Peggy Shields

From the moment Bill Bailey arrived to take up residence at Fiona Nelson’s home in the Tyneside town of Fellburn, he made his presence felt in no uncertain terms. He might be outwardly ordinary enough, but he appeared to possess some extraordinary qualities, which proved to have a great and lasting effect on the future lives of Fiona and her young family.  Book 1 of series.

Bill and Fiona Bailey are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. Book 3 of series.

For Bill Bailey, now a fully-fledged Tyneside building contractor, life is good. But it is vital that Bill land the contract of a major development scheme. Competition is fierce, and when his men come under attack, Bill is sure that someone is out to spoil their chances for the job.  Book 2 of series.

Brid Stevens usually met Joe Lloyd at a weekly dance, but today she was excitedly up at dawn to meet Joe on Stockwell Hill, where they could watch the sun rise over the sea. Who could predict that such a perfect start would end with tragedy?

When Hannah and Timothy marry, will they ever be able to surmount the differences between their backgrounds?

In 1880's Felburn money is tight, so when farmer Hector Stewart marries wealthy Maria Connelly, his son, Daniel, guesses the real reason for the union. But when Maria loses her wealth the shockwave is felt throughout the Stewart family.

Meet Birdie Gibbs, seventh floor resident of an East End high rise. She lives on chocolate and yearns for action, especially when she remembers how she did her bit in the war. When the Fruit Bowl Estate boils over in the summer of 1995, Birdie gets all the action she can handle.

Catherine Cookson cooperated with the author in this unique biography of her life and writing. Piers Dudgeon unlocks her complex character using her many books as a key and explores with Catherine herself the tortured drama of her personal life and its resolution.

It began with a straw hat, presented to Emily by her friend and employer, Mable Arkwright, milliner and modiste, who eventually left her the business. It was a prelude to a series of events which would influence the destiny of her children and grandchildren through the first world war.

Freed at last from a disastrous marriage, Maisie had become a bestselling author with her first book - about Hamilton, the remarkable horse who existed only in her imagination, and was her guide, philosopher and friend.  Book 2 of series.

Cora had guessed that Angelica would be horrible, and she was. Could Angelica be a witch?

Best known as a novelist, Catherine Cookson also wrote poetry throughout her life. This anthology offers her unique perspective on life.

When Joe Remington brought his new bride to Fell Rise, he sensed she might not settle easily into his home in the Tyneside town of Fellburn. For this was 1926, the year of the General Strike, the effects of which would nowhere be felt more acutely than in the North-East. Then when Elaine became pregnant, she saw it as a disaster, but in the long run, would it widen the rift between husband and wife, or would it help to bring about a reconciliation?

When Alison's guardian, an experienced antique dealer, asked her to value the contents of Beacon Ride, his long concealed secret is exposed.

Young farmer, Ward Gibson knew what was expected of him by the village folk, and especially by the Mason family, whose daughter Daisy he had known all his life. But then, in a single week, his whole world had been turned upside down by a dancer, Stephanie McQueen, who seemed to float across the stage of the Empire Music Hall where she was appearing as The Maltese Angel.

Nancy Ann Hazel, young and high-spirited was the daughter of a country parson. He was a good man, but his Sunday sermon could seem long indeed when beyond the church doors the autumn sunshine beckoned her into the fields. Two elder brothers had taught her independence and courage - both of which she was going to need ...

He is an abandoned grey-black mongrel. The fishermen call him The Spuddy. The only person to care for him is Andy, a young dumb boy. For both of them their meeting brings friendship after loneliness. But when they become friends with Jake, skipper of the Silver Crest, events take an unexpected turn...

Eagle Street in London's East End is home to a close-knit community. When two wartime sweethearts become involved with local gang leaders, lives are put at risk. X rated, explicit sexual content and strong language.

Agnes Meadowes has found a quiet refuge as cook to a family of renowned London silversmiths, the Blanchards. One night in 1750, their most expensive piece is stolen, an apprentice is murdered and a maid disappears. Agnes is called upon by her master to investigate 'below stairs', drawing her into London's criminal underworld.

On the face of it there was no reason why Hannah and Humphrey were not happy and content in their marriage, but things were not as they appeared on the surface.

Samuel Fairbrother is regarded by some as an 'upstart' when his sudden rise to power leads to conflict.