Historical Fiction Books

Can two young women and one book change the course of war? 1940. Whip-smart librarian Peggy Sparks is determined to make sure that her brother Joe returns from the frontline to their London home, which they share with their beloved mother and grandmother. So when she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job at the heart of the war effort, Peggy jumps at the prospect of making a real contribution to her country. But when she finds herself working under the fanciful socialite Lady Marigold Cecily, Peggy discovers that those around her are more keen on dancing at the Café de Paris than on ending the war. Writing accounts of her daily life is the only thing keeping Peggy’s hopes alive. But when she finds her inner-most thoughts accidentally published by the Ministry of Information, Peggy realises she needs Marigold’s help to save her job, and to bring her brother home . . . From the author of The Air Raid Book Club comes a powerful tale of unexpected friendship, community and two remarkable women who change the course of the war. Full of heart, emotion and drama, it is the perfect uplifting story for fans of Kate Thompson and Natasha Lester. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035401116 • Author: Annie Lyons • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Format: Paperback • Pages: 400 • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.95 x 2.29 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

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

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

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

Will she risk everything, to save those she loves most? Alix has always been on the side of the Resistance. Over two years of danger and suffering, she has continued the fight alongside her comrades in the Partisans. But while facing constant threat, her personal relationships, with Nikola – the man she was supposed to marry – and Drago, her lifelong friend, are complicated. Working with the rival Chetniks is Steve, the American pilot who is never far from Alix’s mind. Despite wanting the same peaceful outcome, they remain on opposite sides. The hope of a reunion seems unlikely, but nothing is ever predictable in love and war… Featuring characters from Holly Green’s Frontline Nurses series, this gripping new historical read spans Europe during World War Two. Fans of Amanda Lees and Fiona Valpy will love this captivating wartime romance. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804364253 • Author: Holly Green • Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 19.84 x 12.85 x 2.06 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

London, Present day. As fiercely-independent Georgia clutches a precious gem stone in her hands, she has no idea how it relates to her own family. The rare pink sapphire was left for her at Hope’s House, a home for unmarried mothers. Soon Georgia discovers that the sapphire was once part of a precious tiara owned by the Italian Royal family, who were forced to move to Geneva after being exiled from their home. A local collector named Luca has been searching for the missing stone for years and instantly wants to meet with Georgia. His grandfather entrusted him with the tiara, with the caveat that it was never to be sold. As Georgia and Luca piece together the history of the tiara, they uncover a tragic love story. Of a banished princess named Delphine who left behind her home to begin a new life in Switzerland with her husband and children. Trapped in a loveless marriage, she fell in love with a young man named Florian. But when tragedy struck, leaving Delphine was completely alone, she was be forced to make a heart-breaking decision with devastating consequences. As Georgia comes to terms with her family’s secret, will Delphine’s story of courage inspire her to open up her own heart and build a new life with Luca? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781408729670 • Author: Soraya Lane • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.4 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

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

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

In a time of war, an orphaned boy must embark on an epic journey… After the death of his beloved father, Arthur and a group of other young evacuees are sent far away to Canada for their own safety on the eve of the Second World War. Alone and afraid, with no family to protect him, Arthur faces an unknown future. But even on the other side of the world he can’t escape the war. Faced with more upheaval, Arthur begins to doubt he will ever find his forever family. With so much heartache and turmoil, can he hold on to his dream of love and happiness? Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008680169 • Author: Cathy Sharp • Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 3 cm

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

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

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