For unwed mother Nell Lillington, 1876 Chicago—and her new wealth—offer the promise of longed-for independence. She dreams of a place in society for her daughter Sarah and contentment for her friend Tess. Yet how can she settle in a town where she’s far too likely to run into Martin Rutherford and his glittering, faithless wife, Lucetta? Can she resist her love for Martin for Sarah’s sake?Martin was doubtless joking when he told Nell that if she got herself mixed up with a murderer for the third time, he’d disown her. But when Martin himself is arrested for murder, Nell’s dreams appear to be swallowed up in the new web of secrets she constructs to help him. Secrets that threaten to alienate Tess, Sarah, and even Martin . . .The third book in the House of Closed Doors series will take you to a Chicago teeming with opportunistic new Americans, luxury-loving merchant princes and hard-hearted denizens of the underworld.

An utterly heartbreaking and beautifully uplifting story of forbidden love, wartime secrets and the healing power of friendship. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Faith Hogan and Fiona Valpy! ? On a quiet bridge where memories linger, hearts begin to heal...1992 Elisavet, a Serbian refugee haunted by loss, finds work on Island Farm Avenue. There, three older women – Cora, Megan, and Gladdie – meet regularly on the old footbridge, a quiet place where stories are shared and wounds are gently laid bare. As they begin to open up about their memories, Elisavet is drawn into their past and the healing power of female friendship.1944 During the war, a young Cora forms a forbidden bond with Frank, a German prisoner held at Island Farm Camp. A fleeting smile. A folded paper aeroplane. A love that defies the rules of a broken world. But as their connection deepens, Cora must choose between her heart and the hostile judgment of a war-weary town.As Elisavet pieces together the intertwined pasts of these three extraordinary women, she uncovers a story of resilience, love, and the kind of friendship that builds bridges across time.Praise for Norma Curtis:‘This beautifully unique tale will fill you with hope, then will suddenly break your heart into a million pieces.’ Off the Hook Books, ?????‘Heart-wrenching.’ NetGalley reviewer, ?????‘Truly heart-wrenching.’ Goodreads reviewer ?????‘A beautiful and heartbreaking story... I cannot wait to read more by this author. This author has now become a go-to author.’ Goodreads reviewer ?????

????? ‘A powerful, compelling, spellbinding and poignant love story that will stay with me forever.’ Reader reviewWith the threat of war closing in, how far will she go to protect those she loves?France, 1940. Arlette Blaise has always lived a peaceful life on her family’s farm in the unoccupied south, sheltered from the horrors of war. But as Nazi forces sweep across the country, that fragile calm shatters. Harvests are seized, rationing tightens, and the German occupation creeps into even the quietest corners of France.When Arlette’s brother joins the Resistance, Arlette and her father are left to protect their home from the ever-present threat. But Arlette’s courage pushes her to take a dangerous risk. She shelters Saul, a Jewish man marked for death by the Nazis, and discovers love in a time when every decision carries deadly consequences.As the authorities close in, Arlette must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect those she loves. But when violence reaches her doorstep, can she save her family—or will the war destroy everything she’s fought to protect?This powerful historical saga of family bonds, quiet heroism and the resilience of ordinary women in extraordinary times is perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy, Kate Quinn or Rhys Bowen.Readers love Angela Barton:????? ‘Breathtakingly beautiful.’ Toscana????? ‘Will always stay with me . . . A must read!’ Carol????? ‘A story that everyone should read.’ Barry????? ‘Rich in historical content and so immensely touching.’ Stephen????? ‘The best book that I've read this year.’ coco

A TOTALLY HEARTBREAKING AND UNPUTDOWNABLE WARTIME HISTORICAL ROMANCE.Previously published as The Laird of Lochandee.A heartwarming and moving story about secrets, family and the power of love, set in enchanting Scotland during the Second World War.Scotland, 1940s.Sixteen-year-old Rachel O’Brian is heartbroken and alone. The unexpected death of her beloved father turns her world upside down. She gratefully accepts a home with the Maxwell family, old friends of her father, though she barely knows them.But she is woefully unprepared for the matriarch, Gertrude’s malice; no one understands it.Life is hard for Rachel, toiling on the Maxwell farm under the hateful eye of Gertrude. But the younger Maxwells welcome Rachel with open arms, especially Ross. Slowly, the two fall in love and Rachel once again tentatively allows herself to dream of a future.But tragedy strikes once more when Ross suddenly disappears during a business trip away. Could the war have claimed another victim? Or is this the work of a sinister force closer to home?Without his protection, Gertrude seizes the chance to throw Rachel out. Destitute and heartbroken once more, Rachel must gather her strength and courage to find Ross — both for herself, and her unborn child . . .Set against the looming shadow of the Second World War, this is a sweeping, beautiful story of one woman’s courage against all the odds. Fans of Kate Hewitt, Colleen McCullough, Tamara Alexander and Tania Crosse will fall head over heels for this captivating read.READERS LOVE GWEN KIRKWOOD:????? ‘Without a doubt, one of my favorite sagas I’ve enjoyed on Kindle Unlimited! I loved the characters like family, felt their joy and their pain! It should be a mini series! Wow!’ Linda G.????? ‘A delightful read, loved it from start to finish.’ Booklover Bev????? ‘Can’t get enough of these books . . . they just leave you wanting more.’ D.G. Chance????? ‘A lovely heart-warming tale . . . I found it very touching and loved learning about this period in time — a wonderful story!’ Christina????? A lovely, light and easy read. Truly heart-warming and I highly recommend it.’ Jasmine S.????? ‘Ms. Kirkwood’s story telling ability is amazing . . . Spectacular.’ Melanie A.????? ‘A lovely story, I read it in a day.’ KateALSO BY GWEN KIRKWOODTHE MAXWELL FAMILY QUARTETBook 1: AN ORPHAN OF SCOTLANDBook 2: THE SECRETS THAT BIND USBook 3: DREAMS OF THE VALLEYBook 4: SOMEWHERE TO CALL HOME

A 2022 MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD NOMINEEIn Jane Austen’s revered Pride and Prejudice, Mary, the middle sister, is often passed over. Until now…Upon the death of her father, Mary Bennet’s life is thrown into turmoil. With no fortune or marriage prospects, Mary must rely on the kindness of her relatives. When a mysterious late-night visit by an unknown relative—a Lady Trafford from Castle Durrington—leads to an extended stay and the chance for an education, Mary gratefully accepts the opportunity.But even as she arrives at the castle, she’s faced with one mystery after another. Who is Lady Trafford really and what is she hiding? Do her secrets and manipulations place the small seaside community at risk of an invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte? Always curious, Mary sets out to discover the truth. But when she discovers the dead body of a would-be thief she outed prior to her father’s funeral, Mary jeopardizes her position at the castle and her family’s good name in her quest for the truth.Never underestimate the observation skills of a woman who hides in the background.

Every stitch contains a spark of rebellion…Occupied Ukraine, 1940. Zirka and her cousin Perla embroider quietly by candlelight in their old dressmaker’s shop. War is raging: and hidden in the intricate traditional embroidery are secret messages for the resistance. If the two women are caught, or betrayed, it would mean certain death…Lviv, 2022. As Ana gazes around at the peeling wallpaper, she hopes the little shop she was shocked to inherit will bring her closer to the memory of her grandmother Zirka. After Ana’s mother suddenly refused to see or speak to Zirka decades ago, Ana has been desperate to find out what tore them apart.But Ana finds a diary stashed in a long-forgotten kitchen drawer. The pages inside tell of a secret sewing society vital to the war effort, a doomed love affair, and a woman on the run with a newborn.Will Ana ever discover the truth about her family? And now war has come again to this beautiful city, will Ana learn that some wartime secrets are too dangerous to uncover?The Secret Sewing Society is a sweeping, heartbreaking tale about a devastating family mystery, and generations of women coming together against the odds. Fans of Evie Woods, Fiona Valpy and The Keeper of Happy Endings will be utterly swept away.What readers are saying about The Secret Sewing Society:‘WOW!... this novel completely pulled me in… gripping… unforgettable… heartbreaking in the best way… powerful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ?????‘HEARTBREAKING… powerful and emotional…will stay with you long after you finish it… Gripping.’ NetGalley reviewer, ?????‘A WOW book, I couldn’t stop reading! Beautiful… Powerful… Gripping.’ Happeninginlunaland,????‘Fantastic… I loved this book so much… had me hanging on to every word… my favourite read!’ Goodreads reviewer, ?????‘A must-read... I adored this book… gripped… I loved... A wonderful novel. Five stars.’ Betsysbookshops, ?????‘Absolutely loved this!’ Goodreads reviewer, ?????‘I love… hooks you instantly… Left me wanting more… I didn’t want to leave it… the kind of book that reminds you why you read… Completely captivated my heart… Lingers long after the final page.’ rose.reads, ????‘Beautiful… A real page-turner… Phenomenal… Had me completely enthralled… Brilliant… Awe inspiring, heartbreaking and compelling.’ emthebookworm, ????‘Heartstrings are pulled and tissues are needed… an emotional ride… Incredible.’ Inspiredbypmdd, ????‘Utterly captivating… heartbreaking, hopeful… A moving read that lingers… excellent.’ Goodreads reviewer, ????‘Beautiful... I had to keep looking down through tears… I was so moved from this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ?????‘Loved… both heartbreaking and hopeful… gripping… utterly swept away… Stunning.’ Goodreads reviewer, ?????