A wallflower And an elegant gentleman... Gauche Hazel Springfeld is reconciled to being left on the shelf. At a society ball, she is improbably asked to dance by charismatic Mr Lucas Darkwood. When she discovers it was all for a wager - he'll win a prize if he can turn her into marriage material - Hazel plans to get her own back! She'll frighten Lucas into thinking she really does expect that proposal - from him!

August 1939.

Thirty-year-old Hetty Cartwright is tasked with the evacuation and safekeeping of the natural history museum’s collection of mammals. Once she and her exhibits arrive at Lockwood Manor, however, where they are to stay for the duration of the war, Hetty soon realizes that she’s taken on more than she’d bargained for.

Protecting her charges from the irascible Lord Lockwood and resentful servants is work enough, but when some of the animals go missing, and worse, Hetty begins to suspect someone – or something – is stalking her through the darkened corridors of the house.

As the disasters mount, Hetty finds herself falling under the spell of Lucy, Lord Lockwood’s beautiful but clearly haunted daughter. But why is Lucy so traumatized? Does she know something she’s not telling? And is there any truth to local rumours of ghosts and curses?

Part love story, part mystery, The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey is a gripping and atmospheric tale of family madness, long-buried secrets and hidden desires.

Winner of the 2022 Christy Award for Historical Romance "With meticulous historical research and an eye for both mystery and romance, Sundin rises to the top of World War II fiction in this latest novel."--Library Journal starred review *** As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books. Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission. Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail. *** "This potent synthesis of history, love, and faith will delight romance readers."--Publishers Weekly "A compelling exploration of the seemingly simple good things that end up requiring great sacrifice and having far-reaching impacts."--Booklist starred review

The Redemption of Philip Thane is Bridgerton meets Groundhog Day in this rip-roaring regency romantic comedy for fans of Julia Quinn, Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. 'One of the most exciting historical fiction writers in a long time' - Julia Quinn, author of the Netflix series Bridgerton, on Lisa Berne. How many times can a rake get it wrong . . . before he becomes Mr Right? Philip Thane - rogue, rake, and scoundrel extraordinaire - hadn't wanted to show up in the little town of Whittlesey to give a speech. He also didn't expect to somehow find himself stuck in time, waking up every morning to live exactly the same day over and over again. On the plus side, it's giving him time to further his acquaintance with the delightful Miss Margaret Allen, in town to research the book she's writing. And Philip has no doubt she'll fall starry-eyed into his arms, just like so many other ladies of the ton have done before. Yet Miss Allen stands firm against his wiles, day after day. How is it even possible? Why won't she change her mind? What must he do to win her heart? Maybe, just maybe, it isn't Margaret who needs to change, but rather a certain rogue, who - if only he knew it - is head over heels in love . . . and badly in need of redemption.

'Draws you in from the start and doesn't let you go until the end' Reader Review 'Wonderfully written and oozing wartime spirit. Couldn't ask for more!' Reader Review The second inspiring novel in the heartwarming and hopeful Bletchley Park Girls series from the queen of saga, Molly Green... When Rosie Frost was jilted on her wedding day, she didn't think life could get any worse. But six years later in the throes of the Second World War, she is unceremoniously dismissed from her dream job after they discover her illegitimate child. Thankfully, top secret war office Bletchley Park recognises Rosie's talent and recruits her to decipher their Italian naval signals. Happy to be doing her bit for the war effort, Rosie settles into her new life. But when she spots a familiar face at the Park, Rosie's world threatens to come crashing down once more. Can she put her heartbreak behind her? And will wedding bells ring out across Bletchley Park before the year is out? The second in an uplifting wartime series set at Bletchley Park, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Donna Douglas. Readers are LOVING Molly Green's Bletchley Park series: 'A journey for the reader...tantalizing...interesting...try this one!' Reader Review 'What can I say...I love it! Can't wait to read more' Reader Review 'Outstandingly fabulous' Reader Review 'A lovely story' Reader Review 'One of those can't-put-down books' Reader Review 'A cracking good read!' Reader Review 'Moments of being held spellbound...Kept me on the edge of my seat. Couldn't put it down' Reader Review 'A fantastic addition to what has been a fantastic series so far' Reader Review 'Great story. Great characters. Wonderfully written and oozing wartime spirit. Couldn't ask for more!' Reader Review

'Oh my word... fantastic... [The] stories intertwine so beautifully, it's truly amazing. Such a lot of research must have to have been done but so worth it. I can't recommend this book enough.' NetGalley reviewer Could a rediscovered map show her the way? Present day: When thirty-six-year-old Robyn Willoughby discovers an exquisite yet blood-stained Tudor map in her father's antique map shop, desperate for a distraction from her problems, she decides to investigate. But as Robyn delves into the mystery, she finds herself caught up in a centuries-old secret - one that will change her life forever. 1569: Forced to flee Holland to escape persecution, twenty-year-old Freida Ortelius uses her mapmaking skills to start anew in London. Soon her rare talent catches the eye of Queen Elizabeth, who demands Freida's help in fighting the Spanish threat. Freida must now embark on a deadly mission, the consequences of which will echo down the ages... A sweeping and heartbreaking read, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Kathryn Hughes. Readers adore The Mapmaker's Daughter: 'Loved this... the characters were brilliant and the storyline was amazing, wonderfully written and descriptive, could not put it down.' NetGalley reviewer 'This book has it all: history, intrigue, suspense, mystery, and a gripping narrative that kept me engaged from beginning to end.' NetGalley reviewer 'Loved this book!... Great characters and story that intertwined. Highly recommended.' NetGalley reviewer 'A joy to read... I loved the characters and the way the plot of both times weaved and intwined... Excellent.' NetGalley reviewer 'Fascinating! I would recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction without hesitation.' NetGalley reviewer

Secluded and snowed in ...with the brooding Earl Runaway debutante Henrietta Harvey will never live down the mortification of accidentally slipping into Lord Hauxton's bed. So imagine her horror upon discovering they're snowed in together the next morning! And yet Henrietta comes to find this gruff, cold man has an intriguingly warmer side. Still, hiding a secret that would shock the ton, she's resigned to becoming a spinster. Unless she can trust him with the truth before the snow melts...

A New York Times Bestseller From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Francesca Bridgerton, in the sixth of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. FRANCESCA'S STORY In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton. After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer--the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin. But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love . . . until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .

A scandal will change the lives of two women forever...Veronica Hay is an acclaimed beauty but her downward spiral begins the moment she enters into a loveless marriage that removes her from her home in Edinburgh to Berwickshire. From there, she begins a luckless affair with Sire Alexander Renton which helps her to forget her longing for the fashions and energy of Edinburgh. Her husband seeks revenge, driving Veronica's story to a tragic end. Veronica's adultery causes a scandal, but it might be the making of her devoted friend and maidservant, Helen Cameron, who rises to become part of Edinburgh's New Town story all on her own. A gripping Scottish saga based on true events, perfect for fans of Tessa Barclay and Dilly Court.

A man with no past... ...could she hold the key to his future? Shipwrecked merchant Jack Langdon wakes with no memory and steals a kiss from a beautiful stranger-widow Blanche Tanet. As he recovers in her castle, passion flares between them. Jack's fascinated by her independence and courage but, after discovering his identity is not what it seems, he must uncover the secrets of his past if they're to have a future together...

'In this vivid, affecting novel of intertwined destinies and the enduring power of love against the bleakest odds, Levensohn weaves a tale saturated with historical accuracy and yet surprisingly intimate. A Jewish Girl in Paris delivers romance and intrigue to spare, but the novel's real power lies in its portrayal of how deeply and sometimes mysteriously we can find ourselves connected to the past, and to each other.' - Paula Mc Lain, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Wife and When the Stars Go Dark Paris, 1940, a city under German occupation. A young Jewish girl, Judith, meets a young man, the son of a wealthy banker and Nazi sympathizer - his family will never approve of the girl he has fallen in love with. As the Germans impose more and more restrictions on Jewish Parisians, the couple secretly plan to flee the country. But before they can make their escape, Judith disappears . . . Montreal, 1982. Shortly before his death, Lica Grunberg confesses to his daughter, that she has an older half-sister, Judith. Lica escaped the Nazis but lost all contact with his first-born daughter. His daughter promises to find the sister she never knew. The search languishes for years, until Jacobina is spurred on by her young friend Beatrice. Soon the two women discover a dark family secret, stretching over two continents and six decades, that will change their lives forever . . . Inspired by true events and set against the backdrop of the Second World War, Melanie Levensohn's A Jewish Girl in Paris is a powerful novel about forbidden love, adapted from a translation by Jamie Lee Searle.

Inspired by a remarkable true story, The Giver Of Stars features five incredible women living in extraordinary and perilous times.

Alice Wright has travelled halfway across the world to escape her stifling life in England. Handsome American businessman Bennett Van Cleve represents a fresh start. But she soon realises that swapping the twitching curtains of suburbia for newlywed life in the wild mountains of Kentucky isn't the answer to her prayers. But maybe meeting Margery O'Hara is. The heart and backbone of the small community of Salt Lick, a woman who isn't afraid of anything or anyone, Margery is on a mission. Enlisting Alice, along with three other women, all from very different backgrounds, to join her, the band of unlikely sisters battle the elements and unforgiving terrain - as well as brave all manner of dangers and social disapproval - to ride hundreds of miles a week to deliver books to isolated families. Transforming the lives of so many is all the impetus they need to take such risks.

And for Alice, her new job and blossoming friendships become an unexpected lifeline, providing her with the courage she needs to make some tough decisions about her marriage. Then a body is found in the mountains, rocking the close-knit community and tearing the women apart as one of them becomes the prime suspect. Can they pull together to overcome their greatest challenge yet?

A love letter to the power of books and literature and their ability to bring us together and deliver the truth, as well as a tribute to female friendship, The Giver Of Stars is the book that Jojo Moyes was born to write.

Risking everything... For love! Having struggled so hard to become a successful business owner, Jamaica-born Psyche Winthrop-Abeni has no interest in relinquishing her freedom or property to a husband. But when gentleman Will Barclay comes to her aid their intense connection tempts her into a thrillingly passionate temporary affair! It's the perfect arrangement...until Will feels honour-bound to propose. His offer is one she's never dared to dream of-but can she trust Will enough to take the risk?

# 1 New York Times Bestseller The inspiration for season two of BRIDGERTON, a series created by Shondaland for Netflix, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn: the story of Anthony Bridgerton in the second of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family. ANTHONY'S STORY This time the gossip columnists have it wrong. London's most elusive bachelor Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams... Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

The Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice 'Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride' Daily Telegraph * England, 1238 Raised at the court of King Henry III as a chamber lady to the queen, young Joanna of Swanscombe's life changes forever when she comes into an inheritance far above all expectations, including her own. Now a wealthy heiress, Joanna's arranged marriage to the King's charming, tournament-loving half-brother William de Valence immediately stokes the flames of political unrest as more established courtiers object to the privileges bestowed on newcomers. As Joanna and William strive to build a life together, England descends into a bitter civil war. In mortal danger, William is forced to run for his life, and Joanna is left with only her wit and courage to outfox their enemies and prevent them from destroying her husband, her family, and their fortunes. 'Elizabeth Chadwick has taken the few facts known about Joanna's life and turned them into a rich, detailed portrait of a woman attempting to survive brutal court politics.' The Times * Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick 'An author who makes history come gloriously alive' The Times 'Stunning . . . Her characters are beguiling, and the story is intriguing' Barbara Erskine 'I rank Elizabeth Chadwick with such historical novelist stars as Dorothy Dunnett and Anya Seton' Sharon Kay Penman 'Enjoyable and sensuous' Daily Mail 'Meticulous research and strong storytelling' Woman & Home 'A riveting read . . . A glorious adventure not to be missed!' Candis

Hope. Glamour. Independence. A new era has begun... 'A wonderfully absorbing tale of friendship, rich in period detail' Stylist With the Great War behind them, four friends are ready to live again. Lydia, a society beauty, has everything - wealth, status and a husband who survived the War. All she has to do now is provide an heir. Widowed Sarah cares for her wounded brother, certain that no one will ever replace her brave husband. Younger sister Beatrice finds it hard to shine, especially when there are so few men left to shine for... And independent Ava - who can light any room - is determined to seize the freedom of being a single woman. But when these four meet the irresistible war hero Sergeant Major Edgar Trent, everything changes... Spare Brides is a glorious novel about love, loss, change and chances from the Number One bestselling author Adele Parks. Praise for Spare Brides: 'A resounding success ... a triumph' Daily Mail 'A touching novel' Daily Express 'You'll love the drama, the gorgeous dresses, grand houses and in particular, the handsome but damaged love interest' Good Housekeeping 'This is the first historical novel from bestselling author Adele Parks and it's a powerful read' Closer 'The great author's first historical novel and it's a total smash' Heat 'A wonderful novel about a group of women struggling to deal with life after World War One... a heady cocktail of love, class and beaded frocks. Her most accomplished novel yet' Daisy Goodwin 'A wonderfully absorbing tale of friendship, rich in period detail' Stylist 'A fantastic read' Fabulous

'The doctor hits the spot and deserves to be read' - Jeffrey Archer 'A story to get the heart racing' - Daily Express 'An enthralling tale' - Daily Mirror 'Dr Hilary is a master storyteller' - Lorraine Kelly CBE ___________LOVE GAVE THEM STRENGTH. LOVING EACH OTHER GAVE THEM COURAGE. Britain and her allies are engaged in a long war with Germany. Grace is the daughter of landed gentry, volunteering as a nurse on the Western Front. Will is the son of a dockworker, driven to enlist by a sense of patriotism and the thrill of adventure. When their lives collide in a field hospital in France, they form a passionate connection. This is a sweeping and sumptuous WW1 drama and historical epic, perfect for fans of Ken Follett, Kate Mosse and Jeffrey Archer.

A brooding marquess And a mysterious widow On the outside Henry Spencer, Marquess of Clairborne, has it all: title, fortune and dashing good looks, but inside he's haunted by nightmares. Seeking sanctuary at his Scottish estate, his peace is disturbed by a new tenant, widow Genevieve de L'Omont. Her beauty and spirit lead to a growing desire that distracts him from his troubles, but as he unravels a mystery from his past, he discovers Genevieve has secrets of her own...

From three beloved authors comes a collection of stories that examines questions of healing, legacy, and love against the rich backdrop of a historical castle-and its adjoining poison garden. Leedswick Castle has housed the Alnwick family for generations. But the world around it is changing, and secrets that have long been buried will soon come to light. 1899: Beatrice, an American, seeks the legitimacy of a British title to add prestige to her fortune. She hopes for love in her marriage of convenience to Charles at Leedswick Castle, but she finds herself entangled in a generations-long family intrigue. 1917: Tobias, eventual heir of Beatrice and Charles, finds himself convalescing from the battlefields of WWI with a scarred face back at Leedswick. Elena is the young artist tasked with painting a realistic mask for the isolated hero, and they both learn to find beauty and love in unexpected places-but disaster lurks just outside the castle walls. 1945: Alec finds himself the heir to Leedswick, but he carries the burden of shell-shock from his time in WWII. He seeks to make the castle into a refuge for those who are similarly haunted, calling upon a renowned psychologist and the doctor's niece, Elisa, to help him. Through the generations, the castle is both shelter and prison, haunting and home. It is only when its inhabitants look inward that they can free both the castle and themselves from the shackles of the past.