a touching story of tragedy and redemption set in the North West from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Matthew And Son

Another masterly novel of power and compassion from this exceptional writer.

Ruth Hamilton became one of the north-west of England's most popular writers, her bestselling books include With Love From Ma Maguire, A Crooked Mile and Dorothy’s War. Ruth Hamilton was born in Bolton, which is the setting for many of her novels, and spent most of her life in Lancashire before moving to Liverpool. She died in 2016.

When Matthew's beloved wife Molly died, long before her time, her son Mark grieved as much as anyone. He had always known that his parents were completely devoted to each other, and sometimes he had felt excluded from this close partnership. Since he was a small boy his mother had been sickening with the illness that eventually carried her off, and now at the age of sixteen Mark longed to earn his father's respect by assisting with the family business, a prosperous antiques shop. But his father, in grief, seemed beyond help. 
 
Tilly Povey, famous for her whiplash tongue and her copious ironing, watched the boy's lonely existence with a heavy heart. Stella, Molly's sister, had done well for herself - now a doctor, she had always loved Matthew, and wondered whether he might, perhaps, turn to her in his hour of need. Matthew, obsessed with his loss, was gradually falling apart and none of those who were closest to him could, it seemed, do anything to help. But Tilly, whose uncompromising exterior hid a warm heart, was determined to help this troubled family.

A gripping, moving and emotional page-turner set in the North West by bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

The Dream Sellers

Dark and violent secrets hidden by the wealthy and respectable Shawcross family.

This captivating and moving story of dark secrets, violence and scandal by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Plenty of fast moving action taking place. Definitely kept me interested throughout." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A brilliant read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Love this author, once started her books are very hard to put down" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A must read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
THE TRUTH WILL OUT... 
 
The Shawcross family was a strange and unhappy one. Edward Shawcross, the absent father with a red-haired mistress; Alice, his wife, seeking solace in chocolate and continually carping at Connie, her beautiful daughter. And Connie and Gilbert, their children, forming an uneasy alliance in the face of their parents' antipathy. 
 
Twenty years before, Edward Shawcross had been an impoverished millhand, born in a slum to feckless parents. 
 
Then, when he unexpectedly married the plain and awkward daughter of the wealthy mill-owning Fishwick family, his fortunes changed overnight. When the Fishwicks went to live abroad almost immediately after the wedding, Edward was left in charge of all their business interests. 
 
No-one could understand why Edward had suddenly made this leap of fortune. 
 
But now the truth behind old scandals gradually begins to emerge. When the Fishwicks return, violence swiftly follows. What shocking revelations are in store?

Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well

This captivating and moving story of dark secrets, violence and scandal by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Plenty of fast moving action taking place. Definitely kept me interested throughout." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A brilliant read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Love this author, once started her books are very hard to put down" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A must read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
THE TRUTH WILL OUT... 
 
The Shawcross family was a strange and unhappy one. Edward Shawcross, the absent father with a red-haired mistress; Alice, his wife, seeking solace in chocolate and continually carping at Connie, her beautiful daughter. And Connie and Gilbert, their children, forming an uneasy alliance in the face of their parents' antipathy. 
 
 Twenty years before, Edward Shawcross had been an impoverished millhand, born in a slum to feckless parents. 
 
Then, when he unexpectedly married the plain and awkward daughter of the wealthy mill-owning Fishwick family, his fortunes changed overnight. When the Fishwicks went to live abroad almost immediately after the wedding, Edward was left in charge of all their business interests. 
 
No-one could understand why Edward had suddenly made this leap of fortune. 
 
 But now the truth behind old scandals gradually begins to emerge. When the Fishwicks return, violence swiftly follows. What shocking revelations are in store?

A powerful and breathtakingly emotional saga set in the North West by bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Chandlers Green

A powerful bestseller from this highly acclaimed author.

This captivating and moving saga full of twists and turns by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Keeps you hooked to the last page" -- ***** Reader review 
"A wonderful story" -- ***** Reader review 
"Brilliant as always" -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************** 
THE PAST AND PRESENT ARE ABOUT TO MEET IN TRAGEDY 
 
The Chandlers had been making candles in Bolton for five hundred years, and had given their name to the village of Chandlers Green. The dynasty, now in decline and ruled by Richard Chandler, is reduced to an unhappy household and a few tenanted properties. 
 
But Richard continues to behave as though he were lord of the manor. Jean, his wife, is terrified of him; his grown-up children despise him, but fear for their mother if they were to leave home. 
 
And now Richard's arch-enemy, Alf Martindale, is planning to move into his village, and Richard knows that the past is catching up with him fast. A crisis forces him to leave his manor for a while, and he has no way of knowing that Jean is arming herself against his return. 
 
The past and the present are about to come together in a way that can only end in tragedy...

The story is what we have come to expect...Finely drawn characters...slot happily into local history. A panoply of personalities to love and hate, enough twists and turns to do justice to a crateful of eels and an ending to prompt plenty of exclamations of "well I never!"

the dramatic and moving novel from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton that is simply unmissable

Miss Honoria West

The story of an evil and violent woman, who nearly destroys the lives of those about her.

Lose yourself in this intelligent and emotional novel with a darker edge and the superb characterisation we've come to expect from Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton. Fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox won't be disappointed. 
 
'Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well' - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four 
'A fantastic read but not a surprise. Ruth Hamilton books are first class.' -- ***** Reader review 
'I have read all of Ruth Hamilton books and for me this is one of her best.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story. Ruth Hamilton is a wonderful story teller. I will buy all that she writes.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant read, Ruth Hamilton at her best.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************** 
 
TRAGEDY FOLLOWS HONORIA WEST, BUT WHO CAN STOP HER... 
 
The West Family at Moortop Farm should have led settled and happy lives. They were affluent, had a superb old farmhouse, and were blessed with three daughters, Hyacinth, Hilda - and Honoria. But even from childhood Honoria cast a pall of fear and suspicion over the family. 
 
Violent and unpleasant things happened and although they were dismissed as accidents, both Honoria's parents and her older sister, Hyacinth, became increasingly alarmed. 
 
As the years passed, Honoria's worst excesses were concealed from the world, but even so, in her new life in Liverpool, her evil affected those about her. 
 
But it was April, frail and struggling against a serious illness, who was to be the one to finally destroy Miss Honoria West. 
 
Rich in character and action, Ruth Hamilton's gritty and masterful writing builds to a resounding and powerful climax in yet another unforgettable novel.

Lose yourself in this intelligent and emotional novel with a darker edge and the superb characterisation we've come to expect from Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton. Fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox won't be disappointed. 
 
'Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well' - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four 
'A fantastic read but not a surprise. Ruth Hamilton books are first class.' -- ***** Reader review 
'I have read all of Ruth Hamilton books and for me this is one of her best.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story. Ruth Hamilton is a wonderful story teller. I will buy all that she writes.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant read, Ruth Hamilton at her best.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************** 
 
TRAGEDY FOLLOWS HONORIA WEST, BUT WHO CAN STOP HER... 
 
The West Family at Moortop Farm should have led settled and happy lives. They were affluent, had a superb old farmhouse, and were blessed with three daughters, Hyacinth, Hilda - and Honoria. But even from childhood Honoria cast a pall of fear and suspicion over the family. 
 
Violent and unpleasant things happened and although they were dismissed as accidents, both Honoria's parents and her older sister, Hyacinth, became increasingly alarmed. 
 
As the years passed, Honoria's worst excesses were concealed from the world, but even so, in her new life in Liverpool, her evil affected those about her. 
 
But it was April, frail and struggling against a serious illness, who was to be the one to finally destroy Miss Honoria West. 
 
Rich in character and action, Ruth Hamilton's gritty and masterful writing builds to a resounding and powerful climax in yet another unforgettable novel.

A captivating and uplifting saga set in Bolton during WW2 from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Billy London's Girls

Four girls try to escape the oppressive legacy of their father.

A gripping and heart-warming saga set in Lancashire from the Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson. Guaranteed to keep you turning the page... 
 
"Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four. 
"Brilliant! I have read this book so many times I've had to buy 2 paperback copies before finally getting it on KINDLE. This has it all, pathos, humour, tragedy and emotion. I recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I have." - ***** Reader review 
"One of Ruth Hamilton's finest." - ***** Reader review 
"Really good read and twist at the end..." - *****Reader review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
AS THE WAR SIRENS SOUND, SO THEY BEGIN THEIR OWN BATTLE FOR NEW FULFILLING LIVES... 
 
Billy London is a mean, dark, secretive man who is interested only in lining his pockets at the expense of those around him - most especially his wife and daughters. 
 
When Ellen, his wife, who has put up with him for years, finds her children threatened, she prepares to fight like a tigress to protect the four girls, to give them a chance of a new and better life and a chance to escape from the evil and oppressive legacy of their father. 
 
There is Abigail, clever, ambitious, and with an outer shell of steel that is necessary if she is to survive; Tishy, overwhelmingly lovely, who lives in a world all her own; Marie, brisk, capable, and nearly strong enough to defy her father on her own; Theresa, more wounded, more vulnerable, more damaged by Billy than any of them. 
 
As the sirens of 1939 herald the advent of war, so Billy London's girls begin their own battle for new, triumphant, and fulfilling lives.

A gripping and heart-warming saga set in Lancashire from The Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson. Guaranteed to keep you turning the page... 
 
"Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four. 
"Brilliant! I have read this book so many times I've had to buy 2 paperback copies before finally getting it on KINDLE. This has it all, pathos, humour, tragedy and emotion. I recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I have." - ***** Reader review 
"One of Ruth Hamilton's finest." - ***** Reader review 
"Really good read and twist at the end..." - *****Reader review 
 
******************************************************** 
 
AS THE WAR SIRENS SOUND, SO THEY BEGIN THEIR OWN BATTLE FOR NEW FULFILLING LIVES... 
 
Billy London is a mean, dark, secretive man who is interested only in lining his pockets at the expense of those around him - most especially his wife and daughters. 
 
When Ellen, his wife, who has put up with him for years, finds her children threatened, she prepares to fight like a tigress to protect the four girls, to give them a chance of a new and better life and a chance to escape from the evil and oppressive legacy of their father. 
 
There is Abigail, clever, ambitious, and with an outer shell of steel that is necessary if she is to survive; Tishy, overwhelmingly lovely, who lives in a world all her own; Marie, brisk, capable, and nearly strong enough to defy her father on her own; Theresa, more wounded, more vulnerable, more damaged by Billy than any of them. 
 
As the sirens of 1939 herald the advent of war, so Billy London's girls begin their own battle for new, triumphant, and fulfilling lives.

a wonderfully heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting saga set in Lancashire from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Nest Of Sorrows

A young girl, growing up in a world of constant rejection, is determined to find a life - a world - where she is loved and  successful - where people are proud of her.

This emotional and uplifting saga full of twists and turns by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Read this book several times now. Can't put it down. Keep going back to it." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Love Ruth Hamilton books. Always a good read." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Enjoyed the book very much, just couldn't put it down." -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************ 
CAN SHE FIND THE COURAGE SHE NEEDS? 
 
Kate Murray's father had never forgiven her for being born a girl: scrawny, red-haired, under-weight, and the last child his wife would bear, his hatred for his younger child was intense. 
 
Growing up in a world of constant rejection and seeing the way her Lancashire 'respectable poor' family tried to hide the cracks of a bad and violent marriage, she determined to find a life - a world where she was loved, was successful and where people were proud of her. 
 
Will she find the courage and fortitude she needs to become the woman she wants to be - successful, warm, forgiving, and able to give the love she had so lacked in her own life?

This emotional and uplifting saga full of twists and turns by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Read this book several times now. Can't put it down. Keep going back to it." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Love Ruth Hamilton books. Always a good read." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Enjoyed the book very much, just couldn't put it down." -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************ 
CAN SHE FIND THE COURAGE SHE NEEDS? 
 
Kate Murray's father had never forgiven her for being born a girl: scrawny, red-haired, under-weight, and the last child his wife would bear, his hatred for his younger child was intense. 
 
 Growing up in a world of constant rejection and seeing the way her Lancashire 'respectable poor' family tried to hide the cracks of a bad and violent marriage, she determined to find a life - a world where she was loved, was successful and where people were proud of her. 
 
Will she find the courage and fortitude she needs to become the woman she wants to be - successful, warm, forgiving, and able to give the love she had so lacked in her own life?

A moving and enthralling saga set in Bolton from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

A Whisper To The Living

Two very different men help a young girl fight the legacy of her childhood and grow into a strong, beautiful woman.

An emotional and heart-warming saga set in the Lancashire cotton mills from The Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson. 
 
"Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four. 
"I love this woman's ability to draw me into a story where I can relate to the time and events in most of her tales." -- ***** Reader review 
"Excellent. Could not put book down. Ruth Hamilton is a brilliant writer." -- ***** Reader review 
"This is one book I will be keeping on my bookshelf to read again..." -- ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************** 
 
WILL HER FORTUNE EVER CHANGE? 
 
1940. Lancashire. Annie Byrne is born during one of the toughest winters ever remembered. It's a fitting start to a life which will turn out to be full of trials and hardships. 
 
When her father dies during the war, her mother Nancy - a spinner in a cotton mill - marries Eddie Higson: a nightmare of a man who delights in tormenting the young Annie with one secret evil after another. 
 
The years pass and Annie determines to fight the legacy of her childhood. Can she do this on her own and will her fortune ever change?

An emotional and heart-warming saga set in the Lancashire cotton mills from The Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton, perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson. 
 
"Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four. 
"I love this woman's ability to draw me into a story where I can relate to the time and events in most of her tales." -- ***** Reader review 
"Excellent. Could not put book down. Ruth Hamilton is a brilliant writer." -- ***** Reader review 
"This is one book I will be keeping on my bookshelf to read again..." -- ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************** 
 
WILL HER FORTUNE EVER CHANGE? 
 
1940. Lancashire. Annie Byrne is born during one of the toughest winters ever remembered. It's a fitting start to a life which will turn out to be full of trials and hardships. 
 
When her father dies during the war, her mother Nancy - a spinner in a cotton mill - marries Eddie Higson: a nightmare of a man who delights in tormenting the young Annie with one secret evil after another. 
 
The years pass and Annie determines to fight the legacy of her childhood. Can she do this on her own and will her fortune ever change?

a powerful and deeply moving saga set in Lancashire from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton that will stay with you forever

Paradise Lane

A powerful, vigorous and richly dramatic story of the people of the north.

This dramatic, heart-wrenching and emotional saga full of twists and turns, leading up to a violent and terrible climax, by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
'Couldn't put it down!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Loved every last word.' -- ***** Reader review 
'The book captures you from the first page.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Ruth Hamilton never fails to get my attention from the first page.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************** 
WILL LOVE BE ENOUGH TO PROTECT HER? 
 
There were only four houses in Paradise Lane, and young Sally Crumpsall lives at No.1. With a father too ill to care for her, and a mother who is to abandon her, she leads a ragged and lonely existence. 
 
When - finally - both mother and father have gone, the kindly inhabitants of the Lane, with the help of Ivy, Sally's old and stubbornly aggressive grandmother, decide to raise Sally as best they could. 
 
But Paradise Lane is built in the shadow of Paradise Mill - and Andrew Worthington, owner of the mill, looms menacingly over the lives of everyone about him. A corrupt, evil and greedy man, he has totally destroyed his own family, and soon his venom is directed towards Ivy, her friends in Paradise Lane, and finally even young Sally... 
 
Only the combined efforts of all who love the young girl will be enough to save her...

This dramatic, heart-wrenching and emotional saga full of twists and turns, leading up to a violent and terrible climax, by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
'Couldn't put it down!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Loved every last word.' -- ***** Reader review 
'The book captures you from the first page.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Ruth Hamilton never fails to get my attention from the first page.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************** 
WILL LOVE BE ENOUGH TO PROTECT HER? 
 
There were only four houses in Paradise Lane, and young Sally Crumpsall lives at No.1. With a father too ill to care for her, and a mother who is to abandon her, she leads a ragged and lonely existence. 
 
When - finally - both mother and father have gone, the kindly inhabitants of the Lane, with the help of Ivy, Sally's old and stubbornly aggressive grandmother, decide to raise Sally as best they could. 
 
 But Paradise Lane is built in the shadow of Paradise Mill - and Andrew Worthington, owner of the mill, looms menacingly over the lives of everyone about him. A corrupt, evil and greedy man, he has totally destroyed his own family, and soon his venom is directed towards Ivy, her friends in Paradise Lane, and finally even young Sally... 
 
Only the combined efforts of all who love the young girl will be enough to save her...

An uplifting and inspirational page-turner set in Bolton from bestselling saga author Ruth Hamilton

Spinning Jenny

Two girls determined to make better lives for themselves.

At eighteen Jennifer Crawley led a strange and lonely life - her days in the spinning room of the cotton mill, her nights with possessive - and slightly mad - Aunt Mavis. Jenny didn't even know who her parents were. Aunt Mavis never spoke of them. 
 
Then came the chance to better herself - to work as a servant at Skipton Hall. And there Jenny found a household as dangerous and weird as the one she had left behind. Mrs Sloane, the terrifying housekeeper, was as cruel as she was ugly, taking pleasure in bullying and frightening the young maids. Henry Skipton was an embittered, solitary man who took care never to see his invalid wife. And Eloise Skipton lay bed-ridden, a beautiful woman in a beautiful room, feeding on hatred and plotting vengeance on the man she had married. When she first set eyes on young Jenny, she realised she had found the perfect weapon for revenge. 
 
But Jenny, for the first time in her life, had a friend. Maria Hesketh, a gutsy, talented Liverpudlian, her character as fiery as her hair, was determined that she and Jenny would make something of their lives, would succeed in spite of everything.

An emotional and uplifting saga set in Bolton from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

A Crooked Mile

'Gritty, down-to-earth writing and strong female characters have become the trademarks of her writing'

In the shadow of the Althorpe mills, the Myrtle Street residents endure cramped and often verminous conditions. 
 
Joe Duffy, a Bolton tradesman, strives to lift his family out of the 'garden' streets. But as more children are born, Joe's wife Tess sinks deeper into the obsession that will be her undoing. When Tess screams her belief that the area is cursed, few people heed her ravings. She is ignored, even as the Myrtle Street tragedies become more frequent and begin to feature in local gossip. 
 
It is left to Megan, the third Duffy child - the one who felt she was unworthy and unloved because she had been born a girl - to end the curse. When she becomes embroiled in a web of deceit, Megan needs all her strength, talents, and wit in order to survive. But it is her capacity to give love that ensures her family's stability, the future of the Althorpe cotton mills, and the safekeeping of the Hall i' the Vale.

An emotional, heart-warming and gripping saga set in Bolton from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton.

With Love From Ma Maguire

A wonderful saga set in the cotton mills of Lancashire.

Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, a moving and emotional saga of fierce passions set in the Lancashire cotton mills from the Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hamilton. 
 
"Very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" - Sarah Broadhurst on Radio Four. 
"This book captures your heart..." - ***** Reader review. 
"From start to finish I was gripped, full of twists and turns that keep you hooked at all times..." - ***** Reader review. 
Ruth Hamilton [-] excellent excellent excellent..." - ***** Reader review. 
 
************************ 
 
Can you love and hate someone in equal measure? 
 
1904. Despite their riches and wealth, the Swainbank family cannot find peace. The poor Maguires are destitute but proud. There is no love lost between the two families. 
 
When Richard Swainbank and Philly Maguire first meet, a train of overpowering love, passion, hatred and secrecy is born, which would dog the two rival families for years and years, and have far reaching consequences...

a tender but true to life saga about families and all they entail

September Starlings

Laura Starling, now wealthy and successful, has survived a bitter past. She fled from a tyrannical mother into the clutches of a sadistic man. She endured poverty, fear and pain. Then along came Ben Starling, older, wiser, who smoothed her path and gave her love and security. 
 
But now Ben has become a stranger who has slipped beyond her reach. As her stability threatens to disintegrate once more, a thin, waif-like girl from Liverpool thrusts her way into Laura's life - a girl who is to prove a link with the past. But no one can help Laura make the decisions that will alter the course of her existence. As the September starlings gather, Laura realises she must take courage and forge her own future.

An enthralling and deeply moving saga set in the North West from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

The Corner House

The rape of an innocent girl sets up a pattern of revenge and retribution.

If you like Dilly Court and Catherine Cookson, you'll love this emotional and powerful story of revenge and retribution from the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Probably the most moving story I have ever read" -- **** Reader review 
 
"A fantastic read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Wonderful author" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Loved it" -- ***** Reader review 
 
***************************************************************************** 
 
SHE'S VOWED TO TAKE REVENGE, NO MATTER WHAT THE COST... 
 
When Bernard Walsh moves his family from Bolton to Liverpool he does not expect the past to pursue him. But Theresa Nolan, consumptive and angry, is bent on revenge and settles within three miles of Bernard's new home, wreaking havoc from the Mersey to the moorlands of Lancashire. 
 
Meanwhile, against a backdrop of dissent and violence, two young girls, separated by fate but bound by blood, begin to wend their often troubled way towards the tranquility and comradeship of the Corner House. 
 
What does the future hold in store?

a powerfully atmospheric, heart-warming and compelling coming of age saga set in the North-West from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

Dorothy's War

The powerful new novel from this popular author

This emotional and uplifting saga full of twists and turns by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"Another first class read" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Absolutely loved this book. Ruth Hamilton is possibly my favourite author..." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Another great read, didn't want it to end. [I] always feel bereft when I've finished one of Ruth's books" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A very good read. I couldn't put this book down and go to bed. Had to read it all in one go" -- ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************************************** 
 
ONE WOMAN'S FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND LOVE... 
 
Born into the First World War, Dorothy has a bleak childhood under the iron fist of an implacable mother and the silent compliance of a browbeaten father. 
 
Her escape is achieved just before the disastrous advent of Hitler, and there is further tragedy to come. 
 
Follow her through childhood and adolescence, then on into her twenties. Can she win her own battle for freedom, for love and for her own place in the world?

Ruth Hamilton

'For those who like Catherine Cookson, try Ruth Hamilton'

a sweeping novel of power and compassion from bestselling author Ruth Hamilton

This heart-wrenching, moving and emotional saga full of twists and turns and highlighting the importance of love and understanding by the Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hamilton is a must - read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox. 
 
"I believe that Ruth Hamilton is very much the successor to Catherine Cookson. Her books are plot driven, they just rip along; laughs, weeps, love, they've got the lot, and they're quality writing as well" -- SARAH BROADHURST, RADIO FOUR 
 
"This book kept me enthralled to the very last page" -- ***** Reader review 
"A riveting read. Couldn't put it down." -- ***** Reader review 
"As always an impeccable story by Ruth, sadness, happiness and in between hilarious wit. A must read book which you will be loathe to put down." -- ***** Reader review 
"A truly superb book" -- ***** Reader review 
**************************************************************************** 
WILL ONE FRIENDSHIP CHANGE THINGS FOREVER? 
 
Despite her strict 1950s Catholic upbringing, Madeleine Horrocks, doesn't understand why religion seems to force people apart. But her friend Amy has been brought up to believe that mixing with other religions results in eternal damnation, and when Maddy becomes friendly with George, a local, good-looking Jewish boy, Amy fears the worst. But as they grow up she, too, becomes friends with George, as well as with other young teenagers who meet secretly at the Bell House, an ancient place of burial. 
 
When a body is found in the nearby reservoir they all become threatened by tragedy and danger. 
 
Meanwhile, Father Sheahan, the whisky-soaked priest from the local church, has discovered that his secret past is catching up with him. 
 
Bigotry, lust and hatred have been so much a part of this community that it takes the combined forces of young and old - and particularly George's formidable grandmother Yuspeh - to bring everyone together and move forward positively.

The Bell House

About us

About Us (Header 4)

Best-Jane-Austen-quotes_Online-Desktop_Penguin

James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

haruki-murakami-320×320-1

Richard-Osman

Malorie Blackman

Lisa-Jewell

Charlie-Mackesy

Authors (Header 3)

Children&#039;s

Company

Discover

Fiction

Non-fiction

Penguin Classics

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

Work with us

sectionTitle

isEnabled

anchor

anchorLabel

prhuk/featured-book

prhuk/praise-section

maxBooks

showViewMore

prhuk/books-section

hideAuthorAlert

formName

iterableDivision

iterableBrand

buttonText

description

heading

legalText

successHeading

successText

image

alignment

variation

prhuk/email-section

prhuk/series-section

prhuk/biography-section

prhuk/articles-section

prhuk-authors

The perfect gift? A Penguin Shop gift card

Ruth Hamilton

Praise for The Bell House

'For those who like Catherine Cookson, try Ruth Hamilton'

'Good reading'

Books by Ruth Hamilton

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter