Welcome to West India Dock Road, in London’s East End.

An array of businesses lines this crooked street: a butcher’s, a sailmaker’s, a Jewish shop, a Chinese hostelry, a lodging house for people of all nationalities. A snatch of song wafts from a music hall, mingling with the scent of the public house nearby, the swell of the Thames and the call of seagulls. The air tastes of yearning…

1938: Divya has made the long sea journey from India to England, employed as a nanny by a British family. But once they arrive, she is cruelly abandoned, with no means to return home. Afraid and alone, she faces prejudice and rejection… until she finds her way to an Irish-run boarding house on West India Dock Road and meets Jack, Charity and a host of unexpected friends.

Divya is a good cook, and preparing meals for the other immigrants, homesick for the food they were raised on, gives her a new sense of hope and purpose. In time, she opens a thriving curry house, beloved by the local communities.

But as war in Europe looms, Divya’s fragile sense of belonging – through her business, her friendships and budding romance with sailor Raghu – comes under threat.

A world away from home, will she ever truly find happiness in life, on West India Dock Road?

Readers are loving Renita D’Silva:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Utterly unforgettable and heartbreaking… An absolutely gripping and totally addictive story that will keep you racing through the pages all night long.’ Reader review

‘A feast for the senses… I adored this story. It kept me so hooked that I read it in one sitting.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Stunning!… Renita D’Silva’s writing is sublime; I could taste the chilli on my tongue and smell the cardamom in the air… Incredible… Inspired me with every page… An important story that embraced my heart.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wonderful… Transported me… Fabulous… Fascinating… My heart broke.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Both heartbreaking and warming… It will change you… Food for the soul.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A joy… A wonderful, evocative read.’ Reader review

The post New Arrivals on West India Dock Road appeared first on Boldwood.

Stripped of his birthright, Estienne Wace seeks to prove his worth in the deserts of Outremer!

Egypt 1219AD.

Abandoning the safety of England for the perilous shores of the Levant, Estienne Wace is thrust into the turmoil of the Fifth Crusade. Burning with righteous purpose, he is determined to reclaim the Holy Land in the name of Christ.

War rages along the banks of the Nile as a crusading army besieges the Saracen city of Damietta, certain that the price they pay in blood will return the glory and treasures they crave. But as the Black Lion roars, and the siege grinds on, Estienne’s unwavering faith is tested more and more by the grim reality of this brutal conflict.

As the siege turns on a knife edge, Estienne finds himself thrust upon a journey across the merciless desert. Stripped of everything, and forced into a dangerous alliance, he will grapple with the true meaning of faith, honour, and the price of salvation, in a land where nothing is as he once believed.

Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden.

The post Crusade appeared first on Boldwood.

1715: With the country on the brink of rebellion, Dorothy Forster’s life at Bamburgh Hall is ruled by the men in her life – her feckless brothers stirring up trouble at court, her elderly father with his dangerous secrets and the man she loves who the world seems determined to keep her apart from. As tensions grow, Dorothy finds herself caught between the warring factions, danger everywhere. Then Dorothy discovers her family are the keepers of the legendary Rose, the talisman both sides believe will guarantee them victory in this deadly conflict. Now Dorothy will have to risk everything to keep the Rose safe; the fate of the country and the men she loves rests in her hands.

Present Day: Hannah Armstrong has returned home to Bamburgh Hall for work but when she discovers that her stepmother Diana has been keeping worrying secrets, her focus shifts to getting to the truth. Their family home once belonged to heroic Dorothy Forster, whose portrait graces the walls and whose spirit lingers in her home, but soon Hannah learns that there was much more to this formidable woman. Because Dorothy left behind a mysterious legacy and it’s not long before Hannah realises it’s one people are willing to kill for. Now Hannah is in a race against time to unravel the secrets of the past before danger arrives at their door.

Two women divided by time but bound by a centuries’ old mystery. Bestseller Nicola Cornick is back with a brand-new thrilling adventure, a heartbreaking love story and the unforgettable story of how the courage of one woman can save a family and even save a nation.

Readers love Nicola Cornick:

‘I so enjoy Nicola Cornick’s masterful weaving of history and imagination, creating vivid stories that one remembers long after the last pages are turned. The author brings history to life in such an exciting and vivid way.’

‘I read everything this author writes as I love, love LOVE her books! This is one of the best I’ve read. Some fascinating history (from a neglected period), fabulous characters on a journey of discovery, a hint of spookiness and a whole carriageful of rollicking romance.’

‘Triumph as always from Nicola Cornick. no one creates such relatable characters and Intricate plots. I couldn’t put this down and highly recommend it.’

‘Nicola Cornick’s novels are always a real treat. Her history is always accurate, but her research doesn’t show – instead, you feel as if you’re right there in the time period she’s writing about… Loved the characters, the two timelines were woven together well, there was plenty of historical colour and lots of dramatic tension. Definite five stars from me.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Praise for Nicola Cornick:

‘Wow! I have no other word for this story which has totally blown me away – it is a master-class in timeslip writing and I loved it!’ Christina Courtenay

‘I ended this book with tears in my eyes, so invested was I in the story of Rose Gwyn and her heroic Captain Forster. The 17th century is so alive on the page I could taste and smell it. A really wonderful read.’ Jane Dunn

‘What a fascinating story. I enjoyed every moment of it. Intriguing and with a lovely time-slippery twist’ Barbara Erskine on The Last Daughter

The post The Secrets of the Rose appeared first on Boldwood.

Chief Killer. Battle Turner. Oathbreaker.

Alaric is an enemy of Rome.

144 AD. Alaric Hengistson, leader of the Ravensworn, revels in his many fear-fuelled names whispered in the hearth flames. Cunning in battle, a ruthless war lord. He sleeps sound in the knowledge that he has been chosen by the Gods for a higher purpose – to rise up against the tyranny of an Empire.

For years he has thwarted Rome’s attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them. His land. Germania. However the rules are changing, and new deals are struck between the conquering Roman legions and the feuding Germanic tribes. Deals that could prove Alaric’s downfall.

As the eagles march with the wolves, together hunting the Raven, Alaric must prove his legend or watch his Ravensworn burn in flames.

A must read for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Matthew Harffy, Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow

Praise for Adam Lofthouse…

“The characters are full of the life of the period, their flaws, their doubts, their abilities all on display; a feast for the readers” Hoover Book Review

“No holds barred, vivid Roman entertainment, probably the next best thing to actually being there” Speesh Reads

“A great mix of legion comradery with a personal plot you can get invested in, add in a couple of big twists along the way and you’ve got a smashing read” David’s Book Blurg

‘A fast paced, page turning story!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

‘Brilliant!‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

‘The dark and gritty tale I’ve been looking for!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

‘A brilliantly written book, full of action.‘⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

‘A tightly woven tale of a tightly wound man.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

‘A great story with a wonderful anti hero!‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

The post Raven appeared first on Boldwood.

‘The Brandon blood is dark with lies and treachery and as it flows through my heart, my vow is this: they will all pay.’

Hampton Court Palace 1530s

Anne Brandon has always understood the power of a king’s patronage and, though the court of Henry VIII is a dangerous place for women, as the daughter of the king’s best friend, Anne feels safer than most. But Anne’s husband Lord Powis is tiring of her childlessness and when Henry VIII begins plotting to rid himself of a queen in his quest for an heir, suddenly Anne’s life is in danger. And as whispers of the name of her friend Anne Boleyn get ever louder, there is peril in every loose word, every forbidden conversation.

Pembrokshire Present Day

Caroline Harvey has spent years helping her grandfather, the reclusive bestselling novelist Dexter Blake, hide from his legions of fans in his home on the Pembrokshire coast. After his death, the vultures begin to circle Dexter’s fortune. When Caroline’s ownership of the house she has inherited is called into question, her research into its history reveals it was once owned by Anne Brandon who had sought refuge there. Intrigued, Caroline is determined to discover why Anne fled the court of Henry VIII.

Two women divided by centuries but joined by secrets and courage. And when a twist in their histories threatens them both with the same fate – losing the man they love – their revenge will be the same too. Because there’s no one mightier than a woman underestimated or more powerful than the need to save those they love.

Bestseller Alexandra Walsh is back with a compelling, captivating insight into the Tudor court through the eyes of a woman who had only her guile to keep her alive. Perfect for all fans of Barbara Erskine, Philippa Gregory, Anne O’Brien and Elena Collins.

Readers love Alexandra Walsh:

‘I had to keep reading, way past my bedtime. Loved every bit of this story, didn’t want it to end.’

‘From start to finish I did not want to put this book down. The history in it was a brilliant story of love lost and new beginnings.’

‘Absolutely loved reading this, following all the twists and turns both in the past and present. Anyone who loves Tudor history will thoroughly enjoy this.’

‘This book is really easy to read, the writer’s style approachable and engaging and will delight fans of historical fiction. I absolutely loved it.’

‘All of Alexandra Walsh’s books are wonderful. This one was no exception. I enjoyed all the bits of history and can’t wait for the next book.’

Praise for Alexandra Walsh:

‘Walsh weaves a fabulously intricate tapestry of a story, rich in historical detail.’ Eva Glyn

‘Alexandra Walsh weaves a perfectly crafted dual timeline tale that will enthral and delight the reader from the first words until the very last sparkling moment.’ Elena Collins

‘I absolutely loved this beautifully written and characterful novel.’ Carol McGrath

‘Alexandra Walsh is a master storyteller and does historical time hops so well… The plot, mixed with the Greek mythology, and characters make her latest fiction another masterpiece and one that stays with you a long time after you turn the last page.’ Michelle Rawlins

The post The House of Echoes appeared first on Boldwood.

An old house, a secret heartbreak… a second chance at love?

Lizzie Greene is about to lose everything. With no money and no job to pay her late husband’s debts, she is resigned to selling her quirky old house, Tanglewild.

But a lifeline appears when Lizzy’s house is chosen as the perfect location for a film based on a best-selling novel. Her household is turned upside down by a cast of colourful characters: the enigmatic author, a handsome location scout, a brooding director, a heart-throb leading man – never mind her ex-mother-in-law camped out in her drive.

But behind the Hollywood magic, all is not as it seems. Someone has a hidden agenda in coming to Tanglewild, and will stop at nothing to keep its secrets hidden – and soon Lizzy’s desire to save her house puts her in mortal danger.

Can Lizzy uncover Tanglewild’s secrets in time to save her dreams of a new life and a second chance at love?

Readers adore The House of Love and Dreams:

‘An enchanting and engrossing read that I highly recommend’ Bookish Jottings

‘My dream book… Absolutely brilliant!’ The Writing Garnet

‘Full of twists and turns, captivating and absorbing.’ Reader Review

‘A really stunning novel of romance and mystery‘ Reader Review

Please note: this book was previously published as Finding Dreams

The post The House of Love and Dreams appeared first on Boldwood.

A secret buried for decades… A story that will change everything.

1940: When twenty-one-year-old Nita Bineham is offered the chance of independence, away from the high walls of her family’s Surrey estate, she grasps it with both hands. But her new role at a local newspaper coincides with the emergence of a sinister rumour in their quiet village: that there is a traitor in their midst. Nita is determined to prove herself by uncovering the truth, but is she prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

2008: Following the death of her great aunt, Beth flees London for the privacy of rural Surrey. Within the confines of her family’s dilapidated manor house, she hides from the dual wreckage of her career and her marriage. But when her aunt’s dying words lead her to a stack of old newspaper articles, Beth finds herself drawn into a decades old mystery: about a long-buried secret, and an enemy dangerously close to home.

Praise for Victoria Scott:

‘Beautifully written and delightfully unsettling… an evocative read, set in an unusual landscape, that will pull you in from the first page’ – Rachel Burton

The twists and turns revealed kept me turning pages way longer than I was meant to stay awake. The way Meredith’s mind gets confused as she learns more and more tugged at my heart, and reading Ellen’s experiences with her beau and how his mental health was essentially compartmentalised in an era when there wasn’t much knowledge was heartwrenching. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Within the tale, there are elements of the gothic tradition, with old houses, fog, rising waters, stormy weather and more. The reader’s pulse rate rises as we are committed to following the action. I thoroughly enjoyed The House In The Water. It consumed me from the start. It was the first book by Victoria Scott but I certainly she she will write more.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Don’t you love a dual time line novel? I do and this one is exceptional – I have read the author’s earlier work and this is straying into much darker territory, but I think it only serves to show what a great writer she is… Atmospheric, gripping, with huge heart and impossible to put down – the very best sort of book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beautiful captivating prose, kept me totally engaged in both timelines.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wonderful. My first by this author but not the last. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘This is definitely a spellbinding and unsettling tale with a dash of romance set in WW2 and 2013 that might haunt your dreams and leave you with a lot to think about! A riveting read.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I was engrossed in the story from the start. May Day House is a rehab house for soldiers during WWII. They are cared for and sent back to war. Years later a couple buys the house which soon appears to be haunted by the soldiers who had been there. It is a great story.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The post The Storyteller’s Daughter appeared first on Boldwood.

Will the secrets of the past be the key to her future?

Alex Hart loves her job as manager of Mallow Court, an historic Elizabethan house. But the discovery of an antique jewelled locket and a long-buried secret changes everything…

From an old diary to a charismatic barrister, a mysterious clockmaker and the darkest hours of the London Blitz, Alex must follow a trail of clues to uncover the truth about her family and their wartime history. But someone is determined to stop her… Who can she really trust?

With her heart hanging in the balance, can Alex solve the mysteries of the past and find the secret to new love?

Readers love The House of Hidden Secrets:

‘The perfect combination of mystery, romance and history!‘ Reader Review

‘Good writing and an intriguing plot make this a book to curl up with.’ Reader Review

‘Had me enthralled from start to finish.’ Reader Review

‘A wonderfully written book with many twists and turns. I didn’t want to put it down.’ Reader Review

Please note: This book was previously published as Finding Secrets

The post The House of Hidden Secrets appeared first on Boldwood.

A King in crisis, a Queen on trial, a Kingdom’s survival hangs in the balance.

Londonia, AD835
The deadly conspiracy against the children of Ealdorman Coenwulf is to be resolved. Those involved have been unmasked and arrested. But will justice prevail?

While the court convenes to determine the conspirator’s fate, King Wiglaf’s position is precarious. His wife, Queen Cynethryth, has been implicated in the plot and while Wiglaf must remain impartial, enemies of the Mercia still conspire to prevent the full truth from ever being known.

As Merica weeps from the betrayal of those close to the King, the greedy eyes of Lord Æthelwulf, King Ecgberht of Wessex’s son, pivot once more towards Mercia. He will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal of ending Mercia’s ruling bloodline.

Mercia once more stands poised to be invaded, but this time not by the Viking raiders they so fear.

Can Icel and his fellow warriors’ triumph as Mercia once more faces betrayal from within?

An action packed, thrilling historical adventure perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy

Praise for The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles

‘Immediate and personal. MJ Porter recounts a sensitive, reluctant hero’s coming-of-age within a Dark Age realm riven by chaos and conflict’ – Matthew Harffy

‘No lover of Dark Age warfare is going to be disappointed. Son of Mercia is personal, real, fascinating and satisfying.’ – S.J.A. Turney

‘If you love history, fiction, adventure and great stories, grab a copy of Son of Mercia. You won’t regret it!” – Eric Schumacher

‘Excellent storyline. So enjoyed reading about Icel & his exploits such a good character well written very sad when I come to the end of the book can’t wait for his next adventure’ – Reader Review

‘There really isnt anything bad I can say about this series, it keeps just getting better.. adding more depth to not only the characters but also their motivations. MJ Porter offers another solid 5* addition to the series, strengthening the readers love of their work.’ – Reader Review

‘A very good series. These are the first books I’ve read by this author but he writes in the genre very well and the main character is well drawn. This book sits nicely in the series. The observations of everyday life are really interesting and add to the historical enjoyment of the story.’ – Reader Review

‘Another hit. Honestly was disappointed when it ended as I could read this series forever. Such a page turner, great novel. Pow.’ – Reader Review

‘Fast paced action. Great cast of characters and clever insight into the eternal human condition. A very difficult book to put down so I’m pleased I bought the series.’ – Reader Review

‘Refreshing… I was reluctant to put the book down’ – Historical Novel Society

‘ A story of hidden agendas, excellent read. Great read, fast paced with the usual betrayal. Lots of characters that have their own agendas. Overall it’s a page turner, exciting.’ – Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘So real I felt I was there!… A page-turner’ – Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Wonderful to read and hard to put down’ – Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I found the pages flying by… A great book’ – Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I found the pages flying by… A great book’ Reader Review

The post Betrayal of Mercia appeared first on Boldwood.

If you save a crumbling mansion, will it mend a broken heart?

A month ago, Amy Wood had her perfect home, perfect boyfriend and perfect job in London. Now she’s broken-hearted, living in her parents’ tiny bungalow, and working in an estate agents in Bath.

But Amy gets a new lease on life when she undertakes to sell Rosemont Hall, a crumbling Georgian mansion riddled with woodworm, dry rot – and secrets.

Amy searches for the perfect owner to restore the house to its former glory, but time is running out for Rosemont Hall. As Amy clashes with unscrupulous property developers and the enigmatic heir to the house, she begins to uncover pieces of the past that some people would rather remain hidden.

Can Amy unlock the secret of Rosemont Hall and find the keys to her own happy ending?

Readers love The House of Second Chances:

‘The mystery that runs through the novel really drew me in‘ Reader Review

‘I loved reading this book. It had everything, humour, romance, heartbreak and above all a great story.’ Reader Review

‘Absolutely loved this book. I admit to a passion for old houses and restoration, so it was right up my street, but the writing hooked me from the first page. I didn’t want the story to end‘ Reader Review

‘If you love looking around stately homes and old houses and wondering about the secrets that they keep, you’ll enjoy this.’ Reader Review

‘The mystery behind Rosemont Hall kept me turning the pages until the end.’ Reader Review

Please note: This book was previously published as Finding Home

The post The House of Second Chances appeared first on Boldwood.