Historical Fiction

Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction will cover the history of science fiction literature through a chronology, an introduction, an extensive bibliography, and several hundred cross-referenced dictionary entries on writers, subgenres, and technical terms.

This intellectual and literary history explores the entanglement of historical imagination and left-wing politics in interwar Europe. <BR><BR>Contrary to the popular perception of historical continuity and revolutionary action as incompatible, the connections between the two phenomena prove to be as vital and productive as they are messy and complicated. Revolution, She Wrote offers a novel way of studying these phenomena by focussing on three cases from interwar Europe whence the revolutions and revolutionary figures of the past became the subject of historical fiction authored by women. It argues that these works, despite their fictional status, functioned as carriers of radical knowledge. <BR><BR>Stanislawa Przybyszewska (1901-1935) wrote plays about the French Revolution of 1789 that caused unexpected agitation in Poland's theatrical world and beyond. Sylvia Townsend Warner (1893-1978) made a transgressive contribution to the British Cultural Front with her novel set in 1848 Paris. And Olga Forsh (1873-1961) carved out her place among the cultural workers of the new Soviet state by writing histories of the Bolshevik revolution's ancestors. All three authors belonged on the left side of the political spectrum and remained at the periphery to the cultural markets and intellectual milieus in their countries. Their fictionalized revolutions are thus marked, on the one hand, by sympathy and engagement, and on the other, by their ex-centric positions. <BR><BR>Revolution, She Wrote demonstrates the dynamic entanglement of national and pan-European historical cultures, breaking with the defeatist perception of interwar left-wing intellectual activism to advance historical writing as a locus of hope and resistance.

Men would kill for this treasure.<BR> The McKenzie women will guard it with their lives.<BR><BR> London, 1837. When 25-year-old Araminta McKenzie-Moore is summoned from Richmond to her great aunt's deathbed in Edinburgh, it's the first time she's met her extended family. The McKenzie women, however, have been keeping a close eye on her. For they have a long, secret and dangerous history as Jewel Keepers to the Scottish Crown and they need Araminta to play her part to solve a puzzle which stretches back generations.<BR><BR> But the McKenzies are not alone in this high-stakes treasure hunt though history. They're being pursued. The last of her line, if Araminta succeeds, she will uncover something more valuable than mere jewels - a secret that will change the lives of all women living on this, the cusp of the Queen Victoria's rule.<BR><BR> Featuring real historical events and places amid its fiction, The Jewel Keepers is an immersive, evocative story tinged with romance and brimming with intrigue.<BR><BR> Readers LOVE Sara Sheridan: <BR> ¿¿¿¿¿ 'This book is a thing of beauty. I wanted to climb inside it'<BR> ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Clever and extremely entertaining'<BR> ¿¿¿¿¿ 'An absolute delight'<BR> ¿¿¿¿¿ 'A story that evokes all of the senses' <BR> ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Riveting'

Maggie gazes out at the new and bustling city, promising herself she will do whatever it takes to make it her home, the place where she can finally follow her dreams... Chicago, 1892: Maggie O'Halloran knows she is lucky to have escaped New York City with her life, after a notorious gang threatened her and her brother. Now, twisting the wedding ring on her finger, she knows her friend Brendan O'Donoghue's plan to pretend to be married is sensible. But can she really pretend to be his wife when she doesn't love him with her whole heart? Walking Chicago's cobbled streets, Maggie is more resolved than ever to rebuild her life and when she secures a job at the famous department store, Marshall Field & Company, she is delighted. But when ghosts of her past appear in the millinery department, she knows her true identity could be revealed at any moment, and her dreams once more reduced to ash. When a chance encounter leads to Maggie making hats for Chicago's World's Fair, her desire to become fully independent feels closer than ever. But as gossip swirls about her relationship with her benefactor, can Maggie keep her head held high in this city she now calls home? When Brendan finds himself in a perilous situation, Maggie's courage is tested more than ever before. With danger looming, can she and Brendan survive it together? Or will they once more need to flee their home to find safety, and a chance to begin again? The second book in the sweeping Maggie O'Halloran series, this is a heartbreaking and epic story about the importance of finding home and following your heart. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Kristin Harmel and Jean Grainger. Praise for Kate Hewitt's historical fiction series: "Beautiful... Phenomenal... I was heartbroken... Keep the tissue box close by because you will surely need it... Unputdownable. I loved everything about this... I was hooked." Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "WOW! This book completely hooked me from the first page to the last... I literally couldn't put it down... Amazing." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Gripped me, made my heart race and my breathing stop... Heartbreaking... 5 stars and more!" Inspiredbypmdd, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Heartbreaking... Left me breathless... On the edge of my seat... Wonderful." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Brilliant... I loved it... WOW!... Beautiful... Gripped from the beginning till the end." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Writing Historical Fiction: A Writers' & Artists' Companion is an invaluable companion for a writer working in this challenging and popular literary genre, whether your period is Ancient Rome or World War II. <BR><BR>PART 1 includes reflections on the genre and provides a short history of historical fiction. <BR><BR>PART 2 contains guest contributions from Margaret Atwood, Ian Beck, Madison Smartt Bell, Ronan Bennett, Vanora Bennett, Tracy Chevalier, Lindsay Clarke, Elizabeth Cook, Anne Doughty, Sarah Dunant, Michel Faber, Margaret George, Philippa Gregory, Katharine McMahon, Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Hilary Mantel, Alan Massie, Ian Mortimer, Kate Mosse, Charles Palliser, Orhan Pamuk, Edward Rutherfurd, Manda Scott, Adam Thorpe, Stella Tillyard, Rose Tremain, Alison Weir and Louisa Young. <BR><BR>PART 3 offers practical exercises and advice on such topics as research, plots and characters, mastering authentic but accessible dialogue and navigating the world of agents and publishers.

On a remote island in the Scottish Hebrides sits a castle of gleaming red sandstone. By day, it is the picture of elegance. But when night falls, its secrets are revealed ...<BR><BR>A showgirl named Emerald, rising star of London's Gaiety Theatre, is invited to spend a country house weekend on this remote Scottish island by Lord Lyndon Gunn, a mysterious and wealthy Scottish bachelor. There she is dazzled by her lavish surroundings - gilt-panelled ballrooms, hothouses filled with hummingbirds and orchids, and meals featuring delicacies including French ortolan and quail, along with the finest Champagnes.<BR><BR>But it is not long before Emerald - who has secrets of her own - realises things are not quite as they seem. Why are the servants blindfolded when the sun goes down? Who is the mysterious older American woman who behaves like the lady of the castle? And are the rumours of a hushed-up scandal - that someone disappeared at the last party - true?

France, 1940.<BR>A hotel on the border.<BR>One woman will risk everything in the name of freedom. <BR><BR>'The characters were compelling, the romantic aspect wonderful, and the tension never let up as I raced through the pages'<BR>Jill Mansell, Sunday Times bestselling author<BR><BR>'A thrilling page-turner charting astonishing female bravery and resilience in an intriguing wartime setting. Gripping and heartfelt. A must-read for historical fiction fans'<BR>Annie Lyons, USA Today bestselling author<BR><BR><BR>After escaping an abusive relationship in Nice, Eloise thought she'd never find a home again. Until she arrives at the Hotel Cordier in the eastern town of Sainte-Béline, straddling the frontier between Switzerland and France.<BR><BR>But when the Nazis invade, everything changes.<BR><BR>Trapped under occupation, Eloise finds herself drawn to the resistance - and to André, its charismatic local leader. André is determined to use the hotel's unique position to save as many refugees fleeing persecution as he can.<BR><BR>It doesn't take long before the Germans start closing in. Facing the threat of discovery and the shadows of her past, Eloise must decide how much she is willing to risk for the cause, for freedom, for love . . .<BR><BR>A devastating, sweeping and romantic historical epic of the Second World War from a thrilling new voice in historical fiction, perfect for readers of Kristin Harmel, Fiona Valpy and Heather Morris.

Victorian Dress in Contemporary Historical Fiction is the first full-length study to investigate and attend to the deeply suggestive and highly symbolic iterations of Victorian women's dress in the contemporary cultural imagination. Drawing upon a range of popular and less well-studied neo-Victorian novels published between 1990 and 2014, as well as their Victorian counterparts, 19th-century illustrative material, and extant Victorian garments, Danielle Dove explores the creative possibilities afforded by dress and fashion as gendered sites of agency and affect. Focusing on the relationship between texts and textiles, she demonstrates how dress is central to the narrativization, re-formulation, and re-fashioning of the material past in the present. In its examination of the narrative trajectories, lively vitalities, and material entanglements that accrue to, and originate from, dress in the neo-Victorian novel, this study brings a fresh approach to reading Victorian sartorial culture. For researchers and students of Victorian and neo-Victorian studies, dress history, material culture, and gender studies, this volume offers a rich resource with which to illuminate the power of fashion in fiction.

And so, I am mad after all...The shackles gouge my wrists, disturbing the scars of Strangeways Prison's fetters. But no matter; if I bleed, I will not die: I am already dead.<BR><BR> Named after the funeral flower, Lily has walked hand-in-hand with death for as long as she can remember.<BR><BR> But the fact that death has chosen to follow her through life can hardly be conceived as her fault.<BR><BR>Certainly she cannot be expected to take the blame for the slew of missing men in her wake.<BR><BR> In fact, Lily is in no doubt that there has been some terrible mistake, and she will be released from this asylum any day now.<BR><BR>Now she just needs to convince you too...<BR><BR>Set against the harsh realities of a Victorian asylum, this compelling historical debut sees one unruly woman take her revenge on the men who would keep her caged, and ultimately asks where we draw the line between villain and victim in a society where the odds are stacked against women from the start. Perfect for fans of MRS ENGLAND by Stacey Halls, THE MAD WOMEN'S BALL by Victoria Mas and LILY by Rose Tremain.<BR>  <BR>  

Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they'll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind.After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.

Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they'll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind. After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.This is a hardback edition of The Voice of Wild Places, and includes bonus content such as short stories, inside illustrations, and maps.

The captivating tale of one of history's best-kept secrets continues in this historical fiction duology-showcasing one of the Old West's most heroic figures.<BR>When Nate Champion strikes out to Wyoming Territory and discovers the allure of the Powder River Basin as an ideal location for raising cattle, he builds up a bankroll by hiring out to the cattle companies already established there. Earning a reputation as a top hand, a uniquely gifted horse trainer, and a man of his word, he becomes one of the few men in the territory whom small ranchers can trust.<BR>After the Wyoming Stock Growers Association begins eliminating small ranchers through ghastly executions, the classic battle lines form between the rich man and the commoner. Because Nate is trusted, he becomes a rallying point for the oppressed-leading to his name topping a list of inconvenient ranchers whom the barons want to see removed from the face of the Earth.<BR>Read along as, amid sweeping landscapes and historical turmoil, Nate Champion's legacy unfolds in a narrative that resonates as a crucial chapter in American history.

One of the Old West's most heroic figures is also history's best-kept secret-and he's finally getting his due in this historical fiction duology.<BR>Nate Champion's humble beginnings in Texas prepared him for a life with horses and cattle. Though a well-known horse trainer in his own time, he holds the simple aspiration of running his own cattle ranch, a dream he carries to Wyoming Territory as the Johnson County Range War drags him into its clutches and climaxes in one of the most impressive last stands of American history.<BR>Book one follows Nate's formative years in Round Rock, Texas, where he makes his reputation as a competent cowboy, experiences heartbreak, and forms lasting friendships that weave into his future in unexpected ways. Like all youth of his time, he learns the hard-won lessons of experience as he encounters both the good and the corrupt, including the notorious Sam Bass gang.<BR>Read along as, in this jaw-dropping tale, the culmination of Nate Champion's life lessons in Texas become the foundation for the enduring legacy he achieves in Wyoming. His story is a narrative that every American should know.

Foxden Acres, a place where dark secrets and bittersweet memories linger...As Bess Dudley celebrates New Year's Eve at the newly launched Foxden Hotel - the former country house where she grew up as daughter of the groom - she finds herself overcome with poignant memories. Jolly music fills the air and champagne corks pop, and Bess is remembering her first love - the handsome heir James Foxden. But then, an ominous voice pierces through the revelry, sending shivers down Bess's spine. It belongs to a man with a violent past - a man with dangerous alliances from the war. Bess's sister reveals that this man, Sutherland, is a Nazi sympathiser. How has he infiltrated their haven, and why?Then, an unexpected tragedy strikes when a body is discovered in the lake, casting a shadow over the hotel's future. Unanswered questions plague Bess, and a growing sense of unease gnaws at her. So much is at stake - why does it seem like her new husband Frank is hiding things from her?When military intelligence becomes involved, it's clear that the war may have officially ended, but its repercussions are still impacting the Dudley sisters' lives. Can Bess unmask the killer in their midst and untangle the threads of deception that bind Foxden Acres in time to protect the sanctuary she holds most dear?An utterly unputdownable historical novel about the lingering shadows of World War Two, perfect for fans of Rachel Wesson, Shirley Dickson and Glynis Peters.<BR>

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR HARLAN HAGUE LEADS US ON A JOURNEY THAT BRIDGES THE SNOWBOUND PRESENT WITH THE STORIED PAST OF THE AMERICAN FRONTIER.Ten years after their college days at U.C. Berkeley, seven friends reunite at a secluded cabin high in California's Sierra Nevada. Laughter, stories, and old memories fill the air-until a sudden snowstorm traps them inside with no way out.With time to fill and no distractions, their host offers a challenge: each person must share a story about an ancestor, something no one else in the group has ever heard. What begins as a simple way to reconnect soon becomes something deeper.Through gripping tales of the nineteenth-century American West-of gold seekers, homesteaders, and trailblazers-these modern-day friends begin to glimpse the hardships, hopes, and quiet heroism that shaped their bloodlines. Each story stands alone, yet together they create a sweeping portrait of a frontier nation and the lives that helped shape it.As the fire crackles and snow piles high, past and present intertwine in ways none of them expected.

She looked down at the sweet little girl - and knew she wouldn't listen to what anyone else said. She had to do what was right. Even if it meant going against everything she was taught to believe and keeping a secret from the person closest to her... England, 1766: Abigail is happily married to James, a tobacco trader turned sea captain, and is looking forward to starting a family and settling down in Whitehaven, deep in the Lake District. But after a series of devastating losses, she finds herself in turmoil, with her future suddenly seeming unknown...When James announces that he will captain a ship to Africa and then the Americas for a year, it sparks a series of surprising and heartbreaking events - involving some of the darkest evils in humanity's history, and a tiny, terrified slave girl who's brought back to England. This helpless child forces Abigail to reconsider everything she thought she knew--and will change her life forever...Now: When a shipwreck is discovered off the coast of Cumbria, local expert Rachel is brought in to investigate. Her first thought is that this will be a perfect distraction from her troubled marriage and the memories of her past that she is desperate not to think about. But then it becomes clear the wreck is a slaving ship from the 1700s - one that was recorded as sinking in the Caribbean - and Rachel begins to wonder if there's more to this terrible mystery than meets the eye.Faced with uncertainty about both the past and present, can Rachel learn from Abigail's extraordinary story and take the first step towards a brighter future of her own?The Widow's Secret is a completely heart-wrenching and powerful story of courage, redemption, and compassion. Fans of Lucinda Riley, Barbara O'Neal and Fiona Valpy will be absolutely captivated by this unforgettable read.This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone. Previously published as The Widow's Secret by Katharine Swartz.Readers love Kate Hewitt: "WOW!!!!... Clear your schedules and grab the tissues as you will need them!!!... It had me in tears by the end and I do not cry easily!!!... An absolutely unputdownable, addictive and compelling devastatingly beautiful heartbreaking book!!! I LOVED it!" Bookworm86 ¿¿¿¿¿"This book had me crying so badly. It broke my heart, never has any book been able to just wipe me out with such gut-wrenching sadness... BEAUTIFULLY DONE." NetGalley reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿"Not only broke my heart but shattered it... When the tears [came] though, they didn't stop. It is such an emotionally charged novel... An absolute tear-jerker of a read for which I highly recommend having a box of tissues on standby." Goodreads reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿"An emotionally charged story right from the first chapter... I knew once I started I would not be able to put this book down... I was up till 4AM reading fighting for my eyes to stay open... Gripping and captivating!" Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews ¿¿¿¿¿

What if uncovering your past could destroy your future?Louisiana, 1858. Spirited fifteen-year-old Madeline Besson arrives at Arabella Plantation after her father's sudden death, burdened by grief. She is soon overwhelmed by the grand house, her charismatic cousin, George, and her grandmother's cold and inexplicable hatred. But as Madeline becomes entangled in the Besson family's dark history, a shocking affair leads to banishment and disgrace. Trapped in a remote bayou cabin, she faces her fate alone...Present day. Quinn Allenby travels to New Orleans searching for answers about her psychic abilities. When she touches an intricate ivory fan, she's plunged into the tragic history of her own ancestor. But her visions reveal a buried family secret which someone is desperate to keep hidden, even if it means silencing Quinn forever. Can she survive long enough to finally expose the truth, and give voice to Madeline's story, or will she become another victim of her family's deadly legacy?Fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, and Barbara Erskine will love this sweeping story of forbidden passion, family secrets, and the pain of ultimate betrayal.

From Amazon charts bestseller Pam Howes comes a heart-breaking and uplifting historical novel about a community pulling together in the shadows of war, and one young woman's fight to make her mark on the world.1952, Liverpool. The Second World War has cast a long shadow over Victory Street, and who knows if the remaining families will ever fully recover?In the face of hardship, Bella Harrison is determined to see the bright side. She is back recording songs with her singing trio, The Bryant Sisters, and against all odds, Bella and her husband Bobby are finding ways to muddle through life as newlyweds whilst raising little Levi, Bella's child with Black American pilot Earl Franklin Junior.Meanwhile Earl's daughter Dianna is adjusting to her new life in Liverpool. Determined to forge her own path, she has her heart set on becoming a nurse. However Dianna soon discovers that the reality of nursing is long hours of gruelling work, performed under constant scrutiny from the dreaded matron - who seems to take pleasure in making Dianna's life miserable. When a handsome art student catches her eye, Dianna finds herself at the crossroads between ambition and love.But just as the young women settle into their new lives, the close-knit community of Victory Street is rocked once more. Can the daughters of Victory Street face their challenges together, and seize a chance at happiness now that it is finally within reach?A totally unforgettable, heart-warming historical novel, packed with family secrets, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell.Readers love The Daughters of Victory Street:'A true writer that I love, this is such a heart-warming story... I savoured every moment... I could not put this book down... filled with joy, laugher, and heartache.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

From bestselling author Ella Carey comes an utterly gripping and sweeping historical novel about terrible choices and heartbreaking family mysteries. The past holds more secrets than we can ever imagine...1946. Young, beautiful artist Rebecca survived the devastating war that claimed the lives of so many of the men and women she grew up with. Her friends have returned as empty shells or not at all. But although peace has been declared, Rebecca is still fighting at home. Her controlling mother will stop at nothing to prevent Rebecca from following her dream to become a painter.When Rebecca meets dashing young Edward, a pilot during the war, she discovers both love and an escape. Edward makes her feel truly loved, alive and excited about her future and art. But when Edward takes Rebecca to visit his childhood home on the sweeping coast, their trip ends in tragedy. Edward's father commits suicide and, consumed by grief, Edward is faced with a terrible choice: love or family?Utterly distraught, Rebecca goes out to the shore by moonlight to paint. Under the stars, she stares into the waves, thinking about her life. The next morning she has disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only a pencil on the sand. Finding the truth will change everything for those who were left behind...Fans of My Name is Eva, Rhys Bowen and Lucinda Riley will fall head over heels in love with Secret Shores.Readers are totally captivated by Secret Shores:"My favorite read in my 50 years on this earth. This book speaks to me. It grabs you and holds you until the end... Definitely a must-read. Thank you Ms Carey for such a wonderful gift." Goodreads Reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿"Carey has done it again, written a story that is moving, compelling and not-put-down-able. I savored every word... I highly recommend this story, it is multifaceted, enthralling and just so darn good I didn't want to put it down. Thank you Ms Carey for another book that is going to stay with me for a long time." Goodreads Reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿

Paris, 1856. In a world ruled by men, one woman holds the fate of a nation in her hands.When Livia leaves behind the bronzed hills of Italy for the rain-soaked streets of Paris, she feels lost and alone. Trapped in an icy marriage, she longs to return to her life as a doctor's daughter. To a simpler time when she could use her healing skills to help people. But her husband's diplomatic work launches her into French high society. And soon she befriends Elisabetta, Napoleon III's clever and beautiful mistress.Elisabetta may be the most glamorous woman in France, but she is isolated too. With jealousy and political conspiracies surrounding her, she is drawn to Livia's honesty and intelligence. And when Livia saves Elisabetta's life, the two women become inseparable.Soon Livia's life is an exciting whirlwind of masked balls, theatre and fashion, and at last she feels happy. She even finds the courage to open her heart, learning to love her new husband. But just as she begins to let her guard down, Livia discovers that her worst enemy has followed her all the way from Italy...While danger lurks in the shadows, an assassination attempt is made on Napoleon. And Livia's husband is wrongly accused of treason. The future of France is in peril, and Livia must work with Elisabetta to save the lives of those they love. With Livia's keen knowledge of medicine and deadly poisons, and Elisabetta's many connections, the women are a formidable partnership. But can they really trust each other? And how far are they prepared to go?A totally gripping, richly imagined historical novel about the power held by women in a world run by men. Fans of Lucinda Riley, Kate Morton and Marie Benedict will be absolutely hooked from the very first page until the final, breath-taking conclusion.Readers love Meghan Masterson:'Absolutely brilliant!... I honestly think I have permanent indentations on my eReader from gripping it so tightly... thrilling... a must read.' The Secret Book Sleuth ¿¿¿¿¿

"Henry McAvoy leaned forward. "I have been looking for an artist just like you-a diamond in the rough, so to speak. And really, Miss Copley," he said gently, "what do you have to lose?"1911, Amherst Island, Canada: When a chance encounter takes Ellen Copley away from the beautiful island she has called home since she was orphaned as a child-she believes it is the new start she has been waiting for.She settles into an exciting, creative new life in Glasgow, feeling like she's finally finding her independence. And even though she left a part of her heart back on the island, she's flattered by the attentions of her handsome, charming benefactor, Henry McAvoy.But tragedy strikes their fledgling relationship, and soon after war looms over Europe. Emboldened by all she has loved and lost, Ellen leaves Scotland to become a nurse on the front line. And, as she finds herself having to choose between love and duty, desire and bravery, her courage is tested as never before.The war rages on-and familiar faces appear on the front line, including her childhood sweetheart Jed Lyman and his brother Lucas. Coming face-to-face with her past, Ellen will learn what she is made of. But can she finally decide where her heart truly belongs?This is the second book in the unmissable Amherst Island Trilogy that follows the life and love of Ellen Copley from the magic of Lake Ontario to the bloody battlefields of the First World War and beyond. Perfect for fans of The Oceans Between Us, The Orphan Sisters, and My Name is Eva.Previously published as On Renfrew Street.Readers love Kate Hewitt:"Engrossing... The story is gripping and absorbing and the characters' triumph against the odds will make readers leave emotionally fulfilled... Kate Hewitt imbues her narrative with evocative period and atmospheric detail. This historical romance is another breath-taking example of author Kate Hewitt's outstanding storytelling prowess." Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

Are some secrets worth dying for?Ireland, 1588. Rafael de Silva washes ashore on an Irish beach after a catastrophic shipwreck, carrying only his secret Jewish faith and a golden hamsa. He is starving and desperate when he meets Aisling O'Rourke, a local chieftain's niece, and experiences a blinding desire he has never felt before. But their love is impossible, and when Rafael's precious hamsa is discovered, he faces a terrible choice: admit to a secret that could see him nailed to a cross or watch an innocent man die in his place.Present day. The discovery of a hamsa amulet beside crucified remains near an Irish castle is a puzzle to Quinn Allenby until her psychic gift connects her to the artifact's terrible history. But as she pieces together Rafael's story, her twin sister's arrival with devastating secrets forces Quinn to confront a painful truth: some betrayals span generations, and the past has a way of demanding payment from the living.A haunting tale of religious persecution, forbidden love, and family secrets that echo through the centuries. The next addictive read for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, and Barbara Erskine.

He was never one to back down from a fight, even when the odds were impossible.These are dark days for Sam Houston and the Texas Revolution. The Alamo has fallen, its defenders slaughtered to the last man. Goliad is lost too, four hundred men butchered after they surrendered. Texas is a land of rumor and chaos, and Houston, now general of the army of the new Republic, commands a ragtag force on the brink of mutiny.His strategy-an endless retreat through mud and misery-is as unpopular with his men as it is with the politicians who question his every move. But Houston knows what they don't: survival is victory, for now. He will bide his time, shape his army from raw frontier men, and wait for the moment to strike back.From the wreckage of his past-a disgraced Tennessee governor, a man haunted by scandal and heartbreak-Houston rises once more, older but as headstrong as ever, ready to gamble everything on one desperate battle at San Jacinto.

Descendants of Waverley examines contemporary novelists' combination of historical authority and narrative art to create the "romance of history," authentic and accessible depictions of the past. Rooted in histories of the novel beginning in the eighteenth century, but challenging conventional theories that the novel erased the romance, the work treats Walter Scott as an important influence on the genre and analyzes the strategies used to romance history in the varied subgenres constituting current historical fiction.

She ran away through the pine trees when the soldiers came. Staggering into the hiding place, she felt a fluttering in her belly, like a butterfly grazing its wings, and knew instantly she had something to fight for.Present day: When her fiancé is tragically killed in an accident, twenty-six-year-old Alba is convinced she's to blame. Heavy with grief and guilt, she flees to her childhood home - the tiny village of Rofelle, nestled in a remote Tuscan valley. Out hiking one day to fill the long, lonely hours, she finds a mahogany box filled with silverware, hidden near the vine-covered ruins of an isolated house left abandoned after World War II. Could finding the rightful owner ease Alba's heartache, and somehow make amends for her own wrongs?In search of answers, Alba meets Massimo, an elderly man who wants to spend his final years pruning his fruit trees, alone with his painful memories. His face turns pale when Alba brings up the war, but she senses that their shared grief connects them. An unlikely friendship grows as little by little Massimo speaks of Lucia: a wild young girl with sparkling eyes who fell in love with an enemy soldier, bravely stole precious Italian treasures back from Nazi occupiers, and whose selfless courage and sacrifice altered the course of the war - and Massimo's life.With each visit, Alba gets closer to unravelling the mystery of the silver, and they both start putting their ghosts to rest. But there's one part of Lucia's story that Massimo might never be able to share - and he's running out of time. Has Alba churned up emotions that are too painful to ever confront? Or, will unearthing a wartime secret that has lain buried for generations finally bring Massimo peace?An absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking read that will sweep you away to the rugged mountains and lush olive groves of Tuscany. Fans of The Nightingale, Rhys Bowen and Julianne MacLean will be captivated. What readers are saying about Angela Petch:'Astounding… I don't think there is a single page that does not have you racing to read what happens next… heartbreaking… a riveting read, it is an enthralling experience… a must-read.' Giascribes'Fantastic read… I loved this book… will grab you and hold onto you long after you put it down… an amazing story.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'Heartbreaking and compelling… A beautiful story, told with such emotion and feeling that it makes you forget where you are and what you are doing!' Stardust Book Reviews'Boy what an emotional read… I felt myself welling up and on the verge of tears… written superbly.' The Ginger Book Geek'Wow!… The writing is magnificent… A story of love, loss, secrets and hope… I have truly fallen in love… A beautiful, touching story that I would recommend to everyone.' Cooking the Books

In the crucible of war, courage and conviction are forged like steel.Colonel Nelson Pickett has spent his career carrying the scars of choices made and battles lost. Marked by the massacre at Wounded Knee and burdened by the weight of command, he believes a soldier's duty leaves no room for attachments. But as the Spanish-American War looms, his unwavering focus is tested by a spirited young journalist whose courage matches his own.Marty McGuire is determined to prove herself in a world ruled by men. When she embeds with Pickett's Lightning Cavalry, she becomes an eyewitness to history-and a challenge to the hardened officer's rigid beliefs. As the horrors of war unfold, Nelson must face battles both on and off the field: the ruthless enemy ahead and the feelings he's tried to bury deep within.When Marty is captured behind enemy lines, Nelson is forced to confront the cost of his decisions and the meaning of honor. In a world where survival demands sacrifice, can he reconcile duty with the stirrings of his heart?

He's a Southern hero in a country on the edge of war.Sam Houston has survived scandal, battlefields, and broken hearts. Now older, wearier, but no less stubborn, he finds himself at the center of a storm once more.The Republic of Texas is gone, absorbed into the United States, and Houston is its first senator-a larger-than-life figure navigating the muddy streets of Washington, D.C., where deals are made in whispers and betrayals happen in broad daylight.Back home, he's a husband and father with a growing family. In the capital, he's a Southern unionist and slaveholder who dares to defy the rising tide of secession-and pays the price. As the nation barrels toward civil war, Houston is out of step with allies, enemies, and even his own state. But he refuses to back down.From fiery Senate debates to the Texas governor's mansion, Houston fights a lonely battle against disunion, knowing the cost will be high-and knowing, too, that some principles are worth the sacrifice.

He was destined to defy the odds long before Texas ever knew his name.One of the most controversial and contradictory figures in American history, Sam Houston was a hero of two wars, badly wounded in both, famous for his marathon speeches, and known as a prodigious drinker, brawler, and carouser. A runaway teenager adopted by a Cherokee chief, he found a father figure in the tribe-while his other mentor, Andrew Jackson, would guide him for more than thirty years. From his rough frontier upbringing and years among the Cherokee to his muddle-headed bravery at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, Houston's early life was a grand adventure shaped by conflict and contradiction.In a raw young Washington, Houston had his first taste of national politics and made his mark as an adroit politician. Elected governor of Tennessee, he faced a brief and tumultuous term before scandal forced him out of office-just as he would be forced out again years later. Even after a stunning fall from grace and a brutal street brawl with an Ohio congressman, Houston found a way to recover, never content to stay down for long.

It's 1932 and 27-year-old Jessica Kenton is living London life to the full when her younger brother Tim, an ancient Egyptian archaeology expert, goes missing. Teaming up with Sir Montague Chamford - who can neither resist a damsel in distress nor the chance of adventure - Jessie vows to find her beloved brother. Following the clues Tim has left in his wake, Jessie and Monty head to Egypt. In the relentless heat of the desert, romance is kindled between them, but danger also lurks in every shadow.

New England, 1992. Sophie's hand trembles as she places the birthday card on to the creamy wood of her dresser - this one postmarked from far away, and signed with a name she's never forgotten, despite their years apart. Downstairs, guests wait around a colourful pile of gifts - Happy 90th Birthday, Sophie! But Sophie has a gift of her own to give today - a tattered collection of photographs she's never shown anybody. Holding it to her heart, a single tear slides down her wrinkled cheek.<BR>France, 1944. Sophie is folding Camille into her arms, kissing her daughter's hair. She's smiling through tears at the plaintive cries of a tiny, perfect newborn baby - her first grandchild. As a midwife, she's helped so many take their first breath, but this is special. In the street outside, Nazi soldiers patrol day and night, and each week more people disappear. Sophie clenches her fist and vows she'll do anything to save Camille and her baby from that fate. But when evil has stolen everything you know, even the truest promises are tested. Sophie swore she'd give her life for her family. How could everything have gone so terribly, heartbreakingly wrong? A beautiful, heart-wrenching story of love, sacrifice, and the unyielding bonds of motherhood. Perfect for fans of Anna Stuart, Fiona Valpy and Kate Quinn. What readers are saying about Eliza Graham:<BR>"This is one seriously powerful World War II story dripping with courage, strength, loss and love... I could hardly breathe in spots!... Such a moving and heart-gripping story." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ "Wow! I love books based on history and boy was this book captivating! The characters, their development throughout the book... It draws you in as if you are there living and breathing the experience." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"I was absorbed and couldn't put it down. It has strength, loyalty, love and heartbreak through it. definitely recommend this for fans of historical fiction." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"Very addictive... I loved this one." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"I couldn't put it down!" Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"I LOVED this book! I was so emotionally invested in this story and these characters! Highly, highly recommend." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"A beautifully done, heartbreaking story." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"I adored this book." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

Vianne rushes through the crowded streets of Paris as the German bombs begin to fall. As she rounds the corner she sees the familiar spires of the old church burst into flames. Too late, she realizes that her mother and sister are trapped inside...Paris, 1918. The end of war is in sight, and young seamstress Vianne Mercier is longing for the day when she can stop sewing military uniforms and start creating the beautiful dresses that she has been dreaming up in her head.But just when it seems like peace is within reach, Vianne's mother and sister are killed in a terrible air raid. To make matters worse, Vianne's brother has returned home a changed man. Controlling and cruel, he presents Vianne with an ultimatum; give up her dreams of becoming a designer, or be forced onto the streets, penniless and alone.With nothing left for her in Paris but sad memories, she decides to sail for New York. Determined not to look back, she throws herself into her new life-spending her days sewing dresses for wealthy Upper East Side women, and her evenings dancing the Charleston to Duke Ellington in the new downtown clubs. When Vianne meets handsome Italian Giorgio Conti, he encourages her career, and she feels safe for the first time since she lost her family.Then news of a terrible accident compels Vianne to suddenly return to France, where she discovers proof of a wartime secret that changes everything she thought she knew about her family. Facing the threat of sickness and ruin, the people who forced Vianne out of her home now suddenly need her help.Will Vianne find the courage to follow her heart, return to New York and her life with Giorgio? Or will duty bind her to the family she had left behind and force her to remain in France?From Amazon Charts bestseller Ella Carey comes an utterly gripping and emotional historical wartime novel about the terrible choices people made during humanity's darkest days. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Rhys Bowen and The Nightingale will adore this novel.What readers are saying about Ella Carey:¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ "I wish I could give this beautiful book more stars! It is absolutely a Five Star Gold book! It is so well written and historical fiction at its finest!" Goodreads reviewer¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ "Ripped my heart right out of my chest and made me cry so much... My heart ached... Incredible." The Book Lover's Boudoir

Descendants of Waverley examines contemporary novelists' combination of historical authority and narrative art to create the "romance of history," authentic and accessible depictions of the past.

Mersey Square, Stockport, 1984. Can she find the courage to overcome a devastating tragedy? Sammy and Roy Cantello have been inseparable since they were teenage sweethearts. Married for twenty years, their eldest son is the apple of Sammy's eye. When the police arrive, telling her there's been a devastating crash, it is the worst night of her life. Her boy had always been such a safe driver, what could possibly have gone wrong?As her firstborn fights for his life and Sammy searches for answers, she realises there's only one thing that could have been distracting her child: his father Roy's recent affair with another woman, Olivia Grant. Sammy thought their relationship was over for good, but is there something Roy hasn't told her?Desperate for answers about her son's accident, she goes to see Olivia. But as Sammy enters Olivia's small flat, she is shocked to her very core: Olivia's rounded belly tells her this woman is carrying her husband's child.As her own son slips away, Sammy is consumed by grief, but she realises that the other woman is struggling too. When Olivia decides she is not the best person to raise her child and begs for support, Sammy knows that her son would want her to help. Can Sammy find the courage to raise her husband's child as her own? Fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell will absolutely love this heart-wrenching and gripping historical novel about courage, hope and the strength of friendship. This book was previously published as 'Til I Kissed You. What readers are saying about Pam Howes: ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'Heart-wrenching... You will need tissues... I just loved it all... Brought tears to my eyes as I read... Just perfect... 10/10.' NetGalley reviewer¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'My heart felt like it was literally going to burst... Gripping... A powerful and moving story that I didn't want to end... A must-read.' By the Letter Book Reviews¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'I love this book so much... So many tears were shed whilst reading this I got a blocked nose!... Oh my days I'm so into this... Fantastic.' Read Along With Sue Ward 'The stories, the characters, the music... this series has it all. Superb!' Bestselling author Mandasue Heller ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'WOW what a fabulous book!!... Loads of laughter and tears - it is absolutely a book you will not be able to put down until you finish it, for that reason I had sleepless nights!! I can't recommend it highly enough.' Goodreads reviewer¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'Oh what a corker... Fantastic... Tissues ready though, okay?... Literally moved me to tears, filled my arms with goosebumps... Truly spell-binding, humble, and utterly poignant... Historical fiction at its finest.' The Writing Garnet

Victorian England, 1846: A gripping and powerful story about one woman's incredible courage in the face of heartbreak, and a secret that - if revealed - could destroy everything.Six years ago, Bella Farrow lost everything. Desperate and starving, she made a terrible mistake that forced her to abandon her home, her livelihood and her family. And when the only person she trusted - her beloved, steadfast husband - was killed in a tragic accident, Bella was left alone. She had to make her own way, while keeping her past hidden upon risk of imprisonment, or worse...Now Bella is living a quiet life under a secret identity and making a good, honest living. But then a young, handsome man named James Earlham comes to town, and everything changes. Their instant connection disturbs her heart, her peace and her safety. Because Bella knows that for their love to flourish, she will have to reveal the secret that has remained hidden all these years - and put her trust in James.Bella's heart tells her to confess everything. But can she be sure James is really who he says he is? Can Bella truly be herself with him? Or is she putting her life in the hands of the one person who could betray her?A page-turning novel about secrets, mistaken trust and the impossibility of hiding from your past, The Widow's Last Secret is a must-read for fans of Kerry Barrett, Kate Morton and Tracy Rees. Readers are loving The Widow's Last Secret: 'What can I say about this book in one word! Tremendous!!! Sheer escapism, beautifully written... I highly recommend it.' NetGalley reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Spellbinding!... What a whirlwind ride... I was hooked from the first line... Gorgeous... I absolutely loved this.' Musician's Poet ¿¿¿¿¿'It'll bring you to tears!' Spooky's Maze Of Books Praise for Lora Davies: 'Outstanding, remarkable!... A soaring, sweeping, satisfying novel that kept me up late for several nights... I didn't want this story to end!' Goodreads reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿'Incredible. This book broke me into a million pieces.' @southernbellebooks ¿¿¿¿¿'I thoroughly enjoyed this novel... I was trying hard not to shed a tear.' Tani Reads ¿¿¿¿¿'What a fantastic epic story... truly a heart-wrenching read... with characters that I'll remember for a long time. If you enjoy historical fiction, this really is a must read!' Carla Kovach ¿¿¿¿¿ 'I felt like I was there... loved the characters... Highly recommended read.' NetGalley reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Moving... I was totally immersed in this book and couldn't put it down... Really enjoyable.' Goodreads reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿

Ena picks up her glass and sips her wine thoughtfully, remembering the words of her boss at the Home Office. "The things we have to do to keep our country safe, Ena. They're not always morally right, but they're always necessary..."¿Ena Dudley slips quietly away from the Foxden Hotel and heads back to London to see her husband Henry. Things have been difficult between them recently - though she still loves him as much as ever. Arriving home, she's shocked to discover that he's missing - having last been seen being led away by two mysterious men.<BR>Ena soon learns that that Henry has been connected to a recently murdered woman, Helen Crowther. Ena knows her husband is no killer and - determined to clear Henry's name - she and her sisters meet in a small room in a West End theatre, once used to hide Jewish refugees in the war.<BR>As Ena, Bess, Margot and Claire piece together the puzzle, they come to realize that Henry could be entangled in a much larger conspiracy than just Helen Crowther's murder, one that reaches far back into the past, when the world was still at war. With danger lurking at every turn, the women must summon all their courage and resourcefulness to navigate the treacherous waters of espionage, betrayal, and murder.<BR>Ena's determination to uncover the truth and exonerate Henry becomes a race against time, as the Dudley sisters find themselves confronting powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets...<BR>An absolutely gripping historical read, full of wartime secrets, love and betrayal. Perfect for fans of Rachel Wesson, Molly Green and Anna Stuart.

Marriage was what Charlotte had been brought up to. After all, it provided a happy ending for all the heroines in the novels she sometimes read. So it would be for her... right? Born into luxury, Charlotte Fitznorton has always known a life filled with lavish parties and a line of suitors, all part of a future neatly laid out for her by her father, Sir Lucien. She is to marry well and continue the line at Plas Norton, the family seat. When Eustace Chadwycke - son of a viscount - proposes just before leaving to fight in France, it seems Charlotte's destiny is perfectly falling into place.<BR>Then, tragedy strikes. Her father dies unexpectedly, and her future hangs in the balance - threatened by her hated stepmother Rosamund's surprise pregnancy. News of Eustace, returning from the war broken by its horrors, leaves Charlotte fearing her engagement may be as fragile as her inheritance. Determined to at least save her impending marriage, Charlotte pours her energy into turning Plas Norton into a healing place for Eustace and other war-weary soldiers. But small-minded townspeople, a bossy head nurse, and her newborn baby sister's arrival push Charlotte to her limits. Just as hope is slipping through her fingers, a mysterious stranger arrives at Plas Norton. This newcomer holds the power to upend everything Charlotte has fought to preserve. Will she have the strength to protect her legacy, or could this unexpected visitor awaken a desire in Charlotte for a different life altogether? A beautiful and heartbreaking historical novel, if you loved anything by Fiona Valpy or Lucinda Riley, this book is for you. What readers are saying about this series: "WOW! Unputdownable story!!... I read this in one day. I couldn't stop reading! Well-written, complicated characters, a villain you will definitely hate and a heroine that tugs at your heartstrings." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿ "A page-turning historical novel...This is brilliant writing... The romance was gripping and steamy, the main character was brave and enduring, the baddies were loathsome and everything was wrapped up in a satisfactory way that I hadn't really seen coming." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"An unforgettable, powerful historical tale that gripped my heart and shook it fiercely. I spent many hours reading late into the night unable to put this book down... profound and expertly crafted. I highly recommend this powerful novel." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"Luisa A Jones deftly weaves a picture of society in the early twentieth century across all social classes and fills it with life... fabulous... I am looking forward to reading more from this author." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"A beautifully written novel that packs a punch...I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent novel." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿<BR>"I read it in a day." Reader review, ¿¿¿¿¿

1897. Rosamund bows her head and steps slowly down the aisle. The satin of her gown whispers against the stone floor and a single tear falls into the bunch of yellow roses twisted in her trembling hands. Despite rumours of his cruelty, Rosamund has no choice but to become this man's second wife.After her wedding, Rosamund finds herself trapped in Sir Lucien Fitznorton's lonely country estate. As she wanders the chilly halls, made shadowy by drapes of heavy velvet, she longs for the lost comforts of her childhood home, where she was the beloved only daughter to a doting father, now buried miles away. As a young woman with no fortune of her own, only death can release her from this misery.Until she meets Joseph, her husband's gruffly handsome new chauffeur. With his mop of salt-and-pepper hair and lilting accent, Joseph is from another world. One of clambering children and tea at scrubbed kitchen tables, the hollow scratch of hunger and long hours of hard work. Despite their differences, they find themselves increasingly drawn to one other.But Sir Lucien is not only cruel, he's devious too, and soon Rosamund finds herself caught in a dangerous web of secrets and lies. Is Rosamund's fragile marriage nothing but a golden cage, trapping her between two men who desire her... and to what end?One holds her captive and the other offers a hope of escape... but who really holds the key to Rosamund's gilded prison?A gripping and emotional historical novel, fans of Lucinda Riley and Tracy Rees won't be able to put this book down.

The small green chest was concealed at the back of her father's wardrobe. Its hinges were made of brass that must once have shone, but now the surface was roughened and dull. As she opened the lock, there was only one thing inside: a letter, postmarked 1895, Paris.England, 1895. Louisa West, a young beauty from Boston, looks like she has it all: a handsome husband, she is lady of Ashworth Manor and one day she'll be a duchess. But in truth, her life is falling apart. Louisa's honeymoon is barely over when her husband deserts her, leaving her devastated and alone. She flees to Paris, longing to escape her grief, but finds only tragedy...Boston, 2015. Life hasn't been kind to Sarah West. In one year, she has lost both her parents and her marriage. After her father's death, Sarah is sorting through his belongings when she finds a letter about her mysterious ancestor, Louisa. There have always been whispers in the family about Louisa's suicide-from a high balcony in Paris-but as Sarah reads, she starts to question everything she was told. Desperate to leave her broken heart behind, she books a trip to Paris to find out more...When Sarah arrives in the city of lights, the cobbled streets of Montmartre and the river Seine at twilight make her heart sing. Then, on the bookshelf of a beautiful Paris apartment, hidden inside the yellowing pages of an old novel, she finds a note about Louisa which shatters Sarah's understanding of her family's past. Did Louisa really throw herself from a Paris balcony? And when Sarah uncovers the truth, will it change everything about her future?An utterly captivating and emotional historical novel from bestselling author Ella Carey that will transport you to Paris at its most glamorous. From a Paris Balcony will have fans of Rhys Bowen, Fiona Valpy and My Name is Eva totally gripped!Readers are utterly enchanted by From a Paris Balcony:"This book was amazing!!! Loved the story. Highly recommend. This is a book I will remember for a very long time." Goodreads Reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿"A must-read!!... I never guessed the ending throughout the entire book! I didn't want the story to end." Goodreads Reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿

The parcel arrived on an ordinary morning in the mailbox of her New York apartment, postmarked Paris. It was wrapped in brown paper and tied with a silk ribbon. Little did she know that the old brass key and letter it contained were about to turn her life upside down... 1940, Paris. Life is getting desperate for young Isabelle de Florian. Alone with her best friend in her Paris apartment, Isabelle knows that they must seek safety or die. For months she has been playing a dangerous game of secrets with the Nazis, trying to keep the people she loves safe. At last, she secures passage out of the city, packs her best jewels into a small suitcase and steps into the treacherous night...New York, 2015. Photographer Cat Jordan is shocked when she receives a letter informing her that she is the sole heir of the estate of Isabelle de Florian. She was a friend of Cat's enigmatic grandmother, who both lived in France until the Nazi occupation forced them to flee. The letter offers few details but is clear on one point: Cat must come to Paris in person.When she arrives, Cat is enchanted by Isabelle's beautiful apartment. But why did she leave it to a stranger? Determined to find the truth, Cat investigates her grandmother and Isabelle's escape from Paris, and discovers that Isabelle was hunted by the Nazis in 1940. But as Cat searches through the dusty letters in the apartment, will the secret she finds change everything she knows about Isabelle and herself? From bestselling author Ella Carey comes an utterly spellbinding novel about wartime secrets. Paris Time Capsule shows that pulling on the tiniest thread of a life can unravel everything you thought you knew, and change your world forever.

Two women. One house. And a secret that spans decades...<BR>The past merges with the present in an unforgettable, poignant story of love, loss and courage in this beautifully written story set between World War Two and the present day.<BR>She steps into the room and it's like going back in time.Catapulting her right into the heart of the 1940s.<BR>The spindle of the record player frozen and ready to play. The flowery wallpaper faded but intact. A soldier's uniform pressed and hung on a door, coal still in the fireplace.<BR>A floorboard creaks beneath her and she notices a small desk in the corner of the room. She opens the top drawer and runs her hands along the edges, something catching at her fingertips. A hidden compartment. And behind it, the soft edges of a book.<BR>As she dusts it off, she can see it has a red leather covering, the pages yellowing with age. She realises it's a diary. Some of the pages have been torn out. The first entry has 16th June 1945 printed in neat little letters at the top. Below it, in hurried, untidy script are the words: <BR>'My name is Nancy Jones. And I have a secret...'<BR>Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network, and Lilac Girls will love this incredible tale of the amazing bravery and inspiring friendships of everyday women during World War Two that had the power to change history.<BR>Why readers love Anna Stuart: <BR>'I absolutely LOVE this book... it had my heart breaking and tears constantly streaming down my face!... I can't give this enough praise, I genuinely loved it so much... A beautiful love story... an emotional rollercoaster... such a tear jerker. Absolutely recommended from me, you NEED to read this!' Curled Up With a Good Book,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<BR>'Oh my heart... I love this book... a real tearjerker... so heart-warming. If you need a little warm hug of a read then this is just perfect.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<BR><BR>

"Munich, 1943. My heart breaks as I watch the smug couple carry the tiny bundle into their sinister black limousine. Carefully I write the baby's name into my secret notebook. No matter the danger, I will do everything I can to reunite him with his mother... As the darkest shadows of the war spread, nurse Margarete Weiss is sent away to work in a mother and baby home in a beautiful corner of the German countryside. As she approaches the fairy-tale castle with manicured grounds and fair-haired young women laughing in the sunshine, she imagines she will be helping to create a haven for young German mothers to have their children. But when she discovers what is really going on inside the castle walls, she knows she needs to do whatever she can to put a stop to the horror she witnesses, even if it means risking her own life... Italy, 2005. 90-year-old Margarete sits in her chair in her care home, her hands trembling as she looks into the face of the young reporter, Kristel, sitting in front of her. Kristel's bright blue eyes and intelligent smile are so familiar, and as Kristel explains she is here to talk to her about the children taken from their mothers during the war, Margarete knows her faded blue notebook with its list of names might hold the answers that Kristel needs. But as Margarete shares the names with Kristel, her heart beats fast inside her chest. She knows that sharing the truth about those terrible days is the right thing to do, but it also shines a spotlight on her own painful secrets. The notebook will provide Kristel and Margarete with answers... But at what price? And can the two women help each other find the peace they so badly need?"--

In this poignant tale of loss and redemption, a young woman's wartime secrets threaten to unravel her carefully rebuilt life.1937. On the eve of her debutante season in London, Lucia Blake rebels against her domineering father and his fascist politics and runs away to France. Breaking the promise to always look after her, she leaves behind her adored younger sister, Della. Seeking freedom Lucia finds unexpected passion in the arms of a charming French archaeologist. But as war looms over Europe, their idyllic love is shattered by an unspeakable tragedy.Returning to war-torn London, a heartbroken Lucia buries her past and throws herself into work as an ambulance driver. Every time she heads into the Blitz to rescue people she gambles with death. Yet it's when she pulls a terrified young girl from the rubble-- clutching a toy elephant--that suppressed memories surge to the surface. Bound by grief, Lucia and the child embark on a desperate search for the girl's missing father, forming an unbreakable bond.But the ghosts of Lucia's past won't stay silent. As the bombs fall and death claims those around her, she longs for Della to forgive her for the pain she caused when she fled those years ago. Will her sister ever be able to reconcile with Lucia? Or will the weight of goodbye prove too much to bear?This heart-wrenching novel is a testament to the power of love, courage, and the human spirit's resilience in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network, Kelly Rimmer's The Things We Cannot Say and We Were the Lucky Ones.

Louisa Arnold used to love playing in the grounds of derelict Hill House as a little girl. Now, a devastating loss sends her running to the overgrown gardens, seeking sanctuary in the manor's ruined halls.There, to her astonishment, Hill House begins to transform around her - in place of rotting floors and sagging ceilings, are vast silk rugs of embroidered roses and majestic crystal chandeliers. Maids and footmen flit busily past - is Lou dreaming, or could she actually be standing in this place as it was a hundred years ago?Lou is mystified by the warm welcome she receives as a guest of the illustrious Mandeville family. Over tea parties and shoots, banquets and dancing, she's suddenly living the life she always dreamed of. And, though she tries to fight it, she's increasingly drawn to the Mandeville heir, Thomas, whose heart-breaking fate she knows well from the pages of history.As Lou falls more in love with this world, the truth about Hill House and the destiny of its family begins to unravel. Will the past run its stubborn course, swallowing Lou in its wake - or can she save this beautiful place and the people she's come to treasure from certain ruin?A heart-breaking, beautiful, emotional and unputdownable read for fans of The Time Traveller's Wife, Fiona Valpy and Lucinda Riley.

A breathtaking tale of motherhood, family and survival in war-torn Norway.In the serene beauty of the Norwegian fjords, Asta Nilsen's world is suddenly shattered when German forces invade her homeland. Caring for her ailing father in their remote red cabin while her brother flees to Scotland to join the Allied forces, Asta struggles to survive under the harsh realities of occupation.When Asta finds herself with child after an illicit relationship that will forever mark her as a traitor in her neighbours' eyes, she makes the heart-wrenching decision to leave Norway to protect her daughter. But fate has more challenges in store when young Kari is stolen from her and prepared for adoption in Australia.Spanning the occupied fjords of Norway to the rubble of post-war Germany and the streets of Stockholm, this sweeping novel explores the impossible choices faced during wartime and their lingering consequences. In the chaos of war, can Asta find her daughter and bring her home?A deeply moving story of resilience, sacrifice and the enduring power of love against the backdrop of one of history's darkest chapters.

In a world at war, a young woman must face her darkest fears...1941. After the death of her beloved mother, nineteen-year-old Romilly Brooks impulsively accepts a job as a nanny, accompanying eight-year-old Freddie and his grandmother on a sea voyage from war-torn London to the safety of New York. From the first, Romilly is entranced by the opulent ocean liner... if only she could put the idea of German U-boats circling beneath the waves out of her mind.Then she meets Edward Witney. Handsome and attentive, Edward wants to know everything about her, without sharing anything of himself. Why is this mysterious man aboard the Lucknow, and who is the dark-haired woman with an unplaceable accent he keeps whispering with behind closed doors?Just as she's beginning to unpick his secrets, a thunderous explosion tears through the night. A German torpedo has struck the ship, and Romilly and Freddie are thrown into the deadly Atlantic. Clinging to a flimsy raft, they spot Edward, unconscious nearby.As they're beginning to lose hope, they glimpse the Lucknow's lifeboat six - its emergency light a beacon of safety in the freezing night. But when Romilly and Freddie try to board, they're told that there isn't enough room for them both.Romilly is suddenly forced to confront a terrible truth: this is a night they might not all survive...Filled with heart-wrenching emotion, this gripping novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Don't miss this captivating tale of courage, love, and survival, perfect for fans of The Alice Network, Kelly Rimmer and We Were the Lucky Ones.

Laila Mitchell has little money, her medical knowledge, a medicine kit, and the clothes on her back when she sets out to search for her last living relatives in 1890's Oregon.<BR>Stranded in the Snake River Canyon, she settles into a small mining community named Venture and from there she serves as practical nurse to scattered miners and settlers. Laila is soon entangled in the hardships of frontier life, guardianship of a "wild child", and reluctant attraction topeach rancher and hotel owner, Ash Corbett. <BR>As she faces problems with courage and verve, a magical, never-dreamed-of future opens. Which can be hers, if only she can let go of her heart-breaking past.<BR><BR>

Paris, 1941. As we drive down the cobbled street, I take in the red banners with swastikas covering every building. Suddenly a group of guards appears in the street. I duck beneath the window of the car, and my heart thumps as my hand jumps to my chest. But I'm not wearing my yellow star now, I left it with my sister. Tears well in my eyes. Will I ever see her again? 1939. Standing in front of the orphanage's imposing stone walls, eleven-year-old Jewish twins Helga and Ruth shiver with fear. The war has taken their mother and father, their home in Berlin has been turned to rubble, but their soft, dark eyes meet and Helga gives Ruth a reassuring smile. They should be safe here together. Yet every day bombs fly overhead. And when Ruth becomes desperately unwell, the girls are torn apart. As war rages on, will they ever find each other? Paris, 1990. When Naomi moves to Paris, she hopes the city will help her find herself again. But whilst exploring the antique markets in the early morning sun, she is shocked to discover a duplicate of a photograph her mother Helga has on her mantelpiece back in London of a magnificent vine-covered villa on the outskirts of the city. Naomi soon discovers it was used as an orphanage during the Second World War. But why was the photo so precious to her mother? When Naomi tells her mother what she's found, Helga is furious. She begs Naomi to leave the orphanage alone. But Naomi is already desperate to discover the truth about her mother and the secrets of the other forgotten children of Montmorency. If Naomi learns the heart-shattering mistake her mother made, it will change their lives forever. But if she leaves the secrets in the past, Helga will never find out what happened to her sister... Breathtaking and unputdownable, this story is about courage, hope and the resilience of the human spirit, perfect for fans of Before We Were Yours, Sold on a Monday and The Orphan's Tale. What readers are saying about Ann Bennett: 'So captivating, I was on edge while flipping through the pages as fast as I could... Truly heart-warming... Emotional, heartbreaking... I loved this... A must read!' Pageturners ¿¿¿¿¿

1939. Bombs threaten London and five small children step onto a rickety train, clutching their gas masks, heading to an uncertain future...When the war with Nazi Germany sends five displaced children to her door, Dodie Fitznorton knows life in her quiet village will never be the same. Her once orderly home is now strewn with odd socks and abandoned toast crusts, and she gasps when she discovers a flea-infested ginger kitten hidden away upstairs.But the baggage these little ones bring is far more than just their tattered suitcases. Eight-year-old Olive trembles when spoken to and won't say how she got a bruised lip, and her brother Peter seems angry at the entire world. Then Dodie meets the children's grey-eyed American teacher, Patrick Winter, who makes her feel she's not alone in this fight.As darkness falls over Europe, Dodie's fragile sanctuary begins to feel like a fortress under siege. With whispers of spies in the village and the children's precious futures at stake, Dodie must decide who to trust before everything she's built crumbles to ashes around her...A deeply poignant tale of love forged in wartime - heartwarming, captivating and impossible to forget. Perfect for fans of The Secret Orphan, Before We Were Yours and Anna Stuart.

As she looks at the baby wriggling in her father’s arms, a bolt of recognition goes through her and she takes a step back. And it’s in that moment that she begins to protect her father’s secrets.1934, Weirfield-on-Thames. Connie Burroughs loves living in the orphanage that her father runs. Exploring its nooks and crannies with her sister, hearing the pounding of a hundred pairs of feet on the wooden stairs, having a father who is doing so much good. But everything changes the day she sees him carrying a newborn baby that he says he found near the broken front gate. A baby she recognises…Present day. Arriving at her father’s beloved cottage beside the river, Sarah Jennings is hoping for peace and quiet, to escape her difficult divorce. But when she finds her father unwell and hunched over boxes of files on the orphanage where he was abandoned as a child, she decides to investigate it herself.The only person left alive who lived at Cedar Hall is Connie Burroughs, but Connie sits quietly in her nursing home for a reason. The sewing box under Connie’s bed hides secrets that will change Sarah’s life forever, uncovering a connection between them that has darker consequences than she could ever imagine.A heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting tale inspired by the lives of the children who lived at the author’s great-grandfather’s orphanage. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan’s Tale and The Orphan Train will be hooked. What readers are saying about The Orphan House:‘Oh my goodness. What an amazing story of life, love, loss and finding yourself… awe inspiring. I honestly am left reeling. This is my first book from this author, although it definitely will not be my last. Thank you for a journey that I will not soon forget.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘An amazing and spellbinding read. Exceptionally well done. I hated when it ended.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘Wonderful storytelling! I have just finished reading this book and I’m bereft! I was able, for a few days, to lose myself completely in the story… I highly recommend this book to anyone.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘True to life and totally believable. The plot was intriguing, and the delivery was perfect.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘Loved this book… captures so many emotions… couldn’t put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘This was a fantastic read… it lured me in and I ended up hooked. By about the halfway point, I was completely captivated by the story and the mystery kept me guessing as I tried to figure it out… beautifully written.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 starsThis book was previously published as The Foundling’s Daughter.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICEFrance, 1944. In an opulent hotel room above the streets of Paris, a mother sobs and clutches her twin daughters tight. A German officer says, 'Give me the emerald, and I will only take one of your children. The choice is yours.'AN UNBREAKABLE PROMISEFive-year-old Nina weeps for her sister. But a warm, familiar hand strokes her golden hair. 'The jewel, the Emerald Lake, it brings people together. You will find her.'THREE GENERATIONS OF SECRETSSouth of France, present day. Fleur arrives at a beautiful villa by the sparkling Mediterranean, devastated at the loss of her grandmother Nina. She has no other family. Why did Nina never tell her she owned this place? Then, tucked away in the villa, she finds a faded missing poster showing a little girl, blonde hair tied with red ribbons, holding a message: Do you know my twin sister?The accompanying newspaper clippings about jewellery auctions throughout the years tell Fleur that answers lie in the replica emerald ring that Nina wore every day, now adorning her own finger.Local gem expert Nicolas is the only one who can help find the truth. But as they uncover a heartbreaking story of a family torn apart by war, the pair face danger from an unexpected place. And Fleur must ask if her grandmother kept her secrets for a reason...An absolutely devastating, epic and unforgettable read that will sweep you through the generations and whisk you away to the cobbled streets of Paris and the turquoise waters of the South of France. Anyone who loves Rhys Bowen, Fiona Valpy or Lucinda Riley will be utterly captivated.Read what everyone's saying about Helen Fripp:'Heartbreaking... Will remain in my heart for a very long time. I loved everything about this... Do not let another day go by without reading this... Phenomenal. Definitely worth ten stars... Unputdownable.' Page Turners,¿¿¿¿¿'Wow! I couldn't stop thinking about the book even after I've finished reading it!... I was transported... I found tears falling down my face... Definitely a beautiful read.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Oh my heart... this one got me right in the feels... my heart fell head over heels... Grab your Kleenex because your heart will break and your tears will fall!' thebooknerdmomma'Wow! What a story... I was captivated... I found myself reading late into the night... extraordinary... so moving and totally enthralled me... will stay with me for a long time.' NetGalley reviewer,¿¿¿¿¿'I was gripped... the heart-stopping moments came in thick and fast... Kept me turning the pages late into the night... Will stay with me for a long time.' French Village Diaries, ¿¿¿¿¿

1944, England. A chance meeting with a soldier unravels a long-buried family mystery...England is in the devastating grip of World War Two, and Bethany Merston's life changes in an instant when bombs screech down over London. Heartbroken, she leaves the shattered ruins of her home behind. In the Sussex countryside, she takes a job as companion to elderly Alice Summer, mistress of the crumbling and over-grown Summerhayes House.Its once-pristine grounds are now home to a regiment of soldiers preparing for an invasion across the channel. But Bethany's wartime experiences mean she can find beauty in broken things, and she is captured by the estate's magic. When she meets handsome, blue-eyed Lieutenant Jos Kerrigan in the gardens one morning, it is clear he has also been captivated by Summerhayes. As their friendship grows, Bethany realises that it's not just the house she's falling for...But something is stirring beneath the surface at Summerhayes... When Bethany discovers that Alice is receiving anonymous letters that have opened up old family wounds, she is determined to find out who is responsible. Convinced that Summerhayes itself holds the key to the mystery, Bethany and Jos explore the grand house together.The answers lie in a long-forgotten painting in the dusty attic, unravelling the mysteries of the Summer family. And as the truth about Alice's past comes to light, it has the power to change Bethany's future.Will Bethany and Jos's blossoming love survive the war, or will the secrets of Summerhayes tear them apart?Previously published as The Secret of Summerhayes.A totally heartbreaking and gripping wartime family saga, fans of Tracy Rees, Kate Morton and Elizabeth Jane Howard will have their hearts stolen by The Secrets of Summerhayes. Previously published as The Secret of Summerhayes.What readers are saying about the Summerhayes House series:'Right from page one I was hooked... I LOVED IT!!!!' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'I absolutely loved this... Definitely a five-star read for me.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'A real page-turner... A book I totally disappeared into for an evening and long into the night, totally losing any sense of time.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'Everything I hoped it would be and so much more... Excellent.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'Beautiful book. I was completely immersed in the story... Made me feel I was there in the midst of it all.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

24 Merrion Square. The house stands empty, the old stone steps overgrown with thorny rose bushes. But Mary Kate feels a deep connection to the neglected rooms. Could this be the place to help her heal?Dublin 1952. When Mary Kate Ryan receives a surprise inheritance from the woman who abandoned her as a baby, she's about to refuse the money. But then she sees a beautiful, deserted house for sale and something sparks in her heart. She opens the Dublin Boarding House for Single Ladies, providing shelter for others as alone as her. The house brings Mary Kate friendships she never dreamed of - until she discovers a devastating secret. Can Mary Kate draw on the strength of the women around her or will the tragedy she uncovers spell disaster for them all?A heart-wrenching story full of family secrets. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe. What readers are saying about The Irish Boarding House series:'This gut-wrenching story is phenomenal. I loved... Hits all the feels... Heartbreaking... Bringing you to tears, and then bringing a smile to your face and joy to your heart... Completely unputdownable.' Page Turners, ?????'Oh my heart!... Heart-warming and uplifting, making you just want to crawl into the pages and stay there... Wonderful... I loved everything about it... Beautiful.' The Staffymum's Book Nook, ?????'I simply adored it... Captured my attention from the first page. I absolutely love... Exceptional, unforgettable... So memorable and moving... Frankly beautiful.' Musician's Poet, ?????'Oh my, what a wonderful heart-warming return to the Irish Boarding House!... So uplifting... Made my heart ache on more than one occasion... Beautiful... Will put a smile on your face and a new spring in your step!... 5 heart-filled stars.' Cindy L Spear, ??????????'Emotional, gripping... I was captivated from the beginning... I loved it but be warned: tissues may be needed!' karen_loves_reading, ??????????'Wonderful... Fantastic... You are literally transported back in time as you read... I was hooked... An uplifting but at times emotional read. I had a smile on my face but also I did shed a tear or two' @leona.omahony, ??????????'Wonderful and heart-warming... Had me tearing up as I flipped through the pages. I had to keep the Kleenex box nearby as I read faster and faster... The perfect ending to a wonderful series... Inspiring, powerful and filled my heart with love.' Page Turners ??????????

'Brilliantly evoked' SUNDAY TIMES<BR>Discover the first medieval adventure in the action-packed Chivalry series! Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Conn Iggulden.<BR>September, 1356. Poitiers. <BR>The greatest knights of the age were ready to give battle.<BR><BR>On the English side, Edward, the Black Prince, who'd earned his spurs at Crecy.<BR>On the French side, the King and his son, the Dauphin. With 12,000 knights. <BR><BR>And then there is William Gold. A cook's boy - the lowest of the low - who had once been branded as a thief. William dreams of being a knight, but in this savage new world of intrigue, betrayal and greed, first he must learn to survive. <BR><BR>As rapacious English mercenaries plunder a country already ravaged by plague, and the peasantry take violent revenge against the French knights who have failed to protect them, is chivalry any more than a boyish fantasy?<BR><BR>'A sword-slash above the rest' IRISH EXAMINER<BR>'One of the finest writers of historical fiction in the world' BEN KANE

In a city of masks, no one is what they seem . . .<BR><BR> Englishman Richard Hughes has survived a stint as a galley slave and is now a free man in Venice, where he enjoys a modest life as a fencing master.<BR><BR> He believes he has long-since left behind the ideals that landed him in slavery...until he stumbles across an attempted murder close to home. As he hunts for the red-masked assassin who is picking off the city's Libertini, Richard and his new rescued friend 'Philip' are drawn into a conspiracy that stretches from Venice to the Vatican and beyond...<BR><BR><BR>This is the Venice of waterfront palaces, romance, Carnivale and gondolas - but also of sharp swords, lawless criminals and ruthless assassins; based on real events and richly brought to life by the master of historical fiction, Christian Cameron.<BR><BR> 'Cameron is a true master of the genre . . . skilful, humorous and finely wrought' - Ben Kane, bestselling author of The Eagles of Rome series<BR><BR> 'Agile and rapier-sharp' - Chris Lloyd, award-winning author of the Occupation series<BR><BR> 'A masterclass in historical adventure' - Miranda Malins, author of The Rebel Daughter<BR><BR>READERS LOVE THE VENETIAN HERETIC:<BR><BR> 'An excellent story, quite different than the usual military stuff for which the author is deservedly renowned so quite refreshing in many ways' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<BR><BR> 'This book was fantastic . . . Cameron is very quickly becoming a favourite author of mine' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<BR><BR> 'Cameron's Venice has a sense of place, of history, and feels at once grand and intimately human' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<BR><BR> 'Absolutely brilliant novel, made deep and real by a massive amount of research, but Cameron's ability to create plausible and interesting characters shines through' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<BR><BR> 'It is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mystery, further cementing Christian Cameron as one of the very best in the genre' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Venice is alive with the magic and bustle of Carnevale.<BR><BR>A city of mysterious masks and gorgeous palaces, of riches, patricians, intellectuals and artists. And amidst it all, something new is being born: magnificent voices are soaring above the spires, astonishing costumes are being crafted, and audiences are being transported, for the first time, by the power of the Opera.<BR><BR>And beneath it all: espionage, organised crime, and murder.<BR><BR>Swordsman Richard Hughes has arrived on the banks of the Grand Canal looking for a simpler life, only to be plunged - alongside Phillip de Chambray, a remarkable woman unable to show her true self - into the thick of the murkiest, most dangerous European politics, at a moment when someone is trying to destroy the opera, and Venice itself.<BR><BR>Rich with authentic detail, this is the story of a complex world not so different from our own, and Christian Cameron, the modern master of historical fiction, brings real history to life in a way no other author can.

Her hands shake as she picks up the velvet box containing her engagement ring - she's never been able to throw it away. But could unearthing the beautiful jewel bring more heartbreak, or is it a chance to heal decades-old wounds?When she found a lost little girl in front of her shop, dressmaker Evelyn Flooks decided to raise Sabrina as her own daughter. So, when Sabrina announces her engagement, Evelyn gifts her the ring she herself was given, to truly show Sabrina that she is Evelyn's family. Though the precious ring has many happy memories, it also reminds Evelyn of the heartbreak she once suffered. And the secret she's kept buried for decades. But Evelyn reels in shock when she meets Sabrina's future father-in-law. It's the man she once loved more than anything.Evelyn knows this is her only chance to right to wrongs of the past, before it is too late. But seeing Sabrina glow with delight at becoming a bride-to-be, she can't bring herself to destroy her girl's happiness by sharing her own secret... about how Adam's father broke her heart, how she came to own the bridal shop, and how her family was torn apart.Will finally opening up be as terrible as she fears? Or will it give Evelyn the chance to heal, in time to watch the girl she loves like a daughter walk down the aisle? You will not be able to put down this absolutely gorgeous and tear-jerking historical fiction novel. Perfect for fans of Barbara Davis, Sandy Taylor and Jean Grainger. Previously published as The Summer Posy.What readers are saying about The Dressmaker's Chance:'Loved it! Beautifully written... Couldn't put it down... So sorry that it's ended.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Brilliant... Didn't want it to end.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Absolutely amazing... Awesome... Fantastic... I want to read again.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Beautiful... Such a wonderful ending... 10/10 as always.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Brilliant book... I really didn't want to stop reading... I didn't want to put the book down.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Deliciously good!' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Brilliant... Absolutely loved.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Delighted me. Devoured... Could not wait for this one.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿What readers are saying about Michelle Vernal:'LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, LOVED IT!!!... Absolutely stunning!!!... I was completely swept away!!... DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!!... I absolutely LOVED... Perfect read to lift your spirits and keep you hooked... Absolutely gorgeous... Will keep you up late at night.' Bookworm86, ¿¿¿¿¿

A SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2022 The Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month The truth must come out. In 1963, in a Siberian gulag, former nuclear specialist Valery Kolkhanov has mastered what it takes to survive: the right connections to the guards for access to food and cigarettes, the right pair of warm boots to avoid frostbite, and the right attitude toward the small pleasures of life. But on one ordinary day, all that changes: Valery s university mentor steps in and sweeps Valery from the frozen prison camp to a mysterious unnamed town hidden within a forest so damaged it looks like the trees have rusted from within. Here, Valery is Dr. Kolkhanov once more, and he s expected to serve out his prison term studying the effect of radiation on local animals. But as Valery begins his work, he is struck by the questions his research raises: what, exactly, is being hidden from the thousands who live in the town? And if he keeps looking for answers, will he live to serve out his sentence? Based on real events in a surreal Soviet city, and told with bestselling author Natasha Pulley s inimitable style, The Half Life of Valery K is a sweeping historical adventure.

Italy, 1940. The girl sobs and rages as her father tells her the terrible news. "Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready." As fascists march across the cobbled piazzas and past the towered buildings of her beloved home city, twenty-year-old Devora's worst fears come true. Along with her Jewish parents and twin little brothers they are torn away from everything they love and sent to an internment camp huddled in the mountains. Her father promises this war will not last long... When they are offered a miraculous chance of escape by her childhood friend Luigi, who risks everything to smuggle vital information into the camp, the family clambers under barbed wire and races for the border. But Devora is forced to make a devastating choice between saving a stranger's life and joining her parents. As shots fire in the moonless night, the family is separated. Haunted by the question of whether they are dead or alive, all Devora can do for their future is throw herself into helping Luigi in the Italian resistenza in the fight for liberty. But posing as a maid for a German commander to gather secret intelligence, Devora is sure she sees her friend one night, in a Nazi uniform... Is Devora in more danger than ever? And will her family ever be reunited - or will the war tear them apart? An absolutely devastating but ultimately uplifting historical novel about how love and hope can get us through the darkest times. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Rhys Bowen and Soraya M. Lane. Read what everyone's saying about Angela Petch: 'Wow! Just Wow!... phenomenal... A novel I will never forget... Brilliant... 5 glorious stars for whisking me away to Italy... beautiful... I LOVED this novel!' Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Magical... unforgettable... I was swept away... had me crying happy tears, I was hooked.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Want to write medieval fiction but daunted by research?Whether you're writing a historical novel, or even a fantasy one with medieval elements, this book will walk you through all the things you need to know with an overview of the entire medieval period, from key events to the weather.Discover what daily life was really like in 15th century England, exploring topics such as:Where did people live, sleep, and poop?What did they eat and drink?When would they use an apothecary vs a surgeon?How did they travel and where did they stay?Who were they wearing (fashion, baby)?You can even learn how to swear and pay compliments medieval style. All this and more is delivered in clear, concise sections so you can easily select the relevant bits without getting bogged down by lengthy text. Packed full of writing prompts to really get your thoughts flowing, this book is a must to give your medieval characters a realistic backdrop where they can behave in/appropriately.Make your story of the past a reality now!