A tale of courage, coded messages, and survival in Blitz-era London
by Robin Wickens
During the Blitz, a widowed London baker turns her humble shop into a safe haven. By night, she hides resistance messages in her pastries—risking everything for love, loyalty, and freedom.
London, 1940. The sirens wail, bombs fall, and a widow named Ellie Harcourt clings to the one thing that has always sustained her—her bakery. Each morning, while rubble is cleared from the streets, Ellie kneads dough and lights her ovens, filling her small shop with the stubborn scent of survival.
But the bakery is more than a place for bread. Beneath its cosy façade, Ellie shelters neighbours during raids, comforts frightened children, and quietly joins the fight against tyranny. With the help of coded messages hidden inside her pastries, she becomes an unexpected link in a fragile chain of resistance.
As the Blitz rages on, Ellie must choose between keeping her head down or risking everything to protect those she loves. Her shop may be small, but within its walls burns a defiance brighter than the bombs outside.
The Blackout Baker is a moving story of resilience, community, and quiet heroism. Perfect for readers of Pam Jenoff, Kate Quinn, and Kristin Hannah, it reminds us that even in the darkest nights, the warmth of courage can still rise.
Robin Wickens writes heartfelt, nature-inspired stories for curious children with big imaginations and muddy knees. Blending gentle adventure with meaningful themes, Robin’s books invite young readers to look more closely at the world around them—and at the friends who walk it with them.
Robin Wickens, affectionately known as the Rob of Rob’s Books, is a retired veteran who has seamlessly transitioned from serving his country to captivating imaginations with his literary creations. With a profound passion for fantasy and folklore, Robin’s work often explores mystical realms where mythical creatures thrive and the extraordinary becomes part of everyday life. As both an author and publisher, Robin writes heartfelt, nature-inspired stories for curious children with big imaginations and muddy knees. Blending gentle adventure with meaningful themes, his books invite young readers to look more closely at the world around them—and at the friends who walk it with them. Through Rob’s Books, Robin publishes across a wide range of genres, including: Children’s Picture Books & Chapter Books – whimsical adventures, fairy tales with a twist, humorous mysteries, and magical worlds (Amberwood, Tumbledown Hollow, Wizzlewood Academy, Meadowbrook, and more). Historical Fiction – heartfelt and human WWII stories, Victorian mysteries, and tales of quiet resilience in extraordinary times. Fantasy & Gothic Tales – enchanted adventures, romantasy, and atmospheric Victorian gothic stories. Educational & Activity Books – puzzle books, colouring collections, activity flip books, and creative learning titles for children and families. Cookbooks & Lifestyle – fast and fresh recipe collections, BBQ sauces and dips, natural living, eco-friendly guides, and seasonal remedies. Robin’s vision is simple: to create books that spark imagination, laughter, curiosity, and wonder—stories that children and adults alike will treasure, share, and return to again and again.
In wartime Britain, a single feather can wound deeper than any weapon.
by Robin Wickens
A moving WWII tale of shame, courage, and resilience, where one young man must fight prejudice on the home front after receiving a white feather of cowardice.
by Robin Wickens
by Robin Wickens
Amidst the Blitz, as firestorms rage across the city, ordinary Londoners find extraordinary courage. Flames Over London is a powerful tale of resilience, unity, and hope in the darkest of nights.