Kirjahaku

A heart-warming memoir about life as a nursery nurse and nanny in the 1960s, for fans of Call the Midwife. In 1961, sixteen year-old Pam Weaver began her training as a nursery nurse. Drawn to this profession by her caring nature and a desire to earn her own living, Pam had no idea of the road she was about to start down. At the government-run nursery, she found early mornings, endless floors to scrub, overbearing matrons, heartbreaking stories of abandonment, true friends and life lessons that would stay with her for decades. Bath Times and Nursery Rhymes is Pam’s memoir about her time in state nurseries and as a Hyde Park private nanny. It will recount the highs and lows of that time with engaging and uplifting honesty.

Previously published as ‘For Better For Worse’ A dramatic read from Sunday Times bestseller, Pam Weaver, filled with bigamy, scandal and friendships which bring hope in the darkness. The perfect read for fans of Katie Flynn and Maureen Lee. July 1948. As Britain recovers from WWII, Annie Royal is looking to the future. Recently married to Henry, and with a baby on the way, she and her new husband are happily settled in the seaside town of Worthing. But a knock at the door brings Annie’s world crashing down. On her doorstep stands Sarah and her two young children. As they talk, Sarah reveals that she is Henry’s wife – and she has been searching for him since he walked out on their family a year ago. Struggling to believe what she’s hearing, Annie is forced to accept the truth when Henry is arrested for bigamy. Alone, with no one to support her, and with the baby due to arrive imminently, Annie must look to the most unlikely of places to find support in her darkest hour…

Previously published as ‘There’s Always Tomorrow’. A dramatic read from Sunday Times bestseller, Pam Weaver, filled with family, scandal and friendships that bring hope in the darkness. The perfect read for fans of Katie Flynn and Maureen Lee. When Dottie’s husband Reg receives a mysterious letter through the post, Dottie has no idea this letter will change her life forever. Traumatised by his experiences fighting in World War II, Reg isn’t the same man that Dottie remembers when he is demobbed and returns home to their cottage in Worthing. Once caring and considerate, Reg has become violent and cruel. Dottie just wants her marriage to work but nothing she does seems to work. The letter informs Reg that he is the father of a child born out of a dalliance during the war. The child has been orphaned and sole care of the young girl has now fallen to him. He seems delighted but Dottie struggles with the idea of bringing up another woman’s child, especially as she and Reg are further away than ever from having one of their own. However, when eight-year-old Patsy arrives a whole can of worms is opened and it becomes clear that Reg has been very economical with the truth. But can Dottie get to the bottom of the things before Reg goes too far?

Can love find a way to overcome hate? When Frankie’s mother dies, she is sent to live with her Aunt Bet in Worthing, Sussex. Life on their farm is happy – for a while. But when World War Two breaks out, Frankie must help her country by signing up to the women’s branch of the British Army. Soon, she meets Romare, an American doctor who has come to the UK after facing terrible racism at home. But trouble is stirring in Britain too, and it falls to Frankie to try to protect him. Can love triumph over a history of hate? Or will Frankie and Romare’s love pay the ultimate sacrifice? A moving, thought-provoking story, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Maureen Lee.

‘A beautiful, heart-warming yet sometimes heart-wrenching book… Beautiful… I was left with a smile on my face’ Goodreads reviewer, ????? Can a second chance heal their broken family? Since their mother walked out on them as children, Izzie’s taken responsibility for her younger sister, Linda. And when their father’s temper flares up, Izzie knows the girls are better off on their own. But when a handsome Italian chef moves to Worthing and offers Izzie a job in his cafe, she is forced to choose between her responsibilities and her desires. Then her mother resurfaces, and Izzie discovers there’s more to her abandonment than meets the eye. Will Izzie be able to come to terms with the past in order to pursue the future she deserves? A gripping and emotional family drama from the Sunday Times bestselling author, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Rosie Clarke. Readers love At Home by the Sea: ‘Such a remarkable book from start to finish… It will touch your heart… Loved it’ Goodreads reviewer,????? ‘I couldn't put it down it was so captivating’ Goodreads reviewer,????? ‘Family saga at its best. Such lovely story lines and you actually feel like you are in the book’ NetGalley reviewer,????? ‘A warm story about love, betrayal, family… I loved the ending. It was incredible!’ NetGalley reviewer,????? ‘Loved this book, I couldn’t put it down’ NetGalley reviewer,????? ‘Lovely book, couldn't stop reading it… There are lots of secrets in this story which keep the reader gripped til the very end… Would definitely recommend’ NetGalley reviewer,????? ‘I was hooked from the first page… Read it for yourself and experience this brilliant book’ NetGalley reviewer,?????

‘Spellbinding. Once you start reading you don’t want to put it down. It is emotional and your heart will go out to these children… I loved it. I couldn’t put it down’ NetGalley review ????? The USA Today Bestseller Two sisters. One secret. A daring wartime journey… Desperate to escape their stepfather’s house, sisters Amy and Lillian stow away aboard a train full of children being evacuated from London and the threat of Hitler’s bombs. Arriving in the seaside town of Worthing, they are taken in by kindly Norah and her husband Jim. With their future now entrusted to strangers, can the girls finally find a safe harbour in these dark days of war? And will they find the strength to confront what they have been running from, when their past finally catches up with them? An absolutely heartbreaking and uplifting wartime story of courage, sisterhood and the power of love. Perfect for fans of Shirley Dickson, Glynis Peters and Lisa Wingate. Don’t miss the next chapter of the sisters’ story, The Lost Orphan, available to pre-order now! Readers love The Runaway Orphans: ‘Read this book in ONE sitting… Heartbreak, love… A story to lift your heart. Wonderful’ NetGalley review ????? ‘Impossible to put down… Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at the same time’ NetGalley review ????? ‘A very emotional book and had me in tears… Excellent 5*’ NetGalley review ????? ‘So emotional that will touch your heart… A wonderful atmospheric journey and I enjoyed every single chapter ’ NetGalley review ????? ‘Gripping and emotional… Once I started it, I didn't want to put it down and read it in two sittings’ NetGalley review ????? ‘Oh this book had me on the edge of my seat so many times! I was rooting for those poor girls’ NetGalley review ????? ‘Wow… Loved all the characters… I enjoyed it so much I finished it within 24hrs. Would highly recommend’ NetGalley review ????? ‘What a beautiful book. I couldn't stop reading until the last page’ NetGalley review ????? ‘I loved this… Gripping and emotional. Once I started it, I didn't want to put it down and read it in two sittings’ NetGalley review ?????

Three sisters torn apart by war. Can fighting for peace bring them together again? December 1941: Evacuated from the threat of German bombs, sisters Amelie and Mireille have grown up under the storm clouds of war. Now they have joined the fight against Hitler, with Amelie training as a nurse to save wounded soldiers, and Mireille enlisted to help the Air Force wage war in the skies over Europe. But as each sister fights for peace, they are still haunted by the memory of their missing sister who was snatched away from them at the beginning of the war. As Mireille is recruited for a special forces role behind enemy lines in France, she puts her life on the line for the Allies. But could she also finally have a chance of reuniting her sisters, once the war is over? A heart-breaking tale of the bond between sisters and the courage of women in wartime. Perfect for fans of Shirley Dickson, Glynis Peters and Pam Jenoff. Readers adore The Lost Orphan: ‘I quite literally could not put it down! My heart was in my mouth, both with Mireille in France, and Amelie and her vile partner back home. I was so caught up in all the emotion and sobbed at the end.’ Reader Review ????? ‘I enjoyed The Lost Orphan and read it in a day! The characters are brave sisters with a troubled past who are doing their 'bit' in the British war effort. The author has a wonderful sense of plot and place and the story moves right along.’ Reader Review ????? ‘An emotional rollercoaster … Great characters and pacy storylines make this a compelling read.’ Reader Review ????? ‘The sisters have amazing personalities with their strength and determination shining through. As I read of their encounters they felt like old friends who I couldn’t wait to meet with again. This has been an absolutely brilliant novel that I was unable to put down and when I reached the last page I had tears in my eyes.’ Reader Review ????? ‘Full of twists and turns … Now I have a book hangover and don't know what to follow this with!’ Reader Review ????? ‘It is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The characters are so real, I felt as if I knew them and would have felt right at home stepping into Jim and Norah’s kitchen. Pam Weaver is a great storyteller.’ Reader Review ?????

From the USA Today Bestseller Can a secret sister help her find her way? Worthing, 1931 Raised in the grandeur of Muntham Court, young Millicent has always felt like the black sheep of her family. Between a vindictive mother and a conceited older sister, her only ally is her doting father, Charles. Brought up in the traveller community and always on the move, Lena’s life has never been settled, but it has always been happy thanks to the support of her loving mother. When it is revealed that Lena is Charles’s illegitimate daughter, Milly finally has a chance at true sisterhood. Thrust into a world of fairgrounds and new friends, her excitement is short-lived when she realises her mother must never know. Six year later, when both girls lose their father suddenly, they need each other more than ever as they forge their own path in the world. But Milly is harbouring a secret from Lena that risks losing her forever… Can they help each other face their futures, or will old lies tear them apart? A gripping and emotional drama from the Sunday Times bestselling author, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Katie Flynn. Readers adore Pam Weaver: ‘Such a remarkable book from start to finish… It will touch your heart… Loved it’ Reader review ????? ‘Full of twists and turns … Now I have a book hangover and don't know what to follow this with!’ Reader Review ????? ‘I couldn't put it down it was so captivating’ Reader review ????? ‘Family saga at its best. Such lovely story lines and you actually feel like you are in the book’ Reader review ????? ‘It is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The characters are so real, I felt as if I knew them. Pam Weaver is a great storyteller.’ Reader Review ????? ‘A warm story about love, betrayal, family… I loved the ending. It was incredible!’ Reader review ????? ‘Loved this book, I couldn’t put it down’ Reader review ????? ‘Lovely book, couldn't stop reading it… There are lots of secrets in this story which keep the reader gripped til the very end… Would definitely recommend’ Reader review ????? ‘I was hooked from the first page… Read it for yourself and experience this brilliant book’ Reader review ?????

With a song in your heart, soldier on...Sing Them Home is a gripping wartime saga from bestselling author Pam Weaver1943. A German aircraft crashes into a house in Worthing, and causes complete devastation to the local community. Three strangers meet for the first time that day – Pip, Stella and Lillian. Lillian's little girl Flora has been hurt in the crash and is rushed to hospital. As she comes through her ordeal, she finds her mother and her two new ‘aunties’ by her bedside. The three new friends quickly bond over shared experiences; all their husbands are overseas in the fighting forces. They also have the same love of singing and soon form The Sussex Sisters, Worthing’s answer to the Andrews Sisters, to boost morale in in dance halls and canteens all over the south coast.When D-Day finally arrives, it’s the promise of a brighter future they have all been longing for. But the men that return home are altogether different from the husbands they waved off. How will they respond to their wives’ new-found fame? How will the women live alongside these distant, damaged men? With secrets, revelations and surprises on the horizon, the friends will need each other more than ever.

Come Rain or Shine is an uplifting story of true friendship in the aftermath of World War Two, by Sunday Times bestseller Pam Weaver.1946. The war is over, but a bereft Sheila Hodges is left parentless and alone in London. With nowhere else to go, she heads to Worthing to reconnect with her grandmother and cousin Veronica, known as Ronnie. Ronnie and Sheila are given the opportunity to run their grandfather’s business, a local garage. Ronnie’s ne’er-do-well brother Leslie is furious – as the man of the family, he believes the business is rightfully his. But their grandmother is adamant that Leslie is not to be trusted. After serving in the ATS in the war, Sheila is a trained mechanic, while Ronnie discovers she has a talent for numbers and a shrewd business head. Despite the garage’s derelict state, the girls are determined to turn it into a prospering business. Bright and lively, the girls quickly make themselves at home in the welcoming community, a source of comfort after the horrors of war. But when the girls stumble across a shocking family secret, they will have to depend on each other to uncover the truth . . .

Jenny starts her training as a nanny, but does she have what it takes – and will her family survive without her?It is 1962 and 17-year-old Jenny is finally able to train for her dream job as a nanny. The residential training is tough – Matron takes no prisoners but Jenny bonds with her two roommates, Bernice and Rita, and loves helping the children.If only her family life could be so happy – her brother, Maurice, is a wrong'un and seems to have some hold over her father, and Jenny has never got over the sudden disappearance of her mother.Finally, Jenny gets her first nanny job, heading for the bright lights of London at the dawn of the Swinging Sixties. Suddenly she is thrust into the lifestyle of the rich at a household in the affluent West End, working for a family whose busy lifestyle means that their child is neglected.Can Jenny heal their family - and her own?

Will the bright lights of London turn out to be all they promised?It is 1964 and fun-loving Rita has her dream job, working as a nanny for a huge popstar and his family.At first it seems great fun. The house is always full of glamorous people and parties, but soon she begins to worry for the children, who are neglected and crave stability.As if this wasn't enough to contend with, her employer, Cameron Knight, is spending a lot of time in the nursery – and not for the children.Can she keep herself and her charges safe in this chaotic household?An emotional, uplifting saga set in the vibrant Swinging Sixties, perfect for fans of Ginny Bell and Jean Fullerton.

When Dottie's husband Reg receives a mysterious letter through the post, Dottie has no idea that this letter will change her life forever.

When Bonnie runs away from home she leaves her mother Grace and sister Rita heartbroken. Each of their lives are in turmoil but their love for each other will see them through the most troubled of times. Worthing, 1947 Widowed Grace Roberts comes home from her factory job one day to find that her eldest daughter Bonnie has run away to London. Utterly distraught she has no choice but to carry on with her life, struggling to make ends meet for her and youngest daughter Rita. Her boss, Norris Finley is a powerful and calculating man. He promises to assist Grace, but his help will come at a hefty price… Pregnant Bonnie arrives in London eager to be reunited with George so they can begin their new life together. But while she waits anxiously on the platform at Victoria station, he never turns up. Unable to return home as she can’t bear the thought of bringing shame to her family, she is left to fend for herself and her unborn baby. Disturbed by the apparent relationship between her mother and Norris, Rita flees home and meets Emilio who she marries. Yet Emilio is guarding a deep secret and when Rita uncovers the truth, she is left heartbroken. Caught in the very worst of times and separated from one another, can the strong bond of family love eventually bring Grace, Bonnie and Rita back together again?

Connie and Eva are best friends but their families are the worst of enemies… During the VE Day celebrations, two women meet completely by chance. As Connie and Eva talk they discover they are from feuding families, the Maxwells and the Dixons. But when they both begin nurses’ training, they can’t deny their natural bond of friendship and become more like sisters. Their lives intertwine as Connie starts courting Eva’s brother, Roger, a bomb disposal expert. In her heart, Connie holds a torch for local artist and freespirit Eugene, but a dark memory from her past makes her wary of trusting any man. The two women are determined to uncover the secrets that have plagued them and kept the two families at war for so long. But can their friendship survive the shocking truth? A moving family drama for fans of Maureen Lee and Katie Flynn.