Janine Birkett

The Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller by the shepherdess and star of Channel 5's Our Yorkshire Farm.

'With its fizzing energy and celebration of nature and community, this is perfect comfort reading for uncertain times' - Daily Mail

Amanda Owen loves her traditional life on her hill farm alongside her nine children and husband Clive. And, as readers of her previous bestsellers will know, every day at Ravenseat brings surprises. In Adventures of the Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda takes us from her family's desperate race to save a missing calf to finding her bra has been repurposed as a house martin's nest, and from wild swimming to the brutal winter that almost brought her to her knees. As busy as she is with her family and flock though, an exciting new project soon catches her eye . . .

Ravenseat is a tenant farm and may not stay in the family, so when Amanda discovers a nearby farmhouse up for sale, she knows it is her chance to create roots for her children. The old house needs a lot of renovation and money is tight, so Amanda sets about the work herself, with some help from a travelling monk, a visiting plumber and Clive. It's fair to say things do not go according to plan!

Funny, evocative and set in a remote and beautiful landscape, this book will delight anyone who has hankered after a new life in the country.

When her beloved parents are tragically killed, fifteen-year-old Angeline is given into the care of her uncle. Naive and innocent, Angeline is easy prey for the handsome and ruthless Oswald Golding. But on her wedding night, Angeline enters a nightmare from which there is no awakening. On learning she is expecting a child, Angeline makes plans to run away, but then tragedy takes over . . .

The Carr's biscuit factory that towered over Carlisle might look like just another slice of the industrial North, but for the biscuit girls, it was a place where they worked hard but also where they gossiped, got into scrapes and made lifelong friends. Outside the factory walls, there might be difficult husbands or demanding kids, but they knew there would always be an escape from their troubles at Carr's.

Victoria Wild is only four years old but already knows about heartbreak, having been abandoned by her unwed mother when she was only a baby. Luckily her Aunt Eliza was there to take her in but times are still hard on Pit Lane and while Eliza does her best to make sure there is always food on the table, Victoria bears the stigma of her illegitimacy. Her aunt also fears the day when Victoria will start to ask about her father… But even when Eliza is offered a chance to make a better life for herself and her niece, there are sacrifices to be made. And more trouble is around the corner - in the form of Victoria's mother, Mary-Anne Wild, who is finally coming home not to be a proper mother to her daughter but to exact her revenge on the man who ruined her life…

Winter, 1942. Brenda and Joyce are just two of the girls who have joined the Women's Land Army and are doing their bit for the war effort. But after months working on farms in the Yorkshire Dales, they're looking for a fresh challenge. Despite the bitter cold of their new billets high in the remote fells, their fear for those away fighting, and concern for family and friends, there is warmth to be found in faces old and new, and plans for a jolly Christmas are afoot. But when a child evacuee goes missing in the snow and tragedy strikes close to home, can their dearest wish - that all their loved ones stay safe this Christmas - possibly come true?

Book 3 in the Land Girls series.

Sunderland, 1943: As Christmas approaches in the shipyards, everyone is hoping for a little magic...Helen would love to find the courage to tell the dashing Dr Parker of her true feelings for him. But how can she when he clearly has eyes for someone else? More than a year has passed since Bel's wedding to sweetheart Joe. She knows she has much to feel thankful for and yet there is still one burning desire which she cannot ignore. And as Polly grows with child, she hopes against hope for a safe delivery - and that her husband Tommy can soon return from the front line to meet their new arrival. There will be storms to weather, but guided by their strength and friendship there is still hope for each of the shipyard girls that their Christmas wishes will come true.

Sunderland, 1942: Christmas is fast approaching, and with it comes a flurry of snow and surprises…

Against all odds, Polly's fiancé has finally returned home from the front line. If they can keep things on an even keel, she might get the winter wedding she's always dreamed of. Meanwhile shipyard manager Helen is determined to move on after a turbulent year. Her sights are set on breaking the yard's production record and no one, not even the handsome Dr Parker, is going to get in her way. And head welder Rosie's little sister Charlotte has turned up unannounced. Why is she back and so set on staying?

Sunderland, 1942: Polly's heart and her future are hanging in the balance... Polly's sweetheart Tommy has been declared missing while serving overseas, and although there is no certainty that he is dead, there is no guarantee that he will return home. Now Polly needs her friends more than ever, and the other women welders are ready to rally around her while she waits for news. The only one not showing support is shipyard manager, Helen. But looks can be deceiving, and beneath her cold exterior, Helen is wrestling with demons of her own, including one life-changing decision that could lead to potential ruin...

The darkest nights can hide the deadliest secrets . . . Driving home during a swirling blizzard, Vera Stanhope's only thought is to get there quickly. But with the snow driving down heavily, she becomes disorientated and loses her way, eventually stumbling on another car abandoned on the road. With the driver's door open, Vera assumes the driver has sought shelter but is shocked to find a young toddler strapped in the back seat.

Afraid they will freeze, Vera takes the child and drives on, arriving at Brockburn, a run-down stately home she immediately recognizes as the house her father Hector grew up in. Inside Brockburn a party is in full swing, with music and laughter to herald the coming Christmas. But outside in the snow, a young woman lies dead and Vera has a new case. Could she be the child's mother and, if she is, what happened to her?  Book 9 of series

The day that Hilary and David have been waiting for has finally arrived and the church bells ring out for the arrival of the bride. There's nothing like a wedding to bring the village together. Times are changing in Burracombe and as young and old embark on new adventures it's time to say goodbye. But with friends like these, a goodbye is rarely for ever, so instead we'll say a very fond farewell. Book 11 of series.

Margaret Krukowski is fatally stabbed. Why would anyone want to harm this reserved, elegant lady? Then, just days later, a second woman is murdered. Arriving at the scene, DI Vera Stanhope finds herself searching clues that keep revolving around one street. Why are the residents of Harbour Street so reluctant to speak?  Book 6 of series

Two brothers from the same criminal family die within hours of each other, five miles apart. Both victims have suffered horrific injuries. Who wanted them dead? Will they kill again? Investigating these brutal and bloody killings leads maverick cop, DCI Kate Daniels, to break some rules, putting her career, as well as her life, on the line.

It's 1941 and as the Second World War rages on, girls from all over the country are signing up to the Women's Land Army. Renowned for their camaraderie and spirit, it is these brave women who step in to take on the gruelling farm work from the men conscripted into the armed forces. When Yorkshire mill girl Una joins the cause, she wonders how she'll adapt to country life. Luckily she's quickly befriended by more experienced Land Girls Brenda and Grace. But as Christmas draws ever near, the girls' resolve is tested as scandals and secrets are revealed, lovers risk being torn apart, and even patriotic loyalties are called into question... With only a week to go until the festivities, can the strain of wartime still allow for the magic of Christmas?

Book 1 in the Land Girls series.

From birth, Polly Harper seems destined for tragedy. Raised by her loving grandparents on Paradise Farm she is unknowingly tangled in a web of secrecy regarding her parentage. Her grandparents send her to work in a dairy, where she becomes instantly drawn to the handsome Matt Dinsdale, propelling her into the depths of forbidden romance and dark family secrets.

This case was different from anything Vera had ever worked before. Two bodies, connected but not lying together. All the two victims have in common is a fascination with moths. As Vera is drawn into the claustrophobic world of this increasingly strange community, she realizes that there may be deadly secrets trapped here.  Book 7 of series.

'I hope this Christmas is better than last year's.'

Following a scandalous affair, wayward Emma Devaney is sent in disgrace from her home in Ireland to Ryhope, where she will live with her widowed aunt, Bessie Brogan, and help run her pub. Bessie is kind but firm, and at first Emma rebels against her lack of freedom. Struggling to fit in, she turns to the wrong person for comfort, and becomes pregnant.

Accepting she must embrace her new life for the sake of her baby, Emma pours her energy into making the pub thrive and helping heal the fractured relationship between Bessie and her daughters. She catches the attention of Robert, a gruff but sincere farmer, who means to win her heart.

As December approaches, thankful for the home and acceptance she's found, Emma is determined to bring not just her family, but the whole Ryhope community, together to celebrate - and to make one very special mother's Christmas dreams come true.

Rose has a promising future stretching out before her until a cruel twist of fate seizes it. Will she overcome her heartache as she tries to build a new life? Rose returns to the safe haven of Linwood colliery and her warm-hearted family. As she settles into life in the colliery rows, Rose makes an astounding discovery, and a long-lost family member appears who makes demands on them all... Will the rugged path ahead, full of challenges, lead her to a new 'happily ever after'?

When prison inmate and former police officer John Brace says he's willing to give up information about a long-dead wheeler dealer, Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope knows that she has to look into his claims. But in opening up this cold case, Vera's past collides dangerously with the present. Is she ready for what it will reveal?  Book 8 of series.

Sunderland, 1949. Ida Boulter makes the heart-wrenching decision to leave her five children behind as she escapes her husband and moves to London to start afresh with the love of her life. 1953, County Durham. Ida's children have since built a new life in the beautiful home of Cuthford Manor - looked after by their eldest sibling Angie and her husband. But their world is about to be rocked once again when their mother turns up out of the blue for the first time in eight years. She has come back bearing a secret she can no longer keep from her family. Will telling the truth cause more harm than good? Only their love for one another will carry them through the turbulent times ahead.

Sunderland, 1941 Gloria is smitten with her newly arrived bundle of joy, but baby Hopes first weeks are bittersweet. Hope's father is missing at sea and Gloria must lean on her girls for support. Meanwhile, head welder Rosie has turned her back on love to keep her double life secret. But her persistent beau is determined to uncover the truth and if he does, it could ruin her. Meanwhile, Bel and Joe fall in love. But it isn't long before a scandalous revelation threatens to pull them all apart. As the shipyard girls face their own battles, work and friendship give them the strength to carry on.

Sunderland, 1940, and the women go to the shipyards to do their bit for the war effort. Polly, Rosie and Gloria start off as strangers - but end up forging an unbreakable bond of friendship in the most difficult times.

1941: it takes strength to work on the docks, but the war demands all hands on deck and the women are doing their best to fill the gap. Join the shipyard girls Rosie, Gloria and Polly as they journey through the hardships of life, love and war.

THE ELEVENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES

Sunderland, 1944

As the promise of victory draws closer, this Christmas will surely be one to remember.

It should be a magical time for Dorothy, who has just been proposed to by her sweetheart Toby. But with each day that passes, Dorothy's feelings for someone else are growing stronger. Now she has an impossible choice to make.

Gloria is thrilled that her sweetheart Jack is finally home after more than two years away. But his past is continuing to catch up with them both - creating untold heartache for Gloria and everyone she holds dear.

Meanwhile Helen must contend with the fall-out of a shocking family secret that has repercussions for all the Shipyard Girls, while holding out hope for her own happy ending...

Can a little festive magic help them win the day?

Sunderland, 1941. With a brief break in air raids things are looking up for head welder Rosie, who has fallen head over heels for Detective Sergeant Miller. But how long can their romance last in such uncertain times? Life remains full of challenges for Gloria, who must face her abusive ex-husband and confront her own guilty conscience about baby Hope’s real father. Both women are determined that their love and faith will be enough to keep the most difficult of promises, but nothing is as simple as it seems…

December 1943. As the war effort gathers steam in Europe, it's all hands on deck on the home front. Gloria is over the moon to be reunited with her sweetheart Jack. But her sons Bobby and Gordon are away with the Navy and still know nothing of their mother's divorce and new half-sister. Rosie's squad of welders must work gruelling hours in the yard as they prepare for the Allied invasion of Normandy. All the while Rosie herself waits anxiously for news of her husband Peter, who is carrying out dangerous work as an undercover operative in France. Meanwhile welder Dorothy has a feeling that her beau Toby is planning to pop the question when he's next on leave. But it seems that her head is being turned by someone closer to home...It will take great strength and friendship if the shipyard girls are to weather the storms to come.

Orphaned young, Violet Wheeler has been brought up by her aunt - but after Winnie's death, she feels like she's lost everything. With no-one to turn to, she has to rely on the goodwill of the community to help her out.

At the Jubilee drapers, amongst the spools of ribbon, skeins of silk and latest thirties fashions, Violet finds a refuge. She's offered a chance to get back on her feet, and with that an unexpected chance to discover love. It's only when a forgotten piece of jewellery with a mysterious note surfaces that Violet is thrown back in to the past again, and starts to wonder what secrets there might be in her family's history.

As Violet becomes desperate to find answers about her mother and father, long-buried secrets threaten the stable life she's been building.

When nine-year-old Abby Kirby's family is ripped apart by a terrible tragedy, Abby takes her younger brother and runs away to the tough existence of the Border farming community. Years pass and when the Second World War breaks out, Abby volunteers as a QA nurse and is sent overseas. It is then that Abby realizes that whatever has gone before is nothing compared to what lies ahead . . .

January 1945. Spring is in the air. And so is victory...

Wedding bells are ringing at long last for Gloria and her soon-to-be husband Jack. But she can't rest until her youngest son is safely home.

Head welder Rosie is delighted her own husband has returned from enemy territory. But the promise of victory brings more change. Her squad has come so far - what will happen when the war ends?

Meanwhile Helen is caught between two men - but must hide her true feelings from the one she loves. Can her fellow women welders help Helen follow her heart?

Only by working together will the Shipyard Girls win the day.

Sunderland, 1943: With the future of Britain uncertain, the shipyard girls fight to keep their lives on an even keel. Head-welder Rosie is just about managing to keep her double life hidden from little sister Charlotte's prying eyes. But Charlotte senses something is up and, with a secret this big, the truth is bound to come out. After a whirlwind wedding, Polly must bid farewell to her sweetheart as he returns to the front line. And there is something odd about yard manager Helen's newest recruit Bel. But in resolving to uncover the truth, Helen might discover more than she bargained for…Only by rallying together will the shipyard girls triumph.

With the war showing no sign of abating, Helen is thriving in her role as shipyard manager. But at home the return of her father brings a shocking discovery that tears her family apart. Gloria is shouldering the burden of a terrible secret. If the truth comes out there could be dire consequences, and it will take all her resolve to resist the pressure around her. Meanwhile Rosie is throwing herself into her work, taking on as many shifts as she can. Anything to keep her mind off the fact that she hasn’t heard from her sweetheart in months....With life in the shipyards tougher than ever, will the strength of their friendship see them through to victory?

Summer 1942. Britain is in the depths of war and the Women's Land Army is hard at work looking after the farms while the men are away fighting. While patriotism, duty and a wonderful spirit of camaraderie sustain the Land Girls through tough times, it's no surprise that love is also often on their minds. For Yorkshire Land Girls and firm friends Grace, Brenda and Una, romance in wartime comes with a host of challenges. There's a wedding to plan, but married bliss is threatened when the time comes for the groom to enlist. With lovers parted, anxious women have no idea whether they'll see their men again. And while single girls dance and flirt, will they be able to find true love among the men who've stayed behind? With the uncertainty of the times hanging over them and danger ever closer to home - can love stand the test of war?

Book 2 in the Land Girls series.

County Durham, 1949. When Angie marries her sweetheart Quentin and moves into Cuthford Manor to begin their new life together, she feels like the luckiest woman in the world. But Quentin falls victim to a tragic accident and Angie's life is left devastated. Now, along with the prospect of rebuilding her life, she is faced with an impossible choice that will have far-reaching consequences for herself and those she loves most. Only with the help of her family, the community of Cuthford Manor and her old friends from the Shipyards, will Angie draw on the inner strength to find happiness again.