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

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.

‘One of the best books I have read in a long time.’ Reader reviewA spellbinding historical saga of love, ambition and one woman’s fight to forge her own destiny.When Hester Needham loses her beloved mother, all she is allowed to keep is a single silver thimble — a tiny spark of hope that will shape the rest of her life . . .Taken to London to live at her half-brother’s bustling tavern, Hester soon learns that his sharp-tongued wife, Martha, sees her as nothing but a burden. Yet even under Martha’s watchful eye, Hester grows into a young woman with a quick mind, a hunger to learn and a spirit that refuses to be crushed.Everything changes when she meets John Bateman, a gifted apprentice silversmith who opens the door to a world of craft Hester has only ever glimpsed. Drawn to the beauty and discipline of the silversmith trade, Hester soon discovers she has a natural eye — and a talent — for working silver herself. And what began as a blossoming friendship soon deepens into a forbidden love . . .But jealousy, rivalry and whispered scandal soon threaten the fragile future Hester and John are building. To protect them both and claim a place in a world determined to keep her in the shadows, Hester must summon all her courage — and trust in the craft that has captured her heart.This sweeping, emotional story of a woman who dares to rise above the limits of her birth and leave her mark is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, Stacey Halls, Tracy Chevalier or Christina Courtenay.Readers love The Silver Touch:‘An absolute gem.’ Emshell‘Thoroughly enjoyed this book based on a real 18th century female silversmith and her family.’ Dragonfly63‘Has such a heartwarming effect. Just a joy to read.’ Elizabeth‘A wonderful historical novel.; Linda S‘One word? WOW!’ Bill R‘I couldn't stop reading the story. Remarkable!’ Amazon Customer‘Very compelling story. I had a hard time putting it down. ‘ Janet P