The Cornish Girls Before the Storm

The brand-new prequel to the Cornish Girls series from bestselling historical saga author and Romantic Saga of the year nominee Betty Walker

Meet the Cornish Girls before the war!

War looms on the horizon. Their lives are about to change forever…

Dagenham, 1939. Sheila Hopkins has always put her family first. But when tragedy strikes, she’s faced with an impossible choice: hold on to what’s left of the past, or take a leap of faith for the future.

Her daughter Betsy is trying to stay strong for her children, even as her marriage is tested by sorrow and the rising tension towards her loving husband’s German heritage. Then an act of violence shatters her fragile peace and everything begins to unravel.

And newcomer Edith Treloar arrives from Cornwall with a suitcase full of hopes and heartbreak… and a secret that could change everything.

As the first sirens sound, they will discover that the greatest battles are fought closest to home. Will they find the strength to carry on together?

An emotional and uplifting romance saga novel about love and courage just at the turn of World War Two, perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke, Vicki Beeby, Lizzie Lane and Elaine Everest.

©2026 Jane Holland (P)2026 HarperCollins Publishers

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Praise for Betty Walker:

‘A fascinating story, beautifully written, with interesting characters I really liked. A most enjoyable read!’ Kitty Neale

‘A warm-hearted story – at times I laughed and at others I held my breath… I loved the characters and I’m delighted it is the first in a series’ Pam Weaver

‘This is the first in a series, which is great news for fans of Betty Walker and the Cornish Girls!’ Historical Novel Society