Anna Jacobs

Romance can be found in every corner of the world and has changed the lives of people in every period of history. In this collection of sixteen stand-alone short stories including a brand new tale, Anna Jacobs encapsulates the spark of first love and the glow of second chances in her inimitable style which fans new and old will take to their hearts.

In Western Australia, the Blake sisters are together again. For Cassandra, the Swan River Colony is a refuge after her ordeals, and two of her sisters have fallen in love with their new way of life. But the fourth sister, Pandora, decides to make her way back to the Lancashire moors that she misses so badly. The way home, though, will be even harder than the voyage to Australia. And when she reaches Outham, a devious enemy will do anything to prevent her from taking charge of her family's inheritance...  Book 2 of series.

Gwynna has already fallen from grace once, bearing a stillborn child out of wedlock. Determined to have a respectable future, she finds a position for herself as a nursemaid at Hungerton House. But just as she begins to find her feet, the devastating secrets of her past are revealed. Book 3 of series.

Wiltshire, 1910. With her stepfather threatening her with a forced marriage, Mattie Willitt flees home. But at the mercy of the elements, her life is saved by Jacob, a widower who takes her in and nurses her back to health. The pair soon grow close, but when pressure is put upon them to marry, they must face their fears and stand up to those who threaten their future happiness. Book 1 of series.

When novelist Sophie Carr’s path crosses that of ageing pop star Jez Winter, she’s aware that he’s had a tough time with accident and injury. Life has not been easy for Sophie either, losing her husband just as she was taking off as a novelist and having difficulties with her son William and her daughter Andi, who has lost her way in life since her father's death. And Sophie also has a secret to hide. One that makes her very wary of getting involved with Jez.

Once successful businesswoman Maeve Corrigan, is dying. Having no children of her own, she determines that she will bequeath her great wealth to one of her nephews or nieces, the offspring of her two estranged brothers. And so she arranges to meet three of them. The legacy however is not what it seems.

Jo Melling has arrived in Birch End from Australia, still grieving her father's recent death. She's not intending to stay long, but after tracking down her distant family, Jo becomes more involved in village life than she could ever have imagined.

Jo also finds herself drawn to Nick, a handsome newcomer to the village. Nick had planned to settle in Birch End and start a business, but as he grows closer to Jo, he realises he may have to choose between his dreams and a chance at love.

Meanwhile, the new local council are faced with some tough decisions of their own. It's time to take a stand against the poor conditions in Backshaw Moss, the nearby slum, but some councillors want things to stay as they are - and will go to any lengths to make sure they get their way…

Three Blake sisters remain in the Swan River Colony and two are quite happy to forge new lives for themselves there. The third, Xanthe, yearns to see the world. But even if she could afford to travel, could she persuade her beloved twin to let her go? Maia has fallen in love with their employer, and would surely be happiest staying behind. Xanthe's opportunity comes in the form of a handsome Irishman bringing some of the sisters' inheritance from England. But for Maia, the same man brings trouble in his wake - and has the power to make her life a misery. Both sisters' reserves of courage and endurance will be tested before they can finally find a home to call their own.  Book 3 of series.

Lancashire, 1895. Abigail Dawson has lived in fear of her father for thirty years. But when, after uprooting them to a grand new home in Ollerthwaite, he's found murdered in the street, her life is turned upside down.

Alone and caught in a web of her father's secrets, Abigail needs someone to rely on - so when hardworking handyman Rufus promises her a new life, she's thrilled at the chance to have a family of her own. But as they grow closer, could it be more than a marriage of convenience?

Meanwhile, the rebuilding of the Ollerton estate is bringing new life to the valley - but old grudges, and new threats, are disturbing the peace. With plans for the Diamond Jubilee approaching, can the whole village band together to protect their home?

After being driven from home by their brutal father, the Willett sisters find themselves facing greater heartache in the wider world. Nell, the middle daughter, has left home to be with her lover, Cliff. When tragedy strikes, Nell must build a new life for herself. Will she find happiness, or is she too damaged by her past to let herself love again? Book 2 of series.

Cassandra Blake and her sisters are the pride of their father, Zachariah. When the American Civil War cuts off supplies of cotton to Lancashire, the mills fall silent, and an old feud tears the family apart. Cassandra is kidnapped and her sisters are forced to sail with a group of desperate cotton lasses to the Swan River Colony in Fremantle. Penniless and alone, Cassandra is determined to find them again - but when she is offered a way, will she be able to pay the painful price?  Book 1 of series.

Lancashire, 1895. Lillian Hesketh has taken a new name, and a brave step towards a happier life. Suddenly widowed after an unhappy marriage, and pursued by her unscrupulous in-laws, Lillian finds a fresh start in the beautiful Ollindale valley. Thanks to the kindness of her new neighbours, Walter Crossley and his family, she finally has a home to call her own - but the threat of discovery by her husband's family still casts a shadow over her new life.

Meanwhile, Edward Ollerton has returned to the valley to rebuild his ancestral home. Hoping to one day to marry and start a family, Edward finds himself drawn to the shy, attractive widow - but not everyone is happy to see him reclaim his estate...

Will their dreams fade to dust, or can a golden future blossom on the shores of Jubilee Lake?

Dora Preston is desperate to break free from the drudgery of Hedderby and make a life for herself on the stage. Then she meets Gideon - and pursuing her ambitions becomes even harder. Gideon has returned from the fighting in India only to discover that an impostor has stolen his inheritance. But the forces of goodness are rallying and they are determined to prevail, whatever it takes. Book 4 of series.

When a new feature on Pete Newbury s popular TV programme shows his adult image digitally transformed to that of a young child, Beth is shocked to realise that he s her baby brother, who disappeared without a trace thirty-eight years ago. He vanished at the age of three and her family has grieved for him ever since, believing him to be dead. But the path to reunion and happiness is fraught with complications, not least Beth s feelings towards a close friend of her long-lost brother and then the reappearance of her runaway daughter, complete with child. Bridges take time to build, but after so many years of heartache, can Beth manage to keep hold of everything she holds dear?

An unexpected inheritance from her grandmother offers Libby Pulford the opportunity to escape her abusive marriage and return to her Lancashire roots with her young son Ned. But her domineering husband Steven won't let her go so easily. She turns to her new neighbour for help, former police detective Joss Atherton, to whom Libby feels a growing attraction. But Joss has troubles of his own. Emily Mattison is trying to make contact with the daughter she was forced to give up for adoption so many years before. People's lives are destined to intertwine in ways they could never have imagined.

Book 2 in the Hope series.

As the Great War ends Serena Fleming is due an inheritance that could free her from a bullying father. But little does she know how far he will go to prevent her leaving home. Or how desperate he is to limit her and keep his secrets hidden. When she turns thirty, Serena must risk everything to escape his iron rule.

In the aftermath of a heart-breaking accident, Kirsty is shocked to discover that she has inherited a vineyard in Western Australia from Ed James, a lonely old man she befriended at the library. But there is a condition to his legacy: Kirsty must give up her quiet life in England and live at the vineyard for a least one year.

How will a shy librarian cope on her own in a strange country? As she is forced to take her life off hold, one thing is certain, Kirsty’s life is about to change for ever.

When Captain Merridene dies penniless, his daughters Martha and Penelope take an unusual job offer - as teachers in the distant town of Tapton, working for mill owner Jonas Wright. But soon they realise life in Tapton will be more complicated than they had bargained for. Penelope meets Clem Porter, whose family have been brought to starvation by a rival mill owner. Meanwhile, Martha is drawn - against her better judgement - to Ben Seaton, the father of one of her students. The sisters must face hardships and challenges in their new lives, but will they also find love?

1759: Deborah Jannvier and her widowed mother live in a tiny cottage at the mercy of her cruel uncle. When a hansome stranger brings a message from a dying relative, offering to leave her everything if she does as he asks, Deborah doesn’t hesitate. A midnight ride takes her to Marymoor House, but can she trust herself to this man? And what will she have to do to secure her future?

Molly Peel feels trapped by her family: her ex-husband Craig cannot seem to abandon his controlling ways despite abandoning her for a younger woman, her lazy son Brian has long been taking advantage of her generosity, and her selfish daughter Rachel is embarrassed by her. When she is blamed for ruining Rachel's wedding in circumstances beyond her control, Molly decides enough is enough and makes a clean break to Wiltshire to begin a new life. However, the persistent interference of her ex presents difficulties. Can Molly find the courage to stand up for herself and finally move on?

When beautiful Cassandra Trent is told that she must join her aunt in London, the twenty-year-old is full of rage. Brought up in the Northern town of Bardsley, she wants nothing to do with polite society.

But Cassandra forms a close relationship with her gentle cousin Susannah, a victim of her mother's pushy, ambitious nature. Susannah, petrified of marrying the charming, wealthy Simeon Giffard, enlists Cassie's help. It is, after all, Cassie for whom Simeon holds a torch, and he appears set on winning the heart of this strong-willed Northern lady...

From bestseller Anna Jacobs, this emotional historical saga is perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin.

When Rachel hears about an opportunity to train as a district nurse in a village near Rochdale, she seizes the opportunity, even though it will take her closer to the trouble she left behind. She knows nothing about Eastby End and she is shocked to find it a little more than a slum.

When Joss Townley’s father dies, he sells his factory to begin travelling but is called home by his mother in an emergency - in order to save the family's fortune he must take on a house in a place called Eastby End. He has no idea what he has bought, and is appalled to see his new neighbours' misery and anger.

But a meeting with the mayor gives him direction and focus for the first time in his life, and brings him into contact with Rachel…  Book 1 of series.

Alice has been like a mother to Eva. As Alice lies dying her nephew, handsome Gus Blake, arrives, presenting her with the answer to her prayers. For Alice is determined that Eva should not end up without a husband and children. Book 3 of series.

Little Billy, Polly's son, is the light of her life. But when Billy is knocked down by a car, his father is 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. Forced to flee to the coast, Polly and Billy find that their future may lie with another damaged family - but danger threatens their fragile happiness . .Book 2 of series.

Eleanor and Beatrice dream of lovematches but the Dowager insists romantic love is for housemaids, not for the Graceover women. Beatrice, despatched to London to look over the current crop of bachelors, is unimpressed by the frivolities of the Season. Disturbed by the languid charm of Lord Serle and appalled by the mercenary attitudes to marriage displayed by Society, Beatrice's country innocence and unconventional behaviour lead her into some alarming situations. Meanwhile, the beautiful and headstrong Eleanor is up to mischief of her own which is guaranteed to earn the disapproval of her grandmother. A desperate struggle in the potting shed at midnight clears the air; not only does love triumph after all, but the Dowager is not displeased.

A devastating accident is only the start of Emily Mattison's troubles...When Emily Mattison falls victim to a near-fatal accident shortly after receiving an unexpected inheritance from a distant cousin, her ruthless nephew George seizes the opportunity to take control of his aunt's assets. It's only when Emily reaches The Drover's Hope, the former pub on the edge of the Lancashire moors bequeathed to her by her late cousin Penelope that she begins to feel safe. She also discovers that love can be found in the most unexpected places. But it's not so easy to escape the clutches of someone as determined as George...

Book 1 in the Hope series.

Carrie Preston - the oldest of ten, with incompetent parents, struggles to find food for the younger children. But then Eli Beckett offers her a job at the Dragon pub, and Eli's uncle gives his nephew some land to build a music room. Soon the locals of Hedderby are looking forward to their own place of merriment. But not everyone in the town shares this excitement, and some will stop at nothing in the pursuit of selfish gain... Book 1 of Series.

It is 1735. When her mother dies penniless, Sarah Mortonby unexpectedly inherits a run-down estate from the grandfather she never met. Unable to manage the land alone, and desperately needing help, she finds her life changing after meeting estate manager Will Pursley. Can they save the estate together? And will the fondness growing between Will and Sarah turn into love?

Despite being the daughter of a clergyman with a strict and joyless attitude to life, Helen Merling has a loving heart and a happy nature. However, when she is seduced by a travelling actor, a handsome rogue she meets at the market, they are forced to marry, and Helen's family disowns her. After several unhappy years, Helen and her husband escape to Europe, but their fortunes take a turn for the worse, and soon Helen is alone and responsible for both herself and their son. Two years later, in the picturesque Italian town of Serugia, Helen meets Charles Carnforth. An older man, he falls deeply in love with her... but he's not the only one trying to win Helen's heart. Can a new romance find its way into her life, with all the complications and turmoil that brings?

Lancashire, 1895. When her controlling stepfather suddenly dies, it seems that Elinor Pendleton finally has a chance of freedom. But her hopes are soon dashed when she learns that the thuggish Jason Stafford has inherited every penny, and is determined to have Elinor too.

Forced to flee with her beloved maid, Maude, Elinor finds shelter with Maude's distant cousin in the remote village of Ollerthwaite, on the shore of Jubilee Lake.

But Walter Crossley has troubles of his own. Having lost his closest family in a tragic accident, he needs one of his grandsons to return from America to inherit his farm - and when practical, kindhearted Cameron arrives, he appears to be the perfect heir.

But is this young man everything he seems? And will Elinor's secret wish to have a family of her own ever come true...?

Marjorie Preston thinks her dreams are going to come true when she is asked to go to London as assistant to the singer Denby Sinclair. But in London disaster strikes, and she is left alone, so will she ever become a successful star of the stage? Book 2 of  series.  X rated, contains offensive language and graphic violence.

When Gabrielle Newman throws her cheating husband out, Stu cares more about the money than the break-up, getting more than his fair share from their house sale. An unexpected bequest offers Gabrielle a new start and she tries to leave the past behind, heading north with Des Monahan, the private investigator sent to find her.

Meanwhile, Stu has got entangled with organized crime in Eastern Europe and is desperate to pay his gambling debts. Gabrielle needs Des's help to protect herself and her inheritance. She's very attracted to Des - but dare she trust any man again? Then Stu tracks down his ex-wife and Gabrielle discovers just what the man she once loved is capable of, as her life is threatened. Can she and Des find a way to stop Stu and his ruthless new friends?

Book 3 in the Hope series.

Lancashire, 1936. With her son Gabriel finally married, and her youngest following his dreams of becoming a doctor, Gwynneth Harte finds herself with an empty nest - until a fire forces her to move in with Gabriel and his wife Maisie at their home on Daisy Street.

Arthur Chapman has been at a low ebb ever since the death of his wife. Turning to drink in his grief, he lost both his job and contact with his grandchild, Beatie - but now the inheritance of a house from a distant relative is the fresh start he needs.

When Beatie runs away from her cruel grandmother and takes refuge with Gwynneth, she and Arthur are thrown together - and find themselves growing closer. But trouble is brewing in the valley, from the ambitions of the bullying local landlord to rumours of a Fascist spy. Can the residents of Backshaw Moss band together to keep each other safe, and will there be wedding bells on Daisy Street?

Book 3 in the Backshaw Moss series.

When her unfaithful husband dies in a car crash, Laura decides to leave Australia for her native England. Desperate to find a job and a home, a moment of chance at a wishing well leads her to Kit - a man in need of a live-in housekeeper. Kit is convalescing after an accident and still coming to terms with his disability. Both struggling in the face of hardship and heartbreak, Laura and Kit must learn how to find solace and strength in each other.

Sisters Mattie, Nell and Renie have all managed to escape their oppressive and bullying father, but now separated, the girls must draw upon their strength and courage to build new lives for themselves. Book 3 of series.