The House of Secrets and Lies: A heartbreaking post-war family saga from Rosie Clarke for 2026

One girl's chance of a new life, or a sacrifice too far?

Cambridgeshire, November 1945

Young Betty Cantrel is just 14-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley.

As Betty begins her new life at the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome, yet mysterious nephew and ward of Eben Crawley of whom malicious whispers linger – whispers of a tragedy that claimed the Crawley’s’ young son Edward.

As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world – a world full of art, music and freedom and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.

But her growing loyalty to both Mary and Frances comes at a cost. And when tragedy strikes, Betty must choose where her true allegiances lie: with the family who opened her eyes to endless possibilities, or the one she left behind.

For young Betty Cantrel, her story is only just beginning...

Previously published in paperback as Lovers and Sinners by Linda Sole

The compelling first instalment in the Crawley Family series — a gripping saga of class tensions, coming-of-age, sacrifice and long-buried secrets from bestselling author Rosie Clarke.

If you love this, try Rosie's other fabulous series - Harpers Emporium, Blackberry Farm, The Trenwith Series, Dressmakers Alley and Mulberry Lane.