'I couldn't put this book down. Although harrowing at times, Lesley's indomitable spirit shines through. What an inspiration, what a book!' Katie Fforde

'More extraordinary than any plot twist in Pearse's novels' Mail on Sunday

READ THE SPELLBINDING MEMOIR NOW

One of the world's bestselling storytellers, Lesley Pearse writes brilliantly about survivors. Why? Because she is one herself . . .

Born during the Second World War, Lesley's innocence came to an abrupt end when a neighbour found her, aged 3, coatless in the snow. The mother she'd been unable to wake had been dead for days. Sent to an orphanage, Lesley soon learned adults couldn't always be trusted.

As a teenager in the swinging sixties, she took herself to London. Here, the second great tragedy of her life occurred. Falling pregnant, she was sent to a mother and baby home, and watched helplessly as her newborn was taken from her.

But like so many of her generation, Lesley had to carry on. She was, after all, a true survivor. Marriage and children followed - and all the while she nurtured a dream: to be a writer. Yet it wasn't until at the age of 48 that her stories - of women struggling in a difficult world - found a publisher, and the bestseller lists beckoned.

As heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, Lesley's story really is A Long and Winding Road with surprises and uplifting hope around every corner . . .

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'An incredible memoir' Sun

'An action-packed life. A great storyteller. Concludes with one terrific final twist' Daily Mail

About the Author

Lesley Pearse was told as a child that she had too much imagination for her own good. When she grew up she worked her way through a number of jobs, including nanny, bunny girl, dressmaker and full-time mother, before, at the age of forty-nine, settling upon a career that would allow her gifts to blossom: she became a published writer. Lesley lives in Devon and has three daughters and four grandchildren.

Connect with Lesley and keep up to date with what she's been doing:

Follow her on Twitter @LesleyPearse

Follow her on Facebook @LesleyPearseAuthor

Sign up for her newsletter www.lesleypearse.com

Reviews
I couldn't put this book down. Although harrowing at times, Lesley's indomitable spirit shines through. What an inspiration, what a book! * Katie Fforde *
Searingly honest, and fabulously entertaining, Lesley's life story is a poignant and powerful story that is truly unputdownable * Milly Johnson *
A totally gripping read, by turns tragic, mad-cap, heartbreaking and mind-blowing. And anyone who can read that final chapter without bursting into happy tears has to have a heart of stone * Jill Mansell *
An incredible life story from a literary icon, Lesley Pearse's truth is even more gripping than her fiction * Veronica Henry *
This inspiring, heart-warming, extraordinary memoir will have you captivated * Woman's Weekly *
Humorous and heartbreaking, Lesley opens up to her readers in a way that is rare and very special. I was so gripped I read it twice * Kate Furnivall *
What a roller coaster of a ride. I couldn't do anything else until I'd finished this book. Gripping, heart wrenching. A true life Woman of Substance. It was an amazing read * Jo Thomas *
Lesley is a survivor, you'll certainly want to read the extraordinary story of her life. Inspiring and hopeful, this heartwarming memoir will have you captivated * Woman *
An incredible memoir * Sun *
[Lesley] is a great storyteller, and like all good stories The Long and Winding Road concludes with one terrific twist * Daily Mail *
Moving and heartwarming, this is a must read . . . one of our favourite authors * Bella *
Early on this book, Pearse says she doesn't want it to be a misery memoir, and it isn't. This remarkable woman has somehow succeeded in bouncing back from everything that life has thrown at her, and you can only salute her resilience and cheer at the contentment she has finally found * Daily Mail *
Praise for Lesley Pearse * - *
Storytelling at its very best * Daily Mail *
Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *
Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *
Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written * Closer *
This inspiring, heart-warming memoir will have you captivated * Woman's Weekly *



Book Information
ISBN 9780241453209
Author Lesley Pearse
Format Hardback
Page Count 384
Imprint Michael Joseph Ltd
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 640g
Dimensions(mm) 241mm * 161mm * 35mm