Bøker av Francesca Capaldi

Can true love win the day?Hetty Affleck is working as a maid at the prestigious Beach Hotel in Littlehampton. Her beau, Lorcan, is away at war and has recently stopped replying to her letters but she is determined to keep her spirits up. When she meets wealthy shipbuilder's son Victor Perryman, they pass the time of day and they both feel a connection but she can't allow herself to think anything more of it - not only does she have Lorcan to think of, but she and Victor are divided by wealth and class. Yet they meet again and Hetty is charmed and intrigued by Victor and his openness towards her. It becomes harder to ignore the attachment growing between them. When Lorcan comes back on leave, Hetty is forced to face her true feelings. Who does she really love, and can that love conquer everything in its path?An uplifting, emotional WW1 saga perfect for fans of Ginny Bell and Jean Fullerton

Dark Days at the Beach Hotel - sees Manager Helen Bygrove managing the hotel after her husband is conscripted. But after poison pen letters are sent about various prominent business people in the town, suspicion falls upon the staff of the Beach Hotel and Helen finds herself drawn into a police investigation.

Can she choose between her duty and her heart?While World War One changes the country beyond measure, with food becoming scarce and Britain‿s young men being called up to foreign battlefields, it is harder than ever to keep the grand Beach Hotel in Littlehampton running smoothly. Waitress Lili Probert, a young woman who escaped her demanding family in Wales in search of a new life in Sussex, has seen her hard work rewarded at the Beach Hotel, but hides heartbreak behind her sunny personality. Her sweetheart, Norman, is missing in action and has been presumed dead, but she cannot give up hope that he may be found. But when she meets injured soldier Rhodri, a fellow Welshman now living near Littlehampton, she fights hard to ignore her growing attraction for him, torn between her feelings for him and her loyalty to the man she thought she‿d spend her life with. But her emotions run ever higher when she suddenly receives a call from home; her mother is gravely ill and Lili is needed for her care. Returning to Wales, Lili must make a difficult choice. Follow her dreams and make her own life, or return to the place she tried so hard to escape?Torn between her duty and her heart, Lili faces her own battle far from the conflicts in Europe‿An emotional, gripping and heart-tugging romantic World War One saga that fans of Annemarie Brear, Pam Weaver and Rosie James will adore. Readers are loving their stay at the Beach Hotel:‿Brilliant storyline, brilliant book. Couldn‿t put it down. Family saga at its best‿â­?â­?â­?â­?â­? Reader Review‿I loved this enchanting read‿could not put it down‿‿â­?â­?â­?â­?â­? Reader Review‿Well, what a start to a new series! There are many secrets to be uncovered‿I loved this book.‿â­?â­?â­?â­?â­? Reader Review‿Charming‿this book felt like an escape‿The story was heartwarming‿â­?â­?â­?â­?â­? Reader Review‿I thoroughly enjoyed this book‿I‿m glad there is more to come from the Beach Hotel.‿â­?â­?â­?â­?â­? Reader Review

Winner of The Romantic Saga Award at the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Awards 2024Can Edie find the courage to choose her own future?June 1914. Edie Moore is a Governess for Lord and Lady Moreland, living in comfort at the grand Downland House in Sussex. But, wanting more from life, she flees in secret to Littlehampton, the place where she spent many idyllic childhood holidays. Desperate for work, Edie begins working as a chambermaid at the prestigious Beach Hotel, even if the menial tasks are a far cry from her previous job. While the days are long and gruelling, Edie works hard and soon is in favour with Helen Bygrove, the manager's wife, who sees that Edie is destined for bigger things - which leads to tension with some of the other chambermaids. But as she navigates her new life and finds friendship with fellow maid Lili Probert, she also grows closer to charming, cheerful porter, Charlie Cobbett, and finally finds the happiness she has been searching for. However, what none of her new friends know is that Edie is hiding a secret from her past, one that would change the way they view her, forever. When the truth comes out, will Edie be able to keep her new life and remain in the place she loves so much?A captivating, romantic and moving World War 1 saga that fans of Elaine Roberts and Pam Howes won't be able to put down. Readers are falling in love with A New Start at the Beach Hotel:'An enjoyable page-turning saga with characters that leap off the page!' AnneMarie Brear'Brilliant storyline, brilliant book. Couldn't put it down. Family saga at its best'????? Reader Review'Well, what a start to a new series! Full of intrigue and subterfuge, no one is who they at first appear. There are many secrets to be uncovered...I loved this book, even when I got to the end as I felt safe in the knowledge that there would be another to follow'????? Reader Review'Charming ... I was very invested in the story ... and this book felt like an escape ...The story was heartwarming, and I would like to read the sequel...'????? Reader Review'I loved this enchanting read ... could not put it down...'????? Reader Review'Having enjoyed this author's previous series, I was looking forward to this new one ... the mystery ... slowly unravelled to satisfying conclusions. ... I look forward to book two.' ????? Reader Review'I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm pleased to learn that there will be another book later this year... There are some great characters... I'm glad there is more to come from the Beach Hotel...'????? Reader Review

WW1 marches on, but Violet faces her own battle at homeJuly 1916. Young mother, Violet Jones, lives a tough life in the Rhymney Valley, caring for 4-year-old Clarice and baby Benjy on her own while soldier husband Charlie fights on the Front Line. But when tragedy strikes, Violet's life becomes even harder. While they may be far from the battlefields, the effects of WW1 take their toll on the small mining community of Dorcalon, with food becoming scarce and more and more of their young men losing their lives. With very little money coming in, and two babies to care for, Violet takes in a relative to help make ends meet. But far from easing her burden, it might turn out to be the worst decision she's made. As the Great War takes its toll on the nation, Violet faces her own battle. All alone in the world, can she protect her children, and herself? And will she ever find joy out of the depths of despair?A captivating, emotional saga set in WW1 - will tug on your heart-strings and bring a tear to your eye. If you like Rosie Goodwin or Sheila Newbury you will adore this beautiful Welsh saga. Praise for Francesca Capaldi's emotional WW1 sagas: 'Rich with well-drawn characters, twists and turns, sense of history and place...it was hard to put down. I loved it!' Rosie Hendry, author of the East End Angels series'this is a really emotional book...I really enjoyed this book and fully recommend it. Worth all the stars' Reader Review'worthy of a 5-star rating... a good book that commands your attention and emotions.' Reader Review'A lovely debut saga!... Great story line and wonderful period details.' Reader Review'I loved this book... I would heartily recommend it for anyone who enjoys family saga or historical fiction.' Reader Review'an all-engrossing story that swept me along with it. It is a wonderful historical saga... With a hint of romance... It had me go through an array of emotions' Reader Review'this is such a warm-hearted book... I would ask all readers to read this book. I loved it' Reader Review

Shortlisted for The Romantic Novelists' Association Historical Romantic Novel Award 2021The world was crumbling, but her love stayed strongNovember 1915. For young housemaid, Anwen Rhys, life is hard in the Welsh mining village of Dorcalon, deep in the Rhymney Valley. She cares for her ill mother and beloved younger sister Sara, all while shielding them from her father's drunken, violent temper. Anwen comforts herself with her love for childhood sweetheart, Idris Hughes, away fighting in the Great War. Yet when Idris returns, he is a changed man; no longer the innocent boy she loved, he is harder, more distant, quickly breaking off their engagement. And when tragedy once again strikes her family, Anwen's heart is completely broken. But when an explosion at the pit brings unimaginable heartache to Dorcalon, Anwen and Idris put their feelings aside to unite their mining community. In the midst of despair, can Anwen find hope again? And will she ever find the happiness she deserves?A beautiful, emotional and heart-breaking saga set in the Welsh Valleys of the Great War that fans of Rosie Goodwin and Sheila Newbury will love. Readers are falling in love with Francesca Capaldi's debut novel:'this is a really emotional book...I really enjoyed this book and fully recommend it. Worth all the stars' Reader Review'worthy of a 5 star rating... a good book that commands your attention and emotions.' Reader Review'A lovely debut saga!... Great story line and wonderful period details.' Reader Review'I loved this book... I would heartily recommend it for anyone who enjoys family saga or historical fiction.' Reader Review'an all-engrossing story that swept me along with it. It is a wonderful historical saga... With a hint of romance... It had me go through an array of emotions' Reader Review'this is such a warm-hearted book... I would ask all readers to read this book. I loved it' Reader Review

Can Polly finally escape her haunting past?Spring 1919: WW1 might be over, but the inhabitants of Dorcalon in the Welsh Valleys still feel the pain of the war that took so many of their men. Polly Smith is trying to survive her own battle at home. After her abusive husband, Gus, was finally jailed, Polly has been raising her two-year-old son, Herby alone. But being a single mother isn't easy, and Polly finds it harder still as Gus's criminal activities leave her with a bad reputation. Lonely and struggling for money, Polly retreats as she becomes the subject of cruel gossip. A job offer throws her a lifeline, and as she grows closer to soldier, Henry Austin, it seems that Polly might finally be changing her life - until dark secrets from her past emerge, threatening her new happiness. Can Polly clear her name? Or will the mistakes of the past ruin her future?A captivating, romantic wartime saga that fans of Rosie Clarke and Jean Fullerton will love. Readers are loving Trouble in the Valleys:'this is such a warm-hearted book... I would ask all readers to read this book. I loved it' Reader Review'Lovely and romantic... This was such an emotional book. Fully recommend it for everyone.' Reader Review'Another great book in the valley series. Good prevails and we can wait for the next book to continue our look into their lives after the war.' Reader Review'The 4th book in a wonderful series, and in my opinion the best one, full of suspense, twists and surprises. A massive 5 stars are given for this book.' Reader Review'Community and acceptance. Lovely twists at the end. Loved it.' Reader Review'Some sad parts, some romantic parts, a small town you will fall in love with. I enjoyed reading this story and I would recommend it.' Reader Review'Realistic, well researched, and a portrait of the petty gossip, criminal undertones and friendship and resilience of a small Welsh community.' Reader Review

'Heart-wrenching, highly emotional and hard to put down...saga writing at its mesmerizing best.' Reader ReviewWill Elizabeth choose love over duty?It's August 1917 and WW1 continues to take a toll. The villagers of Dorcalon, a mining village in the Rhymney Valley, try to keep hope alive; but every day brings fresh tragedy as more of their sons and fathers are killed on foreign battlefields. Elizabeth Meredith, daughter of mine manager Herbert, enjoys a privileged position in the village, but she longs to break free of society's expectations. Falling in love with miner, Gwilym Owen, brings more joy to her life than she's ever known... until she's forced to choose between her love and her disapproving family. Seeking an escape, Elizabeth signs up as a VAD nurse and is swiftly sent to help the troops in France, even as her heart breaks at leaving Gwilym behind. Separated by society and the Great War, can Elizabeth and Gwilym find their way back together again? Or will their love become another casualty of war?A romantic, emotional saga set in WW1 - fans of Katie Flynn and Sheila Newberry will adore this captivating read. Readers are loving Hope in the Valleys:'Another great instalment in the Valleys series...Really enjoyed this book and I'm already looking forward to reading the fourth one.' Reader Review'Absolutely loved this book...Lovely characters and a beautifully written storyline. Highly recommend this book and the author'. Reader Review'I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The book tells of the lives of some who fought and some who stayed behind to work in the mines. I do recommend that you read this book.' Reader Review'It was like visiting old friends and family...It is just like coming home reading this book.' Reader Review'A story of friends, love, hate and forgiveness...A story of the war and those lost. I did enjoy reading this book and I would recommend it.' Reader Review'I was so excited to start this book...It was like visiting family. I recommend this book and hope there will be another.' Reader Review'It was lovely to return to the village and meet these characters again...Pleased to see there is another instalment of the series on the way.' Reader ReviewPraise for Francesca Capaldi's beautiful WW1 Welsh saga series:'Rich with well-drawn characters, twists and turns, sense of history and place...it was hard to put down. I loved it!' Rosie Hendry, author of the East End Angels series'I loved this book... I would heartily recommend it for anyone who enjoys family saga or historical fiction.' Reader Review'This is such a warm-hearted book... I would ask all readers to read this book. I loved it' Reader Review'This is a really emotional book...I really enjoyed this book and fully recommend it. Worth all the stars' Reader Review'An all-engrossing story that swept me along with it. It is a wonderful historical saga with a hint of romance' Reader Review