Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts


Book Description

The captivating bestseller about a factory girl in Bermondsey during World War 1. Britain, 1911. Strikes and riots erupt countrywide as the shadow of the Great War looms over Europe. But in one small corner of London, factory girl Nellie Clark's wages are all that keep her younger brothers and sister from starvation. And, as the young women of Pearce Duff's custard factory watch their menfolk prepare to march off to war, Nellie is forced to make a difficult choice: between the family who depend upon her, and the man she loves... Following Nellie and her struggle through the hardship of life in First World War London, Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts is an outstandingly moving novel full of tenderness and drama. PRAISE FOR CUSTARD TARTS AND BROKEN HEARTS: 'The twists and turns of the friendship, love and family keep you gripped throughout. The characters are engaging and soon feel like old friends' Joanna, Amazon reviewer. 'Well written and beautifully told story of the hardships and heartache of early 1900's Britain. Couldn't put it down and had tears rolling down my face as I became entwined with the wonderful "cuckoo" family wanting them to survive' Dell, Amazon reviewer. 'This is a wonderful read. It has everything a good story should have, it made me laugh, smile and weep in parts. So well written that the characters come to life' Mafanwy, Amazon reviewer. 'Brilliant book – well written, well researched, compelling read' Squirrel 59, Amazon reviewer. 'An amazing and at times heart-rending story about the struggles of young women before and during the war. I was gripped from the start!' Mrs S, Amazon reviewer.




Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts


Book Description

They call them custard tarts - the girls who work at the Pearce Duff custard and jelly factory. But now the custard tarts are up in arms, striking for better conditions. Among them is Nellie Clark, trying to hold her family together after the death of her mother. She has the most desperate struggle to make ends meet, often going hungry to feed her little brothers. Two men vie for Nellie's love. One is flamboyant, confident and a chancer. The other is steady, truthful and loyal. But the choice is not as easy as it might seem. Looming over them all - over Bermondsey, over the factory, over the custard tarts and their lives and loves - is the shadow of the First World War. And that will change everything and everyone.




Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts


Book Description

Heartwarming and gritty, the life and loves of a factory girl in Bermondsey, during World War One.




Gunner Girls And Fighter Boys


Book Description

An incredible story of ordinary women living extraordinary lives, from the bestselling author of Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts. London, 1939. As the Blitz hits London, two sisters from Bermondsey find their lives changed beyond all recognition. May is known to her family as the homing pigeon because of her uncanny sense of direction. She will need it when a bombing raid destroys nearly everything she holds dear. With her home in ruins, she joins the ATS and becomes a gunner girl. Here she finds dangerous work, new friends and rivals – and painful choices in love. May's elder sister, Peggy, is trapped in a stifling marriage to a small-time crook. Amid the chaos of war, a route to freedom suddenly beckons and, along with it, new and passionate love. From the melting pot of war will come hardship and tragedy, as well as new, unexpected friendships and love affairs. PRAISE FOR GUNNER GIRLS AND FIGHTER BOYS: 'I learned so much, as the history of the Second World War was brought alive through vivid writing and wonderful storytelling. From the bomb sites of London to the countryside of Surrey, to the Middle East this is one book which will take you on a journey like no other book ever written' Petra, Amazon reviewer. 'A poignant saga of an East End of London family; their lives, loves, and losses during World War 2' Barbara Bee, Amazon reviewer. 'She makes Blitz time Bermondsey come to life' Abbie Scanlon, Amazon reviewer. 'Transported me back in time with a truly wonderful story. Lots of twists and turns and I absolutely loved the way it captures all the spirit and nostalgia from those times. Love love loved it!' Jojo's, Amazon reviewer. 'Gripping to the end. Wartime heartbreak, sadness, short lived happiness and love, you can taste the debris of war and share the odd moments of emotions' Sue Thornton, Amazon reviewer.




The Bermondsey Bookshop


Book Description

'Happiness had never been something she'd looked for. A quiet day with no insults or wallops, that was the best she could imagine.' London, 1920s Kate Goss lives in a freezing cold garret, bullied by her aunt and cousins. She dreams of being rescued by her handsome father. No one knows where he is, or what he is doing, just that he is sure to come back a rich man. By the time Kate is seventeen, she has learnt to cope alone. When her aunt throws her out, she finds a job as a cleaner in the Bermondsey Bookshop and Reading Room. Here she will discover a world she never knew existed. But trouble is never far away and long-held secrets are about to burst into the open, ensnaring her in a web of lies and violence. Will she ever be able to escape? Praise for The Bermondsey Bookshop: 'Poignant and intensely emotional' BOOKISH JOTTINGS 'A fabulous, fascinating read' VANESSA FELTZ 'I simply couldn't put it down' THE BOOKBAG 'A must-read' OK MAGAZINE




Pie All the Time


Book Description

From Cozy Classics to New Twists on Holiday Favorites, It's Always Time For Pie Whether you’re craving a comforting favorite or an exciting new flavor, a celebratory indulgence or a quick treat, the answer is always pie—and this collection is your ultimate guide. Taylor Harbin, creator of the blog All Purpose Flour Child, shares an outstanding variety of recipes that guarantee pie perfection, from no-fuss crowd-pleasers to achievable masterpieces. Taylor’s easy method produces a crisp, flaky crust every time, and her simple, unique fillings are as effortless as they are delicious. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, Taylor’s fun, approachable directions, flavored crusts and creative combinations are sure to have you rushing to roll out your dough. You'll find traditional pies, like Wild Blackberry Birthday Pie and Papa’s Golden Pecan Pie, and familiar classics reimagined into pie form, like Beef Bourguignon Skillet Pie and Mocha Coconut Cream Pie. You'll also discover unique and inventive flavors, like Aperol Citrus Creamsicle Pie, Roasted Cherry Tomato Bloody Mary Galette and Swedish Cardamom Roll Hand Pies, that will show you just how versatile pie can be.




Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams


Book Description

Handsome Frank Rossi took Matty Gilbie away from her working class roots in Bermondsey, East London and promised her fame and fortune. In America, the Cockney Canary would become a movie star. As his wife, she would be half of a power couple, fêted and adored by all. But the Wall Street Crash of 1929 puts paid to all that, and as Frank becomes more violent and unstable, Matty flees in the dead of night. Once home in Bermondsey, she goes into hiding and starts desperately looking for work. But only Peak Freans, the hated biscuit factory, is hiring staff. Then, as a secret from her past comes back to haunt her, Matty learns that Frank is on the move, determined to find her and get her back.




The Ballymara Road


Book Description

The final gripping instalment of the bestselling Four Streets trilogy which began with THE FOUR STREETS and continued in HIDE HER NAME. Christmas morning, 1963. Fifteen-year-old Kitty Doherty gives birth in a cold, unfriendly Irish convent. She knows her beautiful baby boy presents a huge danger to her family's Catholic community back in Liverpool's Four Streets. When her baby is adopted by a wealthy family in Chicago, Kitty considers the problem solved. But soon it's obvious the baby is very sick and only his birth mother can save him. In Liverpool, a charismatic new priest has arrived. As the Dohertys cope with the tragic consequences of Kitty's pregnancy, the police seem close to solving the double murder which rocked the Four Streets to the core. But now all that is about to be put at risk once again. What people are saying about THE BALLYMARA ROAD: 'Brilliant finale to the other books, tied up all the loose ends and a good ending' 'Beautifully written, I found myself really engrossed in the characters and the author had a magical way of making you feel you were right there with them' 'Looking forward to the next book Nadine Dorries writes, she will definitely be on my pre-order list from now on' It's not often you get a series where each of the following books were better than the last! Highly recommended!'




The Four Streets


Book Description

The first book in a heartbreaking trilogy set in post-war Liverpool by bestselling author Nadine Dorries. 1950s Liverpool. In the tight-knit Irish Catholic community of the Four Streets, two girls are growing up. One is motherless – and hated by the cold woman who is determined to take her dead mother's place. The other is hiding a dreadful secret which she dare not let slip to anyone, lest it rips the heart out of the community. What can the people of the Four Streets do when a betrayal at the very heart of their world comes to light? Can't wait for the next one? HIDE HER NAME is out now! What people are saying about THE FOUR STREETS: 'An addictive novel to be devoured in one sitting' 'It has been a long time since I have read a story that has affected me so deeply and still has me thinking about it days after finishing it' 'I couldn't wait to read this book each night, a well written, intriuging story, a real page turner' 'Enjoyed every minute of this book which was difficult to put down and only took me a day to read'




Ruby Flynn


Book Description

The darkest sins cast the longest shadows. County Mayo, Ireland, 1947. In the worst winter in living memory, Ruby Flynn is rescued from the tiny cottage on the Atlantic coast where her family has perished. She is one of the storm orphans, taken in by nuns to be educated for a life in service. Now she must find her own way in the outside world. The FitzDeane family have a thriving shipping business in Liverpool and they also own beautiful Ballyford Castle in Mayo. When Ruby is appointed as their nursery maid, a dangerous attraction to the young Lord FitzDeane begins to grow. Soon the tragedies and secrets that link her family to his will threaten to overwhelm them. The darkest sins cast the longest shadows. What readers are saying about Nadine Dorries: 'A brilliant read, a wonderful story and I have already pre-ordered the next book' 'Great read! Nadine Dorries is a top author, love her books!' 'Did not want it to end!! Gripping, detailed... Really draws you in to the story'