Bolton, Lancashire: 1943 Livvy knows that her family's survival rests on her shoulders - with her parents gone, it falls to her to support her grandfather and her younger sister, Joan. Times are tough, largely due to the hardships of war, and Livvy knows that she will struggle to keep her family safe with the meagre pay most jobs would afford her. When US soldiers are stationed nearby, Livvy decides to take advantage of the opportunity to make some easy money and, along with her best friend, begins selling herself on the streets. Despite the harsh judgements of society, Livvy perseveres with her challenging choice and does the very best that she can for her family's sake. As Joan grows older and wants to explore the freedoms that come with this, Livvy must be careful to hide her unsavoury secret from her family. But when one US soldier takes too much of a shine to her, Livvy's life begins to spiral out of control . . . Will she be able to right things, or will everything she's fought to protect come crumbling down?
Emma Hornby Book order
Emma Hornby crafts gritty historical novels set in 1800s Bolton and Manchester, a path she embarked upon after researching her own family history. The vibrant characters she unearthed provided immense inspiration; much like the figures in her fiction, generations of her own family navigated life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums. Her writing is distinguished by vivid portrayals of ordinary lives and a strong sense of place and time. Hornby brings history to life for readers with compelling and accessible narratives.






- 2024
- 2023
Jenny and her little brother Noah are orphans, living hand to mouth in a cellar dwelling in the heart of the Manchester slums.At the tender age of nine, Noah is a chimney sweep's boy: a dangerous job, where he's wickedly mistreated. But they survive on his earnings, for which his older sister Jenny feels terrible guilt. It's only her fiery temper that's prevented her keeping down a job herself. With her brother's safety - his life - on the line, Jenny resolves to try and control herself, and put her talent for singing to good use. Can she earn a crust by entertaining the punters at the taverns and inns around town?It seems like a dream come true when she catches the attention of a music hall manager and is offered a spot on a bigger stage, along with an enviable wage. But there's a darker bargain to be struck in return for their new riches . . .How far will Jenny go to protect her brother, and will they ever find the security they crave?
- 2022
. Will Mara clear Conrad's name, or will she have the courage to break free from her step-son's villainy?---------------------Readers love Emma Hornby:'Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma Hornby tells a brilliant story that will keep you guessing with twists and turns.
- 2022
The second book in the page-turning Worktown Girls at War series, from the bestselling author of A Shilling for a Wife , perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin.At seventeen, Renee Rushmore lives at home with her father Ivan - a cruel man who rules the house with an iron fist and keeps Renee isolated and alone. She is desperate to escape him, but with no friends to help her, what hope does she have?Then war breaks out. With factories and farms looking to take on female workers, Renee dares to hope that her freedom might be within grasp. And when she hears through a kindly local farmhand named Jimmy that Oak Valley Farm is in need of help, she might just have found her chance.But her father's eyes are on her day and night. With the help of Jimmy, will Renee be able to escape Ivan's cruelty and find happiness at last?Readers love Emma'Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma Hornby tells a brilliant story''Emma Hornby's books just keep getting better and better''Keep writing Emma, you are very talented and can't wait for your next book''Emma is a wonderful storyteller and I can't wait for the next one!''Thank you again Emma Hornby for a captivating read''Another beautifully written story by Emma Hornby'
- 2021
Her Wartime Secret
A page-turning WWII saga from the bestselling author (Worktown Girls at War Book 1)
- 416 pages
- 15 hours of reading
Set in Bolton, Lancashire, during 1940, this WWII novel explores the impact of war on a family grappling with separation and the weight of a hidden secret. As they navigate the challenges of the era, the characters' resilience and connections are tested, revealing the complexities of love and sacrifice amidst turmoil. Emma Hornby weaves a poignant narrative that highlights both the struggles and the strength found in familial bonds during one of history's darkest times.
- 2021
Or will the judgement of their peers make a pauper of Phoebe? ----------------------------Readers love Emma Hornby:'Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma Hornby tells a brilliant story that will keep you guessing with twists and turns.
- 2020
Gritty and page-turning historical saga set in Northern England in the late 1800s, for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin
- 2019
Minnie Maddox cares deeply for mothers and their babies - she makes a living by taking in unwanted children and finding them good adoptive homes - and is delighted for her neighbour when she finally becomes a mother after decades of trying.
- 2018
After a cold, hard winter on the streets, three orphans are about to give up hope when an unexpected turn of events brings them to the doorstep of Bracken House. Taken in by the firm but kind-hearted cook, the young friends can hardly believe their luck. But behind Bracken House's impressive facade lies a household steeped in troubles and mystery, with residents above and below stairs battling their own demons and dark secrets. Not everyone is happy with the new arrivals, and soon the orphans' safety is in danger. If they want to stay in the first home any of them have known for years, they must unravel the past and bring hope to the future. Will they succeed? Or will they come to regret ever leaving the mean slum streets they once called home?
- 2017
A drunkard and bully, Joseph rules her with a rod of iron, using fists and threats to keep her in check. But with the threat of discovery by Joseph, who will stop at nothing to find her, Sally must fight with every ounce of strength she has to protect herself and her son, and finally be with the man who truly loves her.
