Historical Fiction Books

Book Synopsis'A piercingly evocative East-West love story' The TimesThis is a story of East and West. A story of love, betrayal, and lost illusions...The end of the Cold War seems unimaginable for Milena, a Red Princess trapped in a lifetime of limitless luxury.Yet when she meets Jason, a confident British poet, it's not long before she's secretly planning her escape to Britain.1980s London defies her privileged expectations. And when she discovers Jason's concept of freedom confronts her deepest-held beliefs, the very ideas of family and state come into question...'A wonderful, perfectly-pitched novel: full of delightful intrigue and wry insight about the human predicament and its unique tensions' William Boyd'Witty, poignant and full of surprises - every detail of this cross-cultural story of love and disillusionment rings true' Clare ChambersTrade ReviewA poignant, bittersweet love story played out across the east-west divide, it challenges set ideas about loyalty, freedom and ideology -- Frederick Studemann * Financial Times, *Summer Books 2022* *Superb... The divided continent has been at the heart of countless novels over the decades, but few can have been as cleverly crafted or better told than Vesna Goldsworthy's Iron Curtain... Brilliantly written -- Nick Rennison * Sunday Times *The pages fly by, and Goldsworthy's careful scrutiny brings warmth and sympathy to her tale of belonging and betrayal. Tense, brooding and often hilarious, Iron Curtain finds bright sparks as well as bleakness in the cold war's dying embers -- James Stuart * Guardian *Vesna Goldsworthy's masterly novel retains the grace and resilience of literary art while wading deep into the most riveting human drama... Goldsworthy is at once the most impartial and the tenderest of observers, a bold dramatist and a subtle humorist -- Rachel CuskOriginal and memorable... a profound understanding of the timeless realities of love, betrayal and the desire for revenge -- Pat BarkerTimely... Daring... A bittersweet tale of loyalty, love and the siren call of freedom -- Rebecca Abrams * Financial Times *Iron Curtain seized me from its first page and I hardly put it down again until I arrived with reluctance to its stunning conclusion... Moving but also irresistibly enjoyable -- Megan NolanAn extraordinary evocation of two wildly contrasted worlds... Vesna Goldsworthy writes so well! -- Michael FraynThis excellent novel is a comedy of manners nevertheless fraught with tension... Goldsworthy captures the human perspective of life in the cold war superbly and sympathetically -- Alexander Larman * Observer *A pacy rite-of-passage story that doubles as a portrait of the poisonous legacies of police-state paranoia -- Anthony Cummins * Daily Mail *Superb * Jonathan Coe on Twitter *

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Book SynopsisIt's Christmas at London's Theatre Royale and journalist Daphne King is determined to solve an extraordinary mystery...December 1935. Director Chester Harrison's production of A Christmas Carol has had a troubled run on its tour of regional theatres. With tensions amongst the cast running high, the company reach their final stop - London's Theatre Royale - a few days before Christmas.Catastrophe, however, strikes on opening night: 'Scrooge' dies on stage, seemingly due to a heart attack. But the show must go on. Until, that is, an old rival of Chester's is murdered in a dressing room. Are those associated with the production being picked off one by one? Journalist Daphne King is determined to reveal the truth...*Order Ada's new novel MURDER AT MAYBRIDGE CASTLE, out now!*______________________________Readers love Ada Moncrieff's Christmas mysteries:'Brilliant...full of twists and turns' 'A modern rival to Agatha Christie''A new festive favourite' Trade Review(Praise for Murder Most Festive) If you're a fan of historical mysteries, then Murder Most Festive should be at the top of your to-read list * Cultured Vultures *A lovely stocking-filler for theatre and murder mystery enthusiasts. * Tablet *Theatrical festive escapism for fans of the golden age who like their crime set firmly in that time * The Times *A slow burner, full of red herrings and characters, and keeps you guessing till the end * Yours *

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Book SynopsisWhen Mercy Garrett moves herself out of the family home, everyone determines not to notice.All she wants is space and silence. No clutter. Not even their cat, Desmond.But it turns out family life is impossible to escape - particularly when it's in your past. For Mercy it all begins in 1959, with a holiday to a cabin by a lake. It's the only one the Garretts will ever take, but its effects will ripple through the generations.The glorious Sunday Times bestseller follows one family's joys and heartbreaks, mistakes and secrets, from the 1950s right up to today'Gorgeous, charming, profound, and written with such lightness of touch' MARIAN KEYES'A perfect work of fiction' MEG MASON'She is and always will be my favourite author' LIANE MORIARTY'Exquisitely crafted, tender, hilarious, devastatingly precise, I loved this powerful meditation on the small and often unvoiced moments that can make up a life' RACHEL JOYCE'Anne Tyler really is the best... Her sheer brilliance makes it all seems so effortless' GRAHAM NORTON'A faultless novel, effortlessly profound. I read it in two sittings, totally immersed' VICTORIA HISLOPTrade ReviewSuch a perfect work of fiction, you want to turn it over like a tapestry to see how it is done; how Tyler can sew gentle humour into a truly heart-wrenching story, and twist all of life's hurts into a family saga that is ultimately life-affirming, and a brisk and thrilling read. We readers are so lucky a writer like Tyler exists -- MEG MASONTyler's sentences are wholly hers, instantly recognisable and impossible to duplicate -- HANYA YANIGIHARAShe is and always will be my favourite author -- LIANE MORIARTYAnne Tyler really is the best . . . her sheer brilliance makes it all seem so effortless -- GRAHAM NORTONOne of my favourite writers -- ALI SMITH

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Book Synopsis**NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING HARRY STYLES**This love is all-consuming It is in 1950s' Brighton that Marion first catches sight of the handsome and enigmatic Tom. He teaches her to swim in the shadow of the pier and Marion is smitten - determined her love will be enough for them both. A few years later in Brighton Museum Patrick meets Tom. Patrick is besotted with Tom and opens his eyes to a glamorous, sophisticated new world. Tom is their policeman, and in this age it is safer for him to marry Marion. The two lovers must share him, until one of them breaks and three lives are destroyed. 'A sensitive, sweeping novel' VOGUE 'Tense, romantic, smart...I loved it. Devoured it!' RUSSELL T. DAVIES 'A powerful story of forbidden love, regret, and living as your true self' VANITY FAIR 'A moving story of longing and frustration' OBSERVERTrade ReviewThe era and the seaside locale are beautifully rendered and observed, not least the social and sexual undercurrents of the time * Sunday Times *A humane and evocative portrait of a time when lives were destroyed by intolerance * Guardian *This spiky portrait of love makes for a gripping read * Independent *Pitch perfect * Marie Claire *A moving story of longing and frustration * Observer *

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Book SynopsisIn his first novel, Werner Herzog tells a hypnotic tale inspired by the true story of a Japanese soldier who defended a small island for twenty-nine years after the end of WWII1944: Lubang Island, the Philippines. With Japanese troops about to withdraw, Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda was given orders by his superior officer: Hold the island until the Imperial army's return. You are to defend its territory by guerrilla tactics, at all costs.So began Onoda's long campaign. Soon weeks turned into months, months into years, and years into decades - until eventually time itself seemed to melt away. All the while Onoda continued to fight his fictitious war, at once surreal and tragic, at first with other soldiers, and then, finally, alone, a character in a novel of his own making. . .'An enthralling novel that explores the nature of time and warfare with great mastery' Mail on Sunday'Herzog. . .brilliantly blends fact and fiction in this fever dream of a novel' Daily Mail'A literary jewel set to sparkle against the backdrop of his monumental career in cinema' i Trade ReviewBeautiful... Nobody else could have written The Twilight World. It is pure Herzog * Sunday Times *Herzog's writing bristles with the same eerie and uncompromising energy as his films. His jungle pulses with hallucinatory life * Guardian *An enthralling novel that explores the nature of time and warfare with great mastery * Mail on Sunday *A mesmerising account * Financial Times *Herzog's skills as a filmmaker and dramatist serve the narrative well... In spare, elegant prose, he analyses how isolation effects Onoda... The Twilight World is an austere book, and a wise one * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisThe story of a life. The story of the year.'Lessons shows [McEwan] at the very peak of his powers. He has written his masterpiece' Daily TelegraphWhen the world is still counting the cost of the Second World War and the Iron Curtain has descended, young Roland Baines's life is turned upside down. Stranded at boarding school, his vulnerability attracts his piano teacher, Miriam Cornell, leaving scars as well as a memory of love that will never fade.Twenty-five years later Roland's wife mysteriously vanishes, and he is left alone with their baby son. Her disappearance sparks of journey of discovery that will continue for decades, as Roland confronts the reality of his rootless existence and attempts to embrace the uncertainty - and freedom - of his future.'Ian McEwan is a masterful storyteller' Elif Shafak'A beautiful book about love, loss and regret' Observer'Luminous, beautifully written... about lives imperfectly lived' Vogue'A whole, unruly life between the covers of a single book: a literary feat' Spectator'A tour de force... A single life is silhouetted against global happenings' Sunday Times* A Book of the Year for The Times, Sunday Times, Financial Times, Spectator, New Statesman, Washington Post, Vogue and New Yorker *Trade ReviewLessons is easily McEwan's most accomplished novel since Atonement... he offers intelligent reflection on his novel's evergreen themes. * The Times *I loved Lessons... Deep, life-affirming and A-grade storytelling. * The Times *Thoughtful, tender and both universal and timeless in its depiction of the follies of the human heart... Ian McEwan is a masterful storyteller who weaves destiny and self-determination, the past and the future, youth and age, and above all, the loss and memory of love. -- Elif ShafakCaptures youthful lust and late-age regret with equal power. * Financial Times *Superb... another mesmerising, memorable novel. * Independent *

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Book Synopsis'A stunning, emotionally satisfying tale about the art of storytelling. I never wanted the lights to come up. I could not put it down' GRAHAM NORTON'It's its own universe, complete with a sun, a cast of circling planets, and a limitless number of stars. Its gravity pulls you in and its far reaching, multi-layered, rollicking exuberance holds you in place. I would have been happy to live inside this book forever' ANN PATCHETTA wildly ambitious story of the making of a colossal, star-studded, multimillion-dollar superhero action film, and the humble comic book that inspired it all. Spanning 80 years of a changing America and culminating in the opening of the film, we meet a colourful cast of characters including a troubled soldier returning from war, a young boy with an artistic gift, an inspired and eccentric director, a pompous film star on the rise, a tireless production assistant and countless film crew members that together create Hollywood magic.Funny, touching, and wonderfully thought-provoking, The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece offers an insider's take on the momentous efforts it takes to make a film. At once a reflection on America's past and present, on the world of show business and the real world we all live in.Praise for Tom Hanks:'Authentically geniune . . . a Writer with a capital W.' Stephen Fry'Hanks's prose is impressive . . . fluent, convincing and confident.' The Times'Tom Hanks is a wise and hilarious writer with an endlessly surprising mind.' Steve MartinTrade ReviewAffectionate and endlessly entertaining. Hanks writes with such tenderness about human connection and the magic of the movies -- Richard OsmanWith a unique insight and a rare eye for detail, Tom Hanks delivers a stunning, emotionally satisfying tale about the art of storytelling. I never wanted the lights to come up. I could not put it down -- Graham NortonTHE MAKING OF ANOTHER MAJOR MOTION PICTURE MASTERPIECE is its own universe, complete with a sun, a cast of circling planets, and a limitless number of stars. Its gravity pulls you in and its far reaching, multi-layered, rollicking exuberance holds you in place. I would have been happy to live inside this book forever -- Ann PatchettA proper literary belter * The Times *An extravagant, buoyant, joyfully sprawling book, bursting with affection for its characters, for the intricate lore of the movie business, and for the many ways in which human beings are one another's greatest opportunity -- Tana FrenchThis is a wild, ambitious and exceptionally enjoyable novel. A story about how stories happen, with a swirling kaleidoscope of characters across the best part of a century, and a real beating emotional heart. It has a lot of astute and fascinating things to say about comic books, movies, show business, America and human beings. I loved every page -- Matt HaigVibrant, jazzy, witty, snazzily written, with a great sense of time and place, this novel-cum-comic book is one of those rare, unique, pieces of fiction. Loved it -- Kate MosseDo you want to go on an adventure? Who doesn't? This was a joy to read in that certain kind of way that only happens when it was a joy to write. Tom Hanks is such a natural storyteller that everything feels like he's telling this story just for you, at a dinner table, and you don't want the night to end -- Fredrik BackmanA heartfelt tribute to movies and the people who make them . . . Lovingly crafted, a wildly entertaining story beautifully told . . . You'll love this book * Booklist *An impressive debut * Daily Express *Tom Hanks' novel is smart and sharp * The Telegraph *A thoroughly likeable gem of a novel with hidden depths - rightly securing Hanks's place in the literary world * Press Association *At once a love letter to the movies and an affectionate portrait of small-town America, told with insider insight and considerable charm * Mail on Sunday *An impressive debut * Daily Mirror *

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Book SynopsisCelebrating 120 years of P. G. Wodehouse with his very first novel.'What a mad thing to go and do. Jolly sporting, though.'Suspicion abounds at St Austin's School when two silver trophies, or 'pots', are stolen from the cricket pavilion. Jim Thomson, a talented sportsman who due to an unfortunate series of coincidences could be thought to be the burglar, resolves to clear his name. Featuring a man from Scotland Yard, chases through the woods and an exasperated headmaster, Wodehouse's first novel is a paean to his beloved, idyllic late Victorian schooldays, punctuated by bouts of gentlemanly sport and comic escapades. All the hallmarks of what makes Wodehouse the greatest comic writer of all are in evidence here, in a spiffing read for Wodehouse aficionados and the uninitiated alike.Trade ReviewThe finest and funniest writer the past century ever knew -- Stephen FryPlenty to savour * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis''Richly detailed'' THE NEW YORKER''Carr has taken an often overly romanticised historical figure and given her new life and originality.'' THE TIMES''A vivid, visceral read'' TRACY CHEVALIER''Bold and immediate'' TLS***They are imprisoned, but not contained.Three women cross a loch. It is 1567, one of them is pregnant, two of them fretful. The boat takes them to Lochleven castle in the middle of the water. Awaiting them are courtiers braying for blood, hellbent on keeping one of them under lock and key: Mary Queen of Scots.In the tower, Mary''s maids Frenchwoman, Cuckoo and watchful Scot, Jane are her only allies, and the chamber their entire world. A new reality sets in where they are at the mercy of not only their keepers, but of raging Scotland itself.In the outside world, Mary''s kin, Queen Elizabeth claims she can do little but write. Downstairs, the shrewd j

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Book SynopsisNeil Blackmore is the author of five novels. His work has been acclaimed for its radical redrawing of the historical fiction form and the parameters of queer historical fiction. His third novel, The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle, was shortlisted for the Polari Prize for LGBTQ+ Fiction, and he has been celebrated as 'one of the most original voices in historical fiction today' (The Times). He lives in London.

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Book Synopsis'Haunting and beguiling, this fever dream of a novel draws you in and colours your mind all shades of doubt and suspicion' STACEY HALLS'Melancholy and bittersweet' OTEGHA UWAGBA'A novel of rare grace and skill, exquisitely wrought and simmering with feral violence' ROWE IRVINThe season of strangeness has begun . . . Many stories are told about the five Mansfield sisters. They are haughty, thinking themselves better than their neighbours in the picturesque village of Little Nettlebed. They have taken the death of their grandmother hard. They are liars, troublemakers, untamed and dangerous... Accounts of their behaviour differ, but the villagers all agree that the girls are odd. One long summer, a heatwave descends. Bloated sea creatures wash up along the parched riverbed, animals grow frenzied, ravens gather on the roofs of those about to die. As the stifling heat grips the village, so does a strange rumour: the Mansfield sisters have been seen transforming into a pack of dogs. With the witch trials only a recent memory, hysteria sets in. Slowly but surely, the villagers become convinced that something strange is taking root in Little Nettlebed. And when a bark finally leads to a bite, the sisters will be the ones to pay for it. Visceral and richly atmospheric, The Hounding plunges its reader into 18th century Oxfordshire, where the power of a man's word is absolute, and it is safer to be a wild animal than an unconventional young woman. 'Haunting, dark and visceral' FLORA CARR

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Book SynopsisFROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ASYLUM, TRAUMA AND THE WARDROBE MISTRESS'Wonderful, thrilling' JOHN BANVILLE'Has pleasure on every page' TIMESIt's 1975 and Francis McNulty, ageing poet, retired, is living in his childhood home in Cleaver Square with his daughter Gilly. Haunted by memories of the Spanish Civil War, in which he drove an ambulance, he sees awful visions of his old nemesis, General Franco, and is powerfully reminded of a terrible act of betrayal he committed in Spain. When Gilly announces her upcoming marriage, Francis is forced to confront his past, once and for all.'Impressive' GUARDIAN'A very moving portrayal of a complicated father-daughter relationship, neither of them fully able to break away' RACHEL JOYCETrade ReviewIt's not until you read a novel by Patrick McGrath that you remember how boring most books are. Even stories that keep readers turning the pages for the plot can be flatly told, and many first-person narrators have no individuality. Not so with McGrath, whose novels make a distinctive voice an essential part of the telling, and remind us that the bias of the teller is an integral element in any tale. Last Days in Cleaver Square is a passionate, tempest-tossed memoir by Francis McNulty - made up of equal parts what he's telling us and what he isn't . . . The narrative voice might be his ripest yet . . . The pleasure in a Patrick McGrath novel is the travelling, not the arrival, and this is a rare novel that has pleasure on every page. * The Times *McGrath expertly deploys some of his trademark elements . . . and is unfailingly deft in his handling of trauma and deceit. Tiny elements fleetingly present in the story return later on like a whole arsenal of Chekhov's guns to be duly discharged, or occasionally decommissioned. By its conclusion Last Days in Cleaver Square manages to pull off the impressive trick of being narratively coherent and satisfying, yet still true to the messy businesses of memory, ageing, guilt and how to tell the story of a life. * Guardian *This is a wonderful, thrilling novel, based on a fascinating conceit. The story will hook you on the first page and hold you a willing captive until the end. Patrick McGrath writes with his accustomed control and clarity, but in Last Days in Cleaver Square he has broken through to new depths of insight and emotion.Last Days in Cleaver Square has a wonderful otherworldly quality that keeps you turning the pages, without ever seeming implausible. I found myself drawn deeper and deeper into Francis McNulty's story, in much the same way he feels haunted by the strange ghost, and the past. I can't think of anything else quite like it. It weaves a kind of spell. And it's a very moving portrayal too of a complicated father-daughter relationship, neither of them fully able to break away.An atmospheric novel, with a magnificently unreliable narrator, combining family comedy with harrowing themes of death and betrayal ... In the often-mannered first person prose, which is replete with panicky ejaculations, this book enjoys playing with the conventions of the ghost story, of tales of sensation and the supernatural ... McGrath is a connoisseur of this literary tradition. * Financial Times *The novel's hallucinatory texture is a potent mechanism for the portrayal of trauma and denial. * Daily Mail *This is vintage McGrath material: a narrative patchwork rich in repressed memory, guilt, self deception and torment ... [A] moving, mischievous novel * Telegraph Best Books of 2021 *As ever with McGrath, the gothic elements in the story are given full rein, but such is the pace and vigour of the storytelling that he takes his readers with him every step of the way. * Mail on Sunday *Wonderful. So atmospheric, engaging and engrossing . . . all the characters and relationships were superb. -- Cathy RetzenbrinkProfound and haunting; a gripping unsettling novel by a brilliant storyteller. -- Gabriel Byrne

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Book SynopsisTHE #2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SAGA FROM AUTHOR KATIE FLYNNWill love bloom in a new city?It's 1938, and Cadi is chosen to be Rose Queen in the annual Rose Fete. She is thrilled to be treated like royalty for the day. But deep down she is desperate to leave the Welsh mining community where she grew up.When war is declared, Cadi and her best friend Poppy see a chance to escape. Cadi leaves behind her parents and local boy Aled, whom she is meant to marry, for Liverpool.But city life doesn't bring the opportunities they'd hoped for. Unable to join the forces, the girls are left looking for work in poverty-stricken Scotland Ward.They secure jobs in a local pub, and Cadi's blossoming relationship with a handsome dock worker deepens after he rescues her from a terrifying encounter.But when Aled unexpectedly appears dressed in RAF uniform Cadi finds her worlds colliding again. Now the Rose Queen must decide: who will become her King?_____________________________________________WHY READERS LOVE KATIE FLYNN...'Her characters are like old friends''Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy''Heartwarming romance''Hard to put down'Katie Flynn's latest saga, The Winter Rose, is now available for pre-order.

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Book SynopsisONE OF GRAZIA'S BEST BOOKS OF 2021'I loved it. Atmospheric and so good' MARIAN KEYES 'A dark, bewitching and captivating read that had my heart in my mouth by the ending' JENNIFER SAINT, author of ARIADNELancashire, 1620. Young Sarah Haworth and her family live as outcasts. They are 'cunning folk', feared by the local villagers by day, but called upon under cover of darkness for healing balms and spells.Against the odds, love blossoms when Sarah meets Daniel, the local farmer's son.But when a new magistrate arrives to investigate a spate of strange deaths, his gaze inevitably turns to Sarah and her family. In a world where cunning women are forced into darkness by powerful men, can Sarah reckon with her fate to protect all she holds dear?'Fans of intensely atmospheric historical fiction will love this' STYLIST'Elizabeth Lee's debut novel is timely in its depiction of hysteria and persecution, and beautifully evokes a historical period poised between dark ignorance and long-overdue enlightenment' OBSERVER'Wonderfully original . . . devastating . . . and fabulously atmospheric' ELODIE HARPER, author of THE WOLF DENTrade ReviewI loved it. Atmospheric and so good.Elizabeth Lee's debut novel is timely in its depiction of hysteria and persecution, and beautifully evokes a historical period poised between dark ignorance and long-overdue enlightenment. * Observer *A dark, bewitching and captivating read that had my heart in my mouth by the ending. A Romeo & Juliet love story framed by witchcraft, magic, fear and intolerance. I loved it * Jennifer Saint *With a painfully unexpected ending, this is a story about loneliness, connection and female rage that fans of intensely atmospheric historical fiction will love. * Stylist *A haunting tale with a brutal twist. -- Emily Brand, author of THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF BYRONWitches and the dread they inspired are captured here with chilling deftness * Woman and Home *An impressive debut . . . anyone who roots for the underdog will fall for Sarah . . . beautifully relevant. -- Kate MascarenhasElizabeth Lee builds up a powerful atmosphere of menace, with danger lurking around every corner, until the mounting tension builds to boiling point. -- Charlotte Heathcote * Daily Express *This powerful story of forbidden love takes place during a time of persecution after the Pendle witch trials of 1612. At its heart is a wild young woman searching for what life can offer ... A tense and atmospheric ride. * Daily Mail *Beautiful, tense (at points breathless!) historical fiction with meticulously researched description. I loved it. -- Kate Sawyer, author of THE STRANDINGWonderfully original . . . devastating . . . and fabulously atmospheric too. -- Elodie Harper, author of THE WOLF DENThe pleasure of the novel lies in the tension between the familiar story of patriarchal injustice and a more complex investigation of supernatural belief and disbelief. It's a thrilling read. But, beyond the thrill, is the beauty of the language. Lancashire dialect and vocabulary are used to immense poetic affect, disarmingly evocative of time and place. The characters too, are well drawn and multi-faceted and its closure is both deeply satisfying and truly sad. A pleasure to read - with an undercurrent of genuine fear. -- Annie Garthwaite, author of CECILYA gorgeous gothic novel ... sure to be loved by fans of The Essex Serpent and The Mercies ... Elizabeth Lee has conjured an engrossing tale of young love and a shattering story of the intolerance that reigned during the long shadow of the Witch Trials. * Northern Life Magazine *Elizabeth Lee's historical debut is a powerful tale of love, loyalty and prejudice. * CultureFly *Rich and lyrical * Heat *Inventive. * Bookmunch *

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Book SynopsisTHE FINAL NOVEL IN THE **BESTSELLING** SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES!January 1945. Spring is in the air. And so is victory.Wedding bells are ringing at long last for Gloria and her soon-to-be husband Jack. But she can't rest until her youngest son is safely home.Head welder Rosie is delighted her own husband has returned from enemy territory. But the promise of victory brings more change... Her squad has come so far - what will happen when the war ends?Meanwhile Helen is caught between two men - but must hide her true feelings from the one she loves. Can her fellow women welders help Helen follow her heart?Only by working together will the Shipyard Girls win the day!______________________________Praise for Nancy Revell:'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

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Book SynopsisBeing a railway girl isn't always easy but together, they can overcome every challenge that stands in their way...___________________Manchester, 1942 A new year brings new hope for the railway girls. Alison's romance with the charming Dr Maitland is blossoming, but then she is posted away from Manchester. Working in a canteen isn't part of her plan, nor is meeting her beau's old girlfriend - one who just happens to want him back. Margaret is supportive of her friend's new relationship until she realises exactly who he is. Torn between keeping her secret and warning Alison, she turns to Joan for help. Working in Lost Property wouldn't be Joan's first choice of job, but with a baby on the way she knows she can't continue being a station porter. As she looks to the future, can she put the troubles of her past behind her?'The characters are fresh and stand out from the page, there is tension, pathos and heartbreak, but more than that, there is joy...' FROST MagazineReaders LOVE the Railway Girls:'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down''I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!''Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester''Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart''It's just like catching up with old friends'

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS AN OBAMA'S BOOK OF THE YEAR'Gorgeous, sensual, addictive' SARA COLLINS 'Brightly lit' NAOMI ALDERMAN Born from a long line of female warriors and crusaders, yet too coarse for courtly life, Marie de France is cast from the royal court and sent to Angleterre to take up her new duty as the prioress of an impoverished abbey.Lauren Groff's modern masterpiece is about the establishment of a female utopia. 'A propulsive, captivating read' BRIT BENNETT 'Fascinating, beguiling, vivid' MARIAN KEYES 'A dazzlingly clever tale' THE TIMES 'A thrillingly vivid, adventurous story about women and power that will blow readers' minds. Left me gasping' EMMA DONOGHUETrade ReviewVisionary leader, queer lover, 12th-century writer ... the life of Marie de France is triumphantly reimagined in an assertively modern novel about female ambition and creativity... a highly distinctive novel of great vigour and boldness. From mystical visions that may or may not be divine, to the earthy business of abbey pigs, diseases and account books, Groff does it all with purpose and panache * Guardian *Groff's writing is muscular and precise, her themes wildly resonant. Women are dismissed and contained, subject to misogynist attacks and abuse, but gain power collectively - "alone, together". Shockingly, this message is as poignant today as it was, perhaps, 800 years ago * Sunday Times *A dazzlingly clever tale . . . gorgeously precise prose, always elegantly weighted and perfectly economical * The Times *Pitch-perfect * Telegraph *This is a remarkable novel: unusual, profound, transcendental * Evening Standard *It's a breathtaking novel * Financial Times *A thrillingly vivid, adventurous story about women and power that will blow readers' minds. Left me gasping. -- Emma DonoghueFascinating, beguiling, vivid -- Marian Keyes on TwitterLuminous, divine, her masterpiece -- Daisy JohnsonAn audacious piece of storytelling, full of passion, wisdom and magic -- Sarah WatersHow mesmerising can twelfth century nuns be, even in the hands of Lauren Groff? I had barely started it before I was bloody well blaspheming with delight. Matrix is a gorgeous, sensual, addictive read. -- Sara CollinsTranscendent prose and vividly described settings bring to life historic events, from the Crusades to the papal interdict of 1208. Groff has outdone herself with an accomplishment as radiant as Marie's visions. * Publishers Weekly *From the moment you're introduced to Marie, a queer, fierce warrior woman riding across the countryside on her warhorse, you feel as though you've time-travelled back to the Middle Ages. Groff's prose is arresting and unforgettably visceral . . . It's impossible not to feel galvanised by Marie's resilience, independence and determination to make her mark in a world ruled by men. I'll be thinking about Matrix for a long time to come * Stylist, Novel of the autumn *Enchanting and intriguing, Matrix absorbs the reader into the medieval period without compelling them to depart entirely from the present * iNews *It's a bold, luminous tale that captivates from first to last. * Mail on Sunday *A robust and pleasingly strange slice of historical fiction * Times, Best Fiction Books of 2021 *Lauren Groff's Matrix is just marvellous; vivid and vibrant, it hums with the lives of those contained within the convent walls, as Marie becomes the ambitious and canny hub at the heart of this female utopia. * Daily Mail *No doubt a mini-series beckons * Catholic Herald *Groff offers a world that is rapturous, rapacious, ecstatic, profane; a novel of seismic revelations. -- Eley WilliamsMatrix explores the story of Marie de France, a young woman sent to languish in a struggling convent that she begins to transform through her own leadership. Both epic and intimate, this sweeping novel explores questions of female ambition, creativity and passion with electrifying prose and sparkling wit. A propulsive, captivating read. -- Brit Bennett, author of The Vanishing HalfMatrix is alive with lust and glory. In the incandescent Marie de France - visionary, cantankerous and uncowed by the constraints of her sex - Groff paints a portrait of sisterhood that shines out of the past and into the lives of women today. -- C Pam Zhang, author of Booker-longlisted How Much of These Hills is GoldAnimated with sensual detail on every page and filled with lush, gripping storytelling that cuts to the bone, MATRIX resonates right into the present moment. I never thought I would find myself longing to be a medieval nun but Groff is a worker of wonders. This book is a ferocious joy -- Madeline MillerLushly textured and uniquely vivid, Matrix settles itself on your mind like a dream or vision - it's absolutely stunning -- Sophie MackintoshWhat a book. Perfectly done. I adored it -- Max PorterIt's as brightly lit as an illuminated manuscript and would make the most perfect Christmas present imaginable -- Naomi AldermanFull of sharp sensory detail, it's balm and nourishment for brain, heart and soul * Guardian *Matrix takes the mysterious life of the late 12th-century poet - known today for her romantic lais - and runs with it . . . Groff explores themes of domination, death and desire in compelling (if at times, stomach-turning) detail * Financial Times, Best Books of the Year *However, like Groff's earlier novel, this becomes a vivid, immersive and at times wild account of female agency * Sunday Times *In Lauren Groff's hands, the tale of a medieval nunnery is must-read fiction * Washington Post *A marvelously told story of devotion, desire and ambition in the heart of a female utopia * Daily Mail *Matrix is another masterpiece from a writer whom few at this point can best * The Atlantic *Through Marie, Groff explores how a society's religious and gendered constraints can be turned on their head to create a utopia * The New Yorker *[A]n electric reimagining . . . feminist, sensual, magisterial, de France's saga is one of hardship and triumph, an unforgettable character whose far-seeing vision and devotion to the nuns in her community enable them to transcend what threatens to erase and silence them * Oprah Magazine *Matrix focuses less on Marie the author and more on Marie the abbess - and if you think that doesn't sound like the obvious angle for a fun and engaging story, you underestimate the scope of Groff 's imagination and talent * The Daily Telegraph *In these incandescent pages, Groff reverently imagines her way into the life and lore of Marie de France . . . Woven from Groff's trademark ecstatic sentences and brimming with spiritual fervor, Matrix is a radiant work of imagination and accomplishment * Esquire *Thrilling and heartbreaking, Groff crafts an electric work of historical fiction * TIME, Most Anticipated Book of the Fall *A transportive and meditative tale that will swallow you up from the very start * Newsweek *Groff, a premier stylist . . . .continues to grow, taking on a medieval foremother's story in her latest novel. The voice she finds for Marie de France . . . .will hold readers fast as the exiled Angevin royal becomes abbess of a convent, leading her charges through historic upheavals * LA Times *Feverishly exhilarating stuff * Chicago Tribune *With her unparalleled gift for sumptuous, sublime prose, Groff paints an engrossing portrait of a woman who, despite living in a world bound by constraints, experiences a life rich with passion and creativity. Surrounded by a supportive sisterhood, Marie uses strength and ingenuity to subvert the oppression of the patriarchy * Atlanta Journal Constitution *Utterly absorbing * Vogue *Splendid with rich description and period vocabulary, this courageous and spin-tingling novel shows an incredible range for Groff (FLORIDA, 2018), and will envelop readers fully in Marie's world, interior and exterior, all senses lit up. It is both a complete departure and an easy-to-envision tale of faith, power, and temptation. * Booklist *In this bildungsroman about the real-life 12th-century poet Marie de France, a teenage Marie is exiled to a blighted Benedictine nunnery, where she finds strength and power as a prioress * Vanity Fair *Powerful, sapphic historical novel . . . Richly realized with historical details that don't overwhelm * BuzzFeed *Readers will recognize her stunning prose and grand, mythic perspective. . . . in a tale that feels both ancient and urgent, as holy as it is deeply human * Entertainment Weekly *The pages are almost completely devoid of men - seen, but not heard - with Groff using poetic, melodic and yet fierce writing to breathe volume into themes of power, ambition and success from the perspective of women * Press Association *[A] propulsive, enchanting, and emotionally charged read * Washington Independent Review of Books *A clever spin on the story of Marie de France * Bustle *I loved this accomplished piece of storytelling. So much so, I added it to my Booker wish list at the last minute, a wish not fulfilled, of course * A Life In Books *Matrix is a rich, beautifully written novel about ambition and desire, and also witchy separatist medieval nuns * Vox *

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Book SynopsisThe heatwarming festive follow-up to The Rose Queen, from beloved Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Flynn._____________________________________________Liverpool, 1941: After German bombs shatter the life Cadi has built for herself in Liverpool, she is more determined than ever to sign up and do her bit. Joining the WAAF also means she is closer to her beau - until Jez is sent thousands of miles from home.While Jez is in Africa, someone from the past starts spreading vicious rumours that could threaten their relationship, and Cadi finds herself torn between keeping secrets and telling the truth to protect those she holds dear.Cadi has always believed that their love can weather any storm but as the snow sweeps in, she faces an impossible choice. Will her decision leave her broken-hearted or will Cadi and Jez be reunited in time for Christmas?_____________________________________________'A story of heartbreak and love, this book will keep you enthralled from start to finish' Northern Echo_________________________________________WHY READERS LOVE KATIE FLYNN...'Her characters are like old friends''Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy''Heartwarming romance''Hard to put down'

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Book Synopsis'Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson' Eastern Daily Press__________________The sixth heartwarming, feel-good instalment in the much-loved Railway Girls series!Manchester, 1942. There are surprises in store for the railway girls this festive season...When Cordelia's daughter Emily falls for a young chap who doesn't meet the approval of her father, Cordelia is reminded of her own first love - a love that she has never forgotten.Mabel is determined to get to the bottom of a spate of local burglaries. Her heart is in the right place as she sets out on a quest to clear her friend's name, but there will be unforeseen consequences.It's nothing short of a miracle when Colette returns to Manchester. But it's not going to be easy for her to keep living the life she once knew, and an impossible situation lies ahead.There will be more than one storm for the railway girls to weather but with the friendship and support of one another, there's hope that all will be well by Christmas...Readers LOVE the Railway Girls:'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down''I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!''Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester''Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart''It's just like catching up with old friends'

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Book SynopsisMalaya, 1920: Two girls make a promise in the shadows of the jungle. A promise that life won't let them easily keep.Malaya, 1941: Ella is running her late father's tin mine in the Kledang hills, while Noor works as her cook.When the war that felt so far away suddenly arrives on their doorstep, Ella is torn apart from her family. Her daughter Grace is left in Noor's care as Japanese soldiers seize the mine.Ella is forced to make an impossible choice that takes her to England, thousands of miles from home. She is desperate to be reunited with her loved ones. But will the life she returns to be anything like the life she left behind?-------------------------------------------Praise for Paula Greenlees:'This atmospheric tale celebrates loyalty and courage' People's Friend'Paula's novel transports the reader to a long-forgotten and fascinating time...' LOUISE FEIN'Guaranteed to transport you to exotic climes and engross you in the story of its troubled heroine' LIZ TRENOW'A beautiful, immersive tale that will keep you turning the pages until the end' JENNY ASHCROFT

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Book Synopsis'Richly evocative and glittering with atmosphere, this tale of ambition and identity had me gripped from start to finish' STACEY HALLS, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars'Theatre of Marvels is a fascinating, empowering story of a young woman's search for identity and justice in Victorian London, a world which Lianne Dillsworth evokes so richly' JENNIFER SAINT, author of Ariadne_________________________________Behind the spectacle there are always secrets.Unruly crowds descend on Crillick's Variety Theatre. A black, British actress, Zillah, is headlining tonight. An orphan from the slums of St Giles, her rise to stardom is her ticket out - to be gawped and gazed at is a price she's willing to pay.Rising up the echelons of society is everything Zillah has ever dreamed of. But when a new stage act disappears, Zillah is haunted by a feeling that something is amiss. Is the woman in danger?Her pursuit of the truth takes her into the underbelly of the city - from gas-lit streets to the sumptuous parlours of Mayfair - as she seeks the help of notorious criminals from her past and finds herself torn between two powerful admirers.Caught in a labyrinth of dangerous truths, will Zillah face ruin - or will she be the maker of her fate?A deliciously immersive tale, Theatre of Marvels whisks you on an unforgettable journey across Victorian London in this bold exploration of race, class and gothic spectacle.AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW_______________________________'Zillah is a memorable heroine' Sunday Times'Exploitation and empowerment, race and class are all explored in this gripping historical novel. Dillsworth is a class act' Woman & Home'A thought-provoking, atmospheric debut' Daily Express'Very much enjoyed Theatre of Marvels. Zillah is a brilliant character who leads us through a Victorian London little spoken of, making for an illuminating, page-turning tale of self-actualisation. Loved it' KATE SAWYER'A tale steeped in Victorian London, I fell in love with Zillah and her theatre world. I was gripped from the opening pages - highly recommended for anyone who loves mystery, drama and Victorian London' LOUISE HARE, author of This Lovely City'A startling, original and utterly compelling novel which subtly navigates the core issues of race, gender and class' MARY CHAMBERLAIN, author of The Dressmaker of Dachau'Thrilling, eye-opening and absorbing' LIZZIE POOK, author of Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter'Fresh, original and full of atmosphere - a compelling story with a heroine I'll remember for a long time' FRANCES QUINN, author of The Smallest Man'A story that shines a spotlight into the shadows of the 19th century, while also exploring very relevant themes of identity. So fantastic to read a novel that centres POC in the Victorian era. Loved it!' SAARA EL-ARIFI, author of The Final Strife'Loved Lianne Dillsworth's Theatre of Marvels. A gripping story about identity and belonging with a strong sense of place. Can't wait for everybody to meet Zillah who is such strong and nuanced heroine.' LAURE VAN RENSBURG, author of Nobody But Us

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Book Synopsis''Re-imagines a story of gay men in London 200 years ago and under the pain of their betrayal and injustice, he uncovers loyalty and above all, love' SIR IAN MCKELLANAn imaginative, layered, clever story' THE TIMESLondon, 1809. By day, minister John Church preaches to a congregation of commonfolk in Southwark. By night, he is drawn to the secretive, alluring world of a molly house on Vere Street. There, ordinary men reinvent themselves as outrageous queens: lads on the make flirt with labourers and princes alike, and John finds himself ordaining marriages between men.When he meets the unworldly and free-thinking Ned, one of a group of African abolitionists who attend his chapel, John falls in love with Ned''s tender nature and discovers how quickly desire can turn to obsession.Based on the true story of one of the most important events in queer history, RADICAL LOVE is a sensuous and prescient story about gender and sexu

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Book SynopsisFROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR'A beautifully written, literary tour-de-force' John Ironmonger, author of Not Forgetting the Whale'A wonderfully written story of art, but also of obsession, friendship and love - I absolutely adored this novel' Jillian CantorThe Mona Lisa has hung in the Louvre for over two-hundred years. She has watched alone in silence as millions of people have admired her behind the glass.Now, she is finally ready to tell her own story.Over five centuries, from da Vinci's bustling Florentine studio to the opulent French court, Mona will be desired, stolen, heartbroken, curious, furious, and above all, she will be heard.'Solomons' prose is lyrical and her detail immense. No longer can I look at the Mona Lisa without hearing her. But more, now I know her' PRESS ASSOCIATIONTrade Review[A] lively, tender tale . . . In her zingy new novel [Solomons] gives the Mona Lisa . . . power, casting her as the fanciful narrator of her own story * The Times *Solomons' prose is lyrical and her detail immense. No longer can I look at the Mona Lisa without hearing her. But more, now I know her * Press Association *A wonderfully written story of art, but also of obsession, friendship and love - I absolutely adored this novel -- Jillian Cantor, author of The Lost Letter and In Another TimeOh, my god, I love this book! Extraordinarily inventive, a beautifully written, literary tour-de-force - a delicious historical and artistic feast -- John Ironmonger, author of Not Forgetting the WhaleA vividly beautiful tribute * Woman's Own Magazine *

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Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling author. Two spies risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II.'Kelly weaves a fascinating tale of lesser-known heroes, inspired by true events, to enhance our understanding of history.' Starred Booklist'A compelling portrayal of turmoil both personal and global.' Kirkus Reviews'Intriguing ... Historical fiction fans will be delighted.' Publishers Weekly_____________Two spies who have lost everything. Or have they?The year is 1952. It's been over a decade since Josie and Arlette were arrested for working with the Resistance and imprisoned at the Ravensbrück concentration camp.Now working for the U.S. Army, Josie nurtures an ember of anger in her heart as she searches for the Nazi scientists who did unspeakable things to her mother.Arlette, having exhausted all her finances in Paris to find her stolen son, is left with no choice but to take a charming stranger up on his offer to search his compound's orphanage in French Guiana.Yet rumour has it the compound is filled with absconding Nazis.Both women must work together to uncover the truth and save the ones they love from terrifying danger . . ._____________Readers can't get enough of The Golden Doves ...***** 'FANTASTIC!!! This is another EXCELLENT + incredibly well-researched book by Martha Hall Kelly.'***** 'Martha Hall Kelly always delivers a gripping, poignant, and beautifully told story.'***** 'A wonderful and stunning post WWII-era historical fiction that is from one of my favourite authors. I loved it.'***** 'This is a wonderful WW2 historical fiction. It has mystery, suspense and will keep you reading to see what will happen next.'***** 'I loved every minute of reading this book.'

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Book SynopsisPassion, war and deadly secrets . . .'A charming novel full of fascinating detail about the Second World War, AND a heart-warming love story. I loved every word of it!' Katie Fforde'Wonderfully moving. A book to curl up with' Fern Britton'I absolutely loved this heart-warming story of wartime secrets, love and redemption' Susan Lewis'Enthralling from beginning to end' Alan Titchmarsh'Well researched and extremely moving. I really enjoyed it' Jill Mansell___________________WARTIME FRANCE, 1944Trust absolutely no one.This is the only advice newly recruited SOE agent Elisabeth Shepherd is given when faced with the impossible.Her mission: to enter Nazi-occupied France and monitor the Germans' deadly long-range missiles.GUILDFORD, 2018Betty is celebrating her 100th birthday when she receives an invite from the Century Society to reminisce on the past.She remains mysteriously tight-lipped about her past, however.And then her carer, Tali, discovers a box full of maps, letters and a gun . . .___________________Readers love Operation Moonlight . . .***** 'Beautifully written and researched, this was a truly compelling read, emotionally moving and with the perfect amount of jeopardy to keep me glued to the pages!'***** 'Operation Moonlight goes beyond just another historical fiction tale of a woman in WWII to a real page-turning literary account which was a pleasure to read.'***** 'This is a wonderful book, very gripping with a slight hint of romance.'***** 'It was very well written, totally absorbing, and with a very authentic feel.'***** 'It's one that will be staying on my shelf.'Trade Review'Wonderfully moving. A book to curl up with'—Fern Britton'I absolutely loved this heart-warming story of wartime secrets, love and redemption' —Susan Lewis'Enthralling from beginning to end' —Alan Titchmarsh'A charming novel full of fascinating detail about the Second World War, AND a heart-warming love story. I loved every word of it!'—Katie Fforde'Well researched and extremely moving. I really enjoyed it' —Jill Mansell

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Book SynopsisA nation torn apart by war. One woman steps into the crossfire.'This amazing book has everything in it: love, war, history and relevance to today. Gripping.' Russell Kane'I insist you read this intelligent empathetic novel. You won't regret it.' Frost Magazine'Extraordinary events sensitively told.' Lucy Jago, A Net For Small Fishes'I couldn't put it down.' Gill Paul, The Collector's Daughter'A heartrending tale of love, courage and sacrifice.' Nikki Marmery, On Wilder Seas____________1936. Civil war in Spain. A world on the brink of chaos ...Twenty-one-year-old Lucy is frustrated with her constrained life in Hertfordshire, teaching and keeping house for her domineering father. But she is happy to be living next door to Tom and Jamie, two brothers she has known since childhood, and whom she loves equally.But her life is turned upside down when Tom decides he must travel to Spain to fight in the bloody Spanish Civil War. He is quickly followed by Jamie who, much to Lucy's despair, is supporting General Franco.To the dismay of her irascible father, Lucy decides that the only way to bring her boys back safely is to travel to Spain herself to persuade them to come home.Yet when she sees the horrific effects of the war, she quickly becomes immersed in the lifesaving work the Quakers are doing to help the civilian population, many of whom are refugees.As the war progresses and the situation becomes increasingly perilous, Lucy realises that the challenge going forward is not so much which brother she will end up with, but whether any of them will survive the carnage long enough to decide ...____________More praise for Acts of Love and War ...'Be prepared to lose your heart in the simmering heat of war-torn Spain.' Miranda Malins, The Puritan Princess'This is a marvellous book on any level, I thoroughly enjoyed it and could hardly put it down.' Deborahjs'Wide in scope and told with honesty, insight and tenderness, a moving and unputdownable story' Judith Allnatt, The Poet's Wife'Accomplished and expansive' Anne Morgan, Reading The World'Insightful and moving' Katherine Clements, The Crimson Ribbon'One of historical fiction's most lyrical and intelligent voices' Rachel McMillan, The London Restoration'Emotionally captivating and authentic ... an unforgettable story' Susan Meissner, The Nature of Fragile Things_______________Readers can't get enough of Acts of Love and War ...***** 'A tale of passion and passionate caring, and how that can manifest in very different ways.'***** 'A masterpiece.'***** 'Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction.'***** 'An amazing and compelling read.'***** 'An immersive and powerful story.'

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Book Synopsis'Catherine Cookson soars above her rivals' Mail on Sunday'Her characters have the grit of real life' Sunday Times'Queen of raw family romances' TelegraphA rags-to-riches story of a young woman who must overcome the scandal of her past to forge a new life.In Heap Hollow cottage in County Durham live what appears to be a close and loving family. But across the happy façade lies a shadow that has lengthened and darkened with the passing years. Their narrow-minded neighbours disapprove of the family's choices because of their illegitimacy, their mother and father never having married.Anna, the eldest daughter, is determined to face the challenging legacy of her birth and prove herself to those in the community who look down on her. Will her strength of character and zest for life be enough to put the scandal of her past behind her and forge a new life?Previously published as The GillyvorsTrade ReviewCatherine Cookson soars above her rivals * Mail on Sunday *Her characters have the grit of real lif * Sunday Times *Queen of raw family romances * Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe third book in the Air Raid Girls series - a heart-warming new story of friendship, love and duty in wartime, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Donna Douglas.Spring, 1942. Lizzie is making plans for her wedding with fiancé Bill. But preparations during wartime aren't easy, and attacks on the Yorkshire port of Kelthorpe are only getting worse. Connie wants to be there for her sister, but she has troubles of her own - a secret that is driving a wedge between herself and those who love her.Meanwhile, Pamela faces new complications in her romance with Fred, and the arrival of two new RAF servicemen stirs up trouble.As bombs fall and friendships are tested, will the air raid girls keep their fighting spirit and find their happy endings? ---------------------------------------------Readers LOVE the Air Raid Girls series:'There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book' 5 star review'In all the women at war series of book I have read so far, I think this is the best' 5 star review'I couldn't put this book down' 5 star review'Loved the whole story. Hated it coming to an end' 5 star review'Just the kind of book I like' 5 star reviewTrade ReviewVivid characters, sparkling dialogue and a lively, heartwarming story that kept me engrossed from start to finish. By the end, I felt as though I had made three new friends and had experienced a taste of life in war-torn Yorkshire. Now I'm waiting impatiently for Jenny Holmes' next book! * Vicki Beeby, author of The Ops Room Girls *'Definitely a book sure to please lovers of WW2 Romance' * Lizzie Lane, author of The Tobacco Girls *A story vibrant with the atmosphere of the time and fuelled by the power of duty and friendship * Peterborough Telegraph on The Air Raid Girls *Gritty and uplifting, it's a tale of triumph over adversity * Choice on The Mill Girls of Albion Lane *

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Book Synopsis**The first book in Jenny Holmes's brand-new WWII saga series - The Ballroom Girls. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Donna Douglas. Preorder now!** Blackpool, summer 1942. Meet the Ballroom Girls: Sylvia, Pearl and Joy. Three girls dancing through the turbulence of WWII. Sylvia is the spoiled only child of an ambitious mother, Lorna Ellis, who runs a dancing school in Blackpool. Approaching 21, Sylvia is under pressure to scoop up prizes by fair means or foul. Pearl is the oldest daughter in a large, chaotic family who all work at the Pleasure Beach. She often sneaks away to watch ballroom contestants in their glittery finery. She dreams of joining them, but will she ever be anything other than an outsider looking in? Joy is an evacuee who lost her parents to the Blitz. Now she lives and works in a shabby boarding house and works as a cleaner. Though shy and modest, she falls in love with the newest dance craze - the American Jitterbug. When Lorna's rival dance school spots her talent, Joy is given a chance to break away from boarding house drudgery and enter the glamorous world of professional ballroom dancing. Through blackouts and air raids, the excitement of the ballroom never dims. But competition is fierce. Will the Ballroom Girls find what they're looking for in the joy of the dance? Readers LOVE Jenny Holmes's WWII sagas: 'There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book' 5 star review 'In all the women at war series of book I have read so far, I think this is the best' 5 star review 'I couldn't put this book down' 5 star review 'Loved the whole story. Hated it coming to an end' 5 star review 'Just the kind of book I like' 5 star reviewTrade ReviewFull of drama, romance and the thrill of dancing, this [is a] heartwarming and uplifting story * Lancashire Post *Anyone who recalls dancing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom during their summer holidays will love this latest romance. * Choice magazine *We are completely transported in this delightful, escapist read * Woman magazine *

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Book Synopsis'A darkly sumptuous tale of wicked spectacle, wild injustice and the insuppressible strength of women' EMMA STONEX, author of THE LAMPLIGHTERS'An essential story of women resisting the unjust exertion of male power' SUNDAY TIMES____________________ The Salpêtrière asylum, 1885. All of Paris is in thrall to Doctor Charcot and his displays of hypnotism on women who have been deemed mad or hysterical, outcasts from society. But the truth is much more complicated - for these women are often simply inconvenient, unwanted wives or strong-willed daughters. Once a year a grand ball is held at the hospital. For the Parisian elite, the Mad Women's Ball is the highlight of the social season; for the women themselves, it is a rare moment of hope. Geneviève is a senior nurse. After the childhood death of her sister, she has shunned religion and placed her faith in Doctor Charcot and his new science. But everything begins to change when she meets Eugénie, the 19-year-old daughter of a bourgeois family. Because Eugénie has a secret, and she needs Geneviève's help. Their fates will collide on the night of the Mad Women's Ball...____________________'In this darkly delightful Gothic treasure, Mas explores grief, trauma and sisterhood behind the walls of Paris' infamous Salpetriere hospital' PAULA HAWKINS, author of A SLOW FIRE BURNING 'A beautifully written debut...I have absolutely no doubt it will be one of my favourite novels of 2021.' AJ PEARCE, author of DEAR MRS BIRD'Essential reading' COSMOPOLITAN 'A deftly woven tale of hope and pain, judgement and redemption, cruelty and kindness. Utterly captivating and profoundly affecting.' Sunday Times bestseller, MIRANDA DICKENSON 'Enter the dance of this little masterpiece and let yourself be dazzled. Assured of hitting the bestseller lists' THE PARISIAN____________________AN AMAZON PRIME ORIGINAL FILM STARRING MÉLANIE LAURENTTrade Review[Victoria Mas's]... portrait of women who were unfairly banished to asylums often because they did not fit into the straightjacket of 19th-century society is moving... beautifully drawn. * THE TIMES *THE MAD WOMEN'S BALL is a darkly sumptuous tale of wicked spectacle, wild injustice and the insuppressible strength of women. Mas brings the world of La Salpêtrière to life with passion and fury, unveiling a hypnotic theatre that is as moving as it is macabre. * Emma Stonex, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lamplighters *[An] essential story of women resisting the unjust exertion of male power. * SUNDAY TIMES *In this darkly delightful Gothic treasure, Mas explores grief, trauma and sisterhood behind the walls of Paris' infamous Salpetriere hospital. * PAULA HAWKINS, Sunday Times bestselling author of A SLOW FIRE BURNING and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN *Elegantly written, Victoria Mas's slender, potent debut celebrates sisterhood, while also exposing the corrupt powers of the patriarchy at home and in the wider world. * DAILY MAIL *Enthralling and wonderfully imagined... written with terrific verve and sympathy. * LITERARY REVIEW *A deftly woven tale of hope and pain, judgement and redemption, cruelty and kindness. Utterly captivating and profoundly affecting, the story of The Salpêtrière lingers long in the mind after the stunning conclusion. I loved it. * Miranda Dickinson *A beautifully written debut set in Paris in 1885, Victoria Mas' characters come to life within a sentence while her storytelling compels you to turn the page. I loved The Mad Women's Ball and have absolutely no doubt it will be one of my favourite novels of 2021. * AJ PEARCE, author of DEAR MRS BIRD *'Beautifully written and captures the world so well. A delight to read.' * Renee Knight *A gothic, feminist book ...so cinematic it is already being turned into a film...it evokes the Brontës, with its dormitories, its phials and its ghosts. But thematically, it is bang up to date. * BIG ISSUE *The Mad Women's Ball is as lush on the inside as it is on the outside! It's richly immersive, taking us right into the heart of nineteenth-century Paris. From Genevieve, Eugenie and the women of Salpêtrière we learn what it is that keeps women locked up - and the extraordinary ways in which they might escape. * Shelley Harris, author of Jubilee *'Enter the dance of this little masterpiece and let yourself be dazzled. Assured of hitting the bestseller lists' * THE PARISIAN *A well-written historical novel... book groups will thoroughly engage with the plot and characters. * NB Magazine *

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Book Synopsis''Fascinating & compelling. I loved all four women'' ELODIE HARPER, author of THE WOLF DEN''MAGNIFICENT...It''s simply too good'' KATIE LOWE, author of THE FURIES''Utterly compelling'' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE, author of THE MERCIES___________________________________________Vienna, 1912. Behind every painting, there is a story...A new century is dawning. Vienna is at its zenith, an opulent, extravagant city teeming with art, music and radical ideas. It is a place where anything seems possible...Edith and Adele are sisters, the daughters of a wealthy bourgeois family. They are expected to follow the rules, to marry well, and produce children. Gertrude is in thrall to her flamboyant older brother. Marked by a traumatic childhood, she envies the freedom he so readily commands. Vally was born into poverty but is making her way in the world as a model for the eminent artist Gustav Klimt.Fierc

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Book SynopsisA magical and emotionally powerful novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis, perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Fiona Valpy and Rosamunde Pilcher.READERS ARE LOVING NO MAN'S ISLAND, THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER!"This is my first Susan Sallis book and it certainly won't be my last." - 5 STARS"Couldn't put it down." - 5 STARS"I loved the way the story had a twist at the end. Great book." - 5 STARS*********************ON A WILD AND WINDSWEPT ISLAND, THE SECRETS OF THE PAST UNRAVEL...When she hears the news of the death of her ex-husband, Binnie feels like her tranquil life in the West Country is over.To her surprise, she discovers that he has left her the island in the beautiful archipelago off the coast of Cornwall and the dilapidated house where he spent his childhood, and Binnie has to take her family to the island - revisiting it for the first time in years - and work out what to do.As she becomes involved in the life of the island, and its inhabitants, she has to embark upon a whole new life and discovers many things about her husband - and her own past - that will change everything forever...

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Book SynopsisThe first in a brand-new nostalgic and heart-warming WWII series, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest.Alice is nursing an injured hand and a broken heart when she moves to the village of Churchwood at the start of WWII. She is desperate to be independent but worries that her injuries will make that impossible.Kate lives with her family on Brimbles Farm, where her father and brothers treat her no better than a servant. With no mother or sisters, and shunned by the locals, Kate longs for a friend of her own.Naomi is looked up to for owning the best house in the village. But privately, she carries the hurts of childlessness, a husband who has little time for her and some deep-rooted insecurities.With war raging overseas, and difficulties to overcome at home, friendship is needed now more than ever. Can the war effort and a shared love of books bring these women - and the community of Churchwood - together?**The fourth novel, Evacuees at the Wartime Bookshop, is available to pre-order now!**-------------------------------**Real readers are LOVING The Wartime Bookshop**'BRILLIANT''Oh I loved this book... please carry on the good writing''Wow what a brilliant start to a new series''Outstandingly fabulous, warm and inviting... so glad there is going to be a follow-on''I was only two pages in when I knew this would be a 5 star read... I honestly can't put my excitement into words at the thought of reading the next one'Trade Review'A cosy winter read if ever there was one... a refreshingly comforting book telling the story of a little village, with some wonderful character developments in the process' * Anything Goes Lifestyle Magazine, Book of the Month *'A delightful wartime saga about a young girl making a difference in her new village... a story that illustrates how kindness and refusing to give up can change so much. It is also a sweet love story... Beautiful book and I loved it' * Rosie Clarke, author of the Mulberry Lane series *'If you enjoy wartime dramas such as Home Fires you'll love The Wartime Bookshop' * Yours Magazine *'Written by Lesley Eames, an author with romance at heart, The Wartime Bookshop is a wholesome novel questioning how friendship can be the answer. Snuggle up and experience her storytelling for yourself' * Chat Magazine, Book of the Month *'A pleasure to read for anyone who enjoys a good wartime saga' * Lizzie Lane, author of The Tobacco Girls *'A real cosy novel of women and friendship. I'm looking forward to seeing what this threesome gets up to next' * Bishop's Stortford Independent *'Heartwarming... an uplifting tale with well-drawn characters' * Candis Magazine *'I enjoyed The Wartime Bookshop. Well written, well researched and likeable... It was uplifting to see Kate, Alice and Naomi slowly change and, through the bookshop, reach their potential' * Fenella J. Miller, author of Duty Calls at Goodwill House *'A delight from start to finish - the perfect comfort read!' * Vicki Beeby, author of The Ops Girls series *'Filled with a treasure trove of well-drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's well paced, well written and brilliantly researched. I could spend hours in the company of Alice, Kate and Naomi who by the end felt like firm friends. The Wartime Bookshop is a must-read for all saga fans' * Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls series *

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Book SynopsisThe residents of Churchwood have never needed their bookshop, or its community, more. But when the bookshop comes under threat at the worst possible time, can Alice, Kate and Naomi pull together to keep spirits high?Kate has always found life on Brimbles Farm difficult, but now she is struggling more than ever to find time for the things that matter to her - particularly helping to save the village bookshop and seeing handsome pilot Leo Kinsella. Can two Land Girls help? Or will they be more trouble than they're worth?Naomi has found new friends and purpose through the bookshop and is devastated when its future is threatened. But when she begins to suspect her husband of being unfaithful, she finds her attention divided. With old insecurities rearing up, she needs to uncover the truth.Alice has a lot on her plate. Can she fight to save the bookshop while also looking for a job and worrying about her fiancé Daniel away fighting in the war?Land Girls at the Wartime Bookshop is the second novel in the uplifting Wartime Bookshop series, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest.**The fourth novel, Evacuees at the Wartime Bookshop, is available to pre-order now!**-------------------------------**Real readers are LOVING The Wartime Bookshop series**'BRILLIANT''Oh I loved this book... please carry on the good writing''Wow what a brilliant start to a new series''Outstandingly fabulous, warm and inviting... so glad there is going to be a follow-on''I was only two pages in when I knew this would be a 5 star read... I honestly can't put my excitement into words at the thought of reading the next one'Trade Review‘The ultimate feel good book … A must read for the summer' * Female First *'Heart-warming story of friendship, resilience and community in wartime Britain' * People's Friend magazine *Praise for The Wartime Bookshop series * :- *'A cosy winter read if ever there was one... a refreshingly comforting book telling the story of a little village, with some wonderful character developments in the process' * Anything Goes Lifestyle Magazine, Book of the Month *'A delightful wartime saga about a young girl making a difference in her new village... a story that illustrates how kindness and refusing to give up can change so much. It is also a sweet love story... Beautiful book and I loved it' * Rosie Clarke, author of the Mulberry Lane series *'If you enjoy wartime dramas such as Home Fires you'll love The Wartime Bookshop' * Yours Magazine *'Written by Lesley Eames, an author with romance at heart, The Wartime Bookshop is a wholesome novel questioning how friendship can be the answer. Snuggle up and experience her storytelling for yourself' * Chat Magazine, Book of the Month *'A pleasure to read for anyone who enjoys a good wartime saga' * Lizzie Lane, author of The Tobacco Girls *'A real cosy novel of women and friendship. I'm looking forward to seeing what this threesome gets up to next' * Bishop's Stortford Independent *'Heartwarming... an uplifting tale with well-drawn characters' * Candis Magazine *'Filled with a treasure trove of well-drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's well paced, well written and brilliantly researched. I could spend hours in the company of Alice, Kate and Naomi who by the end felt like firm friends. The Wartime Bookshop is a must-read for all saga fans' * Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls series *'A delight from start to finish - the perfect comfort read!' * Vicki Beeby, author of The Ops Girls series *

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Book Synopsis'Compelling and utterly absorbing ... an artfully crafted debut that echoes the dark essence of Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN while maintaining a fascinating originality all of its own' Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of PANDORA'A gripping Gothic tale of grief and ambition, passion and intrigue' Jess Kidd, author of THE NIGHT SHIPMary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic but she doesn't know why or how...The 1850s is a time of discovery and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary, with a sharp mind and a sharper tongue, is keen to make her name in this world of science, alongside her geologist husband Henry, but without wealth and connections, their options are limited.But when Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncle's past, she thinks she may have found the key to securing their future... Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland, to Henry's intriguing but reclusive sister Maisie, and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out to steal their secret..._______'A wonderful book; dark, passionate, multi-layered' Joanne Harris, author of CHOCOLAT & THE STRAWBERRY THIEF'Exquisitely written... a story worthy of Mary Shelley' Sean Lusk, author of THE SECOND SIGHT OF ZACHARY CLOUDESLEY'Sumptuously gothic, this atmospheric debut left me reeling' C.J. COOKE, author of THE LIGHTHOUSE WITCHES'Trade ReviewIn this gothic adventure, debut novelist McGill builds on Shelley's iconic story by adding sharp-minded female protagonist Mary, who sets out to discover the truth about her great-uncle Victor Frankenstein's disappearance in the Arctic. * STYLIST, 'The best new feminist retellings of classic stories to read in 2023' *McGill's prose is rich and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the eerie and foreboding tone of the Gothic tradition. The characters are complex and layered . . . Our Hideous Progeny is a masterful work of Gothic horror that will leave readers on the edge of their seat. * GLAMOUR *Evocatively and compassionately, Our Hideous Progeny seeks a way to tell the stories of those whose tales cannot fit in one book, those poor creatures who remain lost or forgotten * NEW YORKER *Our Hideous Progeny takes inspiration from Mary Shelley's masterpiece along with the Victorian fascination with scientific innovation and the prehistoric world. This wonderful debut evolves into a gripping Gothic tale of grief and ambition, passion and intrigue. * JESS KIDD, author of THE NIGHT SHIP *A wonderful book; dark, passionate, multi-layered and rich with enticing detail. * JOANNE HARRIS, author of CHOCOLAT and THE STRAWBERRY THIEF *

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Book SynopsisState Street Chicago, 1999. One summer that changes everything. An unlikely trio: Felicia 'Fe Fe' Stevens, daughter of fiercely protective mother; Precious Brown, daughter of a prominent church Elder; and Stacia Buchanan, daughter of a Gangster Disciple Queen-Pin.They have a simple friendship, whiling away sunny days with games of Double Dutch. But when Fe Fe invites mysterious Tonya into their fold, life as they know it will never be the same again.Last Summer on State Street is a profound coming-of-age story about the restorative power of community, the claiming of one's own past, and the defining friendships which form the heartbeat of our lives.Trade ReviewLast Summer on State Street is a beautifully observed portrait of family and female friendship. Toya Wolfe is a marvellous writer. * Audrey Niffenegger, New York Times bestselling author of The Time Traveler’s Wife *Tragic, hopeful, brimming with love, Wolfe's debut is a remarkable achievement. * New York Times *Toya Wolfe is a storyteller of the highest order-a wise and compassionate chronicler of girlhood, of Chicago, and of the things that make us human. Last Summer on State Street is a stunning debut. * Rebecca Makkai, New York Times bestselling author of The Great Believers *Last Summer on State Street is an ode to Black girls who are often forgotten. Toya Wolfe tells a compelling, warm, and funny story about a group of girls growing up in a Chicago public housing development. * Natalie Y. Moore, author of The Billboard *I can't stop thinking of Toya Wolfe's novel Last Summer on State Street. Wolfe writes with such grace and such restraint, I felt like I was sitting on the front porch listening to a story told by a friend. What a spectacular debut. * Alex Kotlowitz, author of An American Summer *Last Summer on State Street is a love letter to girlhood, the tenuous bonds of friendship, and the places we call home. * Nancy Johnson, author of The Kindest Lie *Wolfe's arresting and atmospheric narrative comes fully realized. This is a gut punch. * Publishers Weekly *First-time novelist Wolfe writes with lacerating precision and authenticity. Wolfe's deeply compelling characters, sharply wrought settings, and tightly choreographed plot create a concentrated, significant, and unforgettable tale of family, home, racism, trauma, compassion, and transcendence. * Booklist *LAST SUMMER ON STATE STREET is an astonishing debut, and Toya Wolfe is a remarkable talent. The novel is a hymn to girlhood, a loving and nuanced portrait of a place and a clear-eyed dissection of brutal social forces that catch Fe Fe, Tonya, Stacia and Precious in their crossfire. Wolfe's prose is rich, elegant and assured - a joy to read. * Jessica Moor *

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Book SynopsisThe first collection of extraordinary stories from one of the greatest writers of our time. With astonishing clarity, Booker Prize winner Galgut explores both the intimacies and violence of family life against the complex landscape of 1980s South Africa.From a mother who experiences a devastating unmooring after her child falls gravely ill, to a son retracing his late father's brief yet passionate affair, the stories ripple out from one another, tenderly exposing those bonds we cannot escape.PRAISE FOR DAMON GALGUT:'Galgut seems to deliver effortlessly...there's nothing he can't do' Times'Damon Galgut is very nearly without peer...an essential writer' Garth Greenwell'Terrifically agile and consistently interesting...certainly up there with Nadine Gordimer and JM Coetzee' Guardian Trade ReviewOne of the world's greatest writers -- Edmund WhiteRemarkable...astonishingly mature, subtle and understated * Sunday Express *Galgut explores grief, despair and love in a way that feels ageless * Literary Review *In Mr. Galgut's fiction South Africa materialises, vast, astonishing, resonant. And on this vastness, he stages intimate dramas that have the force of ancient myth * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisGive yourself up. Whatever you've done. They'll find you. In the end.A man with no name staggers down a lonely stretch of road that cuts through the simmering veld of rural South Africa. He is exhausted and hungry yet dives for the long grass whenever cars approach. He is on the run. When a minister on his way to a new congregation offers help - at a price - the fugitive's desperation boils over. Stealing the minister's identity, he is successfully taken in by the township. But when a body is discovered in a nearby quarry, and the local police captain's suspicions grow, the hunt reignites with devastating consequences.'One of South Africa's great literary voices' Economist'Galgut's prose feels as if it's been fired through a crucible, burning away all the comfortable excess until only a hard, concentrated purity remains' Daily Telegraph Trade ReviewAn extremely atmospheric book in a hazy, raw and entirely realistic sense.... Galgut's story suggests that such points on the map, despite their ghostly quiet, are seething with repressed violence, ready to explode.... A compelling read about guilt and evasion of truth * The Spectator *In a bleak morality tale about a fugitive from justice, Galgut again demonstrates his flair for charting the vicissitudes of human despair in modern-day South Africa * Publisher's Weekly *An...uncompromising journey into the heart of South Africa's darkness, written in prose that is at once stark and striking. The Quarry is Galgut's homage to Dostoevsky * Literary Review *A remarkable achievement...Galgut's prose has a spare beauty, suggesting volcanic emotions held rigorously in check * Kirkus Reviews *This taut existential thriller...divulges little but manages to suggest volumes... Stark, almost brutal minimalism * Boston Globe *

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Book SynopsisThe third volume in the million-copy bestselling Nazi spy series for fans of Dan Brown, Steve Berry and Wilbur Smith.'I can't wait to read the next instalment!' -Kindle customer, Amazon'The 3rd instalment in a fantastic series.' -Julien, Amazon'Excellent.' -Dominique, Amazon'Such a pleasure to read... can be read as a standalone.' -Tacha, AmazonJuly 1942. Never has the outcome of the war been more uncertain. Britain might have ruled out any risk of invasion, but Stalin's Russia is bowing under the blows of Hitler's armies. The Nazis unleash an occult war in an attempt to tip the scales: whoever reunites the four sacred Swastikas will win. Double agent Tristan Marcas sets out in search of the Romanov treasure, which is said to harbour the final relic. He's got no time to lose: the battle is about to come to a head...

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Book Synopsis'Niklas Natt och Dag takes the contemporary Scandinavian crime story and gives it a startlingly gruesome historical twist' GuardianIt is 1795 and evil lurks in the winding alleys of Stockholm. Tycho Ceton prowls the city, willing to do anything to survive and reclaim the honour he has lost. No one knows what he is planning next but Emil Winge, haunted by the ghosts of his past, is determined to stop him. Meanwhile, Jean Mickel Cardell is preoccupied with his own search for Anna Stina Knapp. She may have in her possession a letter which could have devastating consequences in the wrong hands.All the while, hell looms inexorably . . .In 1795: The Order of the Furies, the third instalment of Niklas Natt och Dag's historical noir trilogy, we are plunged once again into the bustling world of late eighteenth-century Stockholm. The city is teetering on a precipice, with evil shaking its core, but can love and friendship prevail?Translated by Ian GilesTrade ReviewThe appeal of this series really lies in the stylistic creation of such a monstrous anti-Sweden * Strong Words *

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Book SynopsisWith the Great War raging, can they keep Britain going?1915. On Beth Healey's eighteenth birthday, she hopes that she will be able to forget the ghastly war and celebrate. But that evening, her twin brother Ned announces that he has signed up to fight. No longer able to stand working in her parents' village shop while others are doing their bit, Beth applies to join the Army Post Office's new Home Depot on the Regent's Park, and is astounded to be accepted. She will be responsible for making sure that letters and parcels get through to the troops on the front line. Beth is thrilled to be a crucial part of the war effort and soon makes friends with fellow post girls Milly and Nora, and meets the handsome James. But just as she begins to feel that her life has finally begun, everything starts falling apart, with devastating consequences for Beth and perhaps even the outcome of the war itself. Can Beth and her new friends keep it all together and find happiness at last?The Post Office Girls is perfect for fans of Johanna Bell, Daisy Styles and Nancy Revell.READERS LOVE THE POST OFFICE GIRLS!'A superb debut novel' - 5 STARS'Entertaining, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable' - 5 STARS'I absolutely loved this book and I am already eagerly awaiting book two in the series' - 5 STARS'The book gave a wonderful in sight into postal-service life during the war. Well done, Poppy' - 5 STARS'An excellent WW1 book' - 5 STARSTrade ReviewI loved The Post Office Girls! It really captured what it was like for women at home during the war. And the ending had me on the edge of my seat! * Johanna Bell *A wonderful coming-of-age story, full of humour against such an emotional backdrop * Jessica Ryn *Brimming over with period detail, this coming-of-age story has an endearing heroine and an absorbing plot. A sparkling debut saga * Maisie Thomas *

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Book SynopsisCurl up with the perfect festive saga read! Can they deliver hope and friendship this Christmas? 1915. After the recent dramatic events at the Home Depot, Milly Woods is looking forward to spending as much time as possible with her Post Office girls, Nora and Beth - known as Liza to her friends. With Christmas fast approaching, their job of getting millions of letters and parcels to the troops on the front line is more important than ever.But when Milly is moved to a different department, she and the girls struggle to find time to spend together. Feeling more and more lonely, Milly finds company and common ground at her local suffragette group - as well as catching the eye of a wounded ex-soldier at the Home Depot.But soon, Milly discovers that her new friends might not be what they seem. As she is drawn into a deadly plan that could affect the outcome of the war, can her Post Office girls help her get back on track, and scupper the plan in time for Christmas?READERS LOVE THE POST OFFICE GIRLS!'A superb debut novel' - 5 STARS'Entertaining, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable' - 5 STARS'I absolutely loved this book and I am already eagerly awaiting book two in the series' - 5 STARS'The book gave a wonderful in sight into postal-service life during the war. Well done, Poppy' - 5 STARS'An excellent WW1 book' - 5 STARS

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Book Synopsis'Involving, immersive and unputdownable' - Sunday Times bestselling author Jill MansellI need to tell you a story, ma chère. My story.Rosa Kusstatscher has built a global fashion empire upon her ability to find the perfect outfit for any occasion. But tonight, as she prepares for the most important meeting of her life, her usual certainty eludes her.What brought her to this moment? As she struggles to select her dress and choose the right shade of lipstick, Rosa begins to tell her incredible story. The story of a poor country girl from a village high in the mountains of Italy. Of Nazi occupation and fleeing in the night. Of hope and heartbreak in Switzerland; glamour and love in Paris. Of ambition and devastation in Rio de Janeiro; success and self-discovery in New York.A life spent running, she sees now. But she will run no longer.Breathtaking and utterly enthralling, The Dressmaker of Paris is a stunning debut novel that is perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kate Morton and Dinah Jefferies. 'The Dressmaker of Paris is a delicious book: elegantly structured, beautifully written and with a fascinating protagonist. Georgia Kaufmann has created a beautiful and compelling novel that had me hooked until the very last page. And that ending: wow!' - Gill Thompson, bestselling author of THE OCEANS BETWEEN USTrade ReviewInvolving, immersive and unputdownable, I raced through it! * Bestselling author Jill Mansell *A beautifully written novel that sweeps the readers across the globe and through the decades . . . Fans of Lucinda Riley will adore it * Sunday Express S Magazine *The Dressmaker of Paris is glorious. It really reminded me of the great blockbusters of Judith Krantz, Shirley Conran and Barbara Taylor Bradford - the books that captured my heart and my imagination as a teenager and made me fall in love with reading. An epic, absorbing story spanning the lifetime of one extraordinary woman through hardship, heartbreak and survival. It swept me away. I'll be recommending it far and wide, and I'm already looking forward to whatever Georgia writes next. * Iona Grey, author of THE GLITTERING HOUR *The Dressmaker of Paris by Georgia Kaufmann is a delicious book: elegantly structured, beautifully written and with a fascinating protagonist. I was completely absorbed in Rosa's story and rooting for her throughout her long journey from teenage victim to world famous businesswoman. Georgia Kaufmann has created a beautiful and compelling novel that had me hooked until the very last page. And that ending: wow! * Gill Thompson, bestselling author of THE OCEANS BETWEEN US *Sensuous, sweeping and utterly engrossing, the Dressmaker of Paris is as dazzling and finely crafted as a Dior gown. * Rachel Rhys, bestselling author of DANGEROUS CROSSING *The story of a remarkable woman. A book you will lose yourself in. * Gill Paul, bestselling author of THE LOST DAUGHTER *I raced through this beautifully written, elegantly structured book . . . [I was] totally absorbed * On Magazine *I absolutely loved it and devoured it in a couple of days. I found it a brilliant read - funny, touching, clever - and Rosa was such a unique and wonderful central character. The glorious descriptions of the Alps, Paris, Rio and New York just cry out to be made into a film and I can't wait to see it on screen. * Ajay Chowdhury, author of The Waiter *A historical novel with a difference. Delicious descriptions of Chanel perfume bottles and cultural references combine to add sparkle. * My Weekly *The story plays out in the most satisfying way * Saga Magazine *An enthralling and sweeping journey through one woman's inspirational life. * My Weekly *In a few pages I was hooked and read it to the end as quickly as life allowed. An outstanding debut. * Historical Novels Society *

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Book SynopsisIn 2017 Hodder published Frank White's There Was A Time, surely the last novel about the Second World War to be written by someone who actually served in it. Now at the age of 93, Frank has written a poignant, nostalgic novella of coming of age in a Yorkshire village in the sixties and it is paired with another short novel set in Manchester at the outbreak of war and first published by Hodder in 1964. Innocence and A Morse Code Set are beautifully complementary in theme and show Frank White to be an author of extraordinary insight and tenderness.Trade ReviewA wonderful read * Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis'Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 story' - Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls 1914. While their men fight in France, at home in Britain women are finally seizing the opportunity to make a difference . . .Maggie and her new friends Annie, Irene and Sarah come from very different backgrounds, but they've got one thing in common: they've all signed up for the Women Police Volunteers. They can't wait to show the men just what they're made of.But soon, Maggie realises she's in over her head. Hiding her involvement with the WPV from her tyrannous father is becoming ever more difficult, and when she bumps into an old acquaintance with a big chip on his shoulder, the dangers of her new life become all too clear . . .As Maggie and the girls work together to find their feet on the beat, will their friendship get her through the darkest of times? A gritty, uplifting new saga series about the first ever female police officers, set at the outbreak of the First World War - perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Daisy Styles and Call the Midwife.Praise for THE BOBBY GIRLS:Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing, The Bobby Girls is a must-read for all saga fans.' - Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty's'I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction.' - Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls'I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls. It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written.' - Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark'A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing.' - Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series'Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women.' - Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay'Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 story. The author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old.' - Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls'This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities.' - Penny Thorpe, author of The Quality Street Girls'A lovely story! The author has researched the era and the theme very well. The characters stood out on the page and through their eyes you are transported back to a different age.' - AnneMarie Brear, author of Beneath a Stormy SkyTrade ReviewThis fantastic debut from Johanna Bell is a wonderfully warm story of courage, friendship and grit. Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing. The Bobby Girls is a must read for all saga fans.' * Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty’s *I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction. * Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls *A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing. * Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series *Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women. * Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay *A lovely story! The author has researched the era and the theme very well. The characters stood out on the page and through their eyes you are transported back to a different age. * AnneMarie Brear, author of Beneath a Stormy Sky *I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls. It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written. * Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark *Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 crime story set in 1914 when women special constables first appeared on the streets of London. The central characters are strongly established early on as the young women who volunteer to patrol the streets. Alongside their crime solving role, the author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old. * Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls *This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me ? and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities. Let us not forget the fight that these women had just to be allowed to put on the uniform, and do what was right; in their own small way, the first Bobby Girls changed the world for women everywhere. * Penny Thorpe, author of The Quality Street Girls *

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Book SynopsisAs the Great War rages on, will the truth come out?1915. Best friends Irene, Maggie and Annie are proud members of the newly renamed Women's Police Service. While Britain's men are away fighting in France, the girls are doing their bit by keeping the peace at home in London's East End. But out of the blue, Irene is given the opportunity to be stationed near an army barracks in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Having recently experienced some heartbreak and keen for the adventure, she decides to go. What could possibly go wrong? It turns out, plenty. One of the other WPS girls takes an immediate dislike to her and makes her life a misery. On top of that, the man she thinks could be the answer to all her problems isn't all he seems. And when she finds a psychologically disturbed deserter in hiding, she has a very difficult decision to make . . . Can Irene overcome all these obstacles without Maggie and Annie by her side, and find true happiness at last?Praise for THE BOBBY GIRLS:Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing, The Bobby Girls is a must-read for all saga fans.' - Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty's'I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction.' - Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls'I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls. It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written.' - Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark'A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing.' - Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series'Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women.' - Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay'Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 crime story. The author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old.' - Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls'This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities.' - Penny Thorpe, author of The Quality Street Girls'A lovely story! The author has researched the era and the theme very well. The characters stood out on the page and through their eyes you are transported back to a different age.' - AnneMarie Brear, author of Beneath a Stormy SkyTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE BOBBY GIRLS SERIES * - *Brilliantly written and a great story - what more could you ask for? * Sun *Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing, The Bobby Girls is a must-read for all saga fans. * Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty's *I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction. * Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls *Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 crime story. The author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old. * Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls *A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing. * Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series *I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls. It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written. * Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark *Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women. * Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay *This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities. * Penny Thorpe, bestselling author of The Quality Street Girls *

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Book SynopsisIn the midst of war, can they find a reason to celebrate?1915. Patrolling is the last thing on the minds of Women's Police Service recruits Annie, Maggie and Poppy right now, because Annie and her fiancé Richard are about to get married. She's been waiting for this day her whole life, but when it finally comes it brings only heartache and Annie doesn't know if she can go on.The influx of soldiers to the capital means that the WPS's work is more important than ever, though, and Annie's country needs her. She and the girls are posted to the bustling heart of the city and she hopes the new job will distract her from her sorrow.It certainly does that. Soon the biggest bombing raid of the war causes chaos on their patch. On top of that, Annie suspects that a group of men are forcing European refugees into prostitution and resolves to stop them by Christmas. But by the time she realises just how high up the scandal goes, she might be in too deep to get out . . .The Bobby Girls Series is perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Daisy Styles and Call the MidwifeReaders are loving CHRISTMAS WITH THE BOBBY GIRLS!'I love love love this book. Johanna Bell, your writing is out of this world and I can't wait to read the next in the series.' - 5 STARS'This series just gets better and better. The only good thing about getting to the end was the knowledge that there is another one to come.' - 5 STARS'A fantastic addition to the series.' - 5 STARS'A lovely story that keeps the reader involved from start to finish. Definitely recommended.' - 5 STARS'The story was absorbing and I didn't want to put it down. An excellent read as always' - 5 STARS'I have loved reading these books about the girls in blue. Johanna Bell knows how to draw you in and how to keep you reading.' - 5 STARS'A fantastic read - highly recommended' - 5 STARS'Another delightful catch up with the Bobby Girls, a wonderful addition to the series.' - 5 STARS'A perfect Christmas read' - 5 STARS'I love this series so much. A must read' - 5 STARSTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE BOBBY GIRLS SERIES * - *Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing, The Bobby Girls is a must-read for all saga fans. * Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty's *I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction. * Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls *Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 crime story. The author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old. * Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls *A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing. * Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series *I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls. It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written. * Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark *Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women. * Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay *This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities. * Penny Thorpe, bestselling author of The Quality Street Girls *

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