Julia Kelly Books

In 1935 Liverpool, Viv Byrne, raised in a strict Catholic family, feels pressured to marry a Catholic man from her working-class neighborhood. After an unexpected pregnancy from a brief romance with Joshua Levinson, a Jewish aspiring jazz musician, she hastily agrees to marry him, hoping to escape her mother's scrutiny. However, on their wedding day, Joshua makes a pivotal decision that forces Viv back into her family's disapproval. Fast forward five years, just before World War II, Viv faces a heart-wrenching choice: send her young daughter, Maggie, to the countryside with the wealthy Thompson family for safety. Meanwhile, in New York City, Joshua sacrifices his struggling musical career to join the Royal Air Force, grappling with his feelings for the family he left behind. Tragedy strikes when Viv discovers that the countryside refuge for Maggie is not safe from the war's horrors. Years later, with Joshua's assistance, Viv uncovers the secrets of their past and learns what it takes to reunite their fractured family. This poignant narrative sheds light on the experiences of England's evacuated children, illustrating how a single choice can alter life's trajectory and the lengths we go to for love and forgiveness.

"From the author of The Light Over London and the "gripping, moving" (Kelly Rimmer) The Whispers of War comes a poignant and heartwrenching tale of five women in three eras, whose lives are tied together by one very special garden"--

From Julia Kelly, internationally bestselling author of The Last Dance of the Debutante, comes the first in the mysterious and immersive Parisian Orphan series: A Traitor in Whitehall.

Unable to confront the challenges in her own life, Cara Hargraves immerses herself in work for her antiques-dealer boss, uncovering relics from the life of World War II British "Gunner Girl" Louise Keene and her complicated relationship with a man named Paul.

For fans of historical novels by Kristin Harmel and Martha Hall Kelly comes a “gripping tale by a writer at the top of her game” (Fiona Davis, author of The Chelsea Girls) following three friends who struggle to remain loyal as one of them is threatened with internment by the British government at the start of World War II. In August of 1939, as Britain watches the headlines in fear of another devastating war with Germany, three childhood companions must choose between friendship and country. Erstwhile socialite Nora is determined to find her place in the Home Office’s Air Raid Precautions Department, matchmaker Hazel tries to mask two closely guarded secrets with irrepressible optimism, and German expat Marie worries that she and her family might face imprisonment in an internment camp if war is declared. When Germany invades Poland and tensions on the home front rise, Marie is labeled an enemy alien, and the three friends find themselves fighting together to keep her free at any cost. Featuring Julia Kelly’s signature “intricate, tender, and convincing” (Publishers Weekly) prose, The Whispers of War is a moving and unforgettable tale of the power of friendship and womanhood in the midst of conflict.

A group of young women are swept up in a life-changing journey as they become three of the last debutantes to be presented to Queen Elizabeth II. When it’s announced that 1958 will be the last year debutantes are to be presented at court, thousands of eager mothers and hopeful daughters flood the palace with letters seeking the year’s most coveted invitation: a chance for their daughters to curtsy to the young Queen Elizabeth and officially come out into society. In an effort to appease her traditional mother, aspiring university student Lily Nichols agrees to become a debutante and do the Season, a glittering and grueling string of countless balls and cocktail parties. In doing so, she befriends two very different women: the cool and aloof Leana Hartford whose apparent perfection hides a darker side and the ambitious Katherine Norman who dreams of a career once she helps her parents find their place among the elite. But the glorious effervescence of the Season evaporates once Lily learns a devastating secret that threatens to destroy her entire family.

This picture book is about a fun little girl who lives in the country. Lonesome and living in a trailer, Myrtle waves while cars with friends and family go by. However Myrtle holds a secret about traveling too. Using her imagination, Myrtle goes on an unforgettable beach trip. It's a lively book with a bedtime ending.

Set against the backdrop of a snowbound Scottish fishing village in 1900, the narrative unfolds as a mysterious boy resembling a long-lost son washes ashore, prompting teacher Dorothy to care for him. As secrets emerge within the community, Dorothy rekindles her connection with the reclusive fisherman Joseph. The story explores themes of love, grief, and the complexities of village life, revealing how buried emotions can surface unexpectedly, much like the first snowdrops of spring.

Set against the backdrop of life in a trailer, the story follows Myrtle as she navigates her feelings of isolation while observing the world around her. An unexpected adventure with pirates reveals her inner bravery, allowing her to confront her fears. Ultimately, Myrtle finds joy and confidence at a Halloween party, overcoming her social anxiety and embracing her unique spirit.