Historical Fiction Books

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 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 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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Book SynopsisOne Perfect Family . . . can bring a whole village togetherLancashire, 1934. When Tam Crawford is unexpectedly bequeathed some money, he can finally realise his dream of settling down in the beautiful village of Ellindale.Tam knows he can be impulsive - his nickname isn''t Crazy Tam for nothing! - but this time he is determined not to be ruled by his big heart and hot head. Yet somehow, within just one day, he has taken on a fiancée and two children to keep them out of the poorhouse - or worse. Despite their unconventional start, as Tam and his new family get to know and love each other, they come to realise that his act of charity is the best thing that could have happened to all of them. But there are still problems and they struggle to find somewhere to live.Tam and his makeshift family are not the only ones facing difficulties. Local benefactor Finn Carlisle''s attempts to help the unemployed are being saboTrade ReviewPraise for the Ellindale series * :- *One of the most lovely and heartwarming books I have ever read! ***** * Between the Pages *A book of family, love, friendship and loyalty. ***** * Stardust Book Reviews *I was gripped from the very first word on the very first page and I wasn't released until the last word on the last page . . . When I finished I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer. ***** * Ginger Book Geek *Praise for Anna Jacobs * :- *[Anna Jacobs' books have an] impressive grasp of human emotions * The Sunday Times *Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around * Historical Novels Review *[Anna Jacobs is] especially big on resourceful, admirable women. Great stuff! * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis Battles rage as the epic science fantasy adventure saga continues. The maritime ubarate of Cos and her allies are mounting an attack on Ar on two fronts—from the South with a major invasion force and in the North with an expeditionary force besieging Ar’s Station, Ar’s base of power in the vast arable basin of Gor’s mightiest river, the Vosk. Dietrich of Tarnburg, a mercenary, has seized Torcodino, with its stores of military supplies, to temporarily halt the march of Cos on Ar in order to buy Ar time to organize for her defense. Cabot has delivered letters from Dietrich to the regent of Ar, apprising him of the situation at Torcodino. Tarl escapes his imprisonment and ponders whether he should then flee Ar’s Station, making his way to freedom through its miseries and desolations, its ruins and flames, or shall he remain, to defend her weakened, betrayed, starving defenders, those who had been his very captors?   Re

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ? A thrilling tale of secretaries turned spies, of love and duty, and of sacrifice?inspired by the true story of the CIA plot to infiltrate the hearts and minds of Soviet Russia, not with propaganda, but with the greatest love story of the twentieth century: Doctor Zhivago ? A HELLO SUNSHINE x REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICKAt the height of the Cold War, Irina, a young Russian-American secretary, is plucked from the CIA typing pool and given the assignment of a lifetime. Her mission: to help smuggle Doctor Zhivago into the USSR, where it is banned, and enable Boris Pasternak?s magnum opus to make its way into print around the world. Mentoring Irina is the glamorous Sally Forrester: a seasoned spy who has honed her gift for deceit, using her magnetism and charm to pry secrets out of powerful men. Under Sally?s tutelage, Irina learns how to invisibly ferry classified documents?and discovers deeply buried truths about herself. The Secrets We Kept combines a legendary literary love story?the decades-long affair between Pasternak and his mistress and muse, Olga Ivinskaya, who inspired Zhivago?s heroine, Lara?with a narrative about two women empowered to lead lives of extraordinary intrigue and risk. Told with soaring emotional intensity and captivating historical detail, this is an unforgettable debut: a celebration of the powerful belief that a work of art can change the world.

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Book SynopsisRoger Chillingworth arrives in New England after two years' separation from his wife, Hester Prynne, to find her on trial for adultery. She refuses to reveal her lover and is sentenced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' sewn onto her clothes. Resolving to discover the man's identity, Roger sets out to destroy his rival, while Hester desperately tries to protect her illegitimate daughter from a society determined to condemn them both.A smash hit in its day, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is the gripping tale of three New England settlers at odds with the seventeenth-century Puritan society in which they live, and remains one of literature's most evocative portraits of a love triangle.This beautiful Macmillan Collector's Library edition of The Scarlet Letter features an afterword by broadcaster Jonty Claypole.

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Book SynopsisAfter saving the Empire''s richest province from a foreign army, Marcus and the men who protect him have been in hiding. Their lives will be forfeit if they are seen in Rome. But times have changed. Marcus''s protector, the patrician legion commander Scaurus, has been summoned home by his mentor, a powerful senator who has decided he must act to save the empire from its debauched ruler''s reign of terror. Rome is a hotbed of conspiracy and treachery: and the senator is not the only contender for power. The emperor himself plans to destroy those he mistrusts and no-one is safe.Marcus is assigned his own, unique role in the conspiracy. He will become a gladiator once more. But this time, his only opponent will be Commodus himself . . .Trade ReviewPraise for Anthony RichesRiver of Gold is the eleventh novel in Anthony Riches' best-selling Empire series and its considerable strengths are all the more impressive because of it. . . . a gripping narrative full of breath-taking action, unforgettable characters, and dazzling twists and turns -- Peter Tonkin * Aspects of History *A masterclass in military historical fiction * Sunday Express *A master of the genre * The Times *Fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night' fiction with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both * Conn Iggulden *A damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed * Ben Kane *Stands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination * Manda Scot *

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Book SynopsisJane Smiley is the author of numerous novels, including A Thousand Acres, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, as well as five works of nonfiction and a series of books for young adults. In 2001 she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and in 2006 she received the PEN USA Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature. Her novel Horse Heaven was short-listed for the Orange Prize in 2002, and Private Life was chosen as one of the best books of 2010 by The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post. She lives in northern California.

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Book SynopsisThere are some things which even the closest friendship cannot survive . . . Welcome Home is an enthralling and moving drama from bestselling author Margaret Dickinson, set during the Second World War.Neighbours Edie Kelsey and Lil Horton have been friends for over twenty years, sharing the joys and sorrows of a tough life as the wives of fishermen in Grimsby. So it was no surprise that their children were close and that Edie's son, Frank, and Lil's daughter, Irene, would fall in love and marry at a young age.But the declaration of war in 1939 changed everything. Frank went off to fight, and Irene and baby, Tommy, along with Edie's youngest son are sent to the countryside for safety. With Edie's husband, Archie, fishing the dangerous waters in the North Sea and daughter Beth in London doing 'important war work', Edie's family is torn apart.Friendship sustains Edie and Lil, but tragedy follows and there&Trade ReviewThe Queen of Saga * Daily Express *A gripping saga full of heart-rendering drama * Yours *Her novels bring to life her love of the Lincolnshire landscape * Lincolnshire Echo *An outstanding story of love, courage, and family life during World War Two told by an author who knows how to touch your heart - another Margaret Dickinson triumph -- Mary Wood, author of Time Passes TimeMargaret Dickinson's, Welcome Home is an outstanding story of love and war set in the bleakness of WW2. It will tug at your heart-strings, make you cry, smile and leave you wanting to read more by this wonderful author -- Diane Allen, author of For The Sake of Her FamilyI cannot thank Margaret Dickinson enough for the hours of pleasure she's given me with this book. Welcome Home has everything you would expect from the Queen of saga; family life, friendship, heartaches, love and betrayal and much, much more. I not only came to appreciate the privations for those left behind on the home front but the heart stopping moments when one of the family is behind enemy lines, will live on in my memory for a long time to come. A thoroughly enjoyable read -- Pam Weaver

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Book Synopsis'Exquisite' – Daily MailShortlisted for the Walter Scott PrizeBased on true events, The Good People is Hannah Kent's engrossing novel about superstition and devoted love.Ireland, 1825. Nóra, bereft after the sudden death of her husband, finds herself alone and caring for her young grandson Micheál, who cannot speak or walk. What happened to the healthy, happy grandson she met when her daughter was still alive?Mary arrives in the valley to help Nóra just as the whispers are spreading: stories of unexplained misfortunes, of illnesses, and rumours that Micheál is a changeling child who is bringing bad luck to the valley.Nance has lived in the valley all of her life. She is a healer who knows how to use the plants and berries of the woodland; she understands the magic in the old ways. And she might be able to help Micheál . . .As these three women are Trade ReviewExceptional . . . The Good People is an even better novel than Burial Rites — a starkly realised tale of love, grief and misconceived beliefs * Sunday Times *Lyrical and unsettling . . . A literary novel with the pace and tension of a thriller . . . I am in awe of Kent's gifts as a storyteller. -- Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the TrainAn imaginative tour-de-force that recreates a way of perceiving the world with extraordinary vividness . . . With its exquisite prose, this harrowing, haunting narrative of love and suffering is sure to be a prize-winner * Daily Mail *Kent has a terrific feel for the language of her setting. The prose is richly textured with evocative vocabulary . . . A serious and compelling novel about how those in desperate circumstances cling to ritual as a bulwark against their own powerlessness -- Graeme Macrae Burnet * Guardian *Hannah Kent's second novel is a thorough study of the faiths and rituals of a rural community, as well as a poignant portrayal of grief * Financial Times *The Good People lies somewhere between Andrew Michael Hurley's gothic The Loney and Emma Donoghue's The Wonder . . . an absorbing and imaginative novel about superstition and the old ways * The Times *A thoroughly engrossing entrée into the macabre nature of a vanished society, its virtues and its follies and its lethal impulses . . . utterly unexpected -- Thomas Keneally, Booker Prize-author of Schindler's ArkBeautiful . . . the setting and the characters drew me in immediately and kept me completely absorbed -- Claire King, author of The Night RainbowAn immersive, startlingly lyrical portrait of a time when the borders between logic and superstition were dangerously porous . . . thrillingly alive * Metro *Remarkable . . . Kent displays an uncanny ability to immerse herself in an unfamiliar landscape and to give that landscape a life - a voice - that is utterly convincing . . . a haunting novel, shrewdly conceived and beautifully written * The Australian *A sensitively drawn tale of love, grief, and terrible loss * The Age *The Good People is a sensitively drawn tale of love, grief, and terrible loss, set in a tiny Irish village in the early 19th century . . . filled with descriptions of ritual and rhythm * Canberra Times *

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Book SynopsisHeartwarming and nostalgic fiction from the best selling author of The District Nurses of Victory Walk.It's 1943 and the district nurses have two new recruitsAs the country ramps up for D-Day, the new nurses getting to know their patients on their patch in London's East End.Lily is quite sure of herself and doesn't believe she has anything new to learn. She'll find out the hard way that anyone can be made a fool of when she meets a man who promises her everything.Ruby thinks that nursing might not be for her is she as hopeless as she thinks, or will tough times bring out the best in her?As the war takes on a new urgency, everything is at stake - can the nurses do what is right for the country and for themselves?Trade ReviewPraise for Annie Groves: ‘An engrossing story’ My Weekly ‘A stirring and heartrending family saga…Against a backdrop of change when the suffragette movement was coming to the fore, the choices and dreams of a generation of women combine to create this passionate story’ Liverpool Daily Post ‘Heartwrenching and uplifting in equal measure – a tragic indictment of what can happen when you swap passion for duty. Roll on the sequel!’ Take a Break ‘Written from the heart’ My Weekly

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Book SynopsisThe first in the classic family saga trilogy about the Eliots of Damerosehay, from the author of Green Dolphin Country and The Dean's Watch.Trade ReviewGenuine discernment and poignancy - Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisCurl up with this festive, uplifting and heartwarming romantic saga . . .____________ 'A real page turner, the novel is packed full of romance, drama and a desire to find her family' Under the Christmas Tree ____________Liverpool, 1940When war comes to Britain, Jessica Wilson and her friend Ruby seize the opportunity to leave behind the orphanage they grew up in and start new lives in the NAAFI. With only forged papers as identification the girls expect to be turned away but are delighted with an offer of work.For the first time in their lives they experience real independence and it isn't long before they're spending their evenings enjoying the delights of Liverpool.When Jessica meets the handsome Tom, she feels as though her life is complete, but after a chance encounter with a friend, she soon learns that not everything is as it seems. As Jessica begins to uncover the truth, she unravels a web of lies, starting with the night of her birth, and she will need the support of her friends if she is to get her Christmas wish . . . ____________ **The final novel in the trilogy, OVER THE RAINBOW is available now**Trade ReviewA real page turner, the novel is packed full of romance, drama and a desire to find her family * Under the Christmas Tree *The perfect heart-warming paperback to keep you company this Christmas * CultureFly *

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Book SynopsisNobody''s Darling by Josephine Cox, Sunday Times bestselling author, explores worldly success and all it brings as well as all it leaves behind.''The fact that Josephine Cox brings so much freshness to the plot, and the characters, is an indication of her skills as a storyteller'' Birmingham PostLizzie Miller worries about her beautiful eldest daughter. A mother shouldn''t have favourites, but Ruby wins a special place in Lizzie''s heart. Money is short in their little house in Blackburn, and Ruby yearns to give her beloved family a better life. Determined to enjoy the security only wealth can bring, she stifles her feelings for handsome Johnny Ackroyd. Ruby knows he cannot offer her the life she craves. She works as a maid for Mr Banks and his daughter, Cicely. The two girls hatch a mischievous plan to introduce Ruby to society at a party for the ''gentry'' of Blackburn, where Ruby meets Luke Arnold, the dissolute heir to h

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Book SynopsisStep back in time with Karen Maitland, author of the hugely popular Company of Liars. This dark tale is sure to thrill fans of The Witchfinder''s Sister and C. J. Sansom with its chilling recreation of the Peasants'' Revolt.''A gem, crafted in the darkness ... Maitland has produced another gripping tale, from a darker age, which has surprising resonances with the present'' Independent on Sunday By the pricking of my thumbs ...Lincoln, 1380. A raven-haired widow is newly arrived in John of Gaunt''s city, with her two unnaturally beautiful children in tow.The widow Catlin seems kind, helping wool merchant Robert of Bassingham care for his ill wife. Surely it makes sense for Catlin and her family to move into Robert''s home?But when first Robert''s wife - and then others - start dying unnatural deaths, the whispers turn to witchcraft. The reign of Richard II brings blooTrade ReviewA gem, crafted in the darkness ... Maitland has produced another gripping tale, from a darker age, which has surprising resonances with the present * Independent on Sunday *Maitland has created a rich and believable medieval world with extraordinary attention to detail and finely wrought prose; her huge, deftly drawn cast of characters spring vividly to life * Sunday Express *Karen Maitland truly is the Doyenne of medieval fiction ... A tempting, beguiling and truly bewitching read * beadyjansbooks.blogspot.co.uk *An immensely powerful tale ... This is masterly storytelling, generous to the reader from start to finish * forwinternights.wordpress.com *A riveting, page-turning whopper of a book that had me captivated - in fact, positively bewitched - from the start. Blending history, superstition, folklore, murder, mystery and witchcraft sublimely, this ... is an absolute must-read * thelittlereaderlibrary.blogspot.co.uk *Beautifully written with an uncanny eye for detail * jaffareadstoo.blogspot.co.uk *Just put it on your list to read. You won't regret it at all * thislifeofliterature.wordpress.com *A wonderfully Gothic atmosphere... Maitland has produced another gripping tale, from a darker age, which has surprising resonances with the present * Independent *I relished the colour, the meticulously researched detail and strong characters -- Fanny Blake * Woman and Home *Glorious stuff, intriguing and thrilling... a great story well told * Lovereading.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisNo.1 bestselling writer, Josephine Cox, is ''one of the country''s best-loved storytellers'' (Prima). Angels Cry Sometimes is a heartrending novel of discovering happiness again through heartbreak, grief and despair. A classic that will appear to fans of Catherine Cookson and Rosie Goodwin. ''Cox''s talent as a storyteller never lets you escape'' Daily MailThe marriage of Marcia and Curt Ratheter seemed idyllically happy. As much in love as on their wedding day, nothing could mar their joy. But one fateful day in 1931 brought Marcia''s world tumbling about her ears and left her and her two daughters bereft.Barty Bendall had always loved her, he said; and the girls needed a father. Marcia moved to Blackburn with him, where she tried to forget the past. Barty, though, sank into bad ways, tyrannizing the family. In particular he would vent his aggression on Polly, Curt and Marcia''s first-born, blonde as an angel but afflicted

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Book Synopsis**From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, WAR CRY*The Conqueror will rise...The Leopards of Normandy trilogy continues with DUKE, as William of Normandy inherits his father''s title and assumes command of his lands. David Churchill''s ''exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex'' (Wilbur Smith) is sure to enthral fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.Normandy, 1037. Sparks fly from clashing swords as the game of thrones plays out in bloodshed. Of those named guardian to the boy Duke, all seek advantage and power. Most wish the boy dead. Some will go to any lengths to make it happen.Across the sea, the struggle for the English crown has seen Queen Emma''s beloved son killed. She has two more sons waiting in the wings but Godwin, Earl of Wessex - kingmaker and arch manipulator - has other plans.As the noble families of Europe murder each Trade ReviewAn exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex -- Wilbur Smith

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Book SynopsisThe second book in the five-part Lancashire-based Gibson series.Trade ReviewAnna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around. * Historical Novels Reviews *Catherine Cookson fans will cheer! * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions. * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisA fascinating portrait of the women who helped make a dynasty' The TimesBewitching' Woman & HomeEvocative' Woman's WeeklyTwo women, two very different destinies, drawn together in the shadow of the Tower of London:Elizabeth of York, her life already tainted by dishonour and tragedy, now queen to the first Tudor king, Henry the VII.Joan Vaux, servant of the court, straining against marriage and motherhood and privy to the deepest and darkest secrets of her queen. Like the ravens, Joan must use her eyes and her senses, as conspiracy whispers through the dark corridors of the Tower.Through Joan's eyes, The Lady of the Ravens inhabits the squalid streets of Tudor London, the imposing walls of its most fearsome fortress and the glamorous court of a kingdom in crisis.Trade Review‘Bewitching … the characters and the narrative work seamlessly together.’ Woman & Home ‘Evocative … well-researched’ Woman’s Weekly‘ ‘Excellent’ Carol McGrath author of The Handfasted Wife ‘A great book… loving it!’ Joanna Courtney, author of The Chosen Queen ‘I couldn’t have been more riveted’ For Winter Nights blog Praise for Joanna Hickson: ‘A great tale… the golden thread that led to the crown of England’ Conn Iggulden ‘An intriguing tale, told with confidence’ The Times ‘Rich and Warm’ Sunday Express 'Colourful and vivid' Elizabeth Chadwick ‘A big-hearted and engrossing novel.’ Elizabeth Freemantle ‘Thoroughly engrossing’ The Lady A gripping and emotional story’ Woman ‘A bewitching first novel…alive with historical detail’ Good Housekeeping

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Premio Bancarella, 2017 The second instalment in a prize-winning series charting the rise of the House of Medici as they become Masters of Florence and progenitors of the Renaissance. Florence, 1469. Lorenzo de' Medici is to be wed. The marriage will cement a powerful alliance for his family. But his heart belongs to another. Torn between love and power, he has become complacent. He has forgotten the bloody path he forged on his ascent to power, and the enemies left in his wake. When the family's historical enemies and shadowy new conspirators put their bloody plot into action, the consequences will be terrible. In order to protect their supremacy, the Medici will enact a violent vengeance from which few will be spared.Trade ReviewThe story of the Medici is so juicy and rich and Strukul makes good use of it. A page-turning adventure novel with a little depth to spice the mix. All life is here, lean back and enjoy * NB Magazine *Exciting. With an excellent translation by Richard McKenna, a strong plot and well-defined characters, the book brings alive the life and culture of 15th-century Florence * Historical Novel Society *PRAISE FOR MATTEO STRUKUL: 'Strukul has a brilliant style and a rare imagination' Tim Willocks, bestselling author of Green River Rising. 'Matteo Strukul is one of the most important new voices in Italian crime fiction' -- Joe R Lansdale, Edgar Winner for The Bottoms

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Book SynopsisThe brand-new unforgettable romance saga from the No.1 bestselling author!London was her home. It seemed impossible that she had grown up in the city without ever noticing the huge differences between those who had money and those who had next to nothing. East-End London, 1858. In London''s twisting streets, it''s hard to tell friend from foe. And for Katherine Martin, arriving back in London after years away, the city is far crueller than she remembers.Her eyes opened to the plight of London''s poor, Kate is determined to do what she can to help even if it means defying her parents.In secret, she opens a soup kitchen. But there is a world of criminals within London''s poorest alleys. Catching the notice of Harry Trader and his gang, Kate is out of her depth. Until she begins to discover that her true enemies might not be who she thought . . .The Sunday Times No.2 bestseller for the w/e 06/02/2021Trade 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 SynopsisAN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Science raises questions only love can answer in this moving and thought-provoking novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “heart-tugging and emotional” (Romantic Times Book Reviews) life-changing fiction.One frozen embryo. Two families with life-long secrets. And a guy who never planned to fall in love again. Maddie Baxter West is shaken to the core when she finds out everything she believed about her life was a lie. Her parents had always planned to tell her the truth about her past: that she was adopted as an embryo. But somehow the right moment never happened. Then a total stranger confronts Maddie with the truth and tells her something else that rocks her world—Maddie had a sister she never knew about. Betrayed, angry, and confused, Maddie leaves her new job and fiancé, rejects her family’s requests for forgiveness, and moves to Portland to find out who she really is. Dawson Gage’s life was destroyed when London Quinn, his best friend and the only girl he ever loved, is killed. In the hospital waiting room, London’s mother reveals that London might have had a sibling. The frozen embryo she and her husband donated decades ago. When Dawson finds Maddie and brings her to Portland, the Quinns—her biological parents—welcome her into their lives and hearts. Maddie is comforted by the Quinns’ love and intrigued by their memories of London, who was so much like her. Is this the family and the life she was really meant to have? Now it will take the love of Dawson Gage to help Maddie know who she is...and to help her find her way home.Trade Review"Award-winning author Karen Kingsbury is known for her emotional, heart-tugging novels, and her latest is no exception.... A tale of forgiveness and love.” * Woman's World Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe heart-wrenching and unforgettable tale of a world on the brink of war from the internationally bestselling author of The German Midwife.Berlin, 1938: It's the height of summer, and Germany is on the brink of war. When fledgling reporter Georgie Young is posted to Berlin, alongside fellow Londoner Max Spender, she knows they are entering the eye of the storm.Arriving to a city swathed in red flags and crawling with Nazis, Georgie feels helpless, witnessing innocent people being torn from their homes. As tensions rise, she realises she and Max have to act even if it means putting their lives on the line.But when she digs deeper, Georgie begins to uncover the unspeakable truth about Hitler's Germany and the pair are pulled into a world darker than she could ever have imaginedFrom the bestselling author of The German Midwife comes the heart-wrenching story of a country on the brink of war, a woman who puts herself in the line of fire, and a world about to be forever changed.Readers love The Berlin Girl:A gripping read, filled with tension and suspense' Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker's GiftYou''ll gasp aloud and shed a few tears [] insightful, bold, fast-paced' Kristin Harmel, author of The Book of Lost NamesAn absorbing and fascinating read' Janet MacLeod Trotter, author of The Tea Planter's DaughterMandy has captured a chilling sense of tension and fear, knowing what was on the horizon' Suzanne Goldring, author of My Name is EvaWhat a story! I couldn't put this down.' Real Reader ReviewPowerful, engaging and emotional.' Real Reader ReviewMandy Robotham never disappoints. Her best yet.' Real Reader ReviewThis book will stay with me for a long time.' Real Reader ReviewThis book is a beautifully done glimpse in to a changing Berlin, and is one of the best historic fictions set in this era that I''ve had the pleasure to read.' Real Reader ReviewTrade Review Praise for The Berlin Girl: ‘A gripping read, filled with tension and suspense as war brews in 1930s Berlin.’ Fiona Valpy, bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift ‘The Berlin Girl paints a vibrant picture of some of the chilling harbingers of World War II. You'll gasp aloud and shed a few tears on this insightful, bold, fast-paced ride through Berlin's last moments of crumbling glory before the cloud of World War II descends.’ Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names ‘I was gripped by Georgie’s mission to alert the world to the horrors to come, as Hitler’s Germany prepares to create a new Europe. Mandy Robotham’s description of Berlin on the brink of war crackles with tension and shows us the best and worst of humanity.’ Sarah Steele, author of The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon 'An absorbing read and a fascinating glimpse into Berlin and Germany just before the outbreak of the Second World War.'Janet MacLeod Trotter, bestselling author of The Tea Planter’s Daughter ‘A powerful and poignant look at how the world turned upside down. Full of things I love in a novel from strong heroines to forgotten history, this is Mandy’s best book yet.’ Lorna Cook, #1 bestselling author of The Forgotten Village ‘Mandy captured a chilling sense of tension and fear, knowing what was on the horizon.’ Suzanne Goldring, author of My Name is Eva ‘Yet again, Robotham shines a forensic light on another little-known story of WW2… in the writer’s expert hands, this [novel] becomes agonisingly tense as Georgie refuses to stand by as witness and becomes embroiled in a terrifying game of cat and mouse.’ L P Fergusson, author of The Summer Fields

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Book SynopsisSet in Wessex at the time of Alfred the Great, Blood and Destiny is the first in the red-blooded and thrilling Shadow of the Raven series. In it we meet Matthew, a novice monk who joins his brother Edwin in stating his allegiance to Alfred and standing alongside him in the savage battle against the Vikings at Chippenham in which the Saxon army is virtually wiped out. A small band of survivors retreat to hide in the desolate marshes at Athelney. Disillusioned and demoralised the weary soldiers question their ability to take on the mighty Guthrum, leader of the Vikings again but King Alfred is resolute: they can and will win. Blood and Destiny is an epic and sometimes brutal story of triumph over adversity as we witness this critical turning point in English history through Matthew's eyes as Alfred returns to defeat the Vikings and restore his kingdom.

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Book SynopsisA deeply poetic account of love and resistance through a young girl’s eyes by acclaimed writer, Sahar Khalifeh, called "the Virginia Woolf of Palestinian literature” (Börsenblatt)Nidal, after many decades of restless exile, returns to her family home in Nablus, where she had lived with her grandmother before the 1948 Nakba that scattered her family across the globe. She was a young girl when the popular resistance began and, through the bloodshed and bitter struggle, Nidal fell in love with freedom fighter Rabie. He was her first and only real love—him and all that he represented: Palestine in its youth, the resistance fighters in the hills, the nation as embodied in her family home and in the land.Many years later, Nidal and Rabie meet, and he encourages her to read her uncle Amin’s memoirs. She immerses herself in the details of her family and national past and discovers the secret history of her absent mother.Filled with emotional urgency and political immediacy, Sahar Khalifeh spins an epic tale reaching from the final days of the British Mandate to today with clear-eyed realism and great imagination.Trade ReviewNAMED ONE OF THE 20 BEST BOOKS WRITTEN BY PALESTINIAN AUTHORS BY HAPPY MEDIA”My First and Only Love is a great read for upper middle school and high school students who want to understand Palestinian history and culture." —PBS Newshour Student Voices “About falling in love across borders. . . . recommend[ed].”—Electric Literature"[A] novel that removes the reader from a world dominated by ideology and partisan stances, into a lauding of heroism and human bravery; it sings the praises of the championship of ordinary citizens, especially during times of prevailing frustration. The story remains optimistic, in its content and its national and humanitarian mission . . . Khalifeh’s narrative style is sensitive, thrifty, and transparent . . . Well done!”—Asymptote"Khalifeh transcends the local struggles of the Palestinian protagonists to the more universal . . . If there is an Arabic novelist who deserves the Nobel Prize, after Naguib Mahfouz, it is Sahar Khalifeh...I highly recommend."—World Literature Today"Khalifeh is a first-class story-teller and, whatever your views on the political situation, she tells a first-class, albeit poignant story on love and loss in a period of war and oppression."—The Modern Novel"[The] writing is political and artistic. Political in the sense that it deals with national politics and sexual politics. At the same time, it is full of humane characters and enjoys a high amount of humor . . . meaningful and beautiful"—Middle East Monitor"Written with an emotive urgency and prescience that the Palestinian struggle demands, Sahar Khalifeh's latest novel is a stunning, if earnest, reflection on the Palestinian sense of steadfastness, from love to resistance."—The New Arab"Epic . . . It is the bonds of respect, love, pride and dignity that connect the characters, however flawed their relationships, and however bleak their political landscape, that Sahar Khalifeh demonstrates so well in her writing."—The Electronic Intifada"My First and Only Love is a poetic account of Palestinian resistance through the perspective of a young woman, Nadal. Returning to occupied Palestine, for the first time since the Nakba displaced her entire family, Nadal’s journey in learning about her past is a moving, urgent exploration into history, political urgency, humanity, and home."—Happy Media"Well worth the 10-year wait . . . [a] page-turner."—The Washington Report"Al-Khamis shows us the sounds and sights of a diverse Arab culture . . . and an occasional touch of Arabian magic reminiscent of A Thousand and One Nights."—Historical Novels ReviewPRAISE FOR SAHAR KHALIFEH“The best Arab woman novelist in the twentieth century.”—Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban“Sahar Khalifeh is the Virginia Woolf of Palestinian literature.”—Börsenblatt"Khalifeh is simply the greatest Palestinian novelist and one of the world’s greatest historical novelists, ranking with Naguib Mahfouz, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and Pramoedya Ananta Toer.”—James Holstun, University at Buffalo“Khalifeh effectively paints a crazy world where individuals seek to lead normal lives under nightmarish conditions . . . .Highly recommended.” —Library Journal“In Khalifeh’s book, Palestinian Christians and Muslims, Jewish immigrants, and British colonial leaders are all treated with equal sympathy”—Women’s Review of Books"Incisively explores individual lives—particularly women’s lives—in the years just before 1948.”—Marcia Lynx Qualey, Arabic Literature“The author invokes a sacred heritage that remains at once vital and powerful.”—Dr. Abdel Moneim Tallima

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Book SynopsisME 46 BCDreaming of service to the great Gaius Julius Caesar, the young Tuscan knight, Quintus Dellius, secures the patronage of the youngest of his generals, the dissolute Cornelius Dolabella. Dellius distinguishes himself in Caesar's Spanish war against Pompey, becomes a tribune of cavalry in Caesar's army and looks forward to an assured and glittering career. But when his hero is assassinated the Roman republic is plunged into chaos as both his heirs and enemies jostle for power. In the civil wars that follow, Dellius is soon caught up in a maelstrom of shifting allegiances and the young soldier will need to discover reserves of both tenacity and ruthlessness if he is to survive.As he journeys from the orgiastic salons of Rome's Palatine Hill to the Palaces of Alexandria, the rocky fortresses of Judea and the bloody field of Philippi, he manages to incur the enmity both of Egypt's queen and Rome's future emperor, but also to snare the affections of a beautiful and cunning young senator's wife, Livia Drusilla.

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Book Synopsis'Downton with dance, perfect!' Santa MontefiorePrepare to be swept off your feet by the romantic and irresistible new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du BekeLondon, 1937.With a new king in place, tensions are rising in London and across Europe. Shaken by the Great Depression and withtalk of another war coming, the Buckingham Hotel is trying to regain some stability.Upstairs, Vivienne Edgerton is desperate to do something worthwhile with her time and her stepfather's money, rather than spending it on frivolity and debauchery - but will this land her in even more trouble?And downstairs, chambermaid Nancy Nettleton is finally starting to feel more settled at the Buckingham, and hopes her brother will soon call London home, too. But she misses the man she loves, demonstration dancer Raymond de Guise, who is noticeably absent from the Grand Ballroom dance floor.The staff and guests of the Buckingham soon discover that in a hotel full of secrets, there's always someone listening . . .

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Book SynopsisThe new escapist novel from the author of Island of Secrets. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore and Lucinda Riley.'I am Sofia. I am searching for my daughter, born 1st November 1972. Can you help me?'On the beautiful beaches of Crete, an old woman is handing out scraps of paper. Sofia, eighty-five years old, unable to speak, is desperate to find a daughter she has never known. After a tragic childhood in Athens and a soaring career as a singer, the brutal treatment of the man she loved by a tyrannical regime forced her to give up her daughter mere days after her birth. Now she longs to be reunited with her child before it's too late.Meanwhile in London, Zoe is searching too. In the months since the disappearance of her teenage daughter, Zoe's life has crumbled apart. Her husband has left her, her son feels forgotten, and every day is a struggle. But Zoe is desperate to track her daughter down, even if she doesn't want to be found . . . And why not check out The Island Escape Collection, two books in one, consisting of Patricia Wilson's Villa of Secrets and Secrets of Santorini, for more perfect escapist reads. Search B0886JHJG6.Trade ReviewThis book would for me have been a perfect beach read. Instead it made a great lockdown read as I sat in my garden with a glass of rose, imagining I was on holiday * Fab After Fifty *We race to the end with our hearts thumping. Full of local colour and tradition this is a little slow to start but certainly builds to unexpected conclusions. Terrific stuff * Love Reading, on Villa of Secrets *Full of raw emotion * Sunday Post, on Villa of Secrets *One for the suitcase - whether real or imaginary. You'll feel you're in Greece as soon as you start reading * Frost Magazine, on Secrets of Santorini *Packed with intrigue, danger and romance, Wilson's passion for the classics and an endless fascination with foraging into the vibrant corners of history, this is a poignant and beautifully written story best read on a sunlounger with a glass of chilled ouzo * Lancashire Telegraph, on Secrets of Santorini *Wilson delves into Greece's war-torn history, weaving the past and present together to create an evocative and emotional drama that tugs at the heartstrings. It's an equally enjoyable novel whether you're hiding inside from the British rain or lounging outside in the sun * Culture Fly *

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Book SynopsisThe heartwarming final chapter in the Bluebird Girls series. As war finally draws to a close and the lights come back on across Europe, what will victory and peacetime bring for the south coast's favourite singing trio?In their rise to fame over the course of the war, Bea Herron, Ivy Sparrow and Rainey Bird have faced down bombs and looked tragedy in the eye. They have also found love, created their own families and had careers that they never thought possible. With peace finally on the horizon, what will the new world hold for them?Trade ReviewThis warm, nostalgic and gritty wartime series sings out loudly about the power of friendship, family and community - Blackpool Gazette on The Forces' SweetheartsRich in period detail and, as always, passion, drama, friendship and family take star billing. A warm and appealing story - Lancashire Evening Post on The Bluebird GirlsBrimming with nostalgia, drama, friendships and the popular songs of wartime - Chorley Guardian on The Bluebird Girls

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Book SynopsisA woman unlocks the mystery of her father’s wartime past in a moving novel about secrets, sacrifice, and the power of love by the bestselling author of Daughters of the Night Sky. Beth Cohen wants to make the most of the months she has left with her elderly father, Max. His only request of his daughter is to go through the long-forgotten box of memorabilia from his days as a medic on the western front. Then, among his wartime souvenirs, Beth finds a photograph of her father with an adoring and beautiful stranger—a photograph worth a thousand questions. It was 1944 when Max was drawn into the underground resistance by the fearless German wife of a Nazi officer. Together, she and Max were willing to risk everything for what they believed was right. Ahead of them lay a dangerous romance, a dream of escape, and a destiny over which neither had control. But Max isn’t alone in his haunting remembrances of war. In a nearby private care home is a fragile German-born woman with her own past to share. Only when the two women meet does Beth realize how much more to her father there is to know, all the ways in which his heart still breaks, and the closure he needs to heal it.Trade Review“Inspired by a true and powerful story, Runyan has written a wondrous story of courage, sacrifice, and most importantly, love. Expertly winding between WWII and present time, Across the Winding River accomplishes the almost-impossible: layering three stories that come together to take your breath away. Runyan captures the heart-thumping years after Pearl Harbor and then wanders through the terrifying battles of Hurgen Forest. The vivid narrative is born of impeccable research, and reaches through the pages straight to the reader’s heart. Uncertainty is the fire through which all the characters must pass. With a bit of mystery, a lot of heart, and beautiful prose, Across the Winding River will steal your imagination and you’ll be the better for it.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis “The past collides with the present in this intriguing story as one woman unravels the mystery of an old photograph found in her father’s World War II memorabilia, ultimately leading to a place of healing for herself and her family. A highly entertaining read!” —Ellen Marie Wiseman, bestselling author of What She Left Behind and The Orphan Collector “Cleverly plotted and brimming with emotion, Across the Winding River takes readers on an epic journey from present day America to the dramatic events of WWII in Europe. This is Aimie K. Runyan at the top of her game—delivering the perfect mix of non-stop action, romance, and heartfelt family drama, while shining a light on the heroism of women during the war. It’s an enthralling story from start to finish.” —USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean “…[A] beautifully told story of impossible love in a time of war. Aimie K. Runyan deftly explores both sides of the wartime divide and the courage of those who remained true to their beliefs, even if it risked their lives. A moving and illuminating read.” —Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker's Gift “I was quickly captivated by the three narratives in this cleverly constructed novel: the poignancy of an old man in a care home looking back on his life and the child he never knew; the instinctive goodness of a young dentist treating horrific wounds behind the WWII front line; and the strength and courage of two German sisters secretly opposed to Nazi rule…A compelling story that’s about survival and loss, and most of all about love—between father and daughter, man and woman. This is historical fiction with a big heart.” —Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Secret Wife “A story of courage and love in dark times.” —Janie Chang, author of The Library of Legends

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