Joan is told she suffered a shock, but the truth hides behind a locked door in her mind. As fragments of her extraordinary life begin to surface — a childhood in Renaissance Italy, a forbidden love, a family touched by something unnatural — one question haunts her: what happened the day she collapsed?

Memories flicker like candlelight. Dreams twist into warnings. And somewhere in the shadows of her past lies the moment her world shattered.

A sweeping, time‑spanning tale of love, loss, and the secrets we bury to survive.

Perfect for readers who love historical mystery with a supernatural edge — step into Joan’s story and uncover the truth she fears to remember. Buy now!

What people say:
"Very intriguing story - This was a highly unique and imaginative story. Joan is very relatable and endearing.
As her story unfolds, one finds themselves identifying with her throughout her struggles, and begins to feel the weight of her decisions as she is tormented by way of her own loyal heart. It is a tale layers deep in its subtle portrait of a torn woman who only wants for peace in her life. This is all wrapped around a fictional telling of the origin of the Punch and Judy puppet show. It was a very unique and interesting story." Timothy McKeever Author

About the Author

Carol M. Mottershead writes with a deep compassion for the hidden stories that shape ordinary lives. Drawn to characters who carry quiet strength and unspoken burdens, she brings to life the emotional landscapes of women whose resilience often goes unnoticed.
With a love of history and a sensitivity to the complexities of human experience, Carol creates narratives that blend realism with subtle threads of mystery and the unexpected. Her writing invites readers to step into the inner worlds of her characters; to feel their struggles, their hopes, and the courage that keeps them moving forward.
Joan Put On a Happy Face reflects Carols interest in the untold stories of women who lived through hardship with dignity and determination. Through her work, she honours their endurance while exploring themes of identity, survival, and the quiet power of the human spirit.
Carol continues to write stories that resonate with readers who appreciate heartfelt, character driven fiction rooted in emotional truth.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

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In 2002, World of Books Group was founded on an ethos to do good, protect the planet and support charities by enabling more goods to be reused. Since then, we've grown into to a global company pioneering the circular economy. Today, we drive the circular economy through three re-commerce brands: - Wob: Through Wob, we sell. We provide affordable, preloved books and media to customers all over the world. A book leaves our collection of over seven million titles and begins a new chapter every two seconds, enabling more goods to be reused. - Ziffit: Through Ziffit, we buy. We give people around the world the opportunity to contribute to the circular economy, earn money and protect the planet, by trading their unwanted books and media. - Shopiago: Through Shopiago, we help others. By sharing the technology that has grown World of Books Group into the business it is today, we?re helping charities increase revenue and reduce waste through re-commerce.

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