Second World War fiction

Book SynopsisONE WAR. TWO WOMEN. WILL THEY BE ABLE TO SAVE THE ONES THEY LOVE?A sweeping new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling authorIn 1943, Contessa Sofia de'' Corsi''s peaceful Tuscan villa among the olive groves is upturned by the sudden arrival of German soldiers. Desperate to fight back, she agrees to shelter a wounded British radio engineer in her home, keeping him hidden from her husband Lorenzo - knowing that she is putting all of their lives at risk.When Maxine, an Italian-American working for the resistance, arrives on Sofia''s doorstep, the pair forge an uneasy alliance. Feisty, independent Maxine promised herself never to fall in love. But when she meets a handsome partisan named Marco, she realizes it''s a promise she can''t keep...Before long, the two women find themselves entangled in a dangerous game with the Nazis. Will they be discovered? And will they both be able to save the ones they love?''Dinah JefferieTrade ReviewMy ideal read - I couldn't put it down -- Santa Montefiore on 'The Tea Planter's Wife'A sweeping tale, beautifully written in a wonderful setting, heart rending yet ultimately up lifting. Gorgeous. -- Katie Fforde on 'The Sapphire Widow'The sights, smells and atmosphere of Ceylon are beautifully depicted. This is Dinah Jefferies at her best. -- Lucinda Riley on 'The Sapphire Widow'

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Book SynopsisAs the wife of a Resistance member in German-occupied Belgium, Claire Daussois has grown used to hiding strange men in her attic. By the end of 1943, the tiny room has housed dozens of Allied airmen, soldiers and other refugees, whom Claire nurses and harbours from the perpetual threat of discovery by the Gestapo.The B-17 bomber that crash-lands outside Claire''s village of Delahaut contains the man who will be both the last and the most significant of the attic''s residents: US Air Force pilot Ted Brice. Ted is found severely wounded and semi-conscious by ten-year-old Jean Benoit minutes before the Germans begin their search for survivors. Knowing of Claire''s connections with the Resistance, and desperate to atone for his father''s shameful collaboration, Jean realises that Claire is the pilot''s only hope of survival.The month that follows will stay with them both for the rest of their lives. A few weeks only, a handful of days, it is a period in which the war recedes in

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Book SynopsisAs Hitler''s forces smash into Soviet territory, annihilating the Red Army divisions in its path, a lone German scout plane is forced down. Contained within the briefcase of its passenger is the seemingly inconsequential painting of a hyalophoria cecropia, otherwise known as a red moth. Military Intelligence dismisses the picture as insignificant, but in the state of emergency Stalin suspects a German plot. He summons his old adversary, Inspector Pekkala - the elusive Finn who was once Tsar Nicholas II''s personal detective - to discover the real significance of this strange wartime cargo. As the storm gathers around them, Pekkala, together with his assistant from the shadowy Bureau of Special Operations, soon find themselves on the path of the most formidable art thieves in history. Those real target is a secret and prized possession of the Romanovs, once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. But as the Soviet Union crumbles in the fac

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Book SynopsisGrace Wilkins and Bessie Rudney have been neighbours for over twenty years but it takes the outbreak of World War Two for them to become friends. The more time Grace spends with Bessie, her six boistrous children and her loving husband Tom, the more she realises what has been missing from her own loveless marriage.As the war takes its toll on Leicester, and one by one the men folk leave to join the fighting, Grace finds comfort in helping others. Each day, as she takes on another new challenge, Grace realises that her daughter might have been right all along - it''s time to break out, really make something of her life, and possibly find true love, before it''s too late...

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Book SynopsisWill their prayers be answered at the most wonderful time of the year?As Christmas approaches, Alice, Edith and Marg continue to face hardships growing up on one of the poorest streets in Blackpool. Penniless, their friendship has helped them survive this far, but it''ll take more than that to see them through the dark days that lie ahead . . .Newly married Alice receives shocking news about her pregnancy that threatens the future she''s always dreamed of, Marg is struggling to care for her ailing mother and ensure her little sister receives the education she deserves, and Edith is grieving the loss of her family while preparing to marry her sweetheart. The Halfpenny Girls once again are faced with a struggle, but with the festive season upon them will family, friendship and Christmas spirit see them through?The second in a brand new series from reader favourite Maggie Mason, The Halfpenny Girls is the perfect heart-warming family saga about overcoming hardship and the value of friendship. Perfect for fans of Val Wood, Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.Trade ReviewReading a Maggie Mason book is like having a warm hug ... a lovely read for this time of year * NB Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe first in the Corner House series, set in a Lyons Corner House in London on the brink of the Second World War.When cousins Jo and Phyl decide to become Lyons Corner House waitresses, or ''Nippies'', as they are known for their speedy service, they have no idea how their lives are about to change. They are whisked from family life in Woolwich to digs in London; they are transported from a factory and a grocer''s shop to the wonderful dining rooms of Lyons, Marble Arch, and they swap their old overalls for the smart uniforms of the Corner House girls. Jo and Phyl settle in and make friends with both waitresses and customers. There are boyfriends, lovers and fiancés, friendship and romance, but as the Second World War becomes increasingly imminent, the future of these men and women seems more and more uncertain.

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Book SynopsisAn epic novel of passion, betrayal and danger, set in wartime Britain and EuropeIn the spring of 1936 Kay Garland embraces an exciting new life of glamour when she becomes companion to Russian Konstantin Denisov''s daughter, Miranda. The two girls become firm friends, and when Miranda falls in love with a young Parisian, Kay helps her keep the relationship secret. But Konstantin learns of the affair and promptly dismisses Kay, leaving her penniless and stranded in Nazi Berlin. By chance she meets Tom Blacklock, who pays for her ticket home, and is destined to play an important part in her life. As for Miranda, she makes a decision that will put her in the path of disaster. With the outbreak of war come death and destruction and, for both women, consuming passion, along with the fear of losing all that they hold dear. After Hitler''s defeat, there are new dangers - and opportunities to find love where least expected.Trade Review'[A] wonderfully creative tale of how ordinary people across Britain and Europe lived through an extraordinary time... The characters are in many ways so normal, yet in other ways so unbelievably wonderful, in this gripping and heartfelt story' * Newcastle Herald, Australia *'Compelling storytelling...a novel of passion and betrayal set aginast the Second World War' * Woman & Home *A compelling novel...Lennox's prose is detailed but never overly dense and powerful when describing prosaic scenes. This is a beautiful tale of war through a new vantage point * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisThere''s nothing stronger than a good story. But who gets to tell it? Failed Hollywood actress. Keeper of Hollywood''s secrets. Willing to risk it all? When an explosive letter lands in her hands, it couldn''t have come at a better time. She''s an expiring Hollywood actress who is falling off the radar and out of favour with major studios. The letter, written by a young starlet, alleges an assault by an A-list actor. Edie wastes no time sending it to print, buying herself a new career as Tinseltown''s new reigning gossip columnist.Edie has more power on the page than she ever commanded in front of the camera. But dealing in your former friends'' secrets comes at a price - and when her scoop turns into the trial of the decade, Edie''s decisions have the potential to ruin more than one life . . .

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Book SynopsisJersey, 1943. Once a warm and neighbourly community, now German soldiers patrol the cobbled streets, imposing a harsh rule on the people of the island. Grace La Mottée, the island''s only librarian, is ordered to destroy books which threaten the new regime. Instead, she hides the stories away in secret. Along with her headstrong best friend, postwoman Bea Rose, she wants to fight back. So she forms the wartime book club: a lifeline, offering fearful islanders the joy and escapism of reading. But as the occupation drags on, the women''s quiet acts of bravery become more perilous - and more important - than ever before. And, when tensions turn to violence, they are forced to face the true, terrible cost of resistance . . . Based on astonishing real events, The Wartime Book Club is a love letter to the power of books in the darkest of times - as well as a moving page-turner that brings to life the remarkable, untold story of an island at warTrade ReviewOne of the very best books I've read in a long time. A gripping, emotional rollercoaster and a true hymn to the power and spirit of novels * Peter James *A beautiful wartime story of bravery and books * The Sun *A poignant masterpiece that paints a vivid picture of Nazi-occupied life on the isle of Jersey and illustrates how books can truly provide hope in the darkest of times . . . raw and real, this story will pull at your heart * Madeline Martin *An engaging, beautifully researched story of love, courage and resistance in time of war and danger * Rachel Hore *A beautiful novel about love, courage, hope and friendship in the darkest of times . . . A book to be savoured and remembered * Gill Thompson *At the core of the novel is the library, and a book group that met there, finding strength and solace in reading during the worst of times. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this is an unforgettable page-turner * Gill Paul *Bravery, traitors, acts of defiance and compassion for others . . . with characters so real that I laughed and wept along with them * Pam Weaver *A story of bravery and the cost of small acts of defiance, and it will stay with me for a long time. Simply outstanding! * Andie Newton *A wonderful, poignant, heartwarming story of the power of books, the strength of the human spirit, and how selfless acts for the good of others is food for the soul * Louise Fein *The courage and daring of [Kate Thompson's] characters was breathtaking . . . a stunning novel' * Suzanne Goldring *This, for me, is historical fiction at its finest - a story of believable, vividly-drawn people trying to live in a world so very different from our own * Anna Stuart *Engrossing and well-researched . . . A compelling story of resilience and rebellion in the most testing of times * Jacquie Bloese *An absolute treasure of a read . . . it's a book about women first and foremost - their strength, their friendships, their profound courage - and it's also an extended love letter to books and libraries; the unique power stories have to unite people, to bring hope and comfort in the very darkest of times. By turns heartwrenching and harrowing, humorous and warm, it is completely absorbing and ultimately uplifting * Iona Grey *I was captivated by this propulsive, darkly beautiful novel about love, wartime occupation, and the power of reading. Kate Thompson is a master storyteller * Louise Treger *Kate Thompson delivers another heartfelt story with her signature impeccable research and cast of wonderfully endearing characters. She is the master at writing books about both the power of books and the power of women, a combination I adore * Natasha Lester *Gripping, emotional and uplifting * Gill Paul *A book to be savoured and remembered -- Gill ThompsonBoth heartwarming and heartbreaking, this is an unforgettable page-turner -- Gill Paul

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Book SynopsisMulti-generational story about two families and the love affair that brings them together, told in the voices of nine people and the day that changes their life forever.Trade ReviewThe suspense is frequently nail-biting... beautifully constructed * Daily Mail *Neither previous work could have prepared us for the ambition and achievement of Jordan's brilliant third novel, NINE DAYS . . . a triumph. Another signal career in Australian fiction is well under way. * Australian *Rare and wonderful ... Each of the nine voices is distinct and brimming with personality and by the finish every part of the jigsaw fits perfectly and you see the whole sweep of this romantic, thoughtful, heartbreaking story * New Zealand Herald on Sunday *Jordan is clear that what binds us to one another and to a meaningful life is simply valuing the life you have been given and the family that is yours and yours alone. Reading NINE DAYS, you will laugh, even cry, but you will be in no doubt that Toni Jordan uses the modern novel to reflect those tensions that exist for many of us between duty and desire. * Australian Book Review *A brilliant piece of writing...compelling, engaging and will bring tears to the eyes * Sunday Star Times (New Zealand) *Intelligent romantic comedy at its deft best * The Age on FALL GIRL *For ADDITION:'Bringing a quirky humour and a sympathetic view of diversity to her story, the author sustains the momentum to the end of this engaging romantic comedy' * The Times *An unusual and intriguing novel, written with a very light touch * Daily Mail *Brimming with sarcastic humour * Guardian *Toni Jordan's debut is mature, witty and entertaining * Irish Times *It's laugh-out-loud funny and painfully sad in turns . . . It is a quick read and extremely hard to put down, as you get addicted to Grace's addictive personality * Amanda Ross, Richard & Judy Summer Read *

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Book SynopsisIn Helen Carey''s poignant and nostalgic novel SOME SUNNY DAY, it''s 1940, and two young women are growing up in a world full of drama and danger. Perfect reading for fans of Kate Thompson and Donna Douglas.September 1940As Luftwaffe bombs rain from the skies over London, the women of Lavender Road are fighting their own battles.Shy Katy Parsons has always been sheltered by her over-protective parents. The war is her chance to see life from beyond her bedroom window. Enrolling as a nurse was always her dream, but the reality is tougher than she ever imagined. And falling in love isn''t all plain sailing either...Privileged Louise Rutherford secretly hoped the war would bring her some fun and romance. But far it has brought her pain and grief, and now she has a secret... something her strict father must never find out about.London during the Blitz is a dangerous place to live but the Lavender Road residents never stop believing Trade Review'Sparkling storytelling!' * Evening Standard *'Written with a lightness of touch, an emotional integrity and an historical accuracy which has brought her respect from critics and readers alike' -- Louis de Bernières'an extremely well-written and very absorbing tale. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series' * A Goodreads Member *

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Book SynopsisA gripping and thrilling novel of the courageous Black women who made history in World War Two.Inspired by true events, and perfect for fans of Kate Quinn''s The Alice Network and Hidden Figures.''Poignant and powerful; an untold story that you simply must read'' NATASHA LESTERBased on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female US battalion to be deployed overseas during World War Two...........................................................................................They were fighting for freedom everywhere. But the first battle they had to win was at home.Grace Steele and Eliza Jones make history when they join the Women''s Army Auxiliary Corps, and form the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Not only are they among t

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Book Synopsis'For a moment she closed her eyes and imagined she was perched on the diving board at the Piscine Molitor, the sun beating down on her bare shoulders and the sound of Parisians at play beneath her. All she had to do was jump.'1941. Darkness descends over London as the sirens begin to howl and the bombs rain down. Devastation seeps from every crack of the city. In the midst of all the chaos is a woman gripping a window ledge on the first floor of a Baker Street hotel. She is perched, ready to jump. And as flames rise around her, she is forced to take her chances. 1997. Amy Novak has lost the two great loves in her life: her husband, Michael, and her first love, music. With the first anniversary of Michael's death approaching, Amy buries herself in her job as an archivist. And when a newly declassified file lands on her desk, she is astonished to uncover proof that Agent 'Colette' existed - a name spoken only in whispers; an identTrade ReviewA brilliant storyteller whose stories are always enchanting and engrossing * Prima *This magnificent novel is heartbreakingly tender and hauntingly evocative . . . the sights, sounds and smells of 1940s Britain and France are so vividly brought to life and the characters so credible, it is at times easy to forget this is fiction. You will be left wanting to learn more about the real women working in the field and behind the scenes . . . this book is a superb tribute to them all * WI Life *Fascinating, moving, romantic and utterly gripping. I couldn't stop reading once I'd started. -- KATIE FFORDEAn enthralling read. Fascinating, poignant and beautifully written, I fell under its spell from the first page. -- TESSA HARRISMarrying a gripping pace with authentic atmosphere, Sarah Steele takes you right into the beating heart of occupied France, its terrifying risks and dangers round every corner. . .This extraordinary story shows us the best and worst of what it is to be human, and the redeeming power of love. Like the raging melody at the centre of it, The Lost Song of Paris reaches its tumultuous climax and bursts into its own heart-wrenching tenderness. -- JANE BAILEYA fantastic read. I was gripped and enthralled. Wonderful storytelling. -- JILL MANSELLSarah writes with a lyrical beauty which is testament to her former career as a musician. This is a novel you should not miss and is impossible to put down. -- CAROLINE MONTAGUEA tense, heart-in-mouth story about courage in Occupied Paris . . . and secrets. -- GILL PAULLOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!!!! THIS BOOK MUST BE READ!! -- REAL READER

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Book Synopsis"Instantly absorbing, suspenseful, romantic, and stylish—like binge-watching a great British drama on Masterpiece Theater." —Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author Winner of the Left Coast Crime Award winner for Best Historical Mystery Novel and the Agatha Award for Best Historical Novel. World War II comes to Farleigh Place, the ancestral home of Lord Westerham and his five daughters, when a soldier with a failed parachute falls to his death on the estate. After his uniform and possessions raise suspicions, MI5 operative and family friend Ben Cresswell is covertly tasked with determining if the man is a German spy. The assignment also offers Ben the chance to be near Lord Westerham's middle daughter, Pamela, whom he furtively loves. But Pamela has her own secret: she has taken a job at Bletchley Park, the British code-breaking facility. As Ben follows a trail of spies and traitors, which may include another member of Pamela's family, he discovers that some within the realm have an appalling, history-altering agenda. Can he, with Pamela's help, stop them before England falls? Inspired by the events and people of World War II, writer Rhys Bowen crafts a sweeping and riveting saga of class, family, love, and betrayal.Trade Review"…well-crafted, thoroughly entertaining thriller…a game of spy versus spy, and with every twist and turn, the reader is unsure whom to trust." —Publishers Weekly "The skills Bowen brings to her several mystery series, including Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness, inform the plotting in this character-rich tale, which will be welcomed by her fans as well as by readers who enjoy fiction about the British home front." —Booklist "In what could easily become a PBS show of its own, Bowen's novel winningly details a World War II spy game. It features an English aristocrat's daughter who works at London's top-secret home of code breakers, Bletchley Park, and a number of others with high-stakes plots and plans." —Library Journal "Suspenseful and thrilling, with some espionage too, this novel will keep readers deeply involved until the end." —Portland Book Review "In Farleigh Field delivers the same entertainment mixed with intellectual intrigue and realistic setting for which Bowen has earned awards and loyal fans." —New York Journal of Books "Well-plotted and thoroughly entertaining…With characters who are so fully fleshed out, you can imagine meeting them on the street…" —Historical Novel Society "This story of war, love, and mystery is extremely suspenseful... both realistic and believable. Through the character's eyes, readers will be drawn into the era and begin to understand the sacrifices and hardships placed on English society." —Crimespree Magazine "A thrill a minute…highly recommend." —Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick "Riveting…" —Military Press "Instantly absorbing, suspenseful, romantic and stylish - like binge-watching a great British drama on Masterpiece Theater." —Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author "In Farleigh Field is brilliant. The plotting is razor sharp and ingenious, the setting in World War Two Britain is so tangible it's eerie. The depth and breadth of character is astonishing. They're likeable and repulsive and warm and stand-offish. And oh, so human. And so relatable. All this would be enough to propel In Farleigh Field to the top of your favourites list, but what truly distinguishes this book, indeed all her books, is the quality of writing. Rhys Bowen is one of the very best fiction writers of the day. With a deep understanding of the wounded human heart, and an uncanny ability to capture the quiet emotions and the grand scale of war, she rises above her contemporaries. This is magnificently written and a must read." —Louise Penny, New York Times bestselling author "Irresistible, charming and heartbreakingly authentic. Rhys Bowen's knowing voice transports Downton fans into a unputdownable family saga…a compelling journey through history, loss, honor and love. When war gets personal, every heart is in peril." —Hank Phillippi Ryan, author of Say No More

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from her bestselling historical fiction The Woolworths Girls, Christmas at Woolworths is the heartfelt second book in Elaine Everest's Woolworths series.Even though there was a war on, the Woolworths girls brought Christmas cheer to their customers.Best friends Sarah, Maisie and Freda are brought together by their jobs at Woolworths. With their loved ones away on the front line, their bonds of friendship strengthen each day. Betty Billington is the manager at Woolworths, and a rock for the girls, having given up on love . . . Until a mysterious stranger turns up one day – could he reignite a spark in Betty?As the year draws to a close, and Christmas approaches, the girls must rely on each other to navigate the dark days that lie ahead . . .With so much change, can their friendship survive the war?Trade ReviewExpect trouble and strife . . . and a big Christmas helping of love and goodwill as we join the girls for a seasonal visit to our favourite Woolworths store * Lancashire Evening Post *A real Christmas treat * Choice *Fabulous ... heartwarming * Take a Break *A warm, tender tale of friendship and love . . . sweet as a Woolies Pick 'n' Mix -- Milly Johnson (The Woolworths Girls)Heartwarming . . . a must-read -- Woman's Own (The Woolworths Girls)A lovely read -- Bella (The Woolworths Girls)Elaine brings the heyday of the iconic high-street giant to life in her charming novel -- S Magazine (The Woolworths Girls)

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Book Synopsis'Beautiful, thoughtful … sharp and scintillatingly sensual' Independent 'With this haunting, poetic work McCann has surely earned his place among the country’s greats' Metro __________________ The life of Zoli Novotna begins on the leafy backroads of Slovakia, when she and her grandfather come upon a quiet lake where their family has been drowned by Fascist guards. Zoli and her grandfather flee to join up with another clan of travelling harpists. So begins an epic tale of song, intimacy and betrayal. Based loosely on the true story of the Gypsy poet Papusza, and set against the backdrop of the Second World War, Zoli is a love story, a tale of loss, and a parable of modern-day Europe.Trade ReviewBeautiful, thoughtful … sharp and scintillatingly sensual * Independent *Zoli is such a wonderful novel. McCann is as fine, and persuasive a storyteller as any other working in English today * Scotsman *If a writer’s higher calling is to imagine what it is to be “other”, then Colum McCann is a giant amongst us – fearless, huge-hearted, a poet with every living breath * Peter Carey *McCann has offered us an unforgettable picture of this world * Scotland on Sunday *A wonderful novel … McCann is as fine, and persuasive, a storyteller as any other working in English today * Scotsman *With this haunting, poetic work McCann has surely earned his place among the country’s greats * Metro *Zoli is an assiduously crafted and beautifully haunting story of Europe from one of Ireland’s very best novelists. Every book from Colum McCann extends his range and excavates new territories. He is an audacious and wonderfully skilled writer -- Joseph O'ConnorThere is great warmth in the novel, sparked by the author’s genuine sense of commitment to this woman in both her actual and fictional forms. The story of Zoli deserves to be told, and with his gift for unpicking the seams of history, McCann brings to the fore its sad keynotes of manipulation and betrayal * Irish Times *

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Book Synopsis‘I would compare her to writers like Helen Dunmore, Elizabeth Strout, Jon McGregor’ BBC Radio 4 ‘Harding achieves a weighty sense of silence and things not said in this unsettling book about the aftershocks of trauma and the burdens of bearing witness’ Sunday Times 'A masterly achievement, illuminating with wisdom and compassion the darkest corners of the human heart' Guardian A farm in Norfolk in the 1970s. A Japanese girl comes to visit her English lover in the house where he was born. She arrives on a day of perfect summer, stands with his mother in a garden filled with roses, watches as his brother walks fields of ripening wheat. But between the two brothers lies the shadow of their father’s violent death almost twenty years before, the unresolved narrative of their childhood – a story that has gone untold, a story that began in the last war. In the presence of the girl, the old trauma begins to surface as the work of the harvest begins. ‘Taut and unsettling ... A fine meditation on war’s long reach’ Mail on SundayTrade ReviewLuminescent … Organic and vital … Remarkable … Harvest is a work of delicate, devastating beauty, proof that Harding is a writer of rare insight who deserves to be read more widely * Financial Times *Harding moves fluently between each character … The payoff is devastating * Daily Mail *Harding’s cycle of books stand as a masterly achievement, illuminating with wisdom and compassion the darkest corners of the human heart * Guardian *Harding achieves a weighty sense of silence and things not said in this unsettling book about the aftershocks of trauma and the burdens of bearing witness * The Times *So deeply engaging, so threatening, so mild, so controlled — at every stage it seems as if desperate damage is about to be done, and then bit by excruciating bit you realise it was done long, long ago, and nobody you’re looking at now can do anything about it. What a writer! -- Louisa Young, author of My Dear I Wanted to Tell YouHarvest is an old-fashioned novel in the best possible sense ... The rewards are many. The heartbeat of the book continues to echo long after the last page has been turned’ * Times Literary Supplement *Taut and unsettling, this fine meditation on war’s long reach follows on from Land Of The Living but more than satisfies as a stand-alone * Mail on Sunday *An absolutely exceptional novel … She has a deeply humane and developed sense of what it means to be a woman, and also what it means to belong -- Clover StroudStaggering … An unparalleled masterpiece * Lunate.co.uk *

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Winner of the Schlegel-Tieck Prize for German Translation'Both a great anti-war novel and a love story, full of tenderness – as around it the world shatters.' – Der Spiegel, 'Novel of the Year'The year is 1944 and Veit Kolbe, a young German soldier, injured fighting in Russia, is recovering at Mondsee, a village and a lake below Drachenwand mountain, close to Salzburg in Austria. Here he meets Margot and Margarete, two young women who share his hope that sometime, sooner or later, life will begin again.The war is lost but how long will it take before it finally comes to its end? In Hinterland, Arno Geiger tells of Veit’s nightmares and the strangely normal life of the small village, of the Brazilian who dreams of returning to Rio de Janeiro, of the landlady and her rallying calls, of Margarete the teacher with whom Veit falls in love, but who doesn't return his affection.But when Veit’s wounds are healed his next call-up orders arrive. The military outlook for Germany and Austria looks increasingly grim and Veit’s luck has run out . . .Translated from the German by Jamie Bulloch

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Schlegel-Tieck Prize for German Translation'Both a great anti-war novel and a love story, full of tenderness – as around it the world shatters.' – Der Spiegel, 'Novel of the Year'The year is 1944 and Veit Kolbe, a young German soldier, injured fighting in Russia, is recovering in a small village below Drachenwand mountain in Austria. Here he meets Margot and Margarete, two young women who share his hope that sometime, sooner or later, life will begin again.The war is lost but how long will it take before it finally comes to its end? Arno Geiger’s Hinterland, translated from the German by Jamie Bulloch, tells of Veit’s nightmares and the strangely normal life of the village, of the Brazilian who dreams of returning to Rio de Janeiro, of the landlady and her rallying calls, of Margarete the teacher with whom Veit falls in love, but who doesn’t return his affection.But when Veit’s wounds are healed his next call-up orders arrive. The military outlook for Germany and Austria looks increasingly grim and Veit’s luck has run out . . .Translated from the German by Jamie BullochTrade ReviewA great anti-war novel, in the middle of which a love story . . . develops, full of tenderness - as around it the world shatters . . . This impressive, subtle book * Der Spiegel *A profound, distinctive and timeless investigation into what concerns everyone of us: aging and illness, home and family. A meditation on the things we find hard to deal with. A great work of literature about what makes life worth living no matter what * Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung *A book about the search for a lost world, a lost home and a character presumed lost, as well as about a rediscovered relationship. A powerful, grown-up, curious, and touchingly delightful book -- Die Welt

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Book SynopsisFREEDOM WORTH FIGHTING FOR. LOVE WORTH WAITING FOREscape this summer with the unforgettable wartime love story and Richard & Judy Bookclub pick 'The French House is a beautifully wrought exploration of love of all kinds. It's utterly gorgeous, convincingly written and completely captivating. Make sure you read it' MY WEEKLY'A raw and honest love story, filled with a wealth of historical detail. The French House is a powerful depiction of the brutal intricacies of island relationships and loyalties in a time of war' FIONA VALPY'Deeply involving . . . A fantastic debut by a gifted storyteller' JILL MANSELL***In Nazi-occupied Guernsey, the wrong decision can destroy a life... Left profoundly deaf after an accident, Émile is no stranger to isolation - or heartbreak. Now, as Nazi planes loom over Guernsey, he senses life is about to change forever.Trapped in a tense, fearful marriage, Isabelle doesn't know what has become of Émile and the future she hoped for. But when she glimpses him from the window of the French House, their lives collide once more. Leutnant Schreiber is more comfortable wielding a paintbrush than a pistol. But he has little choice in the role he is forced to play in the occupying forces - or in his own forbidden desires. As their paths entwine, loyalties are blurred and dangerous secrets forged. But on an island under occupation, courage can have deadly consequences...Lyrical, moving and compelling, this is a novel about wanting to hear and learning to listen - to the truths of our own hearts. Perfect for lovers of The Nightingale, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and All the Light We Cannot See.'A story of fraught secrets and tested loyalties . . . I found this beautifully told tale hard to put down' ANITA FRANK'Heart-wrenching . . . A truly special novel' LOUISE FEIN'Accomplished and atmospheric . . . I really enjoyed this uncliched yet deeply moving love story' TRACY REES'A vividly written, refreshingly different World War Two love story, with a central character I adored. Just brilliant!' GILL PAUL'Such an emotionally gripping novel portraying how love can be betrayed yet still endure' SUZANNE GOLDRING'I have been swept away by Jacquie Bloese's gorgeous writing, completely transported into the rich, atmospheric, and incredibly moving pages of The French House. . . this is an absolutely stunning, beautifully original novel' JENNY ASHCROFT'A wonderful story, powerfully written with beautiful characters'JAMES KENT, director of Testament of Youth'A brilliantly moving historical novel' - 2020 Caledonian Novel Award panelTrade ReviewA brilliantly moving historical novel * 2020 Caledonian Novel Award *A raw and honest love story, filled with a wealth of historical detail. The French House is a powerful depiction of the brutal intricacies of island relationships and loyalties in a time of war -- FIONA VALPY, bestselling author of THE DRESSMAKER'S SECRETDeeply involving . . . A fantastic debut by a gifted storyteller -- JILL MANSELL, Sunday Times bestselling authorA story of fraught secrets and tested loyalties . . . I found this beautifully told tale hard to put down -- ANITA FRANK, author of The ReturnHeart-wrenching . . . A truly special novel -- LOUISE FEIN, author of People Like UsA vividly written, refreshingly different World War Two love story, with a central character I adored. Just brilliant! -- GILL PAUL, author of The Collector's DaughterA wonderful story, powerfully written with beautiful characters -- JAMES KENT, director of Testament of YouthIn the way that the astonishing All the Light we Cannot See takes you into the world of a young blind girl during the occupation of France, so we are transported into the experiences of profoundly deaf Emile, during the occupation of Guernsey. The writing is lyrical, melancholy and breathtaking. Life under the Nazi jackboot is subtly explored, but the blistering love story between Emile and Isabelle leaves a longer lasting impression. Beautiful, utterly absorbing and memorable. -- Kate Thompson, author of THE LITTLE WARTIME LIBRARYI was gripped from the start by the characters and the setting. A wonderful read -- Ruth Druart, author of WHILE PARIS SLEPT

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Book SynopsisAn unforgettable story set off the sun-soaked coast of Sicily for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Faith Hogan and Santa Montefiore'The perfect holiday companion' Heat'The ultimate feel-good read' Candis'Sun-soaked escapism' Best**********When Tess Angel receives a solicitor's letter inviting her to claim her inheritance - the Villa Sirena, perched on a clifftop in Sicily - she is stunned. Her only link to the island is through her mother, Flavia, who left Sicily during World War II and cut all contact with her family.When Tess goes to Sicily, Flavia realises the secrets from her past are about to be revealed and decides to try to explain her actions. Meanwhile, Tess' teenage daughter Ginny is stressed by college, by her blooming sexuality and filled with questions that she longs to ask her father, if only she knew where he was...********SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT ROSANNA LEY'An impeccably researched and deftly written narrative that kept me hooked until the end' Kathryn Hughes'Loved it from start to finish. A brilliant holiday read' *****'Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Victoria Hislop and Leah Fleming' Candis'On so many levels a fantastic read' *****'A fascinating story with engaging themes' Dinah Jefferies, bestselling author of The Tea Planter's Wife'Warm, enthralling, one of my favourite authors' *****Trade ReviewA gorgeous, mouth-watering dream of a holiday read * Red *Top escapism * Closer *The Villa will stay with you long after you've devoured this tale of family feuds, secrets and passion, Sicilian-style . . . Romantic, escapist and mouth-watering, it has everything you could wish for in a summer read. Delicious * Veronica Henry *This summer read will keep you enthralled * Bella *Beautifully written, warm and romantic . . . The perfect holiday read * Rachel Hore *

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The next heartwarming instalment of the Timber Girls Series. Perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Pam Howes.Trixie and her fellow lumberjills are back in Scotland, newly stationed at the MacKay estate. When they arrive, they are shocked to find the place dilapidated and neglected and the taciturn and secretive Noah MacKay not at all happy to be meeting them.It quickly becomes apparent that MacKay was expecting men from the forestry commission to take charge, rather than four young women. Trixie, Jo, Hen and Vi decide he needs to be proven wrong - after all, don't they have stamina, skill and strength? But as the girls work to prove their worth, secrets from their own pasts threaten to follow them to Sutherland.

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Book SynopsisFor fans of ATOMIC CITY GIRLS and THE SECRETS WE KEPT, a fascinating debut historical novel of one of the most closely held secrets of World War II and a woman caught up in it when she follows her missing sister to the mysterious city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.Lillian Kaufman hasn't heard from her twin sister since Eleanor left for a mysterious job at an Army base somewhere in Tennessee. When she learns, on an unexpected phone call, that Eleanor is missing, Lillian takes a train from New York down to Oak Ridge to clear up the matter. It turns out that the only way into Oak Ridge is to assume Eleanor's identity, which Lillian plans to do swiftly and perfectly. But Eleanor has vanished without a trace-and she's not the only one. And how do you find someone in a town so dangerous it doesn't officially exist, when technically you don't exist either?Lillian is thrust into the epicenter of the gravest scientific undertaking of all time, with no idea who she can trust. And the more she pretends to be Eleanor, the more she loses her grip on herself.

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Book SynopsisAt his beloved Nonno Paolo''s deathbed, fifteen-year-old Nico receives a gift that will change his life forever: a yellowing manuscript which tells the haunting, twisty tale of what really happened to his grandfather in Nazi-occupied Venice in 1943.A Times Best Thriller Book of 2022The Palazzo Colombina is home to the Uccello family: three generations of men, trapped together in the dusty palace on Venice''s Grand Canal. Awkward fifteen-year-old Nico. His distant, business-focused father. And his beloved grandfather, Paolo. Paolo is dying. But before he passes, he has secrets he''s waited his whole life to share.When a Jewish classmate is attacked by bullies, Nico just watches - earning him a week''s suspension and a typed, yellowing manuscript from his frail Nonno Paolo. A history lesson, his grandfather says. A secret he must keep from his father. A tale of blood and madness . . .Nico is transported back to the Venice of 1943, an occupied city seething under its Nazi overlords, and to the defining moment of his grandfather''s life: when Paolo''s support for a murdered Jewish woman brings him into the sights of the city''s underground resistance. Hooked and unsettled, Nico can''t stop reading - but he soon wonders if he ever knew his beloved grandfather at all.

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Book SynopsisTHE TIMES HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR A FINANCIAL TIMES TRANSLATED FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR AN OBSERVER BOOK OF THE YEAR __________ It is 1941, and Antwerp is in the grip of Nazi occupation. Young policeman Wilfried Wils has no intention of being a hero - but war has a way of catching up with people. When his idealistic best friend draws him into the growing resistance movement, and an SS commander tries to force him into collaborating, Wilfried's loyalties become horribly, fatally torn. As the beatings, destruction and round-ups intensify across the city, he is forced into an act that will have consequences he could never have imagined. A searing portrayal of a man trying to survive amid the treachery, compromises and moral darkness of occupation, Will asks what any of us would risk to fight evil.Trade Review'A brilliant, uncomfortable exploration of the moral compromises necessary to live alongside evil' - The Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Year'I loved this book. Will is a vivid, complex, and captivating novel about the grubby moral compromises of life under occupation' - Bart van Es, author of The Cut Out Girl'A masterful book, a gripping epic, necessary and gorgeously written' - Stefan Hertmans, author of War and Turpentine'Constantly grapples with what the ordinary man might do when faced with a horror so huge that to resist might threaten his very survival. Olyslaegers bravely explores moral compromise, betrayal and collaboration - and throws our polarised times into sharp relief' - Observer'It is Will's inner darkness that drives this book, and it lends a ferocious energy to the narration... Olyslaegers seems intent on pulling the scales from our eyes' - Guardian

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Book SynopsisReaders of Clive Cussler, Bernard Cornwell and Wilbur Smith will love this gripping, spell-binding and unputdownable WW2 historical adventure full of vivid battle scenes and masterful characterisation from multi-million copy bestselling author Douglas Reeman. Guaranteed to have you hooked from page one...'One of our foremost writers of naval fiction' -- Sunday Times'A wonderfully entertaining book' -- ***** Reader review'Another brilliant story from the master of sea battles, I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish' -- ***** Reader review'Well-paced & difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review'Highly rated indeed. Excellent!' -- ***** Reader review*****************************************************************************1941: the S.S. Benbecula is already old when she is turned into an armed merchant cruiser,.Yet even she is needed to protect the vital Atlantic sea lanes.Commander Lindsay, her new captain, has to work desperately to mould the ship's company - raw recruits and old timers - into a fighting force.And better than anyone, Lindsay knows this could be his last command, his last chance...

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Book SynopsisTHE SECOND SHIPYARD GIRLS NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, NANCY REVELL.‘Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!’ Northern Echo***********1941: it takes strength to work on the docks, but the war demands all hands on deck and the women are doing their best to fill the gap. Rosie is flourishing in her role as head-welder while still keeping her double life a secret. But a dashing detective is forcing Rosie to choose between love and her duty. Gloria is hiding her own little secret – one that if found out, could not only threaten her job, but her life.And the shipyards are proving tougher than Polly ever imagined, while she waits for her man to return home safely. Join the shipyard girls as they journey through the hardships of life, love and war.Praise for The Shipyard Girls series:'the author is one to watch' Sun‘A brilliant read’ Take a Break‘Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages’ WomanTrade ReviewTHE SECOND SHIPYARD GIRLS NOVEL. 1941: it takes strength to work on the docks, but the war demands all hands on deck and the women are doing their best to fill the gap. Rosie is flourishing in her role as head-welder, Gloria is hiding her own little secret, and the shipyards are proving tougher than Polly ever imagined. * from the publisher's description *Arrow have a speciality in publishing these sweeping historical novels. It is easy to see why the genre is so popular in general, but also why Nancy Revell’s books are so popular. Researched within an inch of its life; the novel is enjoyably entertaining. A perfect way to spend hours, wrapped up in the characters’ lives. This is the second book in The Shipyard Girls saga and it is not only just as good as the first, but a perfect continuation. Recommended reading. * Frost Magazine *If you loved The Shipyard Girls you’ll be itching to get your hands on this sequel … a brilliant read! * Take a Break *Nancy creates strong characters that come alive as you read. I loved finding out about their individual journeys. Nancy writes about some serious issues but she writes it in such away that it is also filled with hope that things will get better. If you love reading about strong women, love and family in time of war this is a book for you. * chellsandbooks *

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THE THIRD SHIPYARD GIRLS NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, NANCY REVELL. ‘Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!’ Northern Echo ***********Sunderland, 1941As the world war continues the shipyard girls face hardships at home, but work and friendship give them strength to carry on.Gloria is smitten with her newly arrived bundle of joy, but baby Hope’s first weeks are bittersweet. Hope's father is missing at sea, and with their future as a family so uncertain, Gloria must lean on her girls for support.Meanwhile, head welder Rosie has turned her back on love to keep her double life secret. But her persistent beau is determined to find out the truth and if he does, it could ruin her.And there is finally a glimmer of hope for Polly and her family when Bel and Joe fall in love. But it isn’t long before a scandalous revelation threatens to pull them all apart.Praise for The Shipyard Girls series:‘This author is one to watch!’ Sun ‘A brilliant read’ Take a Break‘Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages’ Woman

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Book Synopsis'One of the greatest novels of the Second World War' The Times. 'A remarkable find' Antony Beevor. 'A masterpiece' Mail on Sunday. Stalingrad, November 1942. Lieutenant Breuer dreams of returning home for Christmas. But he and his fellow German soldiers will spend winter in a frozen hell – as snow, ice and relentless Soviet assaults reduce the once-mighty Sixth Army to a diseased and starving rabble. Breakout at Stalingrad is a stark and terrifying portrait of the horrors of war, and a profoundly humane depiction of comradeship in adversity. The book itself has an extraordinary story behind it. Its author fought at Stalingrad and was imprisoned by the Soviets. In captivity, he wrote a novel based on his experiences, which the Soviets confiscated before releasing him. Gerlach resorted to hypnosis to remember his narrative, and in 1957 it was published as The Forsaken Army. Fifty-five years later Carsten Gansel, an academic, came across the original manuscript of Gerlach's novel in a Moscow archive. This first translation into English of Breakout at Stalingrad includes the story of Gansel's sensational discovery.Trade ReviewOne of the greatest novels of the Second World War * The Times *Gerlach's truly magnificent novel [...] is a devastating account of the appalling privations suffered by the German army, left to their fate by the foundering, over-stretched Fatherland. A masterpiece * Mail on Sunday *A remarkable find -- Antony Beevor[It] is so deftly handled and well constructed... It is astonishing that [this] is Gerlach's first attempt at fiction' * The Sunday Times *This excellent book will shine a light on the horrors of the Eastern Front for a new generation of English-speaking readers... An absolute gem of a book' * Soldier magazine *[Written with] raw, vivid immediacy, which piles up compelling images and episodes... It is an exceptional, powerful and moving work' * Sunday Times *Anyone who wants an idea of what Stalingrad was really like should read this book... Gerlach records the lives and feelings of soldiers of all ranks' * Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung *

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Book SynopsisThe fourth and final novel in the Neylor Quartet, by Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Flynn, writing as Judith Saxton Hitler's war is reaching out to affect every member of the Neylor family. Val Neylor, driving an ambulance through the blazing heart of London, is in an impossible position, for the man she loves is a fighter pilot with the Luftwaffe. And Jenny, whose husband Simon is flying Spitfires, finds herself working as a landgirl on a Devon farm. Cara, by contrast, develops her social life, and Maudie, in the WAAF, falls in love with two men at once ... And Tina, matriarch of the family loves them all, scolds them all, and tries to understand the new generation growing up in the troubled times of war.A warm and moving family saga set in Britain caught in the torment of the Second World War.

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Book SynopsisTHE SEVENTEENTH CLIFFEHAVEN NOVEL BY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELLIE DEAN______________________________Cliffehaven, 1945The war in Europe is over, but for Peggy Reilly and the residents of Beach View Boarding House the effects of the conflict are still far-reaching.Cockney evacuee, Ivy, and her sweetheart, Andy, are saving to get married and fulfil their dream of returning to the East End. But when tragedy strikes, Ivy is faced with a life-changing dilemma that only she can resolve. . . Rita also faces an impossible choice when her sweetheart Peter proposes and asks her to live with him in Australia - just as her widowed father returns from the fighting in Europe.Meanwhile Peggy must say goodbye to several of her evacuee chicks whilst she awaits the return of her family from Somerset and the news that her husband, Jim, can finally come home.It is a dream she has held onto for six long years, but fate has one more twist in store.

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Book SynopsisThe first novel in the wonderful new Railway Girls series, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Ellie Dean._____________________ 'Stunning writing [and] perfectly paced' Frost Magazine'A story of true friendship, love, loss and trust' Candis _____________________In February, 1922, at the western-most entrance to Victoria Station in Manchester, a massive plaque was unveiled. Beneath a vast tiled map showing the lines of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway network, a series of seven bronze panels recorded the names of the men of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War - a total of 1,460 names.In March, 1940, a group of women of varying ages and backgrounds, stand in front of the memorial, ready to do their bit in this new World War..._____________________Mabel is determined to make a fresh start as a railway girl where no one will know the terrible thing she did and she can put her guilt behind her... Or is she just running away?Meanwhile Joan will never be as good as her sister, or so her Gran keeps telling her. A new job as a station clerk could be just the thing she needs to forget her troubles at home.And Dot is further into her forties than she cares to admit. Her beloved sons are away fighting and her husband - well, the less said about him the better. Ratty old sod. She is anxious to become a railway girl just like her dear mam - anything to feel she is supporting the sons she prays for every night.The three women start off as strangers, but soon form an unbreakable bond that will get them through the toughest of times..._____________________ **Maisie's brand new novel THE RAILWAY GIRLS IN LOVE is available to pre-order now. Just search: 9781787463981**Trade ReviewA story of true friendship, love, loss and trust * Candis *Stunning writing, perfectly paced and never rushed, a slow and realistic journey through the phoney war, Dunkirk and into the beginnings of the blitz * Frost Magazine *Enjoyable, satisfying and brilliantly researched . . . gripping and intriguing * Northern Reader *A thoroughly enjoyable read . . . interesting character and great story lines * Shaz's Book Blog *An exceptional story with believable characters . . a must read for all historical fiction fans * Chells and Books *

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1942Flo Canning’s heart is beyond repair following the news that she has been dreading since the outbreak of war. As Flo throws herself into the role of fabric manager at Liberty’s, old and new friends alike help pull her from a whirl of despair. Between work and home life there’s plenty to keep Flo occupied. Not least new deputy store manager, Henry Masters, whose arrival has consequences that Flo and her workmates could never have foreseen.But there is more tragedy still to come, and Flo and her friends will need each other more than ever if they are to survive the uncertainty ahead.

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Book SynopsisTorn between love and duty, what will she choose?Lou Channer craves a life outside of beyond North Devon, somewhere she’s never left. She yearns to contribute to the war effort and takes a job as a clerk in the Royal Canadian Naval Yard in Plymouth, lodging with other girls from the depot who take her under their wing.When she catches the eye of local wheeler-dealer Harry, who dazzles her with nights about town, she finally feels like one of the girls. And when Lieutenant Douglas Ross asks her out, Lou she can’t believe her luck – or decide to whom to give her heart.But during war, tragedy is only ever just around the corner, and after Lou’s depot is burgled she’s suddenly the primary suspect – and her whole future is on the line.A stunning novel of love, self-discovery and heartbreak, Her Heart’s Choice is perfect for fans of Liz Trenow, Shirley Dickson and Rosie Archer.

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Book SynopsisWhen Esme's past as a secret operative comes calling, she must choose - her husband or her job?After a bomb destroys Esme’s London home, killing her son instantly, she moves to her old country house in Devon to begin the impossible task of recuperating. Soon she is drawn back into the world of espionage, and as her marriage starts to crumble, a local airman pulls her closer.Meanwhile her cousin Louise is awaiting confirmation that she can relocate to Canada to be with her husband, Douglas. Biding her time back home, she notices her father behaving strangely and disappearing at odd hours to wander the nearby cliffs. With rumours of spies afoot, she needs to learn the truth before anyone else does...Louise and Esme still have battles to overcome as the war continues. Will Esme betray her wedding vows or can she find her way back to Richard?A stunning and heartwrenching Second World War saga, for fans of Liz Trenow and Ellie Curzon. Praise for Ties That Bind:'Wow what a book it is! I had every feeling possible while reading this book. This was such a beautiful yet emotional story, and I really and truly felt for each and every character, I welled up with tears at times, I smiled and cooed when it came to it. I really struggled to put the book down.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review'If you love family saga and wartime books you will definitely love this.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

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Book Synopsis‘A lovely, lovely story set in WW2. It gripped me from page one…I'd highly recommend it!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader ReviewWar changed her country, but it couldn’t change her spiritGlasgow, 1939Despite being shy and reserved, Jeannie Dougal finds herself newly engaged to handsome soldier, Arthur Dunn, the day war is announced. Jeannie accepts, even if she is unsure if a girl from the tenements will fit in with Arthur’s comfortable, middle-class background. But as WW2 takes its toll on the world, her wedding must wait…As she sets off to work at a munitions factory she meets Eileen, Janet and Annie. As her new friends bond together in war work, sharing their stories of romance, Jeanie is grateful to be settled with Arthur, even if he is set in his ways.Until she meets charming Canadian soldier, Bill, and realises she has found a spark she was always missing. But how can Jeannie tell Arthur? And is she strong enough to fight her own battle, with the country already at war…?An emotional and romantic family saga set in WW2 Scotland and the start of a captivating new series. Fans of Call the Midwife and Katie Flynn won’t be able to put this down.Readers are falling in love with Jeannie's War: ‘Loved it…Heartbreaking in chapters that will make you cry, so make sure the tissues are handy.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘WOW. Loved this book. If you love family saga based in the war, you will love this.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A great WWII-era historical fiction saga…I truly enjoyed this one…Through this story of love, loss, uncertainty, and finding one’s place in life we also get a glimpse of history as well…Beautifully written.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A fantastic read, great start to a series…I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Loved this book…A great read with a few good twists and turns in the story…Highly recommended.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘An emotional read…It's beautifully written and I quickly found myself caught up in the pages.’ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisAs she struggles to find her feet with her work, new problems emerge… Meg Turner is finally doing the job she loves, but life as a sheep farmer proves tougher than she anticipated. She is a woman trying to prove herself in a man’s world against the backdrop of a brutal war.With her faith being tested in her work, she also fears that the man she loves will betray her again. Meg struggles to allow herself to love baby Lissa when her mother may return to claim her at any moment.Meanwhile, Kath faces new challenges in the WAAF, but cannot stop thinking about her child. Can she ever get over the guilt of leaving her child behind?A heartwarming story of love and loyalty, perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs and Rosie Harris.

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Book SynopsisLiverpool, 1944Though they may be posted miles apart, Cadi and Jez's love for one another is stronger than ever - until Cadi receives a heart-breaking call from Jez's base.Cadi races to be with her beau and. at his bedside, they make each other a promise that Cadi hopes she'll never have to keep.In her darkest hour, Cadi is comforted by her friends, and with their support and guidance she begins to see a light at the end of the tunnel. But she will face more than one unexpected turn along the way.Against the odds, will Cadi be able to keep her word?____________________WHY READERS LOVE KATIE FLYNN:'Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy''Hard to put down''Her characters are like old friends''Heartwarming romance'

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Book Synopsis LONGLISTED FOR THE HWA GOLD CROWN AWARD FOR BEST HISTORICAL FICTION NOVEL OF THE YEARA luminous debut novel about love, the trauma of war and the miracle of human resilience, for readers of Anna Hope, Sadie Jones and Elizabeth Jane Howard. No one survives war unscathed. But even in the darkest days, seeds of hope can grow.It is 1946 and in the village of Oakbourne the men are home from the war. Their bodies are healing but their psychological wounds run deep. Everyone is scarred - those who fought and those left behind.Alice Rayne is married to Stephen, heir to crumbling Oakbourne Hall. Once a sweet, gentle man, he has returned a bitter and angry stranger, destroyed by what he has seen and done, tormented by secrets Alice can only guess at.Lonely and increasingly afraid of the man her husband has become, Alice must try to pick up the pieces of her marriage and save Oakbourne Hall from total collapse. She begins with the walled garden and, as it starts to bear fruit, she finds herself drawn into a new, forbidden love.Set in the Suffolk countryside as it moves from winter to spring, The Walled Garden is a captivating love story and a timeless, moving exploration of trauma and the miracle of human resilience.'Richly evocative and transporting' Stacey Halls'A heartbreaking tale, vividly dramatised' Rachel Hore'Tender and lyrical . . . This beautiful book had notes of both Elizabeth von Arnim and Elizabeth Jane Howard. More please!' Natasha Solomons'Touching, absorbing . . . A beautifully written story that will especially appeal to Rachel Hore fans' Daily Mail 'A poignant drama . . . What happens when war ends? How do people move on after what they've seen and possibly done? Hardy explores these complex themes in this gentle but powerful novel. There'll be tears, but this evocative read is worth every one' Book of the Month, Woman and Home'An enveloping story to savour' Kate Sawyer, Costa shortlisted author of The Stranding'Written with great delicacy and feeling' Elizabeth Buchan, author of Two Women in Rome'Hardy's supremely observed novel blossoms like a rose-sharp and pointed, and stunningly beautiful' Inga Vesper, author of The Long, Long Afternoon'A poignant, powerful novel about aftermath, trauma and hope' Katie Lumsden, author of The Secrets of Hartwood HallTrade ReviewRichly evocative and transporting. * Stacey Halls *A tender and lyrical evocation of the restorative power of nature and the garden. This beautiful book had notes of both Elizabeth von Arnim and Elizabeth Jane Howard. More please! * Natasha Solomons *This touching, absorbing novel considers World War II from an unusual standpoint: the wives of shattered survivors returning home . . . A beautifully written story that will especially appeal to Rachel Hore fans. * Daily Mail *A poignant drama . . . What happens when war ends? How do people move on after what they've seen and possibly done? Hardy explores these complex themes in this gentle but powerful novel. There'll be tears, but this evocative read is worth every one. * Woman & Home - Book of the Month *This wonderfully written debut confronts the horrors of war with a clear eye and captures the long-lasting effects on both soldiers and the families they left behind. There's an incisive sharpness to Hardy's observations and her characters' flaws serve to make them more human. Ultimately this is a story of love and hope. * Anne Cater, S Magazine, Sunday Express *A heartbreaking tale, vividly dramatised, wise and well-observed about the traumatic effects of war on survivors and their families in the little Suffolk community where it's set. The characters are splendid - they blaze from the page - and the author writes beautifully and knowledgeably about the natural world. A splendid debut! * Rachel Hore *An enveloping story to savour. * Kate Sawyer, Costa shortlisted author of THE STRANDING *Written with great delicacy and feeling. * Elizabeth Buchan, author of Two Women in Rome *Sarah Hardy's supremely observed novel blossoms like a rose-sharp and pointed, and stunningly beautiful. * Inga Vesper, author of The Long, Long Afternoon *A poignant, powerful novel about aftermath, trauma and hope. * Katie Lumsden, author of THE SECRETS OF HARTWOOD HALL *Moving between seasons and set in the Suffolk countryside, The Walled Garden is an evocative and compassionate exploration of survival, suffering and healing. * Culture Fly *

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Book SynopsisIn wartime Ireland, an Englishman and a German each need the other to betray his country. And if the nationalist firebrands get their way, they may have to fight to the death. But hang on!—Just a few months ago, Flight Lieutenant Oliver Carmichael and Baron Julius von Stulpnagel were living together in Berlin, trying to sell forged paintings. So what are they doing in rundown Ballingore, and how will ex-convent-girl Mary Collins and her devoted red-headed sidekick Niamh Slattery play into their hands? In this hilarious Irish farce, Casey McCartney brilliantly recreates the slapstick flavour of an Ealing Studios comedy.

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Book SynopsisAs Lieutenant Gene Sinclair lands on his first Pacific island he begins the island-hopping journey that will mature and harden him. Attached to the 24th Infantry division, he stays close to the front lines of the Pacific war. He soon meets all that World War II can throw at him. Surviving accidents, injuries, a typhoon, supply shortages, and malaria accompanied by hallucinations, watching comrades die from friendly fire and succumb to battle fatigue and tropical diseases, Gene develops the fortitude to lead his battery and survive this hell on earth. That is, until a special mission almost proves to be Gene's undoing, and he struggles to find the strength to go on. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Sarah Gale grows from a naive farm girl to a world wise WAC photo interpreter, keeping Gene up to date on her adventures through frequent letters.

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Book SynopsisDramatic, emotional and romantic, if you love Lorna Cook, Tracy Rees and Jenny Ashcroft, you''ll love this gripping and heartrending novel from Cathy Mansell, author of A Place to Belong.''Glorious - a cross between Maeve Binchy and Catherine Cookson'' 5* early reader review''A superb saga'' PETERBOROUGH TELEGRAPH''A heart-warming story full of characters you''ll come to love'' ROSIE GOODWIN''Page-turning and compelling... Most highly recommended'' MARGARET KAINE''Rarely have I read a book where every character springs from the pages so authentically'' JEAN CHAPMAN''A warm-hearted, engaging story'' MARGARET JAMES, WRITING MAGAZINEIn 1950s Dublin, life is hard and jobs are like gold dust.Nineteen-year-old Nell Flynn is training to be a nurse and planning to marry her boyfriend, Liam Connor, when her mother dies, leaving

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Book SynopsisFROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, KATIE FLYNN‘Ellie’s a true Flynn heroine with her compassion and bravery. A fine Mother’s Day gift for fans’ Peterborough Evening Telegraph ‘Packed with romance and poignancy’ Woman'Romantic and poignant… Fans of historical fiction will love the details and warmth of Katie Flynn’s wartime tale’ Woman’s Own________________________________________Liverpool, 1940: There comes a moment in every child’s life when they must learn to stand on their own two feet.For fifteen-year-old Ellie Lancton, that time has come all too soon. The death of her mother and the increase in air raids leaves Ellie alone and in grave danger. It’s not long before she is forced to leave her beloved Liverpool behind and cross the Mersey to seek refuge in the countryside.But as the war takes comforts away, so too does it bring new opportunities; for work, new friendships, and perhaps a little love… It will take all of Ellie’s courage to find her way without her mother’s guidance. But if Ellie can soldier on with grace and dignity, there might just be light at the end of the tunnel.Trade ReviewEllie’s a true Flynn heroine with her compassion and bravery. A fine Mother’s Day gift for fans * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Packed with romance and poignancy * Woman *Romantic and poignant… Fans of historical fiction will love the details and warmth of Katie Flynn’s wartime tale * Woman’s Own *A Mother’s Love is another heart-warming wartime tale for historical fiction fans who enjoy plenty of nostalgic romance and struggle ... this book makes a lovely Mother’s Day gift. * Culture Fly *Celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday with this heart-warming read * Take a Break *

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Book SynopsisFormer IRA enforcer and deadly assassin, Sean Dillon, returns in the stunning sequel to EYE OF THE STORM, from number 1 bestselling author, Jack Higgins.Thunder Point: St John, the Virgin Islands, 1992For once, the lone diver's treasure was priceless: a German U-boat, sunk in American waters three weeks after the end of the war. Inside: final proof that Reichsleiter Martin Bormann escaped from Hitler's bunker with the Third Reich's hideous secrets intact.Among them: the names of British Nazi sympathisers some of them pillars of the establishment and the devastating document known as the Windsor Protocol.For the sake of national security, the U-boat must be destroyed. And no questions asked. Even if it means persuading Britain's most wanted IRA terrorist to take on the jobTrade Review‘Open a Jack Higgins novel and you’ll encounter a master craftsman at the peak of his powers … first-rate tales of intrigue, suspense and full-on action.’ Sunday Express ‘With fresh plots, interesting characters and vibrant settings, Jack Higgins has firmly cemented his reputation as one of the world’s most successful thriller writers.’ The Strand Magazine ‘Higgins is a master of his craft.’ Daily Telegraph ‘A thriller writer in a class of his own.’ Financial Times ‘The master craftsman of good, clean adventure.’ Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisA heart-breaking story of survival, where life or death relies on the smallest chance and happiness can be found in the darkest times. Fans of The Choice and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will fall in love with this beautiful novel__________''She touched the photograph in its gilt frame that was always on her desk, of a young, thin woman with very short hair and a baby in her arms. She had one last story to tell. Theirs. And it began in hell on earth.''It is 1942 and Eva Adami has boarded a train to Auschwitz. Barely able to breathe due to the press of bodies and exhausted from standing up for two days, she can think only of her longed-for reunion with her husband Michal, who was sent there six months earlier. But when Eva arrives at Auschwitz, there is no sign of Michal and the stark reality of the camp comes crashing down upon her. As she lies heartbroken and shivering on a thin mattress, her head shaved by rough hands, she

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Book SynopsisCilka's Journey is the million copy bestselling sequel to the phenomenon The Tattooist of Auschwitz.Don't miss the conclusion to The Tattooist of Auschwitz Trilogy, Three Sisters. Available now.'She was the bravest person I ever met'Lale Sokolov, The Tattooist of Auschwitz In 1942 Cilka Klein is just sixteen years old when she is taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. The Commandant at Birkenau, Schwarzhuber, notices her long beautiful hair, and forces her separation from the other women prisoners. Cilka learns quickly that power, even unwillingly given, equals survival.After liberation, Cilka is charged as a collaborator by the Russians and sent to a desolate, brutal prison camp in Siberia known as Vorkuta, inside the Arctic Circle. Innocent, imprisoned once again, Cilka faces challenges both new and horribly familiar, each day a battle for survival. Cilka befriends a woman doctor, and learns to nurse the ill in the camp, struggling to care for them under unimaginable conditions. And when she tends to a man called Alexandr, Cilka finds that despite everything, there is room in her heart for love.Cilka's Journey is a powerful testament to the triumph of the human will. It will move you to tears, but it will also leave you astonished and uplifted by one woman's fierce determination to survive, against all odds.- - - - - - - - 'Her truly incredible story is one to be read by everyone.' Sun'Cilka's extraordinary courage in the face of evil and her determination to survive against the odds will stay with you long after you've finished reading this heartrending book.' Sunday Express'Her courage and determination to survive makes for a heartrending read.' Daily MirrorTrade Reviewa sincere...moving attempt to speak the unspeakable * The Sunday Times on The Tattooist of Auschwitz *What an extraordinary and important book this is. We need as many memories of the Holocaust as we can retain, and this is a moving and ultimately uplifting story of love, loyalties and friendship amidst the horrors of war. I'm so glad Lale and Gita were eventually able to live long and happy lives together, and thankful that Heather Morris was moved to record their incredible story. It's a triumph * Jill Mansell on The Tattooist of Auschwitz *Extraordinary - moving, confronting and uplifting . . . a story about the extremes of human behaviour: calculated brutality alongside impulsive and selfless acts of love. I recommend it unreservedly * Graeme Simsion on The Tattooist of Auschwitz *a touching and redemptive tale of love and selflessness * Times Literary Supplement on The Tattooist of Auschwitz *A moment of pure humanity amid unthinkable atrocity * The Independent on The Tattooist of Auschwitz *Although the subject matter is dark, this is an inspiring and ultimately uplifting story of strength and survival * Good Housekeeping *This deeply moving follow-up will touch the stoniest of hearts * Sunday Post *A heartbreaking tale of strength in the face of unimaginable challenges * Woman's Weekly *A tale of hardship, survival- and, most importantly, never forgetting * INewspaper *Cilka's extraordinary courage in the face of evil and her determination to survive against the odds will stay with you long after you've finished reading this heartrending book * Sunday Express *It will move you to tears, but it will also leave you astonished and uplifted by one woman's fierce determination to survive, against all odds. * The Week *her courage and determination to survive makes for a heartrending read * Daily Mirror *Must read * Daily Express *Her truly incredible story is one to be read by everyone * The Sun *It is well-written, and well-researched. It is captivating, devastating and even darker than The Tattooist. It will make you despair at the cruelty of humanity, but leave you in awe of the strength of the human spirit... it will leave you emotionally drained- but Cilka's story is a powerful one * Express and Star *

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