Lesley Pearse – författare

In the East End, twelve-year-old Tara witnesses her villain of a father almost kill her mother. She forges a determination then and there to change her life. This is the story of three beautiful and talented women. Mabel, whose great love for a gambling man has brought her close to insanity; gentle Amy, who marries a man brutalised by war and failure; and Tara, who is hungry for success and life on her own terms. To have both, she must battle against the legacy these two women have left her, the deep prejudices and dangers of Whitechapel in the 1960s - with its gang leaders, rogues, market traders and dolly birds - and the passionate love she has had since girlhood for the charming wideboy and villain, Harry Collins.

Camellia Norton is orphaned at fifteen when her mother's body is fished from a river in rural Sussex. And when she discovers a cache of letters amongst her mother's effects she realises that the past she has always been so sure of has been built on a tissue of lies. Devastated, she runs away to London, and loses herself in a metropolis that offers opportunity, temptation and danger, especially to a young girl hungry for love and acceptance. But her past won't stay buried forever, and eventually Camellia begins the long journey towards uncovering the truth about her background, and also, ultimately, about herself.

_______________________________When nine-year-old orphan Georgia James is unexpectedly fostered by the kindly Celia and her bank manager husband she can hardly believe her luck. But then - on her fifteenth birthday - she suffers the cruellest betrayal of all at the hands of her foster father and is forced to run away, leaving everything she loves behind her. Penniless, sleeping rough, Georgia is soon introduced to the sleazy Soho world of brassy strippers, sweat shops, camaraderie and hardship. Fired by a fierce ambition, blessed with an extraordinary voice, her long struggle for fame and fortune begins. But even when she reaches the top she finds that the scars of the past can open up to ruin her... Steeped in atmosphere and raw emotion, Georgia is the story of a determination to succeed against all the odds and of a burning first love.

Ellie is a sweet-natured brunette, generous of heart with a sparkling smile and an accent which reveals her East End background. Bonny is beautiful and spoilt, with cascades of blonde hair, the brightest pair of blue eyes and a mouth like Cupid's bow. The two girls meet in London at the end of the war when, seduced by two American airmen, they pool their wits and resources and set off to make a living on the stage. Set against the hardship and austerity of post-war Britain, and the glamour and ruthlessness of life in variety theatre, their story is one of sacrifice and burning ambition. But most of all of a powerful friendship that lasts against all odds.

A beloved classic by the Sunday Times, multi-million copy bestselling authorCharity Stratton is just fifteen when her world shatters. After losing her parents in a terrible fire, she’s separated from her beloved siblings and forced into servitude.Her life as a boarding school kitchen maid is backbreaking and lonely. And her brief moments of joy with a dashing student end in heartbreak when she becomes pregnant.But Charity’s spirit refuses to be broken. Escaping to London, she finds a city teeming with both opportunity and peril. Will Charity's resilience be enough to overcome the odds, reunite her family and build a better life for them all?_________________Praise for Lesley Pearse:'I couldn’t put this book down. Although harrowing at times, Lesley’s indomitable spirit shines through. What an inspiration, what a book!' - Katie Fforde'Fabulously entertaining... a poignant and powerful story that is truly unputdownable.' - Milly Johnson'A totally gripping read, by turns tragic, mad-cap, heartbreaking and mind-blowing. And anyone who can read that final chapter without bursting into happy tears has to have a heart of stone.' - Jill Mansell'An incredible life story from a literary icon, Lesley Pearse’s truth is even more gripping than her fiction' - Veronica Henry'Inspiring, heart-warming, extraordinary' - Woman's Weekly'Humorous and heartbreaking... I was so gripped I read it twice' - Kate Furnivall'What a roller coaster of a ride. I couldn't do anything else until I'd finished this book. Gripping, heart wrenching... an amazing read' - Jo Thomas

Be whisked away in the moving story of a girl travelling far and wide for a better life, from the internationally bestselling author Lesley PearseTragedy sent her on a journey far from home . . .Fifteen-year-old Beth's life is shattered when she and her brother Sam are orphaned.Believing that only in America can they make a fresh start, brother and sister leave Liverpool and embark on the greatest adventure of their lives.In New York, Beth's talent with the fiddle earns her the friendship of gamblers, chancers and other rogues. Dodging trouble across America, Beth and her friends head for the Klondike river in search of gold.But how far must Beth go to find happiness?And will her travels lead this gypsy to a place she can ever call home?Praise for Lesley Pearse:'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

Dark secrets will be revealed in this unputdownable novel from international NO.1 BESTSELLING author Lesley Pearse'Gripping from start to finish' 5***** Reader Review________A woman washes up on a Sussex beach, barely alive.She's wearing an old-fashioned dress and her hair has been hacked off.There are signs she has been bound by her wrists and ankles.She doesn't know how she ended up there, or even her own name.The police are baffled and when the doctors examine her, they make a shocking discovery: She has recently given birth.Who is she?And where is her baby?________'Storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

Rosie is a compelling novel by the bestselling author Lesley Pearse.Her brutal, violent family will be the death of her . . .Without a mother, Rosie is at the mercy of her father and thuggish brothers. Then one day a friend comes to the farm in the form of cockney housekeeper Heather Farley. But soon enough Heather vanishes, abandoning Rosie to her fate. Only when Thomas Farley comes to find his sister several years later, does Rosie learn the terrible truth about Heather - and her family.Running away from home, she finds herself pursued by the man who brought ruin on her family. Is he out to get her too? Or could he have some other reason for chasing her?Lesley Pearse, author of the UK and international best-sellers Stolen and Belle, tells a captivating and powerful story of family and secrets in her compelling novel Rosie. If you like Susan Lewis, you'll love Lesley Pearse. Praise for Lesley Pearse:'With characters it is impossible not to care about ... this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

From the internationally bestselling author Lesley Pearse comes the compulsive page-turner about a girl searching for the truth, which may be a little too close to home . . .Her family is threatened and only she can save it.When sixteen-year-old Charlie witnesses a brutal attack on her mother by two strangers she is shocked and terrified.But after talking to the police, she realises that her father's business dealings can't be so innocent . . .With her father away, it is left to Charlie to protect her mother. And somehow she must find out who wants to hurt her family - and why - without losing faith in her beloved parents.Can she unravel the mysteries of the past that haunt her family?Or will the truth wreck everything she loves?___________'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Evocative, compelling' Sunday Express'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

Take a journey across America with a poor Victorian flower girl in her epic journey to a better life, from the internationally bestselling author Lesley PearseAs voted by readers as their favourite Lesley Pearse novel___________One good deed takes her into another world . . .Sixteen-year-old Matilda is a poor Covent Garden flower girl until the day she saves the life of Tabitha, a minister's daughter. Welcomed into Tabitha's family, Matilda is offered the chance of a lifetime.She leaves behind London's slums and enters the darkest corners of New York. Traveling across the vast plains to the Wild West, she finds herself in San Francisco, a city in the grip of the gold rush.Streetwise and strong-willed, Matilda forges a new life for herself and Tabitha among pioneers like Captain James Russell - a man to whom she is deeply attracted.Yet a civil war will soon rip apart this new nation . . .Can Matilda and those she loves brave separation and carry on, never looking back?___________'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Heart-warming and evocative . . . a real delight to read' Sun'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'Utterly riveting, brilliant' Closer'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

Lose yourself in this powerful historical novel based on a real life tragedy from the internationally bestselling author Lesley PearseFor one girl, betrayal goes hand in hand with trust . . .When their father tragically kills their mother, Dulcie and her sister are sent to an orphanage. Told that a 'better life' awaits them in another country, they are shipped off to Australia.But the promises made turn out to be lies.And it seems to Dulcie that everyone who ever said 'trust me' somehow betrayed that trust. So when she finds a kindred spirit in Ross, another orphanage survivor, hope swells in her heart.But can she ever get over the past betrayals and learn to trust again?And can she fight not only for herself, but also for her sister?Praise for Lesley Pearse:'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

From the internationally bestselling author Lesley Pearse comes a moving story of family, adoption and identityLosing her adopted mother threatens all she's ever had . . .Daisy was adopted. But when her mother dies, she finds her secure existence thrown into turmoil by the discovery of a scrapbook.Inside it is information about her real mother.However, when Daisy drops everything to go in search of her roots, she uncovers a harrowing story of greed, misery and corruption. She also risks hurting her adored Dad, the only true family she has left.Can she cope with the truth about her real parents?And more importantly, who is the real Daisy?___________'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

Would you stand by your childhood best friend if they turned out to be a murderer? The unputdownable tale of passion, friendship and heartbreak from the Sunday Times bestselling author of LIAR Lesley Pearse'Had me gripped from start to end' 5***** READER REVIEW'Outstanding . . . Lesley Pearse never disappoints' 5***** READER REVIEW_________She killed two people in cold blood . . . But why?Susan is the woman who walked in a doctor's surgery one day and committed murder.Beth is the lawyer assigned to defend Susan. But her client is uncooperative.Until both women realise that twenty-nine years earlier, they were childhood friends . . .While the evidence mounts up, their friendship starts to regrow.But for one of them, there can be no happy ending . . ._________'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

From the internationally bestselling author Lesley Pearse comes the compelling tale of one girl caught in a family mystery, a struggle against cruelty and a quest for loveWithout her mother she is alone in the world . . .1930.Twelve-year-old Adele is placed in a bleak, cruel children's home after a family tragedy drives her mother to madness. But when trust is betrayed Adele has no choice but to run away . . .Alone and friendless, she heads for Sussex, to seek out the grandmother she has never known. However, the journey, without food or shelter, leaves her desperately ill.Surrounded by the beautiful Rye Marshes, Adele is finally nursed back to health.Can she now dream of a new life?And what will happen when her mother reappears, bearing shocking family secrets?Praise for Lesley Pearse:'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Utterly riveting, brilliant' Closer'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

Discover the moving novel based on a true story about a woman triumphing against overwhelming odds, from the international bestseller Lesley PearseShe made one mistake, and now she'll never see home again . . .Mary, a Cornish mariner's daughter, makes the biggest mistake of her short life when she steals a silk hat. Convicted and sentenced to be transported to Australia, she endures horrific conditions aboard ship before landing in a brutal and barbaric country.It will take all her courage just to survive.But Mary is also determined to make something of herself in this rugged man's world.And she dreams that one day she will find a way of crossing the cruel seas that lie between her and home . . ._________'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly'Utterly riveting, brilliant' Closer

Discover this thrilling exploration of love, life and morality from the internationally bestselling author Lesley PearseShe defied her parents and married for love . . .Following her heart, Fifi moves with Dan to London where they rent a seedy flat in Dale Street, Kennington.Though Fifi must now become acquainted with squalor, she is soon drawn into the goings on behind the shabby front doors of her new neighbours.But it is the Muckles, at number 11, who are the street's focus. Rumours of criminal depravity and shocking behaviour are rife.So when Fifi steps in to help their youngest child, she risks the wrath of this frightening family.Suddenly, not only her marriage and her family, but the lives of all the inhabitants of Dale Street are at the mercy of the immoral Muckles . . .Praise for Lesley Pearse:'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

From the bestselling author of You'll Never See Me Again comes a compelling story about an old scandal and its consequences . . .Her existence would be the ruin of her mother.Baby Hope was the unfortunate proof of Lady Harvey's adultery.Smuggled out of a privileged aristocratic household to a nearby village, her true identity is kept secret as she grows up in the arms of the poor, but loving, Renton family.When the day comes for Hope to pay her way, what could be more natural than being taken into service by the Harveys?However, when she sees something she should not, she is blackmailed into leaving her beloved Rentons forever . . .Destitute and on the streets of an unfriendly city, Hope's courage and kindness sees her become a nurse destined for the horrific battlefields of the Crimea.But will Hope ever come home and uncover the true story of her birth?Praise for Lesley Pearse'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'Glorious, heartwarming' Woman & Home'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

Uncover a web of thrilling secrets and injustices in this gripping novel from international bestselling author Lesley PearseShe was convicted of killing her best friend . . .Scotland, 1995.Laura Brannigan has been put away for murder.She insists that she didn't kill Jackie. But her search for true justice seems futile. Then she receives a letter that takes her back to her youth and the memory of an old love, Stuart . . .Twenty years ago was a heady time for Laura: she'd escaped an abusive home, and together with Jackie they had made a fresh start. They had sworn to be sisters forever.What could have possibly gone so wrong?And why is Stuart writing to her now?Does he believe Laura's innocence and can he help free her from prison . . . and her past?Praise for Lesley Pearse:'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

One of the world’s bestselling storytellers, Lesley Pearse writes brilliantly about survivors. Why? Because she is one herself . . .‘This inspiring, heart-warming, extraordinary memoir will have you captivated’ Woman's Weekly–Born during the Second World War, Lesley’s innocence came to an abrupt end when a neighbour found her, aged 3, coatless in the snow. The mother she’d been unable to wake had been dead for days. Sent to an orphanage, Lesley soon learned adults couldn’t always be trusted.As a teenager in the swinging sixties, she took herself to London. Here, the second great tragedy of her life occurred. Falling pregnant, she was sent to a mother and baby home, and watched helplessly as her newborn was taken from her.But like so many of her generation, Lesley had to carry on. She was, after all, a true survivor. Marriage and children followed – and all the while she nurtured a dream: to be a writer. Yet it wasn’t until at the age of 48 that her stories – of women struggling in a difficult world – found a publisher, and the bestseller lists beckoned.As heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, Lesley’s story really is A Long and Winding Road with surprises and uplifting hope around every corner . . .–PRAISE FOR THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD ‘[Lesley] is a great storyteller, and like all good stories The Long and Winding Road concludes with one terrific twist’ Daily Mail‘I couldn’t put this book down. Although harrowing at times, Lesley’s indomitable spirit shines through. What an inspiration, what a book!’ ? Katie Fforde‘Searingly honest, and fabulously entertaining, Lesley's life story is a poignant and powerful story that is truly unputdownable’ ? Milly Johnson‘A totally gripping read, by turns tragic, mad-cap, heartbreaking and mind-blowing. And anyone who can read that final chapter without bursting into happy tears has to have a heart of stone’ ? Jill Mansell‘An incredible life story from a literary icon, Lesley Pearse’s truth is even more gripping than her fiction’ ? Veronica Henry‘I was so gripped I read it twice’ ? Kate Furnivall‘Lesley is a survivor, you'll certainly want to read the extraordinary story of her life. Inspiring and hopeful, this heartwarming memoir will have you captivated’ ? Woman‘An incredible memoir’ ? Sun

She took another woman’s place. Now she must live with the consequences...Discover an unforgettable novel from the 10-million-copy bestselling author, Lesley Pearse.'Captivating' Woman & Home‘A gripping story of reinvention, deception, and the weight of choices made under pressure' 5* Reader Review'Once you pick this book up, you won’t want to put it down!' 5* Reader Review'Pearce never disappoints' 5* Reader Review--London, 1941When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizabeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.Will she take it and what could go wrong?--PRAISE FOR LESLEY PEARSE:‘Storytelling at its very best’ Daily Mail‘Gripping and suspenseful’ Daily Express‘A twisting and intense read’ Woman's Own***** 5 STAR READER REVIEWS *****‘I absolutely devoured the book’ Reader Review, Netgalley‘I read this in a couple of days as I just couldn’t put it down!’ Reader Review, Netgalley‘I was hooked from the start and couldn’t stop turning pages long into the night. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me holding on… truly wonderful’ Reader Review, Netgalley'Absolutely beautiful” Reader Review, Netgalley‘Lesley Pearse has a real gift for bringing historical settings to life, and I found myself completely immersed in Mary’s journey. A heartfelt and inspiring read?I couldn’t put it down!’ Reader Review, Netgalley

Be transported from London to New Orleans and beyond in this powerful, moving historical novel from the international bestseller Lesley PearseShe witnessed a murder - and now her life is in danger . . .Fifteen year-old Belle, though raised in a London brothel, is an innocent young girl. But when she witnesses one of the girls brutally strangled by a client, she is cast into a cruel, heartless world.Snatched from the streets and sold into prostitution, she is made a courtesan in New Orleans. At the mercy of desperate men who crave her beauty and will do anything to keep her, Belle's dreams of home, family and freedom appear futile.Are Belle's courage and spirit strong enough to help her escape?And what will await her at the end of the long, dangerous journey home?Praise for Lesley Pearse'With characters it is impossible not to care about . . . this is storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail'Lose yourself in this epic saga' Bella'Glorious, heartwarming' Woman & Home'An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry' Woman's Weekly

A heartbreaking, enduring and masterfully told story set in the battlefields of the First World War from the international number one bestselling author Lesley PearseWar threatens to take all she has loved and lived for . . .On the outbreak of war, Belle Reilly's husband Jimmy enlists and heads for the deadly trenches of northern France. But Belle knows she cannot stand idly by when so many are sacrificing their lives.Volunteering to help battlefield wounded, Belle is posted to France as a Red Cross ambulance driver. There, a tragic accident brings her face to face with Etienne - a man from her past she's never quite forgotten.Torn between forbidden passion, loyalty and love, Belle is caught in an impossible situation.Will she succumb to the dark forces of this most brutal of wars?Or will fate intervene and finally lead her to lasting happiness?_________'Pearse will pull your heartstrings' Sun'Characters it is impossible not to care about' Daily Mail'An addictive tear-jerker with characters you'll adore, laugh with and cry for' Bella'Full of love, passion and heartbreak' Best'Glorious, heartwarming' Woman & Home

Discover the intense and gripping story of a daughter uncovering her mother's secret past from the international bestseller Lesley PearseEva's life was secure, until the death of her mother changed everything.For when Flora leaves Eva a London artist's studio in her will, she finds her mother had a secret past.In the studio's attic are Flora's paintings and diaries, and Eva learns her mother was a popular artist in the swinging sixties. Eva's hunt for answers uncovers clues to a shocking crime which led Flora to hide her past.But will discovering the truth destroy Eva's belief in everything she holds dear?And will this journey lead her and those she loves into danger?___________'Engrossing and emotional, it's another winner from Lesley Pearse' Woman's Own'I absolutely loved this book. The characters are likeable and the writing is always brilliant' Sun'Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written' Closer

Discover the captivating story of courage, daring and love from the No. 1 international bestseller Lesley Pearse'Evocative, compelling, told from the heart' Sunday ExpressWith her reputation in tatters, 17-year-old Mari needs to get away from the gossip of her small town.So the chance to leave for London seems like the perfect fresh start.But war is brewing . . .And when London is overwhelmed by the Blitz, Mari's glamorous new life is blown apart.Lost and alone, she must learn what it means to survive . . .____________'Utterly riveting, brilliant' Closer'Characters it is impossible not to care about' Daily Mail'Full of love, passion and heartbreak' Best'Glorious, heartwarming' Woman & Home

Discover the compelling story of courage, friendship and love from the bestselling author of You'll Never See Me Again, Lesley Pearse'A heart-warming and evocative tale . . . a real delight to read' SunCoronation Day, 1953.Molly Heywood slips away from the celebrations and makes a shocking discovery: her friend Cassie is dead and her six-year-old daughter Petal has vanished without a trace.The only clue is a letter from London, where Cassie once lived. Now it is up to Molly to head there and uncover the past that her friend kept so well hidden.The closer Molly gets to the truth, the more perilous her journey becomes.She has given up everything - her home, happiness and a chance at love - all to find Petal . . .But is she also risking her life?________'Epic romantic drama set in post-war London' Heat Magazine'A narrative that gallops along, this is quintessential Pearse that will delight her army of readers' Daily Mail'Must have' Sunday Express'Yet another great Lesley Pearse novel' Woman Magazine

Discover a compelling story of loyalty, love and the strength of friendship in war-torn Britain, from the international bestselling author Lesley Pearse'Glorious, heartwarming' Woman & Home'Full of love, passion and heartbreak' Best___________Spring 1935.On London's Hampstead Heath, two girls meet by chance: well-mannered and smartly dressed Verity and dishevelled and grubby Ruby.Somehow, the mismatched pair form an instant friendship strong enough to survive their parent's disapproval.When war engulfs the country - sending Ruby to Devon while Verity struggles to find a new beginning under a shadow from her past - the girls are convinced they will always be there for each other.Until the day one breaks the other's heart . . .Can Verity and Ruby find a way back to each other before it's too late?___________'Yet another great Lesley Pearse novel' Woman'Epic romantic drama set in post-war London' Heat'A heart-warming and evocative tale that is a real delight to read' Sun'A narrative that gallops along, this is quintessential Pearse that will delight her army of readers' Daily Mail'Evocative, compelling, told from the heart' Sunday Express'Utterly riveting, brilliant' Closer