Amidst the glamour of high society, a tawdry secret will change Lily's life forever...1958. The last year debutantes will be presented at court to the young Queen Elizabeth and officially come out into society. To appease her traditional mother, aspiring university student Lily Nicholls agrees to debut and do the Season - a glittering and gruelling string of endless balls and cocktail parties. There she befriends two women: aloof Leana Hartford, whose apparent perfection hides a darker side, and ambitious Katherine Norman, who dreams of a career after helping her parents find their place among the elite. But the sparkle of the Season dims when Lily learns a devastating secret that threatens to destroy her entire family. Faced with a murky past, what will she choose for her future: her family legacy, or her own, uncertain happiness? A fast-paced and compelling historical novel for fans of Kate Morton and The Crown. Praise for The Last Dance of the Debutante "Between the crinkling of crinolines and the popping of champagne corks, Last Dance of the Debutante leads us on a glorious dance through the traditional glamour and suffocating expectations of a bygone era." Genevieve Graham, bestselling author of Letters across the Sea "Julia Kelly elegantly brings to life the last official presentation of debutantes at court with her exquisitely researched and beautiful written detail. This story was so decadent, I wanted to don silk and crinoline and read it with a glass of champagne." Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London "Refreshing, intriguing, oozing with elegance, and with three female leads who will keep you thoroughly engrossed, a charming gem of a novel which will delight fans of The Crown." Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter "An insightful and engaging look at this neglected subject ... an unforgettable journey of a young woman's liberation." Piper Huguley, author of By Design: the story of Ann Lowe, Society's Best-Kept Secret "Peels back layers of lush glamour and the extraordinary expectations of the London Season to give us a glimpse into a world teetering on the brink of change and the choices facing those who navigated it. Woven with heartfelt emotion, this novel is a captivating, unforgettable story of one woman's journey to find love, truth, and, most importantly, herself." Kelly Bowen, author of The Paris Apartment "Kelly's descriptions of the glamorous, though long nights, are captivating. The pressure these young women feel to impress and make the right match is exhausting, and Kelly evokes compassion for her characters. The story is full of allure, society scandals, and the determination for these young women to eschew the dying traditions of the time." Booklist "The engrossing narrative dishes out the right amount of tension while moving the plot forward at a satisfying pace... Kelly succeeds at bringing a bygone world to life." Publishers Weekly

'Brilliantly written . . . I loved it.' Rosie Goodwin The first book in a brand-new World War II saga series. Perfect for readers of Ellie Dean, Annie Groves and for fans of the Home Fires series. Dover, 1939 At the heart of Market Square lies Castle's Cafe, run by the formidable Nellie Castle and her six children. Since the scandalous birth of her son ten years ago, Marianne, Nellie's eldest daughter, has preferred to stay in the kitchen, hidden away from the scrutiny of the town gossips. Overcome with shame, she has never revealed the identity of Donny's father - not even to her own mother. But with World War II just around the corner, soon Marianne's past catches up with her. And suddenly the lives of the Castle family become a lot more complicated. Will the secrets from her past destroy their future? Don't miss the next exciting instalment in the Dover Cafe Series, The Dover Cafe on the Front Line. Available in ebook now and paperback September 2021. And the third book, The Dover Cafe Under Fire is available to pre-order now. - - - - - Readers love The Dover Cafe at War: 'A brilliant evocation of a family and community pulling together in wartime. Full of drama, laughter, and nail biting cliff hangers. A triumph!' Annie Clarke, author of The Factory Girls series 'Well-researched and expertly written . . . Perfect for those days when all you want is a book to lose yourself in.' Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls 'A joyous read, the sort of book to read in one sitting.' Kitty Danton, author of A Wartime Christmas 'A rattling good novel that gives the reader a front seat at the Dover cafe during World War 2 . . . a really good start to what looks to be a fascinating saga.' Shirley Mann, author of Lily's War 'Brilliantly researched, written with warmth and insight, brimming with emotion and drama, and starring a cast of superbly drawn characters who are guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers everywhere.' Lancashire Post 'What a brilliant book . . . can't wait to read the next one.' Netgalley reviewer 'This book is such a joy to read.' Netgalley reviewer 'This was a wonderful read. Looking forward to the next in the series.' Netgalley reviewer

As World War Two enters its final year, Ruth Bentley feels life has dealt her more than her fair share of blows. She's lost her home in a bomb attack, and with her husband in the army, her daughters evacuated to Wales, and her mother killed and father injured in the attack, Ruth is left to face the devastation alone. But she finds comfort in the camaraderie of the Civil Defence office where she works and in her friendship with Lucy, a clippie on the buses. Lucy's husband is at sea, and the two women dream of the day when they'll be reunited with their loved ones. But as victory approaches, Ruth finds that the legacy of war is more powerful than even she had imagined...

It's a cold winter's night in 1906 but nothing can dampen the high spirits of Constance Bannerman and her fellow skivvy and best friend, Nella. For tomorrow, Constance can escape her life of drudgery at Doctor Sowerby's home in Newcastle by marrying her handsome sweetheart, the prosperous John Edington. But Constance's last night of servitude is to end in terror. As a final act of spite, Mrs Sowerby throws her out of the house late that evening where she is met by the doctor's dissolute son, Gerald. In the front yard, surrounded by freezing fog, Gerald attacks and rapes her. Distraught and unsure of what to do, Constance marries John the next day with a heavy heart. She cannot tell John what has happened, for his is a respectable family, and shame will not allow her to reveal the truth to Nella. But the worst is yet to come, for John Edington himself has a shocking secret that will make Constance feel more alone than ever...

Things are finally looking up for George and Ann Richardson. After causing years of worry, their younger daughter Tess, who had always been sickly and small, is starting to blossom into a confident, clever girl. It will be some time before she catches up with her older sister Maddy, but her family know she'll soon be just as strong. And they've just scraped together enough money to take them on their first holiday, to Wales, where the country life will be just what they need. But heartache is waiting for the family when they return to Liverpool, and many a tear will have to fall before they find the true happiness they long for...

One day in 1964 Rachel West's husband walked out on his wife and two young sons, leaving them nothing but pain and heartache. Now, two years later, struggling in a poorly paid job, Rachel feels her luck will never change. So when she finds herself the new owner of her late Uncle Chip's Hammersmith boat-building business she wonders if it's too good to be true. Why would Chip have left it to her when he has a son himself? The business is only just afloat - thanks to the hard work of Chip's charismatic assistant, Ben - but Rachel is determined to restore it to its former glory for the sake of her sons. And before long, she realises that she's falling in love with kind-hearted and handsome Ben. But her good fortune doesn't last for long - someone is maliciously plotting to sabotage her plans...

From the bestselling author of The Gunner Girl - how far will two women go to survive WWII? Having suffered a traumatic experience in the Blitz, Edie feels utterly disillusioned with life in wartime London. The chance to work with the Secret Operations Executive (SOE) helping the resistance in Paris offers a fresh start. Codenamed 'Yvette', she's parachuted into France and met by the two other members of her SOE cell. Who can she trust? Back in London, Vera desperately needs to be made a UK citizen to erase the secrets of her past. Working at the foreign office in charge of agents presents an opportunity for blackmail. But when she loses contact with one agent in the field, codenamed Yvette, her loyalties are torn. Praise for Clare Harvey's novels: 'Will delight all those who love a good wartime story' Dilly Court 'An irresistible tale of friendship, love and heartache during WW2 that had me enthralled' Kate Furnivall 'Heart-warming, enjoyable and full of surprises, I loved The Gunner Girl' Elizabeth Chadwick 'Clare Harvey is an exceptional new talent. The Gunner Girl offers a stunningly realistic vision of the WW2 era, through the intertwined lives and loves of three very different women. The story is brought to life by razor sharp dialogue, an eye for period details and a taut plot which never becomes sentimental' Kate Rhodes 'The sense of period, the descriptive prose and the superb writing make The English Agent a real page-turner. Clare is certainly a gifted storyteller' Ellie Dean 'A gripping story of wartime espionage with two brave heroines struggling to live and love in a world where all the odds are against them' Julie Cohen, author of Dear Thing

It is 1941 and Connie and Lottie Brinsley are training to be nurses at Liverpool's Walton Hospital. When heavy bombing is followed by the news that their home has taken a direct hit and their parents and little brother are dead, the two sisters are utterly devastated. Later, they are shocked to discover that their uncle, Steve, is not who they thought he was, and the Brinsleys have been living a lie for years. And Steve's not the only one who's hiding the truth, for when Lottie meets and marries Waldo Padley, no one tells her that he's a liar and a cheat. But, no matter what life throws at them, the sisters find the strength to face the troubles ahead...

"In this rollicking tale, Mohawk hero Tehawenniharhos, aka Squire Davis, aka Sky Walker, rides through the turbulent and lawless days of 1845 Upper Canada. As he longs for the love of the Scotchwoman Jennet Ferguson, he finds himself at the heart of the divide between Mohawk tradition and the new Presbyterian society putting down roots in communities across Ontario. As Tehawenniharhos contemplates marrying the white woman he adores, he faces prejudice on both sides of the racial divide and realizes that neither the Six Nations tribes nor the Presbyterian elite of Uxbridge and Brantford will accept him and Jennet. Meanwhile, Tehawenniharhos becomes involved in a manhunt for a Mohawk cousin and his violent English accomplice, who are wanted for the assault on a woman who runs a tavern on Vinegar Hill. The chase takes him and his compatriots along the byways of Upper Canada as he clashes with land jobbers, robber barons and disgruntled British regulars. En route, we discover the wildness of the Canadian frontier through social customs, politics, scandals, criminal activities and economic tensions. Plots and subplots make for a riveting adventure through the early days of our nation, bringing our history alive as never before. "

An authentic and moving romantic saga set against the backdrop of the docks, streets, markets and pubs of Whitechapel, from the author of Wild Hops and The Dinner Lady. Young Kay Armstrong wants to break away from her tough East End background, where her friends are turning to crime. A job in the City seems like the perfect answer - but when she plans a holiday to Spain that involves forging her passport, she takes a step too far... Meanwhile her dad, Jack, is spearheading the great dock strike. He and his wife Laura worry about their headstrong daughter, especially the new set of friends introducing her to fashionable restaurants and the pleasures of drinking. And when Zacchi, the handsome gypsy boyfriend of her past reappears, Kay has some hard choices to make...

'She brings the East End to life' Barbara Windsor In 1876, the homes of the poor working class in the East End are being replaced by splendid houses for the rich. When Kelly's Yard comes under threat, Maria Bertram inspires her neighbours to rebel against eviction. But when a woman is found murdered in Tobacco Dock and the young man Maria loves is arrested, she must do everything in her power to prove his innocence and save him from a public hanging. Without realising it, she puts her own life at risk when she stumbles across a web of deceit in the planner's office. It seems the murderer is much closer to home than she thinks... A historical East End saga full of secrets and intrigue that will enthral fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Catherine Cookson.

The second in a trilogy of World War Two sagas featuring Evie, a new teacher in a Devon primary school, and a supporting cast of characters destined to become as familiar as old friends. After having her heart broken not once but twice, Evie Yeo has sworn off men and is focusing on her job teaching at the village school. Her class is much bigger now that evacuees have come to Lymbridge and if she thought her previous boss - the mother of her scoundrel of an ex-fiance - was bad, she's in for a tough term as new headmaster, Mr Bassett, is already proving to be more difficult. It's a busy time for all in the village as Linda is getting married and there's a dress to make, Tricia's baby is due any day now, and Evie is determined to help raise the spirits of the men in the recuperation hospital. Friends and family always come first, especially in a place like Lymbridge, and as the Yeos have to face more than their fair share of troubles, it's good to know that allies are not hard to find. Wartime is a time to come together but when a familiar face returns, Evie might find that her broken heart isn't as easy to forget as she'd hoped...

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" meets Junot Diaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao in Daniel Grenier's epic novel, which tells the story of a boy who ages only one out of every four years. There's something extraordinary about Thomas Langlois. Thomas is a young boy growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a French-Canadian father, Albert, and an American mother, Laura. But beyond the fact that he lives between two cultures and languages, there's something else about Thomas that sets him apart: he was born on February 29. Before Albert goes on a strange quest to find out more about their mysterious relative, Aime Bolduc, he explains to Thomas that he will only age one year out of every four and he will outlive all of his loved ones. Thomas's loneliness grows and the years pass until a terrible accident involving a young girl sets in motion a series of events that link the young girl and Thomas to Aime Bolduc - a Civil War-era soldier and perhaps their contemporary. Spanning three centuries and set against the backdrop of the Appalachians from Quebec to Tennessee, The Longest Year is a magical and poignant story about family history, fateful dates, fragile destinies, and lives brutally ended and mysteriously extended.

When her friend and business partner Edwin Brown dies it seems as if Katherine Carter's own world has ended. Not only has her closest companion been taken from her, she's also lost the successful restaurant they built up together, as well as the comfortable home they shared with her young son. Now all this has been snatched away, for Edwin has left no will and his lecherous brother Gerald presumes he's inherited Katherine along with the house. With little money but full of determination Katherine escapes Gerald's violent advances and takes lodgings in Rotherhithe, with her cook's sister Milly. Despite its poverty, Docklands London is full of hope and friendship and, in helping her new neighbours through their difficulties, Katherine finally begins to tackle her troubled past. But even as she rebuilds her life around the pie-and-mash shop where she works, a terrible shadow is hanging over the country. And little does anyone know the horrors 1914 will unleash ...

KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER A Dragon and ten Barrani wouldn't be anyone's ideal roommates if a person wants peace and tranquility at home. The residue of three Draco-Barrani wars can make things pretty awkward--on a good day. Kaylin Neya has run out of good days. In the upheaval surrounding the Academia, the Tower in the fief of Candallar is now without its lord. The Towers were created to protect Elantra against Shadow. Dragon Bellusdeo wants to captain the Tower and continue a war she'll never be able to abandon. But Sedarias, leader of the Barrani cohort, wants the Tower for the cohort. And Barrani and Dragons don't negotiate, even when they're living under the same roof. If there were ever a time for Shadow to strike, it's now, when alliances are fractured and the Tower is vulnerable for the first time in centuries. More than ever, Kaylin needs her friends to work together if they're going to be able to stop the threat to Elantra.

Forbidden love and family secrets In World War Two Liverpool in the heartrending new saga from the author of Goodnight Sweetheart.

Rosie has grown up in the heart of Liverpool's Italian community, treated as one of their own. With a father away at sea and a mother more interested in other men than her only daughter, the bighearted Grenellis are the closest thing Rosie has to a proper family.

But when war breaks out, and Italy becomes the Allies' adversary, everything changes. The community is torn in two: friends become enemies, neighbours become traitors and Rosie is left uncertain of just who she can trust.

As war intensifies, and Liverpool is subjected to relentless bombings, things become more perilous. When a devastating attack leaves her mother dead, Rosie is sent to live with her aunt in Edge Hill. Her father is feared missing at sea and her aunt lets slip a family secret which has unimaginable consequences

Fleeing her cruel aunt, Rosie becomes a Land Girl and falls in love with someone utterly forbidden. As bombs drop and families are ripped apart by conflict at home and abroad, can they find happiness or will war stand in their way?"

1871. When Fergus Deagan's wife dies in childbirth, she makes him promise to take their family from Ireland to Western Australia to join his brother Bram, and also to marry again to make sure their children don't miss out on a mother's love. Disowned by her father for becoming pregnant, Cara Payton bears a stillborn baby. She struggles on in deep despair, until a plea to wet-nurse a motherless baby gives her life new purpose. When Fergus proposes marriage, she accepts. She respects him and is happy to stay with the baby she now loves. During the voyage to Australia, she and Fergus draw closer, until her past rears its ugly head and they face a terrible crisis . . . When they finally get to Fremantle, Fergus and Bram, always rivals, struggle to get along. To make matters worse, Bram has financial problems and there is no railway where Fergus can find engineering work. Can the two brothers solve their problems? And will the newcomers find a way to build a new life? ************** What readers are saying about THE TRADER'S REWARD 'An excellent book, and series, that I couldn't put down. Definitely worth reading' - 5 stars 'A great end to a wonderful series' - 5 stars 'Fantastic reading' - 5 stars 'Brilliant as always' - 5 stars 'I loved this one as much as the rest of the Trader Saga' - 5 stars

From the bestselling author of Mothering Sunday; perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Katie Flynn. 'An absorbing story in the grand tradition of the best saga authors' Margaret Dickinson 'Rosie writes such heart-warming sagas' Lyn Andrews 'The new Catherine Cookson' Coventry Evening Telegraph 1896, Nuneaton. Left on the doorstep of Treetops Children's Home, young Kitty captures the heart of her guardian, Sunday Branning, who has never been blessed with a child of her own. Kitty brings sunshine and joy wherever she goes, and grows into a beguiling and favoured young girl. But then Kitty is summoned to live in London with her birth mother. At first London offers Kitty excitement and adventure. With her delicate beauty and the voice of an angel, she attracts a promising singing career and the attention of a number of dashing suitors. But those now close to Kitty are not what they seem, and her comforting old home at Treetops starts to feel very far away. If Kitty is to have any chance of happiness, this little angel must protect herself from devils in disguise . . . and before it's too late. This is what you've been saying about Rosie Goodwin: 'What a brilliant book I enjoyedevery bit of it and I will recommend it to all my friends' 'What an excellent read, couldn't put book down . . . Rosie Goodwin never disappoints' 'Have read all Rosie Goodwin books and this is one of her best' 'What an amazing book, once you pick it up you cannot put it down' 'A truly great read' 'A really gripping story' The Little Angel is the second book in Rosie Goodwin's Days of the Week Collection. Why not try the rest, Mothering Sunday, A Mother's Grace, The Blessed Child, A Maiden's Voyage, A Precious Gift and Time to Say Goodbye?

Can she keep her family together?When Molly Holden's husband, Thomas, is convicted in 1812 of being a Luddite on the word of a secret informer, he is sentenced to be transported to Australia. Left with their baby daughter, Molly must find work to survive. But the man who informed on Thomas is a former suitor of Molly's, and Isaac believes that with Thomas out of the way she will return to him... Yet Molly is determined to join her husband and find a way to pay for passage, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of Isaac's nefarious interferences. But will it be enough to cross the ocean and be reunited with her beloved Thomas? Based on real events, this is an inspiring Lancashire saga of one woman's journey of love, family and survival. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Kitty Neale and June Francis. Praise for The Convict's Wife 'For all Saga fans this book is a must! I found it to be an extremely good and totally absorbing read, particularly as it is based on fact. I particularly warmed to Molly, a typical "Lancashire lass". Her sheer determination was so commendable and heart warming. A thoroughly satisfying read, I will look forward to Libby's next novel.' LYN ANDREWS, author of The Girls from Mersey View 'A beautifully crafted saga, that kept me enthralled by Molly's love and faithfulness to her husband. A wonderful, fireside read, filled with hope and determination, just what we need in these hard times.' DIANE ALLEN, author of For the Sake of Her Family 'An exciting tale of love, intrigue and family ties set in 1812 that moves between Bolton and Australia. I look forward to reading Libby's next book in the series.' LINDA FINLAY, author of The Farringdon's Fate series 'Using her vast local knowledge and research, and her gift for transforming real history into page-turning drama, this is a captivating opener to what promises to be an exciting new series.' Lancashire Post

'The Iliad meets Friday Night Lights in this muscular, captivating debut' Oprah Magazine 'A gorgeous debut that conjures one small town and the big emotions of its wealthiest family, the Briscoes, whose saga plays out over six days of pain, rage and love' People, Best of Summer 'I read without breathing - OK, maybe I gasped - and I experienced the characters' grief and regret as if they were my own' New York Times 'The novel is based on Greek myths but you don't need to know your Zeus from your Apollo to enjoy this saga full of deceit and drama' Good Housekeeping 'Beautifully written and filled with atmosphere... a hugely accomplished debut' Prima 'Secrets, lies and deceptions with Greek myth-like undertones... A literary family saga that spans one week and packs in everything from infidelity to a shooting' High Life 'A total page-turner' Kirkus (starred review) 'The most wildly entertaining novel I've read in a long time' Richard Russo winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction When March Briscoe returns to East Texas two years after he was caught having an affair with his brother's wife, the Briscoe family becomes once again the talk of the small town of Olympus. His mother, June, hardly welcomes him back with open arms: her husband's own past affairs have made her tired of being the long-suffering spouse. Is it, perhaps, time for a change? But within days of March's arrival, someone is dead, marriages are upended, and even the strongest of alliances are shattered. In the end, the ties that hold the Briscoes together might be exactly what drag them all down. An expansive tour de force, Olympus, Texas combines the archetypes of Greek and Roman mythology with the psychological complexity of a messy family. After all, at some point, we all wonder: what good is this destructive force we call love?

Take a journey across America with a poor Victorian flower girl in her epic journey to a better life, from the internationally bestselling author Lesley Pearse As voted by readers as their favourite Lesley Pearse novel ___________ One good deed takes her into another world . . . Sixteen-year-old Matilda is a poor Covent Garden flower girl until the day she saves the life of Tabitha, a minister's daughter. Welcomed into Tabitha's family, Matilda is offered the chance of a lifetime. She leaves behind London's slums and enters the darkest corners of New York. Traveling across the vast plains to the Wild West, she finds herself in San Francisco, a city in the grip of the gold rush. Streetwise and strong-willed, Matilda forges a new life for herself and Tabitha among pioneers like Captain James Russell - a man to whom she is deeply attracted. Yet a civil war will soon rip apart this new nation . . . Can Matilda and those she loves brave separation and carry on, never looking back? ___________ 'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail 'Heart-warming and evocative . . . a real delight to read' Sun 'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella 'Utterly riveting, brilliant' Closer 'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly