Our Lizzie
London
:
Hodder and Stoughton
,
1999
Z843761
1999
single work
novel
historical fiction
'Lizzie Kershaw is an independent spirit. At twelve she loses her father and her happy family life ends as her mother grows to resent her. Then circumstances push Lizzie into an early marriage, where she finds her mother's petty cruelties replaced by her husband's frequent beatings.
'But she is a survivor. When World War I breaks out, Lizzie husband is forced to join up and she seizes the opportunity to run away. She finds independence and friendship in a munitions factory - plus the promise of a new love. But as war ends, the shadow of her husband looms again. Can she break free of him and find happiness?
'This is a vivid and engrossing tale of endurance, set in Lancashire from 1909 - 1914. Anna Jacobs has once again created characters so real you laugh and weep with them - and you will never forget Our Lizzie.'
Source: Publisher's blurb.
Our Polly
London
:
Hodder and Stoughton
,
2001
Z1032238
2001
single work
novel
historical fiction
'Billy is the light of Polly's life - it's for her son's sake that she puts up with an unkind mother-in-law and life on an isolated farm. Then Billy is knocked down by a car, his father 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's own family, the Kershaws, provide all the support they can, but they are unable to outmanoeuvre the malicious Dr Browning-Baker, who is determined to have Billy taken away from the young mother who has dared to defy the doctor. This would deprive Billy of the exercises and stimulation that are his only hope.
Forced to flee to the Fylde coast, Polly and Billy find shelter 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 the fragile happiness they build there.' - from author's website.
Our Eva
London
:
Hodder and Stoughton
,
2002
Z1032241
2002
single work
novel
historical fiction
'Eva is the shy Kershaw sister, and at 24 she is reconciled to remaining a spinster. However, her beloved adopted aunt Alice Blake is dying and when a nephew turns up, life changes abruptly for Eva. Alice's will contains surprises and conditions that will completely overturn Eva's peaceful life and lead her into danger.
Just down the road, Aaron Brierley is also in difficulties. When his wife dies, he loses his job and his home. With two small children and no jobs in the district he is desperate. What use was it being an officer during the war, if he can't support his family now? And having a gammy leg from his injuries doesn't help, either. But when Eva needs help, it's Aaron who supplies it without hesitation. And in turn she helps his two motherless daughters.
Come and meet a cast of memorable characters and the vivid evocation of a period when a motor car and electric light were still novelties beyond the purse of ordinary people, and the cameraderie between former soldiers still strong.' - from author's website.
Our Mary Ann
London
:
Hodder and Stoughton
,
2003
Z1102042
2003
single work
novel
historical fiction
'Mary Ann is illegitimate and life for the girl in 1905 is hard. It rapidly becomes worse when her new stepfather begins to interfere with her. Sent away at fifteen to bear his child, she meets Gabriel Clough, who helps her escape to Blackpool after the birth.
'There she works hard and makes a new life for herself. Then the Great War brings her many new opportunities and also brings Gabriel back into her life. But circumstances mean they can’t be together.
'It’s not until her mother dies that Mary Ann returns to Lancashire, determined to uncover the secrets of her past. Then danger threatens both her and the child she thought she’d lost for ever. Will history repeat itself or will Mary Ann’s courage win her the happiness she deserves?'
Source: Publisher's blurb.
