An enchanting novel about fate, second chances, and hope, lost and found, by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Last of the Moon Girls.Soline Roussel is well schooled in the business of happy endings. For generations her family has kept an exclusive bridal salon in Paris, where magic is worked with needle and thread. It’s said that the bride who wears a Roussel gown is guaranteed a lifetime of joy. But devastating losses during World War II leave Soline’s world and heart in ruins and her faith in love shaken. She boxes up her memories, stowing them away, along with her broken dreams, determined to forget.Decades later, while coping with her own tragic loss, aspiring gallery owner Rory Grant leases Soline’s old property and discovers a box containing letters and a vintage wedding dress, never worn. When Rory returns the mementos, an unlikely friendship develops, and eerie parallels in Rory’s and Soline’s lives begin to surface. It’s clear that they were destined to meet—and that Rory may hold the key to righting a forty-year wrong and opening the door to shared healing and, perhaps, a little magic. Read more

From the renowned bestselling author comes a thrilling new historical romance series set in the remote English county of Cornwall, featuring a rugged hero and heroine who share a unique legacy, a powerful passion—and a common enemy. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton.Together they faced the past . . .   A sense of duty sends Bran Tremayne to Cornwall to confront his heritage of British nobility. Abandoned at birth, Bran wants nothing to do with the embittered remains of his family. But as a special agent for the Home Office, he senses trouble brewing along the coast. And he can’t turn away from the vulnerable woman he encounters in the Cornish countryside. Merryn’s amnesia makes her past a mystery to them both, but with her life in danger, the only thing Bran knows for sure is that the beautiful stranger needs his protection . . .  But would they share a future?   Leaning into Bran is difficult enough, but can Merryn trust the strong bond—and the powerful passion—she feels for her rugged rescuer? She has no choice once Bran uncovers that she is at the center of a plot between French agents and Cornish smugglers. From misty woodlands to stormy shores, the two join forces with a band of loyal Cornishmen to bring down a common enemy. Yet will their growing love survive the coming peril? Read more

In 1804, Captain John Wharton RN takes command of HMS Leopard, his first as captain as the war with France continues for yet another year. A 38-gun frigate, Leopard is the newest ship in the Royal Navy, straight off the slipway at Woolwich.His first mission is to the Mediterranean where he is given a very challenging task, followed by action at the blockade of Toulon, leading to a career changing situation at the Admiralty and a mission to the Baltic.In between times, he renews his friendship with Lord Paignton and his daughter Penelope at their Silcombe Park estate near Exmoor.Leopard is Book Five in the Wharton series of historical naval novels. Read more

An unforgettable novel of fearless women banding together to pursue the lives they want, inspired by the real-life historic Japanese courtesan strikeIn 1903, a fifteen-year-old girl named Aoi Ichi is sold to the most exclusive brothel in Kumamoto, Japan. Despite her modest beginnings in a southern fishing village, she becomes the protégée of an oiran, the highest-ranking courtesan at the brothel. Through the teachings of her oiran, Shinonome, Ichi begins to understand the intertwined power of sex and money. And in her mandatory school lessons, her writing instructor, Tetsuko, encourages Ichi and the others to think clearly and express themselves. By banding together, the women organize a strike and walk away from the brothel and into the possibility of new lives.Based on real-life events in Meiji-era Japan, award-winning and critically acclaimed veteran writer Kiyoko Murata re-creates in stunning detail the brutal yet vibrant lives of women in the red-light district at the turn of the twentieth century—the bond they share, the survival skills they pass down, and the power of owning one's language. Read more

PRE-ORDER THE NEW MASTER OF WAR NOVEL BY DAVID GILMAN, TO KILL A KING – COMING IN FEBRUARY 2024'Page-turning and gritty' Daily Mail Amid the carnage of the 100 Years War – the bloodiest conflict in medieval history – a young English archer confronts his destiny... England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone the choice is easy – dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, or take up his war bow and join the king's invasion. As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone learns the brutal lessons of war – from the terror and confusion of his first taste of combat, to the savage realities of siege warfare. Vastly outnumbered, Edward III's army will finally confront the armoured might of the French nobility on the field of Crécy. It is a battle that will change the history of warfare, a battle that will change the course of Blackstone's life, a battle that will forge a legend. Read more

In 19th-century Charleston, a Catholic priest grapples with his secret African ancestry and his love for a slaveholder’s wife.Joseph Lazare grows up believing his black hair and olive skin come from a Spanish grandmother, and he’s shocked to learn she was an enslaved African. At thirteen, Joseph allows racial prejudice to limit his future and chooses the seminary. At twenty-three, he is ordained “a priest forever.”But when he meets Tessa Conley, a devout Irish immigrant who shares his passions for music and botany, Joseph’s ordered world cracks at its foundation. He must conceal his true feelings as Tessa marries another man—a plantation owner who treats her like property.Acting on their love could ruin Joseph and Tessa in this world and damn them in the next. Can two broken people heal each other and find heaven on earth—or will there be hell to pay?Necessary Sins is the first book in the epic Lazare Family Saga quartet. If you like character-rich dramas, vivid period detail, and heart-wrenching choices, then you’ll be swept away by this page-turning series, perfect for fans of The Thorn Birds and Outlander. Read more

A moving and entrancing novel set in Paris during World War II about an American woman, a dashing pilot, and a young Jewish girl whose fates unexpectedly entwine—perfect for the fans of Kristen Hannah’s The Nightingale and Martha Hall Kelly’s Lilac Girls, this is “an emotional, heart-breaking, inspiring tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love” (Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestselling author).When Ruby first marries the dashing Frenchman she meets in a coffee shop, she pictures a life strolling arm in arm along French boulevards, awash in the golden afternoon light. But it’s 1938, and war is looming on the horizon. Unfortunately, her marriage soon grows cold and bitter, her husband Marcel, distant and secretive—all while the Germans flood into Paris, their sinister swastika flags waving in the breeze. When Marcel is killed, Ruby discovers the secret he’d been hiding—he was a member of the French resistance—and now she is determined to take his place. She becomes involved in hiding Allied soldiers—including a charming RAF pilot—who have landed in enemy territory. But her skills are ultimately put to the test when she begins concealing her twelve-year-old Jewish neighbor, Charlotte, whose family was rounded up by the Gestapo. Ruby and Charlotte become a little family, but as the German net grows tighter around Paris, and the Americans debate entering the combat, the danger increases. No one is safe. “Set against all the danger and drama of WWII Paris, this heartfelt novel will keep you turning the pages until the very last word” (Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author). Read more

Can a lone woman stop the Nazis’ advance?1940: The air is dense with the thick, acrid smoke of German bombs as Marie-Madeleine departs Paris, utterly alone in the world. Her destination is hundreds of kilometers away, where Navarre told her to meet him. Surely he would have a plan to get back at the Boches and fight for their freedom…But is she willing to sacrifice everything for the cause? Torn between defending her country and safeguarding those closest to her, a startling twist of fate forces Marie-Madeleine to make a heart-wrenching decision…Based on the true story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, this stirring novel delves into the depths of one woman’s bravery as she navigates the treacherous landscape of wartime France during one of history's darkest periods. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network! Read more

Nazi-occupied France, 1944: I tear open the envelope, extracting a sheet of folded paper. I read it, my heart cracking with every word. There is no mistaking the name of the man who betrayed us. Jack. My beloved fiancé – and now, a traitor.Flames engulf the farmhouse. Nazi soldiers are everywhere, shouting, guns blazing, scarring the night sky with their searchlights. It was supposed to be a safe place to hide after our resistance missions. And now it is gone, and my friends and I must run. For our lives.But then I gasp as I spot Jack, my fiancé and fellow spy, on the other side of the burning building. Hands up in surrender to the German officer standing at his side. He’s the love of my life, but more than that, he knows everything that keeps our undercover work secret. And if Nazis make him talk, they could find, capture and kill every last one of us.I have to save him. And there are only a few people I trust to help me – the women fighters I’ve come to rely on as sisters, tougher, more clever, stronger than any man. But when one of them uncovers evidence that Jack may have actually been the person to betray our hiding place, my heart is torn from my body.I don’t want to believe it. But I realise that either way, I still have to risk everything to stop Jack revealing what he knows – whether that’s under torture, or treacherously smiling, with a glass of whiskey in one hand.What is the truth? Who can I believe? And how far will I have to go in order to save, or destroy, the one person I trusted with my heart?Based on true stories of fearless women secret agents – and their tales of bravery, betrayal and love – this is the first book in the heart-pounding, heart-wrenching and totally addictive World War Two Resistance series. Perfect for readers of The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See and Ellie Midwood.This book can be enjoyed as a standalone!Readers love The Silence Before Dawn:‘Amazing… One of the best historical fiction books that I have read… Love!’ Robin Loves Reading⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Amazing… heartbreaking and emotional… my heart felt like it was actually breaking.’ Spooky’s Maze of Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I was enchanted… I flew through the pages… just perfect!… the love story was beautiful.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Captivating… amazing… Fast paced, with plenty of suspense and action that kept me reading far past my bedtime… I highly recommend this book!’Sharon Beyond the Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Exceptional… heart-stopping… a real page turner. You don’t want to miss this one!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I was completely captivated from the first page to the last… I couldn’t put it down. I found myself holding my breath… amazing… fabulous.’ Page Turners⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘My new favourite… LOVED.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow… Fabulous… I was glued to it from the beginning.’ @karen_loves_reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I was captivated… flying through the pages… Excellent… I was entranced.’NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heart-pounding. Everything was flawless about the book, roll on book no 2!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Edge of your seat stuff… blew my mind… my heart was in my mouth.’ Shaz’s Book Blog‘Blown away… fantastic… One of the best and well written historical world war novels I have read in a very long time.’Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I read this book in one day. Omg… I seriously cried.’Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘10 out of 10…’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read more

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The remarkable story of men and women thrown together in circumstances beyond their control during World War II—a heartrending "portrait of a small French town under seige, and the people trying to survive, even to live, as Hitler’s horrors march closer and closer to their doors" (New York).“Stunning.... A tour de force.” —The New York Times Book ReviewBeginning in Paris on the eve of the Nazi occupation in 1940, as Parisians flee the city, human folly surfaces in every imaginable way: a wealthy mother searches for sweets in a town without food; a couple is terrified at the thought of losing their jobs, even as their world begins to fall apart. Moving on to a provincial village now occupied by German soldiers, the locals must learn to coexist with the enemy—in their town, their homes, even in their hearts.When Irène Némirovsky began working on Suite Française, she was already a highly successful writer living in Paris. But she was also a Jew, and in 1942 she was arrested and deported to Auschwitz, where she died. For sixty-four years, this novel remained hidden and unknown. Read more

"Chaput beautifully conjures the haunting fate of the French Huguenots, and the indelible human drive to fight for love and freedom." –Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post1661 France.Fierce Protestant Isabelle has lost everything at the hands of brutal nobles who thieve and persecute their way into the king’s good graces. Shaken and desperate after a vicious attack, she accepts a deal as her only means of survival: become one of the king’s honorary daughters. She can set sail to Canada to build the population in the struggling colony with a dowry from the king, protection, money, and power over her future. This opportunity also comes with sacrifice. Though Isabelle bleeds Protestantism, committed to a fight that lives deep in her bones, she must convert to the religion that killed her family and burned her flesh.In the wilds of Canada, a newly Catholic Isabelle grapples with the desire to reignite her quest, while a love triangle rife with secrets and betrayal forces her to decide who she really is—and if she’s willing to risk her life once again in the name of freedom.Based on the incredible true story of the French orphans who settled French Canada, Daughter of the King is the sweeping tale of a heroine born of desperation. Kerry Chaput brings the past to life, expertly weaving a gripping saga with vivid historical details. Jump back in time on a thrilling adventure with this heart pounding trilogy. Read more

‘Wow! What a story… I was captivated… I found myself reading late into the night… extraordinary… so moving and totally enthralled me… will stay with me for a long time.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reims, France, 1805. Looking back at the crumbling house hidden away in the vineyards, the sound of her daughter’s laughter carrying on the breeze, Nicole plucks a perfect red grape and is reminded her life will never be the same. With her husband gone, her troubles are hers alone…For grieving Nicole Clicquot, saving the vineyards her husband left behind is her one chance to keep a roof over her head and provide a future for her little girl. She ignores the gossips who insist the fields are no place for a woman: but one day, buying fresh croissants at the boulangerie, Nicole is shocked to hear a rumour about her husband. They say he died with a terrible secret. One that brings disgrace on Nicole and turns the whole town against her.Heartbroken, her reputation in tatters, and full of questions no one can answer, Nicole turns to her husband’s oldest friend, travelling merchant Louis. His warm smile and kind advice seem to melt her troubles away. And as they taste her first golden wine of the season and look out over the endless rolling hills, Nicole starts to believe she can turn her fortunes around, and be welcomed back into the local community.But when Louis avoids her after a long trip abroad, Nicole sees he has secrets of his own… and just as she doubts if he’s on her side, she realises how her feelings for him had grown. Desperately torn between her head and her heart, Nicole works day and night on a plan for her future: but to save her home and her little daughter from ruin, she must risk everything…Fans of Chocolat, Carnegie’s Maid, Dinah Jeffries and anyone longing to sip champagne under the stars will adore this stunning historical read, inspired by the true story of how Nicole Clicquot blazed her own path to build the world’s greatest champagne house: Veuve Clicquot.Read what everyone’s saying about The French House:'Extraordinary. Outstanding... absolutely amazing... just wow!... this book is exquisite. Absolute perfection. A masterpiece. One of my favourite reads ever... one of the finest books out this year and one of the best historical fiction reads ever.’ Renita D’Silva, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘One of the best books I’ve read… stunning… it grabbed me and pulled me right in to Nicole Clicquot‘s story… unforgettable… addictive… you feel really caught up in the twists and turns… has to be experienced to truly realise how special it is… I was totally immersed.’ On the Shelf Reviews‘A fascinating book… very heart-warming… I found this book very hard to put down and I thoroughly enjoyed every page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Beautifully written, fascinating novel… comes alive on the pages… wonderful… extra special.’ Angela Petch, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘What a treat… emotional… An excellent read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Instantly and completely immersed me in a beautiful romance, heartbreak and the passion of Madame Clicquot…. The author’s ability to whisk me away… is extraordinary.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow! An incredible historical novel… All the feels.’ Chaos Happiness Book Mama, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book transported me to another world… fascinating… I found it difficult to put the book down!’ Corinne Rodrigues Booknista, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I was utterly charmed… the vineyards of France come alive. I can’t wait to read more.’ Fireflies & Free Kicks Read more

The epic tale of wrongful imprisonment, adventure and revenge, in its definitive translationThrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantès is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to use the treasure to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration. Dumas' epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment, was a huge popular success when it was first serialized in the 1840s.Translated with an Introduction by ROBIN BUSS Read more

None

Allies of the heart and soul . . .England, 1803. The oldest foster child of the Earl and Countess Tremayne, Caden Tremayne was one of several abandoned children rescued into the fold of the “Tribe of Tremayne,” each bearing a special gift. Now that he is grown, Cade’s superior investigative abilities and talent for preventing violence—or when necessary, executing it—are urgently required by the Home Office. For after an all-too-brief peace, Britain and France are about to be at war again. But it isn’t the dangerous mission that concerns Cade. It’s his secret love for his sweet, bright, spirited accomplice . . .Will their love be the victor? Tamsyn Tremayne has always felt a deep connection to Cade, whose very presence warms her heart. Yet though they are not blood, their family relationship has led her to suppress her love for him. Still, their mental bond is undeniable—and only grows stronger, along with their feelings, when Cade is captured by the French. Tam knows that Cade will not be easily broken, yet only their meeting of minds can truly save him—and hopefully free them to be together at last. But first, she will have to navigate a treacherous maze of enemies and allies to find him, they will have to escape France—and block a devastating plot against Britain . . . Read more

The Dawning tells an age-old story of deadly struggle, the heart-rending tale of young love-its aspirations, pain, disappointments and eventual triumph.Ejil and Lada, son and daughter of a Cro-Magnon tribe (on the verge of adulthood) have begun to explore their maturing feelings when an encounter with a clan of Neanderthal hunters tears their Ice Age world apart. Lada is lost and Ejil finds himself embarked on a desperate odyssey to find the mother tribe.The Neanderthals, a pale skinned people, occupied Ice Age Europe for three hundred thousand years. Dark-skinned Cro-Magnons, our direct ancestors, appeared forty-five thousand years ago. Five thousand years later, the Neanderthals had disappeared. What happened when our two ancestral peoples came face to face on the ice bound plains of prehistory?Travel back 33,000 years into our deep past. Set against the backdrop of the fabulous painted caves of Southern France, follow the gripping tale of two young lovers and the sweeping narrative of ancient cultures met in bloody conflict. Read more

"It is rare that the third book in a trilogy is as captivating and page-turning as the first two, but Daughter of Snow and Secrets by Kerry Chaput delivers a special blend of well-developed characters, nail-biting adventure and a satisfying ending to a fabulous series." –Gail Ward Olmsted, author of Landscape of a Marriage1681. Isabelle lives safely in Geneva but travels to the French countryside along secret Huguenot trails to rescue Protestants from the king's vicious dragonnade program. She protects her family from the dangers of battling the Royal Army, but her wild daughter Elizabeth has other ideas. Eager to prove herself, Elizabeth attempts a solo rescue that goes horribly wrong. Isabelle comes out of hiding and travels to Paris while all of France wants her dead.On a dangerous mission to Versailles, old enemies threaten to tear her family apart. She must rely on surprising allies and the daughter she's fought to protect to keep them alive and rescue every Protestant in France.In the final installment of the award-winning Defying the Crown trilogy, Kerry Chaput takes readers on another thrilling adventure through the outlandish world of Paris and Versailles. Daughter of Snow and Secrets immerses you in a breathless tale of danger with a cast of brave, fierce women as they fight for love and freedom. You won't want to miss the stunning conclusion to this riveting historical fiction series. Read more

Five adventures of Horatio Hornblower, two as Lieutenant, two as Captain, and one as Admiral of the Fleet, collected here for the first time. These stories about daring exploits, compassion, and challenging discoveries were written outside the confines of books and were published by magazines. Here the author has given free reign to his character - creating unique circumstances to further the development of Hornblower's character. A potential mutiny thwarted, an Irish uprising out foxed, help to hundreds, managing a healthy sea voyage for an ailing monarch, and meeting once again Napoleon Bonaparte - very different insights into this complex man Hornblower. Read more

Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" is a literary masterpiece that weaves a compelling narrative against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution. This historical novel explores themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the stark contrast between two cities, London and Paris, during a time of upheaval.The story begins with one of the most famous opening lines in literature: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Through the lives of characters like the virtuous Charles Darnay, the dissolute Sydney Carton, and the vengeful Madame Defarge, Dickens paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink of revolution.Amidst the chaos and violence of revolutionary France, the novel delves deep into the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters. The selfless sacrifice of Sydney Carton, who finds redemption through an act of incredible courage, is a central and moving element of the story.Dickens' storytelling prowess shines as he masterfully combines historical accuracy with unforgettable characters. His portrayal of the Reign of Terror's brutality and the stark divisions between social classes is both poignant and thought-provoking."A Tale of Two Cities" is a tale of love and friendship, of the enduring human spirit, and the hope that even in the darkest of times, there is the possibility of transformation and renewal. It's a classic that continues to resonate with readers, reminding us of the power of compassion and the enduring struggle for justice and equality. This novel is an essential addition to any reader's bookshelf, offering a timeless exploration of the human experience against a backdrop of historical upheaval.ABOUT THE AUTHORCharles Dickens (1812-1870) was a world-renowned English writer. He is famous for his novels that depict the social realities of Victorian England. Among his most well-known works are "Oliver Twist" (1837-1839), "David Copperfield" (1849-1850), "Great Expectations" (1860-1861), and "A Christmas Carol" (1843). Dickens was a keen observer of the society of his time, shedding light on inequalities, poverty, and injustices. His writing style was characterized by humor, vivacity, and compassion for marginalized characters. Dickens contributed to shaping English literature, and his legacy still endures today. Read more