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 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.
Book SynopsisAn original novel in the expansive universe of Microsoft's bestselling and award-winningHalovideo game series with more than 60 million games sold worldwide!
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Book SynopsisThe unmissable new speculative novel for fans of Station Eleven, The End We Start From and The Last of Us.When the end comes, what will you wish you had done?In 2050s London, fear grips like a vice as a deadly virus sweeps the globe. The British prime minister tells her people to remain calm. A vaccine will be available soon, and as a precautionary measure the children will be whisked away to undisclosed locations, kept safe until the storm passes.Marianne, Downing Street press secretary, doesn't realise the futility until it is far, far too late. When the truth hits her, Marianne is forced to choose: stay with her family, or do whatever she can to help the doomed to survive.As London falls, seven-year-old Maia is one of the last to escape the city. In an evacuation camp, she binds herself to Finn: in the absence of everything she knew, he becomes her new everything.Yet as the years roll on and hope fades, Maia sees the bubble of safety is also a prison. She realises there is only one choice: to leave the camp and find what remains on the outside.An utterly compelling and unforgettable tale of humanity, resilience and the lengths we will go to for love. The Tomorrow Project is the stunning first novel from H Critchlow.
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Book SynopsisYou''re nine when you get your first computer. It''s not long before you discover porn. You don''t know what you''re watching, but you do know that you shouldn''t tell anybody.Later, older, your first kiss is captured on camera and shared with everyone in your year. Part of the incessant cycle of posting, sharing and liking.Now, you can''t remember a time when you didn''t feel hollow inside. Now, you know that something has to change.Chilling, potent and intensely intimate, This Is How You Remember It is about a life lived online, and about finding another way, when it''s all you''ve ever known.
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Book SynopsisThe engrossing and uplifting story of a small boy born with the odds stacked against him, and the decision that alters the course of his life forever
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Book SynopsisWhen the main character, a successful writer, experiences writer's block, he withdraws from his malign fate to Berghof, a Swiss clinic. A number of famous names in world literature are already receiving treatment there, from Martin Amis, Graham Greene and Saul Bellow to J. M. Coetzee. But is Berghof really what it purports to be? And what role does the ever-silent figure of Scheherazade play in the novel? 'My Kingdom is Dying' is not just a hybrid of the genres of confession - detective story, memoir and fictional biography - but also a unique combination of fiction and metafiction, literature and meta-literary reflection. Readers follow a gripping story in which unusual events unobtrusively mingle with meaningful reflection and deep insights.
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Book SynopsisIt is 1998; Lilith, Sash, and Abraxa are teenagers, and they are making Saga of the Sorceress, a game that will change everything, if only for the three of them. A/S/L (an internet initialism for age, sex, location') is a story about videogames and three friends, and the code(s) they learn to survive.
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Book SynopsisA historical novel
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Book SynopsisManchester, 1987. The Ballroom team returns to investigate a play with a history of violent deaths. Detective Inspector Andrew Joyce is determined to prove that the curse is superstitious nonsense, but reluctant 'consultant' Peggy Swan isn't so sure. Together, they must uncover the truth before opening night claims another victim
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Book SynopsisI didn't like to perform. I liked to be loved.'Like Daisy Jones soaked in Britney Spears' Curious' HOLLY BOURNE'It's a delightfully bubblegum novel of hot summer nostalgia' LITHUB'A sexy swagger of a debut' EMMA STRAUBIt is 1997, and Amber Young has received a life-changing call. It's a chance thousands of girls would die for: the opportunity to join girl group Cloud9 in Los Angeles and escape her small town. She quickly finds herself in the orbits of fellow rising stars Gwen Morris, a driven singer-dancer, and Wes Kingston, a member of the biggest boy band in the world, ETA.As Amber embarks on her solo career and her fame intensifies, she increasingly finds herself reduced to a body, a voice, an object. Surrounded by the wrong kind of people and driven by a desire for recognition and success, for love and sex, for agency and connection, Amber comes of age at a time when the kaleidoscope of public opinion can distort everything, and one mistake can shatter a career.Inspired by the starlets of the 90s and noughties who became as infamous for their personal lives as their hypersexualised music videos and lyrics, Honey is a novel about the journey from girlhood to womanhood and how far we are willing to go in the pursuit of love . . .Readers LOVE Honey'Honey is going to be one of THE books of the summer' 'A knockout debut novel' 'Daisy Jones meets 90s/00s early pop!''From start to finish the nostalgia I felt while reading this book was UNREAL!' 'This definitely gives Britney Spears, Mandy Moore and Christina Aguilera vibes''I was captivated every second' 'My favourite book of the year so far, hands down' 'I loved each and every character'
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Book Synopsis''Glamorous, gripping, absolutely heaps of fun'' LUCY FOLEY''Crisp as a gin and tonic and delightfully wicked'' KEVIN KWAN''An old-fashioned mystery in the model of Agatha Christie'' VOGUE, Best Book of 2024______________________Murder. It''s terrible for your karma. Even worse for your holiday.Ro Krishna has just arrived at Samsara, a world-class hotel-spa nestled in the Indian Himalayas. With his charm and Oxford education, he had it all - well, until he left his job under mysterious circumstances. At Samsara, he can relax and enjoy the hotel''s various health and wellness treatments, as well as a sparkling dose of mysticism.Until one of the guests is found dead. As everyone scrambles to figure out what happened, Ro is pulled into an investigation that endangers them all. Because it turns out that it''s not just heiresses and Bollywood stars who have checked in - there''s a murderer in their midst . . ._______________________READERS ARE LOVING DEATH IN THE AIR''Spellbinding''''Excellently paced, wonderful twists''''I LOVED THIS''''Hard to put down''''Will leave you guessing until the very end''
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Book SynopsisRachel North was born in Scarborough and studied English Literature at Oxford University. She has worked as a cleaner, a receptionist, a kitchen designer, a market researcher, a company director, a celebrity shopper and a victim support volunteer. She has an MA in Creative Writing. Under the name Caroline Bond, she is the author of six novels, including two Radio 2 Book Club picks, The Second Child and The Day We Left. She lives in Leeds with her husband and one of her three children... the other two having grown up and escaped.
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Book SynopsisThe new prequel manga to the smash-hit soccer action series Blue Lock! How does a listless slacker who thinks everything's a huge pain turn into one of Japan's top scorers? Find out, as high schooler Reo Mikage sets out to fan the flames of ambition in future soccer prodigy Seishiro Nagi,in Blue Lock: Episode Nagi. Anime movie coming soon!Second-year high school student Reo Mikage wants nothing more than to escape his illustrious family's shadow by becoming a soccer star and winning the World Cup. The only thing that's missing is a talented diamond in the rough who can help him achieve his dream. That's when he sets his sights on Seishiro Nagi, a notorious slacker whose quick reflexes are the only hint of athletic ability. Can Reo find the switch to awaken the beast inside Nagi?
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Book SynopsisAn Yu was born and raised in Beijing. She left at the age of eighteen to study in New York City. A graduate of the NYU MFA in Creative Writing, she writes her fiction in English and lives in Hong Kong. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novels Braised Pork and Ghost Music.
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Book Synopsis''OMG!!... Absolutely gorgeous!!!... STUNNING... I was completely addicted and could not put it down.'' Bookworm86, ?????A mysterious old house, an unforgettable romance and a lost granddaughter escaping to the stunning Irish coast...When broken-hearted Lily Fleury looks up at Magnolia Manor, she''s shocked by the overgrown gardens and crumbling walls. Her grandmother, Sylvia, has always been fiercely independent, but how could she have let this happen to their family home?With the help of local builder Dominic, Lily wastes no time repairing the house to get Sylvia back on her feet. Though Lily is sure Sylvia is hiding the reason she has been struggling, at least Dominic''s fierce green eyes are a welcome distraction from everything Lily ran away from.But when Lily finds a trunk of tattered letters in the gatehouse, she discovers a devastating secret about Magnolia Manor. Lily wanted to save Sylvia, and was falling for Dominic, but will the truth force her to leave and never return?Fans of Mary Alice Monroe, Sheila O''Flanagan and Debbie Macomber will fall head over heels for this gorgeous, feel-good new series set on the stunning windswept beaches of the west coast of Ireland.What readers are saying about The Keeper of the Irish Secret:''I loved everything about this story... absolutely unforgettable, captivating and unputdownable story that I highly recommend. Do yourself a favour and immediately put this book on top of your to be read pile. Ten stars for this one.'' Page Turners, ????? ''Omg!... A stunning, uplifting read!... I was captivated... I felt as if I was right there in beautiful Dingle!... A perfect cosy read... I fell in love with the characters and breezed through this enchanting book in two evenings. I cannot wait for the next books in the Magnolia Manor series!'' @booksbyaisling, ?????''Enchanting... delightful... Love and mystery are intertwined, making this a perfect fascinating page-turner!... Susanne captivates us with her stunning Irish setting, warm writing style, delightful cast, and fun historical family mystery... like returning to visit a much-loved friend.'' Cindylspear, ?????''Captivating... It makes one long to visit Ireland. Don''t wait, grab your copy now!'' @karen_loves_reading, ?????''Full of Irish charm and magic... I got quite swept away... enchanting story... a beautiful family drama and a wonderful way to start what promises to be a gorgeous new series. I''m eagerly awaiting our next trip to Magnolia Manor.'' Sarah K Reads, ?????
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Book SynopsisA visionary, speculative novel for a critical moment in time; a multi-generation family of dreamers and gamers find themselves at the heart of a political uprising that might just change the world.
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Book SynopsisMaggie, or A Man and a Woman walk into a Bar is the profound and brilliantly clever debut in which an Asian-American woman is diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time she finds out that her husband is having an affair with a white woman.Spinning tragedy into comedy, the narrator names the tumour after her husband''s lover and starts talking to it.''Katie Yee is a storyteller extraordinare'' DELIA EPHRON
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Book SynopsisA feel-good novel from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland, guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.Welcome to Bumblebee Barn, home to wonderful animals, stunning views and spectacular sunsets - and resident young farmer, Barney.While Barney loves his life at Bumblebee Barn - a farm that has been in his family for generations - he's struggling to find someone to share it with. The early mornings quad biking through muddy fields and the long hours looking after the crops and animals are proving to be a deterrent to finding love.So when his sister, Fizz - desperate for Barney to find his soulmate - sees an advert for Love on the Farm, a new reality TV show to help farmers find love, he has nothing to lose by applying. After all, he isn't meeting anyone suitable down the traditional route and surely he won't be picked anyway...?Thrown into the chaos of reality TV, Barney could never have expected that his whole life would be turned upside down, with buried secrets to be uncovered and his heart on the line. With his family and friends rooting for him, could the magic of Bumblebee Barn heal his broken heart and help him find love on the farm?Join top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for a story of love, family and second chances.'Redland takes you on a heart-warming ride that navigates broken hearts and painful secrets, but ultimately restores your faith in the power of love. I absolutely adored it.' Jenni KeerPraise for Jessica Redland:'Jessica Redland writes from the heart, with heart, about heart' Nicola May'I loved my trip to Hedgehog Hollow. An emotional read, full of twists and turns' Heidi Swain'The Hedgehog Hollow series is a tonic I'd recommend for everyone. There is so much to make you smile in Jessica's stories and they are always uplifting reads, which will make you really glad you decided to pick up a copy.' Jo Bartlett‘An emotional, romantic and ultimately uplifting read. Jessica always touches my heart with her sensitive handling of difficult subjects. The gorgeous community she has built around Hedgehog Hollow is one I hope to visit again and again.’ Sarah Bennett'A beautifully written series that offers the ultimate in heartwarming escapism.' Samantha Tonge on the Hedgehog Hollow series'Hedgehog Hollow is a wonderful series that has found a special place all of its own deep in the hearts of readers, including mine.' Jennifer Bohnet'I fell in love with this story from page one.' Helen Rolfe on Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café'A tender love story, full of sweet touches and beautiful characters.' Beth Moran on Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café'A warm-hearted and beautiful book. Jessica Redland doesn’t shy away from the fact that life can be very difficult, but she reminds us that we all can find love, hope and joy again.' Sian O'Gorman on Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café'Achingly poignant, yet full of hope.' Sandy Barker on Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café'A heartwarming story of true friendship, love and romance set in the gorgeous backdrop of the Lakes. A cosy hug of a read that left me feeling warm inside.’ Julie Caplin on The Start of Something Wonderful'A heartwarming story set in a beautiful location... Love, friendship and the power of letting go are all covered in this gorgeous, beautifully written story.' Katie Ginger on The Start of Something Wonderful'An emotional but uplifting page turner. The Secret to Happiness is a beautiful story of friendship and love' Fay Keenan
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Book SynopsisStruggling with the loss of her child, psychiatrist Corine Alexander is asked to investigate why fourteen-year-old Mae Bailey attacked her own mother, unearthing a web of secrets and lies.
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Book SynopsisHaru, a successful Japanese art dealer, appreciates beauty, harmony, balance and good sake. One evening at a party he meets Maud, an enigmatic Frenchwoman, and after a brief intense romance he learns that she is pregnant with his child. But Maud issues him a heartbreaking warning: if he ever tries to see her or the child, she will kill herself. Quietly devastated, Haru resigns himself to loving his daughter from afar. And Rose grows up on the other side of the world, without ever knowing her father. Is it too late to change things?From international bestseller Muriel Barbery., this is a stunning tale of friendship, secrets and a father's enduring love.
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Book SynopsisThe next wonderfully warm read in the uplifting series set on Puddleduck Farm by Della GaltonLife would be idyllic if everyone else was on the same pagePuddleduck Vets Practice is busier than ever. Phoebe Dashwood is juggling the usual crazy animal antics of her quirky clients, whilst organising the wedding of her bridezilla grandmother and thankfully dating her perfect man. Phoebe loves every minute of being a New Forest vet, even if she hardly has time to catch her breath. If only she could find some quality time for her and the man of her dreams, life would be perfect. When an ex's heartbreak stirs up some emotions from the past, Phoebe realises she must deal with some unfinished business. It would seem a miracle is needed to pull off a happy ending for everyone but is it within Phoebe's power to work miracles?Upliftiing, poignant and feel-good ficiton, perfect for the fans of Alison Sherlock, Sarah Hope and Lisa HobmanWhat everyone is saying about Puddleduck Farm:'A delightful story, in what promises to be a wonderful new series, full of fun and animal drama!' - Jo Bartlett'A Wonderful Series of heartening books. The whole Puddleduck series of books is utterly delightful. I could not stop reading them. The characters both human and animal are totally believable and made me wish I could meet them in real life.' - Reader Review'A beautifully written, gentle story about self-acceptance, family and friendship.' -Sarah Bennett'Lovely storyline with a couple of interesting turns. Enjoyed the easy and a times light hearted story. Looking to the next book' - Reader Review'Puddleduck Farm will find its way into your heart - a wonderfully cosy read!' - Fay Keenan'A wonderful Read.This is the fourth book in the Puddleduck Farm series, and if anything the books are getting better - and I thought the first ones were excellent. I really didn't want to put the book down.' - Reader Review'A warm, delightful read full of friendship and family with a touch of love on the horizon ... I can't wait to see what happens next at Puddleduck Farm!' - Helen Rolfe'A gorgeous start to a heart-warming new series, filled with engaging characters and a delightful cast of animals. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Puddleduck Farm!' - Jill Steeples
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Book SynopsisCan you find love if you can't be yourself?Jodie Simpson's life is falling apart. She's been dumped by her girlfriend, Gemma, lost her job and is about to be kicked out of her flat. When she mistakenly opens a letter addressed to Gemma and finds a job offer to work at the Highland Cookery School, she makes a momentary decision that will change her life forever. Jodie heads to the Scottish Highlands to begin her new job - as Gemma. But it all starts to work a little too well, and she finds herself loving her new life at the cookery school. As the snow starts to settle and the festive magic cast its spell, she finds herself falling for Pavel, the estate caretaker. But Jodie cannot keep up her fake identity forever and a storm is brewing. If she tells the truth, will she lose the new life she has built for herself, and the man who might just be The One?An uplifting romcom that fans of Sarah Morgan, Heidi Swain and Katie Ginger will adorePraise for the Highland Cookery School series:'Funny, romantic, with great characters and set in Scotland, this book has it all.' Katie Fforde'A heartwarming read full of engaging characters, fun moments and a captivating romance.' Bella OsborneBeautifully written, with wonderful characters, a lively community and oodles of charm all wrapped up in a gorgeous Highland setting.' Suzanne SnowI devoured it in one sitting and was looking for more - so I can't wait for the next in the series. Second helpings, please!' Lilac MillsUtterly delightful. A truly gorgeous book that will hook you from the startthis has all the feels.' Helga Jensen'Warm and welcoming, a delicious Scottish holiday of a book.' Jeevani CharikaA wonderful hug of a book. Loved every minute.'????? Reader ReviewThe story had everything and I devoured it, this is definitely a fun read for any day of the year to get lost in.'????? Reader ReviewThis was a joy to read and I loved every second of it and am already looking forward to the next book.'????? Reader ReviewThis book was perfect! A Cinderella retelling with baking. Say no more! This was such a cute read and I could not put it down!'????? Reader ReviewAmazing. A lovely, cosy read for those spring evenings.'????? Reader ReviewA humorous, romantic read with a brilliant cast of characters and idyllic setting. Plenty of ups and downs to keep the pages turning. A gorgeous piece of romantic escapism.'????? Reader ReviewI absolutely adored this book! The perfect blend of cozy romance and a dash of cooking with love.'????? Reader ReviewWarm, welcoming, and utterly engaging, this book is like a cozy Scottish holiday. Perfect for anyone looking for a charming, heartfelt read with a touch of humor and a lot of heart.' ????? Reader ReviewI really enjoyed reading this gorgeous, cozy closed-door romance. The beautiful setting of the Scottish Highlands, the descriptions of delicious sweets interwoven with some of the most memorable and lovable characters makes for a book that is hard to put down!'???? Reader ReviewThis a sweet, engaging romantic comedy that will appeal to readers who enjoy heartwarming stories set in picturesque locations. Perfect for those looking for a cozy romance with a dash of culinary magic.'???? Reader Review
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Book SynopsisShoyo Hinata is out to prove that in volleyball you don't need to be tall to fly!Ever since he saw the legendary player known as ';the Little Giant' compete at the national volleyball finals, Shoyo Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever! Who says you need to be tall to play volleyball when you can jump higher than anyone else?It's Karasuno vs. Aoba Johsai for the Spring Tournament qualifier semifinals, and Aoba Johsai has the momentum in the final two sets. With their backs against the wall, Karasuno digs deep and throws their greatest efforts into their rally. Will they be able to take the rally and overcome the Great King?
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Book SynopsisTHE WORST OF ENEMIES. THE BEST OF FRIENDS. A powerful, emotional novel of peace and friendship against the greatest of odds . . .1914. A boy enrols in the army, hoping to find peace in the great adventure of war. Handed a rifle, he discovers the grim reality: grey days distinguished only by the ever-present spectre of death. In the midst of horror, he finds close friendships, love and companionship. In an unexpected act of courage, he changes the course of history, bringing German and Brits to put down their weapons for a celebration of peace. In 1933, a father and son set out for Flanders. The former soldier carries more of the war with him than his maimed left hand. The British man he met in the forest of Ypres is a memory passed down from father to son, a story of friendship across enemy lines, forged by one uniting belief: the need for peace . . .'A small gem of a novel about the folly and wickedness of war' A. N. Wilson
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Book SynopsisA whole universe (contained inside a Beardmore taxi) parks itself in Elizabethan London. Inside, a troupe of actors begin to stage plays written by a certain Master (who bears an uncanny resemblance to William Shakespeare). Pretty soon, there are queues outside the newly-built Globe theatre. Queen Elizabeth is a fan. . . the other theatre companies in town aren't. Tensions build, fights break out and the future of the new theatre is under threat from several directions. Meanwhile, Lorenzo (who might be the creator of the universe inside the Beardmore taxi) is distracted. You see, he's fallen in love. Part literary alternative history, part absurdist burlesque, part subtle deconstruction of time, place and authorship, Maybe Shakespeare, Maybe Harlequin is a universe-bending carnivalesque, a layered and mesmerising fabulation, a book like no other.
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