JUNE FRANCIS
Author
Saga Novels
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Hers to Have and to Hold
How much does she truly know about her husband?
Eliza Jones and her husband Bryn had a whirlwind romance and married shortly after meeting, but he was soon sent off to fight. In the midst of a Blitz attack on Liverpool, which leaves Eliza with amnesia, she gives birth to their baby son, Alfie. Still struggling with the aftermath of the birth, Eliza is distraught when Alfie is kidnapped from the nursery.
As the search for Alfie progresses and the community bands together around Eliza, she is left with more questions than answers. Who would take her baby, and why? And does she have any hope of being reunited with her baby? When her search for answers leads her back to Bryn’s family, Eliza must ask herself how well she really knew the man she married.
A gripping saga set in wartime and post-war Liverpool, perfect for fans of Pam Howes and Katie Flynn.
A Daughter's Choice
Seventeen year old Katie is about to discover a devastating family secret...
Katie is the apple of her mother’s eye and is being groomed to take over the family business. But when Celia, her natural mother, re-enters her life, her world is turned completely upside down.
Tormented by her divided loyalties, Katie is plagued by a question Celia refuses to answer – who is her real father?
(Note: Originally published as Somebody Else's Girl)
Step by Step
Will their friendship survive against all odds?
In the early 1900s two girls see each other through good times and bad. But can their friendship endure when an dreadful act of violence sees their families turn against one another?
Hannah Kirk and Alice Moran have been friends since childhood. Growing up in the back streets of Chester, they support each other through hard times. But when Alice’s mother dies in childbirth, the girls both must take on great burdens.
Alice’s violent father attacks Hannah’s mother and the friends are separated when Alice is forced to flee with her father while Hannah cares for her bedridden mother and the rest of the family. As Hannah struggles to cope and suffers awful mistreatment at the hands of her devious older brother, she questions whether Alice is her friend – or the cause of all her troubles. Will Hannah and Alice reconcile, or are the wrongs of the past impossible to make right?
A Dream to Share
Her sister paid a terrible price. Can she avoid the same fate?
A quest for revenge leads a young woman to a new friend, but also puts her in grave danger. Can love triumph over evil?
Chester, 1907. Emma Griffiths’ sister took her own life when she became pregnant out of wedlock to a man who refused to take responsibility. Now Emma is out to avenge her sister’s death.
Emma leaves her job as a maid, no longer willing to put up with unwanted attention from her employer. As poverty threatens to engulf her, she meets another young servant, Alice, who is struggling to escape her own unhappy past. Emma and Alice become close and it soon becomes apparent that the two girls’ lives may be linked in more ways than one. Just as she finds love Emma’s newfound happiness is threatened when she realises that she may not be the only one seeking revenge…
Sunshine and Showers
Now the war is over, is happiness within their reach?
Two women are given opportunities for a positive future, but must choose between following their heads or their hearts.
Patsy Doyle is glad of her new job as a live-in maid in for David Tanner and his wife, but the constant rows between the spouses make it difficult to settle. Patsy becomes an unwilling confidante – and keeper of more secrets than she'd care to know.
Joy Kirk is busy planning her wedding. Since her first love was killed in the Great War, she has accepted that she'd never fall in love again. Now, having spent many years working as Robbie Bennett's housekeeper, she finally accepts his proposal of marriage. She soon realises she has let herself in for more than she bargained for.
Both Joy and Patsy will face unexpected fortunes. But will they ultimately find happiness?
Tilly's Story
Can she leave her troubles behind to find true happiness?
In the aftermath of the Great War, many are searching for a new life. But has Tilly missed her only chance for love?
Since the end of the First World War, the residents of Victoria Crescent have been slowly rebuilding their lives. For Tilly Moran, this means living under the watchful eye of her elder sister, Alice, while waiting to come of age. Unable to bear the restrictions placed upon her, Tilly flees to Liverpool for a fresh start.
As Tilly enters a new line of work she meets many interesting characters, and is charmed by Leonard Parker, a shipping entrepreneur. But when Tilly becomes involved in an investigation for a private detective agency she discovers that some of her new associates aren’t what they seem. Can Tilly’s dreams of love and independence come true, or will her luck run out?
When the Clouds Go Rolling By
The secrets of the past can never be forgotten
An orphaned young woman is overjoyed to find a family she never knew existed, but has to come to terms with their troubled history.
Since her parents died Clara O’Toole has lived with her grandmother, Bernie. When Bernie seeks an audience with a medium in the hope of reaching her son, Clara discovers her links to the Bennett family in Chester, and clues to the whereabouts of Bernie’s long-lost daughter.
Meanwhile, Alice Bennett is relieved to learn that her husband, Seb, is alive. However, her joy is short lived when she discovers the extent of his injuries. The family struggle to come to terms with Seb’s damaged body, and mind. As Clara spends more time with her newfound relatives, she finds hope for the future. But she has no idea that the family she is so glad to be part of are going to place her in grave danger…
Many a Tear Has To Fall
Will a new romance only lead to more heartbreak?
With her modelling career in tatters and her long-term relationship with her sailor boyfriend at an end, Maggie Gregory returns to her family in Liverpool to decide what to do with the rest of her life.
A chance encounter with a handsome stranger offers the possibility of new romance, but is the man who calls himself Tim Murphy really all he seems, and what secrets has he been keeping from Maggie?
An engaging saga of love and family, perfect for fans of Pam Howes and Kitty Neale.
For Better, For Worse
With war on the horizon, can she find peace?
Grace and Dougie have been courting for years, so when Dougie decides to emigrate to Australia he expects Grace to follow once she turns twenty-one. Grace used to be besotted with the handsome man, but she is increasingly worried by his bullying behaviour and gambling. On her way home from seeing Dougie off at the docks, Grace is nearly run down by a truck driven by widower Ben, who is on his way to the hospital to see his young son.
Soon, Grace has agreed to look after Ben’s child while he recovers from his accident. As they spend time together Ben struggles to ignore his growing feelings for Grace. But Dougie is determined not to let Grace go and when war breaks out he returns to England. With her old flame to contend with, never mind the relentless German bombers, will ever Grace find peace and love?
From Liverpool’s much-loved saga novelist comes a tale of love and heartache in wartime, which fans of Kitty Neale and Katie Flynn will love.
Where There's a Will
When a daughter has no home can she ever hope to find happiness?
Despite being part of the large O’Donnell family Milly has felt alone in the world since her father went missing in the Irish Civil War. Now, ten years later she is forced to flee her home and journey to Liverpool seeking a better future for herself. There she is taken in by distant relatives and eventually reunited with her paternal grandmother.
As Milly tries to build a new life she is haunted by her father’s mysterious disappearance. Her new friends strive to help her find answers, but meanwhile Milly’s mother seeks to remarry on the assumption that her husband is dead. Milly is caught up in the fallout when her grandmother learns of this plan, and the need to find her father is greater than ever. If she doesn’t, her hard-won security risks being ruined once more…
From Liverpool’s much-loved saga novelist comes a tale of family strife and hidden lives, which fans of Kitty Neale and Katie Flynn will love.
Shadows of the Past
A tragic death brings good fortune to an orphaned child – but at what cost?
Liverpool, 1928. Fifteen-year-old Annie Anderson was adopted by Sylvia and Hugh after the death of their own daughter. Annie is told that her own mother died in childbirth and her father died before she was born.
A chance encounter introduces Annie to local lad Andrew Fraser. Their friendship blossoms, but once Annie’s adoptive parents learn of it they forbid her from seeing him. When Annie asks why, it sets her on a path to discover more about her origins – but will what she learns bring heartache or joy?
Don’t miss this rich and vivid saga by one of Liverpool’s best-known novelists, perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Katie Flynn.
Look for the Silver Lining
No one is spared from the heartache of war
As the Blitz destroys lives in Liverpool, three sisters are forced to make difficult choices to protect themselves and those they love.
When Nellie Callaghan marries her love in secret, it causes a rift in the family. But when the bombs drop on Liverpool grievances must be put aside as the people of the city are brought to despair. Nellie’s mother is killed and her sister Lottie is injured, while her other sister Babs runs away to join the WLA. It falls to Nellie to care for the family.
Despite the suffering that the war brings, it is trouble on the homefront that leads to further hardship for each of the sisters. Before the war is over, each of the Callaghans will have faced heartbreak and sacrifice. But amongst the sadness they will find some joy, and never giving up hope for a brighter future.
The Heart Will Lead
A captivating Liverpool saga of love and friendship, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Catherine Cookson.
When Rita Taylor is foisted upon her reluctant aunt, Margaret Sinclair, neither are happy. Rita didn’t even know she had an aunt, while Margaret is convinced her wayward niece will be nothing but trouble.
Despite their differences the pair become unlikely allies in life and love, especially when Rita reintroduces Margaret to her long lost childhood sweetheart, William Brodie.
As Liverpool slips into the Great Depression, Rita’s relationship with the Brodie family flourishes and secrets from Margaret’s past emerge. But will hardship and heartbreak get in the way of this blossoming friendship?
Originally published as ‘The Pawnbroker’s Niece’, The Heart Will Lead is a captivating saga perfect for fans of Pam Howes, Dilly Court and Lyn Andrews.
War Widow
Will she get another chance at happiness?
Flora Cooke is struggling to raise her children alone amidst the ruins of war-torn Liverpool. With her husband, Tom, away fighting in the Second World War, she has only her unreliable sister to help her and she has almost given up hope. She is completely devastated when Tom is reported missing, presumed dead.
As the months pass and she struggles to come to terms with her loss, Flora is swept off her feet by a handsome American soldier. But he cannot offer the stability that Flora and her family desperately need. And when another terrible tragedy strikes the family, Flora must decide what is really important…
Mersey Girl
Happiness always comes at a cost...
Having grown up in a convent after the death of her mother, Lizzie Knight has never known what it’s like to have a real family. So when a strange woman turns up with promises of a new life in Liverpool, she is thrilled.
Warm-hearted and kind, Phyl is everything she wants in a stepmother. But then Lizzie falls in love with the one man who should have been out of bounds. Should she follow her heart and risk losing it all?
From the author of A Sister’s Duty and Lily’s War
Walking Back to Happiness
Should she listen to her friends, or dare to hope for happiness?
Lucia Brookes had once dreamed of meeting a man who would love, cherish and provide for her. Now, left to care for her five younger siblings alone, she has lost hope – because what man would want to take her on with all her responsibilities?
Everything changes when Tim Murphy enters the Liverpool coffee bar where Lucia works looking for a room to rent, and Lucia can’t help being charmed by the lovable rogue. Ignoring the warnings from her family and friends, she accepts Tim’s offer of a date. But has Tim really changed his ways… and will his shady past catch up with him?
A thrilling saga of forbidden love and following your heart, perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews and Katie Flynn.
It's Now or Never
Some secrets can’t stay buried forever…
In 1942, two young women, Dorothy Wilson and Lynne Donegan, give birth in a home for unwed mothers. Thirteen years later, Dorothy is offered her first major role in a feature film and it becomes clear that she and her boyfriend Sam have different ideas for their future together. Meanwhile, Lynne, having lost her childhood sweetheart in the war, is a struggling dressmaker bringing up her daughter on her own.
Though their lives have taken different paths, Dorothy and Lynne are brought back together in ways that neither could have predicted, and the secrets both women are keeping from their loved ones threaten to burst into the open and change the two women’s lives forever.
A gripping saga of heartbreak and family drama, perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews and Katie Flynn.
Love Letters in the Sand
She must decide whether to follow her head or her heart
Irene Miller can’t help falling for her friend Peggy’s handsome older brother, Marty. But Marty is trapped in an unhappy marriage and nothing can come of it. Meanwhile, Peggy is desperate to marry her long-term boyfriend Pete. But Peggy’s staunchly Catholic parents would never accept a Protestant son-in-law, and she decides the only way to resolve her issues is to escape to a place where nobody can find her.
With no job, no family to stay for and no hope of a future with Marty, an unexpected job offer from America offers Irene a lifeline. But it would mean never seeing Marty again. Will Irene and Peggy solve their problems by running away – or should they follow their hearts back home to Liverpool?
An inspirational tale of love and friendship, perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Lyn Andrews
A Mother's Duty
A family at war...
Raising three boys and running the Arcadia Hotel almost single-handed are enough to keep widow Kitty Ryan busy. She has no time for romance – unless it’s in the form of a rare evening out at the local picture house.
Then along comes John Mcleod, bringing with him a second chance at happiness. However, Kitty finds her sons unwilling to accept another man into their household.
Unless she can reunite her menfolk, the future looks set to be that of a family in conflict, in a world on the eve of war...
Memories Are Made of This
Is she prepared for the answers she might find?
Jeanette Walker’s mother disappeared without a trace during a wartime bombing raid and for twelve years she has been left to wonder what happened to her. Was she killed outright, or did she choose to leave?
Determined to find out the truth, Jean embarks on a mission to discover what really happened to her mother, but she is not prepared for the web of family secrets and lies that her investigation uncovers. Will she find any answers? And will they be the ones she was hoping for?
It Had to Be You
A letter will change everything she thought she knew about her life...
Orphaned as a young child, Emma Booth was raised by her grandparents in a Lancashire village. Following her grandfather's sudden death, Emma assumes she is now without family, until she finds a letter written in 1940 from a woman to her widowed father. The letter reveals that before his death at Dunkirk, her father had fathered another child, and that Emma has a half-sister, Betty Booth.
Determined to find Betty, Emma is drawn away from the countryside to the austere city life of post-war Liverpool. But building a relationship with Betty isn't easy, and Emma has to overcome dogged obstruction from Betty's aunt, Elsie, to be a part of her sister's life. Despite the challenges, the sisters discover common ground and get along well, until a secret threatens to disrupt their newfound relationship and life together.
A Place to Call Home
A tale of loss and the healing power of love
After suffering the loss of her family, the last thing Greta Peters needs is to discover a young man has broken into her home, and is rifling through her possessions.
But there is more to Alexander Armstrong than meets the eye. When it becomes clear his intentions are pure, she is determined to help him on his quest. But will the looming threat of the Second World War ruin everything... or will Greta finally find love?
Someone to Trust
Plucky Lucy Linden supports her widowed mother and younger brother, selling firewood and toffee apples on the streets of Liverpool.
Her uncanny ability to be in the right place at the wrong time gets her noticed by a young policeman, Rob Jones. At first he is amused by her exploits, but upon learning how tough life is for Lucy, he decides to keep a watchful eye on her - much to her annoyance.
When Lucy's bad-tempered uncle, with a tendency to lash out, returns from the war with some alarming connections to the IRA, her attitude to Rob changes dramatically…
Another Man's Child
It is 1909 and Molly May, her husband lost-at-sea and presumed dead, has escaped from her cruel in-laws in Liverpool to Burscough Bridge, where she gives birth.
Widower Nathan Collins employs her as wet nurse to his daughter Jessica, who she tragically finds dead in her cot. When Molly’s own daughter is mistaken for Jessica, she cannot bring herself to tell the truth.
As her relationship with Nathan deepens, his scheming mother Dorothy wastes no opportunity to remind Molly of her lowly position. Can Molly win Nathan who, due to her lies, is raising another’s child as his own?
For the Sake of the Children
Rosie, a recently orphaned young girl, is reluctantly taken in by her mother's estranged sister, Amelia. Rosie is determined to hold her family together and keep her younger siblings with her at all costs, but how many sacrifices will be demanded for the sake of the children?
Going Home to Liverpool
After her mother died, Lizzie was sent to a convent boarding school. One day she is summoned by the Mother Superior, to find a woman waiting for her, who turns out to be her stepmother. When tragedy strikes they become closer, until Lizzie falls for a man who should have been out of bounds.
Lily's War
Torn between duty to her family and a last chance at love...
Busy bringing up her motherless brothers and sisters, romance is the last thing on Lily Thorpe’s mind. But when the handsome preacher Matt Gibson asks Lily to return with him to Australia as his wife, she finds it very hard to say no.
But with rumours of war on the horizon, will she have to choose between her head and her heart?
Friends and Lovers
Faced with hurtful memories, can she learn to forgive?
Vivien's mother, Hilda had always been the black sheep of the family: the only person to have a child out of wedlock; the first person in the family to shake the dust of Liverpool off her feet and emigrate to America; the very last person Vivien had expected to see again.
But then, quite suddenly, her scandalous mother returns to stir up painful memories and barely suppressed resentment. In her quest to discover who her father is, Vivien finds she and her mother have more in common than she expected.
Flowers on the Mersey
A twist of fate will force her to start anew...
When Adam Rhoades tires of the political climate in Ireland and decides to leave for America, his daughter Rebekah's future happiness is threatened. For Rebekah, against her father's wishes, has fallen in love with handsome young Republican, Daniel O'Neill. Then Daniel, too, is forced to flee from his homeland and joins Rebekah on an ocean liner headed for New York. In the enclosed shipboard society, their love is impossible to hide. But Rebekah is left alone in Liverpool, isolated and vulnerable. Until, that is, the day she rediscovers the happiness she thought had been lost to her forever.
A Sparrow Doesn't Fall
A nostalgic glance back at the dramas of war and the hardships of the first years of peace. A young army wife is struggling to raise two children in bombed-out Liverpool. Her husband is reported missing, presumed dead, and she is saddled with her departed sister's illegitimate daughter.
A Sister's Duty
She will do what it takes, for the sake of the children…
Rosie Kilshaw is only fifteen when her mother Violet is killed in a tragic accident, but as the oldest of her siblings, she vows to keep her family together, no matter what the sacrifice.
But as distant family members begin to resurface into their lives, Rosie quickly realizes that there is a lot more to parenting than she first thought. And when her estranged aunt Amelia decides to take them in, she will have a difficult choice to make…
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