{"title":"Rachel Sweasey","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"last-boat-home-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835331026","title":"The Last Boat Home","description":"An epic story of love, loss and second chances, The Last Boat Home will captivate readers of Fiona Valpy, Lorna Cook and Hazel Gaynor.1940: When Daisy, a paintress at the local pottery, looks out across Poole Harbour, waiting for the ‘little ships’ to bring the retreating soldiers home from Dunkirk, she prays her husband will be among them. But Alfie is declared missing, presumed dead, and Daisy must learn to live as a widow. Then a chance encounter with a French soldier throws Daisy’s life even further off course, with heartbreaking consequences that will span generations.  1996: Decades later, Felicity is just holding herself together after the sudden loss of her husband. Needing escape, she travels to a small seaside town in the South of France and is surprised to find a piece of home in the window of a small shop. How did a jug from her home-town’s pottery find its way to the Cote d’Azur? Seeking answers, she opens the door to the shop, and on the possibility of finding happiness after all hope seemed lost…  Boldwood Books are proud to support the RNLI and have pledged to donate to the RNLI based on sales of The Last Boat Home to support the work they do saving lives at sea.  Readers are loving Rachel Sweasey's captivating debut:  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":50469110579473,"sku":"GOR013743487","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51051652972817,"sku":"NIN9781835331026","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ LIKE_NEW \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51797384855825,"sku":"GOR014403693","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52658842829073,"sku":"NLS9781835331026","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52774204965137,"sku":"GOR014616731","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1835331025.jpg?v=1750929864"},{"product_id":"last-boat-home-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835330982","title":"The Last Boat Home","description":"An epic story of love, loss and second chances, \u003cem\u003eThe Last Boat Home\u003c\/em\u003e will captivate readers of Fiona Valpy, Lorna Cook and Hazel Gaynor.\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1940:\u003c\/strong\u003e When Daisy, a paintress at the local pottery, looks out across Poole Harbour, waiting for the ‘little ships’ to bring the retreating soldiers home from Dunkirk, she prays her husband will be among them. But Alfie is declared missing, presumed dead, and Daisy must learn to live as a widow. Then a chance encounter with a French soldier throws Daisy’s life even further off course, with heartbreaking consequences that will span generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1996:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decades later, Felicity is just holding herself together after the sudden loss of her husband. Needing escape, she travels to a small seaside town in the South of France and is surprised to find a piece of home in the window of a small shop. How did a jug from her home-town’s pottery find its way to the Cote d’Azur? Seeking answers, she opens the door to the shop, and on the possibility of finding happiness after all hope seemed lost…\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoldwood Books are proud to support the RNLI and have pledged to donate to the RNLI based on sales of \u003cem\u003eThe Last Boat Home\u003c\/em\u003e to support the work they do saving lives at sea.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReaders are loving Rachel Sweasey's captivating debut:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I was swept up by this \u003cstrong\u003ebeautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many\u003c\/strong\u003e during WW2' – Helen Parusel\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. \u003cstrong\u003eThis was a great book and I highly recommend this one.\u003c\/strong\u003e’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Loved this book. \u003cstrong\u003eI got totally immersed in the characters and their lives\u003c\/strong\u003e, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This \u003cstrong\u003eauthor writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading\u003c\/strong\u003e. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. \u003cstrong\u003eHope there will be a sequel!\u003c\/strong\u003e’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part \u003cstrong\u003eI felt I was inside the book.\u003c\/strong\u003e’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51052895666449,"sku":"NIN9781835330982","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":52111068365073,"sku":"NGR9781835330982","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52658861408529,"sku":"NLS9781835330982","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1835330983.jpg?v=1750724082"},{"product_id":"last-boat-home-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835330975","title":"The Last Boat Home","description":"An epic story of love, loss and second chances, The Last Boat Home will captivate readers of Fiona Valpy, Lorna Cook and Hazel Gaynor.1940: When Daisy, a paintress at the local pottery, looks out across Poole Harbour, waiting for the ‘little ships’ to bring the retreating soldiers home from Dunkirk, she prays her husband will be among them. But Alfie is declared missing, presumed dead, and Daisy must learn to live as a widow. Then a chance encounter with a French soldier throws Daisy’s life even further off course, with heartbreaking consequences that will span generations.  1996: Decades later, Felicity is just holding herself together after the sudden loss of her husband. Needing escape, she travels to a small seaside town in the South of France and is surprised to find a piece of home in the window of a small shop. How did a jug from her home-town’s pottery find its way to the Cote d’Azur? Seeking answers, she opens the door to the shop, and on the possibility of finding happiness after all hope seemed lost…  Boldwood Books are proud to support the RNLI and have pledged to donate to the RNLI based on sales of The Last Boat Home to support the work they do saving lives at sea.  Readers are loving Rachel Sweasey's captivating debut:  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51051239768337,"sku":"NIN9781835330975","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52658874679569,"sku":"NLS9781835330975","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52777959293201,"sku":"GOR014618056","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1835330975.jpg?v=1751248136"},{"product_id":"island-girls-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835331064","title":"The Island Girls","description":"A heartbreaking and uplifting World War Two novel of courage, forbidden love, and a decades-old secret — perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Fiona Valpy, and Lorna Cook. ✨📖'Spanning continents and decades, this sweeping epic stole my heart' – Renita D'Silva  1941: For the townspeople of Poole on the Dorset coast, the war feels like it's right on their doorstep. And with more and more men leaving to fight, one fisherman’s daughter is determined to do whatever she can to help. Peggy volunteers to use her skills on the water to work with the flying boats alongside the RAF based in the harbour. But when she is asked to undertake a special mission, she will have to make a terrible choice – between her duty to her country and her only chance of happiness.  1998: Rebekah has travelled halfway around the world to take up a role on Brownsea Island. This tiny island off the coast of England is a treasure trove of natural wonder, but it still carries the scars of fighting. And when Rebekah discovers a lost letter from the war, hidden all this time, she becomes determined to deliver it, fifty years later.  But the idyllic Dorset harbour hides many more secrets, and Rebekah’s search for the truth will change her life in ways she never imagined possible…  Readers are loving Rachel Sweasey's captivating writing:  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51051245011217,"sku":"NIN9781835331064","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51244253872401,"sku":"GOR014206502","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52591769190673,"sku":"NLS9781835331064","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1835331068.jpg?v=1750994668"},{"product_id":"island-girls-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835331088","title":"The Island Girls","description":"A heartbreaking and uplifting World War Two novel of courage, forbidden love, and a decades-old secret — perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Fiona Valpy, and Lorna Cook. ✨📖'Spanning continents and decades, this sweeping epic stole my heart' – Renita D'Silva  1941: For the townspeople of Poole on the Dorset coast, the war feels like it's right on their doorstep. And with more and more men leaving to fight, one fisherman’s daughter is determined to do whatever she can to help. Peggy volunteers to use her skills on the water to work with the flying boats alongside the RAF based in the harbour. But when she is asked to undertake a special mission, she will have to make a terrible choice – between her duty to her country and her only chance of happiness.  1998: Rebekah has travelled halfway around the world to take up a role on Brownsea Island. This tiny island off the coast of England is a treasure trove of natural wonder, but it still carries the scars of fighting. And when Rebekah discovers a lost letter from the war, hidden all this time, she becomes determined to deliver it, fifty years later.  But the idyllic Dorset harbour hides many more secrets, and Rebekah’s search for the truth will change her life in ways she never imagined possible…  Readers are loving Rachel Sweasey's captivating writing:  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":51055680028945,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51055682748689,"sku":"NIN9781835331088","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52592243081489,"sku":"NLS9781835331088","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1835331084.jpg?v=1751026343"},{"product_id":"island-girls-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835331071","title":"The Island Girls","description":"A heartbreaking and uplifting World War Two novel of courage, forbidden love, and a decades-old secret — perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Fiona Valpy, and Lorna Cook. ✨📖\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Spanning continents and decades, this sweeping epic stole my heart' – Renita D'Silva\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1941:\u003c\/strong\u003e For the townspeople of Poole on the Dorset coast, the war feels like it's right on their doorstep. And with more and more men leaving to fight, one fisherman’s daughter is determined to do whatever she can to help. Peggy volunteers to use her skills on the water to work with the flying boats alongside the RAF based in the harbour. But when she is asked to undertake a special mission, she will have to make a terrible choice – between her duty to her country and her only chance of happiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1998:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rebekah has travelled halfway around the world to take up a role on Brownsea Island. This tiny island off the coast of England is a treasure trove of natural wonder, but it still carries the scars of fighting. And when Rebekah discovers a lost letter from the war, hidden all this time, she becomes determined to deliver it, fifty years later.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut the idyllic Dorset harbour hides many more secrets, and Rebekah’s search for the truth will change her life in ways she never imagined possible…\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReaders are loving Rachel Sweasey's captivating writing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I was swept up by this \u003cstrong\u003ebeautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many\u003c\/strong\u003e during WW2' – Helen Parusel\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. \u003cstrong\u003eThis was a great book and I highly recommend this one.\u003c\/strong\u003e’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Loved this book. \u003cstrong\u003eI got totally immersed in the characters and their lives\u003c\/strong\u003e, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This \u003cstrong\u003eauthor writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading\u003c\/strong\u003e. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. \u003cstrong\u003eHope there will be a sequel!\u003c\/strong\u003e’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part \u003cstrong\u003eI felt I was inside the book.\u003c\/strong\u003e’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":51261289595153,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51261291430161,"sku":"NIN9781835331071","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52591950954769,"sku":"NLS9781835331071","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53079734681873,"sku":"GOR014732213","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1835331076.jpg?v=1750833558"},{"product_id":"girl-from-normandy-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835331163","title":"The Girl from Normandy","description":"A BRAND NEW World War Two novel of love, courage and family secrets from the BESTSELLING author of The Last Boat Home ❤️ Must-read for fans of Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook!'Spanning continents and decades, this sweeping epic stole my heart' Renita D'Silva ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Paris, 1940: Marie-Claire steps into the Gare de Lyon, not knowing it will be the last time she'll see her husband and son. Fleeing occupied Paris, she travels into the countryside of Normandy, and stumbles upon a chateau near Caen and a growing resistance movement.  Soon, Marie-Claire finds herself working in a cafe in the quiet village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where she tries to come to terms with all she has lost – but little does she realise that her presence in Normandy will change the course of history…  1998: Half a century later, Esther is returning to the Normandy village she visited as a teenager, seeking a break from her monotonous life. Back then, she'd fallen in love with a rustic farmhouse and the family that lived there – not least the charming eldest son, Jules Joubert.  But now, when Esther discovers an old annotated cookbook in the family kitchen, she begins to realise that the place she holds so close to her heart may hide more secrets than even the Jouberts realise...  What stories does the area carry? And could this trip change Esther’s life for ever?  Praise for Rachel Sweasey:  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52594683511057,"sku":"NLS9781835331163","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52755558367505,"sku":"NIN9781835331163","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781835331163.jpg?v=1761069809"},{"product_id":"girl-from-normandy-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835331187","title":"The Girl from Normandy","description":"A BRAND NEW World War Two novel of love, courage and family secrets from the BESTSELLING author of The Last Boat Home ❤️ Must-read for fans of Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook!'Spanning continents and decades, this sweeping epic stole my heart' Renita D'Silva ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Paris, 1940: Marie-Claire steps into the Gare de Lyon, not knowing it will be the last time she'll see her husband and son. Fleeing occupied Paris, she travels into the countryside of Normandy, and stumbles upon a chateau near Caen and a growing resistance movement.  Soon, Marie-Claire finds herself working in a cafe in the quiet village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where she tries to come to terms with all she has lost – but little does she realise that her presence in Normandy will change the course of history…  1998: Half a century later, Esther is returning to the Normandy village she visited as a teenager, seeking a break from her monotonous life. Back then, she'd fallen in love with a rustic farmhouse and the family that lived there – not least the charming eldest son, Jules Joubert.  But now, when Esther discovers an old annotated cookbook in the family kitchen, she begins to realise that the place she holds so close to her heart may hide more secrets than even the Jouberts realise...  What stories does the area carry? And could this trip change Esther’s life for ever?  Praise for Rachel Sweasey:  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52595491602705,"sku":"NLS9781835331187","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52755455541521,"sku":"NIN9781835331187","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781835331187.jpg?v=1761071187"},{"product_id":"girl-from-normandy-book-rachel-sweasey-9781835331170","title":"The Girl from Normandy","description":"A BRAND NEW World War Two novel of love, courage and family secrets from the BESTSELLING author of The Last Boat Home ❤️ Must-read for fans of Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook!'Spanning continents and decades, this sweeping epic stole my heart' Renita D'Silva ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Paris, 1940: Marie-Claire steps into the Gare de Lyon, not knowing it will be the last time she'll see her husband and son. Fleeing occupied Paris, she travels into the countryside of Normandy, and stumbles upon a chateau near Caen and a growing resistance movement.  Soon, Marie-Claire finds herself working in a cafe in the quiet village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where she tries to come to terms with all she has lost – but little does she realise that her presence in Normandy will change the course of history…  1998: Half a century later, Esther is returning to the Normandy village she visited as a teenager, seeking a break from her monotonous life. Back then, she'd fallen in love with a rustic farmhouse and the family that lived there – not least the charming eldest son, Jules Joubert.  But now, when Esther discovers an old annotated cookbook in the family kitchen, she begins to realise that the place she holds so close to her heart may hide more secrets than even the Jouberts realise...  What stories does the area carry? And could this trip change Esther’s life for ever?  Praise for Rachel Sweasey:  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52596727841041,"sku":"NLS9781835331170","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52755462914321,"sku":"NIN9781835331170","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53114091962641,"sku":"GOR014748877","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781835331170.jpg?v=1761073089"},{"product_id":"lifeboat-girls-book-rachel-sweasey-9781805574224","title":"The Lifeboat Girls","description":"A BRAND NEW emotional and heartfelt WWI saga of friendship, courage and a close-knit harbour community from the BESTSELLING author of The Last Boat Home! Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Kitty Neale.'Vividly brings to life several major periods in history: the Titanic, the Great War and the Suffragettes, binding them together through the warmth, friendship and courage of the Lifeboat Girls. Warning: tissues need to be on hand' Molly GreenCan their friendship help them weather the storm?  Young Julia Fowler’s life revolves around Poole Harbour and its lifeboat – her older brother Wilbur is a volunteer crew member, and every blast of the mortar fills her with fear for his safety.  When news of the Titanic disaster reaches the town, the close-knit seafaring community is rocked to its core. One of their own has been lost, and grief hangs over the harbour. But Julia and her friends – Kathy, Flora, and Betsy – are also discovering new opportunities for themselves, stepping up in a world that is slowly beginning to open doors to women.  Yet change is never easy. Opposition rises at home and in the community, and tensions grow as the country edges closer to war. Julia dreams of a better childhood for her younger siblings, even as the world around her becomes increasingly uncertain.  As the girls navigate heartbreak, responsibility, and the stirrings of romance, they must rely on their friendship to guide them through darkening times.  Will it be enough to see them safely into the future?  Praise for Rachel Sweasey:  'Follows four feisty young women with a yearning to be more than they were expected to be.' Lizzie Lane  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during the war' Helen Parusel ‘This is a wonderful portrayal of a community that is gradually changing, responding to new challenges yet holding together. A neat twist at the end of the book has me searching for the next book in the series.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘The storyline had lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and entertained. All in all it was a fantastic book and I long for the next in the series especially after reading the Epilogue!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘This book had me drawn in from the first page. What an incredible read. I honestly cannot fault it. Hope there is more to come.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘I really enjoyed this opener, my favourite character was Julia who never complained about her lot. Look forward to hearing more about her in future books.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53500764946705,"sku":"NLS9781805574224","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781805574224.jpg?v=1778023116"},{"product_id":"lifeboat-girls-book-rachel-sweasey-9781806563203","title":"The Lifeboat Girls","description":"A BRAND NEW emotional and heartfelt WWI saga of friendship, courage and a close-knit harbour community from the BESTSELLING author of The Last Boat Home! Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Kitty Neale.'Vividly brings to life several major periods in history: the Titanic, the Great War and the Suffragettes, binding them together through the warmth, friendship and courage of the Lifeboat Girls. Warning: tissues need to be on hand' Molly GreenCan their friendship help them weather the storm?  Young Julia Fowler’s life revolves around Poole Harbour and its lifeboat – her older brother Wilbur is a volunteer crew member, and every blast of the mortar fills her with fear for his safety.  When news of the Titanic disaster reaches the town, the close-knit seafaring community is rocked to its core. One of their own has been lost, and grief hangs over the harbour. But Julia and her friends – Kathy, Flora, and Betsy – are also discovering new opportunities for themselves, stepping up in a world that is slowly beginning to open doors to women.  Yet change is never easy. Opposition rises at home and in the community, and tensions grow as the country edges closer to war. Julia dreams of a better childhood for her younger siblings, even as the world around her becomes increasingly uncertain.  As the girls navigate heartbreak, responsibility, and the stirrings of romance, they must rely on their friendship to guide them through darkening times.  Will it be enough to see them safely into the future?  Praise for Rachel Sweasey:  'Follows four feisty young women with a yearning to be more than they were expected to be.' Lizzie Lane  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during the war' Helen Parusel ‘This is a wonderful portrayal of a community that is gradually changing, responding to new challenges yet holding together. A neat twist at the end of the book has me searching for the next book in the series.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘The storyline had lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and entertained. All in all it was a fantastic book and I long for the next in the series especially after reading the Epilogue!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘This book had me drawn in from the first page. What an incredible read. I honestly cannot fault it. Hope there is more to come.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘I really enjoyed this opener, my favourite character was Julia who never complained about her lot. Look forward to hearing more about her in future books.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53500765110545,"sku":"NLS9781806563203","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781806563203.jpg?v=1778023117"},{"product_id":"lifeboat-girls-book-rachel-sweasey-9781805574248","title":"The Lifeboat Girls","description":"A BRAND NEW emotional and heartfelt WWI saga of friendship, courage and a close-knit harbour community from the BESTSELLING author of The Last Boat Home! Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Kitty Neale.'Vividly brings to life several major periods in history: the Titanic, the Great War and the Suffragettes, binding them together through the warmth, friendship and courage of the Lifeboat Girls. Warning: tissues need to be on hand' Molly GreenCan their friendship help them weather the storm?  Young Julia Fowler’s life revolves around Poole Harbour and its lifeboat – her older brother Wilbur is a volunteer crew member, and every blast of the mortar fills her with fear for his safety.  When news of the Titanic disaster reaches the town, the close-knit seafaring community is rocked to its core. One of their own has been lost, and grief hangs over the harbour. But Julia and her friends – Kathy, Flora, and Betsy – are also discovering new opportunities for themselves, stepping up in a world that is slowly beginning to open doors to women.  Yet change is never easy. Opposition rises at home and in the community, and tensions grow as the country edges closer to war. Julia dreams of a better childhood for her younger siblings, even as the world around her becomes increasingly uncertain.  As the girls navigate heartbreak, responsibility, and the stirrings of romance, they must rely on their friendship to guide them through darkening times.  Will it be enough to see them safely into the future?  Praise for Rachel Sweasey:  'Follows four feisty young women with a yearning to be more than they were expected to be.' Lizzie Lane  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during the war' Helen Parusel ‘This is a wonderful portrayal of a community that is gradually changing, responding to new challenges yet holding together. A neat twist at the end of the book has me searching for the next book in the series.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘The storyline had lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and entertained. All in all it was a fantastic book and I long for the next in the series especially after reading the Epilogue!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘This book had me drawn in from the first page. What an incredible read. I honestly cannot fault it. Hope there is more to come.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘I really enjoyed this opener, my favourite character was Julia who never complained about her lot. Look forward to hearing more about her in future books.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53500765733137,"sku":"NLS9781805574248","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781805574248.jpg?v=1778148657"},{"product_id":"lifeboat-girls-book-rachel-sweasey-9781805574231","title":"The Lifeboat Girls","description":"A BRAND NEW emotional and heartfelt WWI saga of friendship, courage and a close-knit harbour community from the BESTSELLING author of The Last Boat Home! Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Kitty Neale.'Vividly brings to life several major periods in history: the Titanic, the Great War and the Suffragettes, binding them together through the warmth, friendship and courage of the Lifeboat Girls. Warning: tissues need to be on hand' Molly GreenCan their friendship help them weather the storm?  Young Julia Fowler’s life revolves around Poole Harbour and its lifeboat – her older brother Wilbur is a volunteer crew member, and every blast of the mortar fills her with fear for his safety.  When news of the Titanic disaster reaches the town, the close-knit seafaring community is rocked to its core. One of their own has been lost, and grief hangs over the harbour. But Julia and her friends – Kathy, Flora, and Betsy – are also discovering new opportunities for themselves, stepping up in a world that is slowly beginning to open doors to women.  Yet change is never easy. Opposition rises at home and in the community, and tensions grow as the country edges closer to war. Julia dreams of a better childhood for her younger siblings, even as the world around her becomes increasingly uncertain.  As the girls navigate heartbreak, responsibility, and the stirrings of romance, they must rely on their friendship to guide them through darkening times.  Will it be enough to see them safely into the future?  Praise for Rachel Sweasey:  'Follows four feisty young women with a yearning to be more than they were expected to be.' Lizzie Lane  'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during the war' Helen Parusel ‘This is a wonderful portrayal of a community that is gradually changing, responding to new challenges yet holding together. A neat twist at the end of the book has me searching for the next book in the series.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘The storyline had lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and entertained. All in all it was a fantastic book and I long for the next in the series especially after reading the Epilogue!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘This book had me drawn in from the first page. What an incredible read. I honestly cannot fault it. Hope there is more to come.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘I really enjoyed this opener, my favourite character was Julia who never complained about her lot. Look forward to hearing more about her in future books.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  ‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53506371584273,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53506372239633,"sku":"NLS9781805574231","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781805574231.jpg?v=1778233481"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/collections\/author-books-by-rachel-sweasey.oembed","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}