April 1942, Bath – the nurses are under fire in the city they once thought safe…

Freda knows the work she does on the home front is vital. Especially when bombs begin raining down on her beloved city of Bath and she and her friends find themselves feeling the effects of war like never before.

Years of being told to be a ‘good girl’ by her mother, Freda has always done what’s been expected of her. But, even though she’s proud of her work nursing soldiers and victims of war, she can’t help but wonder if there’s more for her in life. And her secret desire to become a journalist feels increasingly like a calling she can’t resist.

Even though it’s not considered work suitable for women, Freda knows she has to follow her dream. Even if it means leaving her nursing, friendships and maybe even true love behind. But then tragedy strikes close to home, and she has to ask herself – can she ever find a way to make her dreams come true?

A completely gripping, heartwarming story of friendship, love and following your dreams. Dangerous Days for The Home Front Nurses is perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Rosie Clarke, and Call the Midwife.

Bestselling authors are loving The Home Front Nurses series:

‘I enjoyed this heart-warming yet gritty and gripping first book of the series. Sylvia, Freda and Veronica, work hard in their job of nursing the wounded, each of them with their own secret heartache… Compelling reading. Another winner for this lovely author and only the first in a series that will garner a host of readers.’ Lizzie Lane

‘This a new writer for me and I absolutely loved this book. Well-researched, well-written and I couldn’t put it down.’ Fenella J Miller

‘A fantastic start to what promises to be a brilliant series.’ Rosie Clarke

‘Heartwarming! I loved following the lives of the three girls, and the storyline pulled me in quickly, holding my attention. It was hard to put down!’ Patricia McBride

‘Rachel Brimble brings Sylvia, Freda and Veronica to life in her skilled and vivid storytelling. As the friends face the perils of war on the home front, we stand beside them, sharing their hopes, dreams and fears. I can’t wait to read more in this series.’ May Ellis

Readers love it too!

‘A sweet and enticing wartime story for anyone missing Call the Midwife.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely 10/10! Amazing storyline and loved the characters and setting, loved how the girls forged a friendship and stuck by each other, can’t wait to read more about these ladies.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A hopeful story about friendship and learning to trust. I love stories about women who strive for their own goals in life independent of men and who understand the joy and security of close female friendships. I’m looking forward to more books in the series!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Realistic… highlighted the research that went into writing this wonderful book… I am eager to find out what happens for Sylvia, Veronica and Freda next!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved how the nurses went above and beyond to help the patients feel happy and care for them whilst in hospital.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The post Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses appeared first on Boldwood.

Wivenhoe February 1940

As the war clouds gather over Europe, the Roby family are thankful to have started their new life in Wivenhoe safe from German bombs…for the moment at least. And with the safe arrival of baby Grace, family life at Harbour House seems to be settling down.

But Emily Roby finds life stifling. She’s not keen on her new baby sister, doesn’t like her new school and feels as though sometimes her parents still treat her as a baby, but also a grown up when it suits them! Emily’s only friend is Nancy, the new girl working at Harbour House.

Nancy loves working at Harbour House, but war has brought many changes and she begins to wonder if there’s another life for her away from Wivenhoe. Her young man, Dan Brooks, is keen for them to get married and start a family, but at only eighteen, Nancy feels too young to settle down.

As a bargeman working on the river, Dan is often away for days and weeks on end, but Nancy knows he will always come home to her. But with the Germans U-boats turning their eyes to Britain’s waters, Dan’s job suddenly become more dangerous than ever before.

Suddenly there are troubled waters ahead for everyone at Harbour House and the future looks unsettling for everyone.

A gripping and authentic tale of courage, duty and bravery, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Patricia McBride and Rosie Clarke.

Praise for Fenella J Miller:

‘Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.’ Glynis Peters

‘Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller’s characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.’ Lizzie Lane

‘Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!’ Jean Fullerton

‘Loved every word of this book. Fenella is a great author and leaves her books with you wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next one.’ 5 star Reader Review!

The post Stormy Waters at Harbour House appeared first on Boldwood.

The war continues to touch everyone’s lives and loves on Blackberry Farm.

Cambridgeshire – 1943

As Spring blossoms, it seems love is in the air. 21-year-old, John Talbot dreams of a world not at war, where he can be a father to his young son Jonny and have a wife by his side. But is nurse Lucy Ross the woman for him?

When brothers Tom and John are recalled to active service, Artie is left to look after the farm. But tragedy strikes at the very heart of the family, when Arthur peacefully passes and John is reported missing in action. Pam, is left grief-stricken and fearing the worst with John lost at sea – has John’s luck finally run out?

Pam’s eldest Tom, returns home injured to convalesce and help a disgruntled Artie with the farm. But when the brothers become embroiled in a dreadful fight that could ruin several of the Talbot’s lives, it’s up to Tom to protect what they hold dear.

With an uncertain future there are trials and tribulations ahead for the Talbots in this continuing bestselling saga.

Perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Fenella J Miller and Patricia McBride

Have you tried Rosie Clarke’s Harpers Emporium, Dressmakers Alley or Mulberry Lane series – you’ll just love them!

Praise for Rosie Clarke:

rom tears to smiles. This book in fact the whole series had it all even emotion known. I had to read them back to back as Rosie Clarke books don’t read so well in bits. I love her books.’ – Reader Review

‘In totally in love with all the characters in BlackBerry farm, I can’t wait for the third instalment, hope it’s not too long to wait, I love the way you describe your characters. Thank you’ – Reader Review

‘Again Rosie Clarke has written another fabulous addition to this superb series. As like the previous books I came completely absorbed in the characters and the story from the first page. This is one of my absolute favourite war time saga series. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the other two books in this delightful series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’ – Reader Review

‘Speechless. Why am I surprised at another great book , with unpredictable storylines from Rosie CLARKE. Just as good as the Harpers and Mulberry Lane Series’ – Reader Review

‘What a brilliant book, I couldn’t put it down.’ – Reader Review

‘Just as good and Mulberry Lane. Thankful that I have another Rosie Clarke boxset to read. Equally as good and a page turner. Can’t wait to read the next one.’ – Reader Review

‘Gripping. Once I started reading this I found it hard to put down.’ – Reader Review

‘A fantastic read and cannot wait for the next instalment about BlackBerry Farm.’ – Reader Review

‘5.0 out of 5 stars plenty of action and well drawn characters in this opening to a new series. I loved this opening book in a new historical saga series and was quickly interested in the different family members who are introduced’ – Reader Review

Full of people whose lives intertwine , love ,loss heartbreak and strong wills .highly recommend it’ – Reader Review

‘Great read. I was born during WW2 and it brings back a lot of memories. Can’t wait for the next book Rosie Clarke is a great writer.’- Reader Review

The post Family Matters at Blackberry Farm appeared first on Boldwood.

War looms on the horizon…

Cleethorpes, 1939

With the country teetering on the brink of war everyone faces an uncertain future.

Destitute after the tragic death of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney and her family have no choice other than to accept the charity spiteful Aunt Iris to keep a roof over their heads.

Jessie is soon dreaming of a life filled music and excitement. How can Jessie escape the drudgery, support her family and pursue her dreams?

Through her father’s connections Jessie finds work as a Variety Girl in a small seaside theatre in Cleethorpes. But taking the job means flying solo and leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry behind.

Friendships are forged but will the glamour of show business lose its shine without those she loves close by?

A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.

If you love the Seaside Girls, have you tried Tracy’s Dockyard Girls series?

Praise for Tracy Baines:

‘Great story. I was right there from the first page and carried beautifully to the end. Couldn’t put it down from one drama to another. Loved it!’ – Reader Review

‘A charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite’. – Rosie Clarke

‘Brilliant book. Great story , can’t wait to continue reading next one, few sad bits but you know it’s going to come good’ – Reader Review

‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ – Fenella J Miller

‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ – Sheila Riley

‘An absorbing and poignant saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it…’ – Elaine Roberts

‘Terrific – beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story’ – Maisie Thomas

The post The Seaside Girls appeared first on Boldwood.

1916: As fighting in Europe continues, the Clarks Factory Girls find themselves caught in a divided community…

With the country in the grips of conscription, the pacifism at the heart of Street village comes under scrutiny, and when Kate befriends Gerald, a young Quaker arrested for refusing to fight, she starts to understand the true dilemma the community finds itself in.

Still grieving the loss of her sweetheart Mattie, Louisa finds herself at odds with her parents, who refused them the chance to marry. As her mother’s attempts to find Louisa a husband show no signs of abating, Louisa takes solace in her friendship with Jeannie’s brother Lucas, but could an unexpected opportunity offer a solution to both their problems?

Meanwhile, Jeannie finds herself torn between her heart and her faith. With each other’s help, can the girls hold true to what they believe in, even as the village enters its darkest days yet?

Join the readers who have fallen in love with May Ellis’s brilliant books:

‘If you like Annie Murray and Margaret Dickinson you will love this.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A fantastic historical fiction read, full of heartbreak and hope.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I enjoyed every bit of this book right from the start. The author has done a great job in this heartbreaking story. A new author for me.** Superb reading right to the end**.’ —Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A gripping and emotionally resonant novel that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘An amazing and sweet story of three girls trying to deal with their families at the beginning of WWI and learning to grow up’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘What a wonderful book telling the story about Clarks and the families that work for Clarks. Also what a great start to a series.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A truly wonderful story of what life was like for three young ladies working in the Clark’s factory during World War One.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The post Dark Times for the Clarks Factory Girls appeared first on Boldwood.

Set against the backdrop of The General Strike difficult lines have to be crossed…

Liverpool May 1926

Peggy and Dar Tenant’s dream for security and respectability has been their driving force since they married. Just as they prepare to buy their own home, tragedy strikes, when Dar is involved in a devastated accident at the docks and Peggy’s world crashes around her.

With Dar seriously ill in hospital Peggy’s reduced to scrimping and saving to keep a roof over her family’s head having to revisit the hardships of her youth that she dearly wanted to escape from.

As summer days turn to winter the overwhelming struggle begins to take its toll and Peggy is forced to swallow her pride, as the good people of Beamer Street come to her rescue. She also seeks help from her formidable sister, Violet, little knowing that Violet holds a dark secret that has cast a shadow over Peggy’s whole life.

Love, lies and recriminations will be uncovered as Peggy tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, and finally reconcile the shadows of her past?

The next thrilling instalment in Sheila Riley’s Beamer Street series.

Perfect for fans of Chrissie Walsh, Katie Flynn and Dilly Court.

If you love Sheila’s Beamer Street series, you’ll love Reckoners Row and the Dockside Saga series

Praise for Sheila Riley:

‘Couldn’t put it down. A fantastic read, not your ordinary story. Great characters and a feel good storyline. Looking forward to the next book’ – Reader Review

‘What a great read from this amazing author You don’t want to put this book down thouroly enjoyed it from start to finish’ – Reader Review

‘What a great read. Truly absorbed from beginning to end!’ – Reader Review

‘Loved how the characters were brought to life felt I was sitting having a cup of tea with them. Great page turner’ – Reader Review

Amazingly good read. I can’t put the book down, happy story with good people. This Lady Sheila Riley will go far ,such an awesome story teller. I hope you all enjoy her work as much as I do , amazing.’ – Reader Review

A powerful and totally absorbing family saga that is not to be missed. I turned the pages almost faster than I could read.’ – Carol Rivers

‘A fabulous story of twists and turns – a totally unputdownable, page turner that had me cheering on the characters. I loved it!’ – Rosie Hendry

‘A thoroughly enjoyable, powerful novel’ – Lyn Andrews

‘An enchanting, warm and deeply touching story’ Cathy Sharp

‘This author knows the Liverpool she writes about; masterly storytelling from a true Mersey Mistress.’ Lizzie Lane

The post Family Ties on Beamer Street appeared first on Boldwood.

As the war nears its end, the library girls rally for their community…

With London still in the grip of war, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane find themselves facing a new challenge. Determined to make a difference, the librarians band together to organise rent strikes, standing up against dirty landlords and unfair practices.

Meanwhile, with the arrival of American GIs in the East End, Cordelia is presented with a temptation too irresistible to bear. Should she follow her head or her heart – stay faithful to her beloved Robert fighting abroad, or enjoy the brief respite from the constant air raids and destruction?

As the women fight for what’s right, the promise of a better tomorrow begins to take shape. But will their efforts be enough to secure a better life for their community?

A stirring tale of courage and camaraderie, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Elaine Roberts, and Lesley Eames.

Praise for the Library Girls series

‘a compelling story of friendships and the hardships of war, with excellent sketches of the East End. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.’ Rosie Clarke

‘If you like Dee Williams‘ books about Silvertown and Rotherhithe, you’ll love Patricia’s Library Girls series.’ Lizzie Lane

‘I was hooked from page one. Rich in historical detail and with characters you feel you know… Highly recommended!’ Lynette Rees

‘A brilliant read – the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely … You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women’ Fran Smith

‘This took me to the east end of London during the blitz, so well written and researched. Great storytelling, very evocative.’ ★★★★★ Reader Review

‘I couldn’t put it down! The characters and their stories. It is well written and researched’ ★★★★★ Reader Review

‘Such a well written book like the ones before ,very readable and full of characters that are so believable.’ ★★★★★ Reader Review

The post A Better Tomorrow for the East End Library Girls appeared first on Boldwood.

London July 1939

Elizabeth Roby lives a content and privileged life in London with husband Jonathon and children, Emily and George. But with the outbreak of war, everything changes.

Jonathon informs his family that they have to move from their smart London home to the riverside town of Wivenhoe and their new home Harbour House, where Jonathon will do his duty for his country as part of the Admiralty at the shipyards.

But Elizabeth is devastated. How will she start a new life in a place she hardly knows, surrounded by strangers? And how will her children cope allowed to run wild in the countryside with urchins? Elizabeth is sure it will be a disaster!

But with the threat of German bombs hanging over London, she knows they must follow Jonathan and start a new life. Even if it means disaster for them as family.

Will the Roby family survive this turmoil? Or will Harbour House provide them with a second chance to start again?

A gripping and authentic tale of courage, duty and bravery, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Patricia McBride and Rosie Clarke.

Praise for Fenella J Miller:

‘Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.’ Glynis Peters

‘Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller’s characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.’ Lizzie Lane

‘Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!’ Jean Fullerton

‘Loved every word of this book. Fenella is a great author and leaves her books with you wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next one.’ 5 star Reader Review!

The post Wartime Arrivals at Harbour House appeared first on Boldwood.

London, 1918: war rages on, but the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop always have a place to feel safe.

Rosie Burrows loves being part of the Foyles team, and outwardly, she’s a happy young woman, engaged to the love of her life. But inside, Rosie faces a horrible dilemma. When Alfie enlisted, she promised to wait for him to return from France. And she has waited, quietly preparing for him to come home so they can marry. But for years her letters to him have gone unanswered, and now she doesn’t know where she stands.

To keep occupied, Rosie starts volunteering at the local school. She loves reading to the children, and takes solace in her growing friendship with the kind and gentle class teacher. But Rosie knows she can’t allow herself to develop feelings for Sam – she gave her word.

But why hasn’t Alfie answered her letters? Has he changed his mind about her? And how long should she wait for a man who may never come back?

Praise for Elaine Roberts

‘Elaine really put her heart and soul into creating this story and the historical facts were so well researched. Compulsive reading; I highly recommend this book‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book and found it very hard to put down‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I so loved this book, loved the characters and the story of friendship and family told around the tale of Foyles bookshop and the war. A real page turner‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The post The Foyles Bookshop Girls’ Promise appeared first on Boldwood.

Seven-year-old Lissie Fairweather is the apple of her father’s eye, but when a tragedy strikes their family, Lissie must make her own way in the world.

Dora Fairweather wasn’t cut out to be a wife and mother, and as soon as she’s able, she turns her back on her young daughter Lissie. With no parents to protect her, Lissie has no option but the dangerous streets of soot-sodden Bradford or the workhouse orphanage. Life in the orphanage is bleak and Lissie longs for the warm embrace of her beloved father.

As the years pass, Lissie learns to enjoy the camaraderie of the other girls in the workhouse, and when she’s taken under the wing of matron Connie Briggs, things begin to look up. A move to the seaside of Scarborough, friends and even love are finally within Lissie’s grasp.

But she can never forget her father, cobbler Tom Fairweather, and the terrible secret she has carried all these years. Can her heart ever truly be at peace unless she finally discovers his fate? And with the drumbeats of war on the horizon, what will be the fate of the lass who survived the workhouse…

Chrissie Walsh’s brilliant stories are perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Dilly Court and Kitty Neale.

What readers are saying about Chrissie Walsh:

‘Outstanding – laughs, tears, this book will give you it all!’

‘The** characters are so real** and you felt all their fears and happiness… True friendship saw them through very difficult times.’

‘I found myself totally involved in the lives of the main characters. When they laughed I laughed, when they cried, yes, I cried. The author definitely has a way of writing that really captures your heart.’

‘Chrissie certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story and then some. Chrissie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them… I love the way in which Chrissie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.’

The post The Workhouse Lass appeared first on Boldwood.