Susanna Bavin Books
My books written as Susanna Bavin are all standalone stories.
The Deserter's Daughter
1920, Manchester. Carrie Jenkins is trying on her wedding dress, eagerly anticipating becoming Mrs Billy Shipton. But all too soon she is reeling from the news that her beloved father was shot for desertion during the Great War. When Carrie is jilted and she and her family are ostracised by the close-knit community, her plans and hopes for the future are in disarray.
Desperate to overcome her pain and humiliation, Carrie puts her faith in a man who is not to be trusted, and she will face danger and heartache before she can find the happiness she deserves.
A Respectable Woman
"Escaping the past is at the heart of this... The focus on historical and emotional authenticity will leave readers heartily satisfied."
Publishers Weekly review
"Complete with a jaw-dropping twist near the end, this is a well-crafted novel with a strong, compassionate lead character and a splendid sense of time and place."
Booklist review
After losing everything she holds dear in the Great War, Nell believes that marrying Stan Hibbert will help to recapture the loving family feeling she has lost. Five years on, she is just another penny-pinching, back-street housewife. When she discovers Stan is leading a double-life, she runs away to make a fresh start elsewhere.
Nell forges a new life for herself and her children in Manchester, working in a garment factory as a talented machinist. Her neighbours and colleagues believe she is a respectable widow – even her children think their father is dead – but when the past comes back to haunt her, Nell is faced with a court trial and will have to answer for her actions
Link to Amazon UK
The Sewing Room Girl
"This story is as much about English Northern grit as it is sewing... a narrative that whirrs along like a well-oiled treadle sewing machine... A strong illustrative examination of the greatest shame of all, those born out of wedlock in the late 19th century, runs throughout. Threads of love and loyalty constantly cross swords with hate and treachery... Just how she stitches together the attitude, strength and bravery it will take to transport her from village slops maid to pursuing her dream is a tale told well."
Historical Novel Society review
1892. When her beloved father dies, Juliet and her mother, the difficult but vulnerable Agnes, are left to fend for themselves. When Agnes lands a job as a seamstress for a titled family, things appear to be looking up. But just as the pair begin to find their feet, Juliet finds herself defenceless and alone.
Without her mother to protect her, Juliet becomes the victim of a traumatic incident and is left to face an impossible dilemma. She flees to Manchester seeking support from her estranged family but comes up against her formidable grandmother, who is determined to bend Juliet to her will. It will take all Juliet’s ingenuity to escape the clutches of her ruthless grandmother and make her own way in life.
Link to Amazon UK
The Poor Relation
1908, Manchester. Mary Maitland is an attractive and intelligent young woman determined to strike out on her own and earn a living. Finding work at a women’s employment agency, her creative talent is soon noticed and Mary begins writing articles for newspapers and magazines.
But being of independent and progressive mind are troublesome traits when those you hold dear must constantly live up to the expectations of the well-to-do family to which they are linked. With increasing pressures from the powers that be, can Mary find the fine line between honouring her family and honouring herself?
"It has more drama than a Netflix box set, together with romance, mystery, intrigue and a captivating look at the social history of the period."
Tara Greaves - After The Rain website
"We have cads, crusading women, handsome doctors, an Edwardian matriarch and a rather fine ginger cat. As ever Susanna Bavin's grasp of history, geography and story telling weave a good tale."
Catherine Boardman - Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays website.
Link to Amazon UK