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Books > Fiction > Genre fiction > Sagas
From the bestselling author of The Last Correspondent comes a
remarkable story of three young women who defy the bombs to do
their bit for Britain. Will they survive the dark streets of London
to see the Allies win the war? London, 1941. The Blitz. When a
Royal Navy memo arrives at head office, requesting female recruits
to sign up as motorcycle dispatch riders, delivering highly
classified orders across the country, three women jump at the
chance to sign up for the most dangerous jobs in London. Olivia
grew up riding motorcycles with her brothers, and with them
fighting abroad she feels it is her duty to join up. The thrill of
adventure draws Ava, but with more enthusiasm than skill, will she
learn to navigate the treacherous London streets safely? Having
lost her family during one of the first air attacks, Florence knows
how important it is to have help arrive on the scene-fast-and so
she steps up, outmanoeuvring the men behind the wheel of an
ambulance. When Olivia, Ava and Florence meet for the first time
they know they have found something all of them need-family. As
bombs fall, decimating the city they love, these three brave women
build a sisterhood amid the rubble, facing down anyone-even their
own families-who objects to their service. And while romances bloom
and fade, their connection grows ever stronger. But none of them
dare consider the terrifying reality that one night Florence's
ambulance may be rescuing someone she loves...
The enthralling Sunday Times bestselling story of a young female
journalist exposing murder and lies in her search for the truth,
from the international bestseller Lesley Pearse THE SUNDAY TIMES
TOP 5 BESTSELLER AND WINNER OF THE WOMAN & HOME BOOK CHOICE
AWARD 2020 'A compelling page-turner' DAILY MAIL ______ Find the
liar. Find the killer . . . Amelia White didn't expect her career
as a reporter to start like this: by finding a young woman's body,
just around the corner from her Shepherd's Bush bedsit. With
rumours already spreading about this poor murder victim, she seizes
her chance to write the true story. But when more bodies are found,
the police are baffled. Reporting on the story, Amelia meets
witnesses as well as suspects. If she can only work out who the
liar among them is, she may be able to stop the murders. Or might
she turn herself into the next victim? . . . Gripping, suspenseful
and completely unputdownable, Liar will have you on the very edge
of your seat. ______ 'Gripping and suspenseful, a fast-paced murder
mystery, love story and a young woman's journey of self-discovery'
Daily Express 'This latest book from master storyteller Lesley
Pearse is gripping and full of twists. With an addictive and pacy
plot, this will keep you guessing until the end' My Weekly 'A page
turner full of suspense, compelling and heartwarming, Liar is a
brilliant read. I couldn't put it down' Woman's Way 'Gripping and
suspenseful - a murder mystery, love story and journey of self
discovery' S Magazine Praise for Lesley Pearse 'Storytelling at its
very best' Daily Mail 'Evocative, compelling, told from the heart'
Sunday Express 'Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written'
Closer
THE WORLD'S FAVOURITE STORYTELLER NEARLY ONE BILLION COPIES SOLD
Living on the crest of a highly successful career, he was moving
too fast to realise that he had everything - except what he wanted
most . . . Sent to San Francisco to open the smartest department
store in California, Bernie Fine becomes aware of the hollowness of
his personal life. Despite his success he grows increasingly
disenchanted with his existence - until five-year-old Jane O'Reilly
gets lost in the store. Through Jane, Bernie meets her mother Liz,
who finally offers him the possibility of love. But the rare
happiness they find together is disrupted by tragedy and Bernie
must face the terrible price we sometimes have to pay for loving .
. . An epic and romantic tale from one of the best-loved writers of
all time. Perfect for fans of Penny Vincenzi, Lucinda Riley and
Maeve Binchy PRAISE FOR DANIELLE STEEL: 'Emotional and gripping . .
. I was left in no doubt as to the reasons behind Steel's
multi-million sales around the world' DAILY MAIL 'Danielle Steel is
undeniably an expert' NEW YORK TIMES
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The End of Days
(Paperback)
Jenny Erpenbeck; Translated by Susan Bernofsky
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R449
R373
Discovery Miles 3 730
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Winner of the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and the Hans
Fallada Prize, The End of Days, by the acclaimed German writer
Jenny Erpenbeck, consists essentially of five "books," each leading
to a different death of the same unnamed female protagonist. How
could it all have gone differently?-the narrator asks in the
intermezzos. The first chapter begins with the death of a baby in
the early twentieth-century Hapsburg Empire. In the next chapter,
the same girl grows up in Vienna after World War I, but a pact she
makes with a young man leads to a second death. In the next
scenario, she survives adolescence and moves to Russia with her
husband. Both are dedicated Communists, yet our heroine ends up in
a labor camp. But her fate does not end there.... A novel of
incredible breadth and amazing concision, The End of Days offers a
unique overview of the twentieth century.
The new heart-stopping instalment in the Four Streets saga, from
the Sunday Times bestseller Nadine Dorries. Summer is coming to the
four streets - but so is trouble, especially for its redoubtable
women, who've struggled through a bitter winter to put food on the
table. The Dock Queen Carnival is only weeks away, but there's no
money for the usual celebrations. No sign of a tramp ship with
illicit cargo to be quietly siphoned off by the dockers. Peggy
Nolan, with seven boys and a husband too lazy to work, has hit rock
bottom and is hiding a terrible secret. Little Paddy, her
mischievous eldest, is all too often in trouble, but he'd do
anything for the mother he loves. How can he save her from selling
herself on the streets - or worse? Maura and Tommy Doherty always
looked out for any neighbour in trouble, especially Peggy, but
they're far away, running a pub in Ireland and corrupt copper,
Frank the Skank, is moving into their old house on the four
streets. Can anything bring them home in time?
Henzey is no ordinary factory girl Henzey Kite can't believe it
when Billy Watts walks into her life. A cut above the local boys -
strong, charming and wildly ambitious - he won't settle for
anything less than the wealth of high society. But with wealth
comes sacrifice. All Henzey wishes for is a home and a family,
while Billy has his sights set at the top. When the Great
Depression destroys the Black Country, their love crumbles with it.
The dark core of Billy's obsession for success is revealed, while
poor Henzey's young heart is shattered.
Heart-stopping and gripping, this classic Diney Costeloe story
shows the courage of one family in the face of great danger.
Nineteenth-century Paris is in flames, houses ransacked, streets
barricaded. Most people are fleeing the ravaged city, but the St
Clair family have made a fateful decision - to return to Paris from
their house in the country. As the horrors of the Commune and the
ensuring siege engulf the St Clairs, little Helene falls ill and
becomes separated from the family. Lost and alone, she must fend
for herself on the war-torn streets.
1877, Durham. After a traumatic and harrowing incident at the hands
of a stranger, a woman gives birth to a child. However, she is
persuaded by her husband to give him up to a local couple. On the
same dark and stormy night, a local pit owner turns his wife out
onto the bleak moors, telling her son she is evil. The woman is
never seen again. 1895, Durham. Twenty years later, these seemingly
unrelated events have shaped the characters of two unloved boys,
who have now grown to be men. They, in turn, are about to change
the lives of two innocent young women as the past reaches out and
casts a shadow over the present. Praise for Elizabeth Gill
'Original and evocative - a born storyteller' Trisha Ashley 'A
wonderful book, full of passion, pain, sweetness, twists and turns.
I couldn't put it down' Sheila Newberry 'Elizabeth Gill writes with
a masterful grasp of conflicts and passions' Leah Fleming 'An
enthralling and satisfying novel that will leave you wanting more'
Catherine King 'If you love Catherine Cookson then you will love
Elizabeth Gill' Northern Echo
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
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Unsheltered
(Paperback)
Barbara Kingsolver
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R569
R448
Discovery Miles 4 480
Save R121 (21%)
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Ships in 10 - 15 working days
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From Sunday Times bestselling author, Freda Lightfoot. 1943, when
hundreds of US Marines arrive at a quiet Cornish town, two lives
will never be the same again. Trapped in a small town resistant to
change, Bette can't resist handsome GI, Chad. But when reality
draws in, Bette realises that their love was based on empty
promises... Meanwhile Bette's sister Sarah, is tormented by her
possessive husband, but even his jealous attempts to keep her out
of temptation can't prevent Sarah falling for officer Charlie.
Caught in the very worst of times with the turmoil and upheaval of
war all around them, can these sisters find a brighter future for
tomorrow? A compelling family drama for fans for Maureen Lee and
Katie Flynn. Praise for Freda Lightfoot 'Freda's book was a joy to
read for her characters were so believable and richly drawn I
really cared what happened to them and interspersed with the story
was the arrival of the Americans, who caused such a furore in that
small Cornish town as D Day approaches, And when World War 2 grinds
to a halt, people's lives are changed for ever. It was a real page
turner with a very satisfying end.' - Anne Bennettt
From Sunday Times bestselling author, Freda Lightfoot. From brief
riches to rural rags and ruin... 1920s, Manchester. Living in the
deprived area of Ancoats area of Manchester Polly Pride feels more
fortunate than most until her husband Matthew loses his job and her
life is thrown into turmoil. With no money coming in Polly must act
to keep her family from starvation. In a desperate gamble she sells
all the family goods and buys a handcart, from which she sells
second-hand rugs and carpets. But struggling to deal with poverty
and her husband's hurt pride are only the start of her problems.
For when tragedy strikes Polly has to do battle with the bigotry of
a sour brother-in-law to keep herself and her family from falling
apart. A stirring, heartrending story of love, passion, duty and
family, set in the 1920s as the Second World War looms. Praise for
Freda Lightfoot ' Freda's books are a joy to read - her characters
are so believable and richly drawn - they're satisfying page
turners!' - Anne Bennett
From Sunday Times bestselling author, Freda Lightfoot. The war
might be over, but for Polly and her family the struggle
continues... With the end of WW2 Polly Pride feels as though the
fighting has moved to her own home. Her son, Benny, is mixed up
with some unsavoury characters but continues to pull the wool over
his mother's eyes. Daughter Lucy is carrying on with a fancy man
behind her husband's back, leaving her children to run riot. And
Charlie, Polly's beloved husband, is battling ill health and
doesn't want her interfering. Polly risks losing all she's worked
so hard to achieve, but refuses to go back to Ancoats area of
Manchester and a life of grinding poverty. She will sacrifice all
she has before she stands by and watches her family tear itself to
pieces... A dramatic and emotional story of one woman's story to
keep her family together. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Kitty
Neale. Praise for Freda Lightfoot 'Freda's books are a joy to read
- her characters are so believable and richly drawn - they're
satisfying page turners!' - Anne Bennett
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Mrs Boots
(Paperback)
Deborah Carr
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R230
R184
Discovery Miles 1 840
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An incredible historical novel inspired by the true story behind
the Boots empire. Jersey 1885 On the beautiful island of Jersey,
Florence Rowe lives a quiet life working in her father's bookshop.
Life for the Rowe family is good, but Florence can't help yearning
for more... When Jesse Boot, the successful owner of Boots the
chemist, arrives on the island, Florence is immediately captivated
by his tales of life in a busy, bustling city on the mainland. For
the first time ever, Florence imagines a life away from the
constraints of Jersey society, of being someone more than just a
shopgirl. Until her parents reveal the shocking news they will
refuse any marriage proposal from Mr Boot. Can Florence find a way
to be with the man she loves and make a new life for herself?
Readers are loving Mrs Boots: 'A book that drew me in...I cuddle up
on my reading chair and entered the world of Boots' Abby 'Vibrant,
believable, characters and an absorbing plot' Tabby 'This will
definitely pull at your heartstrings...Loved it' Beverley 'I'm so
glad this is the beginning of a series and I can't wait to read the
rest! Wonderfully written' Grace 'If you like historical novels
this is a book for you' Bookoholic Cafe 'A gorgeous start to a new
historical series that captivated, charmed and inspired me' Adele
'A great and powerful read about love, relationships, and the
trials and tribulations in between...a true thrill' Donna 'Watch
this author-this is a series you'll want to stick with' Micah
'FAST-PACED, DETAILED AND BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN [FOR] FANS OF BERNARD
CORNWELL, GEORGE R.R. MARTIN AND THEODORE BRUN' HISTORICAL NOVEL
SOCIETY. Einar Unnsson will be a great warrior, whether he wants it
or not. AD 935 - Late Winter, City of Jorvik. Einar Unnsson is
destined to be a great Icelandic warrior. He has already defeated
the men sent to kill him by his notorious father, Jarl Thorfinn,
the 'Skull Cleaver' of Orkney. He has a gift that makes him lethal
in battle. Yet he has cast it all off to be a bard. When three men
attack him, Einar's poetry provides little protection. Luckily, the
skilled archer and Norse-Irish princess Affreca saves him. She'd
assumed Einar had left to raise an army, challenge Thorfinn and
seize the Jarldom of Orkney. Now she's determined to set him back
onto his rightful path. Einar soon finds himself entangled on
Affreca's own mission. She's seeking the Raven Banner for King
Eirik. Legend has it that the banner is imbued with powerful magic.
That it was a gift from the Norse God Odin and any army that
marches behind it will be victorious. The quest sets events in
motion that are beyond Einar's control. Einar has no choice but to
face his fate and swing his sword once more... Praise for Tim
Hodkinson: 'An excellently written page-turner, with a feel for the
period which invites you into the era and keeps you there'
Historical Writers Association. 'A gripping action adventure like
the sagas of old; and once finished, you just want to go back and
read it all over again' Melisende's Library.
As the war rages on, can they be there for each other? Spring 1940
As the war rages on, Vickers steelworks is busier than ever which
is proving tough for Nancy as she juggles working long hours and
looking after two young children, all while waiting for her husband
to return home safely. Betty is determined to roll up her sleeves
and joins the Women's Voluntary Service to keep busy and stop from
fretting about her fiance. But Patty is left worrying about someone
closer to home. Sweetheart Archie has been keeping a secret from
her, and one that puts him in great danger. Will it threaten to
pull them apart for good? And with life at war tougher than ever,
can the factory sisters rally together to find a way through? ***
Readers love The Steel Girls series: 'A gentle story with an
undercurrent of pure grit' 'Heart-warming and magical' 'Very well
researched and a superb addition to the saga genre' 'Every single
character becomes your friend' 'The love leaps from the pages' 'An
inspiring, emotional, authentic, heart-warming and gorgeously
written saga' 'A story of friendship, camaraderie, and just getting
on with it'
'Historical fiction at its best' Tracy Rees, author of The Rose
Garden A compelling novel of female perseverance and the role of
women in society set in the aftermath of the American Civil War.
For readers of Tracy Chevalier. In a world made for men, can one
woman break free from tradition and walk a new path? It is 1865,
the American Civil War has just ended, and 18-year old Vita Tenney
is determined to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a country
doctor like her father. But when her father tells her she must get
married instead, Vita explores every means of escape - and finds
one in the person of war veteran Jacob Culhane. Damaged by what
he's seen in battle and with all his family gone, Jacob is seeking
investors for a fledgling business. Then he meets Vita - and
together they hatch a plan that should satisfy both their desires.
Months later, Vita seemingly has everything she ever wanted. But
alone in a big city and haunted by the mistakes of her past, she
wonders if the life she always thought she wanted was too good to
be true. When love starts to compete with ambition, what will come
out on top? From the author of The Floating Theatre, The
Physician's Daughter is the story of two people trying to make
their way in a world that is struggling to escape its past.
'Vividly realised, and impeccably researched, with a determined
female lead' Kayte Nunn, author of The Botanist's Daughter 'A
riveting read set during the American civil war, about a pioneering
young woman dead-set on becoming a doctor' Inga Vesper, author of
The Long, Long Afternoon 'A compelling story' Heat Magazine 'In the
proud tradition of female characters from Jo March to Meredith
Grey, Vita Tenney takes her place as a determined woman unwilling
to let society or her family control her destiny. I was captivated
by The Physician's Daughter. The novel stays with you' Tony Phelan,
executive producer of Grey's Anatomy 'Completely charming' Imogen
Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock on The Floating
Theatre
A captivating Cornish saga set at the turn of the century, from the
bestselling author of The Boy With No Boots and The Girl by the
River Following a terrible storm, seven-year-old Lottie is rescued
from a shipwreck by local Cornishman, Arnie Lanroska. Her clothing
suggests she comes from a wealthy family, but Lottie's back bears
the scars of a severe beating, and how she came to be on a cargo
ship in the first place remains a mystery . . . Arnie and his wife
already have two young children, Matt and Tom, but are desperate to
keep Lottie. They decide to foster her, despite outcries from the
local community, and though Matt appears hesitant to get close to
Lottie, Tom quickly warms to the new sister in his life. But when
tragedy strikes the very heart of the Lanroska family, the
repercussions could change the lives of everyone close to them . .
. A nostalgic and heart-warming family saga, perfect for fans of
Katie Flynn and Margaret Dickinson
The Woolworths Saturday Girls is the seventh instalment in Elaine
Everest's much-loved Woolworths series. 1950. The Second World War
is over and life has moved on for the Woolworth girls, Sarah,
Maisie and Freda. In a new world the Woolworth women have high
expectations of their daughters, wanting them to seize
opportunities they didn't have themselves. Ready to take on
Saturday jobs at Woolworths, budding friends Bessie, Claudette,
Clementine and Dorothy are faced with unforeseeable challenges as
the real world comes into focus. Their bond can only be
strengthened as they overcome the darkest times. Perhaps their
lives are not as clear-cut as their mothers wished them to be . . .
When Bessie finds love in the wrong crowd and falls pregnant, the
image of her future and ambitions become skewed and she relies on
the Saturday girls to help her see her problems through - but how
can they find a home for the baby when it arrives? With wild
imaginations, it is up to the Woolworth girls, new and old, to save
the day and their futures. Can the Woolworth girls achieve their
dreams in time for their futures to begin?
"Downton Abbey meets Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries!" "A Child Lost
is undoubtedly a novel that should not be missed-the story is
genius, flawlessly written, and wildly entertaining! A thrilling
five stars!" - The Red Headed Book Lover "Once again, Cox delivers
the passion and intrigue of Henrietta and Clive with a story that
leaps right off the page. A Child Lost is a true thrill . . . " -
Paperback Paris "The characters' depth and complexity is
beautifully written...this is a truly enjoyable and addicting
series." - Nurse Bookie A spiritualist, an insane asylum, a lost
little girl . . . When Clive, anxious to distract a depressed
Henrietta, begs Sergeant Frank Davis for a case, he is assigned to
investigating a seemingly boring affair: a spiritualist woman
operating in an abandoned schoolhouse on the edge of town who is
suspected of robbing people of their valuables. What begins as an
open and shut case becomes more complicated, however, when
Henrietta-much to Clive's dismay-begins to believe the
spiritualist's strange ramblings. Meanwhile, Elsie begs Clive and
Henrietta to help her and the object of her budding love, Gunther,
locate the whereabouts of one Liesel Klinkhammer, the German woman
Gunther has traveled to America to find and the mother of the
little girl, Anna, whom he has brought along with him. The search
leads them to Dunning Asylum, where they discover some terrible
truths about Liesel. When the child, Anna, is herself mistakenly
admitted to the asylum after an epileptic fit, Clive and Henrietta
return to Dunning to retrieve her. This time, however, Henrietta
begins to suspect that something darker may be happening. When
Clive doesn't believe her, she decides to take matters into her own
hands . . . with horrifying results.
'With more than 50 mostly romance books under her belt, the author
is more than adept at spinning a yarn and her characters,
surprisingly enough, are a particularly engaging lot... As romantic
fiction goes, this one's a winner' Daily Telegraph Singapore in the
1860s is exotic and yet terrifying for a penniless Englishwoman,
alone and vulnerable after her mother's death. Too pretty to obtain
a governess's job, Isabella Saunders accepts an offer from
Singapore merchant Mr Lee to teach him English and live with his
family. Two years later Bram Deagan arrives in Singapore,
determined to make his fortune as a trader. Mr Lee sees a way to
expand his business connections and persuades Isabella to marry
Bram. Bravely, she sets sail for a new land and life. But the past
casts a long shadow and together she and Bram face unexpected
dangers. Will they find a way to achieve their dreams of a
successful trading business? And will their marriage turn out to be
more of a love match than they ever could have dreamed? THE
TRADER'S WIFE is the first novel in much-loved author Anna Jacobs'
wonderful Traders Series, set between the Orient and Australia's
Swan River Colony. Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson.
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