Contemporary Fiction Books

Book SynopsisFor fans of The Tea-Planter's Wife and Victoria Hislop comes a gripping story of doomed love and secrets in 1940s Kashmir.Within one exotic land lie the secrets of a lifetimeIn 1938, young bride Nerys Watkins accompanies her missionary husband on a posting to India. Up in Srinagar, the British live on beautiful wooden houseboats and dance and gossip as if there is no war. But when the men are sent away to fight Nerys is caught up in a dangerous friendship.Years later, when Mair Ellis clears out her father's house, she finds an antique shawl with a lock of child's hair wrapped up in its folds. Tracing her grandparents' roots back to Kashmir, Mair uncovers a story of great love and great sacrifice.Trade Review‘A spellbinding tale. Beautifully written, honest and compassionate’Daily Express ‘An epic tale…A complicated entanglement of family secrets, love during wartime and dangerous liaisons. For fans of Maggie O’Farrell’Red ‘A superbly written novel, marvellously descriptive and especially evocative of the war years . . . a gorgeous treat’ Choice ‘Thomas’ portrayal of a young wife struggling to cope with life in wartime Kashmir, her husband’s indifference to her and her attraction to a charismatic mountaineer is beautifully written, touching and believable’ The Daily Express ‘A superbly researched and vivid evocation of wartime Kashmir and Ladakh’ Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisMuriel Spark was born and educated in Edinburgh. She was active in the field of creative writing since 1950, when she won a short-story writing competition in the Observer, and her many subsequent novels include Memento Mori (1959), The Ballad of Peckham Rye (1960), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1961), The Girls of Slender Means (1963) and Aiding and Abetting (2000). She also wrote plays, poems, children's books and biographies. She became Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1993, and died in 2006.

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Book SynopsisFROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORMeet the Hunter family: Adam, Kate, and their children Hal and Charlotte. And Prince, their Labrador.Prince is an earnest young dog, striving hard to live up to the tenets of the Labrador Pact (Remain Loyal to Your Human Masters, Serve and Protect Your Family at Any Cost). Other dogs, led by the Springer Spaniels, have revolted. As things in the Hunter family begin to go badly awry - marital breakdown, rowdy teenage parties, attempted suicide - Prince's responsibilities threaten to overwhelm him and he is forced to break the Labrador Pact and take desperate action to save his Family.Trade ReviewA comic tour de force * * The Times * *I love this book. It's fabulous and moving and funny and strange. It will go down among the great animal books -- JEANETTE WINTERSONA winner from page one . . . A subtle, dog's-eye view of the frailty of human relationships * * Mail on Sunday * *This enchanting debut novel is quite unlike any book you'll have encountered before. The result is a treat - both moving and unexpectedly thought-provoking * * Daily Mail * *Dark, comic and quite brilliant * * New York Times * *An enchanting, albeit at times disturbing, journey into the heart of family . . . A remarkable book, and a brilliantly entertaining read * * Big Issue * *It sounds kooky, but Haig pulls it off stylishly and unsentimentally * * Observer * *Haig writes exquisitely from the perspective of the heart-sore outsider, but at their most moving his novels reveal the unbearable beauty of ordinary life * * Guardian * *Matt Haig is a writer for children and adults who is adept at digging into the human heart * * Sunday Times * *

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Book SynopsisThe debut by author of modern classic The Unbearable Lightness of Being, of which Salman Rushdie said: ''It is impossible to do justice here to the subtleties, comedy and wisdom of this very beautiful novel.'''' A funny, sad, gripping, wise, marvellous book.'' Sunday TimesLudvik returns to his hometown a bitter man with a single aim: to do unto others what has been done to him. Expelled from the Communist Party as a student for a youthful joke, he has spent years exiled to a bleak labour camp. awaiting his chance for revenge on those who betrayed him - and one-time friends, lovers and comrades soon become entwined in his machinations as he devises the perfect plan . . . Kundera''s iconoclastic debut novel was a sensation during the Prague Spring: later banned, it launched his worldwide literary reputation, and its passionate exploration of humour, censorship and individualism is even more powerful over half a century later.<

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Book SynopsisFreedom and Death is Kazantzakis''s modern Iliad. The context is Crete in the late nineteenth century, the epic struggle between Greeks and Turks, between Christianity and Islam. A new uprising takes place to rival those of 1854, 1866 and 1878, and the island is thrown into confusion yet again. In the village of Megalokastro a Cretan resistance fighter, Captain Michales, is matched by the Turkish bey, his blood-brother. The life of the local community continues shakily, but is disrupted by explosions of violence.

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Book SynopsisJean Genet, French playwright, novelist and poet, turned the experiences in his life amongst pimps, whores, thugs and other fellow social outcasts into a poetic literature, with an honesty and explicitness unprecedented at the time.

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Book SynopsisThe fifth book in the Megan Lindholm (Robin Hobb) backlist.Seattle: a place as magical as the Emerald City.Subtle magic seeps through the cracks in the paving stones of the sprawling metropolis. But only the inhabitants who possess special gifts are open to the city''s consciousness; finding portents in the graffiti, reading messages in the rubbish or listening to warnings in the skipping-rope chants of children.Wizard is bound to Seattle and her magic. His gift is the Knowing a powerful enchantment allowing him to know the truth of things; to hear the life-stories of ancient mummies locked behind glass cabinets, to receive true fortunes from the carnival machines, to reveal to ordinary people the answers to their troubles and to safeguard the city''s equilibrium.The magic has its price; Wizard must never have more than a dollar in his pocket, must remain celibate, and he must feed and protect the pigeons.But a threat to Seattle has begun to emerge in the portents. A malevolent force born of Wizard''s forgotten past has returned to prey upon his power and taunt him with images of his obscure history; and he is the only wizard in Seattle who can face the evil and save the city, his friends and himself.Trade ReviewPraise for Megan Lindholm: ‘A bright new talent in the fantasy field’Charles de Lint ‘Lindholm has created a refreshingly different magic’Locus ‘Fascinating, absorbing and well written’Fantasy Review

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Book SynopsisThe deliciously romantic and twisty Sunday Times bestseller from the author of The Wedding of the Year and Don''t Want to Miss a ThingHow can you tell if a love affair is for life, and not just for Christmas?Lottie knows from the moment she meets Tyler that there''s something special about him. He''s smart, thoughtful and oh so attractive. There''s only one problem: her children, Ruby and Nat, absolutely hate him . . .They much prefer the charming and charismatic Seb. And he certainly proves a distraction from Lottie''s other worries: the romantic antics of ex-husband Mario, the terrible luck of best friend Cress, and - to top it all off - a devastating revelation from beloved boss Freddie.As Christmas approaches, Lottie knows she has to choose between Tyler and Seb. But after a tobogganing accident sends everything careering downhill, Lottie starts to doubt what''s best for her and her family. Can true love reveal itself before the last of the snow melts?Readers adore Making Your Mind Up:''A heart-warming story that kept me engrossed, made me laugh, cry and in the end made me feel good'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Highly recommended as a book that has everything, including a sense of humour that keeps popping up unexpectedly and has you laughing out loud'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''By far my favourite Jill Mansell book. I just can''t fault it'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Trade Review'Very nicely done... Jill Mansell's chorus of sharp-witted youth, shaking sticks at the foibles of their elders, is delightful' * Daily Express *'A smashing read that both delights and surprises the reader' * Sun *

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Book SynopsisThe highly acclaimed novel and sequel to Temples of Delight by bestselling and much-loved novelist Barbara TrapidoTrade ReviewBarbara Trapido couldn’t write a boring sentence if she tried -- FAY WELDONRavishing * SUNDAY TIMES *A brilliant book -- MARY WESLEY * DAILY MAIL *She wraps up all the golden threads with dazzling wit ... Think Measure for Measure here and a touch of The Tempest there ... Trapido's pen drips with sensuousness and sexuality * THE TIMES *She is simply dynamite … There are no apparent bounds to Trapido’s skill, her inventiveness and her knowledge of the endlessly surprising and devious ways in which people deal with each other -- PHILIP HENSHER * GUARDIAN *Juggling by Barbara Trapido is, I think, already well known but it should be even more so. It has the best piece of Shakespeare criticism in it I’ve ever read -- KATHERINE RUNDELL * GUARDIAN *A joy to read … Supremely skilful * OBSERVER *A work of enormous charm, highly entertaining and told with a deft touch, which handles serious matters lightly and treats light ones with proper respect * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *A brilliant performance; it is also a magically enjoyable book to read … she understand her characters and cares about them and makes you care too * SPECTATOR *She weaves a cat’s cradle of wit and erudition around her high-stepping characters, take breath-taking risks and triumphs against all the odds * INDEPENDENT *A brilliant performance … A magically enjoyable book * SPECTATOR *

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Book Synopsis'The book we all need - full of escapism, romance, hope and kindness' Milly Johnson'Gloriously romantic' Sun'I couldn't put it down' Jill MansellYour big secret is out. What next?For Lara and her daughter Eliza, it has always been just the two of them. But when Eliza turns eighteen and wants to connect with her father, Lara is forced to admit a secret that she has been keeping from her daughter her whole life.Eliza needs answers - and so does Lara. Their journey to the truth will take them on a road trip across England and eventually to New York, where it all began. Dreams might have been broken and opportunities missed, but there are still surprises in store...Anything Could Happen is a warm, wise, funny and uplifting novel about love, second chances and the unexpected and extraordinary paths life can take us down.'Captivating' Woman & Home'Tender, bittersweet and funny' Veronica Henry'Perfect' Prima'A star-crossed lovers story with so much heart and humour' Fiona Palmer'Full of extraordinary surprises' Woman's Own'A feel-good, uplifting book' Sheila O'Flanagan'Lovely!' Hello!'Romantic, uplifting and a total joy' Heidi Swain'A perfect rainy day read' Bella'Brimming with humour and hope - this book is a joy to escape into' Cathy Bramley'[A] warm hug of a novel' Irish News'A wonderful book about the What Ifs of love and loss' Laura Kemp'A captivating, humorous and warm-hearted story elevated to must-read status' HeatTrade ReviewStar-crossed lovers, long-held secrets and second chances make for a charmingly escapist read . . . Taking in family life, reinvention and the allure of lost love, it's a tonic for trying times * Daily Mail *Funny and heart-warming storytelling. It's a touching, feelgood story to escape into, full of love, hope and joy * Sunday Express *Warm, tender, but also funny, this is brilliant * The Sun *A captivating, humorous and warm-hearted story elevated to must-read status * Heat *This had a perfect ending * Prima *This warm, wise novel is packed full of extraordinary surprises * Woman's Own *Gloriously romantic * The Sun *Anything Could Happen is a wonderful read - the twists and turns of the story meant I couldn't put it down * Jill Mansell *A feel-good, uplifting book * Sheila O'Flanagan *The book we all need - full of escapism and beautiful places, fabulous characters, romance, hope and kindness * Milly Johnson *Lucy brings us another novel full of hope * My Weekly *Tender, bittersweet and funny, Lucy Diamond is brilliant about love in all its guises and the mistakes we make. A truly touching love story for our times * Veronica Henry *A star-crossed lovers story with so much heart and humour. Lucy has a way of dropping you into the heart and minds of her characters. I couldn't put it down * Fiona Palmer *A wonderful book about the What Ifs of love and loss, so real and of course so blooming romantic * Laura Kemp *This was hard to put down * Yours *Romantic, uplifting and a total joy * Heidi Swain *A beautiful story of what might have been and living in the moment * Penny Parkes *Lucy Diamond's captivating story explores missed opportunities and uplifting possibilities through one mother and daughter's life-changing journey * Woman & Home *A warm, wise, funny and uplifting novel about love, second chances and the unexpected and extraordinary paths life can take us down * Mummy Pages *Lovely! * Hello! *A perfect rainy day read * Bella *[A] warm hug of a novel . . . what Diamond does so well in Anything Could Happen is make you really root for the characters - and perhaps even examine your own life choices. [An] engaging and colourful read * Press Association *Expertly written, an entire cast of characters to love, and brimming with humour and hope - this book is a joy to escape into * Cathy Bramley *[A] warm hug of a novel . . . an engaging and colourful read * Irish News *Funny and heartwarming * Daily Record *Told across two timelines, the characters are well drawn in this uplifting story of quirks, fate and second chances * Choice *Rom coms are being reinvented with an uplifting twist in this mother-daughter adventure that's all about taking chances and the connections we make in life . . . warm, wise and funny, this book about second chances is the perfect wholesome read for this spring! * SHEmazing! *A sweet and tender tale about second chances and love * Best *A lovely uplifting love story * Platinum magazine *Funny, heart-warming * Choice *

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Book Synopsis**NOW AN AMAZON PRIME TV SERIES STARRING CHRIS PRATT**  'Take my word for it, James Reece is one rowdy motherf***er. Get ready!' CHRIS PRATT JAMES REECE IS BACK  1978, Rhode Island: A freshman senator is gunned down, sending shockwaves through Washington that are still reverberating over four decades later.  Now: In a world on the brink of war, facing rampant inflation, political division and shocking assassinations, a secret cabal of global elites are ready to assume control. And with the world’s most dangerous man locked in solitary confinement, the conspirators believe the final obstacle to complete domination has been eliminated. They’re wrong.   From the firms of Wall Street to the corridors of power in Washington, DC and Moscow, secrets from the past have an uncanny ability to rise to the surface, and with the odds stacked against him, James Reece is on a deadly

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Before We Were Yours and Where the Crawdads Sing, “a gripping, poignant tale swathed in both mythical and mystical overtones” (Bob Drury, New York Times bestselling author) that follows four orphans on a life-changing odyssey during the Great Depression, from the New York Times bestselling author of Ordinary Grace. 1932, Minnesota—the Lincoln School is a pitiless place where hundreds of Native American children, forcibly separated from their parents, are sent to be educated. It is also home to an orphan named Odie O’Banion, a lively boy whose exploits earn him the superintendent’s wrath. Forced to flee, he and his brother Albert, their best friend Mose, and a brokenhearted little girl named Emmy steal away in a canoe, heading for the mighty Mississippi and a place to call their own. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, these four orphans will fly into the unknown and cross paths with others who are adrift, from struggling farmers and traveling faith healers to displaced families and lost souls of all kinds. With the feel of a modern classic, This Tender Land is an en­thralling, big-hearted epic that is “more than a simple journey; it is a deeply satisfying odyssey, a quest in search of self and home” (Booklist).

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Book SynopsisA riveting story about one of history's most enigmatic warriors.Trade ReviewYasuke is so breathtaking and revelatory that one would be believe the story to be fiction if it weren't true! The in-depth research into this historical re-telling is vast, comprehensive and enlightening. The narrative style is as razor-sharp and captivating as a katana's blade, drawing in the reader and giving them a 'first-hand' account of [an] extraordinary life -- Chris Bradford, author of the Young Samurai seriesA gripping tale of politics, war and religion that reads like an adventure story -- Dave Rear, author of A Less Boring History of the WorldLockley and Girard bring [Yasuke] and his world to life with incredible research and style. Yasuke may have lived in the 1500s, but he is a hero for our modern world -- Bret Witter, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Monuments MenYasuke gripped me from the opening sentence - a unique story of a unique man, and yet someone with whom we can all identify -- Jack Weatherford, author of Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World[An] excellent work of Japanese history * Booklist *Eminently readable . . . The solid scholarship on and imaginative treatment of Yasuke's life make this both a worthwhile and entertaining work * Publishers Weekly *This book is not only the best account in English of Yasuke, the famous African samurai. It's also a delightful introduction to the vibrant and multicultural world of Asian maritime history. Written novelistically, with a light scholarly touch . . . Exciting and informative! * Tonio Andrade, author of The Gunpowder Age *A rich portrait of a brutal age * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis“Extraordinary...beautifully precise...[an] earnestly ambitious debut.” —The New York Times Book Review “A wild, angry, and devastating masterpiece of a book.” —NPR “[A] descendent of the Dickensian ‘social novel’ by way of Jonathan Franzen: epic fiction that lays bare contemporary culture clashes, showing us who we are and how we got here.” —O, The Oprah Magazine “A book that has stayed with me ever since I put it down.” —Seth Meyers, host of Late Night with Seth MeyersOne sweltering night in 2013, four former high school classmates converge on their hometown in northeastern Ohio. There’s Bill Ashcraft, a passionate, drug-abusing young activist whose flailing ambitions have taken him from Cambodia to Zuccotti Park to post-BP New Orleans, and now back home with a mysterious package strapped to the undercarriagTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR OHIO BY STEPHEN MARKLEY "Markley [does] some extraordinary things with the structure of the book . . . Casual details suddenly take on new surprising significance. There's real pleasure in this hopscotching narrative: with each new point of view, a clearer sense of the hidden story emerges as the reader slowly pieces together some shocking revelations . . . The most moving parts of the book are those that step back and let the events and the actions speak for themselves, as when one character (the shy bookish one from high school) recalls his first tours in Afghanistan. The beautifully precise details are all the more vivid for their lack of accompanying commentary. The real core of this earnestly ambitious debut lies not in its sweeping statements but in its smaller moments, in its respectful and bighearted renderings of damaged and thwarted lives. It's the human scale that most descriptively reveals the truth about the world we're living in."—DAN CHAON, NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW “[Ohio is] a descendent of the Dickensian ‘social novel’ by way of Jonathan Franzen: epic fiction that lays bare contemporary culture clashes, showing us who we are and how we got here…Markley’s prose [is] as lively as a bonfire, crackling with incisive details…Markley’s gift is keeping one eye on these intimate specifics and the other on the expansive landscape of modern American life.”—O MAGAZINE “Ohio isn't just a remarkable debut novel, it's a wild, angry and devastating masterpiece of a book. Markley's debut is a sprawling, beautiful novel that explores the aftermath of the Great Recession and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a powerful look at the tenuous bonds that hold people together at their best and at their worst. [Ohio] is intricately constructed, with gorgeous, fiery writing that pulls the reader in and never lets go.”—NPR “Genuinely absorbing…Ohio burns with alienation, nihilism, frustration and finally love for a place that gave birth to all of them.”—WASHINGTON POST "A book of genuine substance and style...Markley’s skill is apparent...Both a lament and a love letter, Ohio is a reminder of the wealth of stories hidden in small towns, and of how much 'history and pathos could accumulate in errant pockets on any given night.'"—WALL STREET JOURNAL “Markley's ambitious foray into fiction reunites four high school classmates on a fateful summer night in their Ohio hometown, in what reads like a darker-themed epilog to Friday Night Lights…Markley's prose sparkles with insight and supports an intricate narrative architecture that recalls Nathan Hill's The Nix and Patrick Somerville's This Bright River…highly recommended for all literary collections.”—LIBRARY JOURNAL (STARRED REVIEW) "Reporters have fanned out in search of answers to Middle America’s decline and Trumpist desperation, but Markley is one of the first novelists to fully reflect the social forces at work without sacrificing an iota of character work or narrative tension. Drawing on the reunion-novel tradition, he brings together four alumni of the same (fictional) Ohio high school on one momentous evening a decade after graduation, each with their own pattern of escape and return—and their own mission of repentance or retribution."—VULTURE (NYMAG.COM) "[Ohio is] a thoughtful examination of the neglected corners of a traumatized country — and one that will pierce your loyal, loving heart."—ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY “A book that has stayed with me ever since I put it down.” —SETH MEYERS, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers “[A] standout debut…Markley’s novel is alternately disturbing and gorgeous, providing a broad view of the anxieties of a post-9/11 Middle America and the complexities of the humans who navigate them."—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "[Ohio is] so rich in complex storytelling and literary excellence that it’s difficult to believe it’s a fiction debut."—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "Timely and of vital importance, Ohio delves into the spectrum of issues consuming contemporary America’s Rust Belt, exploring topics like joblessness, addiction, terrorism, sexuality, religion and sex, to name a few. Markley’s disturbing masterpiece reads like the offspring of Harlan Coben, Jonathan Franzen and Hanya Yanagihara: an illuminating snapshot of our current era masquerading as a twisted character-driven thriller, filled with mordant wit and soul-shaking pathos... an edifying and unforgettable read that leaves [readers] breathless."—BOOKPAGE “The characters walk and talk like real, messed-up people; the author cares about them, and so does the reader. The prologue-four sections-coda structure works because Markley took the time to connect everything in a masterful set of flashbacks and flash-forwards that parcel out enough information to make the conclusion both shocking and inevitable. Ohio is a big novel about what happened after 9/11, the initial euphoria and the long depression that grips us still.”—SEATTLE TIMES "Effectively four tart, well-turned novellas bundled in a symphonic prologue and epilogue...Markley writes each of these character studies with powerhouse command and painterly detail about socioeconomic distinctions...Markley’s novel is in line with a dark strain of Midwestern fiction that runs from Edgar Lee Masters to Gillian Flynn. Its bleakness and style are appealing."—MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE "[A] knockout debut...fully engrossing from the start, save moments when you’re taken aback by how good the writing really is, how flawless the storytelling...Ohio is a ceaselessly beautiful and gut-wrenching debut."—CHICAGO REVIEW OF BOOKS "Ambitious and suspenseful." —COLUMBUS DISPATCH “The kind of book that people rarely attempt to write anymore…A Big American Novel that seeks to tell us where we live now.”—THE MILLIONS “In his bold debut novel, Ohio, Stephen Markley visits the fictional northeastern Ohio town of New Canaan to paint in vivid colors the shattered dreams and stunted lives of young adults removed by roughly a decade from their high school graduation. It's an intensely realistic and keenly observed portrait that puts a human face on subjects often obscured by statistics and expert opinion… a dark and deeply felt examination of a generation confronting problems that can't be solved quickly or with ease…it has earned a place in any conversation about the important role fiction can play in reflecting life back to us when we look squarely in the mirror.”—SHELF AWARENESS "Markley is a knockout storyteller, infusing each section with realistic detail, from the drudgery of Walmart work to war to the fleeting ecstasies of drugs to violence, especially self-harm."—KIRKUS REVIEWS "Important and ambitious...this year's Hillbilly Elegy of fiction."—SALON "Beautifully descriptive...an insightful, tragic story."—BOOKLIST "Ambitious...one of the most human novels I've read in a long, long time...it does what a good book should, which is just sucks you in to the extent that time not spent reading it feels like wasted time...it makes you think long after you have turned the final page...highly, highly recommend it."—ROGER BENNETT, MEN IN BLAZERS "Ohio captures the hacking cough of 2018’s poisoned America. Markley’s dialogue often sums up our national Great Depression—not economic, but the spiritual frustration of this bitter century...a biting portrayal of Midwest ennui."—THE DAILY BEAST “Stephen Markley is an expert cartographer of the American Rust Belt and the haunted landscapes of his characters' interiors. A fast-moving and devastating debut.”—KAREN RUSSELL, New York Times bestselling author of Swamplandia! “Ohio is that rarest of unicorns, a novel that swings for the fences, and actually tries to explain just what the fuck happened to this country after the towers fell, and how we got to this awful particular moment. Stephen Markley goes for the universe with every single sentence he writes. That the universe answers him as often as it does makes for a hugely impressive first novel.”—CHARLES BOCK, New York Times bestselling author of Alice & Oliver “If the American dream has given way to American carnage, then this is the great American novel of its time. Stephen Markley is a gifted storyteller who has written a fearless and impressive debut.”—DAVID BEZMOZGIS, author of Natasha and The Betrayers “Ohio is heartbreaking, frightening, and occasionally, amidst the sorrow and horror, transcendent—a novel that casts the clearest possible eye on people haunted by who they used to be and might have become, and a country haunted by the same. Stephen Markley is unflinching.”—KEVIN BROCKMEIER, author of The Illumination

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Book SynopsisThe hand of friendship can span a thousand milesPakistanAmong the almond orchards of the Swat Valley, Zamir tends goats with his son, Raza. He must make a heartbreaking decision if he is to protect his youngest child from the Taliban.AfghanistanOn a military base in Lashkar Gah, Ben lives on edge, wondering if his family will be the next to receive life-changing news from the front line.CornwallAnd in a ramshackle house on the Cornish coast, Ben's mother Delphi, an artist, offers a refuge to her grandson Finn, as he retreats from the changes he senses in his family.When Raza and Finn, two boys from impossibly different worlds, meet, they are united by their loneliness. But will their unexpected bond be enough to save not just each other, but also their families, just as all their lives are about to change forever?'At once heartbreaking and uplifting, and its focus on the themes of war and loss, love and friendship across cultures is both topical and timeless: a powerful story from a wrTrade Review Praise for Sara MacDonald: ‘A beautifully crafted novel of family ties and wartime secrets with delicate layers of emotion’ Inside Cornwall ‘Vividly drawn characters . . . Thoughtful and compelling storytelling’ Choice 'Intriguing themes are cleverly woven together . . . I found myself swept along by the sheer interest of every page . . . it grips to the end' Country Life ‘A great read, a moving story of family history, love, deception, passion and heartbreak’ Cornwall Today ‘A compelling story from a talented writer’ Belfast Telegraph

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Book Synopsis''Provocative, compassionate and beautiful'' - Joy Harjo, US Poet Laureate A moving story of a Maori community''s fight for survival, from one of New Zealand''s most prominent and celebrated authorsOn the remote coast of New Zealand, at the curve that binds the land and the sea, a small Maori community live, work, fish, play and tell stories of their ancestors. But something is changing. The prophet child toko can sense it. Men are coming, with dollars and big plans to develop the area for tourism. As their ancestral land becomes threatened, the people must unite in a battle for survival. Weaving together myth and memory, Patricia Grace''s prize-winning novel is a spellbinding portrait of a defiant community determined to protect their way of life at any cost.Trade ReviewA searching examination of human nature [by] a canonical figure in postcolonial and Maori literature . . . a timely arrival, praising the strength and the resilience of the human spirit whilst capturing, in moments of crystallising clarity, the tragic masochism of its pain and sorrow. * Arts Desk *

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Book SynopsisAnnie Proulx’s highly acclaimed, international bestseller and Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Quoyle is a hapless, hopeless hack journalist living and working in New York. When his no-good wife is killed in a spectacular road accident, Quoyle heads for the land of his forefathers – the remotest corner of far-flung Newfoundland. With ‘the aunt’ and his delinquent daughters – Bunny and Sunshine – in tow, Quoyle finds himself part of an unfolding, exhilarating Atlantic drama. ‘The Shipping News’ is an irresistible comedy of human life and possibility.Trade Review‘A very impressive achievement. So funny, so full of delights.’ Guardian ‘As stark and ruggedly beautiful as the storm-battered coast of Newfoundland itself.’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Ambitious and accomplished…The characterisation is rich, the dialogue both original and convincing.’ Alan Massie, Scotsman ‘A stunning novel.’ Observer ‘To read “The Shipping News” is to yearn to be sitting in The Flying Squid Lunchstop, eating seal fin curry, watching the icebergs clink together in the bay.’ The Times

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Book SynopsisPre-order your copy of Sarah Morgan’s new novel Beach House Summer now – coming May 2022! Praise for Sarah Morgan: ‘Joyful, uplifting and overflowing with love. Sarah’s writing speaks straight to my heart’ Cathy Bramley ‘Everything a romantic novel should be – an absolute delight’ Veronica Henry * * * Great friends. Amazing Apartment. An incredible job. Paige has ticked off every box on her perfect New York life checklist. Until disaster strikes and instead of shimmying further up the career ladder, Paige is packing up her desk. Her brother’s best friend Jake might be the only person who can help her put her life back together. He also happens to be the boy she spent her teen years pining after, and Paige is determined not to repeat her past mistakes. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more Paige realises the one thing that was missing from her world all along: The perfect New York love story… * * * Readers have fallen in love with SLEEPLESS IN MANHATTAN ‘Sarah Morgan makes you fall head over heels in love with her characters’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Sarah has out done herself with this one for me. I think this is my very favourite book of hers to date!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A real romance book to snuggle up with, an excellent story with even better characters. Loved it . . . [I] am hooked’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Sarah morgan is my favourite author by far. Cant wait for next book in series’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Trade Review ‘A gorgeously sparkly romance about letting go and learning to love again. The perfect Christmas read!’ — Julia Williams on Christmas Ever After. Sarah Morgan puts the magic in Christmas' – Now 'Sarah Morgan continues to hang out on my autobuy list and each book of her that I discover is a treat' – Smart Bitches, Trashy Books Full of romance and sparkle' – Lovereading

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Book Synopsis***The four-million-copy International Bestseller*** ‘If you love The Girl on the Train read Behind Closed Doors’ Elle ‘Twists our expectations of the entire psychological thriller genre’ Guardian ‘B A Paris has done it again! The Breakdown is a page turning thriller that will leave you questioning the family you love, the friends you trust, and even your own mind’ Wendy Walker If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust? It all started that night in the woods. Cass Anderson didn’t stop to help the woman in the car, and now she’s dead. Ever since, silent calls have been plaguing Cass and she’s sure someone is watching her. Consumed by guilt, she’s also starting to forget things. Whether she took her pills, what her house alarm code is – and if the knife in the kitchen really had blood on it. Praise for The Breakdown: ‘A psychological page-turner’ Good Housekeeping ‘Gripping!’ Woman ‘You’ll race through to discover what’s happening!’ Prima ‘You’ll be unable to rest until you’ve followed the twists and turns to an ending you didn’t forsee’ Daily Express ‘B A Paris has done it again! The Breakdown is a page turning thriller that will leave you questioning the family you love, the friends you trust, and even your own mind’ Wendy Walker, author of All is Not Forgotten ‘Utterly compelling, brilliant and tense’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and MeTrade Review Praise for The Breakdown: ‘A psychological page-turner’ Good Housekeeping ‘Gripping!’ Woman ‘You’ll race through to discover what’s happening!’ Prima ‘You’ll be unable to rest until you’ve followed the twists and turns to an ending you didn’t forsee’ Daily Express ‘B A Paris has done it again! The Breakdown is a page turning thriller that will leave you questioning the family you love, the friends you trust, and even your own mind’ Wendy Walker, author of All is Not Forgotten ‘Utterly compelling, brilliant and tense’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me

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Book Synopsis'A moving and extraordinary evocation of the 20th-century tragedy of China... Compelling' Guardian SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION AND THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE In Canada in 1991, ten-year-old Marie and her mother invite a guest into their home. Ai- Ming has fled China in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests. As her relationship with Marie deepens, Ai-Ming tells the story of her family in revolutionary China, from the crowded teahouses in the first days of Chairman Mao's ascent to the Beijing demonstrations of 1989. And she speaks of three musicians - the shy and brilliant composer Sparrow, the violin prodigy Zhuli, and the enigmatic pianist Kai - who struggled during China's relentless Cultural Revolution to remain loyal to one another and to the music they have devoted their lives to. Their fates reverberate through the years, with deep and lasting consequences for Ai-Ming - and for Marie. Do Not Say We Have Nothing magnificently brings to life one of the most significant political regimes of the 20th century and its traumatic legacy. 'A magnificent epic of Chinese history, richly detailed and beautifully written' Kate Saunders, The TimesTrade ReviewA moving and extraordinary evocation of the 20th-century tragedy of China, and deserves to cement Thien's reputation as an important and compelling writer * Guardian *[This] will cement Thien as one of Canada's most talented novelists, at once a successor to Rohinton Mistry and a wholly singular stylist...A supple epic about that which remains behind after each new beginning... Gorgeous * Globe and Mail *Madeleine Thien is a serious and gifted writer. With compassion and meticulous precision, she explores ordinary lives shaped by extraordinary political events. Like a beautiful and complex piece of music, the narration unfolds in layers, returning again and again to the central themes of family, memory and loss -- Ma Jian, author * Beijing Coma *Intelligent, powerful and moving. This is Madeleine Thien's magnum opus -- Tan Twan Eng, author * The Garden of Evening Mists *The tragedy and absurdity of modern China never felt so alive as in Madeleine Thien's Do Not Say We Have Nothing. Thien writes of an extended family of musical prodigies whose loves and ambitions are thwarted at every turn. The meticulous research that went into this novel about real-life events makes it so utterly believable that your heart aches. Thien's writing is as lyrical as works of Bach and Shostakovich that inspire her musician characters, but her tour de force is the last movement of this symphonic novel in which the 1989 massacre at Tiananmen Square unfolds at a thrilling, fortissimo pace -- Barbara Demick, author * Nothing to Envy *Imagination, Nabokov says, is a form of memory. Do Not Say We Have Nothing is a perfect example of how a writer's imagination keeps alive the memory of a country's and its people's past when the country itself tries to erase the history. With insight and compassion, Madeleine Thien presents a compelling tale of China of 20th century -- Yiyun Li, author * Kinder than Solitude *This is a resplendent, epic masterpiece of a novel that brings to light a dark period of Chinese history through wit, humour and nuanced storytelling. The characters linger long after the last page -- Alice Pung, author * Laurinda *Bold, beautiful and profoundly affecting, Do Not Say We Have Nothing celebrates the indestructibility of the individual, and both declares and illustrates the transcendent power of art. An exceptional novel -- James Scudamore, author * Wreaking *A moving and extraordinary evocation of the tragedy, and deserves to cement Thien's reputation as an important writer... Powerful -- Isabel Hilton * Guardian *[An] ambitious saga... Thien's intricate narrative lays bare the lives of three musical friends living through an era when serious music had to survive driven underground -- Phil Baker * Sunday Times *A profound tale that strips bare 20th century China * Stylist *Thien writes beautifully and precisely about family ties, mothers and daughters, secrets, shame and duty, her characters faltering between their noble aims and harsh reality as we witness a country consumed by cruelty. The very best literature leaves you viewing the world slightly differently and this novel echoes and bubbles in the mind long after you have finished it -- Grace Dent * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisA forbidden romance between an injured ballerina and her physical therapist, who thinks he’s too broken to deserve her. Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn stories with scorching tension, and happy endings. Forbidden. That''s what they are to each other. Maddie Stevens has never felt good enough. Not good enough to keep her parents’ love. Not good enough to be independent and stop being her brother’s problem. Not good enough to build the future she wants. When she injures her ankle before a ballet audition that could change her career forever, she’s convinced her life is over at twenty-one. What’s the point of having dreams when they can go down the drain at any moment? And because the universe has a cruel sense of humor, her physical therapist turns out to be a tank-shaped grouch who doesn’t even seem to like her that much. It’s totally unfair that, for six weeks, she’s

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Book Synopsis Inheritance is the first in a brand new gothic trilogy from Sunday Times bestselling author Nora Roberts-a tale of tragedies, loves found and lost, and a family haunted for generations.Book 2 in the Lost Bride trilogy - The Mirror - is available for pre-order now! After finding her fiancé in a compromising position with her cousin, Sonya MacTavish needs an escape. When a lawyer turns up on her doorstep out of the blue with news that she has inherited a beautiful Victorian house, Sonya thinks maybe this is just the change of scene she needs.The house - nicknamed Lost Bride manor - is beautiful, the setting idyllic and the local town offers Sonya the smalltown comforts she craves after life in a big city. So what if there are sometimes shadows in the windows, objects move of their own accord and music starts playing out of nowhere. Sonya can live with the house being a little haunted.But things soon star

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Book SynopsisAt the tail end of the 1960s, the thirteen-year-old Michelino spends his summers at his grandparents' modest estate in Nasca, near Lake Maggiore, losing himself in the tales of horror, adventure, and mystery shelved in his grandfather's library. The greatest mystery he's ever encountered, however, doesn't come from a book - it's the groundskeeper, Felice, a sometimes frightening, sometimes gentle, always colourful man of uncertain age who speaks an enchanting dialect and whose memory gets worse with each passing day. When Michelino volunteers to help the old man by providing him with clever mnemonic devices to keep his memory alive, the boy soon finds himself obsessed with piecing together the eerie hodgepodge of Felice's biography . . . a quest that leads to the uncovering of skeletons in Nazi uniforms in the attic, to Felice's admission that he can hear the voices of the dead, and to a new perspective on Felice's endless war against the insatiable local slugs, who are by no means merely a horticultural threat. And yet nothing could be more fascinating to Michelino than Felice's own secret origins. Where did he come from? Is he the victim or the villain of his story? Is he a noble hero, a holy fool, or perhaps the very thing that Michelino most wants and fears: a real-life monster.Trade ReviewWinner of the 2008 Grinzane Cavour Prize ---- ‘A curious teenager's conversations with an odd groundskeeper yield far more than he'd bargained for [...] Kudos to translator Moore, whose consummate conversion allows readers to luxuriate in the language of even deceptively minor moments: "amid the heads of lettuce, languished the halved cadavers of red slugs." A gripping, beguiling, occasionally discomfiting, and utterly fascinating tour de force.’ Kirkus Reviews, starred review ---- ‘One reads it quickly, in one go, but then it stays to “breathe” in one’s soul for days, as though it were to a living thing – just like the turquoise poison referenced in the title, once it’s dissolved in water. A writer of great talent, Mari seems to have even outdone himself.’ Carla Benedetti, L’Espresso ---- ‘The theme of the “double”, in its various forms, is a favorite subject of the modern Western literary imagination (from Hoffmann to von Chamisso, from Stevenson to Wilde, and many others). But no writer, I believe, has managed to conceive in this regard what Michele Mari offers us in his new novel, Verdigris.’ Stefano Giovanardi, la Repubblica ---- ‘There are books before which there came other books, and then there are books before which – and after which, too – there’s nothing else.’ Giorgio Vasta, Nazione Indiana ---- Praise for the Author ---- ‘There’s a Calvino-esque blend of the playful and the rigorous to You, Bleeding Childhood. A uniquely refreshing book . . . idiosyncratic, amusing and moving.’ The Guardian ---- 'If I were to give a book award to a living Italian writer, man or woman, I'd pick Michele Mari.' Domenico Starnone, I-Italy ---- 'The greatest living Italian writer.' Andrea Coccia, Linkiesta ---- 'The charm that Mari exercises on his readers, from the most devoted to the most distracted, is incredible . . . More than anyone else, Michele Mari represents today a model of writer that seems on the point of disappearing - fully literary, lofty, in short, twentieth-century.' Sara Marzullo, Esquire

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Book SynopsisAfter Kiruko met with her old idol, she and Maru embark on what should be a long road trip south. Meanwhile in the Academy, chaos has engulfed  the campus and some of the children are now out on their own!

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Bailey puts a fun, super-sexy spin on the classic ‘hot for teacher’ trope [...] The love scenes in Need Me are practically incendiary, and the author’s sharp sense of humor provides a refreshing change from the usual heavy dose of dark angst that characterizes many other NA romances.” — Booklist “The tenderness, vulnerability and heat I am always guaranteed with a Tessa Bailey book are the reasons she is one of my all-time favorite authors.” — Sally Thorne “One of the genre’s very best.” — Kate Clayborn “Tessa Bailey’s writing stands out in all the right sexy ways.” — Buzzfeed “Bailey writes banter and rom-com scenarios with aplomb, but for those who like their romance on the spicier side, she’s also the Michelangelo of dirty talk. She wields filth like Da Vinci does a paintbrush, and there’s a lot to be said for an author who can fill such exchanges with all the requisite heat, enthusiastic consent, and yes, even humor, of such a scenario without veering into corny territory.” — Entertainment Weekly “Tessa Bailey has fast become one of my favorite authors!” — Monica Murphy, New York Times bestselling author “I loved every character, and I’m dying to see what Tessa Bailey comes up with next!” — Cora Carmack, New York Times bestselling author “a laugh-out-loud raunchy romantic comedy.” — Heroes & Heartbreakers “Louis and Roxy are a terrific match from the start. But Bailey is a master at portraying a heroine with a complex core, and Roxy’s proud character carries the novel— making readers wish she was their roommate, empty bank account be damned.” — Washington Post (April's Best Romance Column) “I can’t remember the last time I read a romance as funny as this one. Roxy is one of the most hardworking heroine’s in contemporary romance and she’s so incredibly dedicated to making ends meet. The book, for me, truly embodies what modern romance is all about. ” — BookRiot (Best Books of March 2015)

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“The tenderness, vulnerability and heat I am always guaranteed with a Tessa Bailey book are the reasons she is one of my all-time favorite authors.” — Sally Thorne “Tessa Bailey writes pure magic.” — Alexis Daria “One of the genre’s very best.” — Kate Clayborn “Tessa Bailey’s writing stands out in all the right sexy ways.” — Buzzfeed “Bailey writes banter and rom-com scenarios with aplomb, but for those who like their romance on the spicier side, she’s also the Michelangelo of dirty talk. She wields filth like Da Vinci does a paintbrush, and there’s a lot to be said for an author who can fill such exchanges with all the requisite heat, enthusiastic consent, and yes, even humor, of such a scenario without veering into corny territory.” — Entertainment Weekly “Hilarious, sexy, and absolutely addicting! I loved every character, and I’m dying to see what Tessa Bailey comes up with next!” — Cora Carmack, New York Times bestselling author “Tessa Bailey has fast become one of my favorite authors!” — Monica Murphy, New York Times bestselling author

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Book Synopsis????? The Amalfi coast setting, the handsome grumpy Italian, this book has it all!!'Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast but that dream hadn't included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable and insufferably handsome Raphael Knight, her father's business manager.When an old black and white photo proves Lia's claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn't have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight.As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph's forced proximity lead to something more like amore?Praise for Julie Caplin:One unputdownable story' Sunday Times Bestseller Katie FfordeAn irresistible sl

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Book SynopsisWe are invisible: we clean your houses, we look after your children, we know your secrets.Corazon, Angel and Donita have all come to Singapore to work for a living. The thing that unites them? Their labour must remain unseen.But when a friend is accused of murdering her employer, everything changes. The accused could be any of them; they all know the stories of women who were scapegoated or even executed for crimes they didn't commit.Each woman has secrets to keep, yet they must gather every ounce of bravery, fearlessness and complete audacity to clear the name of one of their own.After all, no-one knows the secrets of Singapore's elite quite like the women who work in their homesReaders LOVE Now You See Us:Respectfully and masterfully written. A must read!' ?????I am emotionally exhausted what a wonderful book! A must read!' ?????A wonderful read, that kept me captivated until the end' ?????I loved it' ?????A joyous book' ?????What a fabulous book! Balli Kaur Jaswal's writing transpo

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Book SynopsisTwo bickering strangers trying to care for their younger siblings team up to create a stable home, but the chemistry between them threatens to undo their plans from the viral TikTok author of Next to You and Out on a Limb.

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Book SynopsisTHE NUMBER 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERSHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA CRIME FICTION IN TRANSLATION DAGGER AWARD 2025''A masterclass in suspense'' PAULA HAWKINSA spellbinding nightmare' FERNANDA MELCHORA book of intense power' PHILIPPE SANDS''A compelling book, with a tightly coiled power'' PANDORA SYKESThe shockingly compulsive new literary thriller from the International Booker-shortlisted author of The Remainder.Clean begins with an inescapable fact: a girl has died. Told by Estela, a maid to a wealthy, middle class family who speaks to us from a locked room, we hear of her plight and the circumstances that led to this moment. As we enter into her account of her daily existence, we see how her apparently simple life begins to sour, but would that drive her to the unthinkable?Disturbing and profound, Clean explores domestic work, class and violence, against the backdrop of Chile's changing political landscape. This is one of the most daring and compelling thrillers in international literature.''Uncomfortable and provocative a chilling account'' FINANCIAL TIMES''I hardly paused for breath'' ALICE SLATER, author of Death of a Bookseller''Remarkable, gripping'' SARAH BERNSTEIN, author of Study for Obedience''Terrifying, explosive and exhilarating'' KATIE KITAMURA, author of IntimaciesBeautifully written and profound' LUCIE WHITEHOUSE, author of Last WitnessNumber 1 Bestseller in Sweden

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Book SynopsisFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author of Karla's Choice, comes a thrilling new detective novel.

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Book SynopsisSummer vacation is over, and excitement is in the air as school festival preparation begins. The class is used to Amane and Mahiru's relationship now, and everyone seems happy for them. At the school festival, Amane''s class will hold a maid/butler cafe. Seeing his classmates's reactions to the maid outfits, Amane isn't completely comfortable with everyone seeing Mahiru like that. Meanwhile, Mahiru is getting a little frustrated seeing Amane open up to the girls around him

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Book Synopsis**Susan Lewis''s thrilling new novel Don''t Believe a Word, featuring true crime podcast host Cristy Ward is available now!**A triple murder.A mother, her daughter and a family friend, are brutally killed at Kellon Manse one quiet summer's day.A young girl disappears and has not been seen since.One suspect.All fingers point to the husband of one of the victims. Yet he still walks free.An unsolvable crime.Cristy Ward has discovered the perfect next feature for her true crime podcast. Who really killed the three women at Kellon Manse?And is there a chance the missing girl is still alive?Readers LOVE Nothing to See Here!''A fantastic read that keeps you guessing until the end'' Reader review ?????''Gripping. All through the book I had it in my head who I thought the killer was and was completely shocked to find out the truth. Absolutely amazing.'' Reader review ?????''Suspense and red herrings had me reading frantically into the night'' Reader review ?????''This book was fast paced, thrilling, emotional Everytime I put my book down I couldn't stop thinking about it and was desperate to get back into it!'' Reader review ?????

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Book Synopsis'Tis the season for finding love… and the perfect bookWith just two weeks until Christmas, everything in Clove Lore should be perfect. But the latest holidaymaker to the Borrow a Bookshop is feeling far from festive…Icelandic ex-bookseller Magnús Sturluson might be surrounded by love stories in the Bookshop, but he’s nursing a sadness that not even fiction can fix.When Alexandra Robinson finds herself stranded in Clove Lore, she finds a safe place to hide from heartbreak. After all, all that’s waiting for her at home is a cheater boyfriend and the memories of her parents. As Alex finds herself embraced by the quirky village community, she finds her tough exterior thawing – and as she grows closer to Magnús, she finds an equally soft heart under his gruff shell.It seems that Clove Lore is working its magic once again – until a great flood on Christmas Eve brings devastation in its wake. It’s up to Magnús and Alex to batten down the hatches and help bring the village back together again, while also introducing the locals to the Icelandic tradition of the jólabókaflóð – Yule book flood – where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together.But can Magnús and Alex truly rescue the ruins of the village, and salvage their Christmas spirit? Or is there another complication lurking even closer than they thought?A totally uplifting read that will lighten the winter gloom, for fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley. Booklovers will adore this seasonal treat!Readers are loving Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop…‘The best holiday for every bookworm…Warm, cosy and full of Christmas atmosphere.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘This was such a sweet and uplifting story. A story about instant connection, friendship, strength, hope, and love.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘The perfect holiday read to curl up next to a fire with a cup of cocoa!’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review'Absolutely adored this...Likeable characters and a wonderful storyline that I enjoyed! Add this book to your Christmas reads!’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review'A perfect cozy read when the weather is cold and you just want to snuggle up with a sweet book! Loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘I read it in one sitting; couldn't seem to put it down!...An absolute joy.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘Bookshops + Romance + Christmas...What more could you want out of a romance novel?! VERY sweet and VERY good.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘A fabulous Christmas read, full of romance, friendships, community and family...Joyful Christmas escapism. Recommended’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIn her excellent debut novel, Brianna Labuskes writes lovingly of the power of books, libraries, and friendship to sustain us in difficult times, while also offering a stark, unmistakably relevant warning about the dangers of censorship. Fans of historical fiction featuring courageous women will savor The Librarian of Burned Books. — Jennifer Chiaverini, author of Resistance Women Each of the main characters is clearly drawn and sympathetic, the plot kept me awake turning pages far into the night, and the well-earned resolution was poignant and emotional. The depiction of lesbian romance felt authentic and respectful. This novel is a timely reminder that the burning or banning of books is the first step in an escalating war on freedom of thought and expression that can have devastating consequences. The women in this novel develop the strength to overcome fear, doubt, and trepidation to resist censorship and hate each in her own way.... An entertaining and riveting read. — Kim van Alkemade, New York Times bestselling author of Orphan #8 and Bachelor Girl Inspired by the fascinating real story of a little-known World War II-era group of librarians, authors, publishers, and booksellers who united to fight fascism with literature, THE LIBRARIAN OF BURNED BOOKS is a thoroughly engrossing page-turner that proves how powerful words and ideas can be, no matter the era. Filled with intrigue and secrets, this timely novel follows three women from Berlin to Paris to New York City to right past wrongs using books as their weapon of choice. — Elise Hooper, author of Angels of the Pacific I've always believed that the most memorable historical novels are those that, by shining a light on the past, show us a better way forward into the future. Brianna Labuskes's masterful debut is one such novel. Alternating between time periods, and armed with three richly drawn characters, Labuskes unfurls a story of censorship and fear in 1930s Germany and of hope and grit in 1944 New York. A propulsive, immersive, expertly crafted debut that reminds us of the perils of censorship, the power of books, and the duty we all have to stand up for the freedoms we hold dear. — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names As Labuskes weaves perspectives together, she not only highlights the pain of censorship, suppression, and dehumanization but also issues a stark reminder that history repeats itself. At the same time, she plants seeds of hope in her characters’ refusal to let the stories that should bring us together be silenced. — Booklist (starred review) Terrific research buttresses strong writing that will keep readers riveted.”— — Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Epic in scope, its worldbuilding as intricate as filigree,THE FINAL STRIFE sings of rebellion, love, and the courage it takes to stand up to tyranny''Samantha Shannon, bestselling author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREEThe empire is ruled by blood: red-blooded Embers, blue-blooded Dusters and clear-blooded Ghostings. All will be shed in the coming battle for power. The Aktibar a set of trials held every ten years to find the next Ember rulers of the Empire is about to begin.All Embers can join but it requires great skill to win.Sylah was destined to become Warden of Strength, forged as a weapon to change the Empire from within. Those dreams of a better future turned to dust when her family were brutally murdered.But Sylah wasn't made to sparkle, she was born to burn. And as the trials draw near it's time for her to decidewill she rule the Empire or destroy it?Trade Review‘Featuring a love triangle, an enemies to lovers arc, and plenty of intrigue, this read will have you running the full gamut of emotions’ Huffington Post UK ‘El-Arifi is a game-changing new voice in epic fantasy, and The Final Strife is a triumph of book, full of rage, charm, and a cast of misfits you can't help but root for. There are no Chosen Ones here. Only bad choices and blood’Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne ‘Epic, gripping and searing, The Final Strife weaves a fascinating tale of destiny, magic and love set in a richly imagined yet brutally divided world. Its unexpected, gritty heroine is one you cannot help but root for, and the story will stay with you long after the last page’Sue Lynn Tan, author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess ‘El-Arifi tells a tale that is as fierce as its characters, plunging you into a sandy, stratified world until you can feel the grit between your teeth. Heart-wrenching and heart-pounding, The Final Strife is an unmissable debut’Andrea Stewart, author of Bone Shard Daughter ‘Full of rich, vivid world-building with political intrigue and characters you can’t help but root for. I loved it’Christina Sweeney-Baird, author of The End of Men ‘Epic fantasy turned on its head in the most compelling way imaginable. A heroine with bite, a supporting cast of flawed but deeply human characters, and world building that is raw, unforgiving and richly textured, The Final Strife is the real deal. El-Arifi is a bold new voice in epic fantasy and I cannot wait to read more of her work’Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart ‘A rip-roaring read!’Taran Matharu, NYT bestselling author of the Summoner and Contender series

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Book SynopsisNote to self: don't sleep with your flatmate after a curry and three bottles of wine especially if he's secretly in love with you and wants you to meet his mum.Cat Parsons is on the run. She doesn't do relationships. After ten years of singlehood even the hint of the L' word is enough to get Cat packing her bags and booking herself onto a two-week holiday.A European bus tour feels like a stroke of genius to dodge awkward conversations at home. But little does Cat realise that the first stop will be Paris, the city of love itself.Joined by new friends, Cat has got two weeks, eight countries and a hell of a lot of wine ahead of her. As they discover hidden treasures and the camaraderie of life on the road, will Cat find a new way of looking at love?Discover the beauty of Europe's most romantic cities in this uplifting and laugh-out-loud novel for fans of Samantha Parks, Alex Brown and Mandy BaggotWhat others are saying about That Night in Paris:I feel as if I've had a wonderful holiday r

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the Booker Prize 2020A Spectator Book of the YearA literary rendering of theTop Boy generation I cannot conjure another work which captures this culture in such depth or with such brutal honesty as only lived experience can tell ' Graeme Armstrong, author of The Young Team'An astonishingly powerful book' Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Last Act of LoveThis life is like being in an ocean. Some people keep swimming towards the bottom. Some people touch the bottom with one foot, or even both, and then push themselves off it to get back up to the top, where you can breathe. Others get to the bottom and decide they want to stay there. I don't want to get to the bottom because I'm already drowning.This is a story of a London you won't find in any guidebooks.This is a story about what it's like to exist in the moment, about boys too eager to become men, growing up in the hidden war zones of big cities and the girls trying to make it their own way.This is a story of reputatTrade Review‘An astonishingly powerful book. Krauze is an immense new talent’ Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Last Act of Love ‘Magnificent in its relentless intensity and searing honesty, this is a new voice arriving fully formed and raring to go’ Booker Prize judges 2020 ‘It is exceptional’ Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie ‘A wild ride from the very first page. An astonishing telling of a young man's search for belonging, caught between a life of crime with his London gang and hopes for his academic future’ Douglas Stuart, author of Shuggie Bain ‘Arrives on the literary scene like the sound of gunfire over a south Kilburn housing estate … With its distinctive argot and moments of ultraviolence, Who They Was is akin to A Clockwork Orange – except that instead of a well-heeled author’s fantastical brainchild, it is a hyperrealistic tale from a writer who has lived the lifestyle it describes’ Guardian ‘By turns visceral, funny, moving and appalling … a powerful evocation of gang life on this estate in south Kilburn’ The Times ‘Who They Was could—and should—prove a historical turning point for British literature and future, as yet unheard, voices’ Complex ‘There is a lot of soul-searching, but it is never allowed to interrupt the action for long; Gabriel is just as likely to be witnessing somebody else’s navel being sliced open as gazing at his own … he writes honestly and infesctiously about the buzz that comes with committing violent crime … he has plenty of talent to see him through’ Telegraph ‘I cannot conjure another work which captures this culture in such depth – or with such brutal honesty – as only lived experience can tell. This is a literary rendering of the Top Boy generation Krauze's voice is stuck in my head and it is an authentic voice of the streets’ Graeme Armstrong, author of The Young Team

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Book SynopsisJo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, including time at Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Radio 2's The Steve Wright Show.Jo's debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook. Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.Trade ReviewIf you love a rugged hero, a heroine you can relate to, a warm romantic story and a bit of armchair travel, Countdown to Christmas is for you! * Katie Fforde *It just wouldn't be Christmas without Jo's book in your stocking! * Jill Mansell *Delicious and delightful - Jo sweeps you away to a better place with every book, which are always filled with warmth, love and a big spoonful of happiness * Veronica Henry *It was heartwarming – a lovely, cosy book that I could wrap myself up in and just enjoy * Carol Kirkwood *We love the way Jo's glorious novels always transport you to somewhere beautiful * My Weekly *As heartwarming as a crackling log fire, as magical as a starry Canadian sky * Phillipa Ashley *Picking up a Jo Thomas book is a treat for the senses. * People's Friend *Heart-warming and delicious, it is a true feast for the senses * Rosanna Ley *Full of holiday cheer, this delightful romance is just what you need in the countdown to Christmas * Candis *A delightful romance as sweet as maple syrup and as heartwarming as a big mug of hot chocolate. Enjoy! * Kate Frost *A perfect read to get you in the mood for festivities * Chat Magazine *

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Book SynopsisI gobbled it up in two sittings, quickly turning pages to see what would happen next. The windswept, desolate setting, cold, gloomy manor house and dark characters created the perfect stormy day read And did I mention the twists? Oh my goodness!' NetGalley reviewer, ?????When a young widow's little girl vanishes, could a dark family secret hold the answer?On the death of her aunt Gwyn, Lowri returns once more to Gwyn's home on the remote island of Anglesey, Wales, with her young daughter Ruby in tow. Lowri hadn't seen her aunt in years, but this beautiful island offers a fresh start.Yet right away, strange things begin to happen. Ruby insists an old woman is visiting her when no one else is watching, and a tattered old doll keeps being left for Ruby to find.Then Ruby goes missing. Desperately seeking answers no one seems to have, Lowri looks to her dark family past for clues. But the secrets she uncovers suggest that Ruby is not the only one in danger, and time is running out for both of themA terrifically dark and twisty tale that asks: can you ever really trust those closest to you? Perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Cass Green and C.J. Tudor.Readers are gripped by The Last House on the Cliff: I absolutely loved [this], I loved the chills it gave me, especially reading it in the dark!' @Rubiereads, ?????Wonderful and captivatingI loved how the story unfolded with so many twists and turns and family secrets you could never imagine. Heart wrenching and heart breaking at times. It was utterly compelling and a real page turner.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????I loved this! Super suspenseful had me turning pages late through the night because I could not put it down until I had worked out all the twists Five stars.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????Such a tense and atmospheric read This was gripping right from the first page and I could not put it down, twisty and unpredictable.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????Gave me goosebumps the entire time the twists in the novel made it one of my fastest reads of the year. The family dynamics were so complicated, I had no idea who to trust.'NetGalley reviewer, ?????Trade ReviewReaders love Anne Wyn Clark ‘Creepy, claustrophobic and compelling! A beautifully written thriller that kept me glued to my Kindle’ Miranda Rijks, author of The Visitors ‘Haunting psychological suspense… Will send shivers down your spine’ Alice Hunter, author of The Serial Killer’s Wife “Whisper Cottage was a dark and atmospheric thriller that pulled me in from the very first page.” Stephanie DeCarolis, author of The Guilty Husband 'Chilling and wonderfully atmospheric, with an ending that took me surprise – I couldn’t put it down' Amanda Brittany, author of Her Last Lie

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Book SynopsisA lush and twisted dark fairy tale suffused with witchcraft, dark secrets and bitter revenge from the award-winning author of All the Murmuring Bones. Exquisite, haunting and at times brutal, readers of Naomi Novik and Erin Morgenstern will be entranced. Asher Todd comes to live with the mysterious Morwood family as a governess to their children. Asher knows little about being a governess but she is skilled in botany and herbcraft, and perhaps more than that. And she has secrets of her own, dark and terrible - and Morwood is a house that eats secrets. With a monstrous revenge in mind, Asher plans to make it choke. However, she becomes fond of her charges, of the people of the Tarn, and she begins to wonder if she will be able to execute her plan - and who will suffer most if she does. But as the ghosts of her past become harder to control, Asher realises she has no choice. From the author of All the Murmuring Bones, dark magic, retribution and twisted family secrets combine to weave a bewitching and beautifully written gothic fairy tale.Trade ReviewPraise for The Path of Thorns"...a dark and engrossing fairy tale with an engaging protagonist and compelling secrets lying underneath the surface" - Oprah Daily, Top 25 Fantasy Books of 2022"As atmospheric and uber-gothic as The Path of Thorns is, there’s humor too. Slatter delivers it all in a gorgeously written, deeply dark, deliciously rich, and magical package." - Paula Guran, Locus Magazine"An absorbing, captivating tale" - SFX​"​I’m a huge fan of the “morally grey character seeks revenge but struggles with growing positive sentiments toward their enemy” trope, and the addition of furious ghosts driving on this mission is just… chef’s kiss!​"​ - Tor.com​"A​s she expertly demonstrates with The Path of Thorns, she knows when to reveal key plot information and when to hold back. It’s a balancing act that many a writer falls afoul of, but which Slatter pulls off with Olympic-level ease.​... I'll read anything she writes" - Locus​"Boasting an unflinchingly morally gray heroine and all the grit and nuanced political awareness of Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver or Ava Reid’s The Wolf and the Woodsman, this is a truly enthralling fantasy." -Publishers Weekly “A delightfully sinister fairy tale full of dark rituals, reluctant romance, and revenge served bitterly cold, The Path of Thorns is a modern classic.”Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For The Wolf “In this spellbinding tale, love is a dark and fractured thing. The Path of Thorns dares you to enter a world where there are no heroes, lies are the currency of the wronged and characters will pay any price to get their revenge. Slatter spins a mesmerising story, whose pace never falters and which kept me reading long into the night. A brilliantly assured modern fairy tale.”Lucy Holland, bestselling author of Sistersong"The perfect Gothic fairy tale, full of darkness and danger seething beneath an idyllic surface." A.C. Wise, author of Wendy, Darling “The Path of Thorns is a gothic masterpiece – rich and dark, with enough twists and turns to keep you reading late into the night. A spellbinding, memorable novel.”Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn & Grim and Warrior Bards series “The Path of Thorns is ferocious and filled with monstrous women who neither seek forgiveness for what they are, nor want anything less than what is owed to them. There are no good people here, no real heroes. Instead, we have people who will not be silenced, not by the world, not even by death. The Path of Thorns is a glorious, bloody, unflinching book.” Cassandra Khaw, USA Today bestselling author of Nothing But Blackened Teeth “The Path of Thorns is beautiful and vicious. Although it is a ruthless, Gothic tale, bright and bitter as poison, cold as a crypt, its chinks are stopped against the bleakest winds with deft, jewel-toned tales, and at its bruised heart, it is as loving and warm as a wolf curled around her cubs.”Kathleen Jennings, British Fantasy Award-winning author of Flyaway and World Fantasy Award-winning illustrator"If you love gothic stories with a dash of morally grey characters, light romance, dark family secrets and a touch of magic, this is for you!"Ash-and-books"An ultimately hopeful fantasy that horrified or saddened me in moments but always held me in its thrall."The Naptime Writer"The stories told within the stories and the muddled histories give a sense of weight and depth, and I loved every moment I was in the Sourdough world. I think you will, too."Girl Who Reads"A highly entertaining read, with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes."A Bookish Type"Delicious and dark... It's the novel’s setting, the corridors, bedrooms, parlours, and inhabitants of Morwood Grange, that drip with gothic intent." - Ian Mond, Locus Magazine"The Path of Thorns is an interesting Gothic fantasy that will appeal to fans of Victorian London and magic." Layton's Book Reviews

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Book SynopsisDark powers have been unleashed across the galaxy. Will the Alchemist be humanity's saviour – or its doom? Following on from The Reality Dysfunction, The Neutronium Alchemist is the second epic novel in the Night's Dawn trilogy by Peter F. Hamilton.A seemingly unstoppable force has entered our universe, and we are confronted by our most primal fear. Those who have succumbed to its horror have acquired godlike powers. Yet their actions are far from divine. As they advance from planet to planet, these powerful individuals leave slaughter and mayhem in their wake. The Confederation Navy is dangerously overstretched, as whole worlds fracture and collapse. And a dark messiah prepares to invoke his own version of the final night.In such desperate times, a powerful new weapon could cause yet more terror, but Dr Alkad Mzu is determined to retrieve the Alchemist – and complete her thirty-year-old mission to slay a star. However, as she works to obtain it, others have their own ideas on how to use this ultimate doomsday device . . .The Neutronium Alchemist is followed by The Naked God.Trade ReviewHamilton puts British sci-fi back into interstellar overdrive * Times *Space opera has rarely been dealt with in such majesty . . . inventive, ambitious, and, like the greatest of tumbling acts, leaves you giddy for more * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisJohn Irving, one of the world’s greatest novelists, returns with his first novel in seven years — a ghost story, a love story, and a lifetime of sexual politics. In Aspen, Colorado, in 1941, Rachel Brewster is a slalom skier at the National Downhill and Slalom Championships. Little Ray, as she is called, finishes nowhere near the podium, but she manages to get pregnant. Back home, in New England, Little Ray becomes a ski instructor. Her son, Adam, grows up in a family that defies conventions and evades questions concerning the eventful past. Years later, looking for answers, Adam will go to Aspen. In the Hotel Jerome, where he was conceived, Adam will meet some ghosts; in The Last Chairlift, they aren’t the first or the last ghosts he sees. John Irving has written some of the most acclaimed books of our time — among them, The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules. A visionary voice on th

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Book SynopsisThe steamy and thrilling story of Laura and Massimo continues in this unputdownable sequel to the international bestseller 365 Days – the inspiration behind Netflix’s blockbuster movie. Laura Biel’s new life in Sicily looks like the perfect fairy tale: a grand wedding, a wealthy and devoted husband, a baby on the way and lavish luxury complete with servants, extravagant cars and seaside palazzos. Yes, all of this would be perfect, except for the fact that Laura is constantly surrounded by gangsters as the threat of her kidnapping looms large. Laura is about finally discover what it means to be married to the most dangerous man in Italy.

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