Contemporary fiction titles are those which focus on the present or near past. Stories rooted in the current cultural, social, and political landscape which feature characters we can all recognise.
Contemporary Fiction Books
HarperCollins Publishers Once Upon a Leap Year
Book SynopsisYou will fall for Noah and Lucy . . . this is one of those stories that will capture your attention and not let it go' Reader review ?????I couldn't get enough of this story' Reader review ?????I was hooked from page one. Following Noah and Lucy''s life over twenty years broke my heart, made me laugh and eventually had me swooning' Reader review ?????* * *A gorgeous, high-concept romcom about finding love and daring to take a chance. After all, it's all about timing. . .29th February 2000. Lucy's never met another leapling until she encounters Noah also spending his once-in-four-years birthday on a disappointing day trip to Calais. There's a spark that Lucy is sure Noah must feel too, and their friends insist they have amazing chemistry, but they're both with other people. It can never be more than platonic and that's OK.Over the next twenty years, they're at each other's side through all of life's big moments weddings, babies, new jobs, family illness but Lucy can never shake the feTrade Review'A great, heartwarming read' Fabulous 'This immersive romcom is just what you need on a cold winter's night' Chat 'A heartwarming read' That's Life
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers Yellowface
Book SynopsisTrade Review‘Propulsive’ SUNDAY TIMES ‘Razor-sharp’ TIME ‘A clever, pacy tale’ SARA PASCOE 'Tense, modern… a brilliant exploration of the literary world' AISLING BEA ‘A riot’ PANDORA SYKES ‘Darkly comic’ GQ ‘A wild ride’ STYLIST ‘Pacy and provocative’ MAIL ON SUNDAY ‘A hugely entertaining account of a brazen literary heist’ OBSERVER ‘A wicked little satire of publishing, racial politics and icky internet culture’ THE TIMES ‘Intriguing’ ELLE ‘Strikingly topical’ GUARDIAN ‘Utterly diverting’ FINANCIAL TIMES ‘Blistering’ SCOTSMAN ‘Unforgettable’ WOMAN & HOME ‘A spiky, snarky, shady, smart, sinister take on white privilege’ NIKKI MAY ‘Incisive and compelling… sweeps the reader up on a thrilling ride, but leaves us thinking about the questions raised for days’ JENNIFER SAINT ‘A rollicking good read that you’ll struggle to put down’ WOMAN’S WEEKLY ‘Deeply, darkly hilarious’ MARIE CLAIRE ‘So addictive you could easily risk heatstroke if you read it on a sun lounger’ GRAZIA ‘This acute, fast-paced thriller will have literary insiders nodding in recognition and outsiders gasping in shock’ THE BOOKSELLER ‘A firecracker of a book’ i PAPER ‘Uncomfortable and addictive… a must-read’ INDEPENDENT ‘Not since Martin Amis’s The Information has the venality, self-regard and absurdity of the writing life been so gloriously skewered’ THE CRITIC ‘Once you start, you won’t be able to put it down’ HEAT ‘Scathing, spiky and full of laugh-out-loud moments’ GLAMOUR ‘Well-observed and alarmingly convincing’ DAILY MAIL ‘Sharp and funny… a superb insight into the publishing world’ PRIMA
£13.49
Pan Macmillan New Selected Poems
Book SynopsisCarol Ann Duffy is the most humane and accessible poet of our time' Rose Tremain, Guardian New Selected Poems contains poems chosen by Carol Ann Duffy from her first six acclaimed collections, from Standing Female Nude to Feminine Gospels, and a handful of other poems collected here for the first time. Endlessly varied and wonderfully inventive, this volume is the perfect introduction for new readers, the essential selection for students, and a glorious sum of parts for old acquaintances.
£13.49
Pan Macmillan Love May Fail
Book SynopsisThe latest masterpiece from Matthew Quick, the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Linings Playbook.Trade ReviewBrilliant . . . compulsively readable . . . a plot that keeps you guessing . . . The emotional authenticity of his characters and their pitch-perfect Philly dialogue make it little wonder that his entire back catalogue has been optioned. But you don't need to wait for the film: Love May Fail is as wholly transporting as any cinematic experience. The blackly comic, quicksand tone of Vonnegut might be the presiding spirit, but Matthew Quick has a uniquely rewarding voice and one that, for his native Philadelphia, is creating a space in contemporary fiction all of its own. * GQ *A complex and thought-provoking American comedy about love and the meaning of life * Daily Mail *Quick excels at writing what he knows, and making readers feel intimately connected to his characters. Love May Fail also reflects his mastery of devising humorous dialogue, interlaced with rabid vulgarity. "The truth will set you free," Portia furiously states at one point "But first it will piss you off." Once a high-school English teacher himself, the author captures how painful it is to have a misguided student and feel powerless to help them. Portia recalls how Nate would end each school year optimistically by handing his students personalized Official Member of the Human Race cards, encouraging them to "make daring choices, work hard, enjoy the ride, and remember-you become exactly whomever you choose to be." You can almost see the movie poster now. * Wall Street Journal *Inspiring . . . Matthew Quick has a way with wounded characters * Boston Globe *Quick, an ex-teacher, nails the symbiotic student-teacher relationship, with all of its attendant baggage, squarely on the head in this engaging slice-of-life dramedy with definite big-screen potential * Booklist *An easy, enjoyable, and thoughtful read with laughs and tears along the way. Quick's devotees won't be disappointed. * Library Journal *Quick nails it again . . . moving and delighting * Glamour USA *An off-the-wall read . . . dark and different * Sun *Darkly funny . . . readers will be engrossed * Publishers Weekly *
£6.74
Pan Macmillan The Emperors Children
Book SynopsisWith an introduction by Neel Mukherjee.In Manhattan, just after the century's turn, three thirty-year-old friends, Danielle, Marina and Julius, are seeking their fortunes. But the arrival of Marina's young cousin Bootie - fresh from the provinces and keen, too, to make his mark - forces them to confront their own desires and expectations.The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud is an American classic: a sweeping portrait of one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and a haunting illustration of how the events of a single day can change everything, for ever.Trade ReviewIn its scope, style and substance, The Emperor's Children is an attempt to return the novel to its golden age; it is engaged in a conversation with George Eliot, Henry James, Dostoevsky. Its psychological realism is perfect, its characters . . . thrillingly real, alive and utterly convincing in their subtleties of thought and the ticking of their minds.Messud's prose is a timely and intensely pleasurable reminder of the possibilities of the English language. To use the word clarity about her style - dense, chaste, luminously intelligent - is to return the word to its origins; this is style as illumination, shining a searching yet sympathetic light on the minds and inner worlds of her characters, and as a radiant mode of moral inquiry. * The Times *From the moment the book opens, one senses a writer of confidence and maturity, expansive, sure of her ground and savouring her own sonorous prose . . . Messud has proved in her previous novels that she is an intelligent and ambitious writer whose fiction is concerned with matters well beyond the personal and domestic . . . There is much to enjoy here, not least Messud's delicate yet devastating use of irony, her nuanced portrayal of character and motive and her vivid descriptions. * Sunday Telegraph *[The Emperor's Children] demonstrates Ms. Messud's growing range as a writer, her ability to shift gears effortlessly between the comic and the tragic, the satiric and the humane . . . Ms. Messud delineates this Manhattan world with quick, sure, painterly strokes, relying less on Tom Wolfeian status details and obviously satiric vignettes than on her psychological radar for how people talk and behave . . . Ms. Messud does a nimble, quicksilver job of portraying her central characters from within and without - showing us their pretensions, frailties and self-delusions, even as she delineates their secret yearnings and fears. At the same time, she uses their stories to explore many of the same questions she explicated so masterfully in The Last Life - questions about how an individual hammers out an identity of his or her own under the umbrella of a powerful family, questions about the ways in which people mythologize their own lives and the lives of those they love. * New York Times *As large-hearted as it is ambitious, this is a novel that combines the old-fashioned art of storytelling with a clear-eyed view of the modern world. * Sunday Times *Messud has captured a moment, and she has captured it brilliantly . . . Messud has written a big book about the gleaming surfaces of life, and what they conceal. Her ambition - positively nineteenth century, I think - is outweighed only by her talent. * Evening Standard *A splendid American novel, contemporary yet historical, with an avalanche of characters flowing across the world from Australia to Manhattan to small-town America and to Florida . . . This is an ambitious, confident, most readable book by a first rate storyteller with the youth and vitality to spread a huge canvas and enjoy filling it. * Spectator *Claire Messud is a novelist of unnerving talent . . . The Emperor's Children is a masterly comedy of manners - an astute and poignant evocation of hobnobbing glitterati in the months before and immediately following September 11 . . . [It] is, on its surface, a stingingly observant novel about the facades of the chattering class - with its loves, ambitions and petty betrayals - but it is also, more profoundly, about a wholesale collision of values . . . The Emperor's Children is full of satirical chiding, but it's one of the most delightful - even delicious - forms of such chiding I've encountered . . . Among its many pleasures, this novel indisputably reminds us of one truth that cannot be declared fungible: the obdurate reality of the human imagination. The Emperor's Children is a penetrating testament to its power. * New York Times Book Review *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Sleeping Tiger
Book Synopsis''I thoroughly enjoyed this story, immersing myself in the warmth and beauty of Spain, before returning to the vagaries of Scottish weather'' Reader review ?????Sweet Mediterranean escapism by the much-loved Rosamunde PilcherAre you brave enough to wake the sleeping tiger?Selina Bruce has impulsively left behind her lawyer fiancé in London and flown to a tiny island off the Spanish coast. She is searching for the father she has never known, but what she finds is an unexpected truth about herself and the man she plans to marry. For exotic San Antonio offers Selina far more than the penetrating brilliance of the noonday sun. It offers the mysterious George Dyer, who holds the key not only to her past . . . but to her heart.READERS LOVE SLEEPING TIGER:''A simple but enthralling plot line. I only wish it could have gone on and on'' Reader review ?????''This is a delicious Trade ReviewHer genius is to create characters you really care for * Daily Express *Pilcher's storytelling skills are serene and beguiling * The Times *Whether she is being poignant, wry or perceptive, Rosamunde Pilcher is always gentle * Woman's Realm *It is never too soon to discover Rosamunde Pilcher * Good Housekeeping *A beautiful, haunting story . . . that will tug at your heartstrings * Prima *
£8.54
Hodder & Stoughton Another View
Book Synopsis''Rosamunde Pilcher always writes the most enjoyable stories and this has to be among her best. A truly satisfying read'' Reader review ????? A captivating, timeless novel by the much-loved Rosamunde PilcherEmma Litton cannot get on with her life until she finds out whether she has a place in her father''s heart. From being at school in Europe since she was fourteen, and then working in Paris, she has always wondered what her famous artist father was doing in Japan, America or at their cottage in Cornwall. Even after she meets Robert Morrow, the handsome gallery owner, and rediscovers her stepbrother, Christo, Emma still feels compelled to probe into the truth of her past. But she learns, too late, that what she really needs is to discover the truth about herself, and that letting go is the first step towards holding onto love.READERS LOVE ANOTHER VIEW:''I love Rosamunde Pilcher. I love thTrade ReviewHer genius is to create characters you really care for * Daily Express *Pilcher's storytelling skills are serene and beguiling * The Times *Whether she is being poignant, wry or perceptive, Rosamunde Pilcher is always gentle * Woman's Realm *It is never too soon to discover Rosamunde Pilcher * Good Housekeeping *A beautiful, haunting story . . . that will tug at your heartstrings * Prima *
£8.54
Simon & Schuster Ltd Reputation
Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal, now a major Netflix series… Reputation: it takes a lifetime to build and just one moment to destroy.‘Sarah Vaughan has done it again. Superb’ Shari Lapena Emma Webster is a respectable MP. Emma Webster is a devoted mother. Emma Webster is innocent of the murder of a tabloid journalist. Emma Webster is a liar. #Reputation: The story you tell about yourself. And the lies others choose to believe… 'Uncannily timely… As dark and gripping as you’d expect from the author of Anatomy of a Scandal’ ObserverYour favourite authors love Reputation: ‘A terrifically entertaining legal drama and an unsettling cautionary tale for any woman considering entering politics’
£8.54
Ultimo Press Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens: WINNER OF THE
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE MILES FRANKLIN LITERARY AWARD'This is an engaging story that feels both urgent and necessary. It is also a terrific read.' – The Daily Telegraph (Australia)Welcome to Cinnamon Gardens, a home for those who are lost and the stories they treasure. Cinnamon Gardens Nursing Home is nestled in the quiet suburb of Westgrove, Sydney – populated with residents with colourful histories, each with their own secrets, triumphs and failings. This is their safe place, an oasis of familiar delights – a beautiful garden, a busy kitchen and a bountiful recreation schedule. But this ordinary neighbourhood is not without its prejudices. The serenity of Cinnamon Gardens is threatened by malignant forces more interested in what makes this refuge different rather than embracing the calm companionship that makes this place home to so many. As those who challenge the residents’ existence make their stand against the nursing home with devastating consequences, our characters are forced to reckon with a country divided. Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens is about family and memory, community and race, but is ultimately a love letter to storytelling and how our stories shape who we are.
£14.44
Simon & Schuster Ltd Walking Disaster
Book SynopsisSet in the same time-frame as Beautiful Disaster, now we hear the story from Travis'' point of view. Travis lost his mother at a very young age, but before she died she taught him two important rules... Love hard. Fight harder. Growing up in a family of men who like to gamble and fight, Travis Maddox is a tough guy. Known for his bad reputation with women, and feared for his incredible fighting skills, all the boys want to be him, while the girls simply want him... Abby Abernathy is the first girl to treat him the way he feels he should be treated, with dislike and disinterest. It is her lack of interest that sparks his determination to win her round. Will the invincible Travis ''Mad Dog'' Maddox be defeated by a girl?
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Knife Skills for Beginners
Book SynopsisRichard Osman meets MasterChef. In this cookery school, murder is on the menu...'Delicious fun!' Tess Gerritsen'Knife Skills for Beginners is a joy.' S. J. Bennett‘A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery.’ Chris Whitaker'If Ruth Rendell had teamed up with Delia Smith they’d have produced something like this.’ J. M. Hall‘Dazzlingly sharp with a wit that sparkles off the page.' Jane CorryA recipe for disaster.When chef Paul Delamare takes a job teaching at an exclusive residential cookery school in Belgravia, the only thing he expects his students to murder is his taste buds. But on the first night, the unthinkable happens: someone turns up dead...The school rests on a knife-edge.The police are convinced Paul is the culprit. After all, he’s good with a blade, was first on the scene – and everyone knows it doesn’t take much to push a chef over the edge. To prove his innocence, he must find the killer. Could it be one of his students? Or the owner of the school – a woman with secrets and a murky past?It all boils down to murder.If Paul can’t solve the mystery fast – as well as teach his students how to make a perfect hollandaise sauce – he’ll be next to get the chop.Trade ReviewDelicious fun! Knife Skills for Beginners is both intriguing and mouth-watering, starring a charming hero you’ll want as your best friend. * Tess Gerritsen *A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery. Funny and fun, frightening and charming. * Chris Whitaker *Knife Skills for Beginners is a joy, packed full of fabulous culinary tips and recipes you'll want to make, alongside a decent dollop of murder and mystery. * S. J. Bennett *Orlando Murrin’s personality is sprinkled throughout the pages of his debut, Knife Skills for Beginners. It’s warm, it’s humorous, it’s different from anything I’ve read before. If you’re into cosy crime, this one is irresistible. * Mari Hannah *A lethally delicious soufflé of a crime novel - light and witty at first taste, but with rich, dark undertones. I loved the combination of crime and cookery - and how Orlando uses the one to enrich the other (and vice versa). I can see this developing into a wonderful series with memorable recurring characters. * Andrew Taylor *
£12.59
Daunt Books Belly Up
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Simon & Schuster Ltd The French Gardener
Book SynopsisA spellbinding novel about marriage, passion, loss, renewal, and the healing power of love from the number one bestselling author of Songs of Love and War. Married couple, Miranda and David, move out of London into a beautiful country house with an idyllic garden. But reality turns out to be very different from their bucolic dream. Soon the latent unhappiness in the family begins to come to the surface, isolating each family member in a bubble of resentment and loneliness. Then a mysterious Frenchman arrives on their doorstep. With the wisdom of nature, he slowly begins to heal the past and the present. But who is he? When Miranda discovers his secret in the cottage by the garden, the whole family learns that a garden, like love itself, can restore the human spirit, not just season after season, but generation after generation. Wise and winsome, poignant and powerfully moving, The French Gardener combines the savvy of contemporary women's fictTrade Review‘This is Santa Montefiore at her best – an enchanting read overflowing with deliciously poignant moments. If you love a heartfelt, epic trilogy this is for you. I loved it and can’t wait for more’ -- Dinah Jefferies, author of The Tea Planter's Wife, on Songs of Love and War‘Nobody does epic romance like Santa Montefiore. Everything she writes, she writes from the heart’ -- Jojo Moyes‘A multigenerational banquet of love: falling in, falling out, rediscovering,rekindling. The Beekeeper’s Daughter features sophisticated, irresistible backdrops and brilliantly drawn characters that made it one of the most engrossing reads of my year’ -- Elin Hilderbrand, author of The Matchmaker, on The Beekeeper's Daughter‘I raced through this feel-good romantic story, which spans continents and decades’ -- Fanny Blake * Woman & Home on The Beekeeper's Daughter *‘This deeply romantic saunter is an ideal summer read. Laced with secrets and forbidden liaisons, it is sure to keep you turning the pages’ * The Lady on The Beekeeper's Daughter *‘Santa Montefiore is the new Rosamunde Pilcher’ * Daily Mail *‘A superb storyteller of love and death in romantic places in fascinating times’ * Vogue *‘A gripping romance . . . it is as believable as the writing is beautiful’ * Daily Telegraph *‘Anyone who likes Joanne Harris or Mary Wesley will love Montefiore’ * Mail on Sunday *‘One of our personal favourites and bestselling authors, sweeping stories of love and families spanning continents and decades’ * The Times *‘Engaging and charming’ -- Penny Vincenzi
£8.99
Little, Brown & Company The Stench of Honolulu
Book Synopsis
£16.14
Pushkin Press Black River
Book Synopsis** A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2024 **NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE GUARDIAN, THE SUNDAY TIMES, AND THE FINANCIAL TIMESA searing debut set in a modern India simmering with the tension of growing religious intolerance, by a major new international voice This shockingly powerful ?psychological thriller? and ?riveting murder mystery? is ?a magnificent work of literary fiction? perfect for fans of AGE OF VICE and WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (Kiran Desai, Booker Prize winning author)Teetapur, an unassuming village just a few hours outside of bustling Delhi, is famous for nothing?until one of its children, 8-year-old Munia, is found dead, hanging from the branch of a Jamun tree.In the largely Hindu village, suspicion quickly falls on an itinerant Muslim man, Mansoor Suspicion ignites like wildfire, fueled by religious tensions that simmer beneath the surface.The responsibility of uncovering the elusive truth ? and prevent the lynching of the prime suspect ? now rests on the weary shoulders of Sub-Inspector Ombir Singh. With only one other officer beneath him, and just a single working revolver between them, can he bring justice to a grieving father and an angry village ? or will Teetapur demand vengeance instead?Offering readers a gripping mystery and a sweeping state-of-the-nation saga, Black River stands as a searing critique of modern India, weaving an intricate narrative that captures the essence of a nation grappling with its own complexities and contradictions.
£9.49
Quercus Publishing Blacklight Blue: A suspenseful, race against time
Book SynopsisTHE THIRD COLD-CASE INVESTIGATION FOR ENZO MACLEOD, FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE RICHARD AND JUDY MEGASELLER THE BLACKHOUSE.FRANCE. A death sentence.Diagnosed with a terminal illness, Enzo Macleod is running out of time to crack the most confounding of unsolved French murders. A death threat.His daughter is nearly killed, Enzo is mugged - and then he is arrested. Someone is trying to destroy his character. Someone is framing him for murder. A deathly enemy.Killers from the past will stop at nothing to halt Enzo, who must use all his forensic skills to solve the case - before they succeed.Trade ReviewA rip-roaring thriller . . . thoroughly enjoyable * Mail on Sunday *A wonderfully complex bookHe is a terrific writer doing something differentFrom the first page I knew I was in safe hands. I knew I could trust this writerWonderfully compellingWestern France - now May's own stamping ground - is as much a character in the book as the Hebrides were in his formidable Isle of Lewis sequence * Guardian *Peter May is a writer I'd follow to the ends of the earth * New York Times *One of the best regarded crime series of recent years * Independent *Lyrical, empathetic and movingMay's novels are strong on place and the wounds left by old relationships * Sunday Times *Dark, exciting and atmospheric * Scotland on Sunday *Powerful and authentic * Glasgow Sunday Herald *Fast, exciting ... an entertaining read that will also give food for thought * Irish Times *A tense and atmospheric thriller with a heart-stopping ending * Tangled Web *Truly the best of May's series so far, this is not to be missed * The Good Book Guide *
£8.49
Pan Macmillan Eating People is Wrong
Book SynopsisMalcolm Bradbury was a well-known novelist, critic and academic, and founder of the creative writing department at the University of East Anglia. He was the author of seven novels, including The History Man and Rates of Exchange, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. He was awarded a knighthood in 2000 and died the same year.
£9.49
Kensington Publishing The Magdalen Girls
Book Synopsis
£13.29
Simon & Schuster Ltd Token
Book SynopsisPRE-ORDER ONE IN A MILLION, THE SPICY NEW ROMCOM FROM BEVERLEY KENDALL, OUT SPRING 2025. A sexy, whip-smart, enemies to lovers romcom that’s fresh and topical, tackling racism and tokenism as experienced by a young Black woman in the cutthroat world of Publicity. 'A funny, satisfying read full of sparkling banter and thoughtful social commentary' Shauna Robinson, author of Must Love Books 'The most delicious blend of a *very* heated novel, the dynamics of an age old and rock-solid friendship, the complexities that come with being a Black woman in any workspace and a romance that could melt any heart. Token had me rapt from the very first page with it’s humour and intelligence - I absolutely adored it' Ore Agbaje-Williams, author of The Three of Us 'Brimming with angst, banter, and a fiery chemistry' Taj McCoy, author of ZorTrade Review'Token was EVERYTHING and more - the most delicious blend of a *very* heated novel, the dynamics of an age old and rock-solid friendship, the complexities that come with being a Black woman in any workspace and a romance that could melt any heart. But it’s also so much more, with Beverley asking us to reckon with the moral abyss that is being in the public eye and how difficult it can be in both sides of the coin. This book had me rapt from the very first page with it’s humour and intelligence - I absolutely adored it' ORE AGBAJE-WILLIAMS, author of The Three Of Us 'Beverley Kendall masterfully delivers the ABCs of a delectable second chance romance between Kendall and Nate - it’s brimming with angst, banter, and a fiery chemistry. The added dimension of the workplace dramas will strike a chord and keep you guessing' Taj McCoy, author of Zora Books Her Happy Ever After 'A funny, satisfying read full of sparkling banter and thoughtful social commentary. I loved watching Kennedy take the corporate world by storm - and follow her heart along the way' Shauna Robinson, author of Must Love Books'Fresh, sexy and funny' heat Reader Reviews ‘I loved it. The characters were amazing’ ‘Token will definitely make a good book club recommendation, as there is a lot to discuss’ ‘A joy to read. I was totally captivated by the story and the relationship between Kennedy and Nate’ ‘I just couldn’t stop turning the pages’ ‘Completely engrossing’ ‘Token is fantastic, I adored the fake dating trope, but was completely there for Kennedy and Nate, their chemistry was palpable and the spicy scenes were very hot’ 'A fun, sexy romance read with some great female characters and an underlying commentary on some of societies issues of racism and misogyny. The chemistry between Kennedy and her ex was undeniable' 'Tackles some tricky issues whilst still maintaining its appeal as a fun, romantic read. If you like your romances spicy, this is for you. The characters are appealing and engaging, and it has everything you could want from an intelligent romance' 'A sexy and smart novel! The banter between Kennedy and Nate is mesmerising! Issues of racism and sexism are focused on but ultimately the romance took over and I loved it' 'I gulped Token down in just a couple of sittings, I couldn’t read it fast enough! It’s fresh, feisty, and wow, it’s hot! I loved the way the story is told, it’s funny, straight-talking and original. I couldn’t get enough and truly loved it' 'I was hooked from the very first page and just knew that I was going to love the strong and sassy main character, Kennedy. Token is a fresh, modern and powerful novel that completely captivated me from start to finish' 'A really interesting, thought provoking and enjoyable read. It’s part romance, part looking at issues in modern life, specifically around race and gender' 'What a fresh, engaging and brilliant read. I loved Token - a narrative with sharp wit, incisive social comment and an underlying sexiness that makes it a fabulous read... intelligent, entertaining and, for me, quite brilliant' 'I love a romance, and I love it even better if the story has depth. Token delivers on this, and more. Well-paced, beautifully-plotted, written with humour, passion and strength, this story works as a romance and as a social commentary on the world' 'Token is HOT... packed full of chemistry! A great, fun and entertaining read' 'Well written, a mix of romance, current issues, a smattering of spicy sex and a serious look at the behaviours of those who often have the most power. A fascinating and fun look at the world of business in New York' 'Super sharp, I loved that Token couldn’t be pigeonholed - yes there’s a hot romance, but there’s also a focus on diversity... Kennedy is an absolute QUEEN!' 'A clever combination, combining a spicy second chance romance with an underlying exploration of the serious topic of DE&I in the workplace. Perfectly balanced, it makes for a fun and addictive read with a thought-provoking message'
£9.49
Random House USA Inc Thank You Moon
Book SynopsisWith the soothing rhythm of a bedtime story and the scientific wonder of a nature doc, comes a celebration of the moon and all the creatures who rely on its light to find their way home.Under the glow of a shimmering moon, creatures great and small creep out of their dens, using its light to hunt, fend off predators, build their nests or build families. As the moon changes phases these animals adapt their behavior to match its waxing and waning—while human animals look on in wonder.As Earth''s closest companion in space, the moon has fascinated humankind for generations, and this nonfiction picture book sheds light on the mysterious ways it affects life on Earth. With luminous illustrations by Jessica Lanan and a lyrical text that is part lullaby and part scientific resource, Thank You, Moon is a treasure for all ages to enjoy.
£15.19
St Martin's Press Maame
Book SynopsisAN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! A Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick A February 2023 Indie Next PickSparkling. The New York TimesAn utterly charming and deeply moving portrait of the joysand the guiltof trying to find your own way in life. Celeste Ng, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Our Missing HeartsLively, funny, poignant . . . Prepare to fall in love with Maddie. I did! Bonnie Garmus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lessons in ChemistryMaame (ma-meh) has many meanings in Twi but in my case, it means woman.It's fair to say that Maddie's life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced stag
£15.30
HarperCollins Publishers Annie Bot
Book Synopsis
£13.29
Broadview Press Ltd Bleak House
Book SynopsisThe labyrinthine, ingenious plot of Bleak House focuses on the seemingly endless lawsuit Jarndyce and Jarndyce, an inheritance dispute that has been moving through the courts for years. Dozens of characters, including the innocent young narrator Esther Summerson, her friends Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, and the jaded aristocrats Sir Leicester and Lady Honoria Dedlock, are directly or indirectly caught up in the case. Written in bold and inventive language, Bleak House is Dickens’s epic vision of Victorian society.The critical introduction and extensive appendices to this edition focus on the novel’s social context and reception, Dickens’s treatment of his women characters and the working class, and the inequalities of the Victorian legal system.Trade Review“Patricia Ingham’s edition of Bleak House is a model of clear thinking, scrupulous editing, and critical acumen. The contextual documents have been selected with a keen eye for what modern readers need to know if they are to appreciate this wonderful novel in all its complexity. The edition will be an invaluable resource for those studying or teaching Dickens, but in addition will stimulate new thinking even among established Dickens scholars. It is an excellent addition to the Broadview list.” - Penny Boumelha, Victoria University of Wellington“In this splendid new edition of Charles Dickens's Bleak House, Patricia Ingham brings her fine critical intelligence to bear on a novel that treats the city of London as a historical reality and as a haunting metaphor. Professor Ingham's wide-ranging erudition—her expertise as a linguist, social historian, editor, and literary theorist—allows her to provide a framework that does full justice to Dickens's multi-layered narrative. Her introduction contextualizes the novel in pertinent ways, the notes are helpful, and rich appendices provide a wide array of nineteenth-century documents necessary to grasp how the novel is both representative and highly original.” - Linda M. Shires, Yeshiva UniversityTable of Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Charles Dickens: A Brief Chronology A Note on the Text Bleak House Appendix A: Dickens’s Working Notes for Bleak House Appendix B: The Reception of Bleak House Appendix C: The Role and Status of Women Appendix D: The Court of Chancery Appendix E: Attitudes to Religious and Other Proselytizing Appendix F: Contemporary Attitudes to Class Inequality Appendix G: Conditions of the Working Class Select Bibliography
£18.95
Simon & Schuster Ltd Sleeping Dogs
Book SynopsisAVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW – THE NEWEST THRILLER IN THE DS ADAM TYLER SERIES, FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FIREWATCHING 'Clever and ingenious, I was gripped’ SAM HOLLAND ‘One of the best detective novels I’ve read in a long time . . . Russ Thomas is an exceptional talent’ LESLEY KARA_____________________________THE LIES OF THE PAST . . . When an anonymous tip lands on his desk, DS Adam Tyler is intrigued in spite of himself. The disappearance of a young mother twenty-four years ago was big news, but the case was never solved – this tantalizing new lead is something he simply can’t ignore. But the letter has set in motion a dangerous chain of events, and Tyler’s search for the truth soon leaves him fighting for his life. . . . LIVE IN THE PRESENT With Tyler out of action, DC M
£9.49
Le Livre de poche La vie est un roman
Book Synopsis
£11.66
Hodder & Stoughton The Pact
Book SynopsisTHE INTERNATIONALLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR ''Picoult is a master manipulator, weaving gripping, dramatic plotlines. We defy you not to be gripped.'' GlamourFor eighteen years the Hartes and the Golds have lived next door to each other, sharing everything from takeaways to school drop-offs. So it''s no surprise when teenagers Chris and Emily, soul mates since they were born, start dating. When the late-night call comes in from hospital, no one is prepared for the appalling truth: Emily has died from a gunshot wound to the head as part of an apparent suicide pact. The gun holds a single unspent bullet that Chris tells police he intended for himself. But the local detective has his doubts, and in the wake of this unthinkable act, two devastated families must ask themselves: how well do we ever really know our children?MAD HONEY, the stunning and compelling Sunday Times bestseller by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan is availablTrade ReviewYou will find this novel impossible to put down - and if you take it on holiday with you, just don't plan on doing any sightseeing until you've finished it! * Daily Mail *You will find this novel impossible to put down - and if you take it on holiday with you, just don't plan on doing any sightseeing until you've finished it! * Daily Mail *The novelist displays an almost uncanny ability to enter the skins of her troubled young protagonists. * New York Times *The novelist displays an almost uncanny ability to enter the skins of her troubled young protagonists. * New York Times *It's riveting . . . This is a brilliant read, filled with twists and turns * Woman Magazine *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Just After Sunset
Book Synopsis''A gripping and satisfyingly scary'' (Sunday Telegraph) bumper collection of RIVETING, DARK STORIES from the No. 1 bestselling master of the form, now with a stunning new cover look.Just after sunset, as darkness grips the imagination, is the time when you feel the unexpected creep into the every day. As familiar journeys take a different turn, ordinary objects assume extraordinary powers.A blind intruder visits a dying man - and saves his life, with a kiss. A woman receives a phone call from her husband. Her late husband. In the emotional aftermath of her baby''s sudden death, Emily starts running. And running. Her curiosity leads her right into the hands of a murderer . . . and soon her legs are her only hope for survival.Enter a world of masterful suspense, dark comedy and thrilling twists which will keep you riveted from the first page.Enter the world of No. 1 bestseller Stephen King.Stories includeTrade ReviewSpooky, mysterious, gripping and satisfyingly scary * Sunday Telegraph *King has the ability to capture the reader's imagination from the first page of each tale with his clever and terrifying storytelling. It is impossible to put the book down * Sun *
£10.44
Hodder & Stoughton The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
Book Synopsis''Vintage King'', a delightful suspense novel in which King''s ''trump card is his ability to arouse empathy for the plight of his young heroine'' (Independent on Sunday), now with a stunning new cover look.The world had teeth and it could bite you with them anytime it wanted. Trisha McFarland discovered this when she was nine years old. Lost in the woods. Trisha has only veered a little way off the trail. But in her panic to get back to her family, she takes a turning that leads deeper into the tangled undergrowth. At first it''s just the bugs, midges and mosquitoes. Then comes the hunger. For comfort she tunes her Walkman into broadcasts of the Red Sox baseball games and the performances of her hero Tom Gordon. But as darkness begins to fall, Trisha realises that she is not alone. There''s something else in the woods - watching. Waiting . . .Trade ReviewA compelling battle for survival that you dare not put down * DAILY MAIL *Moving, gripping. One of his best . . . A literary home run * MIRROR *Vintage King . . . the quality of the prose is consistently impressive and his trump card is his ability to arouse empathy for the plight of his young heroine * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Desperation
Book SynopsisWelcome to Desperation.Once a thriving copper mining town in the middle of the Nevada desert, Desperation is now eerily abandoned. It''s the last place that travellers like the Carver family, bound for vacation, and writer Johnny Marinville, astride his Harley, would expect to be stopped and charged. But Desperation still has a local cop - a unique regulator who patrols the wilderness highway.The secrets buried in Desperation are as terrifying as the forces summoned to encounter them. A terrifying transformation is taking place and the travellers will soon discover the true meaning of desperation . . .Trade ReviewA writer of excellence...one of the most fertile storytellers of the modern novel. * The Sunday Times *A massive volume of terror crafted creepily * Daily Mail *Genuinely masterful * Daily Telegraph *
£11.69
Hodder & Stoughton The Girl Who Chased the Moon
Book SynopsisEmily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother''s life. But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew, she realises that mysteries aren''t solved in Mullaby, they''re a way of life. Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbour, Julia Winterson, bakes hope in the form of cakes, offering them to satisfy the town''s sweet tooth - but also in the hope of rekindling a love she fears might be lost forever. Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily''s backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.Trade Review'A real and rare talent . . . an absolutely enchanting read.' * www.novelicious.com *It's a bewitching read in every sense, taking you to a world of regrets, missed opportunities and lost loves found again. Magical * Glamour Must Read on THE SUGAR QUEEN *'A bewitching tale laced with magic, hope and wit, a pure delight' * Bookseller on THE SUGAR QUEEN *This compelling book has it all - passion, romance and sibling rivalry. This is Sarah Addison Allen's first novel - she's definitely one to watch * My Weekly on GARDEN SPELLS *Beguiling . . . leaves a magical spell that enchants as it draws you in. An absolute gem. * Now on GARDEN SPELLS *
£9.49
Kensington Publishing White Knight Needed
Book SynopsisBrimming with romance and adventure, the second Victorian-era romance in New York Times bestselling author Betina Krahn’s thrilling new Reluctant Heroes series reveals the hero in every man, as a gentleman swept up by police in a morality raid feels honor-bound to rescue a woman who was also in the wrong place at the wrong time…Just as Barclay Howard declares himself finished with the idea of true love and in pursuit of the more pragmatic “free love,” he is thrust into another sort of commitment: guardian to his little nephew. Barclay hasn’t a clue about children and now must quickly relocate to his family estate. But when he is swept up in the raid of a free love gathering and jailed with a lovely, cultured, innocent bystander, things become more complicated—or perhaps simpler… Norah Capshaw was fleeing a brute when she found herself swept into a lecture hall, jailed, and jobless. Without a penny or a relat
£7.59
HarperCollins Publishers False Witness The stunning heartbreaking crime
Book SynopsisThe stunning thriller from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling authorTwo sistersOne secretSomeone knows what they didLeigh doesn't like to talk about her sister.About the night that tore them apart.About what they did.But someone else is about to.How far will Leigh go to protect her family?What readers are saying about False WitnessWOW!!! I absolutely loved it' ?????My favourite book of 2021' ?????A rollercoaster of emotions' ?????''Wow! What a story!' ?????A one-sitting read' ?????I binge-read it' ?????Karin Slaughter's latest novel After That Night was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/e 27/6/22Trade Review‘Brilliantly real characters, razor-sharp dialogue and a humdinger of a plot. I loved it’ TM Logan, author of The Holiday ‘Heart-stopping one moment, heart-breaking the next. Slaughter at her finest’ Cara Hunter, author of All the Rage ‘Her heroines are believable, flawed and courageous’ Oyinkan Braithwaite, author of My Sister, The Serial Killer ‘Absorbing’ Sunday Times ‘Dizzyingly dark and breathlessly compelling…Utterly unforgettable’ B. P. Walter, author of The Dinner Guest ‘Rich characters and deft plotting make this an unputdownable story that will move you to the core. This is Slaughter's best yet’ Camilla Lackberg, author of the Fjallbacka series ‘A twisty, searingly contemporary mystery steeped in a dark past…catches your breath and keeps you gasping and guessing until the end’ Stacey Abrams, author of While Justice Sleeps ‘Karin Slaughter is a master of the thriller genre’ Francesca Momplaisir, author of My Mother’s House Praise for Karin Slaughter: ‘Gripping, gruesome and emotionally powerful, this is Slaughter doing what she does best’ Mail on Sunday ‘As sharp and absorbing as ever’ Guardian ‘Slaughter’s novel is both a page-turner and a protest about how often sexual violence is overlooked’ Sunday Times ‘I’d follow her anywhere’ Gillian Flynn ‘One of the boldest thriller writers working today’ Tess Gerritsen ‘Her characters, plot, and pacing are unrivalled’ Michael Connelly ‘Passion, intensity, and humanity’ Lee Child ‘A writer of extraordinary talents’ Kathy Reichs ‘Fiction doesn't get any better than this’ Jeffery Deaver ‘A great writer at the peak of her powers’ Peter James 'Karin Slaughter has – by far – the best name of all of us mystery novelists' James Patterson ‘It’s big, dark, rich, satisfying, and bloody – like a perfectly cooked steak’ Stuart MacBride ‘The queen of the explosive thriller’ Good Housekeeping
£6.99
Simon & Schuster Audio A Face in the Crowd
Book Synopsis
£8.99
Orion Publishing Co The Impulse Purchase
Book SynopsisDON''T MISS THE STUNNING AND ROMANTIC NEW NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR VERONICA HENRY - ORDER THE SECRET BEACH NOW!''Gorgeous. A joy to read from start to finish'' JILL MANSELL''An exquisite story bursting at the seams with summer, hope and love'' MILLY JOHNSONSometimes you have to let your heart rule your head . . .Cherry, Maggie and Rose are mother, daughter and granddaughter, each with their own hopes, dreams and even sorrows. They have always been close, so when, in a moment of impulse, Cherry buys a gorgeous but rundown pub in the village she grew up in, it soon becomes a family affair.All three women uproot themselves and move to Rushbrook, deep in the heart of Somerset, to take over The Swan and restore it to its former glory. Cherry is at the helm, Maggie is in charge of the kitchen, and Rose tends the picturesque garden that leads down to the river.<Trade ReviewAn exquisite story bursting at the seams with summer, hope and love * MILLY JOHNSON *Warm, escapist and utterly uplifting, this is Veronica Henry at her very best * LUCY DIAMOND *Gorgeous. A joy to read from start to finish * JILL MANSELL *Uplifting, inspiring and guaranteed to make you hungry * SARAH MORGAN *A lovely, cosy, delicious read * LIBBY PAGE *Perfect escapism full of warmth, joy and a brilliant cast of characters * ALEX BROWN *Delicious foodie moments, strong relatable characters ... a story of hope for the future * Woman and Home Online *Uplifting and full of soul * FABULOUS *Beautifully described * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *Heartwarming and optimistic ... you will love it * PRIMA *This is the perfect feel-good read to lift readers' spirits, packed with colourful characters in a wonderful setting and accompanied by a feast of food to make the mouth water. Joyful and beautifully written. * Sunday Express *This sparkling read about family, love and hope will inspire you to seize the day and take a chance now and again * MY WEEKLY *This is such a dreamy novel to cosy up with and transport you away from grey winter afternoons! * Platinum *Delicious foodie moments, strong, relatable characters and a story of hope for the future. This feel-good book is the pick-me-up we all need. * Woman's Weekly *Delicious foodie moments and a story of hope for the future * WOMAN *
£8.54
Headline Publishing Group One August Night
Book Synopsis*THE FIGURINE, the brand-new novel from Victoria Hislop, is available to order now.*''Excellent as ever. Victoria Hislop at her best.'' Reader review''Within a few pages I was back in Greece and almost feeling the sun on my face.'' Reader reviewBeloved author Victoria Hislop returns to Crete in this long-anticipated sequel to her multi-million-copy Number One bestseller, The Island.25th August 1957. The island of Spinalonga closes its leper colony. And a moment of violence has devastating consequences.When time stops dead for Maria Petrakis and her sister, Anna, two families splinter apart and, for the people of Plaka, the closure of Spinalonga is forever coloured with tragedy.In the aftermath, the question of how to resume life looms large. Stigma and scandal need to be confronted and somehow, for those impacted, a future built from the ruins of the past.Number one bestTrade ReviewFast-paced narrative and utterly convincing sense of place * Guardian on The Thread *Hislop brings history to life in this compelling tale * Tatler on The Sunrise *A beautiful tale of love, struggle and redemption * Prima on Cartes Postales from Greece *An eye-opening and moving read * The Mirror on Those Who Are Loved *Immersive storytelling sweeps you along' * Mail on Sunday on One August Night *This dramatic, absorbing and good-natured novel abounds Greek Island atmosphere * Daily Mail on One August Night *A return to Hislop's thyme-scented, Aegean-lapped fictional Greece * The Sunday Times on One August Night *A dramatic story of love, betrayal and allegiances . . . Hislop evokes Greece beautifully * Woman & Home on One August Night *Hislop's love for Greece shines through this wonderfully descriptive and compelling tale * Sunday Express on One August Night *This love letter to Greece will sweep you away to another time and place * The Sunday Mirror on One August Night *A passionate love letter to Greece that will sweep you away to another time and place * The People on One August Night *Hislop expertly delves into the complex history of a fascinating country in this beautifully written family saga * Daily Mirror on One August Night *Compelling and moving, this is a real page turner * Woman's Weekly on One August Night *As ever, the descriptions of Greece leave you feeling like you're right there * Good Housekeeping on One August Night *Expertly portrays the warmth of Greece and its people, delving into the long and complicated history of a fascinating country while spinning a family saga that her fans will devour. A beautifully written story that will enchant the reader * Express on One August Night *Moving and engrossing * Best on One August Night *At no point in this novel of loss and redemption does the pace slacken * The Catholic Herald on One August Night *A dramatic story of love, betrayal and allegiances * Woman on One August Night *
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Zoo Time
Book Synopsis_______________''Comedy is never as clever as when Howard Jacobson is on a roll and this book finds him barrelling'' - Independent on Sunday''Brilliantly composed ... crackling with Jacobson''s wit, superb wordplay and boundless exuberance'' - Times Literary Supplement''Seriously funny'' - Alexei Sayle, Daily Telegraph_______________A sharp, witty novel from the Man Booker Prize-winning author of The Finkler QuestionNovelist Guy Ableman is in thrall to his vivacious wife Vanessa, a strikingly beautiful red-head, contrary, highly strung and blazingly angry. The trouble is, he is no less in thrall to her alluring mother, Poppy. More like sisters than mother and daughter, they come as a pair, a blistering presence that destroys Guy''s peace of mind, suggesting the wildest stories but making it impossible for him to concentrate long enough to write any of them.Not that anyone reads Guy, anyway. Not that anyone is readingTrade ReviewCarries all the intimations of angst, melancholia and comedy that make Jacobson unique * Daily Telegraph *When he's at full throttle like this, few British novelists can touch him for such stirring, belligerent comedy ... Jacobson's attack on our growing philistinism proving uncomfortably persuasive * Daily Mail *Comedy is never as clever as when Howard Jacobson is on a roll and this book finds him barrelling * Independent on Sunday *Seriously funny * Alexei Sayle, Daily Telegraph *Does not fail to offer Jacobson's trademark pleasures, his wit, his energy his love of words - and some will add his self-deprecating priapic jokes to this list * New Statesmen *Brilliantly composed ... crackling with Jacobson's wit, superb wordplay and boundless exuberance * Times Literary Supplement *All the trademark Jacobson qualities - waspish comedy, transgressive sex, wry riffs on Jewishness, prose so scintillating you might miss its underlying artistry - are here in spades ***** * The Mail on Sunday *You don't read Jacobson for a restrained and respectful delineation of what goes on between men and women; you read him for a no-holds-barred, bawdy and highly naughty glimpse into what we're all really thinking about doing to one another. And for the jokes, of which Zoo Time has plenty * Guardian Summer Reading *Once again, Jacobson shows that the true humorist is among the best kinds of novelist. His humour is neither cheap nor chirpy but addresses fundamental mysteries * Sunday Telegraph *A fiercely intelligent, fizzing piece of theatre ... An intellectually rich depiction of the animal desires that drive us, and the human feelings that elevate and sadden us ... In Guy Ableman, Jacobson has created an unforgettable narrator, a character defined by heroic flaws and tender, susceptible heart ... Magnificently eclectic in its range of targets, Zoo Time is a bestiary of bêtes noir. Few modern novelists better balance the absurd with the artistic, the priapic with the philosophical, the wicked with the wise ... a scorching indictment of an anti-intellectual age in which most readers are greedy for pap, and those who want more than a sugared bun passed to them through the bars are doomed to starve * Sunday Herald *Zoo Time is wonderfully witty, ferociously clever and assured to the point of swaggering - he's clever enough to tease his readers without taking his eyes off the road * Kate Saunders, Jewish Chronicle *There were many moments when I roared with laughter * Readers Digest *Always zestful and occasionally bang on target * Sunday Times (Ireland) *Angry, funny and profoundly pessimistic fiction * Prospect *He does have an ear in the Joycean or Tennysonian sense of writing prose that rings out, that sounds good in your head as you're reading * Literary Review *As sharp and intelligent as it is enjoyable * Stylist *Brilliant, blistering comedy, with melancholy undertones of regret for what is being lost * Kate Saunders, The Times *Ableman's every beautifully constructed comic riff is a response to his fear of not being read **** * Sunday Express *Jacobson fills the tale with exuberant comedy. He has a stand-up's skill for callbacks, puns and quips, which make Zoo Time a total riot * Time Out *Jacobson takes the time to craft lines that are so perfectly executed, they deserve to be read twice. Possibly even aloud, to fully appreciate the comedic value of his prose ... humour still drips off every page ... Fascinating, often hilarious **** * The List *Jacobson is a master of keep-up-at-the-back smart talk * Evening Standard *Buoyant comedy of gritty life, great literature and a good laugh * Iain Finlayson, Saga *It's also joyously rude about almost everything and filled with delicious invective. Just relax and go with it - it's Zoo Time * We Love This Book *
£6.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Improbability of Love
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE BOLLINGER EVERYMAN WODEHOUSE PRIZE FOR COMIC FICTION 2016SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILEYS WOMEN''S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2016A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK''an ingenious meditation on the true value of art'' Daily Mail''A deliciously wicked satire ... It's exquisitely written, shimmering with eye-catching detail ... a masterpiece'' Mail on SundayWhen lovelorn Annie McDee stumbles across a dirty painting in a junk shop while looking for a present for an unsuitable man, she has no idea what she has discovered. Soon she finds herself drawn unwillingly into the tumultuous London art world, populated by exiled Russian oligarchs, avaricious Sheikas, desperate auctioneers and unscrupulous dealers, all scheming to get their hands on her painting - a lost eighteenth-century masterpiece called The Improbability of Love'.Delving into the painting's past, Annie will uncover not just an illustrious list of former owners, but some of the darkest seTrade ReviewA deliciously wicked satire ... It’s exquisitely written, shimmering with eye-catching detail, whether describing works of art or the dishes on display at an extravagant banquet. Beneath all that, there’s a serious debate about the value we put on things — whether it’s art or relationships — and the prices we’re prepared to pay. A masterpiece * Daily Mail *Novel of the week … It all adds up to an ingenious meditation on the true value of art – timely indeed at a moment when paintings and sculpture seem to have become just another currency * Mail on Sunday *Though this novel goes into the darkest of dark places, the overall tone is totally delicious; conspicuous consumption on this scale hasn’t been seen since the Eighties -- Kate Saunders * The Times *Part of the novel’s charm is that its characters, rich or poor, are all a mixture of frailties. Like a Rococo painting, this clever, funny, beguiling and wholly humane romance is a treat worthy of its subject -- Amanda Craig * Independent *This frothy confection works on many levels, combining a touching love story with an exciting whodunit sat in a hazardous, thrilling world. The story unfolds slowly at first, building up the tension until towards the end the chapters shorten and the pace quickens with staccato satire worthy of the pen of Evelyn Waugh. A real crowd pleaser **** * Daily Express *Hannah Rothschild is finally coming into her own. Soon to be head of the National Gallery, her novel about the art world is bound to be a bestseller -- Lynn Barber * Sunday Times *Her writing shows brain as well as a heart * Economist *The Improbability of Love is a romp, a joy, and an inspired feast of clever delights. Reading this book is like a raid on a high-end pastry shop – you marvel at the expertise and cunning of the creations, while never wanting the deliciousness to end * Elizabeth Gilbert *Every page is a joy. It's funny, sad, profound. The writing dances. It has panache. It's beautifully structured. It wears its scholarship with a balletic lightness and grace that shadows the Rococo painting at its heart. Its many and varied characters are an exquisite joy. Her range and emotional grasp is wonderful. What more can I say? It's my Book of the Year already * Barbara Trapido *Impishly wicked, ruthlessly frank, touchingly percipient and sometimes laugh aloud funny to boot. Hannah Rothschild captures the contradiction between art as money and art as the soul of humanity really well * Rachel Campbell-Johnston, Art Critic for The Times *Both a satire of the art world and a romance … It’s mischievous, fun and on the money * Tatler *A timely reflection on art’s true value * Observer *What a delightful read – a satirical look at the world of art with some love, mystery and comedy thrown in for good measure. There is a darker element to the plot which I won’t spoil here, but it is tempered by a wonderful cast of characters and has the unusual addition of the painting as an occasional narrator. It’s certainly a clever way of weaving the provenance of the painting into the story * Radio 2 Book Club *Part detective story, part romance, the gripping narrative moves between contemporary London and Nazi Germany, examining along the way the meaning of love and loss, morality and greed, sacrifice and decadence … the central theme of Nazi art theft is deftly handled. An excellent and very funny debut * The Lady *Absorbing … Rothschild cleverly has the painting itself tell part of the story and beautifully marshals a wealth of historical detail * Metro *A novel that is so pleasurable I’ve read it twice, and will read it again * Glasgow Sunday Herald *A bittersweet and highly enjoyable satire * Woman & Home *If you did not know much about the passion and power behind the doors of the great auction houses and art dealers, you will by the end of this enchanting tale … Part well-crafted mystery, part thriller, part love story, Rothschild’s The Improbability of Love takes its readers on a wonderful journey into a rarefied world usually only experienced by the wealthy few * Jewish Chronicle *A capacious and fluently knowledgeable tale that excoriates with mischievously satirical intent the viciously competitive world of high-stakes art collecting ... Captivating ... Rothschild, the first woman to chair London's National Gallery, is a dazzling omniscient narrator giving voice to an irresistible cast of reprobates and heroes ... An opulently detailed, suspensefully plotted, shrewdly witty novel of decadence, crimes ordinary and genocidal, and improbable love * Booklist *A frolicsome art-world caper … Ms. Rothschild writes with such exuberance and spins such a propulsive yarn … Her erudition — about restoration, authentication, art history in general – comes through on page after page, and it’s one of the incidental pleasures of reading The Improbability of Love, as are her mouthwatering descriptions of the feasts Annie makes * New York Times *
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone
Book SynopsisThis gift edition hardback, presented in a beautiful foiled cloth slipcase decorated with brand new line art by Jonny Duddle, is the perfect introduction to Harry Potter.The first book in the global phenomenon series that changed the world of books foreverHarry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle.Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!Trade ReviewI’ve yet to meet a ten-year-old who hasn’t been entranced by its witty, complex plot and the character of the eponymous Harry * Independent *Spellbinding, enchanting, bewitching stuff * Mirror *Teachers say a chapter can silence the most rowdy of classes * Guardian *One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times * Sunday Telegraph *The Harry Potter stories will join that small group of children’s books which are read and reread into adulthood * TLS *
£23.75
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone
Book SynopsisStrange things always seem to happen when Harry Potter is around. Things that unsettle his guardians, the Dursleys. They strongly disapprove of strangeness. It's only when a letter arrives, delivered by a shaggy giant of a man called Hagrid, that Harry learns the truth that will transform his entire future: his parents were killed by the evil Lord Voldemort, and he, Harry, is a wizard.Whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy, Harry discovers a world of enchantments, ghosts, Quidditch, and friends who will stand, through everything, by his side. But when Harry hears of a stone with great powers, he finds that his school has its own dark secrets and an adventure that will become the stuff of legend begins.These adult editions with glorious jacket art by Andrew Davidson are now available in hardback for the first time.Trade ReviewAnd you thought wizardry was for children. Harry Potter will make you think again. He casts his spells on grown-ups too * James Naughtie *Funny, imaginative, magical … In the 2020s, thirty-something book-lovers will know each other by smug references to Diagon Alley and Quidditch * The Times *The Harry Potter stories will join that small group of children’s books which are read and reread into adulthood * TLS *Rowling uses classic narrative devices with flair and originality and delivers a complex and demanding plot in the form of a hugely entertaining thriller * Scotsman *One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times * Sunday Telegraph *Spellbinding, enchanting, bewitching stuff * Mirror *
£14.24
Orion Publishing Co Wild Oats
Book SynopsisBefore THE BEACH HUT ... enjoy WILD OATSJamie Wilding''s return home is not quite going to plan. A lot has changed in the picturesque Shropshire village of Upper Faviell since she left after the death of her mother. Her father is broke and behaving like a teenager. Her best friend''s marriage is slowly falling apart. And the man she lost her heart to years ago is trying to buy her beloved family home.As Jamie attempts to fix the mess, she is forced to confront a long-standing family feud and the truth about her father, before she can finally listen to her own heart.Trade ReviewThe perfect summer read, full of glamour and intrigue * NOVELICIOUS *Compulsive reading. * WOMAN & HOME *The perfect summer read, full of glamour and intrigue * NOVELICIOUS *Compulsive reading. * WOMAN & HOME *
£11.33
Little, Brown Book Group Scenes of a Graphic Nature
Book SynopsisTHE RACHEL INCIDENT - Caroline O''Donoghue''s bestselling new novel* - is out nowCharlie''s life isn''t going forward - so she''s decided to go back After a tough few years floundering around the British film industry and experimenting with amateur pornography, Charlie and her best friend Laura take a trip to her familial home on an island off the west coast of Ireland. Her father''s health is rapidly declining and this could be the last chance to connect with her roots. But events on the island cause Charlie to doubt her father''s childhood stories - and then there''s her complicated relationship with Laura. Pursuing the truth will shatter everything she thought knew - but is that what it takes to grow up?''A gorgeous exploration of the messy and fragile nature of friendship and all the many forms of love'' IRISH TIMES''A darkly humorous, keenly observed blend of millennial drift and murder mystery Trade ReviewScenes of a Graphic Nature has all the components of a perfect page-turner: beautiful prose, truthful characters, hilarious dialogue and an addictive plot. I loved it -- Dolly AldertonA dark yet joyous novel about family and friendship * Grazia *Wonderful!!! Scenes of a Graphic Nature had me GRIPPED. About friendship and failure, Ireland and England, love and guilt, cover-ups and brutal honesty. It's really, really, really, REALLY good -- Marian KeyesThe brilliant O'Donoghue's second novel is a moving and extremely funny look at family, roots and the myth of Irishness * i paper *It might be the best novel of 2020 * You Magazine, Irish Mail on Sunday *So dark and funny, bleak yet full of heart, touching on friendship and love and belonging ... you're in for a treat -- Ayisha MalikWitty, tender and insightful . . . O'Donoghue is a perceptive, clever writer * Guardian *A gorgeous exploration of the messy and fragile nature of friendship and all the many forms of love, as well as of the primal need we all have to belong * Irish Times *A darkly humorous, keenly observed blend of millennial drift and murder mystery from a razor-sharp writer -- Sara Manning * Red *Absolutely loved it. It's an absorbing blend of quarter-life crisis mixed with a bit of mystery * Irish Tatler *Scenes Of A Graphic Nature is a truly extraordinary novel - I inhaled it. It's thrillingly dark, but so moving and human - it's one of the most intelligent, well observed depictions of lust, loss, envy, betrayal, friendship and love that I've ever read. Charlie is so real, courageous, vulnerable, infuriating and adorable. The book itself mirrors Charlie's experience of Ireland - sometimes it's warm and joyous, sometimes it's hostile and terrifying, but even when you know you're in danger, you want to stay for longer and fall even deeper into the pages -- Daisy BuchananWith Scenes Of A Graphic Nature, Caroline O'Donoghue establishes herself as one of the most exciting young Irish writers on the literary scene. Her acerbic wit is matched by her sharp-eyed observations, resulting in a piece of fiction that is dark, gripping, and beautifully written -- Louise O'NeillI absolutely loved it. I felt so connected to the family. It took me on such a journey and I learnt so much; It made me really think about identity, who we are, and why we do what we do. Such a beautiful book, I can't stop thinking about it -- Emma GannonI was so hooked on this beautiful, funny story of homecoming and self-discovery I didn't want to put it down. The characters are wonderfully drawn and the sense of place is so compelling - it is a mystery, a fireside yarn. There is a little Maeve Binchy in there, a little Keyes, but Caroline has her own voice, and the edge to Charlie and Laura - their difficult, funny and recognisable relationship - is all her own -- Keith Stuart, author of The Boy Made of BlocksIn the inventive O'Donoghue's follow-up to Promising Young Women, she turns her tart tongue on friendship, exile and what it feels like to return to a place that no longer feels like home * i paper *Put this book somewhere safe, because it is set to be one of those you spend your life reading over and over - discovering new moments and new lessons each time. I've been a huge fan of Caroline O'Donoghue's writing for a long time and I think Scenes of a Graphic Nature - blisteringly funny and clever - is her best work yet. Raw, heartfelt and incredibly compelling, I can't recommend this enough -- Lucy Vine, bestselling author of Hot MessThe dark humour will have you guffawing into the pages * Cosmopolitan *Highly enjoyable: full of momentum and heart. O'Donoghue is a formidable talent * Sunday Business Post *[An] edgy and astute second novel . . . Caroline O'Donoghue is a master of the Technicolor character, fleshing out even the minor ones with brightness and wit . . . As ever, O'Donoghue is impressive on the complexities of being a young woman and delivers this insight with lively dialogue and a droll acuity that occasionally calls to mind the likes of Nora Ephron . . . O'Donoghue possesses an edginess and a wry sensibility that, despite the book's dark subject matter, ultimately translates into something zesty and companionable. Her easy curiosity about love, lust, loss and losing one's way will doubtless leave readers wanting more * Independent *At the heart of Caroline O'Donoghue's addictive second novel lies a simple and compelling question: can you ever outrun your past? . . . acute, clever and very funny -- Sarah Hughes * i paper *Examines self-mythology and long-repressed secrets * Stylist *A witty story of second-generation immigrants trying to belong, Scenes of a Graphic Nature grapples with love, friendship and identity -- Amber Connolly * Heat *Scenes of a Graphic Nature could have been a simpler novel. But, in its refusal to follow the expected trajectory of a prodigal return, it offers us intricate, layered humanity. Charlie Regan, in all her messy glory, is a protagonist we are willing to follow, from England to Ireland, from the past to present, and everything in between this world and the next * Lunate *Everything in Caroline O'Donoghue's new novel is messy - but in the best way. She covers important themes like family, friendship, nationality, history and health, weaving her narrator Charlie's sense of dislocation into a broader exploration of cultural identity . . . an intriguing read, raising questions about what stories should be told, when, and by whom -- Jemma Crew * Scotsman *
£9.49
Orion Publishing Co The Rearranged Life of Oona Lockhart
Book SynopsisFor fans of IN FIVE YEARS and THE SIGHT OF YOU comes a life-affirming story about a woman who lives every year of her life in the wrong orderTrade Review[A] clever debut * Starburst *This witty, fantastical exploration of life's inevitable changes is surprising and touching * Publishers Weekly *The author has faultless control over her complicated plot in this hugely enjoyable book and makes excellent use of the possibilities of its key concept * Morning Star *Something truly lovely * Sci-Fi Now *Must Read * Daily Express *An enjoyable read! * SFX *By turns tragic and triumphant, heartbreakingly poignant and joyful, this is ultimately an uplifting and redemptive read * The Guardian *
£9.49
Orion Publishing Co A Day at the Beach Hut
Book SynopsisDON''T MISS THE STUNNING AND ROMANTIC NEW NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR VERONICA HENRY - ORDER THE SECRET BEACH NOW!Escape to the coast with this delicious collection of short stories and beach-hut inspired recipes from Sunday Times bestselling author Veronica Henry - the perfect summer treat!****''Beach bliss! A delicious combination of food and fiction'' SARAH MORGAN''The essential accompaniment to summer. A pure delight of a book!'' MILLY JOHNSON''The perfect book to take on beachside holiday or a weekend away'' CRESSIDA MCLAUGHLINOn a shimmering summer''s day, the waves are calling, the picnic basket is packed, and change is in the air. It''s just the start of an eventful day for a cast of holidaymakers: over one day, sparks will fly, the tide will bring in old faces and new temptations, a proposal is planned, and an unexpected romance simmers... This uplifting collection ofTrade ReviewA delicious collection of short stories, transporting you to the golden sands of Everdene. Add in 50 of the author's own recipes that are perfect for a summer's day and this is the beach read you'll want - Woman's WeeklyFabulous feel-good storyteller Veronica Henry is ready to whisk us away to the coastal joys and sunshine food of Everdene Sands, a place that offers comfort to the heart, mind and soul - Lancashire Post
£6.74
Penguin Books Ltd One with You
Book SynopsisOne with You will take you to the very limits of obsession - and introduce you to a hero you''ll never forget . . .One of the bestselling love stories of the century_______Falling in love with Gideon Cross was the easiest thing I''ve ever done.It happened instantly. Completely. Irrevocably.But staying married to him is the fight of my life. Our love is both a refuge from the storm and the most violent of tempests. Two damaged souls entwined as one.We have borne our deepest, ugliest secrets to one another. Gideon has given me everything. Now, I must prove I can be the shelter for him that he is for me.Together, we could stand against those who work so viciously to come between us.Committing to love was only the beginning. Fighting for it will either set us free . . . or break us apart.Daringly sensual and intensely romantic, this is a love story that will have you glued to the paTrade ReviewDay's fifth Crossfire novel brings the story of Gideon and Eva to a satisfying conclusion. Narrating their stories in alternating chapters, Eva and Gideon relate their explosive physical attraction, their appreciation of how they help each other heal old emotional wounds, and their ever-increasing mutual trust. Glamorous people, swanky settings, steamy sex, and passionate married love make this a heartwarming, gratifying conclusion to the series * Publishers Weekly *Gideon and Eva's complicated relationship plays out with hurt, passion, obsession and most importantly, love. Day's writing is flawless and carries readers on the journey of these two broken characters toward each other and the all-consuming emotions that leap out of the book. A wonderful story written by a master storyteller! * RT Book Reviews *Praise for Sylvia Day * - *Several shades darker and a hundred degrees hotter than anything you've read before * Reveal *Move over Danielle Steel and Jackie Collins, this is the dawn of a new Day * Amuse *Steamy sex scenes and intriguing plot twists will have readers clamouring for more * Library Journal *Lots of sex and gripping story lines * Sun *Full of emotional angst, scorching love scenes, and a compelling storyline * Dear Author *They are powerful, sexy and unputdownable * Victoria Loves Books *Boldly passionate, scorchingly sexy * Booklist *Sophisticated, engaging, clever and sweet * Irish Independent *Indulgent fantasy at its most enjoyable * Shelf Awareness *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Homeland
Book SynopsisThe international bestseller, longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award 2021. Fernando Aramburu's Homeland is an epic and heartbreaking story of two best friends whose families are divided by the conflicting loyalties of terrorism.‘It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that was so persuasive and moving’ – Mario Vargas Llosa, author of Time of the Hero.The Basque Country, Spain, 2011.Miren and Bittori have lived side by side in a small Basque town all their lives. Their husbands play cards together, their children play and eventually go out drinking together. The terrorist threat posed by ETA seems to affect them little.When Bittori’s husband starts receiving threatening letters – demanding money, accusing him of being a police informant – she turns to her friend for help. But Miren’s loyalties are torn: her son has just been recruited as a terrorist and to denounce them would be to condemn her own flesh and blood. Tensions rise, relationships fracture, and events move towards a tragic conclusion . . . ‘Is Aramburu the Tolstoy of the Basque country, author of a Spanish language War and Peace?’ – GuardianTrade ReviewFew books make me cry these days but by the final page I found my eyes prickling with tears. By examining his society in such close detail, Aramburu encourages us to reflect on the bitter divisions in our own world and the opportunities we have for reconciliation. * Sunday Times *It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that was so persuasive and moving, so intelligently conceived. -- Mario Vargas LlosaIs Aramburu the Tolstoy of the Basque country, author of a Spanish language War and Peace that lays bare the pain of forty pointless years of separatist terrorism? * Guardian *A powerful novel which has a strong claim to be the definite fictional account of the Basque troubles . . . Aramburu skillfully spins their stories in short, punchy chapters that dart back and forth in time. Its message is ultimately redemptive. * Economist *A magnificent novel which is becoming a publishing, political and literary phenomenon. A story imbued with a spine-tingling sense of realism. * Vanguardia *Homeland is, above all, a great and considered novel . . . combing evocation and analysis . . . War and Peace by Tolstoy did it. The work of Fernando Aramburu achieves the same thing. * El País *Homeland is a sweeping novel that explores so many aspects of life . . . Aramburu brings [ethnic nationalism] under the microscope to show its effects on a few individuals. The results are brilliant and unnerving. * Herald *Phenomenal . . . [Aramaburu is as] magnanimous as he is passionate. * Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung *A work of tremendous power . . . [One is] reminded how overwhelming and powerful literature can be. * Die Zeit *An event: Aramburu masterfully manages to tell of great things in small ways. * Stern *Shedding the occasional tear doesn’t matter. It is in any case difficult to read Homeland and remain dry-eyed. * Corriere della Sera *Gripping . . . A palpable hit. * Spiegel *Worth every page. * Vogue (Germany) *As humorous as it is heartbreaking, Homeland explores how various factions of Basque and Spanish society were violently pitted against one another for fifty years. * Millions *Aramburu recounts the lives of ordinary people shattered by events that are ongoing in Spain today even years after ETA has suspended its armed campaign . . . A humane, memorable work of literature. * Kirkus (starred review) *A brilliant and important book. Our planet is covered with lines of various kind, and Aramburu masterfully examines the bodies and souls those lines cut through like razors. * Nadeem Aslam *
£10.44
Hodder & Stoughton Tales Out of School
Book Synopsis''[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.'' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh''A shining light in our dark days'' - 5 STAR reader reviewAfter an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom''s class. On top of that, his colleague''s malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud momentTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR GERVASE PHINN:Good old-fashioned yarn-spinning * The Bookbag *Packed with delightful and authentic characters, juicy gossip, precarious romance and good old-fashioned village drama, this is a warm-hearted and hilarious account of a struggling school in a small community. * Good Book Guide *As Yorkshire's favourite school inspector turns to fiction, you can enjoy memorable characters and turns of phrase. * Choice *Written with all the humour and warmth one has come to expect from this master storyteller. * Countryman *A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing. * Alan Titchmarsh *
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Unexpected Blessings
Book SynopsisThe great-grandaughters of Emma Harte, the heroine of A Woman of Substance and Emma's Secret, follow in her legendary footstepsEvan Hughes, Emma''s American great-grandaughter, is trying to integrate into the powerful Harte family. She is caught between her estranged parents, her new family, and new love. Meanwhile a dangerous enemy hovers in the background.Tessa Longden, Evan''s cousin, is battling her husband for custody of their daughter, Adele. When Adele suddenly goes missing, Tessa seeks her sister Linnet''s help.Linnet O''Neill, the most brilliant businesswoman of the four great-granddaughters, shows that she is the natural heir to her mother, Paula. But her glittering future at the helm of the vast Harte empire means many sacrifices.India Standish, the traditionalist in the family, falls in love with a famous British artist from a working-class background. Madly in love, India is determined to marry him.When Evan discovers letters from Emma Harte to her grandmother, the story is swept back to the 1950s. In the post-war boom years Emma builds her business empire, using a combination of determination and sheer nerve, and she embarks on a relationship with a handsome acquaintance from the war years. But it is the revelations in Emma''s letters to her grandmother that give Evan a new perspective and help to set her free from her own past.This latest dramatic story in the on-going saga of an extraordinary family dynasty is full of love, passion and jealousy and is Barbara Taylor Bradford at her inimitable best.Trade Review Praise for Barbara Taylor Bradford: 'Queen of the genre.' Sunday Times ‘Few novelists are as consummate as Barbara Taylor Bradford at keeping the reader turning the page. She is one of the world’s best at spinning yarns.’ Guardian ‘A classic saga of loyalty, secrets, passion and intrigue…if you’ve been suffering withdrawal symptoms from Downton, this is for you’ Daily Mail ‘As romantic and thrilling as the rest’ Independent on Sunday ‘Another great yarn from the ultimate storyteller’ The Sun ‘The storyteller of substance.’ The Times
£11.69
Wakefield Press The Book of Monelle
Book Synopsis
£10.44
