The Cowgill Family Saga
Please note this book was originally published as Byland Crescent, book one, Requiem.
Yorkshire, 1878.
From humble origins, the Cowgill family have bettered their lot. Through love and loss, hope and heartbreak, they work hard and face their troubles together, no matter what life throws at them.
Young, ambitious and in love, Albert Cowgill’s life is finally beginning in earnest. At just twenty-three, he has already been made partner at Haigh, Ackroyd & Cowgill — the best wool business in the city. He’s also just laid eyes on the prettiest girl he ever saw, Hannah Ackroyd.
Romance soon blossoms for Albert and Hannah, and they marry and set up home in Scarborough. But before long, clouds gather over Number 1, Byland Crescent.
Within a year, Albert’s family begins to disintegrate. His youngest daughter contracts consumption. His eldest son runs off with the housemaid.
As Europe teeters on the brink of war, Albert’s hopes for his youngest son — and his business — are dashed. Conflict will irrevocably change the Cowgill family’s way of life . . .
Discover the trials and tribulations of a Yorkshire family through the decades.
Please note this book was originally published as Byland Crescent, book two, Renaissance.
Yorkshire, 1923.
Sonny Cowgill is slowly regaining his memory. He was declared missing in action in the First World War, presumed dead. But Sonny’s beloved wife Rachel found him and brought him home.
As he rebuilds his relationship with his wife and learns how to be a father to the son he never knew he had, memories begin to resurface. Sonny remembers something that the Cowgill family thought lost forever — the whereabouts of his eldest brother. James was disowned by their father and never seen again after he ran off with the housemaid. Can the family finally be reunited?
Sonny also discovers that the family’s business is in ruins. His cousin Clarence was left in charge after the war, but has just been charged with embezzlement, and even worse, murder.
Not for the first time, the Cowgill family must rebuild their reputation — and their business. But before long, tragedy strikes again as Europe is pulled toward another devastating war.
Yorkshire, 1923.
Sonny Cowgill is slowly regaining his memory. He was declared missing in action in the First World War, presumed dead. But Sonny’s beloved wife Rachel found him and brought him home.
As he rebuilds his relationship with his wife and learns how to be a father to the son he never knew he had, memories begin to resurface. Sonny remembers something that the Cowgill family thought lost forever — the whereabouts of his eldest brother. James was disowned by their father and never seen again after he ran off with the housemaid. Can the family finally be reunited?
Sonny also discovers that the family’s business is in ruins. His cousin Clarence was left in charge after the war, but has just been charged with embezzlement, and even worse, murder.
Not for the first time, the Cowgill family must rebuild their reputation — and their business. But before long, tragedy strikes again as Europe is pulled toward another devastating war.
Please note this book was originally published as Byland Crescent, book three, Retribution.
Yorkshire, 1946.
World War Two is finally over. But for the Cowgill family there are fresh challenges to face and new battles to be fought.
At last, Sonny and Rachel Cowgill hear the news they’ve been so desperate for. Their son Mark, who was injured in the very last days of the fighting, will make it home in time for Christmas.
But their youngest son Billy has not been so lucky. He was declared missing in action in Crete and is presumed dead. Sonny and Rachel are learning to give up hope of seeing him again.
Meanwhile, in Australia, Luke Fisher returns from the German prisoner of war camp where he was interned. His beloved fiancée Isabella Finnegan is waiting for him.
But all is not well. Luke discovers that one of the Fisher Spring mining companies has been illegally poisoning the plant’s water, making the local population seriously ill – including his fiancée’s mother.
Can Luke put things right to rescue his loved ones — and his business — in time?
World War Two is finally over. But for the Cowgill family there are fresh challenges to face and new battles to be fought.
At last, Sonny and Rachel Cowgill hear the news they’ve been so desperate for. Their son Mark, who was injured in the very last days of the fighting, will make it home in time for Christmas.
But their youngest son Billy has not been so lucky. He was declared missing in action in Crete and is presumed dead. Sonny and Rachel are learning to give up hope of seeing him again.
Meanwhile, in Australia, Luke Fisher returns from the German prisoner of war camp where he was interned. His beloved fiancée Isabella Finnegan is waiting for him.
But all is not well. Luke discovers that one of the Fisher Spring mining companies has been illegally poisoning the plant’s water, making the local population seriously ill – including his fiancée’s mother.
Can Luke put things right to rescue his loved ones — and his business — in time?
Yorkshire, 1959
Memories of the war are finally fading and a new era is beginning. But for the Cowgill family
there are fresh challenges to face and new battles to be fought.
Reminiscing over times gone by at Number 1 Byland Crescent, Jenny Cowgill takes a break
from her baking to sit and enjoy the long-awaited postcard from Spain from her son, Andrew.
But she is soon disturbed by a knock at the door. A policeman says a member of the Cowgill
family has suffered a serious accident in London and her husband Mark must go at once.
It’s Mark’s estranged sister Lizzie. Her accident leaves her with life-changing injuries. Her
career is over.
Now perhaps she will finally come home to reconcile with the family in Scarborough? After all,
her father Sonny is soon turning ninety and a grand celebration with all the family is
planned. And young Andrew is about to return from his travels in Spain. He has quite the
surprise in store . . .
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A very moving story of hardship, good times and tragedy in a very close-knit family.’ JanBee
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A literary masterpiece . . . The author has an effective, subtle way in his style of writing.’ Mary Crocco
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you liked Downton Abbey, you should enjoy this series too.’ Aegeanjan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant . . . Very intriguing and such a compelling story incorporating the First World War and its history.’ Ann
