National Network for Equitable Library Service

A fire destroys the modest coal haulage business their father Jack has built, leaving Jack broken and his family wondering how they will survive.

In this novel, Kalgoorlie is brought to life through the lives and times of two families, one Australian and one Italian. From the heady early days to the gold rush, to the horrors of the First World War, to the shame and confrontation of post-war riots, it tells the story of Australia itself and the people who forged a nation out of a harsh and unforgiving land.

Julius Levy grows up in a peasant family in a village on the banks of the Seine. A quick-witted urchin caught up in the Franco-Prussian War, he is soon forced by tragedy to escape to Algeria.

It is 1941, and England is at its lowest ebb, undernourished, under-informed and terrified of imminent invasion. Even at Eden Park, the lovely country estate where Poppy, Kate, Lily, Marjorie and her adopted brother Billy have all become part of the rich lifestyle, confidence is low. And that is before the authorities discover a double agent operating within MI5 is based there.

It is 1859. At age three, Eliza Forester is left motherless when her father orders his wife from the house. He keeps the child not out of love, but to spite his wife. Here is a woman who loses everything and very nearly her sanity.

Romance and family saga set in a 19th Century newspaper empire.

Although settled in a loving marital relationship, Siana Matheson is hiding a secret. Although she hates hiding anything from her husband, the need to protect all concerned has left her with no choice. She must keep quiet and live with the guilt of her deceit. Yet the truth will out and when Siana's shocking secret is revelealed, there are tragic and far-reaching consequences for the close-knit Matheson family.

Mr and Mrs Henry Granville are preparing to launch their daughters on to the London social scene with an extravagant coming-out ball. The sister's deep jealousy of one another leads to fights between the two, a number of scandals threaten to ruin their reputations and when war is declared, they find themselves in an emergency of another kind.

When the Second World War is declared, rich banker Henry Granville moves his family away from London. Even so, life for them remains turbulent.

The Lazenders, a gilded family, have been the envy and pride of Britain for centuries. But Toby Lazender, their heir, is now mysteriously absent. His sister, Campion, is running the familly estates. But the Fallen Angels - among the most powerful and dangerous men in Europe - are plotting revolution and to succeed they need money and the Lazender fortune can provide it. A web of deceit draws Campion ever closer to a subtle trap. Her only hope of survival lies with the Gypsy - her brother's aloof horse master - a man whose loyalties have always been uncertain.