HAMILTON

This moving and captivating novel will keep you glued to the page and invested from the off. From the SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox.Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, theyve got the lot, and theyre quality writing as well - SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOURThis book breaks your heart, it is rare to find a book which stirs so many emotions.- ***** Reader ReviewI couldnt bear to turn off my Kindle... Another great read from Ruth.- ***** Reader ReviewGreat story. Found myself not wanting to stop reading.- ***** Reader Review****************************************************ONE WOMANS FIGHT TO FORGE HER OWN FUTURE...Laura Starling, now wealthy and successful, has survived a bitter past.She fled from a tyrannical mother into the clutches of a sadistic man. She endured poverty, fear and pain. Then along came Ben Starling, older, wiser, who smoothed her path and gave her love and security.But now Ben has become a stranger who has slipped beyond her reach. As her stability threatens to disintegrate once more, a thin, waif-like girl from Liverpool thrusts her way into Lauras life - a girl who is to prove a link with the past.But no one can help Laura make the decisions that will alter the course of her existence. As the September starlings gather, Laura realises she must take courage and forge her own future...

This dramatic, heart-wrenching and emotional saga full of twists and turns, leading up to a violent and terrible climax, by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox."I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, theyve got the lot, and theyre quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOURCouldnt put it down! -- ***** Reader reviewLoved every last word. -- ***** Reader reviewThe book captures you from the first page. -- ***** Reader reviewRuth Hamilton never fails to get my attention from the first page. -- ***** Reader review****************************************************WILL LOVE BE ENOUGH TO PROTECT HER?There were only four houses in Paradise Lane, and young Sally Crumpsall lives at No.1. With a father too ill to care for her, and a mother who is to abandon her, she leads a ragged and lonely existence.When - finally - both mother and father have gone, the kindly inhabitants of the Lane, with the help of Ivy, Sallys old and stubbornly aggressive grandmother, decide to raise Sally as best they could.But Paradise Lane is built in the shadow of Paradise Mill - and Andrew Worthington, owner of the mill, looms menacingly over the lives of everyone about him. A corrupt, evil and greedy man, he has totally destroyed his own family, and soon his venom is directed towards Ivy, her friends in Paradise Lane, and finally even young Sally...Only the combined efforts of all who love the young girl will be enough to save her...

Lose yourself in this intelligent and emotional novel with a darker edge and the superb characterisation weve come to expect from Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton. Fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox wont be disappointed.Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, theyve got the lot, and theyre quality writing as well - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio FourA fantastic read but not a surprise. Ruth Hamilton books are first class. -- ***** Reader reviewI have read all of Ruth Hamilton books and for me this is one of her best. -- ***** Reader reviewGreat story. Ruth Hamilton is a wonderful story teller. I will buy all that she writes. -- ***** Reader reviewBrilliant read, Ruth Hamilton at her best. -- ***** Reader review****************************************************TRAGEDY FOLLOWS HONORIA WEST, BUT WHO CAN STOP HER...The West Family at Moortop Farm should have led settled and happy lives. They were affluent, had a superb old farmhouse, and were blessed with three daughters, Hyacinth, Hilda - and Honoria. But even from childhood Honoria cast a pall of fear and suspicion over the family.Violent and unpleasant things happened and although they were dismissed as accidents, both Honorias parents and her older sister, Hyacinth, became increasingly alarmed.As the years passed, Honorias worst excesses were concealed from the world, but even so, in her new life in Liverpool, her evil affected those about her.But it was April, frail and struggling against a serious illness, who was to be the one to finally destroy Miss Honoria West.Rich in character and action, Ruth Hamiltons gritty and masterful writing builds to a resounding and powerful climax in yet another unforgettable novel.

Help comes from a curious source after a family tragedy in this heart-wrenching but wholesome saga. From the SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox.Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, theyve got the lot, and theyre quality writing as well - SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOURI have read about five books by Ruth Hamilton but this one I have enjoyed the most... it was so touching- ***** Reader ReviewA very enjoyable book - I read it very quickly as it the story is so captivating.- ***** Reader ReviewRuths usual high standard. An engrossing and enjoyable read.- ***** Reader Review****************************************************HOW CAN SHE HELP A GRIEVING FAMILY?When Matthews beloved wife Molly died, her sonMark grieved as much as anyone.Since he was a small boy his mother had suffered from the illness that eventually took her, and now at sixteen, Mark longed to earn his fathers respect by assisting with the family business. But his father, in grief, seemed beyond help.Tilly Povey, famous for her whiplash tongue, watched the boys lonely existence with a heavy heart. Stella, Mollys sister, now a doctor, she had always loved Matthew, and also wondered whether he might, perhaps, turn to her in his hour of need.Matthew, obsessed with his loss, was gradually falling apart and none of those who were closest to him could, it seemed, do anything to help. But Tilly, whose uncompromising exterior hid a warm heart, was determined to help this troubled family...

This captivating and moving story of dark secrets, violence and scandal by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court. "I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, theyve got the lot, and theyre quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR"Plenty of fast moving action taking place. Definitely kept me interested throughout." -- ***** Reader review"A brilliant read" -- ***** Reader review"Love this author, once started her books are very hard to put down" -- ***** Reader review"A must read" -- ***** Reader review********************************************************THE TRUTH WILL OUT...The Shawcross family was a strange and unhappy one. Edward Shawcross, the absent father with a red-haired mistress; Alice, his wife, seeking solace in chocolate and continually carping at Connie, her beautiful daughter. And Connie and Gilbert, their children, forming an uneasy alliance in the face of their parents antipathy.Twenty years before, Edward Shawcross had been an impoverished millhand, born in a slum to feckless parents. Then, when he unexpectedly married the plain and awkward daughter of the wealthy mill-owning Fishwick family, his fortunes changed overnight. When the Fishwicks went to live abroad almost immediately after the wedding, Edward was left in charge of all their business interests. No-one could understand why Edward had suddenly made this leap of fortune.But now the truth behind old scandals gradually begins to emerge. When the Fishwicks return, violence swiftly follows. What shocking revelations are in store?

A gripping and heart-warming saga set in Lancashire from the Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson. Guaranteed to keep you turning the page..."Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, theyve got the lot, and theyre quality writing as well"- Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four. "Brilliant! I have read this book so many times Ive had to buy 2 paperback copies before finally getting it on KINDLE. This has it all, pathos, humour, tragedy and emotion. I recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I have." - ***** Reader review"One of Ruth Hamiltons finest." - ***** Reader review"Really good read and twist at the end..." - *****Reader review********************************************************AS THE WAR SIRENS SOUND, SO THEY BEGIN THEIR OWN BATTLE FOR NEW FULFILLING LIVES...Billy London is a mean, dark, secretive man who is interested only in lining his pockets at the expense of those around him - most especially his wife and daughters.When Ellen, his wife, who has put up with him for years, finds her children threatened, she prepares to fight like a tigress to protect the four girls, to give them the hope of a new and better life and a chance to escape from the evil and oppressive legacy of their father.There is Abigail, clever, ambitious, and with an outer shell of steel that is necessary if she is to survive; Tishy, overwhelmingly lovely, who lives in a world all her own; Marie, brisk, capable, and nearly strong enough to defy her father; Theresa, more wounded, more vulnerable, more damaged by Billy than any of them.As the sirens of 1939 herald the advent of war, so Billy Londons girls begin their own battle for new, triumphant, and fulfilling lives.

In 1920 the Burton-Masseys lost their home, Pendleton Grange, their lands and several businesses in the heart of Bolton, including Masseys Yort. Reduced to a life of hardship, Alex Burton-Masseys widow and daughters took refuge in Caldwell Farm, all that was left of their former wealth. James Mulligan was the man who now owned their lands, and Masseys Yort quickly became known as Mulligans Yard. He was a silent, brooding character whose manners teetered on the brink of rudeness, but in spite of this, many women found him attractive. Who was he? Did he hide a dark secret in the cellars of Pendleton Grange? And why did he involve himself so deeply in the lives of the Burton-Massey girls?

Letting go of the past to grasp the future . . . Andrew Sanderson, brilliant surgeon and renowned musician, is still grieving the death of his beloved wife Mary when his younger daughter turns up on the doorstep having left her wealthy and philandering husband. Its not long before the house is overrun with daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law and a boisterous stray dog called Storm. At Andrews time of life, is this really what he needs? One thing is sure, home is a lot more interesting than it once was. As he reminisces about his past and the love he once shared with his wife, Andrew starts to realize that there is indeed a new road to be travelled; he just has to let go of his grief and embrace tomorrow

Agnes Makepeace has always been courageous and strong-minded and on the surface, she couldnt be more unlike the chilly, reserved Helen Spencer. Agnes knows there is a mystery to her own background and is determined to discover the truth about her past. She believes the key to unlock the secret is held with husbands employer, Judge Zachary Spencer of Lambert House - a mean-spirited widower and solitary man. Judge Spencer has long neglected his daughter, Helen and notices her even less when he takes a new wife. But he has underestimated both the extent of his daughters misery and her determination to enact her revenge. Helens new-found confidence causes her to behave in a way that will have a lasting, and shocking impact on both families and, surprisingly, leads to a lifelong friendship with Agnes. Yet it is only when the broodingly silent house on Skirlaugh Rise ceases to hold its breath and deliver the answers that Agnes has been seeking that she can finally find the peace of mind she has always longed for.

In 1930, Bridget OBrien, a young widow with two children, fled her brutal and bigoted father and headed for Liverpool and an arranged marriage with a man she had never met. Her destination, the famous Scotland Road, was noisome and terrifying and a far cry from the clean air and flowing rivers of the only country she had known, Ireland. When she met her middle-aged bridegroom, Sam Bell, whose twin sons were older than she was, her sense of isolation only increased. Anthony, one of her so-called stepsons, also held out the strong hand of friendship, but Liam, the favourite of his father, had the power to terrify her. Liam was cold, compelling, mysterious and antagonistic. He was also a priest.

Leanne Chalmers has made a career for herself presenting her own style of home decorating and design on the nations screens. That was her past life, at least. For now Leanne has been forced to start again as Lily, leaving her name, job and marriage behind. No-one in the Lancashire village of Eagleton has a clue about Lily, save that shes come up from the South West with her best friend and a small child. But its hard to lead a solitary existence in a small place, and Lily and Babs are swiftly embraced by some of the local characters: Mike, the Catholic priest, who the girls cant help noticing is easy on the eye; Eve, a Liverpudlian, who has a big mouth but a heart of gold; the hairdressers Paul and Maurice; and Dave and his love, Philly, both shy yet determined not to be cowed by Daves mother, the domineering matriarch of the village. Soon, Lilys new life is full of promise and as she joins Daves reading room, a shop come cafe and library, she begins to relax. But then Eve is wounded in a burglary, and suddenly, Lily is afraid that her secret is out: her husband Clive may have discovered where she is, and, having left her for dead before, is now out to kill her Full of Ruth Hamiltons unique warmth and humour, THE READING ROOM is a rich, compelling novel of love, life and courage.

NOT EVEN THE BOMBS THAT DESTROYED THEIR CITY COULD BREAK THEIR SPIRIT ... Three generations of strong, determined women and the war that threatened to tear them apart. In the backstreets of Liverpool, Eileen Watson lives with her mother, Nellie, daughter Mel and her three tear-away sons. Life isnt great, but they have eachother, and family can get you through anything. Or...can it? Then, on the third day in September 1939, Britain declares war on Germany and their lives change forever. The children have to be evacuated, but daughter Mel refuses to go, and so Eileen says goodbye to het mother and sons, moves away from the street they love and faces a future without most of the people in her precious family. Thus begins a journey for them all. A journey filled with forbidden love, tragedy and the terrifying sounds of a city they love crumbling into craters left by the Luftwaffe. Their lives will never be the same again ...

At the age of 45, Lucy Henshaw has finally left home. Her decision to go has been reached neither lightly nor suddenly, since her marriage has been broken for some eighteen years. However, as the mother of twin sons and a daughter, Lucy has felt it her duty to stay as a couple in the family house she was born in near Bolton, giving her children the security she knows they need. Now that her family is grown, content in the knowledge that she loves them, Lucy decides she is free to leave. She secretly purchases a beautiful house overlooking the Mersey, near Liverpool, and there she plans to start afresh. Within hours, she has met some characters: her new neighbour Moira, who is disabled and dying, and sees Lucy as the ideal new companion for her husband, Richard; Shirley Bishop, built like a battleship and a cleaner extraordinaire, towing her several-inches-shorter husband as a handy gardener behind her; and Dr David Vincent, who is grieving for the loss of his young son. It is soon apparent that Lucy need have no anxieties about being lonely. It is these new friends, too, who come to Lucys rescue when her husband Alan, falls ill. Always a wastrel and fraudster who has tried to control her, his illness only seems to offer him another opportunity to complicate Lucys life all over again.Mersey View is a compelling and gritty novel set in Liverpool, and is a wonderful story, rich with warmth and humour, by a much-loved storyteller at the height of her powers.