Book 1

The House by the Brook

by Grace Thompson

Published 28 May 2004
Marie and Ivor Masters have been married for nine happy, years, so when her once-loving husband turns to drink and gambling Marie is distraught. He won't confide in her, as he fears that the secret from his past that has come back to haunt him will put both Marie and their children - their daughter Violet and Marie's two sons from her first marriage - at risk Eventually Marie discovers that rather than his father being dead, as Ivor had claimed, he is in fact living in squalor in a house called Badgers Brook - but just as it seems they may be starting to get their life back in order, Ivor disappears. Rather than reveal the whole truth of his own family background to Marie he runs away for the second time in his life - and then he meets Effie, and his troubles really begin.

Book 2

A Girl Called Hope

by Grace Thompson

Published 3 November 2004
Badgers Brook once again provides sanctuary for a family in need

Married life hasn't been easy for Hope Murton – her mother-in-law, Marjorie, is overbearing and critical, and Hope's husband, Ralph, refuses to stand up for himself. Eventually Hope persuades him to move out and to set up a new home at Badgers Brook with their small son, Davy.

Soon they are beset by tragedy when a road accident leaves Ralph confined to a wheelchair. He takes the only way out he can think of, leaving Hope destitute. Desperate not to return to her mother-in-law's house, she turns to friends for help, including local trader Peter Bevan. Can Hope overcome all that befalls her, and will she ever find true happiness?

The second in the Badgers Brook series, A Girl Called Hope is a gripping tale of post-War life, filled with family and loss, secrets and romance. Perfect for fans of Ellie Dean and Sheila Newberry.


Book 3

New Beginning

by Grace Thompson

Published 25 March 2005
Badgers Brook offers her the chance for a fresh start.

As the Second World War ends, Sophie Daniels quits the WAAF with nowhere to go. She wanders around the country searching for a place where she can settle, living in bedsits, barns, and small guesthouses in the meantime. Eventually she finds Badgers Brook, where she meets and befriends nine-year-old Bertie, neglected and running wild.

The neighbours warm to her, the place is welcoming, and Sophie knows she has found her home. Friendly local Ryan Treweather is a welcome distraction, and potentially more, if she can just trust him with one big guilty secret. But if Sophie grows closer to Ryan, what will it mean for poor young Bertie?

The captivating third instalment of Grace Thompson's hugely popular Badgers Brook saga series, perfect for fans of Maureen Lee and Ellie Dean.