It's January 1871 when Edith, the sheltered daughter of a wealthy widow, pays her first eventful visit to the workhouse for the poor. There she meets Rosie, a rebellious, quick-tempered orphan who is always getting into trouble. Edith soon finds herself drawn into Rosie's wild schemes and both their lives are never the same again.
Set in London in the Plague years, this novel looks at a family trapped by fear as illness spreads through the city. Sophie's life is complicated further by her husband's infidelity. The author also wrote "The Halliday Girls".
A Tudor story, set during the reign of Henry VIII. Hal has ambitions to work as a stable boy for the king. A chance encounter gives him the chance he's dreamed of.
The diary of 13 year old Alice Paynton, a young girl in the time of Charles II. Her diary covers the months from June 1665 to the Great Fire of 1666, while the bubonic plague ravages London.
The diary of Edith Lorrimer, England 1871 I was shown the laundry - a vast noisy sunless room full of steam and the sharp smell of soapsuds. I counted seven women slaving over the large tubs where the clothes are washed, their reddened faces shiny with sweat even in this weather...Condensation ran down the windows and pooled on the floor. Heavy wooden racks are pulled up and down from the high ceiling and the sheets and clothes are draped over them and hoisted up to the ceiling from where they drip on the unfortunates toiling beneath. No doubt Rosie takes her turn in here. Just to think of it filled my eyes with tears. What a terrible existence. Edith Lorrimer is the sheltered daughter of a wealthy widow who is on the Board of Governors at a workhouse for the destitute. Whilst visiting the workhouse, Edith meets with Rosie Chubb, a troubled orphan who is a liar, quick-tempered and always in trouble...
November 1907 - Hester Shaw is hidden away in a small London flat paid for by Alex, her wealthy married lover. When he persuades her to accompany his aunt on a trip to New York she meets young Charlie Barnes, who falls in love with her. This is her chance to put her shadowy past behind her and start afresh but the decision to leave Alex, a powerful senior policeman, will prove disastrous . . .
Clare is devastated after her fiance was killed in the First World War. She inherits Merle Place, a large house which was a military hospital during the war, which is now in need of expensive renovation. Completely out of her depth, Clare tries to sell the house, hampered by her cousin Donald. Clare's only enjoyment is writing a weekly serial, so her hopes rise when she is asked to write a novel. She meets editor Steven Flint, who is very encouraging but her attempts to write are thwarted by a series of problems. And while Steven is a friendly shoulder to cry on, could her feelings for him cause problems?
It's 1665 and Alice is looking forward to being back in London. But the plague is spreading quickly, and as each day passes more red crosses appear on doors. When her aunt is struck down with the plague, she is forced to make a decision that could change her life forever!
Set in London in 1890, the story follows singer Rose Paton, who believes her talent and charm will lead her to success. When she is offered a lucrative opportunity to perform at a stranger's sister's birthday party, she eagerly accepts. However, Rose soon realizes that her decision to get involved with the enigmatic Bennley family may come with unforeseen consequences, raising questions about trust and ambition in a world filled with hidden dangers.
Set in 1904 London, the story explores the intertwined lives of Lydia Daye and Dolly Ellerway. Lydia, who cherishes her husband John despite his secretive government job, finds solace in her son Adam and their comfortable life. Meanwhile, Dolly, pregnant and hopeful about her future with the child's father, faces a different reality. A letter from Lydia unexpectedly connects their disparate worlds, leading to life-altering consequences for both women. Themes of family, secrets, and societal challenges weave through their compelling narratives.