Beryl Matthews - Böcker

London 1899Gertrude Melrose is preparing for a New Year party when her brother enters her room. She knows he wants money from her and refuses at once. She loves her brother but he is in with a disreputable crowd and losing heavily at the gaming tables. He has already gambled away his inheritance and she cannot allow him to do that with hers.A few days later the Melrose family is devastated when demands are made on them to settle Edward's huge debts. It will mean the loss of their house and almost everything they own. Edward is disowned by his father and banished from their lives.

1944. Ruth Aspinall loves flying and soon becomes an accomplished pilot. When war breaks out and the Air Transport Auxiliary is formed she is anxious to join them.In America, brother and sister, Jack and Lucy Nelson, experienced pilots, make their way to England, also determined to become part of the ATA.Jack and Ruth meet, but with danger all around them, Jack won't commit himself to a serious relationship. By D-Day, Jack has a Spitfire to deliver to France, but his plane never arrives. Ruth is heartbroken but cannot accept that she will never see Jack again.

As World War II breaks out, four friends consider the changes that war will mean. Tomboyish Becky plans to join the ATS, her neighbours Bob and Jim the navy and army respectively. Only Becky's brother Will is left out of the excitement; because of a slight physical disability, he is forced to stay behind. As the friends are separated, their youthful enthusiasm is tempered by the grim newspaper headlines and their own experiences, and they will feel both joy and pain before the war is over.

1919, London's East End. Robert Hunter is eagerly awaiting the return of his father from the war. Next door, Ruth Cooper's family are also preparing to welcome her dad, whose ship was lost at Jutland. After five years of separation and anxiety - and, for Bob, the worry of caring for his frail mother - emotions are running high for both young people. But Alf Hunter, who saw action in the trenches, returns a changed man, and when he takes to drink, Bob must put his own happiness on hold to support his family.

Whitechapel, London 1890. Queenie Bonner is only two when she is taken from her large family in the slums to a big house in the country. She is frightened and confused, begging to be taken back, but is told that this is now her home. She yearns for her nine brothers and sisters, especially Harry, who is her favourite. Albert and Mary Warrender rename her Eleanor and bring her up as their daughter. As time passes Eleanor forgets about her other family and loves Mary and Albert as her mother and father. But fifteen years later, when Mary dies, Albert tells her about the Bonners. With Albert's help, she sets about tracing her forgotten family. The search holds pleasure, distress and even danger as she discovers what has happened to her siblings over the years.

London 1920Dora Bentley's father had been killed in the War and their mother, Harriet, works at night at Grants clothing factory in order to support her family. While she is at work Dora looks after her brother, twelve-year-old Tom, and little Lilly. Their mother is always home in time to share breakfast with them and take Lilly to school.One morning their mother doesn't arrive home at the usual time, and thinking that she must have been delayed, Dora goes to the factory to find out. When she is told that they don't have a night shift, and no one by the name of Harriet Bentley has ever worked there, she Dora realizes there are secrets in her family and she must discover the truth.

London, 1940. The war is raging across Europe and twenty-three-year-old Grace is devastated by the loss of her husband, Brian, at Dunkirk after only a year of marriage. Her secretary job at a law firm keeps her mind from dwelling on her sorrow but when her boss, James, enlists in the air force Grace is left without work. Alongside her best friend, Helen, the two young women join the War Office in a move that will change their lives forever. As Grace throws herself into the war effort, she must find the courage and strength to start her life over and find love again.

London, 1912. Twins Lester and Lillia Holdsworth are destined for the stage. Lester is a brilliant pianist; Lillia a magnificent opera singer. But their cruel father has other ideas for their future. Lester is sent to a military academy, while Lillia must marry Lord Dalton - a self righteous, pompous friend of her father's looking for a young wife to give him an heir.Yet their plans to defy their father's wishes are put on hold when war breaks out in 1914. Suddenly Lester is flying planes for the RFC and Lillia trains as a nurse to help those wounded at home, and then abroad. For both twins, the fighting brings hardships and difficult choices. They wait in hope, like the rest of Europe, for the war to end and the music to start again.

1856. Christine Banner is alone after her father's death, penniless but armed with an iron will. Determined to put London behind her and find a place to call home, her search takes her to the New Forest where she stumbles upon Lord Frenshaw's estate. Her skill at handling some of the large and difficult war horses bred there, shines through and captures his attention. However, when his son Harry returns from the Crimea, battle-scarred and short-tempered, Christine's future looks uncertain, and Harry may find that home is not the safe haven to which he hoped to return.In the face of grief, sadness and disappointment, Christine's intelligence and strength will be tested until she finds the place she can truly belong.

1941, London. Sirens warn of danger as German bomber planes approach the city. Ever cautious, Kathy and her mother head immediately for the nearest public air raid shelter but are separated in the desperate scramble to safety. When the building is destroyed in a direct hit, it is a miracle Kathy survives, and before the night is through, she will suffer further loss as her home is reduced to rubble. Finding herself alone amid the chaos and ruins, Kathy is left with nothing but a burning fury towards those she holds responsible for her devastating loss and a determination to join the war effort.Assigned as a secretary to the enigmatic Commander Evans, Kathy throws herself into war work, gaining a reputation for her efficiency and thoroughness. But the commander has frequent unexplained absences, and Kathy longs to discover the secrets of his intelligence missions. Before the war is through, she will come face-to-face with the enemy, and will discover that the men behind the machines are perhaps not quite the monsters she was expecting.

As if everyday life in London's slums wasn't hard enough for Jane Roberts and her three children, the day that ne'er-do-well husband Bert walks out on his family as rent day draws near is a particularly dark time. In the wake of his desertion, the family pull together to find their way forward, and Jane takes the steps she needs to get a divorce and free them all from Bert in the future.With help from a neighbour who is not all she seems, a lucky break and fresh opportunities, the road ahead starts to look more promising. But will Bert wreck the new start the Roberts family have their sights set on?

1880. Everyday life in London's slums is hard enough for Jane Roberts and her three children, but when her ne'er-do-well husband Bert walks out on his family, times are particularly dark. In the wake of his desertion, Jane longs to regain both her financial independence and her identity by divorcing him, but the path to such freedom is long and fraught with unforeseen obstacles. With help from a neighbour, a lucky break and fresh opportunities, the road ahead starts to look more promising. But can Jane and her children finally be free of Bert's clutches?

October 1943. While working at an RAF base in Lincolnshire, Nancy Dalton has been holding a vigil for the Lancaster bomber pilots, whose missions seem endless and whose chances of survival are slim. But her watchfulness has not prevented her own pilot brother from failing to return safely. In the midst of mourning him, Nancy observes new recruits arriving to continue the war effort, among them charismatic Canadian Steve Allard. As the war drags on, the months ahead will be long and hard, with danger a constant companion. Although both Steve and Nancy never intend to complicate wartime life with romance, their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. But can lasting love be found in a time of such loss and devastation?

October 1943. While working at an RAF base in Lincolnshire, Nancy Dalton has been holding a vigil for the Lancaster bomber pilots, whose missions seem endless and whose chances of survival are slim. But her watchfulness has not prevented her own pilot brother from failing to return safely. In the midst of mourning him, Nancy observes new recruits arriving to continue the war effort, among them charismatic Canadian Steve Allard.As the war drags on, the months ahead will be long and hard, with danger a constant companion. Although both Steve and Nancy never intend to complicate wartime life with romance, their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. But can lasting love be found in a time of such loss and devastation?

London, 1802. Major Harry Sterling has left behind his regiment following the death of his father and, in quick succession, his older brother. The responsibilities that come with being Duke of Ranliegh now fall to him, including marrying and siring an heir without delay.However, Harry finds himself distracted from looking for a wife when his soldier instincts lead him to a web of treachery and the possibility that his brother's death was no accident. As his investigation unfolds, so Harry's search for a wife continues ... surely the eldest Winslow girl, the wilful Isabella, wouldn't be right at all .

London, 1802. Major Harry Sterling has left behind his regiment following the death of his father and, in quick succession, his older brother. The responsibilities that come with being Duke of Ranliegh now fall to him, including marrying and siring an heir without delay.However, Harry finds himself distracted from looking for a wife when his soldier instincts lead him to a web of treachery and the possibility that his brother's death was no accident. As his investigation unfolds, so Harry's search for a wife continues ... surely the eldest Winslow girl, the wilful Isabella, wouldn't be right at all .

London, 1900. Hester Stanmore watches in disbelief as the jury declares her attacker 'not guilty', and the courtroom erupts into chaos. The man in the dock is being congratulated as if he were a hero, but she has seen he madness in his eyes when he had attacked her and left her for dead.It was only Hester's strength that allowed her to survive. Hester was determined to bring him to justice, but what would happen now? As she endeavours to pick up the pieces of her life, Hester meets the mysterious Daniel Hansen, and perhaps she will find the happy ending she justly deserves .

London, 1900. Hester Stanmore watches in disbelief as the jury declares her attacker 'not guilty', and the courtroom erupts into chaos. The man in the dock is being congratulated as if he were a hero, but she has seen the madness in his eyes when he had attacked her and left her for dead. It was only Hester's strength that allowed her to survive.Hester was determined to bring him to justice, but what would happen now? As she endeavours to pick up the pieces of her life, Hester meets the mysterious Daniel Hansen, and perhaps she will find the happy ending she justly deserves .

A HEARTWARMING AND UPLIFTING TALE FOR FANS OF CATHERINE COOKSON AND LESLEY PEARSE On the dark, rough streets of London in 1913, can one girl find the courage to open the door to her destiny? Little Rose Webster's life has never been easy. Born in the slums of Bermondsey she has longed to escape her poor upbringing and violent step-father. But it's hard to escape these deprived streets . . . Thankfully she has a quick mind and her insatiable thirst for knowledge means she excels at school - so perhaps she has a chance at a brighter future.But Rose's dreams are shattered when she is forced to leave school and find work, leaving her with nothing to cling to but hope. And as a dark figure from her past threatens further turmoil, this winter's child fears she will never see the spring . . . PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS THE OPEN DOOR Praise for Beryl Matthews: 'A heartwarming and uplifting tale' Daily Express 'Catherine Cookson fans will love this' Woman's Own

From the bestselling author of The Open Door comes a moving and uplifting story about a generation of young people living through World War II September, 1939.In the sleepy village of Roehampton, Annie Webster has finally found comfort for herself and her close-knit family, far from the poverty and hardships of their childhood in Bermondsey.Then, an announcement shatters their newfound peace. England is at war . . .As her brothers enlist for duty, Annie sacrifices her glamorous job in London for the urgent work of the WAAF, where women of all backgrounds pull together tirelessly for the war effort.Brave, resourceful and determined to do her bit for her country, Annie's intelligence and warmth singles her out for a daring new role . . .But as Annie quickly catches the eye of a dashing officer, will she ever find peace in her heart?And will Annie and her loved ones survive Britain's darkest hour?'A heartwarming and uplifting tale' Daily ExpressPREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS WINGS OF THE MORNING

The moving and heartwarming story of one woman trying to make it on her own, from the bestselling author of The Open DoorKate Freeman, the daughter of the inimitable Rose Webster, is like her mother in more ways than one. But Kate has dreams of her own, dreams that could bring great joy - or terrible sorrow.In 1960, she moves to London to become a photographer. She has her mother's strength to guide her, but is that enough?With a long journey ahead of her and a lot of growing up to do, Kate will be put to the test. For her, her family and friends, the era that was dubbed "a time of peace" proves to be anything but.Tragedy, upheaval, and the tears and laughter of family life await . . .__________Praise for Beryl Matthews:'A heartwarming and uplifting tale' Daily Express'Catherine Cookson fans will love this' Woman's Own'A winner . . . Beryl Matthews grabs and holds the attention of the reader from the very first page' Billy Hopkins, author of Our Kid

Discover the heartwarming and uplifting story of a young orphan's survival in wartime LondonLondon, 1934.Growing up in poverty on Farthing Street, fourteen-year-old Amy Carter is no stranger to hardship.But when her father is hanged for murder and her mother dies suddenly soon after, orphaned Amy is in danger of being left homeless and unloved.Until one day, Amy's luck changes and she is taken in by Ben, an artist, and his kindly landlady, Mrs Dalton.Welcomed into the hearts of the residents of Mrs Dalton's home, Amy flourishes under their care and devotion. So when, five years later, she catches the eye of handsome doctor John Sterling, she almost believes she has left her past - and its troubles - behind her.Yet a gathering storm is threatening England. The prospect of war can shatter even the most charmed life. And for Amy, the bombs are still to fall . . .**Previously published as One Step at a Time**_______Praise for Beryl Matthews:'A heartwarming and uplifting tale' Daily Express'Catherine Cookson fans will love this' Woman's Own

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR FANS OF DILLY COURT AND ROSIE CLARKEAn uplifting and heartfelt tale of love, loss and family from the bestselling author of The Winter Child, The Orphan of Farthing Street and Her Mother's Daughter'A heartwarming and uplifting tale, much like the author's own experience' Daily Express----1949, London.The war is over. Angie Westwood's hardships should be behind her. But when her young cousin Jane suddenly dies, Angie's life changes forever.Jane's untimely death leaves poor Danny, her three-year-old son, all alone. With the identity of the boy's father a mystery, Angie adopts her orphaned nephew and sets out to give him the one thing he needs most: family.But after retreating to the Sawyer's farm for some peace of mind, Angie is about to discover far more than she bargained for.What if finding Danny's father means losing him to a stranger?Will she risk it all for a chance at love and family?---PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS FIGHTING WITH SHADOWS'Catherine Cookson fans will love this' Woman's Own'A winner . . . Beryl Matthews grabs and holds the attention of the reader from the very first page' Billy Hopkins, author of Our Kid READER REVIEWS FOR BERYL MATTHEWS‘Did not disappoint ... An extremely enjoyable read from cover to cover, once I started reading I could not put it down. Full of hope and adventure’ ***** Reader Review‘Another excellent book by this author, could not put it down' ***** Reader Review‘Made me laugh and cry’ ***** Reader Review