Historical romance
Headline Publishing Group Days of Hope Even after the war hearts can still
Book SynopsisA heartwarming story set in 1940s Liverpool and Ireland about the hurdles two sisters, Chrissie and Grace, must cross on their journey to finding the happiness they seek.
£8.99
Headline Publishing Group Mersey Blues
Book SynopsisFor three friends, life after the Great War will never be the same again... Mersey Blues is a heart-rending portrayal of Liverpool in the years between the wars - of the rebuilding of the city, and the people''s dreams of peace, from bestselling author Lyn Andrews. Perfect for fans of Anne Baker, Dilly Court and Sheila Newberry. Mersey Blues is the sequel to Lyn Andrews'' much-loved wartime saga, Mist Over The Mersey.The Great War had ended and Scotland Road was left to count the cost. Many young men had not come back; those who had would never be the same again. Dee Chatterton and Abbie Kerrigan had seen the horrors of war for themselves as nurses in military hospitals abroad. While Abbie settled down in the familiar surroundings of Scotland Road, for others, different horizons beckoned. Dee went to live in Canada, while their friend Hannah Harvey became personal nurse to none other than Richard, seventh Earl of Ashenden, badly injured in the war. Moving to the splendours of Ashenden Hall was to bring her unimagined happiness, but also the heartache of being separated for ever from her family and friends.What readers are saying about Mersey Blues: ''Very good read, just could not wait to read it. Brilliant writer''''I enjoyed the story so much I immediately bought another Lyn Andrews. Somehow I just flew through the pages, which I think shows that the pace keeps you turning the pages''''Five stars''
£8.99
Baker Publishing Group As Dawn Breaks
Book SynopsisHer daring bid for freedom could be her greatest undoing.Amid the Great War in 1918 England, munitions worker Rosalind Graham is desperate to escape the arranged marriage being forced on her by her ruthless guardian and instead follow her own course. When the Chilwell factory explodes, killing hundreds of unidentified workers, Rose realizes the world believes she perished in the disaster. Seizing the chance to escape, she risks all and assumes a new identity, taking a supervisory position in Gretna, Scotland, as Miss Tilly Lockhart.RAF Captain Alex Baird is returning home to Gretna on a secret mission to uncover the saboteur suspected in the Chilwell explosion, as Gretna''s factory is likely next. Fearing for his family''s safety, he''s also haunted by guilt after failing to protect his brother. Alex is surprised to discover a young woman, Miss Lockhart, renting his boyhood room, but the two eventually bond over their mutual affection for his family--until Al
£13.26
Baker Publishing Group His Delightful Lady Delia
Book Synopsis2023 Selah Awards Finalist Behind the curtain, she must put on the performance of a lifetime . . . while love and risk take center stage.Delia Vittoria''s mother has lost her voice at last. After five years of being her diva mother''s understudy, it is time for Delia to assume her place as the lead soprano onstage behind the Academy of Music''s faded velvet curtain. And she is all that stands between the Academy and its greatest threat--the nouveaux riches'' lavish new Metropolitan Opera House.Kit Quincy never misses opening night, but when his sister begs him to help get her husband out of an Italian opera star''s arms, Kit accidentally confronts the younger Lady Vittoria instead. When he meets the stunning young diva again, he attempts to make amends, but then finds himself pulled into a society matron''s plot to win the great opera war. To draw attention to Delia Vittoria as the Academy''s new soprano star, Kit is convinced to act as both Delia''
£14.98
Baker Publishing Group The Swindlers Daughter
Book SynopsisA surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away--in jail--Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.When she goes to take possession of her father''s house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye--and has put a target on her back.To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she''s always dreamed of, she''ll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers--especially Jo
£14.98
£22.49
Headline Publishing Group The Paris Deception
Book SynopsisEVERY CANVAS HOLDS A SECRET . . .''GRIPPING'' JILL MANSELL''TENSE AND THRILLING'' NATASHA LESTER''INTRIGUES AND ENTHRALS'' KATE QUINN''A TOUR DE FORCE'' GILL PAULPARIS, 1940.Three years ago, talented art restorer Sophie fled to Paris to escape the horrors of the Nazi regime. But now, with her beloved adoptive city under occupation, Sophie is forced to work at the renowned Jeu de Paume, restoring the art ruthlessly stolen from Jewish families.Fabienne was a rising star of the glamorous Parisian art scene, until the Nazis put a stop to her craft. Mourning the loss of her husband, she''s a shadow of her former self - until her estranged sister-in-law Sophie arrives at her door with a stolen painting in hand. The two women embark on a treacherous plan: to save stolen artwork by replacing it with skilful forgeries, right under the watchful eyes of the Nazis. But just how long can they sustain their masterful illusion?__________________________________________________READERS LOVE THE PARIS DECEPTION:''Anyone who likes historical fiction with a hint of danger will enjoy this'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐''This novel will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. If more than five stars were an option, this book would earn them'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐''Totally absorbing and I had to finish the novel once I had stared . . . a real page turner'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''Clear your table, historical fiction lovers! This one deserves that coveted space'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''Stunning and compelling'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''The Paris Deception is so difficult to put down'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Trade ReviewA tense and thrilling tale of wartime art thefts, the bond of friendship and lost loves . . . The two women at the center of the story have the kind of heart, courage and compassion that makes you cheer for them and worry for them in equal measure. You won't be able to turn the pages fast enough -- Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris SecretThe Paris Deception deceives, intrigues, and enthrals -- Kate Quinn, bestselling author of The Rose CodeThe Paris Deception is gripping, dramatic and packed with fascinating detail about the intricacies of art restoration and the theft of great paintings during WW2 . . . an involving read about love, trust and heart-stopping bravery. -- Jill Mansell, bestselling author of Should I Tell You?The Paris Deception immerses readers in the oppressive atmosphere of Occupied Paris, as two courageous women scheme to save masterpieces . . . Bryn Turnbull is a natural storyteller and her prose sparkles with all the fizz of vintage champagne. A tour de force! -- Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Secret WifeAn impressive and meticulously researched reworking of one of the greatest scandals in art history, Bryn Turnbull's novel and her cast of engaging characters had me gripped from beginning to end. -- Sarah Steele, author of The Schoolteacher of Saint-MichelThe Paris Deception is an engrossing tale filled with art, intrigue, and champagne. Turnbull has gifted readers with a complex heroine they can't help cheering for in the end -- Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in ArmsThe Paris Deception is a moving and intimate look at two sisters-in-lawwhose friendship has fractured as the Second World War exacts its catastrophic moral, physical and emotional toll . . . Another thought-provoking, impressively researched and richly realized work from one of Canada's best historical fiction authors. -- Natalie Jenner, USA Today bestselling author of The Jane Austen SocietyTurnbull effectively combines fascinating background on winemaking and art restoration and forgery with plenty of wartime suspense . . . This will be a page-turning delight for anyone who loves tale of women in the resistance, especially Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale * Booklist *The Paris Deception is a thrilling, often heartbreaking story of smuggled art and incredible female bravery set in Nazi-occupied Paris and the beautiful champagne country. The characters are deftly portrayed and the attention to detail makes this a fascinating and gripping read -- Annie Lyons, bestselling author of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett
£14.24
John Murray Press The Artist
£15.29
Orion Publishing Co The Misbegotten
Book SynopsisSecrets and haunting mysteries . . . A powerful and poignant historical novel from the author of the TV Book Club bestseller THE LEGACY.Trade ReviewThe mystery of a woman's disappearance powers this gripping story of two young women who unravel past misdeeds to discover the truth. An engrossing tale of deceit, passion and courage * WOMAN & HOME on The Misbegotten *This is an engrossing and totally convincing piece of storytelling, a perfect curl-up-by-the-fire read * YOU Magazine on The Unseen *In a series of flashbacks, Katherine Webb's enticing Gothic tale weaves between the 'present' Bath of 1821 and the events of 16 years earlier, with some stark depictions of the horrors of war. A compelling and convincing novel * DAILY MAIL on The Misbegotten *An atmospheric page-turner * WOMAN & HOME on The Unseen *Brilliant and absorbing drama * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING on The Legacy *A dreamy summer epic * ESSENTIALS on A Half Forgotton Song *Another intricately constructed, beautifully written historical masterpiece -- Lisa BallantyneA wonderful book! The atmosphere and detail is really quite incredible. . .a truly gifted writer of historical fiction -- Lucinda Riley, author of Hothouse Flower and The Girl on the CliffA wonderful book, gripping plot, unforgettable characters...Webb has a true gift for uncovering the mysteries of the human heart and exploring the truth of love. A detective story you can't put down, heart-stopping suspense and a heroine who will stay with you long after you close the book - what more could you want? -- Kate WilliamsKatherine Webb's writing is beautiful and THE MISBEGOTTEN reads like a journey through the dark hidden world beneath a Jane Austen novel -- Elizabeth FremantleIntricately plotted and chillingly imaginative, this is a dramatic and evocative period mystery, a compelling exploration of obsession, deceit and steadfast affection * GOOD BOOK GUIDE one The Misbegotten *
£13.94
Orion Publishing Co The Ferrymans Daughter
Book Synopsis''I absolutely loved it. Hester is one heck of a woman!'' Heidi Swain''A charming book seasoned with romance and a sprinkling of danger'' Western MailCan Hester help her family escape desperate poverty and fulfil her dreams?1908: Hester always loved her mother best, her father had always been a hard man to like, spending more time (and money) in the local than with his family. After her mother''s sudden death, followed by an injury forcing her father to give up his job as the ferryman, Hester is placed in the position of care-giver for her young brother and sister. As the years pass Hester must row the ferry night and day to keep them all from starvation, while her hopes of working in a kitchen and one day becoming a cook, slip further and further away. But just how far is Hester willing to go to make her dream a reality? And as the threat of war comes ever closer to the Cornish coast, will it bring Trade ReviewI absolutely loved it. Hester is one heck of a woman! -- Heidi SwainA charming book seasoned with romance and a sprinkling of danger * Western Mail *
£7.19
Kensington Publishing Wild Abandon
Book SynopsisNever let go, never give up . . . The tragedy of the Civil War had forced Lauralee Johnston into an orphanage, and years passed before she was finally reunited with her beloved father and heard his dying wish. But for sheltered Lauralee, placing her trust in a Cherokee brave was almost too much to ask. Unfamiliar with Cherokee customs and especially Joe Dancing Cloud’s powerful, exotic presence, she gradually learned to trust in his gentle strength, especially when it came to exploring the passion they shared. But once they claimed each other’s hearts, the world around them denounced their love. Against fear and prejudice, the two lovers will have to fight for their destiny . . . Praise for Cassie Edwards “A sensitive storyteller who always touches readers’ hearts.” —RT Book Reviews “Cassie Edwards captivates with wh
£10.66
Hodder & Stoughton The Wayward Wife
Book SynopsisSet in wartime London, the second novel in The Hooper Family series continues the story that began with A Corner of the Heart: the saga of an East End clan that knows both the Shadwell docklands and the world of books and broadcasting.The war everyone dreaded has begun at last, but for Susan Cahill it is more an adventure than a tragedy. Helped by a white lie about her marriage to Danny she has a new job as a producer''s assistant at the BBC and glamorous new friends, including one American war reporter who has made London his base and Susan his target. Danny is also working for the BBC, sharing a room in a freezing farmhouse in Evesham, working long hours monitoring German radio broadcasts - and worrying about Susan. Stuck in London when the blitz begins, Susan''s sister-in-law, Breda Hooper, faces up to the worst with a small son at home and a husband in the fire service. Then her Italian father, hiding out from both the authorities and his former
£9.89
Hodder & Stoughton The Constant Star
Book SynopsisThe Second World War hits home to a scattered East End family in new and unexpected ways in the third volume of this series about Britain under siege.Susan Cahill enjoys her job at the BBC until a bomb destroys the building and brings unwelcome responsibilities and an autocratic new boss, Walter Boscombe. He has no time for ambitious young women from Shadwell and seems determined to break Susan''s spirit - and her heart. Breda Hooper, Susan''s widowed sister-in-law, and her small son are rescued from the East End''s shattered docklands by Danny, Susan''s estranged husband. Settled in a shabby caravan in the Vale of Evesham, Breda soon finds herself entangled in village affairs in more ways than one, with only her quick wits, her new friends and the ever dependable Danny to keep her out of trouble.For Susan and Breda jeopardy comes not from the skies but in the terrible price each must pay for falling in love with men who are not all that they seem to be and Trade ReviewOne of the best. - BooksellerJessica Stirling's high reputation is well deserved. - Manchester Evening NewsShe writes in bright colours with bold, confident strokes. - Glasgow HeraldJessica Stirling is one of Scotland's most prolific and best-loved authors. - Scottish Daily Record
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Mrs. Hemingway
Book Synopsis'Mrs. Hemingway is so beautifully written, and evocative, that I could not put it down until the last page.' - Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before You.A Richard and Judy Book Club selection.In the dazzling summer of 1926, Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley travel from their home in Paris to a villa in the south of France. They swim, play bridge and drink gin. But wherever they go they are accompanied by the glamorous and irrepressible Fife. Fife is Hadley’s best friend. She is also Ernest’s lover. Hadley is the first Mrs. Hemingway, but neither she nor Fife will be the last. Over the ensuing decades, Ernest’s literary career will blaze a trail, but his marriages will be ignited by passion and deceit. Four extraordinary women will learn what it means to love the most famous writer of his generation, and each will be forced to ask herself how far she will go to remain his wife . . . Luminous and inTrade ReviewIt takes an unusual skill to keep someone reading a story to which they think they already know the ending. But Mrs. Hemingway is so beautifully written, and evocative, that I could not put it down until the last page. -- Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before YouThis is a wonderful book: carefully written, richly imagined and emotionally wise . . . It is all meticulously researched, but, as in the best of Penelope Fitzgerald, the research is worn lightly and never threatens to dominate . . . Even the well-known details of Hemingway's life are made fresh, given a new significance . . . Mrs. Hemingway feels truer than most of the biographies, and more real than many novels. Wood's method is an effective way of getting to grips with the central enigma: Hemingway himself, a man tortured by masculinity. But it is also a sensitive and moving evocation of those women he depended on, who his life often overshadowed * Daily Telegraph *Forget everything you thought you knew about Ernest Hemingway’s four wives. In a quartet of searing interlocked portraits, Naomi Wood brings vividly to life the real women who loved and lost the legendary charmer and great writer. Mrs. Hemingway is a luminous, heartbreaking novel. Wood is a writer to watch. -- Ellen Feldman, author of Scottsboro and Next to LoveA luminous, intoxicating look at the most important women in the life of a celebrated novelist . . . A passionate novel based on real lives, full of betrayals and moments of heartbreaking intimacy as Wood gives four remarkable women star billing * Marie Claire *A fascinating, astutely observed, gorgeously written account of the Hemingway wives and their charismatic, enigmatic, troubled and troublesome husband. This is a gem of a book. -- Therese Anne Fowler, author of * Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald *The elegiac final chapters are beautifully achieved . . . the elegant prose and finely-wrought narrative of this humane novel exceed the sum of its parts * Independent *This really is my book of the year so far. It is completely delicious on female friendship and competitiveness and fancying someone til you go a bit mad. And the fact that said women (the four Mrs Hemingways) are all uniquely formidable and glamorous is doubly fabulous -- Alexandra HeminsleyMrs. Hemingway gives voice to his four wives - Hadley, Pauline, Martha and Mary - and Naomi Wood's talent is in portraying them all as individual and strong but sympathetic women. Exquisitely written, the Mrs Hemingways finally have their say in this beautiful novel' * Stylist *[Wood writes] beautifully, with an eye for the perfect detail -- Lucy Atkins * Sunday Times *Mrs. Hemingway delves into the lives of Ernest Hemingway's four wives, Wood's meticulous research informing four beautifully written and empathetic novellas. -- Hot Books of 2014 * Daily Express *Exquisite. Naomi Wood writes with lightness and grace, deftly evoking history and character and plunging us straight into the heart of each woman's story. Hemingway's wives dance off the page and the reader dances with them, entranced. -- Sarah Butler, author of * Ten Things I’ve Learnt About Love *Wood's talent is in making us sympathise with each of the four Mrs Hemingways when they have their turn in the spotlight in this dazzling, gorgeously written novel -- Best Books in February * Stylist *When the facts of a particular story are in the public domain, the characters lifted from history and the ending already written, what the reader needs is something magical to transport them into the beating heart of that story. In Mrs. Hemingway, Naomi Wood is one such magician. She quilts the facts together masterfully, seamlessly moving between past and present. But, it is the tiny details, the individual stitches, which she possesses with truly supernatural powers: sawdust, the tang of lime, the touch of silk on skin, champagne, cigarette smoke and the 'stirless air'; these are the things that breathe life into the overwhelming, irresistible love these four women felt for this one man, until it's almost as though Ernest Hemingway is in the room, asking the reader to love him too. -- Claire Dyer, author of * The Moment *A beautiful read and an amazing insight into the life of the man described as a "semi-serial monogamist" who wrote books that "sold like iced daiquiris in hell." Superb * Red *I couldn't resist Mrs. Hemingway . . . I'm very glad I didn't. It's marvellous. I think it's the best book I've read this year: in fact, in a long, long time. The writing is flawless, and combined with the subject, it reminded me why I love writing and reading -- Emma Chapman, author of * How to Be a Good Wife *Wood handsomely compares the varying degrees of reluctance with which each wife passed the baton to the next . . . Each of the female characters are rich creations * The Times *Exquisitely written . . . The pull of this novel is its heartbreaking honesty . . . a remarkable tour de force' * Drafted *Well researched, cleverly done . . . But the pleasures of Mrs Hemingway are not purely architectural. Controlled modulations of voice offer delightfully bald observation - and, with free indirect discourse, deft characterisation * Literary Review *Wood weaves real life with fiction in this vivid portrait of Hemingway's four wives * The Observer *This novel, described as a 'work of the imagination' is nevertheless, based on fact. There was not just one Mrs Hemingway, but four, and this book explores what it was like to be the woman in Ernest Hemingway's life. This is our book of the month * Press Association *
£999.99
Time Warner Trade Publishing Duke of Pleasure
Book Synopsis
£8.99
Headline Publishing Group Every Mothers Son
Book SynopsisLyn Andrew''s warm-hearted novel of Liverpool during the Blitz is not to be missed by readers of Dilly Court and Kate Thompson. Molly and Bernie have been friends forever. As young girls they left Ireland seeking new beginnings in Liverpool. Now they are marrying their sweethearts and looking forward to enjoying the lives they''ve worked so hard to build. But as the Liverpool Blitz begins, it seems as if their dreams are about to be destroyed. Night after night, horrific bombing tears the city apart. As wives and mothers, both women know that they could face great tragedy. But they also know that their friendship, and their love for their husbands and sons, will give them the strength to find the happiness they deserve...
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group Love and a Promise
Book Synopsis A promise to the woman who saved her life holds Maddy back from following her heart... Lyn Andrews writes an unforgettable family saga in Love and a Promise, set in both Dublin and Liverpool. Perfect for fans of Maureen Lee and Katie Flynn. ''A page-turning and beautifully written novel. The loves and tragedies of the Kiernan siblings will keep you hooked until the very end'' - Irish WorldMaddy Kiernan knows her situation is desperate. With her parents dead, her brother Thomas is left as guardian to Maddy and her sister Carmel. But Thomas has plans that don''t include his sisters and his reckless ambition could put all their futures at risk. Sharp-witted and strong-willed, Maddy knows she must assume responsibility for the fragile young Carmel.When Thomas deserts Ireland for Liverpool, Maddy realises she has little option but to follow. Within days the girls are destitute, their precious savingsTrade ReviewPraise for Lyn Andrews: 'An outstanding storyteller' * Woman's Weekly *A vivid portrayal of life * Best *A compelling read * Woman's Own *Gutsy...a vivid picture of a hard-up, hard-working community...will keep the pages turning * Daily Express *
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group Liverpool Lamplight
Book SynopsisLyn Andrews'' engaging and heart-warming saga LIVERPOOL LAMPLIGHT is not to be missed by readers of Kate Thompson and Kitty NealeGeorgie Deegan will do anything for money. His sister will do anything for love . . .Since they were kids in the backstreets of Liverpool, brother and sister Georgie and Katie Deegan have fought like cat and dog. Now Katie is at Moorehouse''s lemonade factory,whilst Georgie has a good job at the B & A - and when he comes home he puts his feet up. Unlike Katie, who does her turn in their mother Molly''s fish and game shop. Yet when their father dies suddenly, Georgie assumes the shop is his - and that his chance has come to rule the Deegan roost. Katie has other ideas, as does her strong-minded mother Molly. But, as World War II draws closer and Georgie''s illegal money-making schemes gain momentum, neither Katie nor her mother has any idea what troubles lie in store for the women whose lives the ruthless GeorgiTrade Review'Praise for Lyn Andrews: 'An outstanding storyteller - Woman's WeeklyA vivid portrayal of life - BestA compelling read - Woman's OwnThe Catherine Cookson of Liverpool - Northern Echo
£10.99
Headline Publishing Group The Smugglers Girl
Book SynopsisAn enthralling standalone saga, filled with romance, tragedy, drama, secrets and triumph in adversity from the author of the Families of Fairley Terrace series.
£19.79
Atria Books In the Midst of Winter
Book SynopsisNew York Times and worldwide bestselling author Isabel Allende returns with a sweeping novel that journeys from present-day Brooklyn to Guatemala in the recent past to 1970s Chile and Brazil that offers ';a timely message about immigration and the meaning of home' (People). During the biggest Brooklyn snowstorm in living memory, Richard Bowmaster, a lonely university professor in his sixties, hits the car of Evelyn Ortega, a young undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, and what at first seems an inconvenience takes a more serious turn when Evelyn comes to his house, seeking help. At a loss, the professor asks his tenant, Lucia Maraz, a fellow academic from Chile, for her advice. As these three lives intertwine, each will discover truths about how they have been shaped by the tragedies they witnessed, and Richard and Lucia will find unexpected, long overdue love. Allende returns here to themes that have propelled some of her finest work: polit
£15.29
Pan Macmillan The Summer Queen
Book SynopsisThe Summer Queen is an evocative and grand historical novel from Margaret Pemberton, the bestselling author of A Season of Secrets and Beneath the Cypress Tree.August 1879, Osborne House. Queen Victoria has occupied the British throne for over forty years. Bringing together her extended family from across Europe offers a chance for old alliances to be strengthened and new unions to be forged.May Teck, daughter of a Duke and Princess, is constantly reminded that she lacks the pedigree to be a true royal. Considering herself an outsider, she finds comfort in meeting two kindred spirits at Osborne; creating a bond with them that she thinks will last forever.Alicky lives in the shadow of her older siblings and has never recovered from the death of her mother. Until she meets Nicky, heir to the Russian throne, who sweeps her off to his homeland where life will never be the same again.And then there is Willy, destined to be the future Kaiser of Germany. Suffering from a birth defect, he’s always kept his true feelings locked away and all the world sees is the bombastic persona he projects. As shifting forces of power send warning ripples across Europe, an unavoidable war looms on the horizon . . .Trade ReviewThis engrossing saga follows Victoria's grandchildren, including Kaiser Wilhelm II, the tsarina of Russia and the future Queen Mary, over 40 turbulent years before their dreams end in war and revolution * S Magazine *Margaret Pemberton is one of the best saga writers around, writing gritty, gutsy tales * The Bookseller *Praise for Never Leave Me: Margaret Pemberton’s compelling tale of love during wartime humanizes the enemy and shows that war affects everyone * Booklist *
£7.19
Random House The Rose Queen
Book Synopsis**PRE-ORDER THE NEW SPRINGTIME ROMANCE FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR KATIE FLYNN**It''s 1938, and Cadi is chosen to be Rose Queen in the annual Rose Fete. She is thrilled to be treated like royalty for the day. But deep down she is desperate to leave the Welsh mining community where she grew up.When war is declared, Cadi and her best friend Poppy see a chance to escape. Cadi leaves behind her parents and local boy Aled, whom she is meant to marry, for Liverpool.But city life doesn''t bring the opportunities they''d hoped for. Unable to join the forces, the girls are left looking for work in poverty-stricken Vauxhall Ward.They secure jobs in a local pub, and Cadi''s blossoming relationship with a handsome dock worker deepens after he rescues her from a terrifying encounter.But when Aled unexpectedly appears dressed in RAF uniform Cadi finds her worlds colliding again. Now the Rose Queen must decide: who will become her King?
£20.00
Quercus Publishing The King's Daughter: Now a major motion picture
Book SynopsisCan she find the courage to defy a king?In seventeenth-century France, Louis XIV rules with flamboyant ambition. In his domain, wealth and beauty are all; frivolity begets cruelty; science and alchemy collide. From the Hall of Mirrors to the vermin-infested attics of the Chateau at Versailles, courtiers compete to please the king, sacrificing fortune, principles, and even sacred family bonds.'A wonderful book! Adventure, love, history, magic - it's an engrossing story with magnificent characters, balanced perfectly on the edge between,' says DIANA GABALDONBy the fiftieth year of his reign, Louis XIV has made France the most powerful state in the western world, but the Sun King's appetite for glory knows no bounds. In a bold stroke, he sends his natural philosopher on an expedition to seek the source of immortality: the mythical sea monster. For the glory of his God, his country, and his king, Father Yves de la Croix returns with his treasures: one heavy shroud packed in ice . . . and in a covered basin, an imprisoned sea-creature.Marie-Josephe de la Croix has been looking forward to assisting her brother Yves in the scientific study of the sea monster, until she makes a discovery that will threaten everything her brother, the court and the King believe.'The finest alternate history ever, light-hearted and wise - a luminous, radiant novel,' said URSULA K. LE GUINBut in the decadent court of King Louis, where morality is skewed and corruption reigns, will anyone listen to a single voice? Somehow, she must find the courage to follow her heart and her convictions - even at the cost of changing her life forever.Trade ReviewThe finest alternate history ever, lighthearted and wise - a luminous, radiant novelA dazzling and spirited evocation of the passions, intrigues and preconceptions of the age: an enchanting slice of what-if historical speculation * KIRKUS *Successfully melds fantasy and alternate history to create a charming, well-written and meticulously researched novel * FANTASY BOOK REVIEW *McIntyre has done her historical homework, as is evident in a superbly realised setting, and she executes the plot with superior skill. A splendid historical fantasy that shows sf star McIntyre admirably opening new territory * BOOKLIST *A wonderful book! Adventure, love, history, magic - it's an engrossing story with magnificent characters, balanced perfectly on the edge between * DIANA GABALDON *The story thrives in the details . . . gives it a thematic richness and resonance that made me care deeply about the story * EYRIE *McIntyre vividly re-creates a Versailles poised on the cusp between alchemy and modern science. Her imaginings enliven her history with wonder, but, as in the best fantasy, they serve less to dazzle by their inventiveness than to illuminate brilliantly real-world truths - here, humanity's responses, base and noble, when confronting the unknown * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *Fans of McIntyre, or simply alternate history fans and romantics who love an intelligent, compassionate heroine will devour this book, yelling in outrage at the men who belittle our heroine and sighing with delight when she finds love * FEMSCIFI *One of the most enjoyable and well-written novels I have read in a long time. The novel has got splendid characterisation, a tightly-woven plot, and a fascinating story. It's also obviously meticulously researched, and full of intricate details about the historical era in which it takes place. Read the book. It is a marvellous, fascinating, uplifting experience * JOHN WALTERS, author of ADRIANA’S FAMILY *An excellent alternative history * ARTSANDWINE *
£9.49
Broadview Press Ltd Coelebs In Search Of A Wife
Book SynopsisIn this, Hannah More’s only novel and an early nineteenth-century best-seller, More gives voice to a wealthy twenty-three-year-old bachelor, who styles himself “Coelebs” (unmarried), but seeks a wife. After the death of his father, Coelebs journeys from the north of England to London, where he encounters a fashionable array of eager mothers and daughters before he visits the Hampshire home of his father’s friend, Mr. Stanley. Lucilla Stanley, Mr. Stanley’s daughter, is both an intellectual and a domestic woman, and Coelebs’ ideal partner. In this intelligent novel about the meeting of two minds, More shows the ways in which a couple becomes truly “matched” as opposed to merely “joined.”Along with a critical introduction, this Broadview edition includes a wide selection of historical documents, from reviews, imitations, and sequels of Coelebs in Search of a Wife to related contemporary writings on conduct, courtship, and women’s education.Trade Review“This is an expert edition of the religious novel of Hannah More that is structured on a long and varied series of beguiling cautionary and exemplary character studies. The cautionary characters, gently satirically treated, are deliciously entertaining; the exemplary characters are also (perhaps) unexpectedly delightful in the balance, humor, good sense, and faith that provide their enviable superiority. There can be no better album of cultivated personages in the first decade of the 19th century.” ― Betty Rizzo, City College of New YorkTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsIntroductionHannah More: A Brief ChronologyA Note on the TextCœlebs in Search of a WifeAppendix A: Contemporary Reviews of Cœlebs in Search of a Wife The Christian Observer (February 1809) The London Review (February 1809) The Monthly Review (February 1809) The Edinburgh Review (April 1809) The British Critic (May 1809) Appendix B: Imitations, Adaptations, and Sequels From [Medora Gordon Byron], Celia in Search of a Husband (1809) From Robert Torrens, Cœlibia Choosing a Husband (1809) From William Mudford, Nubilia in Search of a Husband (1809) From Cœlebs Married (1814) Appendix C: Women’s Observations on the Education and Conduct of Women From Mary Wollstonecraft, Thoughts on the Education of Daughters (1787) From Catharine Macaulay Graham, Letters on Education (1790)) From Maria Edgeworth, Letters for Literary Ladies (1795) From Hannah More, Strictures on the Modern System of Female Education (1799) Appendix D: Contemporary Novels about Courtship and Marriage by Women Writers From “Prudentia Homespun” [Jane West], The Advantages of Education (1793) From Amelia Opie, Adeline Mowbray (1804) From Germaine de Staël, Corinne, or Italy (1807) Select Bibliography
£27.86
Galaxy Press Arctic Wings
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£16.55
Galaxy Press Arctic Wings: A Story of Crime and Justice on the
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£10.44
Galaxy Press Forbidden Gold: An Adventure in Love and Money
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£10.44
Galaxy Press The Bold Dare All
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£10.44
Galaxy Press Forbidden Gold
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£16.69
Hackett Publishing Co, Inc Haft Paykar: A Medieval Persian Romance
Book Synopsis"It was a refreshing, old-fashioned pleasure to read Julie Scott Meisami’s verse translation of, and introduction and notes to, this twelfth-century Persian allegorical romance." —Orhan Pahmuk, in the Times Literary SupplementTrade Review"The Haft Paykar—Nizami's twelfth-century masterpiece, written in the Persian verse couplet form known as masnavi—has waited a long time for a translation like this: one that simultaneously captures its lightness and charm and plumbs its wealth of cultural detail. Julie Meisami's deft, accurate, seemingly effortless version (rendered in English tetrameter, an inspired choice) is a rare accomplishment." —Michael Beard, University of North Dakota"Nizami's Haft Paykar is a deep, enduring work of literature, one that can be appreciated as psychological bildungsroman, fairytale, spiritual quest, and adventure tale. Meisami is a leading scholar of the classical Persian literary tradition, and her translation—the first full modern English rendering, and the only one to be based on a critical edition of the Persian text—pays close attention to the literary qualities of the poem." —Franklin Lewis, University of Chicago"Meisami is one of the foremost specialists in Persian literature alive today. Her translation of the Haft Paykar not only makes available for the general reader one of the classics of Persian literature, but enriches it with an extensive introduction and notes of the highest quality." —Jawid Mojaddedi, Rutgers University
£50.14
Greenleaf Book Group LLC Replenishing the Sea of Galilee: A Family Saga
Book SynopsisA Boundless Tale of Love. Replenishing the Sea of Galilee is a sweeping story of love, loss and the power of loyalty in the face of conflicting ideologies and religious beliefs. The story begins in 1940s Palestine where twins Rasheed and Rasheeda Dinar work in their family inns. Educated by a Jesuit priest about the essence of his own Muslim religion, relative to love and sex, Rasheed follows closely the teachings of his mentor and includes Rasheeda, so that she learns those teachings as well. When Rasheed falls in love with Natalia, a Jewish woman, he is able to apply what he learned from the priest to his budding relationship. However, it is the 1940s, and relations between Arabs and Jews are tense. Before long, those tensions come to a breaking point. Natalia mysteriously disappears, and Rasheed and Rasheeda are chased out of Palestine to Beirut, Lebanon. Years pass, and though Rasheed continues to miss his beloved Natalia, he gets word of a surprising visitor—someone he didn’t even know existed. Rasheed’s life is upended, but in the most wonderful way. As the Dinar family expands and enters the 1970s, their convictions are tested. In a dramatic final scene, the family reunites and proves once again that the thin line separating people because of their differences is powerless against the strength of family, love, and loyalty.
£17.99
Shadow Mountain Winterset
£15.28
Oliver-Heber Books A Brush with Death
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£12.84
Sourcebooks, Inc You've Got Plaid
Book SynopsisA fierce and loyal HighlanderA proud and determined rebelA mission that could cost them not only the CrownBut their hearts as well…Brogan Grant, Jacobite soldier and bastard son of the Chief, fought savagely on the battlefield and barely escaped capture. On the run for his life, Brogan comes across the daughter of his clan's enemy…who just might also be a spy…Lady Fiona MacBean is determined to ensure there is a Scottish king. Disguised as a healer, she delivers coded messages to rebels throughout the Highlands. There's only one thing in her way now—a striking Highlander who's determined to send her home.Fiona will not be deterred, no matter what the sexy Scot says. Left with little choice, Brogan joins her mission to save the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie himself..."Bold, adventurous, brimming with intrigue."—CATHY MAXWELL, New York Times bestselling author"Irresistible."—JENNIFER ASHLEY, New York Times bestselling author, for The Rebel Wears Plaid"Gripping... Eliza Knight is the master!"—JOANNA SHUPE, award-winning author"Outlander fans will be thrilled."—JENNIFER MCQUISTON, New York Times bestselling authorTrade Review"A tender romance that will draw in series fans and new readers alike." - Publishers Weekly
£11.52
Sourcebooks, Inc Earl on the Run
Book SynopsisFans of Mary Balogh, Ella Quinn, and Bridgerton will fall in love with the charismatic characters and glittering detail of Jane Ashford's bestselling Regency romances:A reluctant duke flees from his new roleA wild lady yearns to escape her family's strict rulesThey meet, and find refuge in each otherThe missing Earl of Ferrington doesn't want to be found…At the end of the London season, Harriet Finch reluctantly returns to her wealthy grandfather's country house. His rigid opinions for how she should live and whom she should marry sparks Harriet's rebelliousness. Yearning to reclaim her freedom, Harriet goes for a long walk and a handsome rogue from the nearby Travelers camp catches her eye.Little does she know, the rugged traveler she's flirting with is Jonathan "Jack" Frederick Merrill, the missing Earl of Ferrington in disguise. Will Jack tell Harriet the truth about who he is for the sake their blossoming relationship? Or will he keep his distance altogether? Time is running out, and the earl can't hide forever…Praise for Jane Ashford's romances:"Impossible to put down… The story crackles with clever dialogue and humorous scenes."—Historical Novel Society for The Duke Who Loved Me"An irresistibly sweet literary confection."—Booklist for Earl to the Rescue"Complex characters, subtle romance, and all the sparkling wit and flirtatious banter of a Georgette Heyer novel."—Publishers Weekly for A Duke Too Far
£9.79
Sourcebooks, Inc Blame It on the Earl
Book SynopsisJane Ashford brings you straight to the English countryside in her newest Regency romance. Perfect for readers of Mary Balogh, Ella Quinn, and fans of Bridgerton, this historical romance features: A young woman trying to do the right thing An earl's son whose clumsiness is their downfall A scandal that turns the haute ton upside down The undeniable spark that transforms a blunder into a tender connectionSarah Moran's attempt to save Kenver Pendrennon-the heir of an earl-as he slips off the Cornwall cliffs sends them both into each other's arms and into the sea. Now, marriage may be the only option to keep a scandal at bay. But what started as a terrible mistake may be exactly what both of them needs...Praise for Jane Ashford:"[A]n irresistibly sweet literary confection"-Booklist for Earl to the Rescue"A comic delight. Highly recommended to Regency lovers."-Historical Novel Society for Lord Sebastian's Secret"Graced with lively wit, excellent period detail, and appealing protagonists."-Library Journal for Heir to the Duke
£9.79
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Weather Woman
Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE HWA GOLD CROWN 2023 Neva is born into a world of trickery and illusion, where fortunes are won and lost on the turn of a card. But she is also born with an extraordinary gift: she can predict the weather. In Regency England, where the proper goal for a gentlewoman is marriage and only God can foretell the future, this is a dangerous power to possess. In order to stand up to the men of science, Neva adopts a sophisticated male disguise, created by her brilliant clockmaker father. But what will happen when she falls in love with a charismatic young man? 'Seductive' Observer 'Wildly inventive' The Times 'Superb... joyful' New Statesman 'A delight' The Sunday Times 'Beguiling' Mail on Sunday 'Magical storytelling' Heat 'A triumph!' Caroline Lea 'Bold and original' Financial Times 'I was completely captivated' Amanda CraigTrade ReviewThis is a fresh take on the Regency novel * Good Housekeeping *A historical story with a refreshingly modern twist, The Weather Woman paints an intriguing portrait of life in the early 1800s * Heat *Rich, bold and original * The Financial Times *[A] beguiling tale of science and the supernatural * Mail on Sunday *Full of life and colour... a delight * The Sunday Times *This wonderful novel, set in 18th-century London, between the two great Frost Fairs on the frozen Thames, interweaves magic and science with the dreams of a young woman ahead of her time and in danger because of it -- Rosie de Courcy, publisherPRAISE FOR SALLY GARDNER: 'Sally Gardner has a rare ability to build worlds that are rich, strange and totally unique to her... A story that will enthral you from beginning to end' Absolutely South East (and West). 'Readers who enjoy puzzles and problem-solving will love this absorbing, mysterious thriller... This riveting and original fantasy will compel you to keep turning just one more page until you find you haven't eaten, slept or moved from your seat for hours. Spectacular' BookTrust, on Invisible in a Bright Light. 'Rich and haunting historical fiction with a charismatic female lead' The Bookseller, on Invisible in a Bright Light. 'The prize-winning Gardner is [a] dab hand at literary world-creation' * Observer *
£20.00
Head of Zeus Wicked By Design
Book Synopsis'Lush, dark, utterly real and above all achingly romantic' RUTH WARE. 1819. CORNWALL. Four women sit in the candlelit drawing-room at Nansmornow, an ancient Cornish manor house. The air is thick with unspoken suspicion and secret malice. As Hester Lamorna pours tea for her three guests, she has no idea one of them is about to rock her new marriage to its very foundations. ST PETERSBURG. Half a world away, Hester's impossible and charmismatic husband, Jack 'Crow' Crowlas, will be caught up in a chess game of sexual manipulation, played out across the sumptuous ballrooms of St Petersburg. All Hester and Crow hold most dear will be tested to the limit and beyond: their love for each other and their child, and for Crow, the loyalty of his only brother. 'Sweeping and romantic, with a hero to rival Ross Poldark' IMOGEN EDWARDS-JONES. 'A thrilling, sexy romp through brilliantly reimagined history' HOLLY HEPBURN. Trade Review'A thrilling, sexy romp through brilliantly reimagined history. Hester is one of my very favourite heroines and it's probably best not to ask what I'd like to do with Crow ... Totally absorbing' Holly Hepburn.'Sweeping and romantic, with a hero to rival Ross Poldark, Wicked By Design is a fantastic and compelling novel that draws you in and paints a glorious alternative St Petersburg, keeping you hooked until the end' Imogen Edwards-Jones.'A swashbuckling, sparkling world of a novel ... with a mad, bad and dangerous-to-know hero' Suzannah Dunn.'A master of pace, plotting and action packed scenes' Rhian Ivory.'It's pretty hard to pull off a good Georgette Heyer homage, but Moran makes it look easy with this addictive sequel set in a world where Napoleon has won the Battle of Waterloo' i newspaper.'Excellent writing and characterization pushes it up several notches – with special mention for Hester: a fizzing-with-life, believable and resourceful heroine if ever there was one' Daily Mail.'Badly behaved aristocrats, gloriously opinionated women and danger at every turn' i newspaper.'Every feel-good list needs at least one Regency bodice-ripper and they don't come any better than Moran's second book, a wonderfully knowing take on the genre, stuffed full of deceit, desire and beautiful people behaving appallingly' i newspaper.'I've always loved alternative histories, and Wicked by Design by Katy Moran is a luscious, swashbuckling gallop through a Cornwall reigned over by the Empress Josephine' Woman & Home.
£999.99
Headline Publishing Group Frontline: The sweeping WWI drama that 'deserves
Book Synopsis'The doctor hits the spot and deserves to be read' - Jeffrey Archer 'A story to get the heart racing' - Daily Express 'An enthralling tale' - Daily Mirror 'Dr Hilary is a master storyteller' - Lorraine Kelly CBE ___________LOVE GAVE THEM STRENGTH. LOVING EACH OTHER GAVE THEM COURAGE. Britain and her allies are engaged in a long war with Germany.Grace is the daughter of landed gentry, volunteering as a nurse on the Western Front.Will is the son of a dockworker, driven to enlist by a sense of patriotism and the thrill of adventure.When their lives collide in a field hospital in France, they form a passionate connection.This is a sweeping and sumptuous WW1 drama and historical epic, perfect for fans of Ken Follett, Kate Mosse and Jeffrey Archer. Trade Review'The doctor hits the spot and deserves to be read' -- Jeffrey Archer'My diagnosis is that Frontline is a story to get the heart racing' * Daily Express *'An enthralling tale and Jones' medical expertise never gets in the way of the action' * Daily Mirror *'Dr Hilary is a master storyteller, and Frontline is an utterly absorbing page-turner' -- Lorraine Kelly, CBE'Frontline succeeded where (Sebastian Faulks') Birdsong failed; in actually making me cry' * National Federation of Pensioners magazine. *'This is an ambitious, sweeping epic of a story, visceral in its descriptions, and written with great insight and empathy' * Historical Novel Society *
£15.19
Canelo Siena Summer
Book SynopsisAn enthralling novel of war, rivalry and intrigue in 1920s Tuscany.A decade after her sister Isobel eloped with a wounded soldier to Italy, Poppy Brookes receives a troubling letter, summoning her to the neglected country estate they now share in beautiful Siena.Poppy soon finds a disturbing undercurrent in the marriage. The relationship between the sisters is also strained, as Poppy had nursed Kit back to health, and has never quite forgiven Isobel for ensnaring him.And when Poppy accidentally uncovers a terrible secret, her journey into love becomes eclipsed by a desire for vengeance that threatens to consume them all…Siena Summer is a thrilling tale full of history and atmosphere, perfect for fans of Rosanna Ley and Lucinda Riley.Praise for Teresa Crane‘A writer of great skill and vitality’ Sarah Harrison, author of The Flowers of the Field
£7.19
Canelo The Northern Lady: A captivating and romantic
Book SynopsisShe is determined to live the life she wants…Cassandra Trent does not like being told what to do. So when she is forced to leave behind her beloved Bardsley and join her aunt in London, she is furious. She wants nothing to do with polite society and useless noblemen.But Cassandra finds some comfort in the friendship she forms with her kind and gentle cousin, Susannah Berrinden. Despite being destined to marry Simeon Giffard, a charming and – more importantly – wealthy young man, Susannah has other ideas…And it seems Simeon does too. He has eyes only for Cassandra – but winning her over might prove to be a near impossible task.A heartwarming historical saga perfect for fans of Elisabeth McNeill, Rosie Goodwin and Gloria Cook.
£8.54
Canelo House of Shadows
Book SynopsisIt all seemed too good to be true… The moment artist Riana Evans sees the dilapidated mansion in Wales, she determines to buy it, despite its unhappy past – twenty years ago, five maids died there in mysterious circumstances.The house’s 'ghosts' prove good for business – inspiring her paintings and providing atmosphere at a series of ghost-spotting weekends. Her romantic life begins to look up too in the form of handsome airman Tom Maybury.But the mystery of the girls’ deaths hangs over everything. Riana soon discovers that the house holds a secret, and there’s someone – or something – who’ll do anything to make sure she never discovers it.A heart-wrenching Welsh drama, perfect for fans of Pam Howes, Dilly Court and Linda Finlay.
£7.19
Head of Zeus The French Wife
Book SynopsisTwo girls in 19th-century rural France. Annette works below stairs. Hélène is a daughter of the house. As children on the mean streets of Paris, they went through more together than anyone must ever guess and they share a secret to be kept at all costs.Now Hélène is in love with a man she cannot marry. And must marry a man she cannot love. A man she is beginning to suspect is both cruel and dangerous...'Truly captivating' Woman & HomeTrade Review'Truly captivating' Woman & Home.'A captivating read, it brings together vibrant characters and historical settings with great success' Woman's Weekly.'A truly captivating read that brings together vibrant characters and a historical setting' Woman's Own.'Gripping tale of love, secrets and peril' Wells Journal.'Gorgeous ... Full of love, secrets and danger ... The perfect escapist page-turning read' Weston Mercury.'The Somerset historical author takes us on a journey of friendship, romance and scandal set in 19th-century France' Somerset Life.
£999.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Pillars of Light
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£999.99
Canelo Fools Fall in Love
Book SynopsisHome is where you hang your hat…When Patsy talks her way into a job on the Champion Street Market millinery stall, the Higginson sisters get more than they bargained for.Riddled with insecurities, Patsy’s impudence wins her new enemies as well as friends and her determination to solve the riddle of her own past starts to unravel secrets Annie and Clara would much rather keep hidden.Meanwhile, Molly Poulson hasn’t a care in the world until her two daughters both fall in love with the wrong man. But the more Molly interferes, the more danger looms.An enthralling saga of secrecy and sisterhood set around an elegant hat stall in 1950s Manchester, perfect for fans of Ellie Dean and Pam Howes.Praise for Fools Fall in Love 'You can’t put a price on Freda Lightfoot’s stories from Manchester’s 1950s Champion Street Market. They bubble with enough life and colour to brighten up the dreariest day and they have characters you can easily take to your heart’ Northern Echo‘As expected, another excellent book from Freda Lightfoot’ 5* Reader review‘Devoured every word of it’ 5* Reader review‘Did not want to put this book down’ 5* Reader review
£8.54
Troubador Publishing Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz: A love story
Book Synopsis1930; Poland’s economy is beginning to suffer as a result of the Great Depression. Kind-hearted but naïve Marianna lives with her parents in the rural village of Zalipie in southeast Poland. This small farming community is all she has ever known, and she dreams of a different life in the city. A whirlwind romance with Leon, a dashing but egotistical musician, leads to a hasty marriage providing her with an opportunity for change. Leon’s father, Stanislaw, runs the local grocery store in Kazimierz, a busy district of Krakow. His fellow shopkeepers and their families are a close-knit, diverse community and they welcome the couple with open arms, but the lives of the inhabitants of this small row of shops will be changed forever by the arrival of the newlywed couple. Using rich descriptive prose, Barbara Pearman sets a series of scenes around everyday life that provide a range of insights into the diverse cast of characters’ personal lives, recollections and sometimes wild imaginings.
£11.53
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Last Gift of the Master Artists
Book Synopsis'A magical take on Africa before the arrival of the Atlantic slave ships – a world of art and artists, lovers, storytellers and philosophers... The beauty of Okri's prose is [...] the overwhelming star of the show' Independent 'This is a story of a people on the eve of catastrophe. Others can tell of the catastrophe itself. I want to see the people in the last days of their innocence.' Ben Okri By a riverbank in Africa, two lovers meet for the first time. They make a promise to meet again the next day, same time, same place, but only one of them shows up. This sounds like the beginning of a love story, but it's more than that, for this breath-taking tale takes the reader into the heart of a vibrant world, a complex and intriguing civilisation of warriors and kings, philosophers and artists, parents and lovers. A world and culture which is about to end, for glimpsed on the horizon, seen but unsuspected, beautiful ships with white sails are waiting... First published as Starbook in 2007, Ben Okri has spent many years rewriting this epic novel, set just before the arrival of the Atlantic slave trade. He has sought to bring to it a greater simplicity, to make the political and historical implications of the story clearer. Now titled The Last Gift of the Master Artists, this is a work still more dazzling and unforgettable, and more relevant to our world than ever before. Praise for Ben Okri: 'Ben Okri is that rare thing, a literary and social visionary, a writer for whom all three – literature, culture and vision – are profoundly interwoven' Ali SmithTrade ReviewA magical take on Africa before the arrival of the Atlantic slave ships – a world of art and artists, lovers, storytellers and philosophers... The beauty of Okri's prose is [...] the overwhelming star of the show * Independent *Told with a bracing sincerity... and gnomic wisdom expressed in supple but sturdy prose * Daily Telegraph *PRAISE FOR BEN OKRI: 'Where fiction's master of enchantments stares down a real horror, and without blinking or flinching, produces a work of beauty, grace and uncommon power' Marlon James, on The Freedom Artist. 'Ben Okri is that rare thing, a literary and social visionary, a writer for whom all three – literature, culture and vision – are profoundly interwoven' -- Ali Smith
£16.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Village Trattoria: Previously published as
Book Synopsis** PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS THE ENEMY OF LOVE ** Italy 1943 The village trattoria, Casa Maria, is famed for its food and for Elena, the formidable matriarch who runs it. But now war has come to Umbria. Sophia di Luca cooks brilliantly and expects to take over the trattoria from Elena one day. But instead it is charismatic, unpredictable Giorgio Capaldi who has inherited it and now arrives from Rome to run it. While Sophia and Giorgio clash, the town falls under Nazi occupation. And when no one knows who to trust, it is Casa Maria that becomes the centre for secrets, dangerous passions and ultimately betrayal. ‘A wonderful, joyous book, which really spoke to me about the indomitability of the human spirit.’ Elizabeth Enfield Praise for Annabelle Thorpe: 'Unputdownable!' Claire Dyer, author of The Last Day 'A pacy, engaging tale of human weakness and of passion so overwhelming it can make fools of us all' Daily ExpressTrade ReviewThe Italian setting is lovingly described...a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit in times of extreme adversity -- Historical Novel Review‘A compelling plot packed full of emotion and drama’ * My Weekly *Buy of the Week * Daily Mirror / Daily Express *Travel writer Annabelle Thorpe brings her love of Umbria, Italy, to a holiday read of two families living through the war-torn Italian summer of 1943 * Daily Mirror / Daily Express *An evocative, beautifully written tale of love and community. The perfect immersive holiday read * Sussex Life *
£20.00
