Caroline Beecham's Blog, page 2

Esther’s Children published May 2022 by Allen & Unwin

I am excited to share the news that my fourth novel will be published by Allen & Unwin in May 2022. It’s another Second World War story and this time I have taken inspiration from the untold story of the extraordinary life of Esther Simpson, who helped rescue thousands of academic refugees from death and persecution, and yet struggled to save the man she loved. I’m looking forward to sharing more about Esther and her life and work in the lead up to publication but here is a little about the story.

From the picturesque streets of pre-war Vienna to Britain’s atmospheric cities in the grip of war, Esther’s Children is the perfect read for fans of Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network, and Kelly Rimmer’s The Warsaw Orphan.Austria, 1936: Esther ‘Tess’ Simpson works for a British organisation that rescues academics from the threatening Fascist and anti-Semitic regimes taking hold in Europe. On a dangerous trip to Vienna to help bring aid to Europe’s threatened Jewish scholars Esther meets Harry Singer, a young Jewish academic and musician, and they fall in love.

Tess works tirelessly to rescue Jewish academics and scientists from across Europe, trying to find positions for them in Britain and America. In 1938 she secures employment for Harry at Imperial College. Their love affair intensifies as the world heads into war, yet they are separated once again as Britain moves to intern European refugees.

With Harry detained on the Isle of Man while still waiting for news of his parents, Esther and the Society plead with the government for the interned scientists’ release. When Harry is eventually liberated, he discovers that his parents have fought their own path to freedom in America and he is forced to make an impossible choice: stay with Esther and turn his back on his parents, or follow them to reunite his family.

A gripping novel of love, courage and an indomitable woman.

Praise for Finding Eadie:

‘A riveting, heart-stopping read that features fascinating insight into London’s wartime publishing world.’ – Woman’s Day

‘[Beecham’s] characters are likeable and real, her writing is engaging and the subject matter is gripping.’ – The Weekly Times

‘This moving story of Alice’s fearless pursuit of her baby contains all the ingredients of a spy thriller…A wonderful page-turner with great relevance for our times.’ – The Chronicle

Preorder the novel at bookshops and online.

When We Meet Again published in the US

By turns heartbreaking and hopeful, When We Meet Again is an aching and unforgettable exploration of the bonds that buoy us during our darkest hours. 

[image error]

“When We Meet Again is a poignant and absorbing novel about a young woman editor personally devastated by the historically true practice of “baby farming” during World War II-era London. Caroline Beecham’s emotional and beautifully written story is a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and to the power of books and stories themselves, in even our darkest times.” 

Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of In Another Time and Half Life

When We Meet Again is being published tomorrow in the US by G. P. Putnam & Sons. I am really excited about sharing this story with American readers and hope that some of you will get in touch to share your thoughts and reviews as well as any images; who doesn’t love a shelfie, or a bookpile? When We Meet Again is my fourth novel and my US debut, which already makes it very special but it’s also special because it’s inspired by a family secret and because its themes have become even more relevant over the last eighteen months. The importance of friendship, love and the power of reading are prominent in the story, which follows a young London-based Editor, Alice Cotton, as she manages to cleverly combine the search for her missing child with creating much-needed books during wartime. Alice’s story intertwines with that of Theo Bloom, an American businessman tasked with helping Partridge Press overcome the publishing obstacles of the war. Theo and Alice are quickly drawn to each other during their darkest hours, bound by hope, love, secrets, and the belief that books have the power to change lives.  

The role of books in entertaining, informing, and providing escapism, seem to have grown even more important through lockdown (I know I’ve read and listened to a lot more books!) and it’s not so hard to imagine what life was like for civilians who spent long periods of time waiting, as well as for the troops and servicemen and servicewomen. The story of how publishers helped each other when the industry was in turmoil during wartime is also threaded through this book and I hope pays homage to the importance of books in our lives. There are also a lot of lighter moments in the story with some wonderful real characters, animals and keepers from London Zoo, which stayed open during the war and created a sanctuary for Londoners, and for Alice!

“Books about the power of stories to bring people together and nourish their spirits are my favourite kind. So it was with much joy that I read When We Meet Again, a wonderful tribute to all things bookish. But it is also a compelling exploration of a heartbreaking and little known aspect of wartime life. The research, compassion and sensitivity poured into this novel are admirable and make for a deeply affecting read.” 

Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret

The novel is a story of love and friendship and is dedicated to the Brighton Girls—Amanda, Becky, Gill, Lisa and Vicky—who have been a constant inspiration throughout my life. I met Amanda at four years old when we started primary school together, the others at secondary school and college; cheeky teenagers who are now five incredible women who I am lucky to count as friends. The bonds are as strong as they were through the fun times, as well as the years of hard work, finding partners and having children. The novel’s title, When We Meet Again, is significant for Alice and Theo but I never dreamt it would hold so much significance for me, and I’m sure many of you too, as we wait to see our loved ones again. I hope that’s not too far away (I can’t wait to see the Brighton girls) and in the meantime, happy reading and I hope you enjoy my new book!

Take care,

Caroline x

The post When We Meet Again published in the US appeared first on Caroline Beecham.

When We Meet Again published in the US

By turns heartbreaking and hopeful, When We Meet Again is an aching and unforgettable exploration of the bonds that buoy us during our darkest hours. 

“When We Meet Again is a poignant and absorbing novel about a young woman editor personally devastated by the historically true practice of “baby farming” during World War II-era London. Caroline Beecham’s emotional and beautifully written story is a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and to the power of books and stories themselves, in even our darkest times.” 

Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of In Another Time and Half Life

When We Meet Again is being published tomorrow in the US by G. P. Putnam & Sons. I am really excited about sharing this story with American readers and hope that some of you will get in touch to share your thoughts and reviews as well as any images; who doesn’t love a shelfie, or a bookpile? When We Meet Again is my fourth novel and my US debut, which already makes it very special but it’s also special because it’s inspired by a family secret and because its themes have become even more relevant over the last eighteen months. The importance of friendship, love and the power of reading are prominent in the story, which follows a young London-based Editor, Alice Cotton, as she manages to cleverly combine the search for her missing child with creating much-needed books during wartime. Alice’s story intertwines with that of Theo Bloom, an American businessman tasked with helping Partridge Press overcome the publishing obstacles of the war. Theo and Alice are quickly drawn to each other during their darkest hours, bound by hope, love, secrets, and the belief that books have the power to change lives.  

The role of books in entertaining, informing, and providing escapism, seem to have grown even more important through lockdown (I know I’ve read and listened to a lot more books!) and it’s not so hard to imagine what life was like for civilians who spent long periods of time waiting, as well as for the troops and servicemen and servicewomen. The story of how publishers helped each other when the industry was in turmoil during wartime is also threaded through this book and I hope pays homage to the importance of books in our lives. There are also a lot of lighter moments in the story with some wonderful real characters, animals and keepers from London Zoo, which stayed open during the war and created a sanctuary for Londoners, and for Alice!

“Books about the power of stories to bring people together and nourish their spirits are my favourite kind. So it was with much joy that I read When We Meet Again, a wonderful tribute to all things bookish. But it is also a compelling exploration of a heartbreaking and little known aspect of wartime life. The research, compassion and sensitivity poured into this novel are admirable and make for a deeply affecting read.” 

Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret

The novel is a story of love and friendship and is dedicated to the Brighton Girls—Amanda, Becky, Gill, Lisa and Vicky—who have been a constant inspiration throughout my life. I met Amanda at four years old when we started primary school together, the others at secondary school and college; cheeky teenagers who are now five incredible women who I am lucky to count as friends. The bonds are as strong as they were through the fun times, as well as the years of hard work, finding partners and having children. The novel’s title, When We Meet Again, is significant for Alice and Theo but I never dreamt it would hold so much significance for me, and I’m sure many of you too, as we wait to see our loved ones again. I hope that’s not too far away (I can’t wait to see the Brighton girls) and in the meantime, happy reading and I hope you enjoy my new book!

Take care,

Caroline x

When We Meet Again – US debut July 2021

“Books about the power of stories to bring people together and nourish their spirits are my favourite kind. So it was with much joy that I read WHEN WE MEET AGAIN, a wonderful tribute to all things bookish. But it is also a compelling exploration of a heartbreaking and little known aspect of wartime life. The research, compassion and sensitivity poured into the novel are admirable and make for a deeply affecting read…”

Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of THE PARIS SECRET

WHEN WE MEET AGAIN will be published in the US on 20th July by G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Putnam is one of the oldest and most prestigious imprints in the publishing industry so its a real privilege, and a perfect fit for a novel about the important role books played in the lives of civilians and servicemen and servicewomen during the Second World War.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671316/when-we-meet-again-by-caroline-beecham/

The novel is published as FINDING EADIE in Australia and New Zealand and in the lead up to the US publication in July I’ll be sharing some of the fascinating background and research that helped in writing the novel. In the meantime, I wanted to share some of the generous testimonials the novel has received by some fabulous and talented women writers whose books I’ve loved!

“WHEN WE MEET AGAIN is a poignant and absorbing novel about a young woman editor personally devastated by the historically true practice of “baby farming” during World War II-era London. Caroline Beecham’s emotional and beautifully written story is a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and to the power of books and stories themselves, in even our darkest time.:”

Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of IN ANOTHER TIME and HALF LIFE

“A compelling story of a determined young woman and her quest for justice set against the fascinating world of publishing–and even a zoo–during World War II.”

Rhys Bowen, best selling author of THE TUSCAN CHILD

“By turns heart-pounding and heart-tugging, WHEN WE MEET AGAIN is a dramatic story of baby farming in WWII-era London. Following a mother searching for her stolen daughter, Caroline Beecham’s writing, rich with historical detail and filled to the brim with emotion, will pull readers in from the very first page.”

Molly Greeley, author of THE CLERGYMAN’S WIFE and THE HEIRESS

“A beautifully rendered tale of a mother’s love and the importance of stories.”

Belinda Alexandra, best-selling author of THE MYSTERY WOMAN

That’s all for now but stay safe and happy reading! Caroline x

The post When We Meet Again – US debut July 2021 appeared first on Caroline Beecham.

When We Meet Again – US debut July 2021

“Books about the power of stories to bring people together and nourish their spirits are my favourite kind. So it was with much joy that I read WHEN WE MEET AGAIN, a wonderful tribute to all things bookish. But it is also a compelling exploration of a heartbreaking and little known aspect of wartime life. The research, compassion and sensitivity poured into the novel are admirable and make for a deeply affecting read…”
Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of THE PARIS SECRET
WHEN WE MEET AGAIN will be published in the US on 20th July by G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Putnam is one of the oldest and most prestigious imprints in the publishing industry so its a real privilege, and a perfect fit for a novel about the important role books played in the lives of civilians and servicemen and servicewomen during the Second World War.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671316/when-we-meet-again-by-caroline-beecham/

The novel is published as FINDING EADIE in Australia and New Zealand and in the lead up to the US publication in July I’ll be sharing some of the fascinating background and research that helped in writing the novel. In the meantime, I wanted to share some of the generous testimonials the novel has received by some fabulous and talented women writers whose books I’ve loved!

“WHEN WE MEET AGAIN is a poignant and absorbing novel about a young woman editor personally devastated by the historically true practice of “baby farming” during World War II-era London. Caroline Beecham’s emotional and beautifully written story is a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and to the power of books and stories themselves, in even our darkest time.:”
Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of IN ANOTHER TIME and HALF LIFE
“A compelling story of a determined young woman and her quest for justice set against the fascinating world of publishing–and even a zoo–during World War II.”
Rhys Bowen, best selling author of THE TUSCAN CHILD
“By turns heart-pounding and heart-tugging, WHEN WE MEET AGAIN is a dramatic story of baby farming in WWII-era London. Following a mother searching for her stolen daughter, Caroline Beecham’s writing, rich with historical detail and filled to the brim with emotion, will pull readers in from the very first page.”
Molly Greeley, author of THE CLERGYMAN’S WIFE and THE HEIRESS
“A beautifully rendered tale of a mother’s love and the importance of stories.”
Belinda Alexandra, best-selling author of THE MYSTERY WOMAN

That’s all for now but stay safe and happy reading! Caroline x

Launching Finding Eadie

Launching a book at any time is exciting (and a tiny bit nerve-racking) but during these challenging times with the need for social distancing, it was even more special to bring people together to celebrate the publication of my third novel, Finding Eadie. It also meant that an on line event via zoom on 2nd July was a great way to celebrate the actual publication day when family and friends overseas could also join. We were lucky enough to hold a physical event at Roaring Stories in Balmain; a spectacular setting with its uniquely designed interior and ceiling of suspended books.

A small group of guests listened to me in conversation with Sunil Badami as we touched on family secrets, inspiration and the importance of learning from history. ohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odwnECcBHx8l

Book launch guests

One of the reasons that it felt extra special to be launching Finding Eadie at this time is because of the parallel themes the novel has with the present day. The story is about how aspiring young editor, Alice Cotton, manages to cleverly combine her search for her missing child with creating much needed books during wartime. There was an increased demand for books during the Second World War from civilians and servicemen. People were reading more than ever; while waiting in shelters, during blackouts, and troops while they travelled and awaited battle. When I was researching and writing the novel I was struck by how important books were during wartime but I never imagined we would soon be facing a time when people would again be reading more and turning to books for comfort, escapism and entertainment as they had back then.

For me, historical fiction has the effect of making me look at the future through the lens of the past, remembering what previous generations have been through and how they’ve dealt with the challenges of their times. I know other authors who have postponed publication dates, avoided launches, and others who have been doing virtual events, and I really admire the way that people, when they can, are adapting and finding new ways to carry on. It also makes me grateful that we were able to bring a small group together for our event.

Who knows what the next six months holds but one thing seems likely, that people will continue to read more. One of the quotes at the beginning of the book by Winston Churchill is about the importance of books:

‘If you cannot read all your books, at any rate handle them and, as it were, fondle them. Peer into them. Let them fall open where they will. Read the first sentence that arrests the eye. Then turn to another. Make a voyage of discovery, taking soundings of uncharted seas. Set them back on their selves with your own hands. Arrange them on your own plan, so that if you do not know what is in them, you at least know where they are. If they cannot be your friends, let them at any rate be your acquaintances.’                           

WINSTON S. CHURCHILL

I hope you enjoy reading Finding Eadie and all your other books. Take care and stay safe. Caroline x

The post Launching Finding Eadie appeared first on Caroline Beecham.

Launching Finding Eadie

Launching a book at any time is exciting (and a tiny bit nerve-racking) but during these challenging times with the need for social distancing, it was even more special to bring people together to celebrate the publication of Finding Eadie. It also meant that an on line event via zoom on 2nd July was a great way to celebrate the actual publication day when family and friends overseas could also join. We were lucky enough to hold a physical event at Roaring Stories in Balmain; a spectacular setting with its uniquely designed interior and ceiling of suspended books.

A small group of guests listened to the conversation with Sunil Badami as we touched on family secrets, inspiration and the importance of staying true to real events from history. ohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odwnECcBHx8l

Book launch guests

One of the reasons that it felt extra special to be launching Finding Eadie at this time is because of the theme of the novel and the relevance it has with the present day. The story is about how aspiring young editor, Alice Cotton, manages to cleverly combine her search for her missing child with creating much needed books during wartime. There was an increased demand for books during the Second World War from civilians and servicemen. People were reading more than ever; while waiting in shelters, during blackouts, and troops while they travelled and awaited battle. When I was researching and writing the novel I was struck by how important books were during wartime but I never imagined we would soon be facing a time when people would again be reading more and turning to books for comfort, escapism and entertainment as they had back then.

Historical fiction has the effect of making me look at the future through the lens of the past, remembering what previous generations have been through and how they’ve dealt with the challenges of their times. I know other authors who have postponed publication dates, cancelled launches, and others who have been doing virtual events, and I really admire the way that people, when they can, are adapting and finding new ways to carry on. It also makes me grateful that we were able to bring a small group together for our event.

Who knows what the next six months holds but one thing seems likely, that people will continue to read more. One of the quotes at the beginning of the book by Winston Churchill is about the importance of books:

‘If you cannot read all your books, at any rate handle them and, as it were, fondle them. Peer into them. Let them fall open where they will. Read the first sentence that arrests the eye. Then turn to another. Make a voyage of discovery, taking soundings of uncharted seas. Set them back on their selves with your own hands. Arrange them on your own plan, so that if you do not know what is in them, you at least know where they are. If they cannot be your friends, let them at any rate be your acquaintances.’                           

WINSTON S. CHURCHILL

I hope you enjoy reading Finding Eadie and all your other books. Take care and stay safe. Caroline x

 

Drawn to show the world as it was: the women who became official war artists

Scottish artist Doris Zinkeisen was one of only a handful of women who worked as an official war artist during the Second World War.

When the War Artists’ Advisory Committee was set up in 1939 to make an artistic record of Britain at war, 400 artists took part in the scheme; the majority were men, and of the 37 who were given fulltime contracts, there was only one woman, Evelyn Dunbar. Along with Dunbar, Zinkeisen is the inspiration behind my novel, Eleanor’s Secret, which follows Eleanor Roy, as she too follows her dream of becoming a war artist. In wartime Britain women were taking on the majority of roles that men had previously held, yet that wasn’t reflected within the WAAC, or in the art establishment and like Zinkeisen, Eleanor soon becomes immersed in a turbulent new world trying to balance the social upheaval of war with her own desires.

While Eleanor’s story is inspired by real events, Zinkeisen’s extraordinary life story reads like the work of fiction. Born in Rosneath, Argyll in 1898, Doris attended the Harrow School of Art before gaining a scholarship to the Royal Academy Schools, which she attended in 1917 with her younger sister Anna, also a painter. But it was Doris who gained popularity as a successful painter, commercial artist and then as a celebrated theatrical designer. Her realist style initially made her a popular portraitist and she quickly became a recognised society painter, leading to opportunities as a commercial artist and illustrator. She created a number of posters for the London Underground, railways and shipbuilders, including murals on board the RMS Queen Mary that can still be viewed on the ship at its mooring in Long Beach, California.

Read more: https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-scotsman/20180719/281797104775919

Book Giveaway

Praise for Eleanor’s Secret:

 

‘Beecham’s easy-flowing prose and astute structure make the pages fly.’ 

Sydney Morning Herald

‘Fans of Natasha Lester and Kate Morton will very much enjoy this release.’

Debbishdotcom

The small paperback edition of Eleanor’s Secret will be on sale from 24thApril and includes a chapter from Finding Eadie. To celebrate I’m giving away three copies of the novel but this giveaway is slightly different as I want you to nominate someone to receive the book; it could be someone living on their own, a relative in isolation or someone you know will appreciate the surprise of a book arriving in the post. And I can write a special message if it’s for a birthday or special occasion. You can register for the giveaway by clicking on this link https://carolinebeecham.com/contact/ and filling in the form to let me who you are nominating to give the book to and why. This giveaway is open to Australian and New Zealand residents only and please enter by 30th April including the nominated name and address. If you would like the book for yourself then that’s fine too! If you’re one of the lucky winners then I’ll get in touch but if you don’t hear from me and you would like to buy the book then please use one of these links:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3bJjhiF

Apple: https://apple.co/2QZIQUx

Booktopia: https://bit.ly/2wFx3UD

 

[image error]

Three copies of the new edition to giveaway!!

Being a full-time writer means that I’m already working from home and used to spending a lot of time alone without the banter of work colleagues, or the socialising that comes with journeys to and from work. I thought this might have made me a bit more resilient to the social isolation but I’m feeling the growing need to spend time with friends, family and the close proximity of other people more than ever. Reading and listening to other people’s stories has certainly helped to stay connected, and with historical fiction in particular because it reminds me of what previous generations endured and their strength and resolve, but I’d love to hear from you too!

While I excitedly await the publication of Finding Eadie in July, I’m working on a new novel. I’m also a little anxious because together with the publisher, Allen & Unwin, we’ve got to find a new way of reaching readers with the majority of bookshops closed, although it’s inspiring to see the reading community creating new ways of promoting and sharing books with new online groups and virtual book launches. But more than anything, I’m excited because I’m looking forward to sharing Finding Eadie with you; the story of a woman’s fearless pursuit to find her stolen child. The novel is set in London and New York in the 1940s and its about the triumph of love; romantic love, parental love, the love between friends, and it’s a celebration of our long-standing love-affair with books!

Perhaps like many of you, I’ve been reading more, listening to audio-books and spending time thinking about what I want to read next, for work and for pleasure. Even though it seems we have more time on our hands with lockdown, hopefully it won’t be too much longer before we can resume our lives but until then, please stay safe and stay reading.

Good luck!

Caroline x

The post Book Giveaway appeared first on Caroline Beecham.

Book Giveaway

Praise for Eleanor’s Secret:

‘Beecham’s easy-flowing prose and astute structure make the pages fly.’ 

Sydney Morning Herald

‘Fans of Natasha Lester and Kate Morton will very much enjoy this release.’

Debbishdotcom

The small paperback edition of Eleanor’s Secret will be on sale from 24thApril and includes a chapter from Finding Eadie. To celebrate I’m giving away three copies of the novel but this giveaway is slightly different as I want you to nominate someone to receive the book; it could be someone living on their own, a relative in isolation or someone you know will appreciate the surprise of a book arriving in the post. And I can write a special message if it’s for a birthday or special occasion. You can register for the giveaway by clicking on this link https://carolinebeecham.com/contact/ and filling in the form to let me who you are nominating to give the book to and why. Please do this by 30th April and include the nominated name and address. If you would like the book for yourself then that’s fine too! If you’re one of the lucky winners then I’ll get in touch but if you don’t hear from me and you would like to buy the book then please use one of these links:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3bJjhiF

Apple: https://apple.co/2QZIQUx

Booktopia: https://bit.ly/2wFx3UD

Three copies of the new edition to giveaway!!

Being a full-time writer means that I’m already working from home and used to spending a lot of time alone without the banter of work colleagues, or the socialising that comes with journeys to and from work. I thought this might have made me a bit more resilient to the social isolation but I’m feeling the growing need to spend time with friends, family and the close proximity of other people more than ever. Reading and listening to other people’s stories has certainly helped to stay connected, and with historical fiction in particular because it reminds me of what previous generations endured and their strength and resolve, but I’d love to hear from you too!

While I excitedly await the publication of Finding Eadie in July, I’m working on a new novel. I’m also a little anxious because together with the publisher, Allen & Unwin, we’ve got to find a new way of reaching readers with the majority of bookshops closed, although it’s inspiring to see the reading community creating new ways of promoting and sharing books with new online groups and virtual book launches. But more than anything, I’m excited because I’m looking forward to sharing Finding Eadie with you; the story of a woman’s fearless pursuit to find her stolen child. The novel is set in London and New York in the 1940s and its about the triumph of love; romantic love, parental love, the love between friends, and it’s a celebration of our long-standing love-affair with books!

Perhaps like many of you, I’ve been reading more, listening to audio-books and spending time thinking about what I want to read next, for work and for pleasure. Even though it seems we have more time on our hands with lockdown, hopefully it won’t be too much longer before we can resume our lives but until then, please stay safe and stay reading.

Good luck!