A captivating romantic adventure set in WW1 that you won’t want to put down

Love for a Soldier

A must read for fans of Katie Flynn, Fiona Valpy and Kristin Hannah - this is an enthralling and gripping romantic adventure from the multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING LOVE FOR A SOLDIER! 
"As with all books by this author it is a top quality read..." - 5 STARS 
"What a great book - had a job to put it down. Recommend this book: 5 stars and more..." - 5 STARS 
"Excellent, thrilling and exciting." - 5 STARS 
 
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SHOULD SHE STAY LOYAL TO HER COUNTRY, OR THE MAN SHE LOVES? 
 
France, 1918: When Sophia, the rebellious daughter of a distinguished German general, witnesses a dramatic battle in the skies that leaves an English pilot without a plane and under the misapprehension that Sophia is on his side, she finds she has no choice but to agree to assist him in his attempt to avoid capture. 
 
He joins her in the family car she has stolen, trailed by both the German Army and a staff officer under strict instructions from Sophia's father to bring her home. With their pursuers hot on their heels, how will Sophia explain her behaviour, protecting a man she is supposed to hate? 
 
And after sharing so many adventures, will she be able to turn the flying officer in when the time comes?

Mary Jane Staples was born, bred and educated in Walworth, and was the author of many bestselling novels including the ever-popular cockney sagas featuring the Adams family. She died in 2005.

A glorious, romantic wartime adventure - the perfect dose of escapism

A Wartime Marriage

A moving wartime saga set against the tumultuous last days of WWI. A POW's only way back to England and his lost love is marrying and protecting another woman...

For fans of Katie Flynn &amp; Fiona Valpy, this is an exhilarating romantic journey across war-torn Europe from the multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING A WARTIME MARRIAGE! 
"Couldn't put it down." -- 5 STARS 
"Once again she had me hooked." -- 5 STARS 
"Each page kept you guessing to the end." -- 5 STARS 
"An excellent read for a cold damp day in front of the fire." -- 5 STARS 
 
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WILL THEY FIND HAPPINESS? 
 
1918: the Kaiser's empire is about to fall and Captain Harry Phillips, a prisoner of war in a Romanian hospital, has had a very hard time of it. Then, out of the blue, comes an offer he can't refuse: a ticket home to his beloved England and to the arms of his much missed fiancée Elizabeth. 
 
But this ticket comes with a heavy price to pay; Harry must marry beautiful, headstrong Princess Irena of Moldova, who's only hope of survival is to leave the country and he must risk both their lives by escorting her back to England. 
 
As they set off on their long and treacherous journey with enemies at every turn, Harry begins to realise that Irena is not only dangerous but extremely precious cargo.

A delightful Cockney page-turner you won’t be able to put down

The Lodger

A moving family drama set against the backdrop of one of London’s poorest areas.

A moving family drama set against the backdrop of one of London's poorest areas from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. Perfect for fans of Maggie Ford, Kitty Neale and Katie Flynn. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING THE LODGER! 
"This was such a great read....... priceless I loved it" - 5 STARS 
"Leave[s] you with a smile on your face..." - 5 STARS 
"Once you start, you can't put it down..." - 5 STARS 
"I absolutely loved this book" - 5 STARS 
"Great for lifting your spirits" - 5 STARS 
"A good book, keeps you in suspense until the end" - 5 STARS 
 
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IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, CAN SHE KEEP HER FAMILY SAFE FROM HARM? 
 
London, 1908: For years now, Maggie Wilson has had to bring up her four daughters alone with barely enough money to get by. Local Constable Harry Bradshaw looks out for them as best he can but there isn't much he can do for Maggie's small family. 
 
When the opportunity to take in a lodger arises, Maggie can't resist the extra income. 
 
But there's something strange about the man Maggie has let into her home... what if he's more trouble than he's worth?

Ups And Downs

As the Adams family youngsters grow up, trouble is in store...

As the 1950s progress, several unexpected happenings ruffle the usually calm atmosphere of Adams family life. Sammy and Boots are troubled by the first stirrings of industrial unrest, as the unions start to flex their muscles and old loyalties change, while an attractive new employee causes Sammy some troubles of a different kind. 
 
The older generation are more than a little surprised at what they see around them as society moves on and the lives of the youngsters are being taken over by rock 'n' roll. Young Emily, still only thirteen but old beyond her years, catches the eye of a teddy boy, while Linda is pursued by a smooth-talking young man. But good sense and good luck prevail, and the Adams family find the strength to cope with these challenging times.

Out Of The Shadows

Times move on for the Adams family in south London, and as business prospers, there are new worries to deal with. A young woman arrives who is intent on ruining Sammy Adams' winter fashion show, and Sammy must deal with her unwelcome attention. Boots has to find a solution when one of his female employees tells him about a sinister visitor, but he doesn't realize that his family are being observed. 
 
Out of the shadows come dark and mysterious figures from the past who intrude on Boots, Polly and the twins, and his adopted daughter Rosie.Meanwhile Rosie has her hands full as her daughter Emily continues to rebel against everything around her. 
 
How will the Adams family cope, as trouble seems to lurk around every corner?

An Adams Family Saga Novel

A Sign Of The Times

The Adams family deal with changing times.

It's 1959, and Boots Adams and his wife Polly are at their favourite Camberwell pub when they witness with horror a sudden and vicious attack on the barman, Joe, by a knife-wielding thug. Is this a sign of the times?Is contempt for old traditions and enthusiasm for everything new and fashionable going to threaten the Adams family and their easy-going existence? While Gemma is courted by one of the young men who works for her father, her twin brother James finds himself affected by his girlfriend's intriguing family secrets.And just who is the mysterious new student from Finland who arrives at Gemma's college?

A captivating and enthralling romantic adventure set in WW1 guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat

Nurse Anna's War

Can love and bravery overcome the harsh dangers of war?

Perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Kristin Hannah and Fiona Valpy, this is an emotional and uplifting romantic saga set in WW1 from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING NURSE ANNA'S WAR! 
"Wow I was riveted from start to finish [-] what a truly brilliant book..." - 5 STARS 
"I enjoyed every minute of reading this book." - 5 STARS 
"l thoroughly enjoyed it to the very last page and would recommend it to anyone..." - 5 STARS 
 
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CAN LOVE AND BRAVERY OVERCOME THE HARSH DANGERS OF WAR? 
 
BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF THE HEROIC BRITISH NURSE EDITH CAVELL. 
 
Brussels, April 1915. A beautiful young woman finds herself on the run from the enemy. Also being pursued is Ned Scott, a British army major who has been badly injured. The pair find themselves at a hospital run by the famous Edith Cavell, who agrees to treat the major while offering them both refuge and a false identity - she names the young girl Anna. 
 
However no one is safe, and as details of Anna's true identity emerge, the enemy's net tightens. Meanwhile, the major is torn between his desire to stand by brave Edith and the knowledge that he must escape. 
 
Closely watched wherever they go, is there anyone these three people can trust? 
 
Nurse Anna's War was previously published as Fields of Yesterday.

Year Of Victory

Victory is in sight for the Adams family.

The seemingly endless war was at last coming to a conclusion. But for the country and for the Adams family, there were still many tribulations to be overcome. Flying bombs - the deadly V1 buzzbombs - appeared over London, causing dreadful destruction, and the struggle continued to overcome the most powerful war machine the world had ever known. 
 
But amongst the Cockney community there were lighter moments, too. For Felicity, Eloise and Lizzy Somers there was the happiness of knowing that their menfolk were safe and well. Daniel Adams and his American girlfriend even had a brief meeting with Winston Churchill himself. And as the Third Reich began to show signs of collapse, the scent of victory was in the air.

Sons And Daughters

More love, tragedy and excitement in the lives of the Adams family.

By the year 1949, life in Walworth has almost returned to normal. Sammy and Boots, now in a highly successful partnership, are rebuilding the old family firm. But an old enemy resurfaces - Mr Ben Ford, better known as the Fat Man, who seems determined to ruin the various branches of this growing business. It takes all the well-known Adams ingenuity and determination to outwit the thugs in the Fat Man's pay. 
 
Meanwhile, an attractive blonde woman shopping in the market has caught Boots's eye. But Polly does not need to feel apprehensive - the sight of this woman has stirred the worst of memories for Boots, from the darkest days of the war. And on a happier note, there is some surprising news for Chinese Lady - news which will affect the whole of the Adams family.

The Way Ahead

More wartime adventures for the Adams family.

It is 1944, and the Adams family, along with the rest of the people of the United Kingdom, are beginning to weary of the seemingly never-ending war against Hitler's Germany. Bobby Somers and Helene, living dangerously in the French countryside with a group of Resistance fighters, find themselves in great peril. Boots returns from the war in Italy, to the delight of Polly and their two little rascals, twins James and Gemma - but he brings with him a German prisoner who has a horrifying story to tell of the concentration camps. And while Sammy and Susie Adams are keeping the family business going as best they can during the privations of wartime London, their son Daniel catches the eye of a lively young American girl who brings a welcome breath of fresh air to the Adams household, so many of whose younger members are doing their bit for the war in various far-flung places of the world. 
 
As plans for the long-awaited invasion of France get under way there is excitement and danger, but love continues to blossom in the most difficult of circumstances.

(The Adams Family: 4): A wonderfully heart-warming and funny Cockney saga you won’t want to end

On Mother Brown's Doorstep

By Sunday Times bestseller Mary Jane Staples, this is the gritty and uplifting next instalment in the Adams Family saga. Perfect for fans of Maggie Ford and Kitty Neale and Donna Douglas. 
 
PRAISE FOR THE ADAMS FAMILY SERIES! 
"Mary Jane Staples makes you care about her characters, which explains why her books have enjoyed so much popularity" -- Take a Break 
"Forget Eastenders, this it the London of old, when people knew each other's names and communities really pulled together." -- Woman's Realm 
"Mary Jane Staples completely capture the feel of the period and the essence of the people...has warmth, humour and charm. An ideal book for you holiday reading." Finesse 
"I get so engrossed in the stories I feel like one of the family." - ***** Reader review. 
"These books about the Adam's family are fantastic! These books are the kind you can read, leave a while and read again &amp; again!" - ***** Reader review 
 
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AS WEDDING BELLS RING, WALWORTH IS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN BY TRAGIC EVENTS ... 
 
Susie Brown is overjoyed when her brother, Will, turns up unexpectedly on leave from service in time for her wedding to Sammy Adams. 
 
But Will's leave is an extended one due to bad health and he's unsure whether the army will keep him or whether he'll be able to find a job in the slump of the Twenties. To make matters worse, he's at risk of falling in love with the young and personable Annie Ford ... 
 
Amidst the joyous wedding preparations, a cloud hangs over Walworth - the mystery of three young girls missing from their homes. A mystery that will culminate - along with Will's personal problems - on the night of the wedding. 
 
On Mother Brown's Doorstep is the fourth in Mary Jane Staples's Adams Family series. Their story continues in A Family Affair. Have you read Down Lambeth Way, Our Emily and King of Camberwell - the first three Adams Family novels ?

Missing Person

The house in Caulfield Place, off Browning Street in Walworth, was haunted, or at least that's what the street kids said. So when two men, a woman, and a parrot moved in, everyone was very interested, especially fourteen-year-old Cassie Ford, who was particularly fascinated by the parrot. And it was just about this time that Mr Finch, Chinese Lady's husband, and Boots's stepfather, began to get mysterious telephone calls. Mr Finch had never told the rest of the Adams family - except for Boots - the secrets of his past, or what kind of work he did for the government, and he decided not to tell them about the slightly sinister telephone calls either. It was when he took Chinese Lady on a summer's day jaunt in his Morris motorcar that things began to happen. For, in the Hog's Back Hotel, Chinese Lady went to the cloakroom, and when she came back Mr Finch had vanished. It took all of Boots's ingenuity to discover what had happened, and Cassie's knowledge of the Caulfield Place parrot was to prove a vital clue in unravelling the mystery.

Churchill's People

In 1941, the United Kingdom was in desperate straits, standing alone with its troops against the colossal war machine of Nazi Germany. There was always Prime Minister Winston Churchill, however, who growled his defiance to Hitler and induced in his people a determination to endure. 
 
The Adams family shared that determination and their own kind of optimism. Emma went happily into her marriage with Jonathan, while Boots's son Tim, in between his hazardous exploits as a Commando, helped his fiancee Felicity in her courageous fight against blindness, the result of a terrible injury in the bombing. Rosie Adams was due to marry Matthew Chapman from Dorset, but Chinese Lady was unsure about it. He seemed a fine enough man, but what with a lame leg that prevented him from doing his bit for his country, and the uncertainty of his garage business, she felt that he was hardly the ideal choice for such an eligible young woman as Rosie. As for Boots and his new wife Polly, they came up with some very unexpected news for the family...

An enthralling, thrilling and emotional romantic adventure you won’t be able to put down

Natasha's Dream

A thrilling, romantic adventure from the bestselling author of the Adams family sagas

A must read for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Fiona Valpy and Katie Flynn - this is an enthralling and gripping romantic adventure from the multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING NATASHA'S DREAM! 
"Another winner for this author. I absolutely love her books, she really makes the characters come to life." - 5 STARS 
"A really enjoyable read; difficult to put down!" - 5 STARS 
"Good book, well written, very entertaining and another one to add to my collection of Mary Jane Staples, well done Mary..." - 5 STARS 
 
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CAN THE SECRETS OF THE PAST BE FORGOTTEN? 
 
1925: Berlin. Englishman Philip Gibson, in Germany to seek the answers to a tantalising mystery surrounding the Grand Duchess Anastasia, witnesses an attack on Natasha, a young woman who has fled from Russia. 
 
When Philip takes the fragile, lonely Natasha in to help her recuperate, she quickly falls for his kind and caring nature. But when further threats are made on her life, Philip finds himself at the heart of another mystery. 
 
What is it that links Natasha to this mysterious, damaged woman? And will her love for Philip survive the secrets that will be unearthed?

Escape To London

As the Nazis reach Vienna, a beautiful woman flees to England...

Austria, 1938. Anne von Korvacs watches in horror as Hitler's tanks roll through the streets of Vienna, amid crowds of cheering supporters. Her embittered ex-husband, now a fervent member of the Nazi cause, is among the cavalcade - he is burning with hatred for Anne, seeing her as a symbol of the old Austrian empire he once served. A chance encounter with a British journalist leaves Anne with a secret that must be smuggled out of the country, and Anne knows that she must forsake her beloved Vienna and with her children flee to Britain. 
 
In a thrilling journey that will separate sisters and brothers, parents and children, Anne and her family escape to freedom, to dream of a reunion in far-away London. 
 
Mary Jane Staples introduces a cast of gloriously warm characters in this wartime romantic adventure.

The Homecoming

The Adams family gets to grips with peacetime.

It is 1946, and with the war at last at an end, members of the Adams family who had been serving with the forces begin to come home. Boots is reunited with Polly and their twins, his son Tim returns to the welcoming arms of Felicity, and with so many others coming back, Chinese Lady finds herself once more the watchful matriarch of the family. But grandson Daniel is still serving in an army unit out in Palestine, where he is caught up in life-threatening circumstances, and his American fiancee, Patsy, counts the days until his return. 
 
Boots, Polly and Mr Finch attend the Nuremberg trials, where they discover the full horrors of the Third Reich and witness Germany's major war criminals being brought to justice. And while the new Labour government struggles with the problems of a country drained by the war, Sammy pursues his business interests with post-war energy and unfailing optimism.

a compelling and moving novel with a touch of mystery from the East End of London

Ghost Of Whitechapel

The shadow of Jack the Ripper returns to the East End.

When danger abounds, an unwelcome lodger becomes anything but... 
 
A riveting saga with an edge that will keep you reading. Perfect for fans of Maggie Ford, Kitty Neale and Katie Flynn. 
 
Readers are loving GHOST OF WHITECHAPEL 
***** - 'It had everything; suspense, murder, mystery and humour - a really good read.' 
***** - 'Authentic, darkly comic in places, thoroughly enjoyable.' 
***** - 'I was engrossed from beginning to end. The characters were so real and funny.' 
 
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When Bridget Cummings advertised for a lodger, she did not expect a policeman to apply for the room. She wasn't fond of the coppers, but her family allowed P.C. Fred Billings to move in and she seemed to have little say in the matter. 
 
Still, she was glad of his company in the walk back from her late-night washing up job, particularly when a young girl was found in a nearby street with her throat cut. 
 
The discovery of the body of Maureen Flanagan, a respectable woman, naturally stirred memories of Jack the Ripper. His horrific crimes had shocked the neighbourhood only twelve years before, although Chief Inspector Dobbs of the City of London Police believed that the Ripper was dead. 
 
But when a second body was discovered, and Bridget noticed a strange man following her, could the terror have returned?

An enthralling and heart-breaking romantic saga set in WW1 that will keep you gripped

The Longest Winter

A  romantic wartime saga from this well-loved, bestselling author

If you like Katie Flynn, Kristin Hannah and Fiona Valpy, you will love this page-turner of a romantic adventure from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING THE LONGEST WINTER! 
"A really good read from cover to cover. Read it on holiday almost non stop..." - 5 STARS 
"I thoroughly enjoyed this story and found it held my interest from beginning to end..." - 5 STARS 
"Didn't want to put it down" - 5 STARS 
 
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CAN THEIR LOVE SURVIVE THE LONG WINTER OF WAR? 
 
When Baroness Sophie von Korvacs meets British painter James Fraser one hot summer's day in Vienna, the attraction is instant. A whirlwind romance follows, with Vienna bathed in the brilliance of the last days of the emperor. And when James proposes to Sophie it seems a fitting end to that wonderful, enchanting summer. 
But darker days are on the horizon as Europe teeters on the brink of war. 
 
James must make the ultimate choice: love for King and Country or love for Sophie. Before he knows it, his difficult decision is made for him, and he and Sophie are on opposite sides of a bloody and devastating conflict. 
 
Four bleak years of fighting and death roll by. Will Sophie's long winter ever end and can their love conquer all? 
The Longest Winter was previously published as Appointment in Sarajevo.

a magical and captivating romantic wartime saga that will keep you gripped

The Summer Day is Done

A classic wartime saga from a bestselling author

If you like Katie Flynn, Kristin Hannah and Fiona Valpy, you will love this enthralling, heart-wrenching page-turner of a romantic adventure from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING THE SUMMER DAY IS DONE! 
"I couldn't put it down" - 5 STARS 
"A good and entertaining read" - 5 STARS 
"Perfect" - 5 STARS 
 
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WILL WAR DEAL THE CRUELLEST BLOW OF ALL? 
 
Russia 1911: Young British agent John Kirby comes to Russia to work and to explore a new and exciting country - not to fall in love. But an invitation to the Tsar's ball changes all that. After an evening of dancing and romance, John and the Tsar's eldest daughter, Olga, are totally captivated by one another. 
 
Summers of tennis parties and picnics with Olga follow - life could not get any better. Until a cruel blow is dealt in 1914: John is forced to return to England and Olga and her family are caught up in the bitter and bloody war. 
 
Will John and Olga ever be reunited? Can their love survive the odds? Or will tragedy, pain and longing destroy them both? 
 
The Summer Day is Done was previously published as Woman in Berlin.

The Camberwell Raid

The Adams family get embroiled in a local bank raid.

There was a double wedding planned in Walworth. Sally Brown was marrying Horace Cooper, and her brother, Freddy, was at last getting hitched to his childhood sweetheart, Cassie Ford. But the wedding wasn't the only thing being planned, for Ginger Carstairs and Dusty Miller were working out a bank robbery and, unbeknown to the inhabitants of Walworth and Denmark Hill, both Freddy Brown and the Adams family were to be deeply involved and put in considerable danger. 
 
It took much ingenuity on Boots's part to come up with a scheme that would foil the plans of the raiders. And all this was happening at a time when Boots had other worries in his life, and when the unity of his own little family was being threatened.

Mary Jane Staples

A heart-warming and uplifting Regency romance from bestseller Mary Jane Staples

Perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer and Netflix hit Bridgerton, a dashing Regency romance from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING A SISTER'S SECRET! 
 
"Mary Jane Staples is a genius! The storyline was amazing. I could not put the book down. Her characterization was wonderful and her intertwining of her characters with some famous historical characters is nothing short of genius." - 5 STARS 
 
"Mary Janes Staples is one of my favourite authors - loved her Adams Family series. This is such a lovely book: emotional, serious and funny in all ways. Read this book in one night." - 5 STARS 
 
"Enjoyed this book from start to finish." - 5 STARS. 
"I couldn't put this down - it was brilliant." - 5 STARS. 
 
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WILL SHE PROTECT HER SISTER AND LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN? 
 
A disastrous marriage has left the young and beautiful Lady Caroline widowed and vowing never to marry again. 
 
When she sees her younger sister, Annabelle, falling for a man who is notoriously unfaithful, she determines to intervene and save Annabelle from a similar fate, hiring the handsome and witty adventurer Captain Burnside to distract her. 
 
But all does not go to plan... 
 
A Sister's Secret was previously published as A Professional Gentleman.

Mary Jane Staples

Books by Mary Jane Staples

Series by Mary Jane Staples

The Adams Family

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