Historical Fiction Books

Lucy Nolan has everything she could wish for - until tragedy intervenes. Josephine Cox's A Time For Us is a heartrending saga of love, tragedy and undying hope. Perfect for fans of Cathy Sharp and Dilly Court. Lucy Nolan is the golden girl. The only daughter of local grocers, Sally and Mike Nolan, she's grown up in a home of total love and security. The one thing her heart desires is that Jack Hanson might ask her to marry him, and when he does eventually propose, Lucy is prepared to give up everything to be with him - even though it means leaving her beloved parents to live abroad where Jack has been offered an exciting business opportunity. But then, almost on the eve of the marriage itself, tragedy strikes. And for the first time in her life, Lucy is forced to realise that Fate, which has been so kind to her, can also be just as cruel. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781472245762 • Author: Josephine Cox • Publisher: Hachette UK • Format: Paperback • Pages: 400 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 13 x 3 cm

One overheard conversation. One fateful evening. A lifetime of consequences. The Devil You Know is a turbulent and emotional saga of a woman who must outface danger to find the happiness she craves, from bestselling author Josephine Cox. Perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews and Dilly Court. Sonny Fareham’s lover – and also her boss – is the charismatic Tony Bridgeman, a successful and ruthless man who usually gets what he wants. But for Sonny, the affair that has promised a future of hope and happiness must end in desperate fear. Late one evening, Sonny overhears a private conversation between Tony Bridgeman and his wife. Only then does she realise she is in great danger. Pregnant and afraid, Sonny flees her home to make a new life in the north of England, where she meets a gregarious and motherly new friend, Ellie Kenny. When the mysterious and handsome David Langham seems drawn to her, Sonny almost dares to believe that she could be happy again. But never far away is the one person who wants to destroy everything that she now holds dear . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9781472245533 • Author: Josephine Cox • Publisher: Hachette UK • Format: Paperback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm

Bestselling historical fiction author Molly Green is back with her most engrossing, heartfelt World War Two saga yet, The Wartime Librarian's Secret! Amid the chaos of war, will a new chapter begin? September 1942. Esme Donaldson is still grieving the devastating loss of her husband, Anthony, when she’s forced out of her dream job by wartime budget cuts. Left with few options, Esme faces an uncertain future – until a chance encounter sends her to Redcliffe Manor, a grand estate deep in the Somerset countryside, and an unexpected role as the manor’s librarian. As Esme settles in, she discovers the house is no ordinary country estate. The grounds have been requisitioned by an American military hospital, while the house is sheltering a displaced girls’ boarding school. And as the halls echo with the feet of giggling schoolgirls, the grounds bustle with convalescing soldiers. When she meets a handsome American colonel, the attraction between them is instant. But Esme holds a secret that may ruin everything. Will she find the strength to face her past or be kept from the happiness she deserves? Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008679576 • Author: Molly Green • Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers • Format: Paperback  • Pages: 432 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 cm

The first book in a brand-new historical trilogy from Britain's best-loved saga author. Nuneaton, 1904 Abandoned on the steps of the workhouse shortly after her birth, little Annie never felt the love of a family. When she's taken from the only world she has known to a smart home on Swan Lane, she dares to hope her life might be changing for the better. But hope is fragile. Grieving the loss of her own child, Maggie Lilburn didn't adopt Annie out of kindness - she wants her as a servant, not a daughter. Despite Maggie's coldness, Annie finds flickers of warmth elsewhere: in the bond with her adopted brothers and in the quiet kindness of Maggie's husband Levi, the local rag-and-bone man. He sees Annie's potential and takes her under his wing and into his trade. As Maggie crumbles beneath the weight of her sorrow, Annie is determined to hold the fractured family together - and carve out a place of her own. Through all of this one question remains for Annie: who were her parents and why did they abandon her at the workhouse all those years ago? The Rag Princess is an emotional tale of resilience, heartbreak and the power of family and the first book in the brand-new Rags to Riches Trilogy from bestselling author, Rosie Goodwin. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804188354 • Author: Rosie Goodwin • Publisher: Bonnier Books UK Limited • Format: Paperback  • Pages: 400 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.5 cm

A women and child looking for a safe haven - can Beamer Street keep them safe from evil? Liverpool 1924 Trapped in an abusive marriage to Lord Caraway with her beloved daughter Melissa, 24-year-old Lady Elodie Caraway knows she has to escape before her deepest and darkest secrets are revealed giving her husband every reason to seek his revenge. But time is of the essence, if she is to save herself and Melissa. With the help of lifelong friend Aiden Newman, they swiftly leave Oakland Hall for a new life in Liverpool's docklands. On arrival, Elodie and Melissa are welcomed as lodgers by Molly Haywood’s family, Aidens aunt – no questions are asked. Changing her name, Ellie dreams of following in the footsteps of her ancestors, setting up an apothecary to help heal those less fortunate and soon Ellie’s talents are called upon to help Mary-Jane Everdine bring her unborn child safely into the world. But is Ellie’s tragic past about to catch up with her? Can she save herself and her young daughter from the cruel hands of Lord Caraway? The next thrilling instalment in Sheila Riley’s Beamer Street series perfect for the fans of Rosie Clarke and Lizzie Lane. Perfect for fans of Chrissie Walsh, Katie Flynn and Dilly Court. If you love Sheila's Beamer Street series, you'll love Reckoners Row and the Dockside Saga series! Product Information: • ISBN: 9781806583911 • Author: Sheila Riley • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 264 • Dimensions: 12.9 x 19.81 x 1.6 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

If you love the bestselling historical fiction author Molly Green, her newest heartfelt, engrossing World War Two saga is out now: make sure you read The Wartime Librarian's Secret! Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms are full of secrets … June, 1941 Britain is in the throes of war, but Katharina Valentine feels sidelined. Employed as a shorthand-typist in the War Office, she is transferred to the basement below – having had no idea that this dark, airless, underground maze, home of the top-secret Cabinet War Rooms, even existed, let alone what her work will entail. Unexpected staff shortages present an opportunity to work directly for Winston Churchill himself, and Katie jumps at the chance. And as she grows closer to Wing Commander Baxter Edwards, things start to look up… But when a jealous colleague threatens to expose information about her family that could put her in violation of the Official Secrets Act, Katie faces serious repercussions. Will she lose both the job and the man she holds dear? Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008679545 • Author: Molly Green • Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers • Format: Paperback  • Pages: 448 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 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

A BRAND NEW historical saga from Fenella J Miller full of courage and bravery. Perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane and Rosie Clarke! London July 1939 Elizabeth Roby lives a content and privileged life in London with husband Jonathon and children, Emily and George. But with the outbreak of war, everything changes. Jonathon informs his family that they have to move from their smart London home to the riverside town of Wivenhoe and their new home Harbour House, where Jonathon will do his duty for his country as part of the Admiralty at the shipyards. But Elizabeth is devastated. How will she start a new life in a place she hardly knows, surrounded by strangers? And how will her children cope allowed to run wild in the countryside with urchins? Elizabeth is sure it will be a disaster! But with the threat of German bombs hanging over London, she knows they must follow Jonathan and start a new life. Even if it means disaster for them as family. Will the Roby family survive this turmoil? Or will Harbour House provide them with a second chance to start again? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781806584024 • Author: Fenella J. Miller  • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 426

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

A Classic Family Saga from Sunday Times Bestseller Dilly Court Phoebe Giamatti lives with her Italian family in the heart of London's East End. With her father killed by a notorious gang years earlier, Phoebe is now responsible for keeping her loved ones out of trouble. But just as the Giamatti family are about to go to Italy for the winter, Phoebe discovers a secret about her mother that could tear them all apart. Determined not to betray her mother's trust, Phoebe faces an impossible decision. Can she confront a dangerous past in order to protect her family's future? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529992182 • Author: Dilly Court • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 512 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 13.1 x 3 cm

Brighton, 1957. Inspector Steine rather enjoys his life as a policeman by the sea. No criminals, no crime, no stress. So it's really rather annoying when an ambitious new constable shows up to work and starts investigating a series of burglaries. And it's even more annoying when, after Constable Twitten is despatched to the theatre for the night, he sits next to a vicious theatre critic who is promptly shot dead part way through the opening night of a new play. It seems Brighton may be in need of a police force after all. A sparkling historical mystery set in sunny Sussex by the sea, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Elly Griffiths. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781526666963 • Author: Lynne Truss • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.2 cm

THE BRAND-NEW WARTIME SAGA BY MAGGIE MASON – PERFECT FOR READERS OF VAL WOOD, KITTY NEALE AND ROSIE GOODWIN 1939 The threat of war is looming over Blackpool, but Martha and Trisha are determined not to let it dampen their spirits. With two young evacuees for Martha to take care of, and Trisha’s market garden business growing as Britain digs for victory, the friends have their hands full. Both are proud to see their daughters making their own way in the world, even in wartime. Sally has become a ballerina and Bonnie is training to become a doctor. The girls’ friendship brings them all happiness and hope. But Martha is troubled by her visions for their daughters’ futures. War, tragedy and falling in love will put Sally and Bonnie’s lifelong friendship to the test. But can their families pull together and see them through? The third and final heart-warming tale in The Fortune Tellers series from Maggie Mason, much-loved author of The Halfpenny Girls. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781408728185 • Author: Maggie Mason • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Paperback • Pages: 432 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.6 x 4 cm

Three priceless treasures. Three extraordinary women. Three powerful legacies. The Paris Affair is the first in Muna Shehadi’s spellbinding dual-time narrative series, with cross-generational appeal and captivating international settings perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley. Christmas, 1915, a grieving father gives his motherless daughter an exquisite, one-of-a-kind A. Marque doll, one she’d gladly exchange for her heart’s desire. Summer, 1975, sheltered Midwesterner Helen Kenyon is set to marry her college sweetheart, when she jumps at the opportunity to spend six months in Paris. With fellow Americans Lilianne and Connie and an ‘adopted’ antique doll, Helen plunges into a heady world of high culture and champagne. But it’s the charismatic photojournalist, Gilles Aubert, who tempts her to change her future. Fifty years later, Teresa Clark dutifully accepts the job of preparing her estranged Grandma Helen’s Kansas ranch for sale, only to find Helen bears little resemblance to the philandering drunk of her mother’s stories. Not until she uncovers mementos of Helen’s past and the astonishing secret of a well-preserved antique doll, does Teresa gain strength to face multiple truths – about her family, herself, and what life she’ll choose for her own. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035407781 • Author: Muna Shehadi • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Pages: 448 • Format: Paperback • Dimensions: 19.56 x 12.7 x 3.05 cm

Sisters Alice and Annie have always been close but will a man come between them? Annie and Alice love their life working at the Beach Hotel together and each is thrilled to have finally found a sweetheart. Yet the path of true love never did run smooth and they soon find themselves facing conflict and strife. Could love come between them and the bond they share? Meanwhile, as men start to come home from the war, the women have to work out how to keep their jobs, although they are delighted to be back with their beaus. Soon, wedding bells ring out in Littlehampton. Will everything be made right in time for Christmas? An unforgettable, emotional WW1 saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest and Rowena Summers. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804368497 • Author: Francesca Capaldi • Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 3.1 cm

She’ll do anything to protect her family from war . . . BLACKPOOL, 1914 Seventeen-year-old Maddie has grown up in a boarding house on one of Blackpool’s poorest streets. Life is busy, but happy, as she works alongside her mother taking care of their visitors. But when war breaks out, her happiness is shattered as her fiancé is called up to fight for his country, and suddenly Maddie’s future is filled with uncertainty. As Blackpool becomes a training ground for the army, the guesthouse is used as a billet for soldiers, and Maddie soon finds herself drawn to one in particular: Arnie. As the pair grow close and his departure date nears, their feelings for one another intensify. Little does she know, the short six weeks she’s known and loved Arnie will impact the rest of her life . . . As Maddie comes to terms with a future she couldn’t have ever imagined, her best friend Daisy, working in her mother’s café on Blackpool promenade, promises to help any way she can. With so much change and uncertainty on the horizon, can Maddie protect her growing family from the hardships of war? A heart-wrenching and touching wartime novel about motherhood, hardship and courageous women during WWII. The perfect read for fans of Val Wood, Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781408732120 • Author: Maggie Mason • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.7 x 2.24 cm

A BRAND NEW, enthralling WWII industry saga, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Maisie Thomas. September, 1939. When war is declared, Lily sees an opportunity to escape her domineering father: she will join the Great Western Railway factory to win her financial independence and move out of home. Maggie doesn’t want to simply follow in her sisters’ footsteps and work in the laundries at the GWR. So, when the chance comes to volunteer for men’s work in the machine shop, she’s the first to raise her hand. Catherine, a clerk in the GWR office, has been helping with London’s evacuation efforts, organising trains to move children out of the city. But when her task is completed, will she defy her family and fiancé’s wishes and sign up for a more dangerous role? Taking on demanding new duties, Lily, Maggie and Catherine – and others – develop an unexpectedly close bond. But will friendship be enough to carry them through the ups and downs of life at war? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781806584031 • Author: Jane Lark • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.81 x 12.9 x 2.01 cm

Can the Harpers Girls look forward to some happy times as a new dawn rises over London? Oxford Street, London 1918 Sally Harper is busy juggling running London’s Oxford Street Store Harpers and looking after her beautiful new-born daughter, whilst husband Ben is overseas on another dangerous mission, this time to rescue a friend in need. Young Becky Stockbridge finds herself in a difficult situation which could bring shame to her and her family. Will Becky, with the help of her friends find her happy ever after and keep her secret? Marion Jackson is blessed with a son as she eagerly awaits the return of her husband Reggie. But all is not right when Reggie returns. Is Marion strong enough to save her family from yet another crisis? As the war clouds retreat and the victory bells ring, tears and joy mingle with those of sadness as the world counts the true toll of war and celebrates peace. A heart-warming saga following the lives, loves and losses of the Harpers Girls. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781806583973 • Author: Rosie Clarke • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 320 • Dimensions: 19.81 x 12.9 x 1.93 cm

A CLASSIC FAMILY SAGA FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR DILLY COURT. East London, 1880. Lily Larkin is the youngest and least important member of her family. When tragedy strikes, she is left at home to look after the house whilst her older siblings go out to work. As she goes about her daily chores, her head is full of dreams, and she longs for the day she might have a life of her own. When a fire threatens to destroy the nearby docks, Lily's act of kindness towards a handsome foreigner has disastrous consequences for the whole family. Losing their home, the family struggle to make ends meet. And just when things might finally be looking up for them, Lily makes a terrible error of judgement. Forced onto the streets, Lily wonders if she'll ever see her family again . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529992175 • Author: Dilly Court • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 480 • Dimensions: 19.7 x 12.8 x 3 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