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?Dilly Court's book 'The Snow Angel' was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-10-14. Read more

A young woman finds worldly success, but yearns for the gift of love... In Nobody's Darling, Josephine Cox writes an unforgettable saga of family ties, friendship and having to make the difficult choice between love and duty. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Nadine Dorries.Lizzie Miller worries about her beautiful eldest daughter. A mother shouldn't have favourites, but Ruby wins a special place in Lizzie's heart. Money is short in their little house in Blackburn, and Ruby yearns to give her beloved family a better life. Determined to enjoy the security only wealth can bring, she stifles her feelings for handsome Johnny Ackroyd. Ruby knows he cannot offer her the life she craves. Ruby works as a maid for Mr Banks and his daughter, Cicely, a shy, gentle creature with few friends. The two girls hatch a mischievous plan to introduce Ruby to society at a party for the 'gentry' of Blackburn, where Ruby meets Luke Arnold, the dissolute heir to his father's fortunes. Seeing Ruby's dark beauty, he determines to despoil her innocence. When Luke slyly turns his charm on Cicely, Ruby feels compelled to warn her friend of his evil nature. Ruby quickly finds employment in a milliner's shop, and eventually takes over the business. But her worldly success still leaves an emptiness that riches cannot fill, and Ruby learns at last that the love of family and friends is beyond price...What readers are saying about Nobody's Darling: 'Fantastic read, full of wonderful characters and twists and turns. Really made you feel that you were living in that era''How vividly Josephine Cox writes... totally believable''Five stars' Read more

The Summer BrideSeasons of Change Book 3Lincolnshire, 1854.After much reflection, Caroline Lawson has accepted Max Cavendish’s marriage proposal. Yet, their peaceful life on the farm is soon threatened by a series of mishaps and the strange deaths of livestock. As the pressure mounts for Max to make the farm a success, the weight of responsibility becomes overwhelming, with the future of many resting on his shoulders. With events spiralling out of control, Max faces his greatest task — protecting his home and family.Meanwhile, Caroline’s closest friend, Trixie, struggles with a deep conflict between friendship and love and the want of another. Can she balance both, or will fate decide for her?As Caroline dedicates herself to her family and new home, she discovers that fulfilling everyone’s needs requires both resilience and wisdom. Her patience is tested by her staff, her family demands her attention, but it’s Max, the man she loves, struggling under the weight of circumstances beyond his control, who needs her the most.She cannot let them down. But will she have the strength to withstand the trials that challenge her at every turn?Seasons of Change SeriesBook 1: The Winter WidowBook 2: Whispers of SpringBook 3: The Summer Bride Read more

A young woman battles for her parents' affection, desperate for the love that had always been denied to her. Will she ever find it? A Little Badness is an unforgettable saga of family, danger and true love, from bestselling author, Josephine Cox. Perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Cathy Sharp.Rita Blackthorn's heart was barren and hard. In all of her life she had never truly loved. But she had hated. Beneath the loving gaze of her daughter's soft green eyes, her heart swelled with dark and dangerous emotions.Young Cathy Blackthorn has never experienced any loving response from her mother; it is her beloved Aunt Margaret, with a heart as big and warm as the summer sky, who has been more of a mother than her own could ever be. And when Cathy's father Frank Blackthorn brings home a London street urchin and announces this will be the son he and Rita have never had, Cathy despairs of ever winning her parents' love. Cathy is a generous soul, though, and tries to give the young lad a chance to prove himself but, unlike her best friend, David Leyton, something about him makes her more than uneasy... What readers are saying about A Little Badness: 'Good storyline vividly written. Holds the attention throughout''It's a long time since I have been riveted to a book, I just couldn't put it down... Worth the five stars without a doubt' Read more

Forced to flee from home, a young woman faces the unknown... but not alone. Cradle of Thorns is a spell-binding tale of freedom in the face of fear from bestselling author Josephine Cox. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Lindsey Hutchinson.Nell Reece has never known her mother, and her father's burden of guilt about his wife has kept him cowed for years, working as a common labourer on his sister's farm. But for all her aunt's spiteful attempts to break Nell's independent spirit, she has never succeeded. But now Nell, pregnant and alone, is forced to leave behind the men in her life, believing she might never be able to return.With little but the clothes she wears, she travels across the Bedfordshire countryside of 1890. When she encounters a scruffy urchin called Kit, a ten-year-old orphan who's lived his whole life on the streets, she takes him under her wing. The pair become devoted friends, never knowing where their journey will take them, but each aware that the time will come when there must be a reckoning.What readers are saying about Cradle of Thorns: 'What a fantastic read. As soon as I started reading couldn't put the book down, each turn of the page the story gets better and better''Best read in ages. Couldn't put it down - some sad parts, some funny, so real it draws you in''I was captivated by the story from beginning to end' Read more

In this funny Regency romance series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…Prudence Shackleford had not expected to be a spinster at three and twenty, but unfortunately, as she’d quickly discovered, very few men were prepared to tolerate either her ghoulish sense of humour, or her macabre taste in literature. And those were the ones she’d got as far as holding a conversation with.When invited to London by the Duke and Duchess of Blackmore to witness the Coronation of King George IV, she was equal parts horrified and intrigued. Especially after a chance meeting with a Bow Street Runner on the trail of conspirators it was feared were planning to murder the King.Jamie Fitzroy had been a Bow Street Runner for five years. In that time he’d risen swiftly up the ranks, gaining a reputation for both ruthlessness and guile. Such were his successes in ridding London's streets of thieves and murderers, his name had become almost legendary.But in the wake of the Cato Street Conspiracy, he was now on the trail of a gang intending to assassinate the King during his own Coronation. And with less than two weeks to go, and a London packed to bursting, the stakes had never been higher.The last thing he had time for was a russet haired chit who was too ripe and ready by half – even if she did haunt his dreams every night…Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humour and a little bit of steam...Praise for the Shackleford Sisters:‘Very funny, kept laughing out loud when reading them.’‘Such an entertaining series, full of laughter and delightfully quirky characters.’‘Terrific series, very funny.’‘Thoroughly enjoyed this series, love the humour.’‘There is constant action and so much funny banter, I couldn’t help laughing.’‘These were wonderful. Lots of fun and great love stories.’'I laughed, cried and wondered what the Reverend would be getting up to next. Can’t wait for the next book.' Read more

Emma Grady may have finally found happiness, but the same cannot be said for her long-lost daughter... Vagabonds is the final instalment of Josephine Cox's Emma Grady trilogy, which finds the heroine content, yet still struggling with the ghosts of her past. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Hutchinson and Rosie Goodwin.Twenty-two years ago Emma Grady was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to transportation to Australia where she bore and lost her baby daughter - conceived during a passionate affair with Marlow Tanner. It is now 1885, and Emma has returned to Blackburn. Reunited with Marlow, she has a loving family, yet she is still haunted by the past, unable to forget how her uncle Caleb Crowther ignored her desperate plea to save herself and her tragic first-born.Crowther curses his niece's return and also hounds Molly, Emma's estranged daughter. Molly and her children run away and, contending with hunger, exhaustion and the unwelcome attentions of the men who are drawn to Molly's dark beauty, their life at times is almost unbearable. But Molly has inherited Emma's indomitable spirit...What readers are saying about Vagabonds: 'An excellent finale to the Emma Grady series. This book was so gripping I could not put it down. I was completely lost in the story''A very fitting end to the Emma Grady trilogy, which keeps you in suspense to the end!''Brilliant from start to finish, could not put it down - five stars' Read more

Can the rags of her life be sewn into riches? Benita Brown's The Dressmaker is the unforgettable saga of an abandoned young woman learning to stand on her own two feet. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Lindsey Hutchinson.Emmeline Dornay's dying wish is for her daughter Melissa to have a home. But when the funeral is over, Melissa discovers that her future looks bleak. Wealthy Lilian Winterton will honour her promise and put a roof over Melissa's head, but only if she can earn her keep.As an unpaid seamstress in the grand Winterton household, Melissa is ignored by the family and mistrusted by their servants. And when scandal occurs and the blame lands unfairly at her feet, she is thrown on to the streets. Left with nothing but her needle and thread, Melissa finds her dreams are in tatters. But can the rags of her life be sewn into riches . . .?What readers are saying about The Dressmaker: 'Really enjoyed every moment of this book - it's a story of love, loss and friendship, with a good story line and great characters' 'For anyone who enjoys a Catherine Cookson novel this book is an absolute must. I have read all of Benita Brown's novels and find her style of writing engaging with good plots and characters''Five stars' Read more

A young woman's search for her parentage has far-reaching repercussions... Josephine Cox writes a gripping saga in The Gilded Cage - a story of passion, ambition and discovering your roots. Perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews and Nadine Dorries.Powerful, hard-hearted Leonard Mears ruthlessly presides over his wife and children, exiling them from the outside world and brutally punishing any disobedience. But he is also a man with a dark secret; an illegitimate daughter that he forced his sister to bring up. The girl is now a young woman who, unbeknown to him, is determined to find the father that abandoned her.James Peterson, a gifted young man, runs Mear's factory with more success than Leonard's own sons. He lives for the day he can have his own business and make his fortune. Only then will he be able to declare his love for beautiful Isabel Mears who he means to release from the gilded cage her father has created. But then the lonely, lovely Sally comes in to his life, turning his heart and dreams upside down.What readers are saying about The Gilded Cage: 'This novel is Josephine Cox at her best... The strong characterisation and spellbinding plot made this book hard to resist...The plot has plenty of twists and Josephine manages to bring laughter, tragedy and intrigue into this novel''The Gilded Cage is another book that cannot be faulted, once I started it I couldn't put it down, a brilliant read''The author described the time and the people so easily that you felt like you knew them' Read more

The moving exploration of a young boy's loss of innocence'The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there...'When one long, hot summer, young Leo is staying with a school-friend at Brandham Hall, he begins to act as a messenger between Ted, the farmer, and Marian, the beautiful young woman up at the hall. He becomes drawn deeper and deeper into their dangerous game of deceit and desire, until his role brings him to a shocking and premature revelation. The haunting story of a young boy's awakening into the secrets of the adult world, The Go-Between is also an unforgettable evocation of the boundaries of Edwardian society. It was adapted into an internationally-successful film starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates.Edited with an introduction and notes by Douglas Brooks-Davies'Magical and disturbing'Independent'On a first reading, it is a beautifully wrought description of a small boy's loss of innocence long ago. But, visited a second time, the knowledge of approaching, unavoidable tragedy makes it far more poignant and painful'Express Read more

The brand new novel from Britain's best-loved saga authorWhitby, 1845Amber Ainsley works as a laundry maid for the wealthy Greenwood family, but when she falls pregnant with her employer's illegitimate child, she is cast out, left homeless and destitute. She flees to Whitby, but Barnaby Greenwood follows, offering to find a family to raise their daughter, to save her being sent to the workhouse. Broken-hearted but wanting the best for her child, Amber hands her daughter over. Meanwhile, Barnaby's wife, Louisa, is overjoyed when she gives birth to twins - but the babies are weak, and she is terrified they won't survive. Poverty-stricken, Amber soon has no choice but to return to work for the Greenwoods. There, one twin is flourishing while the other sickens. And when Amber notices a familiar birth mark on the infant girl's leg, her world is turned upside-down . . .Will Amber ever be able to have the family life she hopes for? Read more

Beth is a woman of rare courage and fortitude, but there is danger and heartbreak to be endured before she can find peace and happiness... Don't Cry Alone is an unforgettable saga from Josephine Cox, of the power of love, hope and jealousy. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Cathy Sharp. 'Hailed quite rightly as a gifted writer in the tradition of Catherine Cookson' - Manchester Evening PostBeth Ward and Tyler Blacklock share a love they know will last forever. But Beth's mother, Esther, is jealous of the girl and seizes an opportunity to be rid of her daughter. Banished in disgrace from the family home, Beth takes the northbound train and alights at Blackburn, friendless and alone. On this day, Fortune smiles, for Beth is taken in by warm-hearted Maisie Armstrong, a widow with two children. Money is scarce, but love abounds in the cosy house on Larkhill, and Beth is content there to await the birth of her child. But she cannot forget Tyler, and is tormented by the belief that he has betrayed her.What readers are saying about Don't Cry Alone: 'Wonderful! Totally believable. Complex story of highs and lows, laughter and tears. Completely absorbing, it's an emotional roller coaster. I loved it''This is a story of heartache, caring, loss and coming together. A story that warms the heart, that turns out well, as good stories should, and [leaves you with] a smile''Kept me gripped throughout. I enjoyed the book immensely, an excellent love story with lots of twists and turns' Read more

Can he find his children, and the woman he loves, before everything is lost? Josephine Cox's Bad Boy Jack is the thrilling saga of a man who must battle against the odds to reunite the family he has split asunder. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Hutchinson and Cathy Sharp.Unable to cope with raising his children alone, Robert Sullivan abandons them to others, until he has a change of heart and decides to go back for them. But on the way there, he is involved in a horrific accident.Jack and Nancy are placed in the brutal regime of the Galloway Children's Home, where Jack's devotion to his sister and fiery temper land him in more trouble. The children find themselves at the mercy of the corrupt Clive Ennington, who splits them up and sells Nancy off to the highest bidder.Meanwhile Mary, Robert's only love, is forced to seek a new life for herself. She decides to marry Paul Marshall, the handsome owner of a seaside guesthouse but her chance of happiness is threatened by his embittered aunt. As Robert recovers in hospital he is determined to find and reunite his family. But when he realises the terrible consequences of his actions, he begins to wonder if he will ever see Mary and the children again.What readers are saying about Bad Boy Jack: 'Everything you could want in a novel is included in this book...murder, adoption, jealousy, anger, passion and love to name just a few... A truly captivating book by a wonderful author''I found this story gripping, exciting and certainly kept me intrigued. Also had a good twist''This book is very good. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, there are so many things going on. Never know what is going to happen next. Great read all the way to the end' Read more

She promised to protect her sister - no matter what the cost... The Promise is a heart-wrenching and powerful story of two young sisters caught up in an underworld of corruption and deceit, from popular saga author Benita Brown. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.When her father, a journalist, is murdered, Marion Brookfield vows to care for her younger sister Annette. The girls believe they have found a refuge when charming businessman Victor Bateman proposes to Marion and they move into his luxurious home. But Marion's friend, Daniel Brady, is conducting his own investigation into Henry Brookfield's death. He learns the journalist was closing in on the head of a child prostitution racket when he was killed. And now his precious daughters may not be so safe, after all...What readers are saying about The Promise: 'Benita meets all the criteria which make a good book... the research that goes into her books, and the clarity of style''I love Benita Brown's books and this one is no exception, it's hard to put it down, I have been trying to read it at every spare moment''For anyone who enjoys a Catherine Cookson novel this book is an absolute must. I have read all of Benita Brown's novels and find her style of writing engaging with good plots and characters' Read more

She would always love him. It was as simple as that. Forever Yours is a heart-breaking saga of true love against all odds, from much-loved author Rita Bradshaw. Perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews and Sheila Newberry. Constance Shelton is a few days old when a house fire takes her parents. She's rescued by a young neighbour, Matt Heath, and grows up knowing she'll be forever his. When she hears Matt's wed to another, her heart breaks, but that's not all Constance has to weather.There's a dark presence in the close-knit mining community and a shocking revelation puts Constance's life in danger. Forced to leave, she makes a new life far away. But will she ever escape the tragedy surrounding her family and summon the strength to follow her heart?What readers are saying about Forever Yours: 'Rita Bradshaw has done it again, wonderfully descriptive and beautifully written - you can't help but fall in love with the characters''Rita Bradshaw has excelled again with a heart-warming, romantic piece of historical escapism''I could not put this book down, the characters were so real... what an author!' Read more

Will her tragic past haunt her forever? Break of Dawn is a gripping family saga of heartache and betrayal at the start of the 20th century, from much-loved author Rita Bradshaw. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Annie Murray.Her mother's death in childbirth leaves Sophy Hutton at the mercy of her cruel aunt and uncle, and her childhood is brutal. At sixteen, Sophy learns the shocking truth behind her birth and escapes to London to pursue a career as an actress, determined to put the past behind her. But life for women at the turn of the century is fraught with danger and Sophy soon discovers the darker side to London's glamorous theatres. Young and innocent, she doesn't recognise the man who really loves her when he appears; instead she is charmed into marrying handsome actor Toby Shawe, a flawed and amoral individual. Then the heartache really begins...What readers are saying about Break of Dawn: 'This book was poignant, held my interest throughout and showed the depths of human weakness and fragility but also the strength and determination of character''I didn't want this book to end. Many twists and turns''The story kept me gripped from start to finish and I would highly recommend this book... but be prepared to not want to put it down once started!' Read more

Perfect for fans of heartwarming saga from Sunday Times bestselling author, Rosie Goodwin.Britian's best-loved saga writer with over one million copies sold.1885.Ruby Carter works hard in her parents' bakery. Whilst life isn't easy, she's happy enough - her gentle mother protects young Ruby from her cruel father and loves her unconditionally. So, when her mother falls seriously ill, Ruby is heartbroken. Then, from her deathbed, her mother reveals that Ruby was adopted.Stricken by grief and alone with the violent man she called her father, Ruby feels she has no choice but to flee. At just fifteen, homeless and alone she is relieved when a kindly stranger named Mrs Bamber takes pity on poor Ruby and welcomes her into her home.But soon, Ruby learns Mrs Bamber is not as generous as she first seemed - she forces Ruby into a life of crime as a jewel thief in Birmingham's jewellery quarter. With nothing to her name and nowhere to go Ruby has no choice but to go along with it, despite the guilt and shame she feels. But Ruby is determined that she will atone for what she's done, and be reunited with her birth parents.Ruby's only wish is to find her family. Read more

Bitter jealousies threaten the happiness of two people forever... In Rainbow Days, Josephine Cox writes a compelling saga exploring the strength of love, and the obstacles that can cause its destruction. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Cathy Sharp.'You're everything to me. I'd have to lose my life before I'd lose you.' This is the vow Silas made to Cathleen on the day he asks her to marry him. Throughout their childhood their love has grown stronger and now, in 1900, they start to plan a life together. But a jealous woman is determined to ruin their happiness and uses Silas's father - a good and honest man - to do so, forcing him to make an impossible sacrifice. As a dutiful son, Silas has no choice but to obey his father, and Cathleen must pay the bitter price. Separated, each is swept along to a place where there is no love or peace and no way back...What readers are saying about Rainbow Days: '[This book] is written with deep feeling for its two main characters... A love that comes through the pages and touches your heartstrings''Another spellbinding book. Happiness and sadness, heroes and heroines, and the final happy ending. Josephine Cox at her best, couldn't put it down''Rainbow Days is the very best story I have ever read' Read more

To return to those she loves, she must also return to the past... In the second instalment of her Emma Grady trilogy, bestselling author Josephine Cox brings us Alley Urchin, a gripping saga of a woman determined to overcome the brutality of life as a convict to return to the man she loves. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.By 1870 Emma Grady has spent seven years of servitude as a convict in Australia. Emma lives for the day when she will return to England, to face those who cheated and betrayed her. And to Marlow Tanner, the man she loves - and whose tragic child she had borne and then lost.Emma struggles to make something of her life in Australia despite the sinister presence of her employer's evil son, Foster. His determination to 'have' Emma leads to dark and terrifying consequences. As Emma battles against adversity, she is unaware that in England the child she has given up for dead is being lovingly raised by Marlow's sister Old Sal, who teaches Emma's daughter Molly to be an expert pickpocket.Will Emma ever be reunited with Marlow? Even if she finds him, will he still love her? And what of the child lost to both of them? Emma is plagued with fears but her love for Marlow never weakens - and can never be forgotten...What readers are saying about Alley Urchin: 'Josephine Cox has the unique talent of writing books which provoke every emotion in the reader. This book in the Emma Grady trilogy has all this - and more. We feel for the characters as if we know them and, as with all Josephine Cox books, it is very hard to put down the book once started... You will find yourself impatient to get to the end!''Another great, thrilling book which keeps you guessing till the end. The story is well written with some great twists''Totally absorbing. Unputdownable!' Read more

As a woman lies at death's door in hospital, her touching story, encapsulated in her diaries, springs back to life. In Miss You Forever, Josephine Cox writes a spell-binding saga of hidden lives and lost loves. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court. One winter's night, in the coal-hole in her yard, Rosie finds that a woman sheltering there has been severely beaten by thugs. At a glance, Kathleen looks like an unkempt, aged vagabond who tramps the roads carrying all her worldly possessions in a grubby tapestry bag. Her only friend is the mangy old dog who accompanies her; the sum of her life is in the diaries she so zealously guards. Yet close up, Rosie can see that Kathleen has a gracious beauty - the 'look' of a respectable lady of means.In hospital, fighting for her life, yet moved by Rosie's care and compassion, Kathleen entrusts the diaries to her, urging her to look at them. There, in the soft glow of the lamp, Rosie reads a heartrending tale of stolen dreams, true love, heartache and loss. A tale that, somehow, must have a happy ending...What readers are saying about Miss You Forever: 'Loved this book. The characters are really likeable and a connection is made with them... It's really well written with lots of twists and turns. Well worth reading''It's one of these books which, once you start, you can't put down. Great story. Was in tears at the end, but it was tears of joy. I haven't enjoyed a book so much in years. I can highly recommend it''Quite easily one of the best books I have ever read' Read more