HAMILTON

Catherine Cookson fans will love this heart-warming saga set in Lancashire from The Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton. You wont want to put it down... "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. "Gritty, down-to-earth writing and strong female characters have become the trademarks of her writing" -- Bookworld"I really do not know what to say about this book, it is the most moving story I have ever read. In places it made me laugh, and in many places it made me cry. Absolutely excellent." -- ***** Reader review."Another excellent book from Ruth Hamilton. I read every night in bed and am always reluctant to switch off my Kindle as I want to know what happens next in the story." -- ***** Reader review."Ruth Hamilton has exceeded all expectations [-] another successful novel..." -- ***** Reader review. "Really enjoying this book. Cant wait to pick it up again." -- ***** Reader review. **************************SHELL NEED ALL HER STRENGTH TO SURVIVE...Life is tough and conditions are squalid for the residents of Myrtle Street, in the shadow of the Althorpe mills.Joe Duffy, a Bolton tradesman, strives to lift his family out of the garden streets. But as more children are born, Joes wife Tess sinks deeper into the obsession that will be her undoing. Few people heed her ravings saying that the area is cursed. She is ignored, even as the Myrtle Street tragedies become more frequent and begin to feature in local gossip.It is left to Megan, the third Duffy child to end the curse. When she becomes embroiled in a web of deceit, Megan needs all her strength, talents, and wit in order to survive and ensure her familys stability and the future of the Althorpe cotton mills.

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.

This captivating and moving saga full of twists and turns by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect 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 FOUR"Keeps you hooked to the last page" -- ***** Reader review"A wonderful story" -- ***** Reader review"Brilliant as always" -- ***** Reader review**********************************************************THE PAST AND PRESENT ARE ABOUT TO MEET IN TRAGEDYThe Chandlers had been making candles in Bolton for five hundred years, and had given their name to the village of Chandlers Green. The dynasty, now in decline and ruled by Richard Chandler, is reduced to an unhappy household and a few tenanted properties.But Richard continues to behave as though he were lord of the manor. Jean, his wife, is terrified of him; his grown-up children despise him, but fear for their mother if they were to leave home. And now Richards arch-enemy, Alf Martindale, is planning to move into his village, and Richard knows that the past is catching up with him fast. A crisis forces him to leave his manor for a while, and he has no way of knowing that Jean is arming herself against his return. The past and the present are about to come together in a way that can only end in tragedy...

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 emotional and uplifting saga full of twists and turns 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 FOUR"Read this book several times now. Cant put it down. Keep going back to it." -- ***** Reader review"Love Ruth Hamilton books. Always a good read." -- ***** Reader review"Enjoyed the book very much, just couldnt put it down." -- ***** Reader review************************************************************************CAN SHE FIND THE COURAGE SHE NEEDS?Kate Murrays father had never forgiven her for being born a girl: scrawny, red-haired, under-weight, and the last child his wife would bear, his hatred for his younger child was intense.Growing up in a world of constant rejection and seeing the way her Lancashire respectable poor family tried to hide the cracks of a bad and violent marriage, she determined to find a life - a world where she was loved, was successful and where people were proud of her.Will she find the courage and fortitude she needs to become the woman she wants to be - successful, warm, forgiving, and able to give the love she had so lacked in her own life?

If you like Dilly Court and Catherine Cookson, youll love this emotional and powerful story of revenge and retribution from the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton. "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"Probably the most moving story I have ever read" -- **** Reader review"A fantastic read" -- ***** Reader review"Wonderful author" -- ***** Reader review"Loved it" -- ***** Reader review*****************************************************************************SHES VOWED TO TAKE REVENGE, NO MATTER WHAT THE COST...When Bernard Walsh moves his family from Bolton to Liverpool he does not expect the past to pursue him. But Theresa Nolan, consumptive and angry, is bent on revenge and settles within three miles of Bernards new home, wreaking havoc from the Mersey to the moorlands of Lancashire.Meanwhile, against a backdrop of dissent and violence, two young girls, separated by fate but bound by blood, begin to wend their often troubled way towards the tranquility and comradeship of the Corner House. What does the future hold in store?

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.

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.

It was 1950. Magsy OGara, her husband killed in the war, plodded through her daily routine as a hospital cleaner, dedicating all her spare time to Beth, her genius daughter. Pursued by men who admired her great beauty, she was determined to remain a widow. Nothing was to divert her from her gruelling schedule. Her goal was simple: Beth would become a doctor. Beth, however, wanted a normal life a brother, a sister, a stepfather who might make her wonderful mother happy. So Beth was delighted when a personable man began to court Magsy. Across, the road at number 1, Nellie Hulme, trapped in a world of silence, watched the other two Saturday girls. Deaf since infancy, Nellie had a secret so huge that it amused her. What would folk have thought had they known her true position in life? And why did she hear in her dreams?

The ONeils, who have lost brothers and sons into the bowels of Londons East End, keep watch over their one remaining young male, a boy named Seamus. Hardworking and good-hearted, they cling together and help each other, and a whole community.Meanwhile, Rosh Allen mourns the loss of Phil, her dearly-beloved husband. Aided and impeded by her mother, Anna, she struggles to raise three fatherless children. With the help of a kind-hearted neighbour, her wounds begin to heal, and she begins to take the first faltering steps into normality.Tess and Don Compton are on the verge of separation. An apparently greedy and selfish woman, Tess wants a semi-detached house, and all her own way. But what really lies behind her desire to live on the posh side of the street.Behind the three families, two men are at work. One will do serious damage; the other will reunite a clan that goes all the way back to Ireland and to ancestors thrown ashore from the ships of the Spanish Armada.Brilliant storytelling that is perfect for fans of Nadine DorriesThe Four Streets or Maureen Lee.

To save a child, they would sacrifice everything . . . Comfortably settled into his expatriate life in post-war Britain, Headmaster Theodores secrets are set to remain deeply buried. Until she breezes in. Tia Bellamy: vivacious, intriguing, a nuisance. Tia cuts through his reserve and, for the first time in years, Theodore finds himself able to confront his past and reveal the events carved into his heart and seared into his soul. Together, they form a strong bond with the residents of the Lady Streets, closely befriending Maggie Stone and her granddaughter, Rosie. But Rosies mother has issues of her own and Tia and Theodore soon realize that little Rosie might be in danger. Unable to protect the child, they decide to take drastic action . . .

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.

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

Scotland Road would never be the same . . . In 1955 the residents of Scotland Road fear for their futures when government plans threaten to demolish their street and tear apart their community. Pollys Parlour cafe is the centre for resistance, where strategies are formed to fight back. But when local priest Father Brennan attacks little Billy Blunt, minds are instead turned to vengeance. Frank Charleson, business entrepreneur turned local hero after saving Billys life, finds himself increasingly fond of Polly Kennedy. But his past wont leave him. After his mothers harsh behaviour towards his previous wife, can he put Polly through the same? Polly has a hard enough life as it is. With her work in the cafe and her beloved twin brother to care for, she has all but given up on having a family of her own. But can Frank provide the support she needs? And is Polly strong enough to keep their community together?

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 ...