Historical Fiction Books

Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of the Cazalet Chronicles, Elizabeth Jane Howard, Love All is a heartfelt story of love and adulthood in the 1960s.'Graceful, moving' – Daily ExpressThe late 1960s. For Persephone Plover, the daughter of distant and neglectful parents, the innocent, isolated days of childhood are long past. Now she must deal with the emotions of an adult world.Meanwhile in Melton, in the West Country, Jack Curtis – a self-made millionaire – has employed Persephone's aunt. A garden designer in her sixties, she is to deal with the terraces and glasshouses of the once beautiful local manor house – one that he has acquired at vast expense. He also has plans to start an arts festival, as a means to avoid the loneliness of divorce.Also in Melton are the Musgrove siblings, Thomas and Mary, whose parents originally owned and lived in Melton House. They are still trying to cope with emotional Trade ReviewHer talent seemed so effervescent, so unstoppable, that there was no predicting where it might take her -- Hilary Mantel, author of Wolf HallGraceful, moving . . . Howard's elegant prose, keen eye for detail and ability to make the reader care about her characters are second to none * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisMargaret Dickinson's Pauper's Gold is the heartfelt story of triumph over adversity, in the cotton mills of Derbyshire.Hannah Francis has been forced to leave her beloved mother and the life she knows in the silk mill town of Macclesfield and is set to become an apprentice at a cotton mill in the Derbyshire dales. It is a cruel blow for such a young girl, but her three travelling companions are even younger than she is, and Hannah is determined to keep their spirits up and remain in good cheer. Once she is settled in the mill, Hannah discovers that the hours of work are long, and the daily routine is dangerous, arduous and harsh, but her bright singing and capacity for joy lighten the load for everyone. Hannah soon becomes a favourite with the other mill workers. Friendships are forged and an innocent love starts to blossom. But can such a fragile love survive cruel reality? It is not long before she attracts the eye of Edmund CritchlowTrade Review‘A moving saga that is sure to tug at the heartstrings’ Lincolnshire Life‘Reader’s will enjoy a satisfying outcome at the culmination of a read that rather begs a sequel’ Peak Advertiser‘Lincolnshire’s answer to Catherine Cookson’ Grimsby Telegraph

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Book Synopsis''Binchy weaves her magic once again in an addictive story about families and people who aren''t always quite what they seem'' Woman & HomeBaby Frankie is born into an unusual family. Her mother is desperate to find someone to take care of her child and she doesn''t have much time.Noel doesn''t seem to be the most promising of fathers but despite everything, he could well be Frankie''s best hope. As for Lisa, she is prepared to give up everything for the man she loves; surely he''s going to love her back?And Moira is having none of it. She knows what''s right, and has the power to change the course of Frankie''s life...but Moira is hiding secrets of her own.Trade ReviewBinchy weaves her magic once again in an addictive story about families and people who aren't always quite what they seem. * WOMAN & HOME *I love her novels -- Elizabeth DayOne of our best-loved novelists weaves an intriguing story. * WOMAN'S OWN *An absolute delight from the most loved of storytellers. Maeve Binchy works her usual magic as we unravel the truth and joy - and sadness too - behind the story of two young people as they grow up to find fulfilment. * MY WEEKLY *This highly acclaimed Irish author has produced yet another heart-warmer ... a lovely story of unconventional relationships and the importance of children. * SOUTH WALES ARGUS *A delightful book about an unusual family * IRISH NEWS *A heart-warming tale of how affection and determination can deliver the love a child needs to flourish in an unconventional environment. * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *In 27 years Maeve Binchy has sold more than 40 million books. MINDING FRANKIE is a reminder of the author's savvy ability to delivery what her loyal following has come to expect. * IRISH TIMES *Maeve Binchy is a sublime storyteller, and with MINDING FRANKIE you are captured from the very first page until the final poignant last sentence. Her characters are always well drawn and this book is no exception, you are taken inside their lives and relationships. If you are looking for a book for a very satisfying weekend, or autumn read, this is absolutely perfect! Highly Recommended! * HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES *Binchy ... is a class act. * DAILY EXPRESS *It'll restore your faith in humanity. * ESSENTIALS *Maeve Binchy's novel are just the kind of comforting companions so many women can't wait to take to bed. ...Binchy's prose flows as naturally as conversation with a good friend. * THE LADY *Populated by a huge cast of completely believable characters, Minding Frankie is a delight of a book. * THE UNIVERSE *A must read book * WOMAN'S WAY *Maeve Binchy is a master storyteller * NEW YORK TIMES *

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Book SynopsisIn Boston’s North End, four immigrant women leave childhood behind—but never one another. For four young immigrant women living in Boston’s North End in the early 1900s, escaping tradition doesn’t come easy. But at least they have one another and the Saturday Evening Girls Club, a social pottery-making group offering respite from their hectic home lives—and hope for a better future. Ambitious Caprice dreams of opening her own hat shop, which clashes with the expectations of her Sicilian-born parents. Brilliant Ada secretly takes college classes despite the disapproval of her Russian Jewish father. Stunning Maria could marry anyone yet guards her heart to avoid the fate of her Italian Catholic mother, broken down by an alcoholic husband. And shy Thea is torn between asserting herself and embracing an antiquated Jewish tradition. The friends face family clashes and romantic entanglements, career struggles and cultural prejudice. But through their unfailing bond, forged through their weekly gathering, they’ll draw strength—and the courage to transform their immigrant stories into the American lives of their dreams.Trade Review“A breathtaking ode to female empowerment and the American Dream, The Saturday Evening Girls Club belongs on every feminist’s bookshelf. It’s the ultimate battle cry for female potential.” —Redbook “A beautifully written and refreshing reminder of the importance of friendship, The Saturday Evening Girls Club is a can’t-miss summer read.” —BuzzFeed Community “An empowering novel that you won’t want to put down.” —Brit + Co “[A] multicultural literary gem.” —Bookstr “The writing is so smooth that readers may not consciously notice all the cultural details tucked in.…Fans of warmhearted sagas should enjoy this.” —Historical Novel Society “From the first word to the last, this unputdownable novel celebrates the art of overcoming oppression and cultural prejudice, and embracing the strength found in female friendships. This summer’s most inspiring read for females, The Saturday Evening Girls Club is mandatory reading material for every feminist.” —Ms. Career Girl “A potent tale of the empowerment found in bonds of female friendship, The Saturday Evening Girls Club will enliven and uplift the reader. Every year requires a brilliant literary celebration of feminism, power, and the American dream, and The Saturday Evening Girls Club delivers.” —She Knows “Fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn should run to the nearest bookstore (or website) and grab a copy of Jane Healey’s novel. The Saturday Evening Girls Club brings to life the story of four young women creating lives for themselves in the early 1900s in Boston’s North End. Healey seamlessly weaves the narratives, exploring the hardships—of immigration, sexism, and cultural clashes—with a hearty dose of hope and resilience. These are strong women facing up to a new American world where work, love, and pushing against tradition can come at a cost. Book groups and readers looking to find friends on the page or discuss themes that resonate strongly today will adore The Saturday Evening Girls Club.” —Emily Franklin, author of The Girls’ Almanac and Last Night at the Circle Cinema “Follow the four women of Jane Healey's immersive historical drama and you'll come face to face with how different life truly was for women at the turn of the century. As Caprice, Thea, Ada, and Maria fight for the right to live, love, and work according to the changing times, you'll root for them at every turn to find their hearts' desire.” —Emily Carpenter, author of Burying the Honeysuckle Girls and The Weight of Lies “The Saturday Evening Girls Club carries special meaning as we reflect on the struggles that women have overcome. This story of four women trying to find independence in work and in love against cultures that don’t encourage such individualism is both engaging and educational. Prepare to have your heart tugged as you champion their friendships and their journey. A winner from author Healey—I look forward to reading more from her!” —Camille DiMaio, author of the bestselling novel The Memory of Us and the forthcoming Before the Rain Falls “Set in early twentieth-century Boston, The Saturday Evening Girls Club is a heartwarming story of love, laughter, ambition, and friendship. As daughters of immigrants, Caprice, Ada, Maria, and Thea struggle against family expectations to achieve their dreams. Delightfully immersive.” —M.K. Tod, author of Time and Regret

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Book Synopsis**From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, WAR CRY**The fate of England hangs in the balance of a fight between brothers...In DEVIL, David Churchill writes with the immediacy of Conn Iggulden, the epic ambition of Bernard Cornwell and the plotting of CJ Sansom. The Leopards of Normandy trilogy tells the story of William the Conqueror in all its wild, intoxicating, unfailingly dramatic glory.The noble families of Europe are tearing themselves apart in their lust for power and wealth.Emma, Queen of England, is in agony over the succession to her husband Canute''s throne ... while her brother, the Duke of Normandy''s sons battle in the wake of his death.Robert, the younger son, has been cheated of Normandy''s mightiest castle and sets out to take it by force. He emerges from a bloody siege victorious and in love with a beautiful - and pregnant - peasant girl.Robert''s Trade ReviewCleverly adds layers of blood and flesh to our skeletal knowledge of the people whose invasion of England changed our island for everAudacious, authentic, full of tension and tradecraft ... I loved it - Lee Child on Tom Cain's The Accident ManThe most audacious and timely thriller for years - Daily Mirror on The Accident ManWith subtlety and intelligence, Thomas joins the historical dots to produce a novel with plenty to say - eloquently - about the brutalising effects of the Holocaust - Guardian on Ostland by David ThomasThis nightmare-inducing new novel stretches crime fiction to its limits ... a compelling read - Mail on Sunday on OstlandAn intriguing mix of detection, thriller, courtroom drama, fact and fiction - The Times on Ostland

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Book Synopsis NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING TITLE THE ORPHAN'S TALE OUT NOW Love will tear them apart… Helena and Ruth Nowak are like chalk and cheese: one staunchly outspoken and independent, the other gentle and caring. Caught up in the struggle of Nazi occupied Poland, the sisters have bound together and created an enviable bond that can’t be broken. Or so they thought… When Helena discovers a Jewish Allied paratrooper, wounded but alive, she risks the safety of herself and her family to hide him. As her feelings for the solider grow deeper, she finds her loyalties torn. Outraged at this impulsive choice that endangers them all, mild-mannered Ruth finds herself becoming increasingly jealous of Helena. As tensions are sparked, a singular act of betrayal unleashes a chain of events that will endanger them all and reverberate for decades to come. From hardship and heartbreak, this gut-wrenching tale puts to the test the ties of sisterhood in the shadow of WW2. Praise for Pam Jenoff: ‘[A] heartbreakingly romantic story of forbidden love during WW2’ – Heat ‘Must read’ – Daily ExpressTrade ReviewWonderfully compelling… The story grips from the very first page, and the atmosphere of the circus is entrancing – you feel all the terror and thrill of the flying trapeze.’ – Margaret Leroy, author of The Soldier’s Wife ‘Secrets, lies, treachery, and passion…I read this novel in a headlong rush.’ – Christina Barker Kline, #1 bestselling author of Orphan Train ‘A thrilling, yet heart-breaking story of life and love, heroism and sacrifice in wartime Europe’ – My Weekly ‘This is a book not to be missed’ – Melanie Benjamin, bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue and The Aviator’s Wife ‘Jenoff has written a tribute to the human spirit that soars in the midst of epic despair…’–NPR ‘Jenoff’s prose is evocative and compelling’–The Globe and Mail “An emotional tale of survival and courage during a difficult time in Europe.” – Suzy Approved Book Reviews “Jenoff keeps readers on their toes with the numerous twists and turns… as well as the emotional peaks and valleys that had me reaching for tissues more than once.” – Romance Dish “THE ORPHAN’S TALE takes us on a heartbreaking, hopeful, touching and emotional journey; one that is not to be missed.” – Jennifer Blankfein

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Book SynopsisIn OSCAR WILDE AND THE NEST OF VIPERS, the fourth in Gyles Brandreth's acclaimed Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries series featuring Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle, the Prince of Wales asks Oscar to investigate a scandalous crime at the very heart of Victorian high society. 'Intelligent, amusing and entertaining' Alexander McCall Smith The story opens in the spring of 1890 at a glamorous reception hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Albemarle. All London's haut monde is there, including the Prince of Wales, who counts the Albemarles as close friends. Although it is the first time Oscar and Bertie have met, Oscar seems far more interested in Rex LaSalle, a young actor, who disarmingly claims to be a vampire.However, what begins as a diverting evening ends in tragedy. As the guests are leaving, the Duchess is found murdered, two tiny puncture marks in her throat. No one has entered the house; no one has left. Desperate to avoid another scandal, the Prince of Wales asks Oscar to investigate the crime. What he discovers threatens to destroy the very heart of the Royal Family.Trade ReviewPraise for Oscar Wilde and the Dead Man's Smile'Brandreth's portrait of Oscar Wilde is entirely plausible; plots are ingenious and the historical backgroud is fascinating' * Scotsman *'Cleverly plotted, intelligent and thoroughly diverting . . . This novel is an educated page-turner; a feast of intriguing and light-hearted entertainment' * Good Book Guide *Praise for Oscar Wilde and the Ring of Death'Hugely enjoyable' * Daily Mail *'A cast of historical characters to die for' * Sunday Times *'A carnival of cliff-hangers and fiendish twists-and-turns . . . The joy of the book . . . is the rounded and compelling presentation of the character of Wilde . . . The imaginary and the factual are woven together with devilish ingenuity. Brandreth also gives his hero speeches of great beauty and wisdom and humanity' * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisTHE COMPELLING NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER PHILIPPA GREGORYThe tale of one woman's ambitious ascent to royalty during the Wars of the Roses and the unsolved mystery around her sons' imprisonment in the Tower The first in a stunning series, The Cousins' War, is set amid the tumult and intrigue of The War of the Roses. Internationally bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings this family drama to colourful life through its women, beginning with the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.The White Queen tells the story of a common woman who ascends to royalty by virtue of her beauty, a woman who rises to the demands of her position and fights tenaciously for the success of her family, a woman whose two sons become the central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the Princes in the Tower whose fate remains unknown to this day. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores the most famous unsolved mystery, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.Praise for Philippa Gregory: ‘Meticulously researched and deeply entertaining, this story of betrayal and divided loyalties is Gregory on top form’ Good Housekeeping ‘Gregory has popularised Tudor history perhaps more than any other living fiction writer…all of her books feature strong, complex women, doing their best to improve their lives in worlds dominated by men’ Sunday Times ‘Engrossing’ Sunday Express ‘Popular historical fiction at its finest, immaculately researched and superbly told’ The Times * 'Queen of the historical novel' Mail on Sunday

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Book SynopsisLittle treasures, the FLAME TREE COLLECTABLE CLASSICS are chosen to create a delightful and timeless home library. Each stunning, gift edition features deluxe cover treatments, ribbon markers, luxury endpapers and gilded edges. The unabridged text is accompanied by a Glossary of Victorian and Literary terms produced for the modern reader. David Copperfield is the story of a hard life endured is ultimately rewarded because of perseverance, kindness and common sense. Copperfield loses his father as a child, his mother then marries Murdstone, a cruel man who oppresses her and sends the boy away from home to a hostel. His mother dies, then Copperfield is sent to a factory, before running away to his Aunt Betsey Trotwood who protects him and whose relationship he maintains throughout his life. Further suffering follows though when Copperfield's first wife dies in childbirth, but by the end of the novel he too marries once more, finally to live towards a happy end, with Agnes and their three children. Throughout, Dickens highlights the systemic abuse of the weak, the ill, and, often, the female, eager to show that society is at fault for poverty, not the individual, so the poor should be helped, not victimised.

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Book SynopsisThe must-read thriller inspired by the true story of Nancy Wake, the most decorated servicewoman of the Second World War, soon to be a major blockbuster film.

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Book SynopsisAD 642. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, action-packed historical thriller and the fifth instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell. Oswald has reigned over Northumbria for eight years and Beobrand has led the king to ever greater victories. Rewarded for his fealty and prowess in battle, Beobrand is now a wealthy warlord, with a sizable warband. Tales of Beobrand's fearsome black-shielded warriors and the great treasure he has amassed are told throughout the halls of the land. Many are the kings who bow to Oswald. And yet there are those who look upon his realm with a covetous eye. And there is one ruler who will never kneel before him. When Penda of Mercia, the great killer of kings, invades Northumbria, Beobrand is once more called upon to stand in an epic battle where the blood of many will be shed in defence of the kingdom. But in this climactic clash between the pagan Penda and the Christian Oswald there is much more at stake than sovereignty. This is a battle for the very souls of the people of Albion. What readers are saying about the series: 'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this' ANGUS DONALD, author of The Outlaw Chronicles. 'Matthew Harffy's tale of England in the Dark Ages is nothing less than superb' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY. 'Murder, betrayal and vengeance fuel tribal warfare and personal combat. Beobrand is the warrior to follow' DAVID GILMAN.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR MATTHEW HARFFY: 'A tale that rings like sword song in the reader's mind. Harffy knows his genre inside out and The Cross and the Curse proves it' Giles Kristian. 'The author has done a brilliant job of drawing the reader in, and making you feel like you can actually see whats happening in your minds eye' -- Stephen Walker, Netgalley

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Book SynopsisThe port of Tianjin is where the ancient Chinese empire met the sea. The turn of the 20th century was a tumultuous time for the city, with the Qing dynasty on its last legs and the Boxers unleashing their ill-fated rebellion against the European trading concessions that had colonised its streets.For Tianjin’s inhabitants, daily life carried on. These hardy people were shaped by the bitter earth from which they sprang, and every once in a while, there would emerge someone so remarkable that a new name would be inducted into Tianjin’s hall of fame.From a miracle doctor to an ill-mannered mynah bird, they came from every walk of life and in all shapes and sizes. Together, their stories make up the rich tapestry of a city that the modern world has washed away...

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Book SynopsisRobert Fabbri read Drama and Theatre at London University and worked in film and TV for twenty-five years. He has a life-long passion for ancient history, which inspired him to write the bestselling Vespasian series and the Alexander's Legacy series. He lives in London and Berlin.Trade ReviewA stonking read. -- Classic FMRobert Fabbri has a winner on his hands. * The BookPlank *Fabbri's Vespasian novels have been creating quite a stir. * The History Girls *

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Book SynopsisRobert Fabbri read Drama and Theatre at London University and worked in film and TV for twenty-five years. He has a life-long passion for ancient history, which inspired him to write the bestselling Vespasian series and the Alexander's Legacy series. He lives in London and Berlin.Trade ReviewRobert Fabbri has a winner on his hands. * The BookPlank *A stonking read. * Classic FM *Fabbri's Vespasian novels have been creating quite a stir. * The History Girls *

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Book SynopsisThe No.1 Sunday Times bestselling novel! *Don''t miss Fern''s brand-new novel A Cornish Legacy out now!*Three women. A chance to rewrite history 1918.The Great War is over, and Clara Carter has boarded a train bound for Cornwall to meet a family that would once have been hers. But they must never discover her secret1939. Hannah has always been curious about her mother's mysterious past, but the outbreak of the Second World War casts everything in a new light. As the bombs begin to fall, Hannah and her brothers are determined to do their bit for the war effort whatever the cost.2020. Caroline has long been the keeper of her family's secrets. But now, with her own daughter needing her more than ever, it's time to tell the truth to show Natalie that she comes from a long line of women who have weathered the storms of life, as hardy and proud as the rugged Cornish coastlineFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author comes a sweeping, epic novel of mothers and daughters, secrets and lies, and a love that lasts a lifetimeTrade ReviewPraise for Fern Britton ‘A charming story that is full of hope…will help put a spring in your step’ The Courier ‘This is ideal holiday reading’ Woman Cornwall is only a page away in this gorgeous, heart-warming novel – a wonderful read for the summer holidays! ‘A warm, easy read that depicts the joys of rural Cornwall’ Daily Mail ‘The warmth and empathy that have made Fern Britton such a popular TV presenter are evident in her latest novel’ Woman’s Weekly

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Book Synopsis''Vivid, bawdy and bitter'' THE TIMES ''A first-rate first novel . . . pungent, raunchy dialogue . . . passages of fine understated wit'' IVAN GOLD, NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW Pat Barker''s first novel shows the women of Union Street, young and old, meeting the harsh challeges of poverty and survival in a precarious world.There''s Kelly, at eleven, neglected and independent, dealing with a squalid rape; Dinah, knocking on sixty and still on the game; Joanne, not yet twenty, not yet married and already pregnant. Old Alice is welcoming her impending death whilst Muriel helplessly watches the decline of her stoical husband.And linking them all, watching over them all, mother to half the street, is fiery, indomitable Iris.Trade ReviewVivid, bawdy and bitter * The Times *They are gritty ... but it is not a cheap grit, rather one that has been ground out, grain by grain, in order to give a realistic picture of life as it was - and remains today for many in forgotten pockets up and down the country -- Belinda Webb * Guardian *A first-rate first novel . . . pungent, raunchy dialogue . . . passages of fine understated wit -- Ivan Gold * New York Times Book Review *The novel's point is life, and how rich and hard it is, and the different ways people have of toughing it through the pain without being crushed -- Meredith Tax * The Village Voice *Vivid, bawdy and bitter * The Times 'Barker's talent for gently sifting through the hidden depths of the human psyche is awesome’ *Nova

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Book SynopsisMiriam and her people have prayed for deliverance from the cruel tyranny of Egypt for generations. She believes her brother is the long-awaited answer to their pleas. But how can the exiled prince-turned-shepherd Moses stand against the most powerful man in the world?

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Book SynopsisJanuary 1830, the prime minister, the Iron Duke, is resisting growing calls for parliamentary reform, provoking scenes of violent unrest in the countryside. Against this inflammable backdrop Lieutenant-Colonel Matthew Hervey, recently returned from an assignment in the Balkans, takes command of his regiment, the 6th Light Dragoons.Trade ReviewThe Matthew Hervey books have a way of getting under your skin...reveals a man who is very much of his time -and one to have beside you when riding into action. -- Elizabeth Buchan * DAILY MAIL *One for the fans, who will not be disappointed by Mallinson's winning combination of scrupulous research and derring-do...with the French in front and the Russians behind, Hervey's your man. -- Antonia Senior * THE TIMES *

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Book Synopsis 1941. The Blitz rages over London. And even in Cornwall, the war is being fought… Trade Review‘A fascinating story, beautifully written, with interesting characters I really liked. A most enjoyable read!’ Kitty Neale, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Daughter’s Ruin ‘A warm-hearted story – at times I laughed and at others I held my breath … I loved the characters and I’m delighted it is the first in a series’ Pam Weaver, Sunday Times bestselling author of Goodnight Sweetheart ‘This is the first in a series, which is great news for fans of Betty Walker and the Cornish Girls!’ Historical Novel Society

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Book Synopsis'A moving and engaging addition to the family saga and drama of The Four Streets... Vibrancy and colour warm the pages' LoveReading In equal measure gritty and tender, Coming Home to the Four Streets is the latest instalment in the Four Streets saga, from Sunday Times bestseller Nadine Dorries. Trouble is coming to the four streets, especially for its redoubtable women, who've struggled through a bitter winter to put food on the table. The Dock Queen Carnival is only weeks away, but there's no money for the usual celebrations. No sign of a tramp ship with illicit cargo to be quietly siphoned off by the dockers. Peggy Nolan, with seven boys and a husband too lazy to work, has hit rock bottom and is hiding a terrible secret. Little Paddy, her mischievous eldest, is all too often in trouble, but he'd do anything for the mother he loves. How can he save her from selling herself on the streets – or worse? Maura and Tommy Doherty always looked out for any neighbour in trouble, especially Peggy, but they're far away, running a pub in Ireland and corrupt copper, Frank the Skank, is moving into their old house on the four streets. Can anything bring them home in time? Praise for Nadine Dorries: 'A moving and engaging addition to the family saga and drama of The Four Streets... Just as warm, gossipy and familiar as I remember... Vibrancy and colour warm the pages... Coming Home to the Four Streets will appeal to anyone who loves an entertaining family saga, this is a satisfying and rewarding return to the series' LoveReading 'Charming, gutsy and full of raw emotions' Rachel Bustin 'The characters are engaging, the streets scenes cinematic and the theme of the novel – abuse, both sexual and domestic – powerful' The Times 'Angela's Ashes with a scouse accent' Irish TimesTrade ReviewAn entertaining and rewarding family saga with plenty of drama set in 1950's Liverpool * LoveReading *PRAISE FOR NADINE DORRIES: 'Nadine Dorries has quickly established herself as the queen of the Liverpool saga and she is back with a heart-wrenching and captivating new novel' Bookish Jottings. 'As heart-warming as it is heartbreaking, this novel is unputdownable' Sunday Express. 'Angela's Ashes with a scouse accent' Irish Times. 'A funny and sometimes shocking saga. I couldn't put it down' Cristina Odone. 'Fabulous characters... Gorgeous sentences and sensational plotlines' * With Love for Books *

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Book SynopsisThe second book in the brand new Backshaw Moss series from million-copy bestseller Anna JacobsLancashire, 1930s. When her mother dies, leaving her an old sewing box and a clue to her father's identity, 22-year-old Maisie Bassett is determined to make a fresh start.Changing her name and moving to the small town of Rivenshaw, she finds a respectable job in a grocery store. But unwanted attentions from a man at her new church make life increasingly difficult - until the shy, handsome Gabriel Harte comes to her rescue.Then she receives an inheritance from a distant relative and her world is turned upside down. The home she's always dreamed of may finally be hers - if she can keep it safe from a grasping slum landlord. With Gabriel's help, can Maisie untangle the secrets of her past and secure her future?Curl up with this heartwarming read from the Queen of the Rural Saga - perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Katie Flynn*** Can't wait for more Anna Jacobs? Make sure you're not missing out with this list of first books in her other series: A Daughter's Journey (Birch End Series) One Quiet Woman (Ellindale Series) Salem Street (Gibson Family Series) A Time to Remember (Rivenshaw Saga) The Trader's Wife (Traders Series) Farewell to Lancashire (Swan River Saga) Pride of Lancashire (Music Hall Series) A Pennyworth of Sunshine (Irish Sisters Series) Our Lizzie (Kershaw Sisters) Readers love Anna Jacobs' Birch End Series! 'Amazing' - 5 STARS 'Thank you, Anna, for the pleasure you give in all your books' - 5 STARS 'Another brilliant, hard-to-put-down book' - 5 STARS 'Can't wait for the next instalment' - 5 STARS 'A real page turner, I can't wait to read the next one' - 5 STARS 'Another triumph for Anna Jacobs' - 5 STARS 'BRILLIANT READ' - 5 STARSTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR ANNA JACOBS:This is that rare thing, a pacy page-turner with a ripping plot and characters you care about . . . [Anna Jacobs is] especially big on resourceful, admirable women. Great stuff! * Daily Mail *Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around * Historical Novels Review *[Anna Jacobs' books have an] impressive grasp of human emotions * The Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis''FAULTLESS STORYTELLING'' Observer''A PORTRAIT OF SISTERHOOD ... POWERFUL, WISE, CELEBRATORY'' Daily MailA compelling novel about family secrets and the legacy of trauma, set against the changing fortunes of an English seaside town, from award-winning writer Stella Duffy. When Lucy discovers the body of her great aunt Kitty, with a puzzling note and empty pill bottles by her bed, she can''t believe that the formidable woman who held her family together is gone - or understand why she has taken her own life. Lucy is determined to decipher Kitty''s final message. What she finds will overturn everything she thought she knew about her family. Lullaby Beach takes the reader on a journey through three generations of a complicated, close-knit family whose joys and misfortunes track many of the most pressing conflicts and concerns of post-war Britain, from the promise and hypocrisies of 1950s London to the poTrade ReviewDuffy is a fearless writer ... A portrait of sisterhood in the wider sense - one that's as powerful and gritty as it is wise and celebratory -- Stephanie Cross * DAILY MAIL *Lullaby Beach explores familial legacy, generational secrets and the effects of long-lasting trauma with a distinct tenderness * New Statesman *Whether it's down to the sure rhythm of Duffy's faultless storytelling or the faded backdrop of the south coast of England, her latest novel is a comforting tale despite some gritty subject matter. It opens as eighty-something Kitty takes her own life, leaving behind not just a gaping hole in the world of her two great-nieces, but a mystery, too. Four dates contained in a note seem to hold the key, concealing secrets that bind three generations of Beth and Sara's family. Wise, generous and atmospheric -- Hephzibah Anderson * Observer *A suicide in a sleepy English seaside town exposes family secrets that have lain dormant for three generations in thisatmospheric novel . . . The action is set in the present day and the 1950s. We meet Kitty as an idealistic young girl keen to escape the monotony of her small-minded seaside existence. She elopes with an unsuitable man and starts a new life in London. But it doesn't quite match up to her expectations and she comes running back home, licking her wounds. The narrative masterfully interweaves her story with that of other women in her family, leading to a dramatic finale * The Lady *A writer who never lets you down * ALI SMITH *First class * MARCEL BERLINS, THE TIMES *Sharp insights and sharper wit * DAILY MAIL *A powerful talent * GUARDIAN *Nobody turns the screw of tension tighter than Stella Duffy * VAL MCDERMID *Duffy writes with a judicious combination of power and subtlety * SUNDAY TIMES *A versatile and gifted novelist * LAURA LIPPMAN *

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Book Synopsis? Don't miss the new uplifting historical saga series from Molly Green, set at famous Bletchley Park: Summer Secrets at Bletchley Park available to pre-order now! ?Britain, 1943Ronnie Linfoot may be the youngest of three sisters, but she's determined to do her bitAgainst her strict mother's wishes, Ronnie signs up to join the Grand Union Canal Company, where she'll be working on a narrowboat taking critical supplies between London and Birmingham.But with no experience on the waterways, she must learn the ropes quickly. She's facing dreadful weather, long days, and rough living conditions. At least she isn't on her own.In the toughest times, will Ronnie and her fellow trainees pull together? For even in the darkest days of war, hope and friendship can see you throughAn uplifting tale of courage and camaraderie, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Elaine Everest.Molly Green creates realistic characters and situations that keep you turning the pages' Katie Fforde, Sunday Times bestselleTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR MOLLY GREEN ‘Molly Green creates realistic characters and situations that keep you turning the pages.’ Katie Fforde 'A moving, gripping story set during WW2, of a woman's dedication to the orphans in her care and her heart wrenching love.’ Kitty Neale ‘Redolent of wartime Britain and brimming with heartfelt stories from several characters, Molly Green's sure-footed novel shows just how challenging it was to find love and a place to call home in the dark days of the war.’ Terri Fleming ‘A lovely, heartfelt, warming slice of saga fiction … There is a gentleness to the writing as it walks some difficult paths, ensuring AN ORPHAN’S WAR is an engaging, generous read.’ Liz Robinson, LoveReading ‘A gripping read’ My Weekly ‘Meticulously researched and brings into focus the sterling work of the women of the ATA … An engrossing story, with a strong, likeable female protagonist facing issues we still face today.’ Historical Novel Society Magazine ‘Memorable characters, a well written, plausible plot and very good descriptions of the time and place. The scenes and details of Dr Barnardo’s are especially interesting as the plight of orphans is rarely considered when we think of World War Two … We often forget the ordinary people surviving day-to-day ‘back home’.’ Discovering Diamonds Blog

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Book Synopsis‘Fascinating and immersive… I love a novel that deals with the many ways in which people keep their secrets’ DIANA GABALDON A sweeping love story set against the Jacobite revolution from much-loved, million copy bestselling author Susanna KearsleyAutumn, 1707. Old enemies from the Highlands to the Borders are protesting the new Union with England. As the French prepare an invasion to bring the exiled Jacobite king back to Scotland to reclaim his throne, the streets of Edinburgh are filled with discontent. To calm the situation, Queen Anne’s commissioners are settling the losses and wages owed to those Scots involved in the disastrous Darien expedition eight years earlier. When Lily, widow of a Darien sailor, comes forward to collect his wages, her claim is challenged. One of the men assigned to her case has only days to decide if she’s honest. Are his own feelings making him blind to the truth? Or could he be a pTrade ReviewPraise for Susanna Kearsley's books: ‘A thrilling, haunting and deeply romantic story powerfully told by an engaging heroine…enchanting and beautifully evoked.’ RACHEL HORE 'I've loved every one of her books! She has bedrock research and a butterfly's delicate touch with characters?sure recipe for historical fiction that sucks you in and won't let go!' DIANA GABALDON, bestselling author of Outlander ‘A deeply-engaging romance and a compelling historical novel... a marvellous book.’ BERNARD CORNWELL 'The Vanished Days exhibits Kearsley's ability to deftly balance dual time lines to great dramatic effect, right up to the twist of an ending... this book stands on its own and will find an eager audience among fans of romantic historical fiction' Booklist

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Book Synopsis'The Last Summer is meticulously researched and beautifully told . . . a wonderfully satisfying read' – Santa MontefioreThe Sunday Times Bestselling Historical FictionSummer on St Kilda – a wild, remote Scottish island. In the 1930s, two strangers from drastically different worlds meet . . .Wild-spirited Effie Gillies has lived all her life on the small island of St Kilda. But when Lord Sholto, heir to the Earl of Dumfries, visits, the attraction between them is instant. For one glorious week she guides the handsome young visitor around the isle, falling in love for the first time – until a storm hits and her world falls apart.Three months later, St Kilda lays silent as the islanders are evacuated for a better life on the mainland. With her friends and family scattered, Effie is surprised to be offered a position working on the Earl’s estate. Sholto is back in her life but their differences now seem insurmountable, even as the simmering tension between them grows . . .Then, when a shocking discovery is made back on St Kilda, all her dreams for this bright new life are threatened by the dark secrets Effie and her friends thought they had left behind.Opposites attract in this epic and spellbinding novel, which transports us from the untamed beauty of St Kilda to the glamour and intrigues of high society in the 1930s.The Last Summer is the first book in the Wild Isle series by Sunday Times bestseller Karen Swan, inspired by the true history of St Kilda and its small island community. It is followed by The Stolen Hours.'The most exciting, enchanting and evocative story of forbidden love I’ve ever read. I truly loved it and am waiting feverishly for the second instalment' – Cathy Bramley'Powerful writing and a wonderful premise make this a novel you’ll simultaneously want to savour and race through. I loved it and can’t wait for the next in the series!' – Jill Mansell'A delicious romantic tale of wild 1930s Scotland . . . perfect for everyone dreaming of summer' – Rachel HoreTrade ReviewA dramatic start to a gripping new series set on the Scottish island of St Kilda. The Last Summer is meticulously researched and beautifully told by one of our most prolific and talented writers. It contains all the ingredients of a wonderfully satisfying read: love, passion, drama, violence, menace and peril, and characters you fall in love with - and some you hate! Happily, this is the start of a series so your longing for more will be fulfilled. -- Santa Montefiore, author of An Italian Girl in BrooklynThis sweeping love story gripped us from the start, so we can’t wait for the next in the series. Best historical romance of 2022 * Independent *I so enjoyed The Last Summer by Karen Swan, which provides fascinating details about life on St Kilda prior to the evacuation of its inhabitants from the island. Powerful writing and a wonderful premise make this a novel you’ll simultaneously want to savour and race through. I loved it and can’t wait for the next in the series! -- Jill Mansell, author of Should I Tell You?The most exciting, enchanting and evocative story of forbidden love I’ve ever read. I truly loved it and am waiting feverishly for the second installment. -- Cathy Bramley, author of The Summer That Changed UsA delicious romantic tale of wild 1930s Scotland . . . perfect for everyone dreaming of summer -- Rachel Hore, author of One Moonlit NightA sweeping page-turner with an engrossing love story at its heart, this is an absolute treat for historical fiction fans. Swan is a superb storyteller. I loved it. -- Eve Chase, author of The Glass HouseThe queen of destination books...exciting...beguiling...The first in a new series, we're already looking forward to meeting these characters again . . . * Woman and Home *Vividly drawn and beautifully atmospheric, this is a book to savour. * Heat Magazine *Wonderfully romantic and epic in feel, this beautiful historical novel is a fascinating and deliciously escapist read -- Tasmina Perry, author of Guilty Pleasures and Perfect StrangersWhat a great adventure! The perfect way to tell the tale of the St Kilda's population in fiction form. History fans will love the fascinating St Kilda detail woven throughout this thrilling romance. Wonderful! -- Jennifer Ryan, author of The Chilbury Ladies Choir and The Kitchen FrontA promising new series from Swan . . . The vivid beauty and danger of St. Kilda only enhances Swan’s effortlessly intricate plotting. Toeing the line between romance and historical fiction, this gorgeous story and its unconventional heroine are sure to win hearts. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisCan friendship get them through the struggles of war?1940, Liverpool: Alice Turner and her best friend, Millie Markham, work for the war effort at Rootes munitions factory, making shell caps and Halifax bombers. Alice''s sweetheart Terry is home from the front for a brief period of leave. She''s been in love with him since school, and the women are excitedly planning a whirlwind wedding.But the honeymoon is soon over. Terry must go back to the dangers of Nazi-occupied France, and the ever-present air raid sirens quickly bring Alice back down to earth. When a terrible explosion at the factory leads to a tragic death, Millie receives devastating news, and a loved one is announced missing in action, the heartbreak of war is suddenly all too real.Alice must believe Terry will make it home to keep up her strength. Her mother and Millie need all her support, and morale at the factory is at an all-time low.Can Alice and Millie help one another

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Book Synopsis 'Brilliantly written and researched . . . I loved it.' Rosie Goodwin The second book in an emotional and heartwarming WWII Series. For fans of Ellie Dean, Annie Groves and the Home Fires series. Dover, 1940With the Battle of Britain raging overhead and German guns firing across the Channel, the people of Dover suddenly find themselves on the front line. But despite the danger, Nellie Castle is determined to keep thecafé open, no matter what.For Nellie's daughter, Lily, it is an exciting time as she starts her nursing career. The work is demanding, but withromance on the horizon, she still finds time to enjoy herself. That is until a prisoner escapes from the hospitaland everything she holds dear - including her freedom - is put at risk.Meanwhile there are strange goings-on at the café: rumours are circulating and long-buried secrets are surfacing. Secrets that could tear the Castle family apart once and for all . . .Don't miss the next book in the brilliant Dover Cafe Series, The Dover Cafe Under Fire. Available in paperback and ebook. And the fourth book, Return to the Dover Cafe, is available to pre-order now! 'Starring a cast of superbly drawn characters who touch the hearts of readers everywhere, The Dover Café series is fast becoming a favourite with saga fans.' Lancashire Evening Post'Brimming with endearing characters, it's a gripping read.' Women's Weekly- - - - - - - - - Readers love The Dover Café at War:'A brilliant evocation of a family and community pulling together in wartime. Full of drama, laughter, and nail biting cliff hangers. A triumph!' Annie Clarke, author of The Factory Girls series 'Well-researched and expertly written . . . Perfect for those days when all you want is a book to lose yourself in.' Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls 'A joyous read, the sort of book to read in one sitting.' Kitty Danton, author of A Wartime Christmas 'A rattling good novel that gives the reader a front seat at the Dover café during World War 2 . . . a really good start to what looks to be a fascinating saga.' Shirley Mann, author of Lily's War 'Brilliantly researched, written with warmth and insight, brimming with emotion and drama, and starring a cast of superbly drawn characters who are guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers everywhere.' Lancashire PostTrade ReviewBrimming with endearing characters, it's a gripping read. * Women's Weekly *Well researched, written with warmth and insight, brimming with emotion and drama, and starring a cast of superbly drawn characters who touch the hearts of readers everywhere, The Dover Café series is fast becoming a favourite with saga fans. * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate historical adventure novel: the life of Alexander the Great in a single, epic volume.To many he was a god. To others he was a monster. The truth is even more extraordinary.As a boy, Alexander dreamed of matching the heroic feats of Achilles. At eighteen he led the Macedonian cavalry to a stunning victory against the Greeks. By twenty-five he had crushed the Persians in three monumental battles and was the master of the greatest empire the world had ever seen. Men began to call him a god. But behind the legend was another, more complex story.Narrated by his boyhood friend Ptolemy, this is the story of Alexander as you have never heard it before: raw, intimate, thrilling - a story of extraordinary daring and unimaginable endurance; of wanton destruction and murderous intrigue - the epic tragedy of a man who aimed to be more than human.Trade ReviewThe more Cameron's 700-page story progresses, the more impressive it becomes. Detail is piled upon detail to reconstruct the Alexandrian world... brilliantly evoked. Cameron has risen to the challenge of creating a portrait of Alexander that matches - and often eclipses - those of earlier novelists. * SUNDAY TIMES *This saga of daring, heroism, vanity and monumental battles reveals a man who believed himself invincible. * CHOICE *It's wonderfully descriptive, the characters are fascinating and above all else it's the story of Alexander that everyone should read... Finally add to this Christian's wonderful writing style, with cracking prose, a wonderful sense of pace and when backed with an instantly identifiable writing style, it's a book that is going to take a hell of a lot to beat this year especially in the award season, and lets face it, that's saying something considering how early this one's out. * FALCATA TIMES *

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Book SynopsisIn the tradition of THE FORSYTE SAGA, a sweeping historical novel that spans three generations, telling the dark secrets of a family torn apart.Larkswood House. The very name suggests birdsong, peace and elegance. It is home to the Hamilton children - Edward, Cynthia and Harriet - who enjoy the freedom and excitement of privilege. But in the glorious summer of 1896, with absent parents and a departed governess, disaster strikes the family, leaving it cruelly divided.More than 40 years later, on the eve of the Second World War, Louisa Hamilton, newly presented at court but struck down with glandular fever, is sent to Larkswood to recuperate. There, for the first time, she meets her grandfather, Edward, home after decades in India.But as Louisa begins to fall under the spell of Larkswood, she realises it holds the key to the mystery that shattered her family two generations before. Will she find the courage to unravel the dark secrets of the past? And caTrade Review4 stars - When Louisa Hamilton is sent to Larkswood, her family home, to convalesce she meets her grandfather Edward, home from decades in India. She soon realises the house holds the key to the mystery that shattered her family. * DAILY EXPRESS *This impressive debut captures the period beautifully, but also delivers a gripping mystery that'll keep you hooked until the end * CANDIS *If there's a beautiful old house on a book's cover, I want a family saga of richness and breadth, a mystery that runs through that family like a San Andreas fault, captivating characters and gorgeous atmosphere. And this has it all .... Scrumptious storytelling. -- Kate Saunders * SAGA MAGAZINE *An enjoyable family saga with tones of a darker Downtown Abbey * WE LOVE THIS BOOK *A very readable family drama with enough mystery to keep you hooked -- Jaine Blackman * OXFORD TIMES *Larkswood is a mystery stretching back over three generations * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *I have reread LARKSWOOD and wanted to say I enjoyed it even more the second time than the first. I was genuinely touched by it. By the end you really care about them all. The characters are terrifically well drawn, especially Edward, and it has a powerful atmosphere that lingers long after it ends. You should be tremendously proud of it. It's a really wonderful achievement. -- Sam Mendes, CBE

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2023A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEARA NEW STATESMAN BOOK OF THE YEARA NEW YORKER BOOK OF THE YEARA WASHINGTON POST BOOK OF THE YEARIt is 1921 and at Cassowary House in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Robert Hamlyn is a well-to-do lawyer and his steely wife Lesley a society hostess. Their lives are invigorated when Willie, an old friend of Robert's, comes to stay.Willie Somerset Maugham is one of the greatest writers of his day. But he is beleaguered by an unhappy marriage, ill-health and business interests that have gone badly awry. He is also struggling to write. The more Lesley's friendship with Willie grows, the more clearly she see him as he is - a man who has no choice but to mask his true self.As Willie prepares to leave and face his demons, Lesley confides secrets of her own, including how she came to know the charismatic Dr Sun Yat Sen, a revolutionary fighting to overthrow the imperial dynasty of China. And more scandalous still, she reveals her connection to the case of an Englishwoman charged with murder in the Kuala Lumpur courts - a tragedy drawn from fact, and worthy of fiction.From Man Booker Prize-shortlisted Tan Twan Eng, The House of Doors is a masterful novel of public morality and private truth a century ago. Based on real events it is a drama of love and betrayal under the shadow of Empire.Trade ReviewOutstanding . . . The House of Doors again displays [Eng's] talent for atmospheric evocation of place and period . . . Beautifully detailed and encompassing the vagaries of Maugham's life, the contours of his creativity and the personal and political tensions covertly quivering through the sultry colony around him, The House of Doors is a finely accomplished piece of work * * Sunday Times * *A tremendous feat of literary imagination. Highly evocative, richly observed and entirely convincing, it is a tour de force! -- WILLIAM BOYDSex, scandal and Somerset Maugham . . . an elegant meditation on oppression, repression and loneliness . . . The House of Doors pays tribute to storytelling itself as a means not just of memorialising, but recreating . . . imbued with quiet yearning, this a pleasurably old-fashioned novel * * Daily Telegraph * *What elevates Eng's book is the sheer beauty of his writing - restrained, elegant, precise, every detail accurate, every line considered. Pain, loss and disappointment seep from every page, as do beauty and compassion . . . Tan Twan Eng resides in the very top row * * Times Literary Supplement * *Expertly constructed, tightly plotted and richly atmospheric * * Financial Times * *A pleasure to read . . . Tan's style is formal, quiet, sedate but alive with detail -- JOHN SELF * * The Critic * *Perfectly poised . . . a fascinatingly layered novel . . . Through this deceptively lulling atmosphere, Twan has woven a superb, quietly complex tale of love, duty and betrayal * * Literary Review * *Fascinating, engrossing and has given me infinite pleasure -- Colm Tóibín * * Guardian * *An ambitious, elaborate fiction about fictions . . . a portrait of the artist in crisis, a meditation on how and why we tell stories and a heated courtroom drama * * Guardian * *A book that believes instinctively in the beauty of language, in the ability of the sentence to transport us; we get to luxuriate in every description, live inside every image -- ANDREW McMILLAN

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Book SynopsisThis novel in the scintillating Tyrant series brings the epic siege of Rhodes in 306 BC to spectacular life.The death of Alexander the Great was the signal to begin the greatest war in human history - a war that swept like a firestorm from one end of the known world to the other, as his former generals fought like jackals to make his vast empire their own.By 305 BC, the most powerful players in this deadly game faced each other across the Mediterranean: Ptolemy, the master of Egypt, and Antigonus One-Eye, master of Asia. And between them, the island of Rhodes, a strategic fortress city that neither could afford to cede to the enemy.But trapped in the city was one man with the courage and determination to save it from destruction. A man who, surrounded by his closest friends and the woman he loved, simply could not afford to fail. A man called Satyrus.Trade ReviewGripping and compulsively readable, the ancient world springs to life in these pages * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *The more Cameron's 700-page story progresses the more impressive it becomes. Detail is piled upon detail to reconstruct the Alexandrian world... the battles that punctuated Alexander's journey with his armies from Greece to the Indus valley are described with enormous verve and power. The ruthless intrigue and politicking that dominate his court are also brilliantly evoked. And, as fate and his own insatiable desire for conquest and glory drive Alexander towards death in Babylon at the age of 32, a genuine sense of an extraordinary personality emerges. Cameron has risen to the challenge of creating a portrait of Alexander that matches - and often eclipses - those of earlier novelists * SUNDAY TIMES *The saga of daring, heroism, vanity and monumental battles reveals a man who believed himself invincible * CHOICE *It's wonderfully descriptive, the characters are fascinating and above all else it's the story of Alexander that everyone should read... Finally add to this Christian's wonderful writing style, with a cracking prose, a wonderful sense of pace and when backed with an instantly identifiable writing style, it's a book that is going to take a hell of a lot to beat this year especially in the award season, and let's face it, that's saying something considering how early this one's out * FALCATA TIMES *Compulsively readable, these pages make the ancient world spring to life * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *

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Book SynopsisThe author of one of the greatest romance novels of all time, Pride and Prejudice, takes her readers on a satiric tour through England's history, mercilessly exploiting the comedic potential of human foibles within British royalty. Part of Jane Austen's Juvenilia of the 1790s, The History of England was written during the author's teenage years. Filled with puns and parodies, the history begins with the reign of Henry IV and concludes with the death of Charles I more than two centuries later. Originally intending it for circulation and performance among family and friends, Jane also commissioned her sister Cassandra to draw illustrations to complement her signature wit and humor. This volume includes an informative introduction providing background context, along with extensive editorial commentary. Austen fans and history buffs are sure to delight in this history written by a partial, prejudiced, and ignorant historian.

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Book SynopsisA stunning and utterly captivating debut about war, love and betrayal in 1940s Hong Kong''Gripping and moving ... Francesca Brill is a very good writer indeed and I was sucked into the story until I was no longer aware of things going on around me, only of what was going on to the characters I had grown to love'' Simon Sebag Montefiore''A powerful novel of depth and intensity'' Sunday Times_________________Hong Kong, 1940. For the reckless young journalist Stevie Steiber, days at the Happy Valley racecourse slip into dangerous, hedonistic nights. Meanwhile Major Harry Field, a British Intelligence Officer, is investigating the recent arrival of Wu Jishang, a sophisticated publisher who owns a controversial political magazine. But it is Stevie, Jishang's close colleague and lover, who really fascinates Harry. As the British community continues to party despite the looming threat of war, the two are obsessively drawn into a dark passion. And whenTrade ReviewThis is a powerful novel of depth and intensity, and one that subtly changes mood from cocktail- and opium-fuelled larks to despair and degradation * Sunday Times *Gripping and moving ... Francesca Brill is a very good writer indeed and I was sucked into the story until I was no longer aware of things going on around me, only of what was going on to the characters I had grown to love, and an era I knew very little about but which was instantly fascinating. High quality story-telling * Simon Sebag Montefiore *With shocking vividness Brill describes the violence of the occupation and sensitively explores the compromises, both moral and emotional, of people caught up in desperate situations. It is a romantic novel, but it's tough and tragic too, a gritty tale of passion and wartime endurance -- Eithne Farry * Daily Mail *A wonderfully sage and gripping novel * Spectator Books of the Year *A haunting tale of love's struggle to survive against all odds. A bold and beautifully written debut * Mark Mills, author of The Savage Garden *A tumultuous, passionate, fierce story of wartime love * Daily Express *A fiercely imagined and deeply felt story of complicated wartime love. I could see every scene * Rosie Alison, author of The Very Thought of You *The Harbour is an exceptional first novel: an intelligent romance immersed in its historical setting, and with a thread of steel running through it. Layers of race, role, sex, politics and sexual politics meld to make a much tougher, more interesting novel than a casual glance might suggest. We need more love stories like this * Louisa Young *

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A brutal combat. A test of courage. A battle that will change history.1565: a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean stands gatekeeper between East and West. It is about to become the scene for one of the most amazing stories of bravery, battle and bloodlust: the siege of Malta. Formed in the Holy Land in the 11th century, a small band of knights had long sought a home. Driven from their lands by Ottoman might, they came to rest in Malta from where they watched the Turks and corsairs raid the Spanish empire. As word came from Constantinople that Malta was in the sights of the Ottoman Empire, all of Europe watched as a force of over 30,000 men besieged the island - itself only peopled by only 500 knights and a few thousand local soldiers.On that small rock an epic struggle will be played out - the story of individual men, warriors and slaves, but also the story of two worlds colliding.

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Book SynopsisA superb gothic novel about the real Dracula, Vlad the Impaler - one of history's greatest psychopaths or a hero of the West? Perhaps both... 'A chilling masterpiece that weaves fact and fable. Bedtime reading? Only if you don't need much sleep...' BESTTrade ReviewA fast-paced, intriguing and beautifully-constructed thriller and its final twist - not a phrase you use lightly in the context of impaling or disembowelling - certainly took me by surprise. If you see it coming you are a more insightful reader than I am. Just don't read it before you go to sleep * DAILY EXPRESS *A chilling masterpiece that weaves fact and fable. Bedtime reading? Only if you don't need much sleep... * BEST *VLAD is ... an accessible, fast-paced, narrative-driven, damn-near-irresistible historical thriller. Humphreys's research infuses every page, but never calls attention to itself; the story always has centre stage. It's the consummate "good read" for a winter weekend, pulpy and engrossing and just gross enough to satisfy that monster craving * GLOBE AND MAIL *Literate elegant writing... VLAD: THE LAST CONFESSION superbly portrays the passions which drove Vlad, taking the reader on a whirlwind ride through torture, battle and despair. It's a dark tale, but Humphreys illuminates it with historical details and page-turning bravura prose * YORKSHIRE EVENING POST *

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Book SynopsisOne of The New York Times Top 10 Books of the YearWinner of the An Post Irish Book of the Year, the Nero Gold Prize, and the Nero Book Award for FictionShortlisted for the Booker Prize and the Writers'' Prize for FictionFinalist for the Kirkus Prize for FictionOne of The New Yorker''s Essential Reads of 2023. One of The Washington Post''s 10 Best Books of 2023. One of TIME''s 10 Best Fiction Books of the Year. Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR, The Guardian, The Economist, New York Public Library, BBC, and more.From the author of Skippy Dies comes Paul Murray''s The Bee Sting, an irresistibly funny, wise, and thought-provoking tour de force about family, fortune, and the struggle to be a good person when the world is falling apart.The Barnes family is in trouble. Dickie's once-lucrative car bu

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Book SynopsisKate Foster has been a national newspaper journalist for over twenty years. Growing up in Edinburgh, she became fascinated by its history and often uses it as inspiration for her stories. Her debut novel, The Maiden, won the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year in 2023 and was longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2024. The King's Witches is her second novel. She lives in Edinburgh with her two children.

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Book SynopsisNovember, 1558: Elizabeth I has ascended the throne but the first days of her reign are already fraught with turmoil, the kingdom weakened by past strife and her ability to rule uncertain. When Brendan Prescott, her intimate spy, returns to court at the new queen''s behest, he soon finds himself thrust into a deadly gambit against his old foe, Robert Dudley. But Elizabeth has an even more dangerous assignation in store for him when her favoured lady-in-waiting, Lady Parry, vanishes in Yorkshire. Sent from court to a crumbling manor that may hold the key to Lady Parry''s disappearance, Brendan becomes the quarry of an elusive stranger with a vendetta- one that could expose both Brendan''s own secret past and a long-hidden mystery that will bring about Elizabeth''s doom.Trade ReviewA fascinating tale of young Elizabeth in danger at her sister's court. Fast-paced and exciting, with beautifully researched historical details and a most engaging hero, this story is so vivid you feel you are there! * Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series on THE TUDOR CONSPIRACY *In Gortner's skillful hands, plots and counterplots come to seething life . . . Lovers of Tudor history and suspense fiction will be riveted by this swift-paced, sexy, enthralling novel. * Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Crown, on THE TUDOR CONSPIRACY *Gortner has done it again! Intrigue at the Tudor court never looked more lethal than in his capable hands, as forbidden desires and deadly rivalries turn sister against sister and plunge our bold hero into a labyrinth of deceit. Full of breathtaking action, dark twists, and unexpected revelations, this is an unputdownable read!' * Michelle Moran, author of Nefertiti on THE TUDOR CONSPIRACY *Gortner handles action with aplomb, adding a riveting, fast-paced thriller to the crowded genre of Tudor fiction. * Publishers Weekly on THE TUDOR SECRET *Even Tudor fans who know the main players and historical backdrop will be captivated by Gortner's storytelling and his engaging hero . . . Grabbing reader interest [with] the quick pace and lush historical references. This novel is both entertaining and thoughtful. * Romantic Times on THE TUDOR CONSPIRACY *Brilliantly executed plot and three-dimensional characters . . . highly recommended. * Historical Novels Review on THE TUDOR SECRET *An exciting, vividly rendered story of intrigue and espionage. * Book List on THE TUDOR SECRET *If you're looking for a book that will pull you back into the Tudors, this one is a good choice. * Bookreporter.com on THE TUDOR SECRET *

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Book SynopsisKydd's first mission after the triumph of Trafalgar is to capture and protect a fragile new British colony: 19th century Cape TownTrade Review'Stockwin assembles an exciting and suspenseful historical loaded with action, intrigue, treachery, and the bloody gore of 1805 warfare' * Publishers Weekly on CONQUEST *More historically accurate than the Patrick O'Brian series * Royal Navy Sailing Association journal on the KYDD series *Another thundering good read for those who love seagoing stories in the Hornblower mould * Peterborough Evening Telegraph on TREACHERY *This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail. * Nautical Magazine on VICTORY *Paints a vivid picture * Daily Express on KYDD *Stockwin's descriptions of the bloody reality of naval combat 200 years ago are memorably vivid * Yorkshire Evening Post on VICTORY *I was turning the pages almost indecently fast * Independent on KYDD *A born storyteller and a man with a vivid imagination . . . his research is accurate and first class. * Flagship on TREACHERY *'This well-crafted naval adventure by a seasoned lieutenant commander of the British navy balances historical perspective with the excitement of a full broadside assault. Comparable to C.C. Humphreys's Jack Absolute series and the naval tales of the great Patrick O'Brian, Stockwin's engaging novel reveals the author's acumen for the history and spirit of the time' * Library Journal (US) *'In CONQUEST, Julian Stockwin unravels a tale that captures the approaching zenith of Napoleon's power, the origins of British South Africa, and the decline of the once-mighty Dutch empire, all seen through the eyes of the heroes of the age of fighting sail. It has just the right mix of action, suspense, and exoticism. Stockwin's exhaustive research ensures that historians will forget they're reading fiction while story-lovers won't mind that they're learning history.' * Jason R. Musteen, Ph.D., Lieutenant Colonel, US Army *

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Book SynopsisIn Paris, at the end of the nineteenth century, a man with a perfect memory murders his wife. But that is only the start of the story... A dazzling literary mystery from prizewinning author Marcus Sedgwick.Trade ReviewBrilliantly maintains tension and mystery on every page of this highly original story * Daily Mail *A cut above the usual crime novel...a beautifully written tale of the limitlessness of memory and the boundaries placed on love -- Sarah Ward, author of In Bitter ChillThis is a clever, fascinating and quite riveting story which poses as many questions as it answers. * Crime Review *Brilliantly maintains tension and mystery on every page of this highly original story * Daily Mail *A cut above the usual crime novel...a beautifully written tale of the limitless of memory and the boundaries placed on love -- Sarah Ward, author of In Bitter ChillThis macabre fantasy follows a trail of blood across Europe over 50 years...Stylish, thrilling and fast, you needn't be a horror fan to enjoy this. * Sunday Mirror on A LOVE LIKE BLOOD *Classy, elegant and gripping... A novel for a chilly night with a cup of tea and a warm blanket where you start reading and then go on and on, unable to stop. -- John Ajvide Lindqvist, author of Let the Right One In on A LOVE LIKE BLOOD

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Book SynopsisSmuggled into France to spy on the enemy, Evie's life is in terrible danger ... A brilliant WWII drama from the author of The Gunner GirlTrade Review'An irresistible tale of friendship, love and heartache during WW2 that had me enthralled' -- Kate Furnivall

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Book SynopsisThe Vale of the Red Horse, Edgehill, Warwickshire, October, 1642. Bitter divisions that have grown unchecked in the kingdoms of the Stuart dynasty are about to engulf England in a bloody civil war. 30,000 men have gathered to determine the fate of nations and to pursue their own ideals and enmities through brutal and bloody combat. Many have never handled a weapon or strayed far from their native shire. Among them are Anthony Sedley the Birmingham iron worker and Leveller, Robbie Needham, an embittered lead miner from Derbyshire who picks up a pike for his king, George Merrick, the young Oxford graduate whose prospects have been blighted by court corruption, Hywel Lloyd, a proud Welsh hill farmer, and William Bennet the struggling merchant who has staked everything to raise a company for the parliamentary cause. Then there are the half-brothers, Ralph and Francis Reeve, sons of a Suffolk farmer. Pious Francis has abandoned his studies at Cambridge to make England a New Jerusalem, cleansed of sin and filth. He despises his carefree brother and the father who seems to favour him. Caught cuckolding a London merchant, Ralph has forfeited his apprenticeship and indenture money. He dreams of restoring his honour and his fortune when he returns to London with the king's victorious army. But first the brothers must face each other in the Vale of the Red Horse, the horse whose rider is War... God's vindictive wrath!Trade Review"As only a soldier could, Charles Cordell does not flinch from drawing attention to the sheer terror of battle ... a gripping first book. I am certain there will be many more." Jeremy Ravenshaw Fowler, Adjutant General of the Sealed Knot Society; "A fast-paced read that brilliantly captures the fear, confusion and luck of battle." Lt Gen Richard Nugee CB, CVO, CBE; "Fast-paced and authentic ... with characters that are colourful and believable. There are not enough tales like this." Michael Arnold, author of The Civil War Chronicles and the Highwayman series.

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Book SynopsisLyn Andrews'' tale of nursing in the field during World War I is haunting and unforgettable. If you enjoy the novels of Kate Thompson and Donna Douglas, you''ll love LIVERPOOL ANGELS. Born at the turn of the twentieth century, Mae Strickland is only a few days old when her mother suddenly dies. Her aunt Maggie brings Mae up together with her own children, Eddie and Alice, and the girls become like sisters. In spite of Mae''s unhappy start, life feels full of promise.Then, as the First World War looms, everything changes. While the local men - including young Eddie - leave to fight, Mae and Alice train as field nurses. As they travel to the front line in the wake of family tragedy, nothing can prepare them for the hardship that lies ahead.Yet there is solace to be found amid the wreckage of the war, and for both, romance is on the horizon. But it will take great courage for Mae and Alice to follow their hearts. Can love win out in the end?Trade ReviewHer mix of Irish and Liverpool backdrops have won this strong saga writer an assured place in theSunday Times top 10... she's great! - Sarah Broadhurst, Bookseller

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Book SynopsisWhen a new governess learns that all is not what it seems she must uncover secrets hiding beneath the surface…Charity Palfrey is an orphan – with no family of her own, no heritage and no past. Accepting a job as governess at Morwennan House is a fresh start for her, but from the moment Charity arrives she knows there is something sinister about her appointment. Charity finds romance with the handsome and charming Tom Stanton, but she soon starts to question his motivations. Does Tom return her love or is he simply using her for his own ends? And are there darker secrets lurking beneath the surface at Morwennan House?A page-turning Cornish saga, perfect for fans of Linda Finlay and Gloria Cook.

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