Gervase Phinn
A Wayne In A Manger

Gervase Phinn, Inspector of English, has learned not to be surprised by anything when visiting schools in the Yorkshire Dales. But each year as Christmas approaches, he finds that no one re-tells the greatest story of all time in quite the way that an infant nativity play can. What happens when Mary drops the Baby Jesus? Or when the Innkeeper- in a sulk because he wanted to be Joseph - generously invites Mary in but sends her husband packing? This heart-warming book will enchant anyone who has sat at the back of a school hall to watch their child in their first starring role.

Bernard Cornwell
The Pale Horseman

Uhtred, Northumbrian born, raised a Viking and married to a Saxon, is already a formidable figure and warrior. But at twenty he is arrogant, pagan and headstrong, not a comfortable ally for the thoughtful, pious Alfred. But these two, with Alfred's family and a few of Uhtred's companions, are apparently all that remains of the Wessex leadership after a disastrous truce. Defeated comprehensively by the Vikings, Alfred and his surviving followers seek refuge in Athelney. Uhtred is still attracted to rejoining his Danish foster brother and the Vikings. But he finds a growing respect for the stubborn leadership of Alfred, to whom Uhtred's support is essential if the Saxon strength is to be rebuilt and battle joined with the enemy.

Driven by her idealism and courage, Alex Goodwin will make any sacrifice to win votes for women. Her despairing family, unable to rescue her from yet another dangerous prison sentence, is overjoyed when Patrick O'Leary comes into her life. A hard-working young surgeon, Patrick is as idealistic as Alex and loves her with all his heart. Then they are separated - first by a quarrel, then by the terrible war which engulfs their world, and finally, after a miraculous reunion, by a tragedy that seems to make it impossible for either of them ever to love again... In Audrey Howard's new novel a valiant suffragette finds both tragedy and true love as the golden Edwardian age turns into the blood-bath of World War 1.