Contemporary fiction titles are those which focus on the present or near past. Stories rooted in the current cultural, social, and political landscape which feature characters we can all recognise.
Contemporary Fiction Books
Pan Macmillan Sea Change
Book SynopsisFor fans of Julia Armfield's Our Wives Under the Sea ‘Absolutely stunning . . . Full of longing, mystery, fear and hope. I loved this book to pieces!’ – Frances Cha, author of If I Had Your Face Ro is stuck. She’s just entered her thirties, she’s estranged from her mother, and her boyfriend has just left her to join a mission to Mars.Her days are spent dragging herself to her menial job at an aquarium, and her nights are spent drinking sharktinis (mountain dew and copious amounts of gin, plus a hint of jalapeno). With her best friend pulling away to focus on her upcoming wedding, Ro’s only companion is Dolores, a giant Pacific octopus who also happens to be Ro’s last remaining link to her father, a marine biologist who disappeared while on an expedition when Ro was a teenager.When Dolores is sold to a wealthy investor intent on moving her to a private aquarium, Ro finds herself on theTrade ReviewAbsolutely stunning ... Full of longing, mystery, fear and hope. I loved this book to pieces! -- Frances Cha, author of If I Had Your Face Chung’s writing is masterful, and Sea Change is glorious -- Bryan Washington, author of Memorial and LotThere are no limits to what Chung can do. Her prose is so immersively beautiful that at times I felt swept away in a wave, admiring from underwater, her scintillating refractions of light. -- Weike Wang, author of ChemistrySea Change tugged at my heart and refused to let go. With tenderness and perceptiveness, Chung deftly navigates family, loss, friendship and the intricacies of love, especially for ourselves -- Elaine Hsieh Chou, author of DisorientationA wild blessing of a debut. Gina Chung’s curiosity, precision and grace have created a world both strange and recognizable, the kind of place you can find a version of yourself you did not know existed, and call her home. -- Mira Jacob, author of Good Talk With her debut, Chung has proven she is a true original, the rare kind of writer who can be simultaneously witty and deeply sensitive, confident and devastatingly vulnerable. -- Jean Kyoung Frazier, author of Pizza Girl
£13.49
Pan Macmillan Almost English
Book SynopsisCharlotte Mendelson's novels include Daughters of Jerusalem, When We Were Bad, Almost English and The Exhibitionist. She has won both the Somerset Maugham Award and the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, has been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, and has been longlisted and shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction. She is also the author of one work of non-fiction, Rhapsody in Green, and is the gardening correspondent for The New Yorker. She lives in London.Trade ReviewI read and ADORED Almost English . . . And now I will read everything she's ever written. Charlotte Mendelson is a fiendishly gifted writer with such a way of looking at the world with huge generosity of spirit. It's what we need, especially now -- Marian KeyesCharlotte Mendelson is much admired by the cognoscenti and Almost English ought to be a bestseller. The account of a girl from a family of Hungarian aunts, dealing with love and old lechers at a ghastly boarding school in the 1980s, is sheer bliss — pure rueful comedy with endless resourcefulness . . . I adore her novels and wish there were many more of them -- Philip Hensher * Spectator *I adored Almost English -- Nigella LawsonAlmost English is as good as we’d hoped . . . This funny, wise and heart-warming 1980s-set novel is perfect summer reading * Elle *Charlotte Mendelson’s fourth novel is a deliciously funny tale of dysfunctional families. The Farkases recall characters from fairy tales or Roald Dahl . . . Reading Mendelson’s easy, assured prose is like sinking into something soft and velvety * Telegraph (Top 10 Summer Holiday Reads) *Exotic, magnificent and just a little bit sinister . . . Mendelson's novels inhabit similar territory to those of Maggie O'Farrell, with the same capacity for extreme noticing, the same profound emotional intelligence shaping the characters and driving the narrative. But Mendelson's world is sharper, her sense of the world a little more cynical. Almost English has been longlisted for this year's Booker; it deserves to win for the quality of the writing alone . . . Beautifully written, warm, funny and knowing * Observer *Charlotte Mendelson’s Man Booker Prize-longlisted novel takes that most English of literary genres – the boarding school comedy – and spices it with exotic ingredients drawn from Hungarian culture . . . It demonstrates a mastery of narrative craft . . . [A] deliciously moreish read * Financial Times *The Booker longlisted novel is a warm, wry and lively account of teenager Marina . . . the humanity in Mendelson’s observations and her clever, comic writing make this a sparkling treat * Metro *Almost English is long-listed for this year’s Man Booker Prize, and Charlotte Mendelson writes of the inner monologues and quiet frustrations that plague an all-female, half-Hungarian household trying to fit into society with a wry humour that carries echoes of Zadie Smith and Zoe Heller * Stylist *Almost English, her fourth novel, has just been longlisted for the Man Booker prize and it isn't difficult to see why: it is a little masterpiece of characterisation and milieu. There is plenty of plot and movement in Almost English, many changes of scene and points of view. * Guardian *Almost English is a finely executed comedy of manners, with a dark side . . . [Mendelson] masterminds events with wit and ingenuity, shifting moods from darkness to light in an instant, and delivering some glorious moments of uproarious comedy . . . Call it Jane Austen for the 21st century – a novel on a small scale, full of private preoccupations and a mischievously overblown supporting cast; a novel that nevertheless says something profound about the human condition * Scotsman *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan When We Were Bad
Book SynopsisCharlotte Mendelson's novels include Daughters of Jerusalem, When We Were Bad, Almost English, and The Exhibitionist. She has won both the Somerset Maugham Award and the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, has been longlisted for the Man Booker, and has been longlisted and shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction. She is also the author of one work of non-fiction, Rhapsody in Green, and is the gardening correspondent for The New Yorker. She lives in London.Trade ReviewAs intelligent as it is funny. A beautifully observed literary comedy as well as a painfully accurate description of one big old family mess. A joy -- Viv Groskop * The Observer *Fast-paced and engaging. Brilliant, touching and true -- Naomi Alderman, Women's Prize-winning author of The PowerA dazzling portrait of a family in crisis * The Guardian *A completely brilliant book. Breathtakingly good -- Barbara Trepido, bestselling author of Brother of the More Famous JackAssured, inventive and entertaining . . . Brilliantly climactic . . . Intelligent and witty. The Rubin family may be a singular one but the delights and the difficulties its members have with sex and spirituality, food and domesticity, expectation and achievement, will have a universal appeal * The Sunday Telegraph *Funny and emotionally true, this is a comedy with the warmest of hearts and the most deliciously subversive of agendas * Marie Claire *Charlotte Mendelson’s When We Were Bad will take its place among classic accounts of tribal misadventure with the same apparent effortlessness that proves so pleasurable in her writing. Rarely can readers of contemporary fiction feel themselves to be in such safe hands -- Hannah Betts * The Times *Written with tremendous authority, insight, humour and even wisdom . . . Convincing and moving . . . Funny, absorbing and certain to linger in the imagination * Spectator *Never has the perfect family cracked and crumbled with such elegance, warmth and humour -- Meg Rosoff, bestselling author of How We Live NowRarely has the suffocating hold of family life been so powerfully portrayed as it has here . . . Mendelson’s great achievement is to make us care . . . Uncompromising and brave * Daily Mail *With great delicacy and elliptical prose, Mendelson draws a subtle and compassionate picture of a family as it unravels. A novel about secrets and the damage they cause * Metro *Compelling . . . A poignant and compassionate novel of a family in crisis as one member after another faces some home truths * Woman & Home *Secret thoughts and unnameable hangups are teased out in glowing, metaphorical and often very funny prose . . . Mendelson explores the shadows and ghosts haunting a family which appears to outsiders to be a harmonious, messy, intellectual ideal * Times Literary Supplement *Brilliant . . . highly entertaining -- Matthew Reisz * Independent *Quite superlative * Scotsman *Immensely funny and affecting . . . A novel that wittily and searingly explores the relationships between parents and their adult children . . . an elegant comedy of longing and survival * LA Times *Astute, affectionately mocking prose and a wicked but merciful intelligence * Kirkus *Absolutely spellbinding, so funny, so moving, so totally believable -- Jacqueline Wilson
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group The Body on Scafell Pike
Book SynopsisOUT ON THE HILLS, A KILLER IS WAITING.''I loved everything about this book! The atmosphere, the suspense, the storyline, the characters.'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW''I can''t wait for the next'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW''This gripping thriller has everything you want in a great mystery.'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEWThe riveting, darkly atmospheric new crime series based in the iconic Cumbrian Lake District.A renowned mountaineer and self-described ''fell runner'' is found dead in a deep gully on one side of Scafell Pike within hours of announcing his intention of breaking the world record for the quickest continuous summit of every peak in the Lake District. Only a month into the job, DI Jess Chambers had been hoping that Cumbria would offer a slower pace of policing than her native Belfast, but this first case aTrade ReviewYou really can't go wrong with a setting like this, where the geography will always be the main character, and this series is definitely worth keeping an eye on. * Morning Star *
£10.44
Simon & Schuster Ltd 28 Questions
Book SynopsisThey say it takes 28 Questions to fall in love. Then what? 'Funny, clever, sad without self-pity, and with an uplift that is the writing itself' Jeanette Winterson 'If it's an addictive read you're after, consider this your next stop.' Stylist 'An intensely beautiful cleverly layered story of young queer love. An intense but entertaining read. Highly recommend.’ Juno Roche 'An intense, utterly believable queer coming-of-age novel - lyrical, sexy and beautifully written.' Kate Davies, author of Polari-Prize winning In At The Deep End‘Reader, imagine yielding to someone with a power so strong she has the ability to slice time. Before. Her. After.’ When first-year music student Amalia stumbles into her Oxford college bar, she has no idea that everything is about to change. Seated across from her is Alex, a v
£9.49
Simon & Schuster Ltd Now We Are Forgiven
Book SynopsisA brilliantly observed story of crises and reconciliations within families and stepfamilies and the conflict between Millennials and their Baby Boomer parents. Funny, dark, yet limned with hope, Tim Lott returns to a family saga – and social commentary – that began with the award-winning White City Blue, continuing with When We Were Rich. It is a story for everyone trying to make sense of a sharply polarised world where the political has become personal and the personal has become a minefield. Brighton, December 2019: a teenage girl is on an early morning run along the seafront. In her mind she is running away from something she hates, towards something she fears. China’s home is with her mother Veronica, her pompous stepfather Silas and his dysfunctional son Mason. Her father, Frankie, is in London, but they have little contact, his entrenched views a provocation to her socially conscious ideals,
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Simon & Schuster Ltd Conviction
Book Synopsis'If you like a legal thriller you'll love this!' HARRIET TYCE TO STEAL A MAN'S FREEDOM ALL IT TAKES IS . . . CONVICTION Wade Darling stands accused of killing his wife and teenage children as they slept before burning the family home to the ground. When the case lands on barrister Neve Harper’s desk, she knows it could be the career making case she’s been waiting for. But only if she can prove Wade’s innocence. A matter of days before the case, as Neve is travelling home for the night, she is approached by a man. He tells her she must lose this case or the secret about her own husband’s disappearance will be revealed. Failing that, he will kill everyone she cares about until she follows orders. Neve must make a choice – betray every principle she has ever had by putting a potentially innocent man in prison, or risk putting those sTrade Review‘No one crafts a dilemma quite like Jack Jordan. Conviction is a tour de force of a legal thriller that will have you guessing at every turn and then gasping when the plot inevitably catches you unawares. His characters are beautifully and shockingly flawed yet so vividly drawn you just can’t help investing in them – and if you’re anything like I was, you'll be swept away on a thrilling ride that starts from the very first page’ Janice Hallett 'A masterclass in misdirection. Smart, stylish, taut and twisting. Conviction is Jack Jordan’s best yet' Chris Whitaker 'Jack Jordan goes from strength to strength with this expertly written tale of retribution and blackmail. Woven with Jack’s trademark moral dilemma, this is a book where the line between good and bad is never as obvious as it seems. Loved it!' Sam Holland 'Verdict is in - Jack Jordan is officially the king of the moral dilemma. Conviction is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that doesn’t relent until the very last sentence' Laure Van Rensburg 'Raced through Conviction by the talented Jack Jordan.Tense and fast paced, this is a definite pre-order!' Karen Hamilton 'I loved every minute of this thrilling read. It combines the best of Sarah Vaughan and John Grisham: immersive, visual writing with twist after twist turning the screw tighter with ever page. Take a bow Jack "jeopardy" Jordan' Jo Callaghan‘I thoroughly enjoyed this tightly plotted, moral-dilemma crime novel, which has me on the edge of my seat . . . This tense smart story is brilliantly written. A true page-turner' Adele Parks, Platinum Magazine ‘It’s one white-knuckle ride' Heat ‘This was the sort of book that kept me up at night – I wanted to finish it before doing anything else . . . The plot whizzes along and drips with detail, with plenty of courtroom drama for those who love watching it on the small screen. Definitely one to take your time with and savour' Belfast Telegraph ‘Conviction was a really gripping book with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. The author was constantly pulling the rug out from under my feet right up until the last page and it had one of the best cliffhanger endings I’ve read in a long while' Shots ‘So gripping and so compelling’ Fabulous Magazine ‘Electrifying’ Crime Monthly ‘Well plotted and with plenty of action, suspense and some fabulous twists, it’s a must-read thriller’ My Weekly ‘A taut and twisty story in which Jordan skilfully mixes courtroom drama with an excellent cat-and-mouse thriller…Conviction is written with wit and verve and it zips along nicely; not once does it feel too long. Finally, in crafting a denouement that is both surprising and inevitable, Jordan achieves that rarest of feats: a book that satisfies throughout. Not to be missed' Perspective Magazine, Thriller of the Month.
£15.29
Simon & Schuster Ltd Falling
Book Synopsis‘Amazing . . . Intense suspense, shocks and scares plus chilling insider authenticity make this one very special’ LEE CHILD 'FALLING is the best kind of thriller (for me as a reader anyway). Characters you care deeply about. Nonstop, totally authentic suspense' JAMES PATTERSON‘Attention, please: T. J. Newman has written the perfect thriller! GILLIAN FLYNN, #1 bestselling author of Gone GirlYou just boarded a flight to New York.There are one hundred and forty-three other passengers onboard.What you don’t know is that thirty minutes before the flight your pilot’s family was kidnapped.For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die.The only way the family will survive is if the pilot follows his orders and crashes the plane. Enjoy the flight. *
£8.54
Simon & Schuster Ltd The It Girl
Book SynopsisThe 'deliciously dark and utterly addictive' (Lucy Foley) thriller from Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Ware. Trade ReviewPraise for The It Girl: 'An absolute belter. Could not put it down! I thought I knew who the killer was. Then I was CERTAIN it was another person! Then DEFINITELY another! Great characterisation, glamorous setting, all round FABALISS!' Marian Keyes 'Every Ruth Ware novel is a unique and unexpected gem and this one is no exception. A heady, tense, slowburn dream of a book, multi-layered and steeped in atmosphere and peril. I loved every page' Lisa Jewell 'Absolutely brilliant murder mystery - seamless, flawless, perfectly clued and utterly gripping' Sophie Hannah ‘Impeccably crafted and totally compulsive – you’ll be sad to reach the final page and realise you have to say goodbye’ JP Delaney ‘Ruth Ware’s richly textured The It Girl is at once an engrossing murder mystery while also a perfectly crafted and haunting examination of lost youth and the compromises of adulthood, as a woman unpicks the past secrets of her university friends to finally lay to rest her murdered best friend, the dazzling April. Reminiscent of The Secret History, Ware has surpassed herself with this gripping, absorbing whodunnit. I loved it! All hail the Queen' Sarah Pinborough ‘If you ever idly wish that Agatha Christie would write a new book, Ruth Ware has got you covered. The It Girl has all the clues, twists and red herrings you could wish for, in a thoroughly modern setting. An impeccably constructed mystery from start to finish' Jane Casey 'It’s brilliant. Ruth is the master of the fiendishly twisty, yet completely believable, plot' Elly Griffiths 'Just finished The It Girl by Ruth Ware and now my life is divided in two: before and after. Before: cool, calm, chilled. After: What? No! OMG! A wild ride that’s deliciously twisting, with countless gasp-out-loud moments' Janice Hallett 'A new Ruth Ware is always a treat and The It Girl is one of her best. You can almost see her smiling as she feeds you the little morsels that should help you work everything out - if only you were as clever as Ruth! As sleek and chilling as a knife between the ribs' Sarah J. Naughton ‘Clever. Compelling and with a terrific sense of place. Ruth Ware’s The It Girl grips to the end’ Jane Shemilt
£9.49
Simon & Schuster Ltd Zero Days
Book SynopsisMr. and Mrs. Smith meets The Fugitive in this propulsive thriller about a woman in a race against time to clear her name and find her husband’s murderer. Trade ReviewPraise for Zero Days: 'A gruesome murder, a grieving widow and a race against the clock to uncover a dark conspiracy . . . Zero Days is a full-on, paranoid thrill ride with sky-high stakes and a thoroughly absorbing premise that’s never less than shockingly believable. This rare peek into the shadows of the dark web is visceral, human and terrifying. Five stars' Janice Hallett 'Zero Days is another super thriller! A showcase of versatility and depth in Ruth's craft. This one is a suspense rollercoaster' Steve Cavanagh ‘Ruth Ware has quickly established herself as a major new talent in the psychological thriller field, but now dares to move away from her traditional treading ground to infiltrate the action thriller/woman in peril niche . . . The fast-paced narrative evolves into a race against time . . . effortlessly carries the reader along. It worked for me’ Maxim Jakubowski, CrimeTimePraise for The It Girl, the Richard & Judy pick: 'An absolute belter. Could not put it down! I thought I knew who the killer was. Then I was CERTAIN it was another person! Then DEFINITELY another! Great characterisation, glamorous setting, all round FABALISS!' Marian Keyes 'A cracking read – and that ending!' Shari Lapena 'Every Ruth Ware novel is a unique and unexpected gem and this one is no exception. A heady, tense, slowburn dream of a book, multi-layered and steeped in atmosphere and peril. I loved every page' Lisa Jewell 'Absolutely brilliant murder mystery - seamless, flawless, perfectly clued and utterly gripping' Sophie Hannah ‘Impeccably crafted and totally compulsive – you’ll be sad to reach the final page and realise you have to say goodbye’ JP Delaney ‘Ruth Ware’s richly-textured The It Girl is at once an engrossing murder mystery while also a perfectly crafted and haunting examination of lost youth and the compromises of adulthood, as a woman unpicks the past secrets of her university friends to finally lay to rest her murdered best friend, the dazzling April. Reminiscent of The Secret History, Ware has surpassed herself with this gripping, absorbing whodunnit. I loved it! All hail the Queen' Sarah Pinborough 'Ruth is the master of the fiendishly twisty, yet completely believable, plot' Elly Griffiths
£15.29
Simon & Schuster Ltd The Yellow Kitchen
Book SynopsisExpectation meets Julie and Julia, The Yellow Kitchen is a brilliant exploration of food, belonging and friendship. London, 2019. A yellow kitchen stands as a metaphor for the lifelong friendship between three women: Claude, the baker, goal-orientated Sophie and political Giulia. They chase love and careers; dreaming and consuming in the city, but always returning to the yellow kitchen to share a meal. That is, until a trip to Lisbon unravels unexplored desires between Claude and Sophie. Having sex is one thing, waking up the day after is the beginning of something new. Exploring the complexities of female friendship, The Yellow Kitchen is a hymn to the last year of London as we knew it and a celebration of the culture, the food and the rhythms we live by.Praise for The Yellow Kitchen: ‘Rich and thoroughly intoxicating, The Yellow Kitchen is Trade Review'Mixing female friendship, romance, loss, redemption, and memorable meals, The Yellow Kitchen is the perfect recipe for a flavorful literary feast. With subtle dashes of wit and generous sprinklings of honesty, Margaux Vialleron has crafted a brave and tender tale' -- Kim Fay, author of Love & Saffron'Set in 2019, at a time of intense political change in the UK, this is a rich novel that explores the complexities of female friendship and sexuality, love and politics' * Daily Mail *'Vialleron’s debut weaves the complexities of female friendships in with attractions, desire, politics and food' * Stylist *
£13.49
Simon & Schuster Ltd Afterwards
Book Synopsis*** A Tea Leaves & Reads Book Club pick ***This is the story of loss – and what happens afterwards… When Emma gets home after work one evening, she calls hello to her husband Jay, as she always does. Stepping into the kitchen, she sees he has done the shopping, as she had reminded him to; remembered to buy peppercorns; has bought her flowers. Everything is neatly put away. But Jay is not there. A photographer, all Jay has left behind is his camera containing five photographs, which are unlike his other work. Emma follows the images to Cornwall, beginning a journey in which old relationships are re-written and new ones are formed. As the visual mystery of each photograph unfolds, Emma finds herself unravelling and perilously close to breaking point. But could her unlikely salvation lie in the sea, a small community of swimmers and the promise of something Emma thought she didn’t want? &l
£9.49
Simon & Schuster Ltd Winter Counts
Book SynopsisPRE-ORDER WISDOM CORNER, THE THRILLING NEW DAVID HESKA WANBLI WEIDEN NOVEL NOW.WINNER OF THE ANTHONY, BARRY, THRILLER, LEFTY AND MACAVITY AWARDS FOR BEST FIRST NOVEL‘Harrowing and heartfelt, assured and highly accomplished. One of the standout thrillers of the year' CHRIS WHITAKERIf you have a problem, if no one else can help, there’s one person you can turn to. Virgil Wounded Horse is the local enforcer on the Rosebud Native American Reservation in South Dakota. When justice is denied by the American legal system or the tribal council, Virgil is hired to deliver his own punishment, the kind that’s hard to forget. But when heroin makes its way onto the reservation and finds Virgil’s nephew, his vigilantism becomes personal. Enlisting the help of his ex-girlfriend, he sets out to learn where the drugs are coming from, and how to make them stop. <
£8.54
Simon & Schuster Ltd Hangman Island
Book SynopsisPre-order THE STALKER, a new standalone cat-and-mouse thriller from Kate Rhodes, coming Autumn 2024!THE ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES #7 ‘An absolute master of pace, plotting and character’ ELLY GRIFFITHSON A REMOTE ISLAND When Jez Cardew’s boat is found drifting empty on the Atlantic Ocean, DI Ben Kitto and his fellow lifeboat crew members immediately fear the worst. After an extensive search yields no results, the team are forced to retreat to dry land as darkness sets in. THE OCEAN IS MERCILESS But Kitto can’t let it go. Why would Jez – an experienced sailor – get into difficulty when the sea has been calm for weeks? Unless his disappearance was no accident. BUT SO ARE THE PEOPLE . . . The gruesome discovery of a hand washed ashore on the beach confirms his hunch. Because a medal is attached to thTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR KATE RHODES ‘Clever, atmospheric and compelling’ WOMAN'S WEEKLY ‘Expertly weaves a sense of place and character into a tense and intriguing story’ METRO ‘Rhodes does a superb job of balancing a portrayal of a tiny community oppressed by secrets with an uplifting evocation of setting’ JAKE KERRIDGE, SUNDAY EXPRESS ‘A vividly realised protagonist whose complex and harrowing history rivals the central crime storyline’ SOPHIE HANNAH, DAILY EXPRESS ‘Rhodes is a published poet and every one of her sentences sings’ FINANCIAL TIMES ‘Gripping, clever and impossible to put down . . . The claustrophobia and paranoia of the island are so brilliantly evoked, I could almost feel the tide encroaching as time ran out to find the killer’ ERIN KELLY ‘The whole book tingles with tension. I hope it does for the Scilly Isles what Ann Cleeves did for Shetland’ MEL MCGRATH ‘Evocative, immersive, twisty’ SARAH VAUGHAN ‘One of the most absorbing books I’ve read in a long time’ MEL SHERRATT
£18.70
Simon & Schuster Ltd Wait for Me
Book SynopsisFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author of An Italian Girl in Brooklyn comes a captivating new novel of enduring love and devastating secrets, based on a true story.'Nobody does epic romance like Santa Montefiore' JOJO MOYESRupert promised he was going to come back. All Florence had to do was wait. Cornwall, 1944 When Rupert Dash is declared missing, presumed dead during the Battle of Arnhem, his wife, Florence, is devastated. She can’t accept that he has gone from her life forever, and so when she finds a poem called ‘Wait for Me’ hidden in an old book, she believes it’s a sign from her husband. A promise that he will return to her. London, 1988 Since childhood Max has suffered from a recurring nightmare. Surrounded by the horrific chaos of World War Two, he has an urgent mission he knows he must complete. But time after time, the dream ends with hi
£15.29
Simon & Schuster Ltd Small Joys
Book SynopsisThe sensational debut novel about love, friendship and finding happiness in the most unexpected places. 'It's as fun as it is thoughtful: a tender and generous novel about finding your people, getting vulnerable, and celebrating every joy - big or small.' Buzzfeed 'Elvin James Mensah's Small Joys is breathtaking and heartrending, by turns hilarious and devastating and surprising and wild. Mensah's prose makes the intangible deft and tremendous — from the balm of friendship, to the beauty of queerness, and the all-encompassing elixir of community. Tender, thrilling, and honest; Small Joys is a beam of light.' Bryan Washington, author of Memorial 'A beautiful, moving story of love, male intimacy, chosen family and finding self worth.' Paul Mendez, author of Rainbow Milk ‘I adored Sma
£13.49
Simon & Schuster Ltd The Rule of Three
Book Synopsis ‘The Rule of Three absolutely blew me away. An incredibly intense and original creepy page-turner that made me keep turning the pages in a desperate need to finish it and find out the answers! Utterly paranoia-inducing and brilliant. I loved it. It came for me and now it will come for you!' SARAH PINBOROUGH 'Ingenious, creepy and compelling. Sam Ripley is an exciting new voice in the field of chilling thrillers' ALEX NORTH The Whisper Man meets The Chalk Man with the paranoia of The Blair Witch Project in this chilling suspense thriller. That’s the one.That’s the girl who’s going to die. I didn’t believe in the Rule of Three. Not at first. It was just one of those urban myths you hear about all the time. A story my boyfriend told me about a girl cursed by the number th
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Simon & Schuster Ltd The World is Full of Married Men
Book SynopsisIt all started with The World is Full of Married Men, the debut novel from global multi-million copy bestseller and literary superstar, Jackie Collins.Includes a brilliant introduction from Fanny Blake, talking about what this book and Jackie means to her! 'Jackie's books were like nothing else I'd read, showcasing a world a million miles away from my own' FANNY BLAKE'Jackie Collins’s daring, unapologetic stroke of the pen, combined with her glorious wit, has single-handedly given creative license to new generations of authors and storytellers.' COLLEEN HOOVER There have been many imitators, but only ever one Jackie Collins. With millions of her books sold around the world, and thirty-one New York Times bestsellers, she is one of the world’s top-selling novelists. From glamorous Beverly Hills bedrooms to Hollywood movie studios; from glitter
£9.49
Simon & Schuster Ltd The Hidden Years
Book Synopsis'A dramatic, warm-hearted, wonderfully written read.' DAILY MAIL 'Gorgeous' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'A gripping read' HELLO!Sunday Times bestseller Rachel Hore’s captivating new novel of secrets, loss and betrayal - set on the beautiful Cornish coast during World War Two and the heady days of the 1960s. When talented musician Gray Robinson persuades Belle to abandon her university studies and follow him to Silverwood, home to an artistic community on the Cornish coast, Belle happily agrees even though they’ve only just met. She knows she is falling in love, and the thought of spending a carefree summer with Gray is all she can think about. But being with Gray isn’t the only reason Belle agrees to accompany him to Silverwood. Why does the name Silverwood sound so familiar? What is its conneTrade Review'This complex, thoughtful novel features two interlocking stories in different timeframes. Themes of family, self-determination and passionate love make for a dramatic, warm-hearted, wonderfully written read.' DAILY MAIL 'Gorgeous' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 'A gripping read' HELLO! 'The Hidden Years is a gorgeous tale - I raced through the pages. A new book by Rachel Hore is always a treat and this is no exception. An intriguing dual timeline story set in beautiful Cornwall and brimming with sense of place’ TRACY REES 'A powerfully emotional book that gripped me on every page. Superb!’ KATE FURNIVALL ‘Packed with secrets, heartbreak and lies’ YOURS 'A glorious story, The Hidden Years steals your heart. I loved it!' LIZ FENWICK Praise for Rachel Hore's One Moonlit Night ‘Beautifully rich in period detail – an absorbing and touching story’ ERICA JAMES, Sunday Times bestselling author of Mothers & Daughters 'A stunning depiction of life during the war, both for the men who faced death on the battlefields and those left behind in England . . . a compelling and evocative read, brimming with hope, courage and buried secrets.' S MAGAZINE 'We’re in the London of World War II, her house is bombed to bits and husband Philip is missing after Dunkirk. With two small daughters in tow, Maddie seeks refuge at Knyghton, Philip’s childhood home . . . In this gripping, detailed, beautifully written drama, Hore brilliantly captures the danger and desperation on both the home and battle fronts.' DAILY MAIL
£15.29
Simon & Schuster Ltd The Forgotten Garden
Book SynopsisA novel of second chances and blossoming communities from the author of The Lighthouse Bookshop. Trade ReviewPraise for Sharon Gosling's first novel, The House Beneath the Cliffs: ‘A wonderfully wise and beautifully written story about finding the courage to start over … I loved it!’ Isabelle Broom 'A compelling read with a dramatic sense of place and a caring community at its heart' Heidi Swain, author of A Taste of Home ‘A gorgeously remote and romantic great escape, brimming with foodie passion, friendship and heart’ Laura Kemp, author of A Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness 'A magical story set in Scotland...An inspiring book of second chances' Woman's Own 'A story to make you long to visit our glorious coastlines' Prima 'With a romance that gently simmers, a plot that flows as fast as the North Sea tides, and some gentle reminders of the need to protect our oceans, The House Beneath the Cliffs provides the perfect holiday getaway' Lancashire Post 'Thrilling & romantic' The People's Friend ‘An inspiring book of second chances' Woman 'Packed full of warmth' Cumbria Life Praise for The Lighthouse Bookshop: ‘An atmospheric and enchanting read’ Heat ‘A warm romantic mystery, beautifully structured and feelingly written’ Daily Mail A heartwarming, captivating story that is just gorgeous and that I couldn’t have loved more’ My Weekly ‘A beautiful and heartwarming new story of secret passions, tragedy and a long-ago romance’ Lancashire Post
£8.54
Simon & Schuster Ltd Poor Little Bitch Girl
Book SynopsisFeaturing a brand new introduction from author, Tom Rasmussen, talking about what Jackie and her books mean to them! ‘She writes the Grey Area with conviction: not damning anyone for being bad or deifying anyone for being good, but revealing every single person’s deeply flawed inner monologues’ TOM RASMUSSEN'Jackie Collins’s daring, unapologetic stroke of the pen, combined with her glorious wit, has single-handedly given creative license to new generations of authors and storytellers.' COLLEEN HOOVER There have been many imitators, but only ever one Jackie Collins. With millions of her books sold around the world, and thirty-one New York Times bestsellers, she is one of the world’s top-selling novelists. From glamorous Beverly Hills bedrooms to Hollywood movie studios; from glittering rock concerts to the yachts of billionaires, Jackie chronicled the scandalo
£10.44
Orion Publishing Co Hope Glory
Book Synopsis''So deliciously South London.'' - Yomi Adegoke, author of SLAY IN YOUR LANE''A sweeping, rich tale that explores family, secrets, loss, love and redemption within the context of a tessellation of cultures - written with a beautiful texture, Benson pulls you in to a deftly-woven story with tautly-written sentences, and before you know it you find yourself in too deep to get out, too deep to want to get out, wanting to know more.''- Bolu Babalola, author of LOVE IN COLOUR''Jendella Benson has drawn such a compelling world that Hope and Glory, the book and the characters themselves, stayed with me long after I''d turned the final pages.'' - Candice Carty-Williams, author of QUEENIEGlory arrives back in Peckham, from her seemingly-glamorous life in LA, to mourn the sudden death of her father, and finds her previously-close family has fallen apart in her absence. Her brother, Victor, has been jailed; her sister, Faith, appears to have losTrade ReviewA sweeping, rich tale that explores family, secrets, loss, love and redemption within the context of a tessellation of cultures - written with a beautiful texture, Benson pulls you in to a deftly-woven story with tautly-written sentences, and before you know it you find yourself in too deep to get out, too deep to want to get out, wanting to know more. * Bolu Babalola, author of LOVE IN COLOUR *Jendella Benson has drawn such a compelling world that Hope and Glory, the book and the characters themselves, stayed with me long after I'd turned the final pages. * Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie *Hope & Glory is a wonderful book. The novel explores grief, love, friendship, dreams lost, life interrupted. All the characters are flawed, loveable, maddening and so honest you feel like you know them; the plot is compelling and touching at the same time. Jendella Benson has created a story that is intricate, beautiful and so very real. I held my breath, gasped out loud and devoured every gorgeous page. Just brilliant. * Dorothy Koomson *A compelling and compassionate book that's at once heartbreaking and hopeful. Jendella Benson paints a family portrait that's tender and messy and true. * Chloe Ashby, author of WET PAINT *Once I started reading, I couldn't stop! Jendella's writing is spellbinding, so beautiful. I felt every emotion on the page. * Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of YINKA, WHERE IS YOUR HUZBAND? *Authentic and as heart warming as it is heart wrenching, Hope & Glory is a glorious ode to family life, love and loss. Jendella's writing is effortless, the characters leap off of the page and my favourite thing amongst so many? It's so deliciously South London. * Yomi Adegoke, author of SLAY IN YOUR LANE *Engrossing, emotional and super relatable, especially to those from a West African background. * Sareeta Domingo, author of WHO'S LOVING YOU *Stirring, startling, life-affirming. A wonderful read. * Musa Okwonga *A dazzling debut. Jendella Benson is one to watch. * Melissa Cummings-Quarry, Black Girls Book Club *An elegantly-written, heartwarming story filled with hope. Each character, family secret, and vulnerability is treated with such grace and care due to Jendella's fresh and tender writing. Can't wait to read what she shares with the world next. * Lola Ákínmádé Åkerström *Clear some space on your bookshelf... One of 2022's most raved-about debuts. * Sunday Times *A family drama exploring grief, love, friendship and redemption... Benson builds characters who embody the complexity and contradictory nature of the human condition. * Glamour *Benson's debut is a masterful look at how your history isn't always the one you've been told. * Stylist *
£9.49
Orion Publishing Co Underbelly
Book Synopsis''Darkly voyeuristic but with heart - as funny as it is painful and true. We loved it'' GRAZIA''I don''t think I''ve ever turned the pages of a book so quickly. So sharp, so tender... truly excellent storytelling'' DAISY BUCHANAN''Entertaining and playful but with huge depth, meaning and heart. I raced through it'' EMMA GANNONUNDERBELLY[n.] singular The soft underside or abdomen of a mammal. An area vulnerable to attack.A dark, hidden part of society.Lo and Dylan are living parallel lives, worlds apart. Lo is the ultimate middle-class mother, all perfectly polished Instagram posts and armchair activism. Dylan is just about surviving on a zero-hours telemarketing job from her flat, trying to keep food on the table.But when they meet at the school gates, they are catapulted into each other''s homes and lives - with devTrade ReviewA compelling story about the complexities of female friendships and the dark side of the Internet * HEAT *Darkly voyeuristic but with heart - as funny as it is painful and true. We loved it * GRAZIA *Timely reading for the Instagram generation * NEW! *I don't think I've ever turned the pages of a book so quickly. This is the first book I've read that really captures life online - the satire is so sharp, but the emotional core of the story is so tender and pulsing. This is truly excellent storytelling * DAISY BUCHANAN *Anna and Matt write in their signature style: entertaining and playful but with huge depth, meaning and heart. Underbelly invites us all down the rabbit hole into the wild, weird and sometimes wonderful corners of the Internet. I raced through it * EMMA GANNON *
£8.99
Orion Publishing Co The Key to My Heart
Book Synopsis''Lia Louis has become a must-buy author for me!'' JODI PICOULT''Heartwarming, hope-filled and hilarious'' LINDSEY KELK Can you ever really find the one after ''the one''?Some people spend their whole lives trying to find the one. But Natalie had found him - and married him. And then Russ died.Two years ago, her whole world was shattered. Still now, she feels like she''s trying to piece her broken heart back together, one day at a time.But then she finds a sheet of music - one that only Russ would know - in the piano stool in St. Pancras station where she''s secretly been playing for the last few months.For the first time, Natalie realizes that maybe life does still hold a little magic. And with every note she plays, she feels as if she''s unlocking another fragment of her heart...But will she ever truly find love again after she''d already found forever?Trade ReviewGloriously romantic and very funny, this delightful book is not to be missed * Louise O'Neill *Heartwarming, hope-filled and hilarious, THE KEY TO MY HEART is wonderful. I loved this tender story about opening your heart and letting love into your life. Reading a Lia Louis book is like hanging out with your very best friend and drinking a whipped cream hot chocolate with extra marshmallows, pure joy. * Lindsey Kelk *I loved THE KEY TO MY HEART: moving, wise, and funny. Lia Louis is rom com note perfect. * Gillian McAllister *THE KEY TO MY HEART is a simply beautiful book. A Lia Louis novel always leaves me feeling warm and uplifted, and this is her best one yet. * Beth O'Leary *
£8.54
Orion Publishing Co The House of Whispers
Book Synopsis*Picked as one of the best historical novels of 2023 by The Times!*''A creepy, chilling story - another Anna Mazzola triumph!'' JENNIFER SAINT''Chilling and compelling, with echoes of Daphne du Maurier''s Rebecca'' ESSIE FOXSometimes the secrets of the past are more dangerous than the present...Rome, 1938.As the world teeters on the brink of war, talented pianist Eva Valenti enters the house of widower Dante Cavallera to become his new wife.On the outside, the forces of Fascism are accelerating, but in her new home, Eva fears that something else is at work, whispering in the walls and leaving mysterious marks on Dante''s young daughter.Soon she starts to wonder whether the house itself is trying to give up the secrets of its mysterious past - secrets that Dante seems so determined to keep hidden.However, Eva must also conceal the truth of her own idenTrade ReviewA creepy, chilling story - another Anna Mazzola triumph! * JENNIFER SAINT *Chilling and compelling, with echoes of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, this is a thrilling mystery with many eerie twists and turns to keep you hooked all through the night * ESSIE FOX *Powerful, spine-tingling and beautifully penned, this is gothic historical fiction at its very best and cements Mazzola as one of its most talented exponents * ABIR MUKHERJEE *Darkly atmospheric and dripping with menace. Anna Mazzola is a twisted genius * TAMMY COHEN *Absolutely brilliant. Gripping, beautifully written and properly chilling * CAROLINE GREEN *Beautiful, chilling, and darkly enchanting. Anna Mazzola is a truly gifted storyteller, and in The House of Whispers has created a novel so rich in detail, so clever and twisting * CHRIS WHITAKER *Eerie and unsettling, but perhaps Anna Mazzola's superbly realised depiction of a nation gripped by the horrors of fascism is the most terrifying thing of all * KATE GRIFFIN *A wonderful tale, if also deeply unsettling and creepy. I ripped through The House of Whispers in double quick time * JAMES OSWALD *Robert Harris meets M.R. James in an evocative gothic tale set in a Rome on the edge of catastrophe . . . Mazzola's dazzling imagination is at its very peak * DAVID HEWSON *The sense of place is impeccable, the sense of danger truly chilling * SINÉAD CROWLEY *The thrilling tale of a woman caught between the pressures of pre-war Italy and the more mysterious manifestations of something amiss in her own household * ALISON LITTLEWOOD *A delicately told ghost story set in the bright heat of 1930s Italy. Claustrophobic and compelling * AMANDA MASON *Packed with political and emotional intrigue . . . historically rich and deeply unsettling * SARAH HILARY *Gothic, immersive and very, very scary . . . Set in 1939 Rome against the rise of fascism, injecting a powerful sense of dread * ALLY WILKES *A gripping, thrilling story which had me hooked from the start, as the terrifying reality of fascism in pre-war Italy is increasingly entwined in an anguished marriage * MARY CHAMBERLAIN *Tense historical fiction like no other . . . Dark and mysterious with whispers of a buried past hidden in the walls. I cannot recommend The House of Whispers highly enough * AJ WEST *Supernatural events in a house mirror the creeping fascism in 1930s Rome . . . An absolute page turner * JULIE OWEN MOYLAN *What a rare treat . . . Offers a real insight into a little-explored era - in this case Mussolini's fascist destruction of Italy. Utterly authentic * AK TURNER *Anna Mazzola skilfully blends personal trauma and political violence in her novel of innocence destroyed and betrayal - and adds a dash of Gothic for good measure * ELIZABETH BUCHAN *Fascinating, tense and very, very creepy * MICHAEL MALONE *
£8.54
Orion Publishing Co First Time for Everything
Book Synopsis''Funny, touching and fabulous... a little slice of queer joy'' Julie Cohen, author of Together''Hilarious, tender, raw, and heart-stoppingly moving'' Amanda Eyre Ward, author of The Jetsetters*Don''t miss the unflinchingly honest, wickedly funny debut from Henry Fry - coming soon!*Danny Scudd is absolutely fine.At twenty-seven his life isn''t exactly awful - he''s escaped his parents'' tiny fish and chip shop for a ''proper'' writing job in London, his beloved collection of house plants are thriving and he''s just celebrated his first anniversary with his boyfriend Tobbs.But Danny''s life is thrown into chaos when he discovers at an STI clinic that Tobbs might be cheating on him. And then he - and his plants - are unceremoniously evicted from his London flat. So, he''s forced to move in with his best friend Jacob, a flamboyant non-binary artiste who Danny''s known since childhood, and their eccentric grTrade ReviewHenry Fry's First Time for Everything is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-queer novel about Danny Scudd, an anxiety-riddled gay man in his late 20s who's trying to learn how to shed the mask he donned for straight society. From the first sentence about Danny's balls being fondled to the countless pop culture references of Grey Gardens, Dolly Parton, and RuPaul's Drag Race, this novel felt like hanging out with one of my queer besties. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who's ever felt like they didn't belong. * Celia Laskey *
£8.99
Orion Publishing Co The Boathouse by Stepping Stone Bay
Book Synopsis'Comforting and uplifting, this book is a joy to read' - MY WEEKLY, on The Farmhouse of Second Chances/h1> Sun, sand and secrets at the bay! As a kid, Nina O'Brien spent all her summers at her grandparents' cabin by the beach at Stepping Stone Bay. Long, sunny days full of fun and laughter with her best friends, Leo, Adrian, and Maeve, her friendship with Leo slowly blossoming into love. Until one fateful night changed everything for them all... Twelve years later, Nina must return to the bay to renovate the old cabin and pass it on to a new owner. But not only does Leo still live in the cabin next door, he works at his family's boathouse right there in the bay. As they begin to work through their differences and what happened all those years ago, can Nina really walk away from him twice? Maeve has finally returned home to face the past. Her eleven-year-old son, Jonah, loves the sea, unl
£7.59
Orion Publishing Co Five Days in Florence
Book Synopsis''Perfect poolside reading'' PAIGE TOON''Enchanting, engaging and utterly romantic'' MIKE GAYLE''No one does romance and travel like Lorraine Brown'' ZOE FOLBIGGA fiancé. An old flame. And five days in Florence...Maddie is over the moon when her boyfriend Nick proposes in Paris. And spending five days in Florence with his family sounds like the perfect way to get to know her future in-laws.But Maddie is in for a rude awakening. Nick''s parents are too posh for words, his daughter doesn''t want to know her - and just why has his ex-wife come along?! And if that wasn''t complicated enough, who should be at the same boutique hotel but Aidan, the one that got away two years ago...Who knew so much could happen in just five days in Florence?''A deliciously warm, gorgeous read that swept me off to Italy and had me falling head over heels for the characters'' OLIVI
£8.54
Orion Publishing Co A Marriage of Fortune
Book SynopsisAnne O'Brien gets right inside the heads of her medieval characters!' JOANNA HICKSON 'A compelling tale of a family caught up in the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses... Be warned: it's dangerously addictive' TRACY BORMAN 'Magnificently researched... an enthralling story of strong women and advantageous marriages. I was completely hooked!' CLARE MARCHANT A beautifully researched novel told with understanding, subtlety and a deft touch. Time travel at its best' JOANNA COURTNEY England. 1469. A fortunate marriage will change history. A scandal could destroy everything... Margaret Paston, matriarch of the Paston family, knows that a favourable match for one of her unruly daughters is the only way to survive the loss of their recently acquired Caister Castle. But as the War of the Roses rages on, dangerous enemies will threaten even her best laid plans. Trade ReviewAnne O'Brien gets right inside the heads of her medieval characters! * JOANNA HICKSON *A compelling tale of a family caught up in the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses . . . Be warned: it's dangerously addictive * TRACY BORMAN *A magnificently researched book, which brings the Paston family and the Wars of the Roses to life in an enthralling story of strong women and advantageous marriages * CLARE HOLLINGWORTH *
£8.54
Orion Publishing Co Gods Children Are Little Broken Things
Book Synopsis''Although he writes about queer lives and loves in Nigeria, Arinze Ifeakandu''s voice is sensually alert to the human and universal in every situation. These quietly transgressive stories are the work of a brilliant new talent''DAMON GALGUT, Booker Prize-winning author of The Promise ''Contemporary love stories with moments of real surprise and revelation''BRANDON TAYLOR, author of Real Life''Gorgeous... A hugely impressive collection, full of subtlety, wisdom and heart''SARAH WATERS, author of Fingersmith ''Captures the tenderness and tumult of queer love, familial love, self-love, and the many ways love elates and eludes us.... Masterful. What a glorious collection!''DEESHA PHILYAW, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies''Magic in motion... A staggering, heartshattering show''ELOGHOSA OSUNDE, author of Vagabonds! Trade ReviewA beautiful, significant debut. Although he writes about queer lives and loves in Nigeria, Arinze Ifeakandu's voice is sensually alert to the human and universal in every situation. These quietly transgressive stories are the work of a brilliant new talent. * Damon Galgut, Booker Prize winner for THE PROMISE *Contemporary love stories with moments of real surprise and revelation. * Brandon Taylor, author of REAL LIFE *Magic in motion. My love for this work isn't just about the lush tenderness of the writing-which is abundant here-but also about the book's internal circuitry. This book knows what it's doing, where its electricities need to pass through for maximum impact, knows who it is for and who it certainly doesn't answer to, and is its own self-contained habitat. God's Children Are Little Broken Things remains subtle and measured even through massive emotional transitions, carrying the reader the whole way through. Arinze writes like a composer or an orchestral director, bringing notes together to form a staggering, heartshattering show. * Eloghosa Osunde, author of VAGABONDS! *Arinze Ifeakandu captures the tenderness and tumult of queer love, familial love, self-love, and the many ways love elates and eludes us. Written with compelling intricacy and deep intimacy, these heart-grabbing stories are masterful. What a glorious collection! * Deesha Philyaw, author of THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES *In these gorgeous stories, Ifeakandu takes on big, untidy emotions - love, loneliness, yearning, grief - and writes about them with extraordinary deftness and grace. This is a hugely impressive collection, full of subtlety, wisdom and heart. * Sarah Waters, author of FINGERSMITH *These stories are written with raw, tender grace. They dramatize what love is like in a time when love is under siege. They are brilliant when they explore intimate moments and are superb as they render with complexity and nuance the relations between characters. It is clear from this book that a serious literary talent has emerged. * Colm Tóibín, author of THE MAGICIAN *These stories are wonderful - searching, unsparing, and contemplative. Each carries the freight of love, suffering, memory, and politics. Each is so finely and sensually drawn the reader lives them. Together, they are quite simply a tour de force. * Sarah Hall, author of BURNTCOAT *This collection is the very meaning of exquisite; even the heartbreaking moments come with the great beauty of being alive. Delicate, raw in its honesty and viscerally alive, God's Children Are Little Broken Things, is the kind of collection that steals your breath and fills your heart. * Xochitl Gonzalez, author of OLGA DIES DREAMING *Each story is an exquisite plunge into tenderness. Brutal at times, unforgiving at others but always a moment from which to stand back and reflect. The writing is intimate: with immense skill Arinze Ifeakandu takes you by the hand - and in allowing him to do so you feel your own heart beat that little bit faster. * Melody Razak, author of MOTH *These are brilliant stories: heartbroken but pulsing with life, wise but never cynical, and soaked in an atmosphere so convincing it's like being inside a great album. The prose alone is worth the price of the ticket, as lush as it is exact, but through it comes whole worlds of longing and travail, youth and aging, queer love expressed in so many of its facets. Arinze Ifeakandu is a major talent, and God's Children Are Little Broken Things is a seriously good book. * Adam Haslett, author of IMAGINE ME GONE *These are heartbreaking stories of love and loss, as granular and nourishing as the harmattan, the cold winter wind that blows out of the Sahara. Ifeakandu is a writer of lyricism and profundity at the beginning of a brilliant career. * Edmund White, author of A PREVIOUS LIFE *An exquisite, complex examination of the vulnerabilities of queer love and desire amid family fears, dreams, and the power of expectations, God's Children Are Little Broken Things is a shimmering, beguiling debut. * Asako Serizawa, author of INHERITORS *Reading these stories kept me from my life and responsibilities, the book making demands of me the way only spectacular art can. Arinze Ifeakandu is a genuinely brilliant mind and voice. * Sarah Thankam Mathews, author of ALL OF THIS COULD BE DIFFERENT *Ifeakandu proves himself the kind of writer who can catch you off balance with sudden, lucid slants of feeling ... these angry and compassionate stories are full of such moments, when an oppressive system is brought into dreadful focus through the lends of private suffering * Times Literary Supplement *Passionate, profound and pulsing with life, this is a remarkable debut * Eithne Farry, Daily Mail *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Ghost Girl Banana
Book Synopsis*** LONGLISTED FOR THE AUTHORS'' CLUB BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD ***A GRAZIA BOOK CLUB PICK, Ghost Girl, Banana is a powerful debut novel about the family secrets unearthed by a surprise inheritance. Set between Hong Kong in the 1960s and London in the 1990s, and revealing the hidden life of a mother to her daughter, it asks questions of identity, race and belonging.''A real nail-biter ... so winningly chronicled by Wharton'' NEW YORK TIMES''Ambitious ... readers won''t be disappointed as Wharton ultimately resolves many mysteries in the book'' GUARDIAN''An astounding debut ... written with emotion and astuteness, this deserves to be on book prize lists'' PRIMA1966: Sook-Yin is exiled from Kowloon to London with orders to restore honour to her family. As she strives to fit into a world that does not understand her, she realizes that survival will mean carving out a destiny of herTrade ReviewGhost Girl, Banana is an epic yet deeply intimate novel. I was rapt throughout, propelled by Wiz Wharton's taut, immersive prose. She swept me up in Sook-Yin and Lily's mirrored journeys of discovery, spanning decades and continents, but always I could feel the vibration of these women existing in the wider world; their stories are so skilfully shot through with the hum of change -- Kate Sawyer, author of The StrandingA story of family, love, redemption and belonging, told with such heart and empathy. Wiz Wharton is a phenomenal talent, original, fresh, and with a pinpoint clarity to her prose that cuts right to the bone. She has created such a special book, with a story that needs to be told. Essential and utterly unforgettable -- Fíona Scarlett, author of Boys Don't CryAn intriguing, beautifully written study of the stories we inherit. I loved being in Lily and Sook-Yin's heads, my heart breaking for them . . . I loved it! -- Nikki May, author of WahalaSparkling prose and a page-turning plot combined with wonderful storytelling . . . An absolutely dazzling debut -- Julie Owen Moylan, author of That Green Eyed Girl
£13.49
Hodder & Stoughton Yerba Buena
Book SynopsisA love story like no other Gay TimesThe book is a sensory feast, teeming with vivid detail: the smells of rain-soaked dirt and magnolia blossoms, the flavors of blistered corn and caramelized orange peel, the chill of a walk-in refrigerator. New York TimesYerba Buena is at turns decadent and spare, intimate and elusive, as balanced, fragrant, and masterfully crafted as a fine cocktail in the hands of someone mysterious and beautiful. This book is a precious thing. - Casey McQuiston, New York Times bestselling author of One Last StopWhen Sara Foster runs away from home at sixteen, she leaves behind not only the losses that have shattered her world but the girl she once was, capable of trust and intimacy. Years later, in Los Angeles, she is a sought-after bartender, renowned as much for her brilliant cocktails as for the mystery that clings to her. Across the city, Emilie Dubois is in a holding patTrade ReviewNina LaCour's Yerba Buena is a love story for our time. I so admired its truth and candor, the lilting prose and the two compelling protagonists, Sara and Emilie, whose lives weave, break and bend towards each other until the novel's moving and deeply satisfying conclusion. Yerba Buena is an absolute joy to read. * Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Romantics *Tactile, tender and intimate, Yerba Buena is a gorgeous, sensory exploration of life's richest moments. Led by two soulful and complex women, it is a breath of sweetness and a joy to read. * Charlotte McConaghy, New York Times bestselling author of Once There Were Wolves and Migrations *"Yerba Buena tells two lovely, tangled, gorgeously-detailed coming-of-age stories. It is a novel full of heartbreak and hope, food and flowers, complication and compromise, love and loss and lessons learned the hard way. But especially love. * Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of One Two Three and This Is How It Always Is *Yerba Buena is not just a book to read; it's a story to revel in, so full is it of sensual pleasures?food and flowers, cocktails and home decor?all of it enveloping a sexy, magnetic and unputdownable love story of two young women fighting their way past family demons and toward each other. This is Nina LaCour's best work yet. * Gayle Forman, New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay and We Are Inevitable *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton The Curator
Book Synopsis''One of those books that straddles fantastic and modernist literature in that it seems to be set in our world, seems to be set maybe 100 years ago . . . And it''s as magical as it is political and beautifully crafted'' - Neil GaimanHalf fairy tale and half historical account of a revolution that never was, Owen King''s The Curator is full of sly humor, sensuality, and strangeness - Holly BlackFrom Sunday Times bestselling author Owen King comes a Dickensian fantasy of illusion and charm where cats are revered as religious figures, thieves are noble, scholars are revolutionaries, and conjurers the most wonderful criminals.At first glance, the world has not changed: the trams on the boulevards, the grand hotels, the cafes abuzz with conversation. The street kids still play on the two great bridges that divide the city, and the smart set still venture down to the Morgue Ship for an evening''s entertainment.Yet it only Trade ReviewOwen King's The Curator is a rich read. Language, characters, and a fascinating world combine to create an intensely satisfying experience -- Charlaine Harris, no. 1 New York Times bestselling author of An Easy Death, and the Sookie Stackhouse seriesHalf fairy tale and half historical account of a revolution that never was, Owen King's The Curator is full of sly humor, sensuality, and strangeness -- Holly Black, no. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Book of NightThe Curator feels a little like Owen King somehow brought a curiosity cabinet to life. There are terrors here, but also marvels and delights, and a set of the most interesting characters I've met in some time. Put The Curator on the same shelf as other classics of the uncanny and uncategorisable, like Susanna Clarke's Piranesi and Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast. I loved it * Kelly Link *King writes with witty verve. * Entertainment Weekly *Intricately plotted and gruesomely detailed... Darkly hilarious and disturbingly moreish, this brilliant fantasy envelops us in its hallucinatory reality, then grips like rigor mortis * Daily Mail *[Owen King] has a captivating energy, a precision and a fondness for people that are rare . . . King loves people as well as words. * New York Times *Brilliantly bizarre . . . hugely ambitious and original literary cabinet of curiosities: waxworks, cat worship, magic, revolution, and a brave and memorable heroine * Anna Mazzola, author of Sunday Times Bestseller The Clockwork Girl *Extraordinary... Pulsating with love, betrayal and petrifying darkness... Uncanny and richly delivered * Sunday Post *Richly imagined * New York Times *An intricate and fascinating book... the work of a writer who is confident in his craft... His city is a panoramic creation, lively and grimy and teeming with secrets... an impressive balancing act of hope amid despair * SFX *Begins like an alternate world history, with the rich detail and varied cast of characters giving it an almost Dickensian tone... A tempting brew of realism, fantasy, whimsy and terror. * Guardian *A tempting brew of realism, fantasy, whimsy and terror. * Guardian *One of those books that straddles fantastic and modernist literature in that it seems to be set in our world, seems to be set maybe 100 years ago . . . And it's as magical as it is political and beautifully crafted * Neil Gaiman *Reminiscent of Dickens with its highly descriptive language that captures the essence of people and places... Extraordinary * Irish Examiner *Reminds me of Susanna Clarke's Piranesi . . . The Curator is a fast, clever novel with engaging characters and a lively prose style * BSFA Review *
£17.00
Penguin Books Ltd The Husbands Secret
Book SynopsisHis terrible secret. Her life-shattering choice . . . Discover the enthralling story of secrets, family, and the danger of the truth from the bestselling author of HBO sensation BIG LITTLE LIES''Another masterclass from the author of Big Little Lies'' GRAZIA _________ Cecilia thought she knew her husband. That is until she finds an envelope with ''to be opened in the event of my death'' written in his hand. Unable to resist temptation, she opens it, and learns a shocking truth he has never dared reveal. Now Cecilia faces a terrible choice.Because revealing her husband''s secret will hurt those she loves the most . . . But could the consequences of staying silent be worse?_________ ''A staggeringly brilliant novel. It is literally unputdownable'' SOPHIE HANNAH ''Finely wrought tension holds up until the final page'' TELEGRAPH Trade ReviewIf you loved Big Little Lies as much as the rest of us, you will adore this (just as gripping) book by the same author . . . this book will have you hooked until the very last page * Daily Express *What would you do if you found a letter in the attic, addressed to you, from your husband - to be opened in the event of his death? Another masterclass from the author of Big Little Lies * Grazia *The Husband's Secret is a gripping story about love, deception and how the smallest choice can have the biggest consequences. From the bestselling author of the hit HBO series Big Little Lies.How well do you know your husband? * from the publisher's description *Every single one of her books is a great read * E! Online *The Husband's Secret is a staggeringly brilliant novel. It is literally unputdownableThe story is cleverly plotted, full of suspense and so well-written that it pulls you in from the first page * Sunday Mirror *Every single one of her books is a great read * E! Online *If you like Jodi Picoult, you'll love this addictive new book * Essentials *Dark and compelling, this is a must read * Sun *The writing is beautiful: sometimes funny, sometimes sad but always compelling * Good Housekeeping *This is such a clever idea. This is powerful, moving and gripping stuff * Star Magazine *It's a tense, page-turning story which gradually draws everyone together in a devastating climax. The writing is insightful on the subjects of families and friends, parents and children, husbands and wives. But what makes this a great read are the agonising dilemmas the characters face over blame and guilt, forgiveness and retribution, love and betrayal * The Mail on Sunday, You Magazine *The book's finely-wrought tension holds up until the final page * The Telegraph *Fresh, very funny and entertaining, but also intelligent and unsentimental * Marian Keyes on Three Wishes *Fascinating and compassionate * Daily Telegraph on The Hypnotist's Love Story *A bittersweet tale by a gifted writer * Women's Weekly on What Alice Forgot *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd Big Little Lies
Book SynopsisDISCOVER THE GRIPPING NO. 1 BESTSELLER BEHIND THE AWARD WINNING HBO SENSATION STARRING REESE WITHERSPOON, NICOLE KIDMAN & MERYL STREEP________Perfect families, perfect houses, perfect lives.Three mothers, Jane, Madeline and Celeste appear to have it all, until they find out just how easy it is for one little lie to spiral out of control . . .Single mum Jane has just moved to town. She''s got her little boy in tow - plus a secret she''s been carrying for five years.On the first day of the school run she meets Madeline - a force to be reckoned with, who remembers everything and forgives no one - and Celeste, the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare, but is inexplicably ill at ease.They both take Jane under their wing - while careful to keep their own secrets under wraps.But a minor incident involving the children of all three women rapidly escalates: playground whispers become spiteful rumouTrade ReviewEvery single one of her books is a great read * E! Online *An exceptional novel about murder and domestic and sexual violence that somehow defies expectation and remains upbeat. Twisty and unexpected, it's both comical and mysterious * Adele Parks, Big Issue *A gripping, juicy page-turner with dark secrets and shocking truths * Reader's Digest *A delicious novel, with secrets - and lies - scattered throughout its idyllic community like poisonous candy sprinkles on a cupcake -- Eve Chase, bestselling author of The Glass HouseBrilliant, stand-out, superbly clever. Moriarty writes vividly, wittily and wickedly * Sunday Express *A nuanced psychological study of the elements of motherly and matrimonial behaviour * The Sunday Times *It's a hell of a good book. Funny and scary. She nails the feuding moms -- Stephen KingBlame and guilt, forgiveness and retribution, love and betrayal. A tense page-turning story . . . a great read * Mail on Sunday *Staggeringly brilliant . . . literally unputdownable -- Sophie HannahBlending romance, comedy and mystery, this is a wonderful book - full of brains, guts and heart * Sunday Mirror *Absolutely brilliant, even better than The Husband's Secret. Loved it. Liane Moriarty has that rare Anne Tyler thing of being able to make fun of people while clearly having compassion for them. * Louise Candlish, Sunday Times bestselling author of SINCE I DON’T HAVE YOU *Tolls a warning bell about the big little lies we tell to survive * Washington Post *A fantastically nimble writer, so sure-footed that the book leaps between dark and light seamlessly * Entertainment Weekly *The author of last year's bestseller, The Husband's Secret, is back with another sure-fire hit. Unputdownable * The Sun on Sunday *It's not often that a book about murder mingled with domestic and sexual violence has you howling with laughter, but Moriarty pulls it off here ... Her ironic turn of phrases infuses even poignant moments with humour. Blending romance, comedy and mystery, this is a wonderful book - full of brains, guts and heart * The Sunday Mirror *It all reads terrifyingly real, with the viciousness of the women at the school gates and the hell they can make each others' lives. It's a fine book * The Sunday Sport *Moriarty is happy to thread a thin line between mummy lit and fluffy thriller. It's easy to get stuck into this book, thanks to neat plotting that keeps you guessing. Just dive right in because this book slips down as easily as a strawberry soufflé * Irish Independent *A brilliantly plotted story with characters to care for who kept me reading, utterly gripped * Woman and Home Magazine *Here at Company HQ we're all obsessed with Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. This juicy seaside-town murder mystery will be one of the biggest books this autumn * Company Magazine *This fantastically written story, with its little clues casually dropped in along the way, will keep you guessing until the very end ... Another compelling, funny and thought-provoking winner from Liane Moriarty. Do whatever you can to get your hands on a copy - it's brilliant * Heat Magazine *Take this page-turner on holiday with you - you won't be able to put it down! * Closer Magazine *A twisted thriller * Now Magazine *Another riveting thriller. Tackling difficult subjects with intelligence and humanity * Hello Magazine *A compelling summer read not to be missed * OK Magazine *This addictive new thriller from bestselling author Liane Moriarty weaves three stories together to a shocking and unpredictable climax * Take A Break Magazine *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd Nine Perfect Strangers
Book Synopsis**Read the addictive bestseller now a major Amazon Prime TV series starring Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Regina Hall, Manny Jacinto, Bobby Cannavale and Luke Evans** PERFECT LIVES OR PERFECT LIES? THE UNPUTDOWNABLE SUNDAY TIMES NO. 1 BESTSELLER AND RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK, FROM THE AUTHOR OF HBO''S AWARD WINNING BIG LITTLE LIES''A super-suspenseful page-turner'' Mail on Sunday_____________Nine perfect strangers, each hiding an imperfect life.A luxury retreat cut off from the outside world.Ten days that promise to change your life.But some promises - like some lives - are perfect lies . . .__________''Fantastic'' Times''The twist blew my mind'' Marian Keyes''The suspense keeps building in an enjoyably zany thriller'' Guardian''Original, suspenseful, downright brilliant'' Clare Mackintosh''One oTrade ReviewAstutely observed, pacey fiction. The characters and observations are acute - and often a hoot. Nicole Kidman has already bought the film rights * Sunday Times *Original, suspenseful and laugh-out-loud funny. Nine Perfect Strangers is downright brilliant -- Clare MackintoshUtter brilliance, with a twist halfway through that blew my mind -- Marian KeyesThe suspense keeps building in an enjoyably zany thriller * Guardian, Best Summer Reads *Another page-turning belter of a book . . . with wit, charm, emotion, drama and mystery aplenty, this is an absolute must * Heat *This wonderful novel had me utterly hooked * Daily Mail *A fantastic piece of entertainment . . . Read this witty and fast-moving novel now, before the inevitable TV series * The Times *I've discovered the brilliant Liane Moriarty and couldn't be happier. Her books really are the definition of unputdownable -- Nina StibbeWhat a joy it is. I've never read Liane Moriarty before . . . I don't know what I was thinking. Brilliantly entertaining, tightly plotted. You're in for loads of fun -- Sam Baker * The Pool *From the delicious imagination of Big Little Lies' Liane Moriarty, Nine Perfect Strangers is the razor-sharp thriller of the autumn . . . Moriarty lands a very contemporary tale that bristles with her unmistakable brilliance -- WaterstonesNo one currently writes about the minutiae of women's lives with quite as much insight and pull as Moriarty and, once again, her slow-burn plotting leaves you gasping at the end of the tale. I am jealous of anyone who hasn't read this yet * Grazia *One of the best books of 2018 * Cosmopolitan *A hugely enjoyable read: a warm and wise take on fractured lives, full of sharp observations about the frailty of human nature * Sunday Express *Not so much a psychological thriller as a psychological comedy . . . wit and insight abound * Sunday Times Crime Club *Another sure-fire hit . . . Funny yet full of drama, this is a must-read * Fabulous *A super-suspenseful page-turner * Mail on Sunday *Funny, captivating and well-observed * Good Housekeeping *The pleasure here is the skill with which Moriarty inhabits her characters, as she carefully builds the suspense * Guardian *The hard-to-put-down psychological thriller will keep you guessing * Evening Standard *A really enjoyable thriller * Stylist *Moriarty has an entertainingly keen eye for the absurdities of modern life. She is also as adept at writing laugh-out-loud scenes as tugging on the reader's heartstrings. You'll plough through Nine Perfect Strangers like a warm knife through butter * Daily Express *Liane Moriarty serves up laughs, thrills and surprises * Mail Online UK *A witty and poignant novel - Moriarty's storytelling is worth every penny * People *Fantastic * Best *Tightly-plotted, impossibly twisty and wickedly funny, the latest page-turner from the creator of Big Little Lies serves up another wildly entertaining ride * Waterstones *Liane Moriarty's latest novel is a hoot * Daily Mail *I absolutely devoured this book. Moriarty's main strength lies not (just) in the absolute compelling need to know how the story will end but in the perfectly crafted characters and a mix of humour with social observation. One of the best writers around -- Jenny BlackhurstA psychological thriller that takes place at a wellness retreat. It's gripping and hilarious and perfect for the plane, mostly because you'll never put it down * Allure *A brilliant book * The Sun *Moriarty struck gold with Big Little Lies and roars back with Nine Perfect Strangers * Balance *Moriarty is as adept at comedy as tugging on heartstrings * Daily Express *This wonderful novel had me utterly hooked. Hilarious reading at first, but then the tone becomes darker and more dangerous . . . * Mail Online *Moriarty expertly crafts each of the nine guests' backstories in this tense thriller * Woman *A suspenseful novel that makes you laugh out loud. Brilliantly drawn characters make this a compelling read * Clare Mackintosh, Good Housekeeping *If you're in the market for a feverish page-turner give this thriller a whirl . . . [Moriarty] knows precisely how to weave a tantalising tissue of suspense, guaranteed to have the obsessed reader glued to every page * Vanessa Feltz, Best *The Hot List * Inside Soap *The scene is set for a great unravelling. People running from their pasts, presents and futures - what more could one ask for? * Connaught Telegraph *Skilful. Witty and fast-paced * The Week *Great fun * People *An insightful, twisty thriller set in a luxury retreat cut off from the outside world * Eastern Daily Press *Praise for Liane Moriarty * - *Wise, honest, beautifully observed. One of the few writers I'll drop anything forStaggeringly brilliant, literally unputdownableLike drinking a pink cosmo laced with arsenic . . . a fun, engaging and sometimes disturbing read * USA Today *Keeps you guessing until the very end - perfect summer readMoriarty writes vividly, wittily and wickedly * Sunday Express *Straight-from-life characters, knife-sharp insight and almost unbearable suspense will have you racing through it * Good Housekeeping *As brilliantly accomplished as it is dark, twisty and compulsive * Heat *Riveting drama packed with suspense and secrets * Woman & Home *Perfect * Hello! *A hell of a good book. Funny and scaryFascinating and compassionate * Daily Telegraph *I loved every line of itFunny and captivating * Closer *A cracking story cleverly told * Fabulous *Every single one of her books is a great read * E! Online *An ideal summer read * Live Preston & Fylde *Book Club Summer 2019 Pick * Silversurfers *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd Behind Closed Doors
Book SynopsisGet ready to escape with the page-turning new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Cornish Summer''Leaves you with a smile on your face and hope in your heart'' MILLY JOHNSON''A fantastic, compelling story . . . The feelings on the page are tangible'' 5***** READER REVIEW''Packed with fantastic characters, uncomfortable truths, and flashes of pure comedy. Who could ask for more?'' JILL MANSELL________From the outside, anyone would think that Lucy Palmer has it all: loving children, a dashing husband and a gorgeous home.But when her marriage to Michael comes to an abrupt and unexpected end, her life is turned upside down in a flash.As the truth of her marriage threatens to surface, Lucy seizes the opportunity to swap her house in London - and the stories it hides - for a rural escape to her parents'' farmhouse in the Chilterns.But Lucy gets more than she bargained for Trade ReviewOne of those fabulous books that leaves you with a smile on your face and hope in your heart -- Milly JohnsonCompelling -- Heidi SwainYet another great read, packed with fantastic characters, uncomfortable truths, and flashes of pure comedy. Who could ask for more?Emotional and engaging, I was completely absorbedThis engrossing story sparkles with wit * Best *Catherine Alliott is back with another warm, escapist read. Big subjects are dealt with sensitively in this wonderfully written novel * Woman's Weekly *Uplifting . . . Filled with colourful characters, this humorous story about families, ageing and moving on * Candis *Emotional and affecting, this is an absorbing read * Sun *A wry look at life in the wealthy environs of the Oxfordshire countryside . . . page-turning * Oxford Mail *A warm, escapist read * Woman *Included in 'The Hot List' * Inside Soap *Praise for Catherine Alliott * - *Warm, witty and wise * Daily Mail *A huge treat. Hilarious yet poignantHer writing is both intelligent and sparkling
£8.99
Penguin Books Ltd The Recovery of Rose Gold
Book SynopsisMOTHERS NEVER FORGET. DAUGHTERS NEVER FORGIVE . . . THE RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK AND SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''With a genuine menace seeping from every twist and turn. . . worthy of Patricia Highsmith at her finest'' DAILY MAIL''A spine-chilling thriller . . . Perfect for fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train'' STYLIST_________Rose Gold Watts believed she was sick for eighteen years.Turned out her mother was a really good liar.After five years in prison, Patty Watts is finally free. All she wants is to put old grievances behind her, reconcile with the daughter who testified against her - and care for her new infant grandson.When Rose Gold agrees to have Patty move in, it seems their relationship is truly on the mend. And she has waited such a long time for her mother to come home.But has Patty truly forgotten their past?And iTrade ReviewAn absolutely brilliant book; funny, dark, authentic and a total page turner. I loved it * Lisa Jewell, bestselling author of The Family Upstairs *Sensationally good - two complex characters power the story like a nuclear reaction, and won't let you forget them. Wrobel is one to watch. * Lee Child *A rivetingly nasty psychological duel * Sunday Times *With a genuine menace seeping from every twist and turn, the two central characters inhabit every page with captivating ferocity, and the denouement is worthy of Patricia Highsmith at her finest: quite superb * Daily Mail *Pacey and vivid, this is a delicate, merciless probing of a topicas unsettling as it is intriguing, with no pat answers * The Guardian *A spine-chilling thriller injected with themes of obsession and revenge . . . Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Paula Hawkin's The Girl on the Train, The Recovery of Rose Gold is set to be next year's biggest thriller * Stylist *A dark, nerve-jangling read that kept us on the edge of our seats till the very end * Independent *Takes twisted mum and daughter relationships to a whole new level. Think Misery meets Sharp Objects * C. J. Tudor, bestselling author of The Chalk Man *You'll be hooked on this revenge tale * Crime Monthly *It's rare for something genuinely fresh to come along in this genre, but this book has it all - a killer premise, twisty plotting, crisp writing and compelling characters. Dazzling, dark and utterly delicious * J P Delaney, bestselling author of The Girl Before *One of the most captivating and disturbing thrillers I've read this year. An astonishing debut * Samantha Downing, author of My Lovely Wife *I inhaled this book. The Recovery of Rose Gold delves so deep into family dysfunction that we are left gasping as the last pages turn. Compelling, intriguing, beautifully written and paced like a roller coaster ride, cancel all your plans when you pick up this terrific book * Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Unraveling Oliver and Lying in Wait *I love it. Fascinating, immersive, whip-smart, with a supremely clever ending that left me gasping (and slightly devastated in the best way) * Melanie Golding, author of Little Darlings *Wrobel writes a fascinating and thrilling debut that looks deeply into the complicated reasons a mother and daughter can hurt each other. A psychological twister that had me completely captivated until the end * Diane Les Becquets, author of Breaking Wild *Deliciously sinister. I defy any reader to work out exactly what these two spectacularly unreliable narrators are up to * Reader's Digest *A blackly comic and original novel with a fascinatingly complex heroine in Rose Gold - you will be both horrified by and rooting for her * Heat *A stunning exploration of love, revenge, and the devastating impact of childhood trauma. It's dark, disturbing and utterly gripping * CrimeSquad *I absolutely devoured it! It's right up my street and I couldn't get enough of Patti and Rose Gold, alternating my opinion of them at the same speed that I was turning the pages! A fabulous read! * Sandie Jones, author of The Other Woman *Superb! And seriously twisted. This book will play with your mind...then STAY on your mind. Compelling and very, very clever * Teresa Driscoll, bestselling author of I Will Make You Pay. *Two extraordinary narrators drive the nail-biting action in this sensational, compulsively readable debut. A tour de force of captivating psychological suspense * Gilly Macmillan *An original, stunning debut! Masterful crafting of a split time-frame and utterly compelling characters will hook readers from the very first page until they finally learn the truth hiding within this chilling mother-daughter relationship. An intelligent, beguiling read that should be at the top of every reader's list * Wendy Walker *More than a page-turner-although it's undoubtably that - The Recovery of Rose Gold plumbs the depths of this poisoned mother-daughter relationship, asking probing questions about why we all hurt the ones we love. An explosive debut from a thrilling new voice * Kirsten Chen, author of Bury What We Cannot Take *A blackly comic and original novel with a fascinatingly complex heroine in Rose Gold - you will be both horrified by and rooting for her * Heat *Wrobel has crafted two gloriously complex characters who will swing the reader between horrified disbelief and empathy in the turn of a single page. Wrobel uses witty writing and clever plotting to ensure the reader will fly through the pages in search of the truth. It takes profound skill to craft such a twisty and darkly entertaining read, and Wrobel does it in her debut as deftly as only the best thriller writers can do * Amy Stuart, #1 bestselling author of Still Mine and Still Water *Intelligent. Highly disturbing * Literary Review *Very rarely does a book like The Recovery of Rose Gold come along . . . this is a book that wastes no time in enticing in a reader and keeping them guessing until the very last page * Culturefly *Sinister and chilling . . . The writing flows beautifully and I felt like each character was confiding in me, trusting me with their secrets. I loved every bit of this thrilling story and the ending was brilliant and perfect. It's an amazing debut looking at the tangled web of a controlling mother/daughter relationship and a must read in my opinion * NB Magazine *Taut, twisted and with two terrifically toxic narrators, this thriller offers a wonderfully wicked perspective on complicated mother-daughter relationships. Gripping * Psychologies *Striking. Unsettling yet compelling reading * Oxford Times *It will make you laugh on one page, exhibiting the darkest of humour, and then make you shudder at the very next * Chat Special *A gritty story of truth and fantasy * Sainsbury's Magazine *Must read * Hello *I haven't come across two more unbalanced characters in books than this mother and daughter * Prima *Horribly riveting. At times I wanted to, but I could not put it down * Saga Magazine *Wrobel's claustrophobic debut explores the sinister subject of parents who deliberately make their children ill . . . Find out who's manipulating who in this clever chiller * Sunday Express *Deliciously icy. Wrobel's cleverly constructed plot twists and turns, undermining any sense of integrity the minute you catch a glimpse of it * Irish News *
£8.54
Penguin Books Ltd The Flip Side
Book SynopsisFALL IN LOVE WITH THIS HILARIOUSLY ROMANTIC STORY ABOUT A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE . . . ''Charming, funny and very relatable!'' JOSIE SILVER ''Made me laugh out loud, cry my heart out and put a big grin on my face'' 5***** Reader Review ''Utterly adorable and romantic. I feel uplifted!'' GIOVANNA FLETCHER ________ It''s love . . . what could go wrong? When Josh proposes in a pod on the London Eye at New Years'' Eve, he thinks it''s perfect. Until she says no. And they have to spend the next 29 excruciating minutes alone together. Realising he can''t trust his own judgment, Josh decides from now on he will make every decision through the flip of a coin. Maybe the coin will change his life forever. Maybe it will find him find the girl of his dreams . . . Hilarious, feel-good and uplifting. Fans of The Flatshare, Don''t YoTrade ReviewJames Bailey's debut novel takes the usual rom com formula and turns it on its head . . . refreshing, funny and heartwarming, we could not get enough of this * Heat, Read of the Week *Utterly adorable and romantic. I feel uplifted! -- Giovanna FletcherThe Flip Side is utterly charming, funny and very relatable! -- Josie Silver, bestselling author of One Day in DecemberA wonderful, feel-good gem of a book * The Sun *A funny, sparky read that feels fresh and modern . . . this book is fab -- Sophie Cousens, author of the New York Times bestseller This Time Next YearReally sweet, warm hearted story with some very funny moments . . . Thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a lovely way to start the new year -- Carrie Hope FletcherThe ultimate rom-com . . . a much needed, feel-good read during a time of uncertainty * Independent *This is the book you need right now if you're looking for an uplifting, funny read . . . You will find yourself laughing out loud * Woman & Home, 'December's Book Club' *Thoroughly enjoying ... perfect to kick off your 2021 reading year -- Owen Nicholls, author of Love, UnscriptedBailey's lovely debut is the very funny tale of the hapless Josh who, after his marriage proposal goes very wrong, decides to make all future decisions by simply flipping a coin * iNews, '75 of the best new books for autumn' *It's amazing, it's joyous. It's like finding yourself in the middle of the warmest, funniest, most amazing romantic comedy you've ever come across. Everyone is going to fall in love with it. James Bailey is definitely a writer to watch -- Miranda Dickinson, bestselling author of Searching for a Silver LiningThe Flip Side was a fresh, funny and feel-good read, that had me giggling from the start -- Anna Bell, author of We Just ClickedHilarious and romantic . . . had me giggling from the very first page * Living North *A very entertaining read ... a romp of a novel across Europe * TripFiction *Loved every moment of this refreshing, hilarious and joyous read * Books and Lovely Things *An uplifting, funny read . . . you'll be gleefully awaiting the next laugh-out-loud moment * Woman *Touted as the biggest laugh-out-loud romantic comedy to brighten up our cold dark nights, and boy does it deliver * Sunday Post *We can easily see The Flip Side being turned into a movie * Bristol Life *
£9.24
Penguin Books Ltd The Walking People
Book SynopsisTHE POWERFUL AND MOVING NOVEL OF NEW BEGINNINGS AND OLD FAMILY SECRETS FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ASK AGAIN, YES''A fearless writer'' LISA TADDEO''An epic story about immigration, identity and family'' Guardian''Atmospheric, moving and brilliantly well-written'' Daily Mail''Engrossing . . . the kind of novel you simply don''t want to end'' Daily Express''A beautifully crafted novel about love, loyalty, culture, family and identity'' Irish Sunday Independent______1960s Rural Ireland. Greta Cahill must abandon her quiet village to follow her fearless sister Johanna onto a ship bound for New York . . .It''s here that she steps out of her sister''s shadow and into a life of her own, rich with love, work and family.As the years pass Greta longs to revisit the past - to see her mother, to show her what she has made of hTrade ReviewA compelling drama of transatlantic Irish lifeMarries a deliciously old-fashioned style of storytelling with a fresh take on the immigrant experience . . . A warm, involving family drama * Booklist *An epic story about immigration, identity and family . . . Keane portrays the complex and, at times, challenging lives of these working-class women with tenderness and compassion * Guardian *Atmospheric, moving and brilliantly well-written * Daily Mail *This atmospheric read that spans from 1950s Ireland to modern-day America and follows the fortunes of a woman on the run from a family secret * Good Housekeeping *Engrossing . . . Captures the windswept grittiness of Irish poverty as vividly as the technicolour hustle and bustle of 1960s New York. The Walking People is the kind of novel you simply don't want to end * Daily Express *Keane's previous novel Ask Again, Yes, was on my best Books of 2019, and this is just as good. Its slow, melodic pace proves we don't always need fast action and twists. Set between Ireland and new York, it's about two sisters; one craves adventure, the other, family; both have secrets * Prima, 'Best Books of March' *An American dream story, told over decades, taking its reader from rural 1915 Ireland to the streets of New York and back again -- Mariella Frostrup * Times Radio *A beautifully crafted novel about love, loyalty, culture, family and identity * Irish Sunday Independent *A moving and sweeping story that takes readers from the west coast of Ireland to America, following a family of immigrants across the different decades * Culturefly *I was a big fan of Ask Again, Yes and this is every bit as good * Good Housekeeping *An epic yarn . . . an evocative portrait of the immigrant, but also adds greater subtlety to this theme of belonging * RTE Guide *The story becomes so engrossing it grows on you with its real and engaging characters ... the divide between urban USA and rural Ireland is brilliantly grasped ... a very moving and original love story * Irish Examiner *Praise for Ask Again, Yes * - *The new Little Fires Everywhere * Stylist *One of the most exceptional novels of the summer . . . Has the makings of a future classic. * Sunday Express *A beautiful novel, bursting at the seams with empathy * Elle *Absolutely brilliant, a must read for our timeI'll read everything she writesPowerful and moving . . . Mary Beth Keane is a writer of extraordinary depth, feeling and wit. Readers will love this book, as I did -- Meg Wolitzer, author of The Female PersuasionImmersive and deeply moving -- Anna Hope, author of ExpectationA pleasantly accessible novel that will be popular with book clubs . . . Keane is a nuanced observer * Sunday Times *
£8.99
Penguin Books Ltd Deception
Book SynopsisTHE GRIPPING SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERWhat happens when the person closest to you has led a life of deception?''Full of suspense and intriguing characters'' MY WEEKLY''A gritty, gripping drama'' WOMAN''S WEEKLY_______No one wants to believe their mother is a liar . . .After her mother''s funeral, Alice Kent is approached by a man who insists he''s her real father. Initially upset and disbelieving, Alice soon discovers that tugging at this loose thread unravels the expertly woven tapestry of lies which was her mother Sally''s life.Faced with this staggering deception, Alice decides she must learn the whole, terrible truth about her mother.But is she prepared for the dark journey back to Sally''s traumatic childhood and the evil forces which came to shape the woman who claimed to love her?_______''Brilliantly builds intrigue'' WOMAN & HOME''A raw, truthful and moving account, building intrigue as Alice gradually uncovers her mother''s life of deception, lies - and love'' WOMAN''S WEEKLY''Written with Pearse''s typically engaging and effortless style of storytelling, Deception is an intriguing book of highs, lows, struggles and perseverance'' CULTUREFLYPraise for Lesley Pearse''Storytelling at its very best'' Daily Mail''Gripping and suspenseful'' Daily Express''A twisting and intense read'' Woman''s OwnLesley Pearse, Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024Trade ReviewThis is a heart-wrenching journey as dark secrets are exposed and we understand the decisions Sally was forced to make * Candis *A complex and gripping relationship drama * Devon Life *Unpredictable and full of unexpected twists, this is a compelling read * My Weekly Special *This book brilliantly builds intrigue as Alice uncovers her mum's life of deception, lies and love * Woman & Home *Full of suspense and intriguing characters * My Weekly *A twisting, turning and utterly addictive tale of mystery, hardship and self-survival * Lancashire Evening Post *Written with Pearse's typically engaging and effortless style of storytelling, Deception is an intriguing book of highs, lows, struggles and perseverance * Culturefly *A gritty, gripping drama . . . A raw, truthful and moving account, building intrigue as Alice gradually uncovers her mother's life of deception, lies - and love * Woman's Weekly *Praise for Lesley Pearse * - *Storytelling at its very best * Daily Mail *Evocative, compelling, told from the heart * Sunday Express *Glorious, heartwarming * Woman & Home *Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written * Closer *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd The Good Left Undone
Book Synopsis**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**THE SWEEPING, SUN-DRENCHED STORY OF LOVE, FAMILY AND UNTOLD SECRETS SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF WWII, FROM THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER''Adriana is a storyteller second to none'' HEATHER MORRIS, bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz''Trigiani never fails to sweep you away . . . an emotional and beautiful tale of family, love, and loss'' TAYLOR JENKINS REID, bestselling author of Malibu Rising''There is a reason Adriana Trigiani is so beloved by her millions of devoted readers . . . gorgeous'' SARAH JESSICA PARKER''A big, beautiful, wonderful book; romantic, moving, transporting, affecting I will do everything I can to encourage everyone to read it'' LOUISE DOUGLAS, bestselling author of The House by the Sea_________Domenica Cabrelli had two great loves of her life.<Trade ReviewThere is a reason Adriana Trigiani is so beloved by her millions of devoted readers. We all wait for the next book by this gorgeous writer. It's here at last. Let Adriana Trigiani take you far away -- Sarah Jessica ParkerWe are swept from Italy to France, Scotland, England, given memorable characters, rich detail, tragedy, triumph, secrets and surprises. Epic and captivating, this is a multi-generational saga told by a gifted storyteller * Choice *Adriana Trigiani never fails to sweep you away with her richly transportive prose. The Good Left Undone takes you through time and across the globe from the Italian coast to the Scottish Highlands as long-held secrets of the Cabrelli family come to light. An emotional and beautiful tale of family, love, and loss -- Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of Malibu RisingA story only Adriana Trigiani could have told. Rich in all the elements that make a story memorable, relatable; family complications we all share, choose to ignore, or seek to explain as time closes in on us. Family secrets, family jealousies, across the generations, across the landscapes under the Tuscan sun, the charm of Marseille and the rugged beauty of Scotland, Domenica creates a legacy for her children and grandchildren to unravel. Adriana is, indeed, a storyteller second to none. -- Heather Morris, bestselling author of The Tattooist of AuschwitzTrigiani writes an unforgettable historical epic in Italy, France, Scotland and Churchill's England on the cusp of World War II. Matelda Cabrelli Roffo, the matriarch of her contemporary Italian family is determined to reveal her mother's secret past before it's too late. This rich family story is magnificent in the telling. -- Lisa JewellI honestly can't remember the last time a novel gave me such absolute pleasure. The Good Left Undone is the perfect novel. It carried me away and wrapped me up in the lives of generations of women in one family. It touched on love and loss, on life and death, on what's truly important; it made me forget everything except what I was reading. A big, beautiful, wonderful book; romantic, moving, transporting, affecting I will do everything I can to encourage everyone to read it because I know they won't be disappointed -- Louise Douglas, Richard and Judy and Kindle Top 5 Bestselling AuthorAt once epic and intimate, a delightful novel about the mysterious lore of an unforgettable Italian family whose characters walk right off the page -- Jess Walter, author of Beautiful RuinsA sprawling, majestic historical fiction feast that spans countries and generations to find the heart and soul of a beautiful family. This is Adriana Trigiani at her best -- Laura Dave, author of The Last Thing He Told MeA wondrous novel of storytelling, love, war, religion and that which defines us all: family. Adriana Trigiani has outdone herself with her sharp eye, her humor and her warm and generous heart -- Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling authorAdriana Trigiani merges life and fiction so completely it's impossible to sort one from the other. Through Matelda and the Cabrelli women, readers will find themselves fully immersed in another place and time, but also vividly recalling the histories of their own ancestors. An enduring testimony to the power of family and stories - those we know well and those that have shaped us without our knowing. Breathtakingly beautiful, powerful, lyrical, and ultimately filled with goodness -- Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were YoursAdriana Trigiani is a gifted, natural storyteller and The Good Left Undone is her at the top of her game. This beautiful, sweeping historical epic about three generations of women paints an exquisite portrait of love, loss, the ravages of time and the price a family pays for its secrets. Brava! -- Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The NightingaleAn exquisite gem of a novel, as it flits between present day and the calamitous times of World War II. No one does historical fiction better than Trigiani. You will fall in love with the characters, especially Matelda Roffo. Godere! -- David BaldacciFrom time to time, readers are fortunate enough to come across a novel that transports us so completely to a different time and place, we can smell the air, taste the food. The Good Left Undone is such a book: the power and the beauty of Italy and the Italians, the devastation of wars and callous disregard for humans, the love of life and others; all come across in this exquisite novel. Trigiani has accomplished a true miracle -- W. Bruce Cameron, New York Times bestselling authorAdriana Trigiani has written the triumph of her career in this historical epic. This novel is the dramatic, emotional, and profound saga of three generations of women in the Cabrelli family of gemcutters-Domenica, Matelda, and Anina-and each character is more brilliant than the last. This novel shines like a flawless diamond, with a multifaceted narrative that shifts seamlessly between Viareggio, Marseilles, and Scotland, bringing to light a sweep of history that I never knew existed. Most of all, at its core is the generous, beating heart of family - and a love story that will seep into your soul. I have always loved Adriana Trigiani's books, but The Good Left Undone is a crown jewel of historical fiction -- Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling authorThis beautifully written, immersive novel gripped me from the first page and didn't let go. In The Good Left Undone, Adriana Trigani sweeps you up and takes you on an epic journey both geographically and emotionally in a story about love, grief and the heartbreaking secrets woven into the tapestry of every family. Trigani's evocative, richly textured prose conjures a fully-realised world with characters and situations that you feel acutely invested in - the cast of strong female characters resonated with me in ways I didn't imagine and as I turned the last page I didn't want this book to end. An emotional rollercoaster of a read, it's a book that you'll need tissues for, but also one that brings immense joy. A must-read for 2022 -- Sarah Pearse, bestselling author of The SanatoriumAdriana Trigiani is a treasure and The Good Left Undone is a gem: a sweeping epic that spans a century. Chronicling the fallout from the cataclysmic sinking of the Arandora Star - torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1940 - this extraordinary novel manages to mourn the dead, celebrate the living, and remind us that every family has secrets that are heartbreaking, heartwarming, and (yes) inspiring -- Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling authorA wildly entertaining story about the life of the remarkable Italian nurse Domenica Cabrelli and her daughter Matelda. The novel is a wonderful love story, rife with sea captains and childhood sweethearts and a family that never gives up on one another. I adored it -- Ann Napolitano, author of Dear EdwardAdriana Trigiani reshapes the words of Phillip Larkin - 'the good not done, the love not given, the time torn off unused' -- as a focal point for a wonderfully agile novel that rounds off the sharp edges of our times -- Colum McCannI can lie on my couch and travel the world - and through time - reading Adriana Trigiani's The Good Left Undone. Italy, France, Scotland. 1920s to the present. Her storytelling is genius. Her understanding of love and family moves me to tears -- Delia EphronThis is a sweeping story of the complexities of love and family . . . A beautiful historical romance, this book manages to be epic and intimate at the same time -- ADELE PARKS * SUN *Adriana Trigiani knows that a great life is made up of memories and morsels: Kisses and cakes; heartbreak and honey salves. In The Good Left Undone, Trigiani's women share secrets in the safety of kitchens, are carried off to bed during war, fight to keep a sense of themselves, and appreciate that a first love that arrives second is the sweetest and most substantial of all -- Helen EllisAdriana Trigiani's latest novel is a delicious immersion into a hidden Italy, a world of Vatican jewelers, of ledgers, maps and strega, of people who tell time by the 'bells and the baker,' and are connected to their history and to the far corners of the spinning globe by love, blood, and rubies. And that's just the first course of this literary feast, that is also a profound meditation on old age and an intimate conversation between generations of a quietly dazzling family -- Alice RandallWith its epic sweep, radiant characters, and uncommon insight, The Good Left Undone expertly spans generations and geography, luring the reader into a world where family love and family legacy are both a gift and an inspiration. -- Lisa GrunwaldA gorgeous and lush multi-generational epic about the Cabrellis, a vibrant Italian family descended from master jewelers, from the harrowing days leading up to WWII to the modern era, celebrating the pieces they create and the myths that power them and hold families together; an absolute triumph from Adriana Trigiani -- Gigi LevangieShe's done it again, given us a story deep and wide, written with heart and soul. Each one of Trigiani's books is a rich tapestry, woven with stories that reach back through generations with love and family at the center. . . The Good Left Undone is a complex and absorbing reminder of the connection and grounding of family, the stories that bind us and the resilience of love amidst the devastation of war. -- Lee WoodruffThis master storyteller has outdone herself with The Good Left Undone. What an epic, wonderful sprawling novel, her writing lush and luminous as she draws us into the world of three generations of women with her signature warmth, humor and huge heart. There is no-one like Adriana, and here she is at her absolute best -- Jane Green, author of Sister StardustIt's impossible not to be absolutely enthralled by the latest immersive Trigiani masterwork about family, food (oh my God, so delicious), loyalty and legacy. A story bristling with so much generous life, you'll swear you are there for all of it: the great loves, the unfathomable losses, the betrayals and the secrets of the artisan Cabrelli family, especially with matriarch Matelda, caught between the end of her own life, the beginning of her granddaughter Anina's, and the dramatic, love-torn and war-torn life her mother Domenica had led. Spanning Italy, France and England, and decades, The Good Left Undone is thrilling proof that, 'A family is only as strong as their stories.' -- Caroline LeavittAdriana Trigiani once again proves her mastery at breaking your heart, and then mending it together again. Writing of strong women, steadfast loves, settings that whisk you away, and the legacy of the Cabrelli family, this is Trigiani at her finest. Sweeping yet intimate, The Good Left Undone is a love letter to matriarchs everywhere-prepare to be dazzled -- Karma Brown, author of Recipe for a Perfect WifeThe Good Left Undone is as exquisite as the jewels the Cabrelli family creates. The breadth of the story, Trigiani's trademark humor, and emotional depth is a memento mori. What a gift for us who now truly contemplate our mortality to follow Matelda Roffo as she contemplates her life and its meaning. Trigiani writes, 'A family is only as strong as their stories.' This family is made of iron. -- Susan Fales HillIn The Good Left Undone Adriana Trigiani creates a powerful evocation of grief, love and war through three generations of one family. The memorable Tuscan setting is interleaved with tender relationships that bring history to life. Trigiani's love of place and people leaps off the page -- Lucy Jago, bestselling author of A Net for Small FishesAn epic story that takes its readers on a journey through several generations, from past to present day * My Weekly *Praise for Adriana Trigiani * : *A comedy writer with a heart of gold * New York Times *Trigiani is a master of palpable and visual detail * Washington Post *One of my all-time favourite novels -- Whoopi GoldbergHonest, wholesome entertainment * Daily Mail *Utterly addictive * Glamour *Exquisite writing and a story enriched by the power of abiding love * USA Today *Full of romance, drama and snappy dialogue * People *Eminently readable and richly imagined * Publisher's Weekly *Hilarious and romantic. I couldn't put it down -- Sarah Jessica Parker
£8.54
Penguin Books Ltd Guys Girl
Book SynopsisAN UNFORGETTABLE NEW LOVE STORY THAT WILL MAKE YOU CRY, BREAK YOUR HEART, AND PIECE IT BACK TOGETHER ----The boy who couldn''t love and the girl who wouldn''t.Ginny Murphy is a total guy''s girl. She''s always found friendships with boys easier to form and keep drama-free - as long as they don''t fall for her, and she doesn''t fall for them. She and her best guy friends have stuck to that. But then she meets Adrian Silvas, the only one who''s ever made her crave more, and Ginny begins to question her own rules.Piece by piece, Ginny and Adrian begin to fall into something intoxicating, something dangerous. Ginny threatens to destroy the belief Adrian''s held ever since witnessing his own mother''s heartbreak: that love isn''t worth the risk. For Ginny, the stakes could be even higher. Letting Adrian get close could mean exposing a secret she''s long protected: her disordered eating.Ginny isn''t looking to be sTrade ReviewBeautifully written, emotional, intelligent and brilliant * Daily Mail *"Heartbreaking and romantic, Guy’s Girl is a beautifully written and authentically raw story about the human journey through trauma, self-exploration and self-love." -- Samantha Young, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author"Emma Noyes completely captivated me with her spectacular debut! Guy's Girl is an honest, no-holds-barred look at life as a twenty something struggling to find love and find herself. Noyes deftly handles incredibly tough topics with care and sincerity, culminating in a sparkling work of fiction that I could not stop thinking about. This one stuck with me long after I finished the final page!" -- Falon Ballard, author of Just My Type
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd My Boyfriend is a Vampire
Book SynopsisThe perfect rom-com to sink your teeth into!-------Hazy Florence is on track to graduate top of her class but she''s determined to have a little fun along the way.As soon as she lays eyes on her mysterious and swoony new neighbour - Godric Hawthorn - Hazy knows he is just what she needs and they instantly fall for each other.But this is no quintessential college romance. Godric has a secret . . . he''s a vampire.Dating a vampire comes with its own messy complications. And then there''s Hazy''s jealous ex-boyfriend who''s dangerously close to the truth.Can Hazy protect her boyfriend''s blood-sucking secret?Or could there be more at stake than Hazy and Godric''s hearts?Trade ReviewPraise for Helena Hunting: Perfect for fans of Helen Hoang's The Kiss Quotient. A fun and steamy love story with high stakes and plenty of emotion. * Kirkus Reviews *Best-selling Hunting's latest humorous and heartfelt love story, following The Good Luck Charm (2018), is another smartly plotted and perfectly executed rom-com with a spot-on sense of snarky wit and a generous helping of smoldering sexual chemistry. * Booklist *Hunting sparkles in this well-plotted contemporary... She imbues her characters, especially Lilah, with quick wit and enjoyable depth, and the curveball she throws into the plot at the end is truly surprising, yet believable * Publishers Weekly on The Good Luck Charm *When Sparks Fly will warm your heart and make you cry - sometimes at the same time. * PopSugar *In this delightfully fun standalone contemporary from prolific and ever-lively Hunting, the author plays to her literary strengths by giving readers a sensuality-forward storyline that is neatly lightened by snarky humor even as it's deftly grounded by a thoughtful exploration of the roles family and friends can play in our lives. * Booklist *This is a solid pick for romance fans. * Publishers Weekly *
£9.49
Little, Brown Book Group The Three Graces
Book Synopsis''Hugely entertaining'' Telegraph''She''s such a skilful storyteller who vividly dramatises our lives with wit, wisdom and compassion''BERNARDINE EVARISTO''I revelled in The Three Graces - such an intriguing cast, so convincingly presented, and a narrative that continually surprises'' PENELOPE LIVELY''A brilliant piece of storytelling... it should be the book everybody''s reading this summer''ANDREW O''HAGAN''Gorgeous and generous... rich with characters and suffused with sunlight'' LISSA EVANS When Enzo shoots an illegal migrant from his bedroom one night, it triggers a series of events that embroil old and young, rich and poor, native and foreign. His elderly neighbours Ruth, Diana and Marta are three friends who have retired to Tuscany. Ruth''s favourite grandson Olly is about to get married from her idyllic hillside farmhouse; however, the bride, Tania, seems Trade ReviewHugely entertaining * Telegraph *I revelled in The Three Graces - such an intriguing cast, so convincingly presented, and a narrative that continually surprises. The Tuscan backdrop is illuminating, the apposition between old and young so persuasively displayed. A terrific read. * Penelope Lively *People talk about the infirmities of old age, but what about the firmities? What about the beliefs, the events, the politics, the odd secret? The Three Graces is a brilliant piece of storytelling that revels in the world of expat old ladies in Tuscany, and it should be the book everybody's reading this summer. The setting's idyllic, the air is mild in May, but there's a threat of England and family histories just beyond the horizon. It's a novel E.M. Foster would've loved. * Andrew O’Hagan, author of Mayflies *Gorgeous and generous... rich with characters and suffused with sunlight. It has so much to say on age - the three graces of the title are all over eighty; wonderful to have elderly characters, so usually marginal, right at the centre of the plot * Lissa Evans, author of Old Baggage *I love Amanda Craig's work, always supercharged with bright colouration and passionate feeling. And her imagination seems boundless: a defiant, bubbling wellspring of free-wheeling enquiry in a literary landscape made more and more arid and monotonous * Rose Tremain *Thoroughly enjoyable... Craig's continuing interest in exposing the fault lines of class, wealth and the inequality of opportunity is striking -- Alex Clark * Observer *A witty and perceptive writer with a line line in figuration... Craig is loyal to her creations... and to her topics, which are given a fresh perspective by the Italian setting : intergenerational differences, the death of local communities and global migration. They elevate her from a state-of-the-nation to a state-of-Europe novelist * Daily Telegraph *Witty and timely... Alongside the fantastic cast and characters, Craig has lots to say about issues of the day * Good Housekeeping *Clever plotting, memorable characters and a completely satisfying ending * Jojo Moyes *I loved The Three Graces... the combination of three "mature" central characters, the extended families spread over several generations and the way so many modern issues were reflected against a classical, Mediterranean backdrop make it Amanda Craig's most resonant book yet, a brilliant examination of modern life set against the sunshine of ancient Tuscany * Anthony Horowitz *Craig's ambitious, masterly novel reveals the darkness that lies behind the E.M. Forster-esque vistas without ever losing control of the fast-paced story at hand -- Francesca Peacock * Mail on Sunday *As ever, the binary oppositions of modern Britain are compassionately dissected through the various tangled relationships of her sprawling cast... Craig wears her satire lightly, even delightfully at times -- Claire Allfree * Daily Mail *Enjoyable and provocative... The novel is both easy and challenging, romantic and realistic. Its success lies in the ever-present tension between light and dark. These three graces turn out to be more Caravaggio than Botticelli -- Emily Rhodes * Spectator *Craig's warmth and attention to detail means the characters are fully formed and compelling * Jewish Chronicle *Witty, sharp-eyed, ridiculously enjoyable... Craig is too clever a storyteller to allow herself to be skewered as neatly as her characters are -- Christobel Kent * Guardian *[A] rambunctious state-of-the-nation caper from Craig... The impending nuptials for the clearly disastrously ill-matched hedge-funder and his influencer girlfriend spark all manner of highly-enjoyable chaos and conflict among the sprawling guestlist. Great spiky fun. * Mail+ *Multilayered, full of discreet wisdom and wit... [a] most ingeniously plotted and ultimately satisfying novel. There's much more to it than just readability * Oldie *A thought-provoking, five-star ride with plenty to appeal to all generations * Devon Life *While The Three Graces doesn't shy away from the grim social and economic realities facing 21st-century Europe, it's still great, fizzy fun and a perfect holiday read -- Helen Brown * Perspective *We're back in the dreamy Tuscan hills... the story gets into its stride, satisfyingly tying up loose ends and building to a spectacular wedding scene -- Kate Green * Country Life *The plotting is intricate and the themes are big, yet the book's special quality comes from something else: a friendship between three octogenarian women whose thoughtful preoccupations with the past, the present and each other form the novel's charming centre -- Kathy O'Shaughnessy * Literary Review *I absolutely LOVED The Three Graces. It's about Tuscany and Umbria and Italy and immigration and ageing and generational divides and art and beauty and music and suffering and love and joy and life. It's bursting with compassion and wisdom. Do treat yourself. We could all do with more beauty, compassion and joy * Christina Patterson *This is such an enjoyable book. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in Tuscany instead of passing through in a drunken haze - read this pronto * Daisy Goodwin, author of Diva *
£17.09
Little, Brown Book Group From the Embers
Book SynopsisTHE UNFORGETTABLE ROMANCE THAT''S TAKING TIKTOK BY STORM - PERFECT FOR FANS OF COLLEEN HOOVER AND CARLEY FORTUNEIn the aftermath of tragedy, it''s strange what you remember. The deafening boom as the house exploded. The paralyzing fear as I searched for my wife. The smoke blinding me as I carried her out. But the woman in my arms was not my wife.Bree and Eason survive the fire that takes their partners - but neither of them are truly living after that fateful night. As a single dad with nowhere to turn, Eason moves in with Bree despite the old tensions and the new grief they share. Eason may have carried Bree out of the fire, but she just might be the one to save him. Yet as they both start to heal, and romance flickers to life, secrets from the past threaten to ignite. Their love was born from the embers, and together they could go up in flames.''Totally ripped my heart out - I was blown awaTrade ReviewREAL READERS LOVE FROM THE EMBERS * - *This book totally ripped my heart out . . . I was totally blown away with the twist -- ***** Amazon Reader ReviewAbsolutely stunning. Tears and laughter all the way through -- ***** Amazon Reader ReviewThe final chapters squeezed my heart and left me with a huge smile on my face . . . I'm so glad I picked up this book -- ***** Amazon Reader ReviewThank you so much Aly Martinez for writing something which has reignited my love of reading! -- ***** Amazon Reader ReviewThe absolute rollercoaster that is this book means you cannot put it down. I have cried, laughed and gasped -- ***** Amazon Reader ReviewA brave and heartbreaking story that digs its claws into you and doesn't let go, long after you've finished it -- ***** Amazon Reader Review
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC All Among the Barley
Book SynopsisA masterpiece' JON MCGREGORImpossible to forget' THE TIMESAstonishing' GUARDIANStartling' FINANCIAL TIMESWINNER OF THE EU PRIZE FOR LITERATURE''BOOK OF THE YEAR'' NEW STATESMAN, OBSERVER, IRISH TIMES, BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE The fields were eternal, our life the only way of things, and I would do whatever was required of me to protect it.The autumn of 1933 is the most beautiful Edie Mather can remember, though the Great War still casts a shadow over the cornfields of her beloved home, Wych Farm.When charismatic, outspoken Constance FitzAllen arrives from London to write about fading rural traditions, she takes an interest in fourteen-year-old Edie, showing her a kindness she has never known before. But the older woman isn't quite what she seems.As harvest time approaches and pressures mount on the whole community, Edie must find a way to trust her instincts and save herseTrade ReviewPowerful and beautifully written … Harrison is the traditional being, a nature writer with a knowledge and eye for detail that recalls Thomas Hardy and John McGahern. And that makes this novel impossible to forget * The Times *A work of rare magic -- Helen Macdonald, author of 'H is for Hawk'An incredible evocation of one particular corner of rural England in the 1930s ... with this novel she's done what I've long suspected she would: she's written a masterpiece -- Jon McGregor, author of 'Reservoir 13'A powerful and lyrical coming-of-age story from a writer who is fast establishing herself as one of the best contemporary exponents of the pastoral novel * Observer *A deeply atmospheric work, steeped in the rhythms and traditions of the English countryside and the rhythms and traditions of its literature. Its texture – dense, hypnotic and beautifully rendered – is oddly daring. The fusing of ancient natural cycles and farming techniques with powerfully descriptive prose and rich characterisation feels luxuriant on the page … Startling * Financial Times *The sleeper hit of the year * New Stateman *A really fine, absorbing novel * Jonathan Coe *A novel of acute psychology and subtle political sense, portrayed in language of sheer largesse. It describes a land resplendent and saturated with summer, but known dangers flicker on the edges: debt, crop failure, illness and accident … Set in Suffolk, mainly in 1934, it is an exquisitely intelligent take on the pastoral form * TLS *Truly towering … nature, land, nationalism, war, death, patriarchy and the whole damn thing -- Giles CorenNostalgia, nationalism and superstition all play their part in an acutely observed narrative that is as pertinent to the here and now as it is evocative of its time and place -- The Best New Fiction * Mail on Sunday *Looking through Melissa Harrison’s eyes provides a new way of seeing everything. Her descriptions of nature are so vivid that in some passages you hear and smell as well as see. Such original and intelligent writing is rare * Literary Review *A tale of rural Suffolk in the 1930s which is both loving in its detail, yet also clear-sighted enough to see the pitfalls of revering the land in ways that can lead down dangerous paths, towards blood and soil ideology -- Tracey Thorn * New Statesman *A beautiful and wholly tragic novel * Daily Mail *Harrison is adept at making several realities exist uncannily alongside one another. She conjures up nature, with its timeless rhythms and beauty, and invades it with the political … This accomplished novel explores many things; perhaps above all it is an argument about the danger of solipsism, and a demonstration of what tragedies might occur if one cannot escape a narrow viewpoint to consider the wider picture * Spectator *What a brilliant and timely novel All Among The Barley is. Deeply evocative of a historical moment - rural England between the wars, before mechanisation - it is also, unmistakably, about questions that press hard on us now, above all the dangers of nationalism, and how easily a love of place can be corrupted into something dark and exclusionary. This is an important book by a writer of great gifts -- Robert MacfarlaneIn All Among the Barley, Melissa Harrison has created a central character to rival Cassandra in I Capture the Castle. A remarkable and haunting book -- Evie WyldA beautiful, heartbreaking novel of great power. Melissa Harrison has built a world for us, and peopled it, making it solid and real, and all the time making one aware of an awesome fragility – of human minds and bodies, of farmers under politicians and under nature, of ideas that might transform lives or might destroy them. I've been privileged to inhabit this world -- Tim Pears, author of 'The Horseman'Both beautifully evocative and a gripping read – a rare combination … Throughout, it is suffused with the gorgeous language and keen insight into the natural world that has marked Harrison's work since Clay * Harper's Bazaar *Melissa Harrison is a dazzlingly gifted writer, and All Among the Barley confirms her as a novelist whose lyrical descriptions of nature and rural English life, harnessed to a gripping plot and varied cast of characters, deserves the widest readership. This is right up with the very best classic novels of inter-War country life – its beauties, sorrows, injustices and realities -- Amanda Craig, author of 'The Lie of the Land'Harrison is readily comparable with Elizabeth Taylor and Penelope Lively; but she has a distinction all her own – and her growing audience must hope to live long enough to read everything she writes * Spectator *Harrison’s love of the natural world and its traditions vibrates poetically through every page … Harrison’s imagination is wonderfully strange, her writing beautifully assured and controlled * The Times *Harrison’s surpassed herself with this one * A Life in Books *Melissa Harrison’s powerful third novel is a sympathetic portrayal of a mind unravelling in the context of a community that is likewise losing its way. A glimpse of history with a lesson for today * Annethology *A heartbreaker of a book * Psychologies *An atmospheric and evocative tale about rural England in the 1930s * The Times *
£9.49
Orion Publishing Co The Night Falling
Book SynopsisThe international bestselling author of THE LEGACY returns with a searing new novel of secrets and feuds, set in 1920s Italy.Trade ReviewIt's littered with conflicts - part love story, part social and political drama, but these factors make for an exciting and unpredictable read * ESSENTIALS *This unlikely romance is set in 1920s Italy ... tension mounts as Clare becomes embroiled with Cardetta's family ... The threat of violence is never far away but nothing prepares you for the final revelations. * SUNDAY EXPRESS *Haunting and atmospheric, the story and the characters stayed with me long after I'd read the final page -- Lucinda RileyI highly recommend this book, it's one of the best stories I've ever read. * LIBRARIAN LAVENDER *A captivating, satisfying, and haunting read. * BOOKAHOLIC CONFESSIONS *Lyrical and evocative, this is a thought-provoking historical romance. * THE GOOD BOOK GUIDE *
£11.22
