The Nurses of Lark Lane: A heartbreaking Liverpool saga

Can she follow her dreams – against all the odds?
Liverpool, 1955. With her abusive husband drinking all her wages, Alice faces a daily struggle to provide for her family. Her eldest daughter Cathy has always longed to be a nurse, but when the family’s poverty means she’s forced to leave school and get a job – without the qualifications she needs – it looks like her dreams are over.

But Cathy isn’t willing to give up without a fight, and with the support of old friend – and new love – Gianni , she manages to secure a place as a cadet nurse, learning as she works.

Cathy knows that without her around, her mam must stand up to her violent husband alone – and that with less money coming in, Alice will be in danger of losing everything. What’s more, since nursing students must be unmarried, and Gianni is desperate to settle down, it’s not just her mam who hopes that Cathy will come home…

Can Cathy find a way to have it all, or will becoming a nurse mean leaving her family – and love – behind her?

The Nurses of Lark Lane is a heart-breaking saga about a family’s battle to survive. If you love Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Donna Douglas, you won’t want to miss Pam Howes!

An earlier version of this book was previously published as Cathy’s Clown . This edition contains significant editorial revisions.

Readers love Lark Lane!
‘ I absolutely loved it! … Alice is an excellent character… This book gave me so many different emotions throughout… All of the characters are so well written … I can't wait to read more from Pam Howes. A must read .’ Booking Good Read

‘ I really love this … The author has a definite knack of writing stories which just get you absolutely hooked 100% and tugs at your heartstrings … I found myself gripped … Took in the atmosphere and surroundings… absolutely perfectly! … It does make you reach for the tissues , but it’s a wonderful heart-warming read of love, loss, family and friendships. Fabulous!!! ’ Stardust Book Reviews

‘Pam has a wonderful talent and makes these books engaging, emotional, enjoyable and unputdownable … The story is brilliant . Very well written. It flowed beautifully… Captures you from the word go … This really was an emotional book at times, I feel like I have been on a huge life journey with Alice… A first-class page-turner you really want to read.’ I Love Reading

‘ Absolutely brilliant, five-star read… Wonderful… Perfect for reading curled with by the fire… You will be hooked and won’t want to put this book down. ’ Goodreads reviewer

‘ Bursting with camaraderie, strong women and love. The author has a way of drawing you into the pages and not letting go … Beautifully written , genuine characters and a powerful message.