As religious persecution sweeps 17th century France, one woman must risk everything to save her family. Midwife Clare Dupres faces a danger she never anticipated.When the charming but penniless Pierre Dupres departs France in pursuit of fortune, heartbroken Clare resigns herself to marrying his dull elder brother, Jacques. Descended from a long line of midwives, Clare is expected to bear a daughter to carry on the family’s ancestral calling--a legacy that has defined generations of women stretching back to Biblical times.She cajoles Jacques into allowing her to restore Maison Dupres—a crumbling chateau rumored to be haunted—into their home. But tensions grow within their marriage. Jacques increasingly resents her determination to continue her profession after the birth of their two children.Beyond the walls of Maison Dupres, danger is rising.As Huguenots face escalating threats under Louis XIV, a new royal edict strips Clare of her livelihood. She urges Jacques to flee with their family to England. He refuses, blind to the growing peril and quietly pleased that his wife can no longer attend births.Desperate, Clare turns to her former sweetheart Pierre. Together, they devise a secret plan to smuggle the Dupres family to London aboard one of his merchant ships.But before they can escape, the King’s dreaded Dragonnade soldiers—led by a lecherous officer—storm Maison Dupres with an arrest warrant, based on false allegations by a vengeful servant.Clare’s daring attempt to outwit the officer and save her family sparks a relentless pursuit—one that will keep you turning pages until its surprising conclusion.Book 1 of The Midwife Chronicles series.A sweeping family saga set against the turmoil of 17th-century Europe. Editorial Reviews “After several hairbreadth escapes, the story proceeds to a rip-roaring conclusion as an armed merchant ship from England pushes off from the pier in Dieppe. Over the course of this novel, Penfield shows a talent for storytelling and a clear knack for drama…” — Kirkus Reviews…a beautiful and flowing story with elements of history, romance, and storytelling brought together by a colorful cast of characters. Clare is a strong female lead dealing with issues that are timeless.” — Literary Titan“A gripping historical novel. A finalist and highly recommended.” — The Wishing Shelf Book Awards “…well-written, well-paced, with a story that carries you along.” — The Coffee Pot Book Club“Clare Dupres’ story is completely entertaining. And there is subtle humor. I like that.” — Mike Bove, author of The Bruce Del Reno Mysteries

Based on true events, a forgotten story of courage, conviction and love.1917: Europe is on the cusp of seismic change. In the Alpine village of St Niklaus, the war seems far away. Yet everyone is fighting a personal battle.In the shadow of a mountain, 14-year-old Seraphine helps Mama manage the farm while Papa defends Swiss borders. She dreams of seeing the world. After the war.A young medical graduate arrives in the valley. Under the patronage of a local doctor, he puts his faith in a revolutionary idea. He is determined to influence the world. After the war.Dr Bayard cannot wait until after the war. In the most beautiful place on earth, people still suffer from a centuries-old affliction. Armed with a theory, two sacks of salt and a mule, Bayard climbs a mountain, intent on treating one tiny village.The paths of two unlikely young people cross in turbulent times – against the backdrop of one country doctor's fight against folklore, prejudice and false pride.Salt of the Earth is a journey of bravery and broken hearts following their call. A quest for love and healing in the face of precarious destiny.“Meticulously researched and beautifully written, this fascinating novel tells the little-known story of a life-changing medical breakthrough in the tumultuous times of WWI.” – Clare Flynn, author of The Pearl of Penang“A powerful and heart-breaking tale of a cure for one of history's most devastating ailments.” – Liza Perrat, author of The Bone Angel trilogy

Her mother was taken by the Nazis. Would she ever find her way home? Inspired by the true story of how Jewish people escaped fascist Germany, helped by two extraordinary sisters.'I adored it. A truly heartrending, stirring, important novel, perfect for anyone who enjoys a cracking good tale' LOUISE MORRISH'An emotional rollercoaster with unforgettable scenes. A powerful novel of love, loss and healing' SUZANNE GOLDRING? And readers can't get enough! ?'An absolutely extraordinary read-one of those rare historical novels that completely immerses you from start to finish' ? ? ? ? ?'This was a story that truly touched my heart!' ? ? ? ? ?'The characters' emotions are so vivid and real that you experience every moment alongside them' ? ? ? ? ?'A story about trying to find courage and hope during the darkest times, and helping others' ? ? ? ? ?'A deeply moving, beautifully researched novel that stayed with me long after I finished it . . . This is historical fiction at its best' ? ? ? ? ?'Full of heartbreak and hope in equal measures' ? ? ? ? ?'Be prepared to cry' ? ? ? ? ?-----------------Her hands tremble as she tightens her grip on the letter, taking in the familiar script that is scratched into the fading parchment. For more than thirty years, she has carried this testimony - these secrets - with her. It's time her story was told.1937. As fascism rises across Europe and the threat turns to very real danger for their Jewish friends in Berlin, sisters Josephine and Constance smuggle out possessions to help to finance their friends' new lives as refugees in London - if they make it out. Then, one day, they're asked to rescue something much more precious: a little girl. Her mother, Ilse, has been imprisoned for her journalism and her father, Daniel, knows he must do all he can to protect their child - even if that means letting her go... 1939. When war breaks out, the sisters are tortured by thoughts of those they couldn't save and commit to doing all they can on the Home Front - Jo, at the Ministry of Information, where she becomes part of a network of intelligence workers, and Constance as an air raid warden during the Blitz. Meanwhile in Germany, Ilse is moved to Ravensbrück, where she bands together with other women in the camp to expose the atrocities they face every day. But can Ilse find a way to connect with her daughter?Praise for Gill Thompson's novels:'Heartrending. Riveting. Definitely on my list of Ten Best Books of the year' SHARON MAAS'A stunning tale about courage, and sacrifice that will keep you enthralled' ANDIE NEWTON'Really brought a lump to my throat. It has stayed with me since finishing it' SUZANNE GOLDRING'A heartrending story that spans the world' DINEY COSTELOE'A heartrending story' JANE CORRY

? ? ? ? ? "Bad Blood is a fantastic historical fiction novel that does not shy away from the dark complications of the world," - Reedsy DiscoveryIreland, 1590s. Loyalty is bought with blood—and betrayal is a family tradition.Eunan Maguire was never meant to survive. Hated by his own parents, taken hostage to secure his father’s allegiance, and trained to kill as a galloglass warrior, his life has been shaped by cruelty and violence. When English soldiers burn his village to the ground and his parents are murdered, Eunan escapes with his life—and a crushing guilt he cannot outrun.Alone and hunted, he is taken in by Seamus MacSheehy, the formidable leader of a roaming band of warriors. Seamus pushes Eunan toward a dangerous claim: his dead father’s title and a place in the brutal power struggle tearing the Maguire clan apart. Drawn into a world of clan elections, secret deals, and simmering rebellion, Eunan must learn fast who to trust—and who is using him.As faction fighting explodes across Fermanagh and the English advance with ruthless force, Eunan is pulled into a war that will decide the fate of his people. But the greatest threat may lie closer than he thinks. His parents’ hatred hides a deadly secret. Seamus MacSheehy is not the man he pretends to be. And the truth could destroy Eunan—or make him the most dangerous man in Ireland.Bad Blood is the first book in the Exiles series, a gripping work of Irish historical fiction packed with action, intrigue, and rebellion. Set during the Elizabethan wars, it brings to life a savage world of warring clans, shifting loyalties, and a young warrior forced to choose between his past and his destiny.

From a USA Today bestselling author, this is a heart-stopping story of lost love, family drama, resilience and courage in World War II – perfect for fans of Heather Morris, Mandy Robotham and Kate Quinn.‘I kept wanting to read more!’ ?????‘[Contains] everything I love about well-written historical fiction.’ ?????’I was rooting for our nurses all the way through.’ ?????Albania, 1943. When US Army nurses and identical twins Andrea and Nicole find themselves stranded in a remote area of the war-torn country, their only route to safety is a perilous trek through the mountains with the Germans on their tail.On the long and risky journey, the treacherous conditions push both of them – and Andrea’s marriage – to the limits.When a chance encounter brings Darren, Nicole’s first love, back into their lives, a long-held secret threatens to tear the sisters apart. As the enemy moves ever closer and the danger continues to mount, will the chance to rebuild their relationship be lost forever?Readers have fallen in love with Sisters of the Storm:'Kortchik brings a fascinating story about a WWII rescue mission through Nazi-occupied Albania to life for the reader.’ JOANNE KORMYLO'Sisters everywhere will love it.' DEBORAH SWIFT'Kept me turning the pages far into the night.' CORIN BURNSIDEPraise for Lana Kortchik:‘Absolutely wonderful! I recommend all Lana’s books, but I believe this one is my favourite and her best yet! TEN STARS!’ ?????‘This book packs a powerful punch… [it] makes your heart soar with every flight, pound in every battle, and break with every loss.’ ?????‘A story I won’t be forgetting any time soon… I highly recommend this book.’?????‘Beautiful novel. Loved the way it is written. The characters and the era are well portrayed, wrapped in the history of WWII.’?????‘Lana Kortchik has a great writing style and the historical elements were everything that I was hoping for.’ ?????

"It's absolutely delightful, and I would recommend it to anyone who's a fan of Sarah Caudwell, or Agatha Christie, or anyone who loves really clever British murder mysteries set in the '20s." - Gillian Flynn, international bestselling author of Gone Girl. After eight years in South Africa, Charles Knox returns to England a wealthy man, determined to put his past behind him. But when he is invited to Sissingham Hall, the Norfolk home of Sir Neville Strickland, he finds that the past is already waiting for him in the form of Rosamund, Sir Neville’s beautiful wife—and Charles’s former fiancée. For Charles the weekend is a chance to re-establish his position in society, but from the very first evening tensions start to gather. Rosamund still attracts him more than he likes, Sir Neville is troubled, and every guest at Sissingham seems to be hiding something. Then Sir Neville is found dead in his study. Was the culprit an outsider—or someone in the house? As suspicion begins to fall on one guest after another, Charles joins forces with the perceptive Angela Marchmont in an effort to solve the mystery. But as the investigation deepens, old affections and divided loyalties draw him into danger, and he soon realises that the truth may demand a terrible sacrifice. A classic 1920s country-house murder mystery, perfect for fans of traditional British detective fiction.