Contemporary lifestyle fiction

Book SynopsisNOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREThe choir from Our Lady of Perpetual Succour School for Girls is being bussed to the national finals in the big, big city. It's an important day for The Sopranos, with pub-crawling, shoplifting and body-piercing being the top priorities. And with a newly anchored nuclear sub in the bay, the Man Trap disco will be full of submariners on shore-leave tonight. There is no time for delays – or even for winning…But after the fifth bottle of alco-pop on the bus it's clear that all is not going to plan, for anyone. The Sopranos are never going to be the same.

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER'Searing, hilarious and poignant' MIRANDA COWLEY HELLER'Smart and clever' GUARDIAN 'A killer debut about class, love and money' GRAZIA 'Marvellous - clever, funny and brilliantly well observed' INDIA KNIGHTMeet the Stockton women of Brooklyn Heights: Darley, who was born with money; Sasha, who married into it; and Georgiana, who wants to give it all away.Among glittering parties, weekend homes and hungover brunches, the three will have to grapple with the burden of parental expectations, the hardships and bewilderment of growing up, and the miles between the haves and have-nots.Pineapple Street is a witty and wicked novel about New York’s one percenters: their first loves, family feuds and the complexities of being human – even when you have everything.'Wise, emotionally honest fun' HELEN FIELDING'Deliciously fun' KEVIN KWAN'Lovely, absorbing, acutely observed' NICK HORNBYInstant New York Times bestseller, March 2023Trade ReviewIt's marvellous - clever, funny and brilliantly well observed -- India KnightThe season's first beach read, a delicious romp of a debut featuring family crises galore * New York Times *A delicious new Gilded Age family drama . . . a guilty pleasure that also feels like a sociological text * Vogue *A joy to read . . . Pineapple Street is a gift of a novel * iNews *

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Book SynopsisIs it ever too late to rewrite the past?When Lina and Ash were at school, they buried a time capsule containing letters about their hopes and dreams, and predictions for each other's futures.Twenty years later, their realities couldn't be further from what they'd expected. And as for Lina and Ash? They're not in each other's lives anymore.When a reunion brings Lina and Ash back together, they agree to give the dreams they walked away from another chance and embark on a trip that could change everything.And if they can overcome what happened in the past, then maybe the end of their love story was really just the beginning..._________________________________________YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE LOVE MIGHT TAKE YOU WITH CAROLINE KHOURYPraise for Caroline Khoury:'I couldn't turn the pages of ALWAYS YOU fast enough: achingly romantic and full of twists and turns, it's everything a romance should be. Just gorgeous!' Laura Jane Williams'A complicated love story with lots of unforeseen twists and moments between the characters. I always love it when you can envisage how a story is going to end but the journey of bringing them together is an adventure' Elle Cook'Always You is a beautiful celebration of love and friendship; a rollercoaster ride filled with family secrets, peppered with scrumptious sounding food' Emma Cowell'A beautiful, romantic story that will whisk you away with gorgeous characters. A book full of love!' Olivia Beirne'A gorgeous second chance love story, beautifully written and full of heart' Sophie Cousens'A beautiful, sweeping, intelligent love story' Zoë Folbigg'I adored this second-chance love story about secrets, dreams and long-buried emotions. Richly evocative, layered with intrigue and wonderfully romantic' Holly Miller'A sweeping love story taking me from Cyprus to Mumbai to LA, with each setting so perfectly realised that I felt as though I was right there with them' Lorraine Brown'Caroline takes you on such a moving, deeply-felt journey ... I cried several times!' Emma Hughes

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Book Synopsis'Sharply written . . . takes readers on a thrillingly doomed journey amid the simmering heat of an Italian landscape - a captivating portrayal of self and want' Christine Mangan, author of Sunday Times bestselling TangerineTo cool-headed, fastidious Pricilla Messing, Italy will be an escape, a brief glimpse of freedom from a life that's starting to feel like one long decline.Rescued from the bedside of her difficult mother, forty-something Cilla finds herself called away to Rome to keep an eye on her wayward teenage niece, Hannah. But after years of caregiving, babysitting is the last thing Cilla wants to do. Instead she throws herself into Hannah's youthful, heedless world - drinking, dancing, smoking - relishing the heady atmosphere of the Italian summer. After years of feeling used up and overlooked, Cilla feels like she's coming back to life.But being so close to Hannah brings up complicated memories, making Cilla restless and increasingly reckless, and a dangerous flirtation with a teenage boy soon threatens to send her into a tailspin.With the sharp-edged insight of Ottessa Moshfegh and the taut seduction of Patricia Highsmith, The Worst Kind of Want is a dark, hypnotic literary noir about a woman whose unruly desires and troubled past push her to the brink of disaster.***Praise for The Worst Kind of Want:'Masterfully constructed . . . Dazzling . . . Wonderfully surprising and a pleasure to read' LA Review of Books'Worth obsessing over' PopSugar'Noirish and sexy, this provocative novel explores what it's like to be a woman on the edge, and what happens when dreams are deferred for too long' Esquire'As death-steeped, sultry, and delicious as the ancient Italian cities in which it's set' Lit Hub'Intoxicating' Publishers Weekly'Sets her narrator on a dark psychological journey in sweltering, sun-bleached locales . . . Darkly compelling' BooklistTrade ReviewDark, seductive . . . Noirish and sexy, this provocative novel explores what it's like to be a woman on the edge, and what happens when dreams are deferred for too long. * Esquire *A Book you have to read ASAP . . . Womanhood. Death. Sex. A risky flirtation with a teenage boy. In Jacobs's latest novel, she weaves together desire and disaster as a burned-out 40-something throws herself into the nightlife of teenagers in the heat of the Italian summer. Sounds like . . . she predicted my future? * Cosmopolitan *An unconventional - and disastrous - love story, as death-steeped, sultry, and delicious as the ancient Italian cities in which it's set * Lit Hub *Liska Jacobs's work captivates in the present because it reflects the trauma of the past. . . Jacobs takes us on a wrenching journey into the catacombs * Alta *Jacobs's intoxicating second novel is a love letter to Italy and an evocative study of grief and desire . . . Jacobs's haunting portrait of one woman's transformative and, ultimately, tragic summer will linger with readers. * Publishers Weekly *Jacobs sets her narrator on a dark psychological journey in sweltering, sun-bleached locales . . . Darkly compelling * Booklist *Liska Jacobs's psychologically tense novel The Worst Kind of Want deftly explores matters of age and aging, of modernity and women, as seen through the lens of forty-something Cilla's propulsive desires. In this sharply written feminist noir, Jacobs takes readers on a thrillingly doomed journey amid the simmering heat of an Italian landscape - a captivating portrayal of self and want.This crispy biscotti of a novel is about a producer who goes to Italy, has a scandalous relationship, and decodes not just the meaning of life but also the meaning of death, sex, dance clubs, and emoji. You'll feel indecent reading it in public * Vulture *

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Book Synopsis'A GORGEOUS FEEL-GOOD READ' - SUN'THIS UPLIFTING BOOK IS WHAT WE COULD ALL DO WITH IN OUR LIVES RIGHT NOW' - HEAT'UPLIFTING' - SUNDAY POST'QUITE POSSIBLY BOTH THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ, AND THE BOOK OF 2021. ALREADY.' - BOOKSTAGRAMMER @lost_in_her_bookland_________________________________________________Are you still a virgin? Want to talk about it in a safe space?Meetings every other Tuesday.You're not alone.Kate Mundy's life is not going to plan. Nearing thirty, she's been made redundant from her job, her oldest friends have quietly left her behind, and she can barely admit her biggest secret: she's never even been on a date, let alone taken her underwear off with a member of the opposite sex.Freddie Weir has spent most of his twenties struggling severe OCD and anxiety, and now his only social interactions consist of comic book signings and fending off intrusive questions from his weird flatmate Damien. There's no way Freddie could ever ask a girl out and now he's wondering if this is the way it might be forever.When Freddie and Kate meet at a self-help group for adult virgins, they think they might just be able to help each other out so they can both get on with finding their real romantic destinies. But might these two have more in common than just their lack of experience?_________________________________________________Readers LOVE Adult Virgins Anonymous!Adult Virgins Anonymous is a fun, easy and light modern romance. - 5*Left me with such a positive feeling! - 5*I could not put the book down. It was warm, loving and straight to the point. Definitely a pick me up when you are feeling quite blue or needing to move on from a book hangover. - 5*Light-hearted, great read to lose yourself in. - 5*Every once in a while, a novel comes along that speaks to your soul. Adult Virgins Anonymous was that novel for me. - 5*Such a wonderful read. It's awkward. It's cute. It's so very relatable. I loved what it had to say about friendship and finding the right friends that suit you. - 5*Overall I highly enjoyed this thoughtful book that explores experiences not represented in contemporary fiction. This is a cute romance book for readers looking for something fresh and original. - 5*A cute and lovely book, that deserves a place on my for-a-rainy-day shelf. - 5*Trade ReviewA gorgeous feel-good read * Sun *A heart-warming read, this uplifting book is what we could all do with in our lives right now * Heat *Uplifting * Sunday Post *

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Book Synopsis'Ali is one of the best flawed heroines in Irish commercial fiction since Rachel Walsh in Marian Keyes' ground-breaking Rachel's Holiday...' Sunday Times 'Hyper current ... hugely relevant' Irish Independent 'Modern and witty' Emer McLysaght, co-author of the Aisling books'So sweet, so funny -- I loved it' Marian KeyesThe Glossie Influencer Awards are fast approaching and Ali Jones is hell-bent on a win and breaking through 10,000 followers on Instagram. But when Ali inadvertantly leads people to believe she's pregnant, she quickly realises that playing the 'Mummy-Influencer' card could be her ticket to Insta-success. And she's not going to let a small detail like a fake pregnancy get in her way. Even if the reappearance of Tinder Sam, who seems determined to take his role of 'baby' daddy seriously, makes things a little more complicated ...Elsewhere on Insta, Shelly Devine, Ireland's biggest influencer (and Ali's idol) is also guarding secrets from her followers, and her husband ...Both Ali and Shelly have decisions to make but as the night of the Glossies draws near, will they realise what's important before they lose what matters most?'Fresh, current and thoroughly enjoyable' Eithne Shortall'Written with heart and humour, Filter This peels back the social media mask so many wear as a disguise and reveals the real people beneath' Cecelia AhernTrade Review'Hyper current ... hugely relevant' - Irish Independent'Shades of Marian Keyes in this highly entertaining satire ...' - Sunday IndependentWitty and wonderful - I devoured this in a single sitting - ImageHilarious. Like Sophie Kinsella for the Instagram world - Irish ExaminerA cracking read and looking forward to the sequel - Woman's Way

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Book SynopsisThe superb novel from the bestselling author of Half A World Away and All the Lonely People.'A joyful celebration of life' - Heat'Filled with warmth, tenderness and character. It really made me think, too - I love that it encourages us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. A gorgeous novel' - Beth O'Leary'A keenly observed and warm-hearted tale of how people cope with loss and keep their dreams alive against the odds . . . a delightful read' - Ruth HoganStill reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Jess is about to do the hardest thing she's ever done: empty her childhood home so that it can be sold.But when in the process Jess stumbles across the mysterious Alex, together they become custodians of a strange archive of letters, photographs, curios and collections known as The Museum of Ordinary People.As they begin to delve into the history of the objects in their care, Alex and Jess not only unravel heartbreaking stories that span generations and continents, but also unearth long buried secrets that lie much closer to home.Inspired by a box of mementos found abandoned in a skip following a house clearance, The Museum of Ordinary People is a thought-provoking and poignant story of memory, grief, loss and the things we leave behind.'This author's books just get better and better' Good Housekeeping'Mike Gayle is the king of touching, human stories' HeatTrade ReviewThe Museum of Ordinary People is a timely treasure of a read. Spilling over with Mike Gayle's trademark warmth and tenderness, it's so insightful and thought-provoking on loss and grief, as well as the meaning of possessions and how we might take a fresh look at the things we once took for granted. It's the kind of book you'll want to re-read as soon as you've finished it. Just beautiful -- Holly Miller, author of The Sight of YouMike has an uncanny ability to create characters that are immediately familiar and relatable and to draw the reader into their world, ever eager to follow where they lead. The Museum of Ordinary People is a keenly observed and warm-hearted tale of how people cope with loss and keep their dreams alive against the odds. It is a delightful read -- Ruth HoganOne of my favourite writers, and this is his best yet...a relatable and yet brilliantly original story - this is a novel I could recommend to so many people -- Clare MackintoshMike gets better every year and every book. He's becoming a real chronicler of our times -- Jenny ColganA new Mike Gayle novel is always a treat. The Museum of Ordinary People is filled with warmth, tenderness and character. It really made me think, too - I love that it encourages us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. A gorgeous novel -- Beth O'LearyUplifting and poignant * My Weekly *A joyful celebration of life, it's also a study in grief, second chances, and what can happen when you truly believe in yourself. * Heat *This is a beautifully written read that's full of heart * Fabulous *A powerful read * Bella *This is a tale of loss and friendship by an author who has a way of making the ordinary things in life seem extraordinary * Candis *This will resonate with anyone who has lost someone they love * The Sunday Post *A real gem of a book * Yours *A poignant look at grief and the things we leave behind * Huffington Post *This thought-provoking, tender and brilliantly observed story shows Mike Gayle at his very best * Sunday Express, S Magazine *'A poignant novel about memory, loss and new beginnings.' * Woman Magazine *This novel is pure, unadulterated feel-good, and Gayle is a master puller of heartstrings. It radiates an unforced kind of goodwill, which makes up for some of the overly expository dialogue and unabashed sentimentality . . . Fans of uplifting-lit authors like Fredrik Backman will likely be suitably charmed * Kirkus *Moving and heartwarming, this is a story about love and loss and holding onto the memories thatmake us who we are. Fans of character-driven relationship fiction by Clare Pooley, RachelJoyce, and Freya Sampson will want to pick this one up * Booklist *

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Book Synopsis**Sophie Claire's sparkling new romance novel, This Christmas in Paris, is available to pre-order now!**Could love be the biggest adventure of all?Filmmaker Lily's life is all about work and adventure. So when she suffers an accident on her travels and finds herself recuperating in the quiet French seaside village where she spent her childhood, she can't wait to escape. Not least because Olivier - Lily's childhood friend and former crush, who she has spent the last thirteen years avoiding - is staying next door . . . Strong-minded baker Olivier is happily settled in St Pierre, preparing to marry and put down roots. But Lily's return to the village risks turning his carefully-laid plans upside-down, and as the pair rediscover their familiar rivalry and fun, sparks fly.Is Lily really as fearless and independent as she seems on the surface - or is she just running from the past? And what if Olivier is the only one who can teach her what it really means to be brave?***Readers love Summer at the French Olive Grove!'Romantic . . . heartwarming and uplifting' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'The perfect summery read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Heartwarming, humorous and heartbreaking' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Glorious setting . . . you can almost feel the warm sunshine on your skin' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'A stunning story . . . heart, love, loss and a delightful cast of characters' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewTrade ReviewEnduring and endearing. A truly romantic read! Full of Sophie's trademark warmth and charm * Heidi Swain *A gorgeous read - lush and romantic in the best way, sweeping me off to the south of France where I could feel the sun on my face and smell the bread (baked by the lovely Olivier.) It was a breath of fresh air to have a heroine with a difference, like Lily, too, with an exciting career and not a picture of perfection - but very loveable * Phillipa Ashley *A gorgeous summery read with warm, interesting characters and a great storyline. I really enjoyed being whisked away to the French coast and countryside, and to Mamie's beautiful old farmhouse. The descriptions of the setting in Provence were so vivid, I wished I was there! * Caroline Roberts *

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Book Synopsis'A wholly delightful novel' Allan Massie, ScotsmanLily Crawford and Jeanie Taylor, from very different backgrounds, are firm friends from their childhoods in Kirkcudbright. They share their ambitions for their futures, Lily to be an artist, Jeanie to be a dancer.The two women's eventful lives are intertwined. In the years before the First World War, the girls lose touch when Jeanie runs away from home and joins a dance company, while Lily attends The Mack, Glasgow's famous school of art designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A chance meeting reunites them and together they discover a Glasgow at the height of its wealth and power as the Second City of the Empire - and a city of poverty and overcrowding. Separated once again after the war, Lily and Jeanie find themselves on opposite sides of the world. Lily follows her husband to Shanghai while Jeanie's dance career brings her international fame. But the glamour and dissolution of 1920s Shanghai finally lead Lily into peril. Her only hope of survival lies with her old friend Jeanie, as the two women turn to desperate measures to free Lily from danger.Inspired by the eventful and colourful lives of the pioneering women artists The Glasgow Girls, particularly that of Eleanor Allen Moore, Daisy Chain is a story of independence, women's art, resilience and female friendship, set against the turbulent background of the early years of the 20th century.Trade ReviewEvocative and highly readable * The Herald *Evocative and intelligent. A wholly delightful novel [that] celebrates friendship, love, kindness and devotion to creative work. * The Scotsman *An excellent homage to The Glasgow Girls... a very readable novel - both heart-breaking and hopeful. -- Amy Jefferies * Scots Magazine *Daisy Chain is a novel George Eliot, Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters would have penned had they been born in 20th century Glasgow, brought up listening to the Bay City Rollers, and The Clash... the award-winning author takes readers on a dark, mysterious, and cruel journey at times, with an unexpected twisted narrative. * Shine *A thrilling, twisting adventure about female friendship, independence and the determination to fulfil ambitions. * Sunday Mail *

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Book SynopsisWhat if your life worked out perfectly . . . for someone else?It's been 18 years since Ava spent the summer on the Greek island of Corfu, but she has never forgotten what happened during those months - or who she left behind. Now single, estranged from her family, and preparing to wave her daughter off to university, Ava's life seems a million miles away from the one she dreamed about as a teenager - a life now being lived by her sister instead. When Ava decides to return to Corfu for the summer, she knows she must finally face the place and the people that broke her heart. But with old resentments festering, long-buried secrets lurking, and familiar feelings resurfacing, it looks set to be a holiday that will change all their lives forever. . .***Praise for Isabelle Broom:'Gloriously escapist, unashamedly romantic, witty and hugely enjoyable'Sunday Mirror'I totally lost myself in this heart-warming, charming tale of love, family and gorgeous Greece. I adored it'Milly Johnson'A writing powerhouse'Carrie Hope Fletcher'Brilliantly evocative - it's left me longing for a Greek holiday!Paige Toon'A gorgeous story of heartbreak, forgiveness and self-discovery.'Giovanna Fletcher'This book takes you on holiday'Adele Parks'Well-written and perfect for a lazy afternoon on the sofa'Daily Mail'Combines a wonderful setting with the poignancy of self-discovery and a touching romance'Katie Fforde'Brilliant, warm and beautifully judged - I raced through it'Cathy Kelly'An evocative and enchanting story'Cathy BramleyTrade ReviewEvocative, compelling and sizzling with passion - this is THE book to escape into this summer, I absolutely loved it! * Cathy Bramley *A tender, utterly romantic and evocative tale that will leave you feeling as if you've spent a summer in Corfu * Rachael Lucas *What Isabelle Broom writes, I read: nobody does escapist and thought-provoking fiction like her, and god! Her sense of place! I get to travel the world without leaving my front room. So magical, so special. * Laura Jane Williams *It took all of two seconds for me to be whisked away into this sun-soaked story about love, motherhood and family secrets. Beautifully written and fiercely poignant, The Summer Trip is an immersive, evocative novel that deserves to be right at the top of your holiday reading list * Holly Miller *An enchanting read charting one woman's journey of self-discovery, making peace with the past and finding romance. Another gloriously evocative summer read * My Weekly *The perfect beach read and a whole lot more. Ava's story is witty, moving, and as glorious as a Greek beach at sunset - a celebration of family, of sisterhood and of a mother's love for her daughter, all set against the stunning backdrop of Corfu. Achingly romantic and endlessly addictive, this is Broom at her best. A summer essential. * Katie Marsh *This evocative gift of a novel will make you long to hop on a flight to Greece immediately! * My Weekly *Filled with passion, family drama and thrills, this is one holiday romance you won't be able to resist * Heat *Gloriously sun-kissed escapism * Best Magazine *Set against a sultry backdrop with the bluest of seas, lively tavernas and idyllic olive groves, The Summer Trip is drenched in the feel-good factor that always comes with a sun-soaked holiday. Beautifully written and gloriously escapist, this is an engrossing story of romance and self-discovery * Sunday Express *This is a delicious, sun-splashed summer tale * Woman’s Own *We loved it * Bella *If you're heading off on holiday this summer this is the book you need in your suitcase * Closer *You'll be swept away by this gorgeous summer read * Fabulous *Drenched in the feel-good factor that always comes with a sun-soaked holiday * Daily Record *Broom always sweeps me away * Sun *

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Book SynopsisGet cosy with Someday at Christmas, the perfect festive read'A GORGEOUS, COSY READ, RICH IN DELICIOUS WINTERY DETAIL' KATE YOUNG'THE PERFECT FESTIVE STORY. SWEET, BLISSFULLY ROMANTIC AND BURSTING WITH HEART . . . OH MY HEART I LOVED IT' MIRANDA DICKINSON'ADORABLE' ELLA RISBRIDGER'THE LITERARY EQUIVALENT OF A MINCE PIE WARM OUT OF THE OVEN, WITH A DOLLOP OF BRANDY CUSTARD ON THE SIDE' SARRA MANNING, RED MAGAZINE'YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH SHELL SMITH' PRIMA_________________________________________________The most delightful Christmas romance. Shell Smith is the most popular make-up artist on the ART counter at Duke & Sons, a beautiful but old-fashioned department store in her hometown. But whilst Shell's love life is looking up, now that she's dating long-time crush Nick, and business is booming in the beauty department, the rest of the store is noticeably quiet . . .The owner's grandson Callum has come up with some creative ways to keep Duke & Sons afloat this Christmas, including allowing a production company to secretly film a romcom after hours. When Callum recruits her to help out, Shell finds there is more to Mr Duke Jr. than sharp suits and a business-like demeanour.With a store to save and her own romance with Nick going off-script, Christmas just got complicated for Shell. But this is the most wonderful time of the year, so there must be a happy ending awaiting . . . Right?_________________________________________________'Warm, funny, sexy, gorgeous setting and characters. I loved it so much. (Also it should totally be a film.)' 5*'I'll struggle to get into another book after this. I absolutely LOVED it.' 5*'Just wonderful! Effortlessly diverse and inclusive' 5*'A wonderful Christmas read that will leave you feeling happier than when you started, reaching out for the cocoa and wanting to put on a Christmas movie. Perfection' 5*Trade ReviewI fell in love with Shell and this refreshing, realistic cast of characters. A book that's about so much more than 'Christmas' -- Nina PottellSomeday at Christmas is the perfect festive story. Sweet, blissfully romantic and bursting with heart, it's completely gorgeous. It's funny, fresh and modern sprinkled with all the magic of a classic Christmas tale. Oh my heart, I loved it! -- Miranda DickinsonWarm-hearted, funny and glittering with Christmas magic. I adored my visit behind the scenes at delightful department store Duke & Sons. Someday at Christmas is a gorgeous festive treat. -- Katherine WoodfineYou will fall in love with Shell Smith * Prima *The literary equivalent of a mince pie warm out of the oven, with a dollop of brandy custard on the side -- Sarra Manning * Red Magazine *Adorable * Ella Risbridger *I read Someday at Christmas in a bath I kept topping up, with a glass of port and a mince pie beside me. It's a gorgeous, cosy read, rich in delicious wintery detail, and Shell is a heroine who'll stay with me, one I was rooting for (both professionally and personally) from page one. In the midst of a strange year, it made me nostalgic for visiting the make-up counter, for occasions that call for great lipstick, for crowded nights in the pub, and for shameless flirting fueled by Christmas cheer. * Kate Young *Someday at Christmas is the perfect festive story. Sweet, blissfully romantic and bursting with heart, it's completely gorgeous. It's funny, fresh and modern sprinkled with all the magic of a classic Christmas tale. Oh my heart, I loved it! -- Miranda Dickinson

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Book Synopsis 'The Mutual Friend is GREAT. Carter Bays always finds the heart and truth in all of his humour. I just loved it. Put down the phones. Unless you're reading The Mutual Friend on it' Jason Segel 'I love this love story! The dialogue is so good, also it's very funny. What more could I want?' Mindy Kaling New York, 2015. In a city of more than 8 million people, there are always new places to visit, new connections to be made, new experiences to be shared.But not for Alice Quick. Determined to finally take her MCAT exam and become a doctor, this has to be a summer of no distractions. So it's a shame that her chaotic roommate Roxy is persistently getting her into trouble, not the most convenient timing for her millionaire brother Bill to decide to embark upon a spiritual search for the meaning of life and plain inconvenient that Alice just can't seem to put down her phone. And then there's the biggest distraction of all, threatening to permanently derail all of her plans: love.Filled with warmth, humour, and heart, THE MUTUAL FRIEND is an unforgettable debut novel that perfectly captures the choreography of navigating life and love amidst the chaos of contemporary life.Trade ReviewThe Mutual Friend is GREAT. Carter Bays is one of the funniest people I know. More importantly though, he always finds the heart and truth in all of his humour. I just loved it. Put down the phones. Unless you're reading The Mutual Friend on it * Jason Segel *I love this love story! The dialogue is so good, also it's very funny. What more could I want? * Mindy Kaling *The most extraordinary and beguiling novel I've read in years. Carter Bays weaves together a huge, eclectic cast of messy, imperfect and bewitching characters . . . As soon as I put the book down, I wanted to start reading it all over again * Clare Pooley, New York Times bestselling author of The Authenticity Project *Sharply observed, smartly-written, and with a captivating cast of characters, The Mutual Friend is the funniest, cleverest, most original novel I've read in years * Matt Dunn *A completely unique and addictive read with a captivating cast of characters, The Mutual Friend is a memorable, clever novel about connection and love and all the things that make us human. Charming and unforgettable, this story left an impression on my heart. * Holly Miller *A thoroughly modern and entirely captivating exploration of what it means to be alive in the world today. Funny, sad, romantic, perfect. I finished it and told all my friends to go read it immediately. * Marissa Stapley, New York Times bestselling author of Lucky *A hugely clever and thoroughly entertaining magic trick of a novel that shows the ways in which we're all connected, both virtually and in real life. This book - with all its wisdom and humor, its detours and surprises - was a total delight. I loved it! * Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Unsinkable Greta James *A big, heart-squeezing ode to all that matters most, dressed up in the disguise of a fun, juicy ensemble story bubbling over with comically bad dates, career missteps, and awkward adult friendships. You'll laugh; you'll cry; you'll stare out the window and contemplate the meaning of life. I did, anyway * Mary Laura Philpott, author of I Miss You When I Blink *A novel of New York in a strange time that probes its large and foibled cast with humor, real insight, and sparkling charm * John Hodgman, author of Vacationland and Medallion Status and host of the Judge John Hodgman podcast *Through his tapestry of characters, Carter Bays beautifully and hilariously captures the connection and isolation at the heart of being a human being, now. This book is like a modern-day War and Peace, without all the boring war parts * Raphael Bob-Waksberg, author of Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory *A thoroughly modern and entirely captivating exploration of what it means to be alive in the world today. Funny, sad, romantic, perfect. I finished it and told all my friends to go read it immediately * Marissa Stapley, New York Times bestselling author of Lucky *Sharply observed, smartly-written, and with a captivating cast of characters, The Mutual Friend is the funniest, cleverest, most original novel I've read in years * Matt Dunn, author of A Day at the Office *This is a rare thing: an original, intelligent novel that's not just a perfect summer beach read, but one that deserves serious awards consideration as well. Put down your phone and pick it up . . . A major accomplishment * Kirkus *It's a perfect summer read full of warmth, wit and a whole lot of heart * CultureFly *A good read that will leave you in tears * Sun *Filled with warmth, humour, and heart, The Mutual Friend is an unforgettable debut novel that perfectly captures the choreography of navigating life and love amidst the chaos of contemporary life * OX Magazine *

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Book Synopsis 'Joyful, wise and enormously good fun' TASMINA PERRY'An utterly gorgeous story that had me totally hooked. Without a doubt the best book I've read this year' HOLLY MARTIN If you knew how the love story finished, would you turn the first page?Amy has been keeping a secret most of her adult life... The women in her family have a gift, or is it a curse?Since her first kiss, Amy has had visions of how her relationships will end. A date fleeing through the bathroom window. At the altar - runaway-bride style. There seems to be no end to the unhappy endings.Then she drunkenly kisses three men at her best friend's wedding, only to wake up with no memory of who she kissed. She knows she's found 'the one' but now she must find out which one...Roping in her friends, Amy sets off on a mission to find her true love. What readers are saying about Skip to the End:'Well written, charming, sweet and thoroughly enjoyable' 'A proper feel good book. I couldn't put it down''I couldn't have loved this book more. It's absolutely perfect in every way''This book was absolutely stunning. About Time is one of my all time favourite films and this was finally a book like it' 'I finished reading Skip to the End with an enormous, contented sigh and a huge smile on my face'Trade ReviewAn utterly gorgeous story that had me totally hooked. Without a doubt the best book I've read this year * HOLLY MARTIN, author of THE BLOSSOM TREE OF DREAMS *Joyful, wise and enormously good fun - Skip to the End is an irresistible read I'm recommending to everyone I know! * TASMINA PERRY, author of THE LAST SUPPER *Skip to the End was a feel-good feast from start to finish. The story felt original, perfectly-paced, and heartfelt. I can't wait to devour more books by Molly James * LISA DICKENSON, author of MY SISTERS AND ME *Skip to the End is such a lovely, heartwarming story about finding your happy ever after - I rooted for Amy from the start and finished with a big smile on my face! * VICTORIA WALTERS, author of the Glendale Hall series *Such a great concept . . . witty, poignant, and I loved the touch of magic * MY WEEKLY *I raced through it * DAILY MAIL *Feel-good fun * YOURS *You'll totally fall in love with this! * FABULOUS, SUN ON SUNDAY *Funny, light-hearted . . . it's the perfect poolside companion * CHAT *Lots of laughter and fun in this heartwarming read * WOMAN *A super-sparkling tale of kisses, sexual chemistry and kismet * WIGAN POST *Heartwarming * WOMAN’S WEEKLY *A funny reverse Cinderella story * SUNDAY POST *

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Book SynopsisA 2022 LA Times Book Prize FinalistA darkly funny, soul-rending novel of love in an epoch of collapse-one woman's furious revisiting of family, marriage, work, sex, and motherhood.Since my baby was born, I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things. a) As much as I ever did. b) Not quite as much now. c) Not so much now. d) Not at all. Leaving behind her husband and their baby daughter, a writer gets on a flight for a speaking engagement in Reno, not carrying much besides a breast pump and a spiraling case of postpartum depression. Her temporary escape from domestic duties and an opportunity to reconnect with old friends mutates into an extended romp away from the confines of marriage and motherhood, and a seemingly bottomless descent into the past. Deep in the Mojave Desert where she grew up, she meets her ghosts at every turn: the first love whose self-destruction still haunts her; her father, a member of the most famous cult in American history; her mother, whose native spark gutters with every passing year. She can't go back in time to make any of it right, but what exactly is her way forward? Alone in the wilderness, at last she begins to make herself at home in the world.Bold, tender, and often hilarious, I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness reaffirms Watkins as one of the single writers of our time.Trade Review'There's some kind of genius sorcery in this novel. It's startlingly original, hilarious and harrowing by turns, finally transcendent. Watkins writes like an avenging angel. It's thrilling and terrifying to stand in her wake' -Jenny Offill, author of Dept. of Speculation and WeatherThis book is stupendously good. It practically vibrates in its ferocious frankness, and is so funny too that one can't help but fall for this voice, even in the pain, because of the pain, with the pain. A marvel. * Aimee Bender, author of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake and The Butterfly Lampshade *I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness is a white knuckle ride through everything the word love can mean. The shattered lives of the author's mother and father, tenderly retrieved into the story in their own words, are revelatory of the ways in which we and those who form us strive over whole lifetimes to reconcile love with freedom. A novel that celebrates acceptance, curiosity, and the vitality of the individual mind. I loved it. -- Polly Clark, author of TigerClaire Vaye Watkins has written a novel about the most frightening creature in America: a bad mother...an audaciously candid story about the crush of conflicted feelings that a baby inspires...Watkins's book sparks the same electric jolt that The Awakening must have sent juicing through Kate Chopin's readers in 1899... It's no coincidence that much of this story takes place in the American desert, a territory that burns away ornament and affectation. Here, on the terrain where she began, Claire sloughs off the skin of a life that doesn't fit her and begins to discover one that might. It's a painful transformation, but utterly captivating to witness. -- Ron Charles * Washington Post *I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness sears with a relentless electricity that vibrates its way into you and permanently changes something in your cells. In Watkins's psychospiritual desert, to choose darkness means you could weep with ecstasy as easily as from anguish. A visionary work that imagines motherhood into audacious and complex possibility. -- Rachel Yoder, author of Night BitchAn exploration of grief, freedom and madness * Harper's Bazaar *She's an incredibly cool and fascinating person. This book is autofiction - and she is one of the only people whose autofiction I'd be interested in actually reading. -- Maggie Shipstead, author of Great CircleShe writes with vicious urgency and savage wit that makes the pages fly by * The Times *[A] novel not of rage but of incandescent sadness, radiating grief for the lost, the damaged, the left behind. It is remarkably clear-sighted * Guardian *There's a palpable suffering and darkness often, a brittleness; there's also a tenderness, and a lot of laughs to be pulled from its page. A book of bite. * The Skinny *shapeshifting, sharp and transgressive * Irish Times *An incredibly courageous piece of writing * Big Issue *A mother lode of hard truths laced with humour and rage . . . It defies categorisation, much in the same way as Jenny Offill's Dept of Speculation . . . a hybrid of fact and fiction * Sunday Independent *

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Book SynopsisRachel's boyfriend Frank is different from other people. His strangeness is part of what she loves about him: his innocence, his intelligence, his passionate immersion in the music of JS Bach. As a coder, Frank sees patterns in everything, but as his theories slide further towards the irrational, Rachel becomes increasingly concerned for his wellbeing. There are people Frank knows online, people who share his view of the world and who insist he has a unique role to play. In spite of Rachel's fears for his safety, Frank is determined to meet them face to face.When Frank disappears, Rachel is forced to seek help in the form of Robin, a private detective who left the police force for reasons she will not reveal. Like Frank, Robin is obsessed with the music of Bach. Like Frank, she has unexplained connections with the criminal underworld of southeast London.An obscure science fiction story from the 1950s appears to offer clues to Frank's secret agenda, but not to where he is. As Robin and Rachel draw closer in their search for the truth, they are forced to ask themselves if Frank's obsession with an alien war, against all logic, might have a basis in fact.Nina Allan's new novel is a work of the greatest imaginative power, an investigation of the human need to make connections, to find causes and effects, however fantastic. Conquest is the story of a disappearance, and of the mystery that follows.Trade ReviewThe most experimental work yet from a boldly adventurous novelist... it both demands and rewards a more ruminative reading * Locus Magazine *Allan challengingly evokes a world of paranoia and delusion * Financial Times * The finest author currently writing regardless of genre... (Conquest) is both beautifully written and formally experimental... a haunting, thought-provoking speculative masterpiece, a riveting demonstration of an artist in masterful control of her material. * Fantasy Hive *In this outstanding, beautifully controlled novel, Allen explores the smudged edges of fear and paranoia, belief and credulity, where she finds a sweet spot shimmering with truth and a strange beauty. * Daily Mail *Formally inventive and utterly readable * Herald *In its themes of misinformation, potential microbiological Trojan horses and conspiracy, Conquest can also be read in total as a joyously fantastical and elaborate Covid-19 allegory; if so, it is surely the best book yet to emerge from the pandemic. * Guardian *A truly bold and inventive piece of work. It deserves to make Nina Allan famous. * TLS *This is one of the best books I've read this year. * Bookphase *A powerful exploration into the human need to make connections. * Scots Magazine *Bamboozingly brilliant * TLS, Book of the Year *Absorbing . . . her best novel yet. * Guardian (Five of the best science fiction and fantasy books of 2023) *

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Book SynopsisPretty Woman meets the Bridgertons in this witty, vivacious historical take on 90s romcoms by USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard: "Refreshing, steamy, and stocked with characters you don't normally get to see in the genre-a must-read author"-Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling authorLord Lysander Blackstone, the stern Duke of Montcroix, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. After a series of betrayals, he keeps his emotions buried deep. Money, after all, can't break a man's heart-or make promises it can't keep. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual-and alluring-solution . . . Once an up-and-coming ballerina, Miss Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. After refusing to become a wealthy patron's mistress, Nève was promptly shown the door to the streets. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, she doubts the encounter will go any better than her last brush with nobility. But instead of propositioning her, Montcroix makes Nève an offer she would be a fool to refuse: act as his fake fiancée in exchange for fortune enough to start over.Only neither is prepared when very real feelings begin to grow between them. They both stand to win . . . but only if they're willing to risk their hearts.

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Book SynopsisFrom the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of True Places comes an emotional novel of love, secrets, and obsession. Psychology professor Jackie Strelitz thinks she’s over Harlan Crispin, her ex-lover and colleague. Why should she care if Harlan springs a new “friend” on her? After all, Jackie has everything she ever wanted: a loving husband and a thriving career. Still, she can’t help but be curious about Harlan’s latest. Nasira Amari is graceful, smart, and appallingly young. Worse, she’s the newest member of Jackie’s research team. For five years, Harlan enforced rules limiting his relationship with Jackie. With Nasira, he’s breaking every single one. Why her? Fixated by the couple, Jackie’s curiosity becomes obsession. But she soon learns that nothing is quite what it seems and that to her surprise—and peril—she may not be the only one who can’t let go.Trade Review“Stories We Never Told is a beautifully told story of love and obsession, a gradual unearthing of long-held secrets that can unravel even the happiest of marriages. Yoerg has a real talent for creating compelling and complex characters who wrestle with real-life situations, leaving the reader wondering who to root for until the very end. Yoerg should be on every reader’s radar.” —Kimberly Belle, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Wife “It’s a rare psychological thriller that shows both the dark depths our obsessions can lead to and the unlikely breakthroughs that can let the light in. Sonja Yoerg’s Stories We Never Told does just that, deftly introducing a brilliant cast of characters for whom detachment and intimacy can be equally terrifying. A taut, clever, and satisfying read.” —Jessica Strawser, bestselling author of Not That I Could Tell “Sonja Yoerg expands her literary repertoire into suspense with Stories We Never Told, a tale of obsession, love, secrets, marriage, and the lies we tell ourselves. The prose is lyrical and immersive, and the story builds delicious tension. But the characters are where Yoerg truly shines: they’re all so keenly developed, so realistic, and so surprising with their own crackling takes on relationships, academia, and each other that the story itself starts to feel almost immaterial. Until, of course, it shocks the living hell out of you.” —Kate Moretti, New York Times bestselling author of The Vanishing Year and In Her Bones “Obsession, jealousy, and secrets smolder into a deadly fire in Yoerg’s latest, as a woman’s marriage and career implode at the same time her ex’s life seems to be on the rise. Astutely observed and beautifully written with echoes of Highsmith’s Ripley, this one’s got a deliciously diabolical villain to die for.” —Emily Carpenter, bestselling author of Burying the Honeysuckle Girls and Until the Day I Die “Truth and trust relentlessly collide in this beautifully written and riveting page-turner. Talented storyteller Sonja Yoerg will ensnare you from page one—and her determined and endearing main character, twisted by love and betrayed by expectations, will keep you turning pages as fast as you can. Loved this!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, nationally bestselling author of The Murder List “Stories We Never Told is Sonja Yoerg at her best—gripping characters, sizzling suspense, brilliantly written. I raced through the pages. Bravo!” —Kaira Rouda, international bestselling author of The Favorite Daughter “Stories We Never Told is a superb, slow-burn suspense that brilliantly ratchets up the tension and character development notch by notch, layer by layer, culminating in a chilling, emotional ending. Sonja Yoerg is a master at creating characters you fall into, and her writing is stunning. A must read!” —Samantha M. Bailey, author of Woman on the Edge

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Book SynopsisFrom New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a charming, emotional romance about redefining dreams and discovering unlikely love along the way. Life for Emma isn’t good. The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. The cherry on top is finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation. Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond, and she sees her own pain and yearning reflected in his eyes. He’s charming when he wants to be but also secretive and gruff, with protective walls as thick as Emma’s own. Despite a growing attraction, they avoid each other. But then there’s an impromptu nighttime skinny-dip, and Lucian’s luscious homemade tarts and cream cakes start arriving at Emma’s door, tempting her to taste life again… In trying to stay apart, they only grow closer—and their broken pieces just might fit together and make them whole.Trade Review“Callihan (Dear Enemy) constructs a romance full of aching emotions while taking on toxic fame and the perils of contact sports. Descriptions of Lucian making delicate treats are a delight, and the cast of secondary characters doing their best to subtly ignore the sexual tension between Emma and Lucian are the icing on the cake.” —Library Journal

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Bloodletter’s Daughter comes a historical novel about a defiant seventeenth-century artist who dared to feed her passions and explore the limitless possibilities of art. Born in the bustling artist quarter of Rome, Artemisia, daughter of renowned painter Orazio Gentileschi, is unavoidably drawn into a profession unheard of for women. With an innate grasp of color, light, and composition, and inspired by the mercurial Caravaggio, the fiery Artemisia embraces her calling with a precocious brilliance. But as a young woman, she also finds herself oppressed by a powerful patriarchy, and she is forced to endure emotional and physical abuse at the hands of men. Until a shattering act of violence unleashes Artemisia’s righteous fury. Refusing to be silenced and resolved to best men at their own games, Artemisia does what no woman had dared to do before. She fights back. A bracing historical novel about a woman boldly at odds with her time, Fierce Dreamer explores the fearless determination that would fuel Artemisia Gentileschi’s most courageous works of art and make her independent voice a vital one for our own time.

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Book SynopsisOne of Travel + Leisure’s most anticipated books of summer 2020. From the Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids comes a story of four generations of women grappling with family betrayals and long-buried secrets. It’s been years since Zoe Fairchild has been to the small Devon village of her birth, but the wounds she suffered there still ache. When she learns that her old friend and grandmother’s caretaker has gone missing, Zoe and her fifteen-year-old daughter return to England to help. Zoe dreads seeing her estranged mother, who left when Zoe was seven to travel the world. As the four generations of women reunite, the emotional pain of the past is awakened. And to complicate matters further, Zoe must also confront the ex-boyfriend she betrayed many years before. Anxieties spike when tragedy befalls another woman in the village. As the mystery turns more sinister, new grief melds with old betrayal. Now the four Fairchild women will be tested in ways they couldn’t imagine as they contend with dangers within and without, desperate to heal themselves and their relationships with each other.Trade Review“A woman’s strange disappearance brings together four strong women who struggle with their relationships, despite their need for one another. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen will appreciate the emphasis on nature and these women’s unique gifts in this latest by the author of When We Believed in Mermaids.” —Library Journal (starred review) “The Lost Girls of Devon draws us into the lives of four generations of women as they come to terms with their relationships and a mysterious tragedy that brings them together. Written in exquisite prose with the added bonus of the small Devon village as a setting, Barbara O’Neal’s book will ensnare the reader from the first page, taking us on an emotional journey of love, loss, and betrayal.” —Rhys Bowen, New York Times and #1 Kindle bestselling author of The Tuscan Child, In Farleigh Field, and the Royal Spyness series “The Lost Girls of Devon is one of those novels that grabs you at the beginning with its imagery and rich language and won’t let you go. Four generations of women deal with the pain and betrayal of the past, and Barbara O’Neal skillfully leads us to understand all of their deepest needs and fears. To read a Barbara O’Neal novel is to fall into a different world—a world of beauty and suspense, of tragedy and redemption. This one, like her others, is spellbinding.” —Maddie Dawson, bestselling author of A Happy Catastrophe

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Book SynopsisIn an early twentieth-century America roiling with racial injustice, class divides, and WWI, two women fight for their dreams in a galvanizing novel by the bestselling author of Golden Poppies. 1915. May and Naomi are extended family, their grandmothers’ lives inseparably entwined on a Virginia plantation in the volatile time leading up to the Civil War. For both women, the twentieth century promises social transformation and equal opportunity. May, a young white woman, is on the brink of achieving the independent life she’s dreamed of since childhood. Naomi, a nurse, mother, and leader of the NAACP, has fulfilled her own dearest desire: buying a home for her family. But they both are about to learn that dreams can be destroyed in an instant. May’s future is upended, and she is forced to rely once again on her mother. Meanwhile, the white-majority neighborhood into which Naomi has moved is organizing against her while her sons are away fighting for their country. In the tumult of a changing nation, these two women—whose grandmothers survived the Civil War—support each other’s quest for liberation and dignity. Both find the strength to confront injustice and the faith to thrive on their chosen paths.

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Book SynopsisA sudden departure. A story decades in the making. The chaotic but happy equilibrium of the Nightingale family is thrown into disarray when Cecily—whose children can’t remember her ever being remotely spontaneous—disappears to a Greek island with no warning or explanation. Her reasons for doing something so out of character are a total mystery to her three daughters, high-powered executive Felicity, unfulfilled GP Julia and organised mother-of-five Lily. What connection could she possibly have with Kefalonia? But Cecily has gone to continue a story she thought ended decades ago—one that could have a huge impact on her family. And when she returns, she’ll have to tell them the truth. Will Cecily be able to hold her family together once she reveals her big secret? And might she discover that she’s not the only one with a story to tell?Trade Review“This is a wonderful novel about the secrets we keep from the ones we love the most. Imogen Clark has a real talent for shining a light on the idiosyncrasies of family life and revealing past traumas, present hurts, and future hopes.” —Victoria Connelly, author of The Rose Girls and Love in an English Garden “The Last Piece is a beautifully crafted, insightful tale about family and the cracks below the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Clark’s characters, with their various secrets and flaws, leap off the page. A most enjoyable and riveting read.” —S.D. Robertson, author of My Sister’s Lies and Time to Say Goodbye “I couldn’t resist going on this journey with the Nightingale family. With emotion on every page and mystery swirling around each character, The Last Piece explores how the past can be as unpredictable as the future. I raced through this life-affirming book, which left me buoyed with the promise of second chances.” —Jo Furniss, author of The Last to Know

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Where the Story Starts comes a tale about dealing with the past—and finally facing the future. Pip Appleby seems to have it all, with her prestigious job as a human rights lawyer and her enviable London home. But then a tragic accident stops her life in its tracks, and in an instant everything changes. Retreating to her family’s rural farm and the humble origins she has been trying to hide, Pip is haunted by what she has done. When she discovers the diary of actress Evelyn Mountcastle in a box of old books, Pip revels in the opportunity to lose herself in someone else’s life rather than focus on the disaster that is her own. But soon she sees parallels—Evelyn’s life was also beset by tragedy, and, like Pip, she returned to Southwold under a dark cloud. When Pip and Evelyn’s paths cross in real life they slowly begin to reveal the hidden stories that are holding them back. Can they help each other forgive what happened in the past and, perhaps, find happiness in the future?Trade Review“Connected by loss, a friendship blooms across the generations in this compassionate and nuanced story of endings and new beginnings.” —Fiona Valpy, bestselling author of The Skylark’s Secret “Imogen Clark is a master at creating flawed, real, loveable characters and exploring their emotions. This novel cleverly weaves together the past and present, and will leave you thinking about the story long after you finish the final page.” —Soraya M. Lane, bestselling author of Wives of War and The Last Correspondent

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Book SynopsisA heart-stirring novel about the joy that comes from finding love in unexpected places by the New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author. Thirteen-year-old Abby Hubble lives in an unhappy home in the Sierra Nevada foothills where her father makes life miserable for her and her mother, Mary. One day Abby witnesses a man dump a litter of puppies into the nearby river. Diving in to rescue all seven, she knows she won’t be able to bring them home. Afraid for their fate at the pound, she takes them to an abandoned cabin, where all she can offer is a promise that she’ll be back the next day. To grieving widower Elliot Colvin, life has lost meaning. Looking for solace, he retreats to the hunting cabin he last visited years ago, before his wife’s illness. What he discovers is not at all what he expected: seven puppies and one determined girl with an indomitable heart. As Abby and Elliot’s friendship deepens, Abby imagines how much better her life—and the puppies’ lives—would be if her mother were married to Elliot instead of her father. But when Abby’s father moves the family hundreds of miles away, Abby and her mother must decide how long they’re willing to defer happiness. Seven Perfect Things is a story about joy, where to find it, how to know it when you see it, and the courage it takes to hang on to it once you have it.Trade Review“Multilayered and heartwarming.” —Booklist “Hyde clearly demonstrates her uncanny ability to show human nature at both its best and worst, in ordinary people who sometimes do extraordinary things.” —Bookreporter

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of What the Wind Knows and From Sand and Ash comes a powerful love story about a musical duo who put everything on the line to be together. New York, 1960: For Benny Lament, music is his entire life. With his father’s deep ties to the mob, the Bronx piano man has learned that love and family can get you in trouble. So he keeps to himself, writing songs for other musicians, avoiding the spotlight…until the night his father brings him to see Esther Mine sing. Esther is a petite powerhouse with a gorgeous voice. And when Benny writes a hit song and performs it with her, their collaboration thrusts the duo onto the national stage…and stirs up old issues and new scrutiny that the mob—and Benny—would rather avoid. It would be easier to walk away. But the music and the woman are too hard for the piano man to resist. Benny’s songs and Esther’s vocals are an explosive combination, a sound that fans can’t get enough of. But though America might love the music they make together, some people aren’t ready for Benny Lament and Esther Mine on—or off—the stage.Trade Review“Utter perfection. The diversity. The inclusivity. The representation of an interracial couple in the 60s, but more importantly the struggle of a Black woman trying to make it in a world that doesn’t want any good for her. I have no words except that this is a must read.” —Shanora Williams, New York Times bestselling author “With a vibrant backdoor view to the New York music scene in the 60s, Harmon constructs authentic, enduring characters that will capture your heart and break it too. Elegantly written, with sensitivity to the racial hurdles of the era, this book is a work of historical fiction that will absolutely not be forgotten.” —EmmyB, host of the Lovely Books podcast “A truly incredible read. Amy Harmon has a way of writing characters that invoke deep emotion, and Benny and Esther are no exception. A raw, real, and inspiring love story.” —DC Renee, author of Scrubbed “Wildly beautiful. Amy Harmon blew me away again…Everyone should read this book.” —LJ Evans, IAN award-winning author “The story is enlightening, heart-breaking, and ultimately inspiring as these two beautiful characters find the soul of what it truly means to be human and love. Powerful writing, enthralling reading!” —TJ Mackay, founder and publisher of InD’tale Magazine “Amy’s stories are always deeply addictive and transporting, but beyond that, her compassion and insight into the human experience raises her work to another level completely. She is in a class of her own.” —Mia Sheridan, New York Times bestselling author “The Songbook of Benny Lament is typical of Harmon’s style: fluid, elegant, and filled with grace. A must read of 2021 and beyond.” —Emma Scott, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

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Book SynopsisA female American spy in Nazi-occupied France finds purpose behind enemy lines in a novel of unparalleled danger, love, and daring by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Beantown Girls. Anna Cavanaugh is a restless young widow and brilliant French teacher at a private school in Washington, DC. Everything changes when she’s recruited into the Office of Strategic Services by family friend and legendary WWI hero Major General William Donovan. Donovan has faith in her—and in all his “glorious amateurs” who are becoming Anna’s fast friends: Maggie, Anna’s down-to-earth mentor; Irene, who’s struggling to find support from her husband for her clandestine life; and Julia, a cheerful OSS liaison. But the more Anna learns about the organization’s secret missions, the more she longs to be stationed abroad. Then comes the opportunity: go undercover as a spy in the French Resistance to help steal critical intelligence that could ultimately turn the tide of the war. Dispatched behind enemy lines and in constant danger, Anna is filled with adrenaline, passion, and fear. She’s driven to make a difference—for her country and for herself. Whatever the risk, she’s willing to take it to help liberate France from the shadows of occupation and to free herself from the shadows of her former life.Trade Review“As realistic and heart-wrenching as The Secret Stealers is, it highlights the bravery and strength of the participants, of both genders, and reignites a faith in humanity.” —Mystery & Suspense Magazine “So convincingly written it’s impossible to put down.” —Historical Novels Review “The Secret Stealers is a flawlessly crafted and engrossing story of the unexpected ways in which war changes who we are. Once again, Healey gifts readers with her trademark characters: everyday women who prove themselves to be extraordinary—women so relatable, so endearing, and so brave that they jump off the page and into our hearts.” —Lynda Cohen Loigman, USA Today bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters “Set against the fascinating and well-researched history of the OSS, Jane Healey has crafted a remarkable story of perseverance, friendship, and the adventurous spirit and bravery of women who were instrumental to the Allies’ efforts during WWII. This novel captured my heart while speeding up my pulse with its triumphs and tragedies; suspense and struggle; and ultimately, redemption, revelation, and reflection. Fans of Kate Quinn and Martha Hall Kelly will love this book.” —Susie Orman Schnall, author of We Came Here to Shine and The Subway Girls “The Secret Stealers is World War II historical fiction about women spies that offers the rare balance of nail-biting action with strong, fully-developed characters who embrace friendship, empowerment, and romance. Jane Healey’s crew of intrepid women are equally at home navigating the intrigue of the OSS in Washington, DC, and the dangers of war-torn France. This one’s not to be missed!” —Elise Hooper, author of Fast Girls “The Secret Stealers is a captivating, richly detailed gem of a novel—the kind of book you don’t want to put down because it has everything you love in a reading experience: an expertly crafted, fast-paced plot, a vivid WWII setting, a cast of intriguing, admirable characters and a wonderful mix of adventure and emotion. A must-read for those who love not only the very best of WWII fiction, but an altogether terrific read.” —Julianne MacLean, USA Today bestselling author of A Fire Sparkling “The Secret Stealers brings to life the fascinating—and often overlooked—stories of female spies during World War II. Impeccably researched, Healey’s novel immerses you in a world of secrets and treachery, right up to the heart-pounding conclusion.” —Elizabeth Blackwell, author of Red Mistress “In a time when our reading world is flooded with WW2 tales, Jane Healey’s The Secret Stealers focuses breathtakingly on the far lesser-known world of women spies and wireless operators in the European theater of war. Here is a riveting story that leaps from the United States to England to France, all meticulously researched so that we’re drawn fully into struggles and dangers where, truly, the future of the free world is at stake. A heart-pounding, page-turning triumph of a novel!” —Joy Jordan-Lake, author of the #1 Amazon bestselling novels Under a Gilded Moon and A Tangled Mercy

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Book SynopsisA sharp and hilariously relatable novel about the business of weddings, the toll they can take, and the lengths one exasperated bridesmaid will go to for the love of friends. Lily Weiss is her mother’s worst nightmare: thirty-two and single—the horror! She’s also a talented writer but hides behind a boring job at a science foundation. To her friends, she’s reliable and selfless, which is how she winds up a bridesmaid in five weddings in six weeks. Anything for her three best friends and two (younger) siblings, right? Even if her own love life is…well, she’d rather not talk about it. To keep her sanity, Lily needs a safe place to vent. And so her anonymous blog, Bridesmania, is born. The posts start pouring out of her: all the feels about mom-zillas, her vanishing bank balance, the wicked bridesmaids of the west, high-strung brides-to-be, body-shaming dress clerks, bachelorette parties, and Spanx for days, not to mention being deemed guardian of eighty-eight-year-old Granny (who enjoys morning mimosas in the nude) for her brother’s destination wedding. So far the blog has stayed anonymous. But as everyone knows, few things online remain secret forever… When all is said and done, can Lily help all five couples make it to happily ever after? And will her own happy ending be close behind?Trade ReviewNamed as “One of the 25 Best Books of Summer 2021” by Frolic “An appealing debut with depth and heart that fans of Jennifer Weiner will enjoy.” —Library Journal “Whether you’ve been a bridesmaid a dozen times or somehow avoided the whole mess, For the Love of Friends is not to be missed. Funny and touching, Sara Goodman Confino has created a story that’s as wild as a good bachelorette party and as romantic as a first dance. I gobbled it up like wedding cake!” —Kelly Harms, Washington Post bestselling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler “When Lily Weiss agrees to be a bridesmaid in five weddings over six weeks, she finds herself and her bank account stretched to the breaking point in this hilarious novel filled with bridal meltdowns, handsome and obnoxious groomsmen, meddling mamas, wayyyyy too much Spanx, and one supposed-to-be-anonymous blog that allows Lily to vent. Sara Goodman Confino hits every note just right, with pitch-perfect dialogue and a healthy, fun dose of snark, along with plenty of love and warmth. A laugh-out-loud read.” —Maddie Dawson, Washington Post bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners “For the Love of Friends is a delightful escape from reality—27 Dresses meets Mean Girls. The perfect mix of hilarious, outrageous, and thoughtful, with a deeply relatable heroine. An unputdownable must-read!” —Suzy Krause, bestselling author of Sorry I Missed You “Amid a flurry of ‘I dos,’ bridesmaid Lily Weiss navigates five weddings in six weeks—her saving grace the Bridesmania blog she writes exposing the high stakes and high costs of wedding culture for those in the throes and woes of love. With Lily’s love life woven throughout, our bighearted heroine’s misguided attempts at bridesmaid wizardry will engage readers invited to attend this rollicking—and at times emotionally bruising—march down multiple aisles. Say yes to this story about self-reflection, forgiveness, and, ultimately, courageous leaps of faith, written with wit and razor-sharp truth. A real gem of a bridesmaid tale!” —Julie Valerie, bestselling author of Holly Banks Full of Angst and The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks

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Book SynopsisTheir love is against the laws of a merciless state—but the heart has its own power. For rollercoaster designer Theo, living on the edge is just part of the job. He’s used to wandering the world perfecting thrills, his heart immune to commitment. But then a commission in repressive North Korea exposes him to emotions he’s never dared to feel. Tour guide Min has a soul that wants to soar, but she knows it’s safer to build walls around her heart and mind. Skilled in showcasing the mesmerising beauty of capital city Pyongyang without revealing its darker secrets, she introduces Theo to a country he will never forget—and begins to question her policy of quiet compliance. But forgetting—or pretending to—is the key to survival for Min’s formidable grandmother Cuckoo. After a devastating heartbreak years ago, she learned that passion and oppression just don’t mix. As Min and Theo grow closer and long-held secrets come to light, all three are forced to confront emotions they’ve tried to suppress. In a country where following their hearts will put them in danger, how much are they willing to risk?Trade Review“A heartbreaking yet life-affirming story of forbidden love woven through the extraordinary backdrop of North Korea. I loved everything about it.” —Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project “A beautifully written novel, both page-turning and moving.” —Richard Osman, bestselling author of The Thursday Murder Club

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Book SynopsisFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting comes an evocative small-town romance about family loyalty, finding oneself, and falling in love.When Dillion Stitch left her hometown, she had no intention of going back. But when her brother gets into trouble, Dillion reluctantly agrees to return home to take her place at the family business.Being back in Pearl Lake after all these years feels familiar but also brings a few surprises. She?s quick to notice that someone new has shown up at the cottage next door. Dillion gets more than an eyeful when she goes to check out the newcomer and meets Donovan ?Van? Firestone?her beloved neighbor?s grandson?in all his unclothed glory.Having gotten off to a rocky start, it?s not long before they begin bickering with each other all over town. All that back-and-forth inevitably sparks an undeniable attraction. But Dillion?s family has issues, Van?s family resents him, and neither Dillion nor Van feels truly at ease in the small town. For these Pearl Lake exiles, home isn?t just where the heart is?it?s where things get complicated.

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Book SynopsisWhat if you already met the soul mate you were destined to be with? And you didn’t even know it? After losing her best friend to cancer, Corinne’s life is in flux. She has moved back to Chicago, is considering her next career move (or temp job), and has absolutely no time to look for love—until a mysterious dating app called Met suddenly appears on her phone, and with it, an invitation for Corinne to reconnect with four missed connections from her past. One of them, Met says, is her soul mate… Corinne doesn’t believe the app for a second, but when she very quickly finds herself with back-to-back blasts from the past, she’ll have to consider if maybe she’s wrong about it. The thing is, Corinne’s also been introduced to a really great guy outside the app’s influence. As their feelings for each other grow, Corinne has to wonder: With her apparent true love still out there, should she tap yes to the next match? With help from a new group of friends, her loving if annoying family, and maybe a touch of fate, can Corinne come to terms with the loss she’s still reeling from, take control of her career, and find love along the way?Trade Review“Baker’s heart-wrenching and addictive debut follows a 27-year-old Black woman as she learns to regain hope and trust in the wake of her best friend’s death…Baker shines in engaging portrayals of friendships old and new. Readers are in for a treat.” —Publishers Weekly “Baker’s debut is funny, steamy, and heartwarming all at once…A great read that’s perfect for those with reunions on the horizon.” —Booklist “Have We Met? by Camille Baker is as much a story about the lasting power of friendship as it is a charming rom-com.” —POPSUGAR “A fun and current read, Baker’s debut about a modern woman finding her place in the world is sure to satisfy. Perfect for those longing for this decade’s Sex and the City.” —Liz Talley, USA Today bestselling author “Have We Met? is the perfect blend of fantasy, fun, and hope, with a cast of characters who will make you believe in soul mates and remind you that the love stories we write are the ones we get to read over and over. Camille Baker’s debut novel is a true delight!” —Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting

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Book SynopsisA heart-stirring romance of star-crossed love, feuding familias, and the bonds of sisterhood by USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras. Two familias in Texas, both alike in dignity, rivalries, and passion… Having grown up in the nurturing household of Casa Capuleta, Mariana will do anything for familia. To solve her adoptive parents’ financial problems amid their rapidly changing San Antonio comunidad, Mariana and her younger sisters are determined to win the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. That means competing against Hugo Montero, their father’s archnemesis, and his band and escalating a decades-old feud. It also raises the stakes of Mariana’s forbidden attraction for a certain dark-eyed mariachi who sets her heart racing. To Angelo Montero’s familia, Mariana is also strictly off-limits. But that doesn’t stop him from pursuing her. As their secret affair intensifies and the competition grows fierce, they’re swept up in a brewing storm of betrayals, rivalries, and broken ties. Against the odds, they vow to bring peace. But sacrifices must be made and consequences weighed for two star-crossed lovers to make beautiful music together.Trade Review“Romeo and Juliet gets a fresh retelling through two rival San Antonio families and their dueling mariachi bands.” —Kirkus Reviews “A sparkling tribute to the rivalries of Romeo and Juliet, with none of the tragedy and all of the swoony romance.” —Library Journal “Reading a Priscilla Oliveras book is like being wrapped in a warm hug, and West Side Love Story is no exception.” —Entertainment Weekly “This romance is a delightful take on Romeo and Juliet that feels fresh and melodious.” —BuzzFeed “A sweet romance and complicated family dynamics make this brilliantly executed Romeo and Juliet retelling a must-read. This is Priscilla Oliveras’s best yet!” —Farrah Rochon, USA Today bestselling author of The Dating Playbook “West Side Love Story is the perfect harmony of love, familia, and fate. Priscilla Oliveras’s characters shine as much as her stories shine a light on issues facing real people and reading West Side Love Story is like dancing with your favorite person on a warm summer night.” —Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting and The Fastest Way to Fall “Nothing is more romantic than forbidden love and this book pulls it off gorgeously. Priscilla Oliveras writes in musical prose about longing and passion and our duties and love for our families with great understanding. Bravo!” —Barbara O’Neal, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids “Priscilla Oliveras charms with a story full of passion and heart that celebrates the treasure of families, whether found or biological.” —K.M. Jackson, USA Today bestselling author “West Side Love Story captures the very best things about Latinx communities: fiercely loving families, passionate strivers, and joyfully embracing who we are. This delightful enemies-to-lovers romance is full of swoon-worthy moments and brimming with strong female characters. You will be rooting as hard for Mariana’s all-girl mariachi band as you will for the hard earned HEA.” —Adriana Herrera, USA Today bestselling author “Priscilla Oliveras always writes with warmth and heart, and West Side Love Story is no exception. If you love a dreamy romance that is rooted in reality, put this book at the top of your to-be-read list. Not only will you enjoy a swoon-worthy star-crossed love story, but you will also experience the world of mariachi music, the real cost of gentrification, and the true meaning of family and loyalty. Can’t wait for the next in the series!” —Jamie Beck, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author “This promises to be an epic story filled with delicious tension, bitter rivalries, and hard-fought redemption, and I’m confident that in Oliveras’s talented hands, we’ll get the satisfying happily-ever-after we deserve.” —Mia Sosa, bestselling author of The Worst Best Man, for Oprah Daily

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Book SynopsisFrom USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting comes the second installment in the Lakeside series, where a gutsy heroine confronts family secrets and personal struggles in the town of Pearl Lake.Teagan Firestone has always been the dutiful daughter, especially since her mom died. But as her father finally begins to move on, it’s her turn to do the same. Her destination: Pearl Lake, a close-knit community with an entrepreneurial spirit and secrets of its own.One of them is Aaron Saunders, who dropped out of college to work construction for Pearl Lake’s upper class. He’s a mystery and has a playboy reputation—that is, until he meets Teagan. Neither one of them is looking for love, but in a town this small, it’s hard not to let your heart get involved.As their romance heats up, Aaron’s elusive past comes to light, and Teagan is there for him, bringing them even closer together. But when Teagan is forced to face her own demons, her inability to accept the support of friends and family threatens the life she’s worked so hard to build.Can Aaron love her, even when she can’t love herself?

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually comes a hilarious, heartfelt story about marriage, divorce and what the hell happens next. Amy and Joel’s honeymoon in the Maldives was the perfect week of love, sun, sex and a free minibar…but unfortunately, it was also the high point of a marriage that quickly descended into an absolute disaster zone. Eight years on, they’re back in paradise, trying to recreate the magic with new partners. What a crying shame they’ve picked the same week to do it… Trapped together on an island small enough to spit across with the wind behind you, Amy and Joel pick up right where they left off: at total loggerheads. And so begins a hideous week of rivalry, one-upmanship and score-settling—as each tries to prove they’ve now comprehensively won at life. The thing is, hurt and pain are strongest where there was once love. And what if being back in this island paradise, with all its wonderful memories, sets sparks flying in more ways than one?

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Honeysuckle Season comes an evocative dual-timeline novel detailing one woman’s journey to discover the hidden stories of her family’s seaside resort. When a shipwreck surfaces, old secrets are sure to follow. Or so goes the lore in Ivy Neale’s hometown of Nags Head, North Carolina. When Ivy inherits her family’s beachfront cottage upon her grandmother’s death, she knows returning to Nags Head means facing the best friend and the boyfriend who betrayed her years ago. But then a winter gale uncovers the shipwreck of local legend—and Ivy soon begins to stumble across more skeletons in the closet than just her own. Amid the cottage’s clutter are clues from her grandmother’s past at the enchanting seaside resort her family once owned. One fateful summer in 1950, the arrival of a dazzling singer shook the staff and guests alike—and not everyone made it to fall. As Ivy contends with broken relationships and a burgeoning romance in the present, the past threatens to sweep her away. But as she uncovers the strength of her grandmother and the women who came before her, she realizes she is like the legendary shipwreck: the sands may shift around her, but she has found her home here by the sea.

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Book SynopsisFor two women generations apart, going home will change their lives in this funny, poignant, and life-affirming novel about family, secrets, and broken hearts by the author of For the Love of Friends. Four years into her marriage, Jenna is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. With time on her hands and her life in flux, she agrees to accompany her eccentric grandmother Evelyn on a road trip to the seaside Massachusetts town where much of their family history was shaped. When they hit the road, Evelyn spins the tale of the star-crossed teenage romance that captured her heart more than seventy years ago and changed the course of her life. She insists the return to her hometown isn’t about that at all—no matter how much she talks about Tony, her unforgettable and forbidden first love. Upon arrival, Jenna meets Tony’s attentive great-nephew Joe. The new friendship and fresh ocean air give her the confidence and distance she needs to begin putting the pain of a broken marriage behind her. As the secrets and truths of Evelyn’s past unfold, Jenna discovers a new side of her grandmother, and of herself, that she never knew existed—and learns that the possibilities for healing can come at the most unexpected times in a woman’s life.Trade Review“You can almost taste the lobster rolls and smell the warm salt air in Sara Goodman Confino’s latest, which will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page. When Jenna agrees to a road trip with her sassy grandmother, Evelyn, she never could have imagined how her life would change. Confino deftly weaves together two time periods to tell a charming and funny story of true love, second chances, and why we should always be open to new beginnings.” —Susie Orman Schnall, author of We Came Here to Shine “A heartfelt and endearing story where generations of women do what women do best—keep one’s feet firmly planted while simultaneously moving forward with love.” —Ann Garvin, author of I Thought You Said This Would Work “Brimming with voice and wit, Sara Goodman Confino’s She’s Up to No Good is as heartfelt as it is hilarious. This beautiful story sweeps you up in its magic and doesn’t let go—much like the vivacious main character, Evelyn, a feisty force of nature who teaches her granddaughter what it truly means to live and love without fear. Their adventures—and Evelyn’s tales—will have you laughing, crying, and cheering them on, and you’ll be transported to the setting of the charming seaside town of their family’s roots. This is a gem of a novel and a fantastic follow-up to Confino’s outstanding debut, For the Love of Friends.” —Elissa Grossell Dickey, author of The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark

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Book SynopsisA heartfelt story that spans continents and generations, about a young woman who searches for answers about a mother she barely remembers. Sophie Shah was six when she learned her mother, Nita, had died. For twenty-two years, she shouldered the burden of that loss. But when her father passes away, Sophie discovers a cache of hidden letters revealing a shattering truth: her mother didn’t die. She left. Nita Shah had everything most women dreamed of in her hometown of Ahmedabad, India—a loving husband, a doting daughter, financial security—but in her heart, she felt like she was living a lie. Fueled by her creative ambitions, Nita moved to Paris, the artists’ capital of the world—even though it meant leaving her family behind. But once in Paris, Nita’s decision and its consequences would haunt her in ways she never expected. Now that Sophie knows the truth, she’s determined to find the mother who abandoned her. Sophie jets off to Paris, even though the impulsive trip may risk her impending arranged marriage. In the City of Light, she chases lead after lead that help her piece together a startling portrait of her mother. Though Sophie goes to Paris to find Nita, she may just also discover parts of herself she never knew.Trade Review“An absorbing and emotional read that follows two women on their journeys to self-discovery while breaking from social confines.” —Booklist “The Direction of the Wind is an unexpected and compelling exploration of the way culture shapes us. This is a gritty, lyrical, heartbreaking, and deeply moving novel. I found myself reading far into the night, unable to leave behind the quest of these two women, a generation apart. Mansi Shah writes with a fresh voice and clear eyes.” —Barbara O’Neal, USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids “A tender novel about the push and pull between families and independence, obligation and freedom, and the past and the future. The Direction of the Wind will both break your heart and send it soaring. Bravo, Mansi Shah!” —Allison Winn Scotch, bestselling author of The Rewind “Mansi Shah’s second novel, The Direction of the Wind, is an absorbing exploration of the price of passion and blazing one’s own path despite the weight of convention, family obligations, even motherhood. Using interlocking mother-daughter perspectives spanning decades and continents, Shah gives an unflinching portrayal of lost innocence, addiction, and misplaced romance. Despite heavy losses, this is a hopeful novel set in the city of light, where love prevails in unlikely friendships and the unbreakable bond of chosen family. Perfect reading for travelers and journeys of the heart.” —Yoojin Grace Wuertz, author of Everything Belongs to Us “A poignant and heart-wrenching story that explores the footsteps of the past as well as the ties of family and the bravery needed to break free. Mansi Shah’s latest novel takes the reader on a journey of love, risk, betrayal, and forgiveness.” —Gian Sardar, author of Take What You Can Carry “The Direction of the Wind will grab your heart from the first page. Beautifully written, this haunting story about a young woman searching for her mother is heartbreaking and uplifting as it immerses you in both Ahmedabad, India, and Paris, France. Mansi Shah is now a must-read author for me.” —Lyn Liao Butler, author of Red Thread of Fate “How far would you go to save the core part of yourself? The Direction of the Wind is a fearless novel that explores the boundaries of motherhood and takes readers on a journey across the globe.” —Jennifer Bardsley, author of Sweet Bliss “A heartfelt and empathetic look at a free-spirited mother and her daughter, separated by choice, time, and circumstance, irrevocably bonded by their shared desire to learn who they are meant to be. Shah creates an unforgettable story, steeped in Parisian atmosphere and braided with compassion. This book will break your heart and then mend it, in the most wonderful way.” —Paulette Kennedy, author of The Witch of Tin Mountain “The Direction of the Wind is an incredible story of one woman coming into her own by unearthing the past and learning new truths by searching for a mother she’s never truly known. Once again, Mansi Shah has written an immersive novel that grips your heart by the fist and doesn’t let go until the end.” —Namrata Patel, author of The Candid Life of Meena Dave “With an immersive setting and captivating storytelling, Mansi Shah weaves a gripping tale of the complex relationships of mothers and daughters. The Direction of the Wind sweeps readers along as Sophie retraces her mother’s footsteps through the city of Paris, embarking on an emotional journey of self-discovery and forgiveness that ultimately teaches her the meaning of family and the importance of choosing one’s own path. Fans of Shah’s breakout debut, The Taste of Ginger, will love this outstanding sophomore novel.” —Elissa Grossell Dickey, author of The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark

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Book Synopsis“Bursting with humor, banter, and cringeworthy first dates, Sonali Dev’s The Vibrant Years is a joyful and fun read, but it’s also very much a timely tale about a group of underestimated women demanding respect and embracing their most authentic selves.” —Mindy Kaling Living on their own terms means being there for one another. When sixty-five-year-old Bindu Desai inherits a million dollars, she’s astounded—and horrified. The windfall threatens to expose a shameful mistake from her youth. Desperate to keep the secret, Bindu quickly spends it on something unexpected: a condo in a posh retirement community in Florida. The impulsive decision blindsides Bindu’s daughter-in-law, Aly. At forty-seven, Aly still shares a home with Bindu even after her divorce from Bindu’s son. But maybe this change is just the push Aly needs to fight for the segment she’s been promised for years at the news station where she works. As Bindu and Aly navigate their new dynamic, Aly’s daughter, Cullie, is faced with losing the business that made her a tech-world star. The only way to save it is to deliver a new idea to her investors—and of course they want the half-baked dating app she pitched them in a panic. Problem is, Cullie has never been on a real date. Naturally, enlisting her single mother and grandmother to help her with the research is the answer. From USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev comes a heartfelt novel about three generations of hilarious, unconventional, ambitious women navigating bad dates, a spiteful HOA board, reemerging exes, and secrets that refuse to remain hidden. Join the Desai women on a shared journey of self-discovery as they dare to live their most vibrant lives.Trade Review“These Indian American women and their struggles will appeal to readers from every age and culture.” — Washington Post “An intergenerational tale of self-discovery and the relationships that matter most…A cozy cup of chai for the soul.” —Kirkus Reviews “Dev easily gets the reader to root for her well-rounded characters, and the intertwined story lines wrap up with a delightful ending. This effervescent tale is sure to please the author’s fans and win her new ones.” —Publishers Weekly “Three generations of Indian American women strive to find what makes them happy in this heartwarming rom-com about the compromises that held them back and how they finally reclaimed their freedom.” —Booklist (starred review) “Dev weaves humor and romance through her tale of three generations of women.” —Audible “A super-fun, bingeable story about three generations of vibrant women navigating relationships, friendships, mishaps, and ambitions.” —Ms. magazine “Fun and heartfelt.” —BookRiot “A sweeping intergenerational tale showcasing the importance and value of family, relationships, and finding oneself as the world does what the world does: change.” —Apartment Therapy “A laugh-out-loud story full of love, regrets, and secrets.” —Marie Claire “I would give this book five stars for the concept alone, but it’s Sonali Dev’s trademark character depth and beautiful writing that really make The Vibrant Years shine. A gorgeous story of evolving female relationships and how love, hilarity, and the bonds between three generations of women help them thrive in even the fiercest winds of change.” —Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Soulmate Equation “Oh, what a glorious tangle of love, career, the past, and family is The Vibrant Years! Sonali Dev writes beautiful prose and complex, delightful characters in this story of rediscovery and girl power for three generations of the Desai women. A delicious treat.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author “A vivid and touching story of the relationships between three women who love each other and their quest to find each other’s soul mates. Funny, fast paced, and insightful, The Vibrant Years gracefully explores questions of meaning and hope and regret and most of all the love between women. A beautiful book!” —Barbara O’Neal, bestselling author of This Place of Wonder “I loved this story of three generations of women navigating life, love, and the patriarchy. Sonali Dev’s writing is lush and evocative, her characters vibrant with rage, humor, and wisdom.” —Virginia Kantra, New York Times bestselling author of Meg & Jo and Beth & Amy “Sonali Dev has done it again in this sparkling page-turner about the unbreakable bonds of women and the necessity of forging an authentic path. Three generations of women from one dynamic family band together to navigate each chapter of life proving that, with the right people by your side, they can all be vibrant years. Dev’s storytelling shines!” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil “Just the kind of book I love to get lost in. Great characters, tons of energy, perfect pacing. Sonali Dev absolutely nailed it. Loved it!” —Susan Elizabeth Philips, #1 New York Times bestselling author

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of These Tangled Vines comes a gripping novel about one woman’s search for answers when her husband vanishes in the night. Olivia Hamilton is married to the love of her life, Dean, a charismatic pilot who flies private jets for the rich and famous. But when he vanishes over the Bermuda Triangle, Olivia’s idyllic existence unravels. After years of waiting, Olivia must eventually let go of the fragile hope that her beloved husband might still be alive. Melanie Brown is a particle physicist who spends late nights studying the Bermuda Triangle. But her research interests falter when her mother dies in a tragic accident. Struggling to reboot her life and career, Melanie begins a forbidden love affair with her therapist. When a shocking discovery shows Olivia’s and Melanie’s paths are intertwined, it casts Dean’s disappearance in a new light. The two women’s strange connection threatens to unlock secrets that will change everything Olivia thought she knew about her marriage, her husband, and most importantly, herself. Full of spellbinding twists and turns, Beyond the Moonlit Sea is a vivid, emotional novel about the stirring power of love lost and found—and the incredible strength of one woman who fights for happiness in the wake of tragedy.Trade Review“I started this twisty, page-turning, five-hankie tale and didn’t stop till I was through. The multidimensional characters are artfully drawn, and you care, really care, what happens to them. The end was a bombshell, satisfying to the bone.” —Tanya Anne Crosby, New York Times bestselling author “Beyond the Moonlit Sea brilliantly intertwines myth and science to create a stunning story full of romance and intrigue that had me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. Julianne MacLean is a master storyteller, and this riveting page-turner might be her best work yet.” —Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant “The Bermuda Triangle is a fitting backdrop for Beyond the Moonlit Sea: a vortex of love found and lost, mistakes made and buried, and secrets too deep to let go. Julianne MacLean has crafted an irresistible premise all the way to the satisfying finish.” —Jessica Strawser, author of A Million Reasons Why “MacLean does it again with this intense story about relationships, family bonds, and the truth about loving fully and fearlessly. Beyond the Moonlit Sea will open your eyes…and your heart.” —Michelle McMaster, bestselling author of the Watch Me series “Bestselling author Julianne MacLean has outdone herself! Filled with as many twists and turns as the Bermuda Triangle itself, in this breathtaking saga of love, loss, and redemption, an unsuspecting wife attempts to unravel the mystery of her pilot husband’s disappearance—and discovers that the greatest unexplained force of nature is the power of enduring love. I could not put down Beyond the Moonlit Sea!” —Pamela Callow, bestselling author of the Kate Lange Thriller series “There’s something dazzling about Julianne MacLean’s writing, how she sets these small and subtle fires and then slyly connects them in what always promises to ignite into an engulfing blaze of a story. You just never know when she’s going to sneak up behind you with a clever twist that gets your heart going. Beyond the Moonlit Sea is her best yet, and you’ll have a blast trying to guess where she’s going—even though you won’t be right. Why are you still here? Buy this book.” —Boo Walker, bestselling author of The Singing Trees

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Book SynopsisThree spirited wives in nineteenth-century Utah. One husband. A compelling novel of family, sisterhood, and survival by the Washington Post bestselling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow. 1857. Three women—once strangers—come together in unpredictable Utah Territory. Hopeful, desperate, and willful, they’ll allow nothing on Earth or in Heaven to stand in their way. Following the call of their newfound Mormon faith, Tamar Loader and her family weather a brutal pilgrimage from England to Utah, where Tamar is united with her destined husband, Thomas Ricks. Clinging to a promise for the future, she abides an unexpected surprise: Thomas is already wedded to one woman—Tabitha, a local healer—and betrothed to still another. Orphaned by tragedy and stranded in the Salt Lake Valley, Jane Shupe struggles to provide for herself and her younger sister. She is no member of the Mormon migration, yet Jane agrees to marry Thomas. Out of necessity, with no love lost, she too must bear the trials of a sister-wife. But when the US Army’s invasion brings the rebellious Mormon community to heel, Tamar, Jane, and Tabitha are forced to retreat into the hostile desert wilderness with little in common but the same man—and the resolve to keep themselves and their children alive. What they discover, as one, is redemption, a new definition of family, and a bond stronger than matrimony that is tested like never before.Trade Review“An interesting and readable story, but what makes it more profound is that all these characters actually existed, with nearly unchanged backstories.” —Booklist “A deeply moving novel that is so beautifully crafted you can’t help but feel the sun beat down on your back or the snow bite into your skin. The evocative setting and well-researched history combined with nuanced characters make this novel one not to miss.” —Historical Novels Review “With The Fire and the Ore, Olivia Hawker delivers a compelling and epic novel that proves she is a master of her craft, a storyteller of supreme talent. This book is all heart. It’s meticulously researched, brilliantly constructed, and rich with historical detail. On top of all that, it’s a stunning and breathtaking page-turner…This is, quite simply, a beautiful book that readers will love and devour.” —Julianne MacLean, USA Today bestselling author “A beautiful and nuanced story about a little-known and little-understood period of history and three women who have every reason to dislike one another but, driven by different levels of faith, need, and ambition, find their way to a deep and lasting bond. The Fire and the Ore is a well-researched and deeply felt novel of tragedy, hope, and connection.” —Megan Chance, bestselling author of A Splendid Ruin “Based on real family history, this is the heartrending story of the trials endured by Mormon converts as they made their way across the American wilderness to their promised land and of the triumph of sisterhood over adversity. A must read for fans of Western history.” —Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook

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Book SynopsisTwo people with little in common but business give pleasure a shot in a charming romance about fate and taking chances by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.The truth? Lonely advertising rep Malia Evergreen is still waiting for a soul mate, marriage, and a family. The lie? Telling every busybody she knows that she?s met someone. Now it?s a matter of finding him. Malia needs a date for a wedding. In a pinch she strikes a bargain with her former client, CEO Palmer Matterson?an arrogant, defiantly single, alpha billionaire whose best quality is insincerity. The perfect fake date.Palmer has wanted Malia from the first moment he saw her. A challenging, sexy career woman who knows what she wants. It?s just not him. Not yet, anyway. This is Palmer?s chance to win her heart.As fate throws them together, Malia unravels the layers of the man she thought she knew and, against the odds, finds herself falling in love. Palmer?s falling too. If only they can convince each other what they share?a belief in a happy ever after.

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Book SynopsisHer freedom, her sanity, her life. How much will a young mother sacrifice to protect her secrets? Sleep deprived and overwhelmed, first-time mom Jenn is struggling to adapt to her new role. Frustrated with her loving but preoccupied husband and still grieving the death of her own mother, she feels isolated and depressed. It’s only when she joins a new-moms’ group that she starts to think she’s finally getting back on track. Until Isabel, the group’s leader, suddenly disappears. Now Jenn’s baby isn’t the only reason she can’t sleep. Consumed with worry over Isabel, Jenn is teetering on the edge of obsession. Concern turns to paranoia when Jenn finds clues that force her to look at herself, her marriage, and the women in her support group, who have more in common than Jenn realized. Much more. Saving Isabel means unearthing secrets that were supposed to stay buried forever, and Jenn has to decide what she’s willing to risk to help a woman she barely knows. With each revelation, she gets closer to a slow-burning act of retribution that could easily and irrevocably draw her into the flames.Trade Review“Mother of All Secrets is a thrilling page-turner and a fierce manifesto about motherhood, powerful women, and what we must be willing to do to protect our children. The plot twists are breathtaking and I loved staying up late reading this fabulous novel.” —Amanda Eyre Ward, New York Times bestselling author of RBC Book Club pick The Jetsetters and The Lifeguards “In Mother of All Secrets, Kathleen Willett has crafted an engrossing thriller with both heart and bite. Willett tenderly confronts the realities of postpartum life and the complexities of ‘mom friends’ while still delivering plenty of dynamic twists.” —Alison Wisdom, author of We Can Only Save Ourselves and The Burning Season “This book is my new obsession. I completely devoured Kathleen Willett’s addictive thriller Mother of All Secrets, which takes the life-upturning experience of new motherhood and brilliantly twists it into a riveting missing person story. Every time you think you know what happened, the book transforms, leaving you chasing the truth as breathlessly as the protagonist. Simmering with righteous anger and revenge under its polished surface, Mother of All Secrets deserves to be at the top of every thriller lover’s TBR.” —Ashley Winstead, author of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife and The Last Housewife

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Book SynopsisA woman embarks on an unexpected journey into her past in an engrossing novel about identity, family secrets, and rediscovering the need to belong. Meena Dave is a photojournalist and a nomad. She has no family, no permanent address, and no long-term attachments, preferring to observe the world at a distance through the lens of her camera. But Meena’s solitary life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly inherits an apartment in a Victorian brownstone in historic Back Bay, Boston. Though Meena’s impulse is to sell it and keep moving, she decides to use her journalistic instinct to follow the story that landed her in the home of a stranger. It’s a mystery that comes with a series of hidden clues, a trio of meddling Indian aunties, and a handsome next-door neighbor. For Meena it’s a chance for newfound friendships, community, and culture she never thought possible. And a window into her past she never expected. Now as everything unknown to Meena comes into focus, she must reconcile who she wants to be with who she really is.Trade Review“A thoroughly entertaining rendition of one woman’s search for belonging.” —Kirkus Reviews “Full of lively characters who will win readers’ hearts and keep them thinking long after the book is finished, this book is a genuine, charming debut. Long-buried secrets and a journey of self-discovery will keep the pages turning.” —Booklist “Namrata Patel’s debut is a delightful exploration of identity, community, and growth. I was drawn into Meena Dave’s captivating journey from the first pages and was rooting for her until the end. This poignant and witty story is perfect for book clubs!” —Saumya Dave, author of Well-Behaved Indian Women

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Book SynopsisA perfumer in Paris is forced to return to her California roots in an exhilarating novel about family, self-discovery, and taking risks by the author of The Candid Life of Meena Dave. The daughter of proud Napa Valley hoteliers, Asha “Poppy” Patel chose a different line as a Paris perfumer, gifted with a nose for fragrances and business. Until her heightened sense of smell disappears. Her career in jeopardy, her world now muted, Poppy returns home. Maybe tending to her grandmother’s massive aromatic garden, where Poppy’s gift first flowered, will bring restorative hope. But when she arrives, Poppy discovers that the land upon which the beautiful garden once thrived has been uprooted and destroyed. She realizes that the years she spent away from her home have loosened so many ties with the past. Torn between a mother who lives vicariously through her and a father who wants her to embrace her family’s legacy, Poppy is determined to chart her own path of rediscovery. Poppy must juggle family drama, childhood friendships, and a former love to forge a future of her own choosing and, in time, heal an unscented life.Trade Review“Patel has written a touching tale of one young woman’s reckoning with her family’s generational legacy, staying true to her roots and traditions while at the same time forging a path for herself. Full of warmth and humor, this book is recommended for all fiction collections.” —Booklist “Full of softly beautiful descriptions and remarkably rendered characters, Patel’s sophomore novel grapples with familial pressures and legacies. It’s a sensual read, full of details pertaining not only to scents, as might be expected, but also to foods and visual descriptors.” —BookRiot.com Praise for The Candid Life of Meena Dave Center for Fiction First Novel Prize Finalist A Texas Library Association 2023 Lariat Adult Fiction Selection “A thoroughly entertaining rendition of one woman’s search for belonging.” —Kirkus Reviews “Full of lively characters who will win readers’ hearts and keep them thinking long after the book is finished, this book is a genuine, charming debut. Long-buried secrets and a journey of self-discovery will keep the pages turning.” —Booklist “[A]n inherently fascinating and impressively scripted novel…” —Midwest Book Review “Namrata Patel’s debut is a delightful exploration of identity, community, and growth. I was drawn into Meena Dave’s captivating journey from the first pages and was rooting for her until the end. This poignant and witty story is perfect for book clubs!” —Saumya Dave, author of Well-Behaved Indian Women

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Book SynopsisAll she wants is to be her best self. Is she ready? Absolutely. Does she know what to expect? Absolutely not. Anita is over her life in New York: her dead-end job, tiny studio apartment, self-obsessed friends, and overbearing mom. So she moves west to Los Angeles in search of a new career, enlightenment, and that nebulous target…wellness. She discovers an elite workout class called The Goddess Effect, run by a lifestyle guru named Venus who’s the very definition of #goals. One look at her Lululemon-clad acolytes sweating out their demons while dripping with confidence and Anita’s all in. When one of the class regulars takes Anita under her wing, Anita’s sure she’s found her people. But Anita’s not so smitten that she doesn’t wonder about a few things: an inexplicable invitation to a Goddess Effect retreat, a strange tradition of secret sharing, and whispers about “enhancements” that only Venus can provide. Anita is awakening to a terrifying epiphany: The Goddess Effect isn’t quite what it seems, and it may turn her world—and that of everyone around her—upside down.Trade Review“Mocking the wellness industry can seem like picking off low-hanging fruit, but Marikar elevates her story with wry humor and compassion.” —The Washington Post “Marikar successfully provides larger-than-life caricatures of wellness industry denizens and LA residents at large as well as an outrageous mystery waiting to be exposed.” —Kirkus Reviews “This is a funny and fresh coming-of-age tale. Recommended for readers of Elin Hilderbrand or Jennifer Weiner.” —Library Journal “The frothy exterior of Marikar’s debut hides a sharp bite that readers who enjoyed Leigh Stein’s Self Care will appreciate.” —Booklist “The Goddess Effect is a fall-on-the-floor funny, fresh, and modern take on one woman’s journey to hell and back—and by ‘hell and back,’ I mean a three-month stay in Los Angeles. Here, the devil smells of Santal 33, has hair that cascades in beachy waves, and wears this season’s Rick Owens. Our charming tour guide of Hades on the 405 is Anita Kathlikar, the hilarious love child of Bridget Jones and Lucille Ball who I didn’t know I needed but ended up loving more than I can tell you. Sheila Yasmin Marikar is a pitch-perfect comic genius who delivers a sparkling miracle of a book that left me asking: What exactly is my soul’s highest purpose and what exactly is the best Instagram filter for this picture of my power greens smoothie and collagen toast?” —Kevin Kwan, bestselling author of Crazy Rich Asians and Sex and Vanity “Fresh, bitingly modern, and laugh-out-loud funny, The Goddess Effect is more than a page-turner—it’s also razor-sharp commentary on the cult of wellness. I can’t wait to read more from this talented debut author.” —Andrea Bartz, bestselling author of We Were Never Here “Sheila Yasmin Marikar’s writing is prismatic…She had me laughing in one breath, cringing in the next, only to turn on a dime and knock the wind out of me with her honesty. The Goddess Effect skillfully sends up our current obsession with image, tech, and wellness, but at its heart is a timeless human truth: there’s nothing we won’t do to belong.” —Megan Angelo, author of Followers “Sheila Yasmin Marikar’s novel is a witty and compelling exploration of growth, identity, and power. The Goddess Effect is impossible to put down. Readers everywhere will root for Anita on her journey full of self-discovery and surprises. Told with a rare blend of humor and insight, this delicious story will captivate readers from beginning to end!” —Saumya Dave, author of What a Happy Family “I finished The Goddess Effect in a single sitting. Sheila Yasmin Marikar’s assured voice and incisive observations had me laughing out loud one moment and covering my mouth in shock the next. A stellar debut with the perfect number of twists, turns, and Lululemon references.” —Colleen McKeegan, author of The Wild One “Snappy, voyeuristic, and upsettingly relevant, The Goddess Effect takes us on a heart-pumping romp through the ‘cult’ of contemporary wellness. Either ironically or sincerely, if you’ve ever opted to add CBD to your oat milk latte, moon bathed a crystal, dropped $110 on a pair of yoga pants, cried under the mood lighting of a fauxspirational fitness class, or made any other questionable life decision in pursuit of self-actualization and belonging, you will feel both riveted and attacked by this incisive, page-turning tale.” —Amanda Montell, author of Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism and Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language “As a New Yorker who once moved to Los Angeles in search of herself, I know Anita’s inner struggle and yearn to prove something (anything?) all too well. Full of laughable bits on the LA erewhon-fueled lifestyle we all love to hate, this story will make you cringe, laugh, and most of all relate.” —Arianna Margulis, author of But Like Maybe Don’t?

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Book SynopsisWriter Halley Brennan couldn’t dream up a better love story than her own. Married for eleven years, she and her husband, Adam, are still living their happily ever after. They both know what they want—and don’t want—for their life together. And that includes being child-free. But when one of them has a change of heart about wanting a baby, it brings their marriage and life plans into harsher focus. Devastated that this bombshell might destroy their relationship, Halley finds comfort in her closest friends: Nina, who’s finally pregnant after years of trying; her sister, Charlotte, an overwhelmed mother of three; and Marian, a successful businesswoman who regrets letting go of her one true love. Now, with their guidance and support, Halley begins a painful journey of self-discovery. As she searches her heart to make a life-changing decision for both herself and Adam, she realizes that someone is bound to get hurt. Will their perfect love be too great a sacrifice for everything her heart wants?

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Book SynopsisCalled an eccentric beast by the citizens of Amesport, Maine, handsome, sensual billionaire Grady Sinclair stays isolated in his mansion on a private peninsula. The arrangement suits Grady just fine—until an unassuming woman rings his doorbell, awaking his long dormant passion with her fearlessness. All he wants is to make the fiery blonde his forever. But will he have to become the monster everyone thinks he is to get his Christmas wish? Emily Ashworth is desperate. The Youth Center has been robbed of all its money, and as the director, she has to find a way to give the town’s needy children the Christmas they deserve. With nowhere else to turn, she ventures to the mansion of a mysterious billionaire to ask for help. Warned to expect a beast, Emily is shocked to find Grady Sinclair a handsome and very sensual man. With steamy kisses under the mistletoe and seductive whispers while hanging the wreath, Emily finds there’s more to Grady than meets the eye. Is this misunderstood billionaire just a lonely soul who needs the gift of love for Christmas?

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Book SynopsisINDIES INTRODUCE SELECTION DEBUT AUTHOR, MOLLY OLGUÍN brings us THE SEA GIVES UP THE DEAD, a collection of stories sprinkled into the soil of fairy tales, left to take root and grow wild there. A wunderkammer of beauty and sorrow.Carmen Maria Machado, author of In the Dream House Witty, witchy, darkly brilliantAndrea Barrett, author of Natural History and Ship Fever Mix the wildness of fairy tales with horror.Kim Brock, Joseph-Beth Booksellers Fantastical, queer, wildly inventive stories.Austin Carter, Pocket Books Shop A mouthwatering ride.Desirae Wilkerson, Paper Boat Booksellers Absolutely fantastic!Randy Schiller, Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MOA lovesick nanny slays a dragon. The devil tries to save her mother. A girl drowns and becomes a saint. Three kids plot to blow up their dad, a grieving mother sails the sea to find her son's grave, a scientist brings a voice to life, and a mermaid falls into the power of a witch. Here, historical fiction, horror, and fantasy tangle together in a queer garden of love, grief, and longing.

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