Historical romance
Graphic Arts Books Judith Wynne
Book SynopsisAfter the death of their patriarch, and a devastating fever that killed all but two of the children, the surviving Reece family, Mrs. Reece, Wolfgang, and Oscar, are left with just the vast property their family had owned for generations. Despite their poor financial situation, the family happily agreed to take in Judith Wynne, the nineteen-year-old daughter of a colonel. Because of his career, her father left Judith in the care of her aunt and uncle, though he was reluctant to do so because of their differing religious beliefs. After the death of her aunt, the colonel did not want Judith to stay with her uncle, so he requested the help of his old friend, Mrs. Reece. The Reece’s were happy to accommodate. Though it is a big adjustment for everyone involved, Judith slowly integrates herself into the family’s routine. She gets along well with Mrs. Reece, and becomes close with the younger son, Oscar. As Judith and Oscar grow to be good friends, Wolfgang, the oldest brother and head of the house, sees a new opportunity. Knowing that Judith will soon inherit a good amount of money, Wolfgang tries to subtly set Oscar and Judith up to be married. When Oscar goes away for school, Wolfgang uses the opportunity to advocate his brother, despite the fact that Oscar did not consent to it. However, as Wolfgang spends more time with Judith, he begins to realize how futile his efforts are, especially as his own conflicting feelings for Judith grow. Separated into three volumes, Catherine Louisa Pirkis’ Judith Wynne is a masterful slow-burn romance that explores themes of family, class, and pride. First published in 1884, Judith Wynne continues to capture the hearts of modern readers with its memorable characters, descriptive language, and moving love story. This edition of Judith Wynne by Catherine Louisa Pirkis features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font. With these accommodations, Judith Wynne caters to a modern audience while preserving the original beauty of Catherine Louisa Pirkis’ work.
£11.39
Graphic Arts Books Lord Tony's Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet
Book SynopsisAn aristocrat and his daughter are targeted by a former peasant who hides his true identity to ingratiate himself into the world of French royalists. After gaining their trust, he attempts to marry the girl, but she’s already eloped with another. Pierre Adet is a French peasant who becomes obsessed with landowner, Duc de Kernogan and his daughter Yvonne. After experiencing unfair treatment and wages, he incites a mob against the aristocrat that proves unsuccessful. After escaping execution, he travels to England under an alias, creating a new life for himself alongside the upper-class. Despite past events, he’s able to hide his identity to romantically pursue Yvonne. His plan goes awry when she falls in love with Lord Antony Dewhurst, whom she quickly marries. Infuriated, Adet kidnaps the new bride forcing Lord Antony to seek help from a trusted friend, the Scarlet Pimpernel. Lord Tony’s Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel is fueled by deception and revenge. One man’s ongoing mission to destroy a family leads to a series of challenges and unexpected events. The Scarlet Pimpernel embarks on a new journey to save the love of one’s life. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Lord Tony’s Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel is both modern and readable.
£8.54
Graphic Arts Books Lady Susan
Book SynopsisLady Susan (1871) is a novel by English author Jane Austen. Originally written in 1794—making it one of Austen’s earliest complete works—Lady Susan was published posthumously and has since been of interest to readers and scholars alike. It is notable for its epistolary form, a popular style of prose fiction writing in the late-eighteenth century in which the narrative is told in the form of letters between characters embedded in the story itself. The epistolary novel mimics letter writing in order to distance the author from their work, as well as to simulate the secrecy and intimacy of private communication for its reader. Austen’s novel, narrated by letters between its cast of characters, follows Lady Johnson’s visit to Churchill, the country estate of her brother- and sister-in-law Charles and Catherine Vernon. At Churchill, Lady Susan seduces and denies Catherine’s brother Reginald De Courcy, a handsome but gullible man. When Frederica, Lady Susan’s teenage daughter, arrives, she begins to fall in love with Reginald. This disrupts not just her mother’s control of the young man, but her plan for Frederica to marry Sir James Martin, a wealthy suitor who soon arrives at Churchill himself. As the plot unfolds, and as the bonds of familial and romantic affection are tested, a drama of chaos and comedy ensues which bears the hallmark clarity of Austen’s moral vision. Lady Susan is an early masterpiece from renowned novelist Jane Austen, a text which not only clears the path for her more famous novels to come, but carves a space for itself in a truly legendary body of work. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jane Austen’s Lady Susan is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.
£6.37
Graphic Arts Books Love Insurance
Book SynopsisLord Harrowby visits Lloyds of London and takes out an insurance policy on his future wedding, which guarantees a hefty payout if the ceremony stalls. It’s an odd request that leads to desperate measures from both parties. Lord Allan Harrowby is engaged to marry a wealthy American heiress. Prior to their nuptials, he decides to take out an insurance policy on their wedding. If it doesn’t occur by a certain time, Harrowby will receive a massive claim for his troubles. The insurers, Lloyds of London, sends one of their trusted employees to the wedding locale to make sure it goes off without a hitch. What happens next is a series of unexpected events that attempt to derail the ceremony at every turn.Love Insurance is a screwball comedy that uses the best elements of the genre. It is a fun and entertaining story that leaps off the page. The novel was later adapted for feature film including 1919’s Love Insurance, 1924’s The Reckless Age and 1940’s One Night in the Tropics With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Love Insurance is both modern and readable.
£7.59
Graphic Arts Books The Secret Power
Book SynopsisThe Secret Power (1921) is a science fiction novel by Marie Corelli. Published toward the end of Corelli’s career as one of the most successful writers of her generation, the novel combines romance, fantasy, and science fiction to tell a story of discovery and sacrifice set in a strangely familiar future. Thought to be inspired by the life of Marie Curie, The Secret Power showcases the immense talent of an author whose reputation has subsided in the years after her death. Due for reassessment by a modern audience, Mari Corelli’s work—which has inspired several adaptations for film and theater—is a must read for fans of early science fiction. Set in the future, The Secret Power describes a future world united through long-distance air travel. Featuring beautiful descriptions of Southern California and Sicily, the novel follows an impoverished academic and a wealthy heiress, star-crossed lovers who wrestle with the discovery of a mysterious radioactive substance. Envisioning the prospect of unmatched power, they struggle with the ethical implications of an energy source with the capacity for good and evil. Living in his secluded cabin, the academic leaves the material untouched, fearful of its consequences. Meanwhile, his lover is content to eat small pieces of the substance daily, astounded by its rejuvenating effect. Addressing philosophical, scientific, and religious themes, The Secret Power is a moving work of fiction which uses romance to ask important questions about an emerging modern world. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Marie Corelli The Secret Power is a classic work of English science fiction reimagined for modern readers.
£8.54
Graphic Arts Books The Bride of Lammermoor
Book Synopsis Edgar’s family and their home, Ravenswood, is well-respected and revered by the people of Scotland, until their political endorsement invites controversy. When Edgar’s father is stripped of his noble title due for supporting King James VII, Lucy’s father, Sir William, buys their family estate. Meant to be the rightful master of Ravenswood, Edgar is livid, and feels that his family legacy has been usurped. Soon dreaming of getting vengeance, Edgar is set to the destroy Sir Williams, until he meets his daughter. Named Lucy, Sir William’s daughter is beautiful and kind, and she and Edgar become almost instantly attracted to each other. After renouncing his original plans of revenge, Edgar and Lucy are happy together, though not everyone is pleased with their relationship. Lady Ashton, Sir William’s wife has a plan of her own. Hoping to force Lucy into a marriage that would be politically advantageous for the family. Determined to achieve her goal, Lady Ashton manipulates and deceives to break the couple apart, and bend Lucy to her will. The young couple try to overcome Lady Ashton’s trickery, leading to misunderstandings, serious accusations, and dangerous duels. Featuring compelling characters, miscommunications, duels, and murder attempts, The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott is clever and dramatic, capturing the attention of its readers. First published just over two hundred years ago, the Bride of Lammermoor provides an interesting representation of the social and political affairs of historic South-East Scotland. Paired with the rich prose and captivating narrative, this immersive setting crafts an unforgettable reading experience for modern audiences. This edition of The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott now features an eye-catching new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of The Bride of Lammermoor crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original mastery and drama of Sir Walter Scott’s literature.
£10.44
Graphic Arts Books Miss Betty
Book SynopsisMiss Betty (1898) is a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. Written only a year after the publication of Dracula, Miss Betty helped to establish the Irish master of Gothic horror’s reputation as a leading writer of the early-twentieth century. “Of all the incidents of her early life none had so great or lasting an effect on Betty Pole as those that evening in Cheyne Walk on which she had been accused of breaking the blue china jar.” Following an innocent accident, Betty Pole is berated by her grandfather, who believes she has broken a priceless heirloom. On this day, Betty first learns of her strange ability to sense things before they happen, which proves both a gift and a curse in due time. That night, Betty learns the truth behind her identity and is named the heiress of her grandfather’s fortune. The next morning, he is found dead. As Betty gets older, as England passes from one era into the next, she is forced to hide her ability from the suspicions and intentions of friends and strangers alike. Miss Betty is a gripping work of fantasy and historical romance by Bram Stoker, the secretive and vastly underrated creator of Dracula, one of history’s greatest villains. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Bram Stoker’s Miss Betty is a classic of Irish literature reimagined for modern readers.
£6.37
Graphic Arts Books His Official Fiancee
Book SynopsisHis Official Fiancée (1914) is a romance novel by Berta Ruck. After a decade of publishing stories in literary magazines, Ruck released her first novel to popular acclaim. Adapted for a 1919 silent comedy film starring Vivian Martin and Forrest Stanley, His Official Fiancée is a satirical tale of love, work, and modern life. To his employees, William Waters is a demanding boss who micromanages every aspect of their daily work. Beyond his back, he is known as “Still Waters,” a reference to his robotic nature and seemingly stagnant love life. When Monica Trant, a typist, is called into his office, she fears the worst. To her surprise, however, Waters makes a strange proposition. “‘I wish to find someone who, to outward appearances, could take the place of my fiancée; could go about with me, stay at my home, and be introduced all round as the girl I meant to marry. She must understand from the very beginning that it was absolutely a matter of business; that the so-called “engagement” would terminate at the end of the year.’” Hesitant at first, Monica is in no position to turn down a better job and agrees to his request. As days turn to weeks, weeks into months, she realizes that her role has given her an opportunity to gain control of a man who has controlled so much of her own life. Dedicated to the running of his business, Waters has left himself completely vulnerable in his life at home. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Berta Ruck’s His Official Fiancée is a classic of British romance literature reimagined for modern readers.
£8.54
Graphic Arts Books Miss Million's Maid
Book SynopsisMiss Million’s Maid (1913) is a romance novel by Berta Ruck. After a decade of publishing stories in literary magazines, Ruck began releasing romance novels to popular acclaim. Miss Million’s Maid is a satirical tale of love, work, and modern life that continues to entertain over a century after it was written. Beatrice Lovelace longs for a social life. Although she was born into a family of London elites, her family’s fortunes turned to leave Beatrice with next to nothing. Living with her frugal Aunt Anastasia, she hears secondhand of events around town she has no opportunity to see for herself. Her only friend, if she could be called such, is her loyal maid Nellie Million, whose name takes on a brand-new meaning when a distant uncle unexpectedly leaves her a massive fortune. Sensing an opportunity, Beatrice volunteers to work as her maid, making something of herself for the first time in her life. Despite their cordiality and good rapport, the two women soon succumb to the pressures of life in a class they had never experienced. Juggling work and wealth, navigating the ways of men, Nellie and Beatrice learn that money and happiness often refuse to mix. Miss Million’s Maid is a comedy of social life, a story of romance and friendship from one of the twentieth century’s most prolific authors. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Berta Ruck’s Miss Million’s Maid is a classic of British romance literature reimagined for modern readers.
£9.49
Graphic Arts Books The Disturbing Charm
Book SynopsisThe Disturbing Charm (1919) is a romance novel by Berta Ruck. After a decade of publishing stories in literary magazines, Ruck began releasing romance novels to popular acclaim. The Disturbing Charm is a satirical tale of love, fantasy, and modern life that continues to entertain over a century after it was written. “Half the trouble in that world arises from the fact that human beings are continually falling in Love ... with the wrong people.” While cleaning her uncle’s office, Olwen Howel-Jones, a young Welsh beauty, discovers this message written on a mysterious note. Investigating further, she finds instructions for the use of a powerful charm, which must remain hidden in order to work. When used, it renders the wearer irresistibly attractive, allowing them to bend the will of whomever they wish to romance. Unable to resist such a promise, Olwen secretly removes the charm from her uncle’s desk. As she goes about her daily life, she soon discovers that although the charm truly works, to be the constant object of anyone and everyone’s affections is a tiresome way to live. The Disturbing Charm is a comedy of social life and romance from one of the twentieth century’s most prolific authors. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Berta Ruck’s The Disturbing Charm is a classic of British romance literature reimagined for modern readers.
£8.54
Graphic Arts Books Romance to the Rescue
Book SynopsisRomance to the Rescue (1921) is a novel by Denis Mackail. Recognized in his time as a leading writer of popular fiction, Mackail was a gifted stylist with a keen sense of social convention and a deep commitment to developing his diverse casts of characters. Frequently funny, Mackail’s work is a pleasure to read and deserves renewed interest from the public. The past few years have been hard on David Lawrence. Having lost his mother to illness, he is preparing to go off to college at Oxford while living up to the expectations of his father Martin, a respected academic. While out to dinner with his father in London, David meets the mysterious Mrs. Cartwright, a charming older woman who seems to have a history with Dr. Lawrence. Encouraging him to pay a visit to her home, she bids them goodnight, leaving David to play it cool while conversing with his father. Not long after this brief meeting, David calls on Mrs. Cartwright to find her in the middle of a conversation with aspiring playwright John Ormroyd, who wishes to have his new production staged at the Thespian Theatre. Assuring him to remain confident in his work, Cartwright—whose husband Leo manages the Thespian—welcomes David into her drawing room, where she introduces the two men and bids farewell to John. As the story unfolds, passion and a secret from the past prove an entertaining concoction as men compete for the attention of a woman whose confidence and intelligence they foolishly underestimate. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Denis Mackail’s Romance to the Rescue is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.
£9.49
Graphic Arts Books The Fifth Queen Trilogy
Book SynopsisThe Fifth Queen (1906-1908) is a trilogy of novels by Ford Madox Ford. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, Ford’s trilogy recreates Tudor England in a masterful story of court intrigue, romance, and betrayal. Focusing on the tragic figure of Katharine Howard, the fifth wife of the King, Ford investigates the interconnection of sex and power in a political atmosphere clouded by violence and espionage. Depicting some of the era’s most notorious figures, including Thomas Cromwell, Bloody Mary, and the King himself, Ford makes history both entertaining and undeniably human. Brought to the court of King Henry VIII by her cousin Thomas Culpeper, Katharine Howard, a noblewoman whose family’s fortunes had been in decline for some time, inadvertently catches the eye of his majesty. Given a position as a lady in waiting for Lady Mary, Howard—though opposed by the brutally efficient schemer Thomas Cromwell—soon distinguishes herself in the eyes of the King, who makes her his fifth Queen. Thrust into the spotlight at the age of seventeen, she finds herself forced into an impossible role as a public figure whose every move could enrage her notoriously violent husband. Married to the Henry for a brief time before she was unceremoniously divorced and beheaded, Howard has traditionally been seen as a minor figure in the history of Tudor England. For Ford, however, a master storyteller with an eye for tragedy and a skill for developing flawed, convincingly human characters, Howard is a woman whose life and death are not only worthy of literature, but instructive for the men and women of Edwardian England. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Ford Madox Ford’s The Fifth Queen Trilogy is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.
£15.29
Graphic Arts Books The Fifth Queen Crowned
Book SynopsisThe Fifth Queen Crowned (1908) is a novel by Ford Madox Ford. The third and final installment of Ford’s The Fifth Queen Trilogy is set during the reign of Henry VIII, a tumultuous time of political and religious oppression in a land at the mercy of a murderous King. Ford’s trilogy recreates Tudor England in a masterful story of court intrigue, romance, and betrayal. Focusing on the tragic figure of Katharine Howard, the fifth wife of the King, Ford investigates the interconnection of sex and power in a political atmosphere clouded by violence and espionage. Depicting some of the era’s most notorious figures, including Thomas Cromwell, Bloody Mary, and the King himself, Ford makes history both entertaining and undeniably human. Brought to the court of King Henry VIII by her cousin Thomas Culpeper, Katharine Howard, a noblewoman whose family’s fortunes had been in decline for some time, inadvertently catches the eye of his majesty. Given a position as a lady in waiting for Lady Mary, Howard—though opposed by the brutally efficient schemer Thomas Cromwell—soon distinguishes herself in the eyes of the King, who makes her his fifth Queen. Thrust into the spotlight at the age of seventeen, she finds herself forced into an impossible role as a public figure whose every move could enrage her notoriously violent husband. Howard has traditionally been seen as a minor figure in the history of Tudor England. For Ford, however, a master storyteller with an eye for tragedy and a skill for developing flawed, convincingly human characters, Howard is a woman whose life and death are not only worthy of literature, but instructive for the men and women of Edwardian England. In The Fifth Queen Crowned, he continues the story of Katharine in the aftermath of Thomas Cromwell’s demise. Now married to Henry VIII, she finds herself increasingly powerless at court and fears angering the King. Strong willed and eminently good, Katharine is drawn into the controversy surrounding Nicholas Throckmorton, who has been implicated in Wyatt’s Rebellion and thrown in prison. As the King grows tired of her willpower and jealous of her relationship with Culpeper, her time as Queen grows increasingly tenuous. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Ford Madox Ford’s The Fifth Queen Crowned is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.
£7.59
Graphic Arts Books Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor
Book SynopsisLorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor (1869) is a novel by Richard Doddridge Blackmore. Praised by some of Victian England’s leading authors, including Robert Louis Stevenson, George Gissing, and Thomas Hardy, Lorna Doone was published anonymously and sold poorly in its first edition. Republished the following year in an inexpensive format, the book became a huge success for Blackmore, and remains his only novel in print. Raised in the hill country of Exmoor, John Ridd is forced to take over his family farm at a young age following his father’s murder at the hands of the Doone clan. Determined to succeed, he endeavors to do right by his mother and younger siblings, raising their crop by the banks of Badgworthy Water. Ready to put the past behind him, he unexpectedly falls for the beautiful Lorna, the granddaughter of Sir Ensor Doone. When Ensor dies, the Doone estate passes to her cousin Carver, who believes he is destined to marry Lorna. Forced to flee to John’s farm at Plover’s Barrows, Lorna—whose true identity endangers her life—hides from her cousin Carver at the home of a family which knows all too well the dangers of trusting a Doone. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Richard Doddridge Blackmore’s Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor is a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.
£17.09
Graphic Arts Books Miss Meredith
Book SynopsisMiss Meredith (1889) is a novel by Amy Levy. Published the year of her tragic death, Miss Meredith is the final novel of a pioneering writer and feminist whose poetry and prose explores the concept of the New Woman while illuminating the realities of Jewish life in nineteenth century London. “A hard fight with fortune had been my mother's from the day when, a girl of eighteen, she had left a comfortable home to marry my father for love. Poverty and sickness—those two redoubtable dragons—had stood ever in the path. Now, even the love which had been by her side for so many years, and helped to comfort them, had vanished into the unknown.” Elsie Meredith is keenly aware of her mother’s fate in life, and although she wants to be there for her in her time of greatest need, she fears more than anything the prospect of following in her footsteps. “[N]either literary nor artistic, neither picturesque like Jenny nor clever like Rosalind,” Elsie is a textbook middle child, destined to go through life on her own terms, yet unequipped with the drive or willingness to conform possessed by her sisters. On a whim, she decides to embark for Italy to work as a governess for the Marchesa Brogi. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition Amy Levy’s Miss Meredith is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.
£6.37
Graphic Arts Books Bianca, Or, The Young Spanish Maiden
Book SynopsisBianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden (1878) is a novel by Toru Dutt. Published the year after her death at the age of 21, Bianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden is a heartfelt work of romance by a pioneering figure in Indian history and Bengali literature. “A funeral procession was winding slowly up the path; two mourners followed the coffin; the church yard was in a lonely place; so there were no half-curious, half-sympathising people following. It was the daughter of Alonzo Garcia a foreign gentleman residing in England, his eldest daughter and his most loved; the youngest was by his side, Bianca.”Inspired by her time in England, Toru Dutt tells the story of a young girl mourning the loss of her beloved sister Inez. Tragic and timeless, Bianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden investigates themes of faith, family, and courtship while illuminating the experience of a young foreigner living in England. Born in Calcutta to a family of Bengali Christians, Toru Dutt was raised at the crossroads of English and Indian cultures. In addition to her native Bengali, she became fluent in English, French, and Sanskrit as a young girl, eventually writing novels and poems in each language. Despite her limited body of work, Dutt’s legacy as a groundbreaking writer remains firm in India and around the world.With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Toru Dutt’s Bianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden is a classic work of Bengali literature reimagined for modern readers.
£7.01
Black Curtain Press The Italian
Book Synopsis
£23.74
Wilder Publications Bobbie: General Manager
Book Synopsis
£15.99
Kensington Publishing Corporation The Bad Luck Bride
Book Synopsis
£11.40
FriesenPress Rafe: Lincoln's Samurai Agent
Book Synopsis
£16.40
HARPER COLLINS USA LAST DAUGHTER OF YORK
£16.14
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC A Net for Small Fishes
Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHORS' CLUB BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD 'What a ride!' India Knight, Sunday Times Summer reads ‘Thrilling… a sumptuous feast of plotting and intrigue’ Mail on Sunday ‘A complete joy’ Bettany Hughes ‘Gloriously immersive’ Guardian ------------------------------------------------- Frances Howard has beauty and a powerful family – and is the most unhappy creature in the world. Anne Turner has wit and talent – but no stage on which to display them. Little stands between her and the abyss of destitution. When these two very different women meet in strange circumstances, a powerful friendship is sparked. Frankie sweeps Anne into a world of splendour that exceeds all she imagined: a Court whose foreign king is a stranger to his own subjects; where ancient families fight for power, and where the sovereign’s favourite may rise and rise – so long as he remains in favour. Anne and Frankie dare to seek a little happiness for themselves in this extravagant, savage hunting ground. But as they gain notice, they also gain enemies; what began as a search for love and safety leads to desperate acts that could cost them everything. Based on the true scandal that rocked the court of James I, A Net for Small Fishes is the most gripping novel you'll read this year: an exhilarating dive into the pitch-dark waters of the Jacobean court.Trade ReviewA superb exploration of female agency, sexuality and class … Anne thrums with life all the way through to her tragic, gruesome end, while Frankie is calculating and alluring … A scintillating novel that plunges you head-first into a darkly compelling chapter of British history * Observer *A powerful take on a fascinating piece of history * The Times *Sumptuous … If you’re feeling bereft after finishing The Mirror and the Light, let Jago transport you back to the Jacobean court -- Lucy Scholes * Daily Telegraph *Rich in intrigue and incident, with a cast of vividly drawn characters and a wealth of detail on every atmospheric page, this is a fabulously engaging read * Daily Mail *Bravura historical debut … Gloriously immersive ... Jago makes her a brilliantly engaging narrator … Jago is excellent on clothes … Throughout the novel, surface detail is deftly handled to convey deeper anxieties and shifts in attitude ... Jago keenly conveys the peril of being a woman of any class in the 17th century … Like all the best historical fiction, A Net for Small Fishes is a gloriously immersive escape from present times, but it’s not escapism * Guardian *Riveting … In a narrative that brims over with colour and invention, Jago summons up Jacobean London with enormous persuasiveness * Sunday Times, Book of the Month *Perfect for those looking for a gripping historical title * i paper *Jago’s thrilling debut is a sumptuous feast of plotting and intrigue at the court of King James, with a feminist slant … A classic historical novel, classily executed * Mail on Sunday *A sensuous evocation of 17th-century noble shenanigans. Jago offers a timely lens through which to reconsider power dynamics in Jacobean England … Seamless and stylish … Set in 1609, 69 years after the Mantel trilogy concludes, so those mourning Cromwell may find much to scintillate here * Irish Times *Will bring wit, wisdom, joy and comfort to your reading pile … There’s no messing about in Lucy Jago’s A Net For Small Fishes. From the first chapter you’re plunged into the dark intrigues, violence, vying for position and cruelty of the 17th century Jacobean court as society beauty Frances Howard meets Anne Turner, whose way with bodices, stockings and eyelashes is unequalled * Stylist *What a tale! Rich in intrigue and incident … A Net For Small Fishes is wonderfully dramatic and movingly tragic. With a wealth of detail on every atmospheric page, as the charismatic, flawed figures of Anne and Frankie try to live and love in the “cesspit” of a royal court, this is historical fiction at its immersive, intriguing best * Sunday Express *Hike up your Jacobean skirts for a romp through the corridors of courtly power … A perfect winter’s tale * Sainsbury's Magazine *A historical gem * independent.co.uk *A magnificent reimagining of a scandal in the Jacobean court … Masques, machinations and murder ensue, as well as affairs, gorgeously described clothes and a dangerous friendship * Tatler, 8 best books of the year so far *Dazzling * Sunday Independent *A terrific first novel, rich in colour, character, place and time. If you like your history spiced with sex, scandal and the sweet sensibilities of female friendship, then this is for you -- Sarah DunantA fabulous book. Frankie and Anne's world is not just brilliantly evoked but brilliantly sustained. Lucy Jago doesn't make a single false step. And it's exciting! -- Andrew MillerThe Thelma and Louise of the seventeenth century: two mis-matched heroines, two grittily textured lives, an outrageous plot (true!), sex, politics, and a gut-wrenching ending -- Lawrence NorfolkFull of colour, intrigue and historical characters we can relate to ... Jago has a great flair for the sensuous image and evokes the heady mix of gaudy glamour and grime that characterises the era with a distinctive, dense poetry. Historical fiction at its scintillating best and most filmic -- Susan ElderkinBrings the early seventeenth century brilliantly to life … Riven with colour and detail * Living Magazine *The attention to detail is wonderful. A really, really great book so early in 2021 * Woman's Way *Unflinching … She lays bare the corruption of the Jacobean court, her sharp prose illuminating its dark corners and the complexities of her subject matter * Lunate.co.uk *We’ve had so much Tudor fiction of the years from authors including Hilary Mantel and Philippa Gregory, that it’s great to escape to a different era as Lucy Jago takes us to the court of James I * Scotsman *An extraordinary story … The court case of the century … Amazing * talkRADIO *
£8.54
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club
Book SynopsisWhip-smart and utterly transportive, this is historical fiction of the highest order - an unforgettable coming-of-age story, a tender romance, and a portrait of a nation on the brink of change'A charming and uplifting tale - I LOVED every minute!' FAITH HOGAN'A ripping tale of friendship, survival and true love' CELIA IMRIE'Witty, amusing and touchingly emotive ' ROSIE GOODWIN'A page-turning original story' KATIE FFORDE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Summer, 1919: Constance Haverhill is forced to relinquish her beloved job and cottage at the estate she helped to run during the war. Instead, she's sent as an old lady's companion to Hazelbourne-on-Sea, where she meets Poppy, a trouser-wearing local who runs a ladies' motorcycle (and, hopefully soon, flying) club, and Harris, her recalcitrant but handsome brother - a pilot wounded in battle - who warms in Constance's presence, among the other colourful inhabitants of this sunny pocket of high society. But things are increasingly complicated. As the country prepares to celebrate peace, the women of the club are forced to confront the fact that the freedoms gained during the war are being revoked. In a timeless comedy of manners, with sharp humour, biting wit and a warm heart, Simonson captures the mood of a generation facing the seismic changes brought on by war. Readers LOVE The Hazelbourne LadiesAn absolute must for lovers of historical fiction' *****What a delight! captured the essence of the era' *****This book was brilliant! Totally recommend it' *****I loved the characters ... and found out more than I expected *****
£9.49
Austin Macauley Publishers Keeper of the Red Shawl
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Circus of Wonders
Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller from the bestselling author of The Doll Factory, Elizabeth Macneal.Set in a spectacular circus in the pleasure gardens of Victorian London, Circus of Wonders is an addictive novel about power, fame, and a love that is threatened by a terrible secret.'Glitters and gleams . . . utterly beguiling' – Daily Mail1866. In a coastal village in southern England, Nell lives set apart by her community because of the birthmarks that speckle her skin.But when Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders arrives in the village, Nell is kidnapped. Her father has sold her, promising Jasper Jupiter his very own leopard girl. It is the greatest betrayal of Nell's life, but as her fame grows, and she finds friendship with the other performers and Jasper’s gentle brother Toby, she begins to wonder if joining the show is the best thing that has ever happened to her.In London, newspapers describe Nell as the eighth wonder of the world. Figurines are cast in her image, and crowds rush to watch her soar through the air. But what happens when her fame eclipses Jasper's own? And as she falls in love with Toby, can he detach himself from his past and the terrible secret that binds him to his brother?Trade ReviewA glittering follow-up to The Doll Factory . . . a mark of Macneal's subtlety and originality * Guardian *Elizabeth Macneal’s marvellous debut, The Doll Factory, was a bestselling success. This second book, beautifully written and filled with character and life, cements her reputation as a new talent * The Times *Elizabeth Macneal has done it again . . . Entrancing, tender, captivating. A marvel. I couldn’t put it down. -- Sara Collins, author of Costa First Novel Award winner The Confessions of Frannie LangtonWonderful . . . Glitters and gleams with the grimy stories of a travelling circus . . . Utterly beguiling * Daily Mail *An absolute triumph. Exquisitely written, intensely satisfying -- Stacey Halls, author of The FamiliarsSpectacular . . . A brilliantly involving story, vivid with the sights and sounds of Victorian England. A fantastic read * Daily Express *Dark but tender, evocative and compelling. I loved it -- Laura Shepherd-Robinson, author of Blood & SugarAn equally satisfying exploration of some of the odder corners of Victorian life . . . a novel that again highlights Macneal’s rich imagination and vivid prose * Sunday Times Ireland, Historical Fiction Book of the Month *A fantastical, absolutely immersive gem of a read * Red *Macneal’s complex characters allow her to question how society treats difference, the price of power and vanity, and the pursuit of self-determination. At turns dark, joyous, frightening and heartbreaking, Circus Of Wonders makes for an absorbing read * Independent *A tremendous read. Richly imagined, vividly rendered, each scene is like an old painting in which light gleams off the detail . . . The story is full-bodied and addictive from the outset, told with pace and verve but never compromising style . . . Circus of Wonders displays in abundance everything readers loved about The Doll Factory . . . an ambitious, enlightening novel -- Emma Stonex, author of The LamplightersDeliciously vivid . . . every bit as atmospheric as you’d expect . . . A hopeful story of a girl taking charge of her destiny * Woman & Home *Set in the same Victorian London as her stunning debut, The Doll Factory, Macneal's second novel is both thrilling and humane, bringing to life the brutal world of the freak show * Mail on Sunday *You can’t help but be drawn into the exciting and sometimes macabre world of the circus, with its colourful cast of characters * Good Housekeeping *Another seductive slice of Victorian noir * Sunday Times Scotland *Circus of Wonders is confident and beautifully written -- Sarah Vaughan, author of Anatomy of a ScandalA glittering, begrimed tale of love and self-determination flush with richly detailed prose. Sumptuous, macabre, enthralling; a perfect slice of Victoriana. -- Jane Healey, author of The Animals at Lockwood ManorElizabeth Macneal's novel is spectacular - a book of wonders! -- Alix Nathan, author of The Warlow ExperimentA beautifully told and immersive look at a complex dance between exploitation and empowerment, and the question of what it really means to have control over your own life. I adored its characters, I was utterly gripped throughout, and I loved having my eyes opened to the troubling yet fascinating world of Victorian circuses -- Naomi Ishiguro, author of Escape RoutesCircus of Wonders is a soaring, tumbling, whip-cracking book. Elizabeth Macneal has brought an extraordinary group of characters together in these pages; the result is a glittering world, a story as moving as it is deeply entertaining -- Daniel Mason, author of The Piano TunerExpansive and tender . . . it really pulls you into this fascinating world. -- Beth Underdown, author of The Witchfinder's SisterI loved The Doll Factory and I loved Circus Of Wonders just as much . . .An intriguing and beautifully written love story as well as an exploration of the journey from rejection to adoration . . . Elizabeth Macneal explores the nature of exploitation, pride and vanity through her vibrant and believable characters -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing GirlAt turns dark, joyous, frightening and heartbreaking, Circus of Wonders is an absorbing read * Sunday Life *A glittering, soaring, magical exploration of showmanship, voyeurism and storytelling, Circus of Wonders is also a wonderful, sumptuously-written love story. Visceral & cerebral. I loved it. -- Caroline Lea, author of The Glass WomanEngaging and enjoyable * Scotsman *I loved it. Circus of Wonders is a terrific successor to The Doll Factory. I adored the vibrant cast of characters - they are tenderly drawn yet dazzle off the page -- Rachel Hore, author of Last Letter HomeI was dazzled by it from beginning to end. What a fabulous, riveting, engrossing story! There's such a creepy undercurrent of dread and violence running just beneath the surface of everything she writes, yet there's humanity and kindness, a palpable love for Nell and the other circus performers that makes all the characters come to life -- Whitney Scharer, author of The Age of LightAn enjoyable and engrossing novel, which captivates from beginning to end * Historical Novel Society *The gritty glamour of the circus and the horrors of war. Macneal’s characters are finely drawn, their entwined stories playing out against the backdrop of the big top * Daily Mirror *Wonderful * Woman's Weekly *The author of The Doll Factory returns with more high Gothic Victoriana * i newspaper *Deliciously vivid . . . every bit as atmospheric as you'd expect * Woman's Own *The kaleidoscopic world of the Victorian circus, at once enchanting and grotesque, is vividly brought to life . . . a gripping tale * Northern Echo *Fantastic * Psychologies *Packed with atmosphere * Prima *Wonderful * My Weekly *I loved this story for its plot, its characters and its beautiful writing. The author engages all our senses to explore illusion versus reality, keeps us on a tightrope of emotions and presents us with a truly dazzling show * NFOP Magazine *A gripping exploration of fame, love, hope, friendship and whether we can ever own our own stories * New European *[Macneal's] great strength is in imagining vivid inner lives and narratives for people usually sidelined, who in the historical great-man theory merely provide delicacies and amusements for the rich * Catholic Herald *
£13.49
Pan Macmillan The Dance Tree: The BBC Between the Covers Book
Book SynopsisSet in an era of superstition and hysteria, and inspired by the true events of a doomed summer, The Dance Tree is a story of family secrets, forbidden love, and women pushed to the edge. The gripping, historical novel from Kiran Millwood Hargrave, as seen on BBC Two's Between the Covers.‘Brilliant’ – Marian Keyes‘I absolutely loved this book’ – Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den Strasbourg, 1518. In the midst of a blisteringly hot summer, a lone woman begins to dance in the city square. She dances for days without pause, and as she is joined by hundreds of others, the authorities declare an emergency: musicians will be brought in to play the Devil out of these women.Beyond the city, pregnant Lisbet tends the bees that are her livelihood. And then, as the dancing plague gathers momentum, Lisbet’s sister-in-law Nethe returns from seven years’ penance in the mountains for a crime no one will name.As the city buckles under the beat of a thousand feet, Lisbet finds herself thrust into a dangerous web of deceit and clandestine passion, but she is dancing to a dangerous tune . . .Shortlisted for the HWA Gold Crown‘Intriguing, haunting, beautiful’ – Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne‘Extraordinary, enthralling’ – Sunday TimesTrade ReviewExtraordinary . . . enthralling . . . An exceptionally atmospheric, original story * Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month *Unusual and beautifully written, and the questions it raises about faith and love linger * The Times *Exceptionally brilliant. Immersive, sensual, compelling and totally convincing. Accessible, ambitious, The Dance Tree deserves to win prizes -- Marian KeyesAn intriguing, haunting novel pulsing with raw, beautiful emotion . . . a novel in which female courage and resilience shines brightly against a brilliantly evoked backdrop of claustrophobic horror -- Jennifer Saint, author of AriadneI absolutely loved this book . . . an exceptionally beautiful portrait of women from the past, told in the most spellbinding prose -- Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf DenMillwood Hargrave has a masterly ability to summon the past to the page. The Dance Tree vibrates with urgency; [a] vivid, compassionate evocation of women and their desires in a time of patriarchal control -- Hannah Kent, bestselling author of Burial RitesStunning . . . There is so much pain and grief and loss in it, yet in the end, it all comes back to the redemptive power of love. Sensual, gripping, moving -- Louise O'Neill, bestselling author of IdolIf some prose sings, Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s truly dances . . . the book’s wisdom, compassion, and beauty transcend historical boundaries: this is a timeless novel -- Hernan Diaz, author of TRUST>Amazing . . . incredible . . . I was drawn in right away -- Sara Cox, BBC Between the CoversExploring themes of motherhood, misogyny, the patriarchy and forbidden love, the author utilises this moment in history as a great catalyst for examining issues that are still central to our contemporary concerns. * Irish Times *The Dance Tree hums with intrigue, grief and rebellion, oozes tenderness and love. Fierce as Lisbet’s bees, delicious as honey. A raw, intoxicating novel -- Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock CureI just loved it . . . I was hooked from the start -- Sarah Keyworth, BBC Between the CoversHugely tender, heartbreaking and warm. Millwood Hargrave embroiders the world of the book so beautifully, it is an immersive rich experience that plays on in your head even after you put it down -- Sarvat Hasin, author of The Giant DarkMillwood Hargrave takes an intriguing, female-focused moment of real history and weaves a heartbreaking story into it * Woman & Home *Beautifully written, full of tenderness and hope, The Dance Tree explores grief and courage and the tragic consequences of forbidden love. -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing Girl[A] tenderly written story . . . Good characters, good plot and lots to think about in a solid piece of historical fiction * Times of Tunbridge Wells *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan The Dance Tree: A BBC Between the Covers book
Book Synopsis'Exceptionally brilliant. Immersive, sensual, compelling' - Marian Keyes'Intriguing, haunting . . . raw, beautiful' - Jennifer Saint, author of AriadneThe gripping, historical novel from Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Mercies. Set in an era of superstition, hysteria, and extraordinary change, and inspired by the true events of a doomed summer, The Dance Tree is an impassioned story of family secrets, forbidden love, and women pushed to the edge.Strasbourg, 1518. In the midst of a blisteringly hot summer, a lone woman begins to dance in the city square. She dances for days without pause or rest, and as she is joined by hundreds of others, the authorities declare an emergency. Musicians will be brought in to play the Devil out of these women.Just beyond the city’s limits, pregnant Lisbet lives with her mother-in-law and husband, tending the bees that are their livelihood. And then, as the dancing plague gathers momentum, Lisbet’s sister-in-law Nethe returns from seven years’ penance in the mountains for a crime no one will name.It is a secret that Lisbet is determined to uncover. As the city buckles under the beat of a thousand feet, she finds herself thrust into a dangerous web of deceit and clandestine passion, but she is dancing to a dangerous tune . . .'Extraordinary . . . An exceptionally atmospheric, original story' - The Sunday Times'Spellbinding' - Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf DenTrade ReviewExtraordinary . . . enthralling . . . An exceptionally atmospheric, original story * Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month *The Dance Tree is unusual and beautifully written, and the questions it raises about faith and love linger. The vignettes of the lives of the dancing women are a joy, each a perfect little short story dropped into the main narrative * The Times *Exceptionally brilliant. Immersive, sensual, compelling and totally convincing. Accessible, ambitious, The Dance Tree deserves to win prizes -- Marian KeyesAn intriguing, haunting novel pulsing with raw, beautiful emotion. Kiran Millwood-Hargrave effortlessly intertwines the stories of women tenderly and sympathetically, creating a novel in which female courage and resilience shines brightly against a brilliantly evoked backdrop of claustrophobic horror. -- Jennifer Saint, author of AriadneSome historical novels don't just describe the past, they transport you there . . . I absolutely loved this book . . . an exceptionally beautiful portrait of women from the past, told in the most spellbinding prose -- Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf DenKiran Millwood Hargrave has a masterly ability to summon the past to the page. The Dance Tree vibrates with urgency; its vivid, compassionate evocation of women and their desires in a time of patriarchal control and mass hysteria is a timely reminder of how far we have come, and how far we have to go -- Hannah Kent, bestselling author of Burial RitesThe Dance Tree is, simply put, a stunning piece of writing. There is so much pain and grief and loss in it, yet in the end, it all comes back to the redemptive power of love. Sensual, gripping, moving. -- Louise O'Neill, bestselling author of IdolExploring themes of motherhood, misogyny, the patriarchy and forbidden love, the author utilises this moment in history as a great catalyst for examining issues that are still central to our contemporary concerns. This interweaving of the past with the present is deftly done with the author’s incredible capacity for empathy illuminating the sensitive topics that the story incorporates. * Irish Times *If some prose sings, Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s truly dances . . . Addresses issues of the utmost importance today—the subjection of women, class inequality, the dangers of religious fundamentalism. Ultimately, however, the book’s wisdom, compassion, and beauty transcend historical boundaries: this is a timeless novel -- Hernan Diaz, author of TRUST>The Dance Tree hums with intrigue, grief and rebellion, oozes tenderness and love. Fierce as Lisbet’s bees, delicious as honey. A raw, intoxicating novel. -- Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock CureHugely tender, heartbreaking and warm. Millwood Hargrave embroiders the world of the book so beautifully, it is an immersive rich experience that plays on in your head even after you put it down. -- Sarvat Hasin, author of The Giant DarkMillwood Hargrave takes an intriguing, female-focused moment of real history and weaves a heartbreaking story into it * Woman & Home *Beautifully written, full of tenderness and hope, The Dance Tree explores grief and courage and the tragic consequences of forbidden love. -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing Girl[A] tenderly written story . . . Good characters, good plot and lots to think about in a solid piece of historical fiction * Times of Tunbridge Wells *
£13.49
Pan Macmillan Black Country Orphan
Book SynopsisBlack Country Orphan is a moving story of the courage and strength of women, by the Sunday Times bestselling author Annie Murray.The early 1900s: Cradley Heath, a town in the Black Country near Birmingham and centre of the world’s chain-making trade. Lucy Butler, a young girl crippled by a cruel accident, lives with her two brothers and widowed mother, a chain-maker barely making ends meet. When tragedy strikes, the Butler family is separated and Lucy is taken in by Bertha Hipkiss, another impoverished chain maker, struggling to look after her own family.Lucy, while feeling the loss of her own family, relies on the company of Bertha’s two sons, charming Clem and straight-laced John. Though clever at school, Lucy knows she must leave and earn her keep, working many hours in the backyard forge. The five women toiling side by side, inevitably have their own friendships and squabbles. But they’re united in their hatred of loathsome middleman Seth Dawson, who treats the women with contempt, and keeps their pay punishingly low. But by the 1910s, there is a movement stirring, as across the country workers begin unionising for their rights. For Lucy, Bertha and the women of Cradley Heath, the promise of a better life seems almost too much to hope for - and the fight may end up costing them everything . . .
£17.00
Pan Macmillan Black Country Orphan
Book SynopsisBlack Country Orphan is a moving story of the courage and strength of women, by the Sunday Times bestselling author Annie Murray.The early 1900s: Cradley Heath, a town in the Black Country near Birmingham and centre of the world’s chain-making trade. Lucy Butler, a young girl crippled by a cruel accident, lives with her two brothers and widowed mother, a chain-maker barely making ends meet. When tragedy strikes, the Butler family is separated and Lucy is taken in by Bertha Hipkiss, another impoverished chain maker, struggling to look after her own family.Lucy, while feeling the loss of her own family, relies on the company of Bertha’s two sons, charming Clem and straight-laced John. Though clever at school, Lucy knows she must leave and earn her keep, working many hours in the backyard forge. The five women toiling side by side, inevitably have their own friendships and squabbles. But they’re united in their hatred of loathsome middleman Seth Dawson, who treats the women with contempt, and keeps their pay punishingly low. But by the 1910s, there is a movement stirring, as across the country workers begin unionising for their rights. For Lucy, Bertha and the women of Cradley Heath, the promise of a better life seems almost too much to hope for – and the fight may end up costing them everything . . .Trade ReviewThis heart-warming story is a gripping read, full of drama, love and compassion (Soldier Girl) * Take a Break *This epic saga will have you gripped from start to finish (Chocolate Girls) * Birmingham Evening Mail *Just the right mix of mystery and nostalgia (Birmingham Friends) * Parents' Magazine *A tale of passion and empathy which will keep you hooked (Birmingham Blitz) * Woman's Own *
£7.99
Pan Macmillan The Warden
Book SynopsisThe Warden introduces us to the lives of some of the most beloved characters in all literature. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition has an introduction by Margaret Drabble and illustrations by F. C. Tilney.Scandal strikes the peaceful cathedral town of Barchester when Septimus Harding, the warden of charitable foundation Hiram’s Hospital, is accused of financial wrongdoing. A kindly and naive man, he finds himself caught between the forces of entrenched tradition and radical reform amid the burgeoning materialism of Britain in the 1850s. The deeply insightful portrayals of figures such as the booming Archdeacon Grantly and the beautiful Eleanor Harding are at the heart of this moving and deliciously comical tale. The Warden launched the enduringly popular Barsetshire Chronicles series of six novels and won Anthony Trollope a seat in the pantheon of great literary figures.Trade ReviewThe brilliance of Trollope’s storytelling lies in his ability to twist and turn your allegiances as a reader, page by page . . . It is a brilliantly spun story, and its central themes are as urgent as ever -- Michael Symmons Roberts * Guardian *A master of the mock epic . . . Trollope is that rare thing: a strong writer with a trustworthy imagination -- Adam Gopnik * New Yorker *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan A Song for Summer
Book SynopsisSet against the backdrop of gathering war, A Song for Summer is an unforgettable love story from master storyteller Eva Ibbotson, with an introduction from Ella Risbridger.When Ellen Carr abandons grey, dreary London to become housekeeper at an experimental school in Austria, she soon knows she's found her calling.Swept into an idyllic world of mountains, music, eccentric teachers and wayward children, Ellen brings order and joy to all around her. But it's the handsome, mysterious gardener, Marek, who intrigues her – Marek, who has a dangerous secret. As Hitler's troops march across Europe, Ellen finds she has promises to keep, even if it means sacrificing her future happiness . . .'I have binged on Eva Ibbotson . . . her elegantly written, witty and well-observed fables' Nigella Lawson, The TimesTrade ReviewIbbotson, as always, manages to transport the reader, if not to a fantasy world, at least to a world full of enchantment, where it seems anything could happen. Her portrayal of all the characters, protagonists and antagonists alike, is fantastically unconventional, and throughout the book, her scene setting is truly perfect . . . Ibbotson is evidently a master at knowing just how much description to put into a scene, and this is what makes the book so special. -- Children's Books Review * Guardian *Eva Ibbotson is so clever at capturing moments in history and weaving a story around them and her characters too are so real you feel you can reach out and touch them. Here in A Song for Summer is absolutely no exception. * LoveReading4Kids *Beautiful and perplexing, the book is an absolute masterpiece, that’s mystery and flawless description ignites the imagination -- Elinor Gray * LoveReading4Kids *A deliciously old-fashioned story, which encompasses love, adventure and a host of memorable characters. * BookTrust *This year (thanks to a recommendation by Ella Risbridger on Instagram, of all places) I have binged on Eva Ibbotson, not her children’s books, but her elegantly written, witty and well-observed if (after a few) formulaic fables of emigrées with beautiful burnished hair fallen on hard times. I read one after another, and rather feel your Christmas might be brightened by doing the same. So may I suggest A Song for Summer, followed by The Morning Gift, then The Secret Countess, A Company of Swans, Magic Flutes, Journey to the River Sea, and The Star of Kazan. -- Nigella Lawson * The Sunday Times *Discovering Eva Ibbotson’s books is one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to me. The most beautiful, delicious, wry read -- Marian Keyes
£10.78
Pan Macmillan The Morning Gift
Book SynopsisA richly imagined story of unexpected love, independence, and belonging – The Morning Gift is a classic WWII romance from Eva Ibbotson.With an introduction from Sarra Manning, author of Diary of a Crush.Eighteen-year-old Ruth lives in the sparkling city of Vienna with her family, where she delights in its music, energy and natural beauty. She is wildly in love with the brilliant young pianist Heini Radik and can't wait until they are married.But Ruth's world is turned upside down when the Nazis invade Austria and her family are forced to flee to England, and through a devastating misunderstanding she is left behind. Her only hope to escape Vienna comes from Quin, a young English professor, who unexpectedly offers her a marriage of convenience to bring her back to London.Ruth throws herself into her new life – but a secret marriage is more difficult than she expected, especially as she and Quin find themselves drawn together.'I have binged on Eva Ibbotson . . . her elegantly written, witty and well-observed fables' – Nigella Lawson, The TimesRediscover Eva Ibbotson, award-winning author of Journey to the River Sea, in her sweeping historical romances, including The Morning Gift, A Song For Summer and The Secret Countess.Trade ReviewI have binged on Eva Ibbotson . . . I read one after another, and rather feel your Christmas might be brightened by doing the same. -- Nigella Lawson * The Sunday Times *Her adult books manage to be radiant and comforting, even though they address war, migration, racism and eugenics. In these frightening times, I want to read about open-hearted heroines pursuing happiness and love against the odds. -- Samantha Ellis * The TLS *Sophisticated, brilliantly plotted and gloriously funny -- Amanda Craig * Guardian *If you want to read a book that will immerse you in history, a beautiful setting and an adorable romance, this is definitely a book for you -- Charnell Vevers * LoveReading4Kids *Discovering Eva Ibbotson’s books is one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to me. The most beautiful, delicious, wry read -- Marian KeyesThe beauty of their old life in Vienna and the descriptions of their refugee existence in north London are heart-rending . . . It is also sweetly romantic if you want cheering up. -- Harriet Green * The Guardian *Her books are utterly delightful * Daily Mail *
£8.54
Pan Macmillan The Animals at Lockwood Manor
Book SynopsisDeeply gripping and darkly atmospheric, The Animals at Lockwood Manor is a tale of long-buried secrets and hidden desires by Jane Healey.Winner of the HWA Debut Crown Award 2020Some secrets are unspoken. Others are unspeakable . . .August 1939. As the Second World War looms, thirty-year-old Hetty Cartwright is tasked with the evacuation and safekeeping of the natural history museum’s famous collection of mammals. But once she and her exhibits arrive at Lockwood Manor, Hetty soon realizes that she’s taken on more than she’d bargained for . . .Protecting her priceless animals from the irascible Lord Lockwood and resentful servants is hard enough, but when a series of mysterious events occur, Hetty begins to suspect someone – or something – is stalking her through the darkened corridors of the gothic mansion.As her fears build, Hetty finds herself falling under the spell of Lucy, Lord Lockwood’s beautiful but haunted daughter. But why is Lucy so traumatized? Does she know something she’s not telling? And is there any truth to local rumours of ghosts and curses?'Atmospheric and disquieting . . . an ideal book club read' – A J Pearce, author of Dear Mrs BirdTrade ReviewJane Healey’s excellent debut novel is a rich story full of tension and darkness. The star of the novel is the claustrophobic Manor itself, which casts a shadow over every page and hides a truly horrible secret. Atmospheric and disquieting, The Animals at Lockwood Manor is an ideal book club read -- A J Pearce, author of Dear Mrs BirdAn eerie puzzle box of a book . . . a deeply consuming read and a fantastic novel to get lost in -- Erika SwylerSuch a vivid, beautiful but haunting story, with a thread of darkness running through it . . . I was thoroughly engrossed -- Cressida McLaughlinThis story will keep you captivated * Women's Weekly *Hypnotic . . . Will keep you emotionally invested to the end * Woman & Home *Absorbing, atmospheric * The Herald *In this modern gothic, animals disappear, chilling screams pierce the night, and tales of abuse and madness abound. An appropriately horrific conclusion is worthy of the genre's best storytellers * Audiofile *
£8.54
Pan Macmillan Magic Flutes
Book SynopsisSweeping across countries, class and music, Eva Ibboton's classic historical romance, Magic Flutes, is a richly imagined tale of intrigue and identity, with a new introduction from Harriet Evans.In the spring of 1922, young Austrian Princess Theresa-Maria – known to her ancient aunts as 'Putzerl' – abandons her crumbling castle and her royal duties. Disguising herself simply as Tessa, she enrolls as under wardrobe mistress of the International Opera Company and soon loses herself in the intoxicating world of the Viennese opera.But when Guy Farne, an Englishman looking to impress his new fiance, arrives in Austria and employs the Company to perform at his newly purchased Austrian estate, he finds himself fascinated by the under wardrobe mistress, and Tessa finds it increasingly difficult to keep her two lives separate . . .'I have binged on Eva Ibbotson . . . her elegantly written, witty and well-observed fables' Nigella Lawson, The TimesRediscover Eva Ibbotson, award-winning author of Journey to the River Sea, in her sweeping historical romances, including The Morning Gift, A Song For Summer, The Secret Countess (originally published as A Countess Below Stairs), Madensky Square and A Company of Swans. Magic Flutes was originally published as The Reluctant Heiress.Trade ReviewDiscovering Eva Ibbotson’s books is one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to me. The most beautiful, delicious, wry read -- Marian KeyesThis year (thanks to a recommendation by Ella Risbridger on Instagram, of all places) I have binged on Eva Ibbotson, not her children’s books, but her elegantly written, witty and well-observed if (after a few) formulaic fables of emigrées with beautiful burnished hair fallen on hard times. I read one after another, and rather feel your Christmas might be brightened by doing the same. So may I suggest A Song for Summer, followed by The Morning Gift, then The Secret Countess, A Company of Swans, Magic Flutes, Journey to the River Sea, and The Star of Kazan. -- Nigella Lawson * The Sunday Times *Her books are utterly delightful * Daily Mail *
£14.61
Pan Macmillan The Spitfire Sisters
Book SynopsisFamily and friendship mean everything under the darkening skies of wartime Britain. The Spitfire Sisters is the third book in Margaret Dickinson's moving Maitland trilogy.It is the 1930s and the Maitland family have spent the years following the Great War struggling to come to terms with its catastrophic aftermath, and their hopes now lie with the next generation. Their Lincolnshire village of Doddington suffered terrible loss and it has taken great courage for the bereaved families to rebuild their lives without their loved ones.When war is declared again, it is Daisy Maitland and her peers who must now take up the fight for freedom. Feisty and a daredevil like her beloved Aunt Pips, who spent World War One on the front line serving with a flying ambulance corps, Daisy had persuaded a family friend to teach her to fly as a young woman. Now her country is at war, she is determined to put her skills to good use, enlisting in the Air Transport Auxiliary. There she forges new friendships – but she never forgets her childhood friend and cousin, Luke, who has joined the RAF as a fighter pilot.As war rages in the skies and on the ground, Daisy, her friends and her family – at home and across the Channel – will find their bravery and strength tested to the very limits in their determination to save their country. And they have learned one of the most valuable lessons of all: true love will find a way.Trade ReviewQueen of Saga * Daily Express *Another page-turner with warm characters and an enthralling plot (Daughters of Courage) * My Weekly *With instantly likeable characters and a thoroughly engrossing story, you’ll be gripped from the very first page (The Buffer Girls) * Sunday Express *A gripping saga full of heart-rending drama (The Clippie Girls) * Yours *
£8.54
Pan Macmillan Secrets at Bletchley Park
Book SynopsisIn Secrets at Bletchley Park by Margaret Dickinson, two young women from very different backgrounds meet in the Second World War and are plunged into a life where security and discretion are paramount. But both have secrets of their own to hide . . .In 1929, life for ten-year-old Mattie Price, born and raised in the back streets of Sheffield, is tough. But Mattie’s neighbours and teachers recognize that the girl is clever beyond her years and they are determined that she shall have the opportunity in life she deserves.Victoria Hamilton, living in the opulence of London’s Kensington, has all the material possessions that a young girl could want. But Victoria's mother lives her life in the social whirl of upper-class society, leaving Victoria in the care of her governess and the servants. At eleven years old, Victoria is sent to boarding school where, for the first time in her young life, she is able to make friends of her own age.Mattie and Victoria are both set on a path that will bring them together at Bletchley Park in May 1940. Together they will face the rest of the war keeping the nation’s secrets and helping to win the fight. But keeping secrets is second nature to both of them . . .Trade ReviewQueen of Saga * Daily Express *Another page-turner with warm characters and an enthralling plot -- My Weekly on Daughters of CourageWith instantly likeable characters and a thoroughly engrossing story, you’ll be gripped from the very first page -- Sunday Express on The Buffer GirlsA gripping saga full of heart-rending drama -- Yours on The Clippie Girls
£8.54
Pan Macmillan The Hidden Wife
Book SynopsisThe Hidden Wife by Joanna Rees is the second novel in A Stitch in Time – a sweeping historical trilogy. Paris, 1928Having fled London and been on the run around Europe, Vita Casey has established a new life for herself, keeping a low profile as a dresser at a cabaret hall where Nancy is part of the risqué dance troupe. It’s a vibrant world of wild parties, drugs and jazz music.But despite the fun, hedonistic lifestyle they lead, Vita longs for a proper career and to re-kindle her dream of designing lingerie. When an opportunity to work for famous couturier Jenny Sacerdote presents itself, Vita grabs it with both hands and is soon exposed to an altogether different side of Paris society. Before long, romance blossoms in the unlikeliest of places.However, left to her own devices, Nancy spirals into danger and drug abuse and Vita has to save her friend. But can Vita really trust the people who want to help her? Especially when there are those back in England who wish to see her ruined and forced to pay for the past she ran away from . . .
£8.54
Pan Macmillan The Sister Returns
Book SynopsisThe Sister Returns by Joanna Rees is the third novel in A Stitch in Time – a sweeping historical trilogy.To have a future, she must confront her past . . .It’s 1929 and after running away from her family in Lancashire, becoming a dancer in London and having a riotous time in Paris with her best friend Nancy, would-be fashion designer Vita Casey is now living a much more sedate life in New York with her baby son, Bertie, far away from her evil brother, Clement, and her nemesis, Edith.When the disastrous events of the Wall Street Crash change their destinies, Vita and Nancy flee to Los Angeles, where Nancy is determined to make it in the talkies. Schmoozing their way into the ranks of the Hollywood elite, Vita is starting to think that she can begin to fulfil her fashion ambitions. But when the love of her life, Archie, is hired as a writer on Nancy’s new movie and Clement exacts his ultimate revenge, Vita’s past and present collide.She has no choice but to tell the truth and try to reclaim what is rightfully hers before it’s too late.
£8.54
Pan Macmillan A Glove Shop in Vienna and Other Stories
Book Synopsis'Discovering Eva Ibbotson’s books is one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to me. The most beautiful, delicious, wry read' – Marian KeyesCurl up with a collection of romantic short stories taking you from nineteenth-century Vienna, over the wild moors of Northumberland to the snowy streets of pre-revolutionary St Petersberg. A collection of eighteen romantic short stories from the award-winning and much-loved Eva Ibbotson, A Glove Shop in Vienna will show you the great passions and astute observations of everyday life. Join Great-Uncle Max, torn between his grand and secret love for Susie, the enchanting glove shop assistant, and the devotion of his opera-singing wife. Meet Miss Bennett, drama mistress at the fading Markham Street Primary School, whose search for a baby Jesus for the nativity play yields unexpected and miraculous results. And agonise with Kira, a dancer in Russia's Imperial Ballet school, thrown out onto the streets of St. Petersburg, and found by Edwin, a lonely dreamer. A chocolate-box collection of deliciously romantic, atmospheric and witty stories to lose yourself in this Christmas.'Eva Ibbotson is such a good writer that her characters break the bonds of the romantic novel' Washington PostTrade ReviewEva Ibbotson is such a good writer that her characters break the bonds of the romantic novel. * Washington Post Book Review *Discovering Eva Ibbotson’s books is one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to me. The most beautiful, delicious, wry read -- Marian KeyesThis lovely collection of short stories are typical of Ibbotson’s novels. They’re full of giddy romance, soul-stirring description of Old Vienna, handsome and intriguing men and girls who have a lot of feelings. Absolute bliss in other words! -- Sarra Manning * Red online *The late Ibbotson's words live on in this atmospheric collection of wintery short stories. Lonely dreamers, ballerinas and a Christmas angel. * The i newspaper *Her books are utterly delightful * Daily Mail *
£8.54
Pan Macmillan Madensky Square
Book SynopsisA whip-smart observation of the passions and tragedies behind daily life, Eva Ibbotson's Madensky Square is a classic snapshot of Viennese life before WWI, with a new introduction from Laura Wood.Susanna Weber's dress shop stands in the picturesque Madensky Square, a quiet little world of its own, nestled in the heart of glittering pre-war Vienna.As the winter of 1910 unfurls into spring, Susanna starts a journal about life in the Square, about the buildings and their colourful inhabitants. There's Frau Schumacher, with six daughters and a baby on the way, Professor Starsky and his menagerie of sickly reptiles, an aging bookseller, a teenaged Anarchist, and little Sigi – an orphaned child prodigy forced to play the piano all day, every day. And then there's her dear friend Alice, the only person who has noticed the heartbreak that hides beneath Susanna's brisk kindness and brilliant talent . . . Discover more of Eva Ibbotson's sweeping historical romances in Magic Flutes, The Morning Gift, The Secret Countess, A Song for Summer and A Company of Swans, all with brand new introductions.Trade ReviewDiscovering Eva Ibbotson’s books is one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to me. The most beautiful, delicious, wry read -- Marian KeyesSunshine and shadows, laughter and tears . . . the grace and gaiety of a Viennese waltz * Sunday Telegraph *[Ibbotson] provides not only charm, but intelligent prose and a character with finely tuned sensibilities * Kirkus *Her books are utterly delightful * Daily Mail *
£10.78
Pan Macmillan The Secrets of the Lake
Book SynopsisThe Secrets of the Lake is a gripping wartime novel, by the author of The Silk Weaver, Liz Trenow.'Masterful storytelling, immersive locations, and characters that inhabit your heart from the first page' – Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife.The war may be over, but for Molly life is still in turmoil. Uprooted from London after the death of her mother, Molly, her father and younger brother Jimmy are starting again in a quiet village in the countryside of Colchester. As summer sets in, the heat is almost as oppressive as the village gossip. Molly dreams of becoming a journalist, finding a voice in the world, but most of the time must act as Jimmy’s carer. At just ten years old he is Molly’s shadow, following her around the village as she falls under the spell of local boy Kit. Kit is clever, funny and a natural-born rebel. Rowing on the waters of the lake with him becomes Molly’s escape from domestic duty. But there is something Kit is not telling Molly.As the village gossip starts building up with whispers against Molly’s father over missing church funds, everything Molly thought she knew is turned upside down. And on one stormy night, when she sneaks out of the house to try to put things right, Jimmy vanishes. Never to be seen again.Decades later, Molly is an elderly woman in sheltered housing, still haunted by the disappearance of her brother. When two police officers arrive to say that the remains of a body have been found at the bottom of the lake, it seems like Molly will at long last have her answer . . .Trade ReviewI loved it. I loved how it made me feel and I didn’t want it to the end. It is beautifully layered, and I found the story moving, magical and original. A book with a mystery at its heart, solved very cleverly -- Dinah JefferiesMasterful storytelling, immersive locations, and characters that inhabit your heart from the first page: this is a novel I know will stay with me for a long time -- Gill PaulAtmospheric and compelling, it's set during a post-war summer in a small village. I loved the touches of myth & fairytale & the wonderful characters of Jimmy & Molly -- Tracy ReesA wonderful story of love, family and the things we do to protect both. I loved the post-war setting of a small village rife with secrets and whispers, and Molly, Jimmy & Kit’s story stayed with me long after the last page was turned. A brilliant read for anyone who enjoys books by Pam Jenoff and Rachel Hore -- Nikola ScottWonderfully atmospheric, and with an intriguing mystery running through its pages, The Secrets of the Lake is a haunting and compelling tale of family, folklore, and the lingering ripples of tragedy in a quiet English village. Liz Trenow writes such authentic characters you feel as if you know them personally. I enjoyed every beautifully-written page -- Hazel GaynorThis atmospheric book is, on the surface, gently beguiling and evocative, but beneath float sinister undertones. Jimmy was a delight and my sympathies were with Molly from the beginning. The fusion of local legend into the plot, and the story Molly wrote for Jimmy were both clever and charming. I loved it, right up to the poignant end -- Louise FeinLiz is an utterly brilliant story-teller and, with her beautiful prose and page-turning plot, has given us another winner. I shall be highly recommending! -- Jenny AshcroftA great summer read * S Magazine *A compelling tale * Woman's Own *
£8.54
Pan Macmillan A Precious Daughter
Book SynopsisSet between the wild fells of North Yorkshire, Canada and Liverpool, A Precious Daughter by Diane Allen is a sweeping saga novel following a family's struggles in the 19th century.When Ethan Postlethwaite, his wife Grace and their daughter Amy announce that they will be leaving the family home in the Yorkshire Dales, Grace’s parents are heartbroken. Hoping for a new life prospecting for gold in the wilds of Canada, the young family say goodbye and set sail across the Atlantic in search of a brighter future.The journey there proves hard and treacherous, however, and upon arrival it becomes apparent that the riches they had been promised in the gold fields have already been plundered. So when the family is devastated by the death of Grace, Ethan decides he must take his daughter back to England.Arriving in Liverpool, Ethan and Amy soon find work in a dairy as cow-keepers, but Amy is restless and struggles to settle into yet another new life. And when a chance encounter at a cattle show ignites an old friendship, she must decide where her own future lies and what she must do in order to find happiness at last . . .Trade ReviewIf you are a lover of historical sagas and the sweep of the northern hills and their romance, then this novel is definitely for you * Historical Novel Society *An enthralling tale packed with emotion, drama and the harsh realities of life in nineteenth-century northern England * Lancashire Post *
£18.00
Pan Macmillan A Child of the Dales
Book SynopsisSet deep in the Yorkshire Dales, Diane Allen's A Child of the Dales is a sweeping novel of family, deceit, separation and love.
£17.00
Pan Macmillan A Child of the Dales
Book SynopsisSet deep in the Yorkshire Dales, Diane Allen’s A Child of the Dales is a sweeping novel of family, deceit, separation and love.Abandoned as a baby on the steps of a remote inn, Ruby Blake has been raised by the innkeeper’s wife, Martha Metcalfe, unknowing of the family searching for her. One wild stormy night, Ruby is reunited with her long-lost father, who wants to whisk her away to Banksgill Farm for a happy life with her true family. Feeling betrayed by Martha, Ruby follows her father for the chance of a new life.However, for her Romani heritage, Ruby is quickly outcast from her real family by everyone – everyone except the charming stable hand, Tom Adams.Struck with loneliness in a village of people who find ways to make her miserable, she seeks friendship and love in Tom. As their relationship blossoms, Ruby is faced with the temptations of a handsome local miner and, when rumours begin to spread, Ruby feels more lost and confused than ever.With his long-lost daughter now safely under his wing, Reuben Blake is still desperately searching for Ruby’s mother, and vows he will not rest until he finds his true love. With Rueben’s mission leading him to the darkest corners of Brough Hill, his search shows only signs of heartbreak and despair.As neither father or daughter feel quite whole, will either finally find where they truly belong?
£7.59
Pan Macmillan Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt: The epic conclusion
Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERThe final novel in the Seven Sisters series is here. Spanning a lifetime of love and loss, crossing borders and oceans, Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt, co-authored by her son Harry Whittaker, draws Lucinda Riley's saga to its stunning, unforgettable conclusion.1928, Paris. A boy is found, moments from death, and taken in by a kindly family. Gentle, precocious, talented, he flourishes in his new home, and the family show him a life he hadn’t dreamed possible. But he refuses to speak a word about who he really is.As he grows into a young man, falling in love and taking classes at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, he can almost forget the terrors of his past, or the promise he has vowed to keep. But across Europe an evil is rising, and no-one’s safety is certain. In his heart, he knows the time will come when he must flee once more.2008, the Aegean. The seven sisters are gathered together for the first time, on board the Titan, to say a final goodbye to the enigmatic father they loved so dearly.To the surprise of everyone, it is the missing sister who Pa Salt has chosen to entrust with the clue to their pasts. But for every truth revealed, another question emerges. The sisters must confront the idea that their adored father was someone they barely knew. And even more shockingly: that these long-buried secrets may still have consequences for them today.In this epic conclusion to the Seven Sisters series, everything will be revealed. Trade ReviewA masterclass in beautiful writing -- The Sun on The Sun SisterDelicious reading -- Daily Mail on The Pearl SisterCaptivating, magical, and heroic on the part of a son who has shown himself to have his mother’s writing talent and determination, Pa Salt and the Seven Sisters are now destined to forever be the ‘stars’ of a unique and classic time-travelling series * Lancashire Evening Post *Another epic tale of love, loss and discovery -- My Weekly on The Pearl SisterHeart-wrenching, uplifting and utterly enthralling. The Seven Sisters series is Lucinda Riley at the top of her game: a magical storyteller who creates characters we fall in love with and who stay with us long after we finish reading. Dazzlingly good. -- Lucy Foley, bestselling author of The Hunting Party, on The Sun Sister
£19.80
Pan Macmillan Prelude & Other Stories
Book SynopsisRadical, witty and inventive, Katherine Mansfield is one of the twentieth century’s most accomplished short-story writers and this selection of stories showcases her dazzling skill. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. Prelude & Other Stories is edited and introduced by Professor Meg Jensen.This selection of stories by Katherine Mansfield showcases her remarkable ability to delve into the human mind; in stories such as ‘The Garden Party’ she reveals the tension between innocence and corruption, the dark side of love and romance are explored in ‘Bliss’ and ‘Love à la Mode’, and in the title story, ‘Prelude’, inspired by her own childhood, her concern is for the isolated and the lonely. Collected together for the first time, this selection of short stories by Katherine Mansfield showcase her remarkable ability to delve deep into human psychology.Trade ReviewHer writing was as impenetrable as she was: romantic, excitable, sharp-edged, malicious and cold, charming and funny, lonely, proud, vulnerable, a wearer of masks * Guardian *Mansfield’s work displays a quick, sardonic wit that sharply interrogates romantic concepts of genius and ironizes naïve expectation * The Paris Review *
£10.44
Pan Macmillan The Rose Garden
Book SynopsisThe Rose Garden is a richly imagined historical novel full of intrigue and secrets, spanning the luxury and poverty of Victorian England. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies and Rachel Hore.Every house has its secrets . . .For twelve-year-old Ottilie Finch, London is an exciting playground to explore. Her family have recently arrived in Hampstead from Durham, under a cloud of scandal that Otty is blissfully unaware of. The only shadow over her days is her mother’s mysterious illness, which keeps her to her room.When young local girl Mabs is offered the chance to become Mrs Finch’s companion, it saves her from a desperate life on the canals. Little does she know that all is not as picture-perfect as it seems. Mabs is about to become tangled in the secrets that chased the Finches from their last home, and trapped in an impossible dilemma . . .‘Tracy Rees is a natural storyteller . . . What a treat it is!’ – Rachel Hore, author of A Gathering Storm.'In this engrossing novel Tracy Rees takes the reader directly into the drama and action . . . the roles and attitudes to women at the end of the Victorian period and the emerging women’s movement were riveting. Totally unputdownable' – Dinah Jefferies, author of The Tea-Planter’s Wife.Trade ReviewIn this engrossing novel Tracy Rees takes the reader directly into the drama and action, her writing bringing every scene to sparkling vivid life. The rich use of language meant I was fully immersed in the Victorian world of the main women protagonists and didn’t want to leave. Written with empathy and revealing differing sides to even more minor characters, the roles and attitudes to women at the end of the Victorian period and the emerging women’s movement were riveting. Totally unputdownable. -- Dinah Jefferies, author of The Sapphire WidowA warm, original and upbeat novel. Tracy Rees is a natural storyteller and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I loved the setting of Victorian Hampstead and its vivid range of characters. What a treat it is! -- Rachel Hore, author of A Place of Secrets, on The Rose GardenTracy Rees has a rare gift for creating characters you are rooting for from the first page. The writing is fresh and engaging, with a gentle humour...the research is meticulous, and the women’s stories are told with immense compassion. This is a novel that immerses you in its world as if by magic, and keeps you enthralled till the very end. -- Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife, on The Rose GardenBeautifully written and vividly imagined, The Rose Garden strikes the perfect balance between period drama to savour and compelling escapism to devour. Tracy Rees has such a talent for writing engaging characters who stay with you. I loved it! -- Hazel Gaynor, author of The Girl Who Came Home, on The Rose GardenA rich, compelling and intricate tapestry of women’s lives . . . their wants, needs and dreams through the characters diverse lives. I couldn’t put it down. -- Liz Fenwick, author of The Cornish House, on The Rose GardenA rich historical drama that is both a subtle study of the treatment of women and an entertaining escape. Pure joy. -- Jo Spain, author of Dirty Little Secrets, on The Rose Gardensuch a treat ... I loved Tracy’s elegant writing and the vivid and relatable characters, and historically-rich story...wonderful and uplifting. -- Nicola Cornick, author of House of Shadows on The Rose GardenIt’s so wonderful, so poignant and oh, the history. I loved delving into these women’s lives, their loves, their individual and very different and difficult plights. It’s eye opening and entertaining and moving all at the same time. Bravo to Tracy. I can’t wait to see this book fly. -- Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village, on The Rose Garden[A] truly captivating tale of female friendship, courage and empowerment, all wrapped up in the wonderful escapism of an exquisite period drama -- Samantha King on The Rose GardenThe Rose Garden is an absolute delight to read and holds you spellbound from cover to cover. Full of wonderful characters woven into a story that tugs at your heartstrings, this is a truly beautiful novel that confirms Tracy Rees is at the height of her game. -- Rebecca Griffiths on The Rose Garden[G]orgeously written, deeply atmospheric, tense and vivid and a total page-turner. -- Jenny Ashcroft on The Rose GardenThe Rose Garden is full of hope and infectious optimism - just the thing for now! -- Kate Griffin on The Rose GardenThe Rose Garden is a joy. Through its cast of memorable female characters, this novel sets the fight for justice against all the colour and optimism which is so characteristic of Tracy Rees' writing. -- Rebecca F John on The Rose GardenTracy’s writing is so fresh, original and authentic -- Bestselling author Rosanna LeyTracy Rees writes from the heart -- Bestselling author Kathryn HughesRees has skilfully interwoven all the joy and pain that comes with families, friends and lovers into a multi-layered story that won't let you go. Bittersweet, compelling and utterly engrossing, I couldn't put it down -- Karen Swan, internationally bestselling authorI absolutely loved it. With its compelling themes of female friendship and empowerment against all odds, The Rose Garden is a fascinating and compassionate story. The settings of well-to-do Hampstead and the poverty of Saffron Hill in Victorian England are both vividly evoked and the main characters of Mabs, Abigail, Ottilie and Olive are warm, authentic and engaging. I was completely immersed in the world of The Rose Garden from beginning to end. -- Rosanna Ley, author of The Orange GroveThe Rose Garden is an absolute joy. I was completely swept up in the lives of Olive, Otty, Mabs and Abigail. Against the backdrop of Victorian London, their story is one of friendship against the odds and of courage that transcends the rules of a flawed society. Written with elegance, charm and wisdom, this book is both unputdownable and unforgettable. -- Hazel PriorI simply loved The Rose Garden. The setting of Victorian London has a Dickensian feel but, unlike Dickens, Tracy Rees peoples her city with a compelling cast of women characters battling poverty, class and gender inequality. The voice of poor but sparky Mabs will remain with me for a long time - she is a terrific creation. -- Liz Trenow, author of The Secrets of the LakeThe Rose Garden is full of heart and a rich, lively cast of characters who transport the reader straight into its Victorian world. Gorgeous. -- Eve Chase, author of The Glass House Tracy is a very skilled storyteller who weaves the vivid strands of her story together against a rich historical background. The Rose Garden has buckets of atmosphere and a cast of beautifully drawn characters. -- Jane Johnson
£8.54
Pan Macmillan The Winter Rose: Heartwarming Historical Fiction
Book SynopsisFrom the top-ten bestselling author of One Snowy Night, Rita Bradshaw, comes The Winter Rose, a sweeping family saga set in the north of England.It’s December 1902 and Rose O’Leary is looking forward to her baby girl’s first Christmas. But then tragedy strikes: her husband dies at the shipyard where he works and within days his friend, Nathaniel, makes it plain he’s determined to have her.Rose flees with her child, but soon finds the world is a cruel place for a beautiful woman with no protection. More tragedy ensues and yet, although she’s bruised and broken, Rose is a fighter.Then, when she least expects it, love enters her life again, but she cannot escape her past and now it threatens not only her happiness but her very life. Will she ever find a safe haven?Trade ReviewRaw passion and power on every page * Northern Echo *
£18.00
