Rita Bradshaw – författare

A powerful and absorbing saga, moving from Sunderland to London in the 1940s, as Sarah Brown dreams of a better life.

When everyone's deserted her, can she find the strength to go on? Reach for Tomorrow is a heart-warming saga of a young woman's indomitable spirit and determination to survive no matter what, from much-loved author Rita Bradshaw. Perfect for fans of Annie Murray and Rosie Goodwin.'What an emotional rollercoaster ride of a book! It grabs your attention from page one and does not let go until the end' - Sunderland Echo Rosie Ferry is hardly more than a child when her father and brothers are lost in a pit disaster. She has to grow up fast when her mother falls apart, leaving Rosie in charge of her two sisters. It's Rosie who finds them lodgings, Rosie who tramps the streets looking for work. Without her friends Davey and Flora, Rosie doesn't know how she'd cope.Then Davey - the boy Rosie always thought she'd marry - abruptly leaves Sunderland, and to make matters worse her mother turns to drink. It's almost more than she can bear, but Rosie is tougher than she looks, and she's determined to keep the family together.What readers are saying about Reach for Tomorrow: 'I felt as though I was transported in time. I found the book very emotive in places and extremely easy to read''Another lovely story from this very talented writer. The characters are vivid and believable, the storyline keeps you guessing''Hard to put down and at times will make you cry and in the next minute heart-burstingly happy'

Growing up on a small, struggling farm on the outskirts of Sunderland in the early 1900s, Polly Farrow has a tough life, but she has gifts money can’t buy – a joyful disposition and a loving heart. And her heart belongs to her beloved cousin, Michael. Polly knows that one day they’ll be man and wife. But a terrible secret is to change everything: Michael is her half-brother, the fruit of an incestuous relationship between her father and his own sister – Michael’s mother. The lovers are rent apart and Polly is left to bear the responsibility of the farm alone – for her father kills himself, unable to live with his shame. Life is now a battle for survival, and Polly wonders if she will ever find happiness. But the answer to her prayers is closer than she thinks...

Connie Bell, newly orphaned, is just twelve when she's taken on at the laundry in Sunderland's grim workhouse. Although she's little more than a child the events of her past have forged a driving determination to rise above her beginnings. But when she applies for a job as a nurse Connie's turned down: her mother was forced by poverty to work the streets and the Bell name is tainted. Bitterly hurt but undaunted, Connie's soon assistant housekeeper at the Grand Hotel and saving hard for her own business. When her path crosses Dan Stewart's, though, everything Connie's ever dreamed of is threatened. There's a dark and terrible history between the Bells and the Stewarts, and Dan's mother Edith will do anything to keep Dan and Connie apart.

The approach of the twentieth century means little to Josie Burns and her family; living in Sunderland's slum area, they battle dirt, cold and hunger on a daily basis. Josie's brothers and sisters are terrified of their violent alcoholic father, but Josie is not like the rest, for she has something that will enable her to rise out of the slums: a beautiful singing voice, with which even as a child she earns enough pennies to keep her father happy. When she discovers that her father is trying to put her younger sister, Gertie, on the game, Josie and Gertie flee the family home, taking refuge with a friend. By educating herself and taking singing lessons, Josie starts on the journey to success and security - but can she also find love?

The storm that's raging when fisherman's daughter Daisy Appleby is born in a village just north of Sunderland could be taken as a warning of a turbulent life ahead. It's during another storm fifteen years later that her father and brothers are lost and Daisy rescues William, heir of a wealthy Southwick family, with whom she falls in love. Soon, as her reward for saving him, Daisy is working for William's irascible aunt, while local lad Alf continues to court her. Warned off by Daisy's grandmother, William denies his own feelings and so it will be many years later, after much hardship and turmoil, that Daisy finds the happiness she deserves, amidst the drama of the Great War.

It's 1925 and when Renee McDarmount marries Walter Sutton, Carrie McDarmount is delighted, for the two families have always been close - the children are all similar in age and their fathers work together in the local pit. But an incident on the eve of the wedding leaves Carrie pregnant and desperately ashamed of the secret she now carries. When Harry Sutton, who has always loved Carrie, discovers her plight, he volunteers to marry her and bring up the baby as his own. But their secret will inevitably come out in the end and there is much heartache ahead before Carrie can finally be happy and content with the man she loves.

A heartbreaking saga of true love against all odds.A tragic house fire kills both her parents, but Constance Shelton escapes, rescued by her eight-year-old neighbour, Matt Heath. She is brought up by her grandparents, but the two children become inseparable and, as she enters her teens, these strong feelings turn into love. But Matt sees her only as a sister and Constance can do nothing when he proposes to another girl. When Constance discovers that the fire that killed her parents wasn't an accident, but in fact the actions of a jealous man, she finds herself in terrible danger and is forced to leave the village and everyone she knows. Although Constance makes a good life for herself elsewhere, her heart remains with the only man she has ever loved. But what will it take for Matt to realise his true feelings for her?

Each day brings a new beginning...Her mother's death in childbirth leaves Sophy Hutton at the mercy of her cruel aunt and uncle, and her childhood is brutal. At sixteen, Sophy learns the shocking truth behind her birth and escapes to London to pursue a career as an actress, determined to put the past behind her. But life for women at the turn of the century is fraught with danger and Sophy soon discovers the darker side to London's glamorous theatres. Young and innocent, she doesn't recognise the man who really loves her when he appears; instead she is charmed into marrying handsome actor Toby Shawe, a flawed and amoral individual. Then the heartache really begins...

Survival means fighting back. Set across Sunderland and New York in the late 19th century, A Woman of Courage is a heartwarming saga by Rita Bradshaw, author of the bestselling Believing in Tomorrow.It's 1890, and Josie Gray is an innocent and beautiful fifteen-year old when Adam McGuigan, the youngest son of a dangerous and influential crime family spots her singing in a Sunderland public house. Adam is handsome and charismatic, sweeping Josie off her feet with his beguiling lies and promises. He charms her into marrying him on her sixteenth birthday, but on her wedding night the fairy tale ends.Josie finds herself trapped in a living nightmare and there's no one to help her. Events spiral out of control, and when her life is put in danger she escapes with her baby son. Fleeing to a different country, Josie fights to make a good life for her child and then love beckons again.But the McGuigan family's power is far reaching. When the day of reckoning comes, can Josie survive it?

Set in England and Germany during the Second World War, Saffron Skies and New Beginnings is a beautiful story of overcoming betrayal and learning to love once more. From Rita Bradshaw, author of A Woman of Courage.Bella McFadyen has a privileged lifestyle but from a child she isn't afraid to kick against an upper-class society that is restrictive and narrow-minded, especially where the female sex is concerned.When a terrible family secret is revealed, tragedy follows. Bella loses everything and everyone she's ever known, including the man she loves. But there are more important things at stake than personal happiness - war is declared and Bella enlists in the WAAFs, eventually being posted abroad on top secret work.In the years that follow, Bella's strength of mind is tested to the limit and her journey is one of heartache and devastating pain. Will she ever find peace and happiness and be able to trust herself enough to embrace another chance of love when it comes her way?

‘A poignant, emotional story’ – Sunderland EchoThey were meant to be together. Feeling the way they did, nothing could come between them . . .As her mother takes her final breath, young Lucy Fallow makes a heartfelt vow – to look after her father and siblings, and tend to the family home.Over the years she sees the shadow of the Depression darken their doorstep, making Lucy’s promise a tender but heavy burden. But when she finds solace and love in the gentle company of Jacob Crawford, it seems happiness is finally on the horizon.Their budding relationship grows, though it only provokes Jacob’s brother Tom, who will stop at nothing to win Lucy’s heart for himself. When Tom sees Lucy and Jacob dancing together one night, a chain of events is set in motion and Lucy is torn apart from her beau. But where there’s love, there’s always hope . . .Will Lucy and Jacob defy the odds and dance in the moonlight once again?Rita Bradshaw’s enchanting, bestselling historical romance Dancing in the Moonlight is about the power of love, heartbreak and family devotion.

Friendship gives one young woman the strength to face tragedy... and a devastating secret. In Rita Bradshaw's Always I'll Remember, one young woman faces jealousy, tragedy and a dark secret, yet love and friendship see her through the worst. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Lyn Andrews.It's 1939 and Abigail Vickers, enjoying her promising new job in an office, is overjoyed when she meets James Benson there and they both fall completely in love. But life for Abby is a constant struggle against her dominant and selfish mother, Nora, who is jealous of Abby's beauty and success. When war breaks out, all their lives change forever. In the furore of patriotism that follows, James signs up and Abby swears to wait for him, joining the land army to do her bit. But when Abby's father is involved in a dreadful accident, a terrible secret that Nora has been carrying for years is revealed, tearing the family apart. After receiving heart breaking news of James, Abby begins to wonder if she will ever find happiness. Only time will tell if there are better days ahead...What readers are saying about Always I'll Remember: 'This book is one of the best reads ever, holds the attention and very hard to put down''Became engrossed, such interesting characters''[This book] describes the lives of three land girls, their friendship and families. The characters are real and very human and the plot throws up much that is unexpected'

Does she dare to dream of a brighter future? Rita Bradshaw's Skylarks at Sunset is a heartrending story of one woman's struggle to keep her family safe during the dark days of the Depression and war. Perfect for fans of Pam Evans and Dilly Court. Hope's just a child when she's orphaned, and as she grows up her dream is always to have a family of her own. And so when she meets and falls in love with Daniel Fallow, son of a successful businessman, she's quick to accept his proposal of marriage. His family, though, are against the match, and so the young couple marry in secret. Grudging acceptance follows, and as the Depression worsens Daniel is persuaded to join the family business, unaware of his father's dodgy dealings. Tragedy is just around the corner, and worse is to come when war is declared in 1939: as Daniel leaves to fight and her children are evacuated, Hope wonders if she will ever have all her family around her again...What readers are saying about Skylarks at Sunset: 'Another wonderful story from Rita Bradshaw, a story that holds your attention from start to finish''Excellent from beginning to end. Couldn't put it down''Five stars'

When everything seems lost, hope is all that remains... Gilding the Lily is a heartrending tale of two sisters and their quest for a place to belong, from much-loved author Rita Bradshaw. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Josephine Cox.Lily and Sarah Brown's childhood is an unhappy one. Sarah escapes by marrying Ralph Turner, a Sunderland dock worker, but Lily doesn't trust Ralph - a dark volatile man with a hidden cruel streak. When he tries to seduce Lily on his wedding day, her worst fears are confirmed. Ralph's younger brother John is cut from a different cloth, though, and Lily is increasingly drawn to him. But just when Lily sees a future for them, a terrible incident destroys her happiness.Heartbroken, Lily agrees to accompany the family she works for as a nursemaid to New York. As Lily boards RMS Titanic little does she realise that her decision will change the course of her life for ever...What readers are saying about Gilding the Lily: 'I enjoyed this novel. It held glimpses of an era long gone, well described and with a satisfying ending''I loved every minute of it''Five stars'

She's found friendship. Can she find love too? In Above the Harvest Moon, Rita Bradshaw once again enthrals her readers in her stunning saga of love, jealousy and survival. Perfect for fans of Annie Murray and Maggie Hope.It's 1926 and the Depression is claiming its victims every day. Hannah and her mother, Miriam, who have lived with Hannah's uncle and aunt since her father died, have never really been close. As Hannah develops into a beautiful girl, so Miriam's jealousy and resentment of her grows. At least Hannah can escape to spend time at her friend Naomi's, whose kind mother gives Hannah the affection she so lacks at home. And Hannah is not indifferent to Naomi's handsome, charming brother Adam. But when she is forced to flee her house and the unwanted attention of her uncle, it is the grave, taciturn Jake, Naomi's other brother, who shines through as Hannah's protector...What readers are saying about Above the Harvest Moon: 'Another captivating and compelling read. Rita Bradshaw has produced yet another page turner, steeped in social history''I really enjoyed this book. It has all the right elements: love, betrayal and loyalty. I could not put it down''[Rita Bradshaw] is marvellous. I felt I was actually transported back in time'

She gave them everything and asked for nothing in return... Rita Bradshaw's heart-stopping saga, Eve and Her Sisters, is a captivating tale of poverty, family and unrequited love. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Kitty Neale.Following their father's death in a mining accident, sisters Eve, Mary and Nell journey to the Michaelmas fair at Gateshead to be put up for hire - it is that or face the workhouse. Eve, who has looked after her younger sisters since their mother's death, cannot bear the thought of them being separated so she is indebted to innkeeper, Caleb Travis, when he takes pity on her and agrees to hire them all. Over the years, Eve's gratitude towards him turns to love, but Caleb is blind to Eve's feelings as he is infatuated with Mary. It is to take many more years of heartache before he realises his mistake...What Amazon readers are saying about Eve and Her Sisters: 'Rita Bradshaw at her best. Fantastic story line and you get drawn into the book, I could not put it down. Very down to earth and one can empathise with situations the characters find themselves in. More, more, more from Rita''I couldn't put it down, it was moving, touching and almost as though it was real. Very believable, fully recommend''The author really brings the characters to life and you almost feel as though you are there. Brilliant!'

A powerful saga of discovering your roots, and finding true love along the way, perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Dilly CourtOne young woman dares to dream of a better life . . .One freezing night in the 1930s, a baby is left to die in a public lavatory in Sunderland. But against the odds she survives. Sarah Brown is from sturdy stock, and she needs to be, for the orphanage where she grows up is run with brutal efficiency by child-hating Matron Cox. Only Sarah dares to defy her - with horrific consequences.Emerging from the Home as a beautiful and determined young woman, Sarah takes up a post in London as a housekeeper. She's more than capable of dealing with her employer's son, who has a penchant for young servants. And when she meets again Rodney Mallard, the young doctor who tended her after a beating in the Home, Sarah begins to dream of a better future.But serpents lurk in every paradise. And Sarah won't be completely happy until she knows why she was abandoned by her mother, the one person who should have loved her more than life itself . . . What readers are saying about Alone Beneath the Heaven:'I felt as though I knew every character personally. I laughed and cried and got annoyed with some of them, oh my goodness it was amazing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Another great book by this Author! It's a brilliant story line, the characters are brilliant! . . . A real eye opener to two different worlds' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Rita Bradshaw certainly pulls at your heart strings with this. From start to finish it captivates you. I had tears in my eyes at the end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'What a book. I struggled to put it down. A wonderful story, cruel at times, emotional at others' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Yet another unputdownable book by Rita Bradshaw. I don't know how she does it but she puts so much feeling into each and every story. Some make you laugh and some make you cry but all are so enjoyable' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An uplifting saga of rags to riches, as a young woman unravels the secrets that surround her past in order to find happiness. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Hutchinson and Dilly Court.'An enjoyable historical read . . . Very readable, with good dialogue and well-drawn characters' Ipswich Evening StarA young couple . . . and the dark and terrible history between their families that threatens to destroy them.Connie Bell, newly orphaned, is just twelve when she's taken on at the laundry in Sunderland's grim workhouse. Although she's little more than a child, the events of her past have forged a driving determination to rise above her beginnings. But when she applies for a job as a nurse Connie's turned down: her mother was forced by poverty to work the streets and the Bell name is tainted.Bitterly hurt but undaunted, Connie's soon assistant housekeeper at the Grand Hotel and saving hard for her own business. When her path crosses Dan Stewart's, though, everything Connie's ever dreamed of is threatened. There's a dark and terrible history between the Bells and the Stewarts, and Dan's mother Edith will do anything to keep Dan and Connie apart.What readers are saying about Ragamuffin Angel:'A story of true heartache and courage against the backdrop of poverty and war' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'You can feel the characters' plight, their anguish and their suffering as if you'd been there yourself . . . These are stories that linger on your mind long after you've put the book down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Great characters, their stories beautifully told through the passage of time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you love stories of the old days, sharing their hardships and difficulties, Rita Bradshaw knows how to draw in words a picture to remember!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Holds you transfixed from beginning to end. Truly a wonderful story teller' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A heartwarming saga of a young woman's indomitable spirit and determination to survive no matter what, perfect for fans of Annie Murray and Rosie GoodwinWhen everyone's deserted her, can she find the strength to go on?Rosie Ferry is hardly more than a child when her father and brothers are lost in a pit disaster. She has to grow up fast when her mother falls apart, leaving Rosie in charge of her two sisters. It's Rosie who finds them lodgings, Rosie who tramps the streets looking for work. Without her friends Davey and Flora, Rosie doesn't know how she'd cope.Then Davey - the boy Rosie always thought she'd marry - abruptly leaves Sunderland, and to make matters worse her mother turns to drink. It's almost more than she can bear, but Rosie is tougher than she looks, and she's determined to keep the family together.What readers are saying about Reach for Tomorrow:'Another lovely story from this very talented writer. The characters are vivid and believable, the storyline keeps you guessing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This story is so full of deep love and filled with sorrow too. A book I never wanted to end!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The characters are truly believable and inspiring. I have laughed and cried with them. In true Northern style it was a captivating story of love, heartache and true grit' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I felt as though I was transported in time. I found the book very emotive in places and extremely easy to read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A story of endurance in all manner of life. Could not put the book down. Sadness, love, enduring poverty, Rita Bradshaw has enthralled me' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A heartrending saga of lost love, dark secrets and the rocky road to happiness, perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court'Gritty and touching' Newcastle Evening ChronicleWhen a shocking secret is revealed, will she ever find happiness again?Growing up on a small, struggling farm on the outskirts of Sunderland in the early 1900s, Polly Farrow has a tough life, but she has gifts money can't buy - a joyful disposition and a loving heart. And that heart belongs to her beloved cousin, Michael. They share a special bond, and Polly knows that one day they'll be man and wife.But a terrible family secret is to shatter her dreams for ever. The lovers are rent apart and Polly is left to bear the responsibility of the farm and her family alone. Life is now a battle for survival, and Polly wonders if she will ever find happiness, unaware that the answer to her prayers is closer than she thinks . . . What readers are saying about The Stony Path:'A brilliant read . . . Rita Bradshaw has the knack of telling a story so well. I can't express into words how glad I have found her books and what joy they bring me' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Gripping from start to finish. A truly wonderful love story that has to ride the test of time, heartache and treachery' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book was unputdownable once I started reading it. The plot was wonderful and believable, the characters are a mixed lot in that some are feisty, some rotten and a few really, really good. It makes for a wonderful story that left me wanting more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Another gritty story by this wonderful author, whose stories are so true to life and keep the reader captured from the beginning to the end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading another book by Rita Bradshaw. She has a knack of capturing the history and the people who lived through it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Winter Love Song is a heartwarming and moving story of survival and love from bestselling author Rita Bradshaw.Bonnie Lindsay is born into a travelling fair community in the North-East in 1918, and when her mother dies just months later, Bonnie’s beloved father becomes everything to her. Then at the tender age of ten years old, disaster strikes. Heartbroken, Bonnie’s left at the mercy of her embittered grandmother and her lecherous step-grandfather.Five years later, the events of one terrible night cause Bonnie to flee to London where she starts to earn her living as a singer. She changes her name and cuts all ties with the past.Time passes. Bonnie falls in love, but just when she dares to hope for a rosy future, the Second World War begins. She does her bit for the war effort, singing for the troops and travelling to Burma to boost morale, but heartache and pain are just around the corner, and she begins to ask herself if she will ever find happiness again.

Heartbreak and family loyalty collide in Rita Bradshaw's number one bestselling Dancing in the Moonlight.As her mother lies dying, twelve-year-old Lucy Fallow promises to look after her younger siblings and keep house for her father and two older brothers.Over the following years the Depression tightens its grip. Times are hard and Lucy's situation is made more difficult by the ominous presence of Tom Crawford, who lives next door, the eldest son of her mother's lifelong friend.Lucy's growing friendship with Tom's younger brother Jacob, only fuels Tom's obsession with her. He persuades Lucy's father and brothers to work for him on the wrong side of the law as part of his plan to force Lucy to marry him.Tom sees Lucy and Jacob dancing together one night, and a chain of heartbreaking events are set in motion. Torn apart from the boy she loves, Lucy wonders if she and Jacob will ever dance in the moonlight again . . .

Go on an emotional journey with Beyond the Veil of Tears by Rita Bradshaw, a heart-rending saga of a young woman's defiant stand against cruelty. This historical romance, from the author of Dancing in the Moonlight, is the story of an innocent soul trapped in a world of deceit and hardship.Ensnared in a dreadful marriage with the menacing Oswald Golding, Angeline Stewart, an innocent fifteen-year-old, sees her world shattering.On learning she is expecting a child, Angeline makes plans to run away and take her chances fending for herself and her baby. But then tragedy takes over . . .Set in 19th-century Northamptonshire, Beyond the Veil of Tears is a testament to the indomitable spirit of survival and hope against all odds.

Set in the tumultous times of World War II, The Colours of Love by Rita Bradshaw is a story of a capable and resourceful woman who proves that nothing is stronger than a mother's love.Can love survive when all is lost?England is at war, but nothing can dim land girl Esther Wynford's happiness at marrying the love of her life – fighter pilot Monty Grant. Their short honeymoon results in a baby, but on the birth of her daughter, Joy, Esther's world falls apart.Esther's dying mother confesses to a dark secret that she has kept to herself for twenty years: Esther is not her natural daughter but the result of an exchange of babies after her own child was stillborn. Esther's real mother was forced to give up her baby to an orphanage by her furious family who were incensed about the unsuitability of their daughter's lover, and Joy's birth makes the reason clear.Harshly rejected by Monty, and with the man Esther believed was her father breathing fire and damnation, she takes her precious baby and leaves everything and everyone she's ever known, determined to fend for herself and her child. But her fight is just beginning . . .

Set across the Second World War, Snowflakes in the Wind is a heartwarming story of triumph over adversity by Rita Bradshaw, author of the number one bestselling Dancing in the Moonlight.It's Christmas Eve 1920 when nine-year-old Abby Kirby's family is ripped apart by a terrible tragedy. Leaving everything she's ever known, Abby takes her younger brother and runs away to the tough existence of the Border farming community.Years pass. Abby becomes a beautiful young woman and falls in love, but her past haunts her, casting dark shadows. Furthermore, in the very place she has taken refuge, there is someone who wishes her harm.With her heart broken, Abby decides to make a new life as a nurse. When the Second World War breaks out, she volunteers as a QA nurse and is sent overseas. However, life takes another unexpected and dangerous turn when she becomes a prisoner in Japan. It is then that Abby realizes that whatever has gone before is nothing compared to what lies ahead . . .'A moving and gripping tale of love, loss and survival' – Lancashire Evening Post

Christmas Fireside Stories is a delightful festive collection of short stories that includes delicious Christmas recipes recommended by the authors as well as extracts from your favourite saga novels.Christmas at Briar Farm by Diane AllenChristmas preparations are in full swing at Briar farm as the Bainbridge family get ready for a traditional 1960s Christmas – with all the trimmings.Kate's Miracle by Rita BradshawIt's Christmas 1919 and things are looking bleak for Kate and her two small children in the north of England. That is until Kate discovers the strength of friendship and community at Christmas time . . .The Gift by Margaret DickinsonChristmas Eve, 1914. A moment of hope unites soldiers on both sides of the firing line as the spirit of Christmas crosses even the divides of war, and an act of generosity changes one man's life forever.Christmas at Thalstead Halt by Annie MurrayAt Thalstead Halt, the station master has the unexpected task of sheltering snow bound passengers in the run up to Christmas 1886. And the eclectic mix of travellers bring more than one surprise with them . . .You'll Never Know Just How Much I Love You by Pam WeaverChristmas, 1943. The post office at Goring-on-Sea is surrounded by a heavy blanket of winter snow but nothing can stop the last post, or the power of true love at Christmas time.A Wounded Christmas by Mary WoodCan friendship, humour and a Boxing Day party help to ease the sorrows of 1942? A heart-warming story featuring characters from the saga novel Proud of You.

All she wants is a better life...Born in Sunderland's filthy, crime-ridden East End, Pearl Croft's childhood is desperately troubled. When her violent, drunken father is killed in a fight and Pearl's elder brothers are sent to prison, she is left to care for her baby brothers. Then Pearl's mother brings a 'client' to the house who has a penchant for little girls. Terrified and hurt, Pearl runs away from home and is found, feverish and near death, by Romany gypsies. But this is far from the end of her struggles. Years pass and as Pearl reaches womanhood she wonders if she will ever find happiness?

A Winter Love Song is a heartwarming and moving story of survival and love from bestselling author Rita Bradshaw.Bonnie Lindsay is born into a travelling fair community in the north-east in 1918, and when her mother dies just months later, Bonnie’s beloved father becomes everything to her. Then at the tender age of ten years old, disaster strikes. Heartbroken, Bonnie’s left at the mercy of her embittered grandmother and her lecherous step-grandfather.Five years later, the events of one terrible night cause Bonnie to flee to London where she starts to earn her living as a singer. She changes her name and cuts all links with the past. Time passes. Bonnie falls in love, but just when she dares to hope for a rosy future, the Second World War is declared. She does her bit for the war effort, singing for the troops and travelling to Burma to boost morale, but heartache and pain are just around the corner, and she begins to ask herself if she will ever find happiness again?