Historical Fiction Books

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 SynopsisHonour, duty, vengeance... The way of the Samurai. The second Samurai adventure from David Kirk, perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden.Musashi Miyamoto''s reputation precedes him. He is known as the greatest warrior of all time. But all that must change, for Miyamoto and his men have been defeated in the great battle of Sekigahara. Tens of thousands of men lie slaughtered and the Armies of the East have claimed a glorious victory. And now, alone but alive, he must contemplate his future. Until this moment he has lived and fought as a Samurai, proud of its ancient tradition, following The Way with honour. But in defeat he must question everything, and what he once saw as honour he now sees as ignorance. But tradition is strong and he is just one man. But though he seeks to throw off the past, the past will not let him go. His name is on a list of those who have dishonoured the Yoshioka warriors, and a man has been sent to claim is head in their name. And so, though h

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Book SynopsisNow the War is Over is a moving story of post-war hardship and the struggles of a reunited family, featuring characters from Annie Murray's bestselling War Babies.The Second World War has finally come to a close. Birmingham is welcoming home its menfolk, and a new chapter is beginning in Rachel Booker's life. Her husband has returned, and the family that struggled for survival throughout the uncertain war years is now together. But family life settles into a routine and Rachel, unsatisfied, starts to yearn for more'Melly, Rachel's eldest daughter, is a child of the war. She grew up in the bombed-out streets of Birmingham and has never known anything other than the hungry ration years and supporting her mother and younger brother Tommy. But times are changing and Melly now has a fresh future ahead of her. She's determined to make the most of life and her greatest wish is to become a nurse.As the gloom of the 1940s passeTrade ReviewAnnie Murray paints an authentic picture of post-war Britain laced with relatable characters and incredibly moving situations. * Express *

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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 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 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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Book Synopsis'A beautifully written magical novel about life, love and family' Cathy Kelly From the million-copy Sunday Times bestseller comes a compelling and engrossing story of hidden lives and secret pastsLondon, present day: Emily Gordon has found her dream job, as an editor at a small publishing house. When the biography of a late great English novelist crosses her desk, she discovers, buried beneath the history, a story that simply has to be told…London, 1948: Isabel Barber has barely arrived in the city when a chance meeting leads to a job offer, and a fascinating career beckons. But as she develops a close working relationship with a charismatic young debut novelist the professional soon becomes personal, and she finds herself fighting for her very survival… Secrets from the past, unravelling in the present… Uncovering secrets that span generations, Rachel delivers intriguing, involving and emotive narrative reading group fiction like few other writers can.Praise for Rachel Hore's novels: 'Compelling, engrossing and moving' SANTA MONTEFIORE 'Simply stunning . . . I savoured every moment’ DINAH JEFFERIES 'A story that stirs the deepest emotions' WOMAN & HOME ‘An emotive and thought-provoking read’ ROSANNA LEY ‘Hore tackles difficult subjects with a clever, light touch and a sunny positivity. Her women are brave and good and you desperately want them to win’ DAILY MAIL ‘A novel thatstirs the deepest emotions’ WOMAN ‘An elegiac tale of wartime love and secrets’ TELEGRAPH ‘A tender and thoughtful tale' SUNDAY MIRRORTrade Review‘Compelling, engrossing and moving; a perfect holiday indulgence’ -- Santa Montefiore on The Silent Tide‘A tour de force. Rachel’s Paris is rich, romantic, exotic and mysterious’ -- Judy Finnigan on A Week in Paris‘Engrossing and romantic, it’s a wonderful story of family secrets and the choices women make’ -- Jane Thynne on The Silent Tide‘With a serious eye for exquisite detail, Hore’s latest, brilliantly crafted novel aptly follows a photographer, Lucy. She takes a journey to capture past, life-changing family secrets, embracing three generations along the way, across Cornwall, London East Anglia and Occupied France’ * Mirror on A Gathering Storm *‘A fascinating, hugely readable book . . . Rachel Hore’s research and her mastery of the subject is deeply impressive’ -- Judy Finnigan on A Place of Secrets‘Another of this year’s top offerings’ * Daily Mail on The Glass Painter's Daughter *‘Pitched perfectly for a holiday read’ * Guardian on The Memory Garden *

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Book SynopsisWhen Marie moves from her family's waxwork museum into the palace of Versailles, her whole life is set to change...When Marie Tussaud learns the exciting news the royal family will be visiting her famed wax museum, the Salon de Cire, she never dreams that the king's sister will request her presence at Versailles: as a royal tutor in wax sculpting. As Marie familiarizes herself with Princess Elisabeth and begins to know Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, she witnesses the glamorous life of court, a very different world from her home on the Boulevard du Temple of Paris where bread can only be had on the black market and men sell their teeth to put food on the their tables. The year is 1788 and men like Desmoulins, Marat, and Robespierre are meeting in the salons of Paris speaking against the monarchy; there's whispered talk of revolution. Spanning five years from budding revolution to the Reign of Terror, Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax moulding saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom.Trade Review'A first-class novel, brilliantly written' Alison Weir. * Alison Weir *'Hugely enjoyable' Daily Express. * Daily Express *'A rich and colourful saga set against a stormy background of political turmoil, war and exile' Good Book Guide. * Good Book Guide *

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Book SynopsisLoch Ewe, 1940. When gamekeeper’s daughter Flora’s remote highland village finds itself the base for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys, life in her close-knit community changes forever. In defiance of his disapproving father, the laird’s son falls in love with Flora, and as tensions build in their disrupted home, any chance of their happiness seems doomed. Decades later, Flora’s daughter, singer Lexie Gordon, is forced to return to the village and to the tiny cottage where she grew up. Having long ago escaped to the bright lights of the West End, London still never truly felt like home. Now back, with a daughter of her own, Lexie learns that her mother—and the hostile-seeming village itself—have long been hiding secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew. As she pieces together the fragments of her parents’ story, Lexie discovers the courageous, devastating sacrifices made in her name. It’s too late to rekindle her relationship with her mother, but can Lexie find it in her heart to forgive the past, to grieve for all that’s lost, and finally find her place in the world?Trade Review“A wonderfully immersive novel about mothers and daughters, lovers and friends, set against a vivid and beautifully described Scottish setting. I loved it!” —Victoria Connelly, bestselling author of The Rose Girls “Love, love, loved it. I love Scotland and history so it ticked lots of boxes. Brilliant story, I was completely immersed in it, so moving and touching too. The research needed must have been hard to do but it brought the war and the arctic convoys to life. I felt cold just reading about it.” —Lesley Pearse, author of You’ll Never See Me Again “A moreish story of love, war, loss, and finding love again, set against an atmospheric Highlands backdrop.” —Gill Paul, author of The Second Marriage

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Book SynopsisIn HOLY WAR, the final book of the Saladin Trilogy, telling the story of the legendary war leader who united Arabia, Saladin recaptures Jerusalem from the Crusaders, and prepares for his ultimate battle against Richard the Lionheart. A full-blooded historical adventure novel for all fans of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell, Anthony Riches, Ben Kane, Robyn Young and Simon Scarrow. While Saladin ruthlessly sets about uniting the whole of Arabia under his rule, the Kingdom of Jerusalem is torn apart by treachery and intrigue, and when the murderous knight Reynald of Chatillon raids a caravan heading from Damascus to Mecca and rapes Saladin's sister, the scene is set for war.In June 1187, Saladin marches into the Kingdom with an army of over 24,000 and imposes a crushing defeat on the Crusader forces at the Horns of Hattin. It is only a matter of time before he marches on a panicked and demoralized Jerusalem.But what about Saladin's longtime ally, the Saxon knight John of Tatewic? In the face of annihilation, is he friend or foe? It will take all John's knowledge of the man he calls his brother to negotiate a peaceful fate for Jerusalem - but this is not the end of the story. For in England the soon-to-be crowned King Richard has pledged revenge and a new Crusade . . .Trade ReviewPraise for Jack Hight:'An ambitious book written on an ambitious scale . . . a fascinating picture of momentous events' * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis A Times Book of the Year, 2019 THE SECOND WORLD WAR IS OVER. BUT THE WORLD IS FAR FROM SAFE. As victorious Russian troops sweep across East Prussia, a group of desperate children face a new battle. Confronted by critical food shortages and the onset of a bitterly cold winter, these 'wolf children' secretly cross the border into Lithuania in search of work or food to take back to their starving families. In a world still reeling from the devastation of war, the children must risk everything to survive. In the Shadow of Wolves is a story of resilience, devastation and, ultimately, hope. Based on meticulous research, Alvydas Šlepikas's stunningly powerful debut novel has won over readers and critics across the world. Trade Review‘This novel’s unflinching portrait of a forgotten tragedy is haunting.’ * The Times, Best New Historical Fiction: July 2019 *‘Has the simple narrative structure and heightened quality of a fable... Šlepikas has a vivid vision and lyricism which lifts the prose and ensures it is anything but derivative.’ * Big Issue *‘This is stunning. Cinematic, powerful... [In the Shadow of Wolves] has an irresistible, emotional pull that is as fascinating as it is brilliant, with a sense of heartbreak rather than trauma.’ * Victoria's Book Reviews *‘A heartbreaking blend of historical facts and literary prose.’ * Foreword Reviews *‘A raw and tender true tale... It’s no wonder that this elegant and intricate debut has garnered its Lithuanian author many awards.’ * LoveReading *‘Vivid, highly dramatic and compelling... Alvydas Šlepikas has broken the dam of silence.’ * Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten *‘In the Shadow of Wolves...reminded me in some ways of reading the work of Cormac McCarthy... Šlepikas imbues barren East Germany and the forests of post-war Lithuania with the dark undertones of a fairytale.’ * Splice *‘This novel finds the perfect balance between documentary and literary narrative.’ * Kieler Nachrichten *‘A significant work of memorialisation... Šlepikas – who is also a scriptwriter and director – injects his writing with a dramatic urgency that seeks to capture the scale of extraordinary suffering.’ * The Calvert Journal *‘In the Shadow of Wolves is a gem of Lithuanian literature. It touches a nerve as it tells the story of those who survived an awful fate, who have experienced the most terrible things.’ * Alfa.lt *'The novel portrays the unending suffering of children, themselves innocent of the actions of their fathers, subject to indiscriminate cultural and political prejudice... Examples of kindness only throw into sharp relief the cruelty of social and cultural dislocation.' * Otago Daily Times *‘Alvydas Šlepikas uses direct yet poetic language to write about a period of history that has remained almost entirely buried until now. His concise prose conveys the tragedy of the situation and contains rich details about that time and place.’ * Šiaurės Atėnai *‘This novel is intriguing, important and innovative – Alvydas Šlepikas confronts present with past, and cruelty and agony go hand in hand with love and self-sacrifice. His aim was to help young readers understand some of the horrors of war, and he achieves this.’ * Election Year Books *‘This novel differs from other works of its kind; in its narration, and its sensitive, poetic style. Alvydas Šlepikas paints a beautiful picture of the world through a child’s eyes – with the help of fairy tales and dreams, creating a complete contrast to the bitter reality.’ * bernardinai.lt *‘In the Shadow of Wolves paints a very realistic, bleak picture of life after the Second World War. The novel is unique in its story, which focuses on the life of Germans and Lithuanians after the war, and because it will not only warm readers’ hearts, but will also inspire them to live.’ * 15min.lt *‘Alvydas Šlepikas has written a sensitive novel that takes us back to a time filled with death, violence, hunger and bitter cold. This novel broke the taboo of silence in Lithuania.’ * Eckard Scheld, Leipzig Book Fair *‘Alvydas Šlepikas uses concise language and fast-paced scenes to portray the children's will to survive, the unimaginable cruelty as well as the help that some of the children received. Highly recommended.’ * ekz service for libraries *‘In poetic language that is by turns concise and compact, Alvydas Šlepikas brings justice for his young heroes and victims. Readers can almost smell the cold sweat of the women and girls as they encounter drunken soldiers, feel the deep, penetrating hunger, the biting winter cold, the beatings suffered and handed out by children as they fight for a single morsel of food, and share in their despair and their sheer will to survive.’ * hansen & munk *'In the Shadow of Wolves is fast-paced, with the children sharing one experience after another. And the reader is always there too, hiding with the children in old railway trains, praying and hoping with them.' * BR24 (Germany) *‘This story is complex… [and] dramatises the real lives of the “wolf children” of East Prussia.’ * Spectrum magazine, Sydney Morning Heral *‘There are many reasons to read this book...an incredible sense that [it] is going to rip your heart out.’ * The Bookshelf (ABC Radio, Australia) *

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Book SynopsisWidowed after fifty years of marriage, Betty has put all thought of romance behind her. Or has she .?Newly widowed after fifty years of marriage, Betty Wilson is determined to remain in the home she has lived in the whole of her married life and retain her independence. Deciding she doesn''t need anyone to look after her, she won''t even accept help from loyal family friend Peter Brown. But it''s not always easy to cope when one is growing older. From errant hedge trimmers to unscrupulous conmen and a car which seems to have a mind of its own, modern life offers unexpected hazards for the unwitting septuagenarian. Will Betty accept the devoted Peter''s help and come to realize what he means to her, before it''s all too late.?

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