Historical Fiction Books

Book Synopsis'Beautifully written and gripping'. Sunday MirrorWhen Mata Hari arrived in Paris she was penniless. Soon she was feted as the most elegant woman in the city. A dancer who shocked and delighted audiences, as a confidante and courtesan she bewitched the era’s richest and most powerful men. But as paranoia consumed a country at war, Mata Hari’s lifestyle brought her under suspicion. In 1917 she was arrested in her hotel room on the Champs Elysees and accused of espionage. Told in Mata Hari's voice through her final letter, The Spy is the unforgettable story of a woman who dared to break the conventions of her time, and paid the price.Trade ReviewThe fascinating story of her life is . . . beautifully written and gripping. * Sunday Mirror *Coelho, whose books have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide, has taken the Mata Hara story and fashioned it into a short dynamo of a novel. * Los Angeles Times *A striking novel. . . . By the end, readers will believe they've read [Mata Hari's] actual letters. * Publisher's Weekly *Spiritualists and wanderlusts will eagerly devour . . . [Coelho's] search for all things meaningful. * Washington Post *

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Book SynopsisThe stirring second installment in Terri Nixon''s Penhaligon Saga series1910. Anna Garvey and her daughter are still running the Tin Streamer''s Arms in Caernoweth, Cornwall, and it finally seems like she has left her tumultuous history behind in Ireland. Meanwhile Freya Penhaligon has blossomed and is now the object of increasing affection of Hugh, the elder son of the wealthy Batten family.After the dramatic events of the previous months, it feels like everything is finally getting back to normal. But when Anna inadvertently reveals something she shouldn''t, she finds herself at the centre of a blackmail plot and it seems like the past she longed to escape is coming back to haunt her. To make matters worse, the tiny fishing hamlet is battered by a terrible storm and shifting relationships find themselves under more scrutiny than ever before.With the Penhaligon family at breaking point it will take enormous strength and courage to bring them back toge

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Book SynopsisThe highly awaited new novel from the internationally bestselling author of The German Midwife (also published as A Woman of War).Venice, 1943The world is at war, and Stella Jilani is leading a double life. By day she works in the lion's den as a typist for the Reich; by night, she risks her life as a messenger for the Italian resistance. Against all odds, Stella must impart Nazi secrets, smuggle essential supplies and produce an underground newspaper on her beloved typewriter.But when German commander General Breugal becomes suspicious, it seems he will stop at nothing to find the mole, and Stella knows her future could be in jeopardy.London, 2017Years later, Luisa Belmont finds a mysterious old typewriter in her attic. Determined to find out who it belonged to, Luisa delves into the past and uncovers a story of fierce love, unimaginable sacrifice and, ultimately, the worst kind of betrayalSet between German-occupied 1940s Venice and modern-day London, this is a fascinating tale of thTrade Review Praise for The Secret Messenger: ‘Unique, emotional and life-affirming.’ Melanie Hudson, author of The Last Letter from Juliet ‘Another fantastic page-turner.’ LP Fergusson, author of A Dangerous Act of Kindness ‘I felt I was walking alongside Stella over bridges and along canals at every heartstopping moment… Wonderful.’ Molly Green, author of An Orphan’s Wish ‘Very well-written and insightful.’ Reader review ‘Fascinating.’ Reader review ‘One of the stronger novels that pays homage to the women involved in the movements of resistance.’ Reader review ‘Refreshingly different. Even if you think you have read enough war books this year I strongly recommend you read this one.’ Reader review ‘A fantastic historical story with added romance and intrigue… I would recommend to all.’ Reader review ‘If you like WWII stories, this is a must read.’ Reader review ‘A refreshingly exhilarating plot, strong characters, excellent tone and craft, a hint of romance, and suspense. I simply loved this book.’ Reader review ‘Marvellous and highly recommended story on a little known aspect of World War II.’ Reader review ‘The characters are well thought out, the historical background is vivid and well described, and the plot is gripping.’ Reader review

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Book SynopsisIt's 1944 when the twin sisters arrive at Auschwitz with their mother and grandfather. In their benighted new world, Pearl and Stasha Zagorski take refuge in their identical natures, comforting themselves with the private language and shared games of their childhood. As part of the experimental population of twins known as Mengele's Zoo, the girls experience privileges and horrors unknown to others, and they find themselves changed, stripped of the personalities they once shared, their identities altered by the burdens of guilt and pain.That winter, at a concert orchestrated by Mengele, Pearl disappears. Stasha grieves for her twin, but clings to the possibility that Pearl remains alive. When the camp is liberated by the Red Army, she and her companion Feliks - a boy bent on vengeance for his own lost twin - travel through Poland's devastation. Undeterred by injury, starvation, or the chaos around them, motivated by equal parts danger and hope, they encounter hostile villagers, Jewish resistance fighters, and fellow refugees, their quest enabled by the notion that Mengele may be captured and brought to justice within the ruins of the Warsaw Zoo. As the young survivors discover what has become of the world, they must try to imagine a future within it.Trade ReviewMischling is a paradox. It's a beautiful novel about the most odious of crimes, it's a deeply-researched act of remembrance that somehow carries the lightness of a fairy tale, and it's a coming-of-age story about children who aren't allowed to come of age. If your soul can survive the journey, you'll be rewarded by one of the most harrowing, powerful, and imaginative books of the year * Anthony Doerr, bestselling author of ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE *Affinity Konar is an astonishing and fearless writer, whose great gift to us is this book. With incantatory magic, she marches through the most nightmarish of landscapes, swinging her light * Karen Russell, author of SWAMPLANDIA *Affinity Konar's Mischling is a piercing novel written with chin-up virtuosity. The prose is dazzling, and the story of these twins is moving and searing, and as powerful as the best mythic stories of the masters of old * Chigozie Obioma, author of THE FISHERMEN *Affinity Konar's MISCHLING is a tale of courage, courageously told - spare and beautiful, riveting and heartrending... A case of extraordinary storytelling from first page to transcendent last * David Wroblewski, author of THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE *Konar has woven a masterful and poignant account of a pair of twin sisters who cannot be separated, even by the cruelest hand of fate. Her prose is mystical and delicately poetic, and she uses her manifold gifts to tell a deeply engaging story of fortitude and triumph * Lucette Lagnado, author of CHILDREN OF THE FLAMES and THE MAN IN THE SHARKSKIN SUIT *

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Book Synopsis''A storyteller who could teach Scheherazade a thing or two about pace, suspense and imaginative invention''New York TimesTHE REAL MACBETH . . . It is the eleventh century and in the isles of Orkney a young boy is born. He is named Thorfinn, baptized as Macbeth. To the north are the warring Vikings and south lies Alba - the Scottish mainland. Orkney is the prize in between, and an unlikely place from which a young man might launch a bid as ruler of a united Scotland.Yet Thorfinn is unlike other men. He has a warrior''s courage and the wiliness of the underdog. By his side stands his wife Groa, as shrewd and valiant as her husband. Together they will navigate the treacherous waters of the new millennium, uniting a divided nation and birthing a legend that will survive a thousand years.Thorfinn Macbeth will be King Hereafter . . .''Stunning'' Washington PostTrade ReviewA stunning revelation of the historical Macbeth, harsh and brutal and eloquent * Washington Post *One of the greatest tale-spinners since Dumas * Cleveland Plain Dealer *The novel that Dunnett's readers have been hoping for. A brilliant pageant * The Times *An extraordinary feat of creative imagination * Scotsman *Splendid * Glasgow Herald *

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Book SynopsisThe No.1 Sunday Times bestselling book!The second book in the dramatic new Village Secrets trilogy from the Sunday Times bestselling author the perfect, uplifting book to curl up with.It was her wedding day the roses and bluebells were blooming and their sweet-scent was filling the air, so why did Daisy feel the cold fingers of fear run down her spine?Spring in the village, April 1869It's spring in Little Creek and wedding bells are ringing. After their hasty marriage the Christmas before, Daisy is overjoyed to be finally marrying dashing Jay properly, in front of the whole village.But then, on the evening of their wedding, amid the festivities, Jay disappears. Daisy doesn't know if Jay is dead or alive, if she's his wife or his widow. And what's more, without her husband, she has no means of supporting herself or her household.Refusing to give up hope, Daisy must draw on all her strength and courage after all, she has people who depend on her. But the secret of Jay''s disappearance Trade Review Praise for Dilly Court: ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Dilly Court’s latest novel is another page-turner that will keep you gripped to the end – 5 stars’ The People’s Friend ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail ‘A fast-paced, riveting read’ Sunday Express ‘A heart-warming, fast-paced story that will keep you gripped till the end’ The People’s Friend ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Atmospheric, vivid and compelling’ My Weekly ‘An excellent, well-researched read’ People’s Friend ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph

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Book SynopsisLark Rise to Candleford captures a piece of social history in this ever popular fictional account of an English rural upbringing between the wars. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful hardbacks make perfect gifts for book lovers, or wonderful additions to your own collection. This edition contains all three books – Lark Rise, Over to Candleford and Candleford Green, with an introduction by Bill Gallagher, screenwriter of the hugely popular BBC television adaptation.Laura Timms spends her childhood in a country hamlet called Lark Rise. An intelligent and enquiring child, she is always attentive to the way of life around her – the lives of a farming community and nature as it transforms through the seasons, their working lives together and their celebrations. Whilst much is to be admired and cherished about her community, when she looks back on it as an adult she doesn’t shy away from describing hardship too. Laura attends the village school and leaves at the age of fourteen to work for the postmistress of the village of Candleford. There her eyes are opened to wider horizons.Trade ReviewLark Rise to Candleford is remarkable for its celebratory realism. It neither romanticises poverty nor underplays it -- Richard Mabey * Guardian *Thompson’s timing was perfect. The Second World War was looming and Englishness was being redefined in the face of modernity. -- Alice Spawls * London Review of Books *

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Book SynopsisNOW A SMASH HIT AMAZON PRIME TV STARRING SAM CLAFLIN, RILEY KEOUGH AND CAMILA MORRONETHE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERFrom the author of THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and the bestselling MALIBU RISING'I LOVE it . . . I can't remember the last time I read a book that was so fun' DOLLY ALDERTONEverybody knows Daisy Jones and the Six.Their sound defined an era. Their albums were on every turntable. They sold out arenas from coast to coast.Then, on 12 July 1979, Daisy Jones walked barefoot onto the stage at Chicago Stadium. And it all came crashing down.Everyone was there.Everyone remembers it differently.Nobody knew why they split. Until now . . .'The verdict: Daisy Jones steals the limelight' STYLIST'New obsession, incoming' TELEGRAPH'I didn't want this book to end' FEARNE COTTON'Utterly believable . . . fantastically enjoyable' THE TIMES'Pitch perfect' SUNDAY TIMES'Reads like an addictive Netflix documentary meets A Star Is Born - despite being utterly fictional. It's also a call-to-arms that when you find your niche, don't doubt, embrace it' EMERALD STREET'Well observed, sensitively told . . . a great read' BBC'A tremendously engaging, and completely believable tale of rock and roll excess... inventive, persuasive and completely satisfying' DYLAN JONES'I spent a lost weekend in this book. Daisy Jones is an instant icon' ERIN KELLY'DAISY JONES & THE SIX is a transporting novel - at once a love story, a glimpse into the combustible inner workings of a rock-and-roll band, and a pitch-perfect recreation of the music scene of the Fleetwood Mac era. You'll never want it to end' CECILIA AHERN'Once in a blue moon you get to discover a book you end up pressing upon many other people to read. Taylor Jenkins Reid has got every nuance, every detail exact and right. I loved every word' PAUL REES'So brilliantly written I thought all the characters were real . . . I couldn't put it down' EDITH BOWMAN'Explosive . . . a gorgeous novel and a ravishing read' SUNDAY EXPRESS'The characters leap off the page, seducing you with their dramas, and making you wish the band was real' HEAT'The heady haze of the 70s music scene, and a perfectly flawed Daisy, combine to create a fresh, rock n roll read. I loved it' ALI LAND, author of Good Me Bad MeTrade Review[T]his absorbing novel is full of irresistible characters, and brilliantly evokes its time and place. It's my favourite novel of the year. * Daily Mirror *Unique, inventive and stylish...It's exciting and intoxicating, and I loved the effortlessly cool Daisy Jones. It is a novel I'll revisit regularly. * Woman & Home *I totally fell for Taylor Jenkins Reid’s engaging recreation of the 70s rock 'n' roll scene . . . this novel has a lot of heart. * Good Housekeeping *Part juicy celebrity tell-all, part A Star Is Born . . . Be prepared to read it in a single night. * Vogue, Best New Books 2019 *I devoured DAISY JONES AND THE SIX in a day, falling head over heels for it. Taylor Jenkins Reid transported me into the magic of the 70's music scene in a way I'll never forget. The characters were beautifully layered and complex... Daisy and the band captured my heart, and they're sure to capture yours too. * Reese Witherspoon *Fascinating . . . you can't wait to find out what happens next . . . Everyone should read this. * Claudia Winkleman, RADIO 2 *The heady haze of the 70s music scene, and a perfectly flawed Daisy, combine to create a fresh, rock n roll read. I loved it. * Ali Land *Taylor Jenkins Reid is a stunning writer whose characters are unforgettable and whose stories are deeply emotional. Her new book is her most gripping yet. * Emily Giffin *Utterly believable . . . fabulously entertaining. * The Times *I spent a lost weekend in this book. Daisy Jones is an instant icon. * Erin Kelly *A tremendously engaging, and completely believable tale of rock and roll excess, one made all the more enjoyable by being written as an oral biography. It's inventive, persuasive and completely satisfying. * Dylan Jones *I LOVE it . . . I can't remember the last time I read a book that was so fun. * The High Low *The characters leap off the page, seducing you with their dramas, and making you wish the band was real. Five stars. * Heat *Once in a blue moon you get to discover a book you end up pressing upon many other people to read. Taylor Jenkins Reid has got every nuance, every detail exact and right. I loved every word. * Paul Rees *A book that reads like an addictive Netflix documentary meets A Star Is Born - despite being utterly fictional . . . It's also a call-to-arms that when you find your niche, don't doubt, embrace it. * Emerald Street *With Daisy Jones, Taylor Jenkins Reid has conjured up a legend both on the page and off. A zeitgeist book for 2019, read it before the series becomes the next must-see. * Stylist *DAISY JONES & THE SIX is a transporting novel - at once a love story, a glimpse into the combustible inner workings of a rock-and-roll band, and a pitch-perfect recreation of the music scene of the Fleetwood Mac era. You'll never want it to end. * Cecelia Ahern *So brilliantly written I thought all the characters were real . . . I couldn't put it down. * Edith Bowman *Brace for 2019's first pop-culture sensation . . . we're not exaggerating . . . new obsession, incoming . . . If you liked Almost Famous, you'll love it. * Stella Magazine, Telegraph *Prepare to be obsessed. * Stylist *Brilliantly gripping. * Reader's Digest *With wonderfully layered and complex characters, Reid's latest novel is brilliantly written and hard to put down. * Psychologies *Utterly refreshing - and too charming not to love * Image *I completely forgot that Daisy Jones and The Six was a fictional book and not a real story. The cast of characters with different narrators portraying them made it feel so real. One of my favourite audiobooks of all time. * Pop Sugar *Chances are that by the end of the year you’ll want to track down Daisy’s music and play it, even though the fabulous 1970s songbird never existed. * Writing Magazine *A compelling read that opens the lid on the music industry's dark side * Sunday Times Magazine *

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Secret Wife and The Manhattan Girls, Another Woman''s Husband will be adored by all fans of The Crown. Wallis Simpson is brought enticingly to life in this gripping, moving novel about two women thrust into the spotlight, followed by scandal, touched by loss.''One of my favourite books of this year. Fascinating, glamorous and utterly compelling... historical fiction at its best'' Tracy Rees, author of The Hourglass.''With superb story-telling and a lush backdrop of period detail...a novel that is impossible to put down, about two women who are impossible to forget. I loved it!'' Hazel GaynorTwo women who challenged the Crown.Divided by time. Bound by a secret...1911At the age of fifteen, carefree Mary Kirk and indomitable Wallis Warfield meet at summer camp. Their friendship will survive heartbreaks, separation and the demands of the British Crown until Trade ReviewGill Paul has taken two of the twentieth century's most enigmatic women, one revered, the other reviled, and woven them into a deft story of friendship and betrayal -- Kate RiordanA perfect, marvellous read * The Sun *One of my favourite books of this year. Fascinating, glamorous and utterly compelling. This is page-turning character-driven historical fiction at its best -- Tracy ReesWith great verve and a smattering of delicious fictional licence, Gill evokes the events and characters of two eras. Conspiracy theories abound, providing fertile ground for Gill's undoubted storytelling talents. Delightful -- Liz TrenowThis novel is pure magic. Gill writes with compassion for her characters, with great knowledge of her eras, and with a clear love of subject. This has bestseller written all over it. And it deserves to soar -- Louise BeechRiveting! . . . I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing tale of friendship and betrayal. Gill writes with such fluency and a fast pace that keeps the reader wanting more -- Rosanna LeyIn this fascinating portrayal of two of history's most famous women, Gill Paul takes us behind the scenes of lives and events we think we know well ... and challenges us to think again. With a pacy narrative that moves between the coming-of-age of a young woman called Wallis in the early 20th century, and the death of Princess Diana in 1997, Another Woman's Husband is a vivid study of Wallis and Diana through two very different lenses: those of Wallis's best friend, Mary, and of a young woman unwittingly caught up in the events surrounding Diana's tragic death. With superb story-telling and a lush backdrop of period detail, Paul crafts a novel that is impossible to put down, about two women who are impossible to forget. Sure to be a huge success, I loved it! -- Hazel GaynorAnother Woman's Husband by Gill Paul is Another Wonderful Book. Loved the seamless blend of fact and fiction * Kathryn Hughes *A compelling story . . . that captivated me from start to finish . . . very highly recommended * The Book Magnet *Praise for Gill Paul * - *A cleverly crafted novel and an enthralling story: the heartbreak genuine, the research brilliant. I love the way the present narrative throws light on the past story so that the transitions are smooth. A triumph * Dinah Jefferies *A heart-warming affirmation of the tenacity of human love * Liz Trenow *A marvellous story: gripping, romantic and evocative of a turbulent and fascinating time * Lulu Taylor *Gill Paul has clearly done her research in this absorbing story that cleverly blends imagination with historical fact... Tragic, touching and authentic-feeling * Kate Riordan *This is an intriguing and involving book that explores a really fascinating period in time in a clever and highly enjoyable way. I was hooked into both timelines from the start * Joanna Courtney *Meticulously researched and evocatively written, this sweeping story will keep a tight hold on your heartstrings until the final page * Iona Grey *This engrossing, heart-wrenching novel moves between the decades, combining history with fiction to portray the tragic events of the Russian Revolution * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisWhen Gabrielle Newman throws her cheating husband out, Stu cares more about the money than the break-up. An unexpected bequest offers Gabrielle a new start and she tries to leave the past behind, heading north with Dan Monahan. She's very attracted to Dan - but dare she trust any man again?

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Book SynopsisIn 1917, in that sliver of border land between Georgia and Alabama, Pearl Jewett ekes out an existence as a dispossessed farmer along with his three criminally-minded sons Cane, Cob, and Chimney. Hundreds of miles away, another farming family, the good-natured Fiddlers, have been swindled out of their family fortune while reeling from the disappearance of their son Eddie, who left to fight the Germans. When a crime spree sets the Jewetts on a collision course for the Fiddlers, an unlikely--and turbulent--relationship begins between the families. In the gothic tradition of Flannery O'Connor with a heavy dose of cinematic violence reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino, Donald Ray Pollock pens a bloody tale of dark and horrific conflict between two families in an era not so distant from today.

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Book SynopsisThe writing glows with emotional intelligence. This atmospheric debuthad me sniffing copiously' Daily MailIN WARTIME, SURVIVAL IS AS MUCH ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AS IT IS ABOUT COURAGEKent, 1940. In the idyllic village of Chilbury change is afoot. Hearts are breaking as sons and husbands leave to fight, and when the Vicar decides to close the choir until the men return, all seems lost.But coming together in song is just what the women of Chilbury need in these dark hours, and they are ready to sing. With a little fighting spirit and the arrival of a new musical resident, the charismatic Miss Primrose Trent, the choir is reborn.Some see the choir as a chance to forget their troubles, others the chance to shine. Though for one villager, the choir is the perfect cover to destroy Chilbury's new-found harmonyAn uplifting and heart-warming novel perfect for fans of Helen Simonson's The Summer before the War and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.Trade Review‘The writing glows with emotional intelligence. This atmospheric debut, based on the author’s own family history, had me sniffing copiously’ Daily Mail ‘I am completely and utterly in love with this book. What a joy! It may be in my all-time top five – I just adore every single thing about it’ JILL MANSELL ‘Lyrical, poetic, emotional, funny, endearing, surprising – it is a masterpiece’ VERONICA HENRY author of How to Find Love in a Book Shop ‘I adored it, it made me want to sing with joy’ ALEX BROWN, author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage ‘Delightful… it manages to be sad and funny, exciting and heart-warming, all at the same time. Quite an achievement’BARBARA ERSKINE author of Sleeper’s Castle ‘I adored The Chilbury Ladies' Choir! The pages sing with such wonderful characters, and through them wartime England really comes alive. Warm, witty, touching and uplifting, I will be recommending this to all my friends’ HAZEL GAYNOR author of The Girl from the Savoy

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Book SynopsisWhen Millie's mother abandons her one late afternoon in 1854, fate brings the seven-year-old to Aggie's door - and life will never be the same for either of them. The unlikely pair soon form an unexpectedly strong bond. But there will be obstacles in their paths - will their friendship survive?Trade ReviewCatherine Cookson was a brilliant storyteller and wrote from the heart. * Dilly Court *Catherine Cookson is an icon; without her influence, I and many other authors would not have followed in her footsteps. * Val Wood *Queen of raw family romances * Telegraph *Humour, toughness, resolution and generosity are Cookson virtues . . . In the specialised world of women's popular fiction, Cookson has created her own territory * Helen Dunmore, The Times *Catherine Cookson soars above her rivals * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisThis intriguing novella collection crosses the country--from Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico--with tales of sweet romance while exploring the fascinating history of the Harvey Girls: young women seeking adventure and independence who worked in hotels throughout the country from the early 1880s to the late 1920s.

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Book SynopsisFast-paced and highly topical, Theresia Enzensberger's story depicts a young woman in the throes of life: from brutal conflicts between right and left, to a pair of young lovers leaping into a river at night, almost one hundred years ago.Trade ReviewThis powerful novel tells a story of a time past that feels eerily reflective of the present * Sunday Times *A coming-of-age story about a female Bauhaus student in the 1920s, exploring themes of politics, expectation and ownership of art * Red *Bringing to life the Bauhaus movement (which is now in its 100th year), this book follows student Luise as she starts university in 1920s Germany. Full of dreams, she soon gets caught up in a cult-like spiritual group * Elle *

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREAT: COSY UP WITH A CUPPA AND THIS GORGEOUS NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, KATIE FLYNN_______________________________Liverpool, 1939: Sixteen-year-old Lizzy Atherton is forced to flee her violent step-father in the middle of the night, and finds herself stranded on a station platform completely alone.Desperate to know what has become of her beloved mother, who she had no choice but to leave behind, Lizzy returns the next day only to find her home deserted. Devastated, Lizzy joins forces with her old school friend Dolly and Clara, an escaped evacuee, and vows to find her mother whatever it takes.But the war rages on and demands on the home front take Lizzy's life in a host of unexpected directions, and hopes of finding her mother gradually start to fade.If Lizzy can muster the strength to keep searching, she might just get her Christmas wish after all._______________________________**Katie Flynn's brand new Christmas saga for 2020 UNDER THE MISTLETOE is available now**Trade ReviewA poignant family story * My Weekly *Moving * Peterborough Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThey called her the She-Wolf From Provence. She'd shape the destiny of England ...Fans of Alison Weir, Anne O'Brien and Philippa Gregory, will devour this compelling new novel, starring one of English history's most fierce and courageous forgotten heroines!'Powerful, gripping and beautifully told' - Kate Furnivall, author of The Liberation'A feast for the senses and highly recommended' - Deborah Swift, author of Pleasing Mr Pepys'Well-researched . . . Fascinating' - Joanna CourtneyREADERS LOVE THE SILKEN ROSE!***** 'Stunning start to a new series of She-Wolf Queens'***** 'Spectacular . . . I will recommend this first part of her new trilogy to everyone'***** 'Fabulous . . . A lovely, highly researched tale'***** 'Exceptionally well-written . . . From the first page I was totally caught up in the story'1236. Ailenor of Provence, cultured and intelligent, is only thirteen when she meets her new husband, Henry III of England. A foreign and friendless princess in a strange land she is determined to please him. And she knows that when the times comes she must provide an heir, to secure the throne against those who would snatch it away. Rosalind, a commoner skilled in the arts of needlework and embroidery, catches the young queen's attention and a friendship blossoms. But she is unprepared for the dangerous ramifications of winning the queen's favour ... As closeness, and soon love, develops between Ailenor and Henry, so too does her influence on her husband and her power at court. As France and Wales provide constant threat, and England's barons increasingly resent her influence, Ailenor must learn to be ruthless. Who should she encourage her husband to favour? Who can she trust? Caught in a web of treachery and deceit, her choices will define the fate of England. To protect her close friends, and her beloved children, Ailenor, the She-Wolf from Provence, would do, and endure, anything ... Trade ReviewPowerful, gripping and beautifully told. A historical novel that will resonate with the #MeToo generationThe scents, colours and intrigues of a medieval court provide a fitting background to this gripping tale of a much maligned queen -- Henrietta Leyser, English HistorianDives into 13th Century England with the relish of a peregrine's stoop. With the tastiest morsels of quail and the tiniest golden embroidery stitch, the novel steeps the reader in the life of a medieval court -- Joanna Hickson, author of The Tudor CrownA very well-researched tale of a fascinating period -- Joanna Courtney, author of Blood QueenA love of medieval history shines through on every page. A feast for the senses and highly recommended to lovers of well-written historical biography -- Deborah Swift, author of Pleasing Mr Pepys

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller!'Downton with dance, perfect!' Santa MontefiorePrepare to be swept off your feet by the romantic and irresistible debut novel from Anton Du BekeLondon, 1936.Inside the spectacular Grand Ballroom of the exclusive Buckingham Hotel the rich and powerful, politicians, film stars, even royalty, rub shoulders with Raymond de Guise and his troupe of talented dancers from all around the world, who must enchant them, captivate them, and sweep away their cares. Accustomed to waltzing with the highest of society, Raymond knows a secret from his past could threaten all he holds dear.Nancy Nettleton, new chambermaid at the Buckingham, finds hotel life a struggle after leaving her small hometown. She dreams of joining the dancers on the ballroom floor as she watches, unseen, from behind plush curtains and hidden doorways. She soon discovers everyone at the Buckingham - guests and staff alike - has something to hide . . .The storm clouds of war are gathering, and beneath the glitz and glamour of the ballroom lurks an irresistible world of scandal and secrets.Let's dance . . .Trade ReviewDownton with dance, perfect! * Santa Montefiore *The consummate storyteller, adept at captivating audiences will now captivate readers as he whisks them away to worlds of dance, intrigue, high society and scandal... bringing the golden age of dance to life, page by page * Western Mail *A sparkling debut * Woman Magazine *This sweeping, engrossing story offers glamorous, high-society entertainment and promises to delight the reader * Daily Express *The characters and stories are beautifully interwoven to provide a really fabulous read * Judy Murray *

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Book SynopsisAs part of the Louis L’Amour’s Lost Treasures series, this edition contains exclusive bonus materials!In one swift moment a fall wiped away his memory. Now all he knew for certain was that someone wanted him dead—and that he had better learn why. But everywhere he turned there seemed to be more questions—or people too willing to hide the truth behind a smoke screen of lies. He had only the name he had been told was his own, his mysterious skill with a gun, and a link to a half million dollars’ worth of buried gold as evidence of his past life. Was the treasure his? Was he a thief? A killer? He didn’t have the answers, but he needed them soon. Because what he still didn’t know about himself, others did—and if he didn’t unlock the secret of his past, he wasn’t going to have much of a future.Louis L’Amour’s Lost Treasures is a project created to release some of the author’s more unconve

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Book SynopsisA luxury hotel in 1920s Berlin is a microcosm of modern society in this classic that inspired a hit Broadway musical and the classic film starring Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and John Barrymore. ?Prefigures Downtown Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs by examining multiple characters from different classes.? ?Shelf AwarenessThe luxury Grand Hotel is a revolving door for the stray souls of 1920s Berlin. Among the guests is Doctor Otternschlag, a World War I veteran whose face has been sliced in half by a shell. Day after day he emerges to read the paper in the lobby, discreetly inquiring at the desk if the letter he?s been awaiting for years has arrived. Then there is Grusinskaya, a great ballerina now fighting a losing battle not so much against age as against her fear of it, who may or may not be made for Gaigern, a sleek professional thief. Herr Preysing also checks in, the director of a family firm that isn?t as flourishing as it appears, who would never imagine that Kringelein, his underling, a timorous petty clerk he?s bullied for years, has also come to Berlin, determined to live at last now that he?s received a medical death sentence.All these characters and more, with all their secrets and aspirations, come together and come alive in the pages of Baum?s delicious anddisturbing masterpiece?a Weimar-era bestseller that retains all its verve and luster today.

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Book SynopsisCan their friendship survive the struggles of war?1940, the East End of London.Life is tough for the Ten Bells Street girls. Best friends from childhood, the three of them now find themselves scattered across London, surviving the war apart. Exiled from the East End, Rose has created a new life for herself and now works as a dancer in a club in Soho - but life in the West End has its problems too. With the arrival of the war, Becky has finally found work as a nurse, but as the bombs continue to fall she struggles to cope with the damage that surrounds her. And Bernie may have achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a professional photographer, but she''s never felt more distanced from her family and her life in the East End.Separated by circumstances, the girls'' friendship stands strong in the face of hardship as they fight for their place in a frightening new world

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Book SynopsisThe Whistlers' Room is the surprisingly gentle, sensitive story of a section in a German hospital where three soldiers try to recover from battle injuries. They are known as the Whistlers, as all were shot in the throat and their breathing results in a sound "like the squeaking of mice". The author vividly captures the strong young men the soldiers used to be and the battered, wounded people they have become. Pointner, whose obstinacy in holding onto an English sniper's cap means he is mistaken for the enemy, is the worst injured of the trio. Kollin continually dreams that he is cured, and for a brief, heart-breaking moment his breathing appears to be free when he awakes. The precarious balance of life in the hospital shifts when Harry, an English prisoner of war, becomes another whistler. His initial reception by the other patients, and his eventual acceptance into their group, reminds us of what must be so blatant day-in day-out in a hospital: men are all the same regardless of the country they fight for.The story progresses through a simple series of vignettes which are delicately presented without demanding empathy or flinging the reader into a maelstrom of emotion. It is all the more rare, precious and powerful as a result.Trade ReviewThe latest title in Casemate's brilliant war fiction series, The Whistlers Room was first published in 1929, this edition having been translated from the original German. Alverdes himself was wounded in the throat and what he describes in the book was largely based on his own personal experiences. Extreely atmospheric and poignant. A real gem. * Books Monthly *

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Book SynopsisWritten by 'a sublimely elegant historical novelist as addictive as crack' (Daily Telegraph), the Inspector Troy series is perfect for fans of Le Carré, Philip Kerr and Alan Furst.1938.The Germans take Vienna without a shot being fired. Covering Austria for the English press is a young journalist named Rod Troy. Back home his younger brother joins the CID as a detective constable. Two years later tensions are rising and 'enemy aliens' are rounded up in London for internment. In the midst of the chaos London's most prominent rabbis are being picked off one by one and Troy must race to stop the killer.Trade ReviewOne of the joys of reviewing crime fiction is that now and then one comes across . . . an author whose writing sets pulses racing and the jaded responses tingling. . . I entreat you, dear reader, to search out John Lawton and cherish him to your bosom, for he is truly an original. * Irish Times *Smart and gracefully written . . . It has been Lawton's achievement to capture, in first-rate popular fiction, the courage and drama -- and the widespread tomorrow-we-may-die exuberance -- of that terrible and thrilling moment in twentieth-century history. * Washington Post *

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Book SynopsisRandom House presents the audiobook edition of Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan, read by Billy Howle. Britain has lost the Falklands war, Margaret Thatcher battles Tony Benn for power and Alan Turing achieves a breakthrough in artificial intelligence. In a world not quite like this one, two lovers will be tested beyond their understanding.Machines Like Me occurs in an alternative 1980s London. Charlie, drifting through life and dodging full-time employment, is in love with Miranda, a bright student who lives with a terrible secret. When Charlie comes into money, he buys Adam, one of the first batch of synthetic humans. With Miranda’s assistance, he co-designs Adam’s personality. This near-perfect human is beautiful, strong and clever – a love triangle soon forms. These three beings will confront a profound moral dilemma. Ian McEwan’s subversive and entertaining new novel poses fundamental questions: what makes us human? Our outward deeds or our inner lives? Could a machine understand the human heart? This provocative and thrilling tale warns of the power to invent things beyond our control.Trade ReviewMachines Like Me reminds us that McEwan is once-in-a-generation talent, offering readerly pleasure, cerebral incisiveness and an enticing imagination. -- Lara Feigel * Spectator *[Machines Like Me] is right up there with his very best [novels]. Machines Like Me manages to combine the dark acidity of McEwan’s great early stories with the crowd-pleasing readability of his more recent work. A novel this smart oughtn’t to be such fun, but it is. -- Alex Preston * Observer *Ian McEwan’s Machines Like Me is a dazzling account of our interaction with technology… He marries a gripping plot, handled with rarefied skill and dexterity, to a deep excavation of the narrowing gap between the canny and the uncanny, leaving the reader pleasurably dizzied, and marvelling at human existence. -- Philip Womack * Independent *Compelling… unforgettably strange… there are many pleasures and many moments of profound disquiet in this book, which reminds you of its author’s mastery of the underrated craft of storytelling… [Machines Like Me] is morally complex and very disturbing, animated by a spirit of sinister and intelligent mischief that feels unique to its author. -- Marcel Theroux * Guardian *[McEwan's] fierce intelligence [crackles] like a Jumping Jack on Bonfire Night… Arguably the finest English writer of his generation, the ideas he explores are important, now more that ever. -- Richard Dismore * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisBorn into poverty, Katie Mulholland is forced to find work as a maid in the house of a wealthy family. But the beautiful young girl captures the eye of her employer's evil son, who rapes her and leaves her pregnant. Out for themselves, the family forces her to marry the cruel manager of their mines. But Katie's fate changes course when one man offers her the opportunity to make her own fortune, and to discover real love . . . Spanning Katie's life from 1860 to the height of the Second World War, this is a timeless tale of one woman''s fight for the happy ending she deserves. Catherine Cookson was the original and bestselling saga writer, selling over 100 million copies of her novels. If you like Dilly Court, Katie Flynn or Donna Douglas, you''ll love Catherine Cookson.Trade ReviewQueen of raw family romances * Telegraph *Humour, toughness, resolution and generosity are Cookson virtues . . . In the specialised world of women's popular fiction, Cookson has created her own territory * Helen Dunmore, The Times *Catherine Cookson soars above her rivals * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Downton Abbey, Atonement and Birdsong - a compelling historical saga from popular TV historian Kate Williams.Trade ReviewDownton fans will love the elegance, intrigue and drama of The House of Shadows. * YOURS MAGAZINE *Brimming with a historian's knowledge and an author's human insight, Williams's trilogy has been an exciting and absorbing portrait of a world in flux, and a poignant fictional reflection on life in the opening decades of the 20th century. -- Pam Norfolk * LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH *A rocket of a historical novel. -- Helena Gumley-Mason * THE LADY *

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Book SynopsisBack by popular demand, the 1965 bestselling political thriller – ‘What would happen if the president of the U.S.A. went stark-raving mad?’‘THRILLING’ Guardian ‘FIRST-RATE’ Daily Mail ‘COMPELLING’ Bob Woodward ‘A little too plausible for comfort’ New York Times, 1965How can one man convince the highest powers in Washington that the President of the United States is dangerously unstable – before it's too late?Senator Jim MacVeagh is proud to serve his country – and his president, Mark Hollenbach, who has a near-spotless reputation as the vibrant, charismatic leader of MacVeagh’s party and the nation. When Hollenbach begins taking MacVeagh into his confidence, the young senator knows that his star is on the rise.But then Hollenbach starts summoning MacVeagh in the middle of the night to Camp David. There, the president sits in the dark and rants about his enemies, unfurling insane theories about all the people he says are conspiring against him. They would do anything, President Hollenbach tells the stunned senator, to stop him from setting in motion the grand, unprecedented plans he has to make America a great world power once again.MacVeagh comes away from these meetings increasingly convinced that the man he once admired has lost his mind. But what can he do? Who can he tell?Trade ReviewCompelling... It’s a testament to Knebel’s skill that Night of Camp David remains thrilling -- Tom McCarthy * Guardian *This summer I reread Night of Camp David, the 1965 novel by Fletcher Knebel... The book ends with some compelling twists -- Bob Woodward, author of Fear: Trump in the White House * New York Times *Eerily prescient -- Laura Wilson * Guardian *When it first appeared, this first-rate thriller was termed "a little too plausible for comfort". It still is -- Geoffrey Wansell * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis"I wasn't sure I liked the sound of it. Even my vivid imagination could hardly fathom a place as tight, or dense, or narrow as Shanghai." It's April 1939 and, with their lives in Berlin and Vienna under threat, Esther and Kitty – two very different women – are forced to make the same brutal choice. Flee Europe, or face the ghetto, incarceration, death. Shanghai, they've heard, Shanghai is a haven – and so they secure passage to the other side of the world. What they find is a city of extremes – wealth, poverty, decadence and disease – and of deep political instability. Kitty has been lured there with promises of luxury, love, marriage – but when her Russian fiancé reveals his hand she’s left to scratch a vulnerable living in Shanghai's nightclubs and dark corners. Meanwhile, Esther and her little girl take shelter in a house of widows until the protection of Aaron, Esther’s hot-headed former lover, offers new hope of survival. Then the Japanese military enters the fray and violence mounts. As Kitty's dreams of escape are dashed, and Esther's relationship becomes tainted, the two women are thrown together in the city's most desperate times. Together they must fight for a future for the lives that will follow theirs. PRAISE FOR THE LIVES BEFORE US: 'The Lives Before Us opens up a captivating new world in a war I thought I knew about, a raucous Casablanca transposed to the East, filled with the intrigues of outcasts and determined survivors.' – ALEX CHRISTOFI, author of Glass 'Juliet Conlin brings wartime Shanghai to vividly to life with a wealth of fascinating detail.' – SARA SHERIDAN, author of The Ice Maiden 'Chronicles the courage and endurance of two women in wartime Shanghai, separated, then reunited, in a dangerous and desperate place. Strongly drawn characters quickly demand attention, and empathy, and their compelling story charts a little known aspect of the Second World War, and of a persecution felt far beyond Europe.' – SARAH MAINE, author of The House Between TidesTrade Review'The Lives Before Us opens up a captivating new world in a war I thought I knew about, a raucous Casablanca transposed to the East, filled with the intrigues of outcasts and determined survivors.' – ALEX CHRISTOFI, author of Glass ; 'Juliet Conlin brings wartime Shanghai to vividly to life with a wealth of fascinating detail.' – SARA SHERIDAN, author of The Ice Maiden ; 'Chronicles the courage and endurance of two women in wartime Shanghai, separated, then reunited, in a dangerous and desperate place. Strongly drawn characters quickly demand attention, and empathy, and their compelling story charts a little known aspect of the Second World War, and of a persecution felt far beyond Europe.' – SARAH MAINE, author of The House Between Tides

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Book Synopsis1871. Pete Ferguson is a wanted man. An army deserter, hunted for murder in Oregon, not to mention theft and arson in Nebraska.Taking the name of Billy Webb, he is hired by bison hunters, but leaves after a bloody dispute. He then takes the Comancheros Road, which he follows to Mexico, and then to Guatemala . . . Whatever he does, wherever he goes, Pete is a magnet for trouble and seems incapable of making the right choices. The violence that follows him keeps him away from those he loves: his brother Oliver, still on the Fitzpatrick ranch with Aileen, Alexandra and Arthur Bowman.It is a woman who will change his destiny, an Indigenous woman driven out of her lands. To save her, Ferguson will sabotage an attempted coup d''état and together, they will go to the Equator that has become Ferguson''s grail, and where the malevolent forces governing this world must finally be defeated.

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Book SynopsisTHE FIRST BOOK IN A HEART-WARMING, MOVING TRILOGY FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR MARY WOOD, WRITING AS MAGGIE MASONThe perfect read for fans of Kitty Neale, Val Wood and Rosie Goodwin.Blackpool, 1893Tilly has come a long way from the run-down tenements in which she grew up. She has a small but comfortable home, a loving, handsome husband, two beautiful little''uns - Babs and Beth - and she earns herself a little money weaving wicker baskets. Life is good. Until the day Tilly returns home to find a policeman standing on her doorstep. Her Arthur won''t be coming home tonight - nor any night - having fallen to his death whilst working on Blackpool tower. Suddenly Tilly is her daughters'' sole protector, and she''s never felt more alone.With the threat of destitution nipping at their heels, Tilly struggles to make ends meet and keep a roof over her girls'' heads. In a town run by men Tilly has to ask herself what she''s willing

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Book Synopsis''Laura is a masterful writer, her deliciously gothic stories so skilfully woven that you can''t get them out of your head even if you wanted to'' Stacey Halls, author of The Familiars''The Corset is a contender for my Book of the Year. Beautifully written, intricately plotted, a masterpiece'' Sarah HilaryIs prisoner Ruth Butterham mad or a murderer? Victim or villain?Dorothea Truelove is young, wealthy and beautiful. Ruth Butterham is young, poor and awaiting trial for murder. When Dorothea's charitable work leads her to Oakgate Prison, she finds herself drawn to Ruth, a teenage seamstress and self-confessed murderess who nurses a dark and uncanny secret. A secret that is leading her straight to the gallows. As Ruth reveals her disturbing past to Dorothea, the fates of these two women entwine, and with every revelation, a new layer of doubt is cast... Can Ruth be trusted? Is she mad, or a murderer?*Laura Purcell''s spine-chilling newTrade ReviewA compelling slice of early Victorian gothic … Vivid and well researched, this book is an evocative portrait of a society that punishes women who dare to contravene social norms … as well as a splendid mystery with suitably melodramatic flourishes * Guardian *The Silent Companions was a chillingly note-perfect take on Victorian gothic and [Purcell] makes a brilliant return to the genre with this much-anticipated tale ... Heart-pounding … A classic Victorian tale of murder most foul, twisted with a curious supernatural thread * Stylist *Laura is a masterful writer, her deliciously gothic stories so skilfully woven that you can't get them out of your head even if you wanted to -- Stacey Halls, author of Sunday Times bestseller, The FamiliarsThe Corset [sent] chills shooting down my spine ... Nods to the classic gothic novel and Sarah Waters’s Affinity * Red *This gothic chiller casts an addictive spell * Sunday Mirror *Intricate, atmospheric and chilling – with a wonderfully dark premise at its heart * Woman & Home *[A] thrilling, chilling Gothic tale … [A] deliciously dark mystery * Psychologies *Chilling ... All but the most cynical will find it hard to stop turning the pages * Observer *The Silent Companions was a gothic masterpiece and The Corset follows with confidence ... 16-year-old Ruth is on trial for murder but finds herself on the receiving end of Dorothea Truelove’s charitable ministrations ... their joint narrative twists and turns, leading readers to the most haunting of endings * Emerald Street *Deliciously creepy and atmospheric with a gripping plot, this book will disturb your sleep. And I didn't see THAT ending coming -- Sarah J. Harris, author of 'The Colour of Bee Larkham’s Murder'Purcell’s tale brilliantly captures the restricted lives of Victorian women, while pitting magical thinking against scientific rationale * Mail on Sunday *The Corset is a contender for my Book of the Year. Ruth and Dorothea will live in my mind for a long time. Beautifully written, intricately plotted, a masterpiece -- Sarah HilaryShe’s done it again. More macabre magnificence from Laura Purcell - intricately stitched together like one of seamstress Ruth’s terrifying creations. The Corset will have you crushed within its vice. Brilliant’ -- Anna MazzolaAn intriguing premise deftly executed, The Corset is genuinely thrilling -- Elizabeth HaynesA romping read with a deliciously dark conceit at its centre. Reminded me of Alias Grace. A worthy successor to The Silent Companions -- Kiran Millwood HargraveWith the skill of a born story teller Laura Purcell has crafted a tale as intricate and flawless as Ruth's stitches. By turns horrifying and humorous, The Corset is a darkly compelling, unsettling and fascinating book, where pseudo-science meets needlework in the most chilling and unexpected ways ... The Corset is the very best kind of gothic fiction. Reminiscent of Sarah Waters and Margaret Atwood, but uniquely and unmistakably Laura Purcell -- ES ThomsonThe Corset is a sharp-edged, emotionally freighted mystery, rooted in the pitch-black darkness of Victorian poverty. An intriguing, page-turning gothic tale of murder and the supernatural -- Sophia TobinPraise for The Silent Companions: 'A sinister slice of Victorian gothic … Creepy and page-turning * The Times *A perfect read for a winter night … An intriguing, nuanced and genuinely eerie slice of Victorian gothic * Guardian *This intriguingly plotted novel is the full-blown gothic, maintaining throughout an unsettling claustrophobic atmosphere mixed with some unusual historical detail * Daily Mail *The nights are drawing in, low mists hang over the ground… What you really need is something to terrify the bejeezus out of you. And Laura Purcell has nailed it with a story that conjures up Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, Henry James’s The Turn of The Screw and a little bit of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier * Emerald Street *Irresistibly creepy, this romps along, Purcell turning her screws with skill. It’s what crumpets and dismal afternoons were made for * Glamour *

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Book SynopsisArgentinian writer Eduardo Gutiérrez (1851-1889) fashioned his seminal gauchesque novel from the prison records of the real Juan Moreira, a noble outlaw whose life and name became legendary in the Río de la Plata during the late 19th century. John Chasteen's fast-moving, streamlined translation--the first ever into English--captures all of the sweeping romance and knife-wielding excitement of the original. William Acree's introduction and notes situate Juan Moreira in its literary and historical contexts. Numerous illustrations, a map of Moreira's travels, a glossary of terms, and a select bibliography are all included.Trade Review"Chasteen conveys [the novel'] power and action, as well as the colorful language and humor of the gaucho found in the original text. Acree' astute introduction contextualizes the life and exploits of Argentina' great 19th-century bandit hero. Moreira' humanity and heroism come through clearly to the modern reader. Thanks to Gutiérrez' skillful blending of fact and fiction about Moreira, readers today will learn a great deal about the social realities and folk customs of 19th-century gauchos. General readers will enjoy the action and pathos of this early work of 'rue crime.'Instructors seeking to engage their students with a compelling tale of 19th-century Latin American class conflict and social injustice will want to assign the book in their courses." --Richard W. Slatta, North Carolina State University

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisFor fans of All the Light We Cannot See, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, and The Nightingale comes an emotionally gripping, beautifully written historical novel about extraordinary hope, redemption, and one man’s search for light during the darkest times of World War II. Germany, 1942. Franciscan friar Anton Starzmann is stripped of his place in the world when his school is seized by the Nazis. He relocates to a small German hamlet to wed Elisabeth Herter, a widow who seeks a marriage—in name only—to a man who can help raise her three children. Anton seeks something too—atonement for failing to protect his young students from the wrath of the Nazis. But neither he nor Elisabeth expects their lives to be shaken once again by the inescapable rumble of war. As Anton struggles to adapt to the roles of husband and father, he learns of the Red Orchestra, an underground network of resisters plotting to assassinate Hitler. Despite Elisabeth’s reservations, Anton joins this army of shadows. But when the SS discovers his schemes, Anton will embark on a final act of defiance that may cost him his life—even if it means saying goodbye to the family he has come to love more than he ever believed possible.Trade Review“Harrowing and yet life-affirming, told in the richest, most eloquent prose, The Ragged Edge of Night is one of the World War II novels that will stand out and be remembered.” —Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child “…Emotionally charged and beautifully written…Olivia Hawker shows that life can move forward and unexpected love can triumph, even when it strikes the most unlikely people during brutal years of conflict. This is an unusual story based on a true one, making it all the more fascinating and satisfying.” —Ann Howard Creel, bestselling author of The Whiskey Sea “When the world is at war, can one person make a difference? This moving historical novel immerses readers in World War II-era Germany, where even small acts of resistance have terrible consequences…Eye-opening and ultimately inspiring.” —Elizabeth Blackwell, author of On a Cold Dark Sea “Set in Nazi Germany, The Ragged Edge of the Night is a powerful story of a priest turned husband turned resistance leader. Hateful forces had grown so powerful that they destroyed a nation and were marching on to threaten the world. In the face of such power it would be easy to grow complacent and hopeless, but this story of a simple man making the difficult choice to fight for his deepest values reminds us of the best of humanity.” —Laila Ibrahim, author of Yellow Crocus “An introspective, poignant voyage through one man’s struggle to reconcile his past. A beautifully written book highlighting the senseless choices that good people were forced to make.” —Gemma Liviero, bestselling author of Pastel Orphans and Broken Angels

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Book SynopsisSometimes going home is just the beginningVivid and beautifully written, Liz Fenwick is a gifted storyteller' Sarah Morgan, Sunday Times bestselling author''Atmospheric, emotional and full of mystery an absolute pleasure from page one'' Veronica Henry, Sunday Times bestselling authorBoskenna, the beautiful, imposing house standing on the Cornish cliffs, means something different to each of the Trewin women.For Joan, as a glamorous young wife in the 1960s, it was a paradise where she and her husband could entertain and escape a world where no one was quite what they seemed a world that would ultimately cost their marriage and end in tragedy.Diana, her daughter, still dreams of her childhood there the endless blue skies and wide lawns, book-filled rooms and parties, the sound of the sea at the end of the coastal path even though the family she adored was shattered there.And for the youngest, broken-hearted Lottie, heading home in the August traffic, returning to Boskenna is a welcomeTrade Review PRAISE FOR THE PATH TO THE SEA: ‘Vivid and beautifully written, Liz Fenwick is a gifted storyteller’ Sarah Morgan 'Atmospheric, emotional and full of mystery – an absolute pleasure from page one' Veronica Henry 'A wonderfully evocative story, packed with secrets and emotion’ Judy Finnigan ‘Pure escapism at its best’ The Sun ‘With a gifted storyteller's talent for crafting compelling characters and putting them in alluring locations, Liz Fenwick's books invite readers to open the covers and explore a dramatic terrain of love, family, and friendship. With wit and skill, Fenwick illuminates the small, often overlooked moments that shape and define a life. These are tales that draw you in and keep you engaged until the last page is turned’ Deborah Harkness ‘A warm and feel-good romance that will have you pining to feel sand beneath your feet’ Woman’s Weekly ‘Evocative and compelling, a glorious tale of the choices women make for love. I adored it’ Cathy Bramley ‘Full of emotion and mystery’ HELLO! ‘Sweeping, romantic and gorgeously evocative of Cornwall’ BEST ‘Warm and poignant…Liz Fenwick draws you into her stunning world of Cornish coasts and unforgettable characters’ Jane Corry ‘Swept me away. Just beautiful’ Louise Beech ‘Totally engrossing and surprising, this is Liz Fenwick at her very best’ Fionnuala Kearney ‘Dazzling…left me spellbound’ Claire Dyer ‘Ideal for fans of Kate Morton’ CANDIS PRAISE FOR LIZ FENWICK: ‘The queen of the contemporary Cornish novel’ The Guardian 'Full of warmth, wisdom and compassion . . . Liz Fenwick's writing is vivid, satisfying and descriptive' Daily Express ‘Engrossing and romantic – a perfect holiday read’ Rachel Hore 'Authentic and compelling . . . I loved it' Rosanna Ley

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Book SynopsisThe second novel in Willa Cather’s Great Plains trilogy, is a lyrical coming-of-age story charting the struggles of an artists life. 'Lingers long in the memory' Joyce Carol Oates Thea Kronberg, gifted with a beautiful voice, defies her humble beginnings in Colorado and finds success far from her small hometown. But her achievements come with painful drawbacks. As the distance between Thea and her roots increases, she must fight to find her inner strength and reach her full potential. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY PENELOPE LIVELYTrade ReviewWilla Cather makes a world which is burningly alive, sometimes lovely, often tragic -- Helen DunmoreThe Song of the Lark illuminates all her work -- A. S. Byatt

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER''A glittering depiction of a woman ahead of her time who absolutely refused to be second best'' Red Alva Smith, her Southern family destitute after the Civil War, marries into one of America''s great Gilded Age dynasties: the newly wealthy but socially shunned Vanderbilts. Ignored by New York''s old-money circles and determined to win respect, she designs and builds nine mansions, hosts grand balls, and arranges for her daughter to marry a duke. But Alva also defies convention for women of the time, asserting power within her marriage and becoming a leader in the women''s suffrage movement. With a nod to Jane Austen and Edith Wharton, bestselling author Therese Anne Fowler paints a glittering world of enormous wealth contrasted with desperate poverty, of social ambition and social scorn, of friendship and betrayal, and an unforgettable story of a remarkaTrade ReviewA very lively read * Independent *A pacy, elegant novel, powered by a heroine who parlays her pluck into real clout. * Mail on Sunday *Fascinating . . . a glittering depiction of a woman ahead of her time who absolutely refused to be second best * Red *A fascinating tale of liberation and self-sufficiency that conjures up the work of Edith Wharton . . . a wholly absorbing tale that transports the reader to the Gilded Age of the 1800s. It's the perfect Sunday afternoon-in-bed read. * Stylist *Sheer brilliance -- Book Wars * Stylist *Therese Anne Fowler's portrait of this feisty, forward-thinking woman is enthralling * Good Housekeeping *Sure to enthral * Harper's Bazaar *Like Gossip Girl minus more than a century. * The Skimm *This novel is a treat. Fowler's attention to period detail is both mesmerising and delicately drawn and the cast of recognisable characters such as the Astors, the Mandevilles and those from the British aristocracy are intriguing. The novel offers an unsentimental, thought provoking and nuanced examination of an extraordinary life during a time where women were grossly undervalued and oppressed. Alva demanded and achieved more, altering the course of women's lives in unprecedented ways. Fowler has articulated her narrative in an utterly fascinating account of gender politics that still bears a deep resonance today. Alva's story has been resurrected and made newly unforgettable. * Irish Times *A very lively read . . . with Alva's social manoeuvring depicted in all its glory, along with her willingness to defy social convention as an advocate of African American rights, a divorcee and, later, a prominent campaigner for women's suffrage. * Irish News *Fowler's Alva is tough, cagey and unwilling to settle for the role of high-society ornament - what's not to like? * The Washington Post *A tale well-researched and honest, it returns to Alva Smith Vanderbilt that which many historians have taken away: her voice * New York Journal of Books *Like its subject, A Well-Behaved Woman draws beauty from paradox: it is both detailed and fast-paced, loving and critical, heart-breaking and hopeful * Chicago Review of Books *Now's a good time to start adding to your collection of historical heroines. Alva Vanderbilt should be right up there. With A Well-Behaved Woman, Therese Anne Fowler repeats the same magic she did in her 2013 novel Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald: she fictionalises the story of one of American history's most fascinating women * Refinery29 *In this enticing novel, Therese Anne Fowler introduces us to Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont, a remarkable woman who was the epitome of the expression "well-behaved women seldom make history' * Good Housekeeping US *In the vein of Fowler's Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, A Well-Behaved Woman follows the rise of another unsuspecting heroine of American history: Alva Vanderbilt * InStyle *This novel is like wallowing in a jacuzzi: relaxing and invigorating. Delightful * Irish Examiner *Nothing short of mesmerising * Kirkus *As accomplished as its subject, redoubtable socialite and women's suffrage crusader Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Fowler's engrossing successor to 2013's Z: a novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, again showcases her genius for seeing beyond the myths of iconic women * Publisher's Weekly *Captivating . . . I dare you not to dive right in * Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Wife *This is a wonderful book! Fowler's portrait is so nuanced, so complicated by context, and so informed by her own capacious generosity that we can't help being drawn in * Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves *Not just breathtakingly alive, but dazzlingly and profoundly timely. A must-read masterpiece. * Caroline Leavitt, the New York Times bestselling author of Pictures of You *A fascinating tale of Gilded Age manners and mores, and one remarkable woman's attempts to transcend them. * Chris Bohjalian, No.1 New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant *Activist, egalitarian, philanthropist, trailblazer - these are the qualities of a historic leader . . . Alva's gumption and glamour will resonate with modern women and remind all that history belongs to those who courageously persevere. A sparkling, powerful story that needs to be heard now more than ever. * Sarah McCoy, New York Times and international bestselling author of Marilla of Green Gables *Immensely readable . . . an extraordinary portrait of a strong, fascinating woman * Christina Baker Kline, New York Times bestselling author of A Piece of the World *Oh, how I loved every instant I spent in the world Fowler has recreated here . . . Prepare to be enthralled! * Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Couple *The story of Alva Vanderbilt is long overdue for a telling, but it was worth the wait . . . a delicious book * Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Girls in the Picture *With you-are-there immediacy fuelled by assured attention to biographical detail and deft weaving of labyrinthine intrigue, Fowler creates a thoroughly credible imagining of the challenges and emotional turmoil facing this fiercely independent woman * Booklist *Fascinating * Garden & Gun *A very lively read . . . Fowler is particularly good at the competing voices which vie for young Alva's attention as she tries to secure a wealthy husband who will shore up the fortunes of her impoverished family. * Irish Examiner *

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