Most Popular Books by Wendy Holden

A personal look at moments both private and powerful and the ways these moments have helped carry her through life.

The fictionalised story of Marion ''Crawfie'' Crawford, the progressive young working-class woman who, as royal governess for seventeen years, lived on the most intimate terms with Princess Margaret and the future Queen Elizabeth II.

"[T]he amazing story of a woman who lived through one of the worst times in human history, losing family members to the Nazis but surviving with her spirit and integrity intact.” —Publishers Weekly Marthe Cohn was a young Jewish woman living just across the German border in France when Hitler rose to power. Her family sheltered Jews fleeing the Nazis, including Jewish children sent away by their terrified parents. But soon her homeland was also under Nazi rule. As the Nazi occupation escalated, Marthe’s sister was arrested and sent to Auschwitz and the rest of her family was forced to flee to the south of France. Always a fighter, Marthe joined the French Army and became a member of the intelligence service of the French First Army. Marthe, using her perfect German accent and blond hair to pose as a young German nurse who was desperately trying to obtain word of a fictional fiancé, would slip behind enemy lines to retrieve inside information about Nazi troop movements. By traveling throughout the countryside and approaching troops sympathetic to her plight--risking death every time she did so--she learned where they were going next and was able to alert Allied commanders. When, at the age of eighty, Marthe Cohn was awarded France’s highest military honor, the Médaille Militaire, not even her children knew to what extent this modest woman had helped defeat the Nazi empire. At its heart, this remarkable memoir is the tale of an ordinary human being who, under extraordinary circumstances, became the hero her country needed her to be.

Neil and Sarah are the ultimate happy couple. Until, that is, Neil’s new job leaves Sarah alone to juggle the baby, domestic drudgery, and her own career. When Neil fails to come home one night, Sarah rushes home to her mother, who has always wished that Sarah had married her childhood sweetheart, the fabulously rich lawyer Colin, who has coincidentally reappeared in her life. The stage is set for divorce, but Neil has other ideas. Distraught at the prospect of losing Sarah and recognizing what an idiot he has been, he enrolls in an experimental “School for Husbands,” a clinic aimed at helping hopeless spouses mend their ways. But will its intensive tuition in everything from emotional self-expression to putting the toilet seat down be enough to get Neil back together with his wife? Not if Colin and Sarah’s mother have anything to do with it.

From the bestselling author of women''s fiction, The Wendy Holden Boxed Set contains three of Holden''s most witty and romantic romps: Beautiful People, Farm Fatale, and Bad Heir Day. Beautiful People: Darcy is a struggling English rose actress when The Call comes from L.A. An Oscar-tastic director. A movie to make her famous. The hunkiest costar in Hollywood. So why doesn''t she want to go? Belle is a size-zero film star but she''s in big, fat trouble. Hotter than the earth''s core a year ago, she''s now Tinseltown toast after her last film bombed. Can she get back to the big time? Emma is a down-to-earth, down-on-her-luck nanny trying to weather London''s cutthroat childcare scene and celebrity mom whirlwinds. What will it take for her to get back in control of her own life? Jet to London, Hollywood, and Italy; toss in a passionate star chef, a kindhearted paparazzo, and a reluctant male supermodel; and find Wendy Holden at her best-a smash international hit. Farm Fatale: Cash-strapped Rosie and her boyfriend Mark are city folk longing for a country cottage. Rampant nouveaux riches Samantha and Guy are also searching for rustic bliss-in the biggest mansion money can buy. The village of Eight Mile Bottom seems quiet enough, despite a nosy postman, a reclusive rock star, a glamorous Bond Girl, and a ghost with a knife in its back. But there are unexpected thrills in the hills, and Rosie is rapidly discovering that country life isn''t so simple after all. Bad Heir Day: Anna''s boyfriend is impossibly handsome, impossibly rich, and generally just impossible. When he inevitably dumps her, she vows to give up men and throws herself into her career as an aspiring novelist. Which is how she ends up working for Cassandra. The social climber from hell, Cassandra has a huge mansion, a philandering rock star husband, Satan for a son, and a bestselling writing career that has massively stalled. So when dashing Jamie, charming heir to a castle in Scotland, offers Anna an escape beyond her wildest dreams, she can''t believe her luck. And she probably shouldn''t... Praise for Wendy Holden: "This lighthearted romp, surprisingly unpredictable, smart, and fun, is refreshing fare readers can turn to."-Publishers Weekly "Every character here is deliciously ridiculous, and every rustic detail a grand satirical opportunity."-Baltimore Sun "Wendy Holden writes with delicious verve and energy."-Mail on Sunday

A memoir of the only woman to ever serve in the French Foreign Legion, the unique story of Susan Travers is told against the backdrop of war-torn France. Photos.

Top Ten bestselling author Wendy Holden launches a new series with Gifted and Talented, the most witty and romantic campus novel since David Nicholls'' Starter for Ten. Can gardener Diana win the heart of Richard, the recently widowed Master of Branston College? Ideal for fans of Catherine Alliot and Jenny Colgan.

Wild and Free by Sunday Times bestselling author Wendy Holden sees the author of Bad Heir Day and The Wives of Bath at the top of her game. Fun for fans of Jane Costello and Carole Matthews. ''Super-sharp ... This hugely entertaining novel is chick lit at its best!'' Closer Wild & Free is the festival du jour. Everyone piles through its gates - and Cupid lies in wait to sprinkle a little midsummer madness on them all. Teacher Ginnie is desperate to forget her crush on headmaster Mark, and hopes glamping might do the trick. But Mark is also heading for Wild & Free to reform his college band ... desperate not to be seen by anyone he knows. Mark''s bandmate James dreams of a festival blow-out with his son, Guy ... until his wife Victoria''s ambition kills the dream. Now she and Guy are en route to Wild & Free instead but when Guy meets Shanna-Mae and falls for her earthy charms, Victoria is determined to snap Cupid''s arrow. Will the magic of the festival send them wild? Or set them free to find peace and love?

"When she''s good, she''s very, very good, and Beautiful People finds Holden on steroids. Unmissable." —Daily MirrorA witty, utterly addictive novel from bestselling author Wendy Holden, Beautiful People is a tale wicked in its observations yet buoyant at its heart: an irresistible confection you''ll want to devour immediately. Darcy—a struggling English rose actress when The Call comes from L.A. An Oscar-tastic director. A movie to make her famous. The hunkiest costar in Hollywood. So why doesn''t she want to go? Belle—a size-zero film star but she''s in big, fat trouble. Hotter than the earth''s core a year ago, she''s now Tinseltown toast after her last film bombed. Can she get back to the big time? Emma—a down-to-earth, down-on-her-luck nanny trying to weather London''s cutthroat childcare scene and celebrity mom whirlwinds. What will it take for her to get back in control of her own life? Jet to London, Hollywood, and Italy; toss in a passionate star chef, a kindhearted paparazzo, and a reluctant male supermodel; and find Wendy Holden at her best—a smash international hit.

In this whimsical and satirical novel that''s already a smash hit in England, a writer for a glossy women''s magazine lands the nightmare assignment of ghostwriting for the town''s latest bedazzling socialite.

"Wickedly funny." —Kirkus A witty, beloved novel of heart and heartland, Farm Fatale skewers the culture clash of city vs. country in the snappy, observant style that made Wendy Holden famous. Cash-strapped Rosie and her boyfriend Mark are city folk longing for a country cottage. Rampant nouveaux riches Samantha and Guy are also searching for rustic bliss—in the biggest mansion money can buy. The village of Eight Mile Bottom seems quiet enough, despite a nosy postman, a reclusive rock star, a glamorous Bond Girl, and a ghost with a knife in its back. But there are unexpected thrills in the hills, and Rosie is rapidly discovering that country life isn''t so simple after all. "This lighthearted romp, surprisingly unpredictable, smart, and fun, is refreshing fare readers can turn to." —Publishers Weekly "Every character here is deliciously ridiculous, and every rustic detail a grand satirical opportunity." —Baltimore Sun "Wendy Holden writes with delicious verve and energy." —Mail on Sunday

The Nazis murdered their husbands but concentration camp prisoners Priska, Rachel, and Anka would not let evil take their unborn children too—a remarkable true story that will appeal to readers of The Lost and The Nazi Officer’s Wife, Born Survivors celebrates three mothers who defied death to give their children life. Eastern Europe, 1944: Three women believe they are pregnant, but are torn from their husbands before they can be certain. Rachel is sent to Auschwitz, unaware that her husband has been shot. Priska and her husband travel there together, but are immediately separated. Also at Auschwitz, Anka hopes in vain to be reunited with her husband. With the rest of their families gassed, these young wives are determined to hold on to all they have left—their lives, and those of their unborn babies. Having concealed their condition from infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, they are forced to work and almost starved to death, living in daily fear of their pregnancies being detected by the SS. In April 1945, as the Allies close in, Priska gives birth. She and her baby, along with Anka, Rachel, and the remaining inmates, are sent to Mauthausen concentration camp on a hellish seventeen-day train journey. Rachel gives birth on the train, and Anka at the camp gates. All believe they will die, but then a miracle occurs. The gas chamber runs out of Zyklon-B, and as the Allied troops near, the SS flee. Against all odds, the three mothers and their newborns survive their treacherous journey to freedom. On the seventieth anniversary of Mauthausen’s liberation from the Nazis by American soldiers, renowned biographer Wendy Holden recounts this extraordinary story of three children united by their mothers’ unbelievable—yet ultimately successful—fight for survival.

Artist Rosie dreams of a peaceful country cottage. Meanwhile, a fantastically nosy postman, a ferret-racing former Bond girl, a ghost with a knife in its back & handsome but hermit-like rock star conspire to ensure that life and love are never the same again.

"Readers are transported to 1961 Britain in this fascinating tale about beloved Princess Diana....What follows is an astonishing story of Diana''s route to the altar and beyond."—Woman''s World The whole world saw Diana Spencer step from a gilded carriage for her wedding. But before that fairy-tale moment came a difficult journey.… Bestselling author Wendy Holden explores the astonishing backstory and young adulthood of the ultimate royal celebrity. Britain, 1961: A beautiful blonde baby is born to Viscount Althorp, heir to the Spencer earldom. But Diana grows up amid the fallout of her parents’ messy divorce. She struggles at school. Her refuge throughout is romantic novels. She dreams of falling in love and being rescued by a handsome prince. In royal circles, there is concern about the Prince of Wales. Charles is nearing thirty and the right girl needs to be found, fast. She must be young, aristocratic and completely free of past liaisons. Pure and innocent. Eighteen-year-old Diana Spencer is just about the only candidate. Her yearning to be loved dovetails with royal desperation for a bride. But the route to the altar is perilous. There are hidden dangers. Ruthless schemers. Can Diana’s romantic dream survive?

Deana Martin''s captivating, heartfelt memoir of her father, Dean Martin Charming, debonair, and impeccably attired in a black tuxedo, Dean Martin was coolness incarnate. His music provided the soundtrack of romance, and his image captivated movie and television audiences for more than fifty years. His daughter Deana was among his most devoted fans, but she also knew a side of him that few others ever glimpsed. In this heartfelt memoir, Deana recalls the constantly changing blended family that marked her youth, along with the unexpected moments of silliness and tenderness that this unusual Hollywood family shared. She candidly reveals the impact of Dean’s fame and characteristic aloofness, but delights in sharing wonderful, never-before-told stories about her father and his pallies known as the Rat Pack. This enchanting account of life as the daughter of one of Hollywood’s sexiest icons will leave you entertained, delighted, and nostalgic for a time gone by.

"A brilliantly juicy Cinderella tale."—Heat Beautiful but broke student Polly and scheming social climber Alexa may have grown up in the same place, but they couldn''t be more different. Polly''s just fallen for Max, a handsome country vet. But Alexa can''t be bothered with love—any guy with a pedigree will do, mind you, as long as he comes with a title, a mansion, and a family tiara. Alexa wiggles her way into friendship with Florrie, a clueless aristocrat who could support entire countries with her spare change. Suddenly the grandest doors swing open for Alexa, and a new life is so close she can taste it. Polly could care less about Max''s money, but his mysterious habit of disappearing scares her. What''s he hiding? Razor sharp in its wit, and as fresh as newlywed royals, Marrying Up reveals how sometimes a rags–to–riches story can rip a girl to shreds—and how sometimes the rewards of love aren''t always what you expect. "Holden''s tale of social snobbery and bare–faced ambition is a modern fairy tale that chimes perfectly with our post–Will and Kate world."—Glamour

A witty, winning escapade through the south of France is offered by the internationally bestselling author of "Gossip Hound" and "Farm Fatale." 352 00.

During the childhood years of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most famous women who ever lived, a young governess helped shape her into the icon the world knows today. In 1933, twenty-two-year-old Marion Crawford accepts the role of a lifetime, tutoring the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Her one stipulation to their parents is that she bring some doses of normalcy into their sheltered and privileged lives. At Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral, Marion defies stuffy protocol to take the princesses on tube trains, swimming at public baths, and on joyful Christmas shopping trips at Woolworth’s. From her ringside seat at the heart of the British monarchy she witnesses the trauma of the Abdication, the glamour of the Coronation, the onset of World War II. She steers the little princesses through it all, as close as a mother. As Hitler’s planes fly over Windsor, she shelters her charges in the castle dungeons (not far from where the Crown Jewels are hidden in a biscuit tin). Afterwards, she is present when Elizabeth first sets eyes on Philip, her future husband. But being beloved confidante to the Windsor family comes at huge personal cost. Marriage, children, her own views: all are compromised by proximity to royal glory. In this majestic story of love, sacrifice and allegiance, bestselling novelist Holden brings to life the early years before Queen Elizabeth II became monarch. “This captivating page-turner whisks readers back in time to Buckingham Palace in 1933…A majestic story that delves into the incredible life of Queen Elizabeth II before she took her place on the throne.”—Woman’s World

From the bestselling author of Azur Like it and Farm Fatale comes a domestic comedy set in the world of coupledom and new parenthood. Bath, England – the swanky town once home to ancient Roman spas and Jane Austen heroines – is the setting for Wendy Holden’s brilliant novel. Birthing class brings together two sets of expectant parents who couldn’t be more different. Huge and his spoiled wife Amanda plan to throw money at the problem of parenthood, making use of private hospitals and nurses, while environmentally friendly Jake and Alice have arranged a home delivery complete with birthing pool and whale music. But even after their babies are born, these seemingly disparate couples can’t escape each other. When Amanda decides she’s not cut out for motherhood and Huge must look elsewhere for a sympathetic ear, the couples are inextricably drawn together once again, resulting in hilarious social comedy, as only Wendy Holden can write it. "Wendy Holden is [a] superstar." -- Evening Standard (London)

#1 International Bestseller When Owen met Haatchi, the lives of one adorable little boy and one great, big dog were destined to change forever. Owen-known to his family as "little buddy" or "Little B"-has a rare genetic disorder that leaves him largely confined to a wheelchair. Before being united with Haatchi, Little B was anxious and found it difficult to make friends. Haatchi-an adorable Anatolian Shepherd puppy-was abused and left for dead on railroad tracks. He was struck by an oncoming train, and although his life was saved, his leg and tail were partially severed. Haatchi was left massively disabled and totally dispirited. But kind-hearted Will and Colleen Howkins, Little B''s father and step-mother, decided to introduce the big dog and the little boy to each other, and an unbelievable bond was formed that transformed both boy and dog in miraculous ways. Wendy Holden''s Haatchi & Little B is the true story of an astonishing little boy, a very special dog, and the inspiring, inseparable pair that they make together.

John Downing was the pre-eminent press photographer of his generation: he led a life of adventure in wars and hotspots around the world. His memoir, Aperture, offers a unique and first hand insight into life behind the Fleet Street lens during one of the most interesting periods of world history and a golden age of photojournalism.

From the bestselling author of Born Survivors, a novel inspired by the powerful true story of a man who risked everything to protect children in Auschwitz. Fredy built a wall against suffering in their hearts . . . Amid the brutality of the Holocaust, one bright spot shone inside the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz. In the shadows of the smokestacks was a wooden hut where children sang, staged plays, wrote poetry, and learned about the world. Within those four walls, brightly adorned with hand-painted cartoons, the youngest prisoners were kept vermin-free, received better food, and were even taught to imagine having full stomachs and a day without fear. Their guiding light was a twenty-seven-year-old gay, Jewish athlete: Fredy Hirsch. Being a teacher in a brutal concentration camp was no mean feat. Forced to beg senior SS officers for better provisions, Fredy risked his life every day to protect his beloved children from mortal danger. But time was running out for Fredy and the hundreds in his care. Could this kind, compassionate, and brave man find a way to teach them the one lesson they really needed to know: how to survive? The Teacher of Auschwitz shines a light on a truly remarkable individual and tells the inspiring story of how he fought to protect innocence and hope amid depravity and despair.

Laura Lake, now deputy editor of glossy mag Society, gets promoted to the hot seat when her boss is carted to rehab. But life at the top involves job-sharing with evil Clemency. And who does Laura share the free goodies with now that her reporter sort-of boyfriend has gone to ground? Not her close mate Caspar, the new James Bond, who''s living it large in L.A. Nor Lulu, Laura''s international glamourpuss BFF, who''s just bought Riffs, a rock star''s country mansion, and left Knightsbridge for Britain''s poshest village. But not everything in the guitar-shaped garden is lovely; Lulu''s attempts to join the community are blocked by the snobbish locals. Meanwhile, in L.A., Caspar''s romance has hit the fan and his horrid film star ex is trashing his reputation. Only Laura can save him, by pretending to be his girlfriend at the BAFTAs.

"Deliciously wicked and hugely entertaining." Booklist Anna''s boyfriend is impossibly handsome, impossibly rich, and generally just impossible. When he inevitably dumps her, she vows to give up men and throws herself into her career as an aspiring novelist. Which is how she ends up working for Cassandra. The social climber from hell, Cassandra has a huge mansion, a philandering rock star husband, Satan for a son, and a bestselling writing career that has massively stalled. So when dashing Jamie, charming heir to a castle in Scotland, offers Anna an escape beyond her wildest dreams, she can''t believe her luck. And she probably shouldn''t... "A romp of a novel...Wendy Holden writes with delicious verve and energy." -Mail on Sunday "Well observed and witty." -Mirror "Laugh-out-loud funny...a treat." -Express Wendy Holden, author of Farm Fatale and Beautiful People, is a master of the sweetly savage satire and is the author of nine top-ten UK bestsellers.

Teaching Our Children to Help Themselves Be Happy Practical, timely, relevant, and inspiring, 10 Mindful Minutes is Goldie Hawn’s gift to parents who want to help their children learn better and live happier lives. Inspired by the revolutionary MindUP program (developed under the auspices of the Hawn Foundation), the book offers easy-to-grasp insights from current behavioral, psychological, and neurological studies to show how our thoughts, emotions, and actions—including our ability to focus, manage stress, and learn—are all exquisitely interconnected. Hawn presents simple and practial ways to develop mindfulness in children and parents alike, and shares her own heartfelt experiences with the challenges and joys of parenting.

It was a love so strong, a king renounced his kingdom—all for that woman. Or was she just an escape route for a monarch who never wanted to rule? Bestselling author Wendy Holden takes an intimate look at one of the most notorious scandals of the 20th century. 1928. A middle-aged foreigner comes to London with average looks, no money and no connections. Wallis’s first months in the city are lonely, dull and depressing. With no friends of her own she follows the glamorous set in magazines and goes to watch society weddings. Her stuffy husband Ernest’s idea of fun, meanwhile, is touring historic monuments. When an unexpected encounter leads to a house party with the Prince of Wales, Wallis’s star begins to rise. Her secret weapon is her American pep and honesty. For the prince she is a breath of fresh air. As her friendship with him grows, their relationship deepens into love. Wallis is plunged into a world of unimaginable luxury and privilege, enjoying weekends together at his private palace on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Wallis knows the fun and excitement can’t last. The prince will have to marry and she will return to Ernest. The sudden death of George V seems to make this inevitable; the Prince of Wales is now King Edward VIII. When, to her shock and amazement, he refuses to give her up--or recognize that they are facing impossible odds--her fairy tale becomes a nightmare. The royal family close ranks to shut her out and Ernest gives an ultimatum. Wallis finds herself trapped when Edward insists on abdicating his throne. She can’t escape the overwhelming public outrage and villainized, she becomes the woman everyone blames—the face of the most dramatic royal scandal of the twentieth century.

The inspiring true story of one amazing boy and the very special dog who changed his life for ever -- now made available for younger readers. When Haatchi was injured by a train, he lost one of his legs and his tail -- a huge problem for such a big dog. He needed some serious love; he needed to find his perfect Forever Home. And then Haatchi met Owen. Owen was finding life hard too. He also needed some love. And, like Haatchi, he had a lot of love to give. This is the inspiring true story of the best friends who can overcome any problem together. Because, after all, it doesn''t matter how many legs or wheels you have, it''s who journeys with you."

Laura Lake is the deputy editor of glossy mag Society. She''s been asked to write an exclusive on celebrity getaway Coconut Cay, a private paradise belonging to billionaire businessman James Redmond. When a couple of pompous journalists turn up unexpectedly, scuppering Laura''s chances of an exclusive, she decides to enjoy the glittering sea and golden Caribbean sands instead. But Laura soon discovers that the hi-tech, haute luxe, seven-star comfort of Coconut Cay hides some dark secrets. And she''s determined to get the scoop before her rivals...

A moving memoir from Grammy award nominee Sheila E. about the healing power of music, inspired by five decades of life and love on the stage

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that fans of The Devil Wears Prada and Sophie Kinsella will love! ''Effing marvellous'' JILLY COOPER. ''Funny and smart'' INDIA KNIGHT. ''Total bliss'' DAILY MAIL. Laura Lake longs to be a journalist. Instead she''s an unpaid intern at a glossy magazine – sleeping in the fashion cupboard and living on canapés. But she''s just got her first big break: infiltrate three society weddings and write a juicy exposé. Security will be tighter than a bodycon dress, but how hard can it be? Cue disappearing brides, demanding socialites – and a jealous office enemy who will do anything to bring her down... Previously published as Laura Lake and the Hipster Weddings. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WENDY HOLDEN: ''A brilliant, funny read... Perfect escapism from the daily grind'' ''Move over Sophie Kinsella - there''s a new Chick Lit queen in town'' ''Escapism in its purest form... A little gem'' ''Pure fun, escapism and self indulgence. Delicious!''

A beautiful glassmaker. Two damaged men who love her. Set in exotic Bohemia and the wilderness of an English coast, this is a story of obsession and passion and fear... The Cruelty of Beauty takes the reader on a journey into glassmaking and its parallels with the fragilities and strengths of life.

Forget about Cool Britannia and Gallic Chic. Scotland is having a fashion moment... ''Effing marvellous'' JILLY COOPER. ''Funny and smart'' INDIA KNIGHT. ''Total bliss'' DAILY MAIL. London''s most glamorous glossy magazine is in trouble. Advertising revenues are non existent, and if editor Laura Lake can''t pick them up, she''s out of a job. According to those in the know, Scotland is having a fashion moment. Smart spas are offering porridge facials, and a chain of eco-hotels is offering celebrity bagpipe lessons. So Laura''s off to a baronial estate in the Scottish Highlands to get a slice of this ultra-high-end market. It''s supposed to be gorgeous, glitzy and glamorous. But intrigue follows Laura like night follows day. And at Glenravish Castle – a shooting lodge fit for a billionaire – Laura finds herself hunting for a scoop that won''t just save her job, it could save her life... WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WENDY HOLDEN: ''A brilliant, funny read... Perfect escapism from the daily grind'' ''Move over Sophie Kinsella – there''s a new Chick Lit queen in town'' ''Escapism in its purest form... A little gem'' ''Pure fun, escapism and self indulgence. Delicious!''

Sophie seems to have a perfect marriage. She lives with her author husband Mark & their daughter in a big house full of antiques. But, as Mark''s best-selling star rises, his best husband status is sliding out of the chart.