Contemporary Fiction Books

Book SynopsisThe blisteringly funny, honest and fearless debut adult novel from bestselling author Holly Bourne.Trade ReviewTruly a f***ing good novel * Evening Standard *It is so good! It is so honest about being a woman and all the things that are expected of us ... I enjoyed it very much. -- Marian KeyesBourne incinerates the lies we're all capable of telling ourselves in this raw and very funny book; it'll resonate with anyone trying to convince themselves that sticking it out is better than being alone. * Emerald Street *The most perceptive book I have ever read about the female interior -- Dolly Alderton, The High Low PodcastInjected with such reality it can't help but be hilarious * Times *Relatable for any woman navigating emotional time bombs * Red *There's a duality in reading things that are super relatable - it feels great to be heard, but also a little exposing. There's a little bit of that in Holly Bourne's latest novel, but nothing will stop you getting to the end...This novel is funny, touching and searingly honest * Grazia *Funny, real and incredibly relatable * Culturefly *It speaks so many truths about being a woman in your thirties; friendships, love and what a fickle beast social media can be. -- Clemmie HooperHonest and unflinching * Stylist *Hilarious and painfully true * Grazia *Identifiable, heart-breaking and wickedly funny. I'd say this is one of my favourite books of the year -- Giovanna FletcherI haven't been this obsessed with a book in years. It's painfully funny, real, but also heartbreaking. Get this book now or be the loser who can't join in when everyone else is talking about it. -- Lucy Vine, bestselling author of Hot Mess'A smart, witty and perceptive novel; Bourne is razor-sharp on friendship, self-image and self-deception' -- Lucy Diamond, bestselling author of The House of New BeginningsSure to resonate with anyone navigating the emotional minefield of their thirties * Red Online *Sublime, perfectly observed -- Laura Jane Williams, Ice Cream for Breakfast'This novel is sharply observant about the issues in young women's lives today - feminism, relationships, mental health and motherhood - and it is very, very funny. * Bookseller *Authentic, funny and utterly relatable; this book gave me all of the feelings. This generation's Bridget Jones! -- Carmel Harrington, author of The Woman at 72 Derry Lane Perfectly addresses the storm of emotions you go through as a young woman, growing up in a world where you need to have the best boyfriend, best career and best group of friends (and it's all got to be displayed beautifully across your social media profiles.) * BBC News Online *'This is a deeply feminist novel that questions whether the competitive nature of social media is breeding a lifestyle conformism among women that can only limit their freedom and their happiness. It is also, almost line by line, wincingly funny' * Metro *Will strike a chord with anyone who worries about their relationship with social media, feels like they're being left behind by their friends or is wrangling with the pressures of being in, or out, of a partnership in their 30s. Buy it for your best mate whose boyfriend isn't good enough for her, your recently dumped sister or just for yourself if you're feeling a little 'what the hell?' about your fourth decade; you'll all take something from it * Stylist *Tori is surely the Bridget Jones of our times * Stylist *Brutally honest but charmingly funny * Stylist *Well-written, genuinely funny and movingly honest. It could be a life-changing read for many. * Sheerluxe *Holly Bourne nails the pressures that young women face and captures that feeling of teetering on the edge of 30 and still not knowing what you want from life. It's funny and sad in equal measures' * The Express, S Magazine *A very funny novel that lives up to its hype * The Sunday Telegraph *Mordantly funny, flinchingly well-observed... A smart, zeitgeisty, and caustically funny read, it has characters you root for. More than that, however, Bourne holds a mirror up to contemporary aspiration, deftly probing the dissonant dualism between the shinier selves projected online and people's offline reality. * Sunday Times *Cheerfully plunders all that can be plundered from a young woman's quest for life in the 'fast line' -- Helen Lederer, MetroFunny, astute, bitingly honest, it's a genuine triumph * Bookseller *Brutally honest, appallingly funny and very moving - so accurate on the female interior, and the loneliness life in the public gaze. I want to read everything Holly Bourne has written now -- Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't CallFunny, sad, honest, insightful, up-to-the-minute. Bourne's pacy narrative kept me guessing (and hoping)to the last page. -- Roisin Meaney, author of The Reunion

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Book Synopsis'Vera Morris is one of those unexpected gems who turn up occasionally on the crime fiction scene' Mystery PeopleSomeone knows what happened . . .1971. David was thirteen when he went missing two years ago. It's now up to Laurel Bowman and Frank Diamond, partners in the newly formed Anglian Detective Agency, to find him.But how do you solve a cold case with no leads? Could it have anything to do with the brutal deaths of three local residents?As their first big case unravels, they uncover a circle of temptations, destruction and deceit. But the closer they get to solving the case, the more exposed they are to danger. And now both Laurel and Frank's lives are at risk . . .Readers LOVE Vera Morris's Anglian Detective Agency series:'I sat up to past midnight reading this book' *****'Full of twists and turns' *****'A book you just know you are going to like from the 1st page' *****'A perfect detective novel' *****'I started it early one morning and had finished it by bed-time that same day!' *****'A super read' *****'This book stands head and shoulders above the rest in this overcrowded genre' *****'Absolute must read' *****

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Book SynopsisConsistently pulse-raising. . .an exhilarating ride. . .Personal wrests back the sheer gusto of the earlier novels; it''s the best Reacher adventure in some considerable time. (Independent) Jack Reacher walks alone. Once a go-to hard man in the US military police, now he''s a drifter of no fixed abode. But the army tracks him down. Because someone has taken a long-range shot at the French president.Only one man could have done it. And Reacher is the one man who can find him.This new heartstopping, nailbiting book in Lee Child''s number-one bestselling series takes Reacher across the Atlantic to Paris - and then to London.The stakes have never been higher - because this time, it''s personal._________Although the Jack Reacher novels can be read in any order, Personal is 19th in the series.Be sure not to miss Reacher''s newest adventure, no.29, In Too Deep! Trade ReviewConsistently pulse-raising...an exhilarating ride...Personal wrests back the sheer gusto of earlier novels; it's the best Reacher adventure in some considerable time. * Independent *This is the 19th Jack Reacher novel. I've read all the others. If you haven't, start now. You can binge-read them all in three weeks. But then you will be sad. Because you'll have to wait for a year for the next one. They are blissfully pedantic whodunnits. And also seriously violent thrillers....[Child] is so good. He makes "literary" writing seem orotund...He generates relentless momentum...Child's dedication to suspense...approaches the Hitchcockian. * Guardian *Packed with arcane and fascinating detail...Child's almost trademarked and seriously addictive clipped prose and dialogue keeps Personal clipping along at breakneck pace with the tension ratcheting up satisfactorily to the inevitably bloody conclusion. * Irish Independent *Told in characteristic Child style - fast prose, smart dialogue, extraordinary detail - and with the hero in full revenge mode,it throbs with energy from the start...a pleasure to welcome him back to [Lee Child's] native land. * Daily Mail *He's a dangerous man to know but every year I am desperate to renew my acquaintance with the one and only Jack Reacher....Child brings it all together brilliantly. And often tersely...It ends in crunching violence - but Reacher readers queueing up for their annual fix expect nothing less. * Sun *

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Book SynopsisONE MORE CHANCE is a debut by Lucy Ayrton. Perfect for those who love gripping, contemporary, voice-driven drama and contemporary commercial women's fiction and suspense with an unusual edge.Trade ReviewRefreshing, heartbreaking and magical; the most powerful first-person narrative I have read in years. Every mother should read this. * Cath Weeks *A brilliant insight into the life of a prisoner told in such a clever and sympathetic way. . . that will have you gripped to the very end. * Net Galley User *'Hard to believe it's a debut! It's really accomplished and the main character was totally sympathetic with a refreshing and authentic voice that just carried me through the story. I couldn't put it down - that voice, honest and . . . utterly compelling.' * Jenny Blackhurst *A fantastic read. 5***** * Net Galley User *Fascinating. Enlightening. Sobering. * Oxford Times *The story was . . . refreshingly different from anything l have read before. Well worth reading. * Net Galley User *A gritty, honest read. Really enjoyed it! * Net Galley User *Just couldn't put it down * Net Galley User *A brilliant engrossing story and I can't wait to read more by Lucy Ayrton * Net Galley User *I loved this book. I loved the plot and the story arc. I loved Danni. * Net Galley User *

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Book SynopsisA foul-mouthed Prague prostitute muses on her profession, aging and the nature of materialism as imagined in her own reality TV series. In an unvarnished mixture of vulgar and poetic language, the episodes combine the mundane with fetishism, violence and dark humour.Trade Review'Frighteningly honest' - LA Review of Books; 'One of the most important authors writing in Czech today.' - Dr Peter Zusi, UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies; 'Wonderfully rough, gloriously evil language' - Die Zeit; One of World Literature Today’s Notable Translations of 2017

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Book Synopsis''Pure genius. Absolutely brilliant'' Shari Lapena''A twisted thriller, reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith'' Ian RankinIBA Crime Fiction Book of the Year Winner 2018___________WINNER of the Dead Good Books Award for the Book That You Can''t Put Down!She''s not who you think she is . . . ''I could probably have been an actress.It is not difficult to pretend to be somebody else.Isn''t that what I''ve been doing for most of my life?''Cordelia Russell has been living on the French Riviera for twenty-five years, passing herself off as an English socialite. But her luck, and the kindness of strangers, have run out.The arrival of a visitor from her distant past shocks Cordelia. She reacts violently to the intrusion and flees her flat to spend a drunken night at a glittering party. As dawn breaks she stumbles home through the back streets. Even before she opens her door she can hear the flies buzzing. She did not expect the corpse inside to start decomposing quite so quickly . . .___________''Bloody brilliant!'' Denise Mina''Extraordinary'' A.J. Finn ''The finest psychological thriller writer currently at work'' Tammy Cohen''Dark, brutal and brilliant'' Colette McBeth''Absorbing, beautifully written'' The Times, Crime Books of the Year''Every bit as amazing as her first two [novels]'' Lisa Jewell ''Dazzling . . . chilling, mesmerising and, ultimately, devastating. Pure storytelling genius'' Mark EdwardsTrade ReviewWhat takes a woman from an island childhood in Ireland to murder and ruin in Nice? - another dark twisted story from No 1 bestseller Liz Nugent. * From the Publisher's Description *Bloody brilliant! -- Denise MinaA twisted thriller, reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith. A scarred woman brings chaos to those around her, but Nemesis is coming -- Ian Rankin * Guardian Books of the Year *Absorbing, beautifully written * The Times, Crime Books of the Year 2018 *The finest psychological thriller writer currently at work - no one gets under the skin of monstrous characters like she does -- Tammy CohenBrilliant * Irish Independent, Best Books of 2018 *A tour de force ... a genuinely memorable, at times terrifying central character ... will appeal to readers who enjoy an exciting, fast-paced journey of psychological extremes, which delivers a shocking final twist * Crime Club, Killer Women Book of the Month *A wonderful feat of imagination, totally gripping, with a fascinating character at its heart -- Sabine DurrantAs one woman's singular story unspools with many an unexpected shock, Nugent skewers her targets with skill. Sly humour and dazzling originality deliver a gutsy feminist message. * The Times *Dark, brutal and brilliant -- Colette McBethA triumph, from first page to last! -- Sarah HilaryMonumentally good. Liz Nugent is a beautiful writer and among the very best storytellers in the world -- Donal RyanI loved, loved, loved Skin Deep - the compassion of it, the beauty of the language, how glamour and horror intersect, how the tension twists tighter and tighter and is brilliantly done -- Marian KeyesDazzling ... chilling, mesmerising and, ultimately, devastating. Pure storytelling genius -- Mark EdwardsUtterly compelling ... a storyteller at the height of her powers * RTÉ Guide, Books of the Year *Her darkest book yet - a compelling one-sitting read -- Sinéad CrowleyUtterly gripping, fast paced, and featuring my favourite sociopathic female character since Lady Macbeth -- Louise O'Neill * Twitter *Incredibly dark, twisting and utterly mesmerising - you will not be able to put this down -- Sinéad Moriarty * Twitter *Pitch dark and thrillingly original -- Jane Casey * Twitter *It took me two sittings to gobble it up - a page turner. You'll just snap it up and you'll love it. A cracking read -- Ryan Tubridy * RTÉ *Spellbinding -- Declan Hughes * Irish Times, Best Crime Fiction of 2018 *Spectacular -- Declan Burke * Irish Times, Best Crime Fiction of 2018 *It's a blast ... Liz Nugent has done it again * Sunday Business Post *

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Book Synopsis''IF YOU LIKE MY STUFF, YOU''LL LIKE THIS'' STEPHEN KING''WONDERFULLY CREEPY - LIKE A COLD BLADE ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK'' LEE CHILD____________SOON TO BE A MAJOR BBC DRAMAIt was only meant to be a game . . . None of us ever agreed on the exact beginning. Was it when we started drawing the chalk figures, or when they started to appear on their own? Was it the terrible accident? Or when they found the first body?____________THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR A NATIONAL BOOK AWARD & THE STEEL DAGGER, BEST THRILLER AWARD''A must-read'' Daily Express''A tense gripper with a leave-the-lights-on shock ending'' Sunday Times''There are shades of Stephen King in this very creepy timeslip'' Guardian, BOOKS OF THE YEAR''A frightening Stephen King-esque coming-of-age story cuTrade ReviewWonderfully creepy - like a cold blade on the back of your neck -- LEE CHILDThe Chalk Man works, it's a lively and entertaining read . . . Tudor's got talent * The Times *This assured debut is very much in the Stephen King vein - creepy with plenty of menace * The Guardian *Hot damn C. J. Tudor's The Chalk Man is good. Very Stephen King-esque -- Ruth WareCJ Tudor's very clever, wrong-footing debut will leave you checking that doors and windows of your holiday cottage are secure . . . * Radio Times *A striking debut * Sunday Times *A tense gripper with a leave-the-lights-on shock ending * Sunday Times Crime Club *You'll be gripped by this cracking debut novel . . . it will keep you up all night with all the lights on. This intriguing, satisfying thriller delivers a series of shocks . . . reminiscent of the master of horror Stephen King * Daily Express *If you like my stuff, you'll like this -- STEPHEN KINGIt's a very clever story - you'll love it! -- Joanna CannonGripping, chilling . . . brilliant. As creepy as that house with dark windows we all knew as kids. I can't wait for the next one -- Luca VesteCompletely engrossing. Puts me in mind of Stephen King's The Body -- JOHN BOYNEThe past rises from the chalk dust. A labyrinthine tale that kept me guessing right to the end -- VAL MCDERMID * The Mail on Sunday *Half horror, half crime, The Chalk Man is a creepy, compulsive novel * Red Online *Taut, twisty and very creepy, this is a must for anyone who enjoys psycho-thrillers . . . The ending is genius * Saga *Deliciously creepy with a side order of Eighties nostalgia -- Thrillers We Love * Good Housekeeping *Started and finished in one day. Absolutely gripping, chilling, and as creepy as that house with dark windows we all knew as kids. Brilliant read and can't wait for the next one! * Luca Veste, author of the Murphy & Rossi novels *A well-constructed thriller layered with secrets, suspense, twists, turns and an outcome you may not see coming * Choice Magazine *It is hard to believe The Chalk Man is the debut novel from C J Tudor. The writing is sublime, and the ending is spine-tinglingly chilling * The Sun *This insanely readable chiller has it all - a brilliant, nostalgic flavour, humour and heart . . . A fantastic debut from a major new talent. * The Sunday Mirror *Strong characterisation, plenty of plot twists and an evocative portrait of small-town life in the 1980s add up to a riveting read * The Guardian *The prose is punk, the pace fast and the plot sinewy. There are shades of Stephen King when the reality bends into the sinister, and a deliciously creepy finale . . . * Daily Mail *Even Brexit impact reports made less frightening reading than C. J. Tudor's Stephen King-esque coming-of-age story cum murder mystery The Chalk Man. With tyro crime writers this dark, the future is bright * Daily Telegraph Books of the Year *The novel is so well executed . . . Tudor is very good at deploying shocks and surprises that catch you off guard. I jumped so many times while reading I could have been sitting on a chair made of cactus * The Sunday Express *Thriller of the Week - an intriguing puzzle with an engaging cast of characters . . . a highly promising debut * The Mail on Sunday *A must-read for all horror fans * Daily Express *There are enough twists and turns in this dark debut thriller to tie you in knots. The end is fabulously surprising and satisfying . . . creepy * The Sunday Post *[CJ Tudor] creates a winningly dark atmosphere and serves up a beautifully timed stream of intriguing new plot elements * Readers Digest *A nail-biting thriller * Inside Soap *Book of the Month * Prizes Magazine *A compelling debut * Mail Online *Scare yourself silly with this brilliant chiller . . . a spine-tingling read * Best *One of the best suspense thrillers i've read. A very easy 5 big fat stars and 100% recommended -- Compulsivereaders.comIs The Chalk Man one of THE books of 2018? YES, YES YES IT REALLY IS . . . an absolute corker, a spine tingling read -- PageturnersnookA fantastic debut novel to keep you up late at night -- BookLiteratiA nail biting thriller * Inside Soap *It's a corker that'll give you the willies. Chalk one up to C J Tudor. * Sunday Sport *Genuinely creepy books don't come along very often, but this one can hold its missing head up high * Heat *There are shades of Stephen King in this very creepy timeslip, as well as an evocative portrait of small-town life in 1980s Britain * Guardian, Books of the Year *My favourite crime book of 2018 would have to be The Chalk Man. It initially brought to mind twisted tales of suburban Americana such as Stand by Me and Carrie. However, by weaving in authentic and evocative period detail C. J. Tudor manages to create a story that tells of the darkness at the heart of small-town life that is, like the rotten pastoral in a M. R. James ghost story, uniquely English. Unsettling, taut and skillfully plotted, The Chalk Man grabbed me by the throat from the very first sentence and didn't let go until the final, heart-stopping page * Nuala Ellwood, author of The Day of the Accident *[I] haven't had a sleepless night due to a book for a long time. The Chalk Man changed that. Many congrats C. J. Tudor -- Fiona Barton * bestselling author of The Widow *What a great book. A twisty thriller and downright creepy ending. 5 stars. -- Sarah Pinborough, the number 1 bestselling author of * Behind Her Eyes *Tense, skillful storytelling -- Ali Land, bestselling author of * Good Me Bad Me *Absolutely brilliant. I was expecting a creepy horror story that I'd have to read with all the lights on but this book is so much more than that - it's witty, insightful, clever, thoughtful, mysterious, gripping, nostalgic and utterly compelling. Publishers often talk about "an exciting new voice in fiction" and I genuinely think C. J. Tudor is going to be huge. This book has bestseller written all over it and if it doesn't go to number one I will eat my crime writing hat -- C. L. Taylor * author of The Missing *What an amazing debut! Such an ingenious, original idea. I was engrossed from the very first page. I loved how the 1986 and present day storylines weaved so skilfully together to create that unforgettable and unexpected ending. Compelling, taut and so very, very chilling. This book will haunt you! -- Claire Douglas * Sunday Times bestselling author of Last Seen Alive *It's been a while since I've read such an impressive debut. The pace was perfectly judged, the characters superbly drawn and there's a creeping sense of unease that starts with the prologue and grows throughout the book. And then that ending! It feels so fresh and deserves to be a huge success -- James Oswald * Sunday Times bestselling author of the Inspector McLean series *Utterly Hypnotic. The Chalk Man is a dream novel, a book of nightmares: haunted and haunting, shot through with shadow and light - a story to quicken the pulse and freeze the blood. A dark star is born -- Mr A. J. FinnImpossible to put down, cleverly constructed and executed -- Ragnar Jonasson * author of the bestselling Dark Iceland series *Kept me up until five in the morning. Wonderfully written. I loved it! -- Kimberley Chambers * bestselling author of Backstabber *I absolutely loved The Chalk Man . . . It's a dark, mesmerising thriller with an ending that left me with goosebumps! -- Nuala Elwood * author of My Sister’s Bones *One of the best books I've read since I first read Stephen King's IT when I was 14. Go get it! -- Rachel Burton * author of The Many Colours of Us *I've just finished The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor. WOW! I could not put it down. If you like Stephen King, you'll LOVE this! -- Hayley Barker * author of Showstopper *At the heart of this accomplished debut lies a shocking crime stumbled upon by a group of teenage friends. It is a discovery that shatters their innocence and haunts the whole community. Now, twenty years later, someone is sending anonymous letters - chalk drawings of a stick figure with a noose around its neck - someone who hasn't forgotten what happened in the woods all those years ago. The past is very much alive in this book where memory is unreliable and old secrets fester, threatening to turn as odorous as a rotting corpse. Tudor's sharp eye for detail and ear for dialogue lend the childhood scenes an immediacy and authenticity that completely convince. With its driving plot and sensitive evocation of friendship and loneliness, The Chalk Man is an utterly gripping read, with an ending that will make the hairs on the back of your neck bristle -- Karen Perry * bestselling author of Can You Keep a Secret? *Just finished The Chalk Man. Dark and addictive. This page-turner is more twisty than a rollercoaster. And one hell of a ride. -- Will Dean * Dark Pines *The Chalk Man is a stunning debut, a riveting thriller about the powerful grip of the past and the unbreakable bonds of childhood friendship. The ending of this smasher will completely throw you for a loop -- David Bell, bestselling author * Bring Her Home *The Chalk Man is an intricate and surprising book that will reward the reader who approaches it with the attention it deserves -- Thomas Perry, New York Times bestselling author of * The Old Man *Absolutely loved it! Creepy, brilliant and tense, I could not put it down! -- Karen Hamilton * The Perfect Girlfriend *Blasted through this beauty in one intense and thrilling sitting -- S R Masters * The Killer You Know *The Chalk Man stole my weekend! Wow. Just wow. The tension just builds and builds. And what a final page . . . -- Simon Lelic * The House *Finished reading The Chalk Man by C.J Tudor last night. What a book! Enjoyed every minute of it. A total banger! -- Amy Lloyd * author of The Innocent Wife *C.J. Tudor brilliantly weaves past and present into a haunting, vividly imagined tale. Much more than a murder mystery, it is a sharp, terrifying exploration of the bonds and limitations of childhood friendships and of secrets that refuse to remain buried. I fell in love with the guiding voice of this novel, the thoughtful and solitary Eddie. Prepare to be surprised again and again, even until the final page -- Michelle Richmond, author of * The Marriage Pact *The Chalk Man is an unpredictable and engaging thriller: sinister, tragic, and with a beautifully rendered sense of time and place. That final page still haunts me -- Helen Callaghan, bestselling author of * Dear Amy *The grip the past has on the present reveals itself in ever more sinister and macabre ways in this utterly original and relentlessly compelling psychological thriller. The Chalk Man kept me guessing all the way to the end -- Fiona Neil * bestselling author of The Betrayals *As well as being unputdownable, it was emotionally intelligent, touching and credible -- Emma Curtis * author of One Little Mistake *Easy, gripping and enjoyable -- Cecelia Ahern * bestselling author of P.S. I Love You *

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Book SynopsisIceberg Slim''s third slice of ghetto life is recounted straight from the hip by Otis Tilson, a schizophrenic and ageing drag queen. However, the dominating presence and epicentre of this tragic tale is his suffocating mother - Mama Black Widow.Poisoned by the bigotry and abuse she suffered in early life, she in turn infects those that surround her. The damage she does to all she loves is deeply disturbing, no-one is left unscarred.Set in the dark hell of double standard justice, radical bigotry and criminal economic freeze-out, Mama Black Widow, proves arguably to be the most intense story ever penned by the man whose work has come to be regarded as the epitome of street fiction.

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Book SynopsisThe first collection in English of an endlessly surprising, master storytellerTrade Review"The Houseguest will make you paranoid; you will second guess every shadow and slight movement that catches your eye. Amparo Dávila's prose, her psychological awareness, and the beauty of her characters' misery is encompassing. I cannot believe that this is the first that I am experiencing Dávila in English." -- Nick Buzanski - Book Culture"Like Poe for the new millennium." -- Kirkus"For the first time, we finally have a collection of her stories translated into English and they’re as good as, as uncanny and mesmerizing as, some of the best work by Kafka or Poe." -- Literary Hub"Dávila is a marvel, and this book casts a delightful and disconcerting spell." -- Juan Vidal - Los Angeles Times"Mexico's answer to Shirley Jackson. Dávila radiates an interesting sense of unease and calamity. For a very long time, women have sought comfort in the darkness when their own lives were full of quiet despair. It is this silent scream which permeates The Houseguest." -- Silvia Moreno-Garcia - NPR"Reminiscent of Shirley Jackson, Franz Kafka, and Edgar Allen Poe, Davila tests the limits of fiction." -- Ploughshares"Filled with nightmarish imagery and creeping dread, Dávila’s stories plunge into the nature of fear: Terrifying." -- Publishers Weekly"Mexico’s high priestess of horror. The world Dávila imagines weighs on the brain like some sort of delirium." -- Robert Rea - Southwest Review"Like a dream, Dávila’s fictional realm is filled with signs and symbols, with hybrid creatures who appear to defy the laws of nature, and with characters who do not act according to logic or reason. Dávila has said in interviews that one of her favorite subjects is the mysterious, the unknown, that which is not within our grasp. Her writing is intentionally opaque and allows readers to draw a number of different interpretations; it is this intriguing, elusive quality that has perhaps led to her enduring popularity in Mexico." -- The Paris Review"Readers of Dávila’s stories find it difficult, perhaps impossible, to forget them." -- Margaret Randall - World Literature Today"Each of these stories is equal parts Hitchcock film and razor blade: austere, immaculately crafted, profoundly unsettling, and capable of cutting you. Amparo Dávila is Kafka by way of Ogawa, Aira by way of Carrington, Cortazár by way of Somers, and I'm so grateful she's in translation." -- Carmen Maria Machado"The work of Amparo Dávila is unique in Mexican literature. There is no one like her, no one with that introspection and complexity." -- Elena Poniatowska"Extraordinary. " -- Julio Cortázar"How is this the first time I am reading Amparo Dávila? And when can I read more from her? In these stories, she creates creates claustrophobic worlds in miniature and populates them with people tormented by things we can't see. Whether she is writing about a wife whose husband brings home a ravenous and frightening guest, a young woman plagued by a not-completely-unwelcome visitor in the night, or a family held hostage by their possibly monstrous son, the horror is subtle—more is suggested than told. Often coupled with these very real terrors is the knowledge that their experiences will be doubted. It is easier for these characters to stay silent than to try and explain the shadowy, strange things that stalk them. Brief and terrifying, The Houseguest leaves one feeling that nothing is solid, that reality is a precarious and ever-changing thing, and that it doesn't take much to render the ordinary unrecognizable." -- Lauren P., Powell's Bookstore

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Book Synopsis-- A BRAND NEW KILLER THRILLER FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER - THREE MILLION BOOKS SOLD IN THE UK ALONE --A ruthless gang leader. A deadly vendetta. A dark past exhumed... KAREN ROSE returns with the break-neck follow-up to MONSTER IN THE CLOSET, and the sixth book in the heart-pounding Baltimore SeriesGwyn Weaver is as resilient as anyone could be. Having survived an attempted murder, she has rebuilt her life and reclaimed her dignity and strength. She''s always known about her feelings for defence attorney Thomas Thorne, but as her friend and a colleague there could be no chance of anything more... or could there? Thorne has known violence and pain all his life. He''s overcome the hardships thanks to his own steel, and the love of his loyal friends. Now he''s thinking it might finally be time to let his guard down, and allow himself to let in the woman he''s always admired from afar. Then Thorne''s whole world Trade ReviewIntense, complex and unforgettable -- James PattersonFast and furious * Sun *Rose . . . effortlessly balances romance and crime. . . an excellent example of how far-reaching and varied romance can be * New York Times *Karen Rose delivers the kind of high-wire suspense that keeps you riveted * Lisa Gardner *A high-octane thrill ride that kept me on the edge of my seat and up far too late at night! -- Lisa JacksonTakes off like a house afire . . . Action and chills galore -- Tess Gerritsen

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Book SynopsisThe unmissable bestseller from world-famous survival expert Bear Grylls.Trade ReviewA gripping thriller set in the darkest of days -- Jonathan RossWill resonate with fans of classic spy thrillers . . . a modern-day conspiracy to raise Hitler's Third Reich from the ashes * Mail on Sunday *Unputdownable! Bear has made the leap into fiction with great ferocity -- Sir Ranulph FiennesIf you're looking for an entertaining read, a good story and a how to survive the most challenging of conditions then this is definitely the book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and can't wait to see what happens next as Bear leaves the door open at the end and you know full well that something's about to happen in the future. -- Miles Orchard * Milo Rambles *Brilliantly done... [This is a] thought-provoking read with a story that is, at times, frighteningly realistic and believable. The whole has been beautifully researched. * Book Addict Shaun *[A] fast and furious debut novel * Press Association *An impressively strong fiction debut from one of the best known TV faces of survival and outdoor adventure, Bear Grylls makes full use of his military and survivalist background to deliver a rip-roaring and vividly colourful Boy's Own-style thriller. -- Myles McWeeney * Irish Independent *Ghost Flight is a great adventure story: huge spiders, deadly piranhas, unforgiving terrains, evil Nazis, and death at every turn. What's not to like? Jason Bourne meets Ban Hope with a dash of Indiana Jones in an adventure series set to continue. * Buzz Magazine *'This debut thriller by the adventurer Bear Grylls is enthralling. Grylls excels in describing the trials and tribulations of tramping through uncharted Amazon rainforests...' -- Christina Hardyment * THE TIMES *

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Book Synopsis''Her Imagination was one of the most dazzling this century'' MARINA WALKER, INDEPENDENT ''The way to Carter''s visionary and lurid world'' THE TIMES''The darting, lyrical pen of Angela Carter, mistress of the erotic picaresque'' KIRKUS REVIEWS''I know nothing. I am a tabula rasa, a blank sheet of paper, an unhatched egg. I have not yet become a woman, although I possess a woman''s shape. Not a woman, no: both more and less than a real woman. Now I am a being as mythic and monstrous as Mother herself . . . ''New York has become the City of Dreadful Night where dissolute Leilah performs a dance of chaos for Evelyn. But this young Englishman''s fate lies in the arid desert, where a many-breasted fertility goddess will wield her scalpel to transform him into the new Eve. The Passion of New Eve is an extraordinary journey into the apocalyptic vision of the author Lorna Sage called ''The boldestTrade ReviewHer Imagination was one of the most dazzling this century -- Marina Walker * Independent *If you can imagine Baudelaire, Blake and Kafka getting together to describe America, you are well on the way to Carter's visionary and lurid world * The Times *Her writing is pyrotechnic * Observer *If we must have futuristic fantasies of feminism's nth degrees, let them come from the darting, lyrical pen of Angela Carter, mistress of the erotic picaresque * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'Sleeping is a modern superpower. Stories are old magic.'Whether you find yourself struggling to fall asleep, awake in the middle of the night or simply feeling anxious, the calming bedtime stories in Nothing Much Happens will help ease your mind and lull you into peaceful slumber.As the unnamed, gender-neutral narrators recount their days they evoke the distinct comforts offered by each of the four seasons and gently lead their reader towards sleep. With evocative illustrations throughout, Nothing Much Happens is the ideal accompaniment to your bedtime routine.'A charming collection of short almost-stories intended as an antidote to insomnia and restlessness. [...] Nicolai accomplishes what no other author would want to hear: these stories can put people to sleep.' Publishers WeeklyTrade ReviewNicolai has nearly two decades of experience as a yoga and meditation teacher. She also hosts the popular podcast, Nothing Much Happens, where she narrates soothing bedtime stories for adults that-combined with her calming tone and carefully interwoven mindfulness techniques-quickly lull listeners to sleep. Her first book features sixteen new stories never aired on the podcast, along with whimsical illustrations, easy-to-make recipes for healthy comfort food, crafting exercises and unique meditation guides. Basically, it's a calming tome to pick up before bed to ensure a restful night's sleep. * Pure Wow *A lovely book to help calm your mind when sleep is evading you * Westerly Sun *A charming collection of short almost-stories intended as an antidote to insomnia and restlessness. . . . Nicolai accomplishes what no other author would want to hear: these stories can put people to sleep. * Publishers Weekly *This collection of very short stories is designed to help readers fall and stay asleep. The stories follow the seasons, starting with winter, and rely heavily on the senses; there are a lot of lovely smells, soft and comfy things, and delicious foods, all described in detail and often accompanied by illustrations in muted tones. Peppered throughout are recipes, meditations, and other relaxation techniques. . . . The stories do succeed in their goal of helping readers sleep better, and couldn't we all use more of that? * Booklist *Table of Contents0: Introduction 1: Winter Walk 1b: A Walking Meditation 2: A New Leaf 3: In for the Night 4: For the Love of Words 5: A Little Romance 6: Fog and Light 7: Getaway 8: A Winter's Day Watched from the Window 9: Matinee 10: Spring Rain 11: Closing Up Shop 12: The Asparagus Patch 13: First This, Then That 13b: Tips for Putting Your Ducks in a Row 14: Early to Yoga 14b: Restorative Yoga Postures for a Better Day 15: Crayons and Grains of Sand 16: Three Good Things 16b: Three Good Things to Start Your Day 17: In the Bakery 18: Spring, at the Allotment 18b: Mashed Chickpea Sandwich 19: Opening the Cottage 19b: Meditation by the Water 20: The Lilac Thief 21: Coffee on the Stoop, or How to Have a Better Day 21b: Ten Ideas for Simple Acts of Kindness 22: Fireflies on a Summer Night 23: Someplace Only We Know 24: A Concert in the Park 25: Summer Nights 25b: Avocado Toast Four Ways 26: Off the Beaten Path 27: A Letter in an Envelope 28: At the Summer Fair 29: Stargazing in the Woods 30: The Dog Days of Summer 30b: Loving-kindness Meditation 31: In the Kitchen, During a Storm 31b: Spaghetti al Pomodoro 32: At the Museum, on a Bright Day 33: Summer Harvest 33b: Simple Rosemary Potatoes 34: Back to School 35: A Block from Home 35b: A Simple Relaxation Technique for When You Feel Anxious and Worn Out 36: In the Library 37: At the Farmers Market, on a Fall Morning 37b: People Watching as Meditation 38: Rosemary, for Remembrance 38b: Curing a Gourd 39: Canceled Plans 39b: Instructions for Feeling Better after a Bad Day 40: At the Mill, with Pumpkins and Cider 41: Secret Admirer 42: Halloween, in an Old House 42b: Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds 43: Tools on the Workbench 44: A Cool Walk and a Hot Bath 44b: Bath-time Rituals 45: A Rainy Day, Making Soup 45b: Homemade Irish Cream Cordial 46: Outside at Night, with My Dog 47: The Day after Thanksgiving 48: Bustle in the City 48b: Handmade Paper Ornaments 49: Getting the Tree 50: Snowed In 50b: A Simmer Pot Recipe for Each Season 51: A Night at the Theater 52: Christmas Eve 52b: Meditation for a Busy Holiday 53: Acknowledgments 54: Index of Coziness

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Book SynopsisFAST FRIENDS is a warm and funny romantic novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Jill Mansell. For fans of Lucy Diamond, Cathy Kelly and Marian Keyes.When the chips are down, who better to turn to then your oldest friends? When bored housewife and mother Camilla Stewart impulsively invites her old schoolchums for dinner she hardly imagines that the evening will shatter her comfortable existence. But Roz Vallender and Loulou Marks are no ordinary guests. Roz, stunning and self-assured, is notorious as a TV presenter and superbitch, whilst the reckless Loulou owns Vampires, the trendiest wine bar in town. Horrified to discover that husband Jack has been playing around, Camilla determines to make some changes. With a little help from her friends she soon finds out that life in the fast lane is a lot more fun and the future still holds plenty of surprises.What readers are saying about Fast Friends: ''I am a Trade Review'You'll come away feeling strong, powerful - and all woman!' * Family Circle *

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Book SynopsisIn Japanese-occupied Shanghai, two people from different cultures are drawn together by fate and the freedom of music… 1940. Aiyi Shao is a young heiress and the owner of a formerly popular and glamorous Shanghai nightclub. Ernest Reismann is a penniless Jewish refugee driven out of Germany, an outsider searching for shelter in a city wary of strangers. He loses nearly all hope until he crosses paths with Aiyi. When she hires Ernest to play piano at her club, her defiance of custom causes a sensation. His instant fame makes Aiyi’s club once again the hottest spot in Shanghai. Soon they realize they share more than a passion for jazz—but their differences seem insurmountable, and Aiyi is engaged to another man. As the war escalates, Aiyi and Ernest find themselves torn apart, and their choices between love and survival grow more desperate. In the face of overwhelming odds, a chain of events is set in motion that will change both their lives forever. From the electrifying jazz clubs to the impoverished streets of a city under siege, The Last Rose of Shanghai is a timeless, sweeping story of love and redemption.Trade ReviewPraise for The Last Rose of Shanghai “Fans of sweeping, dramatic WWII epics that are rich in historical detail, such as Lisa See’s Shanghai Girls or Paullina Simons’s The Bronze Horseman will be enthralled.” —Booklist “Weina Dai Randel’s novel deserves a place of distinction among WWII fiction.” —Historical Novel Society “The Last Rose of Shanghai is a powerful story of the relationship between a Shanghai heiress and a Jewish refugee, set against the backdrop of a nightclub in China on the eve of the Second World War. Weina Dai Randel skillfully shines a light on a little-known moment in history through the lens of two vividly drawn characters whose unique and unexpected relationship is one readers will never forget.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star “Set in Japanese-occupied Shanghai, this is an unforgettable, page-turning tale of an impossible affair between lovers from two cultures. Randel casts an unflinching eye at the horrors of wartime Shanghai, where refugees starve while the wealthy and privileged continue to drink and dance, and where daily threats of danger and death only serve to fan forbidden passions to a blazing climax.” —Janie Chang, bestselling author of Dragon Springs Road and The Library of Legends “The Last Rose of Shanghai vividly depicts the clash of East and West as Jewish refugees flee Hitler’s Berlin for faraway Shanghai, where they struggle to survive amid the uneasy coexistence of Chinese magnates and Japanese invaders. Sophisticated heiress Aiyi knows she is taking a risk when she hires Jewish pianist Ernest to play jazz in her nightclub, but she has no idea she will be risking her heart, her family, and everything she holds dear as forbidden love blossoms and Japan’s hold on her beloved home city tightens. Weina Dai Randel’s poignant, sweeping love story paints a vibrant portrait of a little-known slice of World War II history. Not to be missed!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code and The Huntress “A sweeping novel that transports readers to 1940s Shanghai, The Last Rose of Shanghai is a must-read for historical fiction lovers. Filled with page-turning suspense and a poignant and unforgettable love story, Weina Dai Randel wholly immerses the reader in this richly detailed and powerfully drawn story.” —Chanel Cleeton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author “Set against a panorama so vivid you can almost hear the jazz in Aiyi Shao’s nightclub, Weina Dai Randel brings to life fascinating WWII history new to me and, I imagine, countless other readers. The story of a well-born entrepreneur and the German-Jewish refugee she loves will stay with you long after The Last Rose of Shanghai ends.” —Sally Koslow, author of Another Side of Paradise “In a novel that spans time, space, and culture, The Last Rose of Shanghai is a riveting story of love, heartbreak, and redemption. The smoky night clubs, jazz bars, luxury hotels, family compounds, and refugee settlements of Japanese-occupied Shanghai provide a fascinating background to the lives of those caught in the crossfires of war. Weina Dai Randel is a skilled artist, giving the reader well drawn characters of great depth, complexity, and heart. In the WWII genre, within the genre of historical fiction, The Last Rose of Shanghai stands out for its boldness and originality.” —Erika Robuck, bestselling author of The Invisible Woman Praise for The Moon in the Palace “A must for historical fiction fans, especially those fascinated by China’s glorious past.” —Library Journal (starred review) “A very successful and transporting novel that beautifully captures the sounds, smells, and social mores of seventh-century China.” —Historical Novels Review (Editors’ Choice) “The Moon in the Palace depicts Empress Wu’s sharp, persistent spirit but does not neglect to make her believably naive and vulnerable, an untried girl among ruthless women. The intrigue and machinations of the imperial court come to life under her hand, a vast and dangerous engine with each piece moving for its own reasons.” —Shelf Awareness (starred review) “A full-immersion, compulsively readable tale that rivals both Anchee Min’s Empress Orchid (2004), about the dowager empress Cixi, and the multilayered biographical novel Empress (2006) by Shan Sa, which also features Empress Wu.” —Booklist (starred review)

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Book SynopsisThe Vinland Viking Saga: Book 3Anja has just settled into a new life on the silver shores of Vinland with her beloved, Bjorn.But then a local warrior bursts onto the scene seeking revenge, swearing to spill Viking blood.And so Bjorn must risk everything to save the woman he loves before she steps into the darkness and sets their world ablaze.The Oath of Bjorn is an epic historical novel of gripping adventure and love everlasting perfect for fans of Vikings and Outlander.Praise for The Voyage of Freydis:Anyone who loves Vikings and historical fiction definitely should pick up this book' Emily, NetGalley reviewerVery lyrically written, I felt as if I was reading a song' Tiffany, NetGalley reviewerAs a lover of mythology and historical fiction I knew immediately I was going to like this book and I'm pleased to say I not only liked it but I LOVED it!' Libby, NetGalley reviewerTamara Goranson's writing really shines here. I felt the cold, heard the wind, flinched with the blows that takesTrade Review‘Anyone who loves Vikings and historical fiction definitely should pick up this book’ Emily, NetGalley reviewer ‘Very lyrically written, I felt as if I was reading a song’ Tiffany, NetGalley reviewer ‘As a lover of mythology and historical fiction I knew immediately I was going to like this book – and I’m pleased to say I not only liked it but I LOVED it!’ Libby, NetGalley reviewer ‘Tamara Goranson’s writing really shines here. I felt the cold, heard the wind, flinched with the blows – that takes a lot of skill’ Dawn, NetGalley reviewer ‘Took me on a rollercoaster of emotions’ Charlotte, NetGalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisFans of Beartown and A Man Called Ove will love this festive novella, from the 13 million copy internationally bestselling author. ________It is Christmas Eve and a father and son are meeting for the first time in years.The father has a story he needs to share before it''s too late. As he tells his son about a courageous little girl lying in a hospital bed a few miles away, he reveals even more about himself; his triumphs in business, his failures as a parent, his past regrets, his hopes for the future. Now, on this night before Christmas, the father has been given the unexpected chance to do something remarkable that could change the destiny of a little girl he hardly knows. But before he can make the deal of a lifetime, he must find out what his own life has actually been worth, and only his son can reveal the answer.With humour and compassion, Fredrik Backman''s novella The Deal of a Lifetime reminds usTrade ReviewThe Deal of a Lifetime strikes straight at the heart and hits you -- Deccan Chronicle * India *This (dimensionally) tiny book comes packed with huge emotion. Readers will speed through it in under two hours, then spend the rest of the day - at least - pondering the astonishing ideas it unleashes. The Deal of a Lifetime quite literally will grab you from the start and set you off in a host of incredible directions. Fredrik Backman has a wonderful ability to reach deep inside his readers, pull out feelings they didn't know they had, and set their minds spinning. What a blockbuster! -- The Book Reporter, US[This] book is short but every word counts and that'll hit you square in the heart. . . . You may shed tears over this book. You may need to savor it a second time, to feel its words again. However you read it, The Deal of a Lifetime is an experience you'll never trade. -- Rushville Republican, USPraise for Beartown -- -Surrounded by impenetrable forests, it recreates the stifling atmosphere of a dying community. This is a mature, compassionate novel. * Sunday Times *A story about families, about friendship and loyalty, inequality, female vulnerability, male back-slapping, and parenthood ... No person's story is too little to be told, Backman includes them all. A novel with a big heart * Jönköpings-Posten, Sweden *A kind of problem play that moves extremely skilfully near the melodramatic without derailing. Its originality is substantial and the book credibly conveys the dual faces of everyday life. An impressive novel, like no other * BTJ, Sweden *Friday Night Lights for Swedes * O Magazine *As popular Swedish exports go, Backman is up there with ABBA and Stieg Larsson. * The New York Times Book Review *Backman is a masterful writer, his characters familiar yet distinct, flawed yet heroic. . . There are scenes that bring tears, scenes of gut-wrenching despair, and moments of sly humor. . .Like Friday Night Lights, this is about more than youth sports; it's part coming-of-age novel, part study of moral failure, and finally a chronicle of groupthink in which an unlikely hero steps forward to save more than one person from self-destruction. A thoroughly empathetic examination of the fragile human spirit, Backman's latest will resonate a long time. * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisThe Booker-shortlisted Royal Flying Corps classic, reissued for the 50th Anniversary of its first publicationWith an Introduction by James Holland and an Afterword by Mike Petty"Robinson is probably the best novelist ever to write about fighter combat: surprising, hyper-realistic and very, very dark" Spectator World War One pilots were the knights of the sky, and the press and public idolised them as gallant young heroes. At just twenty-three, Major Stanley Woolley is the old man and commanding officer of Goshawk Squadron. He abhors any notion of chivalry in the clouds and is determined to obliterate the decent, gentlemanly outlook of his young, public school-educated pilots - for their own good. But as the war goes on he is forced to throw greener and greener pilots into the meat grinder. Goshawk Squadron finds its gallows humour and black camaraderie no defence against a Spandau bullet to the back of the head.Trade ReviewFit to sit on the same shelf as Waugh and Heller... Robinson's recreation of the exhausted savagery of 1918 is truly shocking... the descriptions of flying are brilliantly vertiginous; nobody puts you in the cockpit like Robinson. -- Mike Petty * Slightly Foxed. *The most readable novel of the year . . . I laughed aloud, several times. And was, in the end, reduced to tears. -- Nina BawdenGoshawk Squadron has the authoritative ring of a little classic on the subject of war. -- Claire TomalinA bleak and savage book, full of the terror of warfare and shot through with grim humour; a sort of First-World-War Catch-22. -- Nicholas Lezard * Guardian. *Robinson has a narrative gift that sets up the hackles of involvement. A rare quality. -- Paul Scott

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Book Synopsis''A brilliant, breathless ride'' Telegraph''A satirical comedy observing high society life and glamour at its most bizarre. Fun and witty Accessorized with style'' Big IssueThe New York Times bestselling second novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Bergdorf Blondes, set in the cutthroat world of Manhattan's most eligible eliteSylvia Mortimer is licking her wounds somewhat: she's back from her honeymoon, and her husband is already AWOL. But then she meets Lauren Blount, queen bee of Manhattan's glamorous Debutante Divorcée set. Lauren's the gleaming, glossy proof that there's life after divorce in fact, she wears it fabulously. But when New York's most notorious Husband Huntress sets her sights on Sylvia's new man, she starts to wonder is Lauren right that no one needs a husband anyway? Or should she hold out for Happily Ever After II, stand up and fight for her man?Trade ReviewA brilliant, breathless ride * Telegraph *Glam and lively * Heat *Fluffier than a poodle in a mohair bodywarmer … Triumphantly successful * Daily Mail *You’ll have a blast * Red *A satirical comedy observing high society life and glamour at its most bizarre. Fun and witty … Accessorized with style * Big Issue *Not only a very funny writer, Plum depicts characters really well. No one knows the New York socialite world better * Eve *The next best thing to a pile of Condé Nast glossies * Independent *Full of wit and style * Easy Living *Very funny * Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisSisters Ally and May Moberley grow up in Victorian Manchester, surrounded by their father's decadent paintings and dominated by their austere, evangelical mother. While May poses for the artists in her father's circle, Ally devotes herself to her mother's ambitions, working hard to join the first generation of female doctors. But soon bitterness and tragedy divide the family, and Ally leaves home to escape the subtle terrors of her childhood and begin a new life in London. Bodies of Light is a profound and provocative book about family. It is a gripping story told with rare precision and tenderness.

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Book SynopsisI was captivated What a stunning story of sisterhood, sacrifice and forgiveness!' Lana Kortchik, USA Today bestselling author of Sisters of WarThree sisters. Three ships. One heartbreaking story.1911. As Emma packs her trunk to join the ocean liner Olympic as a stewardess, she dreams of earning enough to provide a better life for both her sisters. With their photograph tucked away in her luggage, she promises to be back soon hoping that sickly Lily will keep healthy, and wild Ruby will behave. But neither life at sea nor on land is predictable, and soon the three sisters' lives are all changed irrevocablyNow. When Harriet finds her late grandmother's travelling trunk in the attic, she's shocked to discover a photo of three sisters inside her grandmother only ever mentioned one sister, who died tragically young. Who is the other sister, and what happened to her? Harriet's questions lead her to the story of three sister ships, Olympic, Titanic and Britannic, and a shattering revelation about three sisters torn apartDon't miss the latest novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Secret of the Chateau. Perfect for fans of The Beekeeper's Promise andThe Forgotten Village!Readers LOVE The Lost Sister!'An emotional roller coaster. A story that will live with me for a very long time.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 starsMcGurl has managed to create a masterpiece a must-read for historical fiction lovers.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 starsI just could not put it down It was heartbreaking, touching and yet uplifting.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 starsThis was a fascinating book utterly readable' and hard to put down as it was so masterfully crafted.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 starsThis story had me engrossed from start to end I highly recommend this book.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 starsI loved this book so much.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the thrilling Sunday Times bestseller Dear Amy______________What if your parents had been lying to you since the day you were born? Sophia''s parents lived quiet, ordinary lives. At least she thought so, until she came home to discover her worst nightmare.No matter what the police say, Sophia is certain her mother didn''t try to kill her father - but clearing her name will draw Sophia deep into a past she never imagined. A past that hides a dark and twisted secret . . .Because if everything you''ve been told is lies, then how dangerous is the truth? ______________Praise for Helen''s breakout thriller, Dear Amy ''Riveting'' Sunday Times ''An accomplished psychological twister'' Daily Mail ''A brilliant book . . . superb'' Rachel Abbott ''The most exciting and terrifying thing I hTrade ReviewAn enthralling and compelling page-turner with twists that kept me guessing. The ending is brilliantly shocking. I absolutely loved it -- Claire Douglas * bestselling author of Last Seen Alive *One of the first 'must-read' books of 2018, by an author who's definitely on her way to great things * Shots *I sat on the edge of my seat while reading this * Woman's Way *You'll struggle to separate the villains from the victims right up to the last pages of this absorbing psychological thriller * Morning Star *Praise for Dear Amy * - *Riveting * Sunday Times *An accomplished psychological twister * Daily Mail *The suspense thriller readers hope for - a tense plot, imaginative twists, and smart writing -- Julia Heaberlin, bestselling author of * Black-Eyed Susans *Thrilling * Sun *Tense . . . satisfying. Are we, perhaps, in a new Golden Age of women crime writers? * Independent *Wow - this one's a roller coaster! * Woman Magazine *Well written and pacey * Sunday Mirror *I knew from the first page that this was going to be a brilliant book, and I wasn't wrong. A superb debut psychological thriller with an unusual and original premise which keeps the reader hooked until the last page -- Rachel Abbott, author of * Kill Me Again *Engaging and utterly thrilling. The breath-taking finale is the most exciting and terrifying thing I have read in a very long time -- Elizabeth Haynes, bestselling author of * Into the Darkest Corner *You'll be hooked! * Fabulous *

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Book SynopsisWhen the mother of an autistic young man hires a call girl to make him happy, three lives collide in unexpected and moving ways … changing everything. A devastatingly beautiful, rich and thought-provoking novel that will warm and break your heart… ‘One of the best writers of her generation’ John Marrs, author of The One ‘A brilliant premise, executed beautifully … such a moving, tender and unexpected read’ Catherine Isaac, author of Messy, Wonderful Us ‘I guarantee you will not read anything like it this year … you will fall in love with this book’ Miranda Dickinson, author of Our Story ‘Incredibly moving, gripping, and full of heart … The novel everyone will be talking about this year’ Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife _______________ Sebastian James Murphy is twenty years, six months and two days old. He loves swimming, fried eggs and Billy Ocean. Sebastian is autistic. And lonely. Veronica wants her son Sebastian to be happy … she wants the world to accept him for who he is. She is also thinking about paying a professional to give him what he desperately wants. Violetta is a high-class escort, who steps out into the night thinking only of money. Of her nursing degree. Paying for her dad’s care. Getting through the dark. When these three lives collide – intertwine in unexpected ways – everything changes. For everyone. A topical and moving drama about a mother’s love for her son, about getting it wrong when we think we know what’s best, about the lengths we go to care for family … to survive … This Is How We Are Human is a searching, rich and thought-provoking novel with an emotional core that will warm and break your heart. _______________ ‘Every now and then you read a book that takes your breath away. This is How We Are Human does just that … you feel from the first page to the last’ Liz Fenwick, author of The River Between Us ‘A writer of beautiful sentences, and they are in abundance. This sensitive subject is treated with the utmost care’ Nydia Hetherington, author of A Girl Made of Air ‘Such a complex and emotive book’ Claire King, author of The Night Rainbow ‘It had me gripped from the start and changed the way I see the world. Beautiful, bold and compelling – another fearless story from Beech’ Katie Marsh, author of Unbreak Your Heart ‘A searching, rich and thought-provoking novel with an emotional core’ LoveReading ‘This book is just what the world needs right now’ Fiona Mills, BBC ‘Oh, Sebastian, I’ll never forget him. Heart is always at the core of Louise’s books and this one is no exception’ Madeleine Black, author of Unbroken ‘What a brave and prejudice busting story this is … brava’ S. E. Lynes, author of Can You See Her ‘A convincing, bittersweet tale of misplaced kindness, a myriad types of vulnerability, and unexpected consequences … All the stars and more’ Carol Lovekin, author of Wild Spinning Girls ‘A tender, insightful read’ Michael J. Malone, author of A Song of Isolation ‘An exceptional book that will make you laugh, cry and feel better for having read it’ Audrey Davis, author of Lost in Translation ‘The most exquisite and moving story I have read in a very long time’ Book Review Café ‘I don’t know of another writer who portrays characters so true, flaws and all … mesmerising, the characters are beautiful but, more importantly, they’re REAL’ J. M. Hewitt, author of The Quiet Girls For fans of Maggie O’Farrell, David Nicholls, Ali Smith and JoJo Moyes.

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Book SynopsisA bold and brilliant short work by the author of Grief is the Thing with Feathers and Lanny.A little masterpiece.' Irish TimesLuminous.' ObserverOne of our most exciting writers.' The SpectatorMadrid. Unfinished. Man dying.A great painter lies on his deathbed. In seven extraordinary written pictures, untethered from reality, Max Porter translates the explosive final workings of the artist's mind.

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Book Synopsis''Kerouac''s grittiest novel ... sensual and uninhibited'' The New York Times Driven mad by three years of endless telegrams, phonecalls, mail, reporters and snoopers in the wake of his hugely successful novel On the Road, Jack Kerouac, ''King of the Beats'', needs peace, quiet and sobriety: surrounded and outnumbered he has to ''get away to solitude again or die''. Amidst the wild beauty of the Californian landscape, Kerouac struggles to come to terms with his own myth and its malign impact upon his life. The result is a moving account of a man struggling with inner demons: blessed by great talent and cursed with an urge towards self-destruction - a path lined with double bourbons, Manhattans and scotch ...

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Book Synopsis''Nobody does cosy, get-away-from-it-all romance like Jenny Colgan'' Sunday Express___________________________________In the Scottish Highlands, a tiny bookshop perches on the edge of a loch . . . Curl up and escape with Jenny Colgan ''A total joy'' Sophie Kinsella''An evocative, sweet treat'' Jojo Moyes''Gorgeous, glorious, uplifting'' Marian Keyes''Irresistible'' Jill Mansell''Just lovely'' Katie Fforde''Naturally funny, warm-hearted'' Lisa Jewell''A gobble-it-all-up-in-one-sitting kind of book'' Mike GayleZoe is a single mother, sinking beneath the waves trying to cope by herself in London. Hari, her gorgeous little boy is perfect in every way - except for the fact that he just doesn''t speak, at all. When her landlord raises the rent on her flat, Zoe doesn''t know where to turn. Then Hari''s aunt suggesTrade ReviewA wonderful story with a hint of magic about it. Just lovely. -- Katie FfordeGorgeous location, dancing dialogue and characters you'll fall in love with. Irresistible! -- Jill MansellA funny, warm book with fantastic characters... and books! -- Sophie KinsellaColgan does it again! The Bookshop on The Shore is a charming, heartwarming, gobble-it-all-up-in-one-sitting kind of book, a tale of new beginnings with characters you'll love and root for from the very first page. Colgan writes like a dream, using all of her skill as a consummate storyteller to build a world you'll relish getting to know and won't want to leave. -- Mike GayleJenny Colgan is a masterful storyteller. Such a sweet tale and beneath the surface she deals honestly and movingly with poverty, anxiety and loss. You read it quickly, but you won't forget it. -- Keith StuartAn absolute cracker of a romcom * Woman & Home *A witty, romantic read to lift your spirits * Best *Another charming read from Colgan - it's the perfect holiday companion * Heat *Summer wouldn't be summer without a new Jenny Colgan * Reader's Digest *Rippling through the pages - like the gently lapping waves of the loch itself - is the peace, calm and wholesomeness of the Highlands * The Sunday Post *The novel has the best of everything, be it quirky characters, glorious settings or the blossoming romance that dances through the pages. * Magic Radio Bookclub *A lovely, easy read * Closer *Another charmer from an author who never fails to lift the spirits * Best *

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Book Synopsis''Fans of The Crown will enjoy this poignant look behind the royal curtain'' GEORGIE BLALOCK''A tantalizing and poignant tale of the young royal princesses'' STEPHANIE BARRONA crown princess. Her childhood nanny.A shocking betrayal...Marion Crawford is just twenty-two years old when she becomes governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose in 1931. As their beloved ''Crawfie'', she is instantly confided in, trusted and immersed in the lives of the royal family.As World War II finally comes to an end, it''s clear that Princess Elizabeth has fallen in love. Now heiress presumptive to the British throne, no one believes that Prince Philip of Greece is a suitable husband for the future Queen of England. No one, that is, except for Crawfie. For Crawfie, too, has fallen in love - and has convinced her fiancé George that they must wait for Elizabeth and Philip to receive tTrade ReviewA tantalizing and poignant tale of the young royal princesses. Wise, loyal and fierce, Crawfie is a heroine for the ages. Arlen's storytelling should thrill anyone who loved The Crown. * Stephanie Barron, author of THAT CHURCHILL WOMAN *Fans of The Crown will enjoy this poignant look behind the royal curtain, and will celebrate and mourn with Marian Crawford, tutor to the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, as she is forced to choose between sharing the lives of the girls she loves or creating a life and family of her own. It's an emotional story of the struggle between duty to a sovereign and duty to one's heart. * Georgie Blalock, Author of THE LAST DEBUTANTES *

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Book Synopsis''A heartwarming story about family, forgiveness and the importance of kindness'' FIONA HARPER on The Kindness Club on Mapleberry Lane''Comforting and uplifting, this book is a joy to read'' MY WEEKLY''A heartwarming tale'' WOMAN''S OWNHome is where the heart is... Joy has made a family for herself. She''s turned her beautiful old farmhouse into a safe haven for anyone who is looking for a new beginning. She''s always ready with a kind word, a nugget of advice and believes that anyone can change their life for the better, if they really want to. Libby has exchanged her high-flying job in New York for a break in the quiet Somerset countryside. She''s soon drawn into Joy''s world and into her family of waifs and strays - including Drew, whom Joy once helped get back on his feet. So when a secret from Joy''s past threatens everything, can the unlikely group come together to give Joy a second chance of her own?Trade ReviewThe perfect getaway for those looking for a fresh start ... it's a heartwarming tale * Woman's Own *Comforting and uplifting, this book is a joy to read * MY WEEKLY *

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Book Synopsis'I was just a regular idiot, a nutcase, a show-off and all that. Nothing to cry about. Seriously' Edgar W., teenage dropout, unrequited lover, unrecognized genius - and dead - tells the story of his brief, spectacular life. It is the story of how he rebels against the petty rules of communist East Germany to live in an abandoned summer house, with just a tape recorder and a battered copy of Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther for company. Of his passionate love for the dark-eyed, unattainable kindergarten teacher Charlie. And of how, in a series of calamitous events (involving electricity and a spray paint machine), he meets his untimely end. Absurd, funny and touching, this cult German bestseller is both a satire on life in the GDR and a hymn to youthful freedom.

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Book SynopsisSave Me, is a gritty crime novel by the bestselling author Mandasue Heller.When Ellie Fisher misses her train home one night, she has no idea that being in the right place at the wrong time will change her life forever. That night she comes across Gareth, a young man about to take his own life, because as far as he’s concerned there is nothing left to live for. Putting her own life in danger Ellie convinces Gareth that there is always something left. Her own life is no bed of roses, she explains, but she always pushes on. However, good deeds aren’t always repaid the way we want. Has Ellie unwittingly put her life in danger, or is the real danger a lot closer to home?Trade ReviewPraise for Forget Me Not: Mandasue has played a real blinder with this fantastic novel -- Martina ColePraise for Forget Me Not: Captivating from first page to last -- Jeffery DeaverPraise for Two-Faced: Thoroughly gripping * Guardian *Praise for The Driver: One of the bad girls of gritty crime, Heller has written a blinder * Daily Mirror *Praise for Forget Me Not: A confident take on the serial murder genre * Irish News - Belfast *

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Book SynopsisI hear someone coming. It has happened before . . . Rooted in the elemental landscapes of Sussex, Brittany and the Languedoc, here are tales of ghosts and spirits seeking revenge, of grief-stricken women and haunted men coming to terms with their destiny. Atmospheric and unforgettable, The Mistletoe Bride is a collection of stories inspired by ghost stories, folk tales and legends, from one of our most captivating writers.''These eerie tales are perfect for stormy winter darkness'' Daily Mail''A master of the short form'' Stylist''A powerful storyteller with an abundant imagination'' Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewThese eerie tales are perfect for stormy winter darkness * DAILY MAIL *Mosse's love of history and of ghosts and legends mix in her new collection of short stories ... Mosse creates beautiful scenarios * SUNDAY EXPRESS *Kate Mosse is also a master of the short form ... Her ability to blur the lines between eras is so fluid its testament to her writing ... the ancient and modern ghostly tales of Mosse's anthology left us fearful, but fulfilled * STYLIST *Perfect for reading while snuggled up against the winter weather * CANDIS *This collection is captivating ... once again fans of Mosse are in for a treat * IRISH EXAMINER *With Halloween and ghostly stuff creeping up on us once more, it's the perfect time to dip into this captivating collection of short stories and illustrations, inspired by classic British and French folk tales. Lovely stuff. * STAR MAGAZINE *An atmospheric collection of short stories from one of Britain's most captivating writers * ABSOLUTELY (LONDON) MAGAZINE *

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Book Synopsis'Papa, why do you dance when you walk?' When Aden's 8-year-old daughter asks him this one morning in Paris, he is taken aback. The question is innocent, but the answer is not so simple. Unable to resist Bea's inquisitive spirit, he moves silkily between memories of his childhood: from his silent, mysterious mother and the shanty roofs of his neighbourhood to the malicious attack that changed his life forever and the ensuing struggle that made him a man. Anchoring his memories is a Djibouti on the cusp of independence; a land of shifting deserts and immense heat, French-from-France ex-pats, and one lonely and sick boy finding solace in books. Why Do You Dance When You Walk is a poignant and timeless story of the complexity of family, the value of poetry and freedom, and the ripple effect of the traumas that stalk our movement.

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Book SynopsisGorgeous. Very, very funny in a knowing wry way but so tender, so beautiful. I loved all the characters.' Marian KeyesWarm, witty, touching and frequently hilarious' David Nicholls, author of Sweet SorrowYou put the book down and feel glad to be alive' India Knight, Sunday Times Duncan is charming, handsome and Jane falls in love with him easily.But he has also slept with nearly every woman in Boyne City. Jane sees Duncan''s old girlfriends everywhere at restaurants, at the grocery store and his ex-wife, Aggie, still has him mow her lawn.But everything changes with one tragic accident. Now her life is permanently intertwined with them all and she knows she will never have Duncan to herself.But is it possible that a deeper kind of happiness is right in front of her eyes?Trade Review‘Gorgeous. Very, very funny, but so tender, so beautiful. I loved all the characters, I cared deeply’ Marian Keyes, author of Grown Ups ‘Glorious. I love how it evokes the rhythm of life in all its joy and ordinariness and chaos. I loved the dialogue, the relationships. I love the one-liners, the humour, the gorgeous detail, the food, the innermost thoughts, and the love.’ Nina Stibbe, author of Reasons to Be Cheerful ‘Charming and tender, an offbeat and original gem that cracks your heart wide open’ Pandora Sykes, author of How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? 'Wise, sad and barkingly funny. Katherine Heiny writes brilliantly about what we mean by the word 'family' and her novel is loving without being soppy and warm without being cosy – I didn't want it to end’ Lissa Evans, author of V for Victory ‘Katherine Heiny’s books feel like spending time with a smart, funny and beloved friend who always has a million interesting things to talk about but always wants to know about you, too. She is a charming and insightful and unique writer and Early Morning Riser is every bit as good as Standard Deviation, if not better’ Lisa Jewell, author of Invisible Girl ‘Warm, witty, touching – and frequently hilarious’ David Nicholls, author of Sweet Sorrow ‘Heaven. Everything I have ever craved in a novel’ Daisy Buchannan, author of Insatiable ‘Heiny has smart and serious things to say about care and responsibility, even as she keeps things bubbly with a steady stream of comedy provided by the novel's gossipy close-knit community’ DAILY MAIL ‘Early Morning Riser is tender, funny and affecting, a charming friend of a book to ease the Covid blues’ THE BIG ISSUE ‘It’s a heart-warming tale of flawed, fragile, funny characters who battle unruly emotions and disappointments to seize the chance of happiness when it comes their way’ DAILY EXPRESS

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Book SynopsisBerlin is changing. Economic inequality is spiralling out of control, the party is moving on. Anja and Louis live on the mountain - an eco-community built and run by the corporation Anja works for. It is an experiment in green living. But soon enough the mountain begins to malfunction. Across the city, the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable. Louis has become obsessed with a secret project: a pill called Oval that temporarily rewires the user's brain to be more generous. While Anja is horrified, Louis believes he has found the solution to Berlin's income inequality.

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Book SynopsisAn emotional pageturner with a moral dilemma at its heart for fans of Jodi Picoult, JoJo Moyes and David Nicholls.Trade ReviewAllnutt provides a visceral, heartbreaking portrait of a father facing the loss of his 'beautiful boy.' Not the macho loss of football scarves and shared pints, but the inconceivable evaporation of memories, of smells and the warmth of physical contact with our children that can be all too fleeting. * Jem Lester, author of SHTUM *This book will break your heart, but repair it too. Luke Allnutt's writing is full of compassion. It made me hold my loved ones a little bit closer.' * Katie May, author of THE WHITSTABLE HIGH TIDE SWIMMING CLUB *Heartbreaking and devastating and complicated, We Own the Sky offers something remarkable: light in the darkest dark and redemption where there ought to be none." * Laurie Frankel, bestselling author of THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS *Both movingly tender and unflinchingly honest - We Own the Sky is story that will stay with me. * Isabel Ashdown, author of LITTLE SISTER *Beautifully rendered and profoundly moving, We Own the Sky illustrates the lengths we'll go to for those we love. Luke Allnutt is a major new talent in fiction and his debut is not to be missed. * Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Life and Other Near-Death Experiences *We Own the Sky is a heartbreak of a novel filled with love, sorrow, pain, and--ultimately--hope. The characters are drawn so tenderly, with such beautiful detail, that it's impossible not to feel the emotions that pulse through the pages. Powerful, touching, and poignant, this family's love story had me in tears. * Jill Santopolo, bestselling author of The Light We Lost *What an incredible book this is - such gut-wrenching honesty and depth of emotion. Anyone who wishes David Nicholls would write faster needs to grab this with both hands. It's a truly stunning achievement. * Jill Mansell *We Own the Sky is a life-affirming yet heart-breaking wonder of a book about love in all its forms. Parental love, with the doubts, fears and joy that it brings and also the headrush of falling in love followed by the tough reality of trying to keep alive the magic once real life rears its head. The writing throughout is fluent and lyrical, full of humour and heart. It is one of the most raw and honest novels I've read in a long time - and yet Allnutt constantly finds the joy amidst the heartbreak - the chinks of light in the darkness. * Katie Marsh, author of MY EVERYTHING *Deeply affecting. A beautiful, remarkable book. * Lucy Diamond, author of THE SECRETS OF HAPPINESS *Utterly beautiful, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting. * Rachael Lucas, author of The State of Grace *This book brims over with empathy. Rob and Anna's crippling grief is utterly heartbreaking to read. It's at times a difficult read, but I finished it with tears running down my face. This is a book that will get under your skin and stay in your mind for a long time. Beautiful and irresistible. * Clare Swatman, author of Before You Go *A breathtaking read that describes perfectly the joy and pain that comes with loving fully and all the compassion and forgiveness it requires. Brimming with hope to the very end. * Steven Rowley, bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus *We Own the Sky is a gripping, heart-squeezing story about how to carry on after losing what we love most. With grace, emotional keenness and a steady moral searchlight, Luke Allnutt guides the reader through the darkest despair and back to hope. A brave and intense novel. * Val Emmich, author of The Remainders *Absolutely stunning. A fabulous book. * Sheila O’Flanagan, author of WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT *Echoes of David Mitchell, Jodi Piccoult and John Green * Grazia *Prepare to have your heart wrenched by this emotion-drenched story. * Sunday Mirror *Prepare to have your heart well and truly wrenched by this emotion-soaked story. * The People *A beautiful, hugely emotional story. * Fabulous Magazine *A heartbreaking read about love and loss. * Bella Magazine *This tender depiction of a father's love for his son is utterly heartbreaking and will stay with you long after the book has finished. * The Express *This tender depiction of a father's love for his son is utterly heartbreaking and will stay with you long after the book has finished. * Daily Express *This sweeping tale of love and loss is a rare find. A wonderful read - but keep the tissues to hand. * The Lady *

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Book SynopsisDon't miss Stacey Halls' captivating new novel THE HOUSEHOLD - available to pre-order now!*WINNER of the WOMEN'S PRIZE FUTURES AWARD*A Waterstones Best Book of the YearLonglisted for the Walter Scott PrizeLonglisted for the Portico Prize'Highly atmospheric and tense' Richard Osman From the bestselling author of The Familiars and The Foundling comes Stacey Halls' most compelling and ambitious novel to date.'Something's not right here. In the house. With the family.'West Yorkshire, 1904. When newly-graduated nurse Ruby May takes a position looking after the children of Charles and Lilian England, a wealthy couple form a powerful dynasty of mill owners, she hopes it will be the fresh start she needs. But as she adapts to life at the isolated Hardcastle House, it becomes clear there's something not quite right about the beautiful, mysterious Mrs England. Ostracised by the other servants and feeling increasingly uneasy, soon a series of strange events will force Ruby to question everything she thought she knew . . .Simmering with slow-burning menace, Mrs England is a portrait of an Edwardian marriage, weaving an enthralling story of men and women, power and control, courage, truth and the very darkest deception. Set against the atmospheric West Yorkshire landscape, Stacey Halls' third novel proves her one of the most exciting and compelling new storytellers of our times.Praise for MRS ENGLAND:'Stacey Halls is a writer of great originality, great imagination and great sense of place. Atmospheric, intelligent, accessible, every novel is worth reading, then reading again and again' Kate Mosse'As treacherous and invigorating as the moors. I didn't want it to end' Laura Purcell 'Enticing and beautifully written' Sunday Express'The new Hilary Mantel' Cosmopolitan'Utterly compelling. Menacing and marvellously written, this is a hugely accomplished Edwardian chiller' Daily Mail'Outstanding. Haunting, compelling, atmospheric' Emma Stonex, bestselling author of The Lamplighters'Mesmerising, entrancing, a spellbinding novel of emotion and mystery, a heroine caught in an impossible world of twists, turns and lies. Gripping to the very last page' Kate Williams'Full of gothic menace, this Edwardian mystery is convincing and absolutely enthralling' Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City'A captivating, sensuous novel' Inga Vesper, author of The Long, Long Afternoon'I was gripped from start to finish' Joanna Glen, Costa shortlisted author of The Other Half of Augusta Hope'Jaw-droppingly brilliant. Exquisitely written, incredibly atmospheric, a masterclass in rising tension. The deliciously addictive love-child of Daphne Du Maurier and Henry James' Liz Hyder'Brilliant. An utterly gripping exploration of female fortitude in adversity, with a propulsive, atmospheric plot. Ruby is a wonderful protagonist' Caroline Lea**THE HOUSEHOLD, the brand new novel from Stacey Halls, is available to pre-order now***Sunday Times bestseller June 2021 and January 2022**Winner of Women's Prize for Fiction x Good Housekeeping Futures award - Good Housekeeping 14 Oct 2022*Trade ReviewUtterly compelling. Menacing and marvellously written, this is a hugely accomplished Edwardian chiller. * Daily Mail *Outstanding. Haunting, compelling, atmospheric. * Emma Stonex, bestselling author of The Lamplighters *Stacey Halls is a writer of great originality, great imagination and great sense of place. Atmospheric, intelligent, accessible, every novel is worth reading, then reading again and again. * Kate Mosse *With a desolate setting that shimmers with menace, Stacey Halls' tense novel masterfully tackles issues such as the abuse of power. This enticing and beautifully written story should delight those fans of historical fiction. * Sunday Express *Hugely readable with a palpable sense of dread, this is a truly brilliant book. * The Sun *The Familiars author has fast become the queen of historical lit and this new offering, set in 1904, might be her best yet... Evocative and captivating. * Heat Magazine *Halls hits the sweet spot between commercial and literary historical fiction and this feminist gothic thriller is a lovely stealth read, simmering with tension. * Metro *Mesmerising, entrancing, a spellbinding novel of emotion and mystery, a heroine caught in an impossible world of twists, turns and lies. Gripping to the very last page. * Kate Williams *Halls shows genuine skill in building the sense of menace within the England household and in the unfolding of its secrets. * Sunday Times *This enthralling read is a powerful examination of an Edwardian marriage, and the underlying currents of control, courage and power. * Woman & Home *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE INAUGURAL ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL FICTIONIntense, beautifully crafted . . . Her talent is electric. Get ready for a shock' GuardianThis is a work of fiction. Keep telling yourself that.America has changed. For women, it has changed for the worse.Ro, a single high-school teacher, is desperate to become a mother. But with IVF now illegal along with abortion and other reproductive rights parenthood looks increasingly unlikely for her. Her best friend Susan is trapped in a failing marriage with two children, her star student Mattie is unwillingly pregnant and Gin, an outcast offering other women natural remedies, has become the centre of a modern-day witch-hunt.With warmth, wit and ferocious inventiveness, Red Clocks shows us an all-too plausible near-future: like The Handmaid's Tale, it is a call to arms, set to become a modern classic.Trade Review‘Intense, beautifully crafted…Her talent is electric. Get ready for a shock’ Guardian ‘Timing is everything – and the release of Red Clocks couldn’t be more apt’ Grazia ‘A fearless novel with a frightening premise that seems plausible. One for fans of Naomi Alderman’s The Power’ Stylist ‘Lyrical and beautifully observed … highly absorbing’ Naomi Alderman, author of The Power ‘Necessary and so of the moment … this is your go-to book in 2018’ Elle ‘Terrifyingly real’ The Pool ‘Vividly imagined’ Sunday Times ‘Sharp, bold, funny’ Esquire ‘Powerful, beautifully written (and, at times, wry and funny) … Red Clocks is set to become one of the essential reads for 2018’ Emerald Street ‘This provocative exploration of female longing, frustration and determination couldn’t be more timely, and yet there’s nothing fleeting about it … Zumas has written a novel that’s political without being doctrinaire, that expands the dimensions of our most pressing social debate’ Washington Post ‘The dystopian feminist novel for a new generation and a story that will rev you up to be part of the resistance’ Refinery29 ‘In bristling sentences that strike with stunning efficiency, Leni Zumas shows girls and women defying the excruciating restrictions imposed by both law and culture. This is not only timely but necessary fiction—uncannily prescient, unabashedly political, and fiercely humane. We so desperately need books like this’ Emily Fridlund, author of History of Wolves ‘Hilarious, terrifying, and masterful–this pitch-perfect, timely novel reflects the horror and absurdity of our political landscape with a brilliance that ensures the book's timelessness. It's as riotously fun as it is chilling. Zumas has produced a poignant, wickedly sharp classic’ Alissa Nutting, author of Tampa

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Book SynopsisThe sublime city of Venice has long offered inspiration to the world's storytellers. This anthology gathers a dazzling variety of stories with Venetian settings, including Daphne du Maurier's haunting "Don't Look Now," Anthony Trollope's wartime romance "The Last Austrian Who Left Venice," Vernon Lee's spine-chilling "A Wicked Voice," and a scene from The Wings of the Dove, Henry James's tale of passion and betrayal in a Gothic palazzo on the Grand Canal. The famed Venetian adventurer Giacomo Casanova weighs in with escapades from his notorious Memoirs, alongside enthralling selections by Baron Corvo, Marcel Proust, Camillo Boito, and Jeanette Winterson. In its multifaceted portrait of La Serenissima, Venice Stories showcases a lineup of literary classics worthy of the magnificent city they celebrate.

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Book SynopsisA darkly comic dystopian odyssey, from one of Russia''s leading contemporary novelistsGarin, a country doctor, is desperately trying to reach the village of Dolgoye, where a mysterious epidemic is transforming the villagers into zombies. He has with him a vaccine which will prevent the spread of this epidemic, but a terrible blizzard turns his journey into the stuff of nightmare. A trip that should take hours turns into a metaphysical odyssey, in which he encounters strange beasts, apparitions, hallucinations and dangerous fellow men. Trapped in this existential storm, Sorokin''s characters fight their way through a landscape that owes as much to Chekhov''s 19th-century Russia as it does to near-future, post-apocalyptic literature. Fantastical, comic and richly drawn, The Blizzard at once answers to the canon of Russian writers and makes a fierce statement about life in contemporary Russia.Trade ReviewVladimir Sorokin [is] Russia's most inventive contemporary author -- Masha Gessen * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisOne little lie just became deadly''Utterly absorbing, I couldn''t put this thrilling whodunnit down'' C.L. Taylor, bestselling author of Her Last HolidayA compelling page-turner' Fiona Cummins, bestselling author of RattlePerfect mother. Perfect wife. Jane Goodwin has spent years building her picture-perfect life in the quiet town of Ashdon.So when the girl next door, sixteen-year-old Clare Edwards, is found murdered, Jane knows she must first protect her family.Every marriage has a few white lies and hers is no exception. Jane's worked hard to cover up her dark secret from all those years ago and she'll do anything to keep it hiddenPraise for The Girl Next Door:A compelling page-turner about the nature of suspicion, hidden secrets, and claustrophobic local communities' Fiona Cummins, bestselling author of Rattle''Utterly absorbing, I couldn''t put this thrilling whodunnit down.'' C.L. Taylor, Sunday Times bestselling author of Her Last HolidayA compelling plot which keeps the reader Trade Review Praise for Phoebe Morgan: ‘I loved it, those twists!’ B A Paris, bestselling author of The Therapist ‘A cracking page-turner from Phoebe Morgan’ Cara Hunter, bestselling author of All the Rage ‘Another brilliant read – possibly my favourite of hers yet. Tense, twisty and gripping. I was NOT expecting that twist!’ Claire Allan, bestselling author of Her Name Was Rose ‘This had me at the title. Fast-moving. Addictive. And all too possible’ Jane Corry, bestselling author of I Looked Away 'Utterly absorbing, I couldn't put this thrilling whodunnit down' C. L. Taylor , bestselling author of Her Last Holiday ‘Smart, suspenseful and oh so twisty’ Victoria Selman, bestselling author of Blood for Blood ‘Smart and sophisticated, with a payoff that’s well worth the wait. This is a dark, chilling thriller oozing with secrets, betrayals and twists’ John Marrs, bestselling author of The One 'Everything I love in a crime novel… Hugely enjoyable and impossible to put down until the thoroughly satisfying ending' Jane Casey, bestselling author of The Killing Kind ‘Unsettling, insightful, evocative and poignant, Morgan’s writing is both delicate and devastating’ Helen Fields, bestselling author of Perfect Remains ‘A brilliantly creepy and insightfully written debut. I tore through it’ Gillian McAllister, bestselling author of That Night ‘Totally engrossing from start to finish. A clever, clever book’ Amanda Robson, bestselling author of Obsession ‘Atmospheric, dark and haunting, I could not put this book down’ Caroline Mitchell, USA Today bestselling author ‘Deliciously creepy, genuinely unnerving and incredibly confident’ Catherine Ryan Howard, bestselling author of Distress Signals ‘Unnerving and spine-chilling’ Mel Sherratt, million-copy bestselling author

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Book SynopsisThe thrilling sequel to GODBLIND, the biggest fantasy debut of 2017.The Wolves lie dead beside Rilpor's soldiers, slaughtered at the hands of the Mireces and their fanatical army.The veil that once kept the Red Gods at bay has been left in tatters as the Dark Lady's plans for the world come to fruition. Where the gods walk, blood is spilled on the earth.All that stands between the Mireces army and complete control of the Kingdom of Rilpor are the walls of its capital, Rilporin, and those besieged inside.But hope might yet bloom in the unlikeliest of places: in the heart of a former slave, in the mind of a soldier with the eyes of a fox, and in the hands of a general destined to be king.Trade Review‘A great achievement…no one does swordfights quite like Anna Stephens. We salute her with a bloody gauntlet’Daily Mail ‘Believable characters, real consequences, and plenty of action and wonder’Grimdark Magazine ‘An unrelenting, heart-hammering, merciless thrill ride’The Fantasy Hive PRAISE FOR GODBLIND: ‘Writes her name in blood on the roster of masters of grimdark alongside the likes of Mark Lawrence and Joe Abercrombie’B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog ‘GODBLIND is a triumph of its genre.’Starburst ‘Has all the signs of being a sensational series’SFX

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Book Synopsis'A stunner from the first page - an end-of-the-world, coming-of-age tale of quiet majesty. I loved this novel ' Justin Cronin, author of The PassageWHAT IF our 24-hour day grew longer, first in minutes, then in hours until day becomes night and night becomes day? What effect would this slowing have on the world? On the birds in the sky, the whales in the sea, the astronauts in space, and on an eleven-year-old girl, grappling with emotional changes in her own life...? One morning, Julia and her parents wake up in their suburban home in California to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth is noticeably slowing. The enormity of this is almost beyond comprehension. And yet, even if the world is, in fact, coming to an end, as some assert, day-to-day life must go on. Julia, facing the loneliness and despair of an awkward adolescence, witnesses the impact of this phenomenon on the world, on the commu

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Book SynopsisA dreamily atmospheric novel set in the eerie days of civilization's collapse. Emily St John Mandel's Station Eleven is now an HBO Max original TV series.What was lost in the collapse: almost everything, almost everyone, but there is still such beauty.One snowy night in Toronto famous actor Arthur Leander dies on stage whilst performing the role of a lifetime. That same evening a deadly virus touches down in North America. The world will never be the same again.Twenty years later Kirsten, an actress in the Travelling Symphony, performs Shakespeare in the settlements that have grown up since the collapse. But then her newly hopeful world is threatened.If civilization was lost, what would you preserve? And how far would you go to protect it?The New York Times BestsellerWinner of the Arthur C. Clarke AwardLonglisted for the Baileys Women's Prize for FictionNational Book Awards FinalistPEN/Faulkner Award FinalistStation Eleven is part of the Picador Collection, a series showcasing the best of modern literature.Trade ReviewMandel’s beautiful depiction of the survival of human culture and art in a post-apocalyptic world, Perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale. * Cosmopolitan *The Handmaid’s Tale isn’t the only one out there to examine life in a dystopia or collapsing society, or examine the challenges women face when confronting an authoritative power. * The Verge *A dystopian novel that every woman should read after The Handmaid’s Tale. * Refinery29.com *Glorious, unexpected, superbly written; just try putting it down. * The Times *One of the 2014 books that I did read stands above all the others, however: Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel . . . It's a deeply melancholy novel, but beautifully written, and wonderfully elegiac, a book that I will long remember, and return to. -- George R. R. MartinDisturbing, inventive and exciting, Station Eleven left me wistful for a world where I still live. -- Jessie Burton, author of The MiniaturistOnce in a very long while a book becomes a brand new old friend, a story you never knew you always wanted. Station Eleven is that rare find that feels familiar and extraordinary at the same time, expertly weaving together future and present and past, death and life and Shakespeare. This is truly something special. -- Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night CircusVisually stunning, dreamily atmospheric and impressively gripping . . . Station Eleven is not so much about apocalypse as about memory and loss, nostalgia and yearning; the effort of art to deepen our fleeting impressions of the world and bolster our solitude. * Guardian *Station Eleven is so compelling, so fearlessly imagined, that I wouldn't have put it down for anything. I think this one is really going to go places. -- Ann Patchett, author of Bel Canto and State of WonderA beautiful and unsettling book * Sunday Express *Station Eleven is a firework of a novel. Elegantly constructed and packed with explosive beauty, it's full of life and humanity and the aftershock of memory. -- Lauren Beukes, author of The Shining GirlsThere is no shortage of post-apocalyptic thrillers on the shelves these days, but Station Eleven is unusually haunting . . . There is an understated, piercing nostalgia . . . there is humour, amid the collapse . . . and there is Mandel's marvellous creation, the Travelling Symphony, travelling from one scattered gathering of humanity to another . . . There is also a satisfyingly circular mystery, as Mandel unveils neatly, satisfyingly, the links between her disparate characters . . . This book will stay with its readers much longer than more run-of-the-mill thrillers. -- Alison Flood, Thriller of the Month * Observer *Station Eleven is a magnificent, compulsive novel that cleverly turns the notion of a "kinder, gentler time" on its head. And, oh, the pleasure of falling down the rabbit hole of Mandel's imagination - a dark, shimmering place rich in alarmingly real detail and peopled with such human, such very appealing characters. -- Liza Klaussmann, author of Tigers in Red WeatherA genuinely unsettling dystopian novel that also allows for moments of great tenderness. Emily St. John Mandel conjures indelible visuals, and her writing is pure elegance. -- Patrick deWitt, author of The Sisters Brothers (shortlisted for the 2011 Man Booker Prize)An ambitious and addictive novel -- Sarah Hughes * Guardian *Possibly the most captivating and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic novel you will ever read . . . * Independent on Sunday *Station Eleven reads as a love letter - acknowledging all those things we would most miss and all those things we would still have -- Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside OurselvesA haunting tale of art and the apocalypse. Station Eleven is an unmissable experience. -- Samantha Shannon, author of The Bone SeasonTremendous . . . if you are looking for a novel you can just wallow in I'd pick Station Eleven up right now. -- Jane Garvey * BBC Radio 4, Woman's Hour *Mandel is an exuberant storyteller . . . Readers will be won over by her nimble interweaving of her characters' lives and fates . . . Station Eleven offers comfort and hope to those who believe, or want to believe, that doomsday can be survived, that in spite of everything people will remain good at heart, and when they start building a new world they will want what was best about the old -- Sigrid Nunez * New York Times *Station Eleven is the kind of book that speaks to dozens of the readers in me - the Hollywood devotee, the comic book fan, the cult junkie, the love lover, the disaster tourist. It is a brilliant novel, and Emily St John Mandel is astonishing. -- Emma Straub, author of The Vacationers and Laura Lamont's Life in PicturesEmily St John Mandel is currently gathering lots of world-ending buzz with her new novel Station Eleven . . . conjures up an eerie post-killer-flu future * Grazia *Speculative fiction . . . of a decidedly literary bent * Metro *Riveting, brilliant -- Nina Stibbe, author of Love, NinaA novel that miraculously reads like equal parts page-turner and poem. One of her great feats is that the story feels spun rather than plotted, with seamless shifts in time and characters . . . This is not a story of crisis and survival. It's one of art and family and memory and community and the awful courage it takes to look upon the world with fresh and hopeful eyes. * Entertainment Weekly *Ambitious, magnificent . . . Mandel's vision is not only achingly beautiful but startlingly plausible, exposing the fragile beauty of the world we inhabit. In the burgeoning postapocalyptic literary genre, Mandel's transcendent, haunting novel deserves a place alongside The Road * Booklist *This breathtaking highwire act argues theatre is primal - and instinct to tell and act out stories, to come together to experience art. Who wouldn't want to write novels about that? * Big Issue *An ambitious take on a post-apocalyptic world where some strive to preserve art, culture and kindness . . . Think of Cormac McCarthy seesawing with Joan Didion . . . Mandel spins a satisfying web of coincidence and kismet . . . Magnetic . . . A breakout novel. * Kirkus (starred review) *Station Eleven is a mesmerising and beautiful book that puts a unique spin on a familiar end-of-the-world scenario . . . Like The Road, Mandel's novel makes you desperately glad for the world we live in. -- Mark Edwards, author of The MagpiesDrew me in irresistibly -- Anne Tyler * New York Times *The plot, characters, writing-it's all fantastic. . . honestly, I don't know what else to say except . . . Buy, buy, buy * BookRiot *Totally spellbinding . . . Deftly switching between the time before and after the pandemic, the story reveals the fates of six compelling characters, whose lives are interlinked. Full of eerie suspense and surprises, this is a haunting, original novel that makes you consider what's truly valuable in life. * Hello Magazine *A beautifully written and compelling debut from Emily St John Mandel * Good Housekeeping Magazine *Mandel's strong storytelling ability sets Station Eleven apart . . . Mandel fluidly switches between characters and time periods . . . the result is a provocative tale of societal apocalypse that convincingly creates a disorientated reality, where humanity moves into an uncertain future on a planet littered with reminders of an imperfect past * The List *Excellently written, Station Eleven is closer to Joyce than Orwell as it stealthily connects plots and people * Sunday Times *Plays with time and place in a manner that brings to mind Kate Atkinson's superb Life After Life. * Stylist *A deeply unsettling and well-crafted tale exploring human relationships in extreme circumstances -- Philippa Williams * The Lady *The inventiveness and exploration of ideas about survival and art give Mandel's novel its indelibility . . . Station Eleven amazed me with its sharp and emotionally true reimagining of nearly everything we take for granted in the world -- Meg WolitzerStrong storytelling and believable characters combine in this very human tale * Bella *

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Book Synopsis''It''s just brilliant - full of poetry'' - Jilly CooperSet in wartime London and occupied France, this is a thrilling story of love, danger and sacrifice from bestselling novelist Alan Titchmarsh.It is the late 1930s when seventeen-year-old Rosamund Hanbury leaves behind the endless summers of her coastal Devonshire home for the fast pace of high society London. Under the expert guidance of her formidable aunt, the country mouse learns how to act like a lady, hosting dinner parties and rubbing shoulders with Britain''s most influential. And when the enigmatic Harry Napier sweeps her off her feet at London''s famous Café de Paris she could almost forget that Britain has declared war. But the Phoney War ends. Harry is posted, London reels from the first bombings of the Blitz and Rosamund suffers a devastating personal loss that leaves her all the more determined to do her bit for the war effort. Joining the Special Forces she is sent Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE SCARLET NIGHTINGALE:It's just brilliant - full of poetry * Jilly Cooper *PRAISE FOR ALAN TITCHMARSH:A perfect love story * Katie Fforde on THE HAUNTING *A pleasurable read which fans will lap up * Daily Mail *The story brims with intrigue * Daily Express on THE HAUNTING *Art, antiques and romance are the ingredients: Titchmarsh boils the pot to a fine froth * Saga Magazine on THE FOLLY *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewOne of the greatest writers of the twentieth century...Simenon was unequalled at making us look inside, though the ability was masked by the brilliance at absorbing us obsessively in his stories. * Guardian *Fierce, bleak and compellingly written . . . with pitiless landscapes of hopeless longing, random cruelty and galloping fate warmed only by the twilit lyricism of doomed desire. These are novels of eye-opening, spine-tingling control and intensity. -- Boyd Tonkin * The Independent *The romans durs are extraordinary: tough, bleak, offhandedly violent, suffused with guilt and bitterness, redolent of place . . . utterly unsentimental, frightening in the pitilessness of their gaze, yet wonderfully entertaining. -- John BanvilleA supreme writer . . . unforgettable vividness. * Independent *One of the greatest writers of the twentieth century . . . Simenon was unequaled at making us look inside, though the ability was masked by his brilliance at absorbing us obsessively in his stories * Guardian *Fierce, bleak and compellingly written . . . with pitiless landscapes of hopeless longing, random cruelty and galloping fate warmed only by the twilit lyricism of doomed desire. These are novels of eye-opening, spine-tingling control and intensity. -- Boyd Tonkin * The Independent *The romans durs are extraordinary: tough, bleak, offhandedly violent, suffused with guilt and bitterness, redolent of place . . . utterly unsentimental, frightening in the pitilessness of their gaze, yet wonderfully entertaining * John Banville *A supreme writer . . . unforgettable vividness * Independent *

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Book Synopsis''A sparkling, heartwarming hug of a story'' Miranda DickinsonEscape to snowy Sweden in the gorgeous new novel from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard. Fans of Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will love this unforgettable winter story from Jo Thomas. Halley has been running from her problems for years.On a courier trip to Tallfors, deep in Swedish Lapland, everything is going to plan. Halley has her bag, with two precious wedding rings inside for delivery... until she doesn''t. The only way to save the wedding is to team up with mysterious reindeer herder Bjorn, the one person who can lead her across the snowy tundra to be reunited with her bag. On a journey of a lifetime beneath the stars, with only the reindeer and a bad-tempered stranger for company beside the fire, Halley realises that she will need to confront her past heartaches in order to let the warmth of love in onceTrade ReviewBatten down the hatches then open the pages and slip into Jo's snow-filled world. Magically romantic ... a book that wraps its arms around you and pulls you in. Best read in front a crackling log fire. -- Milly JohnsonThis hygge of a book took me straight to Lapland and the characters went straight to my heart. -- Katie FfordeA Winter Beneath the Stars is a sparkling, heartwarming hug of a story, sprinkled with winter magic. Evocative, romantic and full of heart, it's a perfect treat to curl up with. I loved it! -- Miranda DickinsonFrom the very first page of this winter read you will find yourself enveloped in the wonder of its setting and characters. * Woman Magazine *Sheer rom-com brilliance! * Heat *A sunny, romantic, escapist read * Woman & Home *Romantic and funny, this is a great addition to any bookshelf * Sun *Well worth a read -- Carole MatthewsIt had my heart racing and my taste buds tingling; the perfect blend of escapism, romance and Jo's inimitable warmth. I devoured it! -- Cathy BramleyPerfect escapism * Marie Claire *An utterly charming read full of rustic romance and adventure -- Woman magazinePerfect for those who dream of a new life in the sun! * My Weekly *A heart-warming tale -- Ali McNamaraPerfect summer read -- Liz FenwickA warm summer breeze of a story that's full of atmosphere and romance * S Magazine *A charming and delightful slice of escapist romantic fiction * Heat *The ultimate cheery tale * Sun *

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