Second World War fiction

Book Synopsis Can their friendship see them through the darkest of times? Meet The East End Angels, the newest members of Station Seventy-Five''s ambulance crew . . .London, 1941. Frankie, Bella and Winnie are settling into life as ambulance crew members, doing their bit to help the war effort. The threat of air raids are a constant worry, but life continues regardless and the weight of responsibility weighs heavy on each of them.Frankie''s grandfather is unwell and she promised him she would always look after grandmother Ivy, but the two women have never seen eye to eye. Then Frankie discovers something that makes her question everything she thought she knew . . .Winnie''s natural leadership puts her at the forefront of the station and she''s soon making the difficult decisions on call-outs. As she is exposed to a higher level of war and destruction, she begins to wonder how much more London can take - but h

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Book SynopsisMeet Me in Bombay is a breathtaking story of separation, tragedy and fierce love set against the exotic world of colonial Bombay and the tragedy of the First World War.Trade ReviewFrom the first intriguing chapter I was hooked. I felt as if I was there in the sparkling night-time scenes, or breathing in the heady scents of the market, avoiding the pungent alleyways, and feeling the heat of Bombay, a heat that catches in your throat. Moving and beautifully written, this enchanting story of love and loss touched my heart. -- Dinah JefferiesGlorious and heart wrenching. This is a powerful, poignant and deeply emotional tale of love, mystery, loss and joy.An epic, bittersweet love story that will draw you in and grip you to the last page. Lush, steamy colonial Bombay is beautifully evoked. -- Gill PaulMy heart! This book was sumptuous and hooked me from the first page. I fell in love with Luke and loved sprightly Maddy. The location was beautifully exotic and the storyline just compelling. I loved it. So perfectly written. -- Lorna CookOne of those rare and wonderful books that truly draws you into another place and time, word perfect, pitch perfect, detail perfect... Anyone who truly loves historical fiction should run to buy a copy of Meet Me in Bombay today. -- Lauren Willig * New York Times Bestselling Author *Gorgeous writing, lush setting, and three-dimensional characters that make up the rare unputdownable novel... Meet Me in Bombay is the kind of book that will give readers a book hangover long after they've turned the last page, leaving them aching for more. -- Karen White * New York Times Bestselling Author *I loved everything about Meet Me in Bombay, from its profound sense of time and place to its vivid characters and lyrical voice, taking the reader on an exhilarating journey from colonial India to the battlefields of the First World War to the intricate workings of memory. This is a novel both epic and intimate, in which grand historical forces are played out on the territory of the human heart. Ashcroft delivers a stunning story that echoes long after you turn the final page. -- Beatriz Williams * New York Times bestselling author of The Golden Hour *Meet Me in Bombay is brilliantly plotted, exquisitely written, poignant and perfect. I finished the book with tears rolling down my cheeks, and it will stay with me for a long time. I'm sure it will enchant readers far and wide -- Iona GreyI really loved Meet Me in Bombay. It's a wonderfully moving novel with a story that keeps you guessing right to the final paragraph. The heat of Bombay blazes off the page and the characters, especially Maddy and Alice, are so vividly evoked that I felt their joy and their pain intensely. I was absolutely glued to the book and couldn't stop reading. -- Rachel HoreJust the kind of luscious, sweeping story I most adore ... I was desperate to rush through the book to find out what happens in the end but at the same time I wanted to dwell in the pages forever.A beautiful and evocative read ... truly is a feast for the sensesAn exquisite love story, sumptuous and so moving. A WONDERFUL book!With two heart-breaking stories that interwove in such a way that I was rooting for the main characters right through, beautiful descriptions of Singapore (and two lovely sexy heroes!), I loved Island in the East. A fabulous book. * Tracy Rees *Beautifully written and impressively researched, Island in the East is a stunner. Emotional, evocative and enthralling. -- Kate Furnivall * on ISLAND IN THE EAST *Absolutely brilliant * Kerry Fisher, author of After the Lie, on BENEATH A BURNING SKY *A moving, stirring love story, and so richly atmospheric. I could practically feel the sweat prickling on my skin -- Rachel Rhys * on ISLAND IN THE EAST *An evocative, absorbing story... A rich and satisfying read. -- Gill Paul * on ISLAND IN THE EAST *Historical fiction at its atmospheric best -- Sarra Manning * Red Magazine on ISLAND IN THE EAST *Impossible to put down. -- Kate Riordan on ISLAND IN THE EASTI loved Island in the East. A fabulous book. -- Tracy Rees * on ISLAND IN THE EAST *Brilliant; everything romantic historical fiction should be, heartfelt and heart-breaking, utterly compulsive and completely immersive -- Nicola Cornick * on ISLAND IN THE EAST *A great read, with a complex and involving plot, appealing characters and two touching love stories. -- Judith Lennox * on ISLAND IN THE EAST *Evocative, lush and beautifully written... I couldn't put it down. -- Nikola Scott * on ISLAND IN THE EAST *Jenny Ashcroft has written a spellbinding love story that will break your heart. Set against the lush and privileged world of colonial Bombay and the horrors of the First World War, this is a tale that will stay with you. I turned that final page with tears in my eyes.Vividly set against the backdrop of colonial India, Jenny Ashcroft's latest historical tale brings to life the colour, love and heartbreak that makes life worth living . . . Powerful and evocative, this will surely sweep you along * Woman *

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Book SynopsisSet in a Lyons Corner House in London, this is the third compelling novel in the series set against the backdrop of the Second World War.The war is progressing for the Nippies, the girls who work at the Lyons Corner House in Marble Arch. With the air raids, rationing and blackouts, life no longer has the carefree attitude it used to have. But new pain and pleasure await as everyone decides what effort they can make towards victory. Jo yearns for Nick, but the burns he sustained when he was shot down are life-changing and need the new procedure of plastic surgery. Will their marriage ever go ahead? And does Jo want it to? She loses herself in her new role as lumberjill, one of the women hewing timber for the war effort. Meanwhile, Phyl has been selected, along with some other trusted Nippies, for secret work. Far from family and friends, she works with munitions and tries to forget her desire to be a Wren. Her husband is far away but she never loses fai

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Book SynopsisWWII. As Malta falls under siege, two fighter pilots are tested to the limit. By turns brutal, funny, tragic and heroic Band of Eagles is a spellbinding read, perfect for fans of Ken Follet and Robert Radcliffe. ''A gripping fusion of thrills and historical plausibility . . . a fine balance of freshness and authenticity'' Telegraph Summer 1941. The tiny island of Malta has become the most bombed place on earth. The Germans and Italians want to destroy it. For the fighter pilots of the RAF, initially equipped with ageing Hurricanes and outnumbered in the air, defeat seems almost certain. Flight commanders Englishman Kit Curtis and American Ossie Wolf have survived the Fall of France and the Battle of Britain but Curtis remains idealistic and eager to prove himself. Wolf, by contrast, is ruthless and thrives in the chaos of imminent invasion. But as each man is pushed to dangerous boundaries, they come to share a fresh understanding.

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Book SynopsisA return to the period adventure thriller in WHERE DEAD MEN MEET re-establishes Mark Mills as:''A master storyteller'' Val McDermid. For fans of William Boyd, Charles Cumming or Robert HarrisParis, 1937. Luke Hamilton - a junior air intelligence officer at the British Embassy - finds himself the target of an assassination attempt. A clear case of mistaken identity, or so it first appears. As Luke is hunted across a continent sliding towards war, he comes to learn that the answers lie deep in a past that predates his abandonment as a baby on the steps of an orphanage twenty-five years ago.From the author of the bestselling THE SAVAGE GARDEN, and set against a terrific backdrop of Europe on the cusp of the Second World War, this is a compelling novel, rich in adventure, espionage, secrets and lies.Trade ReviewReminiscent of Eric Ambler's brilliant thrillers... Where Dead Men Meet is a well-told, exciting story * The Sunday Times *Mills keeps the pages turning * Belfast Telegraph *Secrets, lies and nail-biting moments feature in the fine storytelling * Choice *Elegantly plotted... superb period drama * The Sunday Mirror *Handling the twists and turns of his plot with cool dexterity * Daily Mail *WHERE DEAD MEN MEET is a grand adventure, in the tradition of Graham Greene's 'entertainments,' and John Buchan's before that - a sweeping race through Europe for the highest possible stakes, in the year before the Anschluss. Here's hoping it's only the first of many exploits for Luke and Pippi -- JOSEPH FINDER, New York Times bestselling author of PARANOIA and THE SWITCHBelievable characters, a richly detailed historical setting, and a story that keeps the reader's attention glued until the final page * Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING TITLE THE ORPHAN''S TALE OUT NOWHow have I been lucky enough to come here, to be alive, when so many others are not? I should have died But I am here.Surviving the brutality of a Nazi prison camp, Marta Nederman is lucky to have escaped with her life. Recovering from the horror, she meets an American soldier who gives her hope of a happier future. But their plans to meet in London are dashed when his plane crashes.Devastated and pregnant, Marta marries a caring British Diplomat and glimpses the joy that home and family can bring. But her happiness is threatened when she learns of a communist spy in British intelligence, and that the one person who can expose the traitor is connected to her pastPraise for Pam Jenoff:[A] heartbreakingly romantic story of forbidden love during WW2' HeatMust read' Daily ExpressTrade ReviewWonderfully compelling… The story grips from the very first page, and the atmosphere of the circus is entrancing – you feel all the terror and thrill of the flying trapeze.’ – Margaret Leroy, author of The Soldier’s Wife ‘Secrets, lies, treachery, and passion…I read this novel in a headlong rush.’ – Christina Barker Kline, #1 bestselling author of Orphan Train ‘A thrilling, yet heart-breaking story of life and love, heroism and sacrifice in wartime Europe’ – My Weekly ‘This is a book not to be missed’ – Melanie Benjamin, bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue and The Aviator’s Wife ‘Jenoff has written a tribute to the human spirit that soars in the midst of epic despair…’–NPR ‘Jenoff’s prose is evocative and compelling’–The Globe and Mail “An emotional tale of survival and courage during a difficult time in Europe.” – Suzy Approved Book Reviews “Jenoff keeps readers on their toes with the numerous twists and turns… as well as the emotional peaks and valleys that had me reaching for tissues more than once.” – Romance Dish “THE ORPHAN’S TALE takes us on a heartbreaking, hopeful, touching and emotional journey; one that is not to be missed.” – Jennifer Blankfein

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Book SynopsisThey joined an R.A.F. known as ''the best flying club in the world'', but when war pitches the young pilots of 409 Squadron into battle over Germany, their training, tactics and equipment are soon found wanting, their twin-engined bombers obsolete from the off. Chances of completing a 30-operation tour? One in three. At best. Robinson''s crooked salute to the dogged heroes of the R.A.F.''s early bombing campaign is a wickedly humourous portrait of men doing their duty in flying death traps, fully aware, in those dark days of war, there was nothing else to do but dig in and hang on.Trade Review'Tough, taut prose that pulls you through the book like a steel cable' Nicholas Lezard, Guardian. * Guardian *'Mordantly funny and, in its way, as loud an anti-battle cry as Catch 22' Toby Clements, Telegraph. * Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisEVERY CANVAS HOLDS A SECRET . . .''GRIPPING'' JILL MANSELL''TENSE AND THRILLING'' NATASHA LESTER''INTRIGUES AND ENTHRALS'' KATE QUINN''A TOUR DE FORCE'' GILL PAULPARIS, 1940.Three years ago, talented art restorer Sophie fled to Paris to escape the horrors of the Nazi regime. But now, with her beloved adoptive city under occupation, Sophie is forced to work at the renowned Jeu de Paume, restoring the art ruthlessly stolen from Jewish families.Fabienne was a rising star of the glamorous Parisian art scene, until the Nazis put a stop to her craft. Mourning the loss of her husband, she''s a shadow of her former self - until her estranged sister-in-law Sophie arrives at her door with a stolen painting in hand. The two women embark on a treacherous plan: to save stolen artwork by replacing it with skilful forgeries, right under the watchful eyes of the Nazis. But just how long can they sTrade ReviewA tense and thrilling tale of wartime art thefts, the bond of friendship and lost loves . . . The two women at the center of the story have the kind of heart, courage and compassion that makes you cheer for them and worry for them in equal measure. You won't be able to turn the pages fast enough -- Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris SecretThe Paris Deception deceives, intrigues, and enthrals -- Kate Quinn, bestselling author of The Rose CodeThe Paris Deception is gripping, dramatic and packed with fascinating detail about the intricacies of art restoration and the theft of great paintings during WW2 . . . an involving read about love, trust and heart-stopping bravery. -- Jill Mansell, bestselling author of Should I Tell You?The Paris Deception immerses readers in the oppressive atmosphere of Occupied Paris, as two courageous women scheme to save masterpieces . . . Bryn Turnbull is a natural storyteller and her prose sparkles with all the fizz of vintage champagne. A tour de force! -- Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Secret WifeAn impressive and meticulously researched reworking of one of the greatest scandals in art history, Bryn Turnbull's novel and her cast of engaging characters had me gripped from beginning to end. -- Sarah Steele, author of The Schoolteacher of Saint-MichelThe Paris Deception is an engrossing tale filled with art, intrigue, and champagne. Turnbull has gifted readers with a complex heroine they can't help cheering for in the end -- Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in ArmsThe Paris Deception is a moving and intimate look at two sisters-in-lawwhose friendship has fractured as the Second World War exacts its catastrophic moral, physical and emotional toll . . . Another thought-provoking, impressively researched and richly realized work from one of Canada's best historical fiction authors. -- Natalie Jenner, USA Today bestselling author of The Jane Austen SocietyTurnbull effectively combines fascinating background on winemaking and art restoration and forgery with plenty of wartime suspense . . . This will be a page-turning delight for anyone who loves tale of women in the resistance, especially Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale * Booklist *The Paris Deception is a thrilling, often heartbreaking story of smuggled art and incredible female bravery set in Nazi-occupied Paris and the beautiful champagne country. The characters are deftly portrayed and the attention to detail makes this a fascinating and gripping read -- Annie Lyons, bestselling author of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

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Book SynopsisPre-order THE SEEKER OF LOST PAINTINGS, ​a sophisticated and thrilling historical page-turner about love and art, coming June 2025. ‘A page-turning journey to uncover a past of heroism, betrayal, love, and loss’ Heather Morris, bestselling author of Sisters under the Rising Sun 'So compelling' Sunday Times 'A gorgeous debut' Heat Two lovers caught at the crossroads of historyA daughter’s search for the truth   Germany, 1929. When Max, a Jewish architect, and Bettina, a beautiful and celebrated German avant-garde artist, meet at a party their attraction is instant. In love with each other and the art they create, their talent transports them to the dazzling lights of Berlin. But Germany is on the brink of terrible change, and their bright beginning is soon dimmed bTrade Review‘In her exquisitely crafted and poignant debut, Sarah Freethy brings readers an unforgettable tale of love and loss. The Porcelain Maker introduces us to a singular, riveting relationship forged between a talented Jewish architect and a gifted German painter during the heady days of the Bauhaus movement in the Weimar Republic of Germany. As the dark tide of Nazism washes over the land, the lovers face dangers unimaginable, learning that art alone can sustain and save them - and bear witness for the generations. Phenomenal’ Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Mitford Affair and coauthor of The Personal Librarian ‘Like the portrait of the Viking at the heart of her story, Sarah Freethy's The Porcelain Maker exists on two levels: on the surface, a story about a woman's search for the truth about her parentage, tracing the forgotten by the objects they left behind, and, beneath it, a heartbreaking story of beauty in the midst of brutality and love in an age of hate as two young artists fight to stay alive and together amid the horrors of Nazi rule in 1940s Germany. A story that will move and surprise you - and leave you reaching for the tissue box as the final details unfold’ Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of Band of Sisters and the upcoming Two Wars and a Wedding 'Once I started reading The Porcelain Maker, I didn't want to stop . . . Freethy is brilliant as she weaves two time periods effortlessly into a page-turning journey to uncover a past of heroism, betrayal, love, and loss' Heather Morris, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Three Sisters ‘A standout novel of heartbreak, survival and hope in time of war. Gripping, beautifully written, The Porcelain Maker is destined to be a huge bestseller’ Rachel Hore, Sunday Times bestselling author of One Moonlit Night and A Beautiful Spy 'Sarah Freethy’s The Porcelain Maker is a compelling historical novel . . . Freethy deftly moves between two timelines, one which follows the woman’s search in the 1990s, and the other which tells the story of her mother, a visual artist in Germany in the 1930s. At the center of both stories lies a porcelain factory at Dachau and the delicate pieces which were produced there. Freethy’s wonderful details enrichen the narrative, allowing the characters and the artwork to come alive as the mystery is finally solved. A riveting and immersive novel, at the intersection of art and war' Laura Spence-Ash, bestselling author of Beyond That, The Sea 'As detailed, delicate, beautiful, and brutal as the hidden porcelain Sarah Freethy conjures, this heart-rending debut intertwines real history and characters both noble and endearing into a story to live in, learn from, and love' Meg Waite Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Postmistress of Paris ‘A searing and propulsive novel about bravery and betrayal, love and art. I was pulled into the story and swept along until the very end’ Claire Fuller, bestselling author of Bitter Orange 'With its well-researched plot, engaging characters, and dramatic twists, Freethy’s debut works as both a World War II love story and a testament to the ability of art to speak truth to power. Readers of Heather Morris and Kelly Rimmer will be captivated' Booklist ‘Sweeping and suspenseful, Sarah Freethy’s The Porcelain Maker tells a poignant story of love between two extraordinary individuals who meet in 1929 as Germany teeters on the brink of monumental change. Interweaving past events and long-buried secrets with a daughter’s search for the truth in the present, lifetimes of love, heartbreak and unthinkable decisions are related in page-turning style . . . Richly detailed on the art of porcelain making, and shot-through with emotion as dreadful experiences and secrets are revealed, The Porcelain Maker is a vivid, tense, suspenseful read’ LoveReading.co.uk

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Book SynopsisA heartbreaking World War II novel of one mother's search for her daughter against all odds.Trade ReviewA profound and engaging story-Landau writes of the endurance of parental love in the face of Nazi occupation and terror, of finding those who were lost. I loved it. -- Paulette Jiles, author of National Book Award finalist News of the WorldWith poetic, mesmerizing prose, Alexis Landau creates a heartrending story of the unbreakable bond of maternal love. Those Who Are Saved brings to life a moment in history when all that is familiar disappears and every choice is potentially tragic. This gripping and compassionate novel continues to haunt me. -- Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of And After the Fire, recipient of the National Jewish Book AwardSuch subtle and skilful writing, so evocative of the Second World War and the period following. We are drawn deep into the story of a mother who, escaping to America, had no choice but to leave her daughter behind in the heart of Nazi-occupied France. Absolutely haunting. -- Frances Liardet, New York Times bestselling author of We Must Be BraveThose Who Are Saved is an achingly beautiful epoch about love's endurance. I was hooked from the start by the chance meeting of Sasha and Vera who are driven by creative energies to remake their fractured worlds. This tense journey encompasses exile from Eastern to Western Europe, then across the ocean to the glittering promise of Hollywood, only to be haunted by whispers of what was left behind. Alexis Landau is an amazing storyteller and her novel will whisper to you long after you finish -- Devin Murphy, author of The Boat RunnerThose Who Are Saved is a gorgeously written, emotional novel about the unshakable bonds of mothers and daughters, even in the darkest times. Spanning characters and continents during WWII, Alexis Landau's vividly drawn book swept me up into the lives of Vera, Sasha, and Lucie. An unforgettable story of heartbreak, but ultimately of hope, resilience, and love - I could not put this book down! -- Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of In Another Time and Half Life

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Book Synopsis1918. Fleeing from her past, Cathy Carmichael is new to the Sixteen Streets. She has nothing to her name, no plan and nowhere to go.Cathy thinks she''s struck gold when she runs into Mrs Sturrocks, an elderly lady who offers her a room at her boarding house. Her son, Noel, might be strange and sulky, but he gives her a job at the Robin Hood pub and before long, Cathy is thriving as the new barmaid. The Sixteen Streets was only meant to be a temporary stop for Cathy... but could it become home instead?

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming and gripping new saga series from the author of The Bobby Girls''A heartwarming story of women discovering their inner strength. . . I couldn''t put it down'' Vicki Beeby, author of A New Start for the Wrens***Their country needs them. They need each other.August, 1940. The war is raging in Europe, but on the home front conflict still seems far away.Dot, living with her mother-in-law and dreading the day that her thuggish husband comes home on leave, is fighting her own battle to contribute to the war effort. Peggy has found confidence as an Air Raid Precaution Warden, despite the jeers of the men she works with - but beneath her pluck she fears for her close-knit family, scattered by the war. And glamorous Vivian, the former debutante, is running away from her own heart and into danger as a volunteer ambulance driver.Then the bombs begin to fall over London, and al

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Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost comes a sweeping and achingly romantic story of the course of fate, the meaning of family and the power of love. . . Genoa, Italy, 1946. Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love the moment they set eyes on each other. The son of a count and the daughter of a tailor, they belong to opposing worlds - but the undeniable spark between them quickly burns into a deep and passionate relationship, played out against their post-war city, and Vincenzo''s family''s beautiful vineyard. But when shifts in political power force them each to choose a side and commit what the other believes is a betrayal, the bright future they dreamed of together is shattered.New York, 2017. Cassandra and Luca are in love. Although neither quite fits with the other''s family, Cass and Luca have always felt like a perfect match for each other. But when Luca, an artist, convinces his grandfather and Cass''s g

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Book SynopsisA sweeping and heartbreaking novel based on a true story, following the ordinary women who worked on the Manhattan Project.

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Book SynopsisThe uplifting story of three struggling mothers pulling together in the heart of WWII, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Nancy Revell and Call the MidwifeThree mothers. Three very different backgrounds. And a bond they will never forget . . .________The Lake District, 1944. Spring is in the air for the women at Mary Vale Mother and Baby Home.Beautiful Stella, the head-turning cook of a munitions factory, has been swept off her feet by a handsome GI. He proposes when she falls pregnant, but soon his letters stop arriving . . .Then there is Lillian, who is deeply unimpressed when she is conscripted as a Land Girl miles from her home, but then she meets a charming, married vet . . .Meanwhile, midwife Ada is getting used to being back at work after the birth of her own beautiful baby girl. But she faces the biggest challenge of her life when the home is engulfed in an outbreak of whTrade ReviewPraise for Daisy Styles * - *Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read * Kate Thompson, bestselling author of, Secrets of the Home Front Girls *A cracking story with truly endearing characters * Annie Murray, bestselling author of, Now The War Is Over *This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful! * Fiona Ford, author of, The Liberty Girls *

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Book Synopsis*FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE NIGHTINGALE GIRLS, DONNA DOUGLAS*Spring, 1941. The families of Jubilee Row are still reeling from the loss of one of their own, and as the Blitz on Hull intensifies, it seems as if there will be more tragedies to come. As the street braces itself, Iris Fletcher returns home from the hospital, where she has been recovering after the death of her best friend and youngest child. But Iris has no time to mourn - devastated by the loss of their little sister, Archie and Kitty desperately need their mother.Meanwhile, Edie Copeland is besotted with her infant son. Being a single mother is hard, but Edie finds support in the form of Jack Maguire who, like Edie, is raising his boys alone. As the pair grow closer, Edie begins to wonder whether they could ever be anything more than friends. Capable mum, Ruby Maguire takes charge as usual, bolstering spirits and lending a hand, as well as tr

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Book SynopsisA heartbreaking story of wartime love, loss and courage, from No.1 Sunday Times bestseller and queen of saga, Maureen Lee.Liverpool, 1937. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Jessica endures her husband''s petty cruelty for the sake of her two young children. Her only escape is the local cinema, where she can lose herself for an hour or two in the glamour and passion of the silver screen. But when she is offered a glass of champagne in a Liverpool hotel - and with it, the thrill of her own romance - her quiet life is shattered forever. When her husband uncovers the truth, he is ruthless in his revenge. Left without a home, and separated from her beloved children, Jessica is alone and desperate. But as the storms of war begin to gather, there are others in even greater need. Attempting to help a friend and her children escape from France, Jessica finds herself stranded in Paris under German occupation. To care for her new family in this darkest hour, she must find a courage she never knew she possessed...*Previously published as Au Revoir, Liverpool*Trade ReviewYou'll be totally gripped by this wonderful tale - WOMAN'S OWNWith her talent for storytelling, queen of saga-writing Maureen Lee weaves intrigue, love and warmth into every page - MY WEEKLYBig on drama and there's enough excitement packed into these pages to last a lifetime - NOW MAGAZINE

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Book SynopsisA heart-warming tale set in Liverpool and London during the post-war years, from bestselling author Maureen Lee''Queen of saga writing'' My WeeklyLiverpool, 1945. Three women, firm friends, return home from the war and try to fit back into their old lives after they''ve been demobbed. They''ve been thrown together by the war, and have shared all sorts of good and bad times. Now their old lives seem dull in comparison. But not for long...The younger women, Maggie and Nell, are both twenty-one and are full of hope and excitement; Iris, on the other hand, is feeling apprehensive about returning to civilian life. At the age of thirty, her only wish in life is to have a baby, but sadly this wish has yet to come true.When one of the women falls pregnant, there begins a dramatic sequence of events so far-reaching that the three friends'' lives will become more intricately interwoven than they could ever have imagined. Over the next quarter of a cenTrade ReviewWith her talent for storytelling, queen of saga-writing Maureen Lee weaves intrigue, love and warmth into every page * MY WEEKLY *Maureen Lee has helped put Liverpool-set literature on the map * LIVERPOOL ECHO *Maureen Lee is one of those hugely talented authors who writes great women for women readers. Her books don't just have one heroine, they have several * DAILY RECORD *An excellent novel which runs along at a cracking pace [...] You won't want to put this book down. * TELEGRAPH & ARGUS *

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Book SynopsisSeparated by war and each believing the other dead, a couple meet again decades later...Trade ReviewThis beautifully written, heart-rending, evocative novel explores the power of first love and the resilience of the human spirit. * Life & Living *'The reader is taken back to an age of innocence in pre-war Prague as the young couple fall in love. In Richman's fourth novel, the use of language is highly imaginative.' * The Daily Telegraph *The Sophie's Choice of this generation. * John Lescroart, New York Times bestselling author *'If you're a fan of Paulina Simon's The Bronze Horseman trilogy, this is right up your alley. Have the tissues near as the story of how they come to find one another again unfolds.' * GRAZIA *A lyrical tale of the ravages of war, lost and the human quest for redemption. * The Good Book Guide *Tragedy and hope, love and loss, and the strength to endure are expressed through Richman's graceful writing and powerful characters, many based on actual Holocaust victims and survivors. * Booklist *Heart-wrenching . . . a genuinely moving portrait. * Publisher's Weekly *Daringly constructed . . . Richman writes with the clarity and softness of freshly-fallen snow. * Loring Mandel, Emmy winning playwright *Begins with a chilling revelation and had me hooked throughout. A love story wrapped in tragedy and survival, I read THE LOST WIFE in one sitting. Tense, emotional and fulfilling: a great achievement by Alyson Richman. * Martin Fletcher, Special Correspondent NBC News, Winner of the Jewish National Book Award *This is one of those rare books that will stay in my imagination for a long time. * New Books *

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Book SynopsisPre-order Victory for Ambridge, the brilliant new novel in The Archers series, coming in paperback in Spring 2025.‘Intriguing, comforting and endearingly familiar’ Katie Fforde ‘The BBC’s most downloaded radio show’ The Guardian‘Incredible legacy’ ​The BBC ‘Longest running drama in the world’ The i News 'a gripping plot full of love affairs, deceit, loss and more' Radio TimesIn celebration of the 70th anniversary of The Archers hitting the radio waves.  It’s 1940 and war has broken out. It is midnight at the turn of the year, and Walter Gabriel speaks the same line that opened the very first radio episode –  'And a Happy New Year to you all!' For Ambridge, a village in the heart of the English countryside, this year will bring change in ways no one was expecting.Trade Review‘Intriguing, comforting and endearingly familiar’ Katie Fforde ‘The opening words of the first radio episode of The Archers 70 years ago set the scene for a novel that takes readers back to before the much-loved “everyday story of country folk” began . . . Nostalgia for avid listeners with long memories’ Choice ‘In this new novel celebrating the 70th anniversary of the beloved radio show, we follow the lives of the families of Ambridge before it all began . . . families that listeners have known and loved for generations face an uphill battle to keep their secrets hidden’ Countryside ‘An inventive cosy crime prequel to the “everyday story of country folk”, first aired 70 years ago . . . a good novel tautly constructed and often laugh-aloud funny’ The Times ‘You don’t need to be a fan of The Archers to enjoy this . . . It’s a comfort blanket of a book with a rich vein of spicy intrigue’ Woman

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Book SynopsisA moving and nostalgic saga from Pam Evans, set in London during the Second World War. Perfect for readers of Katie Flynn, Kitty Neale and Dilly Court.It is autumn 1940 and, as the bombs drop on London, a close-knit community struggles to survive. Working at the local post office, Bessie Green does her best to keep her customers'' spirits up, but when she receives a telegram addressed to her parents, there''s nothing she can do to prevent the heartache that lies ahead. Then Bessie hears that eleven-year-old Daisy Mason has been orphaned in a blast, and she''s sure that taking Daisy into their home is just what her parents need to help them overcome their grief. At first, Daisy won''t settle, then her handsome brother Josh comes back on leave and things look up for all of them. But the war brings further challenges for Bessie and her friends - with more hearts broken and loved-ones lost - before they can dare to dream of a brighter future...Trade ReviewPraise for Pam Evans' well-loved family sagas:A touching novel * Daily Express *An unforgettable tale of life during the war * Our Time *Nostalgia, heartbreak, danger and war: all the ingredients of an engrossing novel * Bolton News *There's a special kind of warmth that shines through the characters * Lancashire Evening Post *This book touched me very, very much. It's lovely * North Wales Chronicle *

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Book Synopsis Inspired by the real-life escape of thousands of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe on the Kindertransport trains to London.Prague 1939. Young mother Eva has a secret from her past. When the Nazis invade, Eva knows the only way to keep her daughter Miriam safe is to send her away - even if it means never seeing her again. But when Eva is taken to a concentration camp, her secret is at risk of being exposed.In London, Pamela volunteers to help find places for the Jewish children arrived from Europe. Befriending one unclaimed little girl, Pamela brings her home. It is only when her young son enlists in the RAF that Pamela realizes how easily her own world could come crashing down.For readers of Heather Morris''sThe Tattooist of Auschwitz, Edith Eger''s The Choice and Martha Hall Kelly''sLilac Girls.

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Book SynopsisIn her nostalgic and heart-warming saga, Sunday Times bestselling author Lyn Andrews evokes the ups and downs of life in the back streets of 1930s Liverpool''An outstanding storyteller'' Woman''s WeeklyLiverpool, 1935. Monica and Joan Copperfield are firm friends. Monica dreams of a better life as a hairdresser - though her parents are suspicious of such a glamorous profession. Joan has her eye on a job at Crawford''s biscuit factory, with cheap chocolate biscuits as an irresistible perk.When Monica catches the eye of her boss''s son, she''s flattered. But could he ever be serious about a back-street girl? Meanwhile Glaswegian Jim is keen on Joan - but she''s grown up around a bad marriage, and is suspicious of romance. Yet Jim''s kindness and sense of humour are hard to resist . . . Shocking secrets, lifelong friendships and the unbreakable spirit of a working-class community facing war are woven irresistibly together in Lyn AndrTrade ReviewReaders love THE GIRLS FROM MERSEY VIEW!***** 'Loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. Have read all her books' * Amazon review ****** 'I listened to this via Audible and totally loved it. A heartwarming saga set in Liverpool in the 1930's' * Goodreads ****** 'Love Lyn Andrews books and this one didn't let me down' * Amazon review *My favourite author . . . Have been waiting patiently for another book!' * Facebook ****** 'Great . . . Love it' * Amazon review *PRAISE FOR LYN ANDREWSAn outstanding storyteller * Woman’s Weekly *The Catherine Cookson of Liverpool * Northern Echo *She has a realism that is almost palpable * Liverpool Echo *Gutsy... A vivid picture of a hard-up, hard-working community...will keep the pages turning * Daily Express *'A compelling read' * Woman's Own *A vivid portrayal of life * Best *An indisputably gifted storyteller . . . warm-hearted and poignant * Historical Novels Review *'Plenty of realism and if you enjoy wartime sagas this one will please' * Nottingham Evening Post *A page-turning and beautifully written novel * Irish World *'The portrayal of such a strong female character should serve as an inspiration' * South Wales Argus *

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Book SynopsisThe classic novel of the London Blitz, DARKNESS FALLS FROM THE AIR captures the chaos, absurdity and ultimately the tragedy of life during the bombardment.Featured on BACKLISTED podcastBill Sarratt is a civil servant working on the war effort. Thwarted at every turn by bureaucracy and the vested interests of big business, the seemingly unflappable Bill is also on the verge of losing his wife Marcia to a literary poseur named Stephen. As the bombs continue to fall, Bill must decide whether he his willing to compromise his principles and prevent his life from crumbling before his very eyes.Trade ReviewOne of the hopes of British novel-writing . . . A writer of genius -- John BetjemanThe missing writer of the Forties . . . Balchin's professional skill gives a meaning to brilliance which the word doesn't usually possess -- Clive James * NEW REVIEW *[An] inexplicably neglected author * THE TIMES *Balchin writes about timeless things, the places in the heart -- Ruth Rendell * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *Balchin has been absurdly overlooked for too long -- Julian FellowesI'd place him up there with Graham Greene -- Philippa GregoryDarkness Falls from the Air [has] the most perfect ending of any story I've ever read -- Patrick McGrathA remarkable storyteller * DAILY MAIL *A brilliant novelist . . . A writer of real skill * NEW STATESMAN *He tells a story gloriously * DAILY TELEGRAPH *Balchin has the rare magnetic power that draws the human eye from one sentence to the next * EVENING STANDARD *Probably no other novelist of Mr. Balchin's value is so eminently and enjoyably readable . . . [He] never lets the reader down -- Elizabeth Bowen * TATLER *Balchin has done so much to raise the standard of the popular novel * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *A superb storyteller * SUNDAY TIMES *Balchin can tell an exciting story as well as any novelist alive * SUNDAY CHRONICLE *The novelist of men at work * GUARDIAN *Mr. Balchin is a writer of such considerable and varied gifts . . . He is certainly one of the most intelligent novelists * TIME AND TIDE *He can always be relied on to give us the set-up magnificently * BBC *A little masterpiece like Nigel Balchin's The Small Back Room speaks to our own time, but with so much literary experience behind it -- Shirley HazzardOne of the best writers, and certainly one of the best stylists, to come out of the war years -- Michael PowellPerhaps the most successful British author to emerge during the war * SATURDAY EVENING POST *

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Book SynopsisIn the chaos of World War II, Polish teenagers Helena and Luzyna Grabowski have lost everything. Without parents or a home, they are shipped to a refugee camp in Persia, where the days ahead hold only darkness. When they hear that orphans are being selected for relocation to New Zealand, Helena is filled with hope—until the officials say they have a place only for her younger sister. On the morning she is to be transported, Luzyna fails to join the chosen group, and Helena takes her place. But the horrors of war—and her guilt at abandoning her sister—follow Helena on the journey across the sea, as a man from her past preys on her fear and remorse. Though the people in New Zealand embrace her, the traumas Helena has suffered threaten her peace and blind her to the devotion of James, a charming, heroic young Allied pilot. If Helena can let go and dare to hope again, she may finally step out of the long shadow of her past to find a future made whole—a new community, a new family, a new love.

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Book SynopsisChris Kraus’ The Bastard Factory tells the story of an entire epoch: a drama of betrayal and self-delusion spanning the years 1905 to 1975, taking us from Riga to Moscow, Berlin and Munich all the way to Tel Aviv.Hubert and Konstantin Solm are brothers, born in Riga at the beginning of the twentieth century. They will find themselves – along with their Jewish adopted sister, Ev Solm – caught up in in the maelstrom of their changing times.As the two brothers climb the rungs of society – working first for the government in Nazi Germany, then as agents for the Allied Forces, and eventually becoming spies for the young West Germany – Ev will be their constant companion, and eventually a lover to them both. The passionate love triangle that emerges will propel the characters to terrifying moral and political depths.The story of the Solms is also the story of twentieth-century Germany: the decline of an old world and the rise of a new one – under new auspices but with the same familiar protagonists.Translated from the German by Ruth Martin

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Book SynopsisA moving and emotional family drama set between France and Britain from bestselling author, Mary Wood. They would fight for their country, at all costs . . .When Sibbie and Marjie arrive at RAF Digby, they are about to take on roles of national importance. It’s a cause of great excitement for everyone around them. Perhaps they will become code-breakers, spies even? Soon the pair embark on a rigorous training regime, but nothing can prepare them for what they’re about to face . . .Amid the vineyards of rural France, Flora and Ella can’t bear the thought of another war. But as the thunderclouds grow darker, hanging over Europe, a sense of deep foreboding sets in, not just for their safety but for the fate of their families . . . With danger looming, as the threat of war becomes real, Flora and Ella are forced to leave their idyllic home and flee. Can they make it to safety, or will the war have further horrors in store for them?The Brave Daughters is the fourth book in the Girls Who Went to War series by Mary Wood.Trade ReviewWood is a born storyteller * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisThe masterpiece of one of the most important and overlooked British women writers of the twentieth century, with a new introduction by Melissa Harrison; 'Isabel Colegate has no rival' (The Times) 'If you are curious as to why Britain is still ruled by a tiny cadre of not-very-introspective aristo-capitalists, Orlando King is essential reading’ Sunday Times ‘Colegate’s sharp-eyed trilogy about a young man on the make in 1930s London feels particularly resonant right now, given its acute take on male privilege and power’ i paper, Summer Reading Picks 2020 'An extraordinary achievement' Frances Wilson, Times Literary Supplement, Summer Reading Picks 2020 Orlando King is a trilogy about a beautiful young man, raised in a remote and eccentric wilderness, arriving in 1930s London and setting the world of politics ablaze. In a time of bread riots and hunger marches, with the spectre of Fascism casting an ever lengthening shadow over Europe, Orlando glidingly cuts a swathe through the thickets of business, the corridors of politics, the pleasure gardens of the Cliveden set, acquiring wealth, adulation, a beautiful wife, and a seat in Parliament. But the advent of war brings with it Orlando’s downfall; and his daughter Agatha, cloistered with him in his banishment, is left to pick through the rubble of his smoking, ruined legacy. Elegant and muscular, powerful and razor-sharp, Orlando King is a bildungsroman, Greek tragedy and political saga all in one; a glittering exorcism of the inter-war generation’s demons to rival the work of Evelyn Waugh and Muriel Spark.Trade ReviewA joy to read * Sunday Times on Orlando King *Colegate’s novels offer readers clear-eyed, illuminating windows onto this now bygone world ... Colegate has no equal ... In shining a light on the past, Colegate also illuminates the present * Paris Review *With impeccable timing, Bloomsbury have republished, in a single volume, Isabel Colegate’s Orlando trilogy ... When I read them as a teenager I had only the thinnest understanding of the rise of fascism or the work of Sophocles and no idea how extraordinary Colegate’s achievement was. -- Frances Wilson * Times Literary Supplement *It will be intriguing to reclaim a writer who was esteemed in the 1980s but who has largely fallen out of print -- Hilary Mantel * Times Literary Supplement *Colegate’s sharp-eyed trilogy about a young man on the make in 1930s London feels particularly resonant right now, given its acute take on male privilege and power * i paper, Summer Reading Picks 2020 *Miss Colegate has before proved herself not only precise in her evocation of periods but also gifted with that sympathy that makes hindsight genuinely more rewarding than topical observation … There is hardly a sentence to fault, or a snatch of dialogue to improve on * Times Literary Supplement on Orlando King *She should be a household name -- Eleanor CattonIt makes a direct impact because it is a succession of clear pictures or striking statements; it has sharply outlined characters, definite situations, dramatic pauses; and its story line leads through a tangle of incidents to a climax that has the weight of inevitability * New York Times on Orlando King *Colegate's instinctive feel for the values and obsessions of the upper echelons of English, society is heightened by the ironic distance she inserts between herself and her conservative yet eccentric cast of characters, the end result has the unstoppable momentum of an upper crust potboiler * Irish Times on Orlando King *Colegate's prose is flowing and unpretentious. She tells an excellent tale * Daily Telegraph on The Blackmailer *Combine the slightly offbeat sensibility of Muriel Spark with the milieu of an Iris Murdoch novel and you’ll have something of an idea about this witty tale -- Lucy Scholes * BBC Culture on The Blackmailer *Subtle and graceful … Miss Colegate is beautifully precise and invests that sticky feverish time with just the right mixture of doomed fun, melancholy and faintly lascivious despair * Observer on Statues in a Garden *She writes so gracefully and with such skill that her “private fable” acquires a truly fabulous quality * Times Literary Supplement on Statues in a Garden *Miss Colegate has found a perfect metaphor for the passing of a way of life * Spectator on The Shooting Party *Poised, wry, lovable, informative … An utterly complete rendering of a way of life * Gail Godwin on The Shooting Party *A beautifully crafted novel, remarkably visual and evocative. The characters are caught in stunning images and tableaux that convey the essence of their natures, the sweep of their emotions * Washington Post on The Shooting Party *A lovely piece of writing, in which subtlety, irony, and close observation abound -- Larry McMurtry on The Shooting PartyStylish, funny, as vivid and brilliant as a painting on glass * Daily Telegraph on The Shooting Party *Threads of romance, social comment, country lore and intrigue both above and below stairs are cunningly worked together to create a brilliant tapestry … I have seldom enjoyed a book so much * Sunday Telegraph on The Shooting Party *Remarkable … I can think of no work of fiction that brings [this period] to life so fully and subtly * Washington Post on The Shooting Party *‘Isabel Colegate is not afraid of ideas nor of using fiction to express them … In this rich and fascinating book, someone is hiding something - possibly everyone is. Time itself obscures the truth. Can the past be known? Or is what we call history the best of recollection, not absolute but consensual, and always subject to interpretation? * LA Times on Deceits of Time *A sonorous and muted masterpiece * The Times on Winter Journey *

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Book Synopsis‘This book’s power lies in its depiction of civilians trying to lead ordinary lives during the horror of war . . . It is shattering stuff, but Rothmann is tender towards his characters and this book is as memorable as his last.’ - The Times, ‘Historical Fiction Book of the Month’As the Second World War enters its final stages, millions in Germany are forced from their homes by bombing, compelled to seek shelter in the countryside where there are barely the resources to feed them.Twelve-year-old Luisa, her mother, and her older sister Billie have escaped the devastation of the city for the relative safety of a dairy farm. But even here the power struggles of the war play out: the family depend on the goodwill of Luisa’s brother-in-law, an SS officer, who in expectation of payment turns his attention away from his wife and towards Billie. Luisa immerses herself in books, but even she notices the Allied bombers flying east above them, the gauntness of the prisoners at the camp nearby, the disappearance of fresh-faced boys from the milk shed – hastily shipped off to a war that’s already lost.Living on the farm teaches Luisa about life and death, but it’s man’s capacity for violence that provides the ultimate lesson, that robs her of her innocent ignorance. When, at a birthday celebration, her worst fears are realized, Luisa collapses under the weight of the inexplicable.Ralf Rothmann’s previous novel, To Die in Spring, described the horror of war and the damage done on the battlefield. The God of that Summer tells the devastating story of civilians caught up in the chaos of defeat, of events that might lead a twelve-year-old child to justifiably say: ‘I have experienced everything.’Trade Review‘This book's power lies in its depiction of civilians trying to lead ordinary lives during the horror of war... It is shattering stuff, but Rothmann is tender towards his characters and this book is as memorable as his last.’ * The Times *

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Book SynopsisInspired by the true story of Bethnall Green Library.When the Blitz threatens the heart of a London neighbourhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to keep their community together in this heartwarming novel from the author of The Kitchen Front and The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle.On the day Juliet Lansdown reports to work for the first time at Bethnal Green Library, it isn’t the bustling hub she’s been expecting. But, in the face of German attacks, she’s intent on making it a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, too, though she’s only there until she heads off to university in autumn. But, after the death of her sweetheart on the front line and some unexpected family strife, she’s more in need of support herself.Sofie Baumann, a Jewish refugee without any family to lean on, finds comfort and friendship in Bethnal Green&rsquo

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Book Synopsis‘The evening the men came I fled through the garden gate…’The Netherlands, World War IIWhen the Nazis invade the Netherlands in May 1940 it's clear that life is changing for the girl and her family. Step by step, the Nazis close in on the Dutch Jews. But when the authorities finally come to the family home a split decision will have devastating consequences.Marga Minco’s autobiographical novel Bitter Herbs is a Dutch classic that has been translated into more than fifteen languages. This deceptively simple and profoundly moving tale is now reissued with a new translation by Jeannette K Ringold.Trade ReviewThe family’s incorrigible optimism enhances the nightmarish effect of this impressive little book. Moving and memorable. * The Times Literary Supplement *The simplicity and complete naiveté of Marga Minco’s account sharpen the impression it makes. * The Jewish Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisTHE FINAL NOVEL IN THE **BESTSELLING** SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES!January 1945. Spring is in the air. And so is victory.Wedding bells are ringing at long last for Gloria and her soon-to-be husband Jack. But she can't rest until her youngest son is safely home.Head welder Rosie is delighted her own husband has returned from enemy territory. But the promise of victory brings more change... Her squad has come so far - what will happen when the war ends?Meanwhile Helen is caught between two men - but must hide her true feelings from the one she loves. Can her fellow women welders help Helen follow her heart?Only by working together will the Shipyard Girls win the day!______________________________Praise for Nancy Revell:'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

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Book SynopsisBeing a railway girl isn't always easy but together, they can overcome every challenge that stands in their way...___________________Manchester, 1942 A new year brings new hope for the railway girls. Alison's romance with the charming Dr Maitland is blossoming, but then she is posted away from Manchester. Working in a canteen isn't part of her plan, nor is meeting her beau's old girlfriend - one who just happens to want him back. Margaret is supportive of her friend's new relationship until she realises exactly who he is. Torn between keeping her secret and warning Alison, she turns to Joan for help. Working in Lost Property wouldn't be Joan's first choice of job, but with a baby on the way she knows she can't continue being a station porter. As she looks to the future, can she put the troubles of her past behind her?'The characters are fresh and stand out from the page, there is tension, pathos and heartbreak, but more than that, there is joy...' FROST MagazineReaders LOVE the Railway Girls:'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down''I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!''Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester''Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart''It's just like catching up with old friends'

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Book SynopsisThirty-something Parisian artist Billie is working towards her next exhibition when she receives the news that her mother, with whom she has had no contact for years, has drowned in the river near her nursing home. In an attempt to understand the circumstances of her death, she returns to V, the village where she grew up in the parched, sun-drenched hills above the Mediterranean. When she arrives there, Billie finds herself reliving memories of another river drowning, 20 years earlier, memories she had tried to obliterate. What happened to Billie's dear friend Lila back then, at the age of 16, and why is Billie stalked by guilt? Sunlight Hours paints a picture of three generations of women, united by the secrets of a river.

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Book SynopsisAs the bombs rain down on the city, Belfast's first ever female zookeeper must fight to save the baby elephant in her charge in this gripping, uplifting tale based on a true story.1941. With the men away fighting, animal-lover Hettie Quin is made Belfast Zoo's first ever female zookeeper. She is put in charge of Violet, a three-year-old Indian elephant, and they soon form a special bond. With Violet at her side, Hettie can almost escape the grim reality of her life: the father who has abandoned her family; the sister who recently died; the war that's raging hundreds of miles away.But the devastation of war is closer than she thought. When the bombs begin to rain down on the city, Hettie must gather all her courage to protect those she loves the most. Can she save Violet - and get through unscathed herself?Based on a true story, The Zookeeper of Belfast is a gripping and uplifting tribute to what one woman's courage and tenacity can achieve in the most dire of circumstances - perfect for fans of Heather Morris, Natasha Lester, Kate Furnivall, Mandy Robotham and Fiona Valpy.Praise for THE ZOOKEEPER OF BELFAST:'Walsh delivers a turbulent portrait of life in a divided city . . . A unique perspective of a country at war and the lengths people will go for those they love.' - Kirkus Reviews'Sensitively rendered and finely drawn, this remarkable story, based on true events, is both uplifting and heartbreaking.' - Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train'Walsh has written a novel of deep affection and knife-edge suspense. A brilliant debut.' - Margot Livesey, author of The Boy in The Field'An elephant, a young zookeeper, the city of Belfast, bombings, and an IRA member are the improbable characters in this captivating and intimately felt novel that tells the story of a young woman's uncommon devotion and courage under fire.' - Lily Tuck, author of Sisters'A zoo in wartime Belfast and a young woman's fierce love for the elephant in her care come vividly to life in this beautiful, beguiling, and atmospheric debut novel.' - Dominic Smith, author of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos'Cinematic in scope and brimming with emotion, this is a soaring work of historical imagination.' - Karen Olsson, author of All the Houses'Walsh's lovely debut spins this historical sliver into a vivid novel of redemption and mutual care' NYT Book Review'Based on real events, this engrossing novel takes place a year into the Second World War. A three-year-old elephant named Violet arrives at Belfast's Bellevue Zoo, where Hettie Quin, a young zookeeper mourning the recent death of a sister, finds purpose and solace in caring for her' The New YorkerThe Elephant of Belfast is deeply emotive . . . Action is heart-pounding; the imagery vivid; the message universal: connections and friendships among living creatures, both animal and human, offer solace, support, and strength in the darkest times' Historical Novels ReviewTrade ReviewWalsh delivers a turbulent portrait of life in a divided city . . . A unique perspective of a country at war and the lengths people will go for those they love. * Kirkus Reviews *The Zookeeper of Belfast boasts not one but two dauntless heroines: Hettie, a young Irish zookeeper and Violet, a young Indian elephant. From their first meeting, Hettie is determined to protect Violet and as dangers mount, we cannot help cheering on her devotion and her resourcefulness. Walsh has written a novel of deep affection and knife-edge suspense. A brilliant debut. * Margot Livesey, author of The Boy in The Field *Sensitively rendered and finely drawn, this remarkable story, based on true events, is both uplifting and heartbreaking. * Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train and The Exiles *The Zookeeper of Belfast is a lovely book about a fascinating piece of history, and its two heroines--animal and human--are enthralling and beautifully drawn. S. Kirk Walsh writes wonderfully about heartbreak both personal and historic. * Elizabeth McCracken, author of Bowlaway *The Zookeeper of Belfast knocked me flat and picked me up, not just once but many times over the course of S. Kirk Walsh's deeply satisfying telling. There's so much life in these pages, life as well as death - we're in wartime Belfast, dear reader, and the Luftwaffe is dropping bombs - that I couldn't help but feel changed by the end, experienced. Only the best novels do that, and the very fine Elephant of Belfast belongs in that rank. * Ben Fountain author of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk *An elephant, a young zookeeper, the city of Belfast, bombings, and an IRA member are the improbable characters in this captivating and intimately felt novel that tells the story of a young woman's uncommon devotion and courage under fire. * Lily Tuck, author of Sisters and The Double Life of Liliane *A zoo in wartime Belfast and a young woman's fierce love for the elephant in her care come vividly to life in this beautiful, beguiling, and atmospheric debut novel. * Dominic Smith, author of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos *Cinematic in scope and brimming with emotion, The Zookeeper of Belfast imagines the life of a young woman zookeeper who, in the wake of family tragedy, develops a strong bond with an Asian elephant under her care. S. Kirk Walsh delivers a powerful depiction of the devastations of the Belfast Blitz, even as she poignantly renders her heroine's coming of age and sexual awakening. With a tender portrait of one woman's persistence at its heart, this is a soaring work of historical imagination. * Karen Olsson, author of The Weil Conjectures and All the Houses *In S. Kirk Walsh's hands, the city of Belfast, its zoo, and the creatures who resided there during the Belfast Blitz, come vividly and brilliantly alive. The Zookeeper of Belfast is impeccably researched and thrillingly suspenseful. I churned through the pages, anxious to know what became of Hettie Quin and Violet, the elephant in her charge: a heartbreaking animal heroine to rival Tarka the otter and the rabbits of Watership Down. * Louisa Hall, author of Trinity & Speak *

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE SWEDISH ACADEMY'S NORDIC PRIZE 2023'A book like a blade of light, searching out and illuminating the darkest corners of history . . . It's vivid, unputdownable, alive, and written with unerring artfulness and subtlety.' Neel MukherjeeGunnar Kampen grows up in Reykjavík during the Second World War in a household fiercely opposed to Hitler and Nazism. A caring brother and son, at nineteen he seems set to lead a conventional life. Yet in the spring of 1958, he founds a covert, anti-Semitic nationalist party with ties to a burgeoning international network of neo-Nazis - a cause that will take him on a clandestine mission to England from which he never returns.In this striking novel, inspired by one of the ringleaders of an Icelandic neo-Nazi group formed in the late 1950s, Sjón masterfully constructs the portrait of an ordinary young man who becomes a right-wing zealot. Exposing the roots of the far-right movements of today, Red Milk is a timely reminder that the seeds of extremism can be hard to detect and the allure of fascism remains dangerously potent.Trade ReviewSjón's policy of omission-of drama, psychology, violence, grandeur of any kind-results in a delicious tension. He tempts us to expect so much of the novel, and though he never provides the relief of clean culminations, he manages to keep the reader wanting. * Asymptote Journal *A slim forensic novel to strike a chill. * Saga *Sjón's prose is appropriately sharp and precise, illuminating the murky corners of his topic. -- Pippa Bailey * New Statesman *This is a landscape proper to a child's imagination, dreamlike but solid, with all the pronounced lucidity and wild agency that objects and colors assume . . . Sjón makes us think again about what empathy can - and frequently enough simply can't - achieve. -- Erica Banks * 4Columns *Like Iceland itself, Sjón's books are simultaneously tiny and huge, weird and normal, ancient and modern. Reading them feels like listening to that story of the beached whale: a wild invention that is actually a straight-faced confession. His books dance - with light, quick steps, never breaking eye contact - all over the line between the mythic and the mundane. -- Sam Anderson * New York Times *What Sjón leaves out of his work is as powerful as what he puts in. His fiction never seems to break into a sweat, yet it takes you a long, long way. * David Mitchell *The chapters move like the prose equivalent of flip-book images, quick and evocative . . . Sjón's story, based on research into a real-life band of Icelandic neo-Nazis, dovetails nicely with current preoccupations about the resurgence of fascism . . . By tarrying for a while with the everyday - the ultimate site of real politics - Sjón gets at how endlessly interesting it can be, and how much it can contain and conceal. -- Peter C. Baker * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*A Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick* *An Indie Next Great Read*'[A] vivid depiction of a family's heartbreak, its rending and rebuilding.' - Clare Lombardo, New York Times Book Review 'Spanning generations and continents, from pre-WWII Germany to current day midwestern America, Send For Me is a richly imagined testament to the ties that bind.' Whitney ScharerGermany 1930s. Annelise is a dreamer: imagining her future while working at her parents' popular bakery in Feldenheim, Germany, anticipating all the delicious possibilities yet to come. There are rumours that anti-Jewish sentiment is on the rise, but Annelise and her parents can't quite believe that it will affect them; they're hardly religious at all. But as Annelise falls in love, marries, and gives birth to her daughter Ruthie, the dangers grow closer: a brick thrown through her window; a childhood friend who cuts ties with her; customers refusing to patronise the bakery. Luckily Annelise and her husband are given the chance to leave for America, but they must go without her parents, whose future and safety are uncertain.Two generations later, in a small Midwestern city, Ruthie's daughter and Annelise's granddaughter, Clare, is a young woman newly in love. But when she stumbles upon her grandmother's letters from Germany, she sees the history of her family's sacrifices in a new light, and suddenly she's faced with an impossible choice: the past, or her future. A novel of dazzling emotional richness that is based on letters from Lauren Fox's own family, Send for Me is an epic and intimate exploration of mothers and daughters, duty and obligation, hope and forgiveness.Trade ReviewAn anthropological excavation... It is haunted throughout by the endlessly fascinating question of inheritance. How much of our stories - and which parts - truly belong to us?... The book is a real achievement - beautifully written, deeply felt, tender and thoughtful... The storytelling is patient, generous... The major accomplishment of Send for Me [is] its vivid depiction of a family's heartbreak, its rending and rebuilding. * Clare Lombardo, New York Times Book Review *A sense of foreboding shadows this bittersweet intergenerational tale of love and trauma... Subtle, striking, and punctuated by snippets of family letters.. Fox has imbued this deeply personal, ultimately hopeful novel, which she explains in an author's note is based on her own family's story, with emotion, empathy, and an essential understanding of the complicated bonds between generations and the importance of reckoning with the past in order to embrace the future. An intimate, insightful, intricately rendered story of intergenerational trauma and love. * Kirkus, starred *Fox deftly moves between generations as she illuminates the ways that choices echo through the lives of those who came after. This thoughtful, character-driven exploration of the unbreakable bonds of motherhood will appeal to fans of Alice Hoffman and Elizabeth Berg. * Booklist *A beautifully told story of intergenerational loves and sorrows. * Jennifer Rosner, author of The Yellow Bird Sings *Imbued with lyrical prose, Send For Me is a beautiful tale of heartbreak and renewal, and of the love and loss we carry with us, generation after generation. * Georgia Hunter, author of We Were The Lucky Ones *A rare and beautiful novel in luminous prose with great economy and precision... Fox seems to say, life is threaded with hope and joy and human connection... I loved this book. * Christina Baker Kline, author of Orphan Train *Spanning generations and continents, from pre-WWII Germany to current day midwestern America, Send For Me is a richly imagined testament to the ties that bind... Lauren Fox's first historical novel is moving, heartfelt and filled with love. * Whitney Scharer, author of Age of Light *Fox satisfyingly brings this story of love and desire full circle, as Clare and Ruth reflect on what it means to be both a mother and a child in the darkest of times. This tender and deeply inspired story will move readers. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisHeartbreaking. Gripping. Terribly captivating.'Read it in one sitting!' ***** Madeleine, Amazon reviewerShe may not remember her name,but her body knows.1940. When a French family is forced to house a German soldier in their spare room, young Noemie finds herself drawn to the enemy living under the family roof. A forbidden romance unfolds with life-changing consequences.1946. In the aftermath of the war, a little girl is found sitting on a bench with no memory of who she is - not even her own name. Justin, a young gendarme, takes her under his wing. He is desperate to unravel the mystery surrounding her sudden appearance.Who is the little girl?And what happened to her family?The truth he discovers is spine-chilling.

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Book SynopsisTwo sisters discover the fairy tales written by their great-grandmother during WWII in this riveting tale of one woman's secrets lost in the chaos of war-perfect for fans of Julia Kelly and Natasha Lester.1940 - Stasia always found comfort in the idyllic French countryside where she spent her childhood summers, roaming the gardens of an old chateau and finding inspiration for fairy tales full of bravery and adventure. But these days are much darker, and with Nazis storming across Europe, she soon finds herself one of the most hunted agents of the Resistance. The only safe haven she can think of is Chateau de Montissaire. But she's about to discover that it just may be the center of her biggest mission yet.Present day - When Isabelle purchases a crumbling chateau in Rouen, it's not just a renovation project-it's a chance to reconnect with her sister, Emilie, the only family she has left. What she uncovers instead is an intriguing mystery... As the siblings piece together the incredible truth behind the books written by their great-grandmother Stasia, they discover an exciting story of courage in the face of treachery and an explosive secret that will change everything they believed about their family.

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Book Synopsis"Glamorous and suspenseful." -Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room and The Mitford AffairPerhaps the best place in 1943 Hollywood to see the stars is the Hollywood Canteen, a club for servicemen staffed exclusively by those in show business. Murder mystery playwright Annie Laurence, new in town after a devastating breakup, definitely hopes to rub elbows with the right stars. Maybe then she can get her movie made.But Hollywood proves to be more than tinsel and glamour. When despised film critic Fiona Farris is found dead in the Canteen kitchen, Annie realizes any one of the Canteen's luminous volunteers could be guilty of the crime. To catch the killer, Annie falls in with Fiona's friends, a bitter and cynical group-each as uniquely unhappy in their life and career as Annie is in hers-that call themselves the Ambassador's Club.Solving a murder in real life, it turns out, is a lot harder than writing one for the stage. And by involving herself in the secrets and lies of the Ambassador's Club, Annie just might have put a target on her own back."This vibrant, utterly delightful mystery expertly captures the drama, glamour and absurdity of wartime Hollywood. Sarah James's swift dialogue, dry wit and clever characters transport you into a 1940s movie, where the jokes are quick, the love affairs scandalous and the cast as charming as they are flawed. Underneath it all, James's deep knowledge of the era's movies and music lends an authenticity that makes the rest shine even brighter. I laughed, I gasped and I never wanted it to end. This should head straight to the top of every must-read list." -Brianna Labuskes, author of The Librarian of Burned Books

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Book SynopsisDinslaken, Germany 1945. The war is over, leaving behind a broken nation. As the allied forces begin to uncover the horrors of the Holocaust, a war photographer makes the decision to capture the lives of the ordinary German people. Accompanied by his driver, the young and vulnerable O'Leary, the pair set off on a journey, one that changes both their lives forever. The Invisible Land is a story of the moral and emotional repercussions of violence, complicity and its aftermath.

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Book SynopsisAll that Dora Riley wants is her husband home safe for Christmas… The Nightingale Hospital, London, 1944: With her husband Nick away fighting, Dora struggles to keep the home fires burning and is put in charge of a ward full of German prisoners of war. Can she find it in her heart to care for her enemies? Fellow nurse Kitty thinks she might be falling for a German soldier, whilst Dora’s old friend Helen returns from Europe with a dark secret. Can the women overcome their prejudices and the troubles of their past to do their duty for their country?Trade ReviewThe new Nightingales Christmas novel from the Sunday Times top ten bestselling author of Nightingales Under the Mistletoe. Set during the Second World War.All that Dora Riley wants is her husband home safe for Christmas… The Nightingale Hospital, London, 1944: With her husband Nick away fighting, Dora struggles to keep the home fires burning and is put in charge of a ward full of German prisoners of war. Can she find it in her heart to care for her enemies? Fellow nurse Kitty thinks she might be falling for a German soldier, whilst Dora’s old friend Helen returns from Europe with a dark secret. Can the women overcome their prejudices and the troubles of their past to do their duty for their country? * from the publisher's description *A must for fans of Call the Midwife or for anyone who enjoys stories set on the home-front in WW2 * Frost Magazine *Compelling, emotional and as gripping as ever * Bookish Jottings *A lovely page-turner * Prima *

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Book SynopsisTHE NINTH CLIFFEHAVEN NOVEL BY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELLIE DEANAfter the death of her parents in a bombing raid, Mary Jones discovers a secret in the pages of father’s diaries. Her search for the truth brings her to Cliffehaven on the south coast. Here, she finds work at the Kodak factory, sifting through the Airgraphs which are being sent from all over the world by the men and women in the armed forces, and by their loved ones. All the while she longs for news of her own sweetheart, fighting in Europe. With the help of Peggy Reilly and her family at Beach View Boarding House Mary starts to build a new life for herself. But events that happened eighteen years before still echo, and should a promise Peggy made then be broken, it will have a devastating affect not only on Mary, but them all…A fabulous, heart-warming Second World War novel in Ellie Dean's bestselling Cliffehaven series (previously called the Beach View Boarding House series).Trade ReviewTHE NINTH CLIFFEHAVEN NOVEL BY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELLIE DEANAfter the death of her parents in a bombing raid, Mary Jones discovers a secret in the pages of father’s diaries. Her search for the truth brings her to Cliffehaven on the south coast. * From the publisher's description *

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Book SynopsisTHE BRAND NEW NIGHTINGALES NOVELBY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR DONNA DOUGLAS***It's Christmas, 1945. The war is over, but its scars remain. Matron Kathleen Fox has the job of putting the Nightingale Hospital back together. But memories and ghosts of those lost fill the bomb-damaged buildings, and she wonders if she is up to the task.In the name of festive cheer Kathleen decides to put on a Christmas Show for the patients. The idea is greeted with mixed feelings by the nurses, who are struggling with their own post-war problems. And the newly-formed rivalry between newcomer Assistant Matron Charlotte Davis and ward sister Violet Tanner isn't helping matters.As rehearsals begin however, it seems the show isn't just a tonic for the patients - could the Nightingale Christmas Show be just what the doctor ordered for the nurses too?

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Book Synopsis_______________________THE FOURTEENTH CLIFFEHAVEN NOVEL BY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELLIE DEANCliffehaven, May 1944 The tension is rising for Peggy Reilly and the inhabitants of Cliffehaven as the planes continue to roar above the town and there is still no news of the long-awaited Allied invasion into France. There seems to be no end in sight of this war which has scattered her family and brought conflict right to the door of Beach View Boarding House, but Peggy cannot work miracles and the toll of the war is beginning to weigh on her slender shoulders.Meanwhile, Ron Reilly has landed himself in hot water with his sweetheart, Rosie – and this time, his Irish charm will not be enough to get him out of trouble.The war has forever changed the lives of Peggy’s loved ones, but with the promise of an Allied invasion comes the hope that her beloved husband and family will at last be coming home. It will take an enormous amount of spirit to keep that hope alive and bring harmony back to Beach View.FIND LOVE. FIND HOPE. FIND CLIFFEHAVEN.With a Kiss and a Prayer is set almost exclusively in Cliffehaven in the heart of Ellie Dean's world: the Beach View Boarding House.

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Book SynopsisBitter and impassioned, The Tin Drum delivers a scathing dissection of Germany and Poland under the Nazis.On his third birthday Oskar decides to stop growing. Haunted by the deaths of his parents and wielding his tin drum Oskar recounts the events of his extraordinary life; from the long nightmare of the Nazi era to his anarchic adventures in post-war Germany.''Grass is one of the master fabulists of our age'' The TimesTRANSLATED BY BREON MITCHELLWITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE AUTHORThis series of war novels from Vintage Classics presents eight powerful stories about the horror and waste of war - each a passionate plea to prevent its repetition.

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Book SynopsisTHE RUNAWAY FAMILY was previously published as EVIL ON THE WIND. From bestselling author Diney Costeloe, a gritty drama about a mother's struggle to protect her family and escape Nazi persecution in World War Two Germany. Germany 1937: Fear and betrayal stalk the streets. People disappear. Persecution of the Jews has become a national pastime. When Ruth Friedman's husband is arrested by the SS, she is left to fend for herself and her four children. She alone stands as their shield against the Nazis. But where can she go? Where will her family be safe? Ruth must overcome the indifference, hatred and cruelty that surrounds her as she and her family race to escape the advancing Nazi army's final solution. What readers are saying about THE RUNAWAY FAMILY: 'A powerful and moving account of the dark era of Germany's history... A story which needed to be told and should be read by people of all ages' 'I personally loved this book... A harrowing insight into the lives of a young Jewish family at the beginning of Hitler's reign of terror... A sound reminder of man's inhumanity to man!' 'My university studies had to go on hold for a while because I couldn't put it down!' 'Another great story by Diney Costeloe'

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