Historical Fiction Books

Book SynopsisLost in history . . . losing her self. Uncover Tudor heroine Arbella Stuart''s incredible story, reimagined by Elizabeth Fremantle in this tense, historical thriller.Hardwick Hall, sixteenth-century England. Formerly a beacon of wealth and power. Now a gilded prison. Hidden away, forgotten, one young woman seeks escape. But to do so she must trust those on the outside.Those who have their own motives...Discovery means death. But what choice has any woman trapped in a man''s world?Imprisoned by circumstance, Arbella Stuart is an unwilling contender for the throne. In a world where women are silenced, what chance does she have to take control of her destiny? Praise for The Girl in the Glass Tower: ''A top-notch literary thriller'' Daily Telegraph''Thrilling, clever and beautifully written'' The Times, ''Books of the Year''''Filled with dense, dark political and social inTrade ReviewElizabeth Fremantle's The Girl in the Glass Tower is a stunning historical thriller set in the chaos leading up to the death of Elizabeth I. * from publisher's description *Filled with dense, dark political and social intrigue, this is five-star historical fiction * Daily Mail *If you read one Tudor tome this summer, make it this one. Fascinating and vividly drawn, the ending is heartbreaking * The Times 'Book of the Month' *A top-notch literary thriller. Shots are fired, troths are plighted, sea voyages taken, escapes dared and mysteries solved * Daily Telegraph *An eloquent novel, steeped in Tudor literary culture * Express *Beautifully written, completely engrossing and a book that stays with you after the pages areclosed. Highly recommended * Historia *An enthralling, powerful tale -- Antonia SeniorArbella Stuart was a pawn, at the mercy of the powerful people around her. Hers is a sad and moving tale, and Fremantle tells it beautifully * History Girls *Fremantle shows how dangerous it was being closely related to Elizabeth I. A cracking read * Prima *A gorgeously readable and oh so captivating slice of historical fiction. Haunting, emotional and thought-provoking, The Girl in the Glass Tower is a beautiful foray into the past * Lovereading, 'Book of the Month' *Elizabeth Fremantle is a skilful and beguiling writer. A master of her craft. She perfectly captures a sense of time and place and draws her characters with skill and sensitivity, capturing the reader's attention and holding it right to the end -- Santa Montefiore

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Book SynopsisDiscover a compelling story of loyalty, love and the strength of friendship in war-torn Britain, from the international bestselling author Lesley Pearse''Glorious, heartwarming'' Woman & Home''Full of love, passion and heartbreak'' Best___________Spring 1935.On London''s Hampstead Heath, two girls meet by chance: well-mannered and smartly dressed Verity and dishevelled and grubby Ruby.Somehow, the mismatched pair form an instant friendship strong enough to survive their parent''s disapproval.When war engulfs the country - sending Ruby to Devon while Verity struggles to find a new beginning under a shadow from her past - the girls are convinced they will always be there for each other.Until the day one breaks the other''s heart . . .Can Verity and Ruby find a way back to each other before it''s too late?___________''Yet another great Lesley Pearse novel''Trade Review**'Yet another great Lesley Pearse novel' Woman Magazine****'Full of love, passion and heartbreak' Best**Two very different women, one unlikely friendship. In the chaos of war-torn Britain, can any relationship survive? Dead to Me is a story about loyalty, love and the strength of friendship in the face of adversity, from international number one bestselling author Lesley Pearse. * from the publisher's description *This is Lesley Pearse at her very best - a heartwarming, epic story of female friendship, courage and triumph over adversity * Alex Brown, bestselling author of The Great Village Show *Another superb tale with realistic and likeable characters that will please Lesley Pearse's legions of fans - and get her some new ones. * Sun *Dead to Me is Lesley at her best. Gritty. Emotional. Gripping. Warm hearted. This is is a story that willresonate with many readers. It's life faced head-on. A brilliant read. * Devon Life *Praise for Lesley Pearse * - *Heart-warming and evocative, a real delight to read * Sun *A narrative that gallops along, this is quintessential Pearse that will delight her army of readers * Daily Mail on Without a Trace *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *Utterly riveting, brilliant * Closer *Full of love, passion and heartbreak * Best *This gripping tale of war and friendship is perfect for a long day of beach reading. * Marie Claire *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the addictive and gripping novel from the bestselling author of You''ll Never See Me Again, Lesley Pearse''A gripping novel'' HELLO! Magazine_______________London, 1960.The lives of teenage twins Maisy and Duncan change for ever the night their mother is sent away.Sent to live in the New Forest with their cold-hearted grandmother, Mrs Mitcham, they feel unloved and abandoned.And when one day Duncan doesn''t come home from exploring in the forest, no one - least of all his grandmother - appears to care about his disappearance. The police, who''ve found the bodies of other missing boys, offer little hope of finding Duncan alive.Yet Maisy refuses to give up.Though she doesn''t know the woods well, she knows someone who does. The strange old woman who lives at their heart . . .Dare Maisy enlist the help of the woman in the wood?And what will she find if she does?Trade ReviewFifteen-year-old twins Maisy and Duncan Mitcham have always had each other. Until the fateful day in the wood . . . * from the publisher's description *A real page-turner, a family story that is multi-layered just as you'd expect from Lesley Pearse, who is deservedly one of the world's favourite story tellers * My Weekly *A gripping new novel * HELLO! Magazine *Praise for Lesley Pearse * - *Heart-warming and evocative, a real delight to read * Sun *A narrative that gallops along, this is quintessential Pearse that will delight her army of readers * Daily Mail *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisOne man. Seven Kings. England''s bloody throne . . . THE EPIC STORY FROM MASTER STORYTELLER CONN IGGULDEN, PERFECT FOR FANS OF ROBERT HARRIS'' ACT OF OBLIVION''Iggulden tells an absolutely cracking story. The pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent'' THE TIMES_________Tenth century England: a divided and broken country of misrule. Yet King Athelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, seeks to unite the kingdom under one crown.By his side is Dunstan of Glastonbury - priest, soldier, visionary and, some insist, traitor - whose task is to steward seven kings through fire, war, murder and fury to see Athelstan''s dream come true.But what stain will it leave on his mortal soul . . . _________''Iggulden has created an intriguingly complex saint - flawed, spiteful and unreliable as the teller of his own tale. Through his eyes we watch the story of the making of England'' The TimesTrade ReviewOne of the most interesting historical novels of recent times * The Tablet *Iggulden's Dunstan is a vivid, convincing character * BBC History Magazine *This engrossing novel is rich in intrigue, with Iggulden breathing life into this remarkable and complex figure who played a vital role in safeguarding a newly united England * Daily Express *Iggulden... tells an absolutely cracking story... the pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent * The Times *Iggulden takes what you thought was a ho-hum era and peopled it with characters so finely honed it becomes a gripping and glorious legend. Can't fault the man. Brilliant! * Weekend Sport *Breathes new life into the darkest and most dramatic of times * Star *Iggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction * The Daily Mirror *Compelling reading * Woman and Home *Superbly plotted and paced * The Times *

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling author of the Emperor, Conqueror and The Wars of the Roses returns to the Ancient World with a gripping adventure based on an epic true story. ''HIS FINEST NOVEL TO DATE . . . THE BATTLE SCENES ARE THRILLING'' SUNDAY EXPRESS___________In the Ancient World, one army was feared above all others. 401 BC. The Persian king Artaxerxes rules an empire stretching from the Aegean to northern India.As many as fifty million people are his subjects.His rule is absolute.But the sons of Sparta are eager to play the game of thrones . . .Battles can be won - or lost - with a single blow. Princes fall. And when the dust of civil war settles, the Spartans are left stranded in the heart of an enemy''s empire, without support, without food and without water.Far from home, surrounded by foes, it falls to the young soldier Xenophon to lead the survivors againTrade ReviewHis finest novel to date, brings alive the extraordinary world of ancient Persia, as well as the ruthless nobility of the Spartans. The battle scenes are thrilling and the men who fight in them are impeccably portrayed * Sunday Express *Iggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction * Daily Mirror *Iggulden tells an absolutely cracking story. The pace is nail-biting and the set-dressing magnificent * The Times *One of our finest historical novelists * Daily Express *Pacey and juicy, and packed with action * Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis''Warm and atmospheric, you can practically taste the sea breeze'' The Express****The dramatic new saga from the author of The Royal Lacemaker, The Girl with the Red Ribbon and Family for ChristmasSeventeen-year-old Merryn Dyer has been helping her mother to knit fisherman''s jumpers in a small Cornish village since she was a young girl. Growing up without a father, Merryn is used to barely scraping a living and her mother has always instilled pride and honesty in her. But she dreams of one day having more in life.So when she gets the chance at a job in a nearby city she jumps at the chance, despite her mother''s reservations. However, once out of her village she begins to uncover long-buried secrets about her past that threaten to unravel everything that she thought she knew.''Take time out for a page-turner about family mysteries and betrayal'' Take-a-BreakTrade ReviewWarm and atmospheric, you can practically taste the sea breeze * The Express *Take time out for a page-turner about family mysteries and betrayal * Take-a-Break *A compelling saga . . . with a surprising and emotional ending which weaves together the storylines in a most satisfying way. Strongly recommended and a great read on a Cornish holiday. * cjbrownecrimewriter.com *

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Book SynopsisElodie was beautiful. Elodie was smart. Elodie was manipulative. Elodie is dead.When Sylvie receives a letter calling her back to her crumbling family home in Provence, she knows she has to go. In the middle of a sweltering summer marked by unusual fires across the countryside, she returns to La Reverie with her youngest daughter Emma in tow.In every corner of the house, Sylvie can''t escape the spectre of Elodie, her first child. Elodie with the golden hair. Elodie, who knew exactly how to get what she wanted. Elodie, whose death the villagers still whisper about.As the fires creep even closer towards the villa, it''s clear to Sylvie that something isn''t right at La Reverie. Because there''s something that Sylvie hasn''t admitted about what happened to Elodie ten summers ago . . .Trade ReviewA tense psychological drama that brilliantly evokes its South of France setting. Terrific summer escapism * Daily Mail *Sultry, atmospheric and unsettling - a book to lose yourself in this summer -- Erin KellyExquisite writing and a compelling story that will keep you up late into the night!Summer might be over, but this red-hot book will have you gripped! * Sun *Takes the summer thriller to the next level. Beguiling characters and a plot that will make your blood run cold play out against a sweltering Provencal summerI cannot stop thinking about The Heatwave. The writing and the atmosphere, the darkness, the beautiful French setting, the characters...Outstanding. An absolute page-turner -- Rosie WalshA sultry, gorgeously written and hugely atmospheric thriller with a dark, compelling mystery at its heart -- Lucy Foley * bestselling author of The Hunting Party *I like a book that surprises me, and what I loved about this one is that I had no idea where it was headed. There is uneasiness filtering throughout, like a gentle flicker of heat set to turn into a full-blown fire -- Nina Pottell * Prima *Tense and deliciously atmospheric, it unravels a mother-daughter relationship with a growing sense of menace. -- Emma RousVivid descriptions of the French setting and a gloriously unsettling feeling that keeps on intensifying. -- Emily KochEvocative, compelling, intoxicating and - despite the scorching Provencal sun - utterly chilling. I loved it -- Tammy CohenA fiercely compelling, gorgeously atmospheric story of fierce, impossible love. It gets you into its grip and will not let go. The beautiful writing and rich understanding of a mother's scarred relationship with a long lost child add a unique power to the tense mystery. Haunting -- Gytha LodgePage-turner of a thriller, set in Provence during a sticky heatwave * Red *Riordan's knack for creating a sense of place is part of the mix that lodges this book firmly in the imagination . . . A toxic tale of mother-daughter relationships, the perils of beauty, and the heady magic of the French countryside * Daily Mail *A clever, compelling story. I loved it so much. Such beautiful writing and an atmosphere that builds in tension until its explosive end. This will be everyone's summer read. -- Clare EmpsonKate is at the height of her storytelling powers in this dark tale of a mother's love for her child at any cost. The heat soaked through every page. Lyrical and edgy, it bridges the gap between the literary and the hottest of summer reads with ease -- Amanda ReynoldsIntriguing characters, haunting descriptions, and pages humming with heat, secrets and suspense. I loved it -- Dinah JefferiesCaptivating and compelling -- Penny ParkesBeautifully written and atmospheric, this will transport you to the heat of Provence, and keep you guessing till the end * Heat *Haunting, evocative, emotionally astute, and seriously beautiful writing. -- Emylia HallA scorcher of a novel. The evocative French summer setting crackles and simmers with foreboding. I adored it -- Hannah RichellTotally gripping. A classy and compelling novel * The Bookseller *A taut and stunning novel about a toxic mother-daughter relationship. The writing is rich and multi-layered, but it's the subtlety of the characterisations that hook you and won't let you go. Powerful -- Gill Paul, bestselling author of 'The Secret Wife'A beautifully woven tale that explores the enduring relationship between mother and daughter. You'll not consider putting it down for a moment until you know the outcome . . . * Cotswold Life *Wow! Just finished reading The Heatwave by Kate Riordan. I actually resented mealtimes and bedtime for interrupting my reading of it! Beautifully written and skilfully plotted, this is a THRILLING masterpiece . . . A bestseller -- Jane BaileyGripping, utterly convincing and deeply unsettling -- Katherine WebbNever has a book about a heatwave been so chilling. You won't want to miss this -- Julie CohenIt's just SO GOOD on every level and ticks every box. Atmospheric, lush writing that will appeal to fans of literary fiction, but a story that draws you in instantly and really doesn't loosen its grip, right up until the last little twist on the final page -- Iona GreyBeautifully written with exquisite prose that pulses with heat, scented air and an underlying unease that builds with every page. A book to escape in -- Amanda JenningsSo tense and atmospheric; chilling, despite the heat. An exciting, satisfying read. Superb -- Tracy ReesEngrossing, heady, thrumming with heat and tension - I absolutely loved it -- Jenny AshcroftA seductive summer read, dripping with suspense and intrigue. Utterly unputdownable -- Lucy ClarkeEscape from lockdown to the scorching French sun [with] The Heatwave * Surrey Life *Compelling . . . An addictive page-turner * The Lady *The perfect poolside or garden read. Set under the warm Provence sun, The Heatwave is unnerving and engrossing psychological suspense * Culture Fly *As beautifully written as it is engrossing * PopSugar *Gripping, clever and full of surprises, this is a deliciously tense thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat * WI Life *A compelling, beautifully written psychological thriller -- Katie Fforde * Daily Express *Praise for Kate Riordan - * - *Had me absolutely gripped -- Louise CandlishThe perfect summer read -- Rachel RhysHeld me rapt until the very end -- Lucy DiamondI didn't want to put it down -- Katherine WebbA beautiful and intriguing page-turner -- Dinah JefferiesRich and atmospheric -- Rachel Hore

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Book Synopsis**A heart-warming and inspiring story of incredible women on the home-front during World War II from the author of The Bomb Girls**Can four girls protect a whole country? It''s 1941 and the country has been turned upside down. For the aristocratic Walsingham family this means being pushed unceremoniously upstairs while their grand home is taken over by the Army. But for newcomers Ava and Maudie this is a chance to get something more from life. They are at Walsingham Hall to become code girls and break German encryptions. So being sent downstairs to work in the kitchens isn''t exactly what they had in mind. But they do their duty, make new friends and soon even romance looks to be on the horizon. Though life is tough, it has never been more exciting. Meanwhile, upstairs, Lord Walsingham is hiding something. And Maudie and the girls realize that the safety of their country might actually be in their hands after all . . . <Trade ReviewPraise for Daisy Styles * - *Feisty young women, a country house in wartime and a scheming aristocrat - all ingredients for a cracking story with truly endearing characters -- Annie Murray, bestselling author of * Now The War Is Over *A great read that I think will appeal to fans of wartime sagas and authors like Donna Douglas . . . From dances to disasters, encounters with handsome Yanks, rationing and relationships, The Bomb Girls has all the ingredients of an excellent wartime drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it! * Onemorepage.com *The story is full of drama, love, heartbreak, friendship and in some part some comedy . . . It's full of twist and turns and is a real page turner * Laurahbookblog *

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Book Synopsis''Bask in the brilliance . . . Golden Age Amsterdam, Versailles, the court of Charles I - it''s armchair travel with a unique companion'' MAIL ON SUNDAYThe spellbinding and beautifully written story of courage and devotion, for fans of historical and magical fiction like The Night Circus, The Binding and The Girl in the Tower_________Valentyne has lived many lives - physician, philosopher, soldier - but his defining work has been his ability to stop the clock. He has lived for centuries, as has his dog, Tomorrow. Inseparable, they''ve voyaged across Europe, using their time wisely. They''ve attended royalty in a dozen courts, healed soldiers on a hundred battlefields, and met with the greatest minds of the Renaissance. Until one day, in watery Venice, Valentyne vanishes without trace.Broken-hearted, Tomorrow begins a search that will endure for centuries. But as the continent collapses into war, he must riTrade ReviewBask in the brilliance . . . Golden Age Amsterdam, Versailles, the court of Charles I - it's armchair travel with a unique companion * The Mail on Sunday *Original, ambitious, moving * Stylist *A stunning and captivating tale * The Sun *My heart swelled with FEELINGS! -- Sarra ManningOrnate, vivid, deeply coloured, and so precise I could smell and taste the world . . . the story of a dog crossing continents and centuries in search of the man he loves is moving and tender. I was captivated by its charm from the beginning -- Rachel Joyce * Sunday Times bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry *It's a rich and complex tale, beautifully told. Historic detail and dog-like thinking are vividly conveyed, carrying the reader along. It is a joy to read. It raises deep questions about what it means to be human * Sussex Life *A tale of love and unbreakable bonds * New York Post *A grand sweep of adventure and travel, war and romance, and a rich exploration of love, life and loyalty * National Public Radio *Dog lovers will want to have this heartbreaking, century spanning novel for their next discovery * Entertainment Weekly *Beautiful. Rich in perseverance, love and the sweetness of life * Kirkus Reviews *A lyrical commentary on war, rivalry, sacrifice, and above all else, loyalty * Publishers Weekly *Timeless. Humanity's foibles and failings are on full display. This soulful debut is a charmer * Booklist *With a hint of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Tomorrow confronts big questions about life's purpose and celebrates life's pleasures * Bookpage *Damian Dibben's novel is guaranteed to make you shed a tear . . . sure to appeal to readers who enjoy fiction embedded in history * Heart *The story of a dog that doesn't die, of the wonders he'd seen, and the horrors, who lost his master a hundred years ago and has been searching for him ever since, Tomorrow is an epic tale of love, of courage, of hope * London Evening Standard *What a novel! Ambitious and wonderfully achieved. A book to read again and again * Michael Morpurgo, bestselling author of War Horse *Definitely - HIGHLY - worth the read! * Seth Meyers *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the 2023 Winner of the Historical Writers'' Association Gold Crown Award an atmospheric and suspenseful tale of intoxicating art and dizzying ambition, forbidden love and twisted obsession in Renaissance Venice Damian Dibben''s kaleidescopic The Colour Storm ''A glorious, exuberant read'' THE TIMES''Addictive, ambitious and knife sharp. A compelling thriller and a celebration of art. Ravishing'' RACHEL JOYCE''A rich and rousing tale of art, love, rivalry and obsession in Renaissance Venice'' CHLOË ASHBY, AUTHOR OF WET PAINT''An engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist''s obsession with love and colour''SUNDAY TIMES_______Venice, 1510.The world''s greatest artists gather to enjoy fame, fortune, and colour. When a wealthy merchant discovers a mysterious new pigment, he knows it would create a masterpiece in the right hands.For Trade ReviewA glorious, exuberant summer read. Dibben's triumph is the character of Zorzo, a buoyant, loveable guide to the grandeur and the dangers of Renaissance Venice * The Times *Ravishing, addictive, knife-sharp, ambitious, and singing with detail. A compelling thriller that takes us to the heart of sixteenth century Venice where the world's most famous painters compete to win the greatest commission of their lives. There is so much to think about and relish. Not simply the story itself - with all its glorious twists and turns - but the search to express ourselves. A celebration of art and a hymn to colour. -- Rachel JoyceAn engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist's obsession with love and colour * Sunday Times *The Colour Storm takes readers on a thrilling, murderous journey through the serpentine waters of High Renaissance Venice as one of art history's most gifted but often overlooked painters - Giorgione - searches for love, fame, and, most importantly, colour. Written with language as vibrant as a Giorgione masterpiece, The Colour Storm is for lovers of art, Italy, and page-turning plot -- Stephanie StoreyA story filled with intrigue and secrets as well as colour, Damian Dibben's new novel is filled with vivid descriptions . . . very rich in atmosphere and tone that keeps you wanting to read more * Love London Love Culture *A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully -- A. D. SwanstonArt and ambition, love and obsession all come into play in this compelling and spellbinding tale set in Renaissance Venice * STYLIST *Hugely evocative, it's a love story, it's a thriller, it's a fantastic page turner -- Sophie Haydock, author of THE FLAMESA rich and rousing tale of art, love, rivalry and obsession in Renaissance Venice -- Chloë Ashby, author of WET PAINTAn intoxicating story about an incredible period in history * SUN *The pace of this elegant thriller quickens as truths are bared between controlling Jakob Fugger and abused Sybille with her tortuous past, while lovestruck Zorzo is pulled into a powerful situation that draws richly upon all elements of the 16th century * Perspective *An intoxicating and illuminating tale, bathed in colour, passion and ambition . . . A must for lovers of Renaissance art and the wonders of sixteenth century Venice -- S. W. PerryThe pace of a thriller and the riches of a Renaissance painting -- Rachel Joyce * Observer *A vivid imagining of the artistic world of Renaissance Venice. There is an incredible charm in its depiction of the great painters of the period with all their flesh-and-blood idiosyncrasies and flaws. The life of the studio and the supreme importance of colour in all the essentials of its make up is rendered absolutely convincingly. The work has all the more emotional power as it focusses on a lesser known artist as he negotiates the precarious life of his city alongside competitors, those whose names have resounded through history. -- S. G. MacLeanA great work of historical fiction, which weaves together conspiracy, art and love in a thriller * Ruth Millington *Praise for Damian Dibben * - *Bask in the brilliance * Mail on Sunday *Original, ambitious, moving * Stylist *What a novel! Ambitious and wonderfully achieved * Michael Morpurgo *I was captivated from the beginning. Ornate, vivid, deeply coloured, and so precise I could smell and taste the world * Rachel Joyce *An epic tale of love, of courage, of hope * Evening Standard *A stunning and captivating tale * The Sun *A grand sweep of adventure and travel, war and romance, and a rich exploration of love, life and loyalty * National Public Radio *[An] opulent tale, with elements of both love story and thriller, featuring some of Venice's most admired High Renaissance artists hunting desperately for a dazzling new pigment that will transform their work and fortunes * Metro *

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Book SynopsisJoin young Horatio Hornblower in the thrilling naval adventure from the author of The Good Shepherd, now a major-motion picture starring Tom Hanks ''A joyous creation, a perfection in words. Young Hornblower is, simply, one of the most complete creations of character in fiction'' Conn Iggulden, The Independent_______1793, the eve of the Napoleonic Wars, and Midshipman Horatio Hornblower receives his first command . . . As a seventeen-year-old with a touch of sea sickness, young Horatio Hornblower hardly cuts a dash in His Majesty''s navy.Yet from the moment he is ordered to board a French merchant ship in the Bay of Biscay and take command of crew and cargo, he proves his seafaring mettle on the waves.After a character-forming duel, several deadly chases and some dramatic captures and escapes, the young Hornblower is soon forged into a formidable man of the sea. This is the first Trade ReviewI recommend Forester to every literate I know -- Ernest HemingwayI find Hornblower admirable, vastly entertaining -- Sir Winston ChurchillOne of the best. Everyone interested in war, or in human nature, should read * Times Literary Supplement *Absolutely compelling. One of the great masters of narrative * San Francisco Chronicle *A master of the genre * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisThe Second Horatio Hornblower Tale of the SeaThe nineteenth century dawns and the Napoleonic Wars rage as Horatio Hornblower is ordered to the Caribbean and dangerous waters.New Lieutenant Hornblower''s latest ship is HMS Renown, a sound vessel whose captain is unfortunately of rather unsound mind. When ordered to attack a Spanish anchorage, the chain of command breaks down and it requires all of Hornblower''s seafaring cunning to avert disaster. As cannons pound and splinters fly aboard their beleaguered vessel, and the men are forced to engage at close quarters, the young lieutenant knows that to save his ship and crew he must prove himself a master of the high seas . . .This is the second of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C. S. Forester''s inimitable nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower.Featuring an exclusive introduction by Bernard Cornwell, creator of Sharpe''One of the best. Everyone interested in war, or in human Trade ReviewI recommend Forester to every literate I know -- Ernest HemingwayI find Hornblower admirable, vastly entertaining -- Sir Winston ChurchillOne of the best...Everyone interested in war, or in human nature, should read this fascinating tale * The Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisFrom the No. 1 bestselling author of WAR LORD comes an epic retelling of the Arthurian legend, from the bestselling Last Kingdom seriesIn the Dark Ages, a legendary warrior arises to unite a divided land . . .Uther, the High King of Britain, is dead.His only heir is the infant Mordred. Yet each of the country''s lesser kings seek to claim the crown for themselves.While they squabble and spoil for war, a host of Saxon armies gather, preparing for invasion.But no one has counted on the fearsome warlord Arthur.Handed power by Merlin and pursuing a doomed romance with the beautiful Guinevere, Arthur knows he will struggle to unite the country - let alone hold back the Saxon enemy at the gates.Yet destiny awaits him . . .Combining myth, history, and thrilling battlefield action, fans of Game of Thrones, The Last Kingdom, Conn Iggulden and Merlin will be captivated by this gripping epic. ___________''Of all the books I have written these are my favourites'' Bernard Cornwell''Spellbinding realism'' The TimesTrade ReviewOf all the books I have written these are my favourites -- Bernard CornwellThat every Cornwell novel is better than the last, devotees have long taken for granted * The Times Literary Supplement *Bernard Cornwell writes with gritty realism * Daily Telegraph *Spellbinding * The Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom Bernard Cornwell, the creator of the No. 1 bestselling Sharpe novels. Arthur has brought a fragile peace to Britain - but it cannot last . . .Uniting the restive British kingdoms behind him, Arthur believes he can now hold back the Saxons threatening the country. Meanwhile, Merlin sets out on a quest to uncover the sacred Treasures of Britain, hoping they will prove decisive in the coming battle. But in a country where the cult of the Christians is spreading, Merlin''s quest is divisive. And the ambitions of the rival warlord Lancelot threaten the delicate peace. Could even those closest to Arthur be moved to betray him?In the second book of the Warlord Chronicles, Bernard Cornwell brilliantly retells the Arthurian legend, combining myth, history and thrilling battlefield action.''Wonderful and haunting'' People Magazine''Of all the books I have written these are my favourites'' Bernard Cornwell

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Book SynopsisFrom the No. 1 bestselling author of WAR LORD comes an epic retelling of the Arthurian legend, from the bestselling Last Kingdom seriesAfter rebellions and betrayals by those he believed loved him most, Arthur looks at his most weak.His Saxon enemies decide to strike before he regains his strength, plunging Britain into war. It will require all Arthur''s leadership and military cunning to win this last battle.But in this final struggle of the warlord, the intrigues of Mordred, now the adult heir to the throne of Britain, and the dark magic of the priestess Nimue could conspire to bring about Arthur''s downfall.Even his trusty blade Excaliber may not be sharp enough to save him . . .From the epic and bestselling author who has gripped millions, Bernard Cornwell concludes The Warlord Chronicles, bringing the Arthurian legend to thrilling new life._______''A powerful and dramatic ret

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Book Synopsis**The second compelling book in the much loved Red Cliffs Ragged School Series**For orphan Solomon, Red Cliffs offers a place of safety. But he still has something to hide . . . When young Solomon''s father is injured in a tragic accident he finds himself at the Red Cliffs Ragged School on the Torquay coast - a place that takes care of the poorest children from the cities and is watched over by kind-hearted but over-worked Sarah Sullivan. The school''s new travelling mistress, the beautiful, flame-haired Sheena O''Reilly, is going to be a godsend. With Red Cliffs facing closure due to lack of funds it''s all hands on deck while Sarah, Sheena and schoolmaster Harry Higgins get the school, and the children, ready for inspection. Life at Red Cliffs is tough enough, but Sarah didn''t expect her once-sweetheart Harry to take such an interest in feisty Sheena. And though Solomon now has a home and people who love him, he is still withdTrade ReviewPraise for Linda Finlay * - *Warm and atmospheric, you can practically taste the sea breeze * The Express *Take time out for a page-turner about family mysteries and betrayal * Take-a-Break *A compelling saga . . . with a surprising and emotional ending which weaves together the storylines in a most satisfying way. Strongly recommended and a great read on a Cornish holiday * cjbrownecrimewriter.com *

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Book SynopsisIn the Phoenix Munitions Factory everyone has their secrets . . . As WWII rolls across Europe, Kitty boards a ship set for England; leaving her cruel father for war work in a munitions factory. She hadn''t wanted to leave Ireland, but the money sounded too good to resist. And money is what she really needs right now, what with tiny baby Billy back in Dublin without a father. In Lancashire Kitty settles into the hard work and soon makes new friends; the dazzling Gladys who is a talented musician, and the beautiful but nervous Violet who seems to be nursing a secret of her own. And then there is motherly Edna at the local chippy, always there for a cup of tea and a good natter when she yearns for home.Working hard in the day and playing in the Bomb Girls Swing Band by night, on the surface, life seems to be looking up. But Kitty has kept a secret from her friends. Something she needs to figure out. And when a letter arrives from home, she realises she miTrade ReviewIn the Phoenix Munitions Factory everyone has their secrets . . . * from the publisher's description *Praise for Daisy Styles * - *This book brought home wonderfully the vivid camaraderie wartime women shared and their immense sacrifices on the Home Front. Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read -- Kate Thompson, bestselling author of * Secrets of the Singer Girls *A great read that I think will appeal to fans of wartime sagas and authors like Donna Douglas . . . From dances to disasters, encounters with handsome Yanks, rationing and relationships, The Bomb Girls has all the ingredients of an excellent wartime drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it! * Onemorepage.com *The story is full of drama, love, heartbreak, friendship and in some parts comedy . . . It's full of twists and turns and is a real page turner * Laurahbookblog *

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Book Synopsis''Brutal, audacious, and fast-paced'' - Anthony Riches, author of bestselling Empire series''Every page is drenched with the soldier''s experience'' - Giles KristianFormer soldier Geraint Jones delivers a visceral historical fiction epic that captures the essence of the men fighting for the blood-stained legions on the fringes of the Roman Empire.In the wake of a brutal massacre, the battle-hardened legionary Felix is taken as a slave to a traitorous Roman''s German army: a force hellbent on tearing apart the Empire.As legion after legion falls, it''s up to Felix and his shackled comrades to escape captivity and starvation, and to lead the defence of a lone fort against an insurgent force that has destroyed all in its path. because if their last stand fails then Rome itself could be next...Trade ReviewA blood-soaked page-turner * Mail on Sunday *Historical fiction written by a real war veteran who knows all there is to know about blood and bonding in battle. An earthy and powerful read. * Weekend Sport *Gives Rome's legionaries a contemporary voice - this is brutal, audacious and fast paced writing * Anthony Riches, author of Empire series *Geraint Jones takes no prisoners in this visceral tale of Roman soldiers harried to their physical and mental limits by an implacable enemy. Siege is a story of comradeship, sacrifice and endurance in an outpost drained of hope. Only the toughest will survive -- Doug JacksonEvery page is drenched with the soldier's experience: What it means to be loyal to the state and to friends, the unspeakable horrors of war and the instinct to survive, and the twisted bonds between brothers in arms -- Giles Kristian

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Book SynopsisBetty is running for her life . . . The gripping Sunday Times bestseller about one woman doing whatever it takes to survive''You are in the story within minutes of opening the book . . . A brilliant story full of twists and turns'' 5***** Reader Review''Compelling, rich in detail and vividly told. Storytelling at its best'' Daily Express''A gripping read. It kept me hooked from the start'' 5***** Reader ReviewFROM THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR LESLEY PEARSE_________ When her husband returns from the war broken and haunted, Betty knows her marriage is doomed. So she escapes. On the run and armed with a new identity, Betty becomes penniless and alone, quickly realising that starting again is much harder than she thought. And she never imagined it could end in murder . . . But sometimes you have to keep running if you want to survive.Trade ReviewPacy page-turner * Woman & Home, Best Books of Summer *Compelling, rich in detail and vividly told . . . Storytelling at its best * Daily Express *Must read * Daily Express *A suspenseful read that warms the heart * Woman *We loved this take of one woman's fight to escape her past * Take a Break *Fans of Poldark and Daphne du Maurier should enjoy this gripping historical novel . . . both hauntingly sad and darkly funny, this beautifully written novel sizzles with drama and suspense * The Lady *Don't miss this suspenseful and emotional read * My Weekly *Gripping, suspenseful tale * The People's Friend *A five star reading experience * Devon Life *Praise for Lesley Pearse * - *Storytelling at its very best * Daily Mail *Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written * Closer *

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Book SynopsisThe Anatomy of Ghosts is a gripping historical mystery from the bestselling author of The Ashes of London1786, Jerusalem College, Cambridge.The ghost of murdered Sylvia Whichcote is sighted prowling the grounds by commoner Frank Oldershaw. Worried her son is descending into madness, Frank''s anxious mother employs rationalist John Holdsworth to investigate the sighting, throwing the uneasy status quo at the college into chaos.For the sinister Holy Ghost Club governs the privileged life at Jerusalem. Pursued by the ghost of his dead wife, Maria, and Elinor, the very-much-alive Master''s wife, Holdsworth must unravel the circumstances surrounding Sylvia''s death or succumb to the hauntings himself . . .

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Book SynopsisThe latest Daisy Styles novel___________It''s 1944 and Britain is a country at war. The young women of the Phoenix munitions factory are giving their all to the cause, but romance is beckoning . . . The life of a Bomb Girl isn''t usually glamourous. But Maggie is getting married, so she is going to make sure her wedding day is - even if she does have to spend every other day slaving on the factory floor. This blasted factory was not what Julia had in mind either. She had always dreamed of attending Oxford University rather than getting her hands dirty and the easy laughter of the other women intimidate her terribly. But they are all here together in this munitions factory in a Lancashire mill town, sharing firsts, pitching in and getting on. Despite rationing, dangerous hard work and new situations these Bomb Girls are going to do their best at work, and in love.Trade ReviewPraise for Daisy Styles * - *This book brought home wonderfully the vivid camaraderie wartime women shared and their immense sacrifices on the Home Front. Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read -- Kate Thompson, bestselling author of * Secrets of the Singer Girls *Feisty young women, a country house in wartime and a scheming aristocrat - all ingredients for a cracking story with truly endearing characters -- Annie Murray, bestselling author of * Now The War Is Over *

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming and moving story of inspiring women set at the beginning of World War II - fans of Katie Flynn, Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey will love this. ''BEST NEW SUMMER BOOKS'' My Weekly__________In the dark days of war a new hope is born . . . 1939.Mary Vale, a grand and imposing Mother & Baby Home, sits on the edge of the Lake District. Its doors are open to unmarried women who come to hide their condition and find sanctuary. Women from all walks of life pass through Mary Vale, from beautiful waitress Emily, whose boyfriend has vanished without trace, to young Isla, cast out by her wealthy family after her first year at university goes horribly wrong. Awaiting them is Nurse Ada and Sister Anne who work tirelessly to aid the mothers and safely deliver the babies. But the unforgiving Matron and Head of Governors, Captain Percival, have other, more sinister, iTrade ReviewThis is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful! * Fiona Ford, author of Christmas at Liberties *Best new summer books * My Weekly *Praise for Daisy Styles * - *This book brought home wonderfully the vivid camaraderie wartime women shared and their immense sacrifices on the Home Front. Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read -- Kate Thompson, bestselling author of * Secrets of the Singer Girls *Feisty young women, a country house in wartime and a scheming aristocrat - all ingredients for a cracking story with truly endearing characters -- Annie Murray, bestselling author of * Now The War Is Over *

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Book SynopsisA Horatio Hornblower Tale of the Sea.1805, and Hornblower is both humbled and honoured in quick succession . . .After near disaster on board a canal barge, Horatio Hornblower is given his first assignment as Captain, taking charge of the Atropos, a 22-gun sloop that will act as flagship for the funeral procession of Lord Nelson. Soon the Atropos is part of the Mediterranean fleet''s assault upon Napoleon, and Captain Hornblower must execute a bold and daring salvage operation for buried treasure lying deep in Turkish waters. Under the guns of a suspicious port captain and the threat of a Spanish frigate more than double Atropos''s size, Hornblower must steer his ship unscathed and triumphant. . .This is the fourth of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C.S. Forester''s inimitable nautical hero, Horation Hornblower.''I recommend Forester to every literate I know'' Ernest Hemingway''I find Hornblower admirable,

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Book SynopsisA Horatio Hornblower Tale of the SeaJune, 1808 - and off the Coast of Nicaragua Captain Horatio Hornblower has his hands full . . .Now in command of HMS Lydia, a thirty-six-gun frigate, Hornblower has instructions to form an alliance against the Spanish colonies with a mad and messianic revolutionary, El Supremo; to find a water route across the Central American isthmus; and ''to take, sink, burn or destroy'' the fifty-gun Spanish ship of the line Natividad - or face court-martial. And as if he did not have enough trouble, Hornblower must also contend with the beguiling charms of an unwanted passenger: Lady Barbara Wellesley . . .This is the fifth of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C. S. Forester''s inimitable nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower.''I find Hornblower admirable, vastly entertaining'' Sir Winston Churchill

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Book SynopsisA Horatio Hornblower Tale of the Sea1813, and Horatio Hornblower is propelled toward the heart of the French Empire and his old enemy, Napoleon . . .Sir Horatio Hornblower has received strict and highly confidential orders from the highest rank: he must embark upon a grave and perilous mission to recapture the Flame in the Bay of Seine, where the brutal and foul-tempered Lieutenant Augustine Chadwick is being held prisoner by a mutinous crew. Rescuing the Lieutenant demands all of Horatio''s spirit and seafaring prowess - for at the same time, he must contend with capturing two French cargo vessels and take part in negotiations to topple the faltering Napoleon once and for all . . .This is the ninth of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C.S. Forester''s inimitable nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower.''A recipe for pure pleasure'' Bernard Cornwell''These accounts of naval heroism during the Napoleonic era are crackTrade ReviewThese accounts of naval heroism during the Napoleonic era are cracking good yarns for whenever you're feeling glum. We follow ambivalent young Hornblower as he rises from a seasick midshipman to become an understated tactical genius. * SundayTimes *I recommend Forester to every literate I know -- Ernest HemingwayI find Hornblower admirable, vastly entertaining -- Sir Winston Churchill

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Book SynopsisA Horatio Hornblower Tale of the Sea1815, the Napoleonic Wars are over. Yet peace continues to elude Horatio Hornblower overseas . . .As an admiral struggling to impose order in the chaotic aftermath of the French wars, Horatio Hornblower, Commander-in-chief of His Majesty''s ships and vessels in the West Indies, must still face savage pirates, reckless revolutionaries and a violent hurricane. And while his retirement at half-pay might well be in sight, Hornblower will need every ounce of his rapier wit and quick thinking - not to mention his courage and leadership - to ensure that the lasting peace in Europe reaches the turbulent seas of the West Indies.This is the tenth of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C. S. Forester''s inimitable nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower.''The true master of the genre'' Boris Johnson

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Book SynopsisBE TRANSPORTED TO THE EPIC WORLD OF THE ATHENIANS WITH CONN IGGULDEN''S LATEST LEGENDARY TALE ''Astonishing, convincing and compelling, with ferocious battles that bring the Ancient World of Greece alive'' 5***** Reader Review ______ A STATESMAN IS BORN, NOT MADE . . . Marathon. A Persian king stands at last on Greek soil. His Immortals have come to raze the cities of the west. The Athenians are hopelessly outnumbered. The gods are silent. All they have is the shield line. Xanthippus takes a breath. If they cannot stand, all Greece will fall. Thermopylae. Ten years later, Athens has betrayed its favourite son. When the Persians return, when they cross the Hellespont to take revenge on the Greeks, will Xanthippus come home to save his people? Athens cannot stand alone a second time. In desperation, the city calls on men of Sparta to block the pass at Thermopylae. To give them time. Trade ReviewThrilling retelling . . . It's a brilliant read, and his description of the Battle of Thermopylae is simply a stunning - and inspiring - piece of writing * Cotswold Life *Praise for Conn Iggulden * - *An absolutely cracking story. The pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent * The Times *Absorbing and bloody -- Antonia SeniorPeopled with characters so finely honed the story becomes a gripping and glorious legend. Brilliant! * Weekend Sport *Breathes new life into the darkest and most dramatic of times * Star *

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Open Door comes a moving and uplifting story about a generation of young people living through World War II September, 1939. In the sleepy village of Roehampton, Annie Webster has finally found comfort for herself and her close-knit family, far from the poverty and hardships of their childhood in Bermondsey. Then, an announcement shatters their newfound peace. England is at war . . . As her brothers enlist for duty, Annie sacrifices her glamorous job in London for the urgent work of the WAAF, where women of all backgrounds pull together tirelessly for the war effort. Brave, resourceful and determined to do her bit for her country, Annie''s intelligence and warmth singles her out for a daring new role . . .But as Annie quickly catches the eye of a dashing officer, will she ever find peace in her heart? And will Annie and her loved ones survive Britain''s darkest hour?Trade ReviewPraise for The Winter Child * - *A heartwarming and uplifting tale, much like the author's own experience * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA heartwarming and uplifting tale * Daily Express *Catherine Cookson fans will love this * Woman's Own *

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Book SynopsisThe beautifully compelling wartime story of freedom and love set deep in the Scottish islands''A powerful Second World War love story'' THE TIMES''Deeply evocative of Orkney and its wild beauty. A stunning tale of sisters, salvation and sacrifice'' EMMA STONEX_________Orkney, 1941.Five hundred Italian prisoners of war arrive to fortify these wild and desolate islands.Orphaned sisters Dorothy and Constance volunteer to nurse the wounded. But while beautiful, damaged Constance remains wary of the men, Dot finds herself increasingly drawn to Cesare, a young man fighting on the wrong side and broken by the horrors of battle. Secretly, passionately, they fall in love.When a tragic mistake from Con''s past returns to haunt them, Dot must make a choice:Protect her sister no matter the costs, or save the man who has captured her heart?_________Praise for Caroline Lea:<Trade ReviewA tense, passionate and deeply atmospheric novel about a community in wartime - and two defiant hearts. Orkney was so perfectly realised, too, that I almost felt windblown. I loved it all the more so for having read it during lockdown: Caroline's beautiful transported me entirely to another time and land -- Susan FletcherA powerful Second World War love story. As tensions grow between the Italian PoWs and the Orkney men, the scene is set for a dramatic reckoning. Lea writes beautifully of island life and love, and the sacrifices that both demand * The Times *Atmospheric, heart-wrenching, evocative - this is a gorgeously written story about the scars we carry with us, and how they can be overcome -- Gytha LodgeUses the true story of the building of the chapel on Orkney by Italian prisoners during the Second World War to fashion a fast-moving and very touching story of sisterly devotion and passionate love -- Adèle GerasA stunning novel . . . impeccably researched, gorgeously written, and deeply evocative of Orkney and its wild beauty. I loved this tale of sisters, salvation and sacrifice from the first page -- Emma Stonex, bestselling author of The LamplightersConfirms Lea as a highly original and inventive writer * Sunday Times *A story of innocents caught up in the machinery of war. Exquisitely researched, beautifully told, this tiny corner of Scotland came alive -- Mary Beth KeaneMyth, legend, fear and superstition all play a part in this intensely atmospheric novel * Choice Magazine *A beautiful, heart-breaking tale of grief, love and the bond between sisters. I read it in a day, desperate to know what would happen -- Louise HareLea deftly taps into an age-old theme: suspicion and mistrust of outsiders. Woven throughout The Metal Heart is the potent reminder that there are always innocents caught up in the cruel, unforgiving machinery of war * Herald *A stunning World War Two novel, unlike any other * Sun *The remoteness of the Orkney islands intensifies the hopes and fears of war. The Metal Heart is a story of passion and separation in which the isolation of twin sisters within a tight-knit community threatens tragedy. A deeply atmospheric novel of hope and redemption. -- Isabelle GreyDraws you into a wild landscape through an exquisitely told love story -- Elodie HarperSuperbly plotted . . . a story that comes together convincingly, complete with a wonderful double-twist in its final pages * The Orcadian *Uses the true story of the building of the chapel on Orkney to fashion a touching story of sisterly devotion and passionate love -- Hope Adams, author of Dangerous WomenA mesmerising and atmospheric read * Culturefly *Praise for THE GLASS WOMAN * - *A fantastic, atmospheric debut * The Times *Memorable and compelling. A novel about what haunts us - and what shouldAn enthralling tale -- Stacey Halls, bestselling author of The FamiliarsIntensely written and atmospheric, with an unusual setting, this is a stark evocation of a community where fear of the outsider is rife and unsettling * Daily Mail *A perfect, gripping winter read. I loved itUtterly unputdownable. Rich in superstition and mystery, it pulled me in. An incredible novelA chilling tale * Good Housekeeping *

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Book SynopsisThe enthralling Sunday Times bestselling story of a young female journalist exposing murder and lies in her search for the truth, from the international bestseller Lesley PearseTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP 5 BESTSELLER AND WINNER OF THE WOMAN & HOME BOOK CHOICE AWARD 2020''A compelling page-turner'' DAILY MAIL______Find the liar. Find the killer . . .Amelia White didn''t expect her career as a reporter to start like this: by finding a young woman''s body, just around the corner from her Shepherd''s Bush bedsit.With rumours already spreading about this poor murder victim, she seizes her chance to write the true story.But when more bodies are found, the police are baffled.Reporting on the story, Amelia meets witnesses as well as suspects. If she can only work out who the liar among them is, she may be able to stop the murders.Or might she turn herself into the Trade ReviewA compelling page-turner * Daily Mail *Gripping and suspenseful, a fast-paced murder mystery, love story and a young woman's journey of self discovery too * Daily Express *A tale of love, friendship, murder and intrigue, this latest book from master storyteller Lesley Pearse is gripping and full of twists. With an addictive and pacy plot, this will keep you guessing until the end * My Weekly *A page turner full of suspense, compelling and heartwarming, Liar is a brilliant read. I couldn't put it down and it is a must for all crime lovers * Woman's Way *From the first page this heartfelt, atmospheric novel sizzles with suspense and tension . . . Surprising twists and turns leave you guessing until the end . . . gripping story: ideal summertime reading * The Lady *Liar has all the elements that make this author so popular * Choice *Gripping and suspenseful - a murder mystery, love story and journey of self discovery * S Magazine *Lesley Pearse brings together a nostalgic Seventies backdrop with an edge-of-your-seat story of suspense * Yours Magazine *Like a twisty and suspenseful TV drama, Liar keeps you firmly on the edge of your seat * Culturefly *A twisting and intense read * Woman's Own *One of the most thrilling book club books * Woman & Home *A page turner * Crime Monthly *Included in 'Best new titles out this month' * Candis *Included in 'The HOT List' * Inside Soap *Included in 'NEW Must Reads' * Bella *Another winner from Lesley * My Weekly *Praise for Lesley Pearse * - *Storytelling at its very best * Daily Mail *Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written * Closer *

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Book SynopsisWhat do you do when your dream home becomes your worst nightmare? . . . THE GRIPPING SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER FROM LESLEY PEARSE''A riveting page-turner'' Woman''s Weekly''A real page turner from beginning to end'' 5***** Reader Review''Sensational storytelling'' My Weekly________In Willow Close, everyone is a suspect . . .Nina and Conrad thought they''d discovered their dream home.But on the day they move in, a body is found - the victim attacked and killed in the woods.As police interview witnesses, they soon discover each resident hiding their own secrets. Because few in the Close are exactly who they seem . . .Nina and Conrad thought they''d found their dream home.Now, it might just be their worst nightmare . . .________READERS ARE GRIPPED BY SUSPECTS:''Kept me reading late in to the nigTrade ReviewA compelling yet heartwarming novel which shows storytelling at its very best * Crafts Beautiful *A gripping tale packed with twists and turns * Torbay Weekly *A riveting page-turner full of suspense and suspicion. Gripping! * Woman's Weekly *Sensational storytelling * My Weekly *Suspects is a suspenseful and intriguing mystery that will keep you guessing * Culturefly *Thrilling and suspense-packed . . . With an enthralling plot, a cast of fascinating characters, and Pearse's addictive storytelling, Suspects will grip from start to finish * Lancashire Evening Post *A page-turner * Bella *A page-turner * Woman, 'This Week's Hot Read' *A fast-paced, psychological drama . . . with an enthralling plot, a cast of fascinating characters, and Pearse's addictive storytelling, Suspects will grip from start to finish * The Best Life Project *This is a book to talk about, to drill down into the story and really think about it * Devon Life *Praise for Lesley Pearse * - *Storytelling at its very best * Daily Mail *Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written * Closer *

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Book SynopsisThe heartwarming and moving story of three fascinating women finding their strength in World War II, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Call the Midwife and Downton AbbeyIt is June 1940, and as the bombs fall, the women at home must dig deep . . ._______Tucked on the edge of the Lake District lies Mary Vale, a Mother and Baby Home open to unmarried women and their children. But tensions arise when three very different mums-to-be walk through the doors.Plucky shipyard worker Gracie must overcome her shame when her lover turns out to be married. Newly engaged Diana''s fiancé tragically goes missing in action days before the wedding, while isolated and bedraggled Zelda turns heads when she arrives from the ghettos of Germany.At Mary Vale, unity is key as the bombs keep falling.But can these very different women put their differences aside to fight a common foe?Praise for Daisy Styles'Trade ReviewPraise for Daisy Styles * - *This book brought home wonderfully the vivid camaraderie wartime women shared and their immense sacrifices on the Home Front. Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read -- Kate Thompson, bestselling author of * Secrets of the Home Front Girls *Feisty young women, a country house in wartime and a scheming aristocrat - all ingredients for a cracking story with truly endearing characters -- Annie Murray, bestselling author of * Now The War Is Over *This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful! -- Fiona Ford, author of * The Liberty Girls *

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Book SynopsisThe heartwarming and moving new Wartime Midwives story of three brave women''s fight to protect their shelter for mothers and their children . . . Perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Nancy Revell and Call the Midwife________Lake District, 1942. The women at Mary Vale Mother and Baby Home must pull together during their darkest hour . . .But Sybil would rather be anywhere else. She hoped to spend the season in London when an unexpected pregnancy soon put an end to those plans.While poor Rosie arrives with her two children in tow - their lives torn apart after their house was bombed.And when new midwife Edith joins it''s clear she has her own secrets to hide.Then one day Mary Vale faces the ultimate threat - requisition by the army - and the mothers and midwives must find comfort and friendship in one another.But can they also find the strength to fight for their Home?________<Trade ReviewPraise for Daisy Styles * - *Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read -- Kate Thompson, bestselling author of, Secrets of the Home Front GirlsA cracking story with truly endearing characters -- Annie Murray, bestselling author of, Now The War Is OverThis is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful! -- Fiona Ford, author of, The Liberty Girls

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewGot me out of a reading slump! Dark glee, tragedy . . . fans of my story The Corset will gobble this up -- Laura PurcellDark, twisted and dangerously addictive -- Sam LloydA brutal and compelling tale that starts as a revenge story but quickly becomes so much more. Clever, shocking and horrific in places, it's the sort of book for which the phrase 'page-turner' was invented. -- Lucie McKnight HardyCome for the fabulous premise, stay for the razor-sharp portrait of a marvelously complex (and often totally terrifying) mind. I was a big fan of You Let Me In, but Camilla Bruce has absolutely outdone herself with Bella Sorensen and Triflers Need Not Apply. -- Laird Hunt * - *Explosive . . . If you like true crime, you'll devour this chilling story of revenge * Woman's Weekly *Deliciously dark, wickedly observed with a protagonist who will haunt you in the best way. Utterly gripping, chillingly compelling - you won't read another story quite like Bella's. -- Miranda Dickinson * - *Loved this fascinating tale of how a woman's pain turns to rage and then murder. Based on the real life adventures of serial killer Belle Gunness, this book is a dark, thrilling ride into a world of revenge. Oh so satisfying. -- Julie Owen Moylan * - *Triflers Need Not Apply is a perfect read for any crime fiction fan. A chilling immersion into the mind of a serial killer - dark, seductive and addictive. A truly gripping read. -- Lia Middleton * - *Based on a true story, with dark humour throughout, you will be hooked * Prima *Extraordinary. Bruce does a marvellous job of reimagining this real-life murderer, without excusing her crimes * The Times *This gory fictionalisation of her story is also a great character study * Best *Explosive . . . If you like true crime, you'll devour this chilling story of revenge * Woman *Clever and pacy . . . To think of [Bella] only as a cruel murderer is too two-dimensional and doesn't do her, or Camilla's writing, justice * Belfast Telegraph *Chilling. Camilla Bruce's adept reimagining of this compelling historical figure is difficult to forget * Gazette and Herald *You'll veer between pity and loathing for the main character, with perhaps a touch of horrified admiration at times * The Hunsbury Handbook *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the darkly addictive new historical crime based on a twisted true story, from the author of Triflers Need Not Apply''Creepy and compelling'' THE TIMES CRIME CLUB''Atmospheric and addictive'' CRIME MONTHLY''Sinister. A pulse-pounding read'' WOMAN & HOME''A mixture of black humour and psychological insight'' SUNDAY TIMES, ''Best Historical Fiction Books of 2023''__________Blood is thicker than water . . . and murder is best kept in the family__________Kate Bender has killed before.She has felt the warm trickle of a man''s blood. Known what it is like to hold his life in her hands. But that is in the past.Laying low in a new town, she vows to change. When she gains the locals'' trust as an esteemed medium, a life closer to virtue finally seems within reach.But can Kate deny her lingering urges?For while theTrade ReviewCreepy and compelling * The Times Crime Club *A mixture of black humour and psychological insight * Sunday Times, 'Best Historical Fiction Books of 2023' *Atmospheric and addictive * Crime Monthly *This sinister novel is a pulse-pounding read * Woman's Own *I was absolutely captivated by All the Blood We Share. The author brings the prairie so vividly to life that I felt I was there, living amongst brilliantly portrayed, scarily believable characters . . . Chilling, terrifying, utterly addictive, All the Blood We Share is a beautifully written, spellbinding read for 2023 -- Karen Coles, author of The AsylumAs disturbing as it is compelling, All The Blood We Share is a grisly triumph, and one that cements Bruce's reputation as a must-read author * Fantasy Hive *Praise for Camilla Bruce * - *Got me out of a reading slump! Dark glee, tragedy . . . fans of my story The Corset will gobble this up * Laura Purcell *Dark, twisted and dangerously addictive * Sam Lloyd *A brutal and compelling tale that starts as a revenge story but quickly becomes so much more. Clever, shocking and horrific in places, it's the sort of book for which the phrase 'page-turner' was invented * Lucie McKnight Hardy *Come for the fabulous premise, stay for the razor-sharp portrait of a marvelously complex (and often totally terrifying) mind. I was a big fan of You Let Me In, but Camilla Bruce has absolutely outdone herself with Bella Sorensen and Triflers Need Not Apply * Laird Hunt *Explosive . . . If you like true crime, you'll devour this chilling story * Woman's Weekly *Deliciously dark, wickedly observed with a protagonist who will haunt you in the best way. Utterly gripping, chillingly compelling - you won't read another story quite like Bella's * Miranda Dickinson *Loved this fascinating tale of how a woman's pain turns to rage and then murder. A dark, thrilling ride into a world of revenge. Oh so satisfying * Julie Owen Moylan *A perfect read for any crime fiction fan. A chilling immersion into the mind of a serial killer - dark, seductive and addictive. A truly gripping read * Lia Middleton *Based on a true story, with dark humour throughout, you will be hooked * Prima *Extraordinary. Bruce does a marvellous job of reimagining this real-life murderer, without excusing her crimes * The Times *This gory fictionalisation of her story is also a great character study * Best *Explosive . . . If you like true crime, you'll devour this chilling story of revenge * Woman *Chilling. Camilla Bruce's adept reimagining of this compelling historical figure is difficult to forget * Gazette and Herald *You'll veer between pity and loathing for the main character, with perhaps a touch of horrified admiration at times * The Hunsbury Handbook *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the epic adventure of legendary viking Geirmund Hel-hide in this new novel set in the world of Assassin''s Creed Valhalla.Norway, Mid-9th century.The Viking attacks and invasions are shattering England''s kingdoms.Born into a royal lineage of Norwegian kings, Geirmund Hel-hide sets out for adventure to prove his worth as a Viking and a warrior.A perilous journey across the sea brings him into contact with a being out of myth and grants him a mysterious ring that promises both great power and bitter betrayal. As Geirmund rises in the ranks of King Guthrum''s legendary army, he will have to use all his cunning to face the many dangers of a land ravaged by war . . .Fighting alongside his band of loyal warriors, his path will soon lead him into a conflict as old as the gods themselves.

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Book SynopsisTransport yourself to mid-century New York in this compelling and evocative story of secrets, jealousy and hidden love''Book of the Month'' WOMAN & HOME''Dazzling debut'' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING''So vividly evoked'' CLARE CHAMBERS''I was gripped from the first page'' SARA COX__________NEW YORK CITY, 1955.In the dimmed lights of their apartment, Dovie and Gillian love each other in secret. Mixing drinks, dancing to slow jazz, they guard their lives closely, knowing they''ll never truly be safe.And yet, outside, someone suspects the truth.Gillian fears the worst, and grips on to Dovie more tightly. But Dovie, seeing the good in people, lets the door open . . .Is this their chance to finally be free?Or are they in even more danger than before?__________''Superlative'' RED''Summer sparkles in this book and so doesTrade ReviewLoved this . . . I was gripped from the first page and eked out the last chapters as I didn't want to leave the smoky clubs of 1950's Manhattan. A stellar line-up of brave, complicated and bright women . . . prepare to lose yourself in a tale of love, loss and deceit -- Sara Cox, Radio 2 DJ and host of BBC 2’s Between the CoversSummer sparkles in this book and so does the prose! -- Damian BarrA gorgeous, evocative novel that's part love story, part coming of age and part mystery. But all parts are superlative! * Red Online *I so enjoyed That Green Eyed Girl. The atmosphere of city heat and dust and stifling apartments was so vividly evoked. And I was equally invested in both narrative strands . . . I was hooked from the beginning -- Clare Chambers, author of Small PleasuresIt's beautifully written and particularly wonderful on forbidden love, loss and forgiveness * Daily Mail *I loved this. Dovie and Ava are both such compelling characters and the evocation of time and place so strong - I was irresistibly drawn into their stories. Sad, rage-inducing and uplifting - a very emotional read -- Harriet Tyce, author of Blood OrangeJulie Owen Moylan expertly places her readers in a New York apartment, where you feel the heat and hear the tinny radio . . . There's a cinematic quality to this novel; the characters are deftly drawn and emotionally engaging, and the plot develops at the right pace, with unexpected twists. An accomplished debut * Woman & Home, BOOK OF THE MONTH *That Green Eyed Girl takes hold of you and draws you along. I loved the little connective details between the timelines and the unravelling of the gentle mystery of it all. Hits a perfect bittersweet note - I predict big things -- Kate Sawyer, author of The StrandingWith an intriguing opening line and a camera-like gaze, the author places her readers in a New York apartment, where you feel the heat and hear the tinny radio . . . The characters are deftly drawn and emotionally engaging, and the plot develops at just the right pace, with unexpected twists. An accomplished debut * Woman's Weekly *The mystery at the heart of this novel had me hooked from the start. I spent a weekend sitting in 1950s bars, listening to jazz with Gillian and Dovie, then skipping ahead twenty years to walk the same streets with Ava, remembering the awkwardness of being a teenager. Heartbreaking but with a satisfying ending, I will remember this book for a long time -- Louise Hare, author of This Lovely CityOld school New York, cocktails and jazz bars and pulsing heat. A story of love and loneliness, it's heart-breaking and complex and oh so real. I loved it -- Laura Shepherd-Robinson, author of Blood and SugarMade me cry, took me to smoke-filled jazz bars, and made me want to dance. A brilliantly written, evocative and moving novel -- Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork GirlNot only assured, pacy and involving, but both heartbreaking and heartmending -- Hope Adams, author of Dangerous WomenI've spent the whole day reading this mesmerising book. Such a devastating, gripping story and stunning, powerful writing. Once I started I just could not stop -- Aliya Ali-Afzal, author of Would I Lie to YouThis book ... wow. So beautifully written, you feel you're there in New York, feeling everything the characters feel. A very original story that will stay with me for a long time -- Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest ManA gripping tale of jealousy, loyalty and the lengths people will go to in order to protect those they love * My Weekly *With an intriguing opening line and a camera-like gaze, Julie Owen Moylan places her readers in a New York apartment, where you feel the heat and hear the tinny radio . . . There's a sensory filmic quality to this novel - the characters are deftly drawn and the plot develops at just the right pace. A very accomplished debut * Woman *I've just spent a couple of days in mid-century Manhattan, dancing in underground jazz clubs and feeling the sweat of summer on my skin . . . A smoky page-turner -- Jodie Chapman, author of Another LifeWonderful . . . utterly transported me to the jazz bars and stuffy apartments of New York, while telling a moving and compelling story about a time in history I knew little about -- Neema Shah, author of Kololo HillThe pacing is perfect, the voice is striking. Highly recommend. -- Nikki May, author of WahalaA poignant coming of age and a gorgeously romantic and tragic queer love story -- Isabel Costello, author of Paris Mon AmourI so enjoyed [That Green Eyed Girl]. I loved the evocation of NYC, the jazz, and the two storylines . . . so compelling -- Melissa Fu, author of Peach Blossom SpringA cracking read. Compelling and stylish. I'll be thinking about Ava, Dovie and Gillian for a long time -- Claire Alexander, author of Meredith, AloneHeartbreaking, multi-layered and thoughtfully written, this is a book that stays with you for all the right reasons * Culturefly, 'Books To Look Forward To' *From the killer first sentence until the final page, I was totally gripped by That Green Eyed Girl. Told across two timelines twenty years apart, it's deeply immersive, hugely addictive and, like the girl in the song, it will haunt me -- Paul Burston, author of The Closer I GetHow the three women are connected is tantalisingly revealed in this evocative tale * Good Housekeeping *Incredibly elegant and sophisticated prose * New Welsh Review *Set in the smoky jazz bars of 1950s New York, this debut novel by Julie Owen Moylan brings to life an array of powerful, bold and complicated women - all of whom have their own stories and secrets. The mystery at hand is soft and gently unfolds to climax into a satisfying but heartbreaking ending * Evening Standard, Best Thrillers Books to read in 2022 *Julie Owen Moylan's astonishingly accomplished debut is both a deftly constructed thriller and a bittersweet love story - expect to hear a lot about it this summer * Waitrose Weekend *Evocative, thought-provoking and incredibly moving * My Weekly *Read this if you want to be transported to NYC to feel the sizzle of summer and experience the smoky, sultry glow of 1950s jazz clubs * InsideKent *Moving. A sensitive, endearing story * Sunday Mail *

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Book SynopsisSoho, London, 1958. Three women. One boarding house. A secret that could shatter everything. ''Gripping Julie Owen Moylan vividly recreates drab, grey postwar London and her characters are convincing to the end'' THE TIMES, ''BEST NEW HISTORICAL FICTION'' ''Psychologically astute and emotionally absorbing, this is a heartfelt read'' DAILY MAIL ''Emotional, immersive and utterly absorbing'' JENNIFER SAINT ---- West London, 1958. 73 Dove Street is a shabby house in a shabby street. But this boarding house's attic room suits newcomer Edie Budd very well. It's somewhere to hide. Tommie, on the second floor, is up in Soho every night. There's a man she's pursuing whether he wants her or not. Landlady Phyllis has thrown out her cheating husband. She's burned his belongings in the street. Sometimes there's no going back. Three survivors living under one roof. Each alone nursing their secret hurts and hopes. Because opening your heart could save or destroy you...----''A wonderfully evocative, immersive novel that brings 50s London to life, from the smog and the nightlife to attitudes towards women . . . a vivid, absorbing and ultimately uplifting read'' SUNDAY EXPRESS ''The sense of time and place is beautifully evocative. It''s about pride and shame and love and loss and ultimately hope'' LAURA SHEPHERD-ROBINSON ''Once again, Julie Owen Moylan has created a world that feels completely real and vivid'' JODIE CHAPMAN ''From the Rivoli Ballroom to the seedy nightlife of Soho, the characters leap off the page in this compelling mystery'' WOMAN & HOME ''A beautiful story of friendship and new beginnings'' BEST ''Gripping and atmospheric'' RED

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Book SynopsisA propulsive and dazzling debut novel set against the backdrop of the Chinese Exclusion Act, and one Chinese girl fighting to claim her place''An engulfing, bighearted and heartbreaking novel'' ANN PATCHETT, author of Women''s Prize longlisted The Dutch House''A sweeping adventure of identity, love and belonging'' C PAM ZHANG, Man Booker longlisted author of How Much of These Hills are Gold''An impressive and original debut'' THE SUNDAY TIMES__________Daiyu was named after a ghost . . .Little Daiyu is twelve when her parents disappear. So she runs, disguising herself as a boy, to sweep the steps of Master Wang''s calligraphy school in Zhifu.But this is just the beginning of a journey that sends her across an ocean to San Francisco and the lawless American west.Kidnapped. Trafficked. Betrayed.Prize virgin in a brothel.Passion. Revenge. FreedTrade ReviewAn engulfing, bighearted and heartbreaking novel. Illuminates shocking injustices, making us stop and consider how many survive to this day -- Ann Patchett, author of Women's Prize longlisted The Dutch HouseAn impressive and original debut * THE SUNDAY TIMES *A sweeping adventure of identity, love and belonging -- C Pam Zhang, Man Booker longlisted author of How Much of These Hills are GoldBrilliant and devastating. Four Treasures of the Sky tells the story of Daiyu, who is brought to America against her will and forced to hide who she is even as she grows into her true self. Weaving together myth and history, Zhang's work is both timeless and utterly necessary right now. -- Anna North, author of the New York Times bestseller OutlawedAn instant and necessary classic, easily among the best novels of this past decade. The story lingers long after its final pages -- T Kira Madden, author of Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless GirlsAn astonishing novel propelled by private and public histories, rich with reflections on self-making, moral calling, great love, and profound injustice -- Megha Majumdar, author of A BurningThis unforgettable novel dazzles. An exhilarating rush of character, history and storytelling -- Kali Fajardo-Anstine, US National Book Award finalist author of Sabrina & CorinaBrings alive a heroine for the ages, an indomitable teenage girl whose relentless spirit and self-reinvention carries this story. Daiyu is sure to take her place in the canon of great Western heroines next to True Grit's Mattie Ross -- Juliet Grames, author of The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella FortunaThis book is haunting, luscious and precise - it's historical fiction as we most want and need it to be. Four Treasures of the Sky paints a neglected chapter in history with sharp and devastating brushstrokes -- Julia Fine, author of The Upstairs HouseA lyrical and sweeping Bildungsroman, fierce and moving * Publishers Weekly, starred review *A book to sit alongside Yaa Gyasi's Homecoming and Anna North's Outlawed, this is a powerful tale of reclamation, spun with soul by a remarkable new talent * Lauren Puckett, Shelf Awareness *

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Book SynopsisThe heartwarming and uplifting new Wartime Midwives novel perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Nancy Revell''A rousing tale of integrity and heroism, and an endearing story of a group of women working together'' WOMAN__________Cumbria, 1944: as Christmas comes to Mary Vale, mothers and midwives alike seek a miracle . . .Newly trained midwife Libby is forced to work in the neighbouring villages as well as at the Mother and Baby Home, trying her best to help the many desperate new mums.Meanwhile, Margaret arrives at Mary Vale heartbroken after losing her man and facing having a child alone.Yet it isn''t long before Libby and Margaret discover someone with bigger problems. Beth, along with her young children and desperately ill husband, face eviction from their home just before Christmas.As time starts to run out, so does her hope.But can Libby and Margaret save Beth and her family with a quick-witted plan and some festive magic?After all, it''s Christmas . . . and a time for miracles.__________Praise for Daisy Styles''An absolute joy to read'' Kate Thompson''Will tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere!'' Fiona Ford ''Truly endearing characters'' Annie MurrayTrade ReviewA rousing tale of integrity and heroism, and an endearing story of a group of women working together * Woman *Praise for Daisy Styles * - *Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read * Kate Thompson, bestselling author of, Secrets of the Home Front Girls *A cracking story with truly endearing characters * Annie Murray, bestselling author of, Now The War Is Over *This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful! * Fiona Ford, author of, The Liberty Girls *

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Book SynopsisThe uplifting story of three struggling mothers pulling together in the heart of WWII, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Nancy Revell and Call the MidwifeThree mothers. Three very different backgrounds. And a bond they will never forget . . .________The Lake District, 1944. Spring is in the air for the women at Mary Vale Mother and Baby Home.Beautiful Stella, the head-turning cook of a munitions factory, has been swept off her feet by a handsome GI. He proposes when she falls pregnant, but soon his letters stop arriving . . .Then there is Lillian, who is deeply unimpressed when she is conscripted as a Land Girl miles from her home, but then she meets a charming, married vet . . .Meanwhile, midwife Ada is getting used to being back at work after the birth of her own beautiful baby girl. But she faces the biggest challenge of her life when the home is engulfed in an outbreak of whTrade ReviewPraise for Daisy Styles * - *Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read * Kate Thompson, bestselling author of, Secrets of the Home Front Girls *A cracking story with truly endearing characters * Annie Murray, bestselling author of, Now The War Is Over *This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful! * Fiona Ford, author of, The Liberty Girls *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewStrong and immersive. Well-worth plucking from the pile of chiton-lit * The Times *Vivid with fury, passion and strength, this is a fabulous myth retelling. A powerful, thought-provoking portrayal of a fascinating and complicated woman framed in beautiful prose. I loved it -- JENNIFER SAINT, bestselling author of ARIADNE and ELEKTRAWow! What a powerhouse of a novel. Savage, passionate and absolutely spellbinding. The recreation of Sparta is astonishing - you feel you are with Clytemnestra, completely immersed in the brutal world she inhabits with her siblings, whose complex relationships are drawn with skill and tenderness. Clytemnestra's rage, heartbreak and determination radiate off the page. I was utterly gripped -- Elodie Harper, bestselling author of THE WOLF DEN & THE HOUSE WITH THE GOLDEN DOORA blaze of a novel, fiery and furious - and alight with murderous revenge. Like Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint, Casati offers the female perspective on the old, patriarchal tropes of the Greek myths * Daily Mail *Rivals House of the Dragon in conspiracies and feminine brutality. Here is a complex and courageous woman, all flesh and blood, simmering with passion. Facing the grimmest of betrayals, Clytemnestra's ruthless desire for revenge powers a thrilling plot. This is an electrifying read that shocks and fascinates in equal measure -- LIZ FREMANTLE, the critically acclaimed author of QUEEN'S GAMBITA heroine of fierce spirit caught in a world ruled by men, finding a way through with a sharp, unquenchable courage. With the fire and spark of Madeline Miller and the depths of Mary Renault, Clytemnestra will keep you reading well into the small hours, and your dreams will be of worlds where women reach for the gods -- MANDA SCOTTA passionate picture of a fiercely patriarchal society and her heroine's refusal to be bound by itsrules * Sunday Times *Clytemnestra, whose name has come to epitomise female wickedness, has found a worthy advocate in Costanza Casati and this fascinating Greek myth retelling . . . Casati brings the blood-soaked world of Greek mythology fully alive in this powerful novel * Woman & Home *Costanza Casati renders a singularly vibrant Ancient Greece, absolutely alive with emotion and suspense. Casati reveals a Clytemnestra we've never met before: fiercely intelligent, passionate, and loving - and willing to do anything to avenge the ones she loves -- Naomi Krupitsky, New York Times bestselling author of THE FAMILYA swift-paced telling of the story of Clytemnestra, the fierce but loving princess of often-brutal Sparta . . . The easy-to-follow storytelling and well-rounded characters in the novel really draw in the reader * i *Ablaze with moments of deep tenderness and visceral ferocity, Casati's Clytemnestra gives the phrase 'fight like a girl' its rightfully heroic and empowering meaning! Beautifully told in a style that pays nimble homage to classic Greek mythology, Clytemnestra is a rich and compelling read, and even more so for every woman who has ever had to fight to reclaim her power. A must-read! -- Buki Papillon, author of AN ORDINARY WONDERBold and elegant, this novel deconstructs Clytemnestra's infamy and then, with tremendous empathy and wisdom, reconstructs her into an enthrallingly complex figure filled with passion and spirit. This fiery tale of revenge and desire really is the stuff of legend -- Sarah Priscus, author of the critically-acclaimed GROUPIESPowerful and sympathetic, Clytemnestra shines a light on Helen of Troy's overshadowed sister. Crafted with page-turning suspense, Casati spins a mesmerizing story of an ambitious warrior queen who must use all her skill to protect herself and those she loves from men who view women not as equals, but as pawns to be sacrificed upon the altars of lust, greed, and fame. An ancient and intriguing tale made fresh for today's 21st century battles -- Liz Michalski, author of DARLING GIRL: A NOVEL OF PETER PANA thrilling reimagining of an infamous Greek figure * RED *A thrilling tale of power and prophecies, and the fierce Queen who fought back at those who wronged her * COSMOPOLITAN, 'The best books to look forward to in 2023' *If magical mythological books call your name, Clytemnestra is the one for you * Glamour UK *Swift-paced, straightforward storytelling, richly imagined characters. Timeless * Scotsman *Savage, passionate and absolutely spellbinding. Clytemnestra's rage, her heartbreak and her determination radiate off the page -- ELODIE HARPER, bestselling author of THE WOLF DEN and THE HOUSE WITH THE GOLDEN DOOR

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Book SynopsisDiscover the haunting new gothic historical mystery, perfect for fans of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, Stacey Halls and Bridget Collins *SHORTLISTED FOR THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD* 'I loved this fresh take on the gothic genre. Vivid, haunting, surprising' Stacey Halls, author of Sunday Times bestsellers The Familiars, The Foundling and Mrs EnglandA full-blooded gothic mystery with bite' Emma Stonex, author of The LamplightersDark, twisty, gothic and full of surprises ... a deliciously atmospheric page-turner' Liz Hyder, author of The Gifts Nobody ever goes to Hartwood Hall . . .' 1852. When Margaret Lennox, a young widow, is offered a position as governess at Hartwood Hall, she quickly accepts, hoping this isolated country house will allow her to leave the past behind. But she soon feels there's something odd about Hartwood: strange figures in the dark, tensions between servants and a wing of the house no one uses. Why do the locals eye her employer, widowed Mrs Evesham, with susp

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Book Synopsis**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**THE SWEEPING, SUN-DRENCHED STORY OF LOVE, FAMILY AND UNTOLD SECRETS SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF WWII, FROM THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER''Adriana is a storyteller second to none'' HEATHER MORRIS, bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz''Trigiani never fails to sweep you away . . . an emotional and beautiful tale of family, love, and loss'' TAYLOR JENKINS REID, bestselling author of Malibu Rising''There is a reason Adriana Trigiani is so beloved by her millions of devoted readers . . . gorgeous'' SARAH JESSICA PARKER''A big, beautiful, wonderful book; romantic, moving, transporting, affecting I will do everything I can to encourage everyone to read it'' LOUISE DOUGLAS, bestselling author of The House by the Sea_________Domenica Cabrelli had two great loves of her life.<Trade ReviewThere is a reason Adriana Trigiani is so beloved by her millions of devoted readers. We all wait for the next book by this gorgeous writer. It's here at last. Let Adriana Trigiani take you far away -- Sarah Jessica ParkerWe are swept from Italy to France, Scotland, England, given memorable characters, rich detail, tragedy, triumph, secrets and surprises. Epic and captivating, this is a multi-generational saga told by a gifted storyteller * Choice *Adriana Trigiani never fails to sweep you away with her richly transportive prose. The Good Left Undone takes you through time and across the globe from the Italian coast to the Scottish Highlands as long-held secrets of the Cabrelli family come to light. An emotional and beautiful tale of family, love, and loss -- Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of Malibu RisingA story only Adriana Trigiani could have told. Rich in all the elements that make a story memorable, relatable; family complications we all share, choose to ignore, or seek to explain as time closes in on us. Family secrets, family jealousies, across the generations, across the landscapes under the Tuscan sun, the charm of Marseille and the rugged beauty of Scotland, Domenica creates a legacy for her children and grandchildren to unravel. Adriana is, indeed, a storyteller second to none. -- Heather Morris, bestselling author of The Tattooist of AuschwitzTrigiani writes an unforgettable historical epic in Italy, France, Scotland and Churchill's England on the cusp of World War II. Matelda Cabrelli Roffo, the matriarch of her contemporary Italian family is determined to reveal her mother's secret past before it's too late. This rich family story is magnificent in the telling. -- Lisa JewellI honestly can't remember the last time a novel gave me such absolute pleasure. The Good Left Undone is the perfect novel. It carried me away and wrapped me up in the lives of generations of women in one family. It touched on love and loss, on life and death, on what's truly important; it made me forget everything except what I was reading. A big, beautiful, wonderful book; romantic, moving, transporting, affecting I will do everything I can to encourage everyone to read it because I know they won't be disappointed -- Louise Douglas, Richard and Judy and Kindle Top 5 Bestselling AuthorAt once epic and intimate, a delightful novel about the mysterious lore of an unforgettable Italian family whose characters walk right off the page -- Jess Walter, author of Beautiful RuinsA sprawling, majestic historical fiction feast that spans countries and generations to find the heart and soul of a beautiful family. This is Adriana Trigiani at her best -- Laura Dave, author of The Last Thing He Told MeA wondrous novel of storytelling, love, war, religion and that which defines us all: family. Adriana Trigiani has outdone herself with her sharp eye, her humor and her warm and generous heart -- Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling authorAdriana Trigiani merges life and fiction so completely it's impossible to sort one from the other. Through Matelda and the Cabrelli women, readers will find themselves fully immersed in another place and time, but also vividly recalling the histories of their own ancestors. An enduring testimony to the power of family and stories - those we know well and those that have shaped us without our knowing. Breathtakingly beautiful, powerful, lyrical, and ultimately filled with goodness -- Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were YoursAdriana Trigiani is a gifted, natural storyteller and The Good Left Undone is her at the top of her game. This beautiful, sweeping historical epic about three generations of women paints an exquisite portrait of love, loss, the ravages of time and the price a family pays for its secrets. Brava! -- Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The NightingaleAn exquisite gem of a novel, as it flits between present day and the calamitous times of World War II. No one does historical fiction better than Trigiani. You will fall in love with the characters, especially Matelda Roffo. Godere! -- David BaldacciFrom time to time, readers are fortunate enough to come across a novel that transports us so completely to a different time and place, we can smell the air, taste the food. The Good Left Undone is such a book: the power and the beauty of Italy and the Italians, the devastation of wars and callous disregard for humans, the love of life and others; all come across in this exquisite novel. Trigiani has accomplished a true miracle -- W. Bruce Cameron, New York Times bestselling authorAdriana Trigiani has written the triumph of her career in this historical epic. This novel is the dramatic, emotional, and profound saga of three generations of women in the Cabrelli family of gemcutters-Domenica, Matelda, and Anina-and each character is more brilliant than the last. This novel shines like a flawless diamond, with a multifaceted narrative that shifts seamlessly between Viareggio, Marseilles, and Scotland, bringing to light a sweep of history that I never knew existed. Most of all, at its core is the generous, beating heart of family - and a love story that will seep into your soul. I have always loved Adriana Trigiani's books, but The Good Left Undone is a crown jewel of historical fiction -- Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling authorThis beautifully written, immersive novel gripped me from the first page and didn't let go. In The Good Left Undone, Adriana Trigani sweeps you up and takes you on an epic journey both geographically and emotionally in a story about love, grief and the heartbreaking secrets woven into the tapestry of every family. Trigani's evocative, richly textured prose conjures a fully-realised world with characters and situations that you feel acutely invested in - the cast of strong female characters resonated with me in ways I didn't imagine and as I turned the last page I didn't want this book to end. An emotional rollercoaster of a read, it's a book that you'll need tissues for, but also one that brings immense joy. A must-read for 2022 -- Sarah Pearse, bestselling author of The SanatoriumAdriana Trigiani is a treasure and The Good Left Undone is a gem: a sweeping epic that spans a century. Chronicling the fallout from the cataclysmic sinking of the Arandora Star - torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1940 - this extraordinary novel manages to mourn the dead, celebrate the living, and remind us that every family has secrets that are heartbreaking, heartwarming, and (yes) inspiring -- Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling authorA wildly entertaining story about the life of the remarkable Italian nurse Domenica Cabrelli and her daughter Matelda. The novel is a wonderful love story, rife with sea captains and childhood sweethearts and a family that never gives up on one another. I adored it -- Ann Napolitano, author of Dear EdwardAdriana Trigiani reshapes the words of Phillip Larkin - 'the good not done, the love not given, the time torn off unused' -- as a focal point for a wonderfully agile novel that rounds off the sharp edges of our times -- Colum McCannI can lie on my couch and travel the world - and through time - reading Adriana Trigiani's The Good Left Undone. Italy, France, Scotland. 1920s to the present. Her storytelling is genius. Her understanding of love and family moves me to tears -- Delia EphronThis is a sweeping story of the complexities of love and family . . . A beautiful historical romance, this book manages to be epic and intimate at the same time -- ADELE PARKS * SUN *Adriana Trigiani knows that a great life is made up of memories and morsels: Kisses and cakes; heartbreak and honey salves. In The Good Left Undone, Trigiani's women share secrets in the safety of kitchens, are carried off to bed during war, fight to keep a sense of themselves, and appreciate that a first love that arrives second is the sweetest and most substantial of all -- Helen EllisAdriana Trigiani's latest novel is a delicious immersion into a hidden Italy, a world of Vatican jewelers, of ledgers, maps and strega, of people who tell time by the 'bells and the baker,' and are connected to their history and to the far corners of the spinning globe by love, blood, and rubies. And that's just the first course of this literary feast, that is also a profound meditation on old age and an intimate conversation between generations of a quietly dazzling family -- Alice RandallWith its epic sweep, radiant characters, and uncommon insight, The Good Left Undone expertly spans generations and geography, luring the reader into a world where family love and family legacy are both a gift and an inspiration. -- Lisa GrunwaldA gorgeous and lush multi-generational epic about the Cabrellis, a vibrant Italian family descended from master jewelers, from the harrowing days leading up to WWII to the modern era, celebrating the pieces they create and the myths that power them and hold families together; an absolute triumph from Adriana Trigiani -- Gigi LevangieShe's done it again, given us a story deep and wide, written with heart and soul. Each one of Trigiani's books is a rich tapestry, woven with stories that reach back through generations with love and family at the center. . . The Good Left Undone is a complex and absorbing reminder of the connection and grounding of family, the stories that bind us and the resilience of love amidst the devastation of war. -- Lee WoodruffThis master storyteller has outdone herself with The Good Left Undone. What an epic, wonderful sprawling novel, her writing lush and luminous as she draws us into the world of three generations of women with her signature warmth, humor and huge heart. There is no-one like Adriana, and here she is at her absolute best -- Jane Green, author of Sister StardustIt's impossible not to be absolutely enthralled by the latest immersive Trigiani masterwork about family, food (oh my God, so delicious), loyalty and legacy. A story bristling with so much generous life, you'll swear you are there for all of it: the great loves, the unfathomable losses, the betrayals and the secrets of the artisan Cabrelli family, especially with matriarch Matelda, caught between the end of her own life, the beginning of her granddaughter Anina's, and the dramatic, love-torn and war-torn life her mother Domenica had led. Spanning Italy, France and England, and decades, The Good Left Undone is thrilling proof that, 'A family is only as strong as their stories.' -- Caroline LeavittAdriana Trigiani once again proves her mastery at breaking your heart, and then mending it together again. Writing of strong women, steadfast loves, settings that whisk you away, and the legacy of the Cabrelli family, this is Trigiani at her finest. Sweeping yet intimate, The Good Left Undone is a love letter to matriarchs everywhere-prepare to be dazzled -- Karma Brown, author of Recipe for a Perfect WifeThe Good Left Undone is as exquisite as the jewels the Cabrelli family creates. The breadth of the story, Trigiani's trademark humor, and emotional depth is a memento mori. What a gift for us who now truly contemplate our mortality to follow Matelda Roffo as she contemplates her life and its meaning. Trigiani writes, 'A family is only as strong as their stories.' This family is made of iron. -- Susan Fales HillIn The Good Left Undone Adriana Trigiani creates a powerful evocation of grief, love and war through three generations of one family. The memorable Tuscan setting is interleaved with tender relationships that bring history to life. Trigiani's love of place and people leaps off the page -- Lucy Jago, bestselling author of A Net for Small FishesAn epic story that takes its readers on a journey through several generations, from past to present day * My Weekly *Praise for Adriana Trigiani * : *A comedy writer with a heart of gold * New York Times *Trigiani is a master of palpable and visual detail * Washington Post *One of my all-time favourite novels -- Whoopi GoldbergHonest, wholesome entertainment * Daily Mail *Utterly addictive * Glamour *Exquisite writing and a story enriched by the power of abiding love * USA Today *Full of romance, drama and snappy dialogue * People *Eminently readable and richly imagined * Publisher's Weekly *Hilarious and romantic. I couldn't put it down -- Sarah Jessica Parker

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