The Victoria Crescent Sagas

5 primary works

Step by Step

by June Francis

Published 12 January 2003

Hannah Kirk and Alice Moran have been friends since childhood. Growing up in the back streets of historic Chester at the beginning of the 1900s they are used to supporting each other when family life gets tough. But when Alice's mother dies in childbirth, Hannah fears for her friend, as she will be left to protect her sensitive brother Kenny from her father's violent and cruel temper. Hannah was right to worry what might become of Alice. The only witness to a violent crime, Alice is forced to go on the run. The crime's perpetrator is Malcolm Moran--Alice's father; the victim is Susannah Kirk--Hannah's mother. Torn apart through circumstance, can the two girls ever be free of the weight of the past, or will the years of guilt and pain that now separate their lives become too much of an obstacle to overcome. Step by Step is a touching family saga from an accomplished and popular writer.

A Dream to Share

by June Francis

Published 24 May 2005

The Edwardian era is coming to an end and in Chester a young maid, Emma, strives to keep her head above water, as poverty threatens to engulf her and her family. Driven by a deep-seated desire to avenge the death of her sister Aggie, who had committed suicide after falling pregnant and being abandoned by the father, Emma attempts to piece together the events leading to her sister?s death in the hope of tracing the man responsible. A chance meeting with another young servant, Alice, who is struggling to escape her violent and unhappy past, introduces Emma to the Waters household and the demanding young Victoria Waters who is passionately involved in the embryonic Suffragette Movement. As Emma and Alice become closer, Emma learns of Alice?s destructive and deranged ex-fiance Bert, and it soon becomes apparent that the two girls lives may be linked in more ways than one. Just as she has found a love of her own, Emma is drawn into a dangerous situation, which threatens her newfound happiness as she realises that she may not be the only one seeking revenge.

When the Clouds Go Rolling By

by June Francis

Published 26 November 2007

When Clara O'Toole and her grandmother, Bernie, attend a meeting held by a medium, they hope to be able to get in touch with Clara's father, who was killed at the Front. Whilst they remain doubtful about the existence of a spirit world, the experience does inspire Bernie to trace her one surviving child - Gertie. Clara's search for her missing aunt brings her into contact with a whole new extended family. She is over the moon to find she has a cousin, but is she ready to be drawn into the tragedies and secrets of family's past?

Tilly's Story

by June Francis

Published 26 August 2008

Can she leave her troubles behind to find true happiness?

In the aftermath of the Great War, many are searching for a new life. But has Tilly missed her only chance for love?

Since the end of the First World War, the residents of Victoria Crescent have been slowly rebuilding their lives. For Tilly Moran, this means living under the watchful eye of her elder sister, Alice, while waiting to come of age. Unable to bear the restrictions placed upon her, Tilly flees to Liverpool for a fresh start.

As Tilly enters a new line of work she meets many interesting characters, and is charmed by Leonard Parker, a shipping entrepreneur. But when Tilly becomes involved in an investigation for a private detective agency she discovers that some of her new associates aren’t what they seem. Can Tilly’s dreams of love and independence come true, or will her luck run out?

Sunshine and Showers

by June Francis

Published 11 January 2010

Now the war is over, is happiness within their reach?

Two women are given opportunities for a positive future, but must choose between following their heads or their hearts.

Patsy Doyle is glad of her new job as a live-in maid in for David Tanner and his wife, but the constant rows between the spouses make it difficult to settle. Patsy becomes an unwilling confidante – and keeper of more secrets than she'd care to know.

Joy Kirk is busy planning her wedding. Since her first love was killed in the Great War, she has accepted that she'd never fall in love again. Now, having spent many years working as Robbie Bennett's housekeeper, she finally accepts his proposal of marriage. She soon realises she has let herself in for more than she bargained for.

Both Joy and Patsy will face unexpected fortunes. But will they ultimately find happiness?