Recommendations based on "Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken"

‘A fierce, big-hearted novel.’ Joe Treasure, author of The Book of Air‘Sensitive, affecting’ Francesca Rhydderch, author of The Rice Paper Diaries'A deeply felt novel' Tim Finch,author of The House of Jounalists2nd March 1975In Asmara, Eritrea, Yonas Kelati is born into a world of turmoil. At the same time, on the same day, Jude Munroe takes her first breath in London, England.Thirty Years LaterBlacklisted in his war-ravaged country, Yonas has no option but to flee his home. After a terrible journey, he arrives on a bleak English coast.By a twist of fate, Yonas’ asylum case lands on Jude’s desk. Opening the file, she finds a patchwork of witness statements from those who met Yonas along his journey: a lifetime the same length of hers, reduced to a few scraps of paper.Soon, Jude will stand up in court and tell Yonas’ story. How she tells it will change his life forever.Fearless, uplifting and compelling, The Invisible Crowd is a powerful debut novel about loyalty, kindness – and the brief moments which define our lives.

“A beautiful book. . . . There are phrases in here that will make you laugh out loud, and others that will stop your heart. A definite triumph.” — David Rakoff, author of Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish From Heather O'Neill, the Giller-shortlisted author of Daydreams of Angels and The Girl Who Was Saturday Night, a heartbreaking and wholly original novel about a young girl fighting to preserve a bruised innocence on the feral streets of a big city Baby, all of thirteen years old, is lost in the gangly, coltish moment between childhood and the strange pulls and temptations of the adult world. Her mother is dead; her father Jules is always on the lookout for his next score. Baby knows that “chocolate milk” is Jules’ slang for heroin and sees a lot more of that in her house than the real article. But she takes vivid delight in the scrappy bits of happiness and beauty that find their way to her, and moves through the threat of the streets as if she’s been choreographed in a dance. Soon, though, a hazard emerges that is bigger than even her hard-won survival skills can handle. Alphonse, the local pimp, has his eye on her for his new girl; he wants her body and soul—and what the johns don’t take he covets for himself. At the same time, a tender and naively passionate friendship unfolds with a boy from her class at school, who has no notion of the dark claims on her—which even her father, lost on the nod, cannot totally ignore. Jules consigns her to a stint in juvie hall, and for the moment this perceived betrayal preserves Baby from terrible harm—but after that, her salvation has to be her own invention. Channeling the artlessly affecting voice of her thirteen-year-old heroine with extraordinary accuracy and power, O’Neill’s dazzles with a novel of extraordinary prescience and power, a subtly understated yet searingly effective story of a young life on the streets—and the strength, wits, and luck necessary for survival.

From the author of the international bestseller The Hidden Child comes a spellbinding story of impossible love set against the backdrop of the Nazi regime, perfect for fans of The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See.She must choose between loyalty to her country or a love that could be her destruction…As the dutiful daughter of a high-ranking Nazi officer, Hetty Heinrich is keen to play her part in the glorious new Thousand Year Reich. But she never imagines that all she believes and knows will come into stark conflict when she encounters Walter, a Jewish friend from the past, who stirs dangerous feelings in her. Confused and conflicted, Hetty doesn’t know whom she can trust and where she can turn to, especially when she discovers that someone has been watching her.Realizing she is taking a huge risk—but unable to resist the intense attraction she has for Walter—she embarks on a secret love affair with him. But as the rising tide of anti-Semitism threatens to engulf them, Hetty and Walter will be forced to take extreme measures.Will the steady march of dark forces destroy Hetty’s universe—or can love ultimately triumph…?Propulsive, deeply affecting, and inspired by the author’s family history, Daughter of the Reich is a mesmerizing page-turner filled with vivid characters, a meticulously researched portrait of Nazi Germany, and a reminder that the past must never be forgotten.

“In The Third Daughter, Talia Carner ably illuminates a little-known piece of history: the sex trafficking of young women from Russia to South America in the late 19th century. Thoroughly researched and vividly rendered, this is an important and unforgettable story of exploitation and empowerment that will leave you both shaken and inspired.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris The turn of the 20th century finds fourteen-year-old Batya in the Russian countryside, fleeing with her family endless pogroms. Desperate, her father leaps at the opportunity to marry Batya to a worldly, wealthy stranger who can guarantee his daughter an easy life and passage to America. Feeling like a princess in a fairytale, Batya leaves her old life behind as she is whisked away to a new world. But soon she discovers that she’s entered a waking nightmare. Her new “husband” does indeed bring her to America: Buenos Aires, a vibrant, growing city in which prostitution is not only legal but deeply embedded in the culture. And now Batya is one of thousands of women tricked and sold into a brothel. As the years pass, Batya forms deep bonds with her “sisters” in the house as well as some men who are both kind and cruel. Through it all, she holds onto one dream: to bring her family to America, where they will be safe from the anti-Semitism that plagues Russia. Just as Batya is becoming a known tango dancer,  she gets an unexpected but dangerous opportunity—to help bring down the criminal network that has enslaved so many young women and has been instrumental in developing Buenos Aires into   a major metropolis. A powerful story of finding courage in the face of danger, and hope in the face of despair, The Third Daughter brings to life a dark period of Jewish history and gives a voice to victims whose truth deserves to finally be told.

Bestselling historical fiction author Molly Green is back with her most engrossing, heartfelt World War Two saga yet! Preorder The Wartime Librarian's Secret now! In the midst of war, she knew her place was not at home... The most ambitious of three sisters, Lorraine 'Raine' Linfoot always dreamed of becoming a pilot. As a spirited seventeen-year-old, she persuades her hero Doug Williams to teach her to fly.When war breaks out in 1939, Raine is determined to put her skills to good use. She enlists in the Air Transport Auxiliary, becoming one of a handful of brave female pilots flying fighter planes to the men on the front line.Raine embraces the challenges of the job, despite its perils. But when Doug is reported missing after his Spitfire is shot down, she realises the war could tear apart not only her country, but also her heart... A gripping story of family, friendship and courage, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas, Nancy Revell and Call the Midwife. Praise for A Sister's Courage 'Meticulously researched and brings into focus the sterling work of the women of the ATA ... An engrossing story, with a strong, likeable female protagonist facing issues we still face today.' Historical Novel Society Magazine'Molly Green has a special talent. I've read every book she's written - every one has transported me.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ' Awesome read. I enjoyed every chapter.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The author balances factual information, the characters' personal stories and the background war story very well... A highly recommended read.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'An easy, entertaining read' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gwen’s war is over, but her greatest battle is about to begin. ‘An engaging story of secrets, sacrifice and the persistence of love’ Sunday Times ‘An enticing slant on wartime life’ Mandy Robotham May, 1945. When bells ring out for Victory in Europe, young wife and mother Gwen wonders if her world is about to change. Six years ago, she married Jack – not out of love, but to keep a secret. On their wedding night, hoping to atone for events in his past, Jack promised he would leave for the war the following day and never return. But Jack is coming home, unable to keep the promise he so faithfully made, and full of hope that he may at last win a place in Gwen’s life and her heart. As events of the past return to haunt them, threatening all they hold dear, Jack and Gwen find themselves facing their greatest battle yet. To win, they will have to stand together and fight as one. In this sweeping historical story with huge heart, Anita Frank weaves a glorious tale of love and loss, secrets and promises. Fans of The Things We Cannot Say and The Keeper of Happy Endings will love this utterly heart-breaking novel. Praise for After the War: ‘A truly wonderful novel, so beautifully written and with an engrossing plot’ Jill Mansell ‘Draws you in with a deeply held secret so that just when you think it should all be over, it’s really just beginning – an enticing slant on wartime life’ Mandy Robotham ‘Set during WWII, Anita Frank weaves a beautiful and poignant love story that tugged at my heartstrings’ Jenny Quintana ‘An engrossing story of loss, betrayal and love on the farming home front during WWII’ Carolyn Kirby ‘Beautiful, atmospheric writing and masterful storytelling’ Jenny Ashcroft ‘A more modern take on Far from the Madding Crowd’ Historical Novel Society, Editor’s Pick ‘Utterly gripping. It wrapped me in its spell from the first page to the last’ Iona Grey ‘A love poem to a lost agricultural way of life’ Caroline Scott ‘A beautiful tale of love, loss and survival’ Fíona Scarlett

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women's fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins. They say life can change in an instant…  After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.'s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she's looking for a missing piece she can't find?  The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie. On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn't quite fit in right away, she can't help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.  As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there's another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn't a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she's searched so long for.      

An unforgettable, heart-wrenching story tying together past and present, from the bestselling author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris Avignon, France, 1941. Brave, beautiful Mathilde is helping her cousin sabotage a railway line when he's killed and she's arrested by the Gestapo. With the help of her friends in the Resistance, she manages to escape from custody, and stumbles upon an abandoned vineyard where she takes refuge.But Mathilde soon stumbles upon a monumental secret in the vineyard, and as the local Vichy official starts to pay too much attention, she must do everything she can to make sure the vineyard, and her new family, stay safe... Present Day. Juliette's relationship with her husband is already struggling, just a short time after their wedding. So when the couple have the opportunity to leave their home in Paris and travel south to investigate the story of Mathilde's war years for themselves comes along, Juliette jumps at the opportunity. A break from Paris is just when they needed - but the things they uncover might just be what breaks their marriage once and for all. A heart-wrenching, beautiful tale of love, loss and the realities of war, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris. Readers love Daisy Wood!'Oh my!!! This is one of those books you just can't put down or stop thinking about. A must read.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'One of my favourite reads of the year. The two timelines are seamlessly [woven] together... I loved it!' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A truly wonderful read that you will not want to put down!' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book had me mesmerised from beginning to end. Highly recommended.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A heck of a good story filled with hope, and heartbreaking at the same time. Brilliantly written!' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Such a stunning read! Five stars.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

National Bestseller A Historical Novels Review Editors' Choice * A Jewish Book Award Finalist "An absolutely fascinating, beautifully rendered story of love, loss, and heroism in the dark days leading up to World War II. . . . A glowing portrait of women rising up against impossible odds to save children." --Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Great Alone and The Nightingale The New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Exiles conjures her best novel yet, a pre-World War II-era story with the emotional resonance of Orphan Train and All the Light We Cannot See, centering on the Kindertransports that carried thousands of children out of Nazi-occupied Europe--and one brave woman who helped them escape to safety. In 1936, the Nazi are little more than loud, brutish bores to fifteen-year old Stephan Neuman, the son of a wealthy and influential Jewish family and budding playwright whose playground extends from Vienna's streets to its intricate underground tunnels. Stephan's best friend and companion is the brilliant Žofie-Helene, a Christian girl whose mother edits a progressive, anti-Nazi newspaper. But the two adolescents' carefree innocence is shattered when the Nazis' take control. There is hope in the darkness, though. Truus Wijsmuller, a member of the Dutch resistance, risks her life smuggling Jewish children out of Nazi Germany to the nations that will take them. It is a mission that becomes even more dangerous after the Anschluss--Hitler's annexation of Austria--as, across Europe, countries close their borders to the growing number of refugees desperate to escape. Tante Truus, as she is known, is determined to save as many children as she can. After Britain passes a measure to take in at-risk child refugees from the German Reich, she dares to approach Adolf Eichmann, the man who would later help devise the "Final Solution to the Jewish Question," in a race against time to bring children like Stephan, his young brother Walter, and Žofie-Helene on a perilous journey to an uncertain future abroad.

“An unforgettable story of great love torn apart by war, of heroism and betrayal, passion and pure evil, all set against an idyllic Greek island backdrop. It’s a genuine masterpiece, a book to lose yourself in.” Gill Paul, The Secret Wife“With the historical authenticity of Sebastian Faulks, the perfectly observed family relationships of Santa Montefiore, and the gut-wrenching twist of Jojo Moyes, The Officer and The Spy is epic, enthralling and deeply emotional.’ Iona Grey, Letters to the Lost * * *Under the Cretan sun, in the summer of 1936, two young people fall in love... Eleni has been coming to Crete her entire life, swapping her English home for cherished sun-baked summers with her grandfather in his idyllic shoreside villa. When she arrives in 1936, she believes the long, hot weeks ahead will be no different to so many that have gone before.But someone else is visiting the island that year too: a young German man called Otto. And so begins a summer of innocence lost, and love discovered; one that is finite, but not the end.When, in 1941, the island falls to a Nazi invasion, Eleni and Otto meet there once more. But this time Eleni has returned to fight for her home, and Otto to occupy it. They are enemies, and their love is not only treacherous, but also dangerous. But will it destroy them, or prove strong enough to overcome the ravages of war?An epic tale of secrets, love, loyalty, family and how far you’d go to keep those you love safe, The Officer and The Spy is an exquisite and deeply moving love letter to Crete – one that will move every reader to tears. * * *“What a beautiful novel. So romantic, so epic, so tear-jerking.” Lorna Cook, The Forgotten Village “I was completely spellbound . . . It’s the best book I’ve read this year.” Kathleen McGurl, The Forgotten Secret