Historical Fiction Books

She turned the picture of the Christmas card over with her frozen hands, a pretty picture of a family gathering at Yuletide. How different from her own life; stiff with cold on the icy cobbles, aching for shelter . . . When her father dies leaving Alice and her ailing mother with only his debts, the two grieving women are forced to rely on the begrudging charity of cruel Aunt Jane. Determined to rid herself of an expensive responsibility, Jane tries forcing Alice into a monstrous marriage. And when Alice refuses, she is sent to work in a grand house to earn her keep. Finding herself in sole charge of the untameable and spoilt young miss of the house, Alice’s only ally is handsome Uncle Rory, who discovers that Alice has talents beyond those of a mere servant. But when someone sets out to destroy her reputation, Alice can only pray for a little of that Christmas spirit to save her from ruin . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008137380 • Author: Dilly Court • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers • Format: Paperback • Pages: 496 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 3.1cm

London, 1940. When tragedy strikes, Libby Gilbert is left homeless and destitute, fending for herself on the capital's most dangerous streets. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Libby is on the cusp of making a decision that could jeopardise her future when a local boy saves her from ruin. The kindness of this stranger sets her on a different path, and Libby heads to Liverpool with a determined mind and hope in her heart. There, she reconnects with long lost family - but will she be able to uncover the truth that tore them apart all those years ago? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804942437 • Author: Katie Flynn • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 20.32 x 12.7 x 2.29 cm

Manchester, 1940. War is raging and these girls will do everything they can on the home front – but is a happy ever after possible in such uncertain times? The minute war was declared, best friends Sally and Deborah volunteered for the home guard. Stationed at the salvage depot, working amidst the scrap metal isn’t quite what Sally imagined. Then she meets Andrew, a carpenter with a heartbreaking smile, who helps her to finally feel like her efforts are making a difference. But just as she’s feeling hopeful, a devastating air raid threatens everything Sally holds dear. With the salvage yard in flames and Andrew out rescuing families from the rubble, will they get the happy ending they deserve? Or will Sally’s chance at true love be lost forever as the morning dawns…? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781836182788 • Author: Susanna Bavin • Publisher: Orion Publishing • Pages: 368 • Format: Paperback • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.95 x 2.54 cm

Three sisters. Three journeys. One destination. In 1863 the authorities send Irish orphans Ismay and Mara to Australia against their will. Just when they thought it couldn't get any worse, on arrival they're separated from one another. While Ismay is forced to take a job as a maid miles away in the country, Mara must stay in the care of the catholic mission. Desperate to be reunited, they both run away but Ismay soon runs into danger out in the bush. She is saved by Malachi Firth, but although he's attracted to her, he doesn't want to be encumbered with a wife. Meanwhile, their elder sister Keara has not forgotten them. But she has had her own struggles to face and by the time she reaches Melbourne in search of her sisters, she finds that the trail is cold. Danger continues to threaten all three girls and they start to wonder: will they ever see one another again? Product Information: • ISBN: 9780340821381 • Author: Anna Jacobs • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Format: Paperback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.6 cm

Under what was left of the roof of the ruined cottage, a girl with pigtails perched on a pile of rubble, hunched over a book… 1918: As the Great War rages, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France, a group of women determined to rebuild devastated French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen – children’s libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears. 1987: When NYPL librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across a passing reference to Jessie Carson in the archives, she becomes consumed with learning her fate. In her obsession, she discovers that she and the elusive librarian have more in common than their work at New York’s famed library, but she has no idea their paths will converge in surprising ways across time. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035417902 • Author: Janet Skeslien Charles • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm

Inspired by the unforgettable true story of Alma Rosé, The Violinist of Auschwitz brings to life one of history’s most fearless, inspiring and courageous heroines. Alma’s bravery saved countless lives, bringing hope to those who had forgotten its meaning… In Auschwitz, every day is a fight for survival. Here, Alma is inmate 50381, the number tattooed on her in blue ink. But in her previous life, she was an esteemed violinist, her performances leaving audiences spellbound. When Alma is appointed as the conductor for the camp orchestra, performing for high-ranking Nazis, she refuses: “They can kill me but they won’t make me play.” But soon she realises the power this position offers. How many others can she save from the clutches of death? Her new role leads her to Miklos, a talented pianist. Surrounded by despair, they find happiness in secret notes and joint concerts. But in Auschwitz, the very air is tainted with loss, and tragedy is the only certainty… In such a hopeless place, can their love survive? This devastatingly heartbreaking yet beautifully hopeful tale proves that even in the darkest of days, love can prevail–and give you something to live for. Fans of The Choice, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Orphan Train will lose their hearts to this magnificent tale. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781836182672 • Author: Ellie Midwood • Publisher: Orion Publishing • Pages: 416 • Format: Paperback • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 3.2 cm

A festive instalment in Patricia McBride's acclaimed Lily Baker series - guaranteed to make you smile! Will this finally be a Christmas to celebrate? For the courageous Bletchley Park girls, the fourth Christmas of the war is approaching fast. It should be a happy time, yet life throws them challenges they could never have imagined. Lily's heart is torn in two when her boyfriend, Grant, is badly injured in an air raid. As he spirals into despair, she must find a way to give him hope again. Bronwyn has a new romance on the horizon. But will the widower's young daughter accept her, or will she jeopardise Bronwyn's hopes for love? Peggy is terrified her secret will be disclosed when she has to look after her sister's daughter. Can she escape the shame of her past? Caroline has had a sheltered, privileged upbringing. Will her natural confidence be shattered when she learns about her boyfriend's hidden life? Despite rationing, heartache, and the endless war, the Bletchley Park girls prepare for an unforgettable Christmas. From the bestselling author of the Library Girls of the East End series, a heartwarming and riveting wartime saga Product Information: • ISBN: 9781805576099 • Author: Patricia McBride • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 216 • Dimensions: 19.81 x 12.9 x 1.3 cm

London, 1928. Lucy Darkwether has always made her own rules. After breaking off her engagement to pursue a degree in Ancient History, she’s now the proud owner of London’s newest bookshop. So when a rival shop in Cecil Court is chosen to host an exhibition of Egyptian treasures, Lucy’s pride is stung – until the grand opening ends in a gruesome murder. Is this the revenge of a disgraced colleague? A private vendetta? Or a curse visited upon those who disturb the past? Ignoring the Inspector’s warning to stay out of it, Lucy refuses to stick to the script. But murder isn’t a game – and what she uncovers will have consequences for them all . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9781399704281 • Author: Jennifer Gladwell • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Pages: 320 • Format: Paperback • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm

London, October 1940. As German bombers increase their nightly raids on the capital, the Blitz Girls must be braver than ever to protect innocent lives and keep the fight against Hitler alive. Dot, encouraged by her friends, is finding her independence and takes a full-time role as an ARP warden. As she finds new courage in the blackouts, her past might still be lurking in the shadows Peggy makes it her mission to help children caught up in the bombing find safety at her parents’ large house in the country. When she returns home, however, she realises her own family need her more than ever. But can she leave her friends in the line of fire? Vivian spends every moment not behind the wheel of her ambulance at the bedside of the man she loves, helping him recover from a terrible crash while defending the British skies. When she is torn between his hospital ward and the site of the latest blast, she faces a heartbreaking choice. As each night becomes more dangerous for the Blitz Girls, will they have the strength to help each other through and keep the light alive in the darkness? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781399708791 • Author: Johanna Bell • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 3 cm

Immerse yourself in the World War II saga from bestselling author Chrissie Walsh As World War II takes its toll on Liverpool, only friendship and community can keep the women of Weaver Street smiling. The neighbours on Liverpool’s Weaver Street have always looked after each other, but when the Second World War takes many of the husbands, brothers and sons away to fight, the women’s friendships are more important than ever. Matriarch Kitty Conlon is missing her son Patrick, proud but fearful of the fate of his Spitfire, while spinster Mavis welcomes a new lodger, WAAF Anna Carswell who is delighted by the Weaver Street welcome after a loveless childhood. At number nine, Maggie Stubbs worries nightly as her daughter Lily patrols the streets to protect the neighbours during air raids in her role as ARP Warden, and when an unexploded bomb is discovered at the allotment, danger comes terrifyingly close to Weaver Street. With war raging and Liverpool bearing the brunt of seemingly non-stop bombing, the friends must share the burden of rationing, blackout and news from the front, while helping one another capture all the moments of joy they can. All the time wishing and hoping that soon news of peace will come and finally their lives can start again. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781806583928 • Author: Chrissie Walsh • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 328 • Dimensions: 19.81 x 12.9 x 1.98 cm

1191 and the Third Crusade is underway . . . It is 1191 and King Richard the Lionheart is on crusade to pitch battle against Saladin and liberate the city of Jerusalem and her lands. His mother, the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine and his promised bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, make a perilous journey over the Alps in midwinter. They are to rendezvous with Richard in the Sicilian port of Messina. There are hazards along the way – vicious assassins, marauding pirates, violent storms and a shipwreck. Berengaria is as feisty as her foes and, surviving it all, she and Richard marry in Cyprus and continue to the Holy Land. England needs an heir. But first, Richard and his Queen must return home . . . The Lost Queen is a thrilling medieval story of high adventure, survival, friendship and the enduring love of a Queen for her King. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781472297372 • Author: Carol McGrath • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 cm

The new heart-wrenching, yet hopeful, historical saga from Elizabeth Gill. After falling pregnant unexpectedly, sixteen-year-old Catrin is devastated when her neglectful father takes the baby away from her. Fleeing her family home, Catrin reunites with her brother Roddy, a trainee doctor. Wanting to change her life for the better despite her grief, she studies to become a doctor in her own right. But society isn't welcoming to female doctors and unmarried mothers. Will Catrin be able to win her patients' trust and fulfil her dream of helping other women like her? And will she ever find the child she's never forgotten? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529421149 • Author: Elizabeth Gill • Publisher: Quercus Publishing plc • Format: Paperback • Pages: 416 • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.95 x 2.54 cm

Peggy Brown is an aspiring actress with big dreams, but for now she must tread the boards in the yearly panto at the Weatherfield Majestic Theatre. She finds lodgings with fiery Coronation Street resident Elsie Tanner, but what Peggy doesn’t know is that Elsie’s latest fella is caught up in illegal activity, something which could put them both in danger. As Peggy struggles on the chorus line, and Elsie gets in over her head, the scene is set for a Christmas of shocks and surprises. Can the spirit of Coronation Street prevail and remind everyone just what the season is all about? Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008526092 • Author: Maggie Sullivan • Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.5 cm

Sometimes the worst has to happen . . . Recently widowed, Hannah Firth is still young – young enough to dream of a new life. When her spiteful daughter-in-law uses her as an unpaid servant, Hannah tries to leave, but she is unaware of the depths that Patty’s spite will lead her to. Nathaniel King’s life is ruined when his landlord’s son lays waste to his market garden for a prank – and the resulting feud puts Nathaniel’s livelihood at stake. Hannah has only a few coins and dreams of a happier future to sustain her as she tramps the roads and evades pursuit. When she meets Nathaniel, the attraction between them cannot be denied and they join forces. But their enemies have money and powerful allies on their side and will stop at nothing to get rid of them . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9780340821404 • Author: Anna Jacobs • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384

The untold love story that inspired Shakespeare’s greatest masterpiece On a summer’s day in 1596, a young girl in Stratford-upon-Avon takes to her bed with a sudden fever. Her twin brother, Hamnet, searches everywhere for help. Why is nobody at home? Their mother, Agnes, is over a mile away, in the garden where she grows medicinal herbs. Their father is working in London. Neither parent knows that Hamnet will not survive the week. Hamnet tells the powerful story of Agnes and Will, and of the son whose life has been all but forgotten, but who inspired one of the greatest plays ever written. The no. 1 bestseller that inspired the upcoming major film starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035431335 • Author: Maggie O'Farrell • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm

War pulled them apart, but can love bring them back together? January 1942. After spending a happy Christmas with her fiance Charlie and his family at Moorside Farm, the new year brings heartache for Bobby Bancroft. Not only must she prepare to say goodbye to Charlie as he is summoned to join the fight, she must also leave behind her job at The Tyke magazine to join the wartime effort, as conscription of women is rolled out across the country. But there are hopeful times ahead as Bobby's friends, Topsy and Teddy, get engaged following a romance beset with obstacles. And when Bobby finally names a date for her own nuptials, the village of Silverdale is cheered by the prospect of weddings to lift the gloom of wartime. Bobby finds herself far from home training as a WAAF, with few friendly faces other than her Canadian friend Ernie King, who is acting as an instructor at her training centre. With Ernie showing signs of a romantic interest in her and with Charlie’s sudden silence, a lonely Bobby finds herself drawn to the young Canadian. But could there be more to Charlie’s silence than a cooling of his feelings? And can Bobby’s faith in the man she truly loves stay strong while the two of them are far apart, long enough for them to walk down the aisle? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804369739 • Author: Betty Firth • Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.84 x 12.85 x 2.11 cm

1715: With the country on the brink of rebellion, Dorothy Forster’s life at Bamburgh Hall is ruled by the men in her life – her feckless brothers stirring up trouble at court, her elderly father with his dangerous secrets and the man she loves who the world seems determined to keep her apart from. As tensions grow, Dorothy finds herself caught between the warring factions, danger everywhere. Then Dorothy discovers her family are the keepers of the legendary Rose, the talisman both sides believe will guarantee them victory in this deadly conflict. Now Dorothy will have to risk everything to keep the Rose safe; the fate of the country and the men she loves rests in her hands. Present Day: Hannah Armstrong has returned home to Bamburgh Hall for work but when she discovers that her stepmother Diana has been keeping worrying secrets, her focus shifts to getting to the truth. Their family home once belonged to heroic Dorothy Forster, whose portrait graces the walls and whose spirit lingers in her home, but soon Hannah learns that there was much more to this formidable woman. Because Dorothy left behind a mysterious legacy and it’s not long before Hannah realises it’s one people are willing to kill for. Now Hannah is in a race against time to unravel the secrets of the past before danger arrives at their door.  Product Information:  • ISBN: 9781805577249 • Author: Nicola Cornick • Publisher: Boldwood Books • Format:  Paperback • Pages: 320 • Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.85 x 19.8 cm

Love can cross oceans . . . Keara Michaels doesn't want to leave her family in Ireland, but fate sends her first to Lancashire, then across the sea to Australia, pregnant and penniless. And Theo Mullane, the man who loves her, is married, with an ailing baby son, so cannot follow her as he longs to. Mark Gibson leaves Lancashire to avoid marriage. But gold prospecting is a dangerous pursuit, and when his gentle young wife dies in childbirth, his father-in-law kidnaps the baby. So Mark runs away again, this time to Western Australia, where he employs Keara in his country inn. But danger threatens them all, even in the bush, as Keara searches for her lost sisters, Theo comes looking for the woman he loves, and Mark at last confronts his past. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780340821367 • Author: Anna Jacobs • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Format: Paperback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 19.4 x 12.8 x 2.6 cm

Two sworn enemies. One inconvenient truce When the beloved Duke of Severn is murdered, rumours are that Henrietta – his young and scandalous wife – was behind it. Especially once she goes on the run! But Henrietta is not alone. Theo Hawke, her sworn enemy and ruthless journalist, is on her trail determined to be the first to get the scoop. With no other choice Henrietta presents a truce: if he helps her unmask the true identity of the killer then he can publish whatever he likes. Except when their inconvenient truce begins to cause inconvenient feelings, it’s not just Henrietta’s reputation at stake but her heart too . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9781398722224 • Author: Felicity George • Publisher: Orion Publishing • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.7 x 2.29 cm

Bristol 1938 A shadowy presence overshadows Coronation Close, watching and waiting. Jenny Crawford is the first to notice the stranger and wonders why his attention is fixed on Thelma Dawson’s house. When challenged he makes a hasty retreat. Meanwhile Thelma is having trouble with her precocious daughter Mary who is about to leave school and start work. Mary considers herself an adult but to Thelma she’s still a little girl; an attitude resented by her daughter. Unknown to her mother, Mary is secretly befriended by a stranger, an older man who treats her as the grown up she thinks she is. But what does this man want with this naïve young girl? Problems shared are problems halved. Jenny and Thelma certainly share theirs as the shadow of war rolls over from Europe and nothing seems certain. Product Information:  • ISBN: 9781836564607 • Author: Lizzie Lane • Publisher: Boldwood Books  • Format: Paperback • Pages: 298 • Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.7 x 19.8cm