''Belle'' is the latest novel from bestselling Lesley Pearse. She witnessed a murder - and now her life is in danger...Fifteen year-old Belle, though raised in a London brothel, is an innocent. But when she witnesses one of the girls brutally strangled by a client, she is cast into a cruel, heartless world. Snatched from the streets and sold into prostitution, she is made a courtesan in New Orleans. At the mercy of desperate men who crave her beauty and will do anything to keep her, Belle's dreams of home, family and freedom appear futile. Are Belle's courage and spirit strong enough to help her escape? And what will await her at the end of the long, dangerous journey home? Lesley Pearse, author of the UK and international best-sellers ''A Lesser Evil'' and ''Trust Me'', takes her heroine from London to New Orleans and beyond in her powerful and moving historical novel ''Belle''. Belle is a heroine of our times- a strong woman trying to be good in a world gone bad. Fans of Susan Lewis will love Lesley Pearse's style. Praise for Lesley Pearse: ''With characters it is impossible not to care about ...this is storytelling at its very best''. (''Daily Mail''). ''Lose yourself in this epic saga''.(''Bella''). ''An emotional and moving epic you won't forget in a hurry''. (''Woman's Weekly''). With her gripping and moving storylines best-selling author Lesley Pearse has captured the imaginations of millions in the UK and abroad. Her other titles ''The Promise'', ''A Lesser Evil'', ''Till We Meet Again'', ''Secrets'', ''Charlie'', ''Father Unknown'', ''Gypsy'', ''Trust Me'', ''Faith'', ''Never Look Back'', ''Remember Me'' and ''Hope'' are also available as Penguin paperbacks. Lesley lives near Bristol and has three daughters and two grandchildren.