Exploring the journey of single parenthood by choice, this touching picture book reflects the diverse ways families are formed today. It provides a light-hearted introduction to the process of IVF, helping young readers understand how babies are made. Emphasizing that love is the core of family, it offers a reassuring message for those who have dreamed of parenthood despite challenges.
"Mary Owen is forced to seek work to support her elderly aunt. Catching the eye of Will, a young waiter at Letts restaurant, she strikes it lucky: Will is desperate to meet her acquaintance and persuades the head chef to take Mary on in the kitchen. It is not only Will who takes an interest in Mary. After spending two years in the trenches, Henry Lett has taken on the running of the family's famous London restaurant since his father got sick. Henry is intrigued by Mary's mysterious beauty and promoted her to an office job. But before he can make a move, his younger brother enters the scene. Charming, irresponsible Geoffrey, with film-star looks and money to burn, seems to have everything a girl on the brink of womanhood could desire."--Publisher
She must fight to save her family from ruin.Julia Longfield has a comfortable life. She lives on the fringes of the East End, in a prosperous and middle-class neighbourhood with her family, and is looking forward to the announcement of her engagement to Chester Morrison. But when Julia's father dies suddenly, the family are left in poverty and Julia is jilted by her fiance. It falls to Julia to look after her mother and younger siblings and find them new lodgings. Ambitious and determined to fight for her family, Julia seizes upon an opportunity when she meets Simon Layzell, the owner of a shop selling dress fabric. Together, they decide to go into business and a new partnership is formed, giving Julia the chance at a better future. An uplifting and engaging saga set in 1920s London, perfect for fans of Rosie Harris and Katie Flynn.
She has the chance for a new life, but will she take it? When their mother dies of pneumonia, Ellie and her younger sister Dora are left alone in the world. Their hard-drinking, womanizing father has abandoned them, and they cannot afford the rent on their East End tenement alone. Ellie is proud but she cannot turn down an offer of help from Doctor Lowe , a kindly man who sees Ellie as the replacement for his own recently deceased daughter. Though Doctor Lowe's motives are misguided, his kindness offers Ellie and Dora an opportunity to escape the poverty of their background and make something of themselves. But will Ellie risk her chance at a new life for revenge on her father? An enthralling Victorian saga of family and female independence, perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Val Wood.
"Cast out by her family, she must find a new path... Madeleine Wyndham returns home from her Swiss finishing school to a whirlwind of social engagements and parties and to Hamilton Bramwell, the wealthy young man her parents are determined she will marry. But Madeleine's eye is caught by a young milkman, Freddy, and she dreams of running away with him. However, when she finds herself pregnant, Freddy refuses to marry her and Madeleine is forced to leave by her family. Madeleine arrives in London, friendless and homeless until a chance meeting offers her hope for the future. Madeleine is faced with a tough decision to make, one which will change her life forever."--Provided by publisher
Can this East End girl find a better life? Born in a tenement on the Isle of Dogs, Jessie has higher hopes for her future. When she manages to land a job at the Telephone Exchange, her earnings allow her to join the choir at the People's Palace. There, she catches the eye of the charming James Medway who sweeps her off her feet. But married life isn't a bed of roses, and when Jessie falls pregnant it quickly becomes clear that James is far from the doting husband she'd hoped for. Can Jessie find a way to stay strong for her baby? A heart-warming and gripping East End Saga, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Maggie Hope.
From rags to riches...?Since her father's death, Emma Beech has supported her family by selling paper flowers to the theatre crowds in the West End. Previously known as the Great Theodore on the London stage, Barrington turns Emma's head with tales of his former glory.
Forced to choose between her family and her heart, Nora decides to marry the man she loves - even if it means losing her sister.When the First World War breaks out, Nora must fight to hold her family together through the challenges and tragedies to come.