Contemporary lifestyle fiction

Book Synopsis''Perfect, feel-good fiction'' Sarah Morgan on The Lemon SistersIf you love Holly Martin, Jill Mansell and Debbie Macomber, you''ll LOVE Jill Shalvis and her irresistible trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance! Jill''s books are guaranteed to make you smile:''You can''t go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book'' 5* reader review''A heartwarming read with all the feels'' 5* reader review''Another winner... I cannot wait for more'' 5* reader review''A riveting and comforting romance'' 5* reader reviewAfter a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy''s reinvented life is on solid ground. She''s guarded against anything that can rock it - like the realities of her past and a man like Kel Trade ReviewIf you're picking up a Jill Shalvis book, you're in for a treatMy go-to read for humour and heartWill make you laugh and fall in love

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat do you do when you're left with a large house? Fill it of course... A wry, warm novel of life, love and loneliness - perfect for readers of Nina Stibbe, Katherine Heiny and Andrew Sean GreerTrade ReviewExploring identity, creativity and second chances, Russo's midlife drama is wise, tender and surprising * Mail on Sunday *Brimming with...pure affection * The New York Times Book Review *Funny, sharp, and artistic...A wonderful book flanked with irony, perversity, Rear Window voyeurism, and women who understand the task of reinvention, Super Host is a case study of what we talk about when we talk about success * Lit Hub *In Russo's charming and poignant debut...the author writes with warm sympathy and humour. A treat for fans of Nick Hornby and Tom Perrotta * Kirkus *This is the compulsively readable story of Bennett, a once-famous artist now divorced and impoverished, who lives in his garden studio and spies on his tenants through the windows. Super Host is hilarious, and touching, too; Kate Russo is a terrific storyteller. * Claire Messud *I gobbled up Super Host, Kate Russo's smart, funny, and surprising first novel. She writes with such a generous and insightful eye about love, loneliness and artistic ambition, and has redrawn the lines that connect people in fiction through the most modern and unlikely of settings, the home share. * Jess Walter *Kate Russo's debut Super Host is pure delight-smart, fun, poignant, and deeply satisfying. I loved it * Lily King *Super Host isn't just a charming, compulsively readable, romantically suspenseful novel about a lonely man who gets himself emotionally enmeshed with a series of short-term tenants. Kate Russo's wise and funny debut also has a lot to say about the courage it takes to start over in the middle of your life. It's a joy from start to finish. * Tom Perrotta *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Engrossing...a powerful book with characters that will stay with you'' **** Heat''What a yearning, tenderly bruising beauty of a book. Generous, gorgeous and funny'' Rhik Samadder''Unputdownable. Totally wonderful'' Daisy GoodwinThe party has to end sometimeIt all starts on New Year''s Eve. A night that has to be a success, whatever the cost. For Joni and her friends, it''ll be a party that promises all the high stakes and glamour of any other, but by sunrise they''ll be dealing with something darker than the usual post-party comedown. Not that they let this stand in their way. For this is their year to revel in all that the playground of London has to offer: sneaking into places they shouldn''t, breaking every rule, falling in love with the wrong people. All the while avoiding one undeniable truth: it''s not if the party ends, it''s how.JUST FOR TODAYTrade Review'What a yearning, tenderly bruising beauty of a book. Generous, gorgeous and funny, it's a brilliant portrayal of friendship in the roaring noughties. When I finished, I was so bereft and impressed that I turned straight back to the beginning and started again' -- Rhik Samadder'Unputdownable. Totally wonderful' * Daisy Goodwin *'Engrossing . . . a powerful book with characters that will stay with you' * Heat *'An absolute page-turner of a coming-of-age story, a debut that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the final page' * LoveReading *I was immediately pulled in with that wonderful feeling of "Ah, this is going to sail me along and provide huge delight." I longed to get back to it over the few days I read it and remained utterly gripped throughout -- Sofka Zinovieff, author of Putney

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat if the person you thought you’d lost forever walked back into your life?On a sunny morning in March 1987, four-year-old Stephen Nelson welcomes his new baby sister, Emily. Holding her for the first time, he vows to love and protect her, and to keep her safe forever.Nearly thirty years later, the two have lost touch and Stephen is homeless.Emily, however, has never given up hope of finding her brother again and when he arrives at the council office where she works, her wish comes true. But they say you should be careful what you wish for – and perhaps they’re right, because there is a reason the two were estranged . . .As the two embark on a birding trip together, Emily is haunted by long-buried memories of a single June day, fifteen years earlier; a day that changed everything. Will confronting the secrets that tore them apart finally enable Emily and Stephen to make their peace – not just with their shared past and each other, but also themselves?Haunting, beautiful and uplifting, Katy Regan's How to Find Your Way Home is about sibling love, the restorative power of nature and how home, ultimately, is found within us.Trade ReviewA luminous novel about the power of love and how to find your place as part of natural world once again. It's beautiful, fascinating, perfectly crafted and life affirming. I adored it -- Rowan Coleman, Sunday Times Bestselling author of The Brontë Mysteries series, The Vanished Bride, The Diabolical Bones and The Red MonarchBeautiful, heartbreaking and life-affirming -- Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't CallA gorgeous book with characters that walk off the page and into your heart. I loved it -- Eva Chase, author of The Glass HouseTender and perceptive -- Lucy Diamond, author of Anything Could HappenPowerful and tender, with characters I loved so much that I didn’t want to say goodbye to them . . . Sublime -- Catherine Isaac, author of The World at My FeetA truly touching story about love, hope, belonging and memory -- Araminta Hall, author of Perfect StrangersGorgeously written, emotional and moving, How To Find Your Way Home brought a tear to my eye. It's life-affirming and simply wonderful -- Sarah J Harris, author of One Ordinary Day At A TimeGorgeous * Good Housekeeping *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, FEBRUARY 2023'Oh my GOD, it's GORGEOUS. Funny, warm, all about people. Has the same generosity-of-spirit she does. You'll LOVE it!' MARIAN KEYES'This story has Sara's voice ringing true throughout. A fresh, cheeky, insightful take on how change can happen through female friendships.' DAWN FRENCH'So full of humour and heart' RICHARD OSMAN'I absolutely loved it and adore the characters. Read it immediately!' CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN'Brilliant... beautiful slice of escapism.' FEARNE COTTON'A brilliant story of female friendships ... you can't help but hear Cox's voice bounce off the pages.' HEAT'A glorious debut from Sara, with the feel-good factor.' PRIMA 'Riotous, unpredictable and lovely' JO BRAND'It's full of priceless pith and whip-crack observation, but has wonderful warmth at its core too.' MEL GIEDROYCThe wise and gloriously big-hearted debut novel from the much-loved broadcaster, Sara CoxBecky: a single mum who prides herself on her independence. She knows from experience that men are trouble.Louise: a loving husband, gorgeous kids. She ought to feel more grateful.Jameela: all she's ever done is work hard, and try her best. Why won't life give her the one thing she wants?Sheila: the nest is empty, she dreams of escaping to the sun, but her husband seems so distracted.The inhabitants of the Inventor's Housing Estate keep themselves to themselves. There are the friendly 'Hellos' when commutes coincide and the odd cheeky eye roll when the wine bottles clank in number 7's wheelie bin, but it's not exactly Ramsay Street.The dilapidated community centre is no longer the beating heart of the estate that Becky remembers from her childhood. So the new pottery class she's helped set up feels like a fresh start. And not just for her.The assorted neighbours come together to try out a new skill, under the watchful eye of their charismatic teacher, Sasha. And as the soft unremarkable lumps of clay are hesitantly, lovingly moulded into delicate vases and majestic pots, so too are the lives of four women. Concealed passions and heartaches are uncovered, relationships shattered and formed, and the possibility for transformation is revealed.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA witty, glittering rom-com about finding the courage to face your past and learning what it truly means to return home, perfect for fans of the Hallmark channel (but queer and Jewish!), Jenny Bayliss, and Alexandra Bellefleur.

Read more less

Book SynopsisClassic fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm with a creatively embroidered cover.This creatively designed edition of Brothers Grimm: 101 Fairy Tales includes cherished favorites such as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Little Red Cap,” and many more in their original versions. These are the stories of characters we’ve known since childhood: Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella. But the works originally collected by the Brothers Grimm in the early 1800s are not necessarily the versions told before bedtime. They’re darker and often don’t end happily—though they're far more interesting. This Crafted Classics edition is a keepsake to be treasured, featuring a decorative embroidered cover that gives the book a unique, handcrafted appearance.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGoodread's Big Books of Spring 2019 - Romance'Such a fun read... Original and sexy and sensitive.' Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist, on The Kiss Quotient__________________From the bestselling author of The Kiss QuotientKhai Diep has no feelings. Well, not big, important emotions - like grief. And love. He thinks he's defective. His family knows better - that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly refuses to consider a relationship, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. So when the opportunity arises to go to America and meet a potential husband, she can't turn it down. This could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go quite as planned. Esme's lessons in love seem to be working... but only on herself. She's hopelessly smitten with a man who's convinced he can never return her affection.As Esme's time in the United States dwindles, will Khai let his head catch up with his heart? Will he find the strength to let go, and let love in?'Refreshingly real.' Marie Claire on The Bride TestTrade ReviewSmart, honest, and achingly romantic, just as sexy as it is sweet. * Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones and the Six *[Hoang] has truly found her voice - an important, entertaining, skilful voice at that. * Independent Online *I loved loved loved The Kiss Quotient and had high hopes for her second novel... The Bride Test is fun. Hoang is a great storyteller. I loved the characters she created here... The sexy parts were sexy... I highly recommend this book. It's a fun read with substance and great writing. * Roxane Gay *Helen Hoang is a master of building characters that feel relatable. * Christina Lauren, author of Love and Other Words *Hoang's writing bursts from the page. * Buzzfeed *With serious moments offset by spot-on humor, this romance has broad appeal, and it will find a special place in the hearts of autistic people and those who love them. * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review *Such a fun read... Original and sexy and sensitive. * Roxane Gay on The Kiss Quotient *AWESOME. Adorable, sexy, smart. Exactly the book I wanted to read! * Christina Lauren, author of Love and Other Words, on The Kiss Quotient *It's one of the best books I've read in a very long time. It's funny, sad, poignant and impossible to put down. * Christine Feehan, author of Dark Promises, on The Kiss Quotient *I loved it. Hoang's writing has a sharp, quirky, emotional edge that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to navigate the complicated world of modern relationships. * Jayne Ann Krentz, author of Promise Not to Tell, on The Kiss Quotient *An absolute delight - charming, sexy, and centered on a protagonist you love rooting for... Equal parts endearing and (very) steamy. * Buzzfeed, 30 Best Summer Books, on The Kiss Quotient *

Read more less

Book SynopsisShe could lose the perfect life... if she tells the truth. At the school gates in Wimbledon Village, Faiza fits in. It took a few years and a brand new wardrobe, but now the snobbish mothers who mistook her for the nanny treat her as one of their own. But the perfect life costs money. When her husband Tom loses his job, Faiza realises she'll have to reveal her biggest secret: she's spent her family's entire life savings. Unless she doesn't... It only takes a second to lie to Tom. Now Faiza has six weeks to find £75,000 or risk losing the family she has worked so hard to protect. Readers and reviewers are loving Would I Lie to You? 'Warm, intelligent [...] and keeps up the tension right till the end' Sophie Kinsella 'A properly indulgent page turner' Adele Parks, Platinum 'A fresh take on domestic dynamics and moral dilemma... Great for book clubs' Clare Mackintosh 'Convincing and compelling' Stacey Halls 'I couldn't put it down... Tense and funny' Claire Douglas 'I was immediately hooked' Lizzie Damilola Blackburn 'Wise and warm... A page turner' Woman & Home 'A breathtaking, tense ride' Jesse Sutanto 'I just fell into it and couldn't stop' Sarah Pearse 'A refreshing new voice in commercial fiction' Cosmopolitan 'Intelligent and original' Lesley Kara 'So warm, funny, sad and brilliantly written' Laura Marshall 'Not just entertaining, but intelligent and original too [...] and the resourceful Faiza will steal your heart' Lesley Kara 'A warm, funny, compelling, escapist read' Debbie Howells 'Tense, funny, poignant and very clever' Claire DouglasTrade ReviewAn uplifting and joyous read... A refreshing new voice in commercial fiction' * Cosmopolitan *Warm, intelligent [...] and keeps up the tension right till the end -- Sophie KinsellaA fresh take on domestic dynamics and moral dilemma... Great for book clubs -- Clare MackintoshConvincing and compelling -- Stacey HallsA page-turner hinging on financial meltdown * Woman & Home *An engaging, entertaining, smart, and ultimately feel-good novel with huge emotional integrity and balance * LoveReading *Compelling and heartwarming * Happiful Magazine *A brilliant read * Bella Magazine *This book acknowledges moral dilemmas with wit and warmth * Woman's Weekly *This warm-hearted, funny debut is an indulgent page-turner... A gripping, unexpected thriller -- Adele Parks, The Sun[A] dazzling debut * My Weekly *This is warm and genuinely funny, opening as Faiza tries to get out of a 'Botox party' she can't afford, and following her desperate attempts to keep her spending secret. Loved it * The Bookseller *A warm, insightful tale of family, friendship and fitting in * People's Friend *I just loved this... I read this almost in one sitting and I absolutely adored it * Annabel & Grace *Ali-Afzal's witty, sharp, and very funny book will have you cheering throughout * Penguin Random House Blog *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Top 10 Bestseller 'A perfect book for summer' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'I laughed, cried and loved every word' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️As the sun rises on a hot summer’s day, four lives are about to be changed forever...Brand new from the bestselling author of What If? and One Day In Summer. Today, Maisie McTeer decides to track down the ex who jilted her at the altar. Today, she’ll find out that revisiting the past can also rewrite her future.After losing her husband, Harriet Bassett can no longer bear her lonely life. Today, a familiar face in a crowd will spark a quest to discover if there’s something and someone worth living for.Scott and Kelly Bassett’s daughter is leaving home. Today, Scott plans to tell Kelly that he’s ending their marriage to pursue his rock and roll dreams.However, Kelly, has a bombshell of her own. How will Scott react to the news that a new arrival is on the way to fill their empty nest?Between sunrise and sunset, there’s love, heartbreak, laughter and tears, but who will find happiness at the end of the day?Readers are loving One Summer Sunrise: 'A perfect book for summer' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I laughed, cried and loved every word' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'What an absolute joy to read!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Loved this book!... What a rollercoaster of emotions' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Wonderfully uplifting' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Praise for Shari Low:‘I’d forgotten how enjoyable it is to read a Shari Low book but My One Month Marriage reminded me of the fun to be had in her words...funny, warm and insightful.’ Dorothy Koomson'Great fun from start to finish.' Jenny Colgan'There are only two words for Shari Low: utterly hilarious. I laughed like a drain.' Carmen Reid'One of the funniest books I've ever read!' Marisa Mackle'More fun than a girl’s night out!' OK! magazine'A brilliant, light comical read with some fabulous twists and turns' Bookbag'A thrilling page turner that grabs your attention from the off. Highly recommended' The Sun'Totally captivating and it felt like I'd lost a new best friend when it came to the end' CloserMagazine'Touching stuff' Heat

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Unputdownable - Swatman's story weaving is perfection. Loved every minute of this heartfelt read!' Rachel Dove Laura is watching the world go by without her.Unable to leave her house since suffering a trauma, Laura is stuck gazing out of her window at Willow Crescent, relying on husband Jim and best friend Debbie for help.Then one day, Jim doesn’t come home.A day becomes two, days become a week, and still no sign of Jim. And with the police half-hearted in their efforts to look for him, Laura is forced into a decision. She’s going to have to face the world outside and find her husband herself.But what Laura hasn’t realised is that Willow Crescent is a community, eager to help. From Arthur and Carol next door ready to rally the neighbours, to Marjorie and her daughter Faye at number nine looking for their own reasons to engage with the world. From Sonja at number seven who thinks she may have seen Jim in London, to widower Ben at number four who understands all about being lonely. Laura has a world ready to embrace her if she can just find the nerve.And when it slowly dawns on them all, that the Jim they thought they knew, may have been hiding some unfathomable secrets, Laura has a choice – retreat back behind her window, or start living the life that was waiting for her all along.This is Clare Swatman's tour de force. At the same time emotional, uplifting, page-turning and breath-taking, Laura is a character you will never forget.Praise for Clare Swatman:'A sensitive, touching story with emotional depth and page-turning quality' Helen Rolfe'I loved The Night We First Met by Clare Swatman. Warm, romantic and wonderfully written, it's an emotional and thought-provoking read with such relatable characters.' Debbie Howells'The Night We First Met** is a beautiful love story that vividly evokes time and place, transporting the reader… and leaves you rooting for everyone who is brave enough to follow their heart and not their head.' Victoria Scott'Heart-breaking and life-affirming in equal measures, Before We Grow Old is the tender story of a chance meeting between former childhood sweethearts Fran and Will, and is packed with secrets and revelations. Through her beautiful writing, Clare Swatman delivers a powerful lesson in learning to love with your whole heart and accepting the same, no matter what life throws at you.' Sarah Bennett'Irresistible . . . A delightfully bittersweet story that will appeal to fans of One Day' - Sunday Mirror 'The Night We First Met is a breathless story of enduring love that will fill your heart and give you hope.' Laura Kemp'The Night We First Met is such a special book, filled with broken and relatable characters, who you can't help but love. Just Gorgeous!' Emma Cooper'The Night We First Met is a gorgeously romantic, sliding doors love story about how The One will find you in the end.' Katy Regan

Read more less

Book SynopsisPerfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jessica Redland and Kate Forster.Do you believe in Christmas miracles?Holly is looking for a change. There has to be more to life than the long hours she works as an editor in New York City, despite what everyone says. What she doesn’t expect when she leaves the city behind is to meet Mitch, a recluse who’s hiding more than she realises.Mitch spends his days hidden away in a little log cabin in Inglenook Falls, where he owns a Christmas tree farm. He speaks to people only when necessary, so when Holly falls into his life, he’s not sure how to react. All he knows is that something needs to change if he wants to get his life back on track.Along with friends Cleo and Darcy, Holly is determined to bring joy back to Mitch’s life, but will he appreciate their interference? And when a business proposition throws everything up in the air, will it do more harm than good?Curl up this festive season in a snow-covered log cabin surrounded by Christmas trees and find out whether miracles and second chances really do happen.*Please note this is a re-release of Christmas Miracles at the Little Log Cabin, previously published by Helen J Rolfe*Praise for Helen Rolfe’s heartwarming stories:'Beautiful, magical and incredibly moving’ The Writing Garnet‘It's a book version of a Hallmark movie’ Amazon Reviewer‘A warm romantic feel-good read’ Goodreads Reviewer‘The perfect festive romance’ Jessica's Book Biz‘What a wonderful festive read!’ Goodreads Reviewer

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor fans of Sarah Morgan, Jessica Redland and Kate Forster.Is Christmas in New York a time for new beginnings?It’s Thanksgiving and friends are gathered at the Inglenook Inn to get ready for the wedding of the year as Cleo and Dylan prepare to tie the knot on Christmas Eve.Not all is going smoothly, but Kaisha is determined nothing will ruin her best friend’s wedding. Cleo is more a sister to her than her own, and if Kaisha has to put her own dreams on hold, then that’s what she’ll do.Finn hasn’t been in touch with Dylan for years but he couldn’t ignore the request to be his best man, so he’s back in Manhattan. But so are his parents, and there’s enough animosity, anger and underlying grief to power the entire city. The only family member Finn respects is his grandad, and Finn's determined to keep the peace for his sake.Kaisha’s first impressions of Finn are that he’s brash, unreliable and someone to avoid, but when he gets a job at the Inglenook Falls Christmas tree farm and they find themselves as roommates, will he surpass her expectations? Or, will he let everybody down at the last minute and prove Kaisha right?Curl up by the fire this Christmas and fall in love all over again as Cleo and Dylan try to make it to the altar and Kaisha finally gets her story.*Please note this is a re-release of Moonlight and Mistletoe at the Christmas Wedding, previously published by Helen J Rolfe*Praise for Helen Rolfe’s heartwarming stories:'Beautiful, magical and incredibly moving’ The Writing Garnet‘It's a book version of a Hallmark movie’ Amazon Reviewer‘A warm romantic feel-good read’ Goodreads Reviewer‘The perfect festive romance’ Jessica's Book Biz‘What a wonderful festive read!’ Goodreads Reviewer

Read more less

Book Synopsis'One for Sally Rooney fans' Sunday Telegraph'Compelling, raw and thrillingly strange' MONA AWAD, author of Bunny'Cinematic and confessional . . . electric' The New York Times-----*FOR FANS OF CLEOPATRA AND FRANKENSTEIN, MY YEAR OF REST AND RELAXATION and EXCITING TIMES*When Daphne Ferber arrives in Berlin for a fresh start in a thrilling new city, the last thing she expects is to run into more drama than she left behind.Of course, she knew she'd need to do the usual: make friends, acquire lovers, grapple with German and a whole new way of life. She even expected the long nights gorging alone on family-sized jars of Nutella, and the pitfalls of online dating in another language. The paranoia, the second-guessing of her every choice, the covert behaviours? Probably come with the territory.But one night, something strange, dangerous and entirely unexpected intervenes, and life in bohemian Kreuzberg suddenly doesn't seem so cool.Just how much trouble is Daphne in, and who - or what - is out to get her?Channelling the modern female experience with razor-sharp observation and witty flair, Berlin announces Bea Setton as an electrifying literary voice for her generation.'Scintillating . . . wonderfully funny' Financial Times'Terrific . . . [an] unsettling and compelling read' Observer'I was completely absorbed' FRANCESCA REECE, author of Voyeur'Cinematically vivid, and refreshingly honest' LISA HALLIDAY, author of AsymmetryTrade ReviewScintillating . . . Berlin is wonderfully funny, and Daphne's observations about modern life, men and the challenges facing young women always hit the nail * FINANCIAL TIMES *Uncommonly funny, cinematically vivid, and refreshingly honest about how we deceive others and ourselves. * Lisa Halliday, author of ASYMMETRY *Anyone who's started over in a new city -- let alone a new country -- will relate . . . One for Sally Rooney fans * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *A compelling, raw, and thrillingly strange outsider tale of loneliness and deception. Setton is a wonderful writer who, with this sharp debut, adds to the great canon of contemporary anti-heroines. * Mona Awad, author of BUNNY *Combining the darkness of a thriller with humour, Bea Setton's debut is a fresh and deeply honest take on the modern female experience * STYLIST *Setton builds her growing paranoia and sense of dread to terrific effect in this unsettling, compelling read. * OBSERVER *Enjoyable and astutue . . . Daphne's impressions are rendered in precise, lively prose -- Rob Doyle * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *Cinematic and confessional . . . Berlin is a Woolfian mirror: Red herrings and cliffhangers stoke interest by conforming to expectations, until the novel undercuts them with digressions and anticlimaxes, reveling in its own formal impunity. . . electric. * THE NEW YORK TIMES *[An] engagingly self-conscious debut . . . our attention is firmly held by the wry wit of Daphne's voice, as well as regular hints that she's something of an unreliable narrator . . . the book's success lies chiefly in its line by-line charm * DAILY MAIL *Weird, compelling and unique: I was completely absorbed by BERLIN, with its slippery, unsettling narrator, its vivid evocation of a city seen through the troubling lens of disorientation, and by the writing itself, which gleamed. * Francesca Reece, author of VOYEUR *Intimate, confessional . . . Rich and rewarding . . . readers will leave eager to hear more from Bea Setton. * CultureFly *Berlin made me laugh aloud, and then became strangely and compellingly dark. I loved it. * Louisa Reid, author of THE POET *I loved this novel with its complex, flawed and fascinating heroine. Bea Setton presents us with a vivid and youthful depiction of one of my favourite cities in the world. A wonderful achievement. * Nick Bradley, author of THE CAT AND THE CITY *In this dark and twisty debut, Setton crafts a clever thriller-cum-expat narrative for fans of Ottessa Moshfegh's My Year of Rest and Relaxation . . . Setton expertly portrays the wily, seductive nature of addictions and dysfunctions . . . Daphne's youthful despair and loneliness are horror stories in and of themselves-ones from which it is hard to look away, especially when coupled with the evocative German setting. . . Raw thriller meets darkly funny coming-of-age for an enjoyable, unsettling debut. * KIRKUS *A moving and rollicking tale of self-delusion...Setton proves herself a masterful and hilarious chronicler of contemporary life...Well-plotted while still capturing the meandering feeling of Daphne's unbound life, and with deliciously handled foreshadowing, Setton's sharp novel of stunted plans is compulsively readable and ultimately devastating. This isn't one to miss. * Publishers Weekly *Written in funny, punchy vignettes perfect for consumption between U-Bahn stops, and a few hours in the presence of Daphne Ferber pay generous spiritual dividends. * WASHINGTON POST *Bea Setton's luminous drama will keep you on your toes with razor-sharp wit * WOMAN'S OWN *Shines an unsparing light on the murky grey space of a woman's mid-twenties with a narrative voice that's sharp, wry, and unexpectedly tender * Isabel Kaplan, author of NOT SAFE FOR WORK *Bea Setton's narrator Daphne, full of quirky observations, incisive humour, and a winning vulnerability, is a delight to chase through Berlin. Although I couldn't always decide whether I wanted to scold her, shake her, or join her, I know I'll never forget her. * Beth Ann Fennelly, author of THE TILTED WORLD *It's uncomfortable, it's telling, it's interesting, it's thought-provoking, just everything . . . it really delivered * The Quick Book Review Podcast *

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘The Devil wears Prada meets Emily in Paris ... a fabulously original romcom, full of humour’ Julie CaplinFashion designer Elle Bliss is unlucky in love.She's still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.But Elle's all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.An up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of 'Lorenzo' is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…Join Elle in the most romantic city in the world in this laugh out loud enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.'...another brilliant romcom - a series set in a matchmaking agency is a match made in heaven and I am fully signed up!' Pernille Hughes'Sandy Barker’s books are the bookish equivalent of a perfect serve: two parts romance, one part humour with a generous dash of escapism. I can never wait to dive in!' Nina Kaye'Full of fun - a fast-paced, exciting new series with love, heart, friendship and joy.' Kim Nash'You can’t really go wrong with a Sandy Barker romcom - charm, romance and humour.' Julie Houston'I love Sandy's writing and end up falling in love with all of her heroes!' Katie Ginger'...warm, witty and wonderfully romantic. Knowing there are more to come definitely makes me happy ever after.' Kathleen Whyman'This series is witty, fun and, of course, wonderfully romantic.' Anita Faulkner

Read more less

Book SynopsisUncover the dark past of the celestials in this melodic tale inspired by Chinese mythology and Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca from the number 1 New York Times bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA chilling fantasy retelling of the Snow White fairy tale by bestselling creators Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran. A not-so-evil queen is terrified of her monstrous stepdaughter and determined to repel this creature and save her kingdom from a world where happy endings aren''t so happily ever after. From the Hugo, Bram Stoker, Locus, World Fantasy, Nebula Award-winning and Sunday Times-bestselling writer Neil Gaiman (American Gods) comes this graphic novel adaptation by Colleen Doran (Troll Bridge). ''Like Ray Bradbury before him, [Neil Gaiman] writes lovely little horror stories, fairy tales and fantasies which are as familiar as they are fabulous, stories that are never quite what the reader expects...'' A.V. ClubTrade ReviewThis sumptuous, adults-only comic book adaptation brings the acclaimed writer's short story to vivid life . . . [Doran] creates imagery and visuals that'll linger in your mind's eye long after you close the book . . .Snow, Glass, Apples is a combination of a superb script, with Gaiman at his evocative, inventive best, and masterful artwork from Doran. * Starburst *A must for any fan of American Gods or the work of Neil Gaiman... [sitting] alongside the TV series and the novel as another way to tackle and understand Gaiman's deep, rich narrative * Starburst *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA USA Today Bestseller!Portals and danger, and a girl who can find both in the next book in the Hugo and Nebula AwardWinning Wayward Children series from Seanan McGuire.Antsy is the latest student to pass through the doors at Eleanor West''s School for Wayward Children.When the school's (literally irresistible) mean girl realizes that Antsy''s talent for finding absolutely anything may extend to doors, Antsy is forced to flee in the company of a small group of friends, looking for a way back to the Shop Where the Lost Things Go to be sure that Vineta and Hudson are keeping their promise.Along the way, they will travel from a world which hides painful memories that cut as sharply as its beauty, to a land that time wasn't yet old enough to forgetand more than one student''s life will change forever.Mislaid in Parts Half-Known is a story that reminds us that getting what you want doesn''t always mean finding what you n

Read more less

Book SynopsisA princess with a mostly useless magical talent takes on horrible monsters, a dozen identical masked heroes, and a talking lion in a quest to save a kingdom?and herself?in this affectionate satire of the Grimm Brothers? fairy tale The Twelve Huntsmen.Someone wants to murder Princess Melilot. This is sadly normal.Melilot is sick of being ordered to go on dangerous quests by her domineering stepmother. Especially since she always winds up needing to be rescued by her more magically talented stepsisters. And now, she''s been commanded to marry a king she?s never met.When hideous spider-wolves attack her on the journey to meet her husband-to-be, she is once again rescued?but this time, by twelve eerily similar-looking masked huntsmen. Soon, she has to contend with near-constant attempts on her life, a talking lion that sets bewildering gender tests, and a king who can''t recognize his true love when she puts on a pair of trousers. And all the while, she has to fight her growing attraction to not only one of the huntsmen, but also her fiancé?s extremely attractive sister.If Melilot can''t unravel the mysteries and rescue herself from peril, kingdoms will fall. Worse, she could end up married to someone she doesn?t love.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEnter the Underworld in an epic new fantasy, where the Gods of ancient Greece rule everything but fate.Trade ReviewI was lost to this exquisitely crafted world. Daughter of Darkness is everything I want in a fantasy and more * Mary Watson, author of BLOOD TO POISON *Steeped in blood, betrayal and mysticism, this is a deliciously dark retelling of legendary proportions - a book of smart, savage beauty that kept me reading long into the night * Josh Winning, author of THE SHADOW GLASS *Rich with mythology, this twisty adventure spins a new story from old - one that will leave you breathless, broken and desperate for more * Bex Hogan, author of the ISLES OF STORM AND SORROW trilogy *A beautiful, breathtaking adventure through the world of Ancient Greece and the Greek myths. Daughter of Darkness puts a twisty, surprising spin on the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, with plenty of heartache and betrayal, and a trickster heroine who had me rooting for her from the very first line. Now . . . when can I read the next one?! * Holly Race, author of MIDNIGHT'S TWINS *Deliciously dark, dangerously exciting, absolutely immersive fantasy from two goddesses of storytelling * Sinéad O'Hart, author of THE EYE OF THE NORTH *Those looking for a dark read will not be disappointed, especially those interested in fantasy and mythology. A concentrated read in which reader interest and involvement never flag. * Elizabeth Finlayson, The School Librarian *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAnd well, dumped, remember?But Natalie is desperate enough to propose to a man who makes her want to kill him—and kiss him, in equal measure. August Cates may own a vineyard, but he doesn’t know jack about making wine.Trade Review"This enemies-to-lovers, fake-marriage romance is brimming with witty banter and sizzling with chemistry. The protagonists are fully realized, with painful backstories and emotional growth throughout the novel... Bailey’s fans won’t be disappointed with this hilarious, heartfelt follow-up to Secretly Yours." — Library Journal "The latest addition to the author’s Vine Mess books, which follows Secretly Yours (2023), is vintage Bailey with heady notes of earthy sensuality and smoldering sexual chemistry neatly balanced by deliciously dry hints of sassy humor." — Booklist “Tessa Bailey is the queen of rom-coms. Long may she reign!" — Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Meet Cute “Nothing makes my heart catch fire like a Tessa Bailey book. She is all things magic and dirty talk.” — Elena Armas, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Spanish Love Deception “The tenderness, vulnerability and heat I am always guaranteed with a Tessa Bailey book are the reasons she is one of my all-time favorite authors.” — Sally Thorne “Tessa Bailey writes pure magic.” — Alexis Daria “One of the genre’s very best.” — Kate Clayborn “Tessa Bailey’s writing stands out in all the right sexy ways.” — Buzzfeed “Bailey writes banter and rom-com scenarios with aplomb, but for those who like their romance on the spicier side, she’s also the Michelangelo of dirty talk. She wields filth like Da Vinci does a paintbrush, and there’s a lot to be said for an author who can fill such exchanges with all the requisite heat, enthusiastic consent, and yes, even humor, of such a scenario without veering into corny territory.” — Entertainment Weekly

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘Hannah Richell's The Search Party is a compelling thriller told with real emotional insight and depth. An absolute page-turner!’ Lucy Clarke Five old friends.One glamping weekend.A storm that will change everything. Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. They invite old university friends – TV star Dominic, doctor and new mum Kira, and free-spirited Jim and Suze – and their children for a trial weekend but the reunion quickly veers off-course. First, there’s The Incident around the campfire on the first night. The following afternoon, a storm quickly develops off the rugged North Coast. When one of their group goes missing, all hell breaks loose. And as the winds batter the bell-tents, emotions run high and tension mounts for all the characters. Who is lying in hospital, who has gone missing and who is the body onTrade Review'Fans of Lucy Foley’s The Guest List will love The Search Party. Meticulously crafted with suitably flawed characters and a terrific sense of placel. Compelling and atmospheric.' -- Sarah Hall

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe instant Top 5 Sunday Times bestseller''The Book Of The Summer' VOGUE''A page-turning read about the dark side of social media''STYLISTTopical, heartfelt, provocative' BERNARDINE EVARISTOImpossible to put down' PAULA HAWKINSA page-turner that you can't second guess' THE TIMESFans of Yellowface will love The List' RED MAGAZINEONLINE RUMOURS. REAL LIFE TROUBLE.Ola Olajide, a high-profile journalist at Womxxxn magazine, is marrying the love of her life in one month''s time. She and her fiancé Michael seem to have it all.That is, until one morning when they both wake up to the same message:Oh my god, have you seen The List?'It began as a list of anonymous allegations about abusive men. Now it''s been published online. Ola made her name breaking exactly this type of story. But today, Michael''s name is on there.Will the truth behind The List change everything for both of them?An Evening Standard and The Times book of the year.*SOON TO BE A MAJOR TV SERIES*Explosive Every book club shoulTrade Review‘A page-turning read about the dark side of social media’ Stylist ‘A total page-turner on the underbelly of life online’ BBC Woman’s Hour ‘One of the hottest books of the year… Topical and vital’ Marie Claire ‘The Book Of The Summer… Sure to inspire frenzied debate’ Vogue 'Blistering… a love story for our times’ Harper's Bazaar ‘Impossible to put down. The hype is real’ Independent ‘Fun and thought-provoking… A book that's just right for our times’ Harpers Bazaar ‘Punchy, topical and hugely thought-provoking’ Glamour ‘The hottest book of the summer… an incredible commentary on the internet’ BBC Radio London ‘A gripping social nightmare’ Observer ‘One of the most anticipated books of the summer’ Guardian ‘A compulsive read’ Heat Magazine ‘Topical, heartfelt, provocative’ Bernardine Evaristo, author of Girl, Woman, Other ‘The perfect summer read’ Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train ‘An enthralling, razor-sharp, witty page-turner’ Bolu Babalola, author of Honey & Spice ‘Phenomenal’ Abi Daré, author of The Girl with the Louding Voice ‘Utterly compelling, immersive and addictive’ Sara Collins, author of The Confessions of Frannie Langton 'Full of sharp wit and exacting observation’ Diana Evans, author of Ordinary People ‘A biting, chilling, prescient page-turner’ Deborah Frances-White, author of The Guilty Feminist ‘Whip-smart and thought-provoking’ Ruth Ware, author of The It Girl ‘Addictive… will set off a million debates’ Annie Lord, author of Notes on Heartbreak ‘Unputdownable’ Nels Abbey, author of Think Like a White Man ‘Explosive … Every book club should read this’ Symeon Brown

Read more less

Book SynopsisSet in snowy Amsterdam, Together by Christmas is a moving read of secrets, romance and heartbreaking dilemmas by Sunday Times bestseller Karen Swan. 'We couldn't put it down' – Bella magazineWhen Lee first came to Amsterdam, it was with a newborn baby and a secret. Five years later, her life is approaching normal: her career as a celebrity photographer is flourishing, her son Jasper is growing up, and they are enjoying the run-up to Christmas with their tight circle of close friends.But all this changes one morning when Lee finds a book in the basket of her bicycle – and scrawled inside it, a desperate message. Who left it for her, and why? Lee feels compelled to help and tracks down the book’s author, Sam. With an instant, undeniable connection it seems they might have a shot at a real future together. Until her past comes calling. As the snow falls and ice thickens on the city’s canals, the secret Lee has never told resurfaces. Suddenly everything she holds dear hangs in the balance. Christmas is a time for being together – but what if the truth means she ends up alone?'A real treat to get absolutely lost in. Go on - spoil yourself!' - Veronica Henry, bestselling author on The Christmas Party by Karen SwanReal readers love Karen Swan:'Gritty, real and romantic in equal measure' 'Something very special' 'Christmassy, romantic, heartbreaking' 'One of my favourite reads of the year' 'Laughed, cried . . . couldn't put it down'Trade ReviewAn absolute feast of a Christmas read - I devoured it more quickly than a plate of smoked salmon canapés. A wild and windswept location, three feisty sisters and enough family drama to keep you quiet for hours. A real treat to get absolutely lost in. Go on - spoil yourself! -- Veronica Henry, bestselling author of Christmas at the Beach Hut, on The Christmas PartyAnother epic tale of love, loss, and secrets, this new book from the always-excellent Karen Swan . . . tuck yourself in under a blanket and get lost in the adventure -- Heat on The Christmas SecretThe most unlikely of romances is only part of a moving story of loss and the promise of second chances -- Sunday Mirror on The Christmas SecretFun and great escapism -- Tracy Rees, author of The Hourglass, on The Christmas Secret

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE NEW MILLY JOHNSON NOVEL, THE HAPPIEST EVER AFTER, IS OUT NOW!'Written from the heart ... honest,inspirational and great fun ... I loved it' Janie Millman 'This book is delicious. As moreish as a freshly made sandwich, full of your favourite filling. It's well worth the wait and joyous to bite into' Jo Thomas'The perfect pick-me-up that you won't be able to put down. I loved it' Matt Dunn   Shay Bastable is the woman in the middle. She is part of the sandwich generation – caring for her parents and her children, supporting her husband Bruce, holding them all together and caring for them as best she can.   Then the arrival of a large orange skip on her mother’s estate sets in motion a cataclysmic series of events which leads to the collapse of Shay’s world. She is forced to put herself first for a change.   But in order to moveTrade Review'An unputdownable tale of redemption and hard-won wisdom, this is a book that speaks for us all wherever we are in our lives. Milly Johnson always delivers an absolutely cracking read' -- Katie Fforde‘The main characters are wise, loveable and so relatable. The humour is down to earth, the emotions are real and the storyline compelling. No one else writes quite like Milly and, with The Woman in the Middle, she has produced yet another winner’ -- Jill Mansell'Written from the heart ... honest, inspirational and great fun ... I loved it' -- Janie Millman'This book is delicious. As moreish as a freshly made sandwich, full of your favourite filling. It's well worth the wait and joyous to bite into' -- Jo Thomas ‘Immensely relatable, tender and wise; Milly’s magic sparkles from every page’ -- Cathy Bramley‘A complex family drama with a big heart, a light touch and lots of surprises’ -- Veronica Henry'The perfect pick-me-up that you won't be able to put down. I loved it' -- Matt Dunn'Milly Johnson gets better and better with every novel she writes. Filled with her trademark humour and populated with a cast of larger-than-life yet utterly realistic characters, this is a story full of wisdom and redemption. It’s a warm, touching read and you’ll be longing for Shay to find her own happy ending' -- Anne Cater * S Magazine *'A heartwarming tale about loss, love and second chances, that many women will relate to' * The Sun *'Warm and hugely relatable, this is a must-read' * Fabulous Magazine *'This absorbing book reminds us to be honest and true to ourselves' * Woman's Weekly *'A brilliant read' * Bella *'If you need a page-turner, then look no further. . . Emotional and heartwarming, it’s another gem from Johnson' * Heat *'With Milly’s trademark warm wit and wisdom' * My Weekly Special *'Bestselling author Milly Johnson is back with another poignant tale' * OK! Magazine *'With well-drawn, believable characters, this moving story of love, friendship and family life is unputdownable' * Candis * ‘A life-affirming emotional journey – a wonderful read!’ -- Trisha Ashley'the latest heartwarming, relatable read from bestseller Milly Johnson' * Yours *'a festive tale...with a deft sprinkling of magic' * The Christmas Magazine *'A beautiful, heart-felt, wise, want-to-hug-the-book-when-you-finish kind of book’ -- Miranda Dickinson, author of Our Story'A relatable, beautifully funny and charming read. With Milly Johnson’s trademark feel-good spirit, it makes you laugh in all the right places while leaving food for thought after the last page' * Yours *'Milly Johnson has come up trumps again with this poignant story . . . Warm, relatable characters ensure this tender story stays with you long after the final page. A perfect read from one of my favourite writers' * My Weekly, Editor's Pick *'a gripping read' * Pick Me Up *'A moving tearjerker of a read that's relatable and packed with wisdom' * Closer *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhether you're ready to sail the high seas with Sinbad the Sailor,or fight alongside brave warrior Hua Mulan, you're guaranteed tofind your favourite legends right here. And no matter how the story starts, you'll always find your happyending. Including: Aladdin, Sinbad the Sailor, Hua Mulan and manymore.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe translation of Beowulf by J.R.R. Tolkien was an early work, very distinctive in its mode, completed in 1926: he returned to it later to make hasty corrections, but seems never to have considered its publication.This edition is twofold, for there exists an illuminating commentary on the text of the poem by the translator himself, in the written form of a series of lectures given at Oxford in the 1930s; and from these lectures a substantial selection has been made, to form also a commentary on the translation in this book.From his creative attention to detail in these lectures there arises a sense of the immediacy and clarity of his vision. It is as if he entered into the imagined past: standing beside Beowulf and his men shaking out their mail-shirts as they beached their ship on the coast of Denmark, listening to the rising anger of Beowulf at the taunting of Unferth, or looking up in amazement at Grendel's terrible hand set under the roof of Heorot.But the commentary in this book includes also much from those lectures in which, while always anchored in the text, he expressed his wider perceptions. He looks closely at the dragon that would slay Beowulf snuffling in baffled rage and injured greed when he discovers the theft of the cup'; but he rebuts the notion that this is a mere treasure story', just another dragon tale'. He turns to the lines that tell of the burying of the golden things long ago, and observes that it is the feeling for the treasure itself, this sad history' that raises it to another level. The whole thing is sombre, tragic, sinister, curiously real. The treasure is not just some lucky wealth that will enable the finder to have a good time, or marry the princess. It is laden with history, leading back into the dark heathen ages beyond the memory of song, but not beyond the reach of imagination.'Sellic Spell, a marvellous tale', is a story written by Tolkien suggesting what might have been the form and style of an Old English folk-tale of Beowulf, in which there was no association with the historical legends' of the Northern kingdoms.Trade Review“This is long-awaited, and hugely exciting for Tolkien readers” The Guardian “If he had never written The Lord of the Rings he would have been famous in academic circles for writing one published lecture on Beowulf called The Monsters and the Critics. It turned things upside down. Beowulf was probably the medieval text that influenced him the most and the commentary and lectures are ‘nuggets of gold’”The Independent “A tantalising prospect. Tolkien’s translation of Sir Gawain is a master class in linguistic chicanery – Middle English meets Middle Earth… it will be interesting to see if it gives Heaney's Beowulf a run for its money”Simon Armitage, The Guardian

Read more less

Book SynopsisA fresh and entertaining introduction to many of the weirdest creatures from Irish lore as seen through the eyes of Fantasius Farrelly, perfect for anyone who has ever wondered about the thingslurking in the dark.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA gripping retelling of the timeless epic of romance, enchantment and adventure, Peter Ackroyd''s The Death of King Arthur recasts Sir Thomas Malory''s Le Morte d''Arthur in clear, compelling modern English prose, published in Penguin Classics.''In the old wild days of the world there was a King of England known as Uther Pendragon; he was a dragon in wrath as well as in power ...''Born with the help of Merlin''s magic, blessed with the sword of Excalibur, Arthur becomes King of a troubled England, beginning a golden age of chivalry at the court of Camelot. But his reign is soon to be torn apart by violence, revenge and tragedy ...Sir Thomas Malory''s Le Morte d''Arthur made the legend of King Arthur immortal. Now Peter Ackroyd''s retelling brings his timeless story of love, heroism and betrayal to new life for our times.Sir Thomas Malory (c.1405-1471) was a knight and estate owner in the mid 15th century, who spent many years in prison for political crimes as well as robbery. He wrote Le Morte d''Arthur, the first great English prose epic, while imprisoned in Newgate. Peter Ackroyd (b. 1949) is an award-winning writer and historian. Formerly literary editor of The Spectator and chief book reviewer for the The Times, he is the author of novels such as Hawksmoor (1985) and The House of Doctor Dee (1993), as well as non-fiction including Dickens: Public Life and Private Passion (2002), London: The Biography (2000), and Thames: Sacred River (2007). If you enjoyed The Death of King Arthur, you might like Ackroyd''s The Canterbury Tales, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.''I admire this version enormously ... This story has to move with both swiftness and dignity, and yoking those two qualities together is not an easy task; but Ackroyd does it with ease''Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials trilogy ''Ackroyd''s lightly trimmed and streamlined Le Morte d''Arthur makes it eminently readable'' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewI thought Peter Ackroyd's Morte d'Arthur was masterful. The quality I admired most was the absolute clarity of the storytelling. This story - or set of stories - has to move with both swiftness and dignity, and yoking those two qualities together is not an easy task; but Ackroyd does it with ease. I think he can probably do anything. I admire this version enormously * Philip Pullman *Peter Ackroyd's lightly trimmed and streamlined Le Morte d'Arthur makes it eminently readable * Sunday Times *...the majesty of Malory's book survives too, not least in the final chapters telling of the internal conflicts that destroy the Round Table, the passion of Lancelot and Guinevere, and the destiny that Arthur has had coming to him for a long time: death in battle. This, as retold by Peter Ackroyd, remains a bizarre but thrilling piece of writing. -- Michael Caines * Wall Street Journal *'In this ingenious decanting of an old wine into a new bottle, [Peter Ackroyd] he has taken a glorious part of our cultural heritage and made it more accessible to the readers of the 21st century. ' -- David Robson * Sunday Telegraph *

Read more less

Book Synopsis From the Man Booker Prize-winning author of Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies and The Mirror & the Light a savagely funny tale that revisits the characters from the much-loved Every Day is Mother’s Day. Muriel Axon is about to re-enter the lives of Colin Sidney, hapless husband, father and schoolmaster, and Isabel Field, failed social worker and practising neurotic. It is ten years since her last tangle with them, but for Muriel this is not time enough. There are still scores to be settled, truths to be faced and rather a lot of vengeance to be wreaked.Trade Review‘Savage and funny black humour at its best’ Time Out ’The macabre and wonderfully funny plot has as many twists and turns as a well-made thriller’ Standard ‘Filled with fiendish glee……Lie back and laugh yourself silly: this is the best send-up for a long, long time.’ New Statesman ‘Hilary Mantel's wit is wonderful and startlingly nasty’ Sunday Times ‘The farce is edged with constant acuteness about our current social mess and the pleas for charity to begin at home never miss the bull’ Observer

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe new historical novel from Philippa Gregory, the Number One bestselling author of Tidelands and Dark Tides. In a divided country, power and loyalty conquer all… It is 1685 and England is on the brink of a renewed civil war against the Stuart kings with many families bitterly divided. Alinor, now a successful businesswoman, has been coaxed by the manipulative Livia to save Queen Mary from the coming siege. The rewards are life-changing: the family could return to their beloved Tidelands, and Alinor could rule where she was once lower than a servant. Inspired by news of a rebellion against the Stuart kings, Ned Ferryman returns from America with his Pokanoket servant to join the uprising against roman catholic King James. As Ned swears loyalty to the charismatic Duke of Monmouth, he discovers a new and unexpected love Meanwhile, Queen Mary summons her friend Livia to a terrified court. Her survival, and that

Read more less

Book SynopsisI loved Archie and Esther . . . Such a gorgeous feel good romance' Reader review ?????Absolutely brilliant story . . . Highly recommend' Reader review ?????Once again Miranda Dickinson has written an enchanting love story' Reader review ?????All My Love is such a well written, warm and funny tale, with a love story at its heart that will quite simply melt you. Just gorgeous!' Reader review ?????* * *Sometimes love can be staring you in the face . . . and you don't even know itBy day, Archie works tirelessly as assistant to the editor of a local newspaper.By night, Esther works after hours cleaning the rows of office desks with the help of her trusty sidekick, Fred the trolley.Their paths have never crossed, until one discarded Post-it note unexpectedly brings them together.Because they share one thing in common . . . they're both secretly in love with someone else.And they might just be the two people who can help each other find the courage to confess their feelings and write the perfTrade Review Praise for All My Love ‘I love Miranda Dickinson! Esther and Archie stole my heart’ Sarah Morgan ‘All My Love is the very best of romantic fiction – charming, uplifting and warm . . . A will-they won't-they story with two sparkling and unforgettable leads, it will captivate you from the first page to the last’ Holly Miller ‘Miranda Dickinson has penned another winner. All My Love is an original and heartwarming friends-to-lovers story with all the feels!’ Fiona Lucas, Never Forget You ‘Full of warmth and love, this is the perfect comforting read to bring some sparkle to a cold winter’s day’ My Weekly Praise for Miranda Dickinson ‘Dickinson does it again! Charming, quirky and properly romantic’ Mike Gayle, bestselling author of All the Lonely People ‘Gentle and romantic, a wonderful salve for the soul, it is a charming joy of a read – this is Miranda at her very best’ Milly Johnson, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘Breathtakingly romantic and utterly captivating’ Cathy Bramley, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘Charming, relatable and sweet – I was fully invested in this heartwarming love story’ Laura Jane Williams, bestsellling author of Our Stop ‘A truly heart-warming novel about hope, loneliness and the power of reaching out. Charming and romantic, [this] story will move anyone who's ever taken a chance on love. A magical read’ Holly Miller, bestselling author of The Sight of You ‘A story about love, fear, trust; this is a big warm-hearted hug of a book’ Nina Pottell, Prima ‘A slow-burning, heart-wrenching and witty portrayal of modern love, perfect for anyone who's a sucker for a good romance novel’ Heat ‘This sparkling love story . . . is sure to bring a smile to your face’ Woman’s Weekly

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘What a wonderful escape to perfect Cornwall…truly magical! More please!’ Faith Hogan #1 eBook bestsellerTrade Review‘A delightfully romantic, heartwarming and humorous tale … cosy, poignant and uplifting all at the same time’ Linda Huber ‘Characters so delightful they'll stay with you a very long time’ Lynda Stacey ‘I adored this feel-good read which definitely has the magic touch!’ Debbie Viggiano ‘A deliciously absorbing tale, with a good sprinkling of magic and well-drawn characters you can’t help but care about’ Kelly Florentia

Read more less

Book SynopsisA summer that changed everything. A second chance to put things right.~~~Heart-warming, funny, and completely brilliant!' Jaimie AdmansFour years ago, Elodie Parker left the village of Little Heaton where she'd lived for her entire life. She hasn't been back since.Now, with her little sister's wedding looming, she's going home again. It should be a time for celebration, but there are things Elodie left behind she's not ready to face. Not least the love of her life, Tomasz. The man who, if Elodie is really honest, she still loves.But something magical happens on the flight. As turbulence hits, Elodie is thrown back into the past. It's eight years ago, the day she met Tomasz for the very first time. Before everything went wrong and Elodie ran away forever.Can Elodie find a way to change the past and get the happy ever after she longs for?Readers LOVE Our Last Summer!I loved this and I could read it over and over! It was absolutely perfect! 5 stars!!' NetGalley reviewer ?????I lovedOur LTrade Review‘Wow! What a (plane) ride of a book!… Heart-warming, funny, and completely brilliant! 5 HUGE stars!’ Jaimie Admans

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Queen of Christmas feelgood novels' The IndependentDive into this gorgeous Christmas novel from Sunday Times bestseller, Sue Moorcroft the perfect companion for a cold winter's night!* * *A secret romance was just the start of the storyTucked into a crook of the Norfolk coast lies Nelson's Bar an idyllic village where time seems to stand still. Maddy Cracey has called this beautiful spot home all her life, as had her husband Adey until an epic row sent him storming out into a blizzard, with no sign of him since that fateful night.Six years on, and Maddy's life in the village has settled into a gentle pattern with her young daughter and Great Aunt Ruthie. However, when handsome stranger Raff turns up with a handful of long-forgotten love letters, their quiet life is upended as family secrets from the past are unearthed.As Raff and Maddy get to know each other, they grow closer and a love story of their own seems inevitable. But when Maddy receives a mysterious message, she can't help but wonder whether her own past is as distant as she''d thought it wasThe festive new novel about love, family and the power of words from Sunday Times bestseller Sue Moorcroft, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Phillipa Ashley.Readers are obsessed with Sue Moorcroft!Love this author, loved the characters, all set in a snowy landscape what more could you ask for?' ?????Festive, feel-good and heartwarming from beginning to end.' ?????What is there not to like in this book? Christmas lights, an old house, snow and happiness. Absolutely love it.' ?????Every time I read a new book by Sue Moorcroft I think, this is the best book she has written!' ?????Wow, wow, wow! I absolutely adored this book, it''s the perfect Christmas tale.' ?????I didn''t want the story to end!' ?????Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR SUE MOORCROFT: ‘Sue Moorcroft is the queen of fabulous Christmas stories and this one is utterly perfect! The Christmas Love Letters has everything you want in a seasonal tale. It was emotional, moving and totally satisfying. Really didn’t want it to end!’ Christina Courtenay ‘Fun, festive and fabulous. A story that sparkles like Christmas snow.’ Milly Johnson ‘Evocative, engaging and gloriously romantic.’ Cathy Bramley 'I love all of Sue Moorcroft's books.' Katie Fforde ‘Full of sunshine and secrets.’ Heidi Swain ‘It whisked me off to sun-drenched Italy…I could feel the heat on my face and taste the wine!' Phillipa Ashley ‘A glorious adventure… perfect escapism to brighten the greyest of days.’ Fiona Gibson ‘Sue’s novels are the perfect escape. You’re guaranteed a warm and cosy read whatever the weather.’ Bella Osborne ‘A magical escape with all the ingredients of a perfect romance.’ Helen Rolfe ’An absolute gem – I just couldn’t put it down!’ Christina Courtenay

Read more less

Book Synopsis?For the rom-com fans, you can never go wrong with a Julie Tieu book.? ? BuzzfeedOpposites attract when an always-the-bridesmaid florist and a grumpy caterer mix business with pleasure in this swoony romantic comedy in the vein of 27 Dresses from Julie Tieu, author of The Donut Trap and Circling Back to You.Every single one of Elise Ngo?s close girlfriends?Rebecca, Jesse, and Beth?is getting married within the same few months, and every single one of them has asked her to be both bridesmaid and florist. Though it?s a lot for her to juggle, the work and exposure is a boon to her struggling flower shop.The stakes are high at Rebecca?s high-profile wedding, where the guests are mostly political connections of Rebecca?s parents. Desperate for the event to go off without a hitch, Elise enlists the help of an outside caterer who turns out to be Ben Yu, Rebecca?s elusive younger brother.Though Ben is prickly and aloof, he offers Elise much needed business designing flowers for his mom?s campaign fundraisers and Elise begins to see there?s more to Ben than his gruff and handsome exterior. But their romance takes off as the political campaign ramps up, complicating their relationship with unforeseen consequences. Now always-the-bridesmaid Elise must fight for what she wants to finally get her own happily ever after.Trade Review"Fancy Meeting You Here might be my favorite Julie Tieu romance yet and that's saying a lot because I love Julie Tieu's books. The way Ben and Elise's relationship developed felt so natural and sweet and real, and I was very invested in both their individual futures as they pursued their creative dreams. Rounded out with a hilarious friend group and so many fun and relatable wedding experiences -- this book was a delight from start to finish!" — Alicia Thompson, bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers “For the rom-com fans, you can never go wrong with a Julie Tieu book.” — Buzzfeed “A workplace romance whose likable, well-developed Asian American protagonists have layered, realistic backstories. The dialogue is witty and insightful, with plenty of entertaining banter. Topics of grief, family relationships, and workplace harassment bring depth to the fast-paced, well-written storyline.” — Library Journal on Circling Back to You “Endearing, unabashedly tropey...Cadence and Matt’s very different, but equally loving, family backgrounds only enhance their romance. This breezy outing is sure to please.” — Publishers Weekly on Circling Back to You “Tieu’s writing really shines in her explorations of complicated family dynamics—particularly for the American-born children of Chinese refugee parents—and overwhelming post-college ennui. The dialogue between Jasmine and her parents is often funny and sharp, and Tieu tackles their fraught relationships with understanding and warmth. Though Jasmine is desperate to leave Sunshine Donuts, readers will no doubt feel the opposite.” — Kirkus on The Donut Trap “While the sweet romance between Jasmine and Alex is at the core of The Donut Trap, Jas’s very real family issues give it heart. Jas’s failure to meet her parents’ expectations, her struggles to communicate with them, and the way it impacts not just their relationship but every aspect of her life: these are all major plot points, not just details thrown in for authenticity’s sake. The Donut Trap explores these issues from a place of empathy, and it comes together to create a quick rom-com read with satisfying depth.” — Popsugar "Donut miss this tasty treat! Julie Tieu is going on my auto-buy list. Her writing is as fresh and warm as a newly baked glazed. You need this book now." — Meg Cabot, author of the Little Bridge Island and Princess Diaries series "Circling Back to You is the perfect friends to lovers workplace romance. Tieu has created two relatable and complex characters who completely stole my heart. Cadence and Matt's relationship is so realistic, I felt like I was watching two of my best friends fall in love! Tieu delivers a lovely and sweet romance I can't wait to read again and again." — Falon Ballard, author of Lease on Love "A sweet romance coupled with a bittersweet examination of what we leave unsaid as adult children, Circling Back to You will delight fans of Tieu’s first book and gain her more enthusiastic readers as her talent continues to grow. Tieu’s sophomore novel establishes her as one of the bright new voices in contemporary romance." — Elizabeth Everett, author of A Lady's Formula for Love "The Donut Trap is a fun romance as delicious as a perfectly glazed donut, but beneath the sweet romance, it's also a richly developed story about the diaspora experience and the overwhelming sense of aimlessness that so often comes after graduating college. It's an important coming-of-age story about walking the fine line between forging your own path and not disappointing the parents who have given up everything for you. Expect to cry and laugh, all while craving donuts!" — Jesse Q. Sutanto, Author of Dial A for Aunties "A charming workplace romance, Tieu's talent lies in imbuing simple, everyday moments with romantic magic. Relatable, down-to-earth, with a strong family side plot and grumpy-sunshine vibes, Circling Back to You is feels like the perfect escape from the work-from-home doldrums". — Alison Cochrun, Author of The Charm Offensive “Julie Tieu’s debut is a sweet and sparkly love story about figuring out what you really want out of life and having the courage to go for it. Many readers will relate to Jasmine and her post-college struggles as she attempts to find love and a new job outside of her family’s donut shop. I loved her family and the way they supported each other, even when they didn’t always understand each other. This realistic, donut-filled romance is such a treat.” — Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting For Tom Hanks “A sweet treat of a debut. Jasmine grapples with the messiness of her own family’s dilemmas as she balances their wishes against her desires. Can she find love on her own terms and do what it takes to save the day? Donut miss this book!" — Roselle Lim, author of Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop “This book gave me extreme heart eyes. The Donut Trap explores the post-college doldrums in a real and refreshing way, with a cast of charming characters, a sharp sense of humor, and a romance sweeter than frosting. A delectable debut!” — Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk "A sweet, heartfelt romance about following your own path and following your heart. This relatable story is perfect for anyone who's ever felt uncertainty of who they are and where they belong." — Suzanne Park, Author of Loathe at First Sight and So We Meet Again

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“Tessa Bailey is the queen of rom-coms. Long may she reign!" — Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Meet Cute “Nothing makes my heart catch fire like a Tessa Bailey book. She is all things magic and dirty talk.” — Elena Armas, New York Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception “Bailey writes banter and rom-com scenarios with aplomb, but for those who like their romance on the spicier side, she’s also the Michelangelo of dirty talk. She wields filth like Da Vinci does a paintbrush, and there’s a lot to be said for an author who can fill such exchanges with all the requisite heat, enthusiastic consent, and yes, even humor, of such a scenario without veering into corny territory.” — Entertainment Weekly “The tenderness, vulnerability and heat I am always guaranteed with a Tessa Bailey book are the reasons she is one of my all-time favorite authors.” — Sally Thorne “Tessa Bailey’s writing stands out in all the right sexy ways.” — Buzzfeed “Tessa Bailey writes pure magic.” — Alexis Daria

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the MAN BOOKER PRIZE- and WOMEN''S PRIZE-SHORTLISTED author of Swing Time, White Teeth and On Beauty''A pleasure from the first page to the last'' Evening Standard''A glorious concoction by our most beguiling and original prose-wizard'' Independent on Sunday ''Full of humour, the search for love and the fear of death... A touching, thoughtful, deeply felt rite-of-passage novel'' Sunday Telegraph The Autograph Man follows one Alex-Li Tandem: a twenty-something Chinese-Jewish autograph dealer turned on by sex, drugs and organised religion. From London to New York, love to death, fathers to sons, Alex tries to discover how a piece of paper can bring him closer to his heart''s desire. Exposing our misconceptions about our idols - about ourselves - Zadie Smith delivers a brilliant, unforgettable tale about who we are and what we really want to be.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE TOP 10 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Unforgettable'' Mary Beard''They cut her hair before they dragged her to the place of sacrifice. Her mouth was gagged to stop her cursing her father, her cowardly, two-tongued father. Nonetheless, they heard her muffled screams.''On the day of his daughter''s wedding, Agamemnon orders her sacrifice. His daughter is led to her death, and Agamemnon leads his army into battle, where he is rewarded with glorious victory. Three years later, he returns home and his murderous action has set the entire family - mother, brother, sister - on a path of intimate violence, as they enter a world of hushed commands and soundless journeys through the palace''s dungeons and bedchambers. As his wife seeks his death, his daughter, Electra, is the silent observer to the family''s game of innocence while his son, Orestes, is sent into bewildering, frightening exile where survival is far from certain. Out of their desolating loss, Electra and Orestes must find a way to right these wrongs of the past even if it means committing themselves to a terrible, barbarous act.House of Names is a story of intense longing and shocking betrayal. It is a work of great beauty, and daring, from one of our finest living writers.''A masterpeice'' Daily Telegraph''Devastatingly human ... hauntingly believable'' Guardian ''A celebration of what novels can do'' Observer Trade ReviewPart of Toibin's success comes down to the power of his writing: an almost unfaultable combination of artful restraint and wonderfully observed detail . . . Unforgettable -- Mary Beard * New York Times *A giant amongst storytellers, Toibin has thrown down the gauntlet with his latest novel . . . And it is a masterpiece -- Edith Hall * Daily Telegraph *A gorgeous stylist, Tóibín captures the subtle flutterings of consciousness better than any writer alive . . . Never before has Tóibín demonstrated such range, not just in tone but in action. He creates the arresting, hushed scenes for which he's so well known just as effectively as he whips up murders that compete, pint for spilled pint, with those immortal Greek playwrights * Washington Post *This is a novel about the way the members of a family keep secrets from one another, tell lies and make mistakes.. . * Literary Review *In a novel describing one of the Western world's oldest legends, in which the gods are conspicuous by their absence, Tóibín achieves a paradoxical richness of characterisation and a humanisation of the mythological, marking House Of Names as the superbly realised work of an author at the top of his game. * Daily Express *A spellbinding adaptation of the Clytemnestra myth, House of Names considers the Mycenaen queen in all her guises: grieving mother, seductress, ruthless leader - and victim of the ultimate betrayal. * Vogue *A haunting story, largely because Tóibín tells it in spare, resonant prose... -- Lucy Hughes-Hallett * New Statesman *A Greek House of Cards... Just like Heaney at the end of his Mycenae lookout, Toibin's novel augurs an era of renewal that comes directly from the cessation of hostilities. -- Fiona Macintosh * Irish Times *The book's mastery of pacing and tone affirm the writer as one of our finest at work today. -- John Boland * Irish Independent *A daring, and triumphant return, to the Oresteia... bleakly beautiful twilight of the Gods. -- Boyd Tonkin * The Arts Desk *It couldn't have been done better * Scotsman *A visceral reworking of Oresteia * Observer *The escalation of violence and desire for revenge has deliberate echoes of the Irish Troubles * Observer Books of the Year *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Gripping'' Curtis Sittenfeld * ''Electrifying'' Taylor Jenkins Reid * ''Remarkable'' Kevin Kwan * ''Stunning'' Sunday Times * ''Brilliant'' Pandora Sykes In South Korea, where impossible beauty standards and ruthless social hierarchies dictate your every move, four women are balancing on a razor''s edge:Kyuri, a beautiful ''room salon'' girl paid to entertain wealthy businessmen after hours.Miho, an artist whose life becomes enmeshed with the offspring of the super-wealthy elite.Ara, a hairstylist whose obsession with a K-pop star leads her to violent extremes.Wonna, their neighbour, pregnant with a child that she can''t afford.Set in the drinking dens and beauty salons of Seoul, If I Had Your Face is an electrifying debut novel about female strength, resilience and the solace that friendship can provide.''Cha''s writing always crackles . . . Touching, compelling and icily cool'' Observer''Fascinating, eye-opening, compelling - like the film Parasite, If I Had Your Face is also an exposé of the class system in South Korea'' Independent''Absolutely stunning. . . Assured, bold, and electrifying'' Taylor Jenkins Reid, Sunday Times bestselling author of DAISY JONES & THE SIX and MALIBU RISING''One of the buzziest debuts of the year, If I Had Your Face transports readers to glittering, futuristic Seoul... Essential reading'' Vogue''Culturally fascinating, emotionally layered, gripping and smart'' Curtis Sittenfeld, bestselling author of PREP and AMERICAN WIFE ''Glittering, engrossing'' Helen Oyeyemi, author of GINGERBREAD ''Remarkable, brilliantly crafted and devastatingly exquisite'' Kevin Kwan, bestselling author of CRAZY RICH ASIANS''I finished it in two sittings, have re-read it twice since and I''d still happily read it again - it''s a serious contender for one of my favourite books ever.'' RedLONGLISTED FOR THE DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE 2021Trade ReviewAbsolutely stunning . . . Assured, bold, and electrifying, If I Had Your Face marks the entrance of a bright new voice in fiction -- Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of DAISY JONES & THE SIXCulturally fascinating, emotionally layered, gripping and smart -- Curtis Sittenfeld, bestselling author of PREP and AMERICAN WIFEIf you loved Crazy Rich Asians or Daisy Jones And The Six then this is going to be right up your street * Grazia *Fascinating, eye-opening, compelling - like the film Parasite, If I Had Your Face is also an exposé of the class system in South Korea * Independent *I stayed up til 4am two nights in a row, absolutely riveted and astonished. Remarkable, brilliantly crafted and devastatingly exquisiteA brilliant debut * The High Low Podcast *Each voice in this quartet cuts through the pages so cleanly and clearly that the overall effect is one of dangerously glittering harmony. The tale told here is as engrossing as a war chant, or a mosaic formed with blades, every piece a memento sharpened on those unyielding barriers between us and our ideal lives. -- Helen Oyeyemi, award-winning author of GINGERBREADIf I Had Your Face is hilarious, cuttingly observant, feminist, and all-around delightful. It is hard to write a book about four protagonists and make you care for all of them-yet somehow Cha succeeds. -- Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Costa-shortlisted author of 'Starling Days'One of the buzziest debuts of the year, If I Had Your Face transports readers to glittering, futuristic Seoul. Essential reading in what Jia Tolentino memorably called the age of Instagram face. * Vogue *Compelling, understated, casually brutal, and very cynical. I love it. -- Hanna Jameson, bestselling author of 'The Last'Troubling, kaleidoscopic, and hugely enjoyable -- Nell Zink, author of THE WALLCREEPER, NICOTINE and MISLAIDIt's difficult to believe this is Frances Cha's first novel-she's a masterful storyteller. I couldn't put IF I HAD YOUR FACE down; I was riveted by the stories of four young women navigating life in the extreme, competitive environment of modern Seoul. I loved reading about a world I knew nothing about, and from the first page, it was clear Cha was the best possible guide. I highly recommend this novel. -- Ann Napolitano, author of DEAR EDWARDWonderful... unsettling and deeply affecting - the writing is beautifully spare, and captures with such clarity what it means for these four young women to be taught to hope for everything and yet continuously to receive nothing -- Rosie Price, author of WHAT RED WASIf I Had Your Face is a vivid, eviscerating depiction of social realism in contemporary Seoul. Frances Cha renders gender and class struggles with forensic detail, in a luminous voice both knowledgeable and compelling. -- Sharlene Teo, author of 'Ponti'I love the way Frances Cha rotates between mindsets to look at how beauty and privilege influence the way women live, whilst maintaining a sly lightness -- Rebecca Watson, author of 'little scratch'Make way for Frances Cha, an entrancing new voice who guides us into the complexities and contradictions of modern-day Seoul... I devoured it in a single sitting, and so will you. -- Janice Lee, NYT Bestselling Author of THE PIANO TEACHERI loved this book. It offers a fascinating window on a place and culture I knew little about, and yet from the first page it was intensely relatable - I recognised these women like friends, colleagues or sisters. Invigorating in its honesty and near-filmic in its descriptive power, If I Had Your Face is brilliantly-drawn tableau of the universalities of womanhood, the pressures we grapple with, and the way female bonds can carry us through. -- Lauren Bravo, author of WHAT WOULD THE SPICE GIRLS DO?Cha's striking first novel follows four young women in Seoul, South Korea trapped in a sphere of impossible beauty standards * Oprah Magazine, Most Anticipated Books of 2020 *A story of four women in Seoul and the way that economic and social realities determine the paths available to them * The Millions, Most Anticipated *An intimate, panoramic debut... An enthralling read from the very first page. -- Ed Park, Author of PERSONAL DAYS and Hemingway Foundation / PEN Award FinalistA provoking, ultimately inspiring tale of women pushing back against oppressive customs both traditional and new . . . Frances Cha, like her quartet of narrators, has a rebel's heartAn endearing story of female friendship staged against a backdrop of elitism, sexism and the relentless quest for cosmetic perfection... Enthralling * Vanity Fair *An insightful, powerful story from a promising new voice * Publishers Weekly *Cha's timely debut deftly explores the impact of impossible beauty standards and male-dominated family money on South Korean women * Kirkus *An eye-opening story of female friendship set against the brutal beauty standards of south Korea * Glamour *Mesmerizing... weaves together the complexities and contradictions of modern-day Seoul, in an ultimately uplifting story of women living in defiance of oppressive customs * Dazed *A gripping tale at once unfamiliar and unmistakably universal * BookRiot *A gripping portrait of four young women in South Korea... its focus on the tangled and complicated nature of female friendship is universally familiar and fascinating * Refinery 29 *Hypnotising... you won't want to put it down until the very last page * Harper's Bazaar *You'll find sisterhood at the heart of this ambitious book * New York Times Book Review *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''A moving, authentic, humane novel which raises fundamental questions about what it means to be kind in an unkind world'' Guardian____________________________________________The Pizzeria Vesuvio looks like any other Italian restaurant in London - with a few small differences. The chefs who make the pizza fiorentinas are Sri Lankan, and half the kitchen staff are illegal immigrants. At the centre is Tuli, the restaurant''s charismatic proprietor and resident Robin Hood, who promises to help anyone in need. Welsh nineteen-year-old Nia, haunted by her troubled past, is running from her family. Shan, having fled the Sri Lankan civil war, is desperate to find his.But when Tuli''s guidance leads them all into dangerous territory, and the extent of his mysterious operation unravels, each is faced with an impossible moral choice.In a world where the law is against you, how far would you be willing to lie for a chance to live? Trade ReviewEnthralling as a thriller, yet also a beautiful human drama, and a serious enquiry into the possibility of goodness -- Tessa HadleyBeautiful and brilliant. The exquisite writing is vivid, poetic and perceptive; the characters alive and compelling. Everything I want from a novel. I loved it. * Stephen Merchant *Lively, poetically written and above all compassionate * Sunday Times *Timely and hopeful * Cosmopolitan *This sinuous morality tale unfurls from the alternating perspectives... Slinking along like a thriller, it encompasses people smuggling, the labyrinthine inhumanity of Britain's immigration system, alcoholism and a class prejudice that cuts both ways. Kindness and its motives are a constant preoccupation * Economist *Pulses with energy * Mail on Sunday *A startlingly original, continuously astute, and deeply compassionate novel. You People alerts us, in these dark times, to the possibility of human nobility * Pankaj Mishra *Lalwani's vivid, intensely empathic novel raises profound moral questions while maintaining the momentum and urgency of a thriller * The Lady *Lalwani is a writer who understands people, and it shines through in her descriptions. This is a moving, authentic, humane novel which raises fundamental questions about what it means to be kind in an unkind world, and it will stay with me for a long time * Guardian *Lalwani's novel tackles racism and xenophobia, but You People is essentially a compassionate human drama, full of perceptive insights * Independent, Books of the Month *Folds serious social issues into an entertaining plot * Daily Mail *Brilliant . . . A thriller reminiscent of Dirty Pretty Things. Really recommend it. * Nikesh Shukla *Intelligent and heart-piercing - an exceptional novel about the Britain we live in, even if we choose not to see itLalwani's prose has a balletic lightness * Economist *A female lead who isn't defined by a romantic story arc? Yes please. Lalwani's serious, ravishing way of writing about the secret life of Britain is just what we need * Times *You People is a short, complex novel that shines a light behind the smiles at your local restaurant, and asks tough questions about the nature of goodness in an unfair society * Sunday Telegraph BOOK OF THE WEEK *A sensitive and thought-provoking examination of an issue that is never far from the news and, as the plot accelerates, it segues into a tense and nerve-wracking thriller * Western Mail *Lalwani's novels are full of moments when the stories people tell about themselves and the world prove to be unreliable or open to manipulation.... observations are magical, fresh and unsettling * London Review of Books *If you want a book to read this summer that taps into contemporary concerns, this excellent new one from Nikita Lalwani is the one to read * Spectator *Lalwani explores kindness, altruism and the precariousness of interconnected lives in an economical tale that has the pace and suspense of a thriller * Daily Mail *Lalwani eloquently explores the prejudices, financial pressures and loneliness faced by 'outsiders' trying to survive in a hostile environment * The Tablet *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Just the right dose of delicious steam'' Ali Hazelwood''Fresh, fun and extremely sexy'' Helen Hoang''Full of wit, charm and Big Firefighter Energy'' Lynn Painter----------Curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen built her career shattering gym stereotypes. After a recent break-up, she has little time left for men, instead finding joy in the gym - her place of power and positivity.Enter firefighter Scott Ritchie, the smug new guy who routinely steals her favourite squat rack. Soon, sparks start flying . . .As the ultra-competitive foes battle for gym domination, the last thing they expect is to run into each other at their grandparents'' engagement party. And, in the lead-up to the wedding, Crystal discovers there''s a soft heart under Scott''s muscled exterior. Bonding over family, fitness and cheesy pick-up lines, she just might have found her person.But when a photo of them goes viral, savaTrade ReviewEnergetic, steamy, and so, so fun. But more than that, it's also a hugely important book that celebrates body positivity in the most joyous way possible -- Jesse Sutanto, Dial A for AuntiesThe gym has never seemed such a sexy place -- Denise Williams, How to Fail at FlirtingAn incredibly fun and sexy slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romcom -- Kerry Winfrey, Very Sincerely Yours

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Unapologetically romantic, wonderfully sexy, always brilliant'' Ali Hazelwood''The perfect book to lift your spirits'' Beth O''Leary------Tara Chen has had her heart broken ten times, by ten different men. Nevertheless, she is still determined to find her perfect match. The only problem? Tara is a romance novel obsessive, and her standards are sky high.Modern dating apps have killed the meet-cute, so Tara decides to revisit her exes - all ten of them - in the hope of finding her very own trope-worthy second-chance romance. And every heroine needs a sidekick, so she enlists her new flatmate, firefighter Trevor.Trevor Metcalfe is the first to rush into a burning building but the last to rush into a relationship. Love just isn''t his thing. But, the more time they spend together, the more Trevor appreciates Tara''s authentic, dramatic self.Can they break the habits of a lifetime and give their spark a cTrade ReviewJust the right dose of delicious steam -- Ali Hazelwood on Set on YouFresh, fun and extremely sexy -- Helen Hoang on Set on YouFull of with, charm and Big Firefighter Energy -- Lynn Painter on Set on You

Read more less

Book SynopsisJo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, including time at Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Radio 2's The Steve Wright Show.Jo's debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook. Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.Trade ReviewHeart warming, moving and romantic, with a beautiful setting - what could be better? * Katie Fforde *A deliciously festive treat bursting with Icelandic flavour, adventure and romance. Curl up, get cosy, and immerse yourself in this magical, Christmassy world. * Ruth Jones *A delicious celebration of love and true friendship. Another winner from Jo! * Jill Mansell *The perfect cosy, Christmas read! * Cathy Bramley *Sparkling, romantic, magical - and delicious. * Milly Johnson *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn a world where magic is forgotten and unicorns walk the earth unseen,a young girl discovers she is a Unicorn Seeker - able to seeunicorns and feel their magic. But while these exciting powers bring adventure, they also bringdanger...

Read more less

Book SynopsisThese lively and entertaining folk tales from one of Britain's most fascinating counties are vividly retold by local storyteller The Journey Man. Their origins lost in the oral tradition, these thirty stories from Staffordshire reflect the wisdom (and eccentricities) of the county and its people.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING JILL MANSELL! WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT AN OFFER YOU CAN''T REFUSE ***** ''JILL MANSELL AT HER BEST'' - Amazon review ***** ''LOVED EVERY SECOND'' - Goodreads review ***** ''THE CHARACTERS QUICKLY FOUND THEIR WAY INTO MY HEART'' - Amazon review ***** ''COULDN''T PUT THE BOOK DOWN'' - Goodreads review ***** ''AMAZING . . . UNPUTDOWNABLE'' - Amazon reviewTen years ago, Lola Malone was offered 10,000 - and what seventeen-year-old wouldn''t be happy with that? There was just one catch. The person doing the offering was her boyfriend Dougie''s mother, and it was on condition that Lola broke up with her beloved son. Lola was outraged. Nothing could tear her and Dougie apart . . . but then she discovered a terrible secret. Suddenly, she had no choice but to take the money and run. Now a twist of fate has brought Lola and Dougie together again, and her feelings for him are as strong as ever. But she broke Dougie''s heart, and he''s about to discover that she was paid to do it. She can''t tell him the truth - so can she get him back? Well, Lola likes to think she''s hard to resist. But this man might be the first to do just that . . .IF YOU ENJOY AN OFFER YOU CAN''T REFUSE, DON''T MISS JILL''S IRRESISTIBLE 2021 BESTSELLER AND NOW YOU''RE BACK! Everyone loves Jill Mansell''s novels! ''A fabulous, gorgeous read, with characters you''ll take to your heart'' Milly Johnson, author of MY ONE TRUE NORTH ''I loved the characters and relationships and found myself rooting for everyone. It left me with a lovely warm glow'' Libby Page, author of THE LIDO ''Such a joyful read and hugely entertaining . . . Readers are in for a real treat'' Ruth Hogan, author of THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS ''A smashing read that both delights and surprises the reader'' Sun ''Jill Mansell just gets better and better'' Heat ''Romantic, funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking'' Daily ExpressTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR JILL MANSELL:Gripping and incredibly comforting * Marian Keyes * 'Uplifting, heartwarming and supremely feel-good' * Sophie Kinsella *'A heartwarming tale with scrumptious characters from the author who does it best' * Sun *'A fab, feel-good read' * Prima *A romantic, funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking story. Jill Mansell always writes with wit and charm * Daily Express *'Jill Mansell just gets better and better' * Heat *'Pick this up at your peril: you won't get a thing done till it's finished' * Heat *'There are giggles galore in this adorable romance. Recommended.' * Famous, Australia *'Another slice of superior chick-lit with four stars' * Heat *'This nimbly paced, skilfully pitched yarn is the perfect read for commutes or snug winter weekends' * Australian Vogue *'[A]nother great chick-lit novel from Jill Mansell' * Townsville Eye, Australia *'In a word: upbeat' * Townsville Bulletin, Australia *'A charming, humorous, romantic story' * Women's Day, Australia *

Read more less