
A Village Scandal
Diane Allen(Author)
Macmillan (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 30. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-0350-5030-7 (ISBN)
Description
The original, heartfelt novel from Diane Allen, A Village Scandal, is a captivating and heartfelt historical saga set in World War Two about family, secrets and bravery.
1941, Giggleswick: Flora Whittaker runs The Cunning Vixen Inn, a small pub in the centre of the village. When her husband, Bill, re-enlists in the war, he leaves Flora to run the pub with the help of young May, the next-door neighbour's daughter.
Flora has several money-saving and illegal schemes running, and when young May starts courting local policeman PC Whinray, he seems to show interest in Flora's illegal activities.
Trying to alleviate their money troubles, Flora decides to let her room to Matt Walker, who is here on behalf of the War Office to oversee the smooth transfer of Italian POWs into Settle. Flora finds out that Matt's mother was once the landlady of The Cunning Vixen and they become good friends, even though her mother and the rest of the town do not welcome Matt's presence.
Meanwhile, Bill hears from sources about Matt's stay and begins to get suspicious.
Matt has a big secret, and he is about to share it with his host. Will it shatter her world, or will it bring her and her mother closer together?
Praise for Diane Allen:
'Warm-hearted and compassionate' - Lancashire Post
'If you are a lover of historical sagas . . . this novel is definitely for you' - Historical Novel Society
1941, Giggleswick: Flora Whittaker runs The Cunning Vixen Inn, a small pub in the centre of the village. When her husband, Bill, re-enlists in the war, he leaves Flora to run the pub with the help of young May, the next-door neighbour's daughter.
Flora has several money-saving and illegal schemes running, and when young May starts courting local policeman PC Whinray, he seems to show interest in Flora's illegal activities.
Trying to alleviate their money troubles, Flora decides to let her room to Matt Walker, who is here on behalf of the War Office to oversee the smooth transfer of Italian POWs into Settle. Flora finds out that Matt's mother was once the landlady of The Cunning Vixen and they become good friends, even though her mother and the rest of the town do not welcome Matt's presence.
Meanwhile, Bill hears from sources about Matt's stay and begins to get suspicious.
Matt has a big secret, and he is about to share it with his host. Will it shatter her world, or will it bring her and her mother closer together?
Praise for Diane Allen:
'Warm-hearted and compassionate' - Lancashire Post
'If you are a lover of historical sagas . . . this novel is definitely for you' - Historical Novel Society
Reviews / Votes
Allen brings us romance, the shining light of shared adversity and proof of the enduring power of love and family to transform even the darkest days -- <i>Lancashire Post</i> on <i>Wartime in the Dales</i> If you are a lover of historical sagas and the sweep of the northern hills and their romance, then this novel is definitely for you -- <i>Historical Novel Society</i> on <i>A Precious Daughter</i>More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 130 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0350-5030-7 (9781035050307)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Diane Allen
A Village Scandal
An Enticing and Heartfelt Yorkshire Saga about Secrets, Family and Courage in the Second World War
E-Book
approx. 07/2026
Macmillan
€14.49
Not yet available
Person
Diane Allen was born in Leeds, but raised on her family's farm, deep in the Yorkshire Dales. After working as a glass engraver, raising a family and looking after her ill father, she found her true niche in life, joining a large-print publishing firm in 1990. She now concentrates on her writing full time, and is Honorary Vice President of the Romantic Novelists' Association. Diane's novels include A Precious Daughter, The Girl from the Tanner's Yard and The Miner's Wife.
Diane and her husband Ronnie live in the Dales market town of Settle, and have two children and four beautiful grandchildren.
Diane and her husband Ronnie live in the Dales market town of Settle, and have two children and four beautiful grandchildren.