Historical romance

Book SynopsisAn unexpected inheritance offers the chance for a fresh start...1957. An unexpected inheritance from her late aunt gives Louisa Harding the opportunity to move to Lexleigh and set up her own accountancy business. When she ends up delivering her new neighbour Bella's baby during a storm, a strong bond is formed between the two women.However, Louisa cannot help her growing attraction towards Bella's husband, Leo. Determined to overcome her feelings for Leo for the sake of her friendship with Bella, Louisa nevertheless finds it increasingly difficult to withstand temptation...A story of love and deception, secrets and guilt, and of the amazing power of female friendship in the face of adversity.

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Book SynopsisThe Brand New Instalment in the Coronation Close Saga from Lizzie Lane.There’s talk of war and dark clouds fester on the horizon...Bristol 1938A shadowy presence overshadows Coronation Close, watching and waiting. Jenny Crawford is the first to notice the stranger and wonders why his attention is fixed on Thelma Dawson’s house. When challenged he makes a hasty retreat.Meanwhile Thelma is having trouble with her precocious daughter Mary who is about to leave school and start work. Mary considers herself an adult but to Thelma she’s still a little girl; an attitude resented by her daughter.Unknown to her mother, Mary is secretly befriended by a stranger, an older man who treats her as the grown up she thinks she is. But what does this man want with this naïve young girl?Problems shared are problems halved. Jenny and Thelma certainly share theirs as the shadow of war rolls over from Europe and nothing seems certain.Praise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane' Fenella J Miller

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Book Synopsis‘Do you realise, Corinna, just how hard it is for a young woman of irregular birth, without family, fortune or friends in the world? Marriage is the only way to get any chance of a life.’ Following the death of her mother, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the countryside with her cantankerous Cousin Agnes. Her father's identity has been a tantalising mystery, but now at nineteen Corinna knows that finding him may be her only way to avoid marriage to the odious Mr Beech.Deciding to head to London, Corinna dons a male disguise. Travelling alone as a young woman risks scandal and danger, but when, masquerading as a youth, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. And when she meets Alick's turbulent brother Darius, a betrayal of trust leads to deadly combat which only one of the brothers may survive.From gambling in gentleman’s clubs to meeting the courtesans of Covent Garden, Corinna’s country naivety soon falls away. But when she finds her father at last, learns the truth about her parentage and discovers her fortunes transformed, she must quickly decide how to reveal her true identity, while hoping that one young man in particular can see her for the beauty and Lady she really is.Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life in a page-turning novel packed with romance, scandal, friendship and colour. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen. Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives. Praise for Jane Dunn:'Brilliant, sparkling and very clever.' Elizabeth Buchan'Jane Dunn’s THE MARRIAGE SEASON gives all the immersive pleasure of Georgette Heyer’s brilliantly confected Regency novels, in a sublime alternative world of joy. Bridgerton look out!' Melanie Reid, The Times‘Outstanding, perceptive and delightfully readable.’ Sunday Times Books of the Year‘Jane Dunn has written a splendid piece of popular history with the ready-pen of a highly skilled writer, endowed with remarkable insight.’ Roy Strong, Daily Mail‘Jane Dunn is one of our best biographers.’ Miranda Seymour, Sunday TimesWhat readers say about Jane Dunn:‘Absolutely brilliant book. Easy, interesting and certainly a page-turner. Enjoyed reading this book so much.’‘I loved this book, Jane Dunn writes with an insight into Elizabeths and Marys psyches that is mesmerising. I couldn’t put it down and was gutted when I finally finished it, at a loss of what to read next.’‘One of the best books I have ever read. I have always been interested in this period of history and felt that this book and the way Dunn writes helps to bring history alive. Once I started reading I could not stop.’

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Book Synopsis‘Do you realise, Corinna, just how hard it is for a young woman of irregular birth, without family, fortune or friends in the world? Marriage is the only way to get any chance of a life.’ Following the death of her mother, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the countryside with her cantankerous Cousin Agnes. Her father's identity has been a tantalising mystery, but now at nineteen Corinna knows that finding him may be her only way to avoid marriage to the odious Mr Beech.Deciding to head to London, Corinna dons a male disguise. Travelling alone as a young woman risks scandal and danger, but when, masquerading as a youth, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. And when she meets Alick's turbulent brother Darius, a betrayal of trust leads to deadly combat which only one of the brothers may survive.From gambling in gentleman’s clubs to meeting the courtesans of Covent Garden, Corinna’s country naivety soon falls away. But when she finds her father at last, learns the truth about her parentage and discovers her fortunes transformed, she must quickly decide how to reveal her true identity, while hoping that one young man in particular can see her for the beauty and Lady she really is.Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life in a page-turning novel packed with romance, scandal, friendship and colour. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen. Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives. Praise for Jane Dunn:'Brilliant, sparkling and very clever.' Elizabeth Buchan'Jane Dunn’s THE MARRIAGE SEASON gives all the immersive pleasure of Georgette Heyer’s brilliantly confected Regency novels, in a sublime alternative world of joy. Bridgerton look out!' Melanie Reid, The Times‘Outstanding, perceptive and delightfully readable.’ Sunday Times Books of the Year‘Jane Dunn has written a splendid piece of popular history with the ready-pen of a highly skilled writer, endowed with remarkable insight.’ Roy Strong, Daily Mail‘Jane Dunn is one of our best biographers.’ Miranda Seymour, Sunday TimesWhat readers say about Jane Dunn:‘Absolutely brilliant book. Easy, interesting and certainly a page-turner. Enjoyed reading this book so much.’‘I loved this book, Jane Dunn writes with an insight into Elizabeths and Marys psyches that is mesmerising. I couldn’t put it down and was gutted when I finally finished it, at a loss of what to read next.’‘One of the best books I have ever read. I have always been interested in this period of history and felt that this book and the way Dunn writes helps to bring history alive. Once I started reading I could not stop.’

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Book Synopsis‘Angelica had always known her lack of high birth, fortune or influence debarred her from being presented as an eligible young woman worthy of marriage. To cap it all, being an actress assured she was utterly beyond the pale of respectability.'Nightly at the Covent Garden Theatre in London, an enchanting actress is wowing the crowds with her affecting portrayal of Ophelia. Preyed on by rakes and opportunistic young bucks, feted by dukes and earls, even the Prince Regent himself, Angelica Leigh is a sensation.But in Regency England, beauty and talent are not enough to be considered marriage material, so when the eminently eligible Lord Charles Latimer sets his heart on Angelica, his uncle is sent to intervene.As a highly respected, hard-working and wealthy lawmaker, The Honourable Ivor Asprey, is himself seen as desirable husband material, but widowed with an eleven-year-old daughter Elinor, he has forsaken all thoughts of romance. Lord Latimer’s mother, the Duchess of Arlington, despairs of her son, despite being reassured by Ivor that his infatuation with the actress will pass. But there is something about Angelica Leigh that demands attention, and even the austere and upstanding Mr Asprey isn’t immune to her charms.Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen. Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives.Praise for Jane Dunn:'Brilliant, sparkling and very clever.' Elizabeth Buchan'Jane Dunn’s THE MARRIAGE SEASON gives all the immersive pleasure of Georgette Heyer’s brilliantly confected Regency novels, in a sublime alternative world of joy. Bridgerton look out!' Melanie Reid, The Times‘Outstanding, perceptive and delightfully readable.’ Sunday Times Books of the Year ‘Jane Dunn has written a splendid piece of popular history with the ready-pen of a highly skilled writer, endowed with remarkable insight.’ Roy Strong, Daily Mail‘Jane Dunn is one of our best biographers.’ Miranda Seymour, Sunday TimesReaders love Jane Dunn:‘I really loved Jane Dunn’s previous book, The Marriage Season, but to my amazement loved this even more. The heroine, Corinna, is so plucky and full of spirit, unwilling to accept the limitations of her life as a poor illegitimate country girl… All the characters were so alive, I wasn’t ready for the book to end and longed to know more of what happens to them… This is the Regency era come to vivid, believable, exciting life. I can’t wait for the next book from this author.’‘I can not rate this book high enough! As a lover as Georgette Heyer I've always looked for books that give as much historical detail as hers and I'm often disappointed, but not with this book! The characters are spirited and loveable and I can honestly say I didn't want to put it down.’‘Without a shadow of doubt, this is the best novel I have read in ages. Regency addicts won't find many heaving bosoms or tumbling ringlets. What they will find is an ingeniously plotted story with the emphasis on the men, with all their wit and cynicisms. This is underpinned by strong women whose story it really is, who cleverly manage these men with perfection... I am recommending this book to everyone, and have bought two more as gifts.’‘Jane has Dunn it again, reassuring us that this is how life really was – for the fortunate – when the boys came home from the Napoleonic wars, and making us feel at home then, nonetheless. Eat your heart out, Bridgerton!’‘A beautifully written story full of twists and turns that transports you straight into Regency England.’

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Book SynopsisA tale of courage, loss and heart-wrenching redemption.1944Bologna, Italy, and the streets are crawling with German soldiers. Nineteen-year-old Leila Venturi is shocked into joining the Resistance after her beloved best friend Rebecca, the daughter of a prominent Jewish businessman, is ruthlessly deported to a concentration camp. 1981Exchange student Rhiannon Hughes arrives in Bologna and meets Leila, her landlady. Soon, Rhiannon finds herself being drawn into a web of intrigue. Leila’s nephew seems to be interested in a far-right group, but how is the nefarious leader connected to Leila? As dark secrets emerge from the past, Rhiannon is faced with a terrible choice. Will she take her courage into both hands and risk everything? Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen, Fiona Valpy, and Victoria Hislop.Praise for Siobhan Daiko:’I was completely absorbed by … all the characters and intrigue.’ Angela Petch, bestselling author of The Tuscan Secret.‘This is a beautiful story with a compelling historical storyline that you won’t want to put down.’ Ann Bennett, bestselling author of The Orphan House.‘Siobhan Daiko will tug at your heartstrings, and leave you desperate for more.’ The Coffee Pot Book Club. ‘This was one of those I never want it to end books.’ Goodreads Reviewer

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Book Synopsis'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie LaneCan she escape her past and start again?Essex 1941Unhappy with life at home with her privileged family, Hannah Austen-Bagshaw runs away to join the Land Girls Army, carrying with her a dark and terrible secret. Life on the farm is tough, but when Hannah meets handsome working-class flight lieutenant, Jack, they form an immediate friendship.But unbeknownst to Jack, Hannah is sheltering a young German pilot who has crash landed in a nearby field. Torn between her duty and her humanity, Hannah knows she risks being arrested as a traitor, but she cannot see the young pilot suffer. And she knows if Jack finds out her terrible secret, their relationship will unravel.Will Hannah’s secrets be too big for Jack to forgive? Or can they find love in the darkest of times?Praise for Fenella J. Miller:'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A great start to what promises to be a fabulous series.' Jean Fullerton'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis PetersPlease note: This book was previoously published as Hannah's War

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Book SynopsisBook two in Fenella J. Miller's gripping and emotional WWII series.Will her secret destroy her chance at happiness?The phony war is over and Hitler is beginning his rampage through Europe. But back home Barbara Sinclair has troubles of her own. With her wedding to Spitfire Pilot Alex Everton imminent, Barbara is worried about a secret she is keeping from her new husband – one that could ruin everything.Determined to try and maintain some normality in her life, the wedding goes ahead, but Alex leaves almost immediately to continue fighting the Germans. Barbara fears for his safety and for the moment, her secret must wait…But when bombs fall on Barbara’s new home, the war feels closer than ever. And Barbara realises that time could be running out for both of them…'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie LanePlease note: This books was originally published as Barbara's War: The Middle years.

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