Heartwarming, courageous, and ultimately uplifting - for all lovers of WW2 historyWhen Cathy’s twin brother is called to serve in the Royal Navy, she leaps at the chance to join the Wrens, which by 1942, has grown into a strong force of over sixty thousand women. But she longs to be at sea and prove herself – to fight alongside her brother.Already working her way up through the ranks is Wren Officer Anne Foxton, who takes command of a ‘stone frigate’ in the traditional man’s world of the British Navy. It’s a responsible job – and for her – the opportunity of a lifetime. Then into Anne’s well-ordered world comes a young Swordfish pilot who has earned himself quite a reputation. Which one of her girls will catch his eye – and what lengths will he go to, to win her?And then there’s Linda, a motorcycle despatch rider, enjoying freedom for the first time in her life and learning all manner of secrets as she takes important messages from one top location to another. She sees a lot more than the war office might be comfortable with, including plans for Operation Pedestal – the most ambitious convoy ever sent through a barrage of enemy fire to the island of Malta. Essential supplies must get there before it's too late, but what can she do to help the Navy boys fight their way through?Against all odds, the women are drawn to help each other. Together, they find the courage to work and play in a war-torn world. All three are placed in grave danger and will only survive with determination, skill and luck. Will they be able to do it?

‘[I] absolutely loved this fictional take on some of the most legendary women of Hollywood's Golden Age! Perfect for books clubs.’ ????? NetGalley ReviewerFor fans of Fiona Davis, Kathleen Tessaro and Taylor Jenkins Reid in the most enlightening and exciting bookclub read of the year!‘An atmospheric narrative of young women pushing boundaries and defying expectations… truly unforgettable’ Caroline Cauchi, bestselling author of Mrs Van GoghOne ordinary school. Three extraordinary women …In the 1920s, three young girls enter a strict, cheerless convent school in a quiet London suburb.Six years later they leave, to change the world …Maureen was the movie star, whose role as Tarzan’s Jane helped rewrite the rules of cinema censorship.Sonia was the aspiring writer who became George Orwell’s wife and the guardian of his literary legacy.And Vivien was the actress as iconic as the roles she played, from Cleopatra to Scarlett O’Hara.Together their careers encompassed glamour and tragedy, triumph and scandal. From Bloomsbury to Hollywood, and from the cafés of Paris to the theatres of New York, this novel is a breath-taking epic spanning four decades in three unforgettable lives.See what real readers are saying about Caroline Lamond’s writing:????? 'Well written and told from the point of view of the characters, this is an engaging story and gives the reader a glimpse of the heady world of theatre, film and society in the time of the star studded movie era'????? ‘Well written and researched… a joy to read’????? ‘A highly engaging tale’????? ‘I was hooked from the first page…’????? ‘Really reminded me of City of Girls, the lifestyle, the glamour but also the tenderness… Wonderful!’????? ‘A highly engaging tale’????? ‘Absolutely fantastic, unputdownable…'????? ‘A moving and at times heartbreaking story'????? 'Sad, happy and frustrating at times this novel pulls on all emotions’‘An enticing parallel portrait, of women endeavouring to be heard in a glittering but masculine era’ Mandy Robotham, international bestselling author‘An extraordinary story’ Georgia Kaufmann, author of The Dressmaker of Paris‘An engaging portrait of an indomitable woman at the heart of Golden Age Hollywood’ Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Manhattan Girls

A powerful Barbara Erskine classic, the story of a remarkable mediaeval noblewoman whose life shaped the history of three crownsThe child whose hands would hold three crowns is born in fire.In 1218 an extraordinary princess is born. Her mystical powers and unquenchable spirit will alter the course of history.Raised by her fiercely Welsh nurse to support the Celtic cause against the predatory English king, Princess Eleyne is taught to worship the old gods and to look into the future and the past. However, unable to identify time and place in her terrifying visions, she is powerless to avert forthcoming tragedy…Despite impassioned resistance, Eleyne’s world is shaped by powerful men – but her tempestuous life and loves tie her to the destinies of England, Scotland and Wales…Readers LOVE Barbara Erskine:‘Atmospheric’ ?????‘Enthralling’ ?????‘Spellbinding’ ?????‘Another fabulous read from the mistress of the genre’ ?????‘Immensely and deeply immersive fiction’ ?????‘I loved every minute’ ?????‘An exceptional writer of great books’ ?????‘You can rely on this author to keep you wanting more’ ?????‘A joy to read’ ?????‘Captivating and engrossing’ ?????Barbara Erskine's book 'The Story Spinner' was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-07-29.

A cryptic code embedded in the pages of a Masonic encyclopedia ties back to an ancient mystery linked to the Knights Templar. When an elderly Freemason is found with his throat slashed, historian Cameron Thorne realizes more is at stake here than a mere encyclopedia entry. The clues lead him to Kabbalah—the ancient, mystical form of Judaism—and to 19th-century robber baron Henry Clayton Frick and his intriguing ties to the crypt of Mary Magdalene. Looming in the background, seemingly orchestrating everything, are the medieval Knights of Malta, age-old rivals of the Templars. Has Cam found himself in the middle of a 700-year-old monastic blood feud?Based on actual historical sources, and illustrated.Publishers Weekly says of the author, "BRODY DOES A TERRIFIC JOB OF WRAPPING HIS RESEARCH IN A FAST-PACED THRILL RIDE."This is a stand-alone novel with recurring characters. The books in this series can be read in any order.