With A Little Help From My Friends

They were the brilliant, glittering girls - but over them hung a tragedy that had shaped their lives.

They were the talented ones - young, fresh, arrogant, with a bright golden world swinging ahead of them. Then came that terrible, traumatic summer, their last summer together, the summer that had savagely thrust them into the adult world. 
 
Jill - the leader, brilliant, ambitious. She made it to the top but never recovered from that nightmare summer. 
 
Carol - lovely, languid, destined to be a great artist until her own sexuality destroyed her dreams. 
 
Penny - determined to drag herself from a council estate and a scrounging father to the glittering world of the stage. 
 
Andrea - loyal, obedient, self-effacing - and dazzled to be part of the clever set. She never realized her life was a lie. 
 
They never really knew the truth about that summer - just that it had changed their lives.

A Step From Cinnamon Alley

2nd volume in linked saga, set in the London docklands during the 1920s and 1930s. Inspired by the story of Ivy Benson and her famous band, Patricia Burns creates an authentically detailed evocation of these extraordinary years.

A magical love story - and a richly detailed evocation of a great city. 
 
1909, and life is hard for young Poppy Powers. Her dad has disappeared - gone to do a season in the North somewhere and failed to return - leaving her mum to earn their keep and Poppy doing chores for Gran. Poppy dreams of being a musician like Dad, but Gran would never allow it, and Gran's rule is absolute in Cinnamon Alley. 
 
There is more than a little of Gran's stubbornness and determination in Poppy, however, and the discovery of her Dad's saxophone, secret music lessons and the Salvation Army band bring the stirrings of possibility. Waitressing in the drinking clubs during the terrible Great War, Poppy and her dreams find a direction. It is there she first hears ragtime - and it is there she falls in love, tragically and irrevocably, with the American Scott Warrender. 
 
 
Alone and destined to rely on her own talents, Poppy, with a few loyal friends and a flair for dance music, forms the Power Girls, the first all-female band. The fight for respect and recognition is doubly hard for women, but this is the heady Roaring Twenties and all the Bright Young Things are desperate to dance. Among them is Roddy Ffitch. Charming, rich, madly in love with Poppy, he introduces her to a dangerous world of endless parties and fast cars. But can he help her forget Scott? 
 
From smoky clubs to ocean liners, from North Millwall to New York, through the war, the reckless dancing years and the Wall Street Crash, Poppy is determined to succeed, and to make her way on her own terms. Only her last ambition remains unfulfilled - to share it all with the man she loves. 
 
But, maybe after all, what Poppy craves if just a step from Cinnamon Alley ...

Patricia Burns was born in Essex. After a childhood spent messing about on boats, she tried a variety of jobs from riveting plugs to serving in shops to market research. She then decided to train as a teacher, which she now combines with writing novels. In her rare spare time she enjoys lazing in the garden and entertaining friends, with the occasional bout of skiing, rock climbing and Egyptian Raqs Sharki dancing. She is now very happily single and still lives in Essex with her three children, a cat and delinquent tortoise.

A magical love story- and a richly detailed evocation of a great city. 
1909, and life is hard for young Poppy Powers. 
Her dad has disappeared-gone to a season in the North somewhere and failed to return-leaving her mum to earn their keep and Poppy doing chores for Gran. Poppy dreams of being a musician like dad, but Gran would never allow it, and Gran’s rule is absolute in Cinnamon Alley. 
 
There is more than a littleof Gran’s stubbornness and determination in Poppy, however and the discovery of her Dad’s saxophone, secret music lessons and the Salvation Army band bring the stirrings of possibility. Waitressing in the drinking clubs during the terrible Great Was, Poppy and her dreams find a direction. It is there she falls in love, tragically and irrevocably, with the American Scott Warrender. 
 
Alone and destined to rely on her own talents, Poppy, with few loyal friends and a flair for dance music, forms the Power Girls, the first all-female band. The fight for respect and recognition is doubly hard for women, but this is the heady Roaring Twenties and all the Bright Young Things are desperate to dance. Among them is Roddy Ffitch. Charming, rich, madly in love with Poppy, he introduces her to a dangerous world of endless parties and fast cars. But can he help her forget Scott? 
 
From smoky clubs to ocean liners, from North Millwall to New York, though the war, the reckless dancing years and the Wall Street Crash, Poppy is determined to succeed, and to make her own way on her own terms. Only her last ambition remains unfulfilled-to share it all with the man she loves. But, maybe after all, what Poppy craves is just a step from Cinnamon Alley…

a powerfully moving, compulsive and heart-wrenching wartime saga set in London’s East End

Keep Safe For Me

Let much loved author Patricia Burns transport you to the East End of yesteryear in this saga of one woman's search for love amidst the perils of war. Fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox will not be disappointed... 
 
'The authentic flavour of the East-End... compelling...A very good read' -- Harry Bowling 
'A truly riveting romantic saga' - Loving 
'One of the best stories I have read in a while' -- ***** Reader review 
'Loved it from start to end.Gripped all way through' -- ***** Reader review 
'[A] brilliant moving story' -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************************* 
AS BOMBS CONTINUE TO FALL ON LONDON, WILL SHE BE ABLE TO FIND HAPPINESS? 
 
1941: Like anyone else in London during the war, Rita Johnson never knows whether her house on Trinidad Street will still be there when she gets home. Times are uncertain and unsettling, yet one thing remains constant - the interlocking loyalties of the families and their friends who live on the street. 
 
The bombing of London brings the best in the residents: courage and devotion, and the stubborn resistance needed to cock a snoop at Hitler. 
 
Yet amidst all of this 'Blitz-spirit', Rita feels like something is missing - trapped in a loveless marriage, she yearns for more. So when she meets RAF navigator Jack Wilkinson, walking arm in arm with her sister Lily, she falls for him, head over heels. 
 
But he is a man she cannot love - will she be able to find a way forward?

Patricia Burns was born in Essex. After a childhood spent messing about on boats, she tried a variety of jobs riveting plugs to serving in shops to market research. She then decided to train as a teacher, which she now combines with writing novels. In her rare spare time she enjoys lazing in the garden and entertaining friends, with the occasional bout of skiing, rock climbing and Egyptian Raqs and Sharki dancing. She is now very happily single and skill lives in Essex with her three children, a cat and delinquent tortoise.

Let much loved author Patricia Burns transport you to the East End of yesteryear in this saga of one woman's search for love amidst the perils of war. Fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox will not be disappointed... 
 
'The authentic flavour of the East-End... compelling...A very good read' -- Harry Bowling 
'A truly riveting romantic saga' - Loving 
'One of the best stories I have read in a while' -- ***** Reader review 
'Loved it from start to end.Gripped all way through' -- ***** Reader review 
'[A] brilliant moving story' -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************************* 
AS BOMBS CONTINUE TO FALL ON LONDON, WILL SHE BE ABLE TO FIND HAPPINESS? 
 
1941: Like anyone else in London during the war, Rita Johnson never knows whether her house on Trinidad Street will still be there when she gets home. Times are uncertain and unsettling, yet one thing remains constant - the interlocking loyalties of the families and their friends who live on the street. 
 
The bombing of London brings the best in the residents: courage and devotion, and the stubborn resistance needed to cock a snoop at Hitler. 
 
Yet amidst all of this 'Blitz-spirit', Rita feels like something is missing - trapped in a loveless marriage, she yearns for more. So when she meets RAF navigator Jack Wilkinson, walking arm in arm with her sister Lily, she falls for him, head over heels. 
 
But he is a man she cannot love - will she be able to find a way forward?

an enchanting and wonderfully warm saga of lives and loves in London’s East End.  Perfect to settle down with!

Trinidad Street

Lose yourself in this heart-warming and captivating saga of love and heartache set in London's East End from much loved author, Patricia Burns. Fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox will not be disappointed... 
 
READERS ARE LOVING TRINIDAD STREET! 
'Thoroughly enjoyed it, got carried away with all the different family happenings' -- ***** Reader review 
'Couldn't put this book down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Such a great read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************* 
LOVE AND WAR IN LONDON'S EAST END 
 
The Isle of Dogs at the turn of the century was a close-knit community and Trinidad Street was no different. The lives and loves of its residents often intermingled... 
 
When Tom Johnson, a union leader at the docks is sacked, his daughter Ellen has to leave school and forget her dreams of getting an office job. But she can still dream of Harry Turner... 
 
But Harry, a young lighterman struggling to keep his battered family together, is bewitched by silver-tongued beauty Siobhan O'Donoghue. And Siobhan, ambitious for greater things, will use any weapon to repay the people of Trinidad Street for her disappointments. 
 
And Gerry Billingham, set on bettering himself in pursuit of a retail empire, will be there to pick up the pieces ... 
 
Through good times and bad, some will find what they are looking for - and others will realise too late what they have lost.

Lose yourself in this heart-warming and captivating saga of love and heartache set in London's East End from much loved author, Patricia Burns. Fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox will not be disappointed... 
 
READERS ARE LOVING TRINIDAD STREET! 
'Thoroughly enjoyed it, got carried away with all the different family happenings' -- ***** Reader review 
'Couldn't put this book down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Such a great read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************* 
LOVE AND WAR IN LONDON'S EAST END 
 
The Isle of Dogs at the turn of the century was a close-knit community and Trinidad Street was no different. The lives and loves of its residents often intermingled... 
 
When Tom Johnson, a union leader at the docks is sacked, his daughter Ellen has to leave school and forget her dreams of getting an office job. But she can still dream of Harry Turner... 
 
 But Harry, a young lighterman struggling to keep his battered family together, is bewitched by silver-tongued beauty Siobhan O'Donoghue. And Siobhan, ambitious for greater things, will use any weapon to repay the people of Trinidad Street for her disappointments. 
 
 And Gerry Billingham, set on bettering himself in pursuit of a retail empire, will be there to pick up the pieces ... 
 
 Through good times and bad, some will find what they are looking for - and others will realise too late what they have lost.

an unmissable turn-of-the-century wartime saga about one department store, and the people who depend on it

Goodbye Piccadilly

In this powerful sequel to PACKARDS, much loved author Patricia Burns returns to the London department store, bringing its people and its wartime challenges expertly to life. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox... 
 
READERS ARE LOVING GOODBYE PICCADILLY! 
'I could hardly bear to put my kindle down until I had read the final chapter!' - Loving 
'One of the best books I have read for a long time'-- ***** Reader review 
'Another excellent read - couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Loved it' -- ***** Reader review 
********************************************************* 
AS EUROPE PLUNGES INTO WAR, WILL PACKARDS - AND ITS PEOPLE - SURVIVE? 
 
Following the death of Thomas Packard, the tensions between his grandchildren mount: 
 
Who will get the major shareholding in the store? Who will be on the board? Who will be chairman? 
Amelie fights to maintain her position whilst not only coping with a marriage that is far from perfect but also trying to resist a strong attraction to her friend's husband. 
 
Then their world is torn apart by the declaration of war - business must go on despite staffing difficulties. It opens up new opportunities for Amelie, who is quick to seize them, and puts ever more of her energies into her beloved Packards. 
 
But the outbreak of war also stiffens her brother Alec's resolve to stay firmly in control. . .

Patricia Burns was born in Essex. After a variety of jobs, she decided to train as a teacher, which she now combines with writing novels. She is happily single and lives with her youngest son, a cat and a delinquent tortoise. This is her fifth novel. Her previous four, Trinidad Street, A Step From Cinnamon Alley, Keep Safe for Me, and, most recently, Packards are all available in Arrow.

In this powerful sequel to PACKARDS, much loved author Patricia Burns returns to the London department store, bringing its people and its wartime challenges expertly to life. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox... 
 
READERS ARE LOVING GOODBYE PICCADILLY! 
'I could hardly bear to put my kindle down until I had read the final chapter!' - Loving 
'One of the best books I have read for a long time'-- ***** Reader review 
'Another excellent read - couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Loved it' -- ***** Reader review 
********************************************************* 
AS EUROPE PLUNGES INTO WAR, WILL PACKARDS - AND ITS PEOPLE - SURVIVE? 
 
Following the death of Thomas Packard, the tensions between his grandchildren mount: 
 
Who will get the major shareholding in the store? Who will be on the board? Who will be chairman? 
Amelie fights to maintain her position whilst not only coping with a marriage that is far from perfect but also trying to resist a strong attraction to her friend's husband. 
 
Then their world is torn apart by the declaration of war - business must go on despite staffing difficulties. It opens up new opportunities for Amelie, who is quick to seize them, and puts ever more of her energies into her beloved Packards. 
 
But the outbreak of war also stiffens her brother Alec's resolve to stay firmly in control. . .

an uplifting and heart-warming saga of love and loss that will keep you gripped…

Cinnamon Alley

Fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox will love this wonderfully evocative and enchanting saga set in London's Docklands from much loved author, Patricia Burns. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING CINNAMON ALLEY! 
'Absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down really enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review 
'Keeps you turning the page!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant read , read it all in one go , could not put it down until I finished it' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************** 
ONE WOMAN'S WILL TO MAKE SOMETHING OF HER LIFE... 
 
Brought up by her mother and grandmother in London's Docklands, Poppy Powers harbours a secret ambition to become a musician like her father. 
 
Waitressing in the drinking clubs during the terrible Great War is where she first hears ragtime and it is there she falls in love with the exotic American, Scott Warrender. 
 
After tragically losing him she succeeds in forming the first all-female band and flighty, charming Roddy Fitch does his best to make her forget her heartache. . . 
 
From smoky clubs to ocean liners, through the war, the reckless dancing years and the Wall Street Crash, Poppy is determined to succeed. 
 
Only her last ambition remains unfulfilled - to share it with the man she loves.

Patricia Burns was born in Essex. After a variety of jobs, she decided to train as a teacher, which she now combines with writing novels. 
 
She is now very happily single and still lives in Essex with her three children. Cinnamon Alley is Patricia Burn's second novel. Her previous one, Trinidad Street is also available in Arrow paperbacks.

Fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox will love this wonderfully evocative and enchanting saga set in London's Docklands from much loved author, Patricia Burns. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING CINNAMON ALLEY! 
'Absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down really enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review 
'Keeps you turning the page!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant read , read it all in one go , could not put it down until I finished it' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************** 
ONE WOMAN'S WILL TO MAKE SOMETHING OF HER LIFE... 
 
Brought up by her mother and grandmother in London's Docklands, Poppy Powers harbours a secret ambition to become a musician like her father. 
 
Waitressing in the drinking clubs during the terrible Great War is where she first hears ragtime and it is there she falls in love with the exotic American, Scott Warrender. 
 
After tragically losing him she succeeds in forming the first all-female band and flighty, charming Roddy Fitch does his best to make her forget her heartache. . . 
 
From smoky clubs to ocean liners, through the war, the reckless dancing years and the Wall Street Crash, Poppy is determined to succeed. 
 
Only her last ambition remains unfulfilled - to share it with the man she loves.

Patricia Burns

a sweeping and sparkling story of society at the turn of the twentieth century

Let much loved author Patricia Burns transport you to another time in this saga which brilliantly brings together characters from all walks of life whose lives centre around one much loved department store. Fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Josephine Cox will not be disappointed... 
 
READERS ARE LOVING PACKARDS! 
 
'I could hardly bear to put my kindle down until I had read the final chapter!' - Loving 
'One of the best books I have read for a long time'-- ***** Reader review 
'Another excellent read - couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Loved it' -- ***** Reader review 
******************************************************************************* 
A SWEEPING STORY OF SOCIETY, SOPHISTICATION, SEDUCTION, SUCCESSION...AND SHOPPING 
 
1908: Sir Thomas Packard is seeking a successor to take on the management of Packards - the Oxford Street department store he founded in the mid-nineteenth century. His only daughter and her feckless husband spend his fortune but despise its provenance so he looks to his grandchildren: 
 
EDWARD has all his grandfather's ruthlessness but none of his vision; 
PERRY is a good-time boy; 
AMELIE, intelligent and ambitious, is willing to take anyone on to gain control of the store. 
 
Alongside their story is that of Packards employees: 
DAISY CHAPMAN, thrilled to have found an escape from East End drudgery; skilled and promotable but forced to choose between love and her job; 
ISOBEL NORTON who has fled from her brother-in-law's advances to make a new life for herself; 
JOHNNY MILLER, loved by Isobel and in love with Daisy. 
 
Together, their stories combine to create a sweeping absorbing vision of a cross-section of society in the early years of the century. 
 
Find out what lies next in store for Packards in Goodbye Piccadilly: Packards at War...

Patricia Burns

Books by Patricia Burns

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