Second World War fiction

Book SynopsisScott Turow is the world-famous author of several bestselling novels about the law, from Presumed Innocent to Reversible Errors , as well as the wartime thriller Ordinary Heroes. He has also written an examination of the death penalty, Ultimate Punishment. He lives with his family outside Chicago, where he is a partner in the international law firm of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal.Trade ReviewVivid and immediate . . . one of the best pieces of writing Turow has done . . . This novel provides a showcase for Turow's storytelling skills * New York Times *The author's sharp evocation has an assurance barely hinted at in his earlier books . . . there are nuances in his writing a world away from such contemporaries as Grisham. . . vivid * Independent *Ordinary Heroes, like all of Turow's fiction, derives its considerable power from its depiction of a lawyer's disillusionment, his understanding of the dark ironies that await anyone with an absolute belief in the rule of justice * Washington Post *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewNicely crafted and delightfully nostalgic... with cool, spiffy, clipped dialogue in the grand tradition and a bit of gore to keep things hopping: a thoroughly good show. * Kirkus *

Read more less

Book SynopsisInspired by the incredible stories of the heroines of the Italian Resistance, this is a heart-wrenching dual-timeframe story which is a portrait of war and a powerful exploration of how far we will go to protect our families, set between World War II Naples and the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood.Trade ReviewSarah Steele combines the best aspects of an unputdownable thriller with beautiful writing and characters who live and breathe. I just loved it! -- Katie FfordeA gripping and atmospheric read. As smouldering and compelling as it is satisfying: mystery, love and redemption. It has it all. -- Tessa HarrisI can taste the gelato and the sweetness of La Dolce Vita in Italy of the 1960s, coupled with the bitterness of wartime intrigue and betrayal. A perfect combination -- Mandy RobothamDelicious . . . Part history of the liberation of Naples in 1943 and part love story, [The Traitor's Wife] is peppered with colourful glimpses of 1960s Hollywood . . . sweet, sensual, tense and tragic. A perfect summer read -- Emma FlintA thrilling dual timeline story combining the glamour of Hollywood with gripping tales of the women of the Italian Resistance. Told with such vivid beauty and featuring a cast of incredible women, I felt as if I'd been swept away to the backstreets of Naples. Heartbreaking, beautiful and utterly compelling. -- Annie Lyons

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first in a heartwarming saga series set during the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Pam Howes and Elaine Everest.1942Working in the greengrocers and playing the piano in the pub a couple of nights a week isn't fulfilling nineteen-year-old Trixie Smith's idea of helping Britain win the war. One day she sees a poster advertising the Women's Timber Corps and decides to sign up - soon she is on her way to Scotland for four weeks of training to become a Lumberjill. On her journey north she meets Cy, an American soldier on leave. Their attraction is instant and they both feel that fate has brought them together. Although their time with one another is brief, they promise that they'll be together as soon as the war is over. But training to become a Lumberjill is hard; working in all weathers, felling trees and hauling timber is dangerous and exhausting. Luckily Trixie quickly makes friends with three of her fellow Lumberjills. Each of them has different reasons for signing up and travelling far from home, but running away from your problems doesn't make them disappear.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLA NUEVA NOVELA DE ARTURO PÉREZ-REVERTEUna historia de amor, mar y guerra«Su estilo elegante se combina con un gran manejo de la lengua española. Pérez-Reverte es un maestro.» -La Stampa«-Hay algo que me propongo hacer —dice ella al fin—. O quizá debo hacer, en realidad.-¿Puedo serte útil para eso?-En cierta forma lo eres. Al fin y al cabo, tú me enseñaste a amar a los héroes.Devuelve el libro a su lugar y afronta la mirada perpleja del padre.-Sin ti nunca los habría reconocido —añade.-No creo que yo...-Oh, no, en absoluto. O tal vez también lo fuiste algún tiempo, antes de que nuestra Troya ardiera.»En los años 1942 y 1943, durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, buzos de combate italianos hundieron o dañaron catorce barcos aliados en Gibraltar y la bahía de Algeciras. En esta novela, inspirada en hechos reales, sólo algunos personajes y situaciones son imaginarios. Elena Arbués, una librera de veintisiete años, encuentra una madrugada mientras pasea por la playa a uno de esos buzos, desvanecido entre la arena y el agua. Al socorrerlo, la joven ignora que esa determinación cambiará su vida y que el amor será sólo parte de una peligrosa aventura.ENGLISH DESCRIPTIONARTURO PEREZ-REVERTE’S NEW NOVEL!   A story about love, sea, and war.   “His elegant narrative style masterfully joins his great command of the Spanish language. Perez-Reverte is a Master.” -La Stampa   In 1942 and 1943, during World War II, Italian combat divers either sank, or severely damaged, fourteen allied ships in the strait of Gibraltar and the Bay of Algeciras. In this novel which was inspired by real events, there are only a few characters and situations that have been made up by the author. Elena Arbues, a twenty-seven-year-old bookseller, finds one of those divers passed out on the shoreline as she was walking on the beach. As she rescued him the young woman was unaware that this act would forever change her life and that love will only be part of a dangerous adventure.   «-There's something I intend to do,” she finally says. Or maybe I really should do it. -Can I be of any help for that? -In a way you have already been helpful. After all, you taught me to love heroes. She puts the book back in its place and meets her father's puzzled gaze.Without you I would have never recognized them, she adds. -I don't think I ... -Oh, no, I wouldn’t have at all. Or maybe you were one too at some point, before all hell broke loose.»

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday comes a sweeping World War II tale of an illusionist whose recruitment by British Intelligence sets her on a perilous, heartrending path Raised amid the hardships of Michigan's Copper Country, Fenna Vos has learned to focus on her own survival-even now, with the Second World War raging in faraway countries. Though she performs onstage as the assistant to an unruly escape artist, behind the curtain she's the mastermind of their act. After all, her honed ability to control her surroundings and elude entrapments, physical or otherwise, reliably suppresses the traumas of her youth.For all her planning, however, Fenna fails to predict being called upon by British Intelligence. Tasked with creating escape tools to thwart the Germans, MI9 seeks those with specialized skills for a war nearing its breaking point. Fenna reluctantly joins the unconventional team as an inventor. But when a test of her loyalty draws her deep into the fray, she discovers no mission is more treacherous than escaping one's past.Inspired by stunning true accounts, The Ways We Hide is a riveting story of love and loss, the wars we fight-on the battlefields and within ourselves-and the courage found in unexpected places.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHer mind alive with the words she had overheard last night, Dyta emerged onto the broad steps of the library and shielded her eyes from the lowering sun. She tied up her dark hair, pulled her white socks to her knees, and walked down the steps. Her father was so grey and sedate, it was hard to imagine a phrase less likely to emerge from his lips than 'your chance to kill '.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe brand new instalment in Fenella J. Miller's bestselling Goodwill House series.July 1940With Hitler’s bombs getting closer, WAAF Diane Forsyth is determined to face the oncoming danger and do her duty to support the brave RAF pilots who risk their lives as they take to the skies.And there’s one pilot in particular Di hopes remains safe - Squadron Leader Freddie Hanover. But with a romance between them growing, Di and Freddie know their duty must always come first. How can they dream of a future together whilst this terrible war continues? Lady Joanna Harcourt understands Di’s vow of duty – she’s taken one herself. But Joanna also knows that life is terribly precious and that one must make the most of every single day…before it’s too late. Don't miss the next heart-breaking instalment in Fenella J. Miller's beautiful Goodwill House series.Praise for Fenella J. Miller:'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A great start to what promises to be a fabulous series.' Jean Fullerton

Read more less

Book Synopsis“If at all possible, send or take your household animals into the country in advance of an emergency. If you cannot place them in the care of neighbours, it really is kindest to have them destroyed."Joanna Ryan’s father has gone off to war, leaving her in the care of her step-mother, a woman more concerned with having a good time than being any sort of parent to her.But then she finds a puppy, left for dead, and Joanna becomes determined to save him, sharing her meagre rations with him. But, in a time of war, pets are only seen as an unnecessary burden and she is forced to hide her new friend, Harry, from her step-mother and the authorities. With bombs falling over Bristol and with the prospect of evacuation on the horizon, can they stay together and keep each other safe?A gripping, heartwarming historical saga from bestselling author Lizzie Lane.Praise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller

Read more less

Book SynopsisSome battles will be fought on the Homefront...The war has had a devastating effect on the Sweet Family with young Charlie Sweet, lost at sea, presumed dead and bombs falling on nearby Bristol.Still there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon in the form of Mary Sweet’s upcoming wedding to her Canadian beau. But even that has failed to rouse their father from his grief.But in London a baby has been found in a bombed out house, sheltered in the arms of his dead mother. A child to make life worth living again...Discover the gripping, heartfelt second instalment in Lizzie Lane's bestselling Sweet Sisters trilogy.Praise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Sweet family have run the local bakery for as long as anyone can remember.Twins Ruby and Mary Sweet help their widowed father out when they can. Mary loves baking and has no intention of leaving their small Gloucestershire village. while Ruby dreams of life in London.But as war threatens, there will be changes for all of the Sweet family, with brother Charlie off to serve and cousin Frances facing evacuation. But there will be opportunities, too, as the twins' baking talent catches the attention of the Ministry of Food....The gripping first instalment in Lizzie Lane's bestselling heartfelt, gripping Sweet Sisters trilogy.Praise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller

Read more less

Book SynopsisBristol 1939 At forty years of age, Mary Anne Randall still turns heads. With an abusive husband spending most of his wages on beer, she has resigned herself to be the sole breadwinner to protect her family and keep the wolves from the door. In order to make ends meet Mary Anne runs a pawnbroking business from the wash house at the end of the garden. Following the outbreak of war an opportunity presents itself to escape her loveless marriage and find true love. Will she take that chance, or carry on living just for her children and not for herself?Read the sequal A Wartime Family.Praise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller

Read more less

Book SynopsisBristol 1941 Having left her abusive husband for very good reasons, Mary Anne Randall finds herself judged harshly by her friends and neighbours, after courageously risking everything for a second chance at happiness with Michael. With Michael away fighting Mary Anne is less concerned by her tarnished reputation and focusses on keeping her beloved children safe. But with the bombs beginning to fall on Bristol, danger is all too close to home. Will Mary Anne rise above her tarnished reputation and protect those she loves from the uncertainty of a world at war?A sequel to A Wartime Wife.Praise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller

Read more less

Book SynopsisAs war is declared can The Seaside Girls keep smiling through…Cleethorpes – September 1939Struggling to keep their spirits up as the reality of war hits home and theatres are closed, friends Jessie Delaney and Frances O’Leary search for work to see them through until they can sing and dance again.Frances, once upon a time followed her dreams of becoming a dancer but soon found herself with a broken heart and a precious secret when her lover abandoned her. Keeping her secret from her friends grows more difficult as time passes and their friendship grows..But with her lover returning to England from a successful tour of America, how long will it be before the truth comes to light?Secrets aren’t good for anyone and Frances isn’t the only one hiding things from her friends. Ginny Thomspon, another Seaside Girl is hoping for the best. But is hope enough?Can the Seaside Girls pull together to help each other through the tough times or will their secrets tear them apart?A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.Praise for Tracy Baines:‘A charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite.’ Rosie Clarke‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ Fenella J. Miller‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ Sheila Riley'An absorbing and poignant saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it...' Elaine Roberts'Terrific - beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Annie Clark‘I just loved this book!' Molly Walton'The Variety Girls is terrific - beautifully written & with an unusual background. The stage costumes twinkle with sequins and the book twinkles with tiny details of theatre life that add depth and atmosphere to this well-crafted and satisfying story.' Maisie Thomas‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Milly Adams‘An evocative, busy, entertaining read, which has well balanced touches of humour, vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension.’ Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine‘Characterisation is one of the book’s strong points – the individual characters stay in your mind long after you finish the story.’ Barbara Dynes, The Voice

Read more less

Book SynopsisLove and duty, codes and spies...Kent, 1939Soon to marry her childhood sweetheart, Eliza thinks her life is set. But when war breaks out, everything changes and, while helping the soldiers returning from Dunkirk, she bumps into Lewis, an unforgettable stranger from her past.Eliza’s in-laws’ country home becomes a cell for code breakers receiving messages from the French Resistance, with Eliza as translator. When Lewis is assigned to head up the team, the pair fall dangerously in love. But with the enemy watching across the Channel and rumours of spies in their midst, Eliza is torn between passion and duty.When Lewis flies across the Channel on a secret mission, Eliza wonders if she'll ever see him again. Can she live with the terrible secret they share?A tear-jerking wartime romance for fans of Rachel Hore, Kathryn Hughes and Leah Fleming.Previously published as Map of Stars.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA secret, a sacrifice, and a scandal...Summer 1939 - When war breaks out, Sylvie is marooned with her cousin Nell's family in the Chiltern hills and cannot return to her Normandy home.During the early days of rationing, blackouts, and the threat of bombers in the skies, Sylvie and Nell have to grow up quickly. Yet as the war rages around them, it's the competition and jealousy between the two that dominates their lives.When the girls fall in love with the same man, their relationship is truly tested. But the war pulls them all apart and changes the course of their lives – until their secrets are revealed, with devastating consequences.A heartbreaking story of love and hope, secrets and lies. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes and Leah Fleming.Previously published as The September Garden.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA secret, a sacrifice, and a scandal...Summer 1939 - When war breaks out, Sylvie is marooned with her cousin Nell's family in the Chiltern hills and cannot return to her Normandy home.During the early days of rationing, blackouts, and the threat of bombers in the skies, Sylvie and Nell have to grow up quickly. Yet as the war rages around them, it's the competition and jealousy between the two that dominates their lives.When the girls fall in love with the same man, their relationship is truly tested. But the war pulls them all apart and changes the course of their lives – until their secrets are revealed, with devastating consequences.A heartbreaking story of love and hope, secrets and lies. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes and Leah Fleming.Previously published as The September Garden.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom an award-winning author - an epic novel of love, betrayal, and finding where you truly belong.1943Lidia De Angelis has kept a low profile since Mussolini’s laws wrenched her from her childhood sweetheart. But when the Germans occupy Venice, she must flee the city to save her life.Lidia joins the partisans in the Venetian mountains, where she meets David, an English soldier fighting for the same cause. As she grows closer to him, harsh German reprisals and her own ardent patriotic activities threaten to tear them apart.Years laterWhile sorting through her grandmother’s belongings after her death, Charlotte discovers a Jewish prayer book, unopened letters written in Italian, and a fading photograph of a group of young people in front of the Doge’s Palace.Intrigued by her grandmother’s refusal to talk about her time in Italy, Charlotte travels to Venice in search of her roots. There, she learns not only the devastating truth about her grandmother’s past, but also about her own...Perfect for readers of Rhys Bowen, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop.What real readers are saying:‘…a beautiful story with a compelling historical storyline that you won’t want to put down.’ Ann Bennett, bestselling author of The Orphan House.‘Siobhan Daiko will tug at your heartstrings, and leave you desperate for more.’ The Coffee Pot Book Club.‘One of my absolute favourite books and a must read for those who love a great escape into historical fiction.’ Goodreads Reviewer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom an award-winning author - an epic novel of love, betrayal, and finding where you truly belong.1943Lidia De Angelis has kept a low profile since Mussolini’s laws wrenched her from her childhood sweetheart. But when the Germans occupy Venice, she must flee the city to save her life.Lidia joins the partisans in the Venetian mountains, where she meets David, an English soldier fighting for the same cause. As she grows closer to him, harsh German reprisals and her own ardent patriotic activities threaten to tear them apart.Years laterWhile sorting through her grandmother’s belongings after her death, Charlotte discovers a Jewish prayer book, unopened letters written in Italian, and a fading photograph of a group of young people in front of the Doge’s Palace.Intrigued by her grandmother’s refusal to talk about her time in Italy, Charlotte travels to Venice in search of her roots. There, she learns not only the devastating truth about her grandmother’s past, but also about her own...Perfect for readers of Rhys Bowen, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop.What real readers are saying:‘…a beautiful story with a compelling historical storyline that you won’t want to put down.’ Ann Bennett, bestselling author of The Orphan House.‘Siobhan Daiko will tug at your heartstrings, and leave you desperate for more.’ The Coffee Pot Book Club.‘One of my absolute favourite books and a must read for those who love a great escape into historical fiction.’ Goodreads Reviewer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIncluding graphic descriptions of Dunkirk and D-Day, Jeremy Rowe's new novel sees the Second World War through the eyes of the women who remained at home, fighting on the Home Front. Into the tensions and alarms of September 1939, two women are unwillingly forced together: middle-class Marjorie Anderson-Grey, confident, imperious and formidable; and her lodger Vicky Jones, passionate working-class teacher, evacuated with her school, from the impoverished East End. Jeremy Rowe's novel sets these two strong women on a wartime collision course, and pays tribute to the steadfast commitment of ordinary people coping with extraordinary dangers. The novel also finds humour in the daily challenges posed by the East End kids evacuated to the Cotswolds town.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo people. An unforgettable moment. One extraordinary love story. In Chicago, Illinois, two people are about to lock eyes across a crowded dance floor. The following moment will spark the love story of a lifetime… The year is 1944 and America has just entered the war. Young men and women are being drafted in to fight with their allies on Europe’s distant shores. Throughout America, sweethearts are saying their last goodbyes. Liz Stephens is already betrothed to budding US politician Dalton Harris, but when she meets GI Morgan McClain, she feels an instant and intense connection. But then he dances with her flirtatious best friend Betty and Liz is left feeling like just another soldier’s fancy. Betty is mesmerized by Morgan and begs Liz to write letters for her to post to him overseas. Liz reluctantly agrees, in the end anxious to retain a connection to him. As the last searing days of World War II loom, a correspondence begins that will alter the course of their lives forever.Trade Review"Letters from Home is an insightful portrait of the communion between the soldiers who fought for our country and those they left behind. A gripping and memorable story, it is a timeless lesson in love and loss and the moments that shape our lives."Pamela Jenoff, author of The Kommandant's Girl

Read more less