Whether your passion is The Ancient Greeks, The Wars of The Roses or The Russian Revolution, you'll find stories of life during these eras and every other, often using factual accounts to build a fictional narrative.
Historical Fiction Books
Random House USA Inc Hamnet
Book Synopsis
£14.41
Graphic Arts Books Cane
Book SynopsisA series of vignettes exploring African American life as it relates to social, political and family dynamics. For many, Cane is considered a literary masterpiece from visionary writer, Jean Toomer. He presents a diverse collection of tales with distinct and vibrant characters who populate a world that’s all too familiar. HEADLINE: Jean Toomer delivers a vivid depiction of America in the early twentieth century that centers the Black experience, consisting of family, religion, romance and race. It’s a detailed work of fiction that’s closely rooted in reality. A collection of disparate stories illustrating the challenges and motivations of Black people in the United States. The author uses poetry and imagery to create a world that’s recognizable but also unique. In “Seventh Street,” the narrative follows the happenings of a historic neighborhood with links to World War I and Prohibition. There’s also “Blood Burning Moon," which highlights a volatile love triangle that leads to tragic results. It’s an insightful read that introduces outsiders to a different point of view. Jean Toomer’s Cane is highly revered for its unique structure and compelling storytelling. It presents a brilliant contrast of rural and urban living, while acknowledging the racial disparities of both. This modern classic was crucial in establishing and cementing Toomer’s literary legacy. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Cane is both modern and readable.
£9.49
Graphic Arts Books Evan Harrington: A Novel
Book SynopsisWhen Mel Harrington, a lowly tailor with the manners of a nobleman, passes away, he leaves a considerable amount of debt. Though his three daughters all married into rich families, they cut contact with their father long before his death, due to his social status as a common tradesman. Valuing their status and the perks it privileges them with, the daughters want the same for their brother, Evan. To achieve this, they set him up with a beautiful and rich woman named Rose. Though they were paired together for financial reasons at first, Rose and Evan share an intimate bond. However, when Evan learns of his father’s debts, he cannot let them go unsettled. Worried for his mother and his father’s legacy, Evan moves to London to learn his father’s trade, despite the social repercussions. While Evan works hard to restore honor to his father’s name, his sisters try to convince him otherwise, concerned that he would lose Rose’s love. Struggling to manage his father’s legacy while protecting his social status, Evan must determine his own priority, whether it be love, power, or legacy. Written by the Nobel Prize nominated author, George Meredith, Evan Harrington is comedic romance that exposes the shallow ideals of Victorian high society. Loosely autobiographical, Evan Harrington portrays vivid and complex characters while granting readers an intimate view on the hierarchy of Victorian society. With themes of class, marriage, family, and love, Evan Harrington is a sentimental narrative that captures the heart of its audience even over a century after its original publication. This edition of Evan Harrington by George Meredith features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring this sentimental Victorian romance to modern standards while preserving the original mastery of George Meredith’s work.
£13.49
Graphic Arts Books The Rose and the Ring
Book SynopsisWhen Fairy Blackstick created a magical rose and ring, she did not anticipate their existence to be so troublesome. With the power to warp perception, the rose and the ring each make their bearer seem beautiful and irresistibly charming. However, as they are passed down, the magic of the items had been forgotten, leaving their new owners clueless of this ability. The ring resides in the Paflagonia kingdom. Giglio, the King’s nephew, is the rightful heir to the throne, but the opportunity was stolen from him as a baby. However, he owns the ring, which had been passed down from his mother. Since Giglio does not wear the ring, he is often overlooked in the family, overshadowed by Princess Angelica. The rose resides in the Crim Tartary kingdom. Separated for years, the two magical objects reunite when Prince Bulbo of the Crim Tartary kingdom visits Paflagonia, carrying his rose with him. When Angelica immediately falls in love with the prince, this angers Giglio, who had held feelings for Angelica for a long time. After a passionate confrontation between Angelica and Giglio, the enchanted ring is thrown out into the garden, free for anyone to find. As the ring finds a new owner, complicated love triangles emerge, inciting fights, threats, and social turmoil. Written like a fairytale, The Rose and the Ring by William Makepeace Thackery features magic and dueling kingdoms, capturing the imagination of its audience. Meant to be a satirical work of romantic comedy, The Rose and the Ring criticizes the attitudes of monarchs and high society, specifically challenging their ideals of beauty and marriage. With the combination of clever satire, imaginative prose, and an exciting narrative, this novel is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Originally published in 1855, The Rose and the Ring is a whimsical tale supporting a meaningful message that still remains relevant to modern day society. This edition of The Rose and the Ring by William Makepeace Thackery features a striking new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, The Rose and the Ring caters to a contemporary audience while preserving the original hilarity of Thackery’s work.
£6.37
Graphic Arts Books The Adventures of Harry Richmond: A Tale of
Book Synopsis After his father drove his mother to insanity, Harry Richmond spent the early years of his childhood under his maternal grandfather’s care. As one of the richest men in England, Harry’s grandfather, Squire Beltham, provides an extravagant life for the young boy, but when Roy, Harry’s father, shows up and demands custody, no one can deny him of the right. After leaving the care of his grandfather, Harry came of age in a London boarding school, making friends and going on adventures. After a particularly wild trip causes Harry to cross paths with a princess, Harry and his father become dedicated to the idea of marriage. Though his grandfather offers him a generous yearly allowance to marry a woman of his choosing, Harry is more inclined to marry the princess, as his father promises he can convince the princess to accept the proposal. This disagreement, paired with past transgressions, strains Roy and the squire’s relationship greatly, sowing discord and distrust. As his conflicting father figures each attempt to accomplish their goal for Harry, the young man must navigate his own feelings and overcome the tragedy that their feud welcomes. With exquisite description and emotive prose, The Adventures of Harry Richmond by George Meredith is a sentimental and picaresque romance. With strong elements of autobiography and drama, The Adventures of Harry Richmond is compelling from start to finish, entertaining with a strong narrative and fascinating with quality character development. Though first published in 1871, Meredith’s storytelling is unconventional and continues to capture the minds and hearts of its audience. This edition of The Adventures of Harry Richmond by George Meredith features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring this Victorian romantic drama to modern standards while preserving the original mastery of George Meredith’s work.
£15.29
Zaffre A Christmas to Remember: The festive feel-good
Book SynopsisYou are cordially invited to the wedding of the year! London, 1938.As the festive season approaches at the luxurious Buckingham Hotel, romance is in the air. The hotel staffare preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime event - the marriage of chambermaid Nancy Nettleton to debonair demonstration dancer Raymond de Guise.As wreaths are hung and carols are sung, life at the hotel is busier than ever. Guests arrive from around the world, seeking comfort, relaxation and refuge as tensions build across Europe and whispered rumours of war grow louder.Behind the scenes, the staff work tirelessly, ensuring the smooth operation of the hotel, not only keeping theconfidences of their guests, but also protecting their own secrets . . .As Raymond takes Nancy in his arms for their first dance, one thing is certain - this will be a Christmas to remember.Be swept away by the new breath-taking romantic novel from Sunday Times bestselling author and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke.
£8.54
Hodder & Stoughton Bangkok Wakes to Rain
Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 EDWARD STANFORD ''FICTION WITH A SENSE OF PLACE'' AWARDPlaces remember us... ''An important, ambitious, and accomplished novel. Sudbanthad deftly sweeps us up in a tale that paints a twin portrait: of a megacity like those so many of us call home and of a world where sanctuary is increasingly hard to come by'' Mohsin HamidA missionary begs to be sent home. A jazz pianist is hired to perform for ghosts. An army colonel smells the food of home for the last time. A girl designs herself a new face. An old woman uploads her consciousness. Bangkok Wakes to Rain is an intricately plotted novel where characters and stories are linked by place, not time. As the novel builds to a futuristic crescendo, moments of intimacy serve to remind us that no matter what the ebb of time may change, we humans persevere.Praise for Bangkok WakTrade ReviewAn important, ambitious, and accomplished novel -- Mohsin HamidBeautifully textured and rich with a sense of place -- Karen Walker ThompsonBeautifully textured and rich with a sense of place, this is a big, ambitious book. I love the way Sudbanthad so compellingly captures not only the long arcs of these lives-but also the smallest moments, and how those moments linger in memory, how they haunt. -- Karen Thompson Walker, author of The Age of MiraclesThere's a simple, ingenious conceit to this book - the stories a house can contain, from Bangkok's colonial past to its antediluvian future. This is a bold and tender novel about the unforgivable and the unforgiven, and how to live past what you thought you could survive. Sudbanthad arrives to us already a masterful innovator of the form-a startlingly original debut. -- Alexander Chee, author of The Queen of the NightPitchaya Sudbanthad's beautiful, ambitious first novel Bangkok Wakes To Rain moves with an elegant restlessness that seems to match the city's own. Reading this book feels like waking to a singular and important new voice -- Rajesh Parameswaran, author of I Am An Executioner
£9.49
Sourcebooks, Inc The Virtuoso
Book Synopsis
£8.11
Zaffre Hannah's War: A moving and heartwarming WWII land
Book SynopsisA moving and dramatic World War II land girl saga by the author of Lily's War and Bobby's War, winner of the RNA romantic saga award. For readers of Nancy Revell and Annie Groves. It's 1942 and at nineteen years old Hannah Compton has the world at her feet. But with World War II raging, the country is in turmoil, and Hannah decides to do her bit for the War effort. Hannah's beloved grandfather taught her to grow vegetables in his market garden and inspires her to become one of over 200,000 women joining the Land Army. Posted to Salhouse Farm on the outskirts of Norwich, Hannah is excited for the adventure ahead of her. But soon reality hits. Hannah is a city girl at heart and life in the countryside is not what she imagined. It's cold, she hates the hard work, she misses her friends back in Manchester, and she has to share a double bed with a stranger. As Hannah gets used to the punishing farm work and makes some friends, she starts to settle in. But she simply can't get used to living side by side with the German prisoners of war. Then a young German doctor steps in to save Hannah's life and everything she thought she knew is brought into question. In a country at war, will Hannah be prepared to risk everything for the enemy? 'Another exciting, emotion-filled celebration of the role of women on the home front' Lancashire Evening Post- - - - - - Praise for Shirley Mann:'What a brilliant read . . . Bobby is a wonderful heroine.' Ginny Bell, author of The Dover Café at War on Bobby's War'Plucky and resourceful, Bobby is exactly the sort of person you'd want at your side in real life.' Kitty Danton, author of A Wartime Christmas on Bobby's War'[The story] read so true to me and I really didn't want to put it down. . .' Vera Morgan, wartime WAAF on Lily's War'An impeccably researched and uplifting story of love, loss and courage.' Clare Harvey, author of The Gunner Girl on Lily's WarTrade ReviewWhat a brilliant read! Shirley Mann has given such a well-researched and comprehensive picture of the lives of the courageous women of the ATA, and Bobby is a wonderful heroine. Brave, clever and opinionated, I absolutely loved spending time with her. * Ginny Bell, author of The Dover Cafe at War on Bobby's War *Shirley Mann has given us in Bobby Hollis an inspiration. Plucky and resourceful as she delivers her WW2 aircraft, Bobby is exactly the sort of person you'd want at your side in real life today. This is a perfect read when all you want to do is curl up to enjoy a lovely novel. Brava! * Kitty Danton, author of The Evacuee Christmas on Bobby's War *Rich in period detail, nostalgia, intrigue, romance and the realities of life in a perilous and unpredictable corner of the home front, Bobby's War is a saga full of history, heart and our proud national heritage. * Lancashire Evening Post on Bobby's War *Another exciting, emotion-filled celebration of the role of women on the home front * Lancashire Evening Post *
£7.59
Simon & Schuster The Forest of Vanishing Stars
Book Synopsis
£15.29
Headline Publishing Group Mothers Boy
Book Synopsis''Tender, evocative'' TLS''Richly engaging'' SpectatorA Radio 4 Serial Fiction Book of the Week ''A characteristically tender novel about a young man growing up in the shadow of one war and the whispers of the next'' Observer''A wonderful novel about relationships, particularly between a mother and son. A compelling read, beautifully crafted and sensitively written'' Irish Examiner_______Laura, a laundress, meets her young husband when they are both placed in service in Teignmouth in 1914. They have a baby, Charles, but his father returns home from the trenches a damaged man, already ill with the tuberculosis that will soon leave Laura a widow.As a new war looms, Charles signs up for the navy as a coder. His escape from the tight, gossipy confines of Launceston to a more colourful life in action sees him blossom, as he experiences the possibility of death,Trade Review'A tender, evocative retelling of the life of the poet Charles Causley . . . Patrick Gale's descriptions of the power of ordinary things in two very different lives make Mother's Boy a moving biographical tribute' * Times Literary Supplement *A wonderful novel about relationships, particularly between a mother and son. A compelling read, beautifully crafted and sensitively written. Highly recommended * Irish Examiner *'Richly engaging . . . Brilliantly evokes Causley's native county in the first part of the 20th century . . .This deeply felt, elegantly written novel will be relished by admirers of both the author and his subject. ' * Spectator *'A powerful novel. The all-important relationship between mother and son is evoked with skill and vivacity' * Literary Review *A characteristically tender novel about a young man growing up in the shadow of one war and the whispers of the next, with his mother always watching over him * Observer *The complex, near-incestuous bond between mother and son is drawn with sharp-eyed affection, as is the small-town Cornish setting. It stands with the best queer literary fiction of a historical bent, illuminated as it is by Gale's devilish wit and talent for both social observation and intricacies of character * Sydney Morning Herald *The magic happens though when Gale takes his inspiration from lines of poetry or fragments of Charles' diary and gives him, and Laura, a rich and poignant life. A nicely woven, gentle tale of an ordinary life in extraordinary times, a tale of a boy born into hardship with no sense of self-pity, raised by his mother to be who he shall be. It's quite lovely * New Zealand Herald *'Gentle . . . evocative' * Daily Mail *A touching, utterly convincing portrait of the nascent artist' * Mail on Sunday *A gorgeous coming-of-age story - this tender novel will touch hearts * Good Housekeeping *Mother's Boy is further proof that Patrick Gale is that rare kind of storyteller - utterly engaging, compelling and unputdownable * Sarah Winman *I loved it. It's an incredibly evocative, enjoyable read...I didn't want it to stop. I wanted to stay in the world and carry on. * Cathy Rentzenbrink *A lovely, generous, absorbing novel. Charles is made both 'of' and belonging to his place and world, while also not fitting into it. The war sections are so very good, so terrible and ugly and gritty. I absolutely believed all of it * Tessa Hadley *You know sometimes, from the very first page of a book, you feel so at home and so involved with the story, it's as if you've walked alongside the characters all your life? Mother's Boy is one of those books. A sign of an incredible storyteller * Joanna Cannon *Mother's Boy beautifully celebrates the underdog. It is a celebration of love in hidden places, and love in ordinary places, and the courage required to be true to the person you are, when there is no road map to guide you. A sublime piece of storytelling' * Rachel Joyce *A wonderfully tender account of a poet's coming of age against the brutal backdrop of World War 11. Scene after scene is delivered with filmic intensity. Patrick Gale is a master of atmosphere, detail and the deep currents of latent passion * Philip Marsden *Patrick Gale always writes so well of his men and of the women near them. In Mother's Boy his women shine as brightly as the men, his characters age and grow by themselves, alive in their actions, hopes and losses. * Stella Duffy *Patrick Gale's writing has an unmatched ability to take you by the hand and just casually, quietly, lead you in, and in, and in. It all seems so simple, and then you're in tears * Louisa Young *Patrick Gale's Mother's Boy is a tour-de-force; the book is really a love-letter, to motherhood, and to the landscapes and townscapes of Gale's adopted home county of Cornwall. Most of all, it is a heartfelt tribute from one fine writer to another; a patient and subtle reflection on the tricky art of noticing - and enduring - what really matters in life * Neil Bartlett *Gale has a rare talent for evoking human relationships. Here he exploits his skill fully, richly examining the dynamics between mother and son, and between men and men allowed in extraordinary times to explore what they really mean to one and other * Petroc Trelawny *I think Charles Causley would be incredibly happy - and stunned - if he were able to read your book. What you've done is extraordinary; you've somehow created a world that only Causley could have been born into and grown up in. His poetry calls up emotion; there's always much more than at first appears - and your story suggests, in the most sensitive and subtle way * Vivian French *Storytelling like this, from structure to sentence to imagery to sheer rolling belief in the world and its people - these qualities are a rare treat. Want to learn how to write a novel? Read this or any other by Patrick Gale * Eleanor Anstruther *'A gentle read' * Irish Times *'A beautifully nuanced story' * Woman & Home *'He makes the ordinary compelling, the commonplace universal' * Town & Country Magazine *'A fascinating look at the formative years and experiences of a complicated man, and the woman who loved him unconditionally' * Red *'Deeply moving . . . Heart-warming and credible' * Tablet *He deals sympathetically but honestly with his subjects. Gale helps modern readers understand that it was so very different then, and while much has changed, things can always take a turn (or a return) for the worse * Pink News *
£19.00
Headline Publishing Group A Gathering of Ghosts
Book SynopsisPagans tackle the Knights of St John with terrible consequences in the new medieval thriller by Queen of the Dark Ages, Karen Maitland. Set on the wilds of Dartmoor, this is a ghostly tale for fans of The Essex Serpent, C. J. Sansom''s Shardlake series and The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse. ''A dark read... fear and hysteria are portrayed with claustrophobic skill'' The Times on THE PLAGUE CHARMER1316. On the wilds of Dartmoor stands the isolated Priory of St Mary, home to the Sisters of the Knights of St John. People journey from afar in search of healing at the holy well that lies beneath its chapel.But the locals believe Dartmoor was theirs long before Christianity came to the land. And not all who visit seek miracles. When three strangers reach the moor, fear begins to stir as the well''s waters run with blood.What witchcraft have the young woman, the Knight of St John and the blind child brought with theTrade ReviewA brilliant writer, with a real sense of history -- Susanna GregoryRecommended both as a historical novel that shines a light on the harsh conditions endured by ordinary people in the 14th century, and also as a very well-crafted piece of folk horror * Irregular Fiction *Maitland excels at creating twists and turns, presenting conflicting viewpoints and unexpected outcomes * Bookbag *[Maitland's] trademark blend of history, fiction and supernatural is at its electrifying best * Lancashire Evening Post *
£10.99
HarperCollins Publishers Summer Secrets at Bletchley Park
Book SynopsisBestselling historical fiction author Molly Green is back with her most engrossing, heartfelt World War Two saga yet! Preorder The Wartime Librarian''s Secret now!Will helping the war effort help mend her broken heart?September, 1939.London is in blackout, war has been declared, but Dulcie Treadwell can think only of American broadcaster, Glenn Reeves, who didn't say goodbye before leaving for Berlin.Heartbroken, Dulcie is posted to Bletchley Park, where she must concentrate instead on cracking the German Enigma codes. The hours are long and the conditions tough, with little recognition from above. Until she breaks her first codeBut when a spiteful act of jealousy leads to Dulcie's brutal dismissal, her life is left in pieces once more. Is it too late for Dulcie to prove her innocence and keep the job she loves? And will her heart ever truly heal if she doesn't hear from Glenn again?The first in an inspiring wartime series set at Bletchley Park from saga queen Molly Green, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Donna Douglas.Praise for Summer Secrets at Bletchley Park:One hell of a journeya great curl up and read book' Reader Review ?????One of those can''t-put-down books' Reader Review ?????A journey for the readertantalizinginterestingtry this one!' Reader Review ?????A cracking good read!' Reader Review ?????Moments of being held spellboundKept me on the edge of my seat. Couldn''t put it down' Reader Review ?????My first book by this author and it won't be my last' Reader Review ?????Trade Review PRAISE FOR MOLLY GREEN: ‘Molly Green creates realistic characters and situations that keep you turning the pages’ Katie Fforde 'A moving, gripping story set during WW2, of a woman's dedication to the orphans in her care and her heart wrenching love’ Kitty Neale ‘Redolent of wartime Britain and brimming with heartfelt stories from several characters, Molly Green's sure-footed novel shows just how challenging it was to find love and a place to call home in the dark days of the war’ Terri Fleming ‘A lovely, heartfelt, warming slice of saga fiction … There is a gentleness to the writing as it walks some difficult paths, ensuring AN ORPHAN’S WAR is an engaging, generous read’ Liz Robinson, LoveReading ‘A gripping read’ My Weekly ‘Meticulously researched and brings into focus the sterling work of the women of the ATA … An engrossing story, with a strong, likeable female protagonist facing issues we still face today’ Historical Novel Society Magazine ‘Memorable characters, a well written, plausible plot and very good descriptions of the time and place. The scenes and details of Dr Barnardo’s are especially interesting as the plight of orphans is rarely considered when we think of World War Two … We often forget the ordinary people surviving day-to-day ‘back home’’ Discovering Diamonds Blog
£7.99
Orion Publishing Co The Taxidermists Daughter
Book SynopsisThe enthralling Sunday Times bestselling gothic novel from the author of LABYRINTH and THE BURNING CHAMBERSThe clock strikes twelve. Beneath the wind and the remorseless tolling of the bell, no one can hear the scream . . .1912. A Sussex churchyard. Villagers gather on the night when the ghosts of those who will not survive the coming year are thought to walk. And in the shadows, a woman lies murdered. As the flood waters rise, Connie Gifford is marooned in a decaying house with her increasingly tormented father. He drinks to escape the past, but an accident has robbed her of her most significant childhood memories. Until the disturbance at the church awakens fragments of those vanished years . . .Trade ReviewGlossy as a crow's wing. Sure as a surgeon's scalpel. I bloody loved it. * JOANNE HARRIS - Author of CHOCOLAT *THE TAXIDERMIST'S DAUGHTER is amazing - atmospheric, gripping . . . I can't put it down * MARIAN KEYES - Author of THIS CHARMING MAN *I loved the atmosphere: the time, the place, the weather, the cold. An unholy collision of Daphne du Maurier and Agatha Christie * ANTHONY HOROWITZ - Creator and Writer of FOYLE'S WAR *[A] classic tale of marshland murder and madness ... The strength of this book likes as much in the startling imagery and atmospheric description as it does in the story ... A deliciously dark novel that races towards its grotesque conclusion * DAILY EXPRESS *It is a cleverly constructed thriller, keeping its secrets for a good two thirds of the book. Mosse excels at building up clammy, dank suspense while keeping her readers in the dark ... A seriously satisfying read * METRO *A new novel from Kate Mosse is always a treat. Set in a Sussex village where a grisly murder has taken place, The Taxidermist's Daughter is part ghost story, part psychological thriller and will send shivers down your spine. * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *This latest tale from the bestselling author of Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel (a mere 5 million in sales) is set in Sussex in 1912 and filled with grizzly murders, stuffed birds and suspicious villagers. It's a compulsive read reminiscent of Daphne Du Maurier. * STYLIST *A beautifully told story of revenge, justice and secrets. If you haven't read any Kate Mosse then this is a gem to start with ... Cast with a Victorian darkness, filled with taxidermy, cemeteries and shifty types it is everything you could possibly want from this genre * WE LOVE THIS BOOK *This is magnificent. A gothic tale of murder, superstition and mystery that will really keep you glued to your seat ... The build is superbly done. The author is excellent on drawing out the tension, a real page-turner and a thrilling read * LOVEREADING *Nestled in among the feathers and flesh is a dark and mysterious tale, but one that is also touching and passionate. Mosse strikes a fine balance between character and concept, creating a thriller so unique that her talent is indisputable * THE LIST *A spine-tingling tale * SUN ON SUNDAY FABULOUS MAGAZINE *Mosse's rich prose will drag the reader from any sunny poolside to water logged West Sussex and - tellingly - they won't even mind * EASYJET TRAVELLER MAGAZINE *This haunting and atmospheric Gothic novel sweeps you along to its dramatic conclusion * HEAT MAGAZINE *Mosse is an engaging storyteller, deftly dealing with the intricacies of her involving, gruesome plot * SUNDAY EXPRESS *Fans of Mosse will love this haunting tale of murder and suspicion * ELLE *[A] creepy chiller of a novel * SUNDAY EXPRESS *Mosse grew up on the edge of Fishbourne's muddy estuary, and she writes beautifully about its flora and fauna and flowing tides. Against this lyrical background her complex plot moves at rocket speed. Unputdownable, romantic, this is sure to be a bestseller. * THE TIMES *This novel drips with Edgar Allen Poe-style gothic touches * METRO *A cleverly constructed thriller . . . Mosse excels at building up clammy, dank suspense while keeping her readers in the dark. A seriously satisfying read * METRO *Mosse throws one bravura scene after another. This is a book full of heart and superb twists, with an unforgettable heroine and a mystery that will have you thinking long after you've turned the last page * THE INDEPENDENT *MILL ON THE FLOSS meets PSYCHO * OBSERVER SERIES (CHICHESTER) *Laden with life, death and destruction, this novel oozes with a character that shows Mosse's passion for the place where she grew up * THE LIST *Cassie is a character you warm to very quickly and others are so brimming with personality they leap off the page * WE LOVE THIS BOOK *Kate Moss may have been hitting the front pages as one of the stars of London Fashion Week, but it's the author Kate Mosse who's making headlines in the books world this week -- Stacey Bartlett * THE SUN - FABULOUS MAGAZINE *[Mosse] excels at horror, using language and imagery to create a truly original page-turner and is at her best when creating character * THE LIST *A superb, atmospheric thriller, its Gothic overtones commanding attention from the very first page, and the feathery motifs of the birds - crows, jackdaws, magpies - who fly through its pages growing more menacing with every turn * DAILY MAIL *The Taxidermist's Daughter is a jeu d'esprit in which ghosts and ghoulish patriarchal secrets, estranged female psyches and tumultuous bird-life coexist in a compulsively readable yarn with elements of folklore and beast fable ... Mosse's prose is often exceptionally lyrical in its description of the natural world * THE GUARDIAN *Difficult to put down . . . thrilling, mysterious * THE BOOK CLUB BLOG *From the first page, The Taxidermist's Daughter will have you looking over your shoulder, as Mosse draws you into her gothic, chilling world -- Stacey Bartlett * THE SUN - FABULOUS MAGAZINE *Fans of Mosse will not be disappointed - her ability to draw you in and keep you hooked until the very end makes this novel an addictive read, and the themes of strong women living in a man's world as well as pre-forensics murder investigations are fascinating. Read, but be warned - you may be seriously spooked... -- Stacey Bartlett * THE SUN - FABULOUS MAGAZINE *This spooky and enthralling gothic thriller focuses on a village murder mystery. When 17 year old Constantia, who lives in her fathers decaying house (once a world famous taxidermy museum), turns detective, she soon realises she's the one under suspicion. * GLAMOUR *this cleverly constructed and wonderfully atmospheric mystery won't disappoint * WOMAN *Kate Mosse's deliciously hokey new spinetingler ... anybody seeking a good, gothic spooker to snuggle into as the nights draw in need look no further ... The Taxidermist's Daughter is her best yet * DAILY TELEGRAPH *Murder, haunting, superstition and fear stalk the pages of this superior gothic thriller set in the Sussex salt marshes. An unputdownable read. * WOMAN & HOME *This eerie thriller centres around Connie, who lives in a house containing all that's left of the once world-famous museum of taxidermy. * MARIE CLAIRE *a serpentine yarn about blackmail, murder and dark secrets, told with brio * MAIL ON SUNDAY EVENT MAGAZINE *bridged the literary-commercial divide * THE OBSERVER *a heady sense of atmosphere throughout * THE SUNDAY TIMES *Mosse weaves some difficult themes into the narrative, such as the effects of sexual violence, murder and grief, and her descriptions of the marshlands of Fishbourne - where she herself grew up - are outstanding. Her writing in these passages comes alive and, in turn, breathes life into the setting. The dangers of the marshland - the wind has "teeth", and the water "pulses" - cleverly echo and magnify the suspenseful and precarious nature of its inhabitants' lives. * THE OBSERVER *
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers The Royal Game
Book SynopsisI was completely captivated' Barbara ErskineThe spellbinding new historical novel from the Sunday Times bestseller Anne O'Brien.England, 1444. Three women challenge the course of historyKing Henry VI's grip on the crown hangs by a thread as the Wars of the Roses starts to tear England apart. And from the ashes of war, the House of Paston begins its rise to power.Led by three visionary women, the Pastons are a family from humble peasant beginnings who rely upon cunning, raw ambition, and good fortune in order to survive.Their ability to plot and scheme sees them overcome imprisonment, violence and betrayal, to eventually secure for their family a castle and a place at the heart of the Yorkist Court. But success breeds jealousy and brings them dangerous enemiesAn inspirational story of courage and resilience,The Royal Game,charts the rise of three remarkable women from obscurity to the very heart of Court politics and intrigue.A wonderfully immersive and intriguing read, meticulously researched. I was completely captivated' Barbara ErskineTrade Review‘A gorgeously insightful, inspiring and courageous read’ Frost Magazine ‘An engrossing story of one family’s attempts to gain land and power in fifteenth century England … an eye-opening insight into how wealth was gained and lost in late medieval England as well as a pleasure to read’ Mick Finlay ‘Fast paced, immersive historical fiction that breathes life into the figures that populated our Medieval past – I thoroughly enjoyed it!’ Anita Frank ‘A gripping historical novel that captures the turbulent rise of one of the most influential families of the Middle Ages in rich and exciting detail’ Nicola Cornick ‘A wonderfully immersive and intriguing read, meticulously researched. I was completely captivated’ Barbara Erskine Praise for Anne O’Brien: ‘A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative’ Woman & Home ‘There are historical novels and then there are the works of Anne O’Brien – and this is another hit’ Sun ‘O'Brien manages to reinvent historical fiction’ My Weekly ‘Dramatic and highly evocative’ Woman’s Weekly ‘One of the best writers around … she outdoes even Philippa Gregory’ Sun ‘O’Brien is a terrific story teller’ Daily Telegraph ‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale’ The Times ‘This thrilling historical novel has it all – high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing … It's a rollercoaster of a read’ Carol McGrath ‘A deftly woven journey. Impeccable research shines through’ Matt Lewis ‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue’ Woman & Home ‘The characters are larger than life … and the author a compulsive storyteller’ Sunday Express ‘This book has everything – royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics’ Cosmopolitan
£8.99
Armida Publications Ltd The Seamstress of Ourfa
Book Synopsis
£14.40
Little, Brown Book Group The Winter Mantle
Book SynopsisReissue of Elizabeth Chadwick's classic tale of love and battle in medieval EnglandTrade ReviewElizabeth Chadwick is a disciplined and hugely talented storyteller...highly recommended. - HISTORICAL NOVEL REVIEWElizabeth Chadwick knows exactly how to write convincing and compelling historical fiction - Marina OliverThe author blends authentic period detail with a modern convnention for emotional drama. - MAIL ON SUNDAYAn author who makes history come gloriously alive. - THE TIMES
£9.49
Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press The Prague Sonata
Book SynopsisPages of a weathered original sonata manuscript - the gift of a Czech immigrant living in Queens - come into the hands of Meta Taverner, a young musicologist whose concert piano career was cut short by an injury. The gift comes with the request that Meta find the manuscript's true owner - a Prague friend the old woman has not heard from since the Second World War forced them apart - and to make the three-part sonata whole again. Leaving New York behind for the land of Dvorák and Kafka, Meta sets out on an unforgettable search to locate the remaining movements of the sonata and uncover a story that has influenced the course of many lives, even as it becomes clear that she isn't the only one seeking the music's secrets.Trade ReviewTwining music history with the political tumults of the 20th century, The Prague Sonata is a sophisticated, engrossing intellectual mystery... [Morrow's] captivating, hopeful book presents a vision of the broken past, restored. * Wall Street Journal *Bradford Morrow is an astonishing writer. -- Joyce Carol OatesA treasure of a novel, a deliciously enveloping musical mystery which I read with marvel and gusto. -- Diane AckermanBradford Morrow is remarkable. The Real Thing, which is rare on this earthly plane. -- Michael CunninghamThis rich, masterful novel brilliantly explores the complex tumble of history, the human capacity for good and for evil, the fragile but redeeming glory of art. Morrow has long been one of America's finest novelists. And this humanely epic tale is his finest book. -- Robert Olen ButlerBradford Morrow has written his masterpiece. The Prague Sonata is a rich, joyous, complex journey into the city of Prague, the claims made upon us by music, and several dark, dark corners of human experience. -- Peter StraubAn elegant foray into music and memory. * Kirkus *
£8.54
Pan Macmillan Agnes Grey
Book SynopsisDrawing on her own experience, Anne Brontë exposes the isolated world of a nineteenth-century governess in her debut novel, Agnes Grey. Complete & Unabridged. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is introduced by historian and biographer, Juliet Barker.Agnes Grey is the youngest daughter of a clergyman. When the family falls on hard times, she insists on finding work as a governess in order to help her family and prove to them that she’s no longer a child. But her idealistic spirit is tested in her first position with the Bloomfield family and their unruly and spoilt children. Next she works for the even wealthier Murray family, whose scheming daughter Rosalie threatens to jeopardize the only bright spot in Agnes’s life: the young curate Edward Weston.Trade ReviewThe most perfect prose narrative in English letters -- George MooreAnne provided her heroine with a hero who was actually nice to women. This still feels revolutionary * Guardian *A compelling Victorian take on the iniquities of the wealth gap * Telegraph *For too long [Anne] has been undervalued as the third-best Brontë. But her fiction, exploring the lamentably still-current themes of addiction and domestic violence and the abuse of vulnerable women working away from home, has a vigour and bracing satirical intelligence which places her in the first rank of what is arguably the greatest ever generation of novelists in English -- Lucy Hughes-Hallett
£10.44
Pan Macmillan Chocolate Girls
Book SynopsisIn Annie Murray’s bestselling Chocolate Girls, three very different women work together at Cadbury’s Bournville factory, where their lives become entwined by war and work – and a child called David.Edie marries young to escape her unhappy family home. Widowed at nineteen, and having lost her child from the marriage, she faces the war grieving and lonely. Then one night during the Blitz, an infant mysteriously abandoned during the bombing is handed into her care . . .Ruby, meanwhile, doesn’t want to be left behind in the wedding stakes, and settles for marriage with Frank.Finally there’s Janet, kind-hearted and susceptible to male charm, who is hurt desperately by an affair with a married man.David, the child who steals Edie’s heart as she brings him up through a time none of them will ever forget, is the love of all their lives. And when David is old enough to wonder who he really is, he leads Edie through struggle and heartache to a life and love she would never have dreamed of . . .Chocolate Girls is followed by the captivating sequel, The Bells of Bournville Green.
£7.59
Nortia Press Secrets Under the Olive Tree
Book Synopsis
£16.65
Unbound be guid tae yer mammy: Shortlisted for Scotland's
Book SynopsisKate and her Granny Jean have nothing in common. Jean’s great claim to fame is raising her weans without two pennies to rub together, and Kate’s an aspiring scriptwriter whose anxiety has her stuck in bad thought after bad thought. But what Jean’s Glaswegian family don’t know is that she dreamed of being a film star and came a hairsbreadth away from making it a reality. Now in her nineties, Jean is a force to be reckoned with. But when the family starts to fall apart Jean must face her failings as a mammy head-on – and Kate too must fight her demons. Either that or let go of her dream of the silver screen forever...Trade Review 'Emma Grae shows an acute understanding of the fault-lines in a dysfunctional family, and of how old resentments can escalate, pitting complex characters against each other with ease in a painfully raw debut' The Herald 'A smashing story with a strong Scots voice' Dr Michael Dempster ‘This is a brave novel… with a strong cultural identity. The main character – a thrawn auld besom wha’s guid tae hersel raither than her lassies an granddochters but whase sleekit sense o humour an couthie turn o phrase gars ye like her despite yerse’ Billy Kay, author of Scots: The Mither Tongue 'Every so often a book comes along that pulls you in so completely you no longer see the pages when you are reading. This is one of those books. One of the characters has OCD, and as someone with OCD myself I found their experiences to be painfully familiar and brilliantly depicted. It’s refreshing (and important) to see characters with OCD depicted, where the OCD forms an integral part of their character but is not the driving thrust of the plot. I for one would like to see more of this in fiction! It’s great to feel represented like this. This book is both narratively and stylistically exciting. It opened my eyes to how beautiful Scots is and has made me want to read more literature by authors writing in Scots. But mostly this author! I can’t wait to see what Emma Grae writes next' Lily Bailey, author of Because We Are Bad
£11.63
Little, Brown & Company The Royal Tutor Vol. 7
Book SynopsisPrinces Kai, Bruno, Leonhard, and Licht have been making great strides thanks to an excellent education from Heine, the royal tutor. Even so, with the return of Prince Eins, the eldest of the brothers and heir apparent to the crown, the wall they must climb in the struggle to become the most qualified candidate for the throne looks more colossal than ever. Can the four younger princes stand up to their biggest rival?
£10.44
Headline Publishing Group Warrior The epic story of Caratacus warrior
Book Synopsis*Now available as a full-length novel! Originally published in five ebook parts*The epic story of Caratacus: a barbarian king who led the tribes of Britannia against mighty Rome . . . AD 18, Britannia.The Roman Empire rules much of the known world. Beyond the northern frontier lies Britannia, where ceaseless feuding amongst the Celts leaves the island vulnerable to Rome''s ambitions.Caratacus, son of a powerful king, has no premonition of destiny when he is dispatched to train with the Druids. A brutal regime transforms the young prince into a warrior with unparalleled military skills - and the strategic cunning essential to outwit a stronger enemy.Nothing can prepare a man for the vicious reality of war. When Caratacus''s father takes a stand against aggressive neighbouring tribes, the combat exercises are over; this is a fight to the death. Only the most ruthless of tactics offer any hope of victory. But Caratacus, and the loya
£16.50
Scribner Book Company Hemingway Boxed Set
Book SynopsisA collection of the most beloved and enduring novels by Ernest Hemingway: The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and The Old Man and the Sea, as featured in the film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on PBS.
£52.50
Transworld Publishers Ltd A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom
Book SynopsisSome stories are universal. They play out across human history. And time is the river which will flow through them.It starts with a family, a family which will mutate. For now, it is a father, mother and two sons. One with his father’s violence in his blood. One who lives his mother’s artistry. One leaves. One stays. They will be joined by others whose deeds will change their fate. It is a beginning.Their stories will intertwine and evolve over the course of two thousand years – they will meet again and again at different times and in different places. From distant Palestine at the dawn of the first millennium to a life amongst the stars in the third. While the world will change around them, their destinies will remain the same. It must play out as foretold. It is written.A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom is the extraordinary new novel from acclaimed writer John Boyne. Ambitious, far-reaching and mythic, it introduces a group of characters whose lives we will come to know and will follow through time and space until they reach their natural conclusion.Trade ReviewAn ambitious, epic sweep of a book...John Boyne brilliantly and economically creates a sense of history and place... an enthralling read * S: The Sunday Express Magazine *This novel combines the pleasures of good old-fashioned storytelling with the excitement of finding a writer who makes you look at the world anew * Daily Express *Throbs with enduring love, warmth and passion. * The Irish Times *
£8.99
Orion Publishing Co Appetite
Book SynopsisFlorence, 1466. A lust for life, a passion for power and a taste for adventure...Trade ReviewThis intense, sprawling and addictive page-turner filled with often sensuous prose engages all the senses and is a triumph of energy and colour which brings medieval Italy to life. If you like an intelligent, engaging and exquisitely written story as a change from the drab brutality of modern crime, settle down with a good bottle of wine and enter Nino's world. * CRIME REVIEW UK *A celebration of the senses: what Patrick Suskind's Perfume did for scents, this does for flavours. A love story which will also appeal to fans of Joanne Harris' CHOCOLAT . . . The ultimate foodie version of Perfume, this is an addictive page-turner filled with lavish literary gastro-porn. -- Viv Groskop * RED *Kazan's rich, sensuous prose is always a pleasure. * SUNDAY TIMES *APPETITE by Philip Kazan has had me salivating. Yes Kazan writes good food . . . [Florence] is wonderfully evoked . . . Delicious stuff. * BIG ISSUE *Ambitious and engrossing . . . a novel of exceptional energy and colour * BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE *Kazan brings medieval Italy to life with an astonishing degree of historical detail. Appetite has the vivid colours of Tracy Chevalier's Girl With a Pearl Earring and the sharp odours of Patrick Süskind's Perfume . . . Readers will certainly come away with an appetite for more. * WE LOVE THIS BOOK *Intense, sprawling and most convincing * SYDNEY MORNING HERALD *A delicious and mouth-watering read, this is a novel which engages all the senses. * NEW BOOKS MAGAZINE *
£10.99
Headline Publishing Group Empire of the Moghul Traitors in the Shadows
Book SynopsisNow a major DisneyPlus Hotstar Special - THE EMPIRE is streaming nowTRAITORS IN THE SHADOWS is the sixth gripping novel in the action-packed Empire of the Moghul series by Alex Rutherford, perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Robyn Young. ''Totally absorbing... Authentic characters and sweeping action'' Wilbur SmithA dynasty at warA new emperor, Aurangzeb, sits on India''s glittering Peacock Throne - the throne he seized from his father while the old emperor still lived. He has paid for it with blood: during the brutal civil war he hunted down and killed his brothers. Now he must return the Moghul Empire to the true path and achieve new glory. But the exercise of great power is isolating. With enemies everywhere, who should he trust? Certainly not his sons. He must rely on himself and the knowledge that there are more ways to subdue a man than on the battlefield.But as the years pass memories haunt him - memoTrade ReviewThe prose is athletic, the action never lags ... Rutherford writes like a crack reporter covering war from the front lines. * Time Out, Mumbai *A compulsively readable epic * Good Book Guide *
£11.69
Simon & Schuster Ltd The Gunner Girl
Book SynopsisA brilliant wartime drama following three young women who sign up for the ATS during The Blitz
£6.39
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Cobblers Daughter
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewQueen of raw family romances * Telegraph *Humour, toughness, resolution and generosity are Cookson virtues . . . In the specialised world of women's popular fiction, Cookson has created her own territory * Helen Dunmore, The Times *Catherine Cookson soars above her rivals * Mail on Sunday *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Crimson and Bone a dark and gripping tale of love
Book Synopsis''A rich jewel of a story, full of desire and danger'' - Julie Cohen. A dark tale of love and obsession, perfect for fans of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock and The Wicked Cometh. London, 1853. Annie Stride has nothing left to live for - she is a penniless prostitute, newly evicted from her home and pregnant. On the night she plans to cast herself from Waterloo Bridge into the icy waters of the Thames, her life is saved by Francis Maybrick Gill, a talented pre-Raphaelite painter - and her world is changed forever.Francis takes Annie as his artist''s muse, elevating her from fallen woman to society''s darling. With her otherworldly beauty now the toast of London, her dark past is left far behind. But Annie''s lavish new life is not all it seems - and there are some who won''t let her forget where she came from...''A thrilling tale of love, lust and revenge'' The Lady''A captivating gothic blend of mysteTrade ReviewA captivating Gothic blend of mystery and romance * Sunday Mirror *A thrilling tale of love, lust, and revenge * The Lady *Marina Fiorato's latest novel will delight her ever increasing number of fans -- Dilly Court, bestselling author'A rich jewel of a story, full of colour, desire and danger. I was transfixed.' -- Julie Cohen, author of Dear ThingA beautifully-crafted novel..., by turns opulent and visceral. The encroaching sense of menace was perfectly paced, as was the slow reveal of the shocking truth underpinning the story. I adored it. -- Clare Harvey, author of The Gunner Girl'An exquisite read...will keep you engaged from the first page to the last. This is historical fiction at its best.' -- Book Literarti ReviewsJack the Ripper meets Pygmalion... very creepy * Best *Captured in every character and locale is Fiorato's artistic flourish: a true chiaroscurist, she renders her models not only with radiant colour but rich meaning -- To the End of Her DaysA great summer read, I would highly recommend it if you enjoy tense, romantic thrillers, and have an interest in the Victorian art world. * Sixty Surfers *
£9.49
Canelo Hell Gate
Book SynopsisTo solve this case, only an outsider will do… Ingo Finch faces his biggest challenge yet.New York, 1904 – over a thousand are dead after the sinking of the General Slocum, a pleasure steamer full of German immigrants out for a day on the East River. The community is devastated, broken, in uproar.With a populist senator preying on their grievances, a new political force is unleashed, pushing America to ally with Germany in any coming war.Nine months later, Ingo Finch arrives in Manhattan, now an official British agent. Tasked with exposing this new movement, he is caught in a deadly game between Whitehall, Washington, Berlin… and the Mob.Not everything in the Big Apple is as it seems. For Finch, completing the mission is one thing; surviving it quite another…An unputdownable story of anarchists, Feds, gangs and Gilded Age mystery, the third thrilling instalment of the Ingo Finch crime series is perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee, Philip Kerr and C J Sansom.Praise for Hell Gate 'Riveting and beautifully written' Alex Gerlis, author of the Richard Prince Thrillers'A well-written and compelling thriller ... The pace never lets up. A very strong spy story' Sarah Ward, author of the DC Childs Mysteries'A fantastic writer' Making the Cut podcast
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton The Prince and the Pilgrim
Book SynopsisThe final installment in Mary Stewart's classic Arthurian Saga, a story of love, betrayal and enchantment by the bestselling author of The Crystal Cave.Trade ReviewMary Stewart's skilful reinterpretation of the Arthurian legend is charming and surprising - a seamless bit of work. * Mail on Sunday *Praise for THE CRYSTAL CAVE:'Vivid, enthralling, absolutely first-class' * Daily Mail *Mary Stewart brilliantly recreates the Britain of the fifth century * Books And Bookmen *Her style is simple yet vivid, displaying a love of words and the sounds they make, and her story is poetically imaginative * Daily Telegraph *A deft colourful . . . re-creation of Merlin's early life * Sunday Times *A fascinating story which lays a firm hold on the imagination * The Scotsman *'Mary Stewart lightens the Dark Ages with legend, pure invention and a lively sense of history. * New York Times *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Red Sky in the Morning
Book SynopsisRed Sky in the Morning is an unputdownable historical story from Margaret Dickinson, richly evocative of the Lincolnshire landscape.A young girl stands alone in the cobbled marketplace of a small Lincolnshire town, bedraggled, soaked through and very afraid. Who is she? Where has she come from and from whom is she running away? No one knows or cares. Only kindly farmer Eddie Appleyard recognizes something in the girl that touches his heart. In a drunken haze and scarcely realizing what he is doing, Eddie takes her home.Eddie hides the girl in the hayloft and, later, in a tumbledown shepherd's cottage that becomes her new home. Anna's arrival will change their lives; Eddie's, his wife Bertha's and even that of their young son, Tony, torn between his warring parents and the mysterious stranger. It will take years for the secrets of Anna's former life to be revealed, but Bertha bides her time and awaits her moment, little realizing the tragedy her vengeance will unleash.Trade ReviewQueen of Saga * Daily Express *
£10.78
Little, Brown Book Group A Mothers Shame
Book SynopsisOne dismal day in 1857, Maria Mundy arrives at Hatter''s Hall, the local mental asylum, not as an inmate but as a worker. Here, she is ordered to care for Isabelle Montgomery, the daughter of an influential land-owner. But Isabelle is not insane. She, like many other young women confined within the walls, has been banished here by her family. Hatter''s Hall serves to hide unmarried women, in the family way, from prying eyes As the women's lives become entwined, they realise the dangers they face. But there is only one way out of Hatter''s Hall. The women must escape and there is one man who can help, Isabelle's brother Joshua who can barely keep his eyes off Maria. Otherwise, there's every chance they might never leaveTrade ReviewGoodwin is a master of her craft: she excels in writing about the complexity of relationships, the hardships of life, the ties of family and the joys of love and friendship * Lancashire Evening Post *Rosie is a talented storyteller * Dee Williams *
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group The Damask Rose: The enthralling historical
Book Synopsis'You lay hands on a princess of the realm? It is treason.''But this princess disobeys her King. Treason indeed.' 'Fascinating . . . Brings to life one of the most determined and remarkable queens of the medieval world' K. J. MAITLAND, author of The Drowned City 'Completely engrossed me from the start . . . A wonderful read' NICOLA CORNICK, author of The Forgotten Sister1266. Eleanor of Castile, adored wife of the Crown Prince of England, is still only a princess when she is held hostage in the brutal Baron's Rebellion, and her baby daughter dies. Scarred by privation, a bitter Eleanor swears revenge on those who would harm her family - and vows never to let herself be vulnerable again. As she rises to become Queen, Eleanor keeps Olwen - a trusted herbalist, who tried to save her daughter - by her side. But it is dangerous to be friendless in a royal household, and as the court sets out on crusade, Olwen and Eleanor discover that the true battle for Europe may not be a matter of swords and lances, but one fanned by whispers and spies . . .'Vibrant, enticing and with fascinating detail. . . . It held me gripped from beginning to end' ALEXANDRA WALSH, author of The Marquess House Trilogy'Excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey . . . Great storytelling and superb research' JANE JOHNSON, author of Court of Lions'Shines a true light on the gripping tale of Eleanor of Castile, the love of Edward I's life' SARA COCKERILL, author of Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France and England, Mother of Empires'Pulls from the pages of history Eleanor of Castile: queen, business woman and true partner to one of England's most forceful kings' CRYSSA BAZOS, author of Severed KnotTrade Review'A rich tapestry of a book, transporting readers to the thirteenth century and dropping them deep into the fascinating life of Eleanor of Castile. Brilliantly researched and cleverly brought to life with fascinating characters and fantastic period detail . . . Wonderful.' * Joanna Courtney *'Vibrant, enticing and with fascinating detail, the descriptions of the gardens were so vivid, you felt you could smell the damask roses' * Alexandra Walsh *Completely engrossed me from the start. I loved Olwen's story as well as Eleanor's, and the glorious descriptions of the herbs and flowers as a contrast to the high politics of the era. It felt incredibly rich and vividly told. * Nicola Cornick *Beautifully narrated. . . Carol McGrath expertly brings to life one of the most determined and remarkable queens of the medieval world . . . The reader can easily understand how this enchanting rose was adored by some and regarded as a vicious thorn by her enemies * K. J. Maitland *'Shines a true light on the gripping tale of the life of Eleanor of Castile, the love of Edward I's life' * Sara Cockerill *'Excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey through history . . . The perfect balance between great storytelling and superb research, and she brings her characters vividly to life' * Jane Johnson *'Pulls from the pages of history Eleanor of Castile: queen, business woman and true partner to one of England's most forceful kings. Exquisitely researched . . . Breathes life into a complex, dynamic woman' * Cryssa Bazos *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Tangled Threads
Book SynopsisTangled Threads is a gripping romantic saga from Margaret Dickinson.For Eveleen Hardcastle life gets no better than growing up on Pear Tree Farm in the Lincolnshire countryside. Her family works hard for the Dunsmore estate and Eveleen finds it impossible to resist the charms of their employer's son, Stephen Dunsmore. But Jimmy, ever quick to antagonize, ensures that his sister's clandestine trysts do not remain so for long.Mary Hardcastle reacts to the news of her daughter's affair with a shocking ferocity, which seems to be born more of bitterness than maternal protectiveness. But what is it that fuels Mary's resentment towards her daughter? Unable to ignore her own feelings, Eveleen continues to meet Stephen in secret. But deception has a cruel price to pay when her beloved father is found dead from a heart attack. And worse yet, Stephen, far from providing Eveleen with the comfort she craves, deserts her in her hour of need and calloTrade ReviewLincolnshire's answer to Catherine Cookson * Grimsby Telegraph *Her novels bring to life her love of the Lincolnshire landscape * Lincolnshire Echo *Full of inspirational characters and a storyline that will have you hooked . . . Yet another triumph * Lincolnshire Focus *Heartwarming and gritty, the story is compulsive reading * Lancashire Evening Post *
£8.54
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Tsarina: ‘Makes Game of Thrones look like a
Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHOR'S CLUB BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE HWA DEBUT CROWN 'It makes Game of Thrones look like a nursery rhyme' - Daisy Goodwin Lover, mother, murderer, Tsarina 1699: Illegitimate, destitute and strikingly beautiful, Marta is sold into labour at the age of fifteen - where in desperation she commits a crime that will force her to go on the run. Cheating death at every turn, she is swept into the current of the Great Northern War. Working as a washer woman at a battle camp, she catches the eye of none other than Peter the Great. Passionate and iron-willed, Peter has a vision for transforming the traditionalist Tsardom of Russia into a modern, Western empire. With nothing but wits, courage and formidable ambition, Marta will rise from nothing to become Catherine I of Russia. But it comes at a steep price and is tied to the destiny of Russia itself.Trade ReviewAlpsten's colourful narrative does full justice to her extraordinary career * Sunday Times *With its sprawling canvas and huge cast...it's an entertaining romp through the endless intrigue, violence and debauchery of court life.' * Mail on Sunday *The extraordinary life of Catherine I of Russia is brought to life in Alpsten's colourful novel. * Sunday Times, Summer Picks *This is the ultimate Cinderella story of an illiterate peasant girl who becomes the empress of Russia. It makes Game of Thrones look like a nursery rhyme. * Daisy Goodwin *As detailed as the jewels and enamel inlay on the creations of Faberge...[a] crisp, elegant fictional account of history, woven with emotion and brio.' * Adriana Trigiani *Luscious...Alpsten has clearly done some brilliant research. It reads like Game of Thrones without the dragons. * Natasha Pulley *[Alpsten] recounts this remarkable woman's colourful life and times. * Count Nikolai Tolstoy *
£8.54
Random House USA Inc A Walk Along the Beach
Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two sisters must learn from each other’s strengths and trust in the redeeming power of love in a touching new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber. The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper,
£8.54
Portage & Main Press Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story
Book SynopsisInspired by true events, this story of strength, family, and culture shares the awe-inspiring resilience of Elder Betty Ross.Abandoned as a young child, Betsy is adopted into a loving family. A few short years later, at the age of 8, everything changes. Betsy is taken away to a residential school. There she is forced to endure abuse and indignity, but Betsy recalls the words her father spoke to her at Sugar Falls—words that give her the resilience, strength, and determination to survive.Sugar Falls is based on the true story of Betty Ross, Elder from Cross Lake First Nation. We wish to acknowledge, with the utmost gratitude, Betty’s generosity in sharing her story. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Sugar Falls goes to support the bursary program for The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation.This 10th-anniversary edition brings David A. Robertson’s national bestseller to life in full colour, with a foreword by The Hon. Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and a touching afterword from Elder Betty Ross herself.Trade ReviewShortlisted for the SOLS First Nation Communities READ Award * Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS) *For those Canadians who know little about the residential school system, Sugar Falls is a crucial text in their education about a truly shameful episode in the history of Canada. Highly Recommended. * CM Association *Among CBC Books' 21 Canadian comics to watch for in spring 2021 * CBC Books *A powerful graphic novel. * CBC *[Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story] was still able to shock me. The truths this novel is able to portray so clearly through the use of illustrations is amazing, and I would encourage anyone and everyone to read it. -- Bella Crysler * Ottawa Public Library *Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story is a wonderfully illustrated...graphic novel that through images and words, portrays the emotions and experiences of Betty. Its impact on young readers, including university students, provides grounds for discussion and a visual connection to a human experience. It is a definite must-read that is both accessible and engaging, while offering a lesson about the past and engaging with the present. -- Karl Hele * Anishinabek News *
£15.99
Tidewater Press The Hawk and the Hare: Based on a true story
Book SynopsisIn 1944, 21-year-old Private Ewen Morrison joins the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry in Sussex and meets his new platoon, including Reggie Johnson, an Indigenous soldier from Ontario’s Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve. His new friend supplements the army’s training with some of his own, helping to prepare Ewen for scouting missions against the enemy. Landing on Juno Beach, the men confront the brutal reality of war as they advance across northern Europe with the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. Reggie’s bravery, skill and authority soon earn him a field promotion, but not necessarily the respect of all the men in his platoon. Based on war diaries and official regimental records, The Hawk and the Hare is inspired by the real-life experience of the author’s father.
£11.99
Random House USA Inc Suite Francaise
Book SynopsisNATIONAL BESTSELLER • The remarkable story of men and women thrown together in circumstances beyond their control during World War II—a heartrending portrait of a small French town under seige, and the people trying to survive, even to live, as Hitler’s horrors march closer and closer to their doors (New York).“Stunning.... A tour de force.” —The New York Times Book ReviewBeginning in Paris on the eve of the Nazi occupation in 1940, as Parisians flee the city, human folly surfaces in every imaginable way: a wealthy mother searches for sweets in a town without food; a couple is terrified at the thought of losing their jobs, even as their world begins to fall apart. Moving on to a provincial village now occupied by German soldiers, the locals must learn to coexist with the enemy—in their town, their homes, even in their hearts.When Irène Némirovsky began working on Suite Française, she was already a highly successful writer living in Paris. But she was also a Jew, and in 1942 she was arrested and deported to Auschwitz, where she died. For sixty-four years, this novel remained hidden and unknown.
£15.30
Focus on the Family Publishing The Chosen: I Have Called you by Name
Book Synopsis
£13.49
Ignatius Press Lay Siege to Heaven
Book Synopsis
£14.84
£6.29
Random House Publishing Group The High Mountains of Portugal
£14.45
Henry Holt & Company Wolf Hall
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZEWINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FOR FICTIONIn inimitable style, Hilary Mantel''s New York Times bestselling Wolf Hall is a darkly brilliant reimagining of life under Henry VIII. . . . Magnificent. (The Boston Globe). The basis for the TV series on BBC and PBS Masterpiece starring Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell. England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the king dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years and marry Anne Boleyn. The pope and most of Europe opposes him. Into this impasse steps Thomas Cromwell: a wholly original man, a charmer and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people, and implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of
£30.00
Troubador Publishing The Perfect Pair
Book SynopsisThe Perfect Pair:?The Enchanted Mirror is the graphic tale of commercial dolphins and the immensely personal account of a young boy's first love a special love that takes him on a mystical journey deep into the world of the dolphin, effectively casting him into a reality that constantly questions man's overall appraisal of these very special people of the sea. It tells of a mind connection a psychic bond so strong that it enables the boy and his charges to become Europe's top performing team The best of the best. Two dolphins famed for working in absolute unison, eventually leading them into achieving the much-revered full somersault routine a shadow ballet of exquisite grace and beauty. A?moving and emotional story, The Perfect Pair:?The Enchanted Mirror will appeal to adults with an interest in dolphins and the people who work with them. Authors David and Tracy have been inspired by a number of authors and publications. David takes inspiration from Marvel comics, whilst Tracy is i
£9.49
