Book 1

The Land is Bright

by Elizabeth Murphy

Published 26 January 1989
The captivating first instalment of The Liverpool Sagas, perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews and Pam Howes

Life changes for the Palin children when Mam dies, and it’s up to twelve-year-old Sally to try and take her place. Sally lavishes all her hopes and dreams on her baby sister Emily, determined that she’ll leave the mean streets of their Liverpool home and enjoy a better life. When Emily is sent to live with rich relatives, it seems like her wish has come true, but the chance is bittersweet.

Sally and her family may face poverty and hardship in Liverpool, but the warmth and love shared will help them overcome whatever the world has to throw at them; Emily, however, wanting for nothing, might find out that happiness is harder to find…

Full of authentic details of Liverpool life at the turn of the century, The Land is Bright is a totally absorbing saga perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Helen Forrester.

‘A family saga you just won’t be able to put down’ Prima

‘The whole-heartedness of Liverpool shines through in a refreshing tribute to Merseyside’ Liverpool Daily Post

Murphy is born and bred, and sets her first novel in her beloved city, giving the book that vital authenticity which makes it so realistic’ Hull Daily Mail

‘Rich in authentic period details, The Land is Bright is a time machine back to the past. This is how history should be written!’ Terrace Review

‘Evocative writing’ Woman’s World

‘Richly nostalgic’ Publishing News

A thundering great readLiverpool Echo

The Liverpool Sagas
  1. The Land is Bright
  2. To Give and To Take
  3. There is a Season

Book 2

To Give and To Take

by Elizabeth Murphy

Published 25 January 1990
Sisters Mary and Cathy Ward couldn't be more different: Mary, the eldest, is a wild and sensual red-head, determined one day to leave the mean streets of her Liverpool home to seek wealth and position; whereas Cathy has won the love of all the Wards' friends and neighbours with her dark curls and gentle ways. But one fateful Sunday in 1911, when Liverpool erupts in the Bloody Sunday riot, both meet and fall in love with the same man. Greg Redmond takes one look at Cathy and loses his heart. It looks as though the close-knit family will be split, but then Mary meets the suave and handsome Clive Walden, whose fortune and social standing suggest he will make the perfect husband...

Book 3

There is a Season

by Elizabeth Murphy

Published 9 May 1991
Cathy grieves at the friction between her beloved husband and her adored son, and constantly strives to keep the peace. Scrimping and saving to feed and clothe her four children on her husband's meagre wages, Cathy is thankful for the support of family and friends in an era of economic hardship.