Historical romance

Book SynopsisForced to leave her home in the tranquil, rural south, Margaret Hale settles with her parents in Milton. She witnesses the brutal world wrought by the Industrial Revolution, seeing employers and workers clashing in the first strikes. Sympathetic to the poor, whose courage and tenacity she admires and among whom she makes friends, she clashes with John Thornton: a nouveau riche cotton-mill owner who is contemptuous of his workers.North and South is a social novel set in the fictional industrial town of Milton in the north of England. The story uses a protagonist from southern England to present and comment on the perspectives of mill owners and workers in an industrialising city. The novel traces Margaret Hale''s growing understanding of the complexity of labour relations and their impact on well-meaning mill owners and her conflicted relationship with John Thornton. North and South remains one of Elizabeth Gaskell''s best-known novels and was adapted for television three times.This case laminate collector''s edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket. 

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Book SynopsisThe Importance of Being Earnest is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personæ to escape burdensome social obligations. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play''s major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the resulting satire of Victorian ways.Contemporary reviews all praised the play''s humour, while others foresaw the modern consensus that it was the culmination of Wilde''s artistic career so far. Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde''s most enduringly popular play.This case laminate collector''s edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket. 

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Book SynopsisThe first book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series.Is Number 67 Clarges Steet the unluckiest house in Mayfair?Every Season the beaux mondes of the Regency would hire a house in the heart of London's fashionable West End at a disproportionately high rent for often inferior accommodation and yet No.67 Clarges Street, a town house complete with staff, remains vacant from year to year. Could it be that it is associated with ill luck and even death? Something must be done so that the servants of the house don't lose their livelihood...Salvation seems to come in the form of Roderick Sinclair who confirms he wishes to rent the house for the current Season. The staff are overjoyed - until they find that Mr Sinclair is a terrible miser who is planning no parties. Furthermore, his ward, Fiona, though a dazzling Highland beauty, does not seem to possess one bright idea in her head. But it is Rainbird, No.67's clever and elegant butler, who sees through her facade and resolves to help his mysterious mistress in whatever way he can...'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe second book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. It's up to the servants of No. 67 Clarges Street to hatch a scheme... and arrange a match!'Oh, to be as beautiful as Euphemia!' sighs plain Jane Hart when she joins her sister at No.67 for the Season, as then Lord Tregarthan might notice her... as she has noticed him and forever lost her heart. And while it is Euphemia's fate to flit her way through balls and into the arms of a marquis, Jane's is to stay at home... until the Downstairs staff transform the plain Miss into the Season's sensation and send her waltzing into a daring liaison with the man of her dreams'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe third book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. It's double trouble for poor, put-upon Harriet!Lovely but penniless Harriet Metcalf is horrified when she is named in a nobleman's will as guardian of his two ghastly and snobbish twin daughters. The innocent Harriet doesn't feel wily enough to cope with the intricacies of the London Season - not to mention two of its most eligible bachelors, the Marquis of Huntington and Lord Vere.Harriet views them only as suitors for the twins, while the gentlemen see only Harriet's charms. And soon she finds herself falling for one of them... but a cruel betrayal will be her ruin unless the Clarges Street servants can save her honour, while she loses her heart!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe fourth book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. He's just not the marrying kind...Lord Guy Carlton, late of His Majesty's Regiment and weary from the war in France, has only wine, women and song in mind when he rents No. 67 Clarges Street for the season. He certainly has no desire for a serious attachment - and as for marriage: never! But Lord Guy Carlton didn't factor in the lovely but very proper Miss Esther Jones. Although one of the richest women in England she is also one of the most innocent, which could make her an unwilling victim of the philandering lord... and so, once again, it is up to the downstairs staff at Clarges Street to devise a campaign to reform the rake who is laying siege to her heart!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe fifth book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. Appearances can be very deceptive...At first, Emily Goodenough and her uncle are exactly what the servants at No. 67 Clarges Street are hoping for: respectable tenants to usher in an uneventful Season. But all is not what it seems and it's not long before Rainbird the butler uncovers their secret: Mr Goodenough is an ex-butler and his 'daughter' a runaway chambermaid!Rainbird's resolve is tested, however, when he learns of villainous Mr Percival Pardon's plot to unmask the pair and force his attentions on Emily. So the staff join forces with their former fellow servants in a scheme to make the Goodenoughs Society's darlings, foil Mr Pardon's plot, and snare the man of her dreams for Emily in the bargain!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe final book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. Love comes home to A House for the Season!When the Duke of Pelham returns to his town house at 67 Clarges Street he is grimly determined to find himself a suitable wife, and love will have nothing to do with his selection.The duke's search is soon disrupted by the arrival in town of Miss Jenny Sutherland - a beautiful but hugely spoilt country girl whose vanity is overwhelming. In fact it was her guardian who brought her to London in the hope her ward will get the put-down she so sorely deserves. But no one had counted on the intervention of Rainbird, the duke's shrewd and resourceful butler. Befriending Jenny, they devise a mischievous scheme that will ensure Jenny's social success - and secure, once and for all, the fate of the close-knit family of servants at No. 67 Clarges Street!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Felicity Baronsheath, their first assignment, turns out to be more of a challenge than they could have ever imagined. Not only is Felicity indifferent to the idea of marriage, she is also a spoilt brat! And when, despite their best endeavours, Felicity insists on remaining unrefined and hoydenish, the Tribbles begin to fear that her season - and their new business venture - will end in disaster.Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Fiona has been sent to them by her guardians as a last resort, for at nineteen, the beautiful and wealthy Scottish heiress still has no prospect of a suitable marriage. The Tribbles are puzzled, however, by their charge's demure perfection, until they take her to her first ball - and discover she is an incorrigible flirt! And when quizzed by the Tribbles Fiona betrays her real feelings ... so the sisters are forced to confront the truth about her past!Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Lovely, wealthy and well bred, Clarissa Vevian has been unable to find a suitable husband because of her terrible clumsiness. Her petite and fastidious mother has tried to mould Clarissa into a dainty miss to fit the fashion - but all her efforts are doomed to failure. And when Clarissa enters the Tribble sister's home, they fear that their reputation for matchmaking success may be destroyed - along with their carpets and furniture!Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Maria Kendall is seemingly a dream client - beautiful, impeccably mannered, effortlessly graceful and extremely well dowered. In short, she doesn't seem to need the Tribbles' help at all. But then the sisters meet her parents and realise that they do have a problem on their hands - not with the perfect Maria, but with her overweening, gauche and socially over-ambitious parents!Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Miss Harriet Brown, daughter of a Methodist minister, is the embodiment of propriety and Christian charity - too much so, perhaps, for her own good. The virtues Harriet possesses are far from fashionable but the Tribble sisters feel confident their new charge will attract a worthy vicar or two before the end of the season - if first they can vanquish confirmed rake and gambler Lord Charles Marsham who seems perversely determined to woo Harriet!Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisCommotion reigns at the Poor Relation hotel when two unwelcome ladies create chaos among the established order of things!Sir Philip Sommerville is quite the antique, but not too old to bring home a paramour: fat, vulgar and greedy Mrs Budge who, the other poor relations are agreed upon, has to go.And then there is Lady Carruthers, a highly rouged widow who passes off her grown daughter, Arabella, as a school miss while setting her own cap for the young Earl of Denby, despite the fact that young Arabella is quite smitten with the dashing golden-haired earl! So once again it is up to the other poor relations to straighten out the course of true love...

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Book Synopsis‘See that patch of blue sky,’ he said. ‘Whenever you see one, that’s where I’ll be – thinking of you.’Against the chaotic backdrop of World War II, Grace Murphy is working as a midwife in Doncaster Royal Infirmary with her two friends, Clodagh and Patsy. In between delivering babies and tending wounded airmen, the girls endure bombing raids, rationing and the hardships and heartbreak that war brings. But in the faces of the new babies she welcomes to the world, Grace always looks for hope, as she dreams of a time when the war will end.When the midwives get the chance to go to a dance at the nearby RAF Finningly, they jump at the offer. The hangar is crowded with happy dancing couples but when the glamourous Spitfire pilots saunter in, looking dashing in their leather flying jackets and brightly coloured silk scarves, Grace can’t resist taking a peek. And the moment Grace meets pilot, Richard Carmichael, she knows he will capture her heart.With every daring flying raid, Grace and Richard risk losing each other forever. All Grace can do is look out for Richard in the patches of blue sky, and hope that fate will bring them their very own wartime happy-ever-after…Chrissie Walsh is back with this heart-breaking tale of love against the odds, perfect for fans of Fenella Miller, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson.What readers are saying about Chrissie Walsh:‘Chrissie Walsh is a wonderful writer who brings the past to life and will make readers feel as if they are living the story and not just reading it. Her characters are strong and resourceful protagonists who find themselves with no other choice but to battle against all the obstacles in their way.’‘This was a very, very, very good read from start to finish I didn't want to put it down.’‘What a great story, didn't want it to end. Great characters and certainly made great reading. Looking forward to reading more from this author.’‘What a lovely book the story flowed beautifully. The characters were introduced slowly so as not to confuse the reader and they all brought something different to the book.’‘Just brilliant! From the first page to the last I was completely enthralled.’

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1927: One house. Three lives. A decision that will change everything. A powerful, unique timeslip story, perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Miniaturist, and Lucinda Riley.On the morning of Friday 5th August, 1927, Miss Agnes Humphries – the landlady of the attractive, if-slightly-shabby, white-fronted townhouse at Number 23 Burlington Square – has a decision to make.The rooms of the second floor lie empty, since poor Mr Blandford’s unfortunate demise, God rest his soul. And Agnes must make up her mind as to who will be her new lodger… Will it be her spirited, young niece Clara, who drifts through the glamorous world of London’s Bright Young Things? Or Stephen, the sensible, church-going, respectable banker who seems just be too good to be true? Or the timid war widow named Mercy, who is clearly running from something – or someone…?Agnes must choose between them. But what will her decision lead to? One of the choices could result in scandal, one in devastation, and one could even lead to happiness. If only she gets it right…As all three lodgers enter Number 23, in alternate timelines, relationships are formed and destroyed, feathers are ruffled, and secrets are exposed. Three different choices. Three very different paths. And Agnes is to discover that nobody – including herself – is quite who they seem…Readers are loving No. 23 Burlington Square:‘Wow! I loved this! It’s such a clever book, beautifully written with such wonderful detail and amazing characters. I give this a very rare 10 out of 10 and will be adding Jenni Keer to my list of authors I must read everything they ever write. Superb!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Oh my, Jenni Keer, where on earth did you magic up the plot of this utterly wonderful novel? I am awe-struck by your ingenuity… Stunning… One of my favourite books of the year… Having been a lifelong reader and a book blogger now for almost 7 years, being taken by surprise by a book happens less and less frequently, but the author has managed to do it with this one. It is honestly a work of beauty… Wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I loved this book!!!... I didn't see what was coming… I was enthralled.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow! Such a clever idea for a historical novel!… It’s like no other book that I have read, it’s unique and clever and I enjoyed every single page!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I cannot tell you have much I loved this book. I was totally captivated… I devoured it in a day… This has to be my favourite book of the year. If I could give it more stars, I would. It would make a great film or even a tv series. Literally as soon as I finished, I rang and told my daughter she had to read it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I couldn’t let this one go… These characters are all so superbly drawn. They feel real, like they might jump out of the pages of the book and wrap their arms around you… Quite simply, had me enthralled..’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I loved this tale from page one!… There’s a beautiful romance weaved throughout the story – for which I held my breath, hoping beyond hope that love would find a way!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book was something very special indeed… Such an original concept… I really couldn’t have loved it more.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Full of twists and turns, heartbreak, warmth and hope. A book that I won’t forget.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘An absolute JOY to read!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1927: One house. Three lives. A decision that will change everything. A powerful, unique timeslip story, perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Miniaturist, and Lucinda Riley.On the morning of Friday 5th August, 1927, Miss Agnes Humphries – the landlady of the attractive, if-slightly-shabby, white-fronted townhouse at Number 23 Burlington Square – has a decision to make.The rooms of the second floor lie empty, since poor Mr Blandford’s unfortunate demise, God rest his soul. And Agnes must make up her mind as to who will be her new lodger… Will it be her spirited, young niece Clara, who drifts through the glamorous world of London’s Bright Young Things? Or Stephen, the sensible, church-going, respectable banker who seems just be too good to be true? Or the timid war widow named Mercy, who is clearly running from something – or someone…?Agnes must choose between them. But what will her decision lead to? One of the choices could result in scandal, one in devastation, and one could even lead to happiness. If only she gets it right…As all three lodgers enter Number 23, in alternate timelines, relationships are formed and destroyed, feathers are ruffled, and secrets are exposed. Three different choices. Three very different paths. And Agnes is to discover that nobody – including herself – is quite who they seem…Readers are loving No. 23 Burlington Square:‘Wow! I loved this! It’s such a clever book, beautifully written with such wonderful detail and amazing characters. I give this a very rare 10 out of 10 and will be adding Jenni Keer to my list of authors I must read everything they ever write. Superb!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Oh my, Jenni Keer, where on earth did you magic up the plot of this utterly wonderful novel? I am awe-struck by your ingenuity… Stunning… One of my favourite books of the year… Having been a lifelong reader and a book blogger now for almost 7 years, being taken by surprise by a book happens less and less frequently, but the author has managed to do it with this one. It is honestly a work of beauty… Wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I loved this book!!!... I didn't see what was coming… I was enthralled.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow! Such a clever idea for a historical novel!… It’s like no other book that I have read, it’s unique and clever and I enjoyed every single page!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I cannot tell you have much I loved this book. I was totally captivated… I devoured it in a day… This has to be my favourite book of the year. If I could give it more stars, I would. It would make a great film or even a tv series. Literally as soon as I finished, I rang and told my daughter she had to read it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I couldn’t let this one go… These characters are all so superbly drawn. They feel real, like they might jump out of the pages of the book and wrap their arms around you… Quite simply, had me enthralled..’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I loved this tale from page one!… There’s a beautiful romance weaved throughout the story – for which I held my breath, hoping beyond hope that love would find a way!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book was something very special indeed… Such an original concept… I really couldn’t have loved it more.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Full of twists and turns, heartbreak, warmth and hope. A book that I won’t forget.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘An absolute JOY to read!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1927: One house. Three lives. A decision that will change everything. A powerful, unique timeslip story, perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Miniaturist, and Lucinda Riley.On the morning of Friday 5th August, 1927, Miss Agnes Humphries – the landlady of the attractive, if-slightly-shabby, white-fronted townhouse at Number 23 Burlington Square – has a decision to make.The rooms of the second floor lie empty, since poor Mr Blandford’s unfortunate demise, God rest his soul. And Agnes must make up her mind as to who will be her new lodger… Will it be her spirited, young niece Clara, who drifts through the glamorous world of London’s Bright Young Things? Or Stephen, the sensible, church-going, respectable banker who seems just be too good to be true? Or the timid war widow named Mercy, who is clearly running from something – or someone…?Agnes must choose between them. But what will her decision lead to? One of the choices could result in scandal, one in devastation, and one could even lead to happiness. If only she gets it right…As all three lodgers enter Number 23, in alternate timelines, relationships are formed and destroyed, feathers are ruffled, and secrets are exposed. Three different choices. Three very different paths. And Agnes is to discover that nobody – including herself – is quite who they seem…Readers are loving No. 23 Burlington Square:‘Wow! I loved this! It’s such a clever book, beautifully written with such wonderful detail and amazing characters. I give this a very rare 10 out of 10 and will be adding Jenni Keer to my list of authors I must read everything they ever write. Superb!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Oh my, Jenni Keer, where on earth did you magic up the plot of this utterly wonderful novel? I am awe-struck by your ingenuity… Stunning… One of my favourite books of the year… Having been a lifelong reader and a book blogger now for almost 7 years, being taken by surprise by a book happens less and less frequently, but the author has managed to do it with this one. It is honestly a work of beauty… Wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I loved this book!!!... I didn't see what was coming… I was enthralled.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow! Such a clever idea for a historical novel!… It’s like no other book that I have read, it’s unique and clever and I enjoyed every single page!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I cannot tell you have much I loved this book. I was totally captivated… I devoured it in a day… This has to be my favourite book of the year. If I could give it more stars, I would. It would make a great film or even a tv series. Literally as soon as I finished, I rang and told my daughter she had to read it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I couldn’t let this one go… These characters are all so superbly drawn. They feel real, like they might jump out of the pages of the book and wrap their arms around you… Quite simply, had me enthralled..’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I loved this tale from page one!… There’s a beautiful romance weaved throughout the story – for which I held my breath, hoping beyond hope that love would find a way!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book was something very special indeed… Such an original concept… I really couldn’t have loved it more.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Full of twists and turns, heartbreak, warmth and hope. A book that I won’t forget.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘An absolute JOY to read!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisThe first instalment in a BRAND NEW series from bestselling author Patricia McBrideWith war looming, it's a dark chapter for the Library Girls1940, LondonWhen Cordelia accepts the post of head librarian in Silver Town Library, her mother is more than a little disapproving. The East End has high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and her mother says it’s no place for a woman of her status.But Cordelia is determined to make a difference in these times of strife, and along with her colleagues, Jane and Mavis, she begins to help the local community.And maybe even a romance will blossom, giving Cordelia the strength to make it through the chaos and destruction that constantly threatens their livelihood.Against a background of war, air raids and rationing, it becomes clear the library is more than a building filled with books - it is the beating heart of a community refusing to be torn apart.Praise for Patricia McBride'A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women' Fran Smith, author of The Painted Penny Stamp

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Book SynopsisThe first instalment in a BRAND NEW series from bestselling author Patricia McBrideWith war looming, it's a dark chapter for the Library Girls1940, LondonWhen Cordelia accepts the post of head librarian in Silver Town Library, her mother is more than a little disapproving. The East End has high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and her mother says it’s no place for a woman of her status.But Cordelia is determined to make a difference in these times of strife, and along with her colleagues, Jane and Mavis, she begins to help the local community.And maybe even a romance will blossom, giving Cordelia the strength to make it through the chaos and destruction that constantly threatens their livelihood.Against a background of war, air raids and rationing, it becomes clear the library is more than a building filled with books - it is the beating heart of a community refusing to be torn apart.Praise for Patricia McBride'A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women' Fran Smith, author of The Painted Penny Stamp

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Book Synopsis'A beautifully written story of loss and love, Her Mother's Secret is Rosanna Ley at her best' My WeeklyEscape to the heart of enchanting Brittany with the bestselling author of The Villa and The Little Theatre by the Sea. The perfect treat for fans of Santa Montefiore and Veronica Henry.For many years Colette has avoided returning to her homeland - the magical island of Belle-Île-en-Mer in Southern Brittany - afraid to confront the painful memories she left behind. She is living on the Cornish coast when she hears about her mother Thea's failing health and realises that the time has come for her to go home. But can Colette ever forgive Thea for what she has done? Despite Colette's wariness, romantic Belle-Île still fascinates her. She takes on the running of her mother's flower shop and makes friends with Élodie from the Old Lighthouse where Thea once worked as a nanny and with the enigmatic Étienne who shares Colette's mixed feelings about the island. As Thea opens up to her for the first time, Colette finds herself softening and being drawn back into the landscape of her past. But can Belle-Île also be a part of her future?The ghosts of that past still linger. What happened all those years ago and how did it cause the rift between mother and daughter? It becomes clear that the beauty of Belle-Île hides a devastating family secret - one that Colette is determined to unravel at any cost.Trade ReviewA beautiful holiday read * Candis *Beautifully written and gently captivating * Heat *A beautifully written story of loss and love, Her Mother's Secret is Rosanna Ley at her best * My Weekly *Her Mother's Secret is the ideal sunshine escape, a moving and magical story brimming with rich, lyrical descriptions * Lancashire Evening Post *A wonderfully descriptive and beautifully crafted tale about love, life and second chances, all with a gorgeous escapist setting. The perfect holiday companion * Heat on The Little Theatre by the Sea *Sun-soaked escapism * Best on The Little Theatre by the Sea *The ultimate feel-good read, perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Victoria Hislop and Leah Fleming * Candis on The Little Theatre by the Sea *Reading it will make you want to jump on the first flight out to Sardinia * Hello on The Little Theatre by the Sea *Holiday romance at its most evocative and escapist * The Lady on Little Theatre by the Sea *An immersive holiday read that makes you want to reach for your sunglasses, a quiet spot and a long drink * Dorset Echo *

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Book SynopsisAn emotional story of ordinary people and their far-from-ordinary lives.A small Welsh town hosts a lively and varied community – and none more so than Nelly Luke, the cheerful Cockney widow who made a ramshackle cottage her cosy, if unconventional, home.Nelly’s generosity and wisdom win her many friends: Fay, the young newly-wed; Amy, the glamorous shopkeeper whose private life is colourful indeed; and her dignified sister Prue, whose family cupboard contains more than a few skeletons.Against the mounting excitement of the Coronation summer, Nelly steers her friends and family through storms and sunshine alike…A Welcome in the Valley will enchant readers of Rosie Clarke and Margaret Dickinson.

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