Meet the Boyd family and the empty nest–twenty-first-century style. Ben is, at last, leaving home. At twenty-two, he's the youngest of the family. His mother, Edie, an actress, is distraught. His father, Russell, a theatrical agent, is rather hoping to get his wife back. His brother, Matthew, is struggling in a relationship in which he achieves and earns less than his girlfriend. And his sister, Rosa, is wrestling with debt and the end of a turbulent love affair. With her characteristically perceptive observation and spot-on characterisation, Joanna Trollope explores the dilemmas that face both parents and children as they cope with finding new ways to live, both with and without each other.
In the gentle precinct of Aldminster Cathedral, crisis loomed. The urbane and worldly Dean (Purdey guns and the regular arrival of a delivery van from Berry Brothers) wanted nothing so much as to restore and beautify his beloved Cathedral--even if it meant sacrificing the Choir School to pay for it. Alexander Troy, Headmaster of the school, a conscientious man, somewhat out of his depth with his elusive and poetical wife (once seen walking barefoot in the dew across the Cathedral Close) was determined that nothing and no-one-certainly not the overbearing Dean-should destroy the Choir. As the rift widened into Machiavellian dimensions, many others found themselves caught in the schism--Leo Beckford, brilliant but wayward organist, repelling the adoration of the Dean's dreadful daughter--the gentle, left-wing Bishop, trying to soothe the angry protagonists--Sally Ashworth, mother of the leading chorister, fighting loneliness and an erring and absent husband. Each frail and human dilemma took its part in the greater turmoil of Chapter and Close and the final battle for the survival of the Choir.
Lose yourself in this absorbing and touching novel about change and the challenge to accept it from multi-million copy bestselling author Joanna Trollope. Beautifully written with exquisitely drawn characters and demonstrating a superb ability to understand people and relationships, it is perfect for readers of Elizabeth Noble, Erica James and Amanda Prowse. 'A beautifully drawn portrait of Cathedral life' -- Sunday Express 'A modern Barchester Chronicle' -- Sunday Telegraph 'Richly satisfying' -- Evening Standard 'Another wonderful book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Joanna Trollope never disappoints' -- ***** Reader review 'Another tour de force by Trollope' -- ***** Reader review 'One of those stories that stay with you' -- ***** Reader review *********************************************************************************** ONLY A MIRACLE CAN UNITE A CONGREGATION IN TURMOIL... In the gentle precinct of Aldminster Cathedral, crisis looms. The urbane and worldly Dean wants nothing so much as to restore and beautify his beloved Cathedral - even if it means sacrificing the Choir School to pay for it. Alexander Troy, Headmaster of the school, a conscientious man, is determined that nothing and no-one - certainly not the overbearing Dean - should destroy the Choir. As the rift widens to take on immense dimensions, many others find themselves caught in the schism - Leo Beckford, brilliant but wayward organist, repelling the adoration of the Dean's dreadful daughter; the gentle, left-wing Bishop, trying to soothe the angry protagonists; Sally Ashworth, mother of the leading chorister, fighting loneliness and an erring and absent husband... Each frail and human dilemma takes its part in the greater turmoil of Chapter and Close and the final battle for the survival of the Choir.
An emotional journey portraying the multiple frustrations, pressures and hidden agonies of four women. City of Friends is the number one bestselling novel from the highly acclaimed author, Joanna Trollope. The day Stacey Grant loses her job feels like the last day of her life. Or at least, the only life she'd ever known. For who was she if not a City high-flyer, Senior Partner at one of the top private equity firms in London? As Stacey starts to reconcile her old life with the new – one without professional achievements or meetings, but instead, long days at home with her dog and ailing mother, waiting for her successful husband to come home – she at least has The Girls to fall back on. Beth, Melissa and Gaby. The girls, now women, had been best friends from the early days of university right through their working lives, and for all the happiness and heartbreaks in between. But these career women all have personal problems of their own, and when Stacey's redundancy forces a betrayal to emerge that was supposed to remain secret, their long cherished friendships will be pushed to their limits . . . 'It's fiendishly well plotted and, with its glittering London settings, full of urban glamour' - Daily Mail
An Unsuitable Match, by number one bestselling author Joanna Trollope, is an uplifting story of love, family and second chances. 'Nobody writes about family tensions better than Joanna Trollope' – Good Housekeeping ‘Why on earth, after all you’ve been through, all you’ve survived, all you’ve achieved, why do you want to get married?’ Rose Woodrowe has just got engaged to Tyler Masson – a wonderful, sensitive man who is head-over-heels in love with her. The only problem? This isn’t the first time for either of them, and their five grown-up children have strong opinions on the matter . . . Who to listen to? Who to please? Rose and Tyler are determined to get it right this time, but in trying to make everyone happy, can they ever be happy themselves?
From Joanna Trollope, one of the most insightful chroniclers of family life writing fiction today, comes a contemporary retelling of Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen’s classic novel of love, money, and two very different sisters. John Dashwood promised his dying father that he would take care of his half sisters. But his wife, Fanny, has no desire to share their newly inherited estate. When she descends upon Norland Park, the three Dashwood girls—Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret—are faced with the realities of a cold world and the cruelties of life without their father, their home, or their money. With her sparkling wit, Joanna Trollope casts a clever, satirical eye on the tales of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Reimagining Sense and Sensibility in a fresh, modern new light, she spins the novel’s romance, bonnets, and betrothals into a wonderfully witty coming-of-age story about the stuff that really makes the world go around. For when it comes to money, some things never change....
Joanna Trollope's warm, insightful novel stars Eleanor, who invites two young mothers into her home from off the street, and slowly begins to connect with them and their friends. But when one of them meets a man, new questions are posed: can female friendships withstand the jealousies and intricacies of love? With wit and warmth Joanna Trollope opens a window onto six very different women's lives, their passions and their sorrows, and explores with insight and humanity the shifting currents of friendship.
Gillion is from the American South, but she is definitely not a Southern belle. An art historian by trade, she takes a job in London to escape from the demands of her wealthy, conventional, socially superior family in Charleston, South Carolina. Once in London she meets Tilly, a features editor, and her long-term boyfriend and wildlife photographer Henry, who is finding it hard to commit. Before long, Gillion inadvertently offers Henry an escape: the chance to travel to South Carolina and photograph its wildlife. Upon arriving, Henry is wholly seduced by the charms of Charleston, by Gillon's family, and by the old patrician way of life which presents itself. Neither Gillion nor Henry bargains on what they find there, nor the effect his departure will have on Tilly and the world he left behind.
A Richard & Judy Book Club Pick, Mum & Dad is a heartwarming family drama set in the vineyards of Spain. From the number one bestselling author of An Unsuitable Match, Joanna Trollope, and told with all her trademark wit and wisdom. 'Trollope’s bestselling novel brings elegance and warmth to a painfully familiar dilemma' – Daily Mail What happens when family roles are reversed and the children must look after mum and dad? It’s been twenty-five years since Gus and Monica left England to start a new life in Spain, building a wine business from the ground up. However, when Gus suffers a stroke and their idyllic Mediterranean life is thrown into upheaval, it’s left to their three grown-up children in London to step in . . . As the children descend on the vineyard, it becomes clear that each has their own idea of how best to handle their mum and dad, as well as the family business. But as long-simmering resentments rise to the surface and tensions reach breaking point, will the family finally fall apart? 'No-one dissects the intricacies of family relationships quite like Joanna Trollope' - Good Housekeeping
An elegant, wry, and superbly nuanced story about a woman with three sons—and three daughters in law—who must come to terms with the new configuration of her family. As Anthony and Rachel Brinkley welcome their third daughter-in-law to the family, they don’t quite realize the profound shift that is about to take place. For different reasons, the Brinkleys’ two previous daughters-in-law hadn’t been able to resist Rachel’s maternal control and Anthony’s gentle charm and had settled into their husbands’ family without rocking the boat. But Charlotte—very young, very beautiful, and spoiled—has no intention of falling into step with the Brinkleys and wants to establish her own household. Soon Rachel’s sons begin to think of their own houses as home and of their mother’s house as simply the place where their parents live—a necessary and inevitable shift of loyalties that threatens Rachel’s sense of herself, breaks Anthony’s heart, and causes unexpected consequences in all the marriages. Then a crisis brings these changes to the surface, and everyone has to learn what family love means all over again.
Joanna Trollope, one of the most beloved authors of domestic fiction, pens a witty, intelligent, and insightful story of modern family life. When Richie Rossiter, once a famous pianist, dies unexpectedly, Chrissie knows that she must now tell the truth to their three daughters: their parents were never married. Yet there is one more shock to come when Richie’s will is read. It seems he never forgot the wife and son he left behind years ago—Margaret, who lives a quiet life of routine and work, and Scott, who never knew his famous father. Now two families are left to confront their losses and each other, and none of them will ever be the same.
It’s hard enough when your parents split up … but what happens when other people’s children enter the picture? When a man and a woman get married, things can get complicated — and even more so when a man and a woman who are divorced get remarried. And when there are children from previous marriages, ‘complicated’ can become the understatement of the century. Other People’s Children concerns that expanding social unit: the stepfamily. It explores the myths, the truths, the ridiculousness, the tenderness and the difficulties of trying to simultaneously deal with present relationships, past relationships and, above all, other people’s children.
Nathalie and David have been good and dutiful children to their parents, and now, grown-up, with their own families, they are still close to one another. Brother and sister. Except that they aren't — brother and sister that is. They were both adopted when their loving parents found that they couldn't have children themselves, and up until now it's never mattered. But suddenly Nathalie discovers a deep need to trace her birth parents and is insisting that David makes the same journey. And through this, both learn one of the hardest lessons of all: that sometimes the answers to who we are and where we come from can be more difficult than the questions. By turns frustrating, humorous, and heartbreaking, Brother and Sister explores how the unforseen circumstances of life-altering decisions can upset the delicate balance of family life.
Gina and Laurence have been the best of friends since childhood—but they’ve never been in love. For marriage, they chose others: Fergus, who gave Gina a lovely daughter and a life of elegance and wealth; and Hilary, who helped Laurence build a cozy, successful hotel, and who counts Gina as one of her dearest friends as well. But when one of these marriages ends, the result is a shift that sends tremors through three generations and two families—as friends become lovers, lovers become enemies, enemies become allies…and another marriage hangs in the balance. Joanna Trollope is the sort of author who “makes her readers want to drop everything in order to keep on reading” (Publishers Weekly)—and The Best of Friends proves her consummate skill once again.
A hugely enjoyable book' The Sunday Times 'Profoundly satisfying [and] acutely querying... A perceptive chronicler of our times' Sunday Express 'Her novels, like family life itself, are built on the tensions between the illusions of permanence and the reality of charm' Observer -------------------------------- TWO LIVES INTERTWINED AND SEEMINGLY HARMONIOUS. ONE DECISION THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING. Lizzie and Frances are twins, together forming part of a unit. Or at least that's the way Lizzie sees things. Lizzie is the twin who has everything: husband, children, a flourishing career and a beautiful house. She worries about Frances, who seems to lead a solitary life in London, ricocheting from one disastrous man to the next. Lizzie just wants Frances to have a complete and satisfying life, just like hers. Then one day Frances announces she isn't coming to Lizzie's for Christmas as usual - she's going to Spain instead. Suddenly and equally unexpectedly, Lizzie's world begins to tilt. Frances's Christmas defection seems overwhelmingly threatening to their unity. As Frances's future begins to change into something exciting and Lizzie's deteriorates as financial pressures eat into her ideal lifestyle, long held assumptions are called into question. Which twin really is the one with everything? _____________________ What readers are saying: 'Beautifully written' 'Incredible' 'Couldn't put this book down 100% excellent
another masterful and insightful novel shining a light on the relationships of ordinary people and their ordinary lives from one of Britain’s best loved authors, Joanna Trollope
another masterful and insightful novel shining a light on the relationships of ordinary people and their ordinary lives from one of Britain’s best loved authors, Joanna Trollope
An elegant, witty and deeply perceptive book' Woman's Journal 'Bubbly, amusing, touching, and ultimately poignant' Sunday Express 'Demonstrates again how good Joanna Trollope is at describing village life and how sure is her touch' Evening Standard __________________________________ ONE ENCOUNTER AND LIFE IS NEVER THE SAME AGAIN... The Logans were an enchanting and admirable couple. Archie had snatched Liza from her own engagement party to someone else, wooed her, swept her off to his father in Scotland, and finally married her. Now bedded firmly into country life - three children, Archie the village doctor, Liza a teacher, everything comfortable, funny, affectionate - they awaited the arrival of Archie's father, the brilliant Sir Andrew Logan, a widower for over thirty years. When his city-clean Rover stopped in the drive, Sir Andrew was not alone. Beside him was a golden lady in caramel suede, a warm, witty, desirable widow whom everyone - except Archie - adored at once. Archie saw his father's mistress as the worm in the bud of his perfect life - a life that was to be wrenched apart before he and Liza could re-create their world. _______________________________ Readers love A Passionate Man: 'Captivating' 'Brilliant' 'Her writing is, for me, perfection' 'One of her best I think' 'I didn't want it to finish!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LOVE AND DUTY COLLIDE? DAN RILEY IS A MAJOR IN THE BRITISH ARMY. After a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, he is coming home to the wife and young daughters he adores. He’s up for promotion and his ex-Army grandfather and father couldn’t be prouder. The Rileys are united in support of Dan’s passion for his career. But are they really? His wife, Alexa, has been offered a good teaching job she can’t take because the Army may move the family at any time. Her daughter Isabel hates her boarding school—the only good educational option for Army families—and starts running away. And Dan spends all his time on the base, unable to break the strong bonds forged with his friends in battle. Soon everyone who knows the Rileys is trying to help them save their marriage, but it’s up to Alexa to decide if she can sacrifice her needs and those of her family to support Dan’s commitment to his work. With her trademark intelligence and grace, Joanna Trollope illuminates the complexities of modern life in this story of a family striving to balance duty and ambition.
Merrion Palmer was Judge Guy Stockdale’s mistress. His Honour’s ‘totty,’ as the Clerk to the Court so succinctly put it. Guy had been having an affair with her for seven years, and neither Laura, his wife of forty years, nor his two grown-up sons, knew anything about her. Guy and Merrion enjoyed a blissful, uncomplicated relationship in stolen moments in Merrion’s Bayswater flat, but to the rest of the world Guy seemed to be the model husband, father and grandfather. Now the time had come for Guy to move on. Conscious of the passing years, of the wasted opportunities, he didn’t want to keep Merrion a secret any more. He wanted to share her with his family, with the world. He wants, dammit, to marry her. And he is quite unprepared for the painful storm which follows.
The emotional tensions within the Taverner family over three generations, from the 1870's to the outbreak of the Second World War and from Crete to East Africa.
This special 2-for-1 collection features two classic Joanna Trollope novels: The Other Family and A Village Affair. The Other Family: Chrissie, in the twenty-three years she'd been together with Richie, had always believed that he loved her. He loved their three daughters and their house in Highgate and their happy, lively existence. But if she really was the love of his life, why had he never given her the one thing that would have made her life perfect? Then suddenly Richie is no longer there, and without him Chrissie's carefully constructed life is in jeopardy.The one big fact she had always tried to keep from her daughters threatens to overwhelm them all. For Richie had still been married to his first wife, the one with a son that he had abandoned in Newcastle. And now, with Richie gone and the practicalities of wills and money to be sorted out, it is finally time for the two families to face each other ... A Village Affair: The Grey House is the answer to everything in Alice Jordan's perfect life. It seems to be the ultimate achievement of her outwardly happy marriage – a loyal, if dull husband, three children, two cars and now the house. So why does she feel as if something crucial is missing? As Alice and her family settle themselves into village life the something missing becomes something huge and then breaks, scandalizing the village, opening up old wounds. But because of it, Alice begins to feel that there is hope and humour, understanding and compassion in the new life she must build for herself.
Two sisters could hardly be more different. Elinor Dashwood values patience and reliability, and hopes to become an architect. Her impulsive sister, Marianne, takes after their mother Belle and is fiery and creative. But when their father dies suddenly, the whole family finds itself forced out of Norland Park, their beloved home for many years. Without the comfort of their status, their values are severely put to the test. Can Elinor remain stoic and restrained, knowing that the man she really likes has already been ensnared by another woman? Will Marianne's faith in a once-in-a-lifetime love be shaken by meeting the hottest boy in the county? And in a world where social media and its opinions are the controlling forces at play, can love ever triumph over conventions and disapproval?
Chrissie knew that Richie had loved her for all the 23 years they'd been together, loved their three daughters & their house inHighgate. Richie gave her everything, except the one thing that would have made her life perfect - a wedding ring.
When James accidentally swerves into an elderly woman with his car, he is mortified. But for his girlfriend, Kate, it’s a wake-up call: What is she doing with this man, twenty-five years her senior, who forgets his glasses and knocks an old lady off her bike? James’s lifelong friend Hugh is faring little better with his seemingly perfect and significantly younger wife Julia. Once one of Britain’s most famous newsmen, Hugh sees his star fading—just as Julia’s is rising through a lucrative new TV career. Four people—the men and the girls—each struggle with discontent as two relationships teeter on the brink. Add to the mix one fiercely independent spinster named Miss Bachelor, and what transpires will alter all of their lives forever, as new relationships blossom, old insecurities surface, and homes and fortunes are turned upside down.
From the superb storyteller and quintessential women's fiction author Joanna Trollope comes a moving and wonderfully observed new novel about two families who must confront love and loss as an inheritance hangs in the balance. The trouble with dying is that you're not around anymore to explain what you meant to the people who love you… Richie Rossiter, a crooner and piano man still popular with his loyal fans, is anyone's idea of a lucky man. In his forties, he abandoned his first wife and son in Newcastle for a young woman who believed she could bring him stardom in the south. Not only does Chrissie rejuvenate his career, she gives him twenty-three years of happy domestic life and three lovely daughters. But then he dies suddenly, and at his funeral Chrissie and her daughters cross paths with Richie's other family for the very first time. And the uneasy truce that has held over the years between Richie's past and his present loves breaks down into open animosities, fanned by certain bequests he has made and certain secret loyalties he has kept. Grief, loss, jealousy and love rewrite the relationships of both families in ways Richie never could have imagined.
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