‘Filled with tension and family secrets . . . If you’re looking for outstanding historical fiction, you must read this book! I highly recommend.’ Gosia Nealon, award-winning author of Her Secret Resistance

‘The most compelling, evocative, heart-wrenching book I have ever read.’ Reader review

A woman searching for somewhere to belong.
A child rescued from the rubble of a ruined island.
A secret buried in the heart of Kefalonia.

Greece, 1953. When a catastrophic earthquake reduces the beautiful island of Kefalonia to ruins, Cassia Makris risks everything to save a young girl buried beneath the rubble that was once her home.

In that moment, Cassia makes a life-changing decision that will bind their fates forever but force her to carry a devastating secret . . .

Wales, 1973. Eléni Davies has always felt there was something unspoken in her past — a silence at the heart of her childhood. When she discovers a hidden journal among her mother’s belongings, it unravels an untold story of love and loss on a faraway island.

Drawn to the place where her story really began, Eléni travels to the now-rebuilt Kefalonia. Among the lemon groves and sun-bleached chapels, she begins retracing her mother’s footsteps to piece together a story that was never meant to be told.

But in doing so, Eléni must decide whether some secrets are better left buried — or whether confronting them is the only way to finally heal.

This unforgettable dual-timeline historical page-turner will sweep you away to the olive groves and sapphire-blue seas of a sun-kissed Greek island. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Dinah Jefferies, Victoria Hislop, Santa Montefiore or Karen Swan.

Praise for Jan Baynham:

'Intriguing and heartwarming dual-time story with a wonderful sense of place and main characters to root for.' Anita Chapman, bestselling author of The Venice Secret

‘I didn’t want this story to end . . . This is my first Jan Baynham book, but it won’t be my last.’ Veronica Leigh, author of The Keeper of Lost Daughters

‘If you enjoy Victoria Hislop, then give this one a go.’ ?????

‘You absolutely MUST read this story for the history, to fall in love with the characters, to enjoy the beautiful locations, to realise that humanity will repair itself no matter how deep the wounds.’ ?????

‘Captivating and emotional . . . A top, top must-read.’ ?????

‘This breathtaking historical fiction novel is something readers will enjoy if you are looking for a story about healing, moving on, and reconnecting with family.’ ?????

‘A moving story filled with secrets and what they can do to a family . . . A terrific read! ?????

‘Powerful and very emotional.’ ?????

‘One of those books you don't want to end!’ ?????

‘The author's skilful storytelling effortlessly evokes a brilliant sense of time and place, bringing the contrasting settings alive with vivid detail.’ ?????

‘One of the best sagas I’ve read in a very long time.’ ?????

‘Kept you turning the pages as you read about secrets being revealed and the impact they have to a family.’ ?????

‘The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humour.’ ?????

‘So meticulously researched and recreated I could have been there.’ ????
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For readers who like historical fiction with a bit of a love story. This is a stand-alone book.

1904-Tethered to Earth, Sabina Rys is consumed with longing. Throughout her life, she has looked to the sky, envying the birds their freedom and their opportunity to be soaring above.

Although performing as an aerialist in vaudeville is thrilling, she yearns for something more. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced into burlesque. Thrown into a world of predators and reprobates, it takes years to escape, but once she breaks free, she can pursue her dream to be an aviator of lighter-than-air machines.

When an ambitious, charismatic man named Julian Bach sees Sabina’s talent, he offers her a job flying Allied agents across enemy lines in WWI. It is perilous and terrifying work, and equally grueling is smothering her growing attraction to him. But Julian is not interested. And does it even matter? She may not live beyond tomorrow anyway.
Join Sabina Rys as she pursues her dreams and Amanda Hughes as she sweeps you up into the gripping tempest of Soaring Above.
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The first novel in the classic series of Alan Lewrie's naval adventures—"The best naval series since C. S. Forester" (Library Journal).

"You could get addicted to this series. Easily." ?New York Times Book Review

1780: Seventeen-year-old Alan Lewrie is a brash, rebellious young libertine. So much so that his callous father believes a bit of navy discipline will turn the boy around. Fresh aboard the tall-masted Ariadne, Midshipman Lewrie heads for the war-torn Americas, finding?rather unexpectedly?that he is a born sailor, equally at home with the randy pleasures of the port and the raging battles on the high seas. But in a hail of cannonballs comes a bawdy surprise. . .

The King's Coat introduces us to Alan Lewrie, hero of Dewey Lambdin's acclaimed series of naval adventures, which have often been compared to those by C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian.

"If Horatio Hornblower is the gentleman's sailor and Jack Aubrey is the thinking man's sailor, Lewrie is of and for the working class. Pugnacious and randy, he's a refreshing sea breeze." ?San Jose Mercury News

BOOK 1 - We'll Meet Again Series (Based on actual events involving the tragedy of the Montevideo Maru and the invasion of Rabaul)

'If you talk to the stars, I will talk back to you.'

In 1941, Queensland drover, Michael McTavish leaves behind his young daughter Gracie and joins the 2/22 AIF, his destination, Rabaul, New Guinea, a small town surrounded by impenetrable jungles and steep jagged mountains, its shores lined by tranquil bays and active volcanos.

Joanie has also arrived in New Guinea, with a chance to manage a trading store with her father, Reg, too exciting an opportunity to pass up.

As the tendrils of war creep closer to the islands north of Australia, some who call Rabaul home are given an opportunity to return to Australian shores. Others have no option but to stay. Will separation and distance affect the destiny of those who live in the path of the approaching enemy or will the power of love prevail?

Based on actual events, Elizabeth's Star begins the story of Michael and Joanie, unfolding the lives of their families and friends while following the life of Gracie, a little girl left behind when her father went to war. A sweeping historical novel based on actual events of the 1930s and 40s set amidst the backdrop of outback Queensland through to the tropical islands of New Guinea.

A moving tale of love, loss and separation.

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