FICTION

Forged In Rome Sitting alongside his Nero series and set in Ancient Rome, master storyteller Conn Iggulden's epic next novel follows a freed slave's fierce fight to survive and ascend through the ranks of powerAncient Rome, AD 37A scribe in a noble household, all Cormac has ever known is a life of slavery. When his master suddenly relieves him of his post, along with a hundred other men and women, Cormac is furnished with documents to free him from bondage but given no means to survive.Somewhere between slave and citizen, the freedom to live is the freedom to starve too. All that was once orderly, structured and routine is now chaos, and Cormac must learn life anew.His writing skills have afforded him flickers of opportunity in a world far wealthier than his, but will he resist the pull of the city's underbelly? Can he untangle himself from its crimes?Conn Iggulden's next novel will take readers on an epic journey to discover what one man - fighting against all the odds - will make of his freedom.

TapestryAn epic, adventurous, and romantic historical timeslip novel from the million-copy bestselling author.The key to her future is trapped in the past.In 1715, the Earl of Nithsdale is sentenced to be beheaded for his part in the doomed Jacobite rebellion for Scottish independence.In 1978, Jane Maxwell is plagued with doubts about her engagement. When tragedy leaves her fiance Will near death, Jane's guilt makes her determined to save him.On a desperate and dangerous quest to find answers, Jane finds herself trapped in the past. Convinced that saving Nithsdale will also save Will, Jane embarks on a risky plot to rescue the Earl from the Tower of London.Based on the true story of a daring escape from the Tower of London, Tapestry takes us on a gripping journey from the 1970s into the England and Scotland of 1715.

Christmas Joy, a sweet holiday romance and perfect Christmas gift, comes from a bestselling Australian author and is ideal for fans of Josie Silver and Laurie Gilmore.1889 Rye, Sussex, EnglandJoy by name and joy by nature, Miss Joy Parker loves nothing more than performing acts of kindness and making other people's lives brighter. Even after the loss of her family's fortune and being forced to accept a job as a lady's companion to the formidable Lady Hyacinth Montague, Joy remains optimistic. Hyacinth initially treats her as the lowliest of servants, until her great-nephew and heir, Earl Peter Montague, arrives.Despite a disastrous first impression, Peter is soon captivated by Joy's compassionate ways. Sparks fly between them, and Joy finds herself unexpectedly and heartbreakingly in love. However, in the world of high society, love and marriage are seen as separate entities, and Hyacinth has grander plans for Peter than the impoverished Joy. Montwoods Manor is brimming with the upper class, with Lady Regina of Hove being groomed as the leading candidate to become Peter's wife.Joy is tasked with organizing a lavish Christmas ball, one she can hardly attend in her humble gown. As the snow falls on this picturesque seaside town on Christmas Eve, Joy's kind heart becomes entangled in a scandalous plot. She begins to question whether the games of the idle rich make love impossible or if the magic of Christmas could bring the greatest gift of all.Mary-Anne O'Connor, the author, is praised for her breathtakingly beautiful writing. She is dubbed the Queen of Australian Historical Romance on Goodreads. Her historical fiction is of such quality that it takes readers on a beguiling roller-coaster ride, according to Better Reading.

The Tattooist Of Auschwitz (Tie-In) This internationally bestselling novel is now a six-part drama series streaming on Stan in 2024, starring Harvey Keitel.

Sharpe'S Storm The gripping new novel from internationally bestselling master of historical fiction Bernard Cornwell.‘There is everything here that Sharpe fans will love. If this really is the last time Sharpe wields his heavy cavalry sword, he will be sorely missed’ The TimesIf any man can do the impossible it’s Richard Sharpe …The year is 1813. France is a battlefield, and winter shows no mercy. Amidst brutal conditions, Major Richard Sharpe finds himself saddled with an unexpected burden: Rear-Admiral Sir Joel Chase, dispatched by the Admiralty with sealed orders, unshakable confidence, and a frankly terrifying enthusiasm for combat.Sharpe’s mission from Wellington is clear, yet anything but simple: keep Sir Joel alive.Sir Joel could hold the key to defeating Napoleon once and for all. But to pull off his audacious plan, he needs someone who knows how to fight dirty, think fast, and survive the impossible.He needs Sharpe …_____________________________Real readers love the Sharpe series:'Non-stop action from cover to cover' Reader review ?????'Cornwell is a master … and heroic Sharpe doesn't disappoint' Reader review ?????'Bernard is a great story teller and historian' Reader review ?????'This is first class story-telling' Reader review ?????'Engrossing, fast paced. And with a hero like no other' Reader review ?????

The Twelve Days Of Christmas A beautiful collection of seasonal stories inspired by the Georgian Christmas carol, from the Sunday Times No. 1 Bestselling AuthorA beautiful collection of seasonal stories inspired by the Christmas carol, from the Sunday Times No. 1 Bestselling AuthorThe air glitters with hope as the snowy village of Merrywake celebrates the Christmas season after the tumult of the Napoleonic Wars.As the Viscount's famous Twelfth Night Ball draws closer, many of the villagers have a story to tell - we meet a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid reunited after a misunderstanding, three sisters vying for the hand of a dastardly duke, two servants hiding a dangerous secret and a solider making his way home, unsure of the welcome he might receive. As their tales braid together, we see life and love in the village from belowstairs to high society.Reimagining each of the traditional carol's gifts, and written in tribute to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a collection of festive tales filled with seasonal cheer and heart-warming characters. Will the challenges and mysteries that the Viscount's guests encounter be resolved by the night of the ball?'Kind, heartwarming historical fiction at its most glorious...Witty, delightful and hugely satisfying...the perfect gift' Kate Griffin'A glorious treat...uplifting, poignant and astutely observed, this felt like being whirled away into a Regency ball' Naomi KelseyClever, funny and heartfelt... I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. It's the perfect comfort read. Fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer will love it' Theresa HowesReaders love Susan-'So addictive... the perfect mix of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy and romance''Wonderfully atmospheric''A beautifully written piece of historical fiction''Crackles with danger and mystery... a joy to read''An utterly magical book full of secrets, love and hope''Beautifully written, gripping and evocative'

The Adventuress Of Albany: Perfect Summer 2025 Roadtrip Reading, The New Australian Historical Adventure Fiction From A Bestselling Author. She yearns for adventure, but the road to freedom is paved with peril. The thrilling new historical adventure from a bestselling Australian author.Albany, Western Australia, 1881Stifled by English society, Molly Bentley has always yearned for adventure. When her father offers to send her to the bustling port town of Albany in Western Australia, Molly readily agrees, even if it means assuming a secret identity. With only her chaperone Mrs Caldicott to answer to, her life of freedom can finally begin.Until Molly is knocked down in the streets, nearly trampled, and a threatening letter is slipped into her hands.Suddenly, Molly and Mrs Caldicott must reckon with the darker motives behind their move to these southern shores. The women have no choice but to put their safety into the hands of the enigmatic colonial Leo McRae and his cousin Alistair who seem to know exactly who Molly and Mrs Caldicott are, and why they're in the colonies. But from whom has Mr McRae sourced his information? And why has Molly's father stopped replying to her messages?Attempts are made on their lives, and their motley crew must undertake a dangerous journey from Albany to Adelaide and into rural Victoria to evade capture. As secrets are revealed and loyalties tested, will Molly ever be able to find the freedom she so desperately craves?

Hamnet The Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller that inspired the major film starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal'Richly sensuous... something special' Sunday Times'Stunning. Immersive and compelling' Marian KeyesA LOVE THAT DRAWS THEM TOGETHER. A LOSS THAT THREATENS TO TEAR THEM APART.The untold love story that inspired Shakespeare's greatest masterpiece.On a summer's day in 1596, a young girl in Stratford-upon-Avon takes to her bed with a sudden fever. Her twin brother, Hamnet, searches everywhere for help. Why is nobody at home?Their mother, Agnes, is over a mile away, in the garden where she grows medicinal herbs. Their father is working in London.Neither parent knows that Hamnet will not survive the week.Hamnet tells the powerful story of Agnes and Will, and of the son whose life has been all but forgotten, but who inspired one of the greatest plays ever written.*Fall in love with HAMNET this year*'HAMNET is a feast for the senses''One of my favourite books of the year. Simply gorgeous''Words fail me... this story had me feeling everything''I read and reread passages throughout this exceptional novel'

The American BoysOlivia Spooner is the number one bestselling author of two historical novels, The Girl from London and The Songbirds of Florence. She is also the author of two contemporary novels, A Way Back to Happy and A Bumpy Year. A former bookshop owner, Olivia is a strong advocate for the importance of books and reading. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with her family.

The Matchbox Girl: Lose Yourself In This Autumn'S Most Captivating Historical Novel From the multi-award-winning author a beautiful, stunningly ambitious novel telling the story of a young girl's battle for survival and search for the truth in occupied Vienna 'A shimmering masterwork' Alice Austen 'An extraordinary novel about resilience' Amanda Craig 'A mesmerising tapestry woven across history' Gina Rippon 'Gripping and profound. A masterful work of rare complexity that lingers and haunts' Christine LeunensAdelheid Brunner does not speak. She writes and draws instead and her ambition is to own one thousand matchboxes. Her grandmother cannot make sense of this, but Adelheid will stop at nothing to achieve her dream. She makes herself invisible, hiding in cupboards with her pet rat, Franz Joseph, listening in on conversations she can't fully comprehend.Then she meets Dr Asperger, a man who lets children play all day and who recognises the importance of matchboxes. He invites Adelheid to come and live at the Vienna paediatric clinic, where she and other children like herself will live under observation.But the date is 1938 and the place is Vienna a city of political instability, a place of increasing fear and violence. When the Nazis march into the city, a new world is created and difficult choices must be made.Why are the clinic's children disappearing, and where do they go? Adelheid starts to suspect that some of Dr Asperger's games are played for the highest stakes. In order to survive, she must play a game whose rules she cannot yet understand. Triumphant and tragic, soulful and spirited, The Matchbox Girl is a burningly brilliant book that brings the stories of a generation of lost children into the light. 'A vividly imagined story told with real drive and heart' Rachel Seiffert 'Unique and profoundly human' Emma Darwin 'One of the most charismatic and companionable narrators I've ever come across' Toby Litt 'The sheer brilliance of Alice Jolly's writing stopped me in my tracks, stole my breath' Angela Findlay 'An important, powerful book, so real I couldn't put it down' Kathleen Jones

DuskRobbie Arnott is the author of Limberlost, The Rain Heron and Flames. He's a two-time winner of The Age Book of the Year, and has also been awarded the Voss Literary Prize. He's been named a Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Novelist, and has twice been shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award, as well as the Dylan Thomas Prize. He lives in Hobart with his wife and daughter.

The Bell And The Blade Paullina Simons is the author of sixteen internationally bestselling novels, one non-fiction memoir, a cookbook, and two children's books. Born and raised in the former Soviet Union, Paullina immigrated with her family to the United States in the mid-seventies. She received her Bachelor's degree in political science from Kansas University. She has lived in Rome, London, Dallas, and now lives in New York with her husband and four children.

Crimson Velvet Heart is a visionary novel that delves into Adelade's strange and enthralling life. Carmel Bird's exquisite language and deep understanding of history and human nature beautifully capture the spirit and mystery of love and loss.

Sinners An electrifying tale of rage and resistance that gives voice to the tragic and remarkable story of a young Roman noblewoman, Beatrice CenciRome, 1599. A young noblewoman accused of murder, awaits execution. Imprisoned in the Corte Savella, she has captured the hearts and sympathy of all Rome.This is the true and tragic tale of Beatrice Cenci.History has sold her short. She is no doe-eyed victim of her father's brutality, nor the cunning murderer who plotted her father's demise. No, this Beatrice - a woman pregnant by her lover, incarcerated in a remote castle by her father, and brim-full of white-hot rage - is both innocent and guilty, saint and sinner.And she will stand tall in the face of the violence of men, no matter the cost.