Historical Fiction Books

A gripping and beautiful tale of love, loss and secrets. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes. 1963: When Clara Samuels buys Butterfly Cottage, she knows the scandal she’ll cause. A single woman buying property is not the ‘done thing’, especially not in a village like Carybrook. But Clara has been in love with Butterfly Cottage, and its garden, since she used to play there before the War. And when she reconnects with her childhood friend James, her decision feels serendipitous. But the true scandal is yet to come, because within six months, Clara will leave England under mysterious circumstances, and Butterfly Cottage will stand empty for more than 50 years. 2018: No one is more surprised than Meredith when she’s bequeathed a cottage by a great aunt she’d never heard of. She hopes, briefly, that the inheritance could be the answer to her financial problems. But when she arrives in Suffolk, she is shocked to discover a man is already living there. A young gardener, who claims he was also bequeathed half of Butterfly Cottage. As the pair try to unravel their complicated situation, they unearth a decades old mystery involving Clara, the garden, and a stack of letters left unread for over 50 years… Product Information: • ISBN: 9781837031320 • Author: Rachel Burton • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 1.93 cm

A gripping and heart-warming new saga of love, betrayal and secrets from Lynne Francis, author of A Maid’s Ruin, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin Kent, 1828. Lizzie Carey of Castle Bay is trapped in a life she never chose – endless days of cooking, cleaning, and caring for her five younger siblings after her elder sister Nell’s marriage. She longs to escape, but it seems like an impossible dream. That is, until she meets the enigmatic Mrs. Simmonds, who promises Lizzie a future far beyond the confines of her small town. The allure of a new life in Canterbury draws Lizzie into a world she never imagined, but it soon becomes clear that nothing is as it seems . . . Torn between family loyalty and the tantalising unknown, Lizzie is drawn into a situation she would never have thought possible. How far will she go for freedom? Product Information: • ISBN: 9780349433684 • Author: Lynne Francis • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Paperback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 19.56 x 12.19 x 2.79 cm

September 1941, Bath – three friends are about to find that some of the biggest battles are to be found on the home front… As war rages and brave soldiers returning home from the frontline need nurses more than ever, fiercely proud redhead Sylvia Roberts is determined to help in any way she can. In spite of her mother’s belief she isn’t good enough, Sylvia believes that becoming a home front nurse is her calling. Together with the two friends she makes on her first day in the job – Freda and Veronica – she knows she can help save lives. And, as the devastation of war shows no signs of ceasing, their work becomes ever more vital. Then Sylvia’s life is thrown into the path of a man who might just be able to capture her heart. Even though he is somebody who everyone – except her best friends – seems prejudiced against. Can love really conquer all, in times of war? One thing she knows is that – in the dangerous days that will follow – she and her friends will all need to support each other right to the end… Product Information: • ISBN: 9781806006342 • Author: Rachel Brimble  • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 264 • Dimensions: 19.81 x 12.9 x 1.6 cm

1915: As war continues to rage across the Channel, the families of the Somerset village of Street can no longer avoid its long shadow. Workers in the Clarks shoe factory, at the heart of the village, have left for the army in droves, and news from the Front seems to grow darker by the day. When life-long friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate receive the news they had been fearing, all hope seems lost. And Louisa’s world will be rocked further when she makes another discovery, one that will see her cast out by her family, changing her life forever. Kate and Jeannie are determined to be strong for their friend, but each of them has their own problems to bear, and when Jeannie’s beloved brother Lucas enlists, she fears history is about to repeat itself. Can the Clarks factory girls help each other through the darkest days and keep hope alive? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781806006335 • Author: May Ellis • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 344 • Dimensions: 19.81 x 12.9 x 2.06 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

Poland, 1942. After witnessing the destruction of her hometown in Warsaw, Anna Kowalski joins the Polish Resistance. She is tasked with smuggling as many children as possible out of the Warsaw Ghetto through the sewers and relocating them to safety. Through her work, Anna meets Johnnie Nowak, an RAF pilot who had managed to escape from a prisoner of war camp. He's not safe in Warsaw, so Anna leads him out of the city to protect him... But suddenly Anna is caught by the SS and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp where she is surrounded by even more horror and despair. A female guard, known as The Beast, is renowned for her violence and aggression towards her prisoners, and she's set her sights on Anna. When Anna is relocated to a different camp, she finds herself reunited with Johnnie Nowak, the pilot she had saved. Desperate to escape, the two of them devise a plan that, if caught, could mean a fate far worse than death. Will Anna and Johnnie finally find freedom, and survive the war together? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781399744881 • Author: Joanne Kormylo • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Pages: 384 • Format: Paperback • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.7 x 2.54 cm

London, 1928. Lucy Darkwether has always made her own rules. After breaking off her engagement to pursue a degree in Ancient History, she’s now the proud owner of London’s newest bookshop. So when a rival shop in Cecil Court is chosen to host an exhibition of Egyptian treasures, Lucy’s pride is stung – until the grand opening ends in a gruesome murder. Is this the revenge of a disgraced colleague? A private vendetta? Or a curse visited upon those who disturb the past? Ignoring the Inspector’s warning to stay out of it, Lucy refuses to stick to the script. But murder isn’t a game – and what she uncovers will have consequences for them all . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9781399704281 • Author: Jennifer Gladwell • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Pages: 320 • Format: Paperback • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm

The new heart-wrenching, yet hopeful, historical saga from Elizabeth Gill. After falling pregnant unexpectedly, sixteen-year-old Catrin is devastated when her neglectful father takes the baby away from her. Fleeing her family home, Catrin reunites with her brother Roddy, a trainee doctor. Wanting to change her life for the better despite her grief, she studies to become a doctor in her own right. But society isn't welcoming to female doctors and unmarried mothers. Will Catrin be able to win her patients' trust and fulfil her dream of helping other women like her? And will she ever find the child she's never forgotten? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529421149 • Author: Elizabeth Gill • Publisher: Quercus Publishing plc • Format: Paperback • Pages: 416 • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.95 x 2.54 cm

Discover the emotional and unforgettable brand-new novel from Jennie Felton. When war is declared in September 1939, Rosie Mitchell reluctantly returns from London to the Somerset mining town of Hillsbridge to be with her widowed mother. She had fled to the city some years earlier to escape the heartache and shame of a disastrous end to her relationship with the man she has always loved, and still does. Now she will once more be brought face to face with him, and with her rival and childhood friend, Anne Hastings. Back in her hometown, there is no avoiding the attentions of Julian Edgell, the charming doctor who had broken her heart. But another man too comes into her life. A man she finds very attractive, but who will disclose nothing about himself. Can she trust either of them? Or will her heart be broken all over again? Rosie’s dilemma unfolds against the backdrop of war with all its hardship, danger, heroism and sacrifice. as well as the anxiety for loved ones which no-one, be they ordinary working folk or local aristocracy, can escape. Don’t miss this heartrending page-turner from the author of The Coal Miner’s Wife and The Families of Fairley Terrace Series. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781472296795 • Author: Jennie Felton • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Format: Paperback     • Pages: 512 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.6 x 3.8 cm

London, October 1940. As German bombers increase their nightly raids on the capital, the Blitz Girls must be braver than ever to protect innocent lives and keep the fight against Hitler alive. Dot, encouraged by her friends, is finding her independence and takes a full-time role as an ARP warden. As she finds new courage in the blackouts, her past might still be lurking in the shadows Peggy makes it her mission to help children caught up in the bombing find safety at her parents’ large house in the country. When she returns home, however, she realises her own family need her more than ever. But can she leave her friends in the line of fire? Vivian spends every moment not behind the wheel of her ambulance at the bedside of the man she loves, helping him recover from a terrible crash while defending the British skies. When she is torn between his hospital ward and the site of the latest blast, she faces a heartbreaking choice. As each night becomes more dangerous for the Blitz Girls, will they have the strength to help each other through and keep the light alive in the darkness? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781399708791 • Author: Johanna Bell • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 3 cm

1944, the darkest days of the war. Trixie and Vi are back in Gosport and doing their bit to help Britain win the war. Felling trees is backbreaking, but at least they know they’re doing vital work. Trixie has a new boyfriend, Eddie. He’s charming, handsome, and always flush with cash – a real Gosport catch, though Vi isn’t so sure. Something about Eddie doesn’t seem quite right, and Vi will do anything to convince Trixie that she’s making a mistake with this relationship. Though Trixie loves Eddie, she finds it hard to forget Cy, the man she fell in love with at the start of the War, who was declared missing in action. As the bombs fall on Gosport both girls have big decisions to make. Will their friendship carry them through the hardest days? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529419382 • Author: Rosie Archer • Publisher: Quercus Publishing plc • Format: Paperback     • Pages: 352 • Dimensions: 19.56 x 12.7 x 2.54 cm

England, 1940s. Minnie has spent most of her life feeling like a plain Jane, watching things happen around her, waiting for something – just something – to once happen to her. When her old best friend, the beautiful and callous Junie, unexpectedly returns to Sixteen Streets, Minnie’s not quite sure how to feel. Once inseparable, the two now find themselves at odds. And when Junie strikes up a romance with Minnie’s brother Derek, Minnie can’t help but feel lonelier than ever… Junie’s looking to start anew – she’s running from her mucky, strained life in South Manchester, and the cruel man she shared it with. But when she returns to Sixteen Streets, all her old wounds – from her mother to her friends – resurface. And she has no choice but to face them, and this place she once called home. In the midst of it all, can the two women find their way back to each other – and themselves – once again ? Or will Sixteen Streets really break them apart? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781398709003 • Author: Elsie Mason • Publisher: Orion Publishing • Format: Paperback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.6 cm

Online Only! Get more for less with The Work’s expertly hand-picked Book Bundles. These are a collection of great quality products, grouped together to give you amazing value. Enjoy three historical fiction stories with this fantastic bundle! Product Information: • Author: Various • Publisher: Various • Format: Book Bundle

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

Army Girls - reporting for duty! When duty calls, East End girl Minnie Wolton isn’t afraid to do her bit. She’s excited to be joining the ATS girls and although she knows life at the barracks will be tough, she’s not one to quit! She just hopes the other girls are all good sorts… With her husband away fighting, Eileen Ruffel is glad of the break from her unhappy marriage. She just wants to make a success of the ATS girls and maybe find happiness too. Along with the other girls, Minnie and Eileen strike up a firm friendship. The training is hard, but they are determined to prove they are the best new recruits. But when a young girl is attacked on base, the girls have to pull together like never before to find the culprits….before they strike again. A gripping and authentic tale of courage, duty and bravery, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Patricia McBride and Rosie Clarke. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781837031337 • Author: Fenella J Miller • Publisher: Boldwood Books Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 280 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 1.63 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

She will keep her head held high, no matter what… When Helen Merling, a happy girl with a loving heart, is seduced by a travelling actor, her life is turned upside down. The two are forced to marry by her strict clergyman father – but this isn’t enough to stop Helen’s family from disowning her. Helen and her husband escape to Europe, but their fortunes take a turn for the worse and Helen is left alone, responsible for both herself and their son. Two years later, in the picturesque Italian town of Serugia, Helen meets Charles Carnforth. He falls deeply in love with her… but he’s not the only one trying to win Helen’s heart. Can a new romance find its way into her complicated life? An emotional saga about one woman’s fight for her independence. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Mary Mackie. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804367261 • Author: Anna Jacobs • Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.7 x 12.8 x 2.3 cm

Three priceless treasures. Three extraordinary women. Three powerful legacies. The Paris Affair is the first in Muna Shehadi’s spellbinding dual-time narrative series, with cross-generational appeal and captivating international settings perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley. Christmas, 1915, a grieving father gives his motherless daughter an exquisite, one-of-a-kind A. Marque doll, one she’d gladly exchange for her heart’s desire. Summer, 1975, sheltered Midwesterner Helen Kenyon is set to marry her college sweetheart, when she jumps at the opportunity to spend six months in Paris. With fellow Americans Lilianne and Connie and an ‘adopted’ antique doll, Helen plunges into a heady world of high culture and champagne. But it’s the charismatic photojournalist, Gilles Aubert, who tempts her to change her future. Fifty years later, Teresa Clark dutifully accepts the job of preparing her estranged Grandma Helen’s Kansas ranch for sale, only to find Helen bears little resemblance to the philandering drunk of her mother’s stories. Not until she uncovers mementos of Helen’s past and the astonishing secret of a well-preserved antique doll, does Teresa gain strength to face multiple truths – about her family, herself, and what life she’ll choose for her own. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035407781 • Author: Muna Shehadi • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Pages: 448 • Format: Paperback • Dimensions: 19.56 x 12.7 x 3.05 cm

War pulled them apart, but can love bring them back together? January 1942. After spending a happy Christmas with her fiance Charlie and his family at Moorside Farm, the new year brings heartache for Bobby Bancroft. Not only must she prepare to say goodbye to Charlie as he is summoned to join the fight, she must also leave behind her job at The Tyke magazine to join the wartime effort, as conscription of women is rolled out across the country. But there are hopeful times ahead as Bobby's friends, Topsy and Teddy, get engaged following a romance beset with obstacles. And when Bobby finally names a date for her own nuptials, the village of Silverdale is cheered by the prospect of weddings to lift the gloom of wartime. Bobby finds herself far from home training as a WAAF, with few friendly faces other than her Canadian friend Ernie King, who is acting as an instructor at her training centre. With Ernie showing signs of a romantic interest in her and with Charlie’s sudden silence, a lonely Bobby finds herself drawn to the young Canadian. But could there be more to Charlie’s silence than a cooling of his feelings? And can Bobby’s faith in the man she truly loves stay strong while the two of them are far apart, long enough for them to walk down the aisle? Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804369739 • Author: Betty Firth • Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.84 x 12.85 x 2.11 cm

She’ll do anything to protect her family from war . . . BLACKPOOL, 1914 Seventeen-year-old Maddie has grown up in a boarding house on one of Blackpool’s poorest streets. Life is busy, but happy, as she works alongside her mother taking care of their visitors. But when war breaks out, her happiness is shattered as her fiancé is called up to fight for his country, and suddenly Maddie’s future is filled with uncertainty. As Blackpool becomes a training ground for the army, the guesthouse is used as a billet for soldiers, and Maddie soon finds herself drawn to one in particular: Arnie. As the pair grow close and his departure date nears, their feelings for one another intensify. Little does she know, the short six weeks she’s known and loved Arnie will impact the rest of her life . . . As Maddie comes to terms with a future she couldn’t have ever imagined, her best friend Daisy, working in her mother’s café on Blackpool promenade, promises to help any way she can. With so much change and uncertainty on the horizon, can Maddie protect her growing family from the hardships of war? A heart-wrenching and touching wartime novel about motherhood, hardship and courageous women during WWII. The perfect read for fans of Val Wood, Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781408732120 • Author: Maggie Mason • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.7 x 2.24 cm