A. Igoni Barrett was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 1979 and lives in Lagos. He is a winner of the 2005 BBC World Service short story competition, the recipient of a Chinua Achebe Center Fellowship, a Norman Mailer Center Fellowship, and a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency. His short story collection, Love is Power, or Something Like That, was published in 2013. In 2014 he was named on the Africa39 list of sub-Saharan African writers under 40. Blackass is his first novel.

A. Igoni Barrett

The short life of A.J.A. Symons (1900-41) was described by his biographer as an intricate and largely harmless confidence trick. His many interests included the collection of musical boxes and rare books as well as the study and practice of forgery; they left him time to edit an anthology of Edwardian verse and compose studies of H.M. Stanley and other notable figures. He is remembered for The Quest for Corvo, one of the most remarkable biographies ever written, and for co-founding the Wine and Food Society.

A. J. A. Symons

A. J. Liebling, born in Manhattan in 1904, joined the staff of the New Yorker in 1935 and contributed innumerable articles to the magazine throughout his lifetime, on subjects ranging from food to boxing and France to horse racing. As a war correspondent during the Second World War, he reported from France, England and Algeria, and participated in the Normandy landings. In later life he married the writer Jean Stafford, his third wife. He died in 1963.

A. J. Liebling

A. J. Rosen is an author of YA fantasy novels and is an ambassador for Wattpad, known as @agatharoza. Entwined is her first novel.

A. J. Rosen

A. K. Davidson

A. O. Scott has been a film critic at the New York Times since 2000. His writing has appeared in many other publications, including the New York Review of Books, Slate, the New Yorker and the Nation. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in criticism in 2010, Scott is currently Distinguished Professor of Film Criticism at Wesleyan University. He lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York. 
 
@aoscott

A. O. Scott

A.S. Byatt (1936-2023) was a novelist, short-story writer and critic of international renown. Her novels include Possession (winner of the Booker Prize 1990), the Frederica Quartet and The Children’s Book, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction. She was appointed CBE in 1990 and DBE in 1999, and was awarded the Erasmus Prize 2016 for her ‘inspiring contribution to life writing’ and the Pak Kyongni Prize 2017. In 2018 she received the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award.

A. S. Byatt

A. T. Williams won the George Orwell Prize for Political Writing in 2013 for his book A Very British Killing: The Death of Baha Mousa. He lives in Warwickshire.

A. T. Williams

A. W. Chase

Dubbed ‘The new queen of spy fiction’ by the Guardian newspaper, and ‘the real thing’ by the Washington Post, A.C. 'Ava' Glass is the CWA Dagger-shortlisted author of Alias Emma (The Chase), The Traitor and The Trap. The Traitor was a 2023 Richard and Judy Bookclub pick. Alias Emma was a Barnes and Noble book of the month. A former crime reporter and communications consultant, for five years Ava worked closely with spies. Her time in that world fascinated her, and the people she met back then inspire every book she writes.

A.C. Glass

A.E. Housman

Arthur Edward Waite was the designer and co-creator of the now famous Rider Waite Tarot deck. 
 
An American-born British poet and scholarly mystic, his strong interest in all esoteric matters - divination, magic, Kabbalism, alchemy and Freemasony - led to him penning a number of books. These include the Key to the Tarot, The Book of Ceremonial Magic and A New Encyclopedia of Freemasony.

A.E. Waite

A.E. Warren is the author of the Tomorrow's Ancestors series, which consists of Subject Twenty-One, The Hidden Base, The Fourth Species and The Final Rising. 
 
After spending eight years working as a lawyer, she began to write in the evenings and early mornings as a form of escapism from life in a very small cubicle with lots of files. She self-published her first novels in her spare time, which were picked up by Del Rey UK which is the science fiction/fantasy imprint of Penguin Random House. 
 
 She is an avid reader, occasional gamer and fair-weather runner. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter and hopefully, one day, a wise border terrier named Austen.

A.E. Warren

A.G.D. Maran

A.J. Ayer

A.J. Cronin

A K Benedict writes crime and speculative fiction in a room filled with clowns, mannequins and Doctor Who figures. Her first novel, The Beauty of Murder, was nominated for an eDunnit award and is in development for a major 8-part TV series by Company Pictures. Her second, Jonathan Dark or The Evidence of Ghosts, came out in February 2016. She's written Torchwood audio dramas for Big Finish and her short stories have featured in anthologies including Great British Horror and Best British Short Stories. She lives in St Leonards-on-Sea with her dog, Dame Margaret Rutherford.

A.K.Benedict

A. L. Kennedy has twice been selected as one of Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists and has won a host of other awards – including the Costa Book of the Year for her novel Day. She lives in Essex.

A.L. Kennedy

A.M. Ellis is a speculative fiction author and lover of everything steeped in myth and mystery. Her stories often lean into diverse voices, not only in her identity as a Black woman, but in exploring neurodivergence and mental health. A proud introvert and nostalgic gamer, she lives in Maryland, USA, with her husband and three children.

A.M. Ellis

A.N. Wilson was born in 1950 and educated at Rugby and New College, Oxford. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he holds a prominent position in the world of literature and journalism. He is an award-winning biographer and a celebrated novelist, winning prizes for much of his work. He lives in North London.

A.N. Wilson

A. T. Emerald lives with her husband and baby daughter in Nottinghamshire. She discovered her love of writing in 2020 and has not shut up about enemies to lovers ever since. She loves iced matcha, torrid love confessions with knives pressed to throats (fictional, of course) and does not accept bills for any therapy her books might incur.

A.T. Emerald

A.W. Priest

A.B.C. Merriman-Labor was a barrister, writer and munitions worker born in Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1877. His published works include A Series of Lectures on the Negro Race and The Story of the African Slave in a Nutshell. He also edited two editions of the Handbook of Sierra Leone. He arrived in the UK in 1904 to study law. In 1907, he organised a centenary commemoration of the abolition of the slave trade in Westminster Abbey. He later embarked on an 'entertainment-lecture' tour called Life and Scenes in Britain, travelling across thousands of miles of West, South West and Central Africa, which he expanded on to create Britons Through Negro Spectacles.

ABC Merriman-Labor

AJ Cronin

AJ Molloy

Aabria Iyengar is an American actress and author.

Aabria Iyengar

Aaliya Jaleel is a freelance illustrator, designer, and visual development artist, currently majoring in Animation at the University of Texas at Dallas. She is also the illustrator of Under My Hijab and Muslim Girls Rise. You can visit her online at www.aaliyamj.com.

Aaliya Jaleel

Aaron Allston

After more than fifteen years of experience as a clinical psychotherapist, Dr Aaron Balick has taken the amazing insights from psychology and psychotherapy out of the consultation room and made them accessible to the wider world. 
 
He has been an ‘agony uncle’ for many years for both CBBC and BBC Radio 1, as well as on television, including BBC Worldwide, BBC 3 and BBC Learning.

Aaron Balick

Aaron Carroll

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Format

AgeRange

Series

Imprint

CategoryLabel

Marlen Suyapa Bodden

'Bodden's absorbing page-turner maintains its suspense right up to the final pages.' Sunday Express 
____________________ 
 
Sarah Campbell has always known she was different. 
 
A slave at Allen Estates, Alabama, and the illegitimate daughter of the plantation owner Mr Allen, she's used to the other children's jibes, her mother's night-time trips to Mr Allen and, to her delight, her furtive literacy lessons with her white half-sister Clarissa. 
 
Slowly, using her forbidden knowledge of reading and writing, Sarah plots an escape to the north and freedom. But Sarah's life is turned upside-down when she learns she will be given to Clarissa's cruel, soon-to-be-husband as a wedding gift, becoming his property. 
 
Sarah knows this could be her last chance to escape for good. But will her secret skills and unrelenting willpower be enough to set her free? 
_____________________________ 
 
READERS LOVE THE WEDDING GIFT: 
'Absolutely spellbinding' 
'I couldn't put it down' 
'Loved every page.' 
'A great read, a wonderful story.' 
'Genuinely could not stop reading this book.' 
'This was the most enjoyable book I have read in a long time.' 
'A very good read and would recommend.' 
'A compelling read with a twist at the end.' 
'I read this book in two days. You won't be disappointed.'

The Wedding Gift

Georgette Heyer

Sir Nicholas Beauvallet has never been known to resist a challenge. 
 
When he captures a galleon at sea, and the treasure turns out to be the lovely Dona Dominica de Rada y Silva, he vows to return her and her father to the shores of Spain. 
 
But, upon his immediate return, he proposes another venture; one more reckless than any of his exploits on the high seas which have made him the equal of Sir Francis Drake and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. 
 
He will take Dominica as his bride, even if it leads him into peril ... 
 
'When it comes to Regency novels, Heyer was The Master' India Knight 
 
'One of the wittiest, most insightful and rewarding prose writers imaginable' Stephen Fry

Beauvallet

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable Regency romance

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'I could mainline Heyer's Regency romances until the end of time and still not get bored!' India Knight 
 'Utter, immersive escapism.' Sophie Kinsella 
__________ 
 
To win her hand, he must become what he despises ... 
 
In an eighteenth-century England of wit, womanising and powdered wigs, provincial Philip Jettan runs the risk of irreproachability. Cleone Charteris stands in no such danger. The golden-haired, headstrong despair of men, she seeks a husband who can duel and dice with the best of them. 
 
So Philip leaves for Paris, where his father's hopes and his lover's ideals are realised but with unforeseen consequences for them both . . . 
__________ 
 
Reader's love Powder and Patch . . . 
 
***** 'Simply hilarious!' 
***** 'Witty and fast paced' 
***** 'What a fun read!' 
***** 'Georgette Heyer, I love you.' 
***** 'If you are a fan of Jane Austen and haven't read Miss Heyer yet then what are you waiting for.'

Powder And Patch

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'Georgette Heyer will not let you down' Jenny Colgan 
'One of my perennial comfort authors' Joanne Harris 
_________ 
 
Dispossessed of crown and kingdom, the young Charles II is forced to flee for his life. 
 
Out of the heat of battle, the outlaw King and his tiny party must journey across Cromwell's England to a Channel port and a ship bound for France and safety. 
 
But the King, with his love of adventure, his irrepressible humour and his unmistakeable looks, is no easy man to hide... 
_________ 
 
Reader's love Royal Escape ... 
 
***** 'I adored this book finding it nonstop fascinating.' 
***** 'A suspenseful tale.' 
***** 'Great read!' 
***** 'Heyer is a favourite.' 
***** 'Her historical novels are so well researched I feel transported back into time.'

Royal Escape

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable historical adventure

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable Regency adventure romance

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 
'Once you step into her world, you won't look back.' Katie Fforde 
'If you haven't ready Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' Harriet Evans 
_________ 
 
A veteran campaigner at the age of twenty-five, Brigade-Major Harry Smith is reputed to be the luckiest man in Lord Wellington's army. 
 
But at the siege of Badajos, his friends foretell the ruin of his career. For when Harry meets the defenceless Juana, he falls instantly in love. 
 
With the selfsame ardour he so frequently displays in battle, Harry dives happily into marriage. In his beautiful young bride, he finds a kindred spirit: bold and courageous, she is his perfect match. 
 
But for Juana, who chooses to accompany her new husband's army, a long, perilous year of war must follow ... 
_________ 
 
Readers love The Spanish Bride . . . 
 
***** 'I'm totally in awe of Georgette Heyer's ability to bring history to life.' 
***** 'Her books on the Peninsular War are just... brilliant.' 
***** 'Heyer did an amazing job on this one!' 
***** 'One of her most exciting books; I couldn't put it down.' 
***** 'This book is must read for anyone with a love of period drama, war and romance.'

The Spanish Bride

Gossip, scandal and an unforgettable Historical romance

Paula Greenlees

'A beautiful, immersive tale that will keep you turning the pages until the end' JENNY ASHCROFT 
 
Singapore, 1949. When Miranda steps onto the pier with her husband Gerry she hopes that their move will bring the fresh start she needs and a chance to heal the scars from her past. 
 
Gerry's role at the British foreign office affords them a beautiful house and invites the best parties in town. But their life feels worlds apart from England and true friends are hard to find. 
 
When doctor Nick Wythenshaw encourages Miranda to work within the local community, she finds new purpose that opens her eyes to a new way of life. 
 
But as riots erupt across the region and danger draws close to home, Miranda must make an impossible choice. Will she sacrifice everything she holds dear to find happiness? 
 
'Guaranteed to transport you to exotic climes and engross you in the story of its troubled heroine...A terrific debut for Paula Greenlees' LIZ TRENOW 
 
'Paula's novel transports the reader to a long-forgotten and fascinating time...An enchanting, evocative debut!' LOUISE FEIN

Journey to Paradise

Maisie Thomas

'Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson' Eastern Daily Press 
 
___________________ 
 
Manchester, 1941 
 
Christmas is the season for family and friends, and this year the railway girls will need each other more than ever. 
 
Cordelia appears to have the perfect life. When her daughter Emily arrives home unexpectedly, she can't wait to introduce her to her friends. But when things don't go to plan, Cordelia must decide where her loyalty lies. 
 
Things aren't going too smoothly for Alison either. Her beloved boyfriend has yet to propose, but there's a charity fundraiser dance and she's dressed up specially. Surely, tonight must be the night. 
 
Colette's friends are envious of her devoted husband; he meets her after every shift on the railway, and accompanies her around town. But Colette has a secret, one that will change her life - if only she knew who to confide in. 
 
With the festive season fast approaching, the railway girls are hoping for some Christmas magic... 
 
 ___________________ 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' 
 
'I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!' 
 
'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' 
 
'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' 
 
'It's just like catching up with old friends'

Christmas with the Railway Girls

The heartwarming historical fiction book to curl up with at Christmas

Nancy Revell

THE ELEVENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES 
 
Sunderland, 1944 
 
As the promise of victory draws closer, this Christmas will surely be one to remember. 
 
It should be a magical time for Dorothy, who has just been proposed to by her sweetheart Toby. But with each day that passes, Dorothy's feelings for someone else are growing stronger. Now she has an impossible choice to make. 
 
Gloria is thrilled that her sweetheart Jack is finally home after more than two years away. But his past is continuing to catch up with them both - creating untold heartache for Gloria and everyone she holds dear. 
 
Meanwhile Helen must contend with the fall-out of a shocking family secret that has repercussions for all the Shipyard Girls, while holding out hope for her own happy ending... 
 
Can a little festive magic help them win the day? 
 
___________________________________________ 
 
Praise for Nancy Revell: 
 
'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo 
 
'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph 
 
'Emotional and gripping' Take a Break

Shipyard Girls Under the Mistletoe

The Shipyard Girls Series Book 11

Katie Flynn

** THE PERFECT NOVEL TO CURL UP WITH THIS WINTER, FROM THE BELOVED SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR KATIE FLYNN ** 
 
December, 1938 
 
Rozalin Sachs has grown up in the vibrant city of Frankfurt. But with the Nazi Revolution gaining power, her family is forced to flee Germany. When a tragic accident separates Roz from her parents, she finds herself aboard the Kindertransport bound for Holland. 
 
Here Roz meets a young lad called Felix and they vow to stick together as their journey takes them to England. Eventually they find themselves in Liverpool with the promise of a new life, until a devastating incident takes Felix away. And, in a desperate attempt to escape the terrible situation she has found herself in, Roz decides to join the Women's Land Army. 
 
On the sprawling farm at Hollybank, Roz meets Bernie, a dashing farmer's son, who has more than just friendship on his mind. Roz is flattered by his affections, but will he win her heart, or will her love for Felix remain as strong as ever? 
 
 
Katie Flynn, Sunday Times bestselling author, March 2024

White Christmas

Dilly Court

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 . . .

Cinderella Sister

James Patterson

____________________________ 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades. The Alex Cross series proves it.' LEE CHILD, international bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series 
____________________________ 
The fifteenth novel in the bestselling Alex Cross series 
 
Detective Alex Cross delves deep into the past - to a story passed down through his family, of a courageous fight for freedom... 
 
Alex Cross is one of the nation's foremost detectives. But fighting for justice runs in the family, and it's time for Cross to tell the story that was passed down to him from his grandmother - the story of his great-uncle Abraham. 
 
Ben Corbett is lawyer to the underprivileged and downtrodden in 1900s Washington, DC. Out of the blue, President Theodore Roosevelt invites Ben to the White House, asking him to investigate a resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan in Ben's own home town. 
 
Ben returns to Mississippi, and there he meets Abraham Cross and his granddaughter, Moody. Abraham and Moody reveal to Ben the hidden side of this sleepy Southern town, where the Black community lives in constant fear. 
 
In a battle against entrenched hatred, what sacrifices will need to be made to break this reign of terror?

Alex Cross's Trial

(Alex Cross 15)

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
 'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together' INDEPENDENT 
 'My generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton 
 _______________ 
 
Endowed with rank, wealth and elegance, Sylvester, Duke of Salford, is ready to find a bride. 
 
His pursuit of a partner sets him on course to Phoebe Marlow, a young lady who is far more concerned with riding than sewing or beautiful clothes. 
 
With Phoebe struggling to meet her family's demands of gentility and poise, a potential match with Sylvester is exceedingly advantageous. So, it is very intriguing indeed when a visit from her potential suitor causes Phoebe to flee her home. 
 
When the pair meet again and an unexpected adventure ensues, Sylvester comes to realise that there is much more to Phoebe than her reputation affords . . . 
_______________ 
 
'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS 
 'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' KATIE FFORDE 
 'Utterly delightful' GUARDIAN 
 'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' SOPHIE KINSELLA 
 'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' DAILY MAIL 
 'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' HARRIET EVANS 
 'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 
_______________ 
 
Readers love Sylvester ... 
 
***** 'Sylvester reminded me again why I consider Georgette Heyer's novels the high water mark in regency romance.' 
***** 'This book has a special place in my heart.' 
***** 'After many, many years of reading her books I still cannot fault Georgette Heyer as the best writer of Regency fiction.' 
***** 'This is one of my all-time favorite books.' 
***** 'This book is SUCH fun! And the CHARACTERS!'

Sylvester

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together' INDEPENDENT 
'My generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton 
__________________________ 
 
Gilly Ware, the shy young Duke of Sale, has never known his parents. 
 
Instead, he has endured twenty-four years of pampering and pandering from his uncle and valet, which he accepts without quarrel. 
 
But his natural diffidence conceals a rebellious spirit, and when Gilly hears of Belinda, the beautiful foundling who appears to be blackmailing his cousin, he absconds with glee. 
 
Yet no sooner has he entered this new and dangerous world than he is plunged into a frenzy of intrigue, kidnap and adventure . . . 
__________________________ 
 
'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS 
'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' KATIE FFORDE 
'Utterly delightful' GUARDIAN 
'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' SOPHIE KINSELLA 
'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' DAILY MAIL 
'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' HARRIET EVANS 
'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 
__________________________ 
 
Readers love The Foundling ... 
 
***** 'What a delight. Loved this one from start to finish, often reading with a smile.' 
***** 'The Foundling is a fast paced, witty, humorous, well written book that I enjoyed very much.' 
***** 'Every time I read this book I love it more.' 
***** 'I love this book for the humor and the characters, and I highly recommend it.' 
***** 'I'm a big Heyer fan and this one lives up to all expectations.'

The Foundling

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 
 
'The greatest writer who ever lived' ANTONIA FRASER 
 'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers ... the permanent glister of scandal [...] ties the whole thing together' INDEPENDENT 
 'My generation's Julia Quinn' ADJOA ANDOH, star of Bridgerton 
 _______________ 
 
Handsome, wealthy Sir Waldo Hawkridge is the envy of all those around him. 
 
So when the people of Oversett get word of his impending visit, excitement ripples. 
 
But his planned visit ruffles a few feathers, too; not least for Miss Ancilla Trent, who worries about the relationship that may unfold between Waldo and her hot-headed young pupil, Tiffany. 
 
And when Waldo eventually arrives in the village, his presence leads to the most entertaining of ramifications . . . 
_______________ 
 
'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' JOANNE HARRIS 
 'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' KATIE FFORDE 
 'Utterly delightful' GUARDIAN 
 'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' SOPHIE KINSELLA 
 'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' DAILY MAIL 
 'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' HARRIET EVANS 
'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 
_______________ 
 
Readers love The Nonesuch ... 
 
***** 'The book was a marvel. Whatever I'm going to read next might seem pretty poor after this!' 
***** 'The Nonesuch was simply a charming and witty book. I've added it to my favorite list for the fantastic ending and banter.' 
***** 'Just as wonderful as every other time I read it!! Still an absolute favourite.' 
***** 'This was beautiful! So enjoyable, and so Austen-like! :)' 
***** 'Magical. Still five stars - of course. As enjoyble as ever - or maybe even more.'

The Nonesuch

The brand new Railway Girls novel set in Manchester during WWII. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson. 
___________________ 
 
Readers LOVE the Railway Girls: 
 
'Gripping and intriguing' 
'Great story lines' 
'Exceptional story . . . a must-read' 
'Poignant' 
'Emotional . . . strong women' 
___________________ 
 
Love is in the air, and together the railway girls can overcome even the hardest of times. 
 
Mabel has finally put the past behind her, and her relationship with the dashing Harry is stronger than ever. That is, until an old flame shows up, leaving Mabel questioning her future. 
 
Meanwhile Joan has made amends with Bob - if only she could do the same with Gran. And there's still that family mystery she wants answer to, isn't there? 
 
As a mother and grandmother, Dot Green has always put her family first. Her job as a parcels porter has brought new purpose to her life, so is it finally time to start following her heart . . . 
 
Life as a railway girl is busy but as war rages on and air raids disrupt daily life, the women realise they need each other more than ever, especially when there might be wedding bells on the horizon.

The Railway Girls in Love

When seventeen-year-old Belinda Phillips falls in love with a handsome Anglo-Indian officer, she knows that he is a man she can never hope to marry. When he is reported missing, believed killed in action, Belinda discovers that she is pregnant. Facing disgrace and ruin, she has no option other than to accept an arranged marriage with a middle-aged widower, knowing she must keep the secret of her child's birth for ever. 
 
Reluctantly she sends her beloved daughter to a foster mother in Cripplegate, little realising she has entrusted Cassy's care to Biddy Henchard, a woman who runs a notorious baby farm in an area full of poverty and disease. Despite her terrible upbringing, Cassy survives the old woman's cruel neglect. All the while she dreams of a mother she has never known, hoping she will come and save her from her dreadful fate. But when Biddy dies suddenly, ten-year-old Cassy finds herself destitute and with little hope of ever finding the mother she so longs for...

A Mother's Secret

THE TENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES 
 
'Emotional and gripping' Take a Break 
 
December 1943 
 
 As the war effort gathers steam in Europe, it's all hands on deck on the home front. 
 
 Gloria is over the moon to be reunited with her sweetheart Jack. But her sons Bobby and Gordon are away with the Navy and still know nothing of their mother's divorce and new half-sister. 
 
 Rosie's squad of welders must work gruelling hours in the yard as they prepare for the Allied invasion of Normandy. All the while Rosie herself waits anxiously for news of her husband Peter, who is carrying out dangerous work as an undercover operative in France. 
 
 Meanwhile welder Dorothy has a feeling that her beau Toby is planning to pop the question when he's next on leave. But it seems that her head is being turned by someone closer to home... 
 
 It will take great strength and friendship if the shipyard girls are to weather the storms to come. 
 
______________________________ 
Praise for Nancy Revell 
 
 'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo 
 
 'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front

THE BRAND NEW NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR KATIE FLYNN 
_____________________ 
 
Liverpool 1939: Olivia Campbell appears to have the perfect life. However, behind closed doors she lives in constant fear of her abusive father, and has no support from her mother. 
 
Longing for love and affection she begins a relationship with Ted, a young lad who works in her father’s factory. But her family disapprove of the relationship and forbid them from seeing each other. 
 
When war comes to Liverpool, Olivia seizes the opportunity to leave behind her unhappy life and join the WAAF. There she meets a fellow trainee, Maude and the two embrace their newly found independence. Soon Olivia meets the handsome Ralph, and all thoughts of Ted are brushed aside. Until he returns to her life with some shocking news that turns her world upside down . . . 
_____________________ 
 
Praise for Katie Flynn 
 
‘Packed with romance and poignancy’ Woman 
 
‘One of the best Liverpool writers’ Liverpool Echo 
 
‘Heart-warming’ Take a Break 
 
'A poignant war-time romance' Daily Express

Over the Rainbow

The brand new heartwarming romance from the Sunday Times bestselling author

Libby Ashworth

THE THIRD NOVEL IN THE INSPIRATIONAL MILL TOWN LASSES SERIES. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Catherine Cookson. 
______________________ 
 
Lancashire, 1842 
 
Sixteen-year-old Bessie Eastwood works long hours as a weaver in Blackburn, helping to support her family. Meanwhile older sister Peggy works as an apprentice at the Girls’ School, hoping for a more prosperous future as a schoolteacher. 
 
Jennet and Titus Eastwood have always decided what is best for their daughters. But as they near adulthood the sisters are determined to choose their own futures. And with temptation in the way, will the girls find love, or lust, leads them astray? 
 
When an unexpected but familiar face arrives in Blackburn, the family’s future is threatened, and a difficult decision will have to be made – love or family . . .

A Family Secret

An emotional historical saga about family bonds and the power of love

Fiona McIntosh

A sweeping, epic love story which follows one woman's journey from the cobbled streets of Brighton to the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, for fans of Dinah Jefferies and Lucinda Riley. 
__________________________________ 
 
A passionate love affair. An impossible choice. 
 
England, 1932. Dr Isla Fenwick has little interest in marriage, until a reunion with an old friend blossoms into to something more. But Isla is determined to fulfil a long-held promise to practice medicine in India. With her fiancé's blessing she sails to Calcutta to set up a midwifery clinic - promising to return within the year. 
 
There, Isla does her best to navigate a complex new world, and forms a deep connection with one of her colleagues - against all better instincts. 
 
When a desperate rescue mission to save the one person who needs her the most takes her into the foothills of the Himalayas, Isla will be asked to pay the ultimate price for her passions.

The Tea Gardens

Evie Grace

The brand new novel from bestselling author Evie Grace, set amongst the Napoleonic Wars in the 1800s. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Poldark. 
_______________________ 
 
KENT 1815 
 
Her heart led her to him, but will loyalty be enough to make her stay . . . 
 
When the beautiful but naïve Grace Lennicker falls for Isaiah Feasey, son of a rival smuggling family and owner of a local tavern, her sisters try to intervene. But as tensions grow, there is another suitor also hoping to win her hand in marriage, the dashing and more favourable Albert Enderby, a young lieutenant in the Revenue. 
 
Grace is unwittingly drawn back into the world of smuggling that her sisters fought hard to leave behind, and as violence erupts, she finds herself unable to stand by, knowing the rival gangs will kill anyone who stands in their way. 
 
When her husband becomes involved, Grace is forced to make a difficult decision - turn him in and risk her life, or stay loyal and risk the lives of those she loves . . .

The Smuggler’s Wife

Fiona Ford

***A HEARTWARMING WARTIME TALE OF FAMILY SECRETS, ROMANCE AND WINTER WEDDING BELLS FOR FANS OF DILLY COURT, ELAINE EVEREST AND NANCY REVELL*** 
______________________________ 
 
London, 1943: Dot Hanson has never forgotten the thrill of seeing the beautiful Christmas displays at Liberty’s department store as a young girl. 
 
Never in her wildest dreams did she think she would one day work there, or that she would fall in love with the store’s manager, her childhood sweetheart Edwin Button. 
 
But in spite of the life Dot has built for herself, and the tight-knit community around her, she lives in the shadow of a terrible secret. And as the bombs continue to fall across Britain there is more heartache still to come. 
 
All Dot wants is a family of her own with the man she loves by her side. 
 
Will her dreams come true in time for Christmas?

A Christmas Wedding

Annie Clarke

THE FOURTH NOVEL IN THE HEART-WARMING FACTORY GIRLS SERIES! Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Ellie Dean. 
____________________________ 
 
'Tis the season for friendship and family . . . 
 
October 1942: As Christmas approaches, the evacuees decide a pantomime is just what Massingham needs. 
 
Viola loves her new job away from the factory, and hopes that her romance with the handsome Ralph might have a happy ending. Meanwhile, married life is proving tough for Fran and Davey as they are forced apart by war work and an unexpected arrival on her doorstep turns her world upside down. 
 
Following her husband's shock confession, Beth finally feels as though she's regaining control of her life, that is until he turns up . . . 
 
A lot can happen on the home front, but Christmas is a time for family and friends, and the factory girls will do everything they can to ensure this year's celebration is one to remember.

Christmas on the Home Front

Factory Girls 4

ALL YOU NEED THIS CHRISTMAS: THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE HEART-WARMING NEW SERIES FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR KATIE FLYNN 
 
Liverpool, 1940 
 
When war comes to Britain, Jessica Wilson and her friend Ruby seize the opportunity to leave behind the orphanage they grew up in and start new lives in the NAAFI. With only forged papers as identification the girls expect to be turned away but are delighted with an offer of work. 
 
For the first time in their lives they experience real independence and it isn’t long before they’re spending their evenings enjoying the delights of Liverpool. 
 
When Jessica meets the handsome Tom, she feels as though her life is complete, but after a chance encounter with a friend, she soon learns that not everything is as it seems. 
 
As Jessica begins to uncover the truth, she unravels a web of lies, starting with the night of her birth . . .

Under the Mistletoe

The unforgettable and heartwarming Sunday Times bestselling Christmas saga

**THE NINTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES** 
 
'Emotional and gripping' Take a Break 
______________________________ 
Sunderland, 1943: As Christmas approaches in the shipyards, everyone is hoping for a little magic... 
 
Helen would love to find the courage to tell the dashing Dr Parker of her true feelings for him. But how can she when he clearly has eyes for someone else? 
 
More than a year has passed since Bel's wedding to sweetheart Joe. She knows she has much to feel thankful for and yet there is still one burning desire which she cannot ignore. 
 
And as Polly grows with child, she hopes against hope for a safe delivery - and that her husband Tommy can soon return from the front line to meet their new arrival. 
 
There will be storms to weather, but guided by their strength and friendship there is still hope for each of the shipyard girls that their Christmas wishes will come true. 
______________________________ 
Praise for Nancy Revell 
 
'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo 
 
'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph 
 
'The author is one to watch' Sun 
 
'Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages' Woman

A Christmas Wish for the Shipyard Girls

The second novel in the uplifting railway girls series that shows just how important friendship and love is in a time of uncertainty and change. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell. 
 
 
Manchester, November 1940 
 
As the war continues and secrets threaten the railway girls, they will discover the true meaning of friendship. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
For Dot, her job on the railways is everything. Transporting parcels around the country gives her pride that she is doing her bit for the war effort, but a growing friendship causes problems when home and work collide. 
 
Joan loves her boyfriend Bob dearly, but when tragedy strikes, her heart is torn apart, and she is forced to make a decision that could hurt those she loves most. 
 
Meanwhile Mabel has finally found a place to call home and her relationship seems to be going from strength to strength. However, the relentless bombing in the Christmas blitz is about to destroy everything she holds dear, and she will need her friends’ courage and generosity now more than ever. 
 
Brought together by their work on Manchester’s railways, the three women find that with the support and encouragement of each other, they can get through even the most challenging of times.

Secrets of the Railway Girls

East London, 1865 
 
Eighteen-year-old Irene Angel lives with her parents in a tiny room above the shop where her mother ekes out a living selling pickles and sauces while her father Billy gambles away their earnings. It is all Irene can do to keep the family together. 
 
Billy’s addiction soon leads him into trouble. Despite having been brought up by her father to fear and distrust the police, Irene finds herself forced to collaborate with them to save him from ruin. But Billy’s errant ways finally catch up with him and he is imprisoned in Newgate jail. With her mother away from home, Irene has little choice but to seek help from Inspector Edward Kent – her sworn enemy. Only she can clear her father's name and unite the family once more...

The Cockney Angel

THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE GRIPPING SMUGGLER'S DAUGHTERS TRILOGY! Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Poldark. 
______________________ 
 
Deal, Kent, 1812 
 
Eighteen-year-old Winnie Lennicker yearns for a peaceful life as a respectable married woman. However, when she becomes involved in her family's free-trading operations and caught by the Revenue, she is sent before the magistrates. Forced to confess that she is with child, now more than ever, Winnie is determined to give up smuggling. But the only way she can support herself and her unborn child is to carry on. 
 
An opportunity presents itself to carry despatches on behalf of British agents and spies, and gold for Wellington's army. Needing the money, Winnie can’t afford to refuse, but the journey across the Channel is treacherous. When Winnie discovers the despatches she’s carrying aren’t what they seem, she’s determined to right her wrongs in the hope of achieving her dream and leaving the free trade behind for good. 
 
Praise for Evie Grace 
 
‘Intriguing’ 
Val Wood 
 
‘A charming historical read that hits all the right notes’ 
Woman’s Weekly 
 
‘Heart-tugging saga of which Catherine Cookson would’ve approved’ 
Peterborough Evening Telegraph

The Golden Maid

Maggie Brookes

'An absorbing and engaging tale of wartime bravery and endurance. Bill and Izabela are such tenderly drawn characters ... I loved it!' RACHEL HORE, author of Last Letter Home and The Memory Garden 
_______________________________ 
Their love is a death sentence. But can it keep them alive? 
 
Czechoslovakia, 1944. In the dead of night, a farm girl and a British soldier creep through abandoned villages. Secretly married and on the run, Bill and Izabela are searching for Izabela's brother and father, who are fighting for the Czech resistance. They know their luck will not last. 
 
Captured by the German army, it seems they must be separated - but they have prepared for this moment. By cutting her hair and pretending to be mute, Izabela successfully disguises herself as a British soldier. Together, they face the terrible conditions of a POW camp, reliant on the help of their fellow POWs to maintain their fragile deception. 
 
Their situation is beyond dangerous. If Izabela is discovered, she and Bill - and all the men who helped them - will face lethal consequences. 
_______________________________ 
A novel set in war-torn Czechoslovakia amid the extreme privations of a prisoner of war camp, based on a true story of passion, heroism and a love that transcends overwhelming odds. 
_______________________________ 
'Deeply moving and compelling ... an epic journey not only across war-torn countries but deep into the heart of what it is to be human. A heart-rending story beautifully told.' JUDITH ALLNAT, author of The Poet's Wife and The Silk Factory 
 
'Heart-wrenching and heart-warming in equal measure, The Prisoner's Wife is an unputdownable novel ... finely crafted, atmospheric, often nail-biting.' BEN KANE, author of The Eagles of Rome series 
 
'A story of danger, fear, determination and the redemptive power of love in war-torn Europe. It is a story that Hemingway might have envied.' JULIET GARDINER, author of Wartime: Britain 1939 to 1945 and The Blitz: The British Under Attack. 
 
'A gripping novel that explores the question of how much the human body, and the human spirit, can endure for the sake of love. The wealth of authentic detail makes it feel like a memoir ... I feel enriched to have read it.' GILL PAUL, author of The Lost Daughter and The Secret Wife 
 
'The Prisoner's Wife seamlessly and skilfully breathes intense, fully realised life into the stark scenes it describes. I was by turns moved, outraged and humbled' DEBORAH KAY DAVIES, author of True Things About Me 
 
'A powerful page-turner' MARIE BENEDICT, New York Times bestselling author of Lady Clementine 
 
'You will be spellbound by this stellar novel. So richly imbued with sensory details you'll be feeling every anguished moment and every golden ray of hope.' SUSAN MEISSNER, bestselling author of The Last Year of the War 
 
'The most unique World War II story I've ever read... Romantic, perfectly observed, inspiring, and thrilling - The Prisoner's Wife is impossible to put down - and when I did, I was teary-eyed. A complete winner.' SARAH-JANE STRATFORD, author of Red Letter Days 
 
'Tremendous ... this is much more than a love story' GEORGINA CLARKE, author of Death and the Harlot 
 
'Engrossing, harrowing and heart-warming' ANN MORGAN, author of Reading The World 
 
'This is a beautiful book that will give any reader in dark times a reason to believe in the continuing goodness of people' NICOLA GRIFFITH, author of Hild

The Prisoner's Wife

based on an inspiring true story

THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE INSPIRATIONAL MILL TOWN LASSES SERIES. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Catherine Cookson. 
______________________ 
Lancashire, 1832. 
 
Maids Hannah and Mary find themselves with no jobs and no home when their employer, Henry Sudell, loses all his money and disappears in the middle of the night. They have no choice but to return to Blackburn where Hannah is lucky to be taken in by her sister Jennet and brother-in-law, Titus, but Mary must seek lodgings in the infamous Star beer house. 
 
Mary tries to get her job back as a weaver, but the influx of workers from the countryside and no support for the working class means that jobs are scarce. With no other choice she remains at the beer house, forced to risk her reputation and even her life. 
 
In the middle of a cholera outbreak and political upheaval, can Mary ever find a way to recover all she's lost? 
______________________ 
Praise for Libby Ashworth 
 
'An engrossing tale of hardship, struggles, love and family' KITTY NEALE 
 
'Vividly drawn characters . . . gritty and heartfelt' EVIE GRACE 
 
'Brimming with drama, heartbreak, love, friendship and the powerful bonds of family' LANCASHIRE POST

A Lancashire Lass

An uplifting and heart-warming historical saga

A Private Thriller

A series of children's modern classic novels by renowned 20th century children's writers. All the titles in this series have the A Puffin Book logo, contemporary-style covers, and child-friendly endnotes.

A Puffin Book

A Ripley Novel

A Slice of the Moon

A Victorian Mystery

A Walk in...

A Women’s Murder Club Thriller

A chef Paul Delamare Mystery

Aberrations

Across the Universe

Actiphons

Adelia Aguilar

Adrian Mole

Adventures in Time

Aftermath

Against War

Age of X

Agent 21

Agent Z

Detective Aidan Waits is a troubled junior detective haunted by his past. Facing an uncertain future, and disconnected from his history, DC Waits and his partner, Detective Inspector Peter 'Sutty' Sutcliffe work on Manchester's streets to uncover the city's worst criminals among the grime of the underworld.

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