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Books > Fiction > Genre fiction > Sagas
The second in the classic trilogy about the Eliots of Damerosehay.
War has left David Eliot a changed man. Returning to the family
home, he slowly begins to put the pieces of his life together.
Tormented by the failure of her love affair with David five years
earlier, Nadine has misgivings about bringing her family to live in
the enchanting old inn close to the Damerosehay estate. But as the
tranquil Hampshire countryside casts its spell, both families come
to discover a measure of peace and contentment.
The perfect summer read for fans of Santa Montefiore, Victoria
Hislop and Dinah Jeffries Will Alba find the music of her heart?
Sardinia, 1968. When eleven-year-old Alba Fresu witnesses her
father and brother kidnapped by bandits, her previously happy and
secure family life is shaken to the core. The pair are eventually
released, but the experience leaves Alba deeply disturbed, unable
to give voice to her inner turmoil. While accompanying her mother
to cleaning jobs, Alba visits the villa of an eccentric Signora and
touches the keys of a piano for the first time. She is transported
to another world, one where she can finally express emotion too
powerful for words alone. She takes secret piano lessons and,
against her parents' wishes, accepts a scholarship to the Rome
conservatoire. There she immerses herself in the vibrant world of
the city, full of heat and passion she's never experienced before -
and embarks on an affair that will change the course of her life
forever. But Alba soon reaches a crossroads, and must decide how to
reconcile her musical talent with her longing for love and family .
. . Praise for Sara Alexander: 'Will leave readers riveted until
the explosive conclusion' Publishers Weekly 'This enchanting novel
is a delightful read, perfectly suited for a warm beach with a cold
beverage. Readers who enjoy Adriana Trigiani's historical Italian
family sagas will adore Alexander's debut.' Booklist
When the teenage girl who has been hanging around near the house
knocks on the door and tells her she's her granddaughter, Cassandra
Bennington is shocked rigid. There's only one way this can be true:
if Evie is the daughter of the baby Cassie gave away for adoption
when she was herself a troubled teenager. Is this a trick? Or is
Evie's tale true? When she discovers why the girl has come to find
her, it brings a tangle of other problems that she can't ignore.
This was the last thing she expected to be dealing with as she
moves into her new home in a leisure village in Wiltshire.
Molly's story continues in this gripping saga of love, betrayal and
secrets that can't stay hidden . . . perfect for fans of Dilly
Court, Libby Ashworth and Rosie Goodwin. Kent 1816 Now Molly
Dawson's family have grown up and left home, she has every reason
to expect that her life on the Woodchurch Manor estate with her
husband, head gardener Charlie, will settle into happy contentment.
It seems, though, that her estranged half-sister, Harriet, has
other ideas. When the secret Molly has kept for over twenty-five
years is revealed in front of her whole family, Molly's
relationship with her son and her husband begins to crumble. And
when she takes a trip away from home to allow things to settle,
Harriet steps in - with devastating consequences. Will Harriet
prevail, or can Molly win back Charlie's heart, and heal the rift
with the son she had been parted from for so many years? Praise for
Lynne Francis: 'Impressively researched . . . I loved this five
star book' Kay Brellend 'An engaging, thoroughly researched tale of
youthful naivety and courage in the face of adversity, full of rich
detail and imagination. Highly recommended!' RoNA award-winning,
bestselling novelist Tania Crosse 'A compelling and captivating
historical saga rich in atmosphere, emotion and heart . . . a
poignant tale of broken promises, devastating betrayals and triumph
over adversity from a master storyteller' Goodreads Reviewer
'The story is equal parts Downton Abbey and wartime action, with
enough romance and intrigue to make it 100% not-put-down-able.' -
Australian Women's Weekly on Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies Australian
heiress Sophie Higgs was 'a rose of no-man's land', founding
hospitals across war-torn Europe during the horror that was WW1.
Now, in the 1920s, Sophie's wartime work must be erased so that the
men who returned can find some kind of 'normality'. Sophie is,
however, a graduate of the mysterious Miss Lily's school of charm
and intrigue, and once more she risks her own life as she attempts
to save others still trapped in the turmoil and aftermath of war.
But in this new world, nothing is clear, in politics or in love.
For the role of men has changed too. Torn between the love of three
very different men, Sophie will face her greatest danger yet as she
attempts an impossible journey across the world to save Nigel, Earl
of Shillings - and her beloved Miss Lily. In this sequel to the
bestselling Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies, Jackie French draws us
further into a compelling story that celebrates the passion and
adventure of an unstoppable army of women who changed the world.
The Jam Factory Girls is an uplifting and emotional novel of
friendship set in the heart of pre-WWI London from bestselling
author, Mary Wood. Life for Elsie is difficult as she struggles to
cope with her alcoholic mother. Caring for her siblings and working
long hours at Swift's Jam factory in London's Bermondsey is
exhausting. Thankfully her lifelong friendship with Dot helps to
smooth over life's rough edges. When Elsie and Dot meet Millie
Swift, they are nervous to be in the presence of the bosses'
daughter. Over time, they are surprised to feel so drawn to her,
but should two East End girls be socializing in such circles? When
disaster strikes, it binds the women in ways they could never
imagine. Long-held secrets are revealed that could change all their
lives . . . This historical saga series continues with Secrets of
the Jam Factory Girls.
You can't choose your family... From the Sunday Times bestselling
author Kitty Neale comes an emotional family saga about two women
whose bravery and kinship will see them through the toughest times.
CRUEL When her beloved Gran has a stroke, Sally and her family move
back home to look after her. But Sadie's illness has made the wise
woman they once knew bigoted and bad-tempered. Sadie is testing
everyone's patience, including Sally's mum Ruth, and Sally's
husband Arthur. CALLOUS Their problems are nothing compared with
Tommy, the little ruffian next door. With an absentee father and an
alcoholic mother, Tommy has a hard life. However, Ruth sees the
good in him and takes him under her wing, but his unpredictable and
violent mother has other ideas. CRISIS Meanwhile, the stress of
living cheek-by-jowl with Sally's family is starting to push Arthur
away. As cracks in their marriage begin to appear, both Sally and
Arthur must decide where their priorities lie before it's too
late... A heartbreaking historical novel about women, friendship,
family and hope. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe
and Dilly Court. Previously published in 2011 Readers absolutely
love A Mother's Ruin: 'Absolutely superb book!... I couldn't put it
down! The best book I have read for a long time.... Each page has
you wanting to know what happens next! Romance, tragedy and
intrigue all rolled into one!' Reader review 'Absolutely fantastic
and moving read, had me gripped and enthralled from start to
finish. Couldn't put it down, many bleary eyed mornings, but
totally worth it.' Reader review 'I chose 5 stars because there
weren't any more to rate this brill read... thanks Kitty for being
a literal genius xx' Reader review 'Fantastic! A book to lose
yourself in. Could not wait to have five minutes to myself to have
a little escapism, great.' Reader review 'Brilliant book from start
to finish.' Reader review 'Could of continued reading this story
forever.' Reader review
The new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Josephine Cox -
the master storyteller. With her family's fate resting on her
shoulders, Evie learns her lessons in life fast. It's going to take
a woman's courage to find a new beginning... One night, after her
father gambles everything away, Evie and her family are forced to
do a moonlight flit. It's a fresh start in the South, where no-one
knows their name, and Evie desperately misses all they've left
behind. Yet Evie's troubles are just beginning. Her mother, worn
down by life, deserts them for a new man, and with her
grandmother's sight failing, Evie must carry the burden of earning
their keep. Holding the family together becomes harder when tragedy
strikes at its heart, but there is hope on the horizon . . . Evie
Carter just needs the courage to change the fortunes of her family.
Praise for Josephine Cox 'Cox's talent as storyteller never lets
you escape the spell' Daily Mail 'Family secrets threaten to ruin
everything in this beautiful tale of love and sadness' Woman's Own
'Another masterpiece' Best
Get swept away by the new Regency romance from the author who
Publishers Weekly calls 'irresistible.'Perhaps she could have
survived the first scandal, or even the second, but when Miss
Lenora Hartley finds herself left at the altar, victim to a third
broken engagement, it's time to escape the ton's judgmental stares.
A visit to the Isle of Synne is just what's needed to calm her
nerves and avoid her father's overbearing attempts to find another
suitor. But this carefree respite in the seaside resort town is
clouded by the meddling of her hostess, the eccentric Lady
Tesh.Peter Ashford has traveled from the Americas with a sinister
plan. He's heir to the Duke of Dane, a man he despises for refusing
to aid his mother on her deathbed. Now that the man is quite ill
himself, Peter is eager to take his revenge. But between the
manipulations of his great-aunt, Lady Tesh, and the allure of her
beautiful houseguest, Peter feels his heart and conscience being
pulled. Can years of hatred and his thirst for vengeance be
vanquished by a single kiss and the promise of a future with Lenora
Hartley?
A charming new saga by Sheila Newberry, author of The Nursemaid's
Secret and The Winter Baby, for fans of Call the Midwife. Sunny
grew up in the Mother and Baby Home on Grove Lane, London. The
daughter of a wartime nurse and a pilot, she was abandoned by her
mother shortly after her birth and taken in by Nan, the warm and
gentle proprietor of the home. Never having known her parents,
Sunny has always felt like she doesn't quite fit in, but now at
sixteen-years-old she is ready to find her place in the world.
Heading out to start her first job, she finally feels she has some
idea of who she wants to be. As 1950s London is changing at a rapid
pace, so is Sunny. And when someone from her past returns, Sunny
has some tough decisions to make. Decisions that could affect the
rest of her life . . . - - - - Praise for Sheila Newberry 'The
Forget-Me-Not Girl is a drama-packed and emotional saga full of
nostalgia, warmth and charm.' The Lancashire Post 'So gloriously
nostalgic . . . a perfect example of her talent.' Maureen Lee,
bestselling author of The Seven Streets of Liverpool 'Like having
dinner with your mother in her warm and cosy kitchen.' Diane Allen,
bestselling author of For the Sake of Her Family Readers are
already loving The Mother and Baby Home: 'A lovely emotional book.'
Netgalley reviewer 'A delightful read . . . will pull at your
heartstrings.' Netgalley reviewer
The action-packed and gripping historical adventure by number one
bestselling author, Wilbur Smith, about one man's quest for
revenge. 'An exciting, taut and thrilling journey you will never
forget' - The Sun THE DESIRE FOR REVENGE CAN BURN THE HEART OUT OF
A MAN. The son of a wealthy plantation owner and a doting mother,
Mungo St John is accustomed to wealth and luxury - until he returns
from university to discover his family ruined, his inheritance
stolen and his childhood sweetheart, Camilla, taken by the
conniving Chester Marion. Mungo swears vengeance and devotes his
life to saving Camilla - and destroying Chester. As Mungo battles
his own fate and misfortune, he must question what it takes for a
man to regain his power in the world when he has nothing, and what
he is willing to do to exact revenge . . . Call of the Raven is the
prequel to Wilbur Smith's bestselling novel, A Falcon Flies, part
of the Ballantyne Series. Don't miss the rest of the series, Men of
Men, The Angels Weep, The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, Triumph of the
Sun and King of Kings, all available in paperback and ebook now.
Praise for Wilbur Smith 'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King
'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times 'Wilbur Smith is one of those
benchmarks against whom others are compared' - The Times 'No one
does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily Mirror
A poignant story of courage and compassion in eighteenth-century
Penzance.Jessica Trenchard is a spirited and wayward daughter - to
the point that her father Clem is considering remarrying, to
provide her with a suitable role model. Until, that is, her tender
care of a speechless girl found abandoned in a field touches the
heart of Kane Pengarron, the landlord's eldest son. But when
Jessica's attempts to unearth her new friend's true identity
threaten her safety, she realises that nothing is quite as it
seems. For a murderous rogue who has been terrorising Mount's Bay
for years has every reason to hate the Pengarrons... This thrilling
saga is perfect for fans of Nicola Pryce and Poldark.
Filled with characters you'll fall in love with, VICTORY GIRLS is
Helen Carey's new World War Two saga about the resilient residents
of a south London street. Not to be missed by readers of Katie
Flynn, Annie Murray and Lilian Harry. Praise for the Lavender Road
novels: 'Funny, poignant, emotional and unputdownable' London
Evening Standard August 1944. Allied troops are fighting their way
across Europe. But rocket attacks on London are a chilling reminder
that the war is far from over. Helen knows all too well how
dangerous it is in war-torn France. But it's a long-time since she
heard from her French fiance, Andre, and nothing is going to stop
her going back to track him down, before he is lost to her forever.
Her friend Molly is finding it hard to stop thinking about the
lovely Canadian pilot she met while nursing overseas, and the
future she might have had, if only she had been good enough for
him. Now Molly is back in London, determined to discover the truth
about the mother who gave her up for adoption when she was four
years old. Victory may be just round the corner, but the fighting
is far from over for the women of Lavender Road. What readers are
saying about VICTORY GIRLS: 'I laughed, cried and once again I
found I just couldn't stop reading. Wonderful characters, a
gripping storyline and great wartime detail' 'The girls' lives are
embedded in fascinating historical detail and I almost felt I was a
Lavender Road resident watching events unfold. The storyline is
gripping right up to the final pages' 'The characters are finely
drawn, and it was interesting to follow them on their various
journeys. Excellent'
What could tear the sisters apart? Sisters Margaret and Annie lost
their mother years ago, they long for her every day. Their
frightfully protective father keeps the girls close but he can't
protect them forever . . . When a scandal rocks the family, the
girls are forced to leave their home. The girls flee to
Birmingham's jewellery quarter to stay with the one person they can
rely on - their uncle, goldsmith Ebenezer Watts and his
warm-hearted wife, Hatt. Annie takes up work at a nearby factory,
where she learns to forge cutlery, and Margaret is employed as a
chain maker. By day Margaret works in cramped confines, alongside a
local silversmith, and soon the links between the pair begin to
bond . . . Annie's work in the factory exposes her to great horrors
but it also opens her heart to great possibility. But what are the
Sisters of Gold hiding? They've escaped their past once - can it
remain hidden? Sisters of Gold is an emotional and heart-warming
story set against a richly imagined Birmingham setting, from Annie
Murray, author of The Doorstep Child.
A moment of distraction, an unlocked car and a missing baby. How on
earth could this happen? All Malia needed was a single litre of
milk and now she's surrounded by police and Zach has disappeared.
Detective Ali Greenberg knows that this is not the best case for
her, not with her history - but she of all people knows what Malia
is going through and what is at stake. And then there is someone
else. Someone whose heart is broken. Someone who feels she has been
unfairly punished for her mistakes. Someone who wants what she
can't have. What follows is a heart-stopping game of cat-and-mouse
and a race against the clock. As the hours pass and the day heats
up, all hope begins to fade. A gripping, haunting family drama shot
through with emotion and suspense.
A moving and emotional family drama set between France and Britain
from bestselling author, Mary Wood. They would fight for their
country, at all costs . . . When Sibbie and Marjie arrive at RAF
Digby, they are about to take on roles of national importance. It's
a cause of great excitement for everyone around them. Perhaps they
will become code-breakers, spies even? Soon the pair embark on a
rigorous training regime, but nothing can prepare them for what
they're about to face . . . Amid the vineyards of rural France,
Flora and Ella can't bear the thought of another war. But as the
thunderclouds grow darker, hanging over Europe, a sense of deep
foreboding sets in, not just for their safety but for the fate of
their families . . . With danger looming, as the threat of war
becomes real, Flora and Ella are forced to leave their idyllic home
and flee. Can they make it to safety, or will the war have further
horrors in store for them? The Brave Daughters is the fourth book
in the Girls Who Went to War series by Mary Wood.
A member of the greatest generation looks back on the loves and
losses of his past and comes to treasure the present anew in this
poignant and thoughtful new novel from a modern master Stewart
O'Nan is renowned for illuminating the unexpected grace of everyday
life and the resilience of ordinary people with humor,
intelligence, and compassion. In Henry, Himself, he offers an
unsentimental, moving life story of a twentieth-century everyman.
Soldier, son, lover, husband, breadwinner, churchgoer, Henry
Maxwell has spent his whole life trying to live with honor. A
native Pittsburgher and engineer, he's always believed in logic,
sacrifice, and hard work. Now, seventy-five and retired, he feels
the world has passed him by. It's 1998, the American century is
ending, and nothing is simple anymore. His children are distant,
their unhappiness a mystery. Only his wife Emily and dog Rufus
stand by him. Once so confident, as Henry's strength and memory
desert him, he weighs his dreams against his regrets and is left
with questions he can't answer: Is he a good man? Has he done right
by the people he loves? And with time running out, what,
realistically, can he hope for? Like Emily, Alone, which The New
York Times called "O'Nan's best novel yet," Henry, Himself is a
wry, warmhearted portrait of an American original who believes he's
reached a dead end only to discover life is full of surprises.
Shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Saga of the Year Award When Evie's
dreams come crashing down, she's determined to still make something
of herself in these trying times... It is 1939 and working class
Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at
Oxford when tragedy turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a
new future for herself and, inspired to contribute to the war
effort, joins the Women's Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room
plotter. Posted to a fighter station on the Sussex Coast, Evie
befriends two other WAAFs - shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous
Jess. Faced with earning the approval of strict officers and
finding their way in a male dominated world, the three girls band
together to overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep
their pilots safe in the skies. But the German bombers seem to know
more than they should about the base's operations, and soon Evie,
May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever
imagined... This heartwarming, dramatic World War II saga is
perfect for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke.
Praise for The Ops Room Girls 'A fabulous tale of courage,
comradeship and romance.' Glynis Peters, author of The Secret
Orphan 'A lovely book. Vicki Beeby is a saga author to watch.'
Margaret Dickinson, Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author 'Full
of excitement, energy and romance, this story kept me turning the
pages eagerly.' Lesley Eames, author of The Brighton Guest House
Girls 'An exceptional historical saga about young women forging new
paths in an uncertain world at war... rich with historical detail,
and a must read for historical fiction fans.' Andie Newton, author
of The Girl I Left Behind 'An utter joy to read, from the first
page to the last. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to
anyone with a liking for strong characters, a taste for danger, and
a deeply romantic soul.' Terri Nixon, author of Penhaligon's Gift
'Entertaining from beginning to end. I can't recommend it highly
enough.' Gemma Jackson, bestselling author of the Ivy Rose series
The escapist Sunday Times bestselling debut from the nation's best
loved TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood. 'Loved it! It sizzles with
secrets and passion. A real page turner!' Jo Thomas 'Utterly
engaging, deliciously escapist, with a heart as warm as its
author's' Cathy Kelly, bestselling author of The Family Gift One
woman returns to the island that changed her life forever A-list
actress Shauna Jackson has the perfect life. Fame, fortune,
marriage. Or so it seems. Running from a scandal, Shauna flees to
the place that changed her life twenty years ago, the idyllic Greek
island of Ithos. Captivated once more by the azure seas and scented
olive groves, bittersweet memories resurface of one summer, one
unforgettable man, and a long-hidden secret. Shauna can escape
Hollywood, but can she escape her past? 'An absolute cracking read
- it's brilliant!' Steph McGovern presenter of Packed Lunch
'Sun-soaked, glamorous escapism.' Cressida McLaughlin 'A sizzling
summer read. I couldn't put it down.' Alex Brown, bestselling
author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage 'An exquisite tale of love
lost and found that's full of intriguing characters and romantic
locations. A Perfect summer read.' Judy Murray Five Star reviews
from NetGalley: Excellent debut novel ***** You had me hooked from
the very first page, right through to the very last word! I was
riveted. I'm in awe. ***** 100% recommend sitting and relaxing with
your favourite cocktail and getting lost in this truly wonderful
romance. I loved it. ***** A great summer read! ***** Full of
wonderful descriptions of sun-drenched Greek islands, Hollywood and
its screen icons; I didn't want to put it down. ***** This book
makes for a perfect summer read and one I definitely recommend
reading. ***** Absolutely adored this book. I'm pretty sure I
didn't move the whole time I was reading it! *****
Ellis's life has crumbled without warning. Her boyfriend has fallen
in love with someone else, her job's insecure, her bank account's
empty and she has a mouthful of unreliable teeth. Forced back to
her childhood home, there is little in the way of comfort. Her mum
is dating a younger man (a dentist, no less) and is talking of
selling the house, her sister, Lana, is furious all the time, and a
distant cousin has now arrived from the States to stay with them.
During a long, hot Edinburgh summer, Ellis's world spins out of
control. She's dogged by toothache, her ex won't compensate her for
the flat and somehow she's found herself stalking his new lover on
Facebook. Will Ellis realise before it's too late that the bite she
was born with is worth preserving?
A sweeping Liverpool saga following the fortunes of one woman from
the 1940s to the 1990s, by the ever-popular, award-winning author.
Annie Harrison has a difficult childhood, and she eventually goes
to live in the Grand Hotel with a rich schoolfriend. Marriage
follows and when her husband dies, she throws herself into
providing for her children. Starting with a market stall, she
discovers a talent for designing clothes that develops into a
successful business. But there comes a time amid the success when
Annie feel she can no longer go on. Then a chance meeting leads to
events she has no control over, and at last she finds the happiness
that has previously eluded her.
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