Bøker av Anna Jacobs

A devastating accident is only the start of Emily Mattison's troubles... When Emily Mattison falls victim to a near-fatal accident shortly after receiving an unexpected inheritance from a distant cousin, her ruthless nephew George seizes the opportunity to take control of his aunt's assets.

***The first book in the gripping Rivenshaw Saga, set at the end of World War Two***1945. The war in Europe is over. It should be a time of utter joy and celebration.Most women can't wait for their men to return, but in the small town of Rivenshaw in Lancashire, Judith Crossley fears having her husband back in the house. He'd grown into a bully and a drunkard, and on the occasions he'd come home from leave, he'd hit her. He wasn't a good father, either. Luckily Judith has found an unlikely ally, a friend to turn to - Maynard Esher, from an old aristocratic family on the other side of town. But Judith knows that when her husband returns, she and her children will be back in the firing line again. She decides that for the children's sake, she must leave her husband. But with the house rented in his name and other accommodation scarce, where on earth can they go?*************Praise for Anna Jacobs:'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around' - Historical Novels Reviews'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions' - Sunday Times

**The final installment in the beautifully heartwarming Gibson Family series, perfect for fans of 'Call the Midwife', Dilly Court and Catherine Cookson**Lancashire, 1860. In the mill town of Bilsden, Annie Hallam's husband Frederick is dying. On top of that, a spurned suitor of her sister Joanie is determined to have her, whatever the cost. And he is not the only one who wants to harm the Gibson family. Meanwhile, times are hard in Bilsden and unemployment is rife. Annie has to rebuild her life after the worst happens and plans to create Spinners Lake, an extraordinary project that will keep her workers from destitution and assuage her own grief. And then a ghost from her past returns from the American Civil War . . . Can the secret plans that Frederick made for Annie on his deathbed bring her hope and happiness once again?**************Praise for Anna Jacobs:'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions' - Sunday Times'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around' - Historical Novels Reviews

**The third book in the stunning Gibson Family series, perfect for fans of 'Call the Midwife', Dilly Court and Catherine Cookson**Lancashire, 1848. Preparations are under way for Annie Gibson's wedding to Bilsden's wealthy mill owner, Frederick Hallam. But not everyone is as pleased as they are. Frederick's daughter is horrified at the prospect of a new, attractive stepmother arriving at the house on Ridge Hill. Even Annie's own family feels threatened. The only person who seems pleased is Annie's brother Tom. And soon, real troubles begin to pile up for the Gibsons. Tom's happiness is jeopardised bya shocking revelation that turns his world upside down. Annie's son, William, finds out some devastating news about his own father. And even Annie's joy cannot last. Because someone has uncovered the secrets she has fought so hard to keep hidden . . .***********Praise for Anna Jacobs:'Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions' - Sunday Times'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around' - Historical Novels Reviews

**Book two in the gorgeously heartwarming Gibson Family series, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and 'Call the Midwife'**Lancashire, 1845. Annie Gibson can finally leave Salem Street. At long last she's realised her dream of opening an elegant dressmaking salon in the mill town of Bilsden - and she is determined to take her father and his second family with her, away from poverty. But Annie's troubles are far from over. Someone is trying to undermine her business; her family have their own ideas about what they want to do with their lives; and several men are persistently trying to win her favour, including Frederick, the mill owner, and Daniel, her childhood friend.As Annie gets better acquainted with both, she becomes increasingly confused about her feelings. Can she really be in love? And can she risk trusting any man ever again?**************Praise for Anna Jacobs: 'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph'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

When Emily Mattison falls victim to a near-fatal accident shortly after receiving an unexpected inheritance from a distant cousin, her ruthless nephew George seizes the opportunity to take control of his aunt's assets.

Her husband was killed in the Great War. His wife is dead. Why not journey to the other side of the world and start again from scratch? What does it matter if they don't know each other, they will in time, after all? Norah thinks it is the most stupid idea she has ever heard. But Andrew needs no persuading. His kids are without a mother, he lives in a Lancashire town with no prospects: he can't wait to build a new life for himself in Australia. The government will even give ex-servicemen a farm, as long as they clear the land themselves. The only thing he needs is a wife to join him and time is short. Then Norah's father dies and there is nowhere for her or her daughter to go. For the first time in her life she decides to do something crazy. It may be madness to follow a man she barely knows to an untamed land of heat, spiders and endless bush far from home, but it may also be the answer to all her dreams.

The final part of the Blake sisters saga set in Lancashire and Western Australia in the 1860s, following on from FAREWELL TO LANCASHIRE AND BEYOND THE SUNSET

'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

**The first book in the gripping, uplifting Gibson Family saga, perfect for fans of , Dilly Court, Catherine Cookson and 'Call the Midwife'**Lancashire, 1820. Annie Gibson's family is one of the first to move into the brand new terraced houses on Salem Street, built by a mill owner for his workers. Annie's is a happy childhood - until her mother dies, leaving her to bring up her brother and sister. And then her jealous new stepmother throws her out of the house.But she finds work in the local doctor's household, and when her adored childhood friend Matt asks her to marry him, Annie thinks her dreams are coming true.Then suddenly everything turns upside-down. Abandoned and pregnant, will Annie ever be able to move into the wider world again?********Praise for Anna Jacobs'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around' - Historical Novels Reviews'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions' - Sunday Times

Now that Nell's three sons are in work and becoming more independent, she's ready to build a new life for herself. She's been left a house in England by an elderly aunt and decides to leave Australia to start a new chapter. On her arrival at Peppercorn Street, Nell encounters Angus Denning, a software engineer with an Honourable title and a stately home at the end of the road. Then there's Winifred, an elderly lady who lives alone but has made friends with young, single mum Janey. It's not long before the quartet are firm friends and Nell has trouble resisting Angus's charms. But life doesn't always run smoothly; Winifred is being harassed by an estate agent to sell the only home she's ever known to the Cinnamon Gardens development and Janey realises she and her daughter, Millie, are being stalked.With things far from settled, can Nell build a new life with Angus? Will Winifred surrender her home to the greedy property developer? Can the residents of Peppercorn Street find happiness?

An unexpected inheritance offers Libby Pulford the chance to escape her abusive marriage with her young son Ned. Just as she's beginning to settle into her new life, her troubled past catches up with her. The one person she can turn to for help is her new neighbour, former police detective Joss Atherton. But Joss has troubles of his own.

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

Dora Preston has guts, but it will take more than that for her to break free from Hedderby and make a life for herself on the stage. Then she meets Gideon - and pursuing her ambitions becomes even harder. Gideon has returned from the fighting in India only to discover that an impostor has stolen his inheritance. He has vowed he will claim his birthright but his enemies are ruthless and desperate.Arson attacks, crime and drunkenness have beset the Lancashire mill town, but the forces of good are rallying and are determined to prevail - whatever it takes.*********************What readers are saying about HEART OF THE TOWN'A great story' - 5 stars'Excellent as is the whole series and all of the Anna Jacobs books' - 5 stars'A fantastic read' - 5 stars'Brilliant to read - I wish that there was another book in the series' - 5 stars'Outstanding' - 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

'As usual Anna Jacobs does not disappoint. This book was just like all her others: excellent, well written and full of surprises and emotions' - 5-star reader reviewEllen Dawson is glad when the Great War ends, but sad that Lady Bingram's aides are to be disbanded. She can't bear to go back into service again after working as a driver and mechanic in London. But she is forced by her mother's illness to accept her old position as housemaid in order to stay in the small Lancashire town, and her stepfather will stop at nothing to get her under his control again. Meanwhile, Seth Talbot is also facing difficulties when he takes over as local policeman in a town where the law has been flouted for years ...*******************What readers are saying about TOMORROW'S PROMISES'Gripping from the start to the end' - 5 stars'An absorbing story' - 5 stars'Excellent read, as usual' - 5 stars'One of her best' - 5 stars'A great book by a great author' - 5 stars

A girl with nothing left to lose . . .The Great War opened up an exciting new career for Vi in London. But that was yesterday. Now the war's over, her husband is dead and she needs to pick up the pieces of her life.On her way home from work she meets a man who is in huge need of her help. Recently demobbed, Joss Bentley has no job or home and, with his wife dead, there's a new baby to care for - and, what's more, it's not his. As he searches grimly for its real father, he runs up against people who will use any means necessary to conceal dark secrets, and Vi finds herself faced with conflicting loyalties. Whichever way she moves, it seems she'll hurt someone - or they'll hurt her . . .**********************What readers are saying about YESTERDAY'S GIRL'A delightful, thought provoking story' - 5 stars'Anna Jacobs is on top form, as usual' - 5 stars'Just couldn't put this book down!' - 5 stars'A brilliant read - I was engrossed from start to finish' - 5 stars'Such a moving story' - 5 stars'Absolutely fantastic story, I enjoyed it from the beginning to end and couldn't put it down as the story got more exciting by the chapter' - 5 stars'Another excellent book from Anna Jacobs - how does she do it?' - 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

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

'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

Marjorie is the pretty one of the Preston sisters. So pretty that when a performer at her sister's music room breaks her leg, Marjorie is asked to fill in as the assistant to famous singer Denby Sinclair. He offers to take her with him, away from Lancashire and into the exciting world of London theatres. But Denby is not what he seems. He has a dangerous secret which, if it were to be revealed, would ruin her. Marjorie, however, is reckless and will take any risk for a chance to perform on the stage. And when disaster strikes, she finds herself alone and feels further from home than she's ever been.Can she regain her heart's desire and find happiness once more? And what can she do about another danger that arises in Hedderby that threatens her and her entire family?**********************What readers are saying about STAR OF THE NORTH'Once again, a great read. Anna Jacobs has a way of writing that draws you into the characters and makes you feel that you are living the story' - 5 stars'I couldn't put it down' - 5 stars'Excellent!' - 5 stars'I did not want to put this book down. Brilliant and enthralling to lose yourself completely' - 5 stars'Another Fab read from Anna Jacobs' - 5 stars

They say you only regret the things you don't do . . .Lizzie Kershaw is an independent spirit; ever since her father's death she has had to be a survivor. Home life is harsh, though, and desperate to escape it, she makes an ill-advised marriage. But she discovers all-too-quickly that she's married a selfish and violent man. His beatings never seem to stop and she soon comes to a decision: she must run far, far away.With the help of some suffragettes she escapes to Manchester, where she finds work in a munitions factory - she is finally the independent woman she has always longed to be. But her husband, whose cruelty knows no bounds, tracks her down and drag her back home to more beatings than ever.But when his violence causes her to lose the one thing she's always wanted, Lizzie knows she must find the strength to make the changes in her life that are so sorely needed.*******************What readers are saying about OUR LIZZIE'I'd recommend this book to all saga lovers' - 5 stars'Another fantastic read . . . It made me laugh and it made me cry . . . Another page turner' - 5 stars'Brilliant series of books. Lovely stories. Lovely characters' - 5 stars

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

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

'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

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

**Book four in the heart-melting Gibson Family series, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Catherine Cookson and 'Call the Midwife'**Lancashire, 1858. Annie Hallam has at last found complete happiness. She has three healthy babies and adores her husband Frederick. After years of struggling to make a living in the small town of Bilsden, Annie knows she deserves to sit back and enjoy her life - after all, she's not yet forty, and still in her prime. But worries are on the horizon. Frederick has been looking rather pale lately. Her brother Tom hasn't moved on after the death of his wife. Rebecca, her half-sister, is longing for something more than her work in the salon. And William, her son, isn't happy at university. And something much more dangerous is looming - a threat not only to Annie's peace of mind, but to her life . . .*****************Praise for Anna Jacobs:'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer!' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Anna Jacobs' books have an impressive grasp of human emotions' - Sunday Times'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around' - Historical Novels Reviews