Historical romance

Book SynopsisThey lived in a time of great upheaval, where ordinary men and women could become the stuff of Legend, with:A heroine determined to make her mark on the worldA hero struggling to get byThe sweeping Wild West in the grip of great changeAnd a love no one could denyDeacon Brannock has struggled his whole life to amount to something. But when he finally saves up enough to buy the saloon that''ll put him on the map, he''s immediately challenged by the Temperance Movement. He only wants to make an honest living, but there''s no stopping the Movement''s most determined firebrand: Grace Legend.And after one look at the fierce beauty, he''s not even sure he wants to.Grace has always had her pet crusades, but she sees the Temperance Movement as the one thing that will bring her the deep sense of purpose she''s been missing. Yet when the owner of the new saloon turns out to be a kind and considerate man with warm eyes and a smile that leaves her breathless, she can''t help but wond

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Book SynopsisWith danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other. As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she''s failed one too many times in finding true love. When she''s accused of a murder she didn''t commit, she''s forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient''s dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he''s doing his best to prove to the town he''s a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn''t know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.Having grown attached to Dylan''s son, Catherine doesn''t want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn''t bargain for is how easily she''ll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in dan

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Book SynopsisWhen Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a paid companion position for the Newport Season, she never imagined she'd be expected to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with finding a wife for the Season's catch, Walter Townsend, her assignment becomes increasingly difficult when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

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Book SynopsisFive years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel''s real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts''s lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can''t help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

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Book Synopsis"One of my favourite Tudor set books . . . A wonderfully vivid read." Nicola CornickYoung widow Elizabeth Williams is determined to make a success of the business she inherited from her merchant father. But an independent woman draws the wrong kind of attention, and Elizabeth soon realises she has enemies - enemies who know the dark truth about her dead husband. Happiness arrives when Elizabeth meets rapidly rising lawyer, Thomas Cromwell. Their marriage begins in mutual love and respect - but it isn''t easy being the wife of an ambitious courtier in Henry VIII''s London. The city is both merciless and filled with temptation, and Elizabeth soon realises she must take care in the life she has chosen . . . or risk losing everything.Acclaim for Mistress Cromwell: ''A delicious frisson of danger slithers through every page of the book. Enthralling.'' Karen Maitland ''A delicate and detailed portrayal, absolutely beautifully done. Captivating.'' Suzannah Dunn ''Rich, vivid and immersive, an enthralling story of the turbulent Tudor era.'' Nicola CornickTrade ReviewEngagingEnthrallingCaptivating

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Book Synopsis''Wonderfully written and a real page turner. Christina tells a story equally as well as Barbara Erskine'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader reviewFeatures an exclusive bonus short story!Brimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay does for the Vikings what Diana Gabaldon''s Outlander and Clanlans does for Scottish history.''The Queen of Timeslip Romance has done it again! A romantic and compelling read - a total page turner'' SANDY BARKER''A brilliantly written timeslip that combines mystery and romance into a compelling and vividly imagined story'' NICOLA CORNICK''I LOVED Tempted by the Runes. Christina Courtenay is guaranteed to carry me off to another place and time in a way that no other author succeeds in doing'' SUE MOORCROFT...............................................Born centuries apa

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Book SynopsisSequel to the international bestseller, THE FLOWERS OF THE FIELD, this is an epic novel set amid the turbulence of the Second World War.''This is the second in the trilogy and, like the first, I cannot put it down. Sarah Harrison is such a good writer'' Amazon reviewer, 5 starsKate Kingsley remembers little of her early childhood, other than the devastation of being torn away from everything she knew in France and sent to live as the adopted daughter of Jack and Thea in Kenya.Now 20, she leaves for a new life in London. But this is 1936 - a time of decadence, but also turmoil.Kate finds an unexpected ally in her Aunt Dulcie, whose own life is anything but straightforward. When Kate falls in love she believes she has found a soul mate. But this is just the start of a journey during which Kate confronts personal danger, faces conflicting loyalties, and must make a heart-breaking choice.''Harrison is a writer with a gift for mixi

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Book SynopsisThe USA Today and Globe & Mail Canadian bestseller is back with a brand new gripping and heartfelt historical novel!Could the shifting winds of change finally carry Kitty home?After five long years of endless warfare, Red Cross nurse Kitty Pattison has seen her share of heartbreak and loss. And now, with her beloved fiancé Dr Michael McCarthy recuperating from a head injury across the ocean in Canada, and her dear friends Trixie and Jo scattered to the four corners of the war effort, it's harder than ever to battle through the heavy-hearted moments that mark the passing days.But as she tends to the lost and wounded, Kitty finds a resilience of spirit within herself she never thought imaginable. Because with everything the war has taken from her, it has also given her a conviction that it can never destroy the things that really matter in life love, friendship, and hope.Trade ReviewReaders LOVE The Secret Orphan: ‘Keeps you wanting to read into the small hours’ Lisa, Goodreads ‘The best and most beautiful book I've read in a long time’ Brid, Netgalley ‘Simply amazing’ Rikki-Doodlebug's Book Reviews ‘Captivated from beginning to end’ Jessyca, Goodreads ‘A gripping, page turner set in WWI … Loved it’ Amanda, Netgalley ‘A real page turner … You will find yourself in England during the war with a story that will stay with you’ Lou, Goodreads ‘A stunning novel and one that should be recommended’ Postcard Reviews ‘A must read for WWII historical fiction fans’ Lizbeth, Goodreads ‘One of my new favourite novels … I love everything about this story’ Ashley Murphy Reads ‘The depiction of wartime life in the Coventry bombings and on a Cornish farm were realistic and compelling’ Vivien Brown ‘A story that I will remember for a long time to come’ Shirley, Goodreads Reviewer ‘Loved every minute of this hard to put down book … highly recommend putting this on your reading list – especially if you love historical fiction and WWII’ Roxane, Goodreads ‘A must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction (especially World War II fiction) or romance’ Kindred Connection Reviews

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Book SynopsisA must-read for fans of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah!Paris 1930sA promise that binds them together. A war that pulls them apart. Childhood companions Fleur and Colette make a vow, under the trailing ivy of their secret garden, that they will be secret sisters forever. But as they grow up, the promises of childhood are put to the ultimate test. For Colette is the daughter of the house, and her life is all jazz clubs, silk dresses and chilled champagne, while Fleur is the orphan niece of the housekeeper and doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere.Years later, in 1939, life as they know it will never be the same. As the German tanks roll in and Paris becomes an occupied city, the promise they made as children will have consequences they could never have imaginedReaders love Daughters of Paris:I'm an avid reader of WWII novels and this was up there with the bestStrong women, enduring friendship and love' BevHas it all: mystery, suspense, history, strong female characters, and kept me engagTrade Review Readers are absolutely loving The Secret Agent: ‘Captivated my heart…5 out of 5 stars for me’ Megan ‘A beautiful historical novel describing the plight of a brave young woman willing to put her own life at risk for the sake of saving others’ Julia ‘A wonderful novel with exciting twists and a satisfying ending’ Emily ‘I sat up through the night reading this book and I would definitely recommend it’ Julie ‘Perfect for a flight or a night curled up with a cup of tea or wine’ Sarah ‘A heartbreaking story of the sacrifices made by the young women of the S.O.E’ Anne ‘I would give this a higher rating than 5 it was that good’ Patricia ‘There is romance, drama and tension … an enjoyable read’ Karyn

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Book SynopsisEngland, 1940. Can Maggie keep her family and her secret safe? An emotional and heartbreaking wartime novel for fans of Diney Costeloe, Dilly Court and Mandy Robotham.When Maggie's new job takes her from bombed-out London to grand Snowden Hall in the Cotswolds she's apprehensive but determined to do her bit for the war effort. She's also keeping a secret, one she knows would turn opinion against her. Her mother is German: Maggie is related to the enemy.Then her evacuee sister sends her a worrying letter, missing the code they agreed Violet would use to confirm everything was well, and Maggie's heart sinks. Violet is miles away; how can she get to her in the middle of a war? Worse, her mother, arrested for her nationality, is now missing, and Maggie has no idea where she is.As a secret project at Snowden Hall risks revealing Maggie's German side, she becomes even more determined to protect her family. Can she find a way to get to her sister? And will she ever find out where her mother

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Book SynopsisTruly gripping I loved it.' Jill Mansell, Sunday Times bestsellerA heartbreakingly beautiful novel which captures the endurance and strength of ordinary people in the darkest of times, and the courage of one woman who put her life on the line to join the resistance. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale and The Secret Messenger.1944, the Cote d'Azur.Artist Marguerite Segal is recruited by British Intelligence into befriending Etienne Valade, a local priest. Her mission is to persuade him to pass on information from the high-ranking German officers who attend his church: evidence of their war crimes.Connected by a passion for art, Marguerite and Etienne soon fall in love, but their association increasingly puts her at danger of violent reprisals. With his church frequented by Nazis, Etienne is a suspected collaborator, and distrust is high.And Marguerite is keeping her own secret too. Like the Jews whose identity cards she forges to hide them from the Third Reich, she is hiding behind a fTrade Review‘Truly gripping… I loved it.’ Jill Mansell, Sunday Times bestseller

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Book SynopsisA story of love, loss, sacrifice and bravery. After this stunning debut, I can''t wait to see what Corin writes next!' Kathleen McGurl, author of The Girl from Bletchley ParkA wartime secret. A journey to uncover the truth.Claire has always had a special bond with her aunt Margaret, but she's astonished when Margaret suddenly begins talking about a friend called Agnes, who Margaret met working as a WAAF in World War 2 a past Claire had no idea about. Margaret and Agnes were best friends until Agnes started acting strangely, becoming secretive and distant. Then one morning, Agnes vanished and never returned home, leaving Margaret distraught.Claire promises to delve back into the past and help discover what happened to Agnes. But Margaret's memory is rapidly deteriorating, and apart from an old photograph of the two women, Agnes seems to have disappeared into thin air. Can Claire uncover Agnes' story before it's too late?An utterly heart-wrenching and unputdownable novel about love, losTrade Review Praise for Corin Burnside ‘This novel has everything – a tragic love story, thrilling wartime adventures, a very brave heroine, icy cold danger, a beautiful setting, and a dashing love interest. I thoroughly enjoyed it!’ Kerry Barrett ‘A heart-rending story of courage, sacrifice and a love that endures even when all hope has gone. Hugely engaging, I thoroughly enjoyed it!’ Anita Frank ‘A smart, poignant spin on a wartime romance and the missed opportunities that return to haunt us no matter how hard we try to forget.’ Sarah Smith ‘Moving and thrilling – I was completely immersed and very much look forward to more from this talented author.’ Kate Galley ‘Immersive settings and well-drawn characters make this hard to put down and will remain with you long after you turn the final page.’ Rebecca Kelly ‘A wonderfully evocative story.’ Suzanne Ewart ‘A truly transporting novel.’ Carolyn O’Brien

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Book SynopsisA Gilded Age Retelling of My Fair LadyArriving into English society from the drawing rooms of New York, Miss Florence Wakechild desires nothing less than the marriage her father is so desperately seeking for her. Clayton Wakechild desires nothing more than finding a suitable husband for his daughter a husband of noble birth and title no less. No new money' here.Frustrated with her father's obsession with the British aristocracy, Florence comes up with a plan. If she can train an ordinary working man to behave like a viscount and fool her father, she can prove to him a title is meaningless.It's a straightforward plan, but the man Florence chooses is Ned Blake, a man who will open her eyes in a way she couldn't have imagined. As Ned's hands gently guide her across the ballroom floor, the last thing Florence expects to feel is something real.Readers are loving My Fair Lord????? ''Very amusing and easy to read.''????? Recommend.''????? ''I loved everything about this story & will definite

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Book SynopsisAll of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed 'Black Heart' every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty''s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.

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Book SynopsisFor Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant''s dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather''s health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he''s quickly offered a job--and a path to more if he wants it.Havyn''s plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters'' musical talent at a local roadhouse. They''re an i

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Book SynopsisWhen her husband is thrown into debtor's prison, Pheodora--sister of Yeshua of Nazareth--pins her hopes on the birth of two spotless goats to sell for the upcoming Yom Kippur sacrifice so that she can provide for her daughters and survive. Calling on her wits, her family, and her God, can she trust that He will hear and help a lowly shepherd's wife?

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Book SynopsisRuth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred. Now she hides away from curious eyes as a kitchen supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, she works with the handsome head chef to save the El Tovar and forge a new path for the future.

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Book SynopsisWhen successful businesswoman Maggie Molinaro offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work. She teams up with charismatic steel magnate Liam Blackstone, but what begins as a practical alliance soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

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Book SynopsisWhen a nearby city is attacked, Avidan fights for the newly crowned King Saul. When one of his cousins goes missing during the battle, he searches for him and instead stumbles across Keziah--the daughter of a powerful man. Traveling together, they must rely on each other to stay alive and learn to trust the King of Israel to guide their every step.

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Book SynopsisFull of nostalgia and set against a backdrop of the Festival of Britain and the aftermath of the Second World War, The Children Left Behind is a gritty, emotional, heartwarming and uplifting saga.1940, LiverpoolWhen Alice Lacey was seven, she and her two best friends, Bob and Matty, watched the sky set on fire. Ten years later, the three remain friends, and Bob is now Alice’s sweetheart. He would marry her tomorrow, but Alice has ambitions to better herself; she finally leaves her factory job to work as an architect’s secretary, dreaming of a brighter future and of playing some small part in rebuilding Liverpool.But will the hope last? The war has ripped families apart, and many children are left with nowhere to go but the orphanage. When tragedy strikes and Alice’s mother struggles to cope, Alice is horrified to see her brothers and sister facing the same fate. And, to make matters worse, both Bob and Matty seem to be harbouri

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Book SynopsisSet during apartheid in rural South Africa, Hill of Fools tells a classic tale of forbidden love and tragedy as two rival families fight over ancient feuds.Although arranged to marry one of the most powerful men in her village, Zuziwe falls deeply in love with a young warrior across the river, Bhuqa. A leading fighter in his own village, Bhuqa is caught between his love for Zuziwe and the long-standing grudge that their families have inherited a rivalry so old that no one remembers how it began. As peace negotiations between the two tribes crumble, Zuziwe and Bhuqa''s hopes for a future together fall further and further away while violence threatens to ruin everything they hold dear.Hill of Fools is a heartfelt portrayal of tribalism in South Africa, rich with Xhosa idioms and age-old traditions. R.L. Peteni weaves together an unforgettable tale of two lovers doomed by past prejudice.Trade ReviewA book that must be read. * Daily Dispatch *Tribal tragedy of love. * Rand Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisMeg just wants her family to be together at Christmas. But her mother’s illness gets worse every day and her sister is off doing god knows what.   So when Meg loses her job in the bakery she doesn’t know how they’ll cope. Luckily, she knows Frank, the owner of a local patisserie, who offers her a job. But Meg isn’t suited for fancy cake and frills. All she wants is to feed her family and make them proud but, as winter takes hold, it feels like everything is stacked against her.Can she make a success of herself before Christmas?

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Book SynopsisGo on an emotional journey with Beyond the Veil of Tears by Rita Bradshaw, a heart-rending saga of a young woman's defiant stand against cruelty. This historical romance, from the author of Dancing in the Moonlight, is the story of an innocent soul trapped in a world of deceit and hardship.Ensnared in a dreadful marriage with the menacing Oswald Golding, Angeline Stewart, an innocent fifteen-year-old, sees her world shattering.On learning she is expecting a child, Angeline makes plans to run away and take her chances fending for herself and her baby. But then tragedy takes over . . .Set in 19th-century Northamptonshire, Beyond the Veil of Tears is a testament to the indomitable spirit of survival and hope against all odds.

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Book SynopsisMargaret Dickinson is the author of top twenty bestsellers Jenny's War and The Clippie Girls.Born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Margaret moved to the coast at the age of seven and so began her love for the sea and the Lincolnshire landscape. Her ambition to be a writer began early and she had her first novel published at the age of twenty-five. Many of her novels are set in the heart of her home country. A visit to the wonderful National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire, inspired The Clippie Girls and the magnificent Gunby Hall, Lincolnshire, was the inspiration for Fairfield Hall.Trade ReviewQueen of Saga Writers * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisA novel of love, deception and desire from the author of Before the FallTrade ReviewA rising literary star * Sunday Times *Vibrant prose and characters . . . So well-drawn, and incredibly topical -- Vanessa Lafaye, author of SummertimeA wonderful writer -- Jessie Burton, author of The MiniaturistMade me miss my stop on the tube . . . -- Lissa Evans, author of Crooked HeartMy favourite Great War novel . . . Incredible writing -- Joanna Cannon, author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, on Before the FallA vivid, compelling tale of confused loyalties, compromises and consequences -- Suzannah Dunn, author of The Sixth Wife and The Confession of Katherine HowardThe Faithful is about many things . . . but mostly it is about love. Juliet West knows how to create an evocative sense of time and place, and then fill it with the most interesting characters, and finally, deliver a story that kept me guessing. I loved it -- Claire Fuller, author of Our Endless Numbered Days and Swimming LessonsA rich, multi-layered story of love, loss and conflict . . . At once heartbreaking and full of hope -- Isabel Ashdown, author of Little SisterA vivid and unforgettable story of love . . . Absorbing, fast-paced, and poignant, the portrait of ordinary people caught up in movements bigger than themselves makes this a must-read for today’s readers -- Ann Weisgarber, author of The Personal History of Rachel DuPree and The PromiseA tightly knotted story of love and divided loyalties that is both rich in period detail and told with warmth, wit and passion. Wonderful -- Jason Hewitt, author of Devastation RoadA compelling and perceptive story of divided loyalties and the complexities of love, friendship and family -- Isabel Costello, author of Paris Mon AmourEnthralling . . . Tugs the reader close to the inner lives of ordinary people, characters whose decisions and dilemmas, loves and losses remain with you long after reading -- Jane Rusbridge, author of Rook and The Devil's MusicA wonderful novel about desire and its consequences, set amongst the sharply divided politics of the 1930s. A page-turner -- William Ryan, author of The Constant SoldierEnthralling . . . Juliet has brought the time and place to life and then peopled it with completely believable characters to play out this wonderful story -- Louise Douglas, author of Your Beautiful Lies and The Secret by the LakeExquisite . . . The story builds beautifully, the plot naturally quickening in pace to a gripping denouement. I was completely drawn into the novel’s world and engaged by its issues of loyalty and loss. Highly recommended -- Martine Bailey, author of An Appetite for Violets and The Penny HeartA story of love across borders, idealism and integrity . . . and a mini-series in the making * Sunday Independent, Ireland *Fans of well-crafted period fiction will gobble down this second novel from the author of Before The Fall * Metro *Wonderfully evocative * Red Magazine *Juliet West writes incredibly moving and atmospheric war-era novels, full of strong women, secrets, conflict and desire. This, her second, is superb * Saga Magazine *Gripping * My Weekly *Compelling, nuanced … suffused with historical detail. West weaves a subtle mystery, luring us towards truths so skilfully exposed that the effect is truly shocking * Historia magazine *A tale of family secrets against a backdrop of war and extremism * Good Housekeeping *Teen Hazel finds love under the watch of Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts. A year later, the pair cross paths. Tom must never know why she broke his heart, but it’s not just Hazel holding secrets * S Magazine *In her second stunning novel, West uses her lyrical prose, acute powers of observation and impressive sense of time and place to explore issues that are as relevant now as they were eighty years ago. The Faithful achieves what many authors aspire to . . . an outstanding follow-up to a successful debut * Lancashire Evening Post *An epic story of star-crossed lovers * Sussex Life *Intelligent, wise, and full of passion and courage . . . A superb read -- Louise Douglas, author of The Secrets Between Us, on Before the FallEvocative and powerful -- Good Housekeeping on Before the FallAs poignant as it is powerful -- Alison MacLeod, author of Unexploded, on Before the FallA stunning debut -- a breathtaking portrayal of life and love in all its complexity. Heartbreaking -- Suzannah Dunn, author of The Confession of Katherine Howard, on Before the FallPoignant and arresting -- Daily Mail on Before the FallA beautiful love story -- Woman on Before the Fall

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Book SynopsisThe Narrowboat Girl by Annie Murray is the story of a young woman's search for freedom and happiness.Young Maryann Nelson is devastated at the loss of her beloved father. But worse is to come when her mother, Flo, sees an opportunity to better herself and her family in a marriage to the local undertaker, Norman Griffin. Though on the surface a caring family man, Norman is not at all what he seems, as Maryann and her sister Sal soon discover.Unable to turn to their unsympathetic mother for support, the girls are left alone with their harrowing secret. But for Sal it is too much to bear . . . The chance of a new life opens up for Maryann when she befriends Joel Bartholomew. Aboard his narrowboat, the Esther Jane, she finds herself falling in love with life on the canal as she is swept away from Birmingham and all her worries. Until Joel's feelings for Maryann begin to change, awakening all the old nightmares that she had thought were long

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Book SynopsisIt is 1942, and after a childhood of suffering in Birmingham, Maryann Bartholomew has built a life of happiness and safety with her husband Joel and their children, working the canals on his narrowboat, the Esther Jane. But the back-breaking work and constant childbearing take their toll on Maryann, and the tragic loss of her old friend Nancy, followed by a further pregnancy lead her to a desperate act which nearly costs her her life.The walls of her security are broken down when Joel suffers an accident, and to keep the boats working, Maryann is forced to allow Sylvia and Dot, two wartime volunteers, into the privacy of their life. And when she discovers that someone keeps calling for her at Birmingham's Tyseley Wharf, the dark memories of her past begin to overwhelm her life. For that someone, who seems to be watching her every move, is becoming more dangerous that even she could imagine . . . Sequel to The Narrowboat Girl, Water Gypsies by Annie

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Book SynopsisLord George Gordon has much at risk and more to hide. Riding into battle with his cousin earned him a musket ball in his thigh and a price on his head. Now, he has no choice but to trust the healer who finds him.Akira Ayres knows the wounded, mysterious Highlander is a Jacobite, but she cannot let him die. When they''re discovered by a murderous captain, they have no choice but to flee and fight their way north to safety. But if he isn''t careful, the rakish Duke of Gordon could lose his life-and his once-hard heart-along the way.

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Book Synopsis*Published in the US as The Hidden Thread*Inspired by real historical events and characters, Liz Trenow's The Silk Weaver is a captivating, unforgettable story of illicit romance in a time of enlightenment and social upheaval.1760, Spitalfields. Anna Butterfield’s life is about to change forever, as she moves from her idyllic Suffolk home to be introduced into London society. A chance encounter with a French silk weaver, Henri, draws her in to the volatile world of the city’s burgeoning silk trade. Henri is working on his ‘master piece’, to become a master weaver and freeman; Anna longs to become an artist while struggling against pressure from her uncle’s family to marry a wealthy young lawyer. As their lives become ever more intertwined, Henri realizes that Anna’s designs could give them both an opportunity for freedom. But his world becomes more dangerous by the day, as riots threaten to tear them apart forever . . .Trade ReviewWhat a delicious read The Silk Weaver is. I was enchanted by this novel set in eighteenth-century Spitalfields; meticulously researched, richly detailed, the brilliantly structured story shimmered as the threads of silk wound through its pages. I devoured it in two days and was gripped from start to finish. The characters shine too and Anna is an absolute triumph. A fabulous book -- Dinah JefferiesI absolutely love the details about silk weaving . . . Liz Trenow conjures up atmosphere concisely and brilliantly, with not a spare word to be found. I felt enriched when I reached the end of this gem of a novel, and can’t wait to read her next one -- Gill PaulPush back the gorgeous brocade curtains of The Silk Weaver's period detail and romance and you find a window on eighteenth century London that, with its prejudice and divisions, is surprisingly pertinent today -- Kate RiordanI absolutely loved The Silk Weaver. Liz writes beautifully, and I adored the characters of Anna and Henri - their love was so delicately and believably evoked. The background motifs of the silks and the floral designs, and the political/social context which made their relationship so difficult is also brilliantly done. I really couldn't wait to get back to it each evening -- Tracy ReesA wonderful read . . . full of such extraordinary, fascinating detail -- Kate ThompsonLiz Trenow sews together the strands of past and present as delicately as the exquisite stitching on the quilt which forms the centrepiece of the story -- Lucinda Riley on The Forgotten SeamstressAn assured debut with a page-turning conclusion -- Daily Express on The Forgotten SeamstressExtraordinary, fascinating . . . deeply rooted in history * Midweek, Radio 4, on The Forgotten Seamstress *This absorbing novel delves into the secrets of wartime silk production and makes them totally fascinating . . . tremendously atmospheric and convincing in its details, with characters that touch the heart. A book to savour * Kate Furnivall, author of The Russian Concubine, on The Forgotten Seamstress *

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Book SynopsisA Winter Love Song is a heartwarming and moving story of survival and love from bestselling author Rita Bradshaw.Bonnie Lindsay is born into a travelling fair community in the north-east in 1918, and when her mother dies just months later, Bonnie’s beloved father becomes everything to her. Then at the tender age of ten years old, disaster strikes. Heartbroken, Bonnie’s left at the mercy of her embittered grandmother and her lecherous step-grandfather.Five years later, the events of one terrible night cause Bonnie to flee to London where she starts to earn her living as a singer. She changes her name and cuts all links with the past. Time passes. Bonnie falls in love, but just when she dares to hope for a rosy future, the Second World War is declared. She does her bit for the war effort, singing for the troops and travelling to Burma to boost morale, but heartache and pain are just around the corner, and she begins to ask herself if she will ever find happiness again?Trade ReviewA moving and gripping tale of love, loss and survival from one of the nation’s favourite saga queens * Lancashire Evening Post *Raw passion and power on every page * Northern Echo *

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Book Synopsis1915. Margaret and Philip Tallis are happily married, have a thriving business and three children, Daisy, John and Lily.At 20, Daisy is an impassioned, headstrong girl, determined to follow her parents’ footsteps in Birmingham’s jewellery trade. While studying at the college for silversmiths she meets an old rival of her father’s. James Carson is married, but Daisy finds herself dangerously drawn to him . . .As war tightens its grip on the country, the Jewellery Quarter is thrown into anguish as the men are forced to decide who will enlist. In the turmoil, will Margaret be able to hold her business and her family together?The Silversmith’s Daughter is the emotional sequel to the Sunday Times bestseller Sisters of Gold by Annie Murray.

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Book SynopsisUnder a Wartime Sky is an enthralling historical novel by Liz Trenow, based on real-life events at a top-secret wartime research station. Telling the story of the heroes behind the discovery of radar, it’s perfect for readers of Kate Furnivall and Rachel Hore.Bawdsey Manor holds a secret.1936: the threat of war hangs over Europe. Churchill gathers the brightest minds in Britain at a grand house in Suffolk. Bound to complete secrecy, they work together on an invention that could mean victory for the Allies. Among them is Vic, a gifted but shy physicist who, for the first time, feels like he belongs.Local girl Kathleen wants to do more than serving tea and biscuits to ‘do her bit’. So when the Bawdsey team begin to recruit women to operate their top secret system, she dedicates herself to this life-or-death work. Kath and Vic form an unlikely friendship as the skies over Britain fill with German bombers. Little does Kath know just whose life she will change forever, one fateful night . . .Based on the real history of Bawdsey Manor, Under a Wartime Sky is a novel about courage, belonging and hope.Praise for Liz Trenow:‘The characters shine . . . Fabulous’ - Dinah Jefferies‘It was a wrench to put the book down after the last beautifully written page’ - Gill Paul‘Trenow’s exquisite novel puts a real focus on the characters’ journeys’ - WomanTrade ReviewLiz Trenow draws us in so that we inhabit her world, and it was a wrench to put the book down after the last beautifully written page -- Gill Paul on The Dressmaker of Draper’s Lane

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Book SynopsisThe Hiding Game is an intoxicating story of love and betrayal, set in the Bauhaus art school. Heady, gripping and unforgettable, Naomi Wood's third novel explores the perils of secrecy in a changing and increasingly dangerous world.In Roaring Twenties Germany, Paul, Charlotte and Walter meet at the Bauhaus art school. The trio form a close-knit group, in which passions and rivalries collide. But when Walter is betrayed, he makes a terrible mistake – a secret he will keep from Paul and Charlotte for as long as he can.As political tensions escalate and the Nazis gain power, Walter’s secret – hidden in notebooks, paintings and blueprints – ultimately threatens the very lives of his friends, with devastating consequences.Shortlisted for The Historical Writers' Association Gold Crown Award.Longlisted for The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.Trade ReviewThe Hiding Game is a brilliant, fascinating novel - a gripping story, skilfully told -- Sara Baume, author of Spill Simmer Falter WitherA suspenseful story of obsession against the tense political backdrop of Germany’s Bauhaus art school -- Francesca Angelini * Sunday Times Style *Atmospheric and compelling . . . A haunting read -- Caroline Lea, author of The Glass WomanI was seduced and fascinated by the hedonism, the creative and romantic rivalries and conflicted loyalties in this tangle of flawed and beautiful people -- Isabel Costello, The Literary SofaWith great conviction, Wood summons up the intensity of the students’ camaraderie and the forces that destroy it -- Nick Rennison * The Sunday Times *Wood can recreate a time and place with all its glamour and grit . . . art and ideas have never felt more thrilling -- Alexandra Heminsley * Grazia *A fantastic novel, so beautiful and sad . . . Immersive, elegant and affecting, Wood’s prose, as always, delights the senses -- Megan Bradbury, author of Everyone is Watching A love story set in the Bauhaus art school during Germany's turbulent 1920s? Be still, my pounding heart! -- Sarra Manning * Red, 'The only summer reads you need' *Set against the political upheaval of 1930s Germany, The Hiding Game is a dazzling tale of artistic ambition and romantic desire, of the choices we make in youth and the price we pay for them as we grow older. Beautifully written, vividly realized, it will remain seared in my imagination for years to come -- Ellen Feldman, author of Next to LoveTense and absorbing, this is a book that you’ll want to dive into and hungrily read to the last word * Stylist *An engaging tale filled with jealousies and rivalries turns into a dark, compelling drama about betrayal, revenge and the cost of loving too much . . . Like Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, Wood’s novel starts out as a chronicle of a death foretold . . . emotionally charged and morally complex * Literary Review *Wood effortlessly evokes the atmosphere at the Bauhaus . . . The Hiding Game is a carefully and intricately woven novel of love, deceit and creativity * Icon Magazine *A devastating secret haunts Naomi Wood’s third novel . . . Fans of Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life will be carried away by the similarly fraught friendships and loving betrayals in Wood’s book * New Statesman *In The Hiding Game, the reader is lured expertly into the atmosphere and eccentricities of a group of Bauhaus students whose loves and loyalties are tested within their odd, exciting environment. This is a novel of curious, arresting detail and sharp emotions, a coming of age story like no other. Layered and intricate, it's another triumph from the lively mind of Naomi Wood -- Nuala O'Connor, author of Becoming BelleA novel of delicate menace, in which the gathering weight of personal struggle becomes insidiously roped to the political upheaval of 1930s Germany and its rising fascist forces -- Ross Raisin, author of God's Own Country

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Book SynopsisFrom the top-ten bestselling author of Beneath a Frosty Moon, Rita Bradshaw, comes One Snowy Night, a sweeping family saga set between the two world wars in the north-east of England.It’s 1922 and the Depression is just beginning to rear its head in Britain, but Ruby Morgan is about to marry her childhood sweetheart and nothing can mar her happiness. Or so she thinks. An unimaginable betrayal by those she loves causes her to flee her home and family one snowy night. Crushed and heartbroken, Ruby vows that despite the odds stacked against her she will not only survive, but one day will show the ones she left behind that she’s succeeded in making something of herself. Brave words, but the reality is far from easy. Dangers Ruby could never have foreseen and more tragedy threaten her new life, and love always seems just out of reach. Can a happy ending ever be hers?Trade ReviewRaw passion and power on every page * Northern Echo *Gritty and touching * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller from the bestselling author of The Doll Factory, Elizabeth Macneal.Set in a spectacular circus in the pleasure gardens of Victorian London, Circus of Wonders is an addictive novel about power, fame, and a love that is threatened by a terrible secret.'Glitters and gleams . . . utterly beguiling' – Daily Mail1866. In a coastal village in southern England, Nell lives set apart by her community because of the birthmarks that speckle her skin.But when Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders arrives in the village, Nell is kidnapped. Her father has sold her, promising Jasper Jupiter his very own leopard girl. It is the greatest betrayal of Nell's life, but as her fame grows, and she finds friendship with the other performers and Jasper’s gentle brother Toby, she begins to wonder if joining the show is the best thing that has ever happened to her.In London, newspapers describe Nell as the eighth wonder of the world. Figurines are cast in her image, and crowds rush to watch her soar through the air. But what happens when her fame eclipses Jasper's own? And as she falls in love with Toby, can he detach himself from his past and the terrible secret that binds him to his brother?Trade ReviewA glittering follow-up to The Doll Factory . . . a mark of Macneal's subtlety and originality * Guardian *Elizabeth Macneal’s marvellous debut, The Doll Factory, was a bestselling success. This second book, beautifully written and filled with character and life, cements her reputation as a new talent * The Times *Elizabeth Macneal has done it again . . . Entrancing, tender, captivating. A marvel. I couldn’t put it down. -- Sara Collins, author of Costa First Novel Award winner The Confessions of Frannie LangtonWonderful . . . Glitters and gleams with the grimy stories of a travelling circus . . . Utterly beguiling * Daily Mail *An absolute triumph. Exquisitely written, intensely satisfying -- Stacey Halls, author of The FamiliarsSpectacular . . . A brilliantly involving story, vivid with the sights and sounds of Victorian England. A fantastic read * Daily Express *Dark but tender, evocative and compelling. I loved it -- Laura Shepherd-Robinson, author of Blood & SugarAn equally satisfying exploration of some of the odder corners of Victorian life . . . a novel that again highlights Macneal’s rich imagination and vivid prose * Sunday Times Ireland, Historical Fiction Book of the Month *A fantastical, absolutely immersive gem of a read * Red *Macneal’s complex characters allow her to question how society treats difference, the price of power and vanity, and the pursuit of self-determination. At turns dark, joyous, frightening and heartbreaking, Circus Of Wonders makes for an absorbing read * Independent *A tremendous read. Richly imagined, vividly rendered, each scene is like an old painting in which light gleams off the detail . . . The story is full-bodied and addictive from the outset, told with pace and verve but never compromising style . . . Circus of Wonders displays in abundance everything readers loved about The Doll Factory . . . an ambitious, enlightening novel -- Emma Stonex, author of The LamplightersDeliciously vivid . . . every bit as atmospheric as you’d expect . . . A hopeful story of a girl taking charge of her destiny * Woman & Home *Set in the same Victorian London as her stunning debut, The Doll Factory, Macneal's second novel is both thrilling and humane, bringing to life the brutal world of the freak show * Mail on Sunday *You can’t help but be drawn into the exciting and sometimes macabre world of the circus, with its colourful cast of characters * Good Housekeeping *Another seductive slice of Victorian noir * Sunday Times Scotland *Circus of Wonders is confident and beautifully written -- Sarah Vaughan, author of Anatomy of a ScandalA glittering, begrimed tale of love and self-determination flush with richly detailed prose. Sumptuous, macabre, enthralling; a perfect slice of Victoriana. -- Jane Healey, author of The Animals at Lockwood ManorElizabeth Macneal's novel is spectacular - a book of wonders! -- Alix Nathan, author of The Warlow ExperimentA beautifully told and immersive look at a complex dance between exploitation and empowerment, and the question of what it really means to have control over your own life. I adored its characters, I was utterly gripped throughout, and I loved having my eyes opened to the troubling yet fascinating world of Victorian circuses -- Naomi Ishiguro, author of Escape RoutesCircus of Wonders is a soaring, tumbling, whip-cracking book. Elizabeth Macneal has brought an extraordinary group of characters together in these pages; the result is a glittering world, a story as moving as it is deeply entertaining -- Daniel Mason, author of The Piano TunerExpansive and tender . . . it really pulls you into this fascinating world. -- Beth Underdown, author of The Witchfinder's SisterI loved The Doll Factory and I loved Circus Of Wonders just as much . . .An intriguing and beautifully written love story as well as an exploration of the journey from rejection to adoration . . . Elizabeth Macneal explores the nature of exploitation, pride and vanity through her vibrant and believable characters -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing GirlAt turns dark, joyous, frightening and heartbreaking, Circus of Wonders is an absorbing read * Sunday Life *A glittering, soaring, magical exploration of showmanship, voyeurism and storytelling, Circus of Wonders is also a wonderful, sumptuously-written love story. Visceral & cerebral. I loved it. -- Caroline Lea, author of The Glass WomanEngaging and enjoyable * Scotsman *I loved it. Circus of Wonders is a terrific successor to The Doll Factory. I adored the vibrant cast of characters - they are tenderly drawn yet dazzle off the page -- Rachel Hore, author of Last Letter HomeI was dazzled by it from beginning to end. What a fabulous, riveting, engrossing story! There's such a creepy undercurrent of dread and violence running just beneath the surface of everything she writes, yet there's humanity and kindness, a palpable love for Nell and the other circus performers that makes all the characters come to life -- Whitney Scharer, author of The Age of LightAn enjoyable and engrossing novel, which captivates from beginning to end * Historical Novel Society *The gritty glamour of the circus and the horrors of war. Macneal’s characters are finely drawn, their entwined stories playing out against the backdrop of the big top * Daily Mirror *Wonderful * Woman's Weekly *The author of The Doll Factory returns with more high Gothic Victoriana * i newspaper *Deliciously vivid . . . every bit as atmospheric as you'd expect * Woman's Own *The kaleidoscopic world of the Victorian circus, at once enchanting and grotesque, is vividly brought to life . . . a gripping tale * Northern Echo *Fantastic * Psychologies *Packed with atmosphere * Prima *Wonderful * My Weekly *I loved this story for its plot, its characters and its beautiful writing. The author engages all our senses to explore illusion versus reality, keeps us on a tightrope of emotions and presents us with a truly dazzling show * NFOP Magazine *A gripping exploration of fame, love, hope, friendship and whether we can ever own our own stories * New European *[Macneal's] great strength is in imagining vivid inner lives and narratives for people usually sidelined, who in the historical great-man theory merely provide delicacies and amusements for the rich * Catholic Herald *

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Book SynopsisFamily and friendship mean everything under the darkening skies of wartime Britain. The Spitfire Sisters is the third book in Margaret Dickinson's moving Maitland trilogy.It is the 1930s and the Maitland family have spent the years following the Great War struggling to come to terms with its catastrophic aftermath, and their hopes now lie with the next generation. Their Lincolnshire village of Doddington suffered terrible loss and it has taken great courage for the bereaved families to rebuild their lives without their loved ones.When war is declared again, it is Daisy Maitland and her peers who must now take up the fight for freedom. Feisty and a daredevil like her beloved Aunt Pips, who spent World War One on the front line serving with a flying ambulance corps, Daisy had persuaded a family friend to teach her to fly as a young woman. Now her country is at war, she is determined to put her skills to good use, enlisting in the Air Transport Auxiliary. There she forges new friendships – but she never forgets her childhood friend and cousin, Luke, who has joined the RAF as a fighter pilot.As war rages in the skies and on the ground, Daisy, her friends and her family – at home and across the Channel – will find their bravery and strength tested to the very limits in their determination to save their country. And they have learned one of the most valuable lessons of all: true love will find a way.Trade ReviewQueen of Saga * Daily Express *Another page-turner with warm characters and an enthralling plot (Daughters of Courage) * My Weekly *With instantly likeable characters and a thoroughly engrossing story, you’ll be gripped from the very first page (The Buffer Girls) * Sunday Express *A gripping saga full of heart-rending drama (The Clippie Girls) * Yours *

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Librarian of Auschwitz, Antonio Iturbe, comes a captivating historical novel based on a true story – the extraordinary life and mysterious death of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince. (Now in its 80th Anniversary year!)Flying. Love. War. For some men everything is an adventure . . .All Antoine de Saint Exupéry wants to do is be a pilot. But flying is a dangerous dream and one that sets him at odds with his aristocratic background and the woman he loves. Despite attempts to keep him grounded, Antoine is determined to venture forwards into the unknown. Together with his friends, Jean and Henri, he will pioneer new mail routes across the globe and help change the future of aviation. In the midst of his adventures, Antoine also begins to weave a children's story that is destined to touch the lives of millions of readers around the world. A story called The Little Prince . . .Fame and fortune may have finally found Antoine, but as the shadow of war begins to threaten Europe, he's left to wonder whether his greatest adventure is yet to come . . .Translated by Lilit Žekulin Thwaites, The Prince of the Skies is a moving tale of love and friendship, war and heroism, and the power of the written word.Praise for The Prince of the Skies:'I adored the character of Antoine' - Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife'What a beautiful, thought-provoking read' - Jennifer Ryan author of The Chilbury's Ladies Choir and The Kitchen FrontTrade ReviewThe famed writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry may be the title character in Antonio Iturbe’s The Prince of the Skies but his camaraderie with two other pioneering French pilots is what gets this novel airborne. That and its celebration of the sheer joy of flying…What you remember, though, even as fate catches up with Saint-Exupéry and his comrades, is the exhilaration they’ve known in the time they’ve spent aloft. * New York Times *I adored the character of Antoine, a man who is ingenious when flying a plane and an idiot when it comes to love. The descriptions of the life-and-death scrapes he and his aviator colleagues get into are gripping, and there’s a vivid sense of the sheer thrill of flying. It’s spellbinding! -- Gill Paul, Bestselling author of The Secret WifeThe language is mesmerizing, so lyrical and poetic. What a beautiful, thought-provoking read. -- Jennifer Ryan, bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir and The Kitchen FrontIturbe exuberantly tells the story of author Antoine de Saint-Exupery and his passion for flying, poetry, and beautiful women. The author does a wonderful job of dramatizing how exhilarating and dangerous the early years of civil aviation were for a handful of bold and intrepid pilots. He also recreates in sparking fashion interwar French society. Saint-Ex, his colleagues, and their loves come to life in a novel that would do the author of The Little Prince proud. * Publishers Weekly Starred Review *Like Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, it’s a sophisticated novel with mature themes, delivering an emotionally searing reading experience. An important novel that will stand with other powerful testaments from the Holocaust era -- Booklist on The Librarian of AuschwitzNo punches are pulled about the unimaginable atrocity of the death camps, a life-affirming history -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review on The Librarian of AuschwitzOnce read, will never be forgotten . . . A hauntingly authentic Holocaust retelling -- School Library Journal on The Librarian of Auschwitz

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Book SynopsisJane Austen gave life to the fictional Watson family in 1803, but sadly abandoned them five chapters in. Acclaimed author Joan Aiken completes their story in her ingenious novel, Emma Watson.Emma Watson has been brought up by her aunt in a wealthy and refined household, an educated lifestyle far removed from her widowed father and five siblings. So when her aunt enters into an imprudent second marriage, nineteen-year-old Emma is sent back home – and must join her sisters in their pursuit of a husband . . .Aiken, author of The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, takes on the fate of Austen’s characters with confidence and skill, flawlessly entwining themes of loss and love together in this stunning regency pastiche.‘Joan Aiken’s invention seemed inexhaustible, her high spirits a blessing, her sheer storytelling zest a phenomenon. She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for many years to come’ – Philip PullmanTrade ReviewJoan Aiken’s invention seemed inexhaustible, her high spirits a blessing, her sheer storytelling zest a phenomenon. She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for many years to come -- Philip Pullman, author of the His Dark Materials seriesAiken displays a lively turn of invention, not to mention assiduous research into her period . . . undoubtedly entertaining, a pretty, lively, amusing little pastiche -- Jane Shilling * Sunday Telegraph *Her sense of time and place is impeccable. Others may try but nobody comes close to Aiken in writing Jane Austen sequels * Publishers Weekly *Aiken forces us to see what Austen made her own heroines see: themselves from another perspective -- Lizzie Skurnick * New York Times Book Review *Shows a confident hand in reworking the various plots and philosophies for which Jane Austen is so admired -- Sarah Francis * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisFrom the acclaimed author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir and The Kitchen Front, Jennifer Ryan, comes a novel inspired by true events in the Second World War.After renowned London fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. She arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business from a quaint country village.Her niece, Violet, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay – the village has been interminably dull with all the men off fighting. Meanwhile, the local vicar’s daughter, Grace Carlisle, is trying in vain to repair her mother’s gown, her only chance of a white wedding. When Cressida Westcott appears at the local sewing circle meeting, Grace asks for her help – but Cressida has much more to teach the ladies than just simple sewing skills.Before long, Cressida’s spirit and ambition galvanizes the village group into action, and they find themselves mending wedding dresses not only for local brides, but for brides across the country. And as the women dedicate themselves to helping others celebrate love, they might even manage to find it for themselves . . .The Great British Sewing Bee meets the Second World War in this warm, charming and nostalgic novel The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle.Trade ReviewJennifer Ryan’s wonderful ability to weave an atmospheric, wise and warm story makes The Kitchen Front entirely comforting and unputdownable. Like The Great British Bake Off set in World War Two, with redoubtable heroines you’ll cheer for, The Kitchen Front is an enchanting hug of a novel written with Jennifer Ryan’s usual skill -- Cathy Kelly on The Kitchen FrontWhat a dream of a book! Absolute perfection! Nostalgia, rivalry, friendship and fun – a real treat. Beautifully detailed – you will be right there with a cast of vivid characters, cooking their way to a new life. You will love it -- Veronica Henry on The Kitchen FrontA gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship -- Jill Mansell on The Kitchen FrontA delight! Jennifer Ryan cooks up a fresh take on the popularity of World War Two fiction and brings the battle into the heart of the wartime home. A charming blend of intriguing characters and a high-stakes cookery competition, served with the perfect amount of pathos and humour. Deserving of a historical Hollywood handshake! -- Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author of The Bird in the Bamboo Cage, on The Kitchen FrontEvocative, nostalgic and comforting with a wonderful story of female friendship. A delight -- Alex Brown, author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage, on The Kitchen FrontDelightful -- People magazine on The Chilbury Ladies’ ChoirDelightful . . . it manages to be sad and funny, exciting and heartwarming, all at the same time. Quite an achievement -- Barbara Erskine on The Chilbury Ladies’ ChoirThe writing glows with emotional intelligence. This atmospheric debut, based on the author’s own family history, had me sniffing copiously -- Daily Mail on The Chilbury Ladies’ ChoirI thoroughly enjoyed this novel . . . both fascinating and informative -- Jill Mansell, author of Should I Tell You?

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Book SynopsisA NYT bestselling author kicks off a new Regency series of "irresistible romance and a family of delightful scoundrels" as a woman looking to recover a stolen painting accidentally kidnaps a duke instead. (Eloisa James)Chloe Wynchester is completely forgettable -- a curse that gives her the ability to blend into any crowd. When the only father she's ever known makes a dying wish for his adopted family of orphans to recover a missing painting, she's the first one her siblings turn to for stealing it back. No one expects that in doing so, she'll also abduct a handsome duke.Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, is tortured by his father's mistakes. To repair his estate's ruined reputation, he must wed a highborn heiress. Yet when he finds himself in a carriage being driven hell-for-leather down the cobblestone streets of London by a beautiful woman who refuses to heed his commands, he fears his heart is hers. But how can he sacrifice his family's legacy to follow true love?"Erica Ridley is a delight!" --Julia Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series

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Book SynopsisA fun and feminist Regency romp from a master of the genre hailed as "a delight" by Bridgerton author Julia Quinn.Nothing happens in London without Graham Wynchester knowing. His massive collection of intelligence is invaluable to his family's mission of aiding those most in need. So when he deciphers a series of coded messages in the scandal sheets, Graham's convinced he must come to a royal's rescue. But his quarry turns out not to be a princess at all... The captivating Kunigunde de Heusch is anything but a damsel in distress, and the last thing she wants is Graham's help.All her life, Kuni trained alongside the fiercest Royal Guardsmen in her family, secretly planning to become her country's first Royal Guardswoman. This mission in London is a chance to prove herself worthy without help from a man, not even one as devilishly handsome as Graham. To her surprise, Graham believes in her dream as much as she does, which makes it harder to resist kissing him...and falling in love. But how can she risk her heart if her future lies an ocean away?

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Book SynopsisIn this moving, emotional narrative of love and resilience, a young couple confronts the start of Argentina's Dirty War in the 1970s, and a daughter searches for truth twenty years later.New York, 1998. Santiago Larrea, a wealthy Argentine diplomat, is holding court alongside his wife, Lila, and their daughter, Paloma, a college student and budding jewelry designer, at their annual summer polo match and soiree. All seems perfect in the Larreas’ world—until an unexpected party guest from Santiago's university days shakes his usually unflappable demeanor. The woman's cryptic comments spark Paloma’s curiosity about her father’s past, of which she knows little. When the family travels to Buenos Aires for Santiago's UN ambassadorial appointment, Paloma is determined to learn more about his life in the years leading up to the military dictatorship of 1976. With the help of a local university student, Franco Bonetti, an activist member of H.I.J.O.S.—a group whose members are the children of the desaparecidos, or the “disappeared,” men and women who were forcibly disappeared by the state during Argentina’s “Dirty War”—Paloma unleashes a chain of events that not only leads her to question her family and her identity, but also puts her life in danger.In compelling fashion, On a Night of a Thousand Stars speaks to relationships, morality, and identity during a brutal period in Argentinian history, and the understanding—and redemption—people crave in the face of tragedy.Includes a Reading Group Guide.

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