Hillsbridge Quartet Series by Janet Tanner

Black Mountains dominate the Somerset town of Hillsbridge, and beneath their brooding shadow the Hall family – Charlotte, James and their seven children – carry on an earthy, turbulent existence. Independent spirits, the Halls are united by strong family values, divided by the conflicts of a community caught up in the changing patterns of industrial progress. Then the dark shadows of impending war fall upon this vivid family canvas, and the Halls are forced to reaffirm their most basic beliefs... moreBlack Mountains dominate the Somerset town of Hillsbridge, and beneath their brooding shadow the Hall family – Charlotte, James and their seven children – carry on an earthy, turbulent existence. Independent spirits, the Halls are united by strong family values, divided by the conflicts of a community caught up in the changing patterns of industrial progress. Then the dark shadows of impending war fall upon this vivid family canvas, and the Halls are forced to reaffirm their most basic beliefs. Janet Tanner has created a memorable and moving saga of love, hate, happiness and heartbreak on the slopes of The Black Mountains. ‘Sensitive and exceptionally polished’ Manchester Evening News less

Amy Hall, married to Llew Roberts, a thriving contractor, wants to learn to drive. Because no Hillsbridge husband in his right mind would allow such a thing, she takes the law and her life in her own hands and "borrows" his new Ford truck. At the time it is a mere escapade; later it will seem to Amy the fatal turning point of her life. The daring of learning to drive pales into insignificance beside the lonely challenge of running her husband's business... moreAmy Hall, married to Llew Roberts, a thriving contractor, wants to learn to drive. Because no Hillsbridge husband in his right mind would allow such a thing, she takes the law and her life in her own hands and "borrows" his new Ford truck. At the time it is a mere escapade; later it will seem to Amy the fatal turning point of her life. The daring of learning to drive pales into insignificance beside the lonely challenge of running her husband's business. Whispered gossip becomes spiteful disapproval, as the town arms itself in hostility against the woman they think has broken the rules of decency. Fleeing the agony of discovering her husband's secret past, Amy Hall - pretty spoiled and independent-minded - confronts for the first time passion and pain and struggle on the rugged road toward self-reliance. less

The third evocative novel set in the mining town of Hillsbridge, perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Annie GrovesBarbara Hall, pretty, mischievous, and seventeen, has grown up wanting for nothing. But a long-buried family secret is about to be uncovered and threaten her happiness. Will it deny her the one man she truly loves? And outside of the close-knit mining community of Hillsbridge, war once again looms on the horizon... moreThe third evocative novel set in the mining town of Hillsbridge, perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Annie GrovesBarbara Hall, pretty, mischievous, and seventeen, has grown up wanting for nothing. But a long-buried family secret is about to be uncovered and threaten her happiness. Will it deny her the one man she truly loves? And outside of the close-knit mining community of Hillsbridge, war once again looms on the horizon. Youngest of the Hall clan, fate is about to propel Barbara into maturity…The third spell-binding novel in the Hillsbridge Sagas will appeal to fans of Rosie Goodwin and Maggie Hope.‘Sensitive and exceptionally polished’ Manchester Evening NewsThe Hillsbridge SagasThe Black MountainsThe Emerald ValleyThe Hills and the ValleyA Family Affair less

When Jenny Simmons, the ugly duckling of her family, blossoms into a swan, the world seems to be at her feet. And when she meets Bryn Thompson, an amateur boxer, her happiness is complete. But life has some cruel blows in store for her – not least a well-kept family secret which will devastate her and threaten her very life. Helen Hall has recently qualified as a doctor and returned to the family home in Hillsbridge, trying to escape a complicated romance... moreWhen Jenny Simmons, the ugly duckling of her family, blossoms into a swan, the world seems to be at her feet. And when she meets Bryn Thompson, an amateur boxer, her happiness is complete. But life has some cruel blows in store for her – not least a well-kept family secret which will devastate her and threaten her very life. Helen Hall has recently qualified as a doctor and returned to the family home in Hillsbridge, trying to escape a complicated romance. Helen realises that she has it in her power to help Jenny, but will doing so cost her the job she loves? Evocative and enthralling, A Family Affair portrays the lives, loves, hopes and tragedies of the families who live in the shadows of the Black Mountains. less