Champion Street Market Series by Freda Lightfoot

‘The new series will be greeted with joy by the thousands of women who enjoy her books.’ Evening Mail, Barrow-in-Furness ‘You can’t put a price on Freda Lightfoot's stories from Manchester's 1950s Champion Street Market. They bubble with enough life and colour to brighten up the dreariest day and they have characters you can easily take to your heart.’ The Northern Echo. In 1950s Manchester, folk are just emerging from the shadow of the war... more‘The new series will be greeted with joy by the thousands of women who enjoy her books.’ Evening Mail, Barrow-in-Furness ‘You can’t put a price on Freda Lightfoot's stories from Manchester's 1950s Champion Street Market. They bubble with enough life and colour to brighten up the dreariest day and they have characters you can easily take to your heart.’ The Northern Echo. In 1950s Manchester, folk are just emerging from the shadow of the war. Money is still tight, and the bustling market is a source of tempting bargains – as well as the local gossip. Dena loves her Saturday job at Belle Garside’s market café, and her ready smile makes her a universal favourite. She is soon in thrall to Belle’s two sons; good looking, exciting and dangerous but fate has other plans in store. When her younger brother is killed by a gang of young thugs Dena is taken into care. Later, when she returns to her beloved market, she valiantly tries to rebuild her life. Only when it is far too late does Dena begin to ask herself the terrifying question: has she fallen in love with her brother’s killer? less

Patsy Bowman is a newcomer to the Champion Street market. Riddled with insecurities, her impudence wins her enemies as well as many new friends. But her curiosity soon starts to unravel secrets that the Higginson sisters would much rather keep hidden. Elsewhere, Belle Garside considers herself to be Queen of the market, and when its very existence is threatened by a housing development company, she has two choices... morePatsy Bowman is a newcomer to the Champion Street market. Riddled with insecurities, her impudence wins her enemies as well as many new friends. But her curiosity soon starts to unravel secrets that the Higginson sisters would much rather keep hidden. Elsewhere, Belle Garside considers herself to be Queen of the market, and when its very existence is threatened by a housing development company, she has two choices. Either she can start a campaign to save the market, or she can let the plan go ahead and make herself a large profit. less

Tales from Champion Street Market. Working on her busy flower stall in Champion Street Market, Betty has lots of opportunities to observe her customers, and to speculate on their lives. Sam regularly buys bouquets for his wife, Judy, so why does she always look so worn out and miserable? Leo comes every week for flowers for his mother, but has never bought so much as a rosebud for his elegant wife... moreTales from Champion Street Market. Working on her busy flower stall in Champion Street Market, Betty has lots of opportunities to observe her customers, and to speculate on their lives. Sam regularly buys bouquets for his wife, Judy, so why does she always look so worn out and miserable? Leo comes every week for flowers for his mother, but has never bought so much as a rosebud for his elegant wife. Of course, Betty's own husband went off long ago, so is it any wonder if she and her daughter, Lynda, have such a dim view of men. If only all marriages could be happy . . . That'll be the day! less

Chocolate can also be bitter…It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone dotes on Aunty Dot, as much as they do on her homemade sweets. The plump, smiling woman has provided a loving home for many a troubled child over the years, and Lizzie Pringle is no exception.Lizzie would do anything for her foster mother – even take on local sweet manufacturer and notorious bully, Cedric Finch. Until, that is, she falls for his son, Charlie... moreChocolate can also be bitter…It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone dotes on Aunty Dot, as much as they do on her homemade sweets. The plump, smiling woman has provided a loving home for many a troubled child over the years, and Lizzie Pringle is no exception.Lizzie would do anything for her foster mother – even take on local sweet manufacturer and notorious bully, Cedric Finch. Until, that is, she falls for his son, Charlie.Meanwhile, Dena can’t believe that Barry Holmes would hurt her beloved daughter: he’s been like a favourite uncle to the little girl. But rumours are rife and her fears only grow…A thrilling saga of new love and old rivalries set around a sumptuous sweet shop in 1950s Manchester, perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries and Rosie Goodwin.Praise for Candy Kisses'You can’t put a price on Freda Lightfoot’s stories from Manchester’s 1950s Champion Street Market. They bubble with enough life and colour to brighten up the dreariest day and they have characters you can easily take to your heart’ Northern Echo‘Brings to life the characters and the goings on in a close local community’ 5* Reader review‘Superb reading with a mixture of pathos and victory’ 5* Reader review‘This book will tug at your heart’ 5* Reader review less

Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters . . . Things aren't quite that simple in the noisy, warm-hearted Bertalone family. Carmina is the glamorous one, the sexy extrovert who has the boys flocking like bees round the honeypot - all except Luc Fabriani, who for some unaccountable reason seems to prefer her sister Gina. Gina is quiet and shy, the apple of her over-protective parents' eye, and much too young to have a boyfriend... moreSisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters . . . Things aren't quite that simple in the noisy, warm-hearted Bertalone family. Carmina is the glamorous one, the sexy extrovert who has the boys flocking like bees round the honeypot - all except Luc Fabriani, who for some unaccountable reason seems to prefer her sister Gina. Gina is quiet and shy, the apple of her over-protective parents' eye, and much too young to have a boyfriend. Innocent and naïve, Gina believes her sister when she spreads malicious lies about Luc: what has Carmina got to gain by breaking her sister's heart? But lies have a habit of being found out and trapping the liar in a web of deceit, as Carmina is about to discover. less

On the day of her beloved fathers funeral, Harriet's grandmother tells her that Joyce, the woman she has always called Mam, isnt her real mother after all. At least that explains why Joyce has always favoured Harriets brother, Grant blood is thicker than water. Her emotions in turmoil, Harriet discovers a streak of rebellion that puts into jeopardy everything she holds dear. Can she come back from the brink or will her life be full of lonely teardrops?