Bøker av Anna Jacobs

'Another riveting book from Anna Jacobs' - 5-star reader reviewSeventeen-year-old Liza is happy working as a lady's maid - until her employers decide to emigrate and her father makes up his mind that she is to wed an older widower whom she detests. Determined to avoid a loveless marriage, Liza plans to run away. But when the widower rapes her to force her to marry him, she flees back to the family for whom she worked. She feels she has no choice but to go with them to Australia, and they all set out on the long voyage.On board ship, Liza discovers to her horror that she has fallen pregnant. Even if she can survive the journey, the demanding life of a settler in 1850s Western Australia will be made even harder by an illegitimate child. But Liza is to find that in addition to deprivation of the worst sort, Australia will offer her opportunities she could never have dreamt of back home in Lancashire.*******************What readers are saying about LANCASHIRE LASS'As ever, great!' - 5 stars'A lovely book' - 5 stars'Great from start to finish' - 5 stars'Brilliant again!' - 5 stars'I just love these books - once you start you will find it hard to put down' - 5 stars

Carrie Preston is used to hard work - oldest of ten, with an incompetent mother and a drunken father, she struggles daily to find food for her siblings. But nothing could have prepared her for the day fate deals her family the cruelest of hands, rendering them more desperate than ever.So when Eli Beckett offers Carrie a job at the Dragon pub, she grabs the opportunity with both hands. Things finally seem to be looking up for the Preston family, especially when they find out that Eli's nephew is planning on building a brand new music room in the town. With the great cities of England alive to the sound of music halls, the locals of Hedderby are soon looking forward to their own place of celebration and merriment.Yet not everyone shares this excitement, and some will stop at nothing in the pursuit of selfish gain . . .******************What readers are saying about PRIDE OF LANCASHIRE'A brilliant book' - 5 stars'Another fab book - thank you Anna Jacobs!' - 5 stars'Really exciting, could not put it down. You feel the people are so real and you are there with them' - 5 stars'Brilliant, I just love her books' - 5 stars'Excellent, as always' - 5 stars

After being driven from home by their brutal father, the Willitt sisters, Mattie, Nell and Renie, find themselves facing greater heartache in the wider world. Nell has left home to be with her lover, Cliff, fearing what reprisals might come from marrying against her father's wishes.After parting ways with Mattie the couple take youngest sister Renie and head for Lancashire. However, Nell's happiness is short-lived; her marriage suffering as Cliff resents his job and the fact that though Nell has given him a daughter, she seems unable to conceive another child. When Renie leaves for London, Nell feels desperately alone. Then tragedy strikes, and Nell, mad with grief, runs away in the hope of being reunited with her two sisters. While wandering the English countryside, a gypsy palm-reader tells Nell she will still find her destiny, under 'three big trees on a hill'.Her luck seems to change when she meets Gil, a farmer and a gentleman who she can't help but feel drawn to. Could the trees on his land be a sign, or is Nell too damaged by her past to let herself love again?In this emotional sequel to Cherry Tree Lane, Anna Jacobs delivers a stunning romance novel that is both tragic and uplifting.

She thought the worst was behind her . . . Life is tough in Lancashire in 1905 - and especially so for fifteen-year-old Mary Ann, who was born out of wedlock. When her new stepfather begins to abuse her, Mary Ann doesn't know how much more she can take - until the worst happens and she is sent away to bear his child. After the birth, she manages to escape to Blackpool with the help of her new friend Gabriel.Years later, the Great War brings Mary Ann many new opportunities, and brings Gabriel back into her life - but circumstances mean they can never be together. When her mother dies, Mary Ann decides it's finally time to return to Lancashire and uncover the secrets of her past. But an unknown danger threatens both her and the child she thought she'd lost forever . . . Will history repeat itself - or will Mary Ann's courage win her the happiness she deserves?************************What readers are saying about OUR MARY ANN'Spellbinding' - 5 stars'I couldn't put this book down. A tale of a strong woman who managed to keep her head and heart up against adversity' - 5 stars'First class!' - 5 stars

There is no love like a mother's for her child . . .Little Billy, Polly's son, is the light of her life. It's for his sake that she puts up with an unkind mother-in-law and life on an isolated farm. When Billy is knocked down by a car, his father is killed attempting to save his life, and Polly, cast off by her husband's family, is left with a child who may never walk or talk again.Polly turns to her own family, the Kershaws, for support, but they are unable to outmaneuver the malicious Dr Browning-Baker, who is determined to have Billy taken away from his mother, depriving him of the exercises and stimulation that are his only hope. Forced to flee to the Fylde coast, Polly and Billy find that their future may lie with another damaged family - an ex-Army captain whose First World War marriage was a terrible mistake, and his daughter, who has never recovered from the hostility of the mother she loves.But danger threatens their fragile happiness . . .*******************What readers are saying about OUR POLLY'Yet another great story by the wonderful Anna Jacobs . . . so realistic' - 5 stars'I could not put it down' - 5 stars'Once again Anna has excelled, a fabulous story with great characters. A definite page turner. Make sure you have your tissues ready!' - 5 stars

She thought she could trust him . . .Eva Kershaw thought she would never marry, and is happy living a quiet life with her dear friend Alice. But Alice is ill, and her nephew, Gus, has thrust himself into their household. Alice's dearest wish is that Eva should not make the same mistakes she did, and she alters her will so that Eva and Gus are strongly compelled to marry. Eva obliges to fulfil her dead friend's wishes.But Gus is not all he seems to be: he is not Alice's kind nephew, but a robber, confidence trickster, and not even Gus Blake. And Eva is in terrible danger . . .*********************What readers are saying about OUR EVA'Yet another fantastic story in the Kershaw Sisters series . . . Anna Jacobs is an amazing author' - 5 stars'Another fantastic book you won't want to put down' - 5 starsA great read from great writer' - 5 stars

'This is one of the best books I've ever read' - 5-star reader reviewCalico Road runs through a tiny Lancashire hamlet up on the edge of the moors, miles from anywhere. Its folk are an independent breed - and in 1827 they are a thorn in the side of the vicious mill owner in the valley below.Toby Fletcher's father ignored his bastard son while alive. Now Toby is the new owner of the rambling old inn, an unwitting keeper of its secrets. Then Meg Staley comes to Calico - a woman who was strong enough to survive one tragedy, but found it harder to withstand a second blow. Toby finds her wandering the moors, cold and starving, and brings her back to the inn. Working there, Meg starts to rebuild her life and find a fragile happiness.But then the secrets of Calico Road come crashing down on her and those she has grown to love . . .*******************What readers are saying about CALICO ROAD'Anna Jacobs' writing is sooo good' - 5 stars'Full of excitement, didn't want to put it down' - 5 stars'Another lovely book by Anna Jacobs' - 5 stars'An amazing read' - 5 stars'A brilliant series' - 5 stars'Could not put it down' - 5 stars

Love can cross oceans . . .Keara Michaels doesn't want to leave her family in Ireland, but fate sends her first to Lancashire, then across the sea to Australia, pregnant and penniless. And Theo Mullane, the man who loves her, is married, with an ailing baby son, so cannot follow her as he longs to.Mark Gibson leaves Lancashire to avoid marriage. But gold prospecting is a dangerous pursuit, and when his gentle young wife dies in childbirth, his father-in-law kidnaps the baby. So Mark runs away again, this time to Western Australia, where he employs Keara in his country inn.But danger threatens them all, even in the bush, as Keara searches for her lost sisters, Theo comes looking for the woman he loves, and Mark at last confronts his past.**********************What readers are saying about A PENNYWORTH OF SUNSHINE'I couldn't put it down' - 5 stars'An excellent read from start to finish' - 5 stars'Brilliant, as always . . . Anna Jacobs never fails to keep the story line motivated, gripping, and endearing' - 5 stars

Sometimes the worst has to happen . . . Recently widowed, Hannah Firth is still young - young enough to dream of a new life. When her spiteful daughter-in-law uses her as an unpaid servant, Hannah tries to leave, but she is unaware of the depths that Patty's spite will lead her to.Nathaniel King's life is ruined when his landlord's son lays waste to his market garden for a prank - and the resulting feud puts Nathaniel's livelihood at stake. Hannah has only a few coins and dreams of a happier future to sustain her as she tramps the roads and evades pursuit. When she meets Nathaniel, the attraction between them cannot be denied and they join forces. But their enemies have money and powerful allies on their side and will stop at nothing to get rid of them . . .**********************What readers are saying about THREEPENNY DREAMS'Such a lovely book, with characters you felt you knew . . . I was sorry to finish it' - 5 stars'Could not put this book down. I love the way Anna Jacobs makes you feel as though you know all the people and she is a great storyteller' - 5 stars'Anna Jacobs has done it again!!!' - 5 stars

'Best period book I have EVER read! - 5-star reader review'Emmy Carter's mother is a prostitute - and her life has made Emmy determined to avoid the same fate. But Emmy is beautiful, so attracts unwanted attention; her mother's protector has his eye on her, as does evil Marcus Armistead, her employer's nephew. Marcus is excited by Emmy's virginity and has her kidnapped, but Emmy hits him over the head and escapes. Marcus, futher enraged, kills her mother and becomes even more determined to rape Emmy, but the combined efforts of the local parson and Emmy's young suitor manage to keep her safe from harm. Finally Emmy sees Marcus get his just desserts, finds out who her father was, and attains the respectability she has so longed for.***********************What readers are saying about DOWN WEAVER'S LANE'Could not put this book down' - 5 stars'Kept wanting to read it all in one go' - 5 stars'Such a brilliant writer . . . once you start to read this book you won't be able to put it down' - 5 stars'A gripping novel' - 5 stars'This book was brilliant - get the tissues ready!' - 5 stars

'I felt as if this book was my addiction . . . A truly remarkable author' - 5-star reader reviewAt eighteen, Cathie longs for more than life as a settler in the Australian bush. So when her uncle offers her the chance to send her to England, she grabs the opportunity with both hands and runs away from her family. But little does she know that he is using her to get revenge on his sister, Liza.Attacked at the docks in Liverpool, Cathie takes refuge with the man who saved her, a man who has his own troubles. But as she slowly regains her memory and meets her Lancashire relatives, she must confront the legacy of her mother's past.And even in 1876, the same wealthy families who forced her mother to leave Lancashire are still powerful enough to threaten Cathie's happiness and safety - as well as that of anyone close to her . . .**********************What readers are saying about LANCASHIRE LEGACY'Another brilliant read from Anna. Love it' - 5 stars'Riveting' - 5 stars'Brilliant story, as always. Didn't want it to end' - 5 stars'WOW, such a good read' - 5 stars'I couldn't put this down' - 5 stars

Gwynna has already fallen from grace once, bearing a stillborn child out of wedlock. Determined to have a respectable future, she finds a position for herself as a nursemaid at Hungerton House. But just as she begins to find her feet, the devastating secrets of her past are revealed. She is swiftly dismissed, but not before she becomes the target of a lascivious groom. And even afterwards she is pursued by Hungerton, an evil old man who wishes to send her back to the gutters.She returns home to Hedderby, only to find the small Lancashire town reeling after an arson attack on the local pub and music hall. Her only ally is a talented carpenter, also once employed by Hungerton. His former employer will stop at nothing, however, to bring him back to the estate.Will money buy revenge and destroy two lives? Or will the young lovers find a way to achieve their dearest dreams?******************What readers are saying about BRIGHT DAY DAWNING'Excellent, as is the whole series' - 5 stars'Gripping' - 5 stars'Brilliant saga' - 5 stars'Great from start to finish' - 5 stars'I loved it' - 5 stars

Anna Jacobs has done it again, the book was riveting' - 5-star reader reviewCassandra Blake has raised her three motherless sisters. The girls are the pride of their book-loving, impractical father, and not in a hurry to marry. Then the American Civil War cuts off supplies of cotton to Lancashire, the mills fall silent and there is no work. They have an impossible choice: stay and risk starvation or pack up and begin again elsewhere.Cassandra has fallen in love with Reece Gregory, but he can't support a wife. When he's given the chance to start a new life in Western Australia, he seizes the opportunity, promising to send for her. Then an old feud tears the family apart. Cassandra is kidnapped and her sisters are forced to sail with a group of desperate cotton lasses to Fremantle. Penniless and alone, Cassandra is determined to find them again - but when she is offered a way, will she be able to pay the painful price?What readers are saying about FAREWELL TO LANCASHIRE'A wonderful read' - 5 stars'I love all of Anna Jacobs' books, once I start reading them I can't put them down' - 5 stars'Great story, couldn't put it down' - 5 stars'Once you pick up this wonderfull book you will loose yourself in it's amazing characters. BRILLIANT!' - 5 stars'Just great, could not stop reading' - 5 stars

'Enjoyed this book so much I didn't want it to end!!!' - 5-star reader reviewIn the untamed outback of Western Australia, the Blake sisters are together again despite what seemed like unsurmountable odds. For Cassandra - reunited again with the man she loves - the Swan River Colony is a refuge that seems like a miracle after all her ordeals. And two of her sisters have fallen in love with their new way of life.But then a messenger arrives from faraway England, and it is the fourth sister, Pandora, who jumps at the chance to make her way back to the Lancashire moors that she misses so badly. The way home, though, will be even harder than the voyage to Australia. The only ship that can take her and her new protector back to England lies many days' journey away, across country that would daunt even a hardened explorer. And when she reaches Outham, a devious, dangerous enemy will do anything to prevent her from taking charge of her family's inheritance . . .What readers are saying about BEYOND THE SUNSET'Another Anna Jacobs novel I could not put down' - 5 stars'Just loved this book - a great read - couldn't put it down!' - 5 stars'A great book' - 5 stars'I enjoyed every page' - 5 stars'Anna Jacobs is brilliant at her craft' - 5 stars

***Book three in the beautifully heartwarming Rivenshaw Saga, set at the end of the Second World War***After a stray bomb scored a direct hit on his childhood home in Hertfordshire, the only thing that has kept Francis Brady going while he works day and night salvaging what he can from the rubble is the thought that soon he'll be joining war-time friends Mayne, Daniel and Victor as electrician in their new dream building firm in Lancashire. But things are not going to plan: Mayne isn't answering any of his letters; Francis' wife is having a change of heart about moving up north - and her parents seem set on destroying his reputation... A lot of marriages are breaking up in these times of change, and Francis is loathe for his to be one of them... But how can he turn down the opportunity of a new life and career in Rivenshaw? Meanwhile in Rivenshaw itself, newly married Mayne and Judith's plans to convert Esherwood house into flats have come to an abrupt halt. While clearing out the house in readiness for the rebuild, they've discovered that someone has been stealing valuables and hiding them in the old Nissen hut. But who hid them there - and are they planning on returning for them? And are they also responsible for something else found in the shelter: a body, buried in a shallow grave . . .With so much going against them, can these four friends ever turn their dreams into reality?*************Praise for Anna Jacobs:'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around' - Historical Novels Reviews'Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions' - Sunday Times'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph

When Megan and Ben meet the attraction is instantaneous. The only problem? Ben is bound for Australia in just a week's time!Determined not to let what they've just found go, Ben suggests they get married so that she can go with him. Megan is shocked but doesn't want to lose him, so she agrees. Virtual strangers the two embark on an unforgettable journey, determined to make a success of their hasty marriage... An adventurous contemporary romance perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy

Fates meet and lives entangle from opposite sides of the world...Sorting through her father's papers after his death, Gina discovers evidence of a secret in his past. She decides to leave Australia for England to investigate, escaping the demands of her two daughters. Meanwhile at her home near Blackpool, Peggy wakes every day to verbal abuse from her bullying husband. Like Gina, Peggy is ready for a fresh start. As Gina and Peggy embark on their voyages of self-discovery, they meet new people and forge bonds which will reinforce the value of family connections. An emotional story of friendship and second chances perfect for fans of Patricia Scanlan and Liane Moriarty. Praise for Family Connections 'This tale of two families forgiving past wounds and starting anew is just the kind of heartwarming story at which Jacobs excels' Booklist

Family dramas and all their complications unfold amidst the dales of Lancashire...When her unfaithful husband dies in a car crash, Laura decides to leave Australia for her native England to help nurse her ailing mother. Desperate to find a job and a home, a moment of chance at a wishing well leads her to former journalist Kit - a man in need of a live-in housekeeper. Kit is convalescing after an accident and still coming to terms with his disability. Both struggling in the face of hardship and heartbreak, Laura and Kit must learn how to find solace and strength in each other. This moving contemporary romance is perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Sheila O'Flanagan. Praise for The Wishing Well 'A truthful tale of how one woman overcomes the obstacles thrown in her path' Booklist

Futures are fought for and love is found afresh in the Wiltshire countryside...When Ella discovers that her husband, Miles, is secretly planning to sell the farm her family has owned for hundreds of years, it's the final straw. Her already rocky marriage is over. Determined to save Willowbrook and protect her daughter's future, Ella resolves to build the farm into a successful B&B. New arrival in the village Cameron offers to help, but can Ella trust her instincts?With a determined and vindictive Miles plaguing her efforts, Ella must find the courage to put faith in Cameron if she hopes to save her home. An emotional contemporary saga of family and commitment perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Jojo Moyes. Praise for Saving Willowbrook 'This gentle English romance will keep readers happily entertained' Booklist

Meriel grows up in England a tomboy, helping her beloved grandfather with DIY projects. At school she discovers a talent and love for art, but her mother forces her to become an accountant. She‿s good at that too, but her heart just isn‿t in it. When she wins some money, her lifelong dream suddenly becomes possible, and she quits her job to buy a house in Australia where she can combine her love of the outdoors with her work as an artist. In Australia, Ben has dreams, too, but they‿ve been on hold in the years since his wife‿s death. Very different characters, each with their own goals, circumstances force Meriel and Ben to share a house and the attraction between them becomes impossible to deny. There are many obstacles to overcome, but if Ben and Meriel work together they might just find a way to save and unite their dreams‿A heart warming story of love, family and adventure perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy

The third book in Anna Jacobs' wonderful Birch End saga

Book Two in beloved author Anna Jacobs' new Birch End series.

Book One in beloved author Anna Jacobs' brand new Birch End series.

The fourth book in Anna Jacobs' beloved Ellindale series.

The third book in beloved and bestselling Anna Jacobs' Lancashire-based Ellindale saga

Just one man can make all the difference . . .1931, Lancashire:When Finn Carlisle loses his wife and unborn child, he spends a few years travelling to keep the sad memories at bay. Just as he's ready to settle down again, his great-uncle dies and leaves everything to him. This includes Heythorpe House in Ellindale just down the road from Leah Willcox and her little fizzy drink factory.Finn finds a village of people in dire need of jobs, a house that hasn't been cleaned or lived in for thirty years and Reggie, an eleven-year-old who's run away from the nearby orphanage and its brutal Director Buddle. When Finn sees the marks left by regular beatings, he decides Reggie will never go back there.But Buddle has other plans for the child, and will stop at nothing to get Reggie back in his cruel grasp. Finn's new neighbours help him save Reggie but other surprises throw his new plans into turmoil.***********Praise for the Ellindale series'One of the most lovely and heartwarming books I have ever read!' - 5 STARS - Between the Pages 'A book of family, love, friendship and loyalty' - 5 STARS - Stardust Book Reviews'I was gripped from the very first word on the very first page and I wasn't released until the last word on the last page . . . When I finished I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer' - 5 STARS - Ginger Book Geek***********What readers are saying about ONE KIND MAN'Brilliant' - 5-STARS'Loved it, can't wait for the next one' - 5-STARS'Another excellent read from Anna Jacobs' - 5-STARS

The final instalment in the Rivenshaw series set at the end of WWII in Lancashire.

Book two in four-part RIVENSHAW series set at the end of World War Two in Lancashire, by beloved and bestselling saga writer Anna Jacobs.