Abandoned, penniless and orphaned as young children, Bertram and Alice saved each other from a terrible fate.

For seven long years they have been kept apart, Bertram, BJ to his friends, learning how to survive and then thrive in the penal colonies of Australia, and Alice growing her prosperous chain of bakeries in the Black Country town of Wednesbury.

Now BJ’s sentence is nearly up and he has a choice to make. Queen Victoria’s England has changed since he’s been away and so has Alice. Should he leave behind the life he’s built and face the terrifying, months-long voyage back home?

The memory of the boy who saved her from starvation by teaching her how to pick pockets has sustained Alice for all these years and now he may be coming back to her. Can Alice and BJ finally get their happy ending or does fate have other plans for the pickpocket orphans?

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with an unforgettable story of friendship and bravery, heartbreak and joy. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Readers love Lindsey Hutchinson:

‘I love Lindsey Hutchinson books and have really enjoyed each and every one. This book about BJ and Alice was such a lovely story, I couldn’t put it down, therefore it was read in 2 days. Excellent easy reading.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘It was a very good read. I couldn’t stop reading and it was early hours in the morning before putting out the light to go to sleep.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘You can’t help but get gripped, once I started I couldn’t put it down. Please say that there is a follow on.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Really enjoyed this story and was desperate to find out what the next chapter would bring. Look forward to more from this author.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful writing that transported me to each location along with the characters. I am looking forward to the next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The post The Pick-Pocket’s Return appeared first on Boldwood.

July, 1936

After an unexpected heartbreak and a nasty accident on a busy Liverpool street, Lara Flynn is desperate to start afresh and leave painful memories behind her. She takes on a new job as a district nurse and midwife at a country practice, in the remote Lancashire village of Ingleside.

But instead of the friendly rural idyll she pictures, Lara finds she must cycle vast distances to visit locals who harbour an innate suspicion of a newcomer from the city – as well as dealing with unpredictable livestock, an erratic senior doctor and often challenging medical cases. She also rubs up against handsome local vet, Leo, when she helps to deliver a calf!

With time, Lara learns that healing is a two-way street: just as she helps her patients recover from illness and injury, her new life in Ingleside starts to heal her own wounds. But will this tight-knit farming community ever truly take this city girl to its heart?

An absorbing story of compassion, resilience and the power of community, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Jean Fullerton.

Praise for Kate Eastham:

‘A warm and satisfying story’ My Weekly

‘A heartwarming and tear-inducing tale with wonderfully realistic characters’ Woman

‘Very well created characters that you identify with and want to do well.’ 5-star Reader Review

‘Well written and absorbing…couldn’t put it down!‘ 5-star Reader Review

‘Great story with many twists and turns. Love all the characters’ 5-star Reader Review

The post A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse appeared first on Boldwood.

‘Friendship, drama and an array of authentic characters make this debut saga a must-read.’ Maisie Thomas, bestselling author of The Railway Girls series

September, 1939.

When war is declared, Lily sees an opportunity to escape her domineering father: she will join the Great Western Railway factory to win her financial independence and move out of home.

Maggie doesn’t want to simply follow in her sisters’ footsteps and work in the laundries at the GWR. So, when the chance comes to volunteer for men’s work in the machine shop, she’s the first to raise her hand.

Catherine, a clerk in the GWR office, has been helping with London’s evacuation efforts, organising trains to move children out of the city. But when her task is completed, will she defy her family and fiancé’s wishes and sign up for a more dangerous role?

Taking on demanding new duties, Lily, Maggie and Catherine – and others – develop an unexpectedly close bond.

But will friendship be enough to carry them through the ups and downs of life at war?

The first instalment in a brilliant new wartime series set in Swindon’s Great Western Railway works.

‘A compulsive, absolutely unputdownable read! I was enthralled by the wonderful stories of these courageous Railway Girls. Swindon and the Great Western Railway community come alive in this book.’ Renita D’Silva

Praise for Jane Lark’s historical fiction:

‘What a brilliant read!! Jane Lark has an incredible talent to draw the reader in from the first page’ Reader Review

‘A powerful, many faceted book, intelligent and well written. Exceptional characters, emotionally charged, with mystery and suspense.’ Reader Review

‘I enjoyed it from beginning to end and have decided I would read anything by Jane Lark… hell I’d even read her shopping list!’ Reader Review

‘A worthy five-star read!’ Reader Review

The post The Great Western Railway Girls appeared first on Boldwood.

The Sheldon Siblings are in trouble…

Miss Grace DuPont has no wish to marry. However, her father is determined to gain entrance to the drawing rooms of the ton and believes his wealth and Grace’s beauty will be enough to attract an aristocratic suitor. Lord Bennett Sheldon is the perfect match for Grace – whether the gentleman wants her or not.

Bennett is shocked to discover his profligate father has depleted the family coffers by his gambling. With their father now dead, Bennett feels it his duty to save the family by finding himself a suitable bride. But Bennett will only marry a girl with an impeccable pedigree as well as a vast fortune.

Grace’s father arranges for her to attend the house party at Silchester Court, masquerading as member of society. Forced to obey her father Grace plans to remain in the background – if her true identity is disclosed her reputation will be ruined.

When Grace and Bennett meet they are immediately drawn to each other. But Grace knows when Bennet discovers she is not who she claims to be, all will be lost. Bennett must marry a suitable bride or risk losing everything….and breaking Grace’s heart in the process.

Please note: This is a re-issue of A Suitable Bride 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 Suitable Bride appeared first on Boldwood.

He made a vow, but will he be able to keep it?

Ever since Jimmy was a boy, he’s known two things: the rough streets of Merthyr Tydfil and that one day he would marry Enid Hardcastle. But when Enid disappears without a word, his life takes a different turn.

Determined to make something of himself, Jimmy pours his heart into his job at Mr Baxter’s workshop, dreaming of the future he and Enid might one day share. Yet, just as his hard work begins to pay off, a man arrives claiming to be Mr Baxter’s illegitimate son, threatening Jimmy’s chance of inheriting the business he was promised.

With Enid gone and his future uncertain, Jimmy must rely on his wits and instincts honed from his childhood on the streets. But can he trust this newcomer? And will his dream of reuniting with Enid ever come true?

A heartwarming and gripping historical saga, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and AnneMarie Brear.

‘A Victorian saga that will definitely appeal to fans of Rosie Goodwin‘ Lizzie Lane

‘…flows from the heart, and is rich in period detail. Another fabulously enjoyable read from Lynette Rees, I loved it.’ Sheila Riley

‘A gripping historical saga well worth reading!‘ AnneMarie Brear

‘…a gripping tale of love prevailing despite hardship. Lynette Rees has done it again! Brilliant!’ Mary Wood

The post The Cobbler’s Apprentice appeared first on Boldwood.

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

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

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

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

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

Bestselling authors are loving The Home Front Nurses series:

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

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

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

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

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

Readers love it too!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wivenhoe February 1940

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praise for Fenella J Miller:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cambridgeshire – 1943

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praise for Rosie Clarke:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool May 1926

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praise for Sheila Riley:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘A thoroughly enjoyable, powerful novel’ – Lyn Andrews

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

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

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