melisande in her time of need, Runcorn resolves to find the killer. Is it possible in doing so, that he will also win the heart of his one true love?Trade ReviewPraise for Anne Perry's other Christmas novellas: 'This brief work has an almost Jamesian subtlety, and with its powerful message of responsibility and redemption - "We need both to forgive and to be forgiven" - it conveys a moral force in keeping with the season * Wall Street Journal *The tale is redolent with Victorian atmosphere, from the hypocritical snobbishness to the rigid social conventions of the time * Tangled Web *If you don't have a lump in your throat by the time you finish the final few pages, you shouldn't have had all that sherry * Yorkshire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisPULITZER PRIZE FINALIST ?A wild, sweeping novel that imagines an alternate secret history of Korea and the traces it leaves on the present?loaded with assassins and mad poets, RPGs and slasher films, pop bands and the perils of social media?Your view of twentieth-century history will be enlarged and altered. . . . A Gravity?s Rainbow for another war, an unfinished war.? ?Jonathan Lethem, author of The Fortress of SolitudeWINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE ? ONE OF PUBLISHERS WEEKLY?S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR ? NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS? CHOICEA BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Public Library, Polygon, Kirkus ReviewsIn 1919, far-flung patriots establish the Korean Provisional Government to protest the Japanese occupation of their country. This government-in-exile proves mostly symbolic, though, and after Japan?s defeat in World War II, the KPG dissolves and civil war erupts, resulting in the tragic North-South split that remains today.But what if the KPG still existed?now working toward a unified Korea, secretly pulling levers to further its aims? Same Bed Different Dreams weaves together three distinct narrative voices with an archive of mysterious images, and twists reality like a kaleidoscope. Korean history, American pop culture, and our tech-fraught lives come together in this extraordinary and unforgettable novel.Soon Sheen, a former writer now employed by the tech behemoth GLOAT, comes into possession of an unfinished book seemingly authored by the KPG. The manuscript is a riveting revisionist history, connecting famous names and obscure bit players to the KPG?s grand project?everyone from Syngman Rhee and architect-poet Yi Sang to Jack London and Marilyn Monroe. M*A*S*H is in here, too, as are the Moonies and a history of violence extending from the assassination of President McKinley to the Reagan-era downing of a passenger plane that puts the world on the brink of war.From the acclaimed author of Personal Days, Same Bed Different Dreams is a raucously funny feat of imagination and a thrilling meld of history and fiction that pulls readers into another dimension?one in which utopia is possible.

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Book SynopsisThe young Pharoah Tutankhamun is unwell, but there is no heir apparent. Egypt''s enemies, the Hittites, are advancing through Canaan, and Ay - First Minister of Akenhaten, father of Nefertiti, brother of Queen Tiye - still plots, like the spider he is. The web is woven, the traps set...Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty's other novels: 'I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *A romping good read * Time Out *Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *

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Book Synopsis*** THE Sunday Times TOP TEN BESTSELLING AUTHOR ***''Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric'' Kate MosseDiscover a brilliant story of love, danger, courage and betrayal, from the internationally bestselling author of The Betrayal. *****Junchow, China, 1928.Lydia Ivanova was among the Russian elite until the Bolsheviks revolutions forced her to flee to China with her mother. But survival is hard.Lydia has a fierce spirit. Nothing can dim it, not even the foul waters of the Peiho River. Into the river''s grime bodies are tossed - those of thieves and Communists alike. A reminder that every time Lydia steals from someone to feed herself and her mother, she takes her life into her own hands. Even though mother and daughter live in the Whites-only settlement, no walls can keep Lydia in as she escapes to meet her lover, Chang An Lo. But Chang has enemies who are hunting him down, and theiTrade ReviewWonderful ... a gripping love story ... A hugely ambitious and atmospheric epic novel Kate Mosse, author of LABYRINTH The Russian Concubine is a great story of love, loss and conflicting loyalties in a fascinatingly precarious moment of history. The wonderfully drawn and all-too-human characters struggle to survive in a world of danger and bewildering change, constantly Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series A pulse-racing romance ... breathtakingly good' Marie Claire '[an] achingly beautiful epic' New Woman Whether you like romance, history, action or adventure, this highly accomplished, sweeping epic is a perfect winter read ... Escapism at its best, this novel brilliantly captures the sights, sounds and atmosphere of early twentieth-century Russia and C 'A rollicking good read, with a fast-moving plot and oodles of colourful characters and evocative locations. The best thing about it, however, is Lydia ... a heroine that one hopes to meet for more adventures in the future' Telegraph

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Book SynopsisSuper sleuth Sister Fidelma returns in BADGER''S MOON, the thirteenth historical mystery by Peter Tremayne, acclaimed author THE HAUNTED ABBOT, SMOKE IN THE WIND and many more.PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FIDELMA SERIES: ''Rich helpings of evil and tension with lively and varied characters'' Historical Novels Review, ''The detail of the books is fascinating, giving us a vivid picture of everyday life at this time'' Irish Examiner A series of horrific murders has brought terror to the Kingdom of Muman. The victims, all young girls, were slaughtered with unspeakable violence on the nights of three consecutive full moons. Suspicion falls on three dark strangers from the distant land of Aksum (Ethiopia), who are guests at the Abbey of Finbarr. A panic-stricken mob attacks the abbey, leaving the religious in fear for their lives. Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are called in to restore order and find the killer, but it soon becomes clear thaTrade ReviewPraise for the Sister Fidelma Series: 'Definitely an Ellis Peters competitor * Evening Standard *This is masterly storytelling from an author who breathes fascinating life into the worth he is writing about * Belfast Telegraph *A compulsive readable whodunit fronted by one of the most reliably intriguing characters to grace the pages of the genre * Booklist *Tremayne's super-sleuth is a vibrant creation * Morgan Llywelyn *A brilliant and beguiling heroine. Immensely appealing * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisSister Fidelma must find the link that connects the mysterious crimes in MASTER OF SOULS, Peter Tremayne''s brilliant sixteenth novel in the ever-popular Sister Fidelma mystery series.PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FIDELMA SERIES: ''A compulsive readable whodunit fronted by one of the most reliably intriguing characters to grace the pages of the genre'' BooklistOn a storm-driven night, wreckers drive a ship onto rocks off the coast of Ireland. An Abbess leading a pilgrimage is killed and the young religieuse with her abducted. An ageing scholar is murdered in the Abbey of Ard Fhearta. Do these events have a connection?Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf go to Ard Fhearta to examine the mystery. But the abbey stands in the territory of the Uí Fidgente, enemies of Fidelma and her brother, the King of Cashel, and danger threatens Fidelma and Eadulf from the moment of their arrival.What is the link that connects the crimes? Who is the mysteriousTrade ReviewPraise for the Sister Fidelma Series: 'Definitely an Ellis Peters competitor * Evening Standard *This is masterly storytelling from an author who breathes fascinating life into the worth he is writing about * Belfast Telegraph *A compulsive readable whodunit fronted by one of the most reliably intriguing characters to grace the pages of the genre * Booklist *Tremayne's super-sleuth is a vibrant creation * Morgan Llywelyn *A brilliant and beguiling heroine. Immensely appealing * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisFrom the script writer of the epic TV drama, VICTORIA comes Daisy Goodwin''s THE FORTUNE HUNTER for readers of MY LAST DUCHESS (THE AMERICAN HEIRESS) and any novel by Georgette Heyer*A Richard and Judy Book Club title*''Pure, light-hearted, unpretentious entertainment'' Sunday ExpressIn 1875, Sisi, the Empress of Austria is the woman that every man desires and every woman envies. Beautiful, athletic and intelligent, Sisi has everything - except happiness. Bored with the stultifying etiquette of the Hapsburg Court and her dutiful but unexciting husband, Franz Joseph, Sisi comes to England to hunt. She also comes looking for excitement and finds it in the dashing form of Captain Bay Middleton, the only man in Europe who can outride her. Ten years younger than her and engaged to the rich and devoted Charlotte, Bay has everything to lose by falling for a woman who can never be his. But Bay and the Empress are as reckleTrade Review'Timeless, tantalising and ultimately, hugely satisfying. A terrific novel' -- Richard and Judy, Richard and Judy Book ClubSparkling and thoroughly engaging...highly enjoyable * The Times *'A turbocharged drama packed with passion, politics and plenty of horsepower' * Tatler *'Finery, flattery, flirting and the erotic charge of the hunt' * Sunday Times *'A hugely enjoyable historical romp and a major new talent' * Sunday Express *'Delicious and clever and addictive' * Elizabeth Buchan *'A rollicking good read...maintains a thrilling pace' * Mail on Sunday *'Wonderful characters, completely assured writing and feel for the hunting milieu and above all such fun. It's going to be a giant hit' -- Amanda Craig'Daisy Goodwin has triumphed again. In THE FORTUNE HUNTER she weaves a rich and textured tale of desire and ambition. Sizzling with energy and passion on every page, Goodwin's characters compel the reader to fall in love with them' -- Amanda Foreman'A sumptuous, scrumptious confection, with country houses, Austrian Empresses and Victorian glamour galore' -- Lucy Worsley'An intelligent and entertaining romp through the ballrooms and boudoirs of late 19th century society' * Good Housekeeping *Expertly drawn characters, exquisite period detail...a sparkling read * The Lady Magazine *

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Book SynopsisIn this fourth instalment, Captain Alatriste becomes involved in a mission to save the King of Spain''s gold... Swashbuckling adventure and high octane action.The year is 1626, and a battle-weary Captain Alatriste and his companions sail home from the on-going war in Flanders. He returns to a Spain that is rotten to the core, as gold from the Americas floods into the port of Seville, brought by the country''s infamous treasure fleet.As various factions within the Court vie for supremacy, certain interests are creaming off undeclared profits from the galleons'' cargo, thus depriving the royal treasury of its lifeblood. Indeed some of the booty is finding its way into the hands of the same rebel provinces Spain is fighting to suppress.The King and his most trusted advisor, the Count-Duke Olivares, have become aware of one such plot and have decided to teach the perpetrator a lesson. Once more, they must call upon Captain Alatriste''s blade in a dangerousTrade Reviewanother swashbuckling thriller set in the turbulent 17th century * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *

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Book SynopsisThe earth-shattering conclusion to the legend of Merlin.Returning from his epic journey to Constantinople, Myrddion Merlinus finds Briton in the grip of Uther Pendragon''s bloodthirsty war against the Saxons. Coerced into obedience, Myrddion must serve Uther''s brother Ambrosius, the High King, in order to spare the lives of his beloved fellow travellers. Ambrosius is an honest and wise ruler and Myrddion''s skills are put to good use setting up a spy network while training healers across the land. But when Ambrosius is poisoned, his untimely death propels Myrddion back into the callous hands of Uther Pendragon. The new High King will stop at nothing to force Myrddion to accede to his unthinkable wishes. Myrddion''s only solace is the prophecy that his suffering is not in vain. But will he survive the taint of Uther''s madness and enable good to come from evil?Trade ReviewHume brings the bloody, violent, conniving world vividly to life...will appeal to those who thrill to Game of Thrones and other tales of intersecting, ever-warring, noble lineages * Kirkus Review *Hume deftly navigates the Arthurian legends, populating them with likable and despicable characters, and casting them in a fully realized historical setting * Publishers Weekly *Historical fiction of the most bloodthirsty and roistering kind * Australian Bookseller & Publishers Magazine *Exciting, violent and bloody... Up there with Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell * www.lovereading.co.uk *It's a slice of history that's totally, utterly believable. Magnificent * www.booksmonthly.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisPenny Vincenzi''s WINDFALL is a rich, absorbing tale of temptation, ambition and desire.''Reading her is an addictive experience'' Elizabeth BuchanCassia Fallon has always been the perfect country doctor''s wife, performing each menial task with willingness and grace, even though her desire to become a doctor herself has been thwarted by lack of money. Then her godmother leaves her a fortune. With her new-found wealth, Cassia is finally free to do as she pleases, and resumes her own medical career as Dr Cassia Tallow with a passion. But it soon becomes clear that her legacy may not be such a blessing after all, for Cassia begins to question the strength of her marriage, her future and exactly where the money has come from. A rich, absorbing tale of temptation, ambition and desire.Trade ReviewPenny Vincenzi dazzlingly combines the old-fashioned virtues of gripping storytelling with the up-to-the-minute contemporary feel for emotional depth and insight into the lives of the characters. She is a supreme stylist and clever writer. Reading her is an addictive experience'

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Book SynopsisYou''ve seen her on the screen, now read her story...From the creator of the ITV Sunday night drama, VICTORIA, now in its second year, comes the novel by Daisy Goodwin, author of the bestselling MY LAST DUCHESS and THE FORTUNE HUNTER.In June 1837, the eighteen-year-old Victoria wakes up to find that she is Queen of the most powerful nation in the world. Can this tiny girl prevail against the men who believe that women are too hysterical to rule? And what are the secrets behind her famously passionate relationship with her husband, Albert?From one of our greatest historical writers comes a new take on one of our most beloved monarchs... Victoria as you''ve never seen her before.Trade ReviewThe research is impeccable, the attention to detail perfect, and it brings the formidable figure of Victoria to sparkling life * Sunday Mirror *Goodwin demonstrates her admirable ability to fuse wide-ranging knowledge of the period with lively storytelling skills * The Sunday Times *Meticulously researched and vividly told, it is a perfect romp * Mail on Sunday *Goodwin manages to create suspense, by imagining Victoria's inner life as revealed in her letters and diaries, and doing full justice to the spirit and independence that made her one ofour greatest monarchs * The Times *Engaging and enthralling * My Weekly *

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Book SynopsisQueenie''s past threatens more than one person''s futureQueenie Bedford fled her native Blackburn and the bitter knowledge that she and Rick Marsden, the man she loved, could never marry. But in 1965 she returned north again to stand by her friend Sheila Thorogood, imprisoned for running a brothel with her mother Maisie. Though Rick had vowed to find her, Queenie took care that he should not know of her whereabouts.The magnificent Edwardian house in Blackpool was sadly neglected - but Queenie moved in with the ailing Maisie, and set about transforming it into a sparklingly clean, highly respectable guesthouse. Meanwhile, Queenie was to meet the frail and confused Hannah Jason, locked away years ago for murder, and desperate for news of her long-lost son. As Rick continued his dogged search for Queenie, she set out to find Hannah''s son. But both their enquiries threatened to unlock the cage where crucial secrets had long been held captive.

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Book SynopsisAfter being branded during the battle of Jericho, Moriyah had no prospects for marriage--until now. But after a tragic mistake, she is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the Levitical cities of refuge, she is unprepared for the dangers she faces and the enemies--and allies--she encounters on her way.

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Book SynopsisEgyptian slave Kiya leads a miserable life. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, she chooses to flee with the Hebrews. Soon she finds herself reliant on a strange God and falling for a man who despises her people. Will she turn back toward Egypt or find a new place to belong?

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Book SynopsisIn 1897, Geesje de Jonge is asked to write a memoir about her experience emigrating from the Netherlands to the Michigan wilderness in honor of her town's fiftieth anniversary. As Geesje recalls the events of the past, a young visitor, Anna Nicholson, mourns a broken engagement. Over the course of one summer, the lives of both women will change forever.

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Book Synopsis'Gripping' Margaret Atwood 'Captivating' Louis de Bernières 'Magnificent' Alexander McCall SmithIn 1930, a young man, torn apart by his illegal desire, stands on a deserted Scottish beach. Wystan H. Auden is only twenty-four and longing to be a great poet; longing too, for someone who understands him. He scribbles his telephone number on a piece of paper, puts it in an empty milk bottle, and flings it into the sea.Decades later, Dora Fielding stands on the same beach, lost and desperate. Struggling to cope alone with her baby and suffocating in the small town, she yearns for connection. This is when she finds the message in the bottle. And calls the number.What happens next is a breathtaking leap of faith that rejoices in the power of the human imagination.Trade ReviewMagical and transcendent . . . I suspect that few debuts in 2017 will match the elegance of Larchfield. This is a beautiful novel: passionate, lyrical and surprising. I will remember Larchfield for a long time. -- John Boyne * Irish Times *This is a mysterious, wondrous, captivating book * Louis de Bernieres *Larchfield is that rarest of rare first novels - a book that actually achieves its great ambition. I found it so immensely readable; it's brainy, verbally acute and knowing, with an ingenious literary historical premise that it impressively (and artfully) carries off right in front of your eyes. It's work of considerable talent * Richard Ford *A magnificent book - haunting and beautifully written -- Alexander McCall Smith * Good Housekeeping *For anyone who knows what it feels like to move to a new place and feel lonely, or feel like an outsider, this book will speak to you -- Rachel Revesz * Independent *A book one doesn't want to put down * Daily Mail *Stunning . . . I was lost in this moving and gripping study of isolation -- Fanny Blake * Woman and Home *An atmospheric, haunting time-slip novel about a new mother struggling to survive in a claustrophobic town where poet WH Auden lived -- Charlotte Heathcote * Sunday Times, S Magazine *Elegant . . . Clark has written a measured and graceful novel; this is particularly true of the way she handles Dora's gradual unravelling. -- Natasha Tripney * Observer *That Polly Clark is a poet is never in doubt throughout this imaginative novel, written with poetic force . . . This is a beautifully constructed novel with a wealth of detail and characterisation. Moving and wonderful. * Daily Express *Clark has a wonderful eye for detail and a light comic touch . . . A funny, poised, and affecting meditation on the healing power of poetry -- Daisy Dunn * The Times *An impeccably told story of isolation and creativity, it's as involving as a thriller. -- Hepzibah Anderson * Mail on Sunday *One of those wonderfully rare novels that catches hold of you and reels you effortlessly in from the moment you begin turning its pages . . . A novel about loneliness and finding the strength to be yourself, as well as the power of imagination. In succumbing to this compulsive book, I found myself reminded of that power . . . Its lyricism and imaginative prowess bring to life the inner lives of two poets separated by time -- Edwina Boyd-Gibbins * Stylist *This lyrical novel about the poet WH Auden and a young mother is captivating * Heat *A meeting of minds across time, between a modern-day woman poet and a young WH Auden, illustrates the redemptive power of the poetic imagination * The Lady *A haunting read, this novel charts the bravery that allows unusual people to transcend banality and suffering with the power of their imagination * Good Housekeeping *A beautifully written debut about outsiders, creativity and motherhood -- Sarra Manning * Red *This quietly beautiful and hugely atmospheric novel is as rich as it is compelling * Heat *Bringing a long dead poet to brilliant life . . . It makes for a powerful and moving read . . . Clark hits emotional beats with her characters that often take the reader by surprise with their sheer power . . . Moving, powerful and immensely readable, Larchfield is a book of isolation, growth, love and friendship. Hugely recommended and fantastically written; author Polly Clark is a huge talent and one I'll be keen to watch out for in the future -- Luke Marlowe * Bookbag *A mesmerising time-slip tale . . . a beautiful, poetic story -- Nina Pottell * Prima *Larchfield is a beautiful debut about a woman's struggle with isolation and sanity woven with the story of poet W. H. Auden, which signals Polly Clark as an author to watch * i Paper *Congratulations on Larchfield! Helpful imaginary Auden, beset wife, evil upstairsers: gripping turf wars of the mind! * Margaret Atwood *Larchfield is beautifully eloquent about that quotidian kind of courage that so often goes overlooked: that fortitude that allows us to engage compassion through our loneliness, and to construct a future in which our truest selves might fit. * Jim Shepard *A fine novel of rich mysteries. What an original way to explore the assembling or collapse of identity; the reader has a powerful sense of a kind of vortex into which the two main characters are drawn - with a masterly stroke of unexpected impossibility standing in for a moment of mental collapse. I was riveted. * John Fuller *The sense of danger hanging over the characters kept me reading until past midnight * Marina Lewycka *So wise, tender, and immaculately written. It's full of such delicate poetry yet I devoured it like a thriller. A beautiful, life-affirming read. * Emylia Hall *I was absorbed by this rich and atmospheric novel with its brooding sense of isolation, its poetic language and its portrait of a mental breakdown * Fanny Blake *Brava brava! Most satisfying thing I've read this year. Beautiful. * Brian Chikwava *Striking . . . Clark, a TS Eliot Prize-Shortlisted poet, writes beautifully * Bookseller *A beautiful debut novel about a woman's struggle with isolation and sanity woven into the story of the poet W. H. Auden. It's about bravery, loneliness and survival and was inspired by the author's own plight when she moved to Helensburgh in Scotland and found a connection with Auden that was to change her life * Foyles *Wonderful characters and set pieces * Di Speirs *What a wonderfully satisfying and gratifying book it is: vivid, moving, sympathetic, beautifully shaped, convincingly inventive, and tactful in its approach to painful depths. I enjoyed it enormously. * Edward Mendelson *I have no doubt that the best novel that I have read in the past year was Polly Clark's debut Larchfield. Extraordinarily inventive . . . it is moving, haunting, searingly memorable and a very significant artistic achievement * Michael Russell, MSP *A story beautifully and passionately rendered * Margie Orford *A deft and moving portrayal of isolation * Juliet Mushens *The one to watch, according to * Sunday Times, Sun, Red, Heat, The Lady, Scotsman, Foyles *

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Book SynopsisIn the once beautiful city of Aleppo, one Syrian family collapses into tragedy and ruin. The mother, abandoned by her husband, struggles to raise her children alone. Her daughter Sawsan flirts with the militias, the ruling party, and finally religion, seeking but never finding salvation. All are slowly choked in the fog of violence and decay, as their lives are plundered and their dreams wrecked by the brutal Assad regime. Set between the 1960s and 2000s, No Knives in the Kitchens of this City is a graceful and profound depiction of life under tyranny. Through the story of a single family, we read the disintegration of a whole society over half a century. This novel teaches us about grief, fear, and the end of beauty.Trade Review"Khaled Khalifa writes about his native city with sensuality and an almost feral intensity . . . . No Knives in the Kitchens of This City offers a glimpse into how terrified and empty of hope the people of a city must be to rise up in revolt. The future offers them nothing. It is a castle of closed doors. . . . The sights, smells and horror of living in Aleppo come pounding to life in this book. The place, to me, is no longer an abstraction, and Mr. Khalifa clearly fears for its fate throughout."--New York Times"One of the rising stars of Arab fiction . . . a rare public voice."--New York Times"Critically acclaimed . . . [No Knives in the Kitchens of this City] traces the degrading and destructive impact of Syria's dictatorship on the lives of a family from Aleppo."--Financial Times"Intricately plotted, chronologically complicated and a pleasure to read. . . . The writing is superb--a dense, luxurious realism pricked with surprising metaphors. It is lyrical, sensuous and so semantically rich that at times it resembles a prose poem . . . . A sad but beautiful book, providing important human context to the escalating Syrian tragedy."--The Guardian"Khalifa writes a raw, exquisite account of the Assad regime's loosening grip on [Syria] and the accompanying chaos."--Washington Independent Review of Books"Required reading for anyone who wants to better understand the roots of the uprising and current conflict in Syria."--Literary Hub"A searing indictment of the Syrian regime."--The NationalThe poetry and lyricism of the prose make for an easy and compelling read. . . . The author gives us an encapsulated view of the region s political and social history from the First World War to the American-led invasion and occupation of Iraq. A very timely read. PowellsBooks.BlogMagnificent . . . offers a bigger vision, reminding us that all politics are personal. Barnes & Noble Review"It's a nuanced, sensual read which should leave the reader thinking about Aleppo's future and whose hands (or knives) will shape it."--Washington Independent Review of Books "[Khalifa is] one of the rising stars of Arab fiction . . . a rare public voice."--New York Times"Critically acclaimed . . . [No Knives in the Kitchens of this City] traces the degrading and destructive impact of Syria's dictatorship on the lives of a family from Aleppo."--Financial Times"Intricately plotted, chronologically complicated and a pleasure to read. . . . The writing is superb--a dense, luxurious realism pricked with surprising metaphors. It is lyrical, sensuous and so semantically rich that at times it resembles a prose poem . . . . A sad but beautiful book, providing important human context to the escalating Syrian tragedy."--The Guardian"Khalifa writes a raw, exquisite account of the Assad regime's loosening grip on [Syria] and the accompanying chaos."--Washington Independent Review of Books"Required reading for anyone who wants to better understand the roots of the uprising and current conflict in Syria."--Literary Hub"A searing indictment of the Syrian regime."--The National

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Book SynopsisOne Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and DangerFor plucky Lillian Avery, America''s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg''s attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother''s best friend.During the darkest days of the war, Arch''s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian''s trust and affection?Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won''t soon forget.

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Book SynopsisBestselling author brings to life the Bible's most famous story of passion, betrayal, and redemption.

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Book SynopsisIn this triumphant bestseller, renowned novelist James A. Michener unfolds a powerful and poignant drama of disenchanted youth during the Vietnam era. Against exotic backdrops including Spain, Morocco, and Mozambique, he weaves together the heady dreams, shocking tribulations, and heartwarming bonds of six young runaways cast adrift in the world—as well as the hedonistic pursuit of drugs and pleasure that collapses all around them. With the sure touch of a master, Michener pulls us into the private world of these unforgettable characters, exposing their innermost desires with remarkable candor and infinite compassion.   Praise for The Drifters   “A blockbuster of a book . . . full of surprise, drama, and fascination.”—Philadelphia Bulletin   “Rings with authentic detail and clearly descriptive sights and smells . . . The Drifters is to the generation gap w

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A TNT ORIGINAL SERIES • “A first-rate tale of crime and punishment that will keep readers guessing until the final pages.”—Entertainment Weekly “Caleb Carr’s rich period thriller takes us back to the moment in history when the modern idea of the serial killer became available to us.”—The Detroit NewsWhen The Alienist was first published in 1994, it was a major phenomenon, spending six months on the New York Times bestseller list, receiving critical acclaim, and selling millions of copies. This modern classic continues to be a touchstone of historical suspense fiction for readers everywhere.The year is 1896. The city is New York. Newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore is summoned by his friend Dr. Laszlo Kreizler—a psychologist, or “alienist”—to view the horribly mutilated body of an adolesce

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Book Synopsis'Sumptuous and moving' LAURA PURCELL'A richly imagined and brilliantly twisty tale' ANNA MAZZOLA'A plot as finely detailed as Spitalfields silk' STACEY HALLSWHEN ESTHER THOREL, the wife of a Huguenot silk-weaver, rescues Sara Kemp from a brothel she thinks she is doing God's will. Sara is not convinced being a maid is better than being a whore, but the chance to escape her grasping 'madam' is too good to refuse.INSIDE THE THORELS' tall house in Spitalfields the two women forge an uneasy relationship. Sara despises her mistress's blindness to the hypocrisy of her household, while Esther is too wrapped up in her own secrets to see what's going on.ESTHER IS IN LOVE with silk design, till now the province of men. When her husband laughs at her ambition, it sets in motion events that will change the fate of the whole Thorel household and pave the way for a devastating day of reckoning between Esther and Sara.Trade ReviewA sumptuous and moving debut. Velton weaves her tale with the threads of betrayal, thwarted dreams and good intentions gone awry -- Laura Purcell, author of The Silent CompanionsThis exquisitely evocative novel will appeal to fans of The Miniaturist -- Sarra Manning * Red *Velton gives [her characters] genuine depth in a moving story of love, secrets and betrayal * Sunday Times *Romance and revenge, hypocrisy and hardship play out against a vividly researched backdrop * S magazine *

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Book SynopsisPraise for the series'Carefully researched, vivid, and passionately told, this is the story of a fascinating new Nero' - Madeline Miller'Gripping' - Barbara Taylor Bradford'A refreshing and original interpretation of Rome's infamous ruler' - Sunday ExpressFrom New York Times bestselling author Margaret George, Emperor Nero: The Splendour Before The Dark is the stunning conclusion to Nero’s story.With the beautiful and cunning Poppaea at his side, Nero Augustus commands the Roman Empire, ushering in an unprecedented era of artistic and cultural splendour. Although he has yet to produce an heir, his power is absolute. But in the tenth year of his reign, a terrifying prophecy comes to pass and a fire engulfs Rome, reducing entire swaths of the city to rubble. Rumours of Nero's complicity in the blaze start to sow unrest among the populace

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Book Synopsis''THOROUGHLY ENTHRALLING'' BooklistA young witch must choose between love and loyalty, power and ambition, in this magical novel set in Gilded Age New York and London.In 1692, Bridget Bishop was hanged as a witch. Two hundred years later, her legacy lives on in the scions of two very different lines: one dedicated to using their powers to heal and help women in need; the other, determined to grasp power for themselves.This clash will play out in the fate of Annis, a young woman in Gilded Age New York who finds herself a pawn in the family struggle for supremacy. She''ll need to claim her own power to save herself - and resist succumbing to the darkness that threatens to overcome them all.''A must-read for those who like magic, love, and a little bit of feel-good feminism in their historical fiction'' Library Journal''An Austen-esque romance, a heart-racing mystery full of dangerous twists and an anxiety-inTrade ReviewA must-read for those who like magic, love, and a little bit of feel-good feminism in their historical fiction * Library Journal *An Austen-esque romance, a heart-racing mystery full of dangerous twists and an anxiety-inducing yet enthralling family feud, Louisa Morgan's The Age of Witches is anything but a traditional tale of good versus evil. * BookPage *Morgan's beautifully conjured tale of three women, social mores, and the sanctity of self-determination is thoroughly enthralling * Booklist *[A] robust tale of matriarchal magic in a lushly depicted Gilded Age New York . . . Readers will root for these powerful women as they struggle to overcome the social limitations of their time, whether through magic or force of personality * Publishers Weekly *This is a book about witches, told from their perspective. As such, it's a lyrically and lovely written triumph about independent, unusual women * Book Riot *The story is enchanting, and Morgan shapes her characters into fully realized people with compelling hopes, poignant histories, and sometimes desperate ambitions... Morgan's incantatory prose and independent-minded women will delight fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen with this tale of female self-realization and magical realism. A highly enjoyable read * Historical Novel Society *

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Book SynopsisThe wildly successful and much-beloved Becoming Mrs. Lewis is now available in an expanded trade paper edition.Trade Review'Callahan (The Bookshop at Water's End) vividly enters the life of a woman searching for both God and romantic love in this pleasing historical novel about writer and poet Joy Davidman. In 1946, Joy lives in Ossining, N.Y., with her alcoholic husband, Bill Gresham, and her two small sons. In a moment of desperation, she prays to a God she doesn't believe in and experiences feeling 'fully known and loved.' Three years later, now deeply considering Christianity, she writes to Christian apologist C.S. Lewis with her questions about God. He responds, beginning a long-term correspondence in which Joy finds 'peace, connection, and intellectual intimacy.' By 1952, she wants to leave her unfaithful, abusive husband, but sees no way out. She does manage to take a much-needed physical and mental respite, heading to England for six months and falling in love with both England and Lewis; her only regret is leaving behind her sons. But, even after Bill and Joy divorce, Lewis at first keeps their relationship platonic, and Joy must search for true love and fulfillment through her relationship with God. Making full use of historical documentation, Callahan has created an incredible portrait of a complex woman.' * Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW *'While I've read all the biographies on CS Lewis and Joy Davidman, this is the one that broke my heart by sending me on the experience with them. Brilliant, and utterly poignant, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is one of the best tellings of one of the literary world's greatest love stories. Five out of Five shields.' * NarniaFans.com "Tumnus' Bookshelf" *

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Book SynopsisFor readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Choice: this is the story of the smallest library in the world - and the most dangerous.'It wasn't an extensive library. In fact, it consisted of eight books and some of them were in poor condition. But they were books. In this incredibly dark place, they were a reminder of less sombre times, when words rang out more loudly than machine guns...'Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious books the prisoners have managed to smuggle past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the secret librarian of Auschwitz, responsible for the safekeeping of the small collection of titles, as well as the 'living books' - prisoners of Auschwitz who know certain books so well, they too can be 'borrowed' to educate the children in the camp. But books are extremely dangerous. They make people think. And nowhere are they more dangerous than in Block 31 of Auschwitz, the children's block, where the slightest transgression can result in execution, no matter how young the transgressor... The Sunday Times bestseller for readers of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Choice. From the author of The Prince of the Skies, based on the incredible and moving true story of Dita Kraus, holocaust survivor and secret librarian for the children's block in Auschwitz. Trade Reviewan unforgettable, heartbreaking novel * Publishers Weekly, starred review *Like Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, it’s a sophisticated novel with mature themes, delivering an emotionally searing reading experience. An important novel that will stand with other powerful testaments from the Holocaust era. * Booklist, starred review *Though no punches are pulled about the unimaginable atrocity of the death camps, a life-affirming history. * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *this novel is one that could easily be recommended... alongside Elie Wiesel's Night and The Diary of Anne Frank ...once read, will never be forgotten...A hauntingly authentic Holocaust retelling * School Library Journal *an engrossing read, seamlessly translated from Iturbe's original Spanish. Iturbe retains the dignity and full horror of Dita's situation, while creating a narrative of hope and bravery in the face of fear. * Compass Magazine *

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Book Synopsis1950s Liverpool. In the tight-knit Irish Catholic community of the Four Streets, two girls are growing up. One is motherless – and hated by the cold woman who is determined to take her dead mother's place. The other is hiding a dreadful secret which she dare not let slip to anyone, lest it rips the heart out of the community. What can the people of the Four Streets do when a betrayal at the very heart of their world comes to light?Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR NADINE DORRIES: 'The characters are engaging, the streets scenes cinematic and the theme of the novel powerful' The Times. 'A vigorous and vibrant story... to be devoured in one sitting' Sunday Express. 'Fabulous characters... gorgeous sentences and sensational plotlines' With Love For Books. 'Catholic Liverpool, Irish immigrants and dark secrets... I couldn't put it down' Cristina Odone. 'Captivating, phenomenal and touching' * 23 Review Street *

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Book SynopsisLust for Life is the classic fictional re-telling of the incredible life of Vincent Van Gogh. “Vincent is not dead. He will never die. His love, his genius, the great beauty he has created will go on forever, enriching the world… He was a colossus… a great painter… a great philosopher… a martyr to his love of art. “Walking down the streets of Paris the young Vincent Van Gogh didn’t feel like he belonged. Battling poverty, repeated heartbreak and familial obligation, Van Gogh was a man plagued by his own creative urge but with no outlet to express it. Until the day he picked up a paintbrush.Written with raw insight and emotion, follow the artist through his tormented life, struggling against critical discouragement and mental turmoil and bare witness to his creative journey from a struggling artist to one of the world’s most celebrated artists.

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Book SynopsisAn awkward misfit, nine-year-old Fulke FitzWarin leaves his family for the household of Joscelin de Dinan, Lord of Ludlow. Once there, he begins to learn the knightly arts which he desperately hopes will free him from the shadows of his past.Joscelin''s youngest daughter, Hawise, befriends Fulke when he most needs it. But as the years pass, an enemy to Ludlow changes their friendship unalterably, forcing them onto opposite sides of a cruel divide.When the menace to Ludlow intensifies, Fulke must confront the future head on or fail on all counts, all the while desperate to know if Hawise stands with or against him.

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Book SynopsisTHE GENERALS is the compelling second novel in Simon Scarrow''s bestselling Wellington and Napoleon quartet. A must read for fans of Bernard Cornwell.In the turbulent aftermath of the French Revolution Napoleon Bonaparte stands accused of treachery and corruption. His reputation is saved by his skill in leading his men to victory in Italy and Egypt. But then he must restore order in France and find peace or victory over her enemies: England - and Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington).Wellesley is leading a vast army in India, where British interests are under threat. The campaign will result in the creation of the Raj - the jewel in the British Empire''s crown. Wellesley returns to England a hardened veteran and more determined than ever to end France''s domination of Europe.Both Wellesley and Napoleon intend to win - whatever the cost. Who will ultimately succeed?Trade Review'This is how to bring history alive.. Scarrow draws together the parallel threads of these two giants of history while, at the same time, subtly emphasising the differences in their characters... Scarrow's descriptive powers bring battles to life, from the sweeping panoply of the big picture down to the individual mano-a-mano fights with sword and bayonet, lance and musket. He also gives the reader a greater understanding of how armies behaved in an age when the winner takes all and everyone else must lock up their doors. At times it is blood-churning stuff. THE GENERALS is fiction at its best with all the dash and fervour of a ripping yarn' * Nottingham Evening Post *'One of the great duels in history, between two of its most fascinating characters. Simon Scarrow brings Wellington and Napoleon to life with a vengeance' * Paul Strathern, author of NAPOLEON IN EGYPT *'Scarrow plunges into the aftermath of the French Revolution for another rip-roaring adventure story' * Yorkshire Evening Post *'Scarrow builds up a fascinating picture of a world at war and sets the stage for the looming confrontation between these two military giants - an enthralling sequel' * Good Reading, Australia *'The characters are real, so too the battles... brought vividly to life with the thriller writer's skill' * Nottingham Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisDecember 1890: Eleven days before Christmas, Clarice and her husband, Reverend Dominic Corde, arrive in the idyllic village of Cottisham to watch over the Reverend Wynter''s flock, whilst he takes a richly deserved holiday.With its village green and thatched cottages, Cottisham is a far cry from the bleak London parish they''ve left behind. But Clarice can''t shake the feeling that the welcoming smiles of the locals are hiding dark secrets. When a shocking discovery confirms her suspicions, Clarice can''t resist investigating. Could it be that the Reverend is not all that he seems? Are there black sheep in the fold? One thing is certain: Clarice is determined to uncover the truth. Even if it means putting her own life in danger.Trade ReviewPraise for Anne Perry's other Christmas novellas: 'This brief work has an almost Jamesian subtlety, and with its powerful message of responsibility and redemption - "We need both to forgive and to be forgiven" - it conveys a moral force in keeping with the season * Wall Street Journal *The tale is redolent with Victorian atmosphere, from the hypocritical snobbishness to the rigid social conventions of the time * Tangled Web *If you don't have a lump in your throat by the time you finish the final few pages, you shouldn't have had all that sherry * Yorkshire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisIf you like Conn Iggulden, Simon Scarrow and David Gemmell, you will love this spellbinding Viking adventure, packed with battles, blood and gore, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Lancelot, Giles Kristian.An unabashed carnival of bloodletting and betrayal...Kristian has a knack for writing real blokes living their lives, not reciting their author''s research. -- DAILY TELEGRAPHA gripping tale of action and treachery which splendidly conjures up the sounds, sights and smells of Dark Age Britain... - HARRY SIDEBOTTOMA powerful, lightning-paced tale of the Norsemen in England... - BERNARD CORNWELLI have been thoroughly overwhelmed by the sheer brilliance of Kristian''s writing style, depth and colour of story, meaningful characters and clever humour. I have been most definitely impressed and have almost finished the 3rd book in the series. Time to return to the begTrade ReviewA gripping, bloody narrative. * BBC History magazine *A powerful, lightning-paced tale of the Norsemen in England; an astonishing and riveting debut -- Bernard CornwellAn unabashed carnival of bloodletting, betrayal and rough sex...Kristian has a knack for writing real blokes living their lives * Daily Telegraph *Plenty of interest for fans of Norse tales, with battles galore and the promise of more to come * Daily Mail *A gripping tale of action and treachery which splendidly conjures up the sounds, sights and smells of Dark Age Britain. It creates a believable world of men fighting, feasting and braving the sea, a time when the Christian and Norse gods were very real and very close in the thoughts of mankind. It leaves the reader keen for the sequel -- Harry Sidebottom, author of Warrior of Rome

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Book SynopsisFrom Giles Kristian, THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF LANCELOT, comes this brutal, bloody and captivating Viking adventure, continuing the story begun in the bestselling Raven: Blood Eye. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Robert Low and Game of Thrones. Kristian can really write...He weaves in rich historical detail with a light touch...His battle scenes are bone-crunchingly good, his descriptions of the Viking world bright and evocative...Giles Kristian is a great storyteller. -- BEN KANEAn all-action adventure...a brilliant story, beautifully told -- SUNDAY EXPRESSThis was a brilliant read for me as a weathered historical fiction reader. -- ***** Reader reviewThe action oozes energy...so that for those precious hours you are happily lost within this book''s own universe... -- ***** Reader review***************************************************IF YOU Trade ReviewAn all-action adventure...a joy to read...a brilliant story, beautifully told * SUNDAY EXPRESS *Kristian can really write...His battle scenes are bone crunchingly good, his descriptions of the Viking world bright and evocative...a great storyteller -- BEN KANE, author of The Forgotten LegionI loved it; I found it gripping and I ripped through it...always the sign of an exciting book -- ANGUS DONALD, author of OutlawAn excellent read which compares favourably with writers like Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden * Historical Novels Review *Gripping . . . splendidly conjures up the sounds, sights, and smells of Dark Age Britain -- HARRY SIDEBOTTOM, author of the "Warrior of Rome" series

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