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
And Other Stories What You Could Have Won
Book SynopsisFame is the only thing worth having. Love is temporary brain damage. Or so thinks Henry Sinclair, a failing psychiatrist, whose career-breaking discovery has been pinched by a supervisor smelling of nipple grease and hot-dog brine. An emotional miser and manipulator par excellence, desperate for the recognition he's certain his genius deserves, Henry claws his way into the limelight by transforming his girlfriend--a singer-in-ascendance, beloved for her cathartically raw performances--into a drug experiment. As he systematically works to reinforce feelings of worthlessness while at the same time feeding off Astrid's fame, and as Astrid collapses deeper into dependence, what emerges is a two-sided toxic relationship: the bullying instincts of a man shrunk by an industry where bullying is currency, and the peculiar strength of a star more comfortable offloading her talent than owning her brilliance. Pinging between their apartment in New York (where they watch endless episodes of The Sopranos), a nudist campsite in Greece (where the tantalizingly handsome Gigi thwacks octopi into the sand), and a celebrity rehab facility in Paris (founded by the cassock-wearing and sex-scandal plagued 'artist' Hypno Ray), What You Could Have Won is a relationship born of regrettable events, and a novel about female resilience in the face of social control.Trade Review'Exuberant, limber, sexy, incandescent, frenetic, addictive.' Joanna Walsh----'Every page hums with incisive detail, black wit and hard truth.' Sara Baume----'Sensuous, fraught-languorous, and wholly compelling: Genn's novel is a triumph of wit, stylish prose and observation. I loved it.' Eley Williams----'Genn brings light to the darker sides of love, writing with sensitivity and empathy about fame, desire and resilience. Intricately plotted and delicately written, What You Could Have Won is subtle, yet sharp.' Juliet Jacques----'Spectacular, dizzying, utterly addictive: regret, desire, hopeless love, searing wit. As one protagonist says: "a good story is a good story because it makes you its own". Genn's novel completely claimed me.' Helen Mort----'How can I write something that does justice to the unexpected turns, the dazzling intricacies, the humour and the heartbreak and the poetic description of this novel? I can't - I'd better ask Rachel Genn to do it for me.' Andrew McMillan----'Rachel Genn takes up her tender knife again, to lay open the complexities of a relationship entangled in both public and private power. What You Could Have Won is a fiery, irresistible trip through music, drugs and personal agency.' M John Harrison----'Imagine William Gibson and M John Harrison had been commissioned to collaborate on a novel about sex, drugs, rock & roll and The Sopranos.' Nicholas Royle----Praise for The Cure ----'Startlingly tender.' Time Out----'Genn's narrative voice proves unusually nimble in its ironic, sympathetic shifts between the players in this compact saga. The Cure yields a surprising tensile strength for such a slim volume.' The Herald (Scotland)----'I loved The Cure. Rachel Genn offers a new and convincing take on the experience of the Irish migrant worker, evoking in exhilarating dialogue the multi-ethnic Babel of contemporary London. This is a story of family secrets, fierce male friendships and slow-burning love.' Joe Treasure----'The Geiger counter of Rachel Genn's prose moves over her characters' souls with forensic precision, detecting the minute shifts and vacillations that take place below the level of consciousness - those very things that make us human.' Katharine Towers, Seamus Heaney Centre prize-winning poet
£9.50
Cinder House A Dedicated Friend
Book SynopsisOrgan donation is in its infancy and Daisy Howard, who is giving a kidney to her aunt, is in the hands of a pioneering surgeon. After the operation, Daisy is desperate to get back to her family, yet the days go by and she remains in the hospital; meanwhile, an old friend keeps visiting with news of home, and Daisy becomes increasingly uneasy.
£5.99
Myriad Editions Pondweed
Book SynopsisA journey of self-discovery for an odd couple of 60-somethings: childhood sweethearts reunited in later life.
£11.69
Honno Welsh Women's Press Wild Spinning Girls
Book Synopsis
£8.54
Honno Welsh Women's Press The Memory
Book SynopsisA gripping, heart-wrenching novel about mother and daughter tied together by shame, secrecy, love, and hate.
£8.54
Banipal Books At Rest in the Cherry Orchard
Book SynopsisIraqi Said Jensen, living in Norway, is forever haunted by the ghost of his father, killed by the Iraqi regime before he was born, and nightmarish visions. On being called to Baghdad where a mass grave, possibly holding his father's remains, will be opened, he thinks about the peaceful cherry orchard his neighbour Jakob was laid to rest in.
£10.79
Banipal Books The Secrets of Folder 42
Book SynopsisIn this thriller-cum-jigsaw puzzle, two storylines play out across continents and true historical events as American novelist Christine McMillan and student Rachid Bennacer aim to solve The Secrets of Folder 42, while chess champion Zouhair Belkacem, shunted off to medical school in Moscow, returns to Morocco in time for a spectacular crunch day.
£11.69
Fitzcarraldo Editions Strangers I Know
Book SynopsisEvery family has its own mythology, but in this family none of the myths match up. Claudia's mother says she met her husband when she stopped him from jumping off a bridge. Her father says it happened when he saved her from an attempted robbery. Both parents are deaf but couldn't be more different; they can't even agree on how they met, much less who needed saving. Into this unlikely yet somehow inevitable union, our narrator is born. She comes of age with her brother in this strange, and increasingly estranged, household split between a small village in southern Italy and New York City. Without even sign language in common – their parents have not bothered to teach them – family communications are chaotic and rife with misinterpretations. An outsider in every way, she longs for a freedom she's not even sure exists. Only books and punk rock – and a tumultuous relationship – begin to show her the way to create her own mythology, to construct her own version of the story of her life. Kinetic, formally daring, and strikingly original, Strangers I Know is a funny and profound portrait of an unconventional family that makes us look anew at how language shapes our understanding of ourselves.Trade Review‘Formally innovative and emotionally complex, this novel explores themes of communication, family, and belonging with exceptional insight. Durastanti, celebrated in Italy for her intelligent voice and her hybrid perspective, speaks to all who are outside and in-between. ‘Strangers I Know, in a bracing translation by Elizabeth Harris, is stunning.’ — Jhumpa Lahiri author of Whereabouts‘Brave and deeply felt... Here the novel is not only a medium of illumination, but also a buoy cast into the dark waters of memory, imagination, and boldly embodied questions. In other words, it is my favorite kind of writing, the kind that not only tells of the world – but burrows through it, alive.’ — Ocean Vuong, author of On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous‘Claudia Durastanti's writing is lyrical and sharp, underpinned with a searching gaze that turns the everyday into something darkly beautiful. Every page feels totally, absorbingly alive.’ — Sophie Mackintosh, author of The Water Cure‘Playful, looping, atmospheric and funny, Strangers I Know is a singular achievement, one of those rare books that expanded my understanding of what a novel can do. Claudia Durastanti is an absolutely thrilling writer.’ — Lauren Groff, author of Matrix‘There is much exquisite characterisation in Strangers I Know by Durastanti, as well as barbed and profound musings on the class system…’ — Buzz Magazine‘Durastanti is a superb writer whose text is fluid, descriptions taut and original, whose whole novel gradually unfolds into a web of associations, possibilities and interwoven stories within stories that highlight how families, distant and near, misunderstand, confuse and love each other.’ — Rupert Loydell, International Times ‘In this moving family portrait [Durastanti] depicts personal calamities and failings with frankness, but the glimpses of violence and loneliness throughout shimmer with a sense of acceptance and the “useless power of forgiveness”.’ — Vilma De Gasperin, TLS
£12.34
Orenda Books Fall: A spellbinding novel of race, family and
Book SynopsisEstranged brothers are reunited over plans to develop the tower block where they grew up, but the desolate estate becomes a stage for reliving the events of one life-changing summer, forty years earlier … the exquisitely written, moving new novel from West Camel.‘Unfolds like a spell’ Carol Lovekin, author of Ghostbird‘A deceptively complex and layered story; beautiful, traumatic and ultimately uplifting’ Louise Beech, author of This Is How We Are Human'A mesmerising portrait of toxic family relationships: one that perfectly captures a turbulent era in a changing Britain. I was gripped' Caroline Wyatt_____________________________Twins Aaron and Clive have been estranged for forty years. Aaron still lives in the empty, crumbling tower block on the riverside in Deptford where they grew up. Clive is a successful property developer, determined to turn the tower into luxury flats.But Aaron is blocking the plan and their petty squabble becomes something much greater when two ghosts from the past – twins Annette and Christine – appear in the tower. At once, the desolate estate becomes a stage on which the events of one scorching summer are relived – a summer that shattered their lives, and changed everything forever…Grim, evocative and exquisitely rendered, Fall is a story of friendship and family – of perception, fear and prejudice, the events that punctuate our journeys into adulthood, and the indelible scars they leave – a triumph of a novel that will affect you long after the final page has been turned.Illustrations by David F. Ross–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––**Shortlisted for the POLARI Prize**‘Fall’s characters will haunt me, its story will stay with me and I will return again and again’ Katie Allen‘Beautifully written, perfectly executed, a drama that captures your heart and mind’ Anne Coates'Architecture and morality: the only subjects worth writing about, and West Camel does so exquisitely through the eyes of people profoundly affected by both' David F. Ross‘A book about families, racism and the differences that bind us or push us apart …all bound up in West Camel's elegant prose’ Michael J. Malone‘Suspense and twists keep you turning the pages, while the unfolding of complex characters and relationships draws you in’ Valeria Vescina‘Both charming and conflicting … the author’s enticing storytelling has totally, utterly hooked me’ Sarah Sansom‘A page-turner and a literary delight, a book you devour’ Liz Loves Books‘Immersive, beautiful, and haunting … I adored it’ Live & Deadly‘A novel of mystic style and sensibility. West Camel tackles timeless themes of truth, power, family and justice … an extraordinary read’ Richard Fernandez‘A book to be embraced, a book to be kept in your heart … West Camel writes beautifully’ The Reading ClosetPraise for West Camel’s debut novel Attend‘From its opening gambit to its final line, Attend demands and rewards attention’ Foreword Reviews’With its blend of dark, gritty themes and gorgeous imagery, this is a book to make you believe there’s still magic in the world’ Heat ‘I’ve fallen in love with this absolutely glorious, spell-binding tale’ LoveReading‘It’s a genuinely pleasurable experience to encounter something couched in such alert and transparent language as West Camel’s Attend … In three hundred finely judged pages, West Camel leaves the reader eager for more from his pen’ Barry Forshaw, CrimeTime For fans of Sarah Moss, Bernadine Evaristo, Colm Toibin and Selina Godde
£8.54
Scribe Publications Auē
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE JANN MEDLICOTT ACORN PRIZE FOR FICTION WINNER OF THE MITOQ BEST FIRST BOOK OF FICTION WINNER OF THE NGAIO MARSH AWARD FOR BEST CRIME NOVEL auē (verb) to cry, howl, groan, wail, bawl. (interjection) expression of astonishment or distress. Taukiri was born into sorrow. Auē can be heard in the sound of the sea he loves and hates, and in the music he draws out of the guitar that was his father’s. It spills out of the gang violence that killed his father and sent his mother into hiding, and the shame he feels about abandoning his eight-year-old brother to a violent home. But Taukiri’s brother, Ārama, is braver than he looks, and he has a friend, and his friend has a dog, and the three of them together might just be strong enough to turn back the tide of sadness. This bestselling multi-award-winning novel is both raw and sublime, introducing a compelling new voice in New Zealand fiction.Trade Review‘There is something so assured and flawless in the delivery of the writing voice that is almost like acid on the skin.’ -- Tara June Winch, co-judge of the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction 2020‘It reminds me of The Bone People and of Once Were Warriors. The writing has a wild, intuitive sort of magic.’ -- Catherine Woulfe * The Spinoff *‘This is the kind of social realist New Zealand fiction I’m thrilled to see … This is a real punch-in-the-guts kind of novel but while it deals with themes of domestic violence, gang culture, grief, and fractured families and, is at times, a heartbreaking read; it is also a beautifully pitched and nuanced hopeful story about the power of love, friendship, and family … I think everybody should read Auē. It’s a book that people will still be talking about in decades to come.’ -- Kiran Dass * NZ Herald *‘Manawatu has an ability to write grisly, horrifying details yet also keep one eye on our hearts. She builds tangible characters that have beauty and wonder, bright dreams, and enduring strength, alongside others that you wish she could unwrite. There are many elements of this book that give a nod to Keri Hulme’s The Bone People. The young boy at the centre, the violence, the isolated South Island backdrop, the secret ‘Bones Bay’ all recall Hulme, but the most important similarity is the way both authors write with such earthy grace and pull you into a world that is as repelling as it is intriguing.’ -- Arihia Latham * Landfall *‘Auē is not just the story of two boys, it is the story of a family, people who are born into it, and those who become part of it. We travel through past and present, lives come together and are held together by strands of pain, cruelty, hardship, brutality, music, and love. Throughout is the image of birds, some broken and battered, some who manage to fly. Some who sing. The writer knows exactly what she’s doing and takes us with her. I could not stop reading.’ -- Renée‘A deep and powerful work, maybe even the most successfully achieved portrayal of underclass New Zealand life since Once Were Warriors.’ -- Steve Braunias * Newsroom *‘This is a confronting book, but it’s superbly written, with the undercurrent of distress escalating as the pages progress … until it explodes in a devastating climax … Like Alan Duff’s Once There Were Warriors, this novel doesn’t shy away from depicting the dysfunctional aspects of Maori gang culture and the violence of toxic masculinity … This gift for dialogue is matched by a raw authenticity which propels the novel along until it becomes unputdownable.’ -- Lisa Hill * ANZ LitLovers *‘It’s a compelling, riveting story that feels likes riding the waves, moments of joy at the heights, the threat of doom as they crash. And the poetry of the in-between, the goodness inherent within the young and those who have been loved, the healing that can happen when families reconnect, the ceaseless drama of life. The characterisation is so well done, unsentimental but deeply empathetic, the vulnerability of some sits in deep contrast to the brutal nature of others, the tension almost unbearable. A 5 star read — extraordinary literary fiction.’ -- Claire McAlpine * Word by Word *‘Auē! — a cry of distress — calling out throughout this extraordinary novel of fear and violence, of families torn apart, and people trying to find connection and safety … As you read, you empathise so much with the characters, that the mystery of what exactly has happened and how the people are related to each other is totally absorbing. And the tension of the last few chapters almost unbearable … A remarkable book.’ -- Alyson Baker * alysontheblog *‘To attempt a plot overview of Auē is difficult because the characters and events intersect and reveal themselves in an order not chronological but like a good mystery, a puzzle fragment at a time. The fragments, often violent, or sad, or beautiful, or funny, all perfectly fit each other and create something more than their parts, but defy a easy summation … cleverly constructed.’ -- Renee Rowland * The Twizel Bookshop *‘Auē means to cry or wail, which is at the heart of this novel. It gnaws away at you, it consumes you; you can't stop thinking about it, trying to understand it, trying to find hope … a fitting title for this book as there is an underlying sense of sorrow that binds the generations together. It details intergenerational trauma and shares a journey on how this trauma can impact future generations and leave unseen scars breaking the essence and spirit of a person. Manawatu weaves the sorrowful call throughout the book, but there are just enough pockets of hope to allow the reader to imagine a better future for all the characters.’ -- Wiki Mulholland * Emirates Literature Foundation *‘It’s about the intergenerational nature of this violence, how ruinous lack of tenderness breeds further ruin. The violence is strongly gendered, the men incapable of expressing themselves except through fists … If lack of tenderness is the cause of all this suffering, aroha, love, is the answer. Throughout Auē love comes to the rescue, even if it is often thwarted. Culture and belonging are key to this love … The writing is cinematic, the dialogue heightened, the action coming in staccato bursts.’ -- James Whitmore * The Library is Open *‘Auē is a heartbreaking yet gripping drama … Despite the misery faced by its characters, the book maintains a sense of hope … [Auē] stands out for its stark yet careful approach to depicting confronting and uncomfortable subjects. It’s reminiscent of Douglas Stuart’s Shuggie Bain and Romy Ash’s Floundering in its exploration of tragedy through the innocent eyes of a child.’ -- Brad Jefferies * Books+Publishing *‘The word auē is a Maori verb to cry, howl, groan, wail, bawl and yes, yes, yes, yes and yes, you may do all of these things when reading Becky Manawatu’s incredibly assured debut novel. Small word, big emotions – and the perfect title for a book that deals in deceptively simple narration and oceanic feeling … Manawatu elicits compassion from ugly places, and threads through redemptive spiritual beauty, and innocence, too, via alternating voices.’ -- Lucy Clark * The Guardian *‘Delivered in rapid-fire, punchy prose, Auē is the remarkably assured debut of Becky Manawatu. Tracing the story Taukiri, it’s a confronting portrait of his family life — one that has been devastated by gang violence. Brutal in its themes, but permeated by hope, it’s little wonder that it’s already resonated so strongly with critics and fans alike in Manawatu’s native New Zealand.’ * Happy Mag *‘Much has been made of the violence in this novel … [but in] so many ways, Auē is quite different … more hopeful and tender … In bringing to the page characters who maim, but also characters who love fiercely, Manawatu has had to enter the aching heart of this story and bring her characters back from dark places. Auē has done well because it is expertly crafted, but also because it has something indefinable: enthralling, puzzling, gripping and familiar, yet otherworldly.’ -- Tina Makereti * The Guardian *‘[R}emarkable … In Manawatu's precise prose, even the most ruthless acts are imbued with poetry. Auē is a complex and gripping read, exploring identity, race and redemption.’ -- Dasha Maiorova * The Big Issue *‘Genre-defying, Manawatu’s writing creates an unusual mix of heart-in-your-mouth gang crime and a pensive, deeply moving family drama … Manawatu’s Maori heritage comes through with great heart, hope, and vibrancy by drawing on the natural landscape, Maori myths and the social issues and exclusions that face the modern Maori experience.’ -- Fiona Murphy * Irish Examiner *‘[Auē's] strengths emerge partly through an unwillingness to flinch at bleakness, partly through the depth of emotion, and ultimately the resilience it also portrays.’ * The Sydney Morning Herald *‘[Manawatu's] prose is as changeable as the ocean: fluid most of the time, choppy and fragmented during intense moments. Each narrator contributes a unique perspective, their voices weaving together to form a coherent, devastating tale … Auē is a novel about how trauma can spread from one generation to the next, and how it is never too late for second chances.’ -- Eileen Gonzalez * Foreword Reviews *‘Manawatu’s writing is tender, concise and cinematic, the narrative populated as much by loving, supportive men as it is by broken, violent ones. Her superb incorporation of popular music recalls – perhaps not coincidentally – the Midas touch of Quentin Tarantino, whose Django Unchained serves as both motif and character development, representing the irrepressible spirit of children who find joy in the ugliest sides of life and the pall of colonialism that hovers over the story. Manawatu slides between perspectives and time frames, abruptly introducing characters without losing command of the narrative, making revelations and connections at just the right time, the short chapters letting the story unfurl like a rich tapestry.’ -- Ruby Hamad * The Saturday Paper *‘“Auē” is the Maori word for a howling cry, and this layered work weaves a striking tapestry of fierce love and unflinching violence worthy of its poetic title … Manawatu excels at enriching her characters and story lines with heartbreaking detail … [A] devastating, beautifully written tale imbued with Maori culture and language.’ -- Gregory Brown * The New York Times *‘Auē is a vivid and profound work.’ -- Jessica Oliver * The Canberra Times *‘Read this book if you love great fiction and want to discover a powerful new voice from New Zealand.’ -- Emily Paull * The AU Review *
£9.49
Valley Press Spring Fever
Book Synopsis
£10.80
Fly on the Wall Press Maps of Imaginary Towns
Book SynopsisFROM THE AUTHOR OF 'BRICK MOTHER' AND 'GUEST'COMES A MOVING SHORT STORY DEBUT. From futuristic colonies to drab estates, SJ Bradley's inventive stories showcase remarkable range. With lyrical prose and psychological depth, Bradley illuminates the quiet heroism pulsing through seemingly ordinary lives. Beleaguered, yet resourceful social workers battle towering workloads; a harassed elderly childminder collapses under the strain; a victim of domestic abuse strikes out for freedom and disgruntled workers in dead-end jobs dream of a brighter future. These vividly rendered tales trace hard-won solace through small acts of courage, exploring grief, ambition, and belonging. Maps of Imaginary Towns celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.
£10.79
Muswell Press The Water Garden
Book SynopsisSarah has given up her career and moved to the countryside to bring up her two young children, while her husband works long hours in London. Alone, she explores the fields and the woods near her home and discovers a lake, a memorial bench for a boy who drowned in mysterious circumstances, and Finn, a beautiful troubled teenager who plays truant from school. As Sarah pieces the mystery together, an uncomfortable attraction between her and Finn builds. She knows that this blossoming relationship is wrong but the chemistry between them is difficult to resist. Their relationship reaches a climax over one hot summer, threatening to destroy everything that she holds dear. Woven into Sarah's story are the voices of two other women connected to her family - Maggie, the RAF nurse and Flavia, the Italian girl. As their stories unfold, a secret is revealed, binding Sarah and Finn in a way that they would never guess.Trade Review'Beautifully written and very English in its landscape-love, family-love and garden-love.' Fay Weldon. 'You've done an incredible job of creating subtle drama and menace, sensuality and enchantment out of the ordinary and domestic. This is wonderful writing.' Patricia Wastvedt, Author of The River and The German Boy.
£10.44
Open Pen Never Seen The Sea
Book Synopsis
£5.99
Baumhaus Verlag GmbH Dumm gelaufen!
Book Synopsis
£14.96
Bonnier Books Ltd The Library of Heartbeats
Book Synopsis'GOOD FOR THE SOUL' iNews'MESMERISING' Sunday Post'LYRICAL' iPaper'TENDER AND MOVING' Woman's OwnA POWERFUL, MOVING NOVEL OF GRIEF, HOPE, FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE BASED ON A REAL HEARTBEAT ARCHIVE ON AN ISLAND IN JAPAN.To find what you have lost, you must listen to your heart . . .On the peaceful Japanese island of Teshima there is a library of heartbeats, a place where the heartbeats of visitors from all around the world are collected. In this small, isolated building, the heartbeats of people who are still alive or have already passed away continue to echo.Several miles away, in the ancient city of Kamakura, two lonely souls meet: Shuichi, a forty-year-old illustrator, who returns to his home-town to fix up the house of his recently deceased mother, and eight-year-old Kenta, a child who wanders like a shadow around Shuichi's house.Day by day, the trust between Shuichi and Kenta grows until they discover they share a bond that will tie them together for life. Their journey will lead them to Teshima and to the library of heartbeats . . .PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR AND THE PHONE BOX AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD:'Absolutely breathtaking' Christy Lefteri, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo'A moving and uplifting anatomisation of grief' Sunday Times'Strangely beautiful, uplifting and memorable, it's a book to savour' Choice, Book of the Month'A poignant, atmospheric novel' Daily Mail'A striking haiku of the human heart' The Times'Beautiful. A message of hope for anyone who is lost, frightened or grieving' Clare Mackintosh'Incredibly moving. It will break your heart and soothe your soul' Stacey Halls'Mesmerising . . . beautiful . . . a joy to read' Joanna Glen, Costa shortlisted author of The Other Half of Augusta Hope'Spare and poetic, this beautiful book is both a small, quiet love story and a vast expansive meditation on grieving and loss' Heat'A perfect poignant read' Woman & Home
£9.49
Boldwood Books Ltd Truly, Madly, Greekly: The perfect romantic
Book SynopsisSun, sea and a sexy stranger – a whole lot of fun just got a lot more complicatedCapable, confident and career-driven, Ellen had her dream job and a marriage proposal from boyfriend Ross. Life was good, her future set. Until it wasn’t and everything fell apart…Whisked off to the beautiful island of Corfu to plan her sister Lacey’s big, fat, Greek wedding, Ellen is hoping some time out will help clear her head and heal her heart. But letting go of her past is not going to be easy.With Lacey in full-on Bridezilla mode, Ellen is soon distracted from her own problems. And when the all-inclusive treats on offer at hotel Blue Vue include one gorgeous, brooding Adonis – Yan – Ellen finds him difficult to resist.But Ellen isn’t looking for love or lust, or anything involving too much ouzo…or is she?'A really cool story with poignant moments and lots of sunshine. Loved it!' Patricia Wilson, author of An Island PromiseOriginally published in 2015
£10.44
Fitzcarraldo Editions Zone
Book SynopsisFrancis Mirkovic, a French Intelligence Services agent for fifteen years, is travelling first class on the train from Milan to Rome. Handcuffed to the luggage rack above him is a briefcase containing a wealth of information about the war criminals, terrorists and arms dealers of the Zone the Mediterranean region, from Barcelona to Beirut, from Algiers to Trieste, which has become his speciality to sell to the Vatican. Exhausted by alcohol and amphetamines, he revisits the violent history of the Zone and his own participation in that violence, beginning as a mercenary fighting for a far-right Croatian militia in the 1990s. One of the truly original books of the decade, and written as a single, hypnotic, propulsive, physically irresistible sentence, Mathias Enard'sZoneis an Iliad for our time, an extraordinary and panoramic view of violent conflict and its consequences in the twentieth century and beyond
£9.49
Peninsula Press Ltd The Visitor
Book SynopsisA haunting novella from one of the twentieth century's greatest writers
£10.44
Cornerstone The Memory Book
Book SynopsisA wonderful husband, two beautiful children, a job she lovesClaire has it all. And then some. But lately, her world has started to feel uncertain. Her mother hovers more than a helicopter, her husband seems like a stranger, and her children are like characters in a movie. More concerning is that Claire is losing her memory. When she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, Claire begins to fill the pages of a blank book with private memories and keepsakes. Soon, the book becomes the story of Claire - her passions, her sorrows, her joys, and her adventures in a life that refuses to disappear. Praise for Rowan Coleman's bestselling novels: Magical' Matt HaigOne of those writers I will follow anywhere' Katie FfordeSuch a brilliant writer' Jill MansellBeautiful' Marian Keyes
£9.49
Eye Books The Inalienable Right
Book SynopsisTommy Wildblood Book 3
£9.49
Swift Press The End of DrumTime
Book SynopsisShortlisted for the National Book AwardA story of forbidden love and fugitive faith in the nineteenth century Arctic Circle'Transports readers deep into an unfamiliar world, yet with familiar conflicts and desires. I was absorbed and changed. Absolutely beautiful' Tracy Chevalier, bestselling author of Girl With a Pearl EarringIn 1851, at a remote village in the Scandinavian tundra, a Lutheran minister known as Mad Lasse tries in vain to convert the native Sámi reindeer herders to his faith. But when one of the most respected herders has a dramatic awakening and dedicates his life to the church, his impetuous son, Ivvár, is left to guard their diminishing herd alone. By chance, he meets Mad Lasse's daughter Willa, and their blossoming infatuation grows into something that ultimately crosses borders-of cultures, of beliefs, and of political divides-as Willa follows the herders on their arduous annual migration north to the sea. Gorgeously written and sweeping in scope, Hanna Pylväinen's The End of Drum-Time immerses readers in a world lit by the northern lights, steeped in age-old rituals, and guided by passions that transcend place and time.
£9.87
Transworld Persuader
Book Synopsis** REACHER SEASON 3: OUT NOW ON PRIME VIDEO**"Ballsy, dynamic and not for the faint-hearted." (Daily Mail)Never forgive, never forget.Jack Reacher lives for the moment. Without a home. Without commitment. But he has a burning desire to right wrongs - and rewrite his own agonizing past.Never apologize. Never explain.When Reacher witnesses a brutal kidnap attempt, he takes the law into his own hands. But a cop dies. Has Reacher lost his sense of right and wrong?INCLUDES A BONUS SHORT STORY BY LEE CHILD AND TESS GERRITSEN._________Although the Jack Reacher novels can be read in any order, Persuader is the seventh in the series.And be sure not to miss Reacher''s newest adventure, no.29, In Too Deep! ***OUT NOW***
£9.49
Profile Dengue Boy
Book SynopsisAN IRISH INDEPENDENT BOOK TO CATCH YOUR IMAGINATION IN 2025'An incandescent imagination' Valeria LuiselliThe year is 2272. New York and Buenos Aires were submerged years ago and the Patagonian archipelagos are the only habitable lands on Earth. Here, Dengue Boy is a humanoid mosquito whose monstrous appearance repulses everyone, including his own mother.As the world spirals to its end, Dengue Boy searches for the meaning of his life and his true origins. Elsewhere, adults exploit the value of pandemics on the Stock Exchange and waste the last of Earth's resources, while their privileged children plug into virtual realities and stream violent video games. For readers of China Miéville, Samanta Schweblin and Mariana Enríquez, with joyful, savage flair, Dengue Boy blends body horror and cyberpunk to deliver an extraordinary portrait of a demented future.
£11.69
Pushkin Press Orpheus Builds A Girl
Book SynopsisThe hotly anticipated debut novel from award-winning author Heather Parry, Orpheus Builds a Girl is a truly chilling modern Gothic, based on a true story of sexual obsession and evil masquerading as love. For fans of Carmen Maria Machado, Eliza Clark, Kristen Roupenian and Julia Armfield
£10.44
Little, Brown Book Group The Satisfaction Cafe
Book Synopsis''Vivid and precise, deliciously cool-eyed, immensely readable'' Jonathan Franzen''Evokes the narrative power of classic Anne Tyler'' Janice Y.K. Lee, author of The Piano Teacher''I loved this novel and its heroine so much. A must-read'' J. Courtney Sullivan, author of The CliffsJoan Liang''s life is a series of surprising developments: she never thought she would leave Taiwan (and for all places, California), nor did she expect her first marriage to implode - especially as quickly and spectacularly as it did. She definitely did not expect to fall in love with an older, wealthy American and become his fourth wife and mother to his youngest children. Through all this she asks herself the question familiar to so many of us: what are we living for? And are we ever truly satisfied? Vivid, comic and intensely moving, The Satisfaction Café is a novel about all of the joy, sorrow, betrayal and beauty that come with marriage and family - and above all, about life''s endless capacity to surprise us.
£17.00
ORION Summer Rolls
Book Synopsis
£17.00
Dialogue Palm Meridian
Book SynopsisA long-lost love. And end-of-life party. One last chance to change everything... Grace & Frankie meets The Notebook in this rollicking, big-hearted story of love, friendship and a life well-lived, set at a retirement resort for queer women in 2067, Florida, on the last day of resident Hannah Cardin's life.
£17.00
Hodder & Stoughton Sky Daddy
Book SynopsisFor fans of The New Me and The Pisces, the hilarious and surprisingly uplifting story of a woman whose one desire is to unite forever with a plane in a crash. The debut novel from the acclaimed author of Out There
£17.09
Boldwood Books Ltd The Vintage Village Bake Off: The BRAND NEW
Book SynopsisNow in his seventies, Robert Parkin is stunned to find himself the unlikely sex symbol of the village gardening club.Living in happy solitude with his cat Isaac Mewton in the Devon village of Millbrook, entertained by his mischievous chickens and goats, Robert has never figured out the rules of romance. But as the local ladies vie for his company, it soon becomes clear that Robert’s Victoria Sponge cake is the lure, and as his baking prowess grows, so does his confidence.Cheesecakes, meringues, puddings, Robert can do it all, but his real masterpieces are his scones – ginger, rosemary, coconut, fruit, his recipes are inspired and soon come to the attention of the local media. Which county does the best cream tea – Devon or Cornwall? It’s time for an age-old debate to be settled with a competition.Robert’s sisters Bunty and Hattie are both at crossroads in their lives, so news of their brother’s baking competition is the perfect excuse to bring them to Millbrook. And as the siblings relish each other’s company, and Robert relishes being at the heart of his community, a summer of scones may just light the way to long-lasting happiness for them all.Enjoy Judy Leigh’s wonderful world of family, friendship and feasting in this perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.'What a happy, uplifting book this is. Set in Devon with a skilful look at village life, second chances and finally finding happiness in unexpected places, Judy Leigh conjures up a wonderful story and some unforgettable characters. Highly recommended!' Maddie Please‘I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle romantic comedy which made me laugh a lot and cry a little. No one says it better than Judy - it’s never too late to find love.’ Julia JarmanReaders love Judy Leigh:‘I have been a fan of Judy's work for quite a while now. I love the way in which she writes such fun, feel good, heart-warming and uplifting stories.’‘Judy Leigh is a refreshing writer that writes about older characters… and I have to say that I do not hesitate to pick up a book when Judy has written it. They are always such delightful reads that teach us that life doesn't have to become boring when you get old… A true pleasure to read.’‘Judy Leigh’s writing is special. She understands people and relationships; she writes of strong, authentic, inspirational women. She realises that becoming older brings health concerns but it’s not all doom and gloom, the women in her books shine! They don’t have perfect lives, but they are survivors, they keep going and achieve new things.’‘What an absolutely heart-warming story about lifelong friendships set in a wonderful community in a delightful village. The central characters are strong but gentle who support each other through life's ups and downs as well as supporting others in need. This was such a great story that I would save and read again.’‘The Golden Oldies’ Book Club is an entertaining read, written with warmth, humour and a message not to let chances slip by. Themes of friendship, community and navigating life and its opportunities run throughout.’‘A lovely warm read about family and closeness. This author never disappoints, always a joy to find one of her books which I haven’t read.’‘Such a good read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their lives as we are gradually introduced. It's refreshing to have a cast of older characters in the lead - reminds everyone that life isn't over when you reach middle age and beyond.’‘A captivating cosy read written with warmth and humour—friendship, emotion, love, joy, and laughter are abundant throughout the pages of this wonderful story.’Praise for Judy Leigh:‘Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting’ Miranda Dickinson'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life… a wonderful escapade’ Fiona Gibson
£20.69
Boldwood Books Ltd The Secret of Villa Alba: The beautifully
Book SynopsisFrom Number 1 bestselling author Louise Douglas.1968, Sicily. Just months after a terrible earthquake has destroyed the mountain town of Gibellina, Enzo and his wife Irene Borgata are making their way back to the family home, Villa Alba, on roads overlooked by the eerie backdrop of the flattened ghost town. When their car breaks down, Enzo leaves his young wife to go and get help, but when he returns there is no trace of Irene. No body, no sign of a struggle, nothing.2003. TV showman and true crime aficionado Milo Conti is Italy’s darling, uncovering and solving historic crimes for his legion of fans. When he turns his attention to the story of the missing Irene Borgata, accusing her husband of her murder, Enzo’s daughter Maddi asks her childhood friend, retired detective April Cobain, for help to prove her father’s innocence. But the tale April discovers is murky: mafia meetings, infidelity, mistaken identity, grief and unshakable love. As the world slowly closes in on the claustrophobic Villa Alba, and the house begins to reveal its secrets, will the Borgata family wish they’d never asked April to investigate? And what did happen to Enzo’s missing wife Irene? Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with an irresistibly compelling, intriguing and captivating tale of betrayal, love, jealousy and the secrets buried in every family history.Praise for Louise Douglas:'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh 'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read'Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away. C.L. Taylor, author of The Accident on Your Beautiful Lies**‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen, author of The Broken‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings, author of Sworn Secret‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’ Sunday Express, S Magazine
£20.69
Transworld Publishers Ltd By Your Side
Book SynopsisDON'T MISS THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE BAFTA-WINNING CO-WRITER OF GAVIN & STACEY. 'Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can't help but fall in love with the characters she creates.' JAMES CORDENThe joyful and life-affirming new novel from the co-creator of Gavin and Stacey and the Richard and Judy Book Club author of Love Untold. Linda and Levi will never meet. But they're going to change each other's lives. In her role at the council's Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda Standish investigates the lives of those who've died alone and tracks down any living relatives. She's been a friend to the friendless for the past thirty-three years. And now she's looking forward to an early retirement. But before she hangs up her lanyard, Linda must take on one last case that of Levi Norman Jones a Welshman who'd made his home on a remote Scottish island for the past five years. What brought Levi here? And who did he leave behind? Obliged to travel (by hearse) with her arch nemesis Fergus Murray, and helped (and hindered) by the eccentric local residents, Linda searches for clues to a life now lost. And in the process unexpectedly makes new friends, and discovers things about herself she never knew. Bursting with all the heart and humour that has made Ruth's name as a screenwriter and author, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding onto friendship, love and community especially when life gets messy. AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW. Praise for Ruth Jones:Ruth Jones is excellent on human nature and why we make the mistakes we do' JOJO MOYESA cast of characters you'll lose your heart to.' ADELE PARKS'Beautifully warm and totally absorbing.' JANE FALLON
£18.70
Swift Press Tiananmen Square
Book Synopsis''An extraordinary book. Truly important'' William Boyd''Outstanding ... Intimate as well as epic'' Sunday Times''Poignant and powerful'' Daily Mail''Utterly gripping'' The Spectator''Beautiful and devastating'' Irish NewsSunday Times Best Summer Reads 2024Longlisted for the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award 2025Shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2025A stunning, deeply moving novel about growing up in Beijing in the 1970s and 80s and taking part in Tiananmen Square protestsIt is Beijing in the 1970s, and Lai lives with her parents, grandmother and younger brother in a small flat in a working-class area. Her grandmother is a formidable figure no-nonsense and uncompromising, but loving towards her granddaughter while her ageing beauty of a mother snipes at her father, a sunken figure who has taken refuge in his work.As she grows up, Lai comes to discern the realities of the country she lives is: an early encounter with the police haunts her for years; her father makes her see that his quietness is a reaction to experiences he has lived through; and an old bookseller subtly introduces her to ideas and novels that open her mind to different perspectives. But she also goes through what anyone goes through when young the ebbs and flows of friendships; troubles and rewards at home and at school; and the first steps and missteps in love.A gifted student, she is eventually given a scholarship to study at the prestigious Peking University; while there she meets new friends, and starts to get involved in the student protests that have been gathering speed. It is the late 1980s, and change is in the air...A truly remarkable novel about coming to see the world as it is, Tiananmen Square is the story of one girl's life growing up in the China of the 1970s and 80s, as well as the story of the events in 1989 that give the novel its name: the hope and idealism of a generation of young students, their heroism and courage, and the price that some of them paid.5 STAR READER REVIEWSCaptivating, intimate and so moving, I finished it in tears'Wow! This was a stunning novel'Probably one of the most memorable, poignant, emotional books I''ve ever read This will crawl for a while under my skin. Can I give a 6th star?'A brilliant and important read'Beautifully written. I read it slowly as I wanted to savour every word'There is something so deeply touching, tender yet powerful in the writing This coming-of-age story is compelling, haunting, emotive and written beautifully. By the end, it left me in tears. It is a book I will long remember'
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Girls Who Dared to Love
Book SynopsisThree girls seem to have the world at their feet in the summer of 1914. But World War I is coming and things will change forever especially for women.Debutante Lucinda McFarlane is engaged to be married to Major Sir David Melcome, but their society wedding has to be scaled right down when war is declared and David is recalled to his regiment.Mabel Oakley, once a maid for the McFarlanes, has inherited Thomas Clarke's printing works, but an unexpected turn of events leaves her at the mercy of her father's old enemy, solicitor John Sheridan. What can she do?Lady Diana Fosse-Bury is incredibly beautiful and reckless. When war is declared she immediately wants to be in the thick of it. Can her budding romance with Lucinda McFarlane's brother Iain survive the Western front?With war coming, the destinies of these three girls will soon be entwined forever, but only if they dare to love in the face of the dangers ahead of them.Praise for Diney Costeloe:''Truly captivating.'' Woman & Home''Diney Costeloe delivers an inspiring, heart-rending read with a wonderfully strong female protagonist.'' Woman''s Own''A treat from the very first page. I could not put it down!'' Historical Novel Society''Historical fiction heaven... Anyone who feels that women''s hist fict is a simplified genre sub-set would definitely need a rethink after this.'' The Bookbag
£9.49
Boldwood Books Ltd Fairytale of New York: The BRAND NEW warm,
Book SynopsisNew from the NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Note. A must-read winter romance for fans of When Harry Met Sally!'A wonderful read that’s got everything – romance, suspense, a New York Christmas setting and an unputdownable plot.' Samantha TongeThirty-two-year-old Charlie Brown has a plane to catch.As Christmas approaches, she is New York bound, to be reunited with boyfriend Harry after work has kept them apart.But once she lands, Harry is nowhere to be found…There’s no hand-drawn sign with her name being brandished at the gate. No answer from Harry's phone. And all at once, Charlie’s worst fears come true.What has happened to Harry? And what should Charlie do now that she’s an ocean away from home?As Charlie slowly comes to terms with her predicament, she makes a decision. She’s not leaving New York without finding out the truth, and with a little help from her handsome new friend Pete, there might still be a path to happily-ever-after…Bestseller Zoë Folbigg returns with a page-turning story of love, friendship and learning to believe in your own worth. Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle, JoJo Moyes and David Nicholls.Praise for Zoë Folbigg:'The Three Loves of Sebastian Cooper is a cleverly constructed, brilliantly insightful book with a glorious cast of characters. You’ll be racing through the final chapters!' Paige Toon'A beautifully-written, perfectly-crafted novel about love, loss and family that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I love how we meet the entire cast of characters (some of whom you'll love, others you'll hate!) in the present and then weave back in time to discover their connection to the infamous Sebastian Cooper. Pacy, evocative, intriguing and complex - I loved it! Lorraine Brown'Folbigg's beautiful tale of love and loss owned my heart from page one. Riveting and touching with an intriguing cast of characters from Sebastian Cooper's past and present, this gorgeous story is a must-read. Highly recommend!' Jacquelyn Middleton'Zoë Folbigg's new novel, The Three Lives of Sebastian Cooper is a brilliant, warm-hearted take on the complexities of love, and the messiness and joy of family life.' Ian Critchley, book reviewer'The Night We Met will warm and break your heart in equal measure, and make you laugh out loud and sob quietly. A lovely gem.' Heat'Bestselling author Zoë works her magic again in this lovely tale' Now! on The Distance
£20.69
Canelo Immaculate Conception
Book SynopsisA portrait of companionship achingly tender and twisted that captures the tenuous line between love and possession.Mathilde is a dizzyingly talented, tortured artist whose star is on the rise and Enka, struggling to create art that feels original, is immediately drawn to her.The two strike up a close friendship, but when Mathilde's fame reaches new heights, her work becoming more and more extreme, Enka becomes desperate to keep her close no matter the cost.Enka falls in love with and marries a billionaire whose family's company is funding new technology purported to enhance empathy, and which could allow someone else to inhabit Mathilde's mind and absorb the trauma infecting her brain.But as their codependency deepens, the boundaries between Mathilde and Enka begin to blur, setting in motion a haunting series of events that will forever change their lives.Blisteringly smart, thought-provoking, and eerily timely, Immaculate Conception deftly navigates big questions of art, technology, authorship, and what makes us human. Its answers will haunt you long after you turn the final page.Praise for Immaculate Conception Huang's brilliant, imaginative, and ambitious novel gripped me from beginning to end. I loved every moment of it' Monika Kim, author of The Eyes Are the Best PartHuang, the real-life genius holding the palette, deftly weaves competition, longing, fantastical technology, and gobsmacking imagery into an unforgettable tale... utterly gripping: an immersive, transformative read' Sierra Greer, author of Annie Bot
£13.49
Boldwood Books Ltd Welcome To The Cornish Country Hospital: The
Book SynopsisPerfect for fans of Grey's Anatomy, a brand new series from bestselling author Jo Bartlett… Welcome to The Cornish Country Hospital!A new start…When Danni Carter moves to Cornwall from London, she hopes it will be the fresh start she so desperately needs. She’s nervous, but hopefully the change of scene will help her to finally forget her feelings for Lucas Newman, a man she can never be with, because he’s already engaged to Danni’s best friend, Esther.An Impossible Dilemma…But when Lucas and Esther decide to follow Danni to Cornwall, and both announce they will be working with her at the new St Piran’s hospital, Danni is thrown into turmoil again. She can’t lose Esther, but being near Lucas is getting harder to deal with. Will she have to give up her new life before it’s even started?A chance to start again?Throwing herself into work, Danni finds herself drawn to new patient, Connie Berrycloth, a woman Danni knows has dark secrets of her own. Secrets that are about to be revealed….As the two women form a friendship, Danni begins to realise that letting go of her dreams might be the only way of holding on to the people she loves.Praise for Jo Bartlett:'Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett.' Jessica Redland'Perfectly written and set in the beating heart of a community, this story is a wonderful slice of Cornish escapism.' Helen J Rolfe'I was drawn in from the first word, I’ve laughed and cried, what a really lovely story' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'I would highly recommend this book for a bit of fantastic escapism and love conquering all.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'A heart warming tale which I enjoyed reading very much.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
£20.69
Cornerstone The Time of our Singing
Book Synopsis
£10.44
Cornerstone The Gold Bug Variations
Book Synopsis
£10.44
Cornerstone Star Wars Rogue Planet
Book SynopsisThe Force is strong in twelve-year-old Anakin Skywalker . . . so strong that the Jedi Council, despite misgivings, entrusted young Obi-Wan Kenobi with the mission of training him to become a Jedi Knight. Obi-Wan like his slain Master Qui-Gon believes Anakin may be the chosen one, the Jedi destined to bring balance to the Force. But first Obi-Wan must help his undisciplined apprentice, who still bears the scars of slavery, find his own balance. Dispatched to the mysterious planet of Zonama Sekot, source of the fastest ships in the galaxy, Obi-Wan and Anakin are swept up in a swirl of deadly intrigue and betrayal. They sense a disturbance in the Force unlike any they have encountered before. It seems there are more secrets on Zonama Sekot than meet the eye. But the search for those secrets will threaten the bond between Obi-Wan and Anakin . . . and bring the troubled young apprentice face-to-face with his deepest fearsand his darkest destiny.
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Most
Book SynopsisFrom 'one of our most thrilling and singular innovators on the page' (Laura Van Den Berg), a tightly wound, consuming tale about a 1950s American housewife, for fans of Jennifer Egan, Jonathan Franzen and Taffy Brodesser-AknerLONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD 2024A Barnes & Noble BEST BOOK of 2024'Clever, moving and unexpected. A brilliantly deft and subtle story.' - Emma Healey, author of Elizabeth is Missing---A warm Sunday in November 1957. As Sputnik 2 orbits the earth, carrying Laika, the doomed Soviet dog, a couple begin their day. Virgil Beckett, an insurance salesman, isn't particularly happy in his job but he fulfils the role, playing golf with the partners, drinking in the bar, chasing the women. Kathleen Beckett, once a promising tennis champion, with a key shot up her sleeve called The Most', is now a mother and homemaker. Somehow these two, who have been together since college, have fallen into the roles expected of them the prescribed suburban dream they have been sold as something to covet, something that will fulfil their lives. But on this unseasonably warm, early November Sunday, Kathleen wakes up and decides that she will not be accompanying her family to church. No, she feels like a swim. She unearths her old, red bathing suit and descends into the apartment complex pool no other resident uses. And she doesn't want to come out___Praise for Jessica Anthony's ENTER THE AARDVARK'A truly fresh piece of art' Percival Everett'Fresh, witty, smart' Kate Atkinson'Highly inventive' Joshua Ferris'A writer possessed of mind-bending talents' Heidi Julavits
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love
Book SynopsisThose we love are never forgotten and it is never too late to try againFUNNY, UPLIFTING STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP AND FINDING LOVE IN UNEXPECTED PLACES, FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LENNI AND MARGOT'Heart-tuggingly lovely'*****'Can't wait to recommend' *****'Poignant, funny, emotional' *****'Read it. You'll be glad you did' *****'This book is pure joy' Prima______________Eddie Winston is ninety years old. He has lived and he has loved, but he has never been kissed. A true gentleman and incurable romantic, Eddie spends his days volunteering at a charity shop, where he sorts through the donations of the living and the dead, preserving letters and tokens of love along the way. It is here that he meets Bella, a troubled young woman who, aged twenty-four, has just lost the love of her life. When Bella learns that Eddie is yet to have his first kiss, she resolves to help him finally find love, sparking an adventure that will take them to unexpected places and, they hope, bring Eddie to the moment he has waited for all his life. As Bella helps Eddie and Eddie helps, well, everyone, a soul-stirring story of friendship and kindness unfolds as we see how those we love are never forgotten and it is never too late to try again. ________'Brimming over with kindness and hope' Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins'Lives up to the brilliance of The One Hundred Years of Lenni & Margot and, dare I say it surpasses it' Julietta HendersonReaders adore EDDIE WINSTON:Overflows with joy. You will laugh and cry, mostly happy tears, but not all. Read it you'll be glad you did' *****Absolutely heart-tuggingly lovely' *****4.24 am, and I've just finished this. Beautifully written poignant, funny, emotional and lovely. A huge 5 stars' *****'I couldn't wait to finish it fast enough to recommend to my book-reading bestie' *****
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Never Been Shipped
Book SynopsisThe perfect summer rom-com to escape with! When two ex-bandmates reunite to perform on a cruise ship, sparks fly! Micah's relationship to music is complicated. Her band took off after being featured on a teen TV show, but the group broke up in no small part thanks to Micah's ex, the band's guitarist. Having spent years of trying to make it solo, Micah is offered an opportunity to reunite with the band on a cruise and she reluctantly says yes, even though she'll have to face the ghosts of her past. John has been in love with Micah since they were kids making music together, but never said anything for the sake of the band, her old relationship, and to preserve their friendship. A life away from music has made him miss the way his heart sang with hers, so he boards the cruise too. Onboard, Micah can't help but see John with new eyes, and John's feelings only intensify. As the discordant band's tension grows to a breaking point and they'll have to decide if their relationship is more than a one-hit wonder. PRAISE FOR ALICIA THOMPSON'Unfailingly sweet and surprisingly sexy' JODI PICOULT'Unique, sexy, hilarious, charming' ALI HAZELWOOD'A heartwarming rom-com brimming with smart, snappy dialogue, sizzling chemistry, and lovable side characters' AMY LEA
£9.49
Atlantic Books Our London Lives
Book SynopsisAn epic literary novel which follows two Irish characters over 40 years in London.
£9.49
Boldwood Books Ltd The Flower Shop on Serendipity Lane
Book SynopsisTake a stroll down Serendipity Lane, breathe in the beautiful fragrances of the flowers and see if you can spot the love in the airAfter years of juggling long hours at work, studying for her dream vocation and struggling for money, Sadie realises it's finally time for change. Following her dream to become a florist, Sadie Locke moves her two daughters, Lily and Poppy, into The Flower Shop on Serendipity Lane. But on discovering that her ex-husband's friend and divorce solicitor, Alex Marshal, works next door, Sadie feels her hopes of a fresh start quickly slipping away. And when they're pushed together at a mutual friend's wedding, will Sadie and Alex be able to rekindle a lost friendship or realise too much has come between them?A romantic and heartwarming story, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington.
£20.69
Bedford Square Publishers The InBetween Bookstore
Book SynopsisThe poignant story of a man who finds he can reach out to his younger, troubled self through a very familiar bookshop in his home town.
£9.49
Boldwood Books Ltd The PickPocket Orphans
Book SynopsisThe TOP TEN bestselling Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds.Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can't take another day of her father's cruelty. Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother's sad death, or that's what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold. Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he's happy to take her under his wing. As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can't bear the thought that she might lose her only friend foreverA heartbreaking novel that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. Readers love Lindsey Hutchinson:I love this author's books. Another triumph with lots of twists in the lives of the families. Love, death, great happiness and sadness, even a few murders thrown in' ?????????? Reader ReviewYet another brilliant book by Lindsey Hutchinson. A great storyline and a good page turner. Loved every minute reading it' ?????????? Reader ReviewI didn't want it to end, I have never been disappointed with Lindsey Hutchinson. Can't wait for her next one' ?????????? Reader ReviewThere is so much happening in this book that every single chapter is an absolute page turner. Lindsey Hutchinson is such a wonderful story teller as she reels you right in from the very first chapter' ?????????? Reader ReviewThis book was superb, gripping, heart breaking. I love these two characters in their own role right up to the ending, but I certainly wouldn't like to cross Clarice, she is one psycho woman that wont stop at nothing to get revenge. Readers are going to love this read and it's one of my favourites from this author' ?????????? Reader Review
£20.69
Boldwood Books Ltd The Girl She Left Behind: The BRAND NEW
Book SynopsisA family in turmoil...Phoebe Spencer left home a long time ago, desperate to get away from her mother's emotional manipulation. She knows her life is better away from her family, but she can’t help feeling she’s simply running away from her problems…Then Phoebe hears that her younger sister Lucy has disappeared, leaving behind her four-year old daughter, Darcy. Phoebe's certain Lucy will be back soon - she'd never leave Darcy alone - and then Phoebe can get on with her life again.But as the days pass there's still no sign of Lucy, and everyone begins to fear the worst. Phoebe has to consider the terrible truth that Lucy might never come home. And as their mother makes it clear she wants to take control of Darcy’s life, Phoebe must do all she can to protect the girl her sister left behind – no matter the cost to her.Praise for Jo Bartlett'A triumph from Jo Bartlett.' Bestselling author, Jessica Redland'An emotional roller-coaster from beginning to end! I challenge anyone to read it without their eyes filling up with tears. A real page turner!' Besteslling author Sheila Norton'I was drawn in from the first word, I’ve laughed and cried, what a really lovely story' Reader Review
£20.69
