Christmas sees Pennington’s at its most glorious, thronged with shoppers, its grand staircase and balcony adorned with holly, mistletoe, tinsel and lights. It should be the happiest time, but dramas are simmering beneath the surface.

For shop girl Cornelia Culford, a divorce hearing looms, where she could lose custody of her young sons to her overbearing and unfaithful husband.

For Stephen Gower, being head of security at Pennington's is the perfect refuge from a tragic past at Scotland Yard.

But soon his detecting skills will be required once more, as Pennington’s owners Joseph Carter and Elizabeth Pennington beg him to help solve the murder of Joseph’s first wife, now that it seems the killer has struck again, and for Joseph and Elizabeth, their marriage depends on exorcising the past.

As Christmas approaches, will this be the year that the Pennington’s shop girls find peace and joy?

‘Heart-warming yet gritty and gripping… Compelling reading.’ Lizzie Lane

‘I absolutely loved this book…. I couldn’t put it down.’ Fenella J Miller

‘Fantastic!’ Rosie Clarke

‘Heartwarming! … It was hard to put down!’ Patricia McBride

‘Skilled and vivid storytelling… I can’t wait to read more.’ May Ellis

‘Absolutely 10/10! Amazing storyline and loved the characters and setting, loved how the girls forged a friendship and stuck by each other, can’t wait to read more about these ladies.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A hopeful story about friendship and learning to trust. I love stories about women who strive for their own goals in life independent of men and who understand the joy and security of close female friendships. I’m looking forward to more books in the series!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Previously published as The Shop Girl’s Christmas