Historical romance

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Book SynopsisA FAMILIAR FOE. A BATTLE FOR THE HEART OF A COUNTRY AT WAR WITH ITSELF.South Africa, 1899 - the smouldering hostility between the Boers of the Transvaal and Orange Free State and the British colonies of the Cape and Natal is about to burst into flame. War is coming and no one can prevent it. Colonel Penrod Ballantyne, hero of Abu Klea and Omdurman, is sent to Mafeking, 'the place of stones', to recruit and train men for the fighting ahead. Amber, his wife, the successful novelist, accompanies him - eager to see more of the country her husband is about to risk his life for. But when war is declared, Amber must flee with their baby son and pray for her husband's survival against impossible odds.Eight hundred miles to the south, in Cape Town, Ryder Courtney - adventurer, maverick, industrialist - is using his wealth and connections to bankroll the British war effort. His artist wife Saffron, frustrated by stuffy Cairo society, has joined him with thei

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller ‘Brutal yet beautiful, heartfelt yet harrowing, this is one compulsive read’ Susan Stokes-Chapman Amara has escaped her life as a slave in Pompeii’s most notorious brothel. She now has a house, fine clothes, servants – but all are gifts from her patron, hers for as long as she keeps her place in his affections. As she adjusts to this new life, Amara is still haunted by her past. At night she dreams of the wolf den, and the women she left behind. By day, she is pursued by her former slavemaster. In order to be truly free, Amara will need to be as ruthless as he is. She knows she can draw strength from Venus, the goddess of love. Yet falling in love herself may prove to be Amara’s downfall. Praise for The House with the Golden Door: 'Beautiful, moving, captivating... A brilliant sequel to The Wolf Den' Jennifer Saint 'Vivid, unsentimental and compelling' The Times '[A] gripping sequel... Harper's recreation of this ancient world continues to thrill' Observer 'Gripping and richly imagined, this is spellbinding storytelling' Louise O'Neill 'A spell-binding novel that brings Pompeii back to life and explores enslavement in all its forms' Anna Mazzola 'Absolutely stunning and utterly gripping!' Buki PapillonTrade ReviewSo beautiful, moving, captivating and thrilling. The House with the Golden Door is a brilliant sequel to The Wolf Den -- Jennifer Saint, author of AriadneVivid, unsentimental and compelling * The Times *Vivid, gripping, and richly imagined, this is spellbinding storytelling -- Louise O'Neill[A] gripping sequel... Harper's recreation of this ancient world continues to thrill * Observer *A gripping and spell-binding novel that brings Pompeii back to life and explores enslavement in all its forms -- Anna MazzolaAbsolutely stunning and utterly gripping! -- Buki PapillonRichly evocative, and reeling with drama and the determined passion and conflicts of its unforgettable heroine, this is historical fiction at its most thrillingly entertaining * LoveReading *Beautifully written with great heart... Addictive reading * NB Magazine *Meticulously researched, it's another brilliant look at the inhabitants of this fascinating ancient city * Woman & Home *Ancient Pompeii comes to life in the second installment in Elodie Harper's Wolf Den trilogy... with Harper's clear prose and modern dialogue * Historical Novel Society *

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Book SynopsisEscape to the French chateau in this gripping, sweeping tale of love, lies and divided loyalties. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore and Lucinda Riley._________________________________________________________________ONE FAMILYGENERATIONS OF SECRETSIT'S TIME TO ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU . . .Elise is a true daughter of the chateau. She'd die before anything happened to Sainte Madeleine even if it means betraying her own family.Alexandre, Elise's brother, is destined to inherit yet a dangerous rift with their father puts his future, and the chateau, in jeopardy.And for distant cousin Laurent, his life-long love for Elise will always call him back to Sainte Madeleine.But the peace of Europe rests on a knife-edge, and history has bigger plans than them all. Through love and war, danger and deceit, can the chateau and the Salignac family weather the storm?Readers are getting swept away by Sainte Madeleine:It is perfect escapism' Netgalley reviewerA beautiful love story that captures your Trade Review‘Fabulous escapism, full of secrets & scandalous behaviour. Big and sweeping, it transported me to France, Greece, California… A pacy riot of a saga’ Tracy Rees More praise for Tilly Bagshawe’s escapist and glamorous novels: ‘A cut above the rest… Pure, unadulterated escapism’ Fabulous ‘Fast-paced, fun and thoroughly entertaining’ Daily Mail ‘If you like your fiction with a large helping of glamour and scandal, this is a gem’ Prima

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Book SynopsisA sweeping fantasy romance inspired by the Ottoman Empire, A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland is perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and The Goblin Emperor.‘A delicious tangle of romance, fealty and dangerous politics’ – Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine ThroneOne false coin could topple an empire.Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, has no intention of wrestling for imperial control with his sister, the queen. Yet he remains at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court – the father of the queen’s new child. Then a hunting party goes terribly awry, and Kadou finds himself under suspicion of attempted murder.To prove his loyalty to his sister and salvage his reputation, Kadou takes responsibility for the investigation of a break-in at one of their guilds. He enlists the help of his newly appointed bodyguard, the coldly handsome Evemer, who seems to tolerate him at best. But what appears to be a straightforward crime spirals into a complex counterfeiting operation, with a powerful enemy at its heart.In Arasht, where princes can touch-taste precious metals with their fingers and myth runs side by side with history, counterfeiting is heresy. The conspiracy they discover could cripple the kingdom’s financial standing – and bring about its ruin.‘As indulgent and satisfying as your favourite fanfiction’ – Tessa Gratton, author of The Queens of Innis LearTrade ReviewA delicious tangle of romance, fealty and dangerous politics -- Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine ThroneA Taste of Gold and Iron is a slow-burn romance flush with sexy, complicated relationships, founded on the ethics of duty and love. As indulgent and satisfying as your favourite fan fiction -- Tessa Gratton, author of The Queen of Innis LearWitty, clever, and often extremely funny, Rowland's tale of a prince who doesn't want power but has it anyway – and must survive all the risks that brings with it – somehow manages to be both soft and hard-edged, clever and kind. And sexy! Very much that too -- Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of KingsThis book gleams and sparkles with emotion and sensory detail, showcasing the richness of Rowland's created world. It's a hugely satisfying blend of economic intrigue, vivid characters, and slow-burn romance – and it's also, frequently, funny as hell -- Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous LightAlexandra Rowland delivers again – an engaging story in a complex, intricately rendered world full of deeply human, sensitively drawn characters -- Rowenna Miller, author of TornIn exploring what monarchs owe their people, and what individuals owe each other, this achingly tender fantasy wows -- Publishers Weekly starred reviewRowland's latest continues to showcase their captivating prose, immersive details, and complicated characters -- Library Journal starred reviewAn engaging fantasy/romance set in a large, lush, and inclusive world -- Kirkus starred reviewThe slow-burn romance between them is beautifully done and adds a thrilling element to the story that readers will savor -- Booklist[F]or readers who enjoy forced proximity and bodyguard romances, A Taste of Gold and Iron offers both, wrapped in a delightful package of espionage and royal duty . . . Rowland also impresses in their nuanced depiction of anxiety -- BookpageThis slow-burn romantic fantasy with a heavy dose of political intrigue is rich in world-building and emotional angst . . . A queernormative fantasy world -- Buzzfeed

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Book SynopsisA devastating and pulse-pounding tale that will feel all-too-relevant in today''s world, based on a true story from Korean history.Hope is dangerous. Love is deadly. 1506, Joseon. The people suffer under the cruel reign of the tyrant King Yeonsan, powerless to stop him from commandeering their land for his recreational use, banning and burning books, and kidnapping and horrifically abusing women and girls as his personal playthings.Seventeen-year-old Iseul has lived a sheltered, privileged life despite the kingdom''s turmoil. When her older sister, Suyeon, becomes the king''s latest prey, Iseul leaves the relative safety of her village, traveling through forbidden territory to reach the capital in hopes of stealing her sister back. But she soon discovers the king''s power is absolute, and to challenge his rule is to court certain death. Prince Daehyun has lived his whole life in the terrifying shadow of his despicable half-brother, the king. Forced to watch King Yeonsan flaunt his predation through executions and rampant abuse of the common folk, Daehyun aches to find a way to dethrone his half-brother once and for all. When staging a coup, failure is fatal, and he''ll need help to pull it off-but there''s no way to know who he can trust.When Iseul''s and Daehyun''s fates collide, their contempt for each other is transcended only by their mutual hate for the king. Armed with Iseul''s family connections and Daehyun''s royal access, they reluctantly join forces to launch the riskiest gamble the kingdom has ever seen:Save her sister. Free the people. Destroy a tyrant. ''June Hur reigns supreme in making the past come alive.'' CHLOE GONG''Gripping and devastating.'' ANN LIANG ''There were literally moments in this book where I forgot to breathe.'' ELLEN OH

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize'Wildly seductive' Sarah Waters - 'Exquisite' New York Times - 'Deeply enjoyable' Daily TelegraphBlanca has been dead for a few centuries when she falls in love – instantly and devotedly – with celebrated novelist George Sand. George is unlike anyone Blanca has encountered in hundreds of years of haunting: a woman dressed in men’s clothes, a ferocious writer, a passionate lover of men and women alike and an ambivalent mother.It is 1838, and George has come to the island of Mallorca with her ailing lover, Frédéric Chopin. As the weather and the locals turn against this strange couple, can the love of a teenage ghost keep them from disaster?Briefly, A Delicious Life is a story about breaking convention, and about love – yearning, secret, forbidden, unrequited.'Dazzling' Melissa Broder, author of The Pisces and Milk Fed‘A luscious, multi-sensory bewitchment of a book’ Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies‘A shining work of art’ Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory'Electrifyingly beautiful, exhilaratingly clever . . . sensual, original, intelligent and brimming with love' Imogen Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock‘Hugely accomplished’ The Guardian‘A playful, otherworldly debut’ StylistTrade ReviewA luscious, multi-sensory bewitchment of a book - Stevens’ writing rings with wit and surprise -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Sunday Times bestselling author of The MerciesI found myself floored by the astonishing freshness of this historical novel . . . A shining work of art, but so deftfully, gracefully done, that it was a struggle to stop myself from turning the pages. Nell Stevens is an original, whose touch is as deft as it is masterful -- Elizabeth Macneal, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Doll FactoryStevens is brilliant at describing desire * Guardian *Deeply enjoyable, guileful * Telegraph *A voluptuous delight . . . Like the best historical fiction it is playfully disingenuous . . . the whole book is radiant with life * Financial Times *Truly original . . . brilliant * The Herald *Nell Stevens’s hugely accomplished debut novel evokes a sense both of place and time with a confidence that augurs well for her future career . . . The book is attuned to both contemporary and timeless concerns and grips throughout * Guardian *A teenage ghost falls in love with a writer who doesn’t know she exists in this playful, otherworldly debut novel * Stylist *Electrifyingly beautiful, exhilaratingly clever . . . categorically the most gorgeous first novel I've read in years. It's rare that I come across historical fiction so sensual, so original, so intelligent, and so brimming with love -- Imogen Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs HancockA gorgeous, wildly seductive novel, shimmering with intelligence, humour and joy. I adored this book. -- Sarah Waters, author of Fingersmith and The Paying GuestsA haunting, dazzling tale of all the good stuff: love, sex, music, literature, death, and what happens after. Nell Stevens is a beautiful writer. -- Melissa Broder, author of The Pisces and Milk Fed A heady yet poignant story about a queer ghost who falls in love * Vogue *This deeply wild debut follows the unconventional love triangle that unfolds between real-life French novelist George Sand, her lover Frédéric Chopin, and the teenage ghost who died over 400 years earlier and pines after George from afar. * Cosmopolitan, Best Summer Reads 2022 *An interesting and absorbing read . . . Highly recommended * Times of Tunbridge Wells *Tantalising . . . Stevens is convincing in her portrayal of the haunting nature of desire past and present * Literary Review *There are biographies, and there are novels fictionalising real characters, imagining what might happen 'if'. This one is truly original, as it is a brilliant mix of both . . . Blanca may be a ghost, but her feelings are very real, as are the sights, sounds, smells, and dramas which envelop Sand, Chopin and their family, as they struggle for acceptance, creative freedom and, at times, survival * i *A novel of tremulous beauty, sly wit and deep understanding, Briefly, A Delicious Life is an addictive, sunlit delight -- Stuart Evers, author of The Blind LightA luminous, beguiling exploration of creativity and love -- Alice Albinia, author of CWENThis delightfully weird story of loss, longing and love just begs to fill a rainy afternoon. * Good Housekeeping (USA) *Stevens’ prose is by turns languid and visceral . . . An entrancing and singular exploration of a fascinating historical footnote and a queer life after death. -- Kirkus (starred review)We know we are curious about the dead but imagine a life lived so vibrantly as to make the dead curious about us. Nell Stevens brings a reader into the strange and brilliant artistic exile of George Sand, writing this tender story with tremendous heart and daring. Here, reader, are the low-lying truths of love, art and time -- Samantha Hunt, author of The Dark DarkStevens' writing is beautiful and evocative of the Majorcan landscape as she slowly develops the arc of Sand and Chopin's affair and elucidates Blanca's life spent in tantalizing anticipation . . . this is a winner with appeal beyond historical fiction readers * Booklist *A haunting (in all senses of the word) and evocative magical realist account of creativity and gender, sexuality and inspiration, a ghost story both gothic and beautiful * The Millions *

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Book Synopsis'An enjoyable page-turning saga with characters that leap off the page!' AnneMarie BrearCan Edie find the courage to choose her own future?June 1914. Edie Moore is a Governess for Lord and Lady Moreland, living in comfort at the grand Downland House in Sussex. But, wanting more from life, she flees in secret to Littlehampton, the place where she spent many idyllic childhood holidays.Desperate for work, Edie begins working as a chambermaid at the prestigious Beach Hotel, even if the menial tasks are a far cry from her previous job.While the days are long and gruelling, Edie works hard and soon is in favour with Helen Bygrove, the manager’s wife, who sees that Edie is destined for bigger things – which leads to tension with some of the other chambermaids.But as she navigates her new life and finds friendship with fellow maid Lili Probert, she also grows closer to charming, cheerful porter, Charlie Cobbett, and finally finds the happiness she has been searching for. However, what none of her new friends know is that Edie is hiding a secret from her past, one that would change the way they view her, forever. When the truth comes out, will Edie be able to keep her new life and remain in the place she loves so much?A captivating, romantic and moving World War 1 saga that fans of Elaine Roberts and Pam Howes won’t be able to put down. Readers are falling in love with A New Start at the Beach Hotel:‘Brilliant storyline, brilliant book. Couldn’t put it down. Family saga at its best’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Well, what a start to a new series! Full of intrigue and subterfuge, no one is who they at first appear. There are many secrets to be uncovered…I loved this book, even when I got to the end as I felt safe in the knowledge that there would be another to follow’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Charming … I was very invested in the story … and this book felt like an escape …The story was heartwarming, and I would like to read the sequel…’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I loved this enchanting read … could not put it down…’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Having enjoyed this author's previous series, I was looking forward to this new one … the mystery … slowly unravelled to satisfying conclusions. … I look forward to book two.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m pleased to learn that there will be another book later this year… There are some great characters… I’m glad there is more to come from the Beach Hotel…’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisMaggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. She faces a difficult journey to discover her true self, while drawn to three worthy gentlemen, before she must choose one life to keep and the rest to lose.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A spooky gothic romance with impeccable vibes. I loved this!” — Erin Sterling, New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Hex and The Kiss Curse "A Dreadful Splendor is a delightful mix of gothic, mystery, and romance. Con artist heroine Genevieve is a memorable addition to literature's gallery of charming rogues. I had such fun reading this book." — Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Not Your Average Hot Guy “This gem of a book sparkles with wit and originality. . . . There is no shortage of tricks and feints in this excellent novel and Genevieve is a delightful character.” — The Globe and Mail "An intriguing whodunit . . . Myers nicely couples an unlikely and unethical sleuth with an atmospheric puzzle. Fans of roguish investigators will be delighted." — Publishers Weekly "Remember Penny Dreadful with Eva Green? Me too, and this book promises to fill the Victorian-era-séance-shaped void the show left in my heart. It’s also bound to satisfy fans of other amateur Victorian sleuths, like in A Curious Beginning, with the added bonus of Genevieve’s roguish ways — which obviously only make the journey more fun." — Book Riot, The Best Books Out this Week "A perfectly splendid novel . . . It can be easily read and relished by anyone ages twelve and up, as it is devoid of both crude language and explicit sex scenes. It is an attention grabbing, vividly imagined, suspenseful Victorian gothic mystery romance which this reader found impossible to put down! . . . The writing is fresh, original, full of surprises and features a captivating heroine in Genevieve Timmons. It’s a gem!" — Booktrib "A page-turner . . . combining mystery, romance and spiritualism in a Victorian London setting full of secrets and seances." — Saltwire (Halifax, Canada) “Breathtaking, puzzling and spine-chilling all at once. A spectacular, haunting mystery with a touch of romance and twists galore. Absolutely brilliant!” — T.A. Willberg, author of the Marion Lane Mysteries "Thrilling, atmospheric and propulsive, with healthy doses of heart and humor thrown in for good measure, A Dreadful Splendor is a cleverly crafted mystery with an irrepressible heroine you won’t soon forget. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book!" — Tom Ryan, International Thriller Award-winning author of Keep This to Yourself "Delicious double crosses, a haunted estate, and a heroine who might just lose her heart — if she can keep her neck out of the hangman's noose. A Dreadful Splendor will keep readers guessing." — Kathleen Peacock, author of You Were Never Here "An enjoyable interpretation of an old favorite." — Publishers Weekly on Rogue Princess "Fun and imaginative." — School Library Journal on Rogue Princess "Delightful . . . a unique and fun retelling that I won't forget." — The Nerd Daily on Rogue Princess "What's not to love? . . . A swoonworthy read." — Booklist on Rogue Princess

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Book SynopsisThe Paris Secret is an unforgettable story about the lengths people go to protect one another, and a love that, despite everything, lasts a lifetime. Perfect for fans of Kate Furnivall, Lucinda Riley and Kate Morton.Trade ReviewAn emotional and sweeping tale... Rich detail, compelling characters, and an interwoven dual timeline make this an engrossing read for historical fiction fans -- Chanel Cleeton (bestselling author of Next Year in Havana) * on The French Photographer *A splendid, breathtaking novel, full of mystery and passion...a must read! -- Jeanne Mackin * on The French Photographer *Lester has often been compared to author Kate Morton but with this novel, Lester's fourth, she has come into her own -- The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) * on The French Photographer *A fascinating and impeccably researched evocation of the New York fashion world during World War Two... and some divine-sounding dresses! -- Gill Paul * on The Paris Seamstress *A fantastically engrossing story. I loved it. -- Kelly Rimmer * on The Paris Seamstress *This rich, memorable novel unfolds beautifully from start to finish. -- Publishers Weekly * on The Paris Seamstress *An enchanting read. * Woman’s Weekly *

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Book SynopsisBY THE WINNER OF THE 2021 NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2021 ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL FICTION LONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 WALTER SCOTT PRIZE ‘Riveting and heartbreaking ... A compelling novel, one that gathers close all those who were meant to be forgotten, and refuses their erasure’ Maaza Mengiste, Guardian ‘A brilliant and important book for our times, by a wondrous writer’ Philippe Sands, New Statesman, Books of the Year _______________ While he was still a little boy, Ilyas was stolen from his parents by the German colonial troops. After years away, fighting in a war against his own people, he returns to his village to find his parents gone, and his sister Afiya given away. Another young man returns at the same time. Hamza was not stolen for the war, but sold into it; he has grown up at the right hand of an officer whose protection has marked him life. With nothing but the clothes on his back, he seeks only work and security – and the love of the beautiful Afiya. As fate knots these young people together, as they live and work and fall in love, the shadow of a new war on another continent lengthens and darkens, ready to snatch them up and carry them away… _______________ ‘One of the world’s most prominent postcolonial writers … He has consistently and with great compassion penetrated the effects of colonialism in East Africa and its effects on the lives of uprooted and migrating individuals’ Anders Olsson, chairman of the Nobel Committee ‘In book after book, he guides us through seismic historic moments and devastating societal ruptures while gently outlining what it is that keeps those families, friendships and loving spaces intact, if not fully whole’ Maaza Mengiste ‘Rarely in a lifetime can you open a book and find that reading it encapsulates the enchanting qualities of a love affair ... One scarcely dares breathe while reading it for fear of breaking the enchantment’ The TimesTrade ReviewAn aural archive of a lost Africa ... alive with the unexpected. In it, an obliterated world is enthrallingly retrieved * Sunday Times *From the first assured pages of Afterlives, a book of quiet beauty and tragedy, it is clear one is in the hands of a master storyteller * Financial Times *A tender account of the extraordinariness of ordinary lives, Afterlives combines entrancing storytelling with writing whose exquisite emotional precision confirms Gurnah’s place among the outstanding stylists of modern English prose. Like its predecessors, this is a novel that demands to be read and reread, for its humour, generosity of spirit and clear-sighted vision of the infinite contradictions of human nature * Evening Standard *Riveting and heartbreaking ... A compelling novel, one that gathers close all those who were meant to be forgotten, and refuses their erasure. -- Maaza Mengiste * Guardian *In clean, measured prose, Gurnah zooms in on individual acts of violence ... and unexpected acts of kindness. Affecting in its ordinariness, Afterlives is a compelling exploration of the urge to find places of sanctuary * Daily Telegraph *A remarkable novel, by a wondrous writer, deeply compelling, a thread that links our humanity with the colonial legacy that lies beneath, in ways that cut deep -- Philippe SandsTo read Afterlives is to be returned to the joy of storytelling as Abdulrazak Gurnah takes us to the place where imagined lives collide with history. In prose as clear and as rhythmic as the waters of the Indian Ocean, the story of Hamza and Afiya is one of simple lives buffeted by colonial ambitions, of the courage it takes to endure, to hold oneself with dignity, and to live with hope in the heart -- Aminatta FornaEffortlessly compelling storytelling ... Gurnah excels at depicting the lives of those made small by cruelty and injustice ... A beautiful, cruel world of bittersweet encounters and pockets of compassion, twists of fate and fluctuating fortunes ... You forget that you are reading fiction, it feels so real -- Leila AboulelaGurnah is a master storyteller -- Aminatta Forna * Financial Times *As beautifully written and pleasurable as anything I've read ... The work of a maestro * Guardian *Rarely in a lifetime can you open a book and find that reading it encapsulates the enchanting qualities of a love affair ... one scarcely dares breathe while reading it for fear of breaking the enchantment * The Times *Many layered, violent, beautiful and strange ... a poetic and vividly conjured book about Africa and the brooding power of the unknown * Independent on Sunday *A powerfully evocative oeuvre that keeps coming back to the same questions, in spare, graceful prose, about the ties that bind and the ties that fray * Daily Telegraph *A vibrant and vivid novel which shows human beings in all their generosity and greed, pettiness and nobility, so that even minor characters seem capable of carrying entire novels all by themselves * Herald *Abdulrazak Gurnah is a master of his craft ... An intricate, delicate novel, vitally necessary * New Internationalist *

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Book SynopsisFrom Sunday Times bestseller Anne O'Brien . . .To those around her she was a loyal subject. In her heart she was a traitor.1399: England's crown is under threat. King Richard II holds onto his power by an ever-weakening thread, with exiled Henry of Lancaster back to reclaim his place on the throne.For Elizabeth Mortimer, there is only one rightful King her eight-year-old nephew, Edmund. Only he can guarantee her fortunes, and protect her family's rule over the precious Northern lands bordering Scotland.But many, including Elizabeth's husband, do not want another child-King. Elizabeth must hide her true ambitions in Court, and go against her husband's wishes to help build a rebel army.To question her loyalty to the King places Elizabeth in the shadow of the axe.To concede would curdle her Plantagenet blood.This is one woman's quest to turn history on its head.O'Brien is now approaching Philippa Gregory status' Reader's DigestO'Brien is a terrific storyteller' Daily TelegraphO'Brien cleTrade Review Praise for Queen of the North: ‘Once more Anne O’Brien takes her readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride through the lives of people that history has largely reduced to entries on a medieval family tree. In this gripping novel Elizabeth Mortimer’s story joins the growing list of female lives Anne has gloriously rescued from history’s recycling skip’ Joanna Hickson ‘Enthralling … with masterful skill Anne O'Brien takes the reader on an action packed journey back to the tumultuous and uncertain days of the fifteenth century. O'Brien's beautifully crafted narrative is full of wonderful details and dangerous intrigues that draw the reader into the dangerous world of Elizabeth Mortimer. A medieval masterpiece.’ Nicola Tallis ‘With Anne O’Brien’s trademark attention to period detail, it’s a fascinating read’ Woman’s Weekly ‘Imaginative, rich in detail and immaculately researched’ Lancashire Post Praise for Anne O’Brien ‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale’The Times ‘A cracking historical novel.’Good Housekeeping ‘O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’Daily Telegraph ‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.’Woman & Home ‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history, The Queen’s Choice is the perfect reading choice for the long winter nights.’The Press Association ‘A gripping historical drama.’Bella

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Book SynopsisTHE COMPELLING NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER PHILIPPA GREGORYThe tale of one woman's ambitious ascent to royalty during the Wars of the Roses and the unsolved mystery around her sons' imprisonment in the Tower The first in a stunning series, The Cousins' War, is set amid the tumult and intrigue of The War of the Roses. Internationally bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings this family drama to colourful life through its women, beginning with the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.The White Queen tells the story of a common woman who ascends to royalty by virtue of her beauty, a woman who rises to the demands of her position and fights tenaciously for the success of her family, a woman whose two sons become the central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the Princes in the Tower whose fate remains unknown to this day. From her uniquely qualified

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Book SynopsisLord Rannulf Bedwyn is a hard man to resist. To Judith Law, Rannulf is simply a dream come true, a heroic stranger with whom she will allow herself one night of reckless passion before she must settle for the dreary life of companion to her wealthy aunt. However, a shock is in store for her when that same stranger arrives at Harewood Grange to woo her cousin. Judith holds firm against Rannulf''s advances, both honourable and otherwise. But then scandal rocks the household and threatens her name and her very liberty, and it is Rannulf who rides to her rescue. But can true love grow out of something ever so slightly wicked?Trade ReviewSympathetic characters and scalding sexual tension make the second installment in Balogh's Regency-era Bedwyn family series a truly engrossing read * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *

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Book SynopsisIf you love Bridgerton, you''ll love Georgette Heyer!''The greatest writer who ever lived'' Antonia Fraser''Once you step into her world, you won''t look back.'' Katie Fforde''If you haven''t ready Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!'' Harriet Evans_________A veteran campaigner at the age of twenty-five, Brigade-Major Harry Smith is reputed to be the luckiest man in Lord Wellington''s army.But at the siege of Badajos, his friends foretell the ruin of his career. For when Harry meets the defenceless Juana, he falls instantly in love.With the selfsame ardour he so frequently displays in battle, Harry dives happily into marriage. In his beautiful young bride, he finds a kindred spirit: bold and courageous, she is his perfect match.But for Juana, who chooses to accompany her new husband''s army, a long, perilous year of war must follow ..._________Readers lovTrade ReviewGeorgette Heyer is unbeatable -- India KnightMy favourite historical novelist - stylish, romantic, sharp, and witty. Her sense of period is superb, her heroines are enterprising, and her heroes dashing. I owe her many happy hours -- Margaret DrabbleA writer of great wit and style . . . I've read her books to ragged shreds -- Kate Fenton * Daily Telegraph *Sparkling * The Independent *

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.I pay very little regardto what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.'Humble and lowly, a young Fanny Price goes to live with her wealthy Aunt and Uncle at their grand house, Mansfield Park. Growing up with her privileged and spoilt cousins, the Bertrams, she lives in the shadows of their glamorous lives, but manages to find an ally in her cousin, Edmund.When Henry and Mary Crawford come to visit, the house is thrown into disarray as romance flourishes between the young people, leading Fanny to finally confront the extent of her true feelings for Edmund.

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Book SynopsisA magical tale of Christmas and cats, perfect for everyone who loves A Street Cat Named Bob and Alfie the Doorstep Cat.It''s nearly Christmas, and Jessamine Pike needs a serious life overhaul.Jess moves into Enysyule, a centuries-old cottage in Cornwall, and begins the process of renovating the rundown house by day and finishing her novel by night, planning to have both finished in time for the holidays. She''s got good company: a beautiful, arrogant tomcat stalks around like he owns the place, and seems very skeptical of Jess'' tenancy. But there''s magic in the air... Local legends tell of a spirit that inhabits the area, and an ancient standing stone that keeps watch over the valley. As Christmas comes closer and closer, Jess uncovers treasures from Enysyule''s past, and becomes involved in a fight for its future. For Jess has stumbled into a story that''s been going on for five hundred years. A story about land, love, friendshTrade ReviewLili Hayward is a beguiling new voice. Her prose is stunning and effortless; I devoured every word. Breath-taking and beautiful, evocative and richly described, The Cat of Yule Cottage has magic sewn into every page. * Tilly Tennant, author of Christmas at the Little Village Bakery *A dreamy, atmospheric Christmas story about legends and love, Cornwall and cats, that races along to its warming and satisfying ending. * Sheila Norton, author of Charlie, the Kitten Who Saved a Life *

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Book SynopsisThe exquisite illustrations of Marjolein Bastin meet timeless text in this elegant special edition of an American masterpiece. The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series is a chance to rediscover classic literature in collectible, luxuriously illustrated volumes. For the first time ever, the internationally celebrated artwork of Marjolein Bastin graces the pages of the timeless American classic Little Women, the story of the March sisters and their journey from childhood to adulthood during the American Civil War. Beyond bringing these stories to life, Bastin’s series adds elaborately designed ephemera, such as a self-made newspaper, a map, an invitation, and more. Whether an ideal gift for a Louisa May Alcott devotee or a treat for yourself, The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series,as a set or individually purchased, is perfect for anyone who feels a connection to enduring literary gems.Discover anew the world of Little Women. The 1860s, the turbulent days of the American Civil War, and four sisters as different as they could be: Meg, who likes to approach everything rationally and reasonably; Jo, a nonconformist with literary ambitions; tender Beth, who tries to keep the peace; and Amy, the baby of the family who tends to take herself and her position in society a little too seriously. While their father is off fighting the war, the four girls must learn to get by with just their mother while realizing that it isn’t easy for young women to establish their place in the world. Despite numerous obstacles, the sisters carry on and become independent adults, each in her own way, but without losing sight of the importance of family.

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Book SynopsisA rich and beautiful story, set in a quiet cathedral city.When cathedral dean Adam Ayscough encounters clockmaker Isaac Peabody, their unlikely friendship touches the lives of the entire community. Behind the dean''s fearsome reputation lies a humble man crippled by shyness. Desperate to leave behind a lasting legacy of goodness, his only wishes are to serve God and his parishioners, and to be loved by his young and dissatisfied wife.Haunted by the memories of a miserable childhood, gifted clockmaker Isaac Peabody has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft and rejecting all belief in God.Despite their fundamental differences, both men find a common understanding, and discover that faith can come in many different guises.What readers are saying about THE DEAN''S WATCH''Goudge in the class of Victor Hugo, or Dickens'' - 5 STARS''Beautifully written, simply couldn''t put iTrade ReviewAbout the novels of Elizabeth Goudge there is always something of the fairy-tale, and THE DEAN'S WATCH is full of the enchantment of goodness - it has that timelessness which marks the author's best work. - The Scotsman

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Book SynopsisRediscover one of the twentieth century''s greatest romances in Lawrence Durrell''s seductive tale of four tangled lovers in wartime Egypt that is ''stunning'' (André Aciman) and ''wonderful'' (Elif Shafak)''A masterpiece.'' Guardian''A formidable, glittering achievement.'' TLS''One of the great works of English fiction.'' Times ''Dazzlingly exuberant ... Superb.'' Observer''Brave and brazen ... Lush and grandiose.'' Independent ''Legendary ... Casts a spell ... Reader, watch out!'' Guardian''Lushly beautiful ... One of the most important works of our time.'' NYTBR Alexandria, Egypt. Trams, palm trees and watermelon stalls lie honey-bathed in sunlight; in darkened bedrooms, sweaty lovers unfurl. But in a world trembling on the brink of the Second World War, passion and death are inextricable. When Darley, a penn

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.She had...

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Book SynopsisShe'll do whatever it takes to find happinessWhen her mother dies, Sarah Mortonby is shocked to discover she has inherited a wealthy estate. She is advised to sell the crumbling manor house to her neighbour, Matthew Sewell, but falls in love with the charming estate and decides to keep it instead. Sewell is furious and he is a man known for getting his own way, no matter the cost.Unable to manage the land alone and desperately needing support, Sarah proposes to her bailiff, Will Pursley, who has recently been thrown off his farm by Sewell's thugs.With the help of her new husband, can Sarah save the estate? And will she find there's more to her marriage than practicality?This gripping and emotional saga is perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin, Gloria Cook and Dilly Court.

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Book SynopsisIf you love Bridgerton, you''ll love Georgette Heyer!''The greatest writer who ever lived'' ANTONIA FRASER''A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together'' INDEPENDENT''My generation''s Julia Quinn'' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton__________________________Gilly Ware, the shy young Duke of Sale, has never known his parents.Instead, he has endured twenty-four years of pampering and pandering from his uncle and valet, which he accepts without quarrel.But his natural diffidence conceals a rebellious spirit, and when Gilly hears of Belinda, the beautiful foundling who appears to be blackmailing his cousin, he absconds with glee.Yet no sooner has he entered this new and dangerous world than he is plunged into a frenzy of intrigue, kidnap and aTrade Review"Triumphantly good ... Georgette Heyer is unbeatable" -- India Knight Sunday Telegraph "Sparkling" Independent on Sunday "Wonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic" -- Katie Fforde

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Book SynopsisFans of Victoria Hislop, Lucinda Riley and Fiona Valpy will absolutely love this captivating and beautifully atmospheric historical saga rich in romance, adventure and unforgettable characters from international bestselling author Colleen McCullough.''Fast-moving and immensely readable... Back to the open spaces, merciless climate and sheer pioneering stance of the magical THE THORN BIRDS, this book is a page turner from start to finish'' -- Maeve Binchy''A rich, compelling epic'' -- Daily Mail''Graphically created... [McCullough is] at her best when at the heart of a relationship'' -- Daily Express''A good yarn... based on rigorous, historical research'' -- Belfast Telegraph''Colleen McCullough is a great storyteller'' -- Sunday Mail''Spellbinding'' -- ***** Reader review''Beautifully written'' -- ***** Reader review''Absolutely loved this book could not put it down'' -- ***** Reader review*****************************************************************************It was one of the greatest human experiments ever undertaken: to populate an unknown land with the criminal, the unloved and the unwanted of English society.Amid conditions of brutality that paralleled those of slavery, ''The First Fleet'' was sent to a land no European but the legendary Captain Cook had ever seen.These convicts - and their equally isolated guards - were left to live or die on the hostile Australian continent.Richard Morgan - a convicted felon and educated, intelligent, resourceful man - finds the will to survive, experience the joys of love, and finally make an indelible mark upon the new frontier.His story is both inspirational and heartwarming and will stay with you long after you finish the last page...Trade ReviewA rich compelling epic * Daily Mail *A good yarn... based on rigorous historical research * Belfast Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis''One of the best!'' Julia Quinn, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune that will forever alter the lives of everyone in his family - including the daughter no one knew he had...Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage in Bath knowing nothing of the family she came from. Now she discovers that the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and that she has inherited his fortune. She is also overjoyed to learn she has siblings. However, they want nothing to do with her or her attempts to share her new wealth. But the new earl''s guardian is interested in Anna... Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby, keeps others at a distance. Yet something prompts him to aid Anna in her transition from orphan to lady. As London society and her newfound relatives threaten to overwhelm Anna, Avery steps in to rescue her and finTrade ReviewA complete redemption story * Ventureadlaxre *

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Book SynopsisPre-order BOLEYN TRAITOR now Philippa Gregory's landmark return to the Tudor court, coming Autumn 2025 A stunning novel set in the Tudor court, from the Sunday Times No.1 bestseller Philippa Gregory.I would have been a fool indeed to tell the truth in this court of liars1553. King Edward is on his deathbed, and the future of the Tudor dynasty swings perilously.Forced out of Spain by the Inquisition, Hannah Green arrives in a volatile kingdom. She is identified as a seer and sworn into the service of Robert Dudley, the son of King Edward's protector and a key player at court. Her task: to keep watch on Princess Mary, the forgotten heir.Mary's grip on the Crown is fragile. Elizabeth, Mary's half-sister, is ready to take England's throne. Caught in the rivalry between the daughters of Henry VIII, Hannah must navigate her way through a treacherous court if she is to survive.Trade ReviewPraise for Philppa Gregory: ‘Gregory's research is impeccable which makes her imaginative fiction all the more convincing’ Daily Mail ‘Gregory is great at conjuring a Tudor film-set of gorgeous gowns and golden-lattered dining. She invokes some swoonsome images…while the politics are personal enough to remain pertinent’ Daily Telegraph ‘Subtle and exciting’ Daily Express ‘Written from instinct, not out of calculation, and it shows’Peter Ackroyd, The Times ‘For sheer pace and percussive drama it will take a lot of beating’ Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisA splendid and sumptuous historical novel from the internationally bestselling author, Philippa Gregory, telling of the early life of Katherine of Aragon.I was born a princess, destined to be queen, and I know my duty.1491. Henry VII's eldest son Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, has been betrothed since childhood to the Spanish princess Katherine of Aragon. Their marriage will cement the alliance Henry Tudor craves to secure his country.But when Arthur's sudden death leaves an 11-year-old boy heir to the kingdom, Henry Tudor must choose whether to send Katherine back to Spain, or to marry her himself. Katherine has no son from her brief marriage to secure her future; her substantial dowry and his powerful contract are at stake.Henry has reckoned without the determination of a young woman set on fulfilling her own destiny to be a queen and the ambition of Prince Harry, the future Henry VIII.Trade Review‘One of Gregory's great strengths as a novelist is her ability to take familiar historical figures and flesh them into living breathing human beings. The Constant Princess is a worthy successor to her previous novels about the Tudors’ Daily Express ‘Gregory's research is impeccable which makes her imaginative fiction all the more convincing’ Daily Mail ‘Gregory is great at conjuring a Tudor film-set of gorgeous gowns and golden-lattered dining. She invokes some swoonsome images…while the politics are personal enough to remain pertinent’ DailyTelegraph

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Book SynopsisPassion, politics, love and death combine in a novel of the legendary love triangle between the three leaders of the Roman era: Cleopatra, Mark Antony and Octavian, from the bestselling author of The Thorn BirdsMark Antony, famous warrior and legendary lover, expected that he would be Julius Caesar''s successor. But after Caesar''s murder it was his 18-year old nephew, Octavian, who was named in the will. No-one, least of all Antony, expected him to last but his youth and slight frame concealed a remarkable determination and a clear strategic sense.Antony was the leader of the fabulously rich East. Barely into his campaigning, he met Cleopatra, Pharaoh of Egypt. Bereft by the loss of Julius Caesar, her lover, father of her only son, she saw Antony as another Roman who could support her and provide more heirs. His fascination for her, his sense that she knew the way forward where he had lost his, led to the beginning of their passionate, and very public affair. The two men, twin rulers Trade ReviewPraise for ‘Antony and Cleopatra’: ‘An irresistible read’Daily Mail ‘Full of passion, greed, intrigue and betrayal…a thoroughly entertaining read’Glasgow Herald Praise for Colleen McCullough: ‘Fast-moving and immensely readable…this book is a page turner from start to finish’ Maeve Binchy 'McCullough piles on the drama' Daily Mail 'Sizzling family drama stuffed with passion, tragedy, love and sex' More 'Absorbing’ Sunday Telegraph 'Compelling, passionate and gritty' She 'Probes the depths of the human heart in a haunting, multi-layered novel' Good Book Guide 'Deliciously addictive…a classic tale of wealth and power–an engrossing read' Sainsbury's magazine

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Book SynopsisA tale of love and adventure from the internationally bestselling author of Rebecca. 'She wrote exciting plots . . . a writer of fearless originality' GUARDIAN 'One of the last century's most original literary talents' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'A pure, exhilarating adventure story - a swashbuckling tale of exquisite danger and tangled love' JULIE MYERSON The Restoration Court knows Lady Dona St Columb to be ripe for any folly, any outrage that will alter the tedium of her days. But there is another, secret Dona who longs for a life of honest love - and sweetness, even if it is spiced with danger. It is this Dona who flees the stews of London for remote Navron, looking for peace of mind amid its solitary woods and hidden creeks. She finds there the passion her spirit craves - in the love of a daring pirate hunted by all Cornwall, a Frenchman who, like Dona, would gamble his life for a moment's joy.Trade ReviewShe wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense, and she was, too, a writer of fearless originality * Guardian *Du Maurier is a storyteller whose sole aim is to bewitch and beguile * New York Times *A pure, exhilarating adventure story - a swashbuckling tale of exquisite danger and tangled love . . . a tale of emotional and sexual awakening, of loss and risk . . . sophisticated in its exploration of the human heartOne of the last century's most original literary talents * Daily Telegraph *A storyteller of cunning and geniusA heroine who is bound to make thousands of friends * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisKnives Out meets The Binding in this historical romp full of magic, queer romance and adventure. A Restless Truth by Freya Marske is the thrilling follow-up to A Marvellous Light.'It's the lesbian locked-room murder mystery of my dreams. Beyond delightful!' - Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of JanuaryMaud Blyth has always longed for adventure. She’d hoped for plenty of it when she agreed to help her beloved older brother unravel a magical conspiracy. She even volunteered to serve as an old lady's companion on an ocean liner. But Maud didn't expect the old lady to turn up dead on the very first day of the voyage.Now she has to deal with a dead body, a disrespectful parrot, and the lovely, dangerously outrageous Violet Debenham. Violet is everything Maud has been trained to distrust, yet can’t help but desire: a magician, an actress and a magnet for scandal.Surrounded by open sea and a ship full of suspects, Maud and Violet must learn to drop the masks they’ve learned to wear. Only then might they work together to locate a magical object worth killing for – and unmask a murderer. All without becoming dead in the water themselves.Set in an alternative Edwardian England filled with magic, murder and romance, A Restless Truth is the spellbinding second book in The Last Binding trilogy by Freya Marske. Continue the series with A Power Unbound.Trade ReviewA Restless Truth is a delectable sapphic fantasy-adventure on the high seas. Maud and Violet stole my heart from page one. Never has the term 'to ship' been more appropriate -- Megan Bannen, author of The Undertaking of Hart and MercyJaw-droppingly fantastic. Anyone who's ever hoped that the Miss Phryne Fisher Mysteries had a bit more magic and a lot more sex is going to adore this book, which doesn't skimp on either. Add to that fantastic, thoroughly captivating characters, a deeply engaging story and divinely lyrical prose. In a word: delightful -- Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of KingsThe perfect book if you're looking for oceanbound queer shenanigans, suspense in a coherently magical world, or opulent historical fiction! -- Malka Older, author of The Mimicking of Known SuccessesA magical world of exquisite refinement, where peril skims beneath manners, interiors bespeak both faultless taste and deadly secrets, and the sexual tension crescendos until it literally makes sparks fly. A dazzling debut -- Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun,on A Marvellous LightA breathtaking queer romantic fantasy . . . Sensual erotic scenes, an intriguing magic system, and a puzzling mystery combine to make this novel a wonder -- Publishers Weekly starred review on A Marvellous LightMystery! Magic! Murder! . . . This book is a confection, both marvellous and light -- Alix E. Harrow, author of Starling House on A Marvellous Light

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Book SynopsisPre-order BOLEYN TRAITOR now Philippa Gregory's landmark return to the Tudor court, coming Autumn 2025 A dramatic novel of passion, politics and betrayal from the author of The Other Boleyn Girl.They can fear me, and they can hate me. They can even deny me. But they cannot kill me.1568. The Virgin Queen Elizabeth I has ruled England for ten years, but refuses to name a successor, despite the rival claims that threaten her kingdom.Bess of Hardwick, the new Countess of Shrewsbury, has secured her future with her fourth marriage to George Talbot. Ambitious and shrewd, Bess anticipates royal favour when she and the Earl are asked to give sanctuary to the fugitive Mary Queen of Scots.But the Scottish queen rails against house arrest in a desolate castle and plots to regain her throne. The castle becomes the epicentre of intrigue against Elizabeth, the Earl blinded by admiration for the other queen. Even Bess's own loyalty is thrown into question. If Elizabeth''s spymaster William Cecil links the Talbots to the growing conspiracy to free Mary, they will all face the TowerTrade ReviewPraise for Philippa Gregory: ‘Written from instinct, not out of calculation, and it shows.’Peter Ackroyd, The Times ‘For sheer pace and percussive drama it will take a lot of beating.’ Sunday Times ‘Gregory is great at conjuring a Tudor film-set of gorgeous gowns and golden-lattered dining. She invokes some swoonsome images…while the politics are personal enough to remain pertinent.’ Daily Telegraph ‘The contemporary mistress of historical crime fiction is Philippa Gregory. Her novels are filled with strong, determined women who take their fate into their own hands…Gregory brings to life the sights, smells and textures of 16th-century England.’ Kate Mosse, Financial Times

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Book SynopsisAuthor of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, making the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.Also available soon in Arrow by Georgette Heyer:June 2005A Civil Contract (ISBN 0099474441)The Spanish Bride (ISBN 009947445X)Lady of Quality (ISBN 0099474468)False Colours (ISBN 0099476339)April Lady (ISBN 0099476347)Sprig Muslin (ISBN 0099476355)October 2005The Toll-Gate (0099476363)The Quiet Gentleman (0099476371)Pistols for Two (ISBN 009947638X)Royal Escape (ISBN 0099476398)Masqueraders (ISBNTrade ReviewWonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to -- Katie FfordeMy favourite historical novelist - stylish, romantic, sharp, and witty. Her sense of period is superb, her heroines are enterprising, and her heroes dashing. I owe her many happy hours -- Margaret DrabbleA writer of great wit and style - I've read her books to ragged shreds -- Kate Fenton * Daily Telegraph *Sparkling * Independent on Sunday *Every girl, whatever her age, needs her own complete set of Heyer titles. More than romantic they are witty, elegant, stylish and the best comedies of manners since Jane Austen. Required reading for everyone -- Diane Pearson

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Book SynopsisThe unforgettable novel of a woman who must return to her small hometown in the South, only to discover that the years-old secrets and scandals of her past are right where she left them—from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown Sunny Chandler always said she’d never return to Latham Green, Louisiana. Just three years ago she was at the center of the small town’s juiciest scandal. Now she’s been invited to her best friend’s wedding and has no choice but to go home. And with her return come the whispers . . . the looks . . . the rumors. It doesn’t take her long to see that Latham Green has nothing new to offer. Except maybe Ty Beaumont . . . Ty can see through the gossip to the real Sunny. Yet despite his easy Southern charm, Sunny doesn’t seem interested, even if she’s seriously tempted. For she’s harboring the agonizing secret of why she really left. What she needs is a man who’s not jus

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Book SynopsisA heartbreaking story of love and loss, based on a true story OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLDTHE NO.1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERWINNER OF GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS 2017 BEST HISTORICAL FICTION AWARD***************************Memphis, Tennessee, 1939Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge, until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents - but they quickly realize the dark truth...Aiken, South Carolina, present dayBorn into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.*********************Based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals, in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country, Before We Were Yours is a riveting, wrenching and ultimately uplifting global bestseller. 'A tale of enduring power' Paula McLain'It is impossible not to get swept up in this near-perfect novel' Huffington PostTrade ReviewOne of the year's best books . . . It is almost a cliché to say a book is 'lovingly written' but that phrase applies clearly to Lisa Wingate's latest novel, Before We Were Yours. This story about children taken from their parents through kidnapping or subterfuge and then placed for adoption, for a price, clearly pours out of Wingate's heart. . . . It is impossible not to get swept up in this near-perfect novel. It invades your heart from the very first pages and stays there long after the book is finished. Few novelists could strike the balance this story requires but Wingate does it with assurance. There are a lot of books that will catch your eye this summer, some from our best storytellers. Make sure this one is on your radar. It should not be missed * The Huffington Post *

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Book SynopsisFrom an exciting new voice in WWII historical fiction comes a tale of love, loss and a betrayal that echoes through generationsParis, 1940: War is closing in on the city of love. With his wife forced into hiding, Jacques must stand by and watch as the Nazis take away everything he holds dear. Everything except his last beacon of hope: his beloved bookshop, La Page Cachée.But when a young woman and her child knock on his door one night and beg for refuge, he knows his only option is to risk it all once more to save a lifeModern day: Juliette and her husband have finally made it to France on the romantic getaway of her dreams but as the days pass, all she discovers is quite how far they've grown apart. She's craving a new adventure, so when she happens across a tiny, abandoned shop with a for-sale sign in the window, it feels fated.And she's about to learn that the forgotten bookshop hides a lot more than meets the eyeA heartbreaking tale of love and loss in war, perfect for fans of KatTrade Review Praise for Daisy Wood: 'A ticking time-bomb of intrigue, wrapped around stark but rich descriptions of the Blitz. An unforgettable wartime debut.' Mandy Robotham, internationally bestselling author of The Berlin Girl ‘I couldn’t put it down. My favourite kind of historical fiction.’ Reviewer ‘Wonderful.’ Reviewer ‘Brilliantly captures the essence of 1940s England. Highly recommended!’ Reviewer Set between WWII and today, and America and England, I totally loved this outstandingly amazing book. Five stars!’ Reviewer ‘Daisy Wood skillfully navigates between two timelines, and her descriptions of the war are really masterful.’ Reviewer ‘The perfect blend of historical fiction and espionage.’ Reviewer ‘Beautifully written… I highly recommend this treasure!’ Reviewer

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Book SynopsisA young woman is caught up in a dangerous double life on behalf of her country during World War Two in Spy, by the world's favourite storyteller Danielle Steel.Alexandra Wickham is a stunning beauty who seems destined for a privileged life. But fate, a world war and her own quietly rebellious nature lead her down a different path.By 1939, Britain is at war. From her home in idyllic Hampshire Alex makes her way to London as a nursing volunteer. But her fluency in French and German draws the attention of another, more secret, branch of the service.Within a year, Alex is immersed in a new world, shocking her family in trousers and bright red lipstick. But she is forbidden to tell anyone about her work, not even the pilot she falls in love with. While her country and those dearest to her pay the terrible price of war, Alex learns the art of espionage, leading to life-and-death missions and a long career in exotic places and historic times.As her career progresses, the risks Alex must take bring her dangerously close to discovery. Can she keep her secrets hidden?

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Book SynopsisLose yourself in In His Father’s Footsteps, Danielle Steel's sweeping historical story of survival, courage, ambition and the bond between three generations of family.Germany, 1945. As the Americans liberate the Buchenwald concentration camp, among the survivors are teenagers Emmanuelle and Jakob, who fell in love despite the suffering surrounding them. With help, they make their way to New York, resolved to make a new life on the Lower East Side, working at gruelling, poorly paid jobs.Decades later, Jakob has achieved enormous success, showing his son Max that America is truly the land of opportunity. Max is a Harvard graduate with friends among the wealthiest families in the world, and he chooses a perfect bride to start the perfect American family.Max’s lavish lifestyle is unimaginable to his cautious, old-world parents. But after the birth of his children, and with a failing marriage, he fears his wife is keeping secrets.Adrift and afraid, Max must learn what it means to live up to his parents ideals – and discover what is truly important in life.

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Book Synopsis''Pray, pray be composed,'' cried Elinor, ''and do not betray what you feel to every body present. Perhaps he has not observed you yet.''For Elinor Dashwood, sensible and sensitive, and her romantic, impetuous younger sister Marianne, the prospect of marrying the men they love appears remote. In a world ruled by money and self-interest, the Dashwood sisters have neither fortune nor connections. Concerned for others and for social proprieties, Elinor is ill-equipped to compete with self-centred fortune-hunters like Lucy Steele, whilst Marianne''s unswerving belief in the truth of her own feelings makes her more dangerously susceptible to the designs of unscrupulous men. Through her heroines'' parallel experiences of love, loss, and hope, Jane Austen offers a powerful analysis of the ways in which women''s lives were shaped by the claustrophobic society in which they had to survive.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling Reese Witherspoon Book Club PickSoon to be a major motion picture, The Nightingale is a multi-million copy bestseller across the world. It is a heart-breakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the endurance of women.This story is about what it was like to be a woman during World War II when women’s stories were all too often forgotten or overlooked . . . Vianne and Isabelle Mauriac are two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals and passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path towards survival, love and freedom in war-torn France.Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.‘A rich, compelling novel of love, sacrifice and survival’ - Kate Morton‘Movingly written and plotted with the heartless skill of a Greek tragedy, you’ll keep turning the pages until the last racking sob’ - Daily Mail‘I loved The Nightingale . . . great characters, great plots, great emotions, who could ask for more in a novel?’ - Isabel Allende, author of The House of the Spirits‘A gripping tale of family, love, grief and forgiveness’ - Sunday ExpressTrade ReviewI loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a talented writer of American stories; great characters, great plots, great emotions, who could ask for more in a novel? -- Isabel Allende, bestselling author of The House of the SpiritsBeautifully written . . . packed with action and emotion. -- Sara Gruen, bestselling author of Water for ElephantsThe real horrors of war; the deprivations; the risks are all there... This is a hauntingly tragic yet sympathetic novel * The Cape Times *An unforgettable portrait of love and war. * People *The suspense builds slowly in this thought-provoking and absorbing novel. * Choice *The bestselling author hits her stride in this page-turning tale about two sisters, one in the French countryside, the other in Paris, who show remarkable courage in the German occupation during WWII . . . The author ably depicts war’s horrors through the eyes of these two women, whose strength of character shines through no matter their differences. * Publishers Weekly *A respectful and absorbing page-turner. * Kirkus Reviews *

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