A compelling wartime drama from the author of The Street, perfect for fans of Pam Weaver and Kitty Neale. The Windmill Theatre was one of the most famous clubs of the 20th century. Its heyday was during WWII when it famously ‘never closed’ and it became famous for its ‘tasteful’ nude performances. Dawn is a pretty and feisty blonde. Losing her job as a chambermaid, she goes to work as a dancer at The Windmill Theatre. Despite refusing to appear on stage naked, Dawn is taken on and soon gets a glimpse of London’s dark and seductive underbelly. She meets Olive, Renee and Rosie, women all with their own secrets to bear. Each of them will be have to draw on their courage to survive, not just Hitler and his bombs, but by the life they have chosen and the men that they cannot escape…

The Windmill Girls

Following on from her bestselling historical fiction The Woolworths Girls, Christmas at Woolworths is the heartfelt second book in Elaine Everest's Woolworths series. Even though there was a war on, the Woolworths girls brought Christmas cheer to their customers. Best friends Sarah, Maisie and Freda are brought together by their jobs at Woolworths. With their loved ones away on the front line, their bonds of friendship strengthen each day. Betty Billington is the manager at Woolworths, and a rock for the girls, having given up on love . . . Until a mysterious stranger turns up one day – could he reignite a spark in Betty? As the year draws to a close, and Christmas approaches, the girls must rely on each other to navigate the dark days that lie ahead . . . With so much change, can their friendship survive the war?

Woolworths

Christmas at Woolworths

Step into the world of Dilly Court and uncover her utterly heartwarming and emotional historical romance!Clinging tightly to the penny in her palm, Flora’s fortune was about to change… Flora is forever grateful for the day the Stewart family rescued her from her life of poverty on London’s streets. Adopted as one of their own, she shed her rags and was finally given a place to call home. When a twist of fate calls her back to the cobbles, Flora’s new life is torn apart. Flora must make her own way if she is ever to find where she truly belongs… From the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Rockwood Chronicles comes an emotional and captivating fireside read about finding home in the most unlikely places. Don't miss Dilly Court's next captivating novel, coming October 2024 – available to pre-order now! Readers LOVE Dilly Court!'Another truly special book from Dilly. Warm and touching, with friendship and romance in the mix' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'There is a great selection of characters, so vividly depicted. It was lovely to see characters from the Rockwood series!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another brilliant family saga by this brilliant author. Read this book in one sitting' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'There were some characters that make an appearance from previous books…another fabulous read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Brilliant plot, fantastic characters and the best out there for books of this genre' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The Lucky Penny was just a lovely read and I read it in one day. Love the story of Flora' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Dilly Court is one of my go-to authors…no matter what the story is about, I know I won't be disappointed' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another superb historical saga which grabs you from the very first page. This is so good I just couldn’t put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I did not want this book to end… [Dilly] draws you into the lives of the characters so effortlessly' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another fantastic book from Dilly Court. An easy 5*' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Rockwood Chronicles

The Lucky Penny

‘An unimaginably suspenseful thriller, with twist after twist’ Heat‘A gripping thriller . . . Highly recommended’ C.S. GreenDon’t miss R.M. Ward’s latest thriller, THE GIRL WHO VANISHED She should have been safe…But she never came home. Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work. They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound. But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina – now she might be the only one who can bring her home. Unputdownable psychological suspense for fans of K.L. Slater, Shalini Boland and Louise Jensen. Readers are GRIPPED by Safe With You ‘I thought I knew what the outcome was going to be I couldn’t have been more wrong. This is an exceptional thriller’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I could not put it down until I finished the last page!!! Original storyline, lots of intrigue, twists, and turns (I could not guess the ending). I devoured this.‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Twisty and unpredictable this book was gripping and let me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A gripping, unputdownable read that I devoured in a single afternoon’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Totally gripping suspense with lots of twists and turns truly enjoyed totally recommend’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘So many unexpected and explosive twists and stunning cliff hangers kept me glued to these pages. I sped through it unable to put it down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Safe With You

Meet Margaret Small: 75, plain spoken, Whitstable native and a Cilla Black super fan. Shortly after the death of her idol, Margaret begins receiving sums of money in the post, signed simply 'C'. She is convinced it must be Cilla, but how can it be? To solve the mystery of her benefactor Margaret must go back in her memories almost 70 years, to the time when she was 'vanished' to a long-stay institution for children with learning disabilities. An absorbing and page-turning mystery with a dual timeline, The Vanishing of Margaret Small takes readers into a fascinating past, and introduces an unforgettable literary heroine. Perfect for fans of Libby Page and Gail Honeyman.

The Vanishing of Margaret Small

Don’t miss the fourth book in the heartwarming six-part series from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Dilly Court!Left on the steps of an orphanage when she was just days old, Nancy Sunday was brought up in hardship – until the kindly Rosalind Carey took her in. Now eighteen years old, Nancy is an adopted member of the Carey family. But she can’t help wondering who her parents really were… When Nancy is sent away to finishing school, she finds herself in the midst of London society. There she meets Freddie Ashton – kind and warm-hearted, he might just be the man of Nancy’s dreams. But she knows his wealthy parents would never let him marry a penniless foundling. And she has also caught the eye of another man – the charming and dangerous Gervase North, who has reasons of his own for discovering Nancy’s parentage. Will Nancy ever find where she truly belongs?

Sunday’s Child

Christmas with the Teashop Girls is a heartwarming and moving story of wartime love, bravery and hope, by the bestselling author of the Woolworths series, Elaine Everest. It is late 1940 and the war feels closer to home than ever for Rose Neville and her staff at the Lyon’s Teashop in Margate. The worry of rationing hangs overhead as the Nippies do their best to provide a happy smile and a hot cup of tea for their customers. When a heavy bombing raid targets the Kent coastline, Lyon’s is badly hit, throwing the future of the cafe into jeopardy. The light in Rose’s life is her dashing fiancé Capt. Ben Hargreaves and planning their Christmas Eve wedding. But she must also plan to take two new step-daughters into her life and get on the right side of her wealthy mother-in-law, Lady Diana. Is Rose ready to become a mother so soon? When Rose’s half-sister Eileen makes contact, it seems that Rose’s dreams of having a sibling are coming true at long last. But her friends begin to suspect that something is not right between Eileen and her husband: just what are they hiding? As the Christmas Eve wedding draws near, the bombings intensify in Kent and London, putting everything and everyone Rose loves in danger. Only one thing is for sure: it will be a Christmas she never forgets . . .

Teashop Girls

Christmas with the Teashop Girls

July 1947. Britain is still gripped by rationing, even as the excitement of Princess Elizabeth’s engagement sweeps the nation. In the Woolworths’ canteen, Freda is still dreaming of meeting her own Prince Charming. So far she’s been unlucky in love. When she has an accident on her motorbike, knocking a cyclist off his bicycle, it seems bad luck is still following her around. Anthony is not only a fellow Woolworths employee but was an Olympic hopeful. Will his injured leg heal in time for him to compete? Can he ever forgive Freda? Sarah's idyllic family life is under threat with worries about her husband, Alan. Does he still love her? The friends must rally round to face some of the toughest challenges of their lives together. And although they experience loss, hardship and shocks along the way, love is on the horizon for the Woolworths girls . . . Wedding Bells for Woolworths is the fifth instalment in Elaine Everest's much-loved Woolworths series.

Wedding Bells for Woolworths

DI Kate Burrows thought she'd never face a killer like the Grantley Ripper again. But she was wrong. One by one, children are being abandoned. Thankfully, they're rescued from harm. Then one victim is not so lucky, and Kate knows she's in a race against time to save lives. As a parent herself, Kate's finding the case tough and she needs the support of her lover, Patrick Kelly, more than ever. But Patrick's got problems of his own... (P)2012 Headline Digital

Broken

London's East End. Life for Hope Daniels in the public house run by her parents is not as it seems. Pa drinks and gambles, brother John longs for a place of his own, sister Violet dreams of a life on stage and little Alfie is being bullied at school. Silas Quirk, the charismatic owner of a local gentlemen's club and disreputable gambling den her father frequents, has his own plans for Hope. When disaster strikes the family lose everything and the future they planned is snatched away from them. Secrets are revealed that make Hope question all she's ever believed in. Can Hope keep them together when fate is pulling them apart? What will she sacrifice to save her family?

A Girl Called Hope

Jane Hadley has nothing to lose when she runs away to join the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Whatever faces her in war-torn London can't be any worse than staying at home with her abusive father. The city is nothing like she could have imagined, but she's soon on the move, travelling from base to base for her top-secret training. Making plenty of friends along the way, it doesn't take long for Jane to embrace her growing confidence - especially under the attentive eye of dashing Officer Oscar Stanton. But when Jane's father tracks her down, her life crashes to a halt. Jane will need all her strength to find her way back to the frontline and the man she loves.

Girls in Blue

The Girls in Blue

Thrilling, dangerous and compulsive, Avenged is perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers. You make a deal with the devil; you pay your dues… Franny Doyle has always known that her father Patrick has been up to no good. After all you don’t become one of London’s number one gangsters without ruffling a few feathers along the way. Still, she adores her dad and she knows that he would lay down his life for her – she is his number one girl and he has taught her everything she knows. But when something terrible happens to Patrick, Franny realises that he has some very dangerous enemies. Delving into Patrick’s past, Franny becomes involved in a high-stakes game. She’s not afraid. Patrick has taught her to be a fighter and she’s determined to make him proud, even if it means paying the ultimate price – her own life.

AVENGED

He’s her son, but he’s no good. How far will she go for him? Not all sons make their mother proud… June Dawson has come a long way from her rough East End background. She now lives in a nice little cul-de-sac in Rainham with her ultra-respectable husband and a lovely social life. But her world collapses when daughter Debbie announces that she is pregnant by her low-life drug addict boyfriend, Billy McDaid. June feels as though she is being sucked back into the world of villains and thugs she thought she had escaped forever. But worse is yet to come. The baby – doted on by his violent and feckless dad – grows into the child from hell. He is mean, sadistic and out of control. Suddenly, the family is not just in crisis. It is in meltdown.

Born Evil

A heartwarming and gripping novel from No. 1Sunday Times bestselling author, Dilly Court.Clara held onto the precious button, glimmering like a jewel in the dark alleyways of London’s notorious Seven Dials. She needed to save her family… but who was going to save her? There was a time when the Carter sisters’ father was their hero. Now he’s a drunk who’s gambled away everything they had and put them all in peril. It's on Clara's shoulders to save the four sisters from destitution. Clutching her precious button box, the only thing of value they have left, Clara dreams of starting a shop that could put a roof over their heads and keep them safe… But in debt to the terrifying Patches Braggs, leader of one of the East End's roughest gangs, Clara is in fear for her life. When a mysterious benefactor seems to offer an escape, Clara realizes too late that it comes at a terrible price… Cheated, abandoned and alone – can Clara save her family and hold onto her dreams?

The Button Box

It’s Sarah and her brother against the world… She'll do anything to save her brother… but is it too late?When Sarah Jepson’s mother Annie dies, Sarah is left with her little brother Tommy to care for. Alone in the world, the two of them must make a life for themselves in the wake of the terrible upbringing they have endured. But when Tommy is struck down by illness, Sarah’s new life collapses. Lost in grief, she turns to the handsome Roger to save her – only to find that he is not who he seems… Waiting in the wings is George – kind, but brutally scarred, Sarah’s never seen him as anything more than a friend. But could all that be about to change? The Sunday Times bestseller is back in a heartbreaking, moving tale of triumph against all the odds. Praise for A Sister's Sorrow:'Totally addictive… So easy to relate to and the characters are so real and believable.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wow, I could not put this down.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Never disappointed in [Kitty's] books. Excellent story.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I was devastated when I finished the book because I just wanted it to go on forever. It is a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story. I laughed and cried whilst reading it. I highly recommend this book, absolutely fantastic.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'What a fantastic book, it really tells the story so that you feel like you're there with them.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Sister’s Sorrow

Theirs was a friendship that would last a lifetime . . . The second novel in the East End Angel series, following Bella, Winnie and Frankie and their lives as members of Station Seventy-Five's ambulance crew. London, 1941. The East End Angels - Frankie, Bella and Winnie - are settled into life as ambulance crew members at LAAS Station Seventy-Five. The threat of air raids and other atrocities are a constant worry, but life continues regardless and the weight of responsibility weighs heavy on each of them. Frankie's grandfather is unwell and she promised him she would always look after Ivy, her step-grandmother, but things between the two women are becoming increasingly strained. And then Frankie discovers something that turns everything she thought she knew about herself on its head. Winnie's natural leadership puts her at the forefront at the station and she's soon making the difficult decisions on call-outs. As she is exposed to a higher level of war and destruction, she begins to wonder how much more London can take - and how much more can she take? Bella is beginning to drive the ambulances, she is growing closer to James and her love for writing is opening up new doors for her. Then she receives devastating news about someone close to her and things begin to unravel. Life and war may keep testing the angels but love will always find a way to shine and the strength of their friendship will see them through the darkest of times.

East End Angels

Secrets of the East End Angels

Meet The East End Angels, the newest members of Station Seventy-Five's ambulance crew Strong-willed Winnie loves being part of the crew at Station Seventy-Five but her parents are less than happy. She has managed to avoid their pleas to join the WRENS so far but when a tragedy hits too close to home she finds herself wondering if she's cut out for this life after all. Former housemaid Bella was forced to leave the place she loved when she lost it all and it's taken her a while to find somewhere else to call home. She's finally starting to build a new life but when the air raids begin, it seems she may have to start over once again. East-Ender Frankie's sense of loyalty keeps her tied to home so it's not easy for her to stay focused at work. With her head and heart pulling in different directions, will she find the strength to come through for her friends when they need her the most? Brought together at LAAS Station Seventy-Five in London's East End during 1940, these three very different women soon realise that they'll need each other if they're to get through the days ahead. But can the ties of friendship, love and family all remain unbroken?

Rowan Forrester has it all – the happy marriage, the adorable dog, the good friends, the promising business and even the dream home after she and her husband Tom win a stunning but slightly dilapidated Georgian townhouse in London at auction. But in the blink of an eye, Rowan's picture-perfect life comes crashing down around her and she is faced with the prospect of having to start again. To make ends meet she begins a search for housemates, and in doing so opens the door to new friends and new beginnings. But could she be opening the door to new heartbreak too?

Magnolia House

The heart-racing new gangland thriller from bestselling author Jacqui Rose. Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers’ Queenie and Martina Cole. AS THE OLD SAYING GOES… Franny Doyle has one thing in common with Wan Huang, head of the notorious Triads gang: they both want Vaughn Sadler six feet under. KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE When Harry Jacobs brings Vaughn into his business and his fold, his life is protected – for now. AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER But when Franny finds out the truth about Wan and Harry’s dark dealings, all hell breaks loose in Soho. And Vaughn is the key to helping Franny with the score she now has to settle Together with Alfie Jennings, they were once a formidable trio. But can bitter enemies once again become allies? Because in a life of crime – no one lets bygones be bygones… THREE GANGSTERS. TWO FUNERALS. ONE LAST OPPORTUNITY FOR REVENGE.

Rival

In CLOSE by Sunday Times No.1 bestseller Martina Cole, women are strong, resilient and vengeful. When these ladies know what they want, nothing gets in their way. The 'undisputed queen of crime writing' (Guardian), Martina's unique, powerful storytelling will appeal to fans of Karin Slaughter and Patricia Cornwell. Patrick Brodie knows exactly how far he's prepared to go to get what he wants. And he wants it all. Now. Before long, Patrick has become a legend in his own lifetime. Violently. Lily Diamond is different from the kind of woman Patrick is normally attracted to. But together they are determined that their children will have everything they didn't. Until the unthinkable happens and Lily is left on her own to look after their family in a dangerous world. The Brodies must stay close to survive. But as everyone knows, your sins will find you out. (P)2017 Headline Publishing Group Limited

Close

The No.1 Sunday Times bestselling book!The second book in the dramatic new Village Secrets trilogy from the Sunday Times bestselling author – the perfect, uplifting book to curl up with. It was her wedding day… the roses and bluebells were blooming and their sweet-scent was filling the air, so why did Daisy feel the cold fingers of fear run down her spine? Spring in the village, April 1869 It’s spring in Little Creek and wedding bells are ringing. After their hasty marriage the Christmas before, Daisy is overjoyed to be finally marrying dashing Jay properly, in front of the whole village. But then, on the evening of their wedding, amid the festivities, Jay disappears. Daisy doesn’t know if Jay is dead or alive, if she’s his wife or his widow. And what’s more, without her husband, she has no means of supporting herself or her household. Refusing to give up hope, Daisy must draw on all her strength and courage – after all, she has people who depend on her. But the secret of Jay's disappearance is more scandalous that she could have ever imagined… Don’t miss the latest spellbinding story from Dilly Court – the sequel to The Christmas Wedding!

The Village Secrets

A Village Scandal

The heart-racing new gangland thriller from bestselling author Jacqui Rose. Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers’ The Sting and Martina Cole. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE YOU SHOULD NEVER CROSS In a life of crime, loyalty means everything – even if you don’t always see eye to eye. But when Vaughn Sadler speaks up to get Franny Doyle sent down, he’s broken every rule in the book to win checkmate. AND OTHERS YOU SHOULDN’T UNDERESTIMATE… Holed up in prison, Franny has more than one score to settle – but she’s starting with Vaughn. Because you don’t grass on your own, no matter what. And though she may be behind bars, she will get revenge – whatever the cost. Before, there was just bad blood running through her veins. But now, there is poison…

Poison

THE TAKE by No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Martina Cole won the British Book Award for best Crime Thriller of the Year and was adapted for television with an all-star cast including Tom Hardy, Brian Cox and Charlotte Riley. 'Martina tells it like it really is' - Sun. In this family, if you want something, you take it. Fresh out of prison, Freddie Jackson wants to rule the underworld. His wife Jackie wants her husband back and in her bed only. Jackie's sister Maggie wants to be with Jimmy, Freddie's cousin. And Jimmy has big gangland ambitions of his own. Everyone in the Jackson family wants something. And there's no such thing as loyalty. (P)2012 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

The Take

Looking back, Nick Leary couldn't say exactly what kept him awake that night. He'd had a lot on his mind; perhaps he'd been thinking about the 'respectable' Essex business that he ran, or about his two young sons sleeping in the room next door. Or was it simply the sound of his beautiful wife's steady breathing beside him . . . Whatever it was, he was awake when he heard someone's footsteps downstairs, and Nick's instinct was to fight. It had always been that way, to protect the things he treasured most: his family, his privacy, his reputation. He'd grafted for these things all his life and no one was going to jeopardise them now. Unless, of course, Nick's instinct is wrong, and what happens this time is the start of something even he cannot stop . . . (P)2012 Headline Digital

The Graft

The brand-new unforgettable romance saga from the No.1 bestselling author London was her home. It seemed impossible that she had grown up in the city without ever noticing the huge differences between those who had money and those who had next to nothing. East-End London, 1858. In London's twisting streets, it's hard to tell friend from foe. And for Katherine Martin, arriving back in London after years away, the city is far crueller than she remembers. Her eyes opened to the plight of London's poor, Kate is determined to do what she can to help – even if it means defying her parents. In secret, she opens a soup kitchen. But there is a world of criminals within London's poorest alleys. Catching the notice of Harry Trader and his gang, Kate is out of her depth. Until she begins to discover that her true enemies might not be who she thought . . . The Sunday Times No.2 bestseller for the w/e 06/02/2021

The Reluctant Heiress

Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can't take another day of her father's cruelty.Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother's sad death, or that's what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold.Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he's happy to take her under his wing.As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can't bear the thought that she might lose her only friend - forever...The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

The Pick-Pocket Orphans (Unabridged)

Verity Templeton, 18 and fiercely independent, travels to London with her aunt for the season. During a weekend with her friend Charlotte Huntington-Smythe an encounter with Charlotte's brother shows her another side of the family. Then she meets Brandon Summerville, the handsome, arrogant, wealthy man about town Charlotte is in love with. Will she be able to resist his obvious charm? When a secret from the past turns her life upside down she doubts everything she's believed in. Her fight to find the truth brings more heartache. Can she forgive or will it destroy her hopes for future happiness? Meanwhile, Lawrence Fitzroy contemplates his own future and things get worse for Daisy Carter, the hotel housekeeper, when a new Under Manager is appointed. Can Daisy keep control of her staff, or will an errant maid's wilfulness be her undoing?

A Troubled Heart

The best days of your life might be still to come... When 73 year old Jen announces that she is going to marry Eddie, a man she met just a few months previously on a beach on Boxing Day, her four best friends from aqua aerobics are flabbergasted. The wedding is booked and, when the groom decides to have a stag trip to Las Vegas, the ladies arrange a hen party to beat all others -a week in the city of love, Paris. From misadventures at the Louvre, outrageous Parisian cabarets, to drinking champagne with a dashing millionaire at the casino, Paris lives up to all their hopes and dreams. But a week can change everything, and the women that come home have very different dreams from the ones who got on the plane just days ago. Funny, fearless and with a joie de vivre that reminds you to live every day like it's your last. Judy Leigh has once again written the perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Cathy Hopkins, Dawn French and Fiona GibsonPraise for Judy Leigh's books: 'Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting' Miranda Dickinson'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life... a wonderful escapade' Fiona Gibson, bestselling author of The Woman Who Upped and LeftWhat readers are saying about Five French Hens 'It was laugh out loud funny at times and I would definitely recommend giving it a go.' 'highly amusing and gives her characters depth and feeling.' 'very enjoyable novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.' 'The story was great fun, covered each of the ladies in depth, and was very well-written. I loved it and would highly recommend it.' 'their transformation was absolutely awe-inspiring.' 'I enjoyed every bit of the story!' 'This book has a little bit of everything, romance, humor, and suspense' 'this book is a delightful, poignant read - one that reminds readers that life doesn't end when you reach a certain age - in fact, it just gets better.'

Five French Hens - A Warm And Uplifting Feel-Good Novel For 2020 (Unabridged)

A new standalone novel from the bestselling author Rosie Clarke. Maggie Bailey has not had an easy childhood. Her father, Michael, always too easy with his fists after spending the family's rent money down the pub. Just sixteen, in love and blinded by promises, Maggie sees marriage to handsome Jack as her great escape. However, she soon finds herself abandoned with a beautiful baby when Jack disappears. Maggie is forced to seek a new life away from the East End of London and finds herself a job at a hotel in Eastbourne. Here she must learn to fend for herself and also accept a shocking discovery that she was fostered as a babe and nothing is known of her real parents. Her employer, Aunt Beth, is kind and her life improves - but Maggie makes one mistake after another and, eventually, they lead to a terrible tragedy that will bring her to the point of no return. Will Maggie ever find true happiness and discover the secret of her birth?

A Mother's Shame (Unabridged)

When Charity Browne arrives at The Fitzroy Hotel on her way to a country house party, she knows there's more to the invitation than a weekend of revelry. She's old enough to be married and her family are hoping for a good match. Sparks fly when she collides with dashing Jack Carter, the hotel housekeeper's disreputable brother. A visit to a home for waifs and strays makes Charity question her values. Her attempt to help a small, mute boy she sees there leads her to attractive and worthy Dr Adam Radcliffe. Together they uncover a web of deceit, betrayal and lies surrounding the boy's family. Fate unites Jack and Charity in a quest to save the boy from unimaginable evil. Will Charity fall for Jack's mesmerising charm, or will Adam's selfless compassion capture her heart?

Fitzroy Hotel

A Heart Full of Hope

Don’t miss the next utterly romantic historical saga from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Dilly Court!She ran along the snow-covered cobbles, gripping her sewing box – fate in her hands… Living hand to mouth ever since her mother’s tragic death, Amelia sells the last of her treasured possessions to avoid being cast out of her home onto London’s streets. Her estranged grandfather unexpectedly bequeaths a small, struggling factory making mourning dresses and Amelia dares to dream… Drawing sketches by candlelight, she longs to sew elegant gowns from fine silks and beautiful ribbons for the rich. As the cold winter wind begins to bite, Amelia’s future hangs by a thread – can she keep her hopes alive? Readers LOVE A Thimble for Christmas!‘Love the author loved the book. Family saga at its best’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved it from cover to cover, and I didn't want it to end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A wonderful book by my favourite author Dilly Court, I absolutely adore her style of writing and the rich and warm characters that are interwoven into the story’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I'm a huge Dilly Court fan, and I've yet to read a book of hers that disappoints’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Really enjoyed it and read it right through on this windy and wet Sunday’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heart-warming historical drama, full of ups and downs and full of lively and interesting characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another great read from Dilly Court, I was unable to put it down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dilly’s novel Sunday’s Child hit #1 in the Sunday Times bestselling charts the w/e 25th June 2022

A Thimble for Christmas

May, 1910. The village of Oystertown is home to those who make their living from the sea. Yet social circles soon extend beyond the harbour, when a boating disaster brings Janna Shilling and her family into contact with the aristocratic Layards who own a mansion just outside of town. Recently arrived in town are the Picards, who lead a bohemian existence, their family home a disused windmill. An artist, Pascal has settled in the small fishing village because of its extraordinary light. Meanwhile, his children Marietta and Daniel become friendly with the Shilling and Layard families, and love soon blossoms in the most unlikely of places. When news of the king's death sends shockwaves through the country, each of these families will bravely face the turning tides of history. As powerful forces in Europe lurch towards a war, their lives will be changed forever...

The Oyster Girl

'Intriguing, enchanting, soulful … A book of timeless beauty' Elif ShafakIncludes an 'In Conversation' with the author and Sandi Toksvig. Onstage at a Las Vegas convention, Elo Ó hAllmhuráin, a worldfamous tech magnate, demonstrates a time machine, catapulting himself and journalist Dory Silver into the distant future. Stranded and desperate to get home to her dying partner, Dory is forced to re-examine the past. Time/Life is a love letter to science fiction rooted in a very real present of rising populism and the unintended consequences of technology. Above all, it is a powerful meditation on the nature of love itself. * * * * 'Multiplexly brilliant, intricately fascinating, harrowingly emotional fiction, sprung from this century’s first and possibly final quarter' William Gibson, author of Neuromancer 'Mayer’s reimagining of H.G. Wells’ Time Machine is a profoundly moving exploration of loss and love. Time/Life delivers a wild blend of unreality with chilling elements that are all too real' Bee Rowlatt, author of In Search of Mary and One Woman Crime Wave 'Mayer’s genre-bending riff on H.G. Wells is as clever as it is poignant. A dark and sharply contemporary pleasure' Luke Jennings, author of the Villanelle series (the basis for Killing Eve) 'Catherine Mayer’s unique and prescient Time/Life playfully repurposes H.G. Wells’s The Time Machine for the post-truth generation, creating and recreating worlds like a computer game. Yet it is also a devastating meditation on grief and the ephemeral quality of time. It might make you cry but it will also make you laugh' Elizabeth Fremantle, bestselling author of Queen’s Gambit (made into the movie Firebrand) * * * * Praise for Catherine Mayer 'Beautiful, incredibly moving and unexpectedly comforting' Marian Keyes ‘Breathtaking, heartbreaking and also full of love and hope, what a journey this book takes us on – with love, time travel and a toxic tech magnate’ Sandi Toksvig

Time/Life

Maura Ryan was the queen of the criminal underworld when she pulled off the most audacious gold bullion robbery of all time. Since then she's retired from a life of crime to be with the only man she's ever loved. But enemies from her past are closing in and they're about to learn that they should never cross Maura Ryan. The dangerous lady is back and she's as lethal as ever . . . MAURA'S GAME is an explosive novel of East End violence and corruption from one of the most original voices in fiction. (P)2012 Headline Digital

Maura's Game

In the sixties, Briony Cavanagh ran a string of the most notorious brothels in London. Only Briony knew what went on behind those doors, and she never opened her mouth - unless she stood to benefit. Only Briony knew the painful road she'd travelled to get there. From an impoverished childhood that ended with shocking betrayal, she was determined to be mistress of her own fate. But along with success came risk and danger. And the Goodnight Lady had her own secret place that was always shadowed by loss. (P)2012 Headline Digital

Goodnight Lady

DANGEROUS LADY is the iconic first novel by Sunday Times No.1 bestseller Martina Cole which catapulted her to fame and made her the 'undisputed queen of crime writing' (Guardian). This audio edition contains a bonus interview between author and narrator and is a must for fans old and new, and readers of Patricia Cornwell and Karin Slaughter. Maura, the Ryan clan's youngest and only daughter, is the last person anyone expects to take on gangland London. But with her eldest brother Michael by her side she fast becomes the queen of organised crime. Smart, tough and beautiful, no one is a match for her. But with power comes a price, and Maura is forced to put her heart on the line. She might be a dangerous lady but everyone has a weakness... SPECIAL FEATURE: Martina Cole chats with Annie Aldington, who narrates her audiobooks about their favourite characters, books and the world of Martina's novels to celebrate the 25th anniversary of DANGEROUS LADY. (P)2012 Headline Publishing Group Limited

Dangerous Lady

George Markham has a nasty little hobby, one that erupts into an orgy of vicious sexual depravity. Patrick Kelly is a hard man. His one soft spot is his daughter, and when she falls victim to the Grantley Ripper, Kelly wants revenge. The DI in charge of the case is Kate Burrows. She feels for Kelly but her growing involvement with a known villain is putting her career at risk . . . As the forces of law and order and London's underworld converge in a huge manhunt, Kate fears she'll lose everything she's ever cared about . . . to the ladykiller. (P)2012 Headline Digital

The Ladykiller

London 1941. Sirens warn of danger as German bomber planes approach the city. Ever cautious, Kathy and her mother head immediately for the nearest public air raid shelter and when the building is destroyed in a direct hit, it is a miracle Kathy survives. Finding herself alone, Kathy is left with nothing but a burning fury and a determination to join the war effort. Assigned as a secretary to the enigmatic Commander Evans, Kathy throws herself into war work. But the commander has frequent unexplained absences, and Kathy longs to discover the secrets of his intelligence missions.

Friends and Enemies

Banished from her father's home, wheelchair-bound Esther Kerral is horrified when he forces her into an arranged marriage with Morgan Cosmore, the son of a local factory owner. Both fathers hope the union will save their ailing businesses; little do they know that each is as bankrupt as the other. Poor Esther must struggle as best she can not only to survive a loveless marriage, but also to build up a business of her own in a man's world.

A Handful of Silver

A heartwarming novel from Dilly Court, the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller. With the fate of her family in her hands, Rose has to make a terrible choice. Be thrown onto the streets without a penny to her name, or watch her loved ones fall into ruin . . . Rose is keeping a dreadful secret, and too scared to ask her strict father for help, it’s down to her to keep her brother from the hangman’s noose – whatever it takes. Her innocent sister Cora is on a different road to ruin, bewitched by a handsome cad whose intentions are anything but gallant. When Rose’s father discovers that his children have disgraced his name he turns them onto the street. Penniless, homeless and with the noose tightening, Rose must rescue her brother and keep her sister from the streets, even if it means putting herself in the most terrible danger . . .

Ragged Rose

The perfect heartwarming romance for Christmas, rich in historical detail. She turned the picture of the Christmas card over with her frozen hands, a pretty picture of a family gathering at Yuletide. How different from her own life; stiff with cold on the icy cobbles, aching for shelter . . . When her father dies leaving Alice and her ailing mother with only his debts, the two grieving women are forced to rely on the begrudging charity of cruel Aunt Jane. Determined to rid herself of an expensive responsibility, Jane tries forcing Alice into a monstrous marriage. And when Alice refuses, she is sent to work in a grand house to earn her keep. Finding herself in sole charge of the untameable and spoilt young miss of the house, Alice’s only ally is handsome Uncle Rory, who discovers that Alice has talents beyond those of a mere servant. But when someone sets out to destroy her reputation, Alice can only pray for a little of that Christmas spirit to save her from ruin . . .

The Christmas Card

London, June 1942. The bombs are falling, the music plays on, but can the Good Time Girls keep dancing? Everything has finally fallen into place for Renee. So when vicar Roger asks her to support a new dance hall, it should be a great way to give back to the community. Except Renee has a terrible secret she is holding onto. One that Roger can never know about... Nancy will keep Renee's secret. But she's got her own problems: handsome GI Jack has turned her head, and the American soldiers are causing a stir. Temperance has made a new friend - but now that she has someone who can understand the challenges she faces, will her relationship with Archie survive? All Violet wants is to spend every minute with her precious baby Eamon. But with her sweetheart dead and cruel gossips making life a misery for her and her mixed-race son, will she be able to weather the hostility she's forced to face every day? Things have never been so tough for the Good Time Girls, but they'll get through it as long as they have each other... An absolutely gripping and heart-warming wartime saga about the power of love and friendship. Perfect for fans of Pam Howes, Vicki Beeby and Nancy Revell.

The Good Time Girls Series

Hope for The Good Time Girls

As if everyday life in London's slums wasn't hard enough for Jane Roberts and her three children, the day that ne'er-do-well husband Bert walks out on his family as rent day draws near is a particularly dark time. In the wake of his desertion, the family pull together to find their way forward, and Jane takes the steps she needs to get a divorce and free them all from Bert in the future. With help from a neighbour who is not all she seems, a lucky break and fresh opportunities, the road ahead starts to look more promising. But will Bert wreck the new start the Roberts family have their sights set on?

From This Day Forward

London, 1912. Twins Lester and Lillia Holdsworth are destined for the stage. Lester is a brilliant pianist; Lillia a magnificent opera singer. But their father has other ideas. Lester is sent to a military academy, while Lillia must marry Lord Dalton – a self righteous, pompous friend of her father's looking for a young wife to give him an heir. Yet their plans to defy their father's wishes are put on hold when war breaks out in 1914. Suddenly Lester is flying planes for the RFC and Lillia trains as a nurse. For both twins, the fighting brings hardships and difficult choices. They wait in hope, like the rest of Europe, for the war to end and the music to start again.

When the Music Stopped

The first in a stunning new series from Sunday Times bestseller, Dilly Court London, 1854: twenty-year-old Essie Chapman lives with her father in poverty stricken Limehouse, working on the river as a boatman. Her life seems set before her, never to leave this part of London and forever at her father’s beck and call. Then, one night, she must transport a mysterious man from a foreign ship to the banks of the Thames, a man who ends up renting a room in Essie’s house, identifying himself only as ‘Raven’. When curiosity gets the better of her, Essie follows him and unwittingly becomes involved in something far greater than she could ever have guessed. Finding herself on a ship bound for the penal colonies in Australia with Raven and his cousin Alice, this is only the start of a remarkable journey taking her to the other side of the world and back again…

The River Maid

London, 1910. Lily is ten years old when she realises her grandmother, a washerwoman, is seriously ill. She's determined to do what she can to help and keep her grandmother's illness a secret – even from her beloved twin, Artie. When tragedy strikes and the twins are faced with the prospect of a workhouse or an orphanage, a benefactor offers to take Artie in and educate him. All Artie's needs will be taken care of – but the gentleman has no use for a girl. As the orphan twins grow up and take different paths, their new lives are beyond anything they could have imagined. Will they ever find a way to be together again?

The Orphan Twins

Don’t miss the next heartwarming novel in the Rockwood series from No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Dilly Court!‘I foresee happiness for you, Nancy. I hear bells and I see snow, and your heart’s desire comes true’ A chance encounter brings Nancy Sunday to the streets of London, where she finds herself amongst a band of street urchins. Her heart may have been broken by love but it’s big enough to help those less fortunate than herself, and Nancy takes these unloved orphans in – but when one of them is accused of a serious crime, the neighbourhood turns against her. The colder the cruel grip of winter grows, the more mouths she finds herself having to feed. Can Nancy’s good heart and strength bring them all through? Dilly’s novel Sunday’s Child hit #1 in the Sunday Times bestselling charts the w/e 25th June 2022.

Snow Bride

Beautiful, dark-haired Lily has been abandoned in a Birmingham slum as a tiny child. With few clues as to her identity she endures a childhood of loneliness and loss. At eighteen she applies for a post as nanny with the family of a Captain Fairford, a soldier in Ambala, north India and his highly strung wife Susan. Lily is drawn into the emotional life of the Fairford family and adores her charge, two year old Cosmo. When, in 1907, Captain Fairford orders a new Daimler car, it is brought out by a young motor mechanic, Sam Ironside. Sam and Lily fall deeply in love, and it is only later that Lily learns that Sam is married and feels utterly betrayed. When Cosmo is later sent home to school, Lily finds another post with a Dr. McBride and his invalid wife, in a beautiful Himalayan hill station. The place is idyllic, and Lily settles for a quiet life. However, she is unprepared for the pain and misunderstandings that follow and force her to run from everything she has known . . . Where Earth Meets Sky by Annie Murray, and read by Annie Aldington, takes us from Edwardian England and the British Raj, through the darkness of the Great War to the glamour of Brooklands Race Track in the 1920s. Spanning two continents, it is a story of enduring friendships and two hearts which cannot be kept apart.

Where Earth Meets Sky

Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, Ronnie Biggs, the Krays. . .All have become folk heroes, glamorised and romanticised, even when they killed. But where are their female equivalents? Where are the street robbers, gang leaders, diamond thieves, gold smugglers and bank robbers? Queens of the Underworld reveals the incredible story of female crooks from the 17th century to the present. From Moll Cutpurse to the Black Boy Alley Ladies, from jewel thief Emily Lawrence to bandit leader Elsie Carey and burglar Zoe Progl, these were charismatic women at the top of their game. But female criminals have long been dismissed as either not 'real women' or not 'real criminals', and in the process their stories have been lost.

Queens of the Underworld

The second book in a stunning new series from Sunday Times bestseller, Dilly Court 1873. When Carrie Manning’s father dies her mother, Esther, is heartbroken. Essie leaves London to convalesce with her good friend Lady Alice, and it is down to Carrie to look after her family and take charge of the shipping company that her father has left behind. But the company is in dire straits, forcing Carrie seek work as a companion to Maria Colville. When Carrie and Maria try to track down Maria’s mother, they have no idea of the secrets that they will discover. Secrets that link the Colvilles, the Mannings and figures from the past who return to England. Carrie’s journey is as unpredictable as the waters that link the rival shipping companies, but will her determination be enough to preserve the legacy of her family’s name?

The Summer Maiden

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