Author: keithdenby

Zephyr/Head of Zeus published Ewa Jozefkowicz‘s AJAY AND THE RED-WINGED PRINCE,  beautifully illustrated by Gillian Flint, on 8 May.  This is the third title in The Woodland Explorers Club series for readers aged 5-7, following BENJI’S EMERALD KING and SHYLA’S WOOD WIDE WEB.  Inspired by Forest School, this is a magical new series in which a group of friends solve mysteries and protect the animals of Willow Wish Woods.

“With magic, mystery, forest school fun, a whole natural world to explore, and the added bonus of outdoor activities to try out, youngsters will be pulling on their wellies and heading for the great outdoors!”  Lancaster Guardian

 

Catherine Hanley’s new book, LIONESSHEART: The Life and Times of Joanna Plantagenet, was published by The History Press on 27 March 2025. 

“This is an engaging, exciting and hugely enjoyable book that cleverly brings to light the multiplicity of challenges, restrictions and opportunities that faced royal women in the medieval period, moments without power but also, with careful judgement, occasions to exert power.” Jonathan Phillips, author of THE LIFE AND LEGEND OF THE SULTAN SALADIN 

“An educational, absorbing and accessible narrative full of historical detail, always keeping the women at the forefront of the story. Superb.” Annie Whitehead, author of WOMEN OF POWER IN ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND

“Hanley weaves a gripping tale of a little-known English princess who led an extraordinary life. Joanna’s tale is one of drama, and Hanley expertly brings her to the forefront, trying to find Joanna’s own thoughts and agency in a life directed by the men around her.” Gemma Hollman, author of THE QUEEN AND THE MISTRESS

Congratulations to Catherine Hanley on 1217: The Battles that Saved Britain, published by Osprey, being shortlisted for the Military History Matters 2025 Book of the Year Award.

 

Jane Corry‘s tenth novel, THE STRANGER IN ROOM SIX, was published by Penguin on 19 June 2025.  You don’t know them.  But they know everything about you.

Congratulations to Jane on THE STRANGER IN ROOM SIX reaching #10 in the Sunday Times paperback fiction bestseller list, making her an eight times Sunday Times Top Ten paperback fiction bestseller.  

“Ambitious, unguessable and always fascinating, The Stranger in Room Six is one of her best.” Louise Candlish

“A rich brew of dark secrets from the past, bubbling up in the present: haunting and compelling.” Nicci French

“Corry is the queen of the well-constructed reveal.” Helen Fields

“Another great read that pulls you in from the start. Gripping and clever.” Heidi Perks

 Sandy Taylor’s ninth novel, RETURN TO THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, was published by Bookouture on 13 May 2024.

“This gut-wrenching story is phenomenal. Heartbreaking… Bringing you to tears, and then bringing a smile to your face and joy to your heart… Completely unputdownable.” Page Turners, 5 star review

Congratulations to Sandy on THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, the prequel to RETURN TO THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, reaching #30 in the UK Kindle Top 100 and #31 in the US Kindle Top 100 on the same day.

 

 

The fourth Shaw family Victorian Liverpool saga, AN ORPHAN’S DREAM, by Judy Summers was published by Mountain Leopard Press on 10 April 2025.

“Judy is a natural storyteller.” Lyn Andrews