The #1 New York Times bestselling historical epic, the Century Trilogy, now in one deluxe boxed set. Ken Follett follows the fortunes of five international families-American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh-as they make their way through the 20th century. The boxed set includes all three volumes: Fall of Giants, Winter of the World, and Edge of Eternity. "[Follett] is a commanding storyteller who has taken on an impossibly large task and accomplished it with passion, intelligence, and skill." -The Washington Post "Follett is masterly in conveying so much drama and historical information so vividly . . . grippingly told." -The New York Times Book Review Look out for Ken's newest book, A Column of Fire, available now.

'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

The second book in the brand new Backshaw Moss series from million-copy bestseller Anna Jacobs Lancashire, 1930s. When her mother dies, leaving her an old sewing box and a clue to her father's identity, 22-year-old Maisie Bassett is determined to make a fresh start. Changing her name and moving to the small town of Rivenshaw, she finds a respectable job in a grocery store. But unwanted attentions from a man at her new church make life increasingly difficult - until the shy, handsome Gabriel Harte comes to her rescue. Then she receives an inheritance from a distant relative and her world is turned upside down. The home she's always dreamed of may finally be hers - if she can keep it safe from a grasping slum landlord. With Gabriel's help, can Maisie untangle the secrets of her past and secure her future? Curl up with this heartwarming read from the Queen of the Rural Saga - perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Katie Flynn *** Can't wait for more Anna Jacobs? Make sure you're not missing out with this list of first books in her other series: A Daughter's Journey (Birch End Series) One Quiet Woman (Ellindale Series) Salem Street (Gibson Family Series) A Time to Remember (Rivenshaw Saga) The Trader's Wife (Traders Series) Farewell to Lancashire (Swan River Saga) Pride of Lancashire (Music Hall Series) A Pennyworth of Sunshine (Irish Sisters Series) Our Lizzie (Kershaw Sisters) Readers love Anna Jacobs' Birch End Series! 'Amazing' - 5 STARS 'Thank you, Anna, for the pleasure you give in all your books' - 5 STARS 'Another brilliant, hard-to-put-down book' - 5 STARS 'Can't wait for the next instalment' - 5 STARS 'A real page turner, I can't wait to read the next one' - 5 STARS 'Another triumph for Anna Jacobs' - 5 STARS 'BRILLIANT READ' - 5 STARS

Wartime Friends is a tale of unbreakable bonds in times of strife, by bestselling author Margaret Dickinson. As the storm clouds of war gather over Britain, two brave, young women will discover the value of true friendship as they deal with troubles of their own while the lives of those they love are put at risk. It is 1940's coastal Lincolnshire and Carolyn Holmes is keen to do what she can for the war effort. Raised on the family farm, she battles with her mother, Lilian, to further her education although nothing is too good for her brother, Tom. Phyllis Carter, a bitter widow from the Great War, lives close by with her son, Peter, who works on the farm. When Peter decides to volunteer, a distraught Phyllis blames Carolyn who leaves to join the ATS where she meets Beryl Morley who will become a lifelong friend. Carolyn and Beryl are posted to Beaumanor Hall in Leicestershire as 'listeners', the most difficult of signals intelligence gathering. As the war unfolds and their work becomes even more vital, Carolyn and Beryl's friendship deepens and in the dangerous times that follow, they support each other through some of the darkest days they will ever know.

The perfect read for Christmas, from bestselling author Nadine Dorries. 1950s Liverpool. Christmas is the most harrowing time of year for the nurses of St Angelus Hospital. A brilliant nurse secretly battling a fatal illness over Christmas... A starving baby boy abandoned in the freezing cold... A cruel, controlling mother, determined to block her daughter's nursing career at all costs... In the run up to Christmas, nurses Pammy and Beth are aiming to win the coveted national decorating competition for the St Angelus children's ward, but drama after drama threatens to upset their plans. Amid the hardship and poverty of 1950s Liverpool, only the humour and community spirit of nurses and patients will get the Angels through their toughest Christmas yet. What people are saying about CHRISTMAS ANGELS: 'It had everything from laughing out moments, to those times where tears were not far away' 'Nadine Dorries is an excellent story teller and her characters are so well written... Not many authors have that effect on me' 'I have enjoyed all The Lovely Lane series so far but for me this is the best one yet' 'In my opinion she can do no wrong and this latest book is just wonderful, such a heart warming story!'

Will the coming war divide them . . . ? For as long as she can remember Peggy O'Shea has been expected to work at the family dairy, look after her younger siblings, and eventually marry cow-keeper Martin Gallagher. And that's the way it has predictably gone, apart from one glorious summer when, at the age of eight, she meets handsome Anthony Giardano. But there's bad blood between the Irish O'Sheas and the Italian Giardanos, so perhaps for the sake of both of their families, it's a good thing when Anthony suddenly disappears. Ten years later at the start of the war, Peggy bumps into Anthony again. But as they begin to rekindle their friendship, Italy joins forces with Germany and Liverpool turns on its Italian residents overnight, making any relationship between Peggy and Anthony impossible . . . A gritty World War Two historical saga from Elizabeth Morton the acclaimed author of Angel of Liverpool.

'Mollie Walton captures your attention from the very first page and doesn't let go!' Diney Costeloe 'Beautiful ... I can't wait for the next instalment' Judy Summers 'A tender tale of love and strength in the midst of war' Val Wood 'Stays with you long after you have finished reading' Margaret Dickinson 'A highly enjoyable, immersive read!' Sarah Sykes 'Vivid, compulsive, and heart-rending. Had me hooked' Louisa Treger 'A lively and heart-warming saga' People's Friend ___________ North Yorkshire, September 1939. Rosina Calvert-Lazenby, the widowed matriarch of Raven Hall, must be strong for her five daughters as the war approaches. When the RAF come to stay, Rosina is intrigued by their charismatic - albeit young - sergeant. But is there time for love with the war looming? Grace Calvert-Lazenby is twenty-one years old and ready for a new adventure. Joining the Women's Royal Naval Service, she trades the safety of Raven Hall for exhausting drills and conflicting acts of secrecy. It's not easy, but Grace knows that everyone has a part to play in what's to come. With so much on the line, will Rosina and Grace have the courage to lead those around them into the unknown? This heartwarming, dramatic World War II saga is perfect for fans of Vicki Beeby, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. ___________ Reader reviews for A Mother's War: 'LOVED IT! The layout and the research is stunning' 'A fabulous read' 'A definite 5 stars' 'Mollie Walton has done it again!' 'An excellent book by an outstanding writer'

Set against the glorious backdrop of World War Two Ireland, this dramatic, emotional and romantic novel is perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Lorna Cook, Tracy Rees and Jenny Ashcroft! 'A romantic saga writer to watch' PETERBOROUGH TELEGRAPH She lost everything in one night. Now she must fight for happiness. It's 1943 and Ireland has escaped the worst of the war raging in Europe, but life is not without its hardships. When fire breaks out at the convent in Cavan where she has spent the past ten years, orphan Eva Fallon barely escapes with her life. She's offered a bed for the night by Ma Scully, whilst her nephew Cathal, visiting from Dublin, helps battle the blaze. Seventeen-year-old Eva has never known such kindness but she's too proud to take advantage, and finds a job at Blackstock's farm, setting in motion a chain of events that will change her life forever. Amidst tragedy and hardship, the only ray of light is the friendship of Ma Scully and her growing, secret love for Cathal. And through it all Eva clings to her hope that one day she will find a place where she can truly belong. Don't miss Cathy Mansell's next powerfully heartrending family saga of three sisters in 1950s Ireland - The Dublin Girls - out now! Here's what readers are saying: 'Glorious - a cross between Maeve Binchy and Catherine Cookson' 5* early reader review 'A superb saga' PETERBOROUGH TELEGRAPH 'A heart-warming story full of characters you'll come to love' ROSIE GOODWIN 'Page-turning and compelling... Most highly recommended' MARGARET KAINE 'Rarely have I read a book where every character springs from the pages so authentically' JEAN CHAPMAN 'A warm-hearted, engaging story' MARGARET JAMES, WRITING MAGAZINE

The past is waiting to surface . . . Ethan Quinn shares his late father's passion for the ocean, and he is determined to make the family boat-building business a success. But as well as looking out for his young brother Seth, the strong but guarded Quinn is also battling some difficult home truths. Grace Monroe, the woman Ethan has always loved but never believed he could have, is learning that appearances can be deceptive. For beneath Ethan's still, dark waters lies a shocking past. With Grace's help, can he overcome the shadows that haunt him and finally accept who he is?

A family conflict is set to make waves . . . After years of fast living and reckless excitement, Cameron Quinn is called home to help care for his adopted brother Seth, a troubled young boy not unlike Cameron once was. Dark, brooding and fiercely independent, Cameron's life changes overnight as he has to learn to live with his brothers again. Old rivalries and new resentments flare between the passionate Quinn boys as they try to set aside their differences. But when Seth's fate falls into the hands of Anna, a tough but beautiful social worker, the tide starts to turn. She alone has the power to bring the Quinns together - or tear them apart . . .

A daring memoir of love, magic, adventure, and miracles, Victor Villaseñor's Thirteen Senses continues the exhilarating family saga that began in the widely acclaimed bestseller Rain of Gold, delivering a stunning story of passion, family, and the forgotten mystical senses that stir within us all.

Thirteen Senses begins with the fiftieth wedding anniversary of the aging former bootlegger Salvador and his elegant wife, Lupe. When asked by a young priest to repeat the sacred ceremonial phrase "to honor and obey," Lupe surprises herself and says. "No, I will not say 'obey'. How dare you! You don't talk to me like this after fifty years of marriage and I now knowing what I know!" After the hilarious shock of Lupe's rejection of the ceremony, the Villaseñor family is forced to examine the love that Lupe and Salvador have shared for so many years -- a universal, gut-honest love that will eventually energize and inspire the couple into old age.

'A gripping story of love and loss, rich in period detail. I loved it!' Clare Marchant 'I beg of you this one thing - that if I should perish here, in this foreign land, that you will look after her.' March, 1914. When talented artist Isobel embarks on a journey to Egypt, it's to reunite her best friend Alice with her husband, Wilfred - and to use the stunning sights of Cairo as inspiration for her own paintings. A whirlwind romance was the last thing she expected, but when Isobel meets Wilfred's handsome brother, Edward, neither can deny the strong connection between them - especially when unexpected tragedy strikes, leaving them all reeling. Just as they get to grips with their grief, WW1 erupts, and the lovers are forced to separate. They promise to meet again in London. But when Edward is listed as 'missing - presumed dead' only weeks after landing in France, Isobel is devastated, unmarried and on the brink of ruin. She has only one way to save her honour... but it means betraying the love she holds so dear. A heartrending and thrilling WW1 romance, In This Foreign Land is the stunning new debut from Suzie Hull, for fans of Kate Hewitt, Shirley Dickson and Kate Eastham. Readers are loving In this Foreign Land '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*

In the war against Hitler every secret counts... 'Shines a light on a part of the British war effort I'd previously not been aware of...a fascinating, informative and heartwarming novel, and I loved it' The New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller Jill Mansell Society heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a skilled interrogator - her beauty making her a non-threat in the eyes of the prisoners. Farm girl Betty Connors may not be able to type as she claimed, but her crack analytical skills soon find her unearthing covert connections. German ex-pat Judith Stern never expected to find herself listening in to German POW's whispered conversations, but the Nazis took her father from her so she will do whatever it takes to help the Allies end this war. Billeted together in the attic of Latimer House - a place where secrets abound - Evelyn, Betty and Judith soon form a bond of friendship that carries them through the war. Because nothing is stronger than women united. Tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Latimer House, a grand country estate, stands proudly - a witness to some of greatest secrets of WW2. Used by the SOE to hold Nazi prisoners of war, this stunning historical novel is inspired by the untold story of the secret listeners of 'M Room' who worked day and night to help the Allies win the war. A must-read for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Fiona Valpy and Kate Quinn. Readers love The Secrets of Latimer House: 'Freaking fabulous! Five perfect stars for this perfect book! ...The writing was wowza. So beautifully done. It flowed amazingly and honestly I couldn't tear my eyes from my Kindle' Rubie 'A truly fabulous read, full of drama intrigue and three fabulous characters' Jeanie 'I really enjoy this type of book which brings strong women together in exceptional circumstances, and this one did not disappoint' Angela 'This five-star read is the first historical fiction novel for Jules Wake and I think you'll agree with me it's a real treat for lovers of this genre!!!' Norma 'An excellent WWII-era historical fiction novel that is gripping, suspenseful, and engaging. I really enjoyed it!' Rachel

The prequel to the million-copy bestseller, A Woman of Substance, where, high on the Yorkshire moors, the story of Blackie O'Neill and Emma Harte begins... Orphaned and alone, 13-year-old Blackie O'Neill must leave County Kerry to find work and put food in his mouth. His only chance of survival lies with his mother's brother, far away in Leeds. There, amid the noise and bustle, the mills and manufactories of the clothing industry that have made Leeds one of England's most prosperous cities, Blackie's spark of ambition becomes a flame. Working in his Uncle's business, he nurtures a dream of throwing off the impotence of poverty, of building houses and perhaps even of becoming a gentleman. And then, high on the Yorkshire moors, in the mists of a winter morning, he meets a kitchen maid called Emma Harte. And as the Victorian world gives way to the freedom of the Edwardian age, so a young man and a servant girl seize a chance, against the odds, to build a better life... 'Heart-soaring and hopefuly, this is a story about love, courage and ambition. A true treat for anyone fell in love with the original novel' Yours 'This captivating read chronicles 13-year-old orphan Blackie O'Neill's migration from Ireland . . . when he meets Emma Harte, it ignites a lifetime of friendship' Woman Don't miss this stunning new novel from Barbara Taylor Bradford!

'Superbly researched and vividly told' Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury 'Affecting, action-packed' Carolyn Kirby 'This is neither men's history nor women's history. It is good, gripping history, sharply and immediately told... A real treat' Aspects of History A country torn apart by war. A woman fighting for her future... Ely, 1643. England is convulsed by Civil War, setting King against Parliament and neighbour against neighbour. As the turmoil reaches her family home in Ely, 19-year-old Bridget Cromwell finds herself at the heart of the conflict. With her father's star on the rise as a cavalry commander for the rebellious Parliament, Bridget has her own ambitions for a life beyond marriage and motherhood. And as fractures appear in her own family with the wilful, beautiful younger sister Betty, Bridget faces a choice: to follow her heart, or to marry for power and influence, and fight for a revolution that will change history... A gripping evocation of the Civil War, and the hidden stories of women at the heart of power... Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Anne O'Brien *** Praise for The Rebel Daughter 'A dramatic story of love, loss and duty, set against the backdrop of the turmoil of the Civil Wars' Linda Porter 'Miranda Malins is a real and fresh new talent. This is beautifully written, exciting fiction.' Suzannah Lipscomb 'Such familiar historical characters brought so colourfully and convincingly to new life; and the writing itself is of the finest' Ronald Hutton 'This affecting, action-packed novel brings a momentous but often overlooked period of history vividly to life' Carolyn Kirby 'Brilliantly captures ... a nuanced picture of a divided world' Leonora Nattrass 'Utterly convincing' S.G. Maclean 'Beautifully articulated ... a joy to read!' Michael Scott Praise for The Puritan Princess 'There is much to enjoy in this evocation of a family whose lives are so upended by the convulsions of history' Antonia Senior, The Times 'Totally gripping... grab it now. There's a new Cromwell on the shelves!' Minoo Dinshaw, author of Outlandish Knight 'The Puritan Princess is a genuinely moving portrait of the tragedy of the Cromwells at the height of their power, and Miranda Malins handles the tumultuous drama of the last days of the Protectorate with incredible aplomb' S G MacLean, author of the Damian Seeker series 'A beautifully written and captivating true story of personal love and loss enacted against the backdrop of an England dominated by Frances' father, Oliver Cromwell. Deeply knowledgeable about the politics and desires and ideals of the time, Malins nevertheless inhabits her characters and brings them convincingly to life' James Evans, author of EMIGRANTS 'The extraordinary, revealing and moving relationship between Oliver Cromwell and his daughter Frances is brought to vivid life in this masterly historical novel' Paul Lay, author of Providence Lost 'Miranda Malins is a real and fresh new talent. This is beautifully written, exciting fiction from a writer in full command of the history' Suzannah Lipscomb 'This engaging novel brings one of the most momentous but least well known periods of English history vividly to life.' Carolyn Kirby, author of THE CONVICTION OF CORA BURNS

From the top-ten bestselling author of Snowflakes in the Wind comes a heart-breaking saga set in WWII Britain. In Rita Bradshaw's Beneath a Frosty Moon, it's 1940 and Britain is at war with Germany. For Cora Stubbs and her younger siblings this means being evacuated to the safety of the English countryside. But, little does Cora know that Hitler's bombs are nothing compared to the danger she will face in her new home, and she is forced to grow up fast. However, Cora is a fighter and she strives to carve a new life for herself and her siblings. Time passes, and in the midst of grief and loss she falls in love, but what other tragedies lie around the corner? As womanhood beckons, can Cora ever escape her troubled past and the lost love who continues to haunt her dreams and cast shadows over her days?

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of life-changing fiction returns with a wise and worldly novel of forgiveness and hope in the City of Lights.

In Indiana, Ashley Baxter Blake and her husband are about to take an anniversary trip to Paris, where a French gallery will show her paintings. But Ashley is hesitant. More than two decades ago, she made her most grievous mistake in Paris. She has never forgiven herself for what happened there, and she still harbors secrets that she's afraid will come to light.

Just before the trip, Ashley gets a call from her niece. Jessie explains that her boyfriend's mother remembers working at a bakery with an American named Ashley. "Could that be you?" When Alice and Ashley meet, a flood of memories comes for both women, taking Ashley back to a reckless affair and an unexpected pregnancy and Alice to the night she nearly ended it all. Can this reunion bring healing and closure?

Maybe it is finally time for Ashley to forgive herself...and Paris.

Can the Highland girls prove everyone wrong? Don't miss this poignant and heartwarming WW2 novel for fans of Rosie Clarke, Dilly Court and Rosie Archer, from the author of A Wartime Secret. Scotland, 1942. The Lumberjills, the newest recruits in the Women's Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country - but they're also all looking for something more... Lady Persephone signed up to show everyone she's more than just a pretty face - but it'll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over. Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world - even if that's a thousand miles from home. And Irene misses her husband terribly, so until he returns home from the frontline, she's distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devastating consequences... Can the Lumberjills get through their struggles together - even when tragedy strikes? Readers LOVE The Highland Girls at War! 'I adored it!!... From start to finish, I loved it and couldn't wait to get back to it whenever I had to rip myself away... It certainly left me wanting more! It was brilliant.' NetGalley reviewer, 'Love this book... The characters came to life as the story unrolled and I was sad the book ended as I felt I knew them and they were my friends too. Recommended to read ASAP.' NetGalley reviewer, 'Absolutely loved [it], great book from start to finish.' NetGalley reviewer, 'Loved this book from start to finish, the characters were so real and I felt like a member of the family.' NetGalley reviewer, 'A compelling, heartwarming tale... Full of laughter, heartache, humour and wistful romance... A story of sisterhood and one I am certain will stay with me forever.' NetGalley reviewer, 'A heart-warming story... Thoroughly enjoyable.' NetGalley reviewer,

Inspired by the life events of Antje Paarlberg, So Big is an award-winning drama that depicts the life of Selina Peake de Jong. Raised in a strict farming community, Selina decides to be a schoolteacher. Good-hearted and kind, she attempts to inspire her students to work for their dreams, no matter how nontraditional they seem. By encouraging artistic expression, Selina changes the lives of her students. When she marries a farmer named Pervus, the two welcome a baby boy into their family, naming their child Dirk. However, after the family suffers a tragic loss, Selina is forced to quit her job and work on a farm in order to provide her son with a stable life. As Dirk grows, Selina nurtures his artistic talent, proud when he begins to express interest in architecture. However, when Dirk comes of age, he begins to value money more and more, eventually giving up on the architect profession in favor of a stable and lucrative job as a stock broker. Heartbroken, Selina still tries to support her son, while quietly hoping that he returns to value his artistic roots. First published in 1924, Edna Ferber felt unsure about her novel So Big, which would eventually go on to win a Pulitzer Prize, and inspire adaptations for film, radio and television. Set in a rural community within a Chicago suburb, So Big features a slice-of-life narrative, with strong themes of community, expression, and family. With intricate description of the daily life of the lower-class Dutch community, contemporary readers are afforded a privileged perspective into the social dynamics of early 20th century America. This edition of So Big by Edna Ferber now features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of So Big crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original mastery and emotion of Edna Ferber's literature.

Snowflakes in the Wind is a heartwarming story of triumph over adversity by Rita Bradshaw, author of the number one bestselling Dancing in the Moonlight. It's Christmas Eve 1920 when nine-year-old Abby Kirby's family is ripped apart by a terrible tragedy. Leaving everything she's ever known, Abby takes her younger brother and runs away to the tough existence of the Border farming community. Years pass. Abby becomes a beautiful young woman and falls in love, but her past haunts her, casting dark shadows. Furthermore, in the very place she's taken refuge is someone who wishes her harm. With her heart broken, Abby decides to make a new life as a nurse. When the Second World War breaks out, she volunteers as a QA nurse and is sent overseas. However, life takes another unexpected and dangerous turn when she becomes a prisoner of the Japanese. It is then that Abby realizes that whatever has gone before is nothing compared to what lies ahead . . .

Charlotte Booth loves her father and the home they share, which is set high up in the limestone escarpments of Crummockdale. But when a new businessman in the form of Joseph Dawson enters their lives, both Charlotte and her father decide he's the man for her and, within six months, Charlotte marries the dashing mill owner from Accrington. Then a young mill worker is found dead in the swollen River Ribble. With Joseph's business nearly bankrupt, it becomes apparent that all is not as it seems and Joseph is not the man he pretends to be. Heavily pregnant, penniless and heartbroken, Charlotte is forced to face the reality that life may never be the same again . . .

Quicksilver is the story of Daniel Waterhouse, fearless thinker and conflicted Puritan, pursuing knowledge in the company of the greatest minds of Baroque-era Europe, in a chaotic world where reason wars with the bloody ambitions of the mighty, and where catastrophe, natural or otherwise, can alter the political landscape overnight.

It is a chronicle of the breathtaking exploits of "Half-Cocked Jack" Shaftoe -- London street urchin turned swashbuckling adventurer and legendary King of the Vagabonds -- risking life and limb for fortune and love while slowly maddening from the pox.

And it is the tale of Eliza, rescued by Jack from a Turkish harem to become spy, confidante, and pawn of royals in order to reinvent Europe through the newborn power of finance.

A gloriously rich, entertaining, and endlessly inventive novel that brings a remarkable age and its momentous events to vivid life, Quicksilver is an extraordinary achievement from one of the most original and important literary talents of our time.

And it's just the beginning ...