a touching story of tragedy and redemption set in the North West from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Matthew And Son

Another masterly novel of power and compassion from this exceptional writer.

Ruth Hamilton became one of the north-west of England's most popular writers, her bestselling books include With Love From Ma Maguire, A Crooked Mile and Dorothy’s War. Ruth Hamilton was born in Bolton, which is the setting for many of her novels, and spent most of her life in Lancashire before moving to Liverpool. She died in 2016.

When Matthew's beloved wife Molly died, long before her time, her son Mark grieved as much as anyone. He had always known that his parents were completely devoted to each other, and sometimes he had felt excluded from this close partnership. Since he was a small boy his mother had been sickening with the illness that eventually carried her off, and now at the age of sixteen Mark longed to earn his father's respect by assisting with the family business, a prosperous antiques shop. But his father, in grief, seemed beyond help. 
 
Tilly Povey, famous for her whiplash tongue and her copious ironing, watched the boy's lonely existence with a heavy heart. Stella, Molly's sister, had done well for herself - now a doctor, she had always loved Matthew, and wondered whether he might, perhaps, turn to her in his hour of need. Matthew, obsessed with his loss, was gradually falling apart and none of those who were closest to him could, it seemed, do anything to help. But Tilly, whose uncompromising exterior hid a warm heart, was determined to help this troubled family.

A gripping, moving and emotional page-turner set in the North West by bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

The Dream Sellers

Dark and violent secrets hidden by the wealthy and respectable Shawcross family.

This captivating and moving story of dark secrets, violence and scandal by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Plenty of fast moving action taking place. Definitely kept me interested throughout." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A brilliant read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Love this author, once started her books are very hard to put down" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A must read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
THE TRUTH WILL OUT... 
 
The Shawcross family was a strange and unhappy one. Edward Shawcross, the absent father with a red-haired mistress; Alice, his wife, seeking solace in chocolate and continually carping at Connie, her beautiful daughter. And Connie and Gilbert, their children, forming an uneasy alliance in the face of their parents' antipathy. 
 
Twenty years before, Edward Shawcross had been an impoverished millhand, born in a slum to feckless parents. 
 
Then, when he unexpectedly married the plain and awkward daughter of the wealthy mill-owning Fishwick family, his fortunes changed overnight. When the Fishwicks went to live abroad almost immediately after the wedding, Edward was left in charge of all their business interests. 
 
No-one could understand why Edward had suddenly made this leap of fortune. 
 
But now the truth behind old scandals gradually begins to emerge. When the Fishwicks return, violence swiftly follows. What shocking revelations are in store?

Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well

This captivating and moving story of dark secrets, violence and scandal by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Plenty of fast moving action taking place. Definitely kept me interested throughout." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A brilliant read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Love this author, once started her books are very hard to put down" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A must read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
THE TRUTH WILL OUT... 
 
The Shawcross family was a strange and unhappy one. Edward Shawcross, the absent father with a red-haired mistress; Alice, his wife, seeking solace in chocolate and continually carping at Connie, her beautiful daughter. And Connie and Gilbert, their children, forming an uneasy alliance in the face of their parents' antipathy. 
 
 Twenty years before, Edward Shawcross had been an impoverished millhand, born in a slum to feckless parents. 
 
Then, when he unexpectedly married the plain and awkward daughter of the wealthy mill-owning Fishwick family, his fortunes changed overnight. When the Fishwicks went to live abroad almost immediately after the wedding, Edward was left in charge of all their business interests. 
 
No-one could understand why Edward had suddenly made this leap of fortune. 
 
 But now the truth behind old scandals gradually begins to emerge. When the Fishwicks return, violence swiftly follows. What shocking revelations are in store?

A powerful and breathtakingly emotional saga set in the North West by bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Chandlers Green

A powerful bestseller from this highly acclaimed author.

This captivating and moving saga full of twists and turns by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Keeps you hooked to the last page" -- ***** Reader review 
"A wonderful story" -- ***** Reader review 
"Brilliant as always" -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************** 
THE PAST AND PRESENT ARE ABOUT TO MEET IN TRAGEDY 
 
The Chandlers had been making candles in Bolton for five hundred years, and had given their name to the village of Chandlers Green. The dynasty, now in decline and ruled by Richard Chandler, is reduced to an unhappy household and a few tenanted properties. 
 
But Richard continues to behave as though he were lord of the manor. Jean, his wife, is terrified of him; his grown-up children despise him, but fear for their mother if they were to leave home. 
 
And now Richard's arch-enemy, Alf Martindale, is planning to move into his village, and Richard knows that the past is catching up with him fast. A crisis forces him to leave his manor for a while, and he has no way of knowing that Jean is arming herself against his return. 
 
The past and the present are about to come together in a way that can only end in tragedy...

The story is what we have come to expect...Finely drawn characters...slot happily into local history. A panoply of personalities to love and hate, enough twists and turns to do justice to a crateful of eels and an ending to prompt plenty of exclamations of "well I never!"

the dramatic and moving novel from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton that is simply unmissable

Miss Honoria West

The story of an evil and violent woman, who nearly destroys the lives of those about her.

Lose yourself in this intelligent and emotional novel with a darker edge and the superb characterisation we've come to expect from Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton. Fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox won't be disappointed. 
 
'Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well' - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four 
'A fantastic read but not a surprise. Ruth Hamilton books are first class.' -- ***** Reader review 
'I have read all of Ruth Hamilton books and for me this is one of her best.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story. Ruth Hamilton is a wonderful story teller. I will buy all that she writes.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant read, Ruth Hamilton at her best.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************** 
 
TRAGEDY FOLLOWS HONORIA WEST, BUT WHO CAN STOP HER... 
 
The West Family at Moortop Farm should have led settled and happy lives. They were affluent, had a superb old farmhouse, and were blessed with three daughters, Hyacinth, Hilda - and Honoria. But even from childhood Honoria cast a pall of fear and suspicion over the family. 
 
Violent and unpleasant things happened and although they were dismissed as accidents, both Honoria's parents and her older sister, Hyacinth, became increasingly alarmed. 
 
As the years passed, Honoria's worst excesses were concealed from the world, but even so, in her new life in Liverpool, her evil affected those about her. 
 
But it was April, frail and struggling against a serious illness, who was to be the one to finally destroy Miss Honoria West. 
 
Rich in character and action, Ruth Hamilton's gritty and masterful writing builds to a resounding and powerful climax in yet another unforgettable novel.

Lose yourself in this intelligent and emotional novel with a darker edge and the superb characterisation we've come to expect from Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton. Fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox won't be disappointed. 
 
'Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well' - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four 
'A fantastic read but not a surprise. Ruth Hamilton books are first class.' -- ***** Reader review 
'I have read all of Ruth Hamilton books and for me this is one of her best.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story. Ruth Hamilton is a wonderful story teller. I will buy all that she writes.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant read, Ruth Hamilton at her best.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************** 
 
TRAGEDY FOLLOWS HONORIA WEST, BUT WHO CAN STOP HER... 
 
The West Family at Moortop Farm should have led settled and happy lives. They were affluent, had a superb old farmhouse, and were blessed with three daughters, Hyacinth, Hilda - and Honoria. But even from childhood Honoria cast a pall of fear and suspicion over the family. 
 
Violent and unpleasant things happened and although they were dismissed as accidents, both Honoria's parents and her older sister, Hyacinth, became increasingly alarmed. 
 
As the years passed, Honoria's worst excesses were concealed from the world, but even so, in her new life in Liverpool, her evil affected those about her. 
 
But it was April, frail and struggling against a serious illness, who was to be the one to finally destroy Miss Honoria West. 
 
Rich in character and action, Ruth Hamilton's gritty and masterful writing builds to a resounding and powerful climax in yet another unforgettable novel.

A captivating and uplifting saga set in Bolton during WW2 from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Billy London's Girls

Four girls try to escape the oppressive legacy of their father.

A gripping and heart-warming saga set in Lancashire from the Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson. Guaranteed to keep you turning the page... 
 
"Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four. 
"Brilliant! I have read this book so many times I've had to buy 2 paperback copies before finally getting it on KINDLE. This has it all, pathos, humour, tragedy and emotion. I recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I have." - ***** Reader review 
"One of Ruth Hamilton's finest." - ***** Reader review 
"Really good read and twist at the end..." - *****Reader review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
AS THE WAR SIRENS SOUND, SO THEY BEGIN THEIR OWN BATTLE FOR NEW FULFILLING LIVES... 
 
Billy London is a mean, dark, secretive man who is interested only in lining his pockets at the expense of those around him - most especially his wife and daughters. 
 
When Ellen, his wife, who has put up with him for years, finds her children threatened, she prepares to fight like a tigress to protect the four girls, to give them a chance of a new and better life and a chance to escape from the evil and oppressive legacy of their father. 
 
There is Abigail, clever, ambitious, and with an outer shell of steel that is necessary if she is to survive; Tishy, overwhelmingly lovely, who lives in a world all her own; Marie, brisk, capable, and nearly strong enough to defy her father on her own; Theresa, more wounded, more vulnerable, more damaged by Billy than any of them. 
 
As the sirens of 1939 herald the advent of war, so Billy London's girls begin their own battle for new, triumphant, and fulfilling lives.

A gripping and heart-warming saga set in Lancashire from The Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson. Guaranteed to keep you turning the page... 
 
"Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four. 
"Brilliant! I have read this book so many times I've had to buy 2 paperback copies before finally getting it on KINDLE. This has it all, pathos, humour, tragedy and emotion. I recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I have." - ***** Reader review 
"One of Ruth Hamilton's finest." - ***** Reader review 
"Really good read and twist at the end..." - *****Reader review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
AS THE WAR SIRENS SOUND, SO THEY BEGIN THEIR OWN BATTLE FOR NEW FULFILLING LIVES... 
 
Billy London is a mean, dark, secretive man who is interested only in lining his pockets at the expense of those around him - most especially his wife and daughters. 
 
When Ellen, his wife, who has put up with him for years, finds her children threatened, she prepares to fight like a tigress to protect the four girls, to give them a chance of a new and better life and a chance to escape from the evil and oppressive legacy of their father. 
 
There is Abigail, clever, ambitious, and with an outer shell of steel that is necessary if she is to survive; Tishy, overwhelmingly lovely, who lives in a world all her own; Marie, brisk, capable, and nearly strong enough to defy her father on her own; Theresa, more wounded, more vulnerable, more damaged by Billy than any of them. 
 
As the sirens of 1939 herald the advent of war, so Billy London's girls begin their own battle for new, triumphant, and fulfilling lives.

a wonderfully heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting saga set in Lancashire from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Nest Of Sorrows

A young girl, growing up in a world of constant rejection, is determined to find a life - a world - where she is loved and  successful - where people are proud of her.

This emotional and uplifting saga full of twists and turns by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Read this book several times now. Can't put it down. Keep going back to it." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Love Ruth Hamilton books. Always a good read." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Enjoyed the book very much, just couldn't put it down." -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************ 
CAN SHE FIND THE COURAGE SHE NEEDS? 
 
Kate Murray's father had never forgiven her for being born a girl: scrawny, red-haired, under-weight, and the last child his wife would bear, his hatred for his younger child was intense. 
 
Growing up in a world of constant rejection and seeing the way her Lancashire 'respectable poor' family tried to hide the cracks of a bad and violent marriage, she determined to find a life - a world where she was loved, was successful and where people were proud of her. 
 
Will she find the courage and fortitude she needs to become the woman she wants to be - successful, warm, forgiving, and able to give the love she had so lacked in her own life?

This emotional and uplifting saga full of twists and turns by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Read this book several times now. Can't put it down. Keep going back to it." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Love Ruth Hamilton books. Always a good read." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Enjoyed the book very much, just couldn't put it down." -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************ 
CAN SHE FIND THE COURAGE SHE NEEDS? 
 
Kate Murray's father had never forgiven her for being born a girl: scrawny, red-haired, under-weight, and the last child his wife would bear, his hatred for his younger child was intense. 
 
 Growing up in a world of constant rejection and seeing the way her Lancashire 'respectable poor' family tried to hide the cracks of a bad and violent marriage, she determined to find a life - a world where she was loved, was successful and where people were proud of her. 
 
Will she find the courage and fortitude she needs to become the woman she wants to be - successful, warm, forgiving, and able to give the love she had so lacked in her own life?

Ruth Hamilton

'For those who like Catherine Cookson, try Ruth Hamilton'

a sweeping novel of power and compassion from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

This heart-wrenching, moving and emotional saga full of twists and turns and highlighting the importance of love and understanding by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"This book kept me enthralled to the very last page" -- ***** Reader review 
"A riveting read. Couldn't put it down." -- ***** Reader review 
"As always an impeccable story by Ruth, sadness, happiness and in between hilarious wit. A must read book which you will be loathe to put down." -- ***** Reader review 
"A truly superb book" -- ***** Reader review 
**************************************************************************** 
WILL ONE FRIENDSHIP CHANGE THINGS FOREVER? 
 
Despite her strict 1950s Catholic upbringing, Madeleine Horrocks, doesn't understand why religion seems to force people apart. But her friend Amy has been brought up to believe that mixing with other religions results in eternal damnation, and when Maddy becomes friendly with George, a local, good-looking Jewish boy, Amy fears the worst. But as they grow up she, too, becomes friends with George, as well as with other young teenagers who meet secretly at the Bell House, an ancient place of burial. 
 
When a body is found in the nearby reservoir they all become threatened by tragedy and danger. 
 
Meanwhile, Father Sheahan, the whisky-soaked priest from the local church, has discovered that his secret past is catching up with him. 
 
Bigotry, lust and hatred have been so much a part of this community that it takes the combined forces of young and old - and particularly George's formidable grandmother Yuspeh - to bring everyone together and move forward positively.

Ruth Hamilton

Praise for The Bell House

'For those who like Catherine Cookson, try Ruth Hamilton'

'Good reading'

Books by Ruth Hamilton

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