An illuminating anthology of World War I fiction by some of England's best- known writers
This new collection of short stories about World War I features works by such famous British authors as Joseph Conrad, W. Somerset Maugham, Arthur Conan Doyle, John Buchan, Rudyard Kipling, D. H. Lawrence, John Galsworthy, Radclyffe Hall, Katherine Mansfield, Robert Graves, Muriel Spark, and Julian Barnes. Written during the war and after, these stories illustrate the impact of the Great War on British society and culture, as well as the many ways in which short fiction contributed to the literature of that time period.

Man against man. Face to face. One machine against another.It was shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. Martin Falconer and his friend, Frank, were anxious to 'get into the scrap' as soon as possible, their youth blinding them to the real danger of it all. Geoffrey, Martin's elder brother, knew that it wasn't a game. He had fought in the trenches, been wounded and had seen friends die. For Geoffrey the R.F.C. offered an opportunity to escape the mud and horror of the Front, while for Martin and Frank it was the chance to be in at the start of a totally different kind of fighting. They were to be pioneers. A scintillating, full-throttle thriller of the First World War, perfect for fans of W. E. Johns, Derek Robinson and Geoffrey Wellum.

Bestselling author Lyn Andrews' unputdownable saga ANGELS OF MERCY is perfect for fans of Kate Thompson and Kitty Neale. Twins Kate and Evvie are navigating love and heartbreak. But their toughest challenge is yet to come . . . Blue-eyed, blond-haired, full of smiles and sweetness, even as babies twins Kate and Evvie Greenway captured the hearts of Liverpool's Scotland Road slumlands. But now they are almost adults the two girls find that being pleasant, popular and blessed with a loving family that isn't quite enough. For they've both fallen for men who will break their youthful hearts . . . But these sorrows are nothing compared to the tragedies that await them, and so many others, when the Great War breaks out. Determined to do their part, Kate and Evvie sign up for nursing training and are despatched to the Front, a terrible world far from their homes. Can anything - hope, love or the bond that has always united the sisters - survive all that lies in store for them? Praise for Lyn Andrews' unforgettable novels: 'A compelling read' Woman's Own 'A vivid picture of a hard-up, hard-working community . . . will keep the pages turning' Daily Express 'Spellbinding' Northern Echo

As the Great War rages on, will the truth come out? 1915. Best friends Irene, Maggie and Annie are proud members of the newly renamed Women's Police Service. While Britain's men are away fighting in France, the girls are doing their bit by keeping the peace at home in London's East End. But out of the blue, Irene is given the opportunity to be stationed near an army barracks in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Having recently experienced some heartbreak and keen for the adventure, she decides to go. What could possibly go wrong? It turns out, plenty. One of the other WPS girls takes an immediate dislike to her and makes her life a misery. On top of that, the man she thinks could be the answer to all her problems isn't all he seems. And when she finds a psychologically disturbed deserter in hiding, she has a very difficult decision to make . . . Can Irene overcome all these obstacles without Maggie and Annie by her side, and find true happiness at last? Praise for THE BOBBY GIRLS: Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing, The Bobby Girls is a must-read for all saga fans.' - Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty's 'I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction.' - Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls 'I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls. It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written.' - Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark 'A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing.' - Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series 'Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women.' - Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay 'Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 crime story. The author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old.' - Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls 'This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities.' - Penny Thorpe, author of The Quality Street Girls 'A lovely story! The author has researched the era and the theme very well. The characters stood out on the page and through their eyes you are transported back to a different age.' - AnneMarie Brear, author of Beneath a Stormy Sky

It's the dawn of the 20th century, but Anna and Dorrie Furlong, young daughters of a Liverpudlian ship captain with archaic ideals, are expected to remain at home in Everton until they are wedded. Dorrie, beautiful and popular, with multiple admirers, is content to do this, but idealistic, intelligent Anna hates her narrow life and longs for freedom and independence. As both sisters struggle against their situations, love will find them as if by accident, and after much hardship and sadness, they will both begin to realise where true happiness lies... A touching love song to Liverpool, Elizabeth Murphy's Comfort Me With Apples is an emotional, touching tale, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Helen Forrester and Lyn Andrews

Susan Hill's classic novel Strange Meeting tells of the power of love amidst atrocities. 'He was afraid to go to sleep. For three weeks, he had been afraid of going to sleep . . .' Young officer John Hilliard returns to his battalion in France following a period of sick leave in England. Despite having trouble adjusting to all the new faces, the stiff and reserved Hilliard forms a friendship with David Barton, an open and cheerful new recruit who has still to be bloodied in battle. As the pair approach the front line, to the proximity of death and destruction, their strange friendship deepens. But each knows that soon they will be separated . . . 'A remarkable feat of imaginative and descriptive writing' The Times 'The feeling of men under appalling stress at a particular moment in history is communicated with almost uncanny power' Sunday Times 'Truly Astonishing' Daily Telegraph

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The million-copy bestseller Lilac Girls introduced the real-life heroine Caroline Ferriday. Now Lost Roses, set a generation earlier and also inspired by true events, features Caroline's mother, Eliza, and follows three equally indomitable women from St. Petersburg to Paris under the shadow of World War I. "Not only a brilliant historical tale, but a love song to all the ways our friendships carry us through the worst of times."--Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours It is 1914, and the world has been on the brink of war so often, many New Yorkers treat the subject with only passing interest. Eliza Ferriday is thrilled to be traveling to St. Petersburg with Sofya Streshnayva, a cousin of the Romanovs. The two met years ago one summer in Paris and became close confidantes. Now Eliza embarks on the trip of a lifetime, home with Sofya to see the splendors of Russia: the church with the interior covered in jeweled mosaics, the Rembrandts at the tsar's Winter Palace, the famous ballet. But when Austria declares war on Serbia and Russia's imperial dynasty begins to fall, Eliza escapes back to America, while Sofya and her family flee to their country estate. In need of domestic help, they hire the local fortune-teller's daughter, Varinka, unknowingly bringing intense danger into their household. On the other side of the Atlantic, Eliza is doing her part to help the White Russian families find safety as they escape the revolution. But when Sofya's letters suddenly stop coming, she fears the worst for her best friend. From the turbulent streets of St. Petersburg and aristocratic countryside estates to the avenues of Paris where a society of fallen Russian emigres live to the mansions of Long Island, the lives of Eliza, Sofya, and Varinka will intersect in profound ways. In her newest powerful tale told through female-driven perspectives, Martha Hall Kelly celebrates the unbreakable bonds of women's friendship, especially during the darkest days of history. Praise for Lost Roses "A charming and vividly rendered historical novel . . . Based on true events, this prequel to Lilac Girls transports."--People "Inspired by true events, just like its predecessor, and just as well-researched, Lost Roses is a remarkable story and another testament to female strength. This sweeping epic will thrill and delight fans of Lilac Girls and readers of historical fiction alike."--PopSugar

This engrossing and edge-of-your-seat saga from multi-million copy bestselling author Douglas Reeman is perfect for fans of Clive Cussler, Bernard Cornwell and Wilbur Smith. The third novel in the Blackwood saga, spanning 150 years in the history of a great seafaring family, this captivating naval adventure at its very best! 'One of our foremost writers of naval fiction' -- Sunday Times 'Mr Reeman writes with great knowledge about the sea and those who sail on it' --The Times 'Another romping good yarn by my favourite author' -- ***** Reader review 'A real page-turner' -- ***** Reader review 'Magnificent!' -- ***** Reader review 'I was engrossed from start to finish' -- ***** Reader review 'Had me hooked' -- ***** Reader review ****************************************************************************** 1914-1918: for three generations, members of the Blackwood family have served the Royal Marines with distinction. With the outbreak of World War I, at last comes Jonathan Blackwood's turn to carry the family name into battle. But as the young marines embark for the Dardanelles, and a new kind of warfare, it dawns on them that the days of scarlet coats and an unchanging tradition of honour and glory have gone forever. First in Gallipoli, and two years later at Flanders, comes their horrifying initiation into a wholesale slaughter for which no training could ever have prepared them. Caught up in the savagery of a conflict beyond any officer's control, Blackwood's future rests on the 'horizon' - the dark lip of the trench which was the last fateful sight for so many.

Based on his personal experiences in France during the First World War, Dos Passos’s novel is a fierce denunciation of the military.

'Ciaran McMenamin confirms his exceptional talent with this admirably powerful and authentic novel about the First World War and the struggle for Irish independence. Tremendous' William Boyd Longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction Annie, Francie and Archie were inseparable growing up, but in 1914 the boys are seduced by the drama of the Great War. Before leaving their small Irish village for the trenches, Francie promises his true love Annie that he will bring her little brother home safe. Six years later Francie is on the run, a wanted man in the Irish war of Independence. He needs Annie's help to escape safely across the border, but that means confronting the truth about why Archie never came back.... For readers of Sebastian Faulks, Ian McEwan and Sebastian Barry

A daughter visits the island of Guernsey to unearth horrifying family truths and solve a decades-old mystery surrounding her mother, in this historical page-turner. 1958. Esme, a novelist, finds a potential new literary project. A housemaid named Clara was convicted of murder, perhaps unjustly, amid the ending of World War II and the liberation of Guernsey from Nazi occupation. Esme's trip to Guernsey is an opportunity not only to research the case, but to learn more about her mother's family-as well as to heal from the heartbreak inflicted on her by the man she loved . . . 1915. A teenager marries her childhood sweetheart before he heads off to fight in the Great War. But he doesn't come back, and Jane, presumed a widow, flees Guernsey-devastated by her loss. In London, Jane finds a new life and a new husband-but her past isn't done with her yet. This absorbing novel follows the parallel paths of two generations of women, and as each is faced with painful decisions and shocking discoveries, a question emerges: Can a lie be forgiven when the truth seems too much to bear?

A renegade commander must take matters into his own hands in this epic First World War thriller.Summer, 1917: Britain is losing the war against the deadly German U-boats. After close fought action, Commander David Cochrane Smith uncovers what he believes is a deadly plot against Britain from a dying German sailor. Code-named Swordbearer, it could turn the tide of the war in Germany's favour. But, already under suspicion, his warnings fall on deaf ears. With just one one ancient destroyer, a turtle-back 'thirty-knotter' known as Bloody Mary, under his command and a hostile commanding office, he must wage this battle on his own. Smith must solve the riddle and stake his own life to save his country... This vivid and high-octane thriller is perfect for fans of Douglas Reeman, Alexander Kent and Patrick O'Brien. Praise for Alan Evans'Terrific action at sea on land and in the air...breathless pace. Evans ranks as a top adventure writer' Publishers Weekly

Don't miss the next achingly romantic read from Suzie Hull, winner of the RNA Joan Hessayon award 2022 'A gripping story of love and loss, rich in period detail. I loved it!' CLARE MARCHANT on In this Foreign Land The answers to her past and present lie... ...far across the ocean December 1913. Clara Thornton won't allow being jilted at the altar to squash her spirit. Against the wishes of her aunt and uncle, Clara decides to travel to Madagascar to learn more about the tragic shipwreck that took the lives of her missionary family, and marked her forever. Clara is escorted abroad by Xavier Mourain, a handsome young merchant who works with her uncle. The two of them start off on the wrong foot, but Clara can't help but be drawn to the mysterious Frenchman who helps her unravel the mystery that has always haunted her. But as their love blossoms, war begins. And the world will never be the same again. For Clara, all the answers seem to lie far across the ocean. But some of them might be closer than she thinks... Readers are loving Suzie Hull: 'Vivid, vibrant and beautiful!' 5* 'A heartwrenchingly good read' 5* 'What a gorgeous debut!' 5* 'Beautiful love story' 5* ' A really enjoyable and engaging book with a storyline full of twists and turns' 5* 'Breathtaking' 5* 'Love love loved it!' 5* 'What a great read and my favourite era too ... an evocative tale of love and loss. And the settings - just wonderful. More please!' 5*

'Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 story' - Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls 1914. While their men fight in France, at home in Britain women are finally seizing the opportunity to make a difference . . . Maggie and her new friends Annie, Irene and Sarah come from very different backgrounds, but they've got one thing in common: they've all signed up for the Women Police Volunteers. They can't wait to show the men just what they're made of. But soon, Maggie realises she's in over her head. Hiding her involvement with the WPV from her tyrannous father is becoming ever more difficult, and when she bumps into an old acquaintance with a big chip on his shoulder, the dangers of her new life become all too clear . . . As Maggie and the girls work together to find their feet on the beat, will their friendship get her through the darkest of times? A gritty, uplifting new saga series about the first ever female police officers, set at the outbreak of the First World War - perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Daisy Styles and Call the Midwife. Praise for THE BOBBY GIRLS: Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing, The Bobby Girls is a must-read for all saga fans.' - Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty's 'I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction.' - Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls 'I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls. It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written.' - Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark 'A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing.' - Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series 'Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women.' - Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay 'Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 story. The author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old.' - Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls 'This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities.' - Penny Thorpe, author of The Quality Street Girls 'A lovely story! The author has researched the era and the theme very well. The characters stood out on the page and through their eyes you are transported back to a different age.' - AnneMarie Brear, author of Beneath a Stormy Sky

While Vili has neither the multi-generational sweep nor the moral gravitas of Singer's family sagas, its themes are nonetheless timeless, its struggles archetypal. A father and son grapple with each other, and, in the process, a richly compact narrative emerges: a rebellious son leaves his ancestral home-an unnamed village in Poland-to find adventure among strangers and lose tradition and family along the way. Their respective stories define what is lost and what is gained in the immigrant passage to the new world. The eponymous hero, Volf Rubin-or Willy (Vili) Robin in America-is the rare agon who must share center stage with his antagonist, that is, his more voluble paterfamilias. The sententious Hirsh-modeled on Singer's own painful childhood interactions with the savage brutality of the chief rabbi of Nyesheve-tenaciously holds onto some of the more merciless and "bone- breaking" pronouncements derived from a literalist reading and application of Jewish law. Such is the heavy baggage which, according to Volf, should have been left behind in steerage. Volf's lapsed Judaism is his father's dystopian nightmare. He much prefers nature and farm animals to any form of classroom. Eventually, he leaves home for the New World, and there a whole new story unfolds-or is it so "new"?