Lucia loved her brother Dinu to the depths of her soul, but she also worried about him. He was intelligent yet ambitious, resilient yet hot-headed, and there was a dark side to him that could lead him into terrible trouble one day.

Sicily, 1943: Lucia and her twin brother Dinu have always been inseparable, but their bond is threatened when Gero, the son of close family friends in America, arrives in their village. Although she finds herself developing feelings for him, Lucia worries about Gero’s dangerous connections and their influence on her brother.

As the chaos of World War II closes in, Lucia must navigate love and loyalty to make a difficult choice. Will she risk that the consequences of her decision could bring untold horrors and affect her family for decades to come?

2005: When Jess inherits a baglio, an ancient feudal farmhouse in Sicily, from the grandmother she never knew, she’s determined to uncover the truth about her family’s hidden past. Following the death of her parents and on the brink of divorce, Jess travels to the island alone. There, with the help of a charming Sicilian, she embarks on a quest to unearth a web of long-buried secrets.

But answers come at a price, and Jess must decide if she’s ready to confront a truth that could change everything…

Inspired by true events, this breath-taking novel reveals the hidden secrets of one Sicilian family across generations. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Kristin Hannah, and Kate Quinn, this is an unforgettable tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Readers love Siobhan Daiko’s wartime Italy novels:

‘…like meeting an old, dear friend after a long absence. What a poignant, emotional, thoroughly enjoyable read this was! … such beautiful prose and such a brilliant story that completely transported me.’ Renita D’Silva

‘an exciting, impeccably-researched wartime adventure with lots of heart … the perfect mixture of tragedy and happiness’ Reader review

‘A beautiful story with a compelling historical storyline that you won’t want to put down’ Ann Bennett

’I was completely absorbed by … all the characters and intrigue’ Angela Petch

‘A poignant and emotionally charged novel that explores the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity and I was hooked from start to finish’ Reader review

‘So much heartache but alongside this the love of the people who did so much in WWII’ Reader review

‘a powerful historical novel that I just could not put down’ Reader review

The post The Girl from Sicily appeared first on Boldwood.

‘Totally gripping and atmospheric… Breathtaking and beautifully written… Will stay with the reader long after the last page.’ Bestselling author of The Witch’s Tree, Elena Collins

‘You must forever watch your back,’ I spoke the words clearly, though he could not hear me. ‘Come what may, I shall avenge my brother’s death.’

Now: When Sarah’s summoned by her godmother to remote Norfolk, she doesn’t want to go. Crossing the bridges where the two rivers meet, said to be haunted by the ghost of a little boy, a large Tudor house looms in front of her. And Sarah’s instantly reminded her of the summer when she last visited. The summer she would like to forget. Which left her unable to ever move forward… Can a person ever recover from the loss of a sibling?

1571: Anne Howard, newly-made countess of Arundel, has also lost a sibling. And been dragged from the relative safety of her home in remote Norfolk to London, by her overbearing, manipulative, new father-in-law Thomas Howard; the very person she suspects of killing her beloved only brother. The Howards have greater secrets than this though. Secrets that will lead Anne to a tragedy that will echo down the ages…

When Sarah finds a mysterious book of poems in a hidden chamber of her godmother’s house, she is drawn into Anne’s story. Perhaps the mystery will take her mind off her own loss? But – as the flood waters begin to rise under the bridges – is Sarah laying ghosts to rest, or bringing truths to the surface that should stay beneath?

A completely haunting, gripping historical novel, perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, and Diane Setterfield’s Once Upon a River.

Readers love Clare Marchant:

‘I was completely hooked by this brilliant timeslip novel. Unmissable!’ Bestselling author, Louise Douglas

‘A haunting tale of one woman’s struggle to be independent at a time when strong women were seen as a threat and dealt with accordingly… Gripped me from the first page and refused to let go.’ Bestselling author, Jenni Keer

‘{::}A page turning historical novel that kept me guessing until the very end.’ Bestselling author, Rachel Burton

‘I absolutely loved this book… Historical fiction at its best. I loved the two strong women bound by place and history. I read [it] in two sittings, it was hard to put down!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow!!! I was totally hooked from the very first page… A real page turner!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A wonderful timeslip novel, that reminds me of Barbara Erskine… Highly recommended.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Captivating… [A] gripping story of courage, resilience, history, triumph, discovery and hard-fought freedom. I highly recommend it!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful!… A totally absorbing tale, I read it in a day… I absolutely loved it.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Amazing and fascinating… So atmospheric… So many brilliant twists, and breath-holding moments, I really struggled to put down this fantastic book!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An amazing read!… The ending was perfection!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely loved this book… I’ve been in a reading rut recently and this book reignited my love and I finished the whole thing in snatched moments in one day… I loved it.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The post The Shadow on the Bridge appeared first on Boldwood.

Banished by those he loved; how far would he go for redemption?

449AD Old Saxony

Octa, the son of a mighty Saxon warlord, stands in the shield wall for the first time, eager to make a name for himself. But instead of the promised battle glory, fear overpowers him and he flees the battle, causing the death of his cousin and bringing shame to his family.

Disowned by his father, and hunted by his own people, Octa is spurred on by his mother’s vision for his future, a promise of greatness to come.

A chance encounter with a wiry traveller offers Octa a chance of redemption with a quest to retrieve a sacred weapon. To do this, Octa must travel to Britannia, a nation abandoned by the Roman Empire and unable to defend itself from its many enemies who smell weakness and riches.

Joining the famous warlords, Hengist and Horsa, Octa travels west to forge his future and redeem his past. He must succeed where others have failed. He must find the lost spear of Woden.

An epic adventure of turmoil, coming of age and survival set against a time when Britannia was on its knees and fighting for its very existence.
Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.

The post Woden’s Spear appeared first on Boldwood.

Lady Madeline Sheldon has no intention of making a precipitous marriage. However, she has no objection to visiting Lord Grey Carshalton and his grandmother when the opportunity arises. His lordship is only recently returned from the Peninsular where he was serving as an intelligence officer.

Grey isn’t looking to set up his nursery – he’s more concerned with discovering the identity of the person dogging his every move. Because Grey is certain that someone is trying to kill him and he believes it to be associated with his time in the military. The first attempt was made whilst he was still serving and the danger appears to have followed him to Hertfordshire, putting others in danger.

Madeline, dragged into Grey’s treacherous world, is almost relieved when her brother, The Duke of Silchester, tells her it’s too dangerous to be involved with Lord Carshalton. She is finding him rather too attractive for comfort.

But after another attempt on his life Grey is forced to leave the area and Madeline has to go with him, putting her in the line of fire. To protect her, they are to stay together at Blakely Hall, his ancestral home, until the danger has passed…

But can Grey remain the gentleman around Lady Madeline or will his dangerous reputation ruin them all?

Please note: This is a re-issue of A Dangerous Husband by Fenella J. Miller

A wonderful Regency romance perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh.

Praise for Fenella J. Miller:

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

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

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

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

The post A Dangerous Husband appeared first on Boldwood.

Secrets lurk in the shadows at Rookswood House…

When Kate goes to look after her estranged sister’s children in their creepy old house, she takes a photo of what seems to be a ghost. Frightened yet intrigued, Kate undertakes to uncover the secrets of the house and the two mysterious sisters who lived there over a hundred years before.

But like the illusions of light and shadow in the sisters’ strange and disturbing Victorian post-mortem photography, Kate discovers that all is not what it seems. Someone – or something – has their own plans for Rookswood House – and for Kate.

With a potential developer circling around, her teenage niece in danger from an unseen force, and new love on the horizon, Kate must unravel the secrets and lies of her own and Rookswood’s past before she loses everything she holds dear.

If you like historical mysteries by Eve Chase, Rachel Burton and Harriet Evans, you’ll love Lauren Westwood.

Praise for Lauren Westwood:

‘A compelling historical mystery. If you buy it for the beach – bring a lot of sun cream because you won’t want to put it down.’ 5-star Reader Review

‘Good combination of secrets, history, story & characters, hard to put down’ 5-star Reader Review

‘An enchanting and engrossing read that I highly recommend and, if you have not yet read Lauren Westwood’s books, then what on earth are you waiting for?’ 5-star Reader Review

‘Full of twists and turns, captivating and absorbing. I loved it‘ 5-star Reader Review

The post The House of Light and Shadows appeared first on Boldwood.

‘Beautifully told. I became immersed in Divya’s world.’ Patricia McBride

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

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

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

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

‘A beautifully descriptive, original and emotional story. I loved Divya, she’s a very brave, strong and clever leading lady.’ Jane Lark

Readers are loving Renita D’Silva:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Egypt 1219AD.

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

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

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

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

Praise for Richard Cullen’s Chronicles of the Black Lion series

A gripping and tautly-woven tale of a young squire thrust into the house of William Marshal during the turbulent reign of King John. Rebellion is rich, engrossing and beautifully historical, a page-turner from start to finish.’ – SJA Turney, author of the Wolves of Oden series.

”Following in the footsteps of the legendary knight William Marshall, The events surrounding the signing of Magna Carta, and the end of King John’s notorious reign are brought vividly to life by Richard Cullen. One of the most significant and fascinating periods in English history done justice by an exciting and engrossing story.’ – JC Duncan

‘This is a thrilling start to a new series, sure to appeal to fans of the genre and those interested in the events of King John’s reign and the fabulous William Marshall in all his wonderful glory’ – MJ Porter

‘Gritty, exciting and thoroughly medieval. I was after something gritty, engaging and rich in historical detail, it ticked all of these boxes’ – Reader Review

‘For me this was one of the best balanced books I’ve ever read – it’s a gloriously wonderful story and sets up the promise of what could be the best series I’ve ever read.. I’ve high hopes for this one.’ – Reader Review

‘The Rebellion is a great new series about a time in history that was ruled by violence and power. I am definitely looking forward to the next book!’ – Reader Review

‘Even if you don’t know much about the history of King’s of England this is a very entertaining read. Exciting, informative and gripping story’ – Reader Review

‘A period that’s less travelled in historical fiction. Well researched, well written- definitely worth a read’ – Reader Review

‘The Rebellion is a great new series about a time in history that was ruled by violence and power. I am definitely looking forward to the next book!’ – Reader Review

‘Exciting, informative and gripping story. With thanks to the author’ – Reader Review

The post Crusade appeared first on Boldwood.

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

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

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

Readers love Nicola Cornick:

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

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

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

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

Praise for Nicola Cornick:

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

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

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

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

‘Raven: Defier of Rome is a book I wish I’d written!’ – Michael Jecks

Chief Killer. Battle Turner. Oathbreaker.

Alaric is an enemy of Rome.

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

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

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

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

Praise for Raven: Defier of Rome:

‘Raven: Defier of Rome is ideal for lovers of Ben Kane’s and Tony Riches’ Roman stories – this is the story from the other side of the shield wall. Blood, guts and glory for the man who stood against Rome!’ Michael Jecks

‘Raven offers a thrilling view of Rome and its interactions with the Germanic tribes. Highly recommended‘ MJ Porter

‘Adam Lofthouse brings a Robert E. Howard Conanesque vigour and flair to historical fiction’ Edoardo Albert

Praise for Adam Lofthouse:

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

‘No holds barred, Praise for Raven: Defier of Rome:, probably the next best thing to actually being there’ Speesh Reads

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

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

‘Brilliant!‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

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

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

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

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

The post Raven appeared first on Boldwood.

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

Hampton Court Palace 1530s

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

Pembrokshire Present Day

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

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

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

Readers love Alexandra Walsh:

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

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

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

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

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

Praise for Alexandra Walsh:

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

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

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

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

The post The House of Echoes appeared first on Boldwood.