Rachel Wesson

With trembling hands, Caitlin's beloved grandmother presses a faded photograph into her palm. "I need answers before I die," she whispers. "Will you go to Ireland, and find out the truth?" Ninety-one-year-old Bridget has spent her life believing she was unwanted, abandoned as a baby by a mother who never loved her. Now, she has learned she had a brother she never knew existed--and the nuns lied about everything. Unable to deny her Grammy's emotional plea, Caitlin travels to the windswept Irish coast, a place of breathtaking beauty and painful history. There she begins to unearth Bridget's mother's story--a tale more heartbreaking than she could ever have imagined. A century earlier, Ellen McGrath walks a dangerous line as Ireland's turbulent fight for independence intensifies. When her best friend and brothers are drawn into the struggle, Ellen is forced to choose between protecting those she loves and preserving her own future--a choice that will tear her family apart. A heart-wrenching tale of betrayal, family secrets and the bonds that connect us across the decades by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Wesson. Set against the backdrop of the Irish War of Independence and delving into the dark history of the infamous Mother and Baby homes, this gripping dual-timeline novel is perfect for fans of Jean Grainger and Ellen Marie Wiseman.

Based on the incredible true story of two unsung heroines who defied the odds to save countless lives, this powerful novel reveals how acts of extraordinary courage by ordinary women saved so many in the countdown to WW2. Connie Fitzwalter never imagined that her passion for music would lead her into a world of danger and intrigue. When her old family friend, Stephen, who works for the foreign office, tells Connie the true scale of the violence against Jewish people in Germany and Austria, she can stand aside no longer. Together, Stephen and Connie devise a daring and perilous mission to help innocent families escape the clutches of Nazi persecution.Under their cover as music enthusiasts travelling to high-society concerts in Europe, Connie and her sister Dottie begin by smuggling money and valuables for desperate families over the border. Before long they're arranging safe passage for vulnerable children and escorting families to safety into England. As the sisters travel into the heart of Nazi Germany, defying the border guards, patrols and Gestapo agents takes every ounce of courage they have. Connie soon realises the enormity of the danger they face, and Stephen, whose support has begun to mean more to her than she ever thought possible, begs her to take care. One misstep, one whisper of suspicion, and they could lose everything-their freedom, their futures, and even each other.A Song of Courage is a testament to the unbreakable bond of sisterhood and the strength of the human spirit. Fans of When We Were Brave, The Alice Network and Beneath a Scarlet Sky will be changed forever by this unputdownable story.Based on the real-life story of the Mills & Boon novelist Mary Burchell/Ida Cook and her sister Louise Cook.Readers are utterly gripped by Rachel Wesson's WW2 historical novels: "One of my favourite authors... she can make you feel like you've stepped back in time." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Oh my goodness me, what a story, I've cried buckets. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did " Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Absolutely beautiful story The story took hold of my heart. The characters came to life and I could feel the pain, sorrow and ultimate joy of the children." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Hands down the best book I've read all year... I found myself holding my breath... Please read this book... you won't be sorry." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I enjoyed this powerful story so much It shows how some people shine with heroism through the war while others so easily succumb to darkness. A beautiful book." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Heartwarming, excellent story. I absolutely loved this book and didn't want it to end... enthralling from the first page to the last." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"So many twists, turns and heartbreaks. Leaves you wanting more." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Rachel Wesson can write a story like no other." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Germany, 1942: "Trudi," Ada pleaded. "How will we survive? Our rations aren't enough to keep one person alive let alone two." Trudi took her friend's hands in hers. "We'll stick together. We made a promise to our children, remember?"Her heart torn in two after sending her children away on the Kindertransport, Trudi Beck stays behind in Berlin, devastated, to face the dangers of war alone. But living in the shadows is desperately hard, and survival takes every ounce of courage and ingenuity. Unable to bear the persecution of her people, Trudi begins to fight back against the oppression and brutality of the Nazi regime, determined to save as many lives as possible. Despite everything she refuses to give up hope, and, in the darkest days of the war, she finds solace in a fellow resistant, Jakob, who lights a fire in her and helps to mend her broken heart.In England, Trudi's stepson, Harry, is finding his own way to right the wrongs done to their family. He joins the Allies -- enduring prejudice and discrimination as a German national - risking everything, including his own life, in his quest for revenge.As the war draws to a close, Trudi's resistance group is close to achieving their goals. But just when it seems like victory is within reach, Trudi is arrested. Her captors know everything - and intend to make her pay. Her dream of seeing her baby daughter again seems impossible now. Can she keep the promise she made, after all?Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Choice, and The Girl With No Name will be swept away by this gripping story of the power of a mother's love and the will to survive against all the odds. Readers are utterly gripped by Rachel Wesson's WW2 historical novels: "Omg, I just loved this book, could not put it down. The storyline is great - you get so involved with the characters you could be there." Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "One of my favourite authors... Rachel Wesson can make you feel like you've stepped back in time." Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An emotional and excellent read... brought on tears and many other emotions." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"This was such a powerful read I enjoyed every second of it. Wesson is an exceptional storyteller I highly recommend this beautiful book." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Hands down the best book I've read all year... I found myself holding my breath... Please read this book... you won't be sorry." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Rachel Wesson is a heartbreaker. If you're the kind of reader who measures how good a book is by the pile of tissues around you afterwards, well... get on it, then." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"A true storyteller." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I enjoyed this powerful story so much It shows how some people shine with heroism through the war while others so easily succumb to darkness." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Great storyline that has so many twists, turns and heartbreaks. Leaves you wanting more." Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Paris, 1940: As the German soldiers march down the Champs- lys es, the B langer twins know there is no escape - their lives are about to change forever. But while Sophie, a third-year medical student, works long days and nights saving casualties of war at the American hospital, and waits anxiously for news of her fianc from the front line, her recently widowed twin, Ad le, is determined to enjoy her freedom. Nothing - not the bombs, the curfews or the Nazi officers sidling up to her in nightclubs - can stop her from indulging in the temptations of Parisian society as she accompanies their father to glamorous parties. But rumours are flying through the streets of occupied Paris about their father's murky business interests, and soon Sophie learns the shocking truth of what's really happening to their Jewish friends and neighbours.And then tragedy strikes: their beloved brother is arrested for his involvement in the resistance. Devastated and unable to save him, the family is torn apart - and the girls' lives are changed forever.Broken-hearted, the sisters must each find their own way to fight back. As they too are drawn to the resistance, will Sophie learn to break the rules - risking her own life to save as many innocent children as she can? And Ad le faces her toughest challenge yet when she's recruited as a special agent for the British. Can she overcome her stubborn nature and use her charms to avenge her brother's death?One false step and the twins could lose everything they're fighting for - and each other.A heartbreaking page-turner based on real-life events, this is a devastating story of lives torn apart by war - and of finding the courage to do what is right, even at the darkest of times. Fans of Kate Quinn, Shari J. Ryan and Siobhan Curham will be captivated by this unforgettable historical novel.Readers totally love Darkness Falls: "Hands down the best book I've read all year... I found myself holding my breath... Please read this book... you won't be sorry. I'm on to the next book in this series." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I enjoyed this powerful story so much One family, so many emotions. It shows how some people shine with heroism through the war while others so easily succumb to darkness. I highly recommend this beautiful book and I look forward to reading the second one in the series." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Omg, I just loved this book, could not put it down. The storyline is great - you get so involved with the characters you could be there. On to the next one " Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"An excellent, well written and researched read; heartwrenching and suspenseful." Sandy's Book Talk, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Great storyline that has so many twists, turns and heartbreaks. Leaves you wanting more. Glad there's a second book." Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"With a lot of research and beautifully written Rachel Wesson has given us a book hard to put down once you start reading it... making you long for the next book in the series." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I highly recommend this beautiful book and I look forward to reading the second one in the series." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

France, 1942: With Europe struggling under German occupation, Sophie B langer, grieving the deaths of her brother, fianc and friends, is no longer prepared to stand on the sidelines. Risking everything, she becomes increasingly involved in helping to save those on the run - even though that means persuading Jewish parents to hand over their children, in the desperate hope of saving their lives. When she is forced to flee to the non-occupied zone, her medical skills take her to the French camp of Rivesaltes, where she cares for the injured and unwell - until one day her luck runs out.Meanwhile her twin, Ad le, has shed her socialite pretensions and completed her special agent training, and is poised to begin her first mission. Ready to set France ablaze, she parachutes into occupied territory and begins work drilling maquisards in guerrilla warfare, determined to thwart the Nazis at every turn - whatever the cost - and avenge the death of her beloved brother.Soon both sisters are fighting for their survival - unsure if they'll live to see each other again. Will the twins' secret be their undoing?An epic, awe-inspiring and heartbreaking story of courage against all the odds which will have you on the edge of your seat. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and The Dressmaker's Gift won't be able to put this captivating book down.Readers are totally gripped by Light Rises: "Amazing. A truly inspiring story... I cried while I was reading it for all those brave people who fought to bring the war to an end." Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"It was as riveting as the first book as these sisters fight against all odds, heartbreak and treachery." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Rachel Wesson is one of my favourite authors. I've read all of her books and loved them all but she really outdid herself with this series The characters became so dear to me that my heart was in my throat more than a few times while reading If you like historical fiction, then this is a series that you will LOVE " Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Absolutely loved these stories I have read many WW2 books and I consider these two among the very best The characters were so real and wonderful, both books made me laugh at times and cry at what these brave souls suffered from the invading military and their own country men and women." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"The writing again was superb, the knowledge of the period and attention to detail superb... An amazing book to read and one not to be missed." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Extremely emotional and an excellent read." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"There was so much I loved about this book. The storyline. The attention to historical accuracy. The authentic details. But most of all the characters and how from the first book through to this, the second, they deepened and developed into strong feminine protagonists... I couldn't put this book down." Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With a broken heart, she sinks to the ground. Tears run down her face as the truth hits her. "You can't do this. She's my daughter, my flesh and blood. I'll never stop looking for her. Never. No matter what you say or do, I'll find her." Galway, Ireland. 1941: While war rages across the world, Kate struggles on her family farm by the wild Atlantic Ocean. Living off rations and looking after her sick father, she doesn't dare dream of falling in love. But when she meets American airman, Tony, whose blue eyes are as stormy as the sea, her life collides with the war in ways she never imagined... They fall madly in love, stealing kisses in the rolling fields, and Tony vows to make her his wife. Their time is cut short when Tony leaves for war, promising to come back for her. Only then does Kate learn she is carrying his child--but when her family find out, she is shunned and banished to a Magdalen Laundry. Imprisoned in the home for unmarried mothers, where the windows are covered in barbed wire, the girls survive on scraps and sleep in a crammed dormitory. Kate writes to Tony to tell him about their child, but she never hears back... Is he even still alive? And when she gives birth to baby Eva, Kate's worst nightmare comes true: her precious child is sold to a stranger. But she made a promise to her darling daughter, and she'll never stop looking for her. Can Kate escape, save her child and reunite her family before it's too late? A heartbreaking, tear-jerking and completely unputdownable World War Two page-turner about the power of a mother's love, and the devastating effects of the war. Fans of Before We Were Yours, Orphan Train and Diney Costeloe will be utterly glued to this unforgettable novel. Readers love Stolen from Her Mother: "Captivated right from the very start and gripped me in its pages until the very end. I couldn't put it down and read it in a few hours... It is so well written with great character development and a storyline that is intensely raw and deals with real situations and issues in a really sensitive way... I was brought to tears... I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. This is a truly heart-wrenching and emotionally destroying read. I loved it, I cannot wait to reread it." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If I could give this book 10 stars, I would gladly do it. A beautiful story, tear jerking, breathlessly heartbreaking." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Dear moms While the tears in my eyes are drying up, I am writing this letter to all women, especially to moms, because I want to recommend you a wonderful book about a young girl Kate. It is not just a love story or fiction book, it's a great work of art... After reading the book you will never be the same ... My heart was torn to pieces... Brilliant... I am sure that you will love this amazing book as I did." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A heartbreaking, tear-jerking and completely unputdownable World War Two page-turner. Sheer escapism, beautifully written, I will now look for more of this author's work." NetGalley reviewer

Fans of Before We Were Yours will adore this USA Today bestselling historical novel: A heartbreaking yet hopeful tale about a brave young woman who gives up everything to help unloved children--and shows that a little bit of kindness can go a long way. Never in a million years did Lauren Greenwood think she would be destitute and without a penny to her name. But when her father mercilessly disowns her in the depths of winter, that is her fate. Now homeless, Lauren finds America in the devastating grip of the Great Depression--children run wild in the icy streets, endless queues for soup kitchens line frosty sidewalks, and desperation hangs in the air. All alone in the world, Lauren finds an orphanage in the sprawling fields of the Virginia countryside, surrounded by snow-topped mountains and magnificent fir trees--a safe haven for those who have nowhere to go. But she is appalled to find children living in shocking conditions, huddled together for warmth, their hunger keeping them awake at night as the temperature plunges. The home for unloved orphans is on the brink of closure and the helpless innocents may lose the roof over their heads... Lauren, heartbroken by the rejection of her own father, vows to provide these poor orphans with the love she never received. With Christmas just around the corner, she refuses to see them cast out onto the street, where they will not survive. When she sees an advertisement in the local newspaper, with an anonymous benefactor donating money to families crippled by the Depression, it could be the answer to her prayers. Can Lauren save these children who have been rejected by the world? Or in a time of so much suffering, is there simply no hope?

Virginia, 1934: In the middle of the night, he crept through the bushes, thankful for the darkness, for the clouds covering the stars. Tenderly, he opened his bag, lifting the small bundle out. With tears in his eyes, he held her tight, not wanting to let her go. But he had no choice--it was the only way. "This is your new home, little one. You'll be safe here." Distant rumblings of conflict in Europe have reached even the secluded, snow-dusted mountains of Virginia, where Lauren Greenwood faces a battle of her own. The Great Depression is crippling America, leaving millions of its victims without shoes on their feet and clothes on their backs. Hope House--the orphanage Lauren runs--is suffering more than ever. The one thing Lauren is not short of is love. But with just a handful of dollars to her name, every day is a struggle to feed the orphans and keep a roof over their heads. Yet she refuses to give up. When a baby is left on the porch, Lauren welcomes her with open arms. The abandoned new-born, Maisie, is left with a crumpled letter--her parents begging Lauren to look after the girl and promising to return for her one day. Lauren refuses to allow another child to fall prey to the Depression, and vows to provide little Maisie with the love and protection of a mother. But when the debt collectors come calling, threatening to shut down the orphanage, Lauren runs out of hope. Any day now the children could be thrown onto the frozen streets, where survival is impossible. With tragedy just around the corner, how can she ever reunite Maisie with her parents? And if she doesn't manage to save the orphans, how will she live with herself? A totally heartbreaking tale with a beautiful and hopeful message--when all else fails, love can save the day. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan Train and Diney Costeloe will be swept away by this emotional and totally gripping historical page-turner. Readers totally love Rachel Wesson's Hope House series: "Love love love this book I laughed, I cried and it really touched me." NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Tissues I cried... A masterpiece of truth Eye-opening I would give this book more stars if I could I'd definitely recommend this book to everyone " Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I loved each and every minute... Heartwrenching... Reminiscent of Of Mice and Men as well as The Colour Purple, JoJo Moyes' The Giver of Stars with a dash of Kathryn Stockett's The Help... Like a warm hug on a winter's day... An emotional rollercoaster." Rachel M Writes, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A tearjerker. I sobbed... I KNEW it would be heartbreaking just from the title... But it was worth all the sobbing. I need the second book in the series pronto." Privat, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I'm speechless, how do I even do this book justice? You need to read this... I laughed and smiled and sobbed... This is a must-read." Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Virginia, 1933: Her heart broke as she took in the scene before her. There were too many orphans and not enough beds. The rags they wore barely covered them and they hadn't eaten in days. How could anyone let innocent children live like this? She picked up a tiny girl who'd cried as she moved past her cot. "I'll be back soon, little one."Never in a million years did Lauren Greenwood think she would be destitute and without a penny to her name. But when her father mercilessly disowns her in the depths of winter, that is her fate. Now homeless, Lauren finds America in the devastating grip of the Great Depression--children run wild in the icy streets, endless queues for soup kitchens line frosty sidewalks, and desperation hangs in the air.All alone in the world, Lauren finds an orphanage in the sprawling fields of the Virginia countryside, surrounded by snow-topped mountains and magnificent fir trees--a safe haven for those who have nowhere to go. But she is appalled to find children living in shocking conditions, huddled together for warmth, their hunger keeping them awake at night as the temperature plunges. The home for unloved orphans is on the brink of closure and the helpless innocents may lose the roof over their heads...Lauren, heartbroken by the rejection of her own father, vows to provide these poor orphans with the love she never received. With Christmas just around the corner, she refuses to see them cast out onto the street, where they will not survive. When she sees an advertisement in the local newspaper, with an anonymous benefactor donating money to families crippled by the Depression, it could be the answer to her prayers.Can Lauren save these children who have been rejected by the world? Or in a time of so much suffering, is there simply no hope?A heartbreaking yet hopeful tale about a brave young woman who gives up everything to help unloved children who have nothing. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan Train and Diney Costeloe will adore this poignant historical novel, which shows that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.