Showing results by narrator "Lauren Irwin" in All Categories

This incredible debut historical novel—in the tradition of Beatriz Williams and Jennifer Robson—tells the fascinating story of a young mother who flees her home on the rocky cliffs of Cornwall and the daughter who finds her way back, seeking answers. Cornwall, 1940. Back in England after the...

In her father’s household Althea Ervine was used to having the running of things - until her father disowned her (again) and Althea fled to her sister’s home in London. For the first time in her life Althea gave herself up to the gaiety of a purely social life, to the theatre and parties and the admiration of young men. The most ardent of these young men was Edward Pendarly, and Althea thought she could like him very much. But the infuriating, fascinating Sir Tracy Calendar hinted that Edward’s intentions were not all they should be. But why did Sir Tracy care, and for that matter, what were Sir Tracy’s intentions?

England, 1524: In Cambridge, the College of the Young Princes brings together all manner of people - with all manner of secrets. Among them is Bryony, an illiterate laundress and a stranger to the town, who lives in constant fear that her unusual upbringing and lack of friends will leave her vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft.

When Matthew Hobson, a scholar at the college, is found murdered and wrapped in linen that Bryony lost, she immediately becomes a suspect. But she is not the only one. Luke Hobson, a taciturn local tradesman who has sacrificed much for his charismatic but selfish brother, also has a motive for the murder.

Sara felt she had turned her life around by marrying Edward. But their relationship comes under strain as they struggle to fulfill their dream of becoming parents. Yet when their best friends' daughter suddenly disappears and her husband begins to act suspiciously, Sara feels her world is collapsing around her. Someone's not telling the truth and Sara is determined to find out who and why. However, tracing the movements of those she suspects brings her closer to home than is comfortable.

An epic tragicomedy spanning three generations, Ugly explores the horrifying and hilarious truths of man's inhumanity to woman, delivered with unforgettable characters and indelible dark humor in the grand tradition of John Irving.