Dee Williams

"A personal memoir about downsizing and the author's experience building her own home and living the minimalist lifestyle"--

A Built-It-Myself Memoir

The Big Tiny

The Big Tiny: A Built-It-Myself Memoir

A bond this powerful can never be broken... Dee Williams writes a heart-wrenching tale of a young mother's search for a long-lost daughter, in Wishes and Tears. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court. When a naive encounter at a Coronation party leaves sixteen-year-old Janet Slater pregnant there's no question in her scandalised parents' mind of her keeping the baby. Bundled off to a home for unmarried mothers in South London, Janet is about to face the hardest moment of her sheltered life alone. Forced to give her tiny daughter up for adoption, Janet promises her that one day, come what may, she'll find her... In the years that follow it seems, however hard Janet tries, it is a promise that will be impossible to keep. Nonetheless, she builds her life around her secret and Paula, her lost daughter, is never far from her thoughts. And one day, her searching pays off - the road to their longed-for reunion seems clear. But then a new shadow falls across the fragile happiness of both their lives... What readers are saying about Wishes and Tears: 'I thought this was a beautiful, well written book... I had never been moved in this way by a book and even wrote to Dee Williams to tell her' 'This is the first Dee Williams book I have read - it definitely won't be the last. It took me less than 24 hours to read it as I just couldn't put it down' 'Really enjoyed this book. I won't deny I shed a tear or two. Dee writes with sensitivity and captivates her readers throughout! Loved it!'

A desperate search. A chance for happiness.

Wishes and Tears

Eileen Wells' daughters mean the world to her. Her husband Reg is just as proud of his beautiful, confident girls: twenty-two-year-old Ann has attended night school to secure her coveted position as a secretary, eighteen-year-old Lucy works in the same office as Ann, and sixteen-year-old Shirley enjoys her job behind the counter at Woolworths. For the three sisters, the family's two-up, two-down in Perry Street, Rotherhithe, is a place of stability and love. But when Prime Minister Chamberlain announces that Britain is at war, Eileen knows there will be changes. As each of her daughters decides to play her part in the war effort, Eileen prays that the little birds who've flown the nest will fly safely home...

Love and War

Emily Dalton leads a secure and privileged life with her husband William and their two strong-minded daughters, Connie and Jenny. But their happy world is shattered when, in 1912, William makes a trip to America that ends in tragedy. Emily and her daughters cope as best they can, but crippling debts quickly overwhelm them and they are forced to abandon their large family home. This is only the beginning, however, for soon fighting breaks out with Germany and, as the whole country is gripped by the chaos and heartbreak of war, they find their lives change beyond recognition. Connie, recently married to a much older man, goes to work on the trams when her husband is sent away. Jenny decides to become a nurse and soon finds herself facing the horrors of the front line. Like everyone else, they can only do their bit and hold on to the hope that one day they will be reunited with those they love...

Sunshine After Rain

Before World War II has even been officially declared, ten-year-old Hazel Morgan and her eight-year-old brother Peter are evacuated, leaving London for the safety of the Sussex countryside. With her children gone and her husband John in the army, Rene Morgan misses her family terribly. When she learns that John has become a prisoner of war, she has to take on the highly dangerous job of firewatcher. Meanwhile, Hazel and Peter are desperate to go back home. Returning to the city, they are overjoyed to be reunited with their mother and Gran. But their father is still far away and the worst of the war is yet to come. As the air raids increase, the Morgans must face the terror of the Blitz together...

Lights Out Till Dawn

Before World War II has even been officially declared, ten-year-old Hazel Morgan and her eight-year-old brother Peter are evacuated, leaving London for the safety of the Sussex countryside. With her children gone and her husband John in the army, Rene Morgan misses her family terribly. But harder times are still to come.

A young woman is torn between love, loyalty... and the chance for escape. Ellie of Elmleigh Square by Dee Williams is a stirring saga of a young woman's search for happiness and escape from her brawling, embittered family. Perfect for fans of Cathy Sharp and Sheila Newberry. 'A compassionate tale of a woman's struggle for survival' - Woman's Realm Ellie Walsh lives in a battlefield. Her out-of-work father, selfish sisters and violent, bitter mother, Ruby, are constantly fighting - and Ellie is always caught in the crossfire. So when a charming customer, Leonard Kent, comes into the local tearoom where she is a waitress, she is flattered by his attention. And when he reveals he plays the piano in a West End club by night, she is thrilled by the glamorous life she imagines him leading - so far removed from the grind of poverty-stricken Rotherhithe. But though she is increasingly attracted to Leonard, Ellie has secretly never forgotten Terry Andrews, who lives on the other side of Elmleigh Square to her. But Terry has made it clear he is not interested in her and, in any case, Ruby Walsh hates Terry's mother and would never permit a relationship between Terry and her daughter. Events, though, soon take an extraordinary turn, destroying the flimsy foundations on which Ellie has built her world. It is up to her, and her alone, to decide on the direction of her future... What readers are saying about Ellie of Elmleigh Square: 'This book had me hooked from page one... Perfect to curl up with and let yourself be transported back in time to a different age. Truly wonderful' 'Another easy, interesting read [with a] great mix of characters' 'I loved this book, Ellie became almost my friend whilst reading it. I was captivated from beginning to end'

An engrossing saga of love, hope and escape

Ellie of Elmleigh Square

A friendship is tested amidst the storm clouds of war... Annie of Albert Mews is a warm and spirited saga of two East End friends, and their struggle to find happiness in the midst of the Second World War, from much-loved author Dee Wiliams. Perfect for fans of Pam Evans and Nadine Dorries. 'A vividly realised story' - British Book News Even if she feels life is passing her by as she serves behind the counter in her father's Rotherhithe grocer's shop, Annie Rogers knows she is lucky to have a secure home and a loving family - unlike her friend Lil, whose father is a violent drunk. Knowing how hard Lil's life is, Annie willingly helps her out, lending her dresses and make-up and, when Annie is asked out on a smart date by the landlord's son Peter Barrett, suggesting Lil come along to make up a foursome. But it is a shock when Lil gets on famously with Peter's swanky friend Julian whilst Annie feels much less sure of the smooth Peter. Soon Lil is busy earning money from pub singing spots set up for her by Julian, and Annie, no longer needed by her friend, feels more isolated than ever. It is then that she notices shy Will Hobbs from Fisher's engineering works. Before long Annie and Will are engaged, with plans for a home of their own in Surrey. But a dreadful accident at Fisher's and the looming shadow of World War II mean that life for Annie of Albert Mews is not so predictable - or secure - as she once thought it was... What readers are saying about Annie of Albert Mews: 'Another brilliant Dee Williams book - once again I found it hard to put down. The story twists throughout keeping you hooked and eager to find out what happens next. A really good book to curl up with and lose yourself in' 'As always the reader empathises with the main characters right from the start, but there are many layers to this story and it spans the traumatic period of the Second World War. There are many twists and turns throughout to keep the reader in suspense'

A gripping saga of friendship, love and war

Annie of Albert Mews

After tragedy, three women, united in love, face the Great War as bravely as they can... Sunshine After Rain is a heartrending wartime saga, as three women suffer loss and tragedy, yet find the strength to carry on regardless. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Cathy Sharp. Emily Dalton leads a secure and privileged life with her husband William and their two strong-minded daughters, Connie and Jenny. But their happy world is shattered when, in 1912, William makes a trip to America that ends in tragedy. Emily and her daughters cope as best they can, but crippling debts quickly overwhelm them and they are forced to abandon their large family home. This is only the beginning, however, for soon fighting breaks out with Germany and, as the whole country is gripped by the chaos and heartbreak of war, they find their lives change beyond recognition. Connie, recently married to a much older man, goes to work on the trams when her husband is sent away. Jenny decides to become a nurse and soon finds herself facing the horrors of the front line. Like everyone else, they can only do their bit and hold on to the hope that one day they will be reunited with those they love... What readers are saying about Sunshine After Rain: 'I thought I knew where the story was headed, but I was totally wrong. I just couldn't put [the book] down... fabulous read' 'Once again a good story which leaves you with that feel good feeling' 'Make a cup of tea, sit down and let the story take you away'

A compelling saga of family, love and war

In a family blighted by the terrible effects of the First World War, can Ruby Jenkins dare to dream of happiness? A Rare Ruby, from much-loved author Dee Williams, is a moving saga of a young woman facing battles in life and love at the close of the Great War. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Cathy Sharp. 'A cosy chair and a Dee Williams book is a little bit of heaven' - Lesley Pearse When Ruby's father returns, shell-shocked, from the front lines of the Great War, the young girl realises that things will never be the same again. Forced to leave school and help her mother wash clothes, Ruby closes the door on her childhood. When she takes a job at the local laundry, Ruby enjoys the friendship of the other women there, but there's also bitchiness and jealousy amongst the workers. At home there's growing tension with the live-in landlord as Ruby grows into an attractive woman, but not the kind who's willing to use her charms to win favours. Ruby's heart belongs to one man only, a local boy she's known all her life, but there are many battles to be fought before they can start a life together... What readers are saying about A Rare Ruby: 'A moving story. Like all Dee's books, I laughed sometimes and shed a few tears too' 'Lovely book - well written, story line keeps you hooked. Couldn't put it down'

A touching saga of the devastation of war

A Rare Ruby

When tragedy strikes, a young mother sets out to find a place she can call home... Carrie of Culver Road by Dee Williams is a touching story of a young woman's struggle to create a home for her young family in the heart of the East End. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries and Pam Evans. As a little girl, brought up in an orphanage, Caroline Parker had always been told that 'Dept Ford' was the place her disgraced mother had come from. So when years later her husband dies, leaving her penniless and with three young children to support, Caroline's first thought is to head for the place she has envisaged as home: Dept Ford. But to her horror, she finds that Deptford is not the country village she'd imagined, but in the middle of London, a huge, teeming city the likes of which she's never seen. Luckily a kindly passer-by takes pity on her weary children and puts them on the tram to a place where she might find lodgings which, as it turns out, is in Rotherhithe, not Deptford. And so it is Culver Road that becomes her true home, where Carrie - as her neighbours call her - and her family, helped out by the irrepressible Flo and her soft-hearted docker husband Alf, find themselves battling through times both good and bad. And it is in Culver Road that Carrie meets Jim, the enigmatic sailor who is to change her life... What readers are saying about Carrie of Culver Road: 'Really enjoyed this book. Moves very quickly and keeps the reader wanting to know what is going to occur next' 'Brilliant read, was sad when it finished' 'I am running out of praise for Dee Williams books because I enjoy them so much'

A touching saga of the search for happiness

Carrie of Culver Road

When the war changes family life forever, a mother finds strength in her East End community. Dee Williams writes an evocative saga in Love and War, as she follows a family through their wartime endeavours. Perfect for fans of Pam Evans and Harry Bowling. Living in their two-up-two-down in Rotherhithe in 1938, Eileen and Ronald Wells lead a happy and settled existence with their three daughters, all of whom have jobs, boyfriends and promising lives ahead of them. But soon the storm clouds of war engulf Europe and they suddenly find their idyllic family life thrown into chaos. Throughout the country young people hasten to join up, and Eileen watches anxiously as her two older girls do the same, one in the air force and one in the land army, while the youngest goes into a factory. With her family scattered and the war getting worse by the day, Eileen throws herself into the community, always on hand to help friends and neighbours when tragedy strikes, while savouring any rare moments of celebration. What readers are saying about Love and War: '[Dee Williams'] stories are so brilliant, there is at least one page in every book that reduces me to tears, I am so drawn into the story' 'I absolutely loved this book. From the moment I opened the cover I knew it would be a fab read. Story was great, characters were lovely and it took me back into a previous era. Cried buckets towards the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books set in the war, about a great friendship and hard times' 'This is one of the best books I have ever read - it's brilliant with a great unexpected ending'

War changes one family forever...

On the eve of war, a young woman faces struggles in life and love... Dee Williams writes a heart-breaking saga in Pride and Joy - a tale of the powerful bond between siblings, and the search for true love. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court. For sixteen-year-old Mary Harris, growing up in Rotherhithe in 1934 has its ups and downs. She has a good job in a biscuit factory and a best friend, Liz, who's fun to be with, but she's worried about her younger brother Eddie. Eddie is a difficult child whose bad behaviour affects the whole family. Although Mary's stepfather Ted denies losing his temper with the boy, Mary's seen the bruises on Eddie's small body. She wishes her parents would take Eddie to a specialist as perhaps then they would find out what's wrong with him. Mary escapes her problems for a while when she meets Liz's handsome brother Billy, who's a sailor. And when a fortune-teller predicts romance is in the air, Mary's sure that Billy is the one for her. But the future holds some surprises for Mary, and there's heartbreak to come before she can find true love. What readers are saying about Pride and Joy: 'This moving story is a wonderful read, set in wartime Rotherhithe but with a new angle. I enjoyed it immensely and was very pleased with the way it ended' 'Brilliant storyline, could not put the book down' 'Excellent reading - five stars'

A moving saga of a troubled family and true love

Pride and Joy

After her husband disappears, will Maggie Ross be able to support her young family alone? Dee Williams' Maggie's Market is a heart-warming saga of a young mother finding happiness and independence after heartache. Perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Annie Murray. 'A brilliant story, full of surprises' - Woman's Realm It's 1935 and Maggie Ross loves her life amongst the stallholders in Kelvin Market where her husband Tony has a bric-a-brac stall and where she lives, with her young family, above Mr Goldman's bespoke tailors. But when one fine spring day her husband disappears into thin air her world collapses. Maggie has no way of knowing where her husband went, nor why he left her so suddenly - especially when she's got a new baby on the way. What she can tell is who her real friends are, as she struggles to bring her children up alone. There's outspoken, golden-hearted Winnie, her fellow stallholder whose cheerful chatter hides a sad past, and cheeky Eve whom she's known since they were girls. And there's also Inspector Matthews, the policeman sent to investigate her husband's disappearance; a man who, to the Kelvin Market staffholders, is on the wrong side of the law, and a man to whom Maggie is increasingly drawn... What readers are saying about Maggie's Market: 'Dee Williams is a page-turner. She creates atmosphere and tension, but most of all, you really don't want to put the book down. There is something for everyone in this story. Buy a copy and travel into another world' 'I loved the characters and camaraderie amongst the market stall holders... a charming story' 'Another lovely, exciting story, really enjoyed it from beginning to end, didn't want to put it down'

A heart-stopping saga of love, family and friendship

Maggie's Market

After severing all ties, can she ever reunite with those she left behind? The Flower Girls is a heart-breaking saga of destructive ambition and the power of family ties, from much-loved author Dee Williams. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Hutchinson and Cathy Sharp. Identical twins Lily and Rose Flowers aren't from a rich family, but they lead a comfortable life in 1920s Rotherhithe with their mum and dad. The twins are the apple of their parents' eye, and each other's best friend - they always know what the other is thinking. Feisty Rose has a more rebellious nature than her sister, but it's never before interfered with their closeness. However, Rose's secret dissatisfaction with her humdrum lifestyle reaches a head when she meets the rich and handsome Rodger. To the shock of the Flowers family, she elopes with him to Gretna Green. Once Rose has the money and glamour she's always craved, nothing will persuade her to contact her family again; not even her father's death. And then, in the wake of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, everything changes. With her charmed life in shreds and with no one left to turn to, Rose is determined to build bridges to those she has hurt the most. But can forgiveness be sought so easily - and can she ever truly escape her troubled past? What readers are saying about The Flower Girls: 'I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Dee Williams paints vivid pictures of the times her characters lived. They make entertaining reading and escapism' 'Another superb book by Dee, couldn't put it down. This book is a great read and I fully recommend it... The ending is quite a surprise' 'A well written book - good story line and interesting characters. A story that you could relate to'

Dazzling dreams and broken hearts in 1920s London

The Flower Girls

During the course of our lives, trials, challenges, and tribulations will come despite the fact that we do not have a desire for them to manifest. Most of us would prefer to live a problem-free life. However, life is not designed that way. We learn valuable lessons from situations and circumstances that occur. It is left up to us to learn the lesson well and swiftly move forward to the next one. Genuine, Godly characteristics are built on some of our experiences in life. My desire is that you and I experience a richer, more abundant lifestyle, with God’s help and guidance. I want to inspire and encourage others to know that we can make it through any adversity. Although at times, things may seem a bit devastating and perhaps impossible, we will overcome if we do not give up! I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you in advance for your supportive efforts as readers of this memoir.

Dee Williams

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