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?

October 1943. Nancy Dalton, working at the RAF base at Scampton in Lincolnshire, has been holding vigil for the Lancaster bomber pilots whose missions seem endless. But her watchfulness has not prevented her own pilot brother from failing to return. In the midst of mourning him, fresh recruits arrive to continue the war effort, among them charismatic Canadian Steve Allard. The months ahead will be long and hard, with danger a constant companion, and although both Steve and Nancy never intend to complicate wartime life with romance, their attraction becomes impossible to ignore.

'A heart-warming and uplifting tale' Sunday Express
London, 1802. Major Harry Sterling has left behind his regiment and military duties 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.
But who is the right match for the charming ex-soldier? There are plenty of options, including the delightful Winslow sisters: Isabella, Angelina and Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Harry finds it hard to leave his soldier instincts behind and he uncovers a web of treachery in which it seems that someone is supplying secrets to Napoleon, and that his brother's death was no accident. As the investigation unfolds, so Harry's search for a wife continues ... surely the eldest Winslow girl, the wilful Isabella, wouldn't be right at all .

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...]]> Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:56:14 +0200 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/545602-friends_and_enemies.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/545602-friends_and_enemies.html

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...]]> Mon, 20 May 2019 09:38:03 +0300 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/634073-the_winter_child.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/634073-the_winter_child.html

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...]]> Thu, 17 Jan 2019 17:56:12 +0200 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/545601-friends_and_enemies.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/545601-friends_and_enemies.html

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...]]> Mon, 20 May 2019 09:38:03 +0300 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/529810-riches_to_rags.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/529810-riches_to_rags.html

Previously published as A Change of Fortune

A moving and uplifting tale set in 1920s London, for fans of Dilly Court, Daisy Styles and Lesley Pearce

November, 1929

Sixteen-year-old Eugenie Winford is looking forward to Christmas in her family's elegant Russell Square mansion. But shortly before the holidays her world is shattered when her father suddenly dies.

Destitute and desperate to escape the marriage her mother has arranged to save them, Eugenie runs away, changing her name and disguising herself as a servant.

Hiding in the rundown streets of Lambeth and struggling, like so many others, with poverty and hardship, she finds true kindness and even love.

Yet little does Eugenie know she is hunted by her greedy blood relations - and a young man who hopes to save her . . .

Who will find her first? And can she ever return to the life she had before, even if she wanted to?
...]]> Sat, 09 Mar 2019 11:02:23 +0200 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/107998-battles_lost_and_won.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/107998-battles_lost_and_won.html
The new novel from a much-loved storyteller - 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.]]> Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:18:28 +0200 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/113821-hold_on_to_your_dreams.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/113821-hold_on_to_your_dreams.html
London 1899. Gertrude 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 are 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.]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2015 16:09:45 +0200 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/108000-diamonds_in_the_dust.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/108000-diamonds_in_the_dust.html
London 1920. Dora 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.]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2015 15:18:29 +0200 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/107996-a_flight_of_golden_wings.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/107996-a_flight_of_golden_wings.html
September, 1938. Britain is at war and Ruth Aspinall, a gifted pilot, is determined to join the Air Transport Auxiliary, an organisation of civilian pilots who ferry aircraft to wherever they're needed. Meanwhile over in America, siblings Jack and Lucy Nelson, both experienced pilots themselves, are keen to join too.After a perilous journey by sea, Jack is soon having his first experience of the London Blitz before being posted to White Waltham, where he quite literally bumps into Ruth and romance soon blossoms. On D-Day, Jack is sent to France to deliver a Spitfire, but he is declared missing in action after his plane fails to arrive. Heartbroken, Ruth must accept that the love of her life may never return . . . ]]> Fri, 11 Nov 2016 15:18:28 +0200 https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/117794-a_new_day.html https://sequential-art.library.land/beryl-matthews/117794-a_new_day.html