Historical Fiction Books

Livia Blake has lost her husband far too soon and faces a crossroads. It’s her friend Pearl Grayson, head of Bristol’s nursing school, who suggests she would make an excellent district nurse. With training completed and no ties left, a job offer to join the team in rural Eastby End feels just like the fresh start she needs. But just before she leaves she is called out to attend a woman named Jane, left terrified and beaten by her abusive husband and desperate to escape. On the spur of the moment, both women board the train to Eastby End. Ellis Quinn has buried his beloved wife and mother to his son, Gil, and doesn’t know how to carry on in London. A chance meeting with carpenter Logan brings a glimpse of life in the Ollindale countryside, a place Logan loves, and soon Ellis and Gil are on their way to a new life away from the city. Life in Eastby End is improving, but not nearly as fast as councillor Walter Crossley would like. He is on a mission to end the poverty and danger that blights too many lives, and bring better healthcare and opportunities to as many residents as he can. With Livia in place and swiftly making a difference, and Ellis looking to set up a new business, things look brighter. But change isn’t welcome everywhere; and there are some in the town who will fight for things to remain exactly as they are … Product Information: • ISBN: 9781399730013 • Author: Anna Jacobs • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Format: Paperback  • Pages: 352 • Dimensions: 19.99 x 13 x 2.16 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

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

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

1909, Northumberland When Shona Hardy's husband is lost at sea, she finds herself alone in a village which has always seen her as an outsider. A world away, Harry Darling has achieved wealth and respectability, but he has never forgotten the poverty and hardship that he grew up in or the girl who saved his life. When tragedy strikes again and Shona's father passes away on Harry's doorstep, Harry finally has a chance to pay Shona back for her kindness. But as their pasts and presents collide, will their lives be altered for ever? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781405995146 • Author: Elizabeth Gill • Publisher: Quercus • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336  • Dimensions: 12.7 x 2.03 x 19.69 cm

1914. War brought them together, now duty threatens to tear them apart. Rose Courtenay is bound by duty to her wealthy family. She is expected to marry well and continue the family legacy. But when war engulfs Europe, she sees her chance to escape. She volunteers as a nurse on the Western Front, prepared to face the horrors of the battlefield rather than submit to a life she doesn’t want. Arriving in France, Rose is immediately thrown into the chaos of war as she tends to injured soldiers. At the hospital she is reunited with Lieutenant Alex Denham, her childhood friend she never thought she’d see again. The connection between Rose and Alex is instant and, as she nurses him back to health, stolen moments turn into something deeper. But Alex has a secret, one that binds him to a duty he can’t escape. As war rages around them, Rose and Alex must decide — will they fight for love, or will duty tear them apart once more? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781781899458 • Author: Margaret James • Publisher: Joffe Books • Format: Paperback • Pages: 298  • Dimensions: 12.85 x 1.91 x 19.84 cm

Gothic historical and paranormal romance meet in this viral sensation about an orphaned English teacher’s journey to a mysterious coastal town to claim her inheritance where she encounters a forbidden love, supernatural intrigue, and ancient evil as she is torn between two enigmatic men—one alive, one from the past—now with a never-before-seen epilogue. “I might be evil personified, but you’re the only one I’ll ever be good to.” August 1955: When Miss Darcy O’Sullivan, an orphaned English teacher from Boston, receives a letter finding out that her biological father passed away, she is surprised to find herself included in his will. There is only one condition. She must travel to Fairydale to attend his funeral. With the promise of a sizeable inheritance, Darcy decides to journey to the small coastal town that holds the secrets of her birth. But the moment she steps foot into Fairydale, things start to go amiss. There are odd rumors, odd deaths, and even odd men—especially brooding Caleb Hale—part of the infamous Hale family. During the day, she falls deeper and deeper under Caleb’s spell as he forces her to step out of her comfort zone and embrace her inner sensuality. But at night, it’s another man who haunts her dreams—Amon d’Artan, a nobleman who lived two centuries ago. Amon is sweet and suave where Caleb is intense and dangerous. Soon, she finds herself embroiled in a web of lies, deceit, and inexplicable events that make her question her sanity. And when an ancient evil threatens the town and everything Darcy holds dear, she must make the ultimate choice. But will she survive it? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781668216804 • Author: Veronica Lancet • Publisher: Simon & Schuster • Format: Paperback • Pages: 736

Planes to deliver. A war to be won. Bobbie Fraser, Mary Holland and Jean Thornton are Atta Girls - part of the Air Transport Auxiliary team flying planes between bases. Taking to the air in anything they're given, their work is dangerous but their courage always comes through. Now there's a new girl joining the ranks - Canadian Viv Robertson, who is bright, brash and brave. But can Viv settle into her new home with the other girls? And when life on the ground leaves them as vulnerable as in the air, can they stick together through the tough times ahead and ultimately fly to victory? A heart-warming, romantic story of friendship, camaraderie and triumph over adversity that fans of Donna Douglas, Nancy Revell and Elaine Everest will adore. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780552179416 • Author: Jenny Holmes • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Paperback  • Pages: 432 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.7 x 2.6 cm

London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the formidable Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman's Friend magazine. Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not those from the lovelorn, grief-stricken or morally conflicted. But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer at this most desperate of times becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back - after all, what harm could that possibly do? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781509853922 • Author: AJ Pearce • Publisher: Macmillan Distribution Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 13.2 x 2.1 cm

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

Can a widow find hope again after tragedy? Portsoy Harbour, Scotland 1865 After tragically losing her husband at sea Eppie Watt must support herself, her daughter Charlotte and mother-in-law and sets to work packing and selling herring in Portsoy Harbour. When her mother-in-law passes, poor Charlotte is sent home to be cared for by Eppie’s family. Estranged from those she loves, Eppie battles dreadful loneliness. Eppie is thrilled when offered a housekeeper position to Alexander Geddes, a wealthy widower, businessman and father to headstrong Duncan and cloistered Lydia. But Andrew’s mother, old Mrs Geddes is set against Eppie and as her interference intensifies, Alexander is left with no choice but to ask his mother to leave. Although well cared for, spiteful Mrs Geddes seeks her revenge by spreading scandalous rumours that her son and Eppie are having an affair. Alexander, trying to shield Eppie from gossip proposes, but Eppie is unwilling to marry without love. But when Charlotte finally comes to live with them, old conflicts are addressed and a new sense of calm finally descends on the Geddes family. After loss, can there be peace and happiness and will Eppie find her happy-ever -after? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781807340704 • Author: Evelyn Hood • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.21 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

Soon to be a major motion picture, Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale has captured the hearts of millions of readers becoming a number one bestseller across the world. It is a heart-breakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the endurance of women. 'I always thought it was what I wanted: to be loved and admired. Now I think perhaps I’d like to be known' This story is about what it was like to be a woman during World War II, when women’s stories were all too often forgotten or overlooked . . . Vianne and Isabelle Mauriac are two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals and passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path towards survival, love and freedom in war-torn France. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781509898411 • Author: Kristin Hannah • Publisher: Macmillan Distribution Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 480 • Dimensions: 19.7 x 13 x 2.8 cm

Alaska, 1974. Untamed. Unforgiving. Unpredictable. For thirteen-year-old Leni Allbright, Alaska is supposed to be a fresh start. Her father, a former POW, is desperate to leave the world behind. Her mother, Cora, will follow the man she loves anywhere, even to the edge of the earth. But as winter descends and darkness blankets the land, the Allbrights realize they are woefully unprepared. The danger doesn't just lurk in the wilderness outside; it lives within the walls of their own cabin. In the shadow of a volatile marriage and a landscape that wants to kill them, Leni must decide: how far will she go to survive? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035030972 • Author: Kristin Hannah • Publisher: Macmillan Distribution Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 464 • Dimensions: 19.7 x 13 x 2.8 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

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

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

Mrs Porter Calling is the uplifting and heartwarming third historical novel from AJ Pearce, the beloved author of Dear Mrs Bird. London, 1943. Emmy Lake is most definitely Doing Her Bit for the war effort. The readers of her magazine, Woman’s Friend, are facing the hardships of life on the Home Front and they need Emmy and her support more than ever. But when a glamorous new owner arrives at Woman’s Friend, Emmy soon realizes that the Honourable Mrs Porter could destroy everything. And then tragedy strikes. As Emmy’s own happiness turns to devastation, she must ask herself if she can find the strength to keep going. Can she save the magazine so many people love? And can she weather her own heartbreak? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035000807 • Author: AJ Pearce • Publisher: Macmillan Distribution Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 352 • Dimensions: 19.7 x 13.1 x 2.2 cm