The Long and Winding Road

One of the world's bestselling storytellers, Lesley Pearse writes brilliantly about survivors. Why? Because she is one herself . . .<BR>'Inspiring and hopeful, this heartwarming memoir will have you captivated' Woman<BR><BR>'An incredible memoir' Sun<BR><BR>'[Lesley] is a great storyteller, and like all good stories The Long and Winding Road concludes with one terrific twist' Daily Mail<BR><BR>--<BR>Born during the Second World War, Lesley's innocence came to an abrupt end when a neighbour found her, aged 3, coatless in the snow. <BR><BR>The mother she'd been unable to wake had been dead for days. Sent to an orphanage, Lesley soon learned adults couldn't always be trusted.<BR><BR>As a teenager in the swinging sixties, she took herself to London. Here, the second great tragedy of her life occurred. Falling pregnant, she was sent to a mother and baby home, and watched helplessly as her newborn was taken from her.<BR><BR>But like so many of her generation, Lesley had to carry on. She was, after all, a true survivor. Marriage and children followed - and all the while she nurtured a dream: to be a writer. Yet it wasn't until at the age of 48 that her stories - of women struggling in a difficult world - found a publisher, and the bestseller lists beckoned.<BR><BR>As heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, Lesley's story really is A Long and Winding Road with surprises and uplifting hope around every corner . . . <BR><BR>--<BR><BR>'I couldn't put this book down. Although harrowing at times, Lesley's indomitable spirit shines through. What an inspiration, what a book!' Katie Fforde<BR><BR>'Searingly honest, and fabulously entertaining, Lesley's life story is a poignant and powerful story that is truly unputdownable' Milly Johnson<BR><BR>'A totally gripping read, by turns tragic, mad-cap, heartbreaking and mind-blowing. And anyone who can read that final chapter without bursting into happy tears has to have a heart of stone' Jill Mansell<BR><BR>'An incredible life story from a literary icon, Lesley Pearse's truth is even more gripping than her fiction' Veronica Henry<BR><BR>'This inspiring, heart-warming, extraordinary memoir will have you captivated' Woman's Weekly<BR><BR>'Humorous and heartbreaking, Lesley opens up to her readers in a way that is rare and very special. I was so gripped I read it twice' Kate Furnivall<BR><BR>'What a roller coaster of a ride. I couldn't do anything else until I'd finished this book. Gripping, heart wrenching. A true life Woman of Substance. It was an amazing read' Jo Thomas<BR>