Connie Monk – författare

Since the death of her parents when she was three years old, Anna Bartlett has lived with her grandfather and his housekeeper at Dunsford House. Growing up in the remote countryside of the Berkshire Downs, Anna leads a sheltered life and has few friends her own age. So when she meets the dashing Theo Sullivan, she naturally falls for his charming ways. Shy and naive, Anna falls hopelessly in love with Theo. Her dreams of a happy future together are shattered however when she falls pregnant, and Theo''s reluctant marriage proposal reveals how little he cares for her. Anna has no choice but to accept, and suddenly finds herself mistress of Manningtor, the Sullivan''s enormous estate in Devon. Determined to make the best of her unfamiliar and intimidating surroundings, and to get on with Theo''s extended family, Anna throws herself into her duties as a new wife. When tragedy strikes, however, her already unstable relationship with Theo is thrown into more confusion. Trapped in a loveless marriage and surrounded by members of Theo''s haughty and disapproving family, Anna must face up to a an uncertain future, with the threat of war also drawing ever closer . . .

When Tim and Sue Marshall take in a local boarding school boy on their farm, they watch as the shy, bespectacled Quentin changes beyond recognition. As the years go by there are big changes for everyone, Sue sees her family growing up and realizes that things can never stay the same.

When Jane Bradley elopes with one of her father''s employees, she soon realizes that she had a romantisized view of married life. When Ian is disappointed with her in more ways than one, Jane finds comfort with the local doctor, who is drawn to her, but has to conquer his own troubles first.

Cynny Barlow is just eighteen when she falls helplessly in love with the dashing Ralph Clinton, an ambitious and talented actor visiting her home town for the summer. However, when Ralph is talent-spotted by a film producer, he puts everything behind him and leaves for the big time, with no idea that Cynny is already pregnant. Whilst her daughter Suzie is a toddler, Cynny can see no way out of her life of drudgery, working at the grocer''s during the day, and as a barmaid in the evenings to make ends meet. Her one friend in the village, the vicar''s wife Kate Bainbridge, is sympathetic, but has her own problems. Although the face she shows the parishioners is one of contentment, Kate yearns for more passion in her life than her husband Richard seems able to give her. Lately, she has been charmed by Richard''s old friend, Perry Sylvester, a famous jazz pianist. But so far, there is nothing in his behaviour to suggest that he feels the same way. But everything is set to change for all concerned, for when Perry makes Cynny''s acquaintance, he recognises in her a rare singing talent, one that would perfectly match the jazz he plays in the nightclubs of London.

Sophie and Lydia Westlake have always been close, and think of each other as sisters, despite the fact that they are really cousins. Sophie has always been the prettier, more light-hearted younger sister, whilst Lydia has grown up in her shadow, and is more serious and reserved. But until dashing young architect Christian Mellor arrives in town on the day of the annual summer fete, their differences had never mattered. Both girls immediately fall for Christian''s charms as he becomes a regular visitor to the family home, having been commissioned to do some building work for their father. Sophie marries Christian, blissfully unaware of her sister''s secret passion for her husband. Lydia is devastated and tells no-one how she really feels. But cannot let go of her feelings for Christian, especially when Sophie confides that she is unhappy in the marriage.

In the halcyon days of the 1930s Sebastian Kilbride, a screen idol, and Nick Kennedy, his accountant and financial adviser are close friends, enjoying an almost idyllic lifestyle. The lives of their wives and families are intertwined. Tessa Kilbride, in contrast to her glamorous husband, is scatterbrained, warm-hearted and a homebody; Sally, Nick''s efficient, well-groomed wife, is conversely a woman frustrated by domesticity. But, despite their differences, the two women have formed a strong bond. As have their teenage children, Jethro Kennedy and Zena Kilbride, who just lately have seen their childhood friendship tentatively blossom into something deeper. But the threat of war on the horizon will mean changes for them all...

In the final months of 1945, victory ceases to be a distant dream and for Rhoda Harding and many others, a feeling of hope is in the air. Rhoda is hoping for a change. Married to Alec for more than twenty-five years, she now finds herself reluctant to settle into premature middle-age. Both her daughters lead busy, fulfilling lives, whilst Rhoda feels her days are filled with dull routine. Alec is a happy man, content with his family life and successful business. As far as he is concerned, his wife''s place is in the home. Rhoda is at least able to find some solace in her new and unlikely friendship with young Jenny Matherson. Jenny has few friends, but when tragedy strikes the Mathersons, Rhoda finds she is not Jenny''s only ally. Charming newcomer, the enigmatic Silas, is also on hand to offer support to both women. Encouraged by Silas, Rhoda jumps at the chance to take employment in the nearby village of Oakleigh. Alec is stunned and furious that his wife wants to work, but Rhoda is more than determined. After all, the prospect of work is not the only thing that keeps drawing her to Oakleigh every day. Silas is very often there too.

It is the summer of 1939, and Dennis and Kathie Hawthorne, who run Westways, a village market garden, are utterly content. But when war arrives, Dennis, a member of the TA, is called up immediately, leaving Kathie to engage helpers and run the garden. As Kathie''s narrow existence widens, her confidence grows, but she is stirred by previously unknown emotions as her world falls apart aroudn her; emotions that bring her to despair, and finally to a new certainty and deeper understanding.

1957. An unexpected inheritance from her late aunt gives Louisa Harding the opportunity to move to Lexleigh and set up her own accountancy business. When she ends up delivering her new neighbour Bella''s baby during a storm, a strong bond is formed between the two women. However, Louisa cannot help her growing attraction towards Bella''s husband, Leo. Determined to overcome her feelings for Leo for the sake of her friendship with Bella, Louisa nevertheless finds it increasingly difficult to withstand temptation . . .Full Circle is a story of love and deception, secrets and guilt, and of the amazing power of female friendship in the face of adversity.

An unexpected inheritance offers the chance for a fresh start...1957. An unexpected inheritance from her late aunt gives Louisa Harding the opportunity to move to Lexleigh and set up her own accountancy business. When she ends up delivering her new neighbour Bella's baby during a storm, a strong bond is formed between the two women.However, Louisa cannot help her growing attraction towards Bella's husband, Leo. Determined to overcome her feelings for Leo for the sake of her friendship with Bella, Louisa nevertheless finds it increasingly difficult to withstand temptation...A story of love and deception, secrets and guilt, and of the amazing power of female friendship in the face of adversity.

War is coming, but can she weather the storm?It is the summer of 1939, and Kathie and Dennis Hawthorne are utterly content. They run a thriving market garden called Westways, and their lives are just as they always imagined. But when war arrives, Dennis, a member of the TA, is called up immediately, leaving Kathie to engage helpers and run the garden.As Kathie's narrow existence widens, her confidence grows, but with Dennis far away and his safety under threat, her world begins to fall apart. She is stirred by previously unknown emotions that bring her to despair. She must lean on her new friendships and the community that has blossomed around the garden to find the strength to overcome her own struggles, and to ensure Westways blooms.A charming and uplifting wartime saga for fans of Rosie Clarke and Kate Thompson.

When a young girl is forced to uproot her city life to work on a farm, she finds unexpected happiness . . . and pain1955. When nineteen-year-old Tessa Richards' beloved grandmother dies she is forced to live with her Uncle Richard and Aunt Naomi on their farm.Deirdre has struggled since she was seriously injured in a riding accident, causing flare ups of her bad-temper, but she begins to flourish under Tessa's guidance. Meanwhile, Tessa flourishes under the attention of a friend of Deirdre's father, the distinguished author Giles Lampton. But it is a friendship that will cause heartache as well as happiness, and there are dark clouds on the horizon for them all...An enchanting saga of romance and hope perfect for fans of Rosie Harris and Ruth Hamilton.