Historical romance

Book SynopsisAs London comes alive with the 1960s youth revolution, one woman makes a choice that defies all expectations.'So real and humane and utterly transporting' Meg MasonIt's 1967 and London is alive with the new youth revolution. In the suburbs, meanwhile, Phyllis Fischer inhabits a world of conventional stability. Married with two children, her life is both comfortable and predictable.But when Nicky - a twenty-something friend of the family - visits one hot summer evening and kisses Phyllis in the dark of the garden, something in her catches fire. Newly awake to the world, Phyllis makes a choice that defies all expectations . . .'Wonderful' Marian Keyes'My favourite author' Kate Atkinson'Achingly moving and real' Guardian 'Beguiling' Hilary Mantel'Compelling' Elizabeth Day'Will bring you to tears' Daily MailTrade ReviewSo real and humane and utterly transporting; fresh and yet, with the feeling of a beloved classic. -- Meg Mason, author of SORROW AND BLISSI utterly LOVED this book!!!!! Tessa Hadley might be my new favourite writer... she is wonderful. -- Marian KeyesA beguiling novel, deceptively easy to read; beneath the surface swim disturbing and age-old questions about freedom and fate. -- Hilary MantelTessa Hadley is my favourite author. -- Kate AtkinsonBeautifully structured and brilliantly paced. It displays Tessa Hadley's extraordinary skill at making both surface life and deep interiors come fully alive. -- Colm Tóibín

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Book SynopsisThe first book in M.C. Beaton's charming Poor Relation series. What do you do if you are of noble stock, but impoverished, and living in London with a certain style to maintain? One has to work... but One's relatives will be appalled when One turns One's hand to trade - and opens a hotel, The Poor Relation, offering employment to others of the same social standing and in the same awkward situation. This is precisely what Mrs Fortescue decides upon and, together with friend Colonel Sandhurst, transforms her decrepit Bond Street home into a posh hotel, offering guests the pleasure of being waited upon by the nobility. So with the help of other down-and-out aristocrats they do just that - and London's newest, and most fashionable! - hotel is born... much to the dismay of the Duke of Rowcester, Lady Fortescue's nephew, who is convinced his aunt's foray into trade will denigrate the illustrious family name!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade Reviewicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis'Historical fiction at its best' Tracy Rees, author of The Rose GardenA compelling novel of female perseverance and the role of women in society set in the aftermath of the American Civil War. For readers of Tracy Chevalier.In a world made for men, can one woman break free from tradition and walk a new path? It is 1865, the American Civil War has just ended, and 18-year old Vita Tenney is determined to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a country doctor like her father. But when her father tells her she must get married instead, Vita explores every means of escape - and finds one in the person of war veteran Jacob Culhane. Damaged by what he's seen in battle and with all his family gone, Jacob is seeking investors for a fledgling business. Then he meets Vita - and together they hatch a plan that should satisfy both their desires.Months later, Vita seemingly has everything she ever wanted. But alone in a big city and haunted by the mistakes of her past, she wonders if the life she always thought she wanted was too good to be true. When love starts to compete with ambition, what will come out on top?From the author of The Floating Theatre, The Physician's Daughter is the story of two people trying to make their way in a world that is struggling to escape its past.'Vividly realised, and impeccably researched, with a determined female lead' Kayte Nunn, author of The Botanist's Daughter'A riveting read set during the American civil war, about a pioneering young woman dead-set on becoming a doctor' Inga Vesper, author of The Long, Long Afternoon'A compelling story' Heat Magazine'In the proud tradition of female characters from Jo March to Meredith Grey, Vita Tenney takes her place as a determined woman unwilling to let society or her family control her destiny. I was captivated by The Physician's Daughter. The novel stays with you' Tony Phelan, executive producer of Grey's Anatomy'Completely charming' Imogen Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock on The Floating TheatreTrade ReviewCompletely charming -- Imogen Hermes Gowar on The Floating TheatreVividly realised, and impeccably researched, with a determined female lead, this is perfect for fans of Jennifer Donnelly. -- Kayte Nunn, author of THE BOTANIST'S DAUGHTERI LOVED it. What an achievement - historical fiction at its best. It was so detailed, real and atmospheric - I felt I was there with Vita, Jacob et al. Tremendous characters - vivid, complex and inspiring . . . a truly wonderful book. One of those books that stop you doing ANYTHING until it's finished. Utterly compelling & inspiring. A sweeping story of an amazing woman battling to break through the constraints of her time. Read it! * Tracy Rees, author of THE ROSE GARDEN *A riveting read set during the American civil war, about a pioneering young woman dead-set on becoming a doctor. * Inga Vesper, author of THE LONG, LONG AFTERNOON *A compelling story * Heat Magazine *In the proud tradition of female characters from Jo March to Meredith Grey, Vita Tenney takes her place as a determined woman unwilling to let society or her family control her destiny. I was captivated by The Physician's Daughter. The novel stays with you. * Tony Phelan, executive producer of Grey's Anatomy and Council of Dads *

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Book SynopsisIt is a truth universally acknowledged that girls just wanna have fun'If Bridgerton and Fleabag had a book baby, it would be Reputation. I inhaled it in one sitting' Sarra Manning'I had so much fun reading Reputation. It's a total blast' Louise O'NeillA classic romcom with a Regency-era twist, for fans of Mean Girls and Bridgerton.Abandoned by her parents in favour of a sea view, middle class Georgiana Ellers has moved to a new town to live with her dreary aunt and uncle. At a particularly dull dinner party, she meets the enigmatic Frances Campbell, a wealthy socialite and enchanting member of the in-crowd.Through Frances and her friends, Georgiana is introduced to a new world of wild parties, drunken debauchery, mysterious young men with strangely alluring hands, and the sparkling upper echelons of Regency society.But high society isn't all it's cracked up to be, and the price of entry might be more than Georgiana is willing to pay . . .Full of lavish parties, handsome men on horseback and laugh-out-loud humour, this is the summer read everyone's talking about.Trade ReviewA spirited Regency romcom, which tears up the Regency romcom rulebook! If Bridgerton and Fleabag had a book baby, it would be Reputation. I inhaled it in one sitting * Sarra Manning *I thoroughly enjoyed Reputation. I had so much fun reading it. It's a total blast * Louise O'Neill *I absolutely loved Reputation. It's razor sharp, funny and I was totally hooked from the start. Definitely one for you if you screamed at the trailer for the Gossip Girl reboot * Laura Kay *A fierce, fresh, feminist Regency romcom that is brilliant on friendship and fitting in. It is funny, surprising and deliciously romantic, and the dialogue truly shimmers * Cressida McLaughlin *The perfect blend of period drama decadence with Mean Girls drama that had me compulsively reading late into the night. Lex's updating of Regency life for the twenty-first century reader is beyond entertaining. Reputation is everything I didn't know I wanted from a book; gossip, bonnets, breeches, and high debauchery with a feminist swing * Abigail Mann *Reputation is hilarious and compelling, with a truly fresh take on Regency romance. The effervescent wit and cleverness had me laughing aloud, and the heroine's journey really touched my heart. If you're looking for something with the spirit of Jane Austen and the style of modern feminism, this is the book for you! * India Holton, author of THE WISTERIA SOCIETY OF LADY SCOUNDRELS *Think of Bridgerton crossed with Sex Education and you have Reputation by Lex Croucher. Teenage Georgiana is bored with her proper genteel life, until she befriends the rich, charismatic, Frances Campbell who leads her down a path of drinking, flirting and parties - reminding us that the process of coming of age really hasn't changed for centuries. * Good Housekeeping *There's nothing prim or proper about Lex Croucher's dazzling debut novel, Reputation, which is so boldly, audaciously modern in its portrayal of 19th-century mean-girl culture that I kept waiting for someone to inform the heroine that on Wednesdays, they wear pink. * Book Pages *

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Book SynopsisOccasionally panoramic, more often intimate, in Clouds of Love and War author Rachel Billington balances a detailed and highly researched picture of the life of a Second World War Spitfire pilot with the travails and ambitions of a young woman too often on her own. The result is both a gripping story of war and a sensitive story of love, a love that struggles to survive. Eddie and Eva meet on the eve of the Second World War. Eddie only wants to be a flyer, to find escape in the clouds from his own complicated family. However, the Battle of Britain makes a pilot's life a dangerous way to flee reality. Eva has her own passionate longing: to become a painter. When Eva's Jewish mother disappears to Germany, she is left alone with her elderly father. Both Eddie and Eva come of age at a time that teaches them that happiness is always fleeting, but there are things worth living – or dying – for. Through the connecting stories of these young people and their wider families, and against a background of southern county airfields, London, Oxford, Dorset and France, Rachel Billington brings the world of war time England, now eighty years in the past, back to life.Trade Review"Astonishingly engaging. . . . This book shows an acute understanding of the contradictions which most people felt a lot of the time in this uniquely inclusive conflict. . . . [A] wonderful book of love and war." * Northern Reader *

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Book SynopsisHacienda San Isidro was meant to be Beatriz’s haven, her salvation from an oppressive life with her uncle and his vicious wife. When Don Rodolfo Solórzano proposed, Beatriz dreamed only of the security his estate in the countryside would provide, ignoring the rumors surrounding his first wife’s demise and his sinister allegiances. She will have her own home again, no matter the price. But the house has ideas of its own. Visions and voices claw at Beatriz, stealing her sleep, and the weight of invisible eyes follows her every move. Deep in her bones, Beatriz knows—something is wrong with San Isidro. Desperate for help, she turns to the young priest, Padre Andrés. Handsome and sympathetic, he seems like Beatriz’s only hope. But as their passions rise and the walls close in around Beatriz, the weight of secrets everyone is carrying may lead them all to their doom.Trade Review“A haunted history, a gory gothic, a forbidden romance. This book kept me up at night, and it was worth every second of lost sleep.”—Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of The Once and Future Witches“A hypnotic, sinister tale that is equal parts terrifying and luxurious. Cañas’s debut is a nightmare lined with velvet.”—Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Tale of the Flower Bride“Lush, sinister, and darkly romantic. The Hacienda is a haunting and brilliant debut.”—Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching

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Book SynopsisThe perfect summer read Gorgeously compelling' Good HousekeepingFull of mystery and long-reaching shadows of the past . . . richly drawn and compelling' Rosanna LeyIt's 1951. In Europe's post-war wreckage, the glittering Italian Riviera draws an eclectic cast of characters; lured by the glamour but seeking an escape.Amongst them, two outcasts: Hal, an English journalist who's living on his charm; and Stella, an enigmatic society beauty, bound to a profiteering husband. When Hal receives a mysterious invitation from a wealthy Contessa, he finds himself aboard a yacht headed for Cannes film festival.Scratch the beautiful surface, and the post-war scars of his new companions are quick to show. Then there's Stella, whose secrets run deeper than anyone's stretching back into the violence of Franco's Spain. And as Hal gets drawn closer, a love affair begins that will endanger everyoneThe Invitation is an epic love story that will transport you from the glamour of the Italian Riviera, to theTrade Review‘A seductive love tale’ Sunday Times Style ‘Such a tense, intriguing, beautiful, heart-rending story . . . The characters are so real, the research flawless, the setting sublime. Read it!’ Clare Mackintosh ‘Glamour, secrets and danger makes this a gorgeous summer read’ Woman & Home ‘Sultry escapist fiction at its best – 5*’ HEAT ‘The perfect summer read… Gorgeously compelling’ Good Housekeeping ‘Oozes glamour… Lush, romantic and cleverly crafted – a brainy beach read to relish’ Sunday Mirror ‘I loved THE INVITATION . . . I could dive into this book. A beautifully complex and vivid story, full of repressed longing and secrets. An absolutely enchanting tale’ Lucinda Riley ‘A seductive love tale’ Sunday Times Style ‘So powerfully evoked . . . with dark, sensuous undercurrents that lingered on in my mind, long after I'd reluctantly left Stella and Hal behind’ Kate Riordan ‘Film crew, Italian Riviera, 1950s. What part of that does not appeal?’ Red ‘Full of mystery and long-reaching shadows of the past . . . richly drawn and compelling’ Rosanna Ley ‘This epic love story is an unputdownable summer read’ Essentials ‘If you like Victoria Hislop you’ll love the seductive and heady The Invitation’ Lovereading ‘An utterly seductive story depicting forbidden love and loss in 1950s Italy. The perfect beach read this summer' Louise O’Neill ‘I loved every page – it's vividly written and utterly absorbing’ Iona Grey ‘Foley weaves a very satisfying love story . . . readers will be taken by the luxurious Mediterranean setting’ Publishers Weekly ‘Glamorous and romantic and bittersweet all at once . . . a fabulous story’ Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of A Hundred Summers ‘It's a beautiful, compulsive and glamorous read – perfect for long summer days’ Lucy Clarke, author of the Richard & Judy bestseller, The Sea Sisters

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Book SynopsisAuthor of over fifty books, Georgette Heyer is the best-known and best-loved of all historical novelists, who made the Regency period her own. Her first novel, The Black Moth, published in 1921, was written at the age of fifteen to amuse her convalescent brother; her last was My Lord John. Although most famous for her historical novels, she also wrote eleven detective stories. Georgette Heyer died in 1974 at the age of seventy-one.Trade Review"Sparkling" The Independent "Georgette Heyer is unbeatable" -- India Knight "A writer of great wit and style ... I've read her books to ragged shreds" -- Kate Fenton Daily Telegraph

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Book SynopsisA charming tale of hope and love, set amid the dreaming spires of Elizabethan Oxford.When Faithful Crocker, an impoverished young man with a love of learning, travels to Oxford in the hope of becoming a scholar, he is offered a home with Canon Leigh and his eccentric family.As Faithful begins to fulfil his academic dream, the Leigh family navigate the tricky waters of first love, uncover shocking secrets and experience devastating loss.A charming tale of hope and love, set amid the dreaming spires of Elizabethan Oxford.What readers are saying about TOWERS IN THE MIST''A delight'' - 5 STARS''One of the best'' - 5 STARS''Brimming with life and charm; - 5 STARS''Absolutely magical'' - 5 STARS''A novel which deserves to be read more than once'' - 5 STARSTrade ReviewElizabeth Goudge writes with charm and grace - Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisRobert Jeremy Cole, the legendary doctor and hero of THE PHYSICIAN, left an enduring legacy. From the eleventh century on, the eldest son in each generation of the Cole family has borne the same first name and middle initial and many of these men have followed the medical profession. A few have been blessed with their ancestor''s diagnostic skill and the ''sixth sense'' they call The Gift, the ability to know instinctively when death is impending. The tragedy of Rob J.''s life is the deafness of his son, Robert Jefferson Cole, who is called Shaman by everyone who knows him. Shaman''s life is difficult. First, he must learn to speak so that he can take his place in the hearing world, and then he must fight against the prejudices of a society where physical differences matter. As Shaman struggles to achieve his identity, the Coles, along with the rest of America, are drawn into the conflict between the North and the South.Trade ReviewWhat a book! It's a joy to read. Noah Gordon has given those of us who like good, strong, warm-hearted novels a wonderful gift. SHAMAN leaves you with that warm and satisfied feeling when you've finished. * Tony Hillerman *

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Book SynopsisLove can cross oceans . . .Keara Michaels doesn''t want to leave her family in Ireland, but fate sends her first to Lancashire, then across the sea to Australia, pregnant and penniless. And Theo Mullane, the man who loves her, is married, with an ailing baby son, so cannot follow her as he longs to.Mark Gibson leaves Lancashire to avoid marriage. But gold prospecting is a dangerous pursuit, and when his gentle young wife dies in childbirth, his father-in-law kidnaps the baby. So Mark runs away again, this time to Western Australia, where he employs Keara in his country inn.But danger threatens them all, even in the bush, as Keara searches for her lost sisters, Theo comes looking for the woman he loves, and Mark at last confronts his past.**********************What readers are saying about A PENNYWORTH OF SUNSHINE''I couldn''t put it down'' - 5 stars''An excellent read from start to finish'' - 5 stars''Brilliant, as always . . . Anna Jacobs never fails to keep the story line motivated, gripping, and endearing'' - 5 starsTrade ReviewPraise for Anna Jacobs[Anna Jacobs' books have an] impressive grasp of human emotions * The Sunday Times *Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around * Historical Novels Review *[Anna Jacobs is] especially big on resourceful, admirable women. Great stuff! * Daily Mail *Reader reviews on A PENNYWORTH OF SUNSHINEAnother joy from the pen of Anna Jacobs. ***** * Reader review *A brilliant read. ***** * Reader review *A captivating read. ***** * Reader review *Catherine Cookson fans will cheer * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisOft-copied but never bettered, Jane Austen's Emma is a remarkable comedy of manners. Now a major motion picture starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Miranda Hart and Bill Nighy.Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful hardbacks make perfect gifts for book lovers, or wonderful additions to your own collection. Gorgeously illustrated by the celebrated Hugh Thomson, this Macmillan Collector's Library edition also includes an afterword by David Pinching.Set in the fictional village of Highbury, Austen follows the charming but insensitive Emma Woodhouse as she sets out on an ill-fated career in match-making. Adopting the pretty but dreary Harriet Smith as her subject, Emma creates misunderstandings and chaos as she attempts to find Harriet a suitor – until she begins to realize it isn't the lives of others she must try to transform, but her own.Trade ReviewIt's provincial, opaque, sparkling and wonderfully optimistic while being at the same time tinged with intimations of sorrow and mortality. -- Robert McCrum, ‘The 100 best novels' * The Guardian *Emma’s brilliance—its enduring status as a masterpiece of fiction—is that it puts us in the position of the less-clever-than-she-thinks-she-is heroine -- Devoney Looser * Literary Hub *Emma seems to know more about our hearts that we ever do, no matter how old or experienced we may think we are. -- Luke McGrath * HuffPost *

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Book SynopsisThe Woolworths girls have come a long way together . . .Fun loving Maisie, is devoted to her young family and her work at Woolworths. But her happy life with her RAF officer husband, their baby daughter leads her to think of the family she left behind . . . With the war now into its fourth year, what will she find when she sets about searching for them?Sarah and her husband, Alan, are blissfully happy and long for a sibling for their daughter. But dark days lay ahead for this close family.Freda heads home to Birmingham, to go in search of her family, back to the life she fled – far from the safety of Woolworths and her new friends.With families’ separated by war, will the Woolworths girls be able to pull together?Wartime at Woolworths is the third moving instalment in the much-loved Woolworths series by bestselling author Elaine Everest.Trade ReviewHeartwarming . . . a must-read * Woman's Own on The Woolworths Girls *A warm, tender tale of friendship and love . . . sweet as a Woolies pick'n'mix * Milly Johnson on The Woolworths Girls *A lovely read * Bella on The Woolworths Girls *Elaine brings the heyday of the iconic high-street giant to life in her charming novel * S Magazine on The Woolworths Girls *

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Book SynopsisDon't miss the fourth book in the heartwarming six-part series from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Dilly Court!Left on the steps of an orphanage when she was just days old, Nancy Sunday was brought up in hardship until the kindly Rosalind Carey took her in. Now eighteen years old, Nancy is an adopted member of the Carey family. But she can't help wondering who her parents really wereWhen Nancy is sent away to finishing school, she finds herself in the midst of London society. There she meets Freddie Ashton kind and warm-hearted, he might just be the man of Nancy's dreams. But she knows his wealthy parents would never let him marry a penniless foundling.And she has also caught the eye of another man the charming and dangerous Gervase North, who has reasons of his own for discovering Nancy's parentage.Will Nancy ever find where she truly belongs?Trade Review Praise for Dilly Court: ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Dilly Court’s latest novel is another page-turner that will keep you gripped to the end – 5 stars’ The People’s Friend ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph

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Book SynopsisDon't miss the heartwarming, moving novel from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Dilly Court!Rockwood was home and she would do anything she could to stop it being stolen from them.Abandoned by their parents and left to fight for themselves, headstrong Rosalind Carey has no choice but to take charge of her younger brothers and sister in Devonshire's grand Rockwood Castle. But their once much-loved home is crumbling like the family that lives within it. Living hand to mouth and desperate to provide for the estate that depends on them, the Carey family are one debt away from ruin. Until the day comes when the dashing Piers Blanchard appears on their doorstep from Cornwall, claiming he is Rosalind's distant cousin and that Rockwood Castle is his.Piers says he wants to help pay off the family's debts. But how can Rosalind be sure he isn't out to take what is his and leave them all homeless? Only a closely-guarded secret will convince Rosalind she can trust Piers to protect her familTrade Review Praise for Dilly Court: ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Dilly Court’s latest novel is another page-turner that will keep you gripped to the end – 5 stars’ The People’s Friend ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail ‘A fast-paced, riveting read’ Sunday Express ‘A heart-warming, fast-paced story that will keep you gripped till the end’ The People’s Friend ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Atmospheric, vivid and compelling’ My Weekly ‘An excellent, well-researched read’ People’s Friend ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph

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Book SynopsisThe next in the Ravenswood series by Mary Balogh, bestselling author of The Westcott series. If you loved Bridgerton, you'll adore Mary Balogh!

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Book SynopsisThe mysterious appearance of an unidentified man leads to difficult questions - and romance . . .Cornwall, 1911: Young lady''s maid Effie Pengelly is confused and alarmed when charming Constable Alexander Dawes questions her about an unidentified, now deceased man who came to the town asking for her whereabouts. As the weeks go by, Constable Dawes seeks out any excuse to talk to Miss Pengelly, but he knows his family would never allow them to marry. When the investigation into the dead man finally reveals a clue, could this lead Alex and Effie towards the future they deserve?

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Book SynopsisOn a Flemish battlefield Lord Alleyne Bedwyn is thrown from his horse and left for dead, only to awaken in the bedchamber of a Brussels brothel. The dark, handsome diplomat has no memory of who he is or how he got there - yet of one thing he is certain: he owes his life to the angel of undoubtedly dubious virtue who is nursing him back to health. But like him, Rachel York is not who she seems. The havoc of war has forced Rachel to seek refuge with the ''ladies'' of the house whilst devising a plan to restore her fortunes. The dashing soldier she rescued from near-death could be her saviour in disguise. In order to inherit, Rachel needs to be married and here is a man with no memory - and thus no ties - willing to do anything to help her. However on returning to England, their marriage charade draws them both into danger, scandal and a blossoming relationship that is ever so slightly sinful...

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Book Synopsis The brand-new escapist summer read from the internationally bestselling author of The Paris Secret!ONE UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER WILL UNLOCK A DECADES-OLD SECRET . . . ''A meticulously researched novel with a perfectly woven dual timeline . . . I think The Riviera House is her best book yet'' KATHRYN HUGHES, bestselling author of The LetterFRENCH RIVIERA, PRESENT DAYWhen Remy discovers she''s mysteriously inherited a house on the French Riviera, she drops everything to go there, desperately seeking answers. There, she''s shocked to uncover a catalogue of the artwork known to have been stolen by the Nazis during WWII, but there''s something oddly familiar about one of the paintings . . .PARIS, 1939While working at the Louvre, bold and beautiful Eliane falls for talented painter Xavier. But when the Nazis occupy the city, Xavier leaves Eliane behind for the safety of England. HearTrade ReviewA powerful, heart-rending read * Woman's Own *

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Book SynopsisDISCOVER THE CAPTIVATING SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF YOU''LL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN, LESLEY PEARSEIs there a murderer across the street?1964.Twenty-three-year-old Katy Speed is fascinated by glamorous Gloria and the goings-on at her house over the road.Who are the mysterious women that keep coming and going in the strange black car?Then one night, Gloria''s house burns to the ground. Bodies are found in the wreckage.And Katy''s horror turns to disbelief when her own father is arrested and charged with murder.Determined to prove his innocence, Katy sets out to uncover the truth about the mysterious house across the street and find the real murderer.But that means risking her own life . . ._________* * * * * - Heat''Must read'' Saturday Express''Heart-warming and evocative, a real delight to read''Trade ReviewMust read * Saturday Express *5 * * * * * Truly shocking * Fab New 5 Star Fiction, Heat *A deeply evocative read * Woman Magazine *A gripping novel . . . will have you up all night guessing what happens next * My Weekly *A gripping new novel * Yours *The Hot List * Inside Soap *Fab in Fiction feature * Woman's Way *Pearse has written another pacy novel, steeped in 1960s authenticity and driven by lovable - and love to hate - characters. But at the heart of the book lies a powerful message which stays with you long after you've finished reading * Sunday Express *Lesley Pearse brilliantly captures the era . . . Emotional and moving, The House Across The Street is storytelling at its best, filled with characters you will care passionately about -- Anne Cater * Daily Express *5 * * * * * A gripping read set in the 1960s. The story becomes a full-blown mystery that will leave Katy's life in danger, and the search for answers drives this engaging combination of thriller and drama * The People's Friend *Lesley Pearse is on top form with her latest novel The House Across The Street * Choice *A heartbreaking and intensely human story that twists, turns and grips from first page to last . . . * Lancashire Post *An evocative and nostalgic novel from one of the UK's most prolific, best-selling authors * CultureFly *We highly recommend it! * People's Friend *Evocative * Woman's Weekly *You'll be up all night trying to guess what comes next * Good Living *Gripping 60s novel * Eastern Daily Press *Praise for Lesley Pearse * - *Deservedly one of the world's favourite story tellers . . . You simply have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next * MyWeekly *Heart-warming and evocative, a real delight to read * Sun *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *Gripping * Hello *A narrative that gallops along, this is quintessential Pearse that will delight her army of readers * Daily Mail *Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *Must-reads this month * Marie Claire *Praise for Lesley Pearse: * - *Heart-warming and evocative, a real delight to read * Sun *A narrative that gallops along, this is quintessential Pearse that will delight her army of readers * Daily Mail *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *Deservedly one of the world's favourite story tellers . . . You simply have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. * MyWeekly *Gripping. * Hello *Evocative, multi-faceted and sometimes disturbing, a story that grips from first page to last. * Lancashire Post *

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Book Synopsis**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**THE SWEEPING, SUN-DRENCHED STORY OF LOVE, FAMILY AND UNTOLD SECRETS SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF WWII, FROM THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER''Adriana is a storyteller second to none'' HEATHER MORRIS, bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz''Trigiani never fails to sweep you away . . . an emotional and beautiful tale of family, love, and loss'' TAYLOR JENKINS REID, bestselling author of Malibu Rising''There is a reason Adriana Trigiani is so beloved by her millions of devoted readers . . . gorgeous'' SARAH JESSICA PARKER''A big, beautiful, wonderful book; romantic, moving, transporting, affecting I will do everything I can to encourage everyone to read it'' LOUISE DOUGLAS, bestselling author of The House by the Sea_________Domenica Cabrelli had two great loves of her life.<Trade ReviewThere is a reason Adriana Trigiani is so beloved by her millions of devoted readers. We all wait for the next book by this gorgeous writer. It's here at last. Let Adriana Trigiani take you far away -- Sarah Jessica ParkerWe are swept from Italy to France, Scotland, England, given memorable characters, rich detail, tragedy, triumph, secrets and surprises. Epic and captivating, this is a multi-generational saga told by a gifted storyteller * Choice *Adriana Trigiani never fails to sweep you away with her richly transportive prose. The Good Left Undone takes you through time and across the globe from the Italian coast to the Scottish Highlands as long-held secrets of the Cabrelli family come to light. An emotional and beautiful tale of family, love, and loss -- Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of Malibu RisingA story only Adriana Trigiani could have told. Rich in all the elements that make a story memorable, relatable; family complications we all share, choose to ignore, or seek to explain as time closes in on us. Family secrets, family jealousies, across the generations, across the landscapes under the Tuscan sun, the charm of Marseille and the rugged beauty of Scotland, Domenica creates a legacy for her children and grandchildren to unravel. Adriana is, indeed, a storyteller second to none. -- Heather Morris, bestselling author of The Tattooist of AuschwitzTrigiani writes an unforgettable historical epic in Italy, France, Scotland and Churchill's England on the cusp of World War II. Matelda Cabrelli Roffo, the matriarch of her contemporary Italian family is determined to reveal her mother's secret past before it's too late. This rich family story is magnificent in the telling. -- Lisa JewellI honestly can't remember the last time a novel gave me such absolute pleasure. The Good Left Undone is the perfect novel. It carried me away and wrapped me up in the lives of generations of women in one family. It touched on love and loss, on life and death, on what's truly important; it made me forget everything except what I was reading. A big, beautiful, wonderful book; romantic, moving, transporting, affecting I will do everything I can to encourage everyone to read it because I know they won't be disappointed -- Louise Douglas, Richard and Judy and Kindle Top 5 Bestselling AuthorAt once epic and intimate, a delightful novel about the mysterious lore of an unforgettable Italian family whose characters walk right off the page -- Jess Walter, author of Beautiful RuinsA sprawling, majestic historical fiction feast that spans countries and generations to find the heart and soul of a beautiful family. This is Adriana Trigiani at her best -- Laura Dave, author of The Last Thing He Told MeA wondrous novel of storytelling, love, war, religion and that which defines us all: family. Adriana Trigiani has outdone herself with her sharp eye, her humor and her warm and generous heart -- Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling authorAdriana Trigiani merges life and fiction so completely it's impossible to sort one from the other. Through Matelda and the Cabrelli women, readers will find themselves fully immersed in another place and time, but also vividly recalling the histories of their own ancestors. An enduring testimony to the power of family and stories - those we know well and those that have shaped us without our knowing. Breathtakingly beautiful, powerful, lyrical, and ultimately filled with goodness -- Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were YoursAdriana Trigiani is a gifted, natural storyteller and The Good Left Undone is her at the top of her game. This beautiful, sweeping historical epic about three generations of women paints an exquisite portrait of love, loss, the ravages of time and the price a family pays for its secrets. Brava! -- Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The NightingaleAn exquisite gem of a novel, as it flits between present day and the calamitous times of World War II. No one does historical fiction better than Trigiani. You will fall in love with the characters, especially Matelda Roffo. Godere! -- David BaldacciFrom time to time, readers are fortunate enough to come across a novel that transports us so completely to a different time and place, we can smell the air, taste the food. The Good Left Undone is such a book: the power and the beauty of Italy and the Italians, the devastation of wars and callous disregard for humans, the love of life and others; all come across in this exquisite novel. Trigiani has accomplished a true miracle -- W. Bruce Cameron, New York Times bestselling authorAdriana Trigiani has written the triumph of her career in this historical epic. This novel is the dramatic, emotional, and profound saga of three generations of women in the Cabrelli family of gemcutters-Domenica, Matelda, and Anina-and each character is more brilliant than the last. This novel shines like a flawless diamond, with a multifaceted narrative that shifts seamlessly between Viareggio, Marseilles, and Scotland, bringing to light a sweep of history that I never knew existed. Most of all, at its core is the generous, beating heart of family - and a love story that will seep into your soul. I have always loved Adriana Trigiani's books, but The Good Left Undone is a crown jewel of historical fiction -- Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling authorThis beautifully written, immersive novel gripped me from the first page and didn't let go. In The Good Left Undone, Adriana Trigani sweeps you up and takes you on an epic journey both geographically and emotionally in a story about love, grief and the heartbreaking secrets woven into the tapestry of every family. Trigani's evocative, richly textured prose conjures a fully-realised world with characters and situations that you feel acutely invested in - the cast of strong female characters resonated with me in ways I didn't imagine and as I turned the last page I didn't want this book to end. An emotional rollercoaster of a read, it's a book that you'll need tissues for, but also one that brings immense joy. A must-read for 2022 -- Sarah Pearse, bestselling author of The SanatoriumAdriana Trigiani is a treasure and The Good Left Undone is a gem: a sweeping epic that spans a century. Chronicling the fallout from the cataclysmic sinking of the Arandora Star - torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1940 - this extraordinary novel manages to mourn the dead, celebrate the living, and remind us that every family has secrets that are heartbreaking, heartwarming, and (yes) inspiring -- Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling authorA wildly entertaining story about the life of the remarkable Italian nurse Domenica Cabrelli and her daughter Matelda. The novel is a wonderful love story, rife with sea captains and childhood sweethearts and a family that never gives up on one another. I adored it -- Ann Napolitano, author of Dear EdwardAdriana Trigiani reshapes the words of Phillip Larkin - 'the good not done, the love not given, the time torn off unused' -- as a focal point for a wonderfully agile novel that rounds off the sharp edges of our times -- Colum McCannI can lie on my couch and travel the world - and through time - reading Adriana Trigiani's The Good Left Undone. Italy, France, Scotland. 1920s to the present. Her storytelling is genius. Her understanding of love and family moves me to tears -- Delia EphronThis is a sweeping story of the complexities of love and family . . . A beautiful historical romance, this book manages to be epic and intimate at the same time -- ADELE PARKS * SUN *Adriana Trigiani knows that a great life is made up of memories and morsels: Kisses and cakes; heartbreak and honey salves. In The Good Left Undone, Trigiani's women share secrets in the safety of kitchens, are carried off to bed during war, fight to keep a sense of themselves, and appreciate that a first love that arrives second is the sweetest and most substantial of all -- Helen EllisAdriana Trigiani's latest novel is a delicious immersion into a hidden Italy, a world of Vatican jewelers, of ledgers, maps and strega, of people who tell time by the 'bells and the baker,' and are connected to their history and to the far corners of the spinning globe by love, blood, and rubies. And that's just the first course of this literary feast, that is also a profound meditation on old age and an intimate conversation between generations of a quietly dazzling family -- Alice RandallWith its epic sweep, radiant characters, and uncommon insight, The Good Left Undone expertly spans generations and geography, luring the reader into a world where family love and family legacy are both a gift and an inspiration. -- Lisa GrunwaldA gorgeous and lush multi-generational epic about the Cabrellis, a vibrant Italian family descended from master jewelers, from the harrowing days leading up to WWII to the modern era, celebrating the pieces they create and the myths that power them and hold families together; an absolute triumph from Adriana Trigiani -- Gigi LevangieShe's done it again, given us a story deep and wide, written with heart and soul. Each one of Trigiani's books is a rich tapestry, woven with stories that reach back through generations with love and family at the center. . . The Good Left Undone is a complex and absorbing reminder of the connection and grounding of family, the stories that bind us and the resilience of love amidst the devastation of war. -- Lee WoodruffThis master storyteller has outdone herself with The Good Left Undone. What an epic, wonderful sprawling novel, her writing lush and luminous as she draws us into the world of three generations of women with her signature warmth, humor and huge heart. There is no-one like Adriana, and here she is at her absolute best -- Jane Green, author of Sister StardustIt's impossible not to be absolutely enthralled by the latest immersive Trigiani masterwork about family, food (oh my God, so delicious), loyalty and legacy. A story bristling with so much generous life, you'll swear you are there for all of it: the great loves, the unfathomable losses, the betrayals and the secrets of the artisan Cabrelli family, especially with matriarch Matelda, caught between the end of her own life, the beginning of her granddaughter Anina's, and the dramatic, love-torn and war-torn life her mother Domenica had led. Spanning Italy, France and England, and decades, The Good Left Undone is thrilling proof that, 'A family is only as strong as their stories.' -- Caroline LeavittAdriana Trigiani once again proves her mastery at breaking your heart, and then mending it together again. Writing of strong women, steadfast loves, settings that whisk you away, and the legacy of the Cabrelli family, this is Trigiani at her finest. Sweeping yet intimate, The Good Left Undone is a love letter to matriarchs everywhere-prepare to be dazzled -- Karma Brown, author of Recipe for a Perfect WifeThe Good Left Undone is as exquisite as the jewels the Cabrelli family creates. The breadth of the story, Trigiani's trademark humor, and emotional depth is a memento mori. What a gift for us who now truly contemplate our mortality to follow Matelda Roffo as she contemplates her life and its meaning. Trigiani writes, 'A family is only as strong as their stories.' This family is made of iron. -- Susan Fales HillIn The Good Left Undone Adriana Trigiani creates a powerful evocation of grief, love and war through three generations of one family. The memorable Tuscan setting is interleaved with tender relationships that bring history to life. Trigiani's love of place and people leaps off the page -- Lucy Jago, bestselling author of A Net for Small FishesAn epic story that takes its readers on a journey through several generations, from past to present day * My Weekly *Praise for Adriana Trigiani * : *A comedy writer with a heart of gold * New York Times *Trigiani is a master of palpable and visual detail * Washington Post *One of my all-time favourite novels -- Whoopi GoldbergHonest, wholesome entertainment * Daily Mail *Utterly addictive * Glamour *Exquisite writing and a story enriched by the power of abiding love * USA Today *Full of romance, drama and snappy dialogue * People *Eminently readable and richly imagined * Publisher's Weekly *Hilarious and romantic. I couldn't put it down -- Sarah Jessica Parker

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Book SynopsisPRE-ORDER THE LATEST, SWEEPING, BREATHTAKING AND HEARTBREAKING HISTORICAL FICTION FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE PARIS AFFAIR----In order to save her family's future, Stella Penhallam is forced to uncover the secrets of their pastWith her family's perfumery in dire straits, Stella Penhallam needs a miracle. So, when her great-aunt's journal from 1940s Paris lands on her desk, Stella realises that the missing pages could hold the answers she seeks. In 1939, as war breaks out across Europe, Iris Penhallam is forced into an impossible situation, one that will cause her world to come crashing down. Paris is no longer safe, and when her mentor's family is at risk from Mussolini's fascist thugs, Iris must find a way to save them. Using her role as a perfumer, she travels to Italy on the Orient Express under the guise of creating five exotic scents with her partner, Alessandro. Five scents that are lost to the war along with the man she loves. As Stella delves deeper into the past, the two li

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Book SynopsisShe thought she was finally safe. But a roof over her head comes with a price to pay...Laura Cannock is on the run. Suspected of killing her bullying husband, his family are on a merciless prowl for revenge. Fleeing from her beloved home of Bolton to Manchester, Laura seeks refuge with her coal merchant uncle. But her relief is short-lived as it soon becomes clear that a roof over her head comes with a price – of the type so unbearable she must escape once more.Destitute and penniless, a stench-ridden housing court in the back streets of the factories is Laura’s only hope of a dwelling – a place where both the filth and the kindness of neighbours overwhelm. Here people stick together through the odds, leading Laura to true friendship, and possibly love. But with the threat of her past still hanging over her, there’s still one battle she must fight – and win – alone… A gritty and page-turning hi

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Book Synopsis1900. For Tianjin’s European colonists a profitable new century is dawning, but for the city’s downtrodden Chinese natives the Zodiac cycle’s end signals imminent catastrophe. Meanwhile the fearsome Boxer warriors – said by some to be bulletproof – are spilling in from the provinces.On restless streets, a dangerous liaison begins. Ouyang Jue, gentle layabout and heir to a merchant fortune, finds himself entangled with Xénia, a French officer’s daughter indulging every impulse on her first visit to China. Each sees liberation in the other; a chance to leap through the mirror and escape the mundane.Separated by the widening divide between their two worlds, the lovers were never meant to be. But as discontent sparks into all-out conflagration, will they find paradise behind the glass? Or will they join the ashes of what might have been?

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Book SynopsisThe first book in the witty, charming Rokesby series by Julia Quinn, NYT #1 bestselling author of the beloved Bridgerton books (now a major Netflix series created by Shondaland). A generation before the Bridgertons, there were the Rokesbys...

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Book SynopsisIf you love the Bridgertons, wait until you discover the Blydons, the debut Regency romance trilogy by the author of the global phenomenon Bridgerton.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to The Bevelstokes, an irresistibly romantic collection by the bestselling author of Bridgerton, now a series created for Netflix by Shondaland

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Book SynopsisA funny, exciting, fast-paced duet from Julia Quinn, the bestselling author of the global phenomenon Bridgerton, now a series created for Netflix by Shondaland

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

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

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Book SynopsisExtraordinary Brought history alive on the page Tense and emotional Sensitive yet brutalWith the most unexpected end that left me breathless. Wow, just wow Incredible' NetGalley Review, ?????1941, Nazi-occupied Paris: In the glamorous Ritz hotel there is a woman with a dangerous secretAs Coco Chanel's assistant, Adèle lives side by side with German officers in the splendour of The Ritz hotel. But Adèle has a secret. She is working for the resistance, right under the Germans' noses.As occupied Paris becomes more and more dangerous, Adèle will have to decide if she can risk everything to save innocent lives and protect the man she lovesPresent day: Chloé's grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for.Now Chloé has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adèle's life. But is she prepared for what she will find? And for the power of her grandmother's secrets to change her family foreverAn absolutely gripping and heartbreTrade Review Praise for The Dressmaker’s Secret: ‘A tale of deception, love and endurance… It kept me reading into the small hours’ Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan ‘A thrilling story of intrigue, love, and the secrets shadowing two disparate women… I couldn't put it down’ Adrienne Chinn, author of The English Wife ‘Stunning… I was completely hooked… and the twist ending was totally satisfying’ Kathleen McGurl, author of The Girl from Bletchley Park ‘Had me turning the pages late into the night… The historical detail is astounding… It’s the warmth and strength of the grandmother and granddaughter at the heart of this brilliant book that made me fall in love with it’ Louise Douglas, author of The House by the Sea ‘A page-turning story of choices made in Occupied Paris’ Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife ‘I was gripped from start to finish… Wonderful, unputdownable, historical fiction’ Jenny Ashcroft, author of Under the Golden Sun ‘Utterly gripping, this is an emotional rollercoaster that had me living and breathing WW2 Paris. I was absolutely hooked’ Laura Jane Williams, author of Our Stop ‘I loved it. It’s an intricately, beautifully threaded story that pulls at the heartstrings’ Liz Fenwick, author of The River Between Us ‘Vivid and beautiful…Kept me hooked right from the beginning through to the cleverly twisty ending. Make sure you have tissues handy!’ Nikola Scott, author of The Orchard Girls ‘Evocative, gripping and emotional. I absolutely loved it’ Eleanor Ray, author of Everything is Beautiful ‘An insightful, gripping and poignant depiction of the perils and heartbreak of war. A deftly-told story of love, legacy and loss, this is one novel you won't want to miss’ Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You

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Book SynopsisA sweeping dual-timeline novel from the bestselling author of The Girl from Bletchley Park.All she wanted was a child of her own1912. As the steamship Carpathia takes the survivors of the Titanic to New York, Lucy desperately searches the decks for her baby, thrust into the arms of another woman as a lifeboat left, and now nowhere to be found. Madeleine is helping her journalist husband to interview the survivors, and when she meets Lucy, she promises she will do anything she can to help her find her lost child.2022. When archivist Jackie finds a notebook containing the stories of women saved by the Carpathia amongst an auction lot, she learns the story of the missing baby. Desperate to start a family of her own, she feels compelled to dig further. And her search will lead her to a century-old mysteryInspired by true events, bestselling author Kathleen McGurl weaves history and fiction together in this captivating, deeply moving story.Readers LOVE The Lost Child!''Such a great story it blends the two eras so well'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''A story that will haunt you, in a good way!, long after you have finished the last page'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''A fantastic, heart wrenching novel'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''A must read'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''This compelling read was hard to put down'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''Made my heart smile'' Netgalley reviewer ?????''Well-researched and fast-paced I thoroughly enjoyed it'' Netgalley reviewer ?????Trade ReviewReaders LOVE Kathleen McGurl! ‘I LOVED this book!… I was totally engrossed… I'd highly recommend it!’ NetGalley reviewer ‘An absolute page turner, it had me gripped and in its spell… From the first page I was absolutely hooked on this book.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘A brilliant book.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘An inspiring coming-of-age story, combined with a fascinating history lesson… Five stars from me.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Outstanding… I loved this from start to finish.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Riveting… I loved it.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Beautifully written… A fabulous read with a teary ending.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘What a great novel!’ NetGalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisJane Austen’s Persuasion is now available in an exclusive collector’s edition featuring a delicate laser-cut jacket on a textured book with foil stamping and ribbon marker, ideal for fiction lovers and book collectors alike.The Persuasion Jane Austen Collection Edition: Presents Jane Austen’s final fully completed novel, viewed by many literary scholars as her most maturely written work; its 1817 posthumous publication helped established Austen’s iconic place in literature’s pantheon of great writers Explores such important themes as social mobility, class rigidity, the gender-centric skills required to navigate between public life and domestic life, and the ramifications of remaining true to one’s convictions vs being open to the suggestions of others Is ideal for special-edition book collectors, Jane Austen aficionados, fans of literary fiction and classic literature, and peopl

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy, the final book in his authentic, action-packed trilogy set on the frontiers of the Roman Empire. AD 117: BRITANNIA. Roman centurion Flavius Ferox is trying to live a quiet life of dignified leisure, overseeing his wife's estate and resisting the urge to murder an annoying neighbour – until someone else does it for him. Dragged back into a life of violence, Ferox finds himself chasing raiders, fighting chieftains and negotiating with kings. Under the new emperor, Hadrian, the whole world seems to be changing: old friends are now enemies, enemies claim they are friends, and new and deadly threats lurk in the shadows. When Hadrian himself comes to Britannia to inspect his great wall, war erupts suddenly. Ferox is the only one who can save the emperor – but with his family, and his own life, in danger, he must first decide whose side he is on… Gritty, gripping and profoundly authentic, The Wall is the final book in the City of Victory trilogy from bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Harry Sidebottom. Reviews for Adrian Goldsworthy 'No one writes more convincing Roman fiction.' Harry Sidebottom 'Gritty and realistic.' Daily Telegraph 'An extraordinarily rich picture of a battle on the Roman empire's borders.' The Times 'Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain.' New Books MagazineTrade Review'No one knows the Roman army better than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no one writes more convincing Roman fiction.' Harry Sidebottom 'Gritty and realistic... Goldsworthy's characters are authentically ancient and his descriptions of Roman Briton ring true.' Daily Telegraph (Sydney) 'Incredibly authentic... Plenty of action and a cracking read for lovers of historical fiction or fans of Roman history.' What Cathy Read Next 'An extraordinarily rich picture of a battle on the empire’s borders.' The Times 'A hugely enjoyable read by a master of non-fiction turned deft hand at Roman historical fiction.' Historical Novel Society 'Goldsworthy is an erudite guide.' BBC History 'Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain' New Books Magazine * Reviews for Adrian Goldsworthy *

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Book SynopsisThe No.1 Sunday Times bestseller! Don't miss this heartwarming summer read. The time had come to leave Creek Manor. Their relationshipwas doomed from the start, he was the master of the house and she the servantSummer, Little Creek 1879For most of her life, Judy Begg has been a loyal servant at Creek Manor and to Jack Fox, its future lord. But just as their childhood friendship blossoms into a secret engagement he abandons her. And with Creek Manor up for sale, Judy and her family lose everything.Devastated, Judy is nonetheless determined to make the best of her life. Resolving to forget about Jack, she battles to keep her family from poverty's door and her mother from the hands of her violent husband.Rob Dorning, the new owner of the manor, seems to be the answer to all of Little Creek's problems, but Judy isn't convinced. And when the ghosts of her past resurface, Judy will need to find more courage than ever beforePerfect for fans of A Village Scandal!Trade Review Praise for Dilly Court: ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Dilly Court’s latest novel is another page-turner that will keep you gripped to the end – 5 stars’ The People’s Friend ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail ‘A fast-paced, riveting read’ Sunday Express ‘A heart-warming, fast-paced story that will keep you gripped till the end’ The People’s Friend ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Atmospheric, vivid and compelling’ My Weekly ‘An excellent, well-researched read’ People’s Friend ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph

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Book Synopsis''One of the best!'' Julia Quinn, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, widow Lady Elizabeth Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.After her husband''s passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carollers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .This is the sparkling fifth novel in the Regency romance Westcott series by New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh - perfect for fans of Grace Burrowes and Stephanie Laurens The Westcott Series:Someone to LoveSomeone to HoldSomeone to WedSomeone to CareSomeone to TrustSomeone to HonourSomeone to RememberSomeone to RomanceSomeone to CherishPraise for Mary Balogh''Today''s superstar heir to the marvellous legacy of Georgette Heyer'' Susan Elizabeth Phillips''A grand mistress of the genre'' Romantic Times''Balogh is the queen of spicy Regency-era romance, creating memorable characters in unforgettable stories'' Booklist''Mary Balogh sets the gold standard in historical romance'' New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz''A romance writer of mesmerising intensity, Mary Balogh has the gift of making a relationship seem utterly real and utterly compelling'' Mary Jo PutneyTrade ReviewMary Balogh sets the gold standard in historical romance -- New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann KrentzToday's superstar heir to the marvelous legacy of Georgette Heyer (except a lot steamier). -- New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth PhillipsA romance writer of mesmerizing intensity. -- New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney

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Book SynopsisFrom the moment he spies Lady Morgan Bedwyn across the glittering ballroom, Gervase Ashford, Earl of Rosthorn, knows he has found the perfect instrument of his revenge. But wedlock is not on the mind of the continent''s most notorious rake. Nor is it of interest to the fiercely independent Lady Morgan herselfuntil one night of shocking intimacy erupts in a scandal that could make Gervase''s vengeance all the sweeter. There is only one thing standing in his way: Morgan, who has achieved the impossible -she''s melted his coolly guarded heart. For Gervase, only the marriage bed will do, but Morgan simply will not have him. Thus begins a sizzling courtship where two wary hearts are about to be undone by the most scandalous passion of all: all-consuming love. Slightly Tempted is part of Mary Balogh''s Regency-set Slightly series, following the adventures of the Bedwyn family.Trade ReviewExceptionally entertaining...impeccable plotting and memorable characters, Balogh's book raises the bar for Regency romances - Publisher's Weekly

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Book SynopsisShe will keep her head held high, no matter whatWhen Helen Merling, a happy girl with a loving heart, is seduced by a travelling actor, her life is turned upside down. The two are forced to marry by her strict clergyman father but this isn't enough to stop Helen's family from disowning her.Helen and her husband escape to Europe, but their fortunes take a turn for the worse and Helen is left alone, responsible for both herself and their son.Two years later, in the picturesque Italian town of Serugia, Helen meets Charles Carnforth. He falls deeply in love with her but he's not the only one trying to win Helen's heart. Can a new romance find its way into her complicated life?An emotional saga about one woman's fight for her independence. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Mary Mackie.

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Book SynopsisEdith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Age of Innocence, is both a poignant story of frustrated love and an extraordinarily vivid, delightfully satirical record of a vanished world – the Gilded Age of New York City.Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful hardbacks make perfect gifts for book lovers, or wonderful additions to your own collection. This edition features an introduction by award-winning novelist Rachel Cusk, author of Outline.As the scion of one of New York’s leading families, Newland Archer has been born into a life of sumptuous privilege and strict duty. But the arrival of the Countess Olenska, a free spirit who breathes clouds of European sophistication, makes him question the path on which his upbringing has set him. As his fascination with her grows, he discovers just how hard it is to escape the bonds of the society that has shaped him. The novel was the inspiration for Martin Scorsese's film of the same name, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder.Trade ReviewA great city's greatest novelist . . . Wharton's late masterpiece stands as a fierce indictment of a society estranged from culture and in desperate need of a European sensibility -- Robert McCrum * Guardian *It’s a deliciously hard-edged satire of manners and customs . . . Wharton was not only ferociously witty and morally committed, she was also a great storyteller -- Vincent Canby * New York Times *The Age of Innocence has as much in common with that popular Oprah-ish romance-rooted literary fashion as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet does -- Patrick T. ReardonWill writers ever recover that peculiar blend of security and alertness which characterizes Mrs Wharton and her tradition? -- E. M. Forster

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Book SynopsisIf you love Bridgerton, you''ll love Georgette Heyer!''The greatest writer who ever lived'' Antonia Fraser''One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer''s books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen''s'' Joanne Harris''Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes . . . Utter, immersive escapism'' Sophie Kinsella''Georgette Heyer is second to none'' Sunday Times''Fabulously witty'' Stephen Fry''Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic'' Katie Fforde_________________Diana Beauleigh is caught between two men.Seven long years ago, Jack Carstares, the Earl of Wyncham, sacrificed his honour for his brother and has been in exile ever since.Returning to England, Jack pretends to be a gentleman named Sir Anthony Ferndale but makes his living in a most ungentlemanly fashion, as a highwayman and a gambler.When JaTrade ReviewMy favourite historical novelist - stylish, romantic, sharp, and witty. Her sense of period is superb, her heroines are enterprising, and her heroes dashing. I owe her many happy hours -- Margaret DrabbleWonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to -- Katie FfordeA writer of great wit and style ... I've read her books to ragged shreds -- Kate Fenton * Daily Telegraph *Sparkling * Independent *

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Book Synopsis1875With their father missing and their mother suddenly passing, Esme and Gabriel are forced to track down their estranged grandfather in Lincolnshire. Cold and unwelcoming, he is reluctant to take them in, but aware of his standing as the village vicar, he knows must protect his reputation, and allow the children to stay with him.Esme's relief at finding refuge soon turns to despair when Gabriel is sent to boarding school, leaving her alone in their grandfather's unhappy home. But the house isn't as empty as it first appeared and Esme, with her unusual gift of being able to see spirits, begins to encounter the ghosts of young women in the abandoned rooms and dark corridors of the rectory. The women are trapped between this world and the next, seeking help from Esme and leaving her with a mystery to solve if she is to stand a chance of establishing a peaceful, happy life.Can Esme lay the ghosts to rest to save herself and find the life she deserves?

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Book Synopsis*Don't miss Lucy Foley's Sunday Times bestselling crime debut, THE HUNTING PARTY, available to buy now.*This will sweep you away for the summer. Lucy Foley blends a rich history, haunting secrets and a timeless love story' Santa Montefiore, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Deverill seriesISTANBUL, 1921Before the Occupation, Nur's city was a tapestry of treasures: the Grand Bazaar alive with colour, trinkets and spices; saffron sunsets melting into the black waters of the Bosphorus; the sweet fragrance of the fig trees dancing on the summer breeze . . .Now the shadow of war hangs over the city, and Nur lives for the protection of a young boy with a terrible secret. Stumbling through the streets, carrying the embroideries that have become her livelihood, she avoids the gazes of the Allied soldiers. Survival is everything.When Nur chances upon George Monroe, a medical officer in the British Army, it is easy to hate him. Yet the lines between enemy and friend grow fainter.She and theTrade Review‘Lucy Foley's gorgeous elegant prose and the way she conjures up post war Constantinople makes this a beautiful, evocative and memorable read’ Lucinda Riley ‘An evocative and sensitively written novel about ill-fated love, sacrifice and the violent effects of war’ S Magazine

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Book SynopsisA captivating and page-turning romance perfect for fans of Christina Courtenay and Barbara Erskine!On a windswept British coastline the tide bestows an unexpected giftIt was the cry that she first noticed, the plaintive wail that called to her over the crash of winter waves. Wrapped only in a sealskin, the baby girl looks up at Effie and instantly captures her heart. Effie has always been an outcast in her village, the only granddaughter of a woman people whisper is a witch, so she's used to a solitary existence. But when Midsummer arrives so too does a man claiming to be the child's father. Effie is surprised when he asks her to continue looking after his daughter, mysteriously refusing to explain why. When he returns six months hence she pushes him for answers. And Lachlan tells a story she never anticipated one of selkies, legend, and the power of the seaReaders are loving Daughter of the Sea:????? I am lost for wordsfrom beginning to end this book took my breath away' Jeannie?????Trade Review Readers are absolutely loving The Secret Agent: ‘Captivated my heart…5 out of 5 stars for me’ Megan ‘A beautiful historical novel describing the plight of a brave young woman willing to put her own life at risk for the sake of saving others’ Julia ‘A wonderful novel with exciting twists and a satisfying ending’ Emily ‘I sat up through the night reading this book and I would definitely recommend it’ Julie ‘Perfect for a flight or a night curled up with a cup of tea or wine’ Sarah ‘A heartbreaking story of the sacrifices made by the young women of the S.O.E’ Anne ‘I would give this a higher rating than 5 it was that good’ Patricia ‘There is romance, drama and tension … an enjoyable read’ Karyn

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Book SynopsisThe world is at war. And time is running outLondon, 1940. Britain is gripped by the terror of the Blitz, forcing Nell Spelman to flee the capital with her young daughter leaving behind her husband, Arthur, the clockmaker who keeps Big Ben chiming.When Arthur disappears, Nell is desperate to find him. But her search will lead her into far darker places than she ever imaginedNew York, Present Day. When Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that had once belonged to a grandmother she never knew, she becomes determined to find out what happened to her. But as she pieces together the fragments of her grandmother's life, she begins to wonder if the past is better left forgottenA powerful and unforgettable tale of fierce love, impossible choices and a moment that changes the world forever, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Suzanne Kelman. Readers love Daisy Wood:''A ticking time-bomb of intrigue, wrapped around stark but rich descriptions of the Blitz. An unforgettable wartime debut.'' Mandy RTrade Review'A ticking time-bomb of intrigue, wrapped around stark but rich descriptions of the Blitz. An unforgettable wartime debut.' Mandy Robotham, internationally bestselling author of The Berlin Girl ‘I couldn’t put it down. My favourite kind of historical fiction.’ Reviewer ‘Wonderful.’ Reviewer ‘Brilliantly captures the essence of 1940s England. Highly recommended!’ Reviewer Set between WWII and today, and America and England, I totally loved this outstandingly amazing book. Five stars!’ Reviewer ‘Daisy Wood skillfully navigates between two timelines, and her descriptions of the war are really masterful.’ Reviewer ‘The perfect blend of historical fiction and espionage.’ Reviewer ‘Beautifully written… I highly recommend this treasure!’ Reviewer

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