Sea stories

Book SynopsisI was captivated What a stunning story of sisterhood, sacrifice and forgiveness!' Lana Kortchik, USA Today bestselling author of Sisters of WarThree sisters. Three ships. One heartbreaking story.1911. As Emma packs her trunk to join the ocean liner Olympic as a stewardess, she dreams of earning enough to provide a better life for both her sisters. With their photograph tucked away in her luggage, she promises to be back soon hoping that sickly Lily will keep healthy, and wild Ruby will behave. But neither life at sea nor on land is predictable, and soon the three sisters' lives are all changed irrevocablyNow. When Harriet finds her late grandmother's travelling trunk in the attic, she's shocked to discover a photo of three sisters inside her grandmother only ever mentioned one sister, who died tragically young. Who is the other sister, and what happened to her? Harriet's questions lead her to the story of three sister ships, Olympic, Titanic and Britannic, and a shattering revelation about three sisters torn apartDon't miss the latest novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Secret of the Chateau. Perfect for fans of The Beekeeper's Promise andThe Forgotten Village!Readers LOVE The Lost Sister!'An emotional roller coaster. A story that will live with me for a very long time.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 starsMcGurl has managed to create a masterpiece a must-read for historical fiction lovers.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 starsI just could not put it down It was heartbreaking, touching and yet uplifting.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 starsThis was a fascinating book utterly readable' and hard to put down as it was so masterfully crafted.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 starsThis story had me engrossed from start to end I highly recommend this book.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 starsI loved this book so much.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

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Book SynopsisLittle treasures, the FLAME TREE COLLECTABLE CLASSICS are chosen to create a delightful and timeless home library. Each stunning, gift edition features deluxe cover treatments, ribbon markers, luxury endpapers and gilded edges. The unabridged text is accompanied by a Glossary of Victorian and Literary terms produced for the modern reader. The very name of Robert Louis Stevenson is synonymous with storytelling adventures, Treasure Island being one of the most popular books in English literature. Its racing narrative pace takes the young Jim Hawkins on a lively escapade that's fired the imagination of many generations of readers. Mysterious maps, Long John Silver and his parrot, buried treasures, tropical islands, leafy palms and endless blue seas, innocence and treachery, the complicated path between good and evil, all conspire to deliver a powerful addition to any collection of tall tales and essential reads.

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Book SynopsisIf you like Patrick O''Brian and C. S. Forester, you will love this all-guns-blazing naval page-turner from multi-million copy seller Alexander Kent - guaranteed to have you hooked from page one!''One of our foremost writers of naval fiction'' -- Sunday Times''Shipwreck, survival ... a spirited battle ... a splendid yarn'' -- The Times''Gripping to the end'' -- ***** Reader review''Difficult to put down'' -- ***** Reader review''Superb'' -- ***** Reader review''Riveting'' -- ***** Reader review''Exceptionally well written'' -- ***** Reader review''What a story!'' -- ***** Reader review***********************************************************************************************1804: England stands alone against France and the fleets of Spain, expecting an invasion any day. Entrusted with an urTrade ReviewShipwreck, survival ... a spirited battle ... a splendid yarn * The Times *One of our foremost writers of naval fiction * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisWhite-Jacket (1850) is an adventure novel by American writer Herman Melville. Based on the author’s personal experience as a seaman in the United States Navy—Melville spent fourteen months aboard the USS United States—the novel was both commercially successful and influential for reforming US Naval policy. Following its publication, and aided by advocacy from journalists and politicians, flogging was banned as a punishment in the navy. The novel is seen as a precursor to Melville’s masterpiece, Moby-Dick (1851), and is often compared to his posthumous novella Billy Budd (1924). White-Jacket is the name given to the novel’s protagonist, a young seaman who embarks on the USS Neversink hoping for brotherhood and adventure. As he grows accustomed to the duties and indignities of naval life, he becomes the target of ire for most of the crew and officers. His jacket, the only one of its kind on board, not only causes him to stand out, but is a source of constant danger—insufficient for the cold weather around Cape Horn, difficult to discern from the color of the Neversink’s sails, the jacket both defines and dooms the novel’s hero. Praised for its adventurous narrative and political message, White-Jacket was a critical and commercial success for Melville, enabling him to compose and publish Moby-Dick, an ambitious and complex novel now recognized as among the greatest works of American literature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Herman Melville’s White-Jacket is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisToilers of the Sea (1866) is a novel by Victor Hugo. Written while Hugo was living in exile on the island of Guernsey, Toilers of the Sea is a story of adventure that expresses the everyday struggles of a fool in love while capturing the changes wrought by political and economic revolution in Europe. “Gilliatt lived in the parish of St. Sampson. He was not liked by his neighbours; and there were reasons for that fact.” Viewed as an outsider by the seafaring community of Guernsey, Gilliat lives alone in a house deemed haunted, though no one would dare visit him anyway. Despite his skill as a fisherman, the townspeople claim he is a malevolent sorcerer, all but condemning him to a life of total seclusion. In love with the niece of a prominent shipowner, he volunteers to salvage what he can from a vessel that was wrecked some distance from the coast. Braving the elements and coming face to face with a vicious octopus, Gilliatt seizes his only chance at escaping his lonely circumstances, at finding love at last. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Victor Hugo’s Toilers of the Sea is a classic work of French literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book Synopsis'It's like a big hug in a book' - Janice Hallett, author of The AppealA novel about love, loss and the importance of living life to the full, Annie Stanley, All at Sea by Sue Teddern is proof that it’s often the most difficult moments in life that show us what really matters.Sometimes the end is only the beginning . . .Annie is single, unemployed and just a bit stuck when her beloved father dies unexpectedly. Furious at his partner’s plans to scatter his ashes somewhere of no emotional significance, Annie seizes the urn and, on a whim, decides to take it on a tour of the thirty-one sea areas that make up the shipping forecast, which her father loved listening to, despite living in landlocked St Albans.Travelling around the coastline of Britain searching for the perfect place to say goodbye, she starts to wonder if it might be time to rethink some of the relationships in her life – but is it too late for second chances?'Witty, wise with wonderful characters. I absolutely loved this book' - Katie Fforde, author of A Springtime AffairTrade ReviewA funny, warm, wry writer -- David Nicholls, bestselling author of One Day and Sweet SorrowThis charming, well-judged debut novel balances seaside kitsch and mordant humour. Deckchair optional -- ObserverWitty, wise with wonderful characters. I absolutely loved this book -- Katie Fforde, author of A Springtime Affair and Highland FlingThis bittersweet story about grief has just the right balance of poignancy and humour -- Good HousekeepingI loved Annie Stanley: she's a gloriously imperfect heroine who takes you on a stormy journey of grief, love and Britain's brilliant coastline. I was swept away -- Eva Carter, author of How To Save a LifeA journey to rediscover that life really is worth living * OK Magazine *This is a brilliantly funny, heartwarming celebration of life, love, grief and the Shipping Forecast -- Georgia Pritchett, author of My Mess Is a Bit of a LifePoignant, funny and full of emotional resonance. You cannot help but root for Annie Stanley as she embarks on a journey that is both stormy and strangely reassuring -- Elizabeth Enfield, author of Ivy and AbeDevoured this funny, tender book and fell in love with chaotic bumbler Annie Stanley along the way. Can’t wait to see her again -- Jenny Landreth, author of Swell and Break A LegThis book is packed with heart and wit. I was moved and laughed out loud so many times. I truly love Annie. Her journey and the people in her world are completely real to me -- Jo Clegg, author of The Summer Holiday

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Book SynopsisThe highly anticipated novel from the internationally bestselling author of The Pull of the Stars and Room'This is Donoghue at her strange, unsettling best.' - Maggie O'Farrell, author of Hamnet'Combines pressure-cooker intensity and radical isolation, to stunning effect.' – Margaret Atwood via TwitterIn seventh-century Ireland, a scholar and priest called Artt has a dream telling him to leave the sinful world behind. Taking two monks – young Trian and old Cormac – he travels down the river Shannon in search of an isolated spot on which to found a monastery. Drifting out into the Atlantic, the three men find an impossibly steep, bare island inhabited by tens of thousands of birds, and claim it for God. Their extraordinary landing spot is now known as Skellig Michael. But in such a place, far from all other humanity, what will survival mean?Haunting, moving and vividly told, Haven displays Emma Donoghue’s trademark world-building and psychological intensity – but this tale is like nothing she has ever written before . . .One of The Times Books of the Year 2022One of Easons 'Favourite Book of the Year 2022'.The Irish Times 'Books to Look Out For in 2022'.Pre-order Learned By Heart, the dazzling new love story from Emma Donoghue.Trade ReviewA remarkably engrossing tale * The Mail on Sunday *This book kept me up half the night - I was unable to put it down, and read it in one spellbound gulp. It is everything a novel should be: compassionate, unpredictable, and questioning. Haven is Donoghue at her strange, unsettling best. -- Maggie O'Farrell, author of HamnetBrooding, dreamlike . . . it’s in descriptions of the physical world that Donoghue’s prose soars . . . Likewise, among themes that include isolation and devotion, its ecological warnings are its most resonant. * The Observer *Quietly beautiful . . . And its subject, of course, is a universal one: we’re all stuck on this rock, trying to keep hold of simple moral truths while quietly losing our minds. As poor young Trian puts it, in one of his darkest moments: “Even this unbearable life is still sweet." * The Guardian *Donoghue excels in creating not just a world but a worldview that is far removed from our own . . . this is a bold, thoughtful novel. * Financial Times *A beautiful and timely novel about isolation, passion and the conflict between obedience and self-preservation. The island setting and the characters stayed with me long after I finished reading -- Sarah Moss, author of Ghostwall and SummerwaterDonoghue wrings unlikely psychodrama from such everyday chores of monastic life as copying a manuscript or building a drystone wall. But if that doesn’t grab you, rest assured that the devastating denouement amply repays the reader’s patience — and has a thing or two to say about modern-day moral panics, too * Daily Mail *I am already an admirer of Emma Donoghue's writing and this novel had me in its grasp from the beginning. It was so bleak and brutal about the harshness and fanaticism of the monastic life; I was absolutely convinced by her depiction of scratching a life on the bare island and the power play between the trinity of monks, and their motivations and beliefs. I read it in a couple of sittings with a growing sense of foreboding and desperation to know their fates. A powerful story, brilliantly imagined. * Clare Chambers, author of Small Pleasures *Haven creates an eerie, meditative atmosphere that should resonate with anyone willing to think deeply about the blessings and costs of devoting one’s life to a transcendent cause. * The Washington Post *In 7th C, Ireland, three men set sail to a bird-thick island to find God. EmmaDonoghue combines pressure-cooker intensity + radical isolation, to stunning effect. What is Divine Grace? Purity of soul? Virtue? Not what they think. -- Margaret Atwood via TwitterSinister, heart-wrenching and beautifully written. * The Times *A grim and grisly tale of monastic privation and isolation in seventh-century Ireland . . . [Donoghue] deftly captures the elemental nature of the relationship between her protagonists and the natural world; how it’s both their benefactor and their tormentor, a source of life, but also of death. -- Lucy Scholes * The Daily Telegraph *What a beautiful, intense, blazing, richly-woven yet spartan and unsparing book this is. I couldn’t put it down. Lyrical and then visceral, appearing at one moment tranquil and another so intense it’s like being bitten and clawed . . . it is both a story about three men of God surviving with almost nothing on an island, and another about dictatorship, isolation, true fraternity, love, the nature of faith and man’s place in the natural world . . . It’s utterly brilliant. -- Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold FryWritten in an admirably plain and lucid style, Haven is slow but ulitamately moving in its revalation of friendhsip and human decency . . . * The Times *A patient, thoughtful novel with much to say about spirituality, hope, and human failure, and about the miracle of mercy. -- Esi Edugyan, Booker-shortlisted author of Washington BlackA vivid fictional recreation of the first settlers on the Skellig rocks in the sixth century – the most westerly sacred site in Europe. The descriptions of Atlantic sea life are unforgettable -- Richard Kearney, author of The Wake of ImaginationHaven is a gentle book, a fascinating exploration of human nature and an immensely enjoyable read. -- RTÉ

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Book SynopsisA secret path leads across the water to a dragon's kingdom. A mermaid avenges the death of a human girl. A monstrous squid guards the most beautiful pearl in the world. This collection of traditional folktales captures the mysterious and magical power of the ocean. As you sail uncharted waters from Norway to New Zealand and Ghana to Korea, you'll encounter underwater palaces, brave seafarers, and monsters of the deep. Each story is paired with luminous contemporary art. With creamy paper, a ribbon marker, and a cover adorned with shimmering foil, this handsome hardcover is truly a book to treasure.

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Book SynopsisLegendary warriors, devastating sea battles, and a chance, finally, for vengeance.After a daring escape from a British prison, Philippe Kermorvant returns to France and gains command of a frigate in the Mediterranean, where France is trying to rebuild its decimated fleet.Facing overwhelming odds, the fleet is forced to flee for refuge to a fortified bay. The prospect of an interminable blockade looms, but Philippe is given leave from his command to meet an enigmatic young general, who has a mission for him.What follows is a shocking murder, a siege, a whirlwind romance and a duel to the death on the high seas, as Philippe contends with threats from every side. And amidst all this chaos, a terrible face from his past threatens to uproot everything that he has built for himself.A fascinating naval adventure of the Age of Sail told from the French perspective, perfect for fans of Hornblower and Sharpe.

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Book SynopsisA classic ghost story illustrated by acclaimed cartoonist, Seth.When the Pole-Star is trapped in Arctic ice, its voyage comes to a halt and the lives of the crew are in danger. Superstition soon takes hold as the frightened men claim to hear ghosts in the darkness – but it’s the captain’s increasingly strange behaviour that concerns them the most.

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Book SynopsisThroughout history, poets have felt the ancient pull of the sea, exploring the full range of mankind's nautical fears, dreams, and longings. The colorful legends of the sea-pirates and mermaids, phantom ships and the sunken city of Atlantis-have inspired as many imaginations as have the realities of lighthouses and shipwrecks, of icebergs and frothing foam and seaweed.This marvelous collection includes classics old and new, from Homer and Milton to Plath and Merwin. Here are Tennyson's seductive sea-fairies next to Poe's beloved Annabel Lee. Here is Coleridge's darkly brooding "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" alongside the grandeur of Shakespeare's "Full Fathom Five." And here is Masefield's "I must go down to the seas again" alongside Cavafy's "Ithaka" and Stevens's "The Idea of Order at Key West." In the wide variety of lyrics collected here-sonnets and sea chanteys, ballads and hymns and prayers-we feel the encompassing power of our planet's restless

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Book SynopsisThe tale of murder and revenge set on a remote oil rig, from the acclaimed master of action and suspense.SEAWITCHThe massive oil-rig is the hub of a great empire, the pride of its billionaire owner.Lord Worth, predatory and ruthless, has clawed his way to great wealth. Now, he cares for only two things Seawitch and his two high-spirited daughters. One man knows this:John Cronkite, trouble-shooter for the world''s top oilmen and Worth''s ex-victim, is spoiling for revenge.In one terrifying week, Worth''s world explodes.Trade Review'Told with all MacLean's famous gusto' Evening News 'MacLean has gone back to sea – good news for anyone who likes a rip-roaring story' Evening Standard 'A magnificent storyteller' Sunday Mirror ‘The most successful British novelist of his time’ Jack Higgins

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Book SynopsisA young sailor with the weight of the world on his shoulders, a brother in the line of fire, and the greatest naval battle of all time…Jutland, 1916: In the icy waters of the North Sea, the Royal Navy awaits the challenge of the Kaiser’s High Sea Fleet.Sub-lieutenant Nick Everard could never have imagined the terror he would face as his destroyer races to launch its torpedoes into the blazing guns of a horizon obscured by dreadnoughts.But when the steering-gear on HMS Warspite jams, it is up to Nick, along with his brother, Hugh, to save thousands of lives.Dramatic, action-packed and brimming with suspense, The Blooding of the Guns launches the epic career of Nicholas Everard, and is perfect for fans of C. S. Forrester, Max Hennessy and Alan Evans.Praise for Alexander Fullerton‘The most meticulously researched war novels that I have ever read’ Len Deighton‘His action passages are superb and he never puts a period foot wrong’ Observer‘The research is unimpeachable and the scent of battle quite overwhelming’ Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisFollowing his recovery after a savage wounding in America, Kydd returns to England to re-assume command of his ship-of-the-line, Thunderer, which is sent to the remote station of Bermuda.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE KYDD SERIES:A very readable and enjoyable story . . . I can only recommend that you got out, beg, borrow or buy, and enjoy * Bernard Cornwell *In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world * Guardian *This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail * Nautical Magazine *The characterization is first-class, and the reader quickly becomes involved with all that happens * Historical Novels Review *There is no disputing Stockwin's ability to tell a good yarn backed by meticulous research. Stockwin's eye for authentic detail is faultless * Pennant *Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line * Daily Express *Over two decades, Julian Stockwin, a master in naval fiction, has set new high water marks as Thomas Kydd rises from landsman to post captain. Sea of Treason, ambitious in scope, with colorful, captivating characters, is yet another tour de force in the canon. -- George Jepson * Quarterdeck *

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Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE KYDD SERIES:A very readable and enjoyable story . . . I can only recommend that you got out, beg, borrow or buy, and enjoy * Bernard Cornwell *In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world * Guardian *This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail * Nautical Magazine *The characterization is first-class, and the reader quickly becomes involved with all that happens * Historical Novels Review *There is no disputing Stockwin's ability to tell a good yarn backed by meticulous research. Stockwin's eye for authentic detail is faultless * Pennant *Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisThe tale of murder and revenge set on a remote oil rig, from the acclaimed master of action and suspense.SEAWITCHThe massive oil-rig is the hub of a great empire, the pride of its billionaire owner.Lord Worth, predatory and ruthless, has clawed his way to great wealth. Now, he cares for only two things - Seawitch and his two high-spirited daughters. One man knows this:John Cronkite, trouble-shooter for the world''s top oilmen and Worth''s ex-victim, is spoiling for revenge.In one terrifying week, Worth''s world explodes.Trade Review'Told with all MacLean's famous gusto' Evening News 'MacLean has gone back to sea - good news for anyone who likes a rip-roaring story' Evening Standard 'A magnificent storyteller' Sunday Mirror ‘The most successful British novelist of his time’ Jack Higgins

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Book SynopsisThird in the massively successful new Krondor series inspired by Feist's global bestselling computer game Return to Krondor.A drop in the ocean?A raid upon the high seas signals an attack of unprecedented magnitude by the forces of darkness. For the holiest of holies, the Tear of the Gods has been lost to the Temple of Ishap. After a raid planned by Bear, one of the most brutal pirates to sail the Bitter Sea, goes dramatically wrong, the colossal gems sink below the waves.So begins a story of the Tear of the Gods, the most powerful artifact known to the Temples of Midkemia. For it allows the temples to speak with their gods. Without it, they are lost for a decade, until another gem is formed in the distant mountains.Squire James, William, and Jazhara, new court magician, must seek out the location of this gem, with Brother Solon, a warrior priest of Ishap, and Kendaric, the sole member of the Wreckers' Guild with the power to raise the ship. They are opposed by the minions of Sidi, serTrade ReviewPraise for Raymond E. Feist: 'File under guilty pleasure'Guardian 'Get in at the start of a master's new series'Daily Sport 'Well-written and distinctly above average… intelligent… intriguing.'Publishers Weekly ' Epic scope…vivid imagination…a significant contribution to the growth of the field of fantasy.'Washington Post

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Book SynopsisVolume one of the stunning fantasy trilogy set partly on the shores of Lake Superior in the 19th century.Trade Review‘A sumptuous tale of subtle magic, malevolent sorcery and twisted loyalties – you won’t regret venturing into Sarah Zettel’s world’ Sara Douglass ‘A fresh and surprisingly exciting fantasy thriller…Zettel’s engaging writing style conjures up a gripping plot and some effective, three-dimensional characterisation. Even the magic system is well-thought out and inventive…this engaging and vivid slice of escapist fantasy will keep fans of Robin Hobb more than happy’ SFX ‘Zettel’s first fantasy novel is a triumph of story-telling…All the characters are powerfully drawn, especially Bridget, a strong and attractive heroine…A Sorcerer’s Treason is a magnificent fantasy novel, showcasing just how good this genre can be. Rich, compelling and exciting, this could be the best fantasy debut in years’ Amazon ‘Sarah Zettel’s well-told and absorbing tale is full of original touches’ Starburst

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Book SynopsisClassic adventure from the million copy bestseller Jack HigginsIn the end all roads lead to hell.It's 1944 and Germany is facing its final defeat. Five thousand miles across the Allied dominated Atlantic, twenty-two men and five nuns aboard the Barquentine Deutschland are battling home to Kiel.Among them are a U-boat ace captured in a raid on Falmouth. A female American doctor caught in the nightmare of flying bombs. A gunboat commander who's fought from the Solomons to the Channel and a rear admiral desperate to get some of the action.Allies and enemies, men and women, the hunters and the haunted all drawn into the eye of the storm.Trade Review‘Terrific’ Daily Telegraph ‘An Epic’ Sunday Times ‘100% proof adventure’ New York Times

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Book SynopsisA small New England fishing community is the setting for this compelling blend of suspense, adventure and romance, from the author of the highly successful THE SNOW FALCON.Trade Review‘From its eerie opening in the moonlit waters of an island to the tension-charged denouement, we are smooothly sucked into the tale…On one level the book is an old-fashioned thriller in the best sense, its meticulous plot full of suspense and red herrings. But in a neat subversion of the mystery genre, this smart, absorbing novel also grapples subtly with the idea that in life things are rarely black and white…and that, even with murder, things are not always what they seem.’ Daily Mail‘Harrison has a knack for making animals fascinating, exploring their intelligence and emotions with as much insight as he does human characters’ Fiona Kennedy, Bookseller

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Book SynopsisThe fight for a torn Kingdom rests in the hands of a few brave men…990AD. King Aethelred II, who men will one day call The Unready, rules over a land divided by the shadowy spin of his mother Queen Ælfthryth and the sprawling power of the Church. The Viking Warlord, Olaf Tryggvason smelling the Kingdoms weakness brings the vicious Jomsvikings to the Saxon coastline ravenous for war and plunder. Together Lord Byrthnoth, Ealdorman of the East Saxons and Beornoth his Saxon Thegn lead a force of oath sworn Viking killers, every bit as brutal and war-skilled as the Norse invaders to protect the Kingdom against enemies both from within, and from the cruel seas. They are pushed to the very limits of their bravery and endurance in a desperate fight for the very existence of the Saxon Kingdom. In a riveting story of treachery, betrayal, vengeance and war, can Beornoth defeat his enemies and protect the Kingdom from destruction? Storm of War continues the unmissable Viking historical fiction saga series which began with Peter Gibbons' Warrior & Protector.If you like Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden, and David Gemmell you will love this epic Saxon adventure packed with battles, Vikings, and adventure.Praise for Peter Gibbons:'Epic, brutal action, a flawed hero defending his people while fighting his own demons, implacable ruthless invaders, treacherous nobles, Warrior and Protector has them all'- Matthew Harffy'Bloody and brutal, everything you want from a novel about 10th century England. Peter's vivid writing really brings the story to life.' - Donovan Cook'A superbly atmospheric tale of redemption that pitches the English against Viking raiders and resounds with the fierceness of battle-hardened warriors' - MJ Porter'Thunderously atmospheric! Gibbons once again proves himself a master of Viking & Dark Age lore.' - Gordon Doherty'Absolutely cracking. The best Viking saga I've read in years. A joy to pick up again.' - Ross Greenwood

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Book SynopsisThe heartwarming festive read from bestseller Sarah Bennett!Music sensation Aurora Storm finally has her career back on track, but then she’s caught up in a media storm. Desperate to distract from the story, she enlists the one man she trusts to pretend to be her boyfriend.Meanwhile, in the small seaside village of Mermaids Point, Nick Morgan never expected to see Aurora again. When she calls out of the blue needing his help, he agrees at once. It feels like she’s back in his life for a reason, and he’s determined to make the most of it.Aurora joins Nick and the rest of his family for their festive celebrations and, as the snow falls, Aurora finds herself caught up in the romance of Christmas. But having tasted worldwide fame, can she ever be content with village life?Two weeks is all Nick has to prove to Aurora that there’s a happy ending for them both in Mermaids Point.There’s always a second chance for love in a Sarah Bennett story, so escape to the seaside village of Mermaids Point for a festive, feel-good treat. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Milly Johnson.Praise for Sarah Bennett:'A gorgeous story packed with love, romance and heartfelt emotion. Will bring sunshine into your day!' Phillipa Ashley'Cosy, heartwarming and moving, this story is as beautiful as its cover.' Samantha Tonge'Happy Endings at Mermaids Point has passion in spades, romance to make you blush and a community that cares. I hoped this story would just keep on going.' Celia Anderson'What a finale to a fabulous season! I absolutely loved the story and it was wonderful to see all the characters get their much deserved happily ever after! An absolutely gorgeous Christmas read!' Katie Ginger{::}* *'This is a real page turner, with a brisk plot and a really emotional core. The community we've grown to love at Mermaid's Point is alive with love, laughter and vibrancy!' Fay Keenan'I loved Nick and Aurora's story, and want the Morgan family to adopt me. Sarah Bennett has surpassed herself.' Jules Wake'This is the perfect escapist read and I can't wait to follow the characters in what promises to be a wonderful series. Five sparkling stars!' *Rachel Griffiths'What a Mer-mazing book! I'm so glad this is a series and I'll get to meet the characters again because you won't want to leave them after the final page.' *Catherine Miller * ‘I inhaled this book in two days. Absolutely gorgeous. Sarah Bennett is back, and better than ever!’ *Rachel Burton'A perfect heartwarming read full of family, romance and intrigue, set in a stunning location - what’s not to love?' Bella Osborne

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Book SynopsisThe stunning new feminist retelling of the real-life female pirates of the Caribbean *One of The Times' Best Historical Fiction Novels of August* 'This swashbuckling debut is great fun'THE TIMES'Wonderfully drawn characters and a terrific pace'JESS KIDD, bestselling author of THE NIGHT SHIP''A poignant depiction of true female friendship, and a really good adventure story, beautifully told'FRANCES QUINN, author of THE SMALLEST MAN'A cracking read. . . Fascinating, complex characters and a real page-turner!'LIZ HYDER, author of THE GIFTS 'Bonny and Read has it all. Adventure, atmosphere, sizzling suspense and unforgettable characters. Such a brilliant debut!'SD SYKES, author of THE GOOD DEATH'A deftly told tale of the complexities of friendship, female identity & freedom, featuring two remarkable women determined to define their own destinies . . . the pages turn themselves'ANITA FRANK, author of THE LOST ONES'What a debut! A fabulous, dangerous sea-shanty of a story' KATIE MUNNIK, author of THE AERIALISTS'A wonderful story, so beautifully told and absolutely gripping to the very end'EMMA CARROLL***Rebels. Pirates. Women. Caribbean, 1720. Two extraordinary women are on the run - from their pasts, from the British Navy and the threat of execution, and from the destiny that fate has written for them.Plantation owner's daughter, runaway wife, pirate - Anne Bonny has forged her own story in a man's world. But when she is involved in the capture of a British merchant ship, she is amazed to find another woman amongst the crew, with a history as unconventional as her own. Dressed as a boy from childhood, Mary Read has been a soldier, a sailor, a widow - but never a woman in charge of her own destiny.As their exhilarating, tumultuous exploits find fame, the ballad of Bonny and Read is sung from shore to shore - but when you swim against the tide of history, freedom is a dangerous thing...An exuberant reimagining of the extraordinary story of Bonny & Read - trailblazing, boundary-defying, swashbuckling heroines whose story deserves to be known. Perfect for fans of Ariadne, The Mercies and The Familiars.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Wood cleverly combines fact and fiction in a fast-paced novel that will leave readers contemplating how the best intentions of government intervention can have dire, unanticipated consequences.” — Publishers Weekly “...an ambitious, meticulously researched, and imaginative debut novel that is engrossing and compelling. Exploring the shared sisterhood of the quintuplets’ caretakers and the trouble with unwanted celebrity, this heartwarming novel will win over loyal readers of Patricia Harman, Jodi Picoult, and Carol Cassella.” — Booklist “The Quintland Sisters is an impeccably researched historical novel that will enthrall you. From the moment Shelley Wood introduced the remarkable Dionne quintuplets, I was utterly captivated...I could not get this story out of my head long after I finished reading it.” — Joanna Goodman, author of The Home for Unwanted Girls “This gorgeously written novel about miracles, love and resilience is perfect for fans of Joanna Goodman.” — Marissa Stapley, bestselling author of Mating for Life and Things to Do When It’s Raining “...a stunning novel...Meticulously researched and sensitively told, this book is a journey not to be missed.” — Heather Young, author of The Lost Girls “...Wood deftly captures the fascinating collisions between faith and science, powerful and poor, and the tensions that arise when a rural town and its inhabitants are cast under the relentless scrutiny of the public’s obsession with one extraordinary family.” — Elise Hooper, author of The Other Alcott and Learning to See “A charming and well-researched… tale of love and survival.” — Kirkus Reviews “As only the best historical fiction can, The Quintland Sisters transports the reader to another time period and shines a light on an event that has an impact on its era and about which the actual details are little known.” — New York Journal of Books “An engaging and thoughtful fictionalized account of the early lives of the Dionne quintuplets . . . Wood’s research is woven into the fabric of the story and her characters are well dimensioned and human.” — Yakima Herald

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