Family life fiction / Stories about family

Book Synopsis‘Set in Sydney’s diverse Western suburbs, this tender coming-of-age story about love, loyalty and what home means also functions as a visceral love letter to the glorious, foliage-filled melting pot of its location… The author exposes various cultural stereotypes but then challenges and disrupts them, leaving us with a more nuanced view of the immigrant community she so evocatively describes. I rooted for Nicole and raced straight through to the end.’ – Daily Mail UKTwenty-six-year-old Nicole Najim is struggling to find herself after a painful breakup, just when she thought she was going to settle down. Working a dead-end job in the family car dealership and at a loose end, she picks up her camera and returns to the melting pot of Sydney’s West to rediscover her roots. When she catches up with childhood friend, Danny, who makes his living in a shadowy underworld, their relationship intensifies just as the law starts to close in. Nicole must weigh her feelings against her deepest fears, all while chasing her own dreams and capturing the hidden truths around her. Something Blue is a novel about loving home and leaving home, but never escaping your roots. Or your footy colours. Trade Review‘Set in Sydney’s diverse Western suburbs, this tender coming-of-age story about love, loyalty and what home means also functions as a visceral love letter to the glorious, foliage-filled melting pot of its location… The author exposes various cultural stereotypes but then challenges and disrupts them, leaving us with a more nuanced view of the immigrant community she so evocatively describes. I rooted for Nicole and raced straight through to the end.’ * Daily Mail UK *

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Book Synopsis'Gundar-Goshen is adept at instilling emotional depth into a thriller plot' New York Times Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, the award-winning author of Waking Lions and Liar, returns with a powerfully compelling novel about a mother who begins to suspect her teenage son of committing a terrible crime Lilach seems to have it all: a beautiful home in the heart of Silicon Valley, a community of other Israeli immigrants, a happy marriage and a close relationship with her teenage son, Adam. But when aa local synagogue is brutally attacked, her shy, reclusive son is compelled to join a self-defense class taught by a former Israeli Special Forces officer. Then a Black teenager dies at a house party, and rumours begin to circulate that Adam and his new friends might have been involved. As scrutiny begins to invade Lilach's peaceful home, and her family's stability is threatened, will are her own fears be the greatest danger of all? This psychologically astute, timely and page-turning literary novel is perfect for fans of Leïla Slimani, Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha, and We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver PRAISE FOR AYELET GUNDAR-GOSHEN 'It's not every day a writer like this comes our way' Guardian 'Gundar-Goshen is interested in examining the messy grey areas between right and wrong, good and bad, victim and perpetrator' Financial Times 'Deliciously enticing... a plot that thrills at every twist and turn' Irish Times on Liar 'A classy, suspenseful tale... shine[s] a penetrating light into the dark corners of our safe lives' The Times on Waking Lines 'This is storytelling that feels instinctive... both moving and satisfying' Guardian on One Night, MarkovitchTrade Review'It's not every day a writer like this comes our way' - Guardian'Flawed but relatable characters and off-the-charts emotional intensity with a sharply evoked Israeli cultural perspective' - Kirkus Reviews'A moral mystery for the thinking reader' - Financial Times on Liar'Gundar-Goshen is interested in examining the messy grey areas between right and wrong, good and bad, victim and perpetrator' - Financial Times'Deliciously enticing... a plot that thrills at every twist and turn' - Irish Times on Liar'Gundar-Goshen carefully peels back her plot like an onion . . . I loved the novel' -Jewish Chronicle'A meditation on paranoia and belonging. Gundar-Goshen, a clinical psychologist and author of the acclaimed Waking Lions and Liar, shows how a tragedy exposes problems in seemingly happy lives. She is adept at drawing out the fragility of identity' -Financial Times'[The Wolf Hunt] reaches out and wraps itself around the issues - parenting, antisemitism, masculinity - and exemplifies them in character and dialogue' -Observer'Gundar-Goshen ensnares her characters in some heart-stopping moral dilemmas in this sharp, compassionate tale of race, identity and a mother's fears' -Mail on Sunday'As focused as we are on protecting our children, The Wolf Hunt questions our certainties about who and what we want to protect them from' -Spectator'The Wolf Hunt succeeds thanks to the sheer strength and complexity of Lilach's fraught, acutely self-critical character, racked by the competing demands of motherhood and morality... lithe, observant prose' -Literary Review'The manipulation of tension here is exquisite' -Strong Words'Gundar-Goshen does an excellent job in setting up the privilege and paranoia in her character's lives as their lives slowly unravel' -Marie Claire, best books of 2023

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Book SynopsisAt first glance, Leonard Graves’ death was unremarkable. Sleeping pills, a bottle of vodka, a note saying goodbye. But when Detective Henry Hobbes discovers a grave in the basement, he realizes there is something far more sinister at work. Further investigation unearths more disturbing evidence. Scattered around the old house are women’s dresses. All made of the same material. All made in the same colours. And all featuring a rip across the stomach, smeared in blood. As the investigation continues and the body count rises, Hobbes must also deal with the disappearance of his son, the break-up of his family and a growing sense that something horrific happened in the Graves’ household. And he’s running out of time to find out what.Trade ReviewFizzes with tension fused with underlying creepiness...you'll be hooked * Peterborough Telegraph *Unsettling [and] largely successful in stirring the supernatural into the brew as beleaguered detective Henry Hobbes investigates a series of bloody slayings. * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisThe Early Birds is the touching and funny follow-up to The Future Homemakers of America. 'Funny, heartwarming and a real treat. I would recommend it to anyone!' Katie Fforde'Wit and insight to match Nick Hornby, and the entertainment value of Helen Fielding' Independent on The Future Homemakers of America'Why is Laurie Graham not carried on people's shoulders through cheering crowds? Her books are brilliant!' Marian KeyesPeggy, the southern belle. Kath, the pragmatist with the only Norfolk accent in New York state. Gayle, the preacher with healing hands. Mrs Colonel Audrey Rudman, forever keeping up the standards of the Officers' Wives Club. Lois, who's never had a thought she didn't voice. Loudly. Their menfolk may be long retired, but once a US Air Force wife, always an Air Force wife, and the bonds of friendship forged in base after military base are still going strong fifty years later. Time is rendering its Accounts Payable for all of them now: hip replacements, eye problems, forgetfulness and departures. In this hymn to lifelong female friendship, Peggy soldiers on through new upheavals, including her ex-husband Vern's Alzheimer's diagnosis, the death of one of her nearest and dearest, a life-changing house move and the world-shattering events of 9/11 with the help of her sharp-tongued, often eccentric, but always loyal group of friends.Trade ReviewShe has wit and insight to match Nick Hornby, and the entertainment value of Helen Fielding, as well as depth . . . It amounts to a picture of the way women's lives have changed, without ever sacrificing the particular to the generalisation - Independent on The Future Homemakers of AmericaSuperlative. The writing sparkles from first to last - Sunday Telegraph on The Future Homemakers of AmericaThis novel crackles with energy and snappy American dialogue. Laurie Graham conjures up five tough, funny, mouthy women, thrown together at an American airbase in Norfolk . . . Graham has pulled off an absolute triumph; the voice of her sassy narrator, the redoubtable Peggy, never falters as she unfolds 40 years of friendship - Daily Mail on The Future Homemakers of AmericaLaugh-out-loud funny; intelligent; moving; has more delicious roll-off-the-tongue one-liners than Seinfeld. One of those books you buy six copies of to send to all your old friends - Scotsman on The Future Homemakers of AmericaA delightfully smart and sophisticated historical novelist - Sunday TimesOne of my favourite writers

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Book SynopsisIn their tiny, sea-beaten cottage on the north coast of Scotland, Liska and Ruth await the birth of their first child. Each passes the time by telling the baby stories, trying to pass on the lessons they’ve learned: tales of circuses and stargazing, selkie fishermen and domestic werewolves, child-eating witches and broken-toothed dragons. But they must keep their storytelling a secret from one another, as they’ve agreed to only ever tell the plain truth. So to cloak their tales, Ruth tells her stories when Liska is at work, to a background of shrieking seabirds; Liska tells hers when Ruth is asleep, with the lighthouse sweeping its steady beam through the window.Trade ReviewA collection of skillfully written short stories in which the beauty of imagination meets the inevitable harshness of life -- Vanessa Piras, four stars * Skinny *A collection of skilfully written short stories in which the beauty of imagination meets the inevitable harshness of life… Undeniable literary merit. -- Vanessa Piras * List *What’s important is that it works, and that Logan’s lyrical, dreamlike storytelling reminds us why folk tales exist. -- Alastair Mabbott * Herald *A fascinating and original book, Kirsty Logan is a writer to watch. * Diva *

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Book SynopsisOne death. Eighteen facts. What's the truth?How do you solve the mystery of your mother's death if no one wants to talk about her? Not even your family. Especially not them.July knows a lot about her mother. She knows that she loved dancing on tables. That she was covered in freckles. She also knows that she misses her. Her mother died in a car crash when July was little. Or so she's been told.July is determined to find out the truth. But it might be more painful than the lies she's been told all these years.A compelling and moving mystery about family, community and the secrets people keep to protect those they love. Perfect for fans of Joanna Cannon, Janice Hallett and Elizabeth is Missing.______________________________________Praise for What July Knew:'July Hooper is a brilliant creation. . . a captivating story' T.M. Logan'Touchingly effective in conveying a childhood lived in fear' Sunday Times'Tenderly told and utterly compelling, full of twists and surprises' Emma Stonex'Funny, thrilling, nostalgic and deeply affecting' Chris WhitakerTrade ReviewTouchingly effective in conveying a childhood lived in fear * Sunday Times *If you liked Elizabeth is Missing, you'll love this * Cara Hunter *Big-hearted novel. By turns charming and shocking, it's both a deftly-woven mystery and a redemptive family drama - and I was cheering July on all the way * Emylia Hall *July Hooper is such a brilliant creation - smart, inquisitive and determined - that you'll be rooting for her every step of the way as she unravels the mystery of her own life in this captivating story. * T.M. Logan, author of The Holiday *Tenderly told and utterly compelling, this coming-of-age mystery is as full of twists and surprises as it is of heart. July is an unforgettable lead - I loved following her back to the 90s! * Emma Stonex *

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Book Synopsis'Utterly believable, charming and immersive. Highly recommended.'F.L. EverettStarting over can be hard to do…So when mum of two Beth moves out of her beloved marital home and into an unloved and unkempt cottage, she can’t help but feel demoralised. Faced with months of DIY and dust, her children Jacob and Olivia aren’t impressed either. But when Beth finds a box of letters while she’s clearing out the children’s room, things start to look up.The correspondence is decades old, between agony aunt Evelyn and those in need of solace. Intrigued as to why the letters have been kept safe all these years, Beth can’t resist reading them, and as the wisdom and kindness of Evelyn falls off the pages, so Beth starts to feel she has a friend and champion in this woman she has never met.Good advice doesn’t age, and as life starts to look brighter, Beth begins to wonder if she could track down Evelyn and thank her for her help. But as Beth uncovers more about Evelyn’s story, it becomes clear that everything is not as it seems. And now Beth is determined to bring peace to Evelyn as she has to her.A spell-binding, heart-warming story of friendship, love and being brave enough to be yourself.Praise for Clare Swatman:'Utterly believable, charming and immersive, full of acute emotional insights and truths, this is a novel every women will identify with. Highly recommended.' F.L. Everett'It was so easy to get absorbed into the world Clare Swatman has created for Beth. I felt her losses and disappointments acutely, which only made the ending more satisfying. It really kept me guessing, too.' Laura Pearson'Warm, immersive and hugely relatable, The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright really tugged at my heartstrings. I galloped through this story of friendship, motherhood and love in all its forms in two days, and I’ll miss Beth and the characters she gathers around her as she navigates her new life after heartbreak.' Lisa Timoney'Swatman does it again! I loved how the advice column pages wove into the story. An engaging read about heartbreak, navigating new normals and finding your feet in a new life you never expected to have. One to curl up with on a rainy day.' Rachel Dove'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 ReganReaders love Clare Swatman:‘I’ve enjoyed all of Clare’s books, but this one I just couldn’t put down. I was hooked from the first page.’‘Another amazing read from Clare x another must read from her! You can’t wait to get to the bed.’‘I really enjoyed this book, a real page turner. Great characters in a brilliant mystery story. Worthy of a book club, I wish I had someone to discuss it with!!’‘Clare Swatman weaves a beautiful tale that grips you from the first page, leaves you wanting to travel on this journey and ultimately tells a beautiful story. I heartily recommend this book, I loved her style of writing and will be reading more from this author.’‘This is another great, page-turner from Clare Swatman. A really enjoyable read, as are all her books. The characters are believable and you are rooting for Laura right from the off. The book does not disappoint, give it a go. A great summer holiday read.’

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Book SynopsisNew beginnings don’t always mean painful endings . . .A fabulous, timeless story of friendship set in Devon from bestselling author Jennifer BohnetAs time ebbs and flows over the summer both Katie Teague and her godmother Mattie Cranford discover their lives are at a crossroadsMattie shackled to the family wool shop for over 50 years, feels life has passed her by. She dreams of seeing the world and shaking off a lifetime of regrets.When Katie is made redundant, Mattie seizes the moment and asks Katie to move back to her home town of Dartmouth and breathe new life into the rundown wool shop and to her surprise Katie agrees.As Katie settles back into the rhythm of Devon life and renovating the shop, Mattie sets off on a luxury cruise.But the arrival of Katie’s ex-boyfriend with an unexpected dream job offer threatens to unsettle the calm waters.Will she sacrifice the shop and Mattie’s happiness - or her own career?Previously published as Shadows of ConflictPraise for Jennifer Bohnet'Unputdownable, a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship in the glorious south of France. What’s not to love!' - Lucy Coleman'I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages and read it in one sitting. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended!' - Alison SherlockA beautifully written and heart-warming tale of family and friendship' - Jessica Redland'There is much joy in this story, tempered with some bittersweet memories, but I can promise that you’ll be left feeling both joyous and uplifted. Highly recommended.' - Reader Review'No surprises here. Just two sweet romances in a dream-come-true story. Not soppy sweet, just charmingly so. Perfect for a rainy day on the couch or a sunny day on a patio.' - Reader Review

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Katie Flynn and Dilly Court, A Winter Hope is a heart-warming novel from the Queen of family saga, and author of The Winter Baby and The Nursemaid's Secret, Sheila Newberry.All they want is a new home. Number five Kitchener Avenue heralds the start of a new life for the Hope family. For pregnant Miriam it is a warm, safe environment to bring up her child. For her sister, fourteen-year-old Barbara, it means independence . . . and boys. And for Fred it provides the security he craves for his young family. In the lead up to Christmas, the Hopes settle in, and start to make happy memories in their new home. But World War II is round the corner, and this carefree life can't last. Soon the family are split up. Bar, wanting to do her bit for the war effort, joins the ATS, while Miriam and her children are evacuated to the countryside and away from her husband. As the country is thrown into turmoil, can the Hope family come back together and find the happiness they crave? 'A Winter Hope is a heartwarming novel following two sisters from pre-war to post-war, their parallel stories filled with love and loss. I found myself completely wrapped up with their experiences and shed a tear at the twists and turns of their lives.' Mollie Walton, author of The Daughters of Ironbridge 'I have long been a fan of Sheila Newberry's novels. I love their wonderful warmth and charm.' Maureen Lee, bestselling author of The Seven Streets of Liverpool'Reading a Sheila Newberry book is like having dinner with your mother in her warm and cosy kitchen. You can feel the love and care put into every juicy morsel' - Diane Allen, bestselling author of For the Sake of Her FamilyPreviously published as The Family at Number Five.Trade ReviewA Winter Hope is a heartwarming novel following two sisters from pre-war to post-war, their parallel stories filled with love and loss. I found myself completely wrapped up with their experiences and shed a tear at the twists and turns of their lives. A lovely tale of one family by an accomplished novelist at the top of her game. * Mollie Walton, author of The Daughters of Ironbridge *

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Book Synopsis'Huge fun' Katie Fforde'I love Jeevani's writing! Her characters leap from the page' Sue Moorcroft'A fantastic and fascinating read' Phillipa AshleySnuggle up and fall in love with the perfect holiday romance, as one ordinary girl learns what it means to love a prince. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain. Not even in her wildest imaginings did Kumari ever think she'd become a princess. But having fallen for Ben - or rather Prince Benedict, sixth in line to the throne - it looks like nothing will ever go as planned again. And as Christmas rapidly approaches the distinction between family festivities and Royalty becomes ever more apparent.With the paparazzi hounding her, her job on the line and some rather frustrating royal training, Kumari feels panic set in.Does loving Prince Charming mean she'll get her fairy tale ending - and on her own terms?What readers are saying:'Two very enthusiastic thumbs up on this excellent royal romance!''A lovely, feel good story''I could not put this book down once I had started''I adored this book, it is feisty, romantic, and clearly a lot of love and research has gone into the story''A beautiful, feel good, romantic book''A hug in a book! Sparkly, delightful and so romantic.'Trade ReviewHuge fun * Katie Fforde *I love Jeevani Charika's writing! Her characters leap from the page * Sue Moorcroft *A fantastic and fascinating read. A refreshingly different and thought provoking romance for 2018 * Phillipa Ashley *An incredibly charming read that I managed to consume in a few sittings * Drinking Books *Surprise royals? Uneven power dynamics? Fiercely feminist lead? SOFT PRECIOUS CHARACTERS? Basically this book was perfect for me, the perfect escape, and I already want to read it again * Tea Party Princess *A light-hearted and magical read that leaves the reader feeling all warm and fuzzy inside * Always Need More Books *I thoroughly enjoyed this enticing and charming book. Jeevani Charika has such an appealing and flowing style of writing that makes the words dance off the pages! * Jera's Jamboree *I definitely recommend this book, even if you're not normally a fan of contemporary romance. There's a lot of depth and heart in this book that I think makes it stand out from the crowd. I enjoyed it a lot! * A Cat, A Book and a Cup Of Tea *With its engaging characters, fast-paced action as Benedict and Kumari embark on their whirlwind romance and its tantalising glimpse of what it really is like to be a member of the British royal family, Christmas at the Palace is a thoroughly engaging read * My Weekly *Safe to say I adored this book. It's so sweet and cute whilst still managing to promote a brilliant message * A Novel Idea *A delicious story set in a magical world where a normal person and a prince can fall in love * Whispering Stories *A feel good book which is perfect for the Winter season. Snuggle up on the sofa with the fire on and hot chocolate with Christmas at the Palace and it's sure to get you in the festive spirit * Autumn Frost *In a year of Royal Weddings in the real world, this fictional one is delightful and perfectly timed. It is almost the true story of a certain Prince and his lovely new bride but better! * Tishy Lou *I absolutely adored Christmas at the Palace. It had just the right combination of feisty female lead and dashing prince, I couldn't help but get caught up in their whirlwind romance * Night Resplendent *Really romantic and sweet and if you dig royal romance books then this is for you * Lena's Notebook *

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming saga of secrets, friendships and wartime spirit at the height of World War 2. For fans of Daisy Styles, Sheila Newberry and Lyn AndrewsA young German girl finds friendship, camaraderie and even love while working on Hampshire's south coast ferries - but will her new friends desert her if her nationality comes to light?'A gripping story packed with darkness and light, love and friendship, greed and betrayal' Lancashire Evening Post on The Factory GirlsVee Smith is 22 when she starts work on Gosport's ferries, taking a job left vacant by the men gone off to war. She soon makes friends with the other women workers, and together they enjoy nights out dancing in Gosport - keeping their spirits up despite the hard work, rationing and heavy bombing. Vee even feels herself falling for Sam, the skipper of the ferry and her unhappily married boss. But Vee has a secret: her real name is Violetta Schmidt, and she is half-German. If her true nationality is discovered, she and her mother could find themselves interned as enemy aliens - if their German-hating neighbours, or worse, Eddie, the man Vee ran away from after he got her false papers, don't hurt them first.Will Vee be able to keep her secret safe, and find some peace with Sam and her friends even in the midst of war?Trade ReviewA gripping story packed with darkness and light, love and friendship, greed and betrayal * Lancashire Evening Post on The Factory Girls *

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Book Synopsis'A terrific read from a very original voice' - Daily Mail'THE name to look out for in psychological thrillers' - Sun'Tightly plotted with great characters and pacing' - Prima'A compelling psychological thriller' - Crime MonthlyFor fans of Gillian McAllister and Lisa Jewell comes a powerful and haunting novel about family, secrets and murder.Is blood thicker than water?At five a.m. one summer's morning, police diver Jen Harper wakes to find herself submerged in the silt of a river with no memory of how she got there.Forty-eight hours later, she's called to dive in the same river in search of a missing woman, Claudia Franklin.But for Jen, this is no ordinary job. Her and Claudia's families were entangled for decades - there is unresolved resentment between them, unspoken secrets.Jen hasn't seen Claudia for twelve years now. Or has she? ___________PRAISE FOR SILENT WATERS:'Brilliantly plotted, utterly compelling and where nothing is as it seems. Add to that some whip-smart dialogue and you have everything you could possibly want in a thriller.' - John Marrs'Silent Waters is a highly addictive, ever-engrossing, one-sit-read thriller - once you dive in, you won't want to come up for air.' - Jack Jordan'You'll be spellbound from the first SENTENCE ... Simply wonderful.' - Jonathan Whitelaw'An utterly engrossing novel that will leave you as breathless as its characters!' - Sarah Lawton'A fascinating, constantly surprising mystery novel that pulls you in like a hidden riptide and builds to a heart-pounding and hugely satisfying finale. A wonderful read!' - C.M. Ewan'Propulsive and intricately plotted, Silent Waters is the thriller to watch for in 2023.' - Ella King'A tightly plotted and skilfully rendered story with strong characters that jumped off the page. Beautifully claustrophobic.' - Imran Mahmood'A compelling and atmospheric story of toxic friendships, secrets and divided loyalties all set around the competitive world of diving - loved it.' - Catherine Cooper'Fiendishly clever, fascinating and with a host of fully realised characters, Silent Waters is one of the most original and atmospheric thrillers I've ever read. I absolutely love L.V. Matthews' writing - it always takes you by surprise.' - Charlotte Duckworth'A police diver, a thwarted Olympic dream, a missing woman, and a body in a watery grave. [...] A thrillingly murky tale of tainted love and betrayal, an edge-of-the-jetty read. I dare you to jump in!' - Janice Hallett'Silent Waters is a brilliant, beautifully written thriller with an unusual premise and shocking twists. I loved it! Her best yet!' - Claire Douglas'A gripping intensity on every page that will have you racing through this book!' - Lauren North'Beautifully written, perfectly paced and as absorbing as the silent waters the novel describes! Had me hooked from page one to the gripping finale.' - G R Halliday'Silent Waters is dripping in menace. An exhilarating and immersive look into the highly competitive world of female diving. The delicious prose along with some heart-stopping twists and turns will keep you up all night. I loved it!' - Emily Freud'Haunting, visceral writing, a pulse-pounding plot, and characters you will take into your heart. Stunning.' - Lizzy Barber'With a captivating cast of characters - some I loved to hate! - I thoroughly enjoyed this dip into the murky world of police diving. Utterly compelling.' - Sam Holland'It me less than 24 hours to read this and I'm still reeling - so intense, so tangled, so beautifully written and utterly, brilliantly claustrophobic.' - Emma Christie'L.V. Matthews has done it again with a truly dark and complex thriller that will have you gasping for breath.' - Sophie Flynn'An original, compelling foray into the toxic world of Olympic diving, with Matthew's signature stunning characterisation and gripping plot. Silent Waters should be at the top of every crime/thriller lover's TBR next year.' - Mira Shah'Terrific, memorable suspense writing that draws you in. Silent Waters is a real up-all-night thriller.' - B P Walter'I was immediately obsessed with this brilliant, murky but warm story of deep-buried secrets and impossible choices. Gorgeously real characters and relationships and a compelling mystery with heartbreakingly high stakes. Loved it!' - Gytha Lodge'I loved the chilling, atmospheric and expertly plotted Silent Waters. A wonderfully intriguing mystery and a definite must-read!' - Karen Hamilton'I adored delving into the murky world of police diving as L.V. Matthews caught me in a fascinating tale of rivalry, lies, and long buried secrets.' - Sarah Bonner'So clever and claustrophobic with very smart twists ... A razor-sharp read!' - Kate Gray'Absolutely loved it. A twisty page turner ... Great premise, compelling plot, brilliant characterisation.' - Sarah Turner, aka The Unmumsy Mum, bestselling author of Stepping UpTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR L.V. MATTHEW'S THE TWINS - R&J BOOK CLUB PICK, SPRING 2021: 'Gripping' Richard Madeley. 'Full of intrigue and utterly absorbing from the first page' Judy Finnigan. 'A compelling page-turner with an excellent twist' Catherine Cooper. 'A fascinating tale of jealousy and betrayal' T.M. Logan. 'Easily one of the most captivating books I've read this year' Emma Christie. 'Dark, heartbreaking, twisty, and beautifully written' Charlotte Duckworth. 'Dark, compulsive and fiendishly clever' -- Sarah Bonner

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Book SynopsisA LIFETIME OF SECRETS. A SUMMER OF NEW BEGINNINGS._____________________"So tender and thoughtful. I loved it" MARIAN KEYES"A gorgeous, rich treat" JANE FALLON"Warm, intriguing, brimming with tenderness... A joyous book" RUTH JONES________________________ONLY THE TRUTH WILL SET HER FREE . . . After her wedding in cancelled hours before she is due to walk down the aisle, Rachel is newly single and must move back in with her mother, Eleanor.But their relationship is far from perfect, and their family home is filled with secrets.It will take a devastating turn of events for Rachel to finally unravel a powerful truth. One that Eleanor has kept close to her heart for decades.Will unlocking the past help Rachel find the key to her future?"This book is incredibly special... I cared so deeply for all of the characters... I got lost in it and I miss the characters so much" GABY ROSLIN"Involving and emotional" JANET ELLIS"Warm and compelling" WOMAN________________________Early readers absolutely love The Things We Left Unsaid:'A really enjoyable book.''Truly beautiful. I adored this book. I cried and know that when I read this again and again I'll cry each time.''A real and full story that was completely relatable.''An excellent read and I would certainly recommend it.''The sense of time and place was very authentic.''I loved the characters and both them and London felt so alive. The story unfolded at a good pace with lots of treasured moments and the story felt new.''The little details portraying the different time periods really make this book special. This is definitely one I'll be recommending.''A beautiful story of relationships and their complications.''Would recommend without hesitation.''I absolutely loved it.''Set in two time periods, present day and the sixties, this is a compelling tale of two women coming of age and coming to terms with themselves. I loved this book.''I loved this book, from start to finish it had me wanting to keep reading!''It is funny, sad and intriguing, a must read. I honestly was sad to get to the end.''A funny, touching story.''This novel is an absolute gem. I loved everything about it.''I loved the way the characters were developed in the story. They worked their way into my heart.''This author has insight and compassion and is an excellent storyteller, wise and full of empathy.'Trade ReviewA beautiful novel . . . so tender and thoughtful. I loved it. -- Marian KeyesA gorgeous, rich treatA joyous book -- Ruth JonesGorgeous. . . The Things We Left Unsaid is about how we are always searching for who we are and trying to find out the truth of the past,’ * Frost magazine (blog) *This book is incredibly special… I cared so deeply for all of the characters. -- Gaby Roslin

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Book Synopsis'Original, thought-provoking and gripping. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put it down' LIBBY PAGE'The Mismatch transported me back to that feeling of first love and first heartbreak. Enlightening, poignant and romantic' SOPHIE COUSENS, author of This Time Next Year'I absolutely devoured it . . . Soraya and Neda's stories were so gorgeously told' BETH REEKLES, author of The Kissing Booth'A powerful love and life story of past and present Iranian experiences in the UK. Beautiful writing and complex, fascinating characters' HELLY ACTON, author of The Shelf_____________________Soraya knows she could never fall for someone like Magnus. He's her complete opposite in every way.Popular and confident, Magnus seems to have his life figured out, while Soraya has got to twenty-one and has somehow never been kissed.Soraya's mother Neda also knows what it's like to feel mismatched. She left Iran with her husband in the wake of revolution, and the aftershocks of that decision are still being felt decades later.When Soraya sets her sights on Magnus for her first kiss, the last thing she expects to find is first love.But sometimes the person you least expect might turn out to be the perfect fit . . .With unforgettable characters at its heart, THE MISMATCH is a pitch-perfect coming-of-age story and a fresh take on how what you think you want isn't always what brings you happiness._______________________'An entertaining, heart-warming coming-of-age tale' CULTUREFLY'Refreshing and engaging . . . a compelling new voice in contemporary fiction' LAUREN HO, author of Last Tang Standing'Wonderful vibrant characters. [I] absolutely loved it!' KIRSTY CAPES, author of Careless'A compelling read . . . the family dynamics are so brilliantly charted' ZEBA TALKHANI, author of My Past is a Foreign Country'Heartbreaking and compelling' HALEH AGAR, author of Out of TouchTrade ReviewI loved [The Mismatch] - original, thought-provoking and gripping. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down. * Libby Page *The Mismatch transported me back to that feeling of first love and first heartbreak. Enlightening, poignant and romantic - I loved it * Sophie Cousens, author of This Time Next Year *Enlightening, profound and deeply moving . . . a powerful love and life story of past and present Iranian experiences in the UK, and about finding a place in the world. Beautiful writing and complex, fascinating characters * Helly Acton, author of The Shelf *Contemporary, bold and fresh and captures [the] weirdness of not knowing what you want * Huma Qureshi, author of How We Met *A refreshing and engaging coming-of-age story centring a complex, relatable British-Iranian woman straddling two worlds and her search for identity, sense of self, and love, juxtaposed against her mother's own experiences navigating the societal expectations and familial pressures placed on young women in 1970s Iran. Sara Jafari is a compelling new voice in contemporary fiction. * Lauren Ho, author of Last Tang Standing *

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Book Synopsis*** THE #1 KINDLE BESTSELLER *** *** A NETGALLEY BOOK OF THE MONTH *** 'Dark, heartbreaking and totally absorbing' - LORRAINE KELLY 'Brilliantly written and emotionally compulsive' - HARRIET TYCE 'A powerful and thought-provoking page turner' - KATERINA DIAMOND ________________________________________ CALL ME MUMMY. IT'LL BE BETTER IF YOU DO. Glamorous, beautiful Mummy has everything a woman could want. Except for a daughter of her very own. So when she sees Kim - heavily pregnant, glued to her phone and ignoring her eldest child in a busy shop - she does what anyone would do. She takes her. But foul-mouthed little Tonya is not the daughter that Mummy was hoping for. As Tonya fiercely resists Mummy's attempts to make her into the perfect child, Kim is demonised by the media as a 'scummy mummy', who deserves to have her other children taken too. Haunted by memories of her own childhood and refusing to play by the media's rules, Kim begins to spiral, turning on those who love her. Though they are worlds apart, Mummy and Kim have more in common than they could possibly imagine. But it is five-year-old Tonya who is caught in the middle... ________________________________________ 'Disturbing and distinctive, this is a book I couldn't put down' - AMANDA JENNINGS 'Tense and gripping, these characters will stay with me' - ALICE CLARK-PLATTS 'Psychologically twisty and utterly gripping' - LISA HALLTrade ReviewI loved [this] book. It's very dark, heartbreaking and totally absorbing -- Lorraine KellyHorrifying and beautiful in equal measure, the characters truly lifelike in their all too human complexities. Brilliantly written and emotionally compulsive. I loved it -- Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of BLOOD ORANGEA powerful and thought-provoking page turner. The definition of unputdownable -- Katerina Diamond, author of THE HEATWAVEIt's brilliant. I had to read the last half of it all in one go as I couldn't put it down -- Eddie Mair, LBC RadioUtterly absorbing - I loved everything about this book, but especially the deeply flawed, brilliantly drawn protagonists. Such an imaginative premise and so brilliantly done -- Catherine Cooper, author of THE CHALETPsychologically twisty and utterly gripping - a novel to make you question the way things appear at first sight -- Lisa Hall, author of THE PERFECT COUPLEI rattled through Call Me Mummy, biting my nails the entire time. Tense and gripping, these characters will stay with me for a long time -- Alice Clark-Platts, author of THE FLOWER GIRLSCall Me Mummy is a twisty, heartbreaking thriller... [a] searing debut * Best Magazine *Another must-read is Call Me Mummy by Tina Baker, a darkly comic thriller about two women who are worlds apart - until one steals the other one's child * Waitrose Magazine *A powerful, dark and bleak novel with broken characters that really got under my skin. Absorbing, gritty and very real -- Mel Sherratt, author of TICK TOCKDisturbing, distinctive, and peppered with black humour, this is a book I couldn't put down. If you like your fiction dark and compelling, you'll love Call Me Mummy -- Amanda Jennings, author of THE STORMSuperb. What a dark, troubling and beautifully written book. And it's threaded with a strand of bleak uncompromising humour which catches the reader off guard at the most unexpected moments. Read it! -- Kate Griffin, author of KITTY PECK AND THE MUSIC HALL MURDERSBleak but totally compelling and peppered with dark humour. Tense, twisted and totally unputdownable. Shocking and brilliant -- SJI Holliday, author of VIOLETA deliciously dark, emotionally truthful, sucker punch of a novel. Creepy, twisty and all too credible. A stunning debut -- Paul Burston, author of THE CLOSER I GETAn astonishing debut. Beautifully written, but also raw and uncompromising, this is a gut-punch of a novel -- David Jackson, author of THE RESIDENTA peerlessly original thriller, pushing at the sore edges of motherhood and childlessness. I read it with my free hand over my mouth and my heart in knots. Spectacular -- Kate Simants, author of LOCK ME INFrom the first to the last page I was hooked. The writing is flawless, and the characters are so realistically portrayed I felt I knew both women. I absolutely loved it -- Louise Mullins, author of I KNOW YOUBrilliant. A thriller so tense you dare not look away until the final page -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALI love these kinds of thrillers that touch on mental health, dark deep secrets and harrowing, tormented characters. A fast-paced thrilling read [with] a spectacular ending -- J.A. Andrews, author of YOU LET HIM INUtterly exceptional. Haunting, harrowing and very dark -- Victoria Selman, author of SNAKES AND LADDERS

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Book Synopsis'A very powerful and moving book' Margaret Drabble 'What an extraordinary voice! I was captivated from the first page and I know Marta's unique voice will stay with me for a long time. Bravissima!' Tomasz Jedrowski, author of Swimming in the Dark Newly-bereaved, bookish and lonely in Turin, a young woman sets out to chronicle her father's secret lives - and her struggle to accept his loss. She is startled to discover that the gentle, mercurial doctor was sentenced to jail in 1986 for membership of an armed band. Her father, L.B., lived through the Years of Lead, a time of unrest when extreme factions of left and right took hostages, set bombs and murdered their countrymen. Unable to move on before she can understand her family's past, she goes in search of him - and ultimately of herself too - the only way she knows how, by reading everything she can ... Through her search for the truth, a very different picture starts to emerge.Trade ReviewA transfixing amalgam of novel, memoir and history ... exquisite prose * TLS *In uncovering her father's story, the author has discovered her own; and her father's story coincides with a dark and partially disremembered chapter in Italy's history ... And given that to find one's father is to find a history, a remembered city resurfaces -- Sofia Silva * Rolling Stone *This is the perfect book for those who want to understand the fog of those extraordinary years and what happened when it lifted and things became visible again and clear to see... This is a book about paternity as a cleaving into two, and it is an unblinking account of what is to be gained by learning who our fathers really are -- Simonetta Sciandivasci * Il Foglio *Sunken City is a vital book. And it is not just the life story of L.B. Nor is it simply the story of a nation during those tragic years. Because here we embark on a descent into an inferno [...] in which the true protagonist is the writer herself, 'the unsatisfactory daughter', a Dante with no Virgil to guide him -- Giovanni Pacchiano * Robinson di Repubblica *What a blazing debut! - Marta Barone switches as deftly and elegantly as Sciascia would have between the crude inhumanity of court documents regarding her father's trial, recollections of her own bookish adolescence, and a steely chronicle of Italy's infamous 'years of lead'. -- Enrico Deaglio * Il Venerdì di Repubblica *Barone masterly weaves dates, recreations, documents and memories of the ones who told her about their story and her 'difficult' father's as well. -- Marta Stella * Corriere della Sera *Thoughtful and smart - a contemporary-set novel which reaches back into the past of Italy's Years of Lead. -- Catherine TaylorA very powerful and moving book -- Margaret DrabbleA wonderful book that breathes life into Italian counterculture as the 60s and 70s and their revolutionary optimism and fervour slip away from us... astute and perceptive * International Times *Spellbinding... immersive, original, and sophisticated -- Enrica Maria Ferrara * Reading in Translation *That rare thing, a consciously and successfully literary memoir (impeccably translated by Julia MacGibbon) that also tells a story of historical importance... such haunting city landscapes, such speaking domestic interiors, such complex living beings brought back to life! Wonderfully done -- Margaret Drabble * TLS Best Books of 2022 *

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Book Synopsis'Truly infectious' Guardian Appa and Amma have driven home a shiny new Honda Civic to show off to their neighbours in Blue Hills housing colony. But their triumph is short lived. Their eldest son Sreenath is behaving strangely, and the reason soon becomes clear: a secretly filmed video of Sreenath and his girlfriend Anita has been posted to a porn site, and nearly everyone they know has seen it. The ensuing war - with Sreenath and Anita on one side and their families on the other - becomes a news sensation, emblematic of a wider generational struggle. The novel is narrated by Sreenath's younger brother, just as eager to rebel against conventional morality. But to keep his family together he will have to compromise his integrity and, in doing so, bring buried tensions between him and his brother to the surface. Full of dark comedy and insight about shame and the online generation, this is a poignant story about now told by a narrator who will beguile and surprise you.Trade ReviewOur narrator's acerbic observations inject a truly infectious energy into the prose. Humorous and heartwarming ... a fresh take on the family drama, the internet novel and the comedy of manners. * Guardian *A sparkling debut, full of tenderness and mischief. It's as if Roth and Narayan had a baby * Aatish Taseer, author of The Way Things Were *Humorous, insightful and enormously touching . . . an exquisite debut * Clare Allan, author of Poppy Shakespeare *Laugh-out-loud funny - a beguiling debut by a writer of great charm. -- Paul Murray, author of Skippy DiesOne of the wittiest, cleverest, most perceptive books I've read about India in years. An acidic comedy of manners, an anarchic demolition of modern Indian mores, as well as a melancholic, sweet-sour love story about the impossibility of being young. -- Rahul Raina, author of How to Kidnap the RichSo here it is, at last: an insider view of the clash between generations seen from the perspective of the online Indian Gen Z. Written with wryness, compassion, intelligence, crystal clarity and a dry sense of humour, Aravind Jayan's unputdownable debut features one of the most engaging and Nabokovianly complicated narrators I've encountered in the last God knows how many years. It's impossible not to love this book. You'll laugh and laugh until you find yourself devastated by the last thirty or so pages, and you'll still be laughing. -- Neel Mukherjee, author of The Lives of OthersUtterly original and beautifully rendered. In the age of the internet, still stories of family remain ageless. Jayan sets us in a moment when the past and present are in precarious balance and leaves us to settle for ourselves what has been broken and what will never be. Loved it. -- Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside OurselvesGenuinely funny ... a strong debut novel from a sophisticated new author * Debut Digest *Told with dry and restrained humour ... Teen Couple Have Fun Outdoors stands out not for what it tackles ... but for its graceful sidestepping of the usual narrative routes, without any loss of impact or verisimilitude. Jayan's book is the calling card of a novelist of promise and surprising maturity. * Times Literary Supplement *This novel about a young couple's sex scandal is an assured debut. With whip-smart humour and pointed observations, Jayan explores the frustrating consequences of the generation gap between parents and children * Scroll.in *

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Book SynopsisWhen a cosy country cottage goes up for sale in Combe Tollbridge, a small fishing village tucked away on a quiet corner of the Exmoor coast, young couple Jane and Jasper decide to make the move. But whilst Jane is returning to the place of happy childhood memories by the sea, another recent newcomer to the village, Angela, has sadder reasons for her move. Receiving a warm welcome from the colourful residents who call the village home, all three soon become embroiled in rural life, and find it not as sedate as they might have once imagined...Trade Review'A fun and entertaining book that was a joy to read. Combe Tollbridge is full of quirky and loveable characters that I'll look forward to meeting again' Rachel Burton, author of The Tearoom on the Bay 'Moving to Combe Tollbridge is an entertaining, richly textured novel of village life that lifts the spirits and makes you smile. I loved the characters, learned a lot from their experiences and believed in them as people. I'm moving in as soon as the next cottage is on the market' Peter Lovesey, author of Showstopper

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Book Synopsis*An International Bestseller from the author of People Like Us, shortlisted for the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and the RNA Historical Romantic Novel Award 2021* From the outside, Eleanor and Edward Hamilton have the perfect life, but they're harbouring a secret that threatens to fracture their entire world. London, 1929. Eleanor Hamilton is a dutiful mother, a caring sister and an adoring wife to a celebrated war hero. Her husband, Edward, is a pioneer in the eugenics movement. The Hamiltons are on the social rise, and it looks as though their future is bright. When Mabel, their young daughter, begins to develop debilitating seizures, they have to face an uncomfortable truth: Mabel has epilepsy – one of the 'undesirable' conditions that Edward campaigns against. Forced to hide their daughter away so as to not jeopardise Edward's life's work, the couple must confront the truth of their past – and the secrets that have been buried. Will Eleanor and Edward be able to fight for their family? Or will the truth destroy them? 'Shocking, emotive, and compelling, but ultimately a story of hope. I loved it' – Deborah Carr, bestselling author of The Poppy Field 'A poignant rendering of love and motherhood, human frailty and redemption, exquisitely told against the backdrop of the unthinkable... Fein deftly takes the reader back to a terrifying turning point in history and, with grace and compassion, reminds us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in our souls to be true' – Judithe Little, bestselling author of The Chanel Sisters 'The Hidden Child is the thought-provoking and compelling tale of one family and the battle to survive their daughter's illness. A reminder that ordinary people can so often be responsible for some of the most shocking episodes in history' – Louise Hare, bestselling author of This Lovely City 'An astonishing story about an aspect of British history that's long been swept under the carpet – surprising, moving and poignant' – Frances Quinn, bestselling author of The Smallest Man 'I was completely under its spell in this powerful, engaging, and ultimately heart-warming story. Bravo, Louise you've done it again!' – Gill Thompson, author of The Oceans Between Us 'The Hidden Child is a fascinating and thought-provoking story which is hard to put down' – Caroline Bishop, author of The Other Daughter 'The Hidden Child is a story of hope and redemption, of humanity and growth... both intimate and universal in scope. I loved this compelling read and its complex, flawed, but deeply human characters' – Addison Armstrong, author of The Light of Luna ParkTrade ReviewI am a huge fan of Louise Fein's writing. In The Hidden Child, just as in her wonderful debut, People Like Us, Louise skilfully reels us into the world of the novel, with meticulously researched period detail, and flawed but highly sympathetic characters. Intertwining with this central theme are fascinating threads about female liberation and the growing fear of financial ruin. Louise's story is wonderfully spun through prose that is at times lyrical and poetic but always clear and forward moving. I was completely under its spell in this powerful, engaging, and ultimately heart-warming story. Bravo, Louise you've done it again! -- Gill ThompsonA heart-wrenching depiction of a golden couple in the 1920s when their perfect life is turned on its axis and shows the lengths a mother will go to when forced to protect her daughter from her ambitious husband and his twisted beliefs at a time when women's voices were not heard. Shocking, emotive, and compelling, but ultimately a story of hope. I loved it -- Deborah CarrA poignant rendering of love and motherhood, human frailty and redemption, exquisitely told against the backdrop of the unthinkable. A heroine for the ages, Eleanor Hamilton's predicament will tear your heart apart while her resolve is a testament to the power of intuition. Fein deftly takes the reader back to a terrifying turning point in history and, with grace and compassion, reminds us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in our souls to be true -- Judithe LittleA story of hope and redemption, of humanity and growth... both intimate and universal in scope. I loved this compelling read and its complex, flawed, but deeply human characters' -- Addison ArmstrongThe thought-provoking and compelling tale of one family and the battle to survive their daughter's illness. A reminder that ordinary people can so often be responsible for some of the most shocking episodes in history -- Louise HareA powerful, thought-provoking, and often heart-wrenching read * Beauty and Lace *Fein's story wakes us up to the challenge of watching what narratives we can come to accept and normalise * Mayo News *

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Book SynopsisThe gripping and heartbreaking second novel by the author of BA Book of the Month and LoveReading Debut of the Month Patience. She gave you her baby. Now she wants her back. When nineteen-year-old Michelle gets pregnant she’s convinced she’ll be a terrible mother. Having grown up in care, she cannot subject her child to the same fate. Instead, she puts her up for adoption. Amelia has always dreamed of being a mum, but gave up hope after a devastating loss. When she’s offered the chance to adopt baby Grace, it feels like all her dreams have come true. But then Michelle decides she wants her daughter back, and it’s up to the courts to decide. What is better for Grace – a mother’s love, or a stable home? Praise for Grace: 'Beautiful... Heart-wrenching. A wonderful gem of a book' Eve Ainsworth, author of Duckling 'Warm and real and heart-breaking all at the same time. I loved it' Clare SwatmanTrade ReviewSensitively written, with complex characters, the story covers hard-hitting themes as the reader is taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride with an ending that makes it all worthwhile! * Candis *PRAISE FOR PATIENCE: 'Inspired by truth, Patience and her family come alive on the pages. I felt every single emotion with them' Alice Peterson, author of Monday to Friday Man. 'An extraordinary novel about love and hope and family and what happens in the space between the words. I adored it' Kirsten Hesketh, author of Another Us. 'An eye-opening, sincere and beautiful debut. A really special novel that I suspect will have a tangible effect on readers' NB Magazine. 'Absorbing, poignant story of a family's emotional rollercoaster in the aftermath of participating in a risky medical trial' * LoveReading *

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Book Synopsis'I have struggled to find words to describe this book. It was breath-taking' 5* Reader review With war looming, can they lift the spirits of the troops? It's 1914 and the effects of war are reaching London. Sick and injured servicemen are returning home and Lizzie Kellaway and her godmother Margaret Penrose are determined to do their bit to help them. With Lizzie's beautiful singing voice and Margaret's talent for the piano, concerts in hospitals and convalescent homes offer the perfect opportunity to lift the spirits of men who have suffered so much. When Polly Meadows's fiancé rejects her and leaves for the war, she doesn't hesitate before travelling to London to be with her childhood friend, Lizzie. It isn't long before she's persuaded to join their efforts to entertain the troops. At least while performing Polly can forget her troubles and open her soul to the joy of singing. But the ongoing war brings even more heartache. With all three women facing struggles, one thing is certain: these wartime singers will need each other more than ever before... A heartwarming and gritty wartime saga, perfect for fans of Nancy Revell, Molly Green and Elaine Everest. What readers are saying about The Wartime Singers: 'BRILLIANT' 5 * Reader review 'Loved it, especially the twist at the end!' 5* Reader review 'Gorgeously written with thoughtfulness, this story captured my heart. Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction and General Fiction lovers ought to pick up this winner of a book, both gentle and powerful' 5* Reader review 'The characters really came alive. I hated to put it down and go back to my daily life!' 4* Reader review 'Fantastic writing. I would recommend' 5* Reader review 'I never expected a historical fiction to have such an EPIC MEET-CUTE. It was so unique & sudden. I loved it... I had so much fun! I almost want to break out into applause every time, courtesy of such succinct yet picturesque writing' 4* Reader review 'This book is a breath of fresh air' 5* Reader review 'I loved reading every single page of this heart-warming saga and five stars from me' 5* Reader review 'I so enjoyed reading every page, saga readers will get pulled into this book right to the end' 5* Reader review 'Such a beautiful and poignant tale. I have nothing but praise for this outstanding book and can highly recommend' 5* Reader review

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Book SynopsisYou can never escape your past…‘The Lies We Tell has a sense of tension and skewed reality from page one. Delightfully creepy and skilfully plotted … it's a can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-it book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ Hilary Boyd, author of Thursdays in the Park.‘After a dramatic opening, The Lies We Tell develops into an intriguing story full of slow-burning suspense.' Sophie McKenzie, author of Close My Eyes and Here We Lie.The last time Katy saw Jude was on a school trip, when Jude was attacked by a stranger and Katy ran away. Twenty years later, Jude is back, and her reappearance coincides with a series of unsettling incidents: a stranger appears in the downstairs flat; Katy’s house is vandalised; her mother is mugged and her home ransacked.And Jude seems to know an uncomfortable amount about Katy’s current life…Forced to revisit the same rocky waters of friendship and power they inhabited when they were fifteen, Jude and Katy realise that when it comes to memory, truth and family – nothing and no-one are what they seem.THE LIES WE TELL is an explosive and completely gripping psychological thriller in which present and past intertwine to devastating effect.

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Book SynopsisAfter the Blitz, she’ll need to rebuild her life from nothing…Clemmie throws herself into volunteering with the very organisation who helped her and her sisters when they were homeless: the WVS. Demonstrating a natural flair, painfully-shy Clemmie is soon drafted to set up one of the British Welcome Clubs aimed at easing American troops’ integration into English life.There, she meets Squadron Leader Dunning who, shot down in the Blitz, has been left partially paralysed. As friendship turns to something more, Clemmie faces an impossible decision – sacrifice her dreams of motherhood, or lose the man she’s learning to love.Between her volunteer work, Squadron Leader Dunning and the overarching danger and chaos of war, Clemmie must learn to speak up if she’s to survive and, more importantly, find the joy in life.An emotional and thrilling Second World War saga for fans of Rosie Hendry, Pam Howes and Vicki Beeby.Praise for A Wartime Welcome ‘A great saga… looking forward to the next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘If you love family saga based during the war, you will love this book can’t wait to read more by this author.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Fantastic. Highly recommended read. Can’t wait for the next book!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This second in the series was every bit as enjoyable as the first.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisAn emotional read in the Seabreeze Farm series, from best-selling author Jo Bartlett... have your tissues ready!.A summer to remember...Georgia Banks knows she’s living on borrowed time. So, when doctors tell her she’s got one last summer to make all her dreams come true, she’s determined to make every day count.The one thing that’s never in doubt, is that she wants her best friend, Gabe, to be with her every step of the way. And so, Georgia draws up her not-a-bucket list with all the things she’s determined to tick off before she goes – number one of which is to spend one last summer by the sea.Seabreeze Farm perched high on the cliffs above the English Channel is the perfect spot, and surrounded by the antics of its menagerie of rescued animals and the warmth of the friendship she’s offered there, Georgia starts to believe she can live out all her dreams before it’s too late.And just when she thinks there’s nothing left to wish for, Georgia gets another chance at life. But taking it might mean losing the one person she cares about the most.As she faces her biggest challenge yet, Georgia wonders if her last summer at Seabreeze Farm will mean the end of her biggest dream of all.This book was previously published as One Last Summer at Channel View FarmPraise for Jo Bartlett:'I love second chance stories. I love returning home stories. So a book combining both is an absolute winner for me. The Cornish Midwife is simply gorgeous. Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett.' Jessica Redland'Perfectly written and set in the beating heart of a community, this story is a wonderful slice of Cornish escapism.' Helen J Rolfe

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Book SynopsisAll NEW from Kate Frost. Follow your heart and then your dreams…'A perfect escape to Italy, with sunshine, devastating secrets, tears, smiles and a hero you will fall in love with.' - Jennifer Bohnet 'A beautiful novel about life choices and moving on, set on the sundrenched island of Capri. Should be read by a pool with a glass of Prosecco in one hand' - T.A. Williams 'A lovely escapist tale full of heart, friendship and promise' - Annie Robertson Best friends since childhood, Fern Chambers and Stella Shaw have been through everything together and are at a crossroads in their lives. Carefree Stella has a monumental secret and down trodden Fern’s happy life is not all it seems.With their 40th birthdays approaching, a luxury holiday to the island of Capri is a chance for them to reconnect, let their hair down and celebrate in style. But untold truths and frustration bubble beneath the surface, turning what should be a holiday of a lifetime into an opportunity to make life-changing decisions.Far from home, where anything feels possible, secrets are revealed, heartache is shared, love discovered and new friendships forged. Will their Italian dream turn into a nightmare or lead to newfound happiness?

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Book Synopsis'A gorgeous setting and wonderful characters, just the loveliest place to cosy up and escape to.' Beth Moran Pia Temple has always had a soft spot for Jackson Moody following a passionate teenage love affair that burnt out over one long summer, more than ten years ago. First loves can be hard to forget, and the devastatingly gorgeous Jackson, is harder to forget than most.After putting aside her ambitions while she cared for her parents, it is finally time for Pia to think about herself. So, when she’s offered the perfect job running the social calendar at Primrose Hall, with a dreamy flat included, how can she refuse? There’s only one problem… The new owner of the refurbished seventeenth-century manor house set in the idyllic Primrose Woods, is none other than Jackson, the man she’s thought about every day for years. In a whirl of weddings and craft fairs, literary festivals and tea parties, Pia blossoms in her new role. But with the delectable Jackson a daily distraction, maybe this isn’t the dream job after all – especially when Jackson’s unfeasibly beautiful ex-girlfriend Tara, comes back to visit the hall… Dreams Come True at Primrose Hall is the perfect feel-good love story to brighten even the darkest day. Just right for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.What readers say about Jill Steeples:‘Jill Steeples skilfully weaves together the contrasting lives of these three likeable women. I soon found myself rooting for each of their journeys and I loved the beautiful setting of Primrose Woods. Romantic, feel-good and heartwarming, I loved it!’‘This book was wonderful and heartwarming and a lovely romance featuring friendships and second chances. I also fell in love with the setting of Primrose Woods. The descriptions had me wanting to go and visit there. Starting Over at Primrose Woods was a wonderful, uplifting book that left me with a warm and happy feeling.’‘After finishing reading this book I felt like I had had a hug from a mug of hot chocolate – I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.’'If you are after a heart-warming and uplifting story, with side orders of romance, enchanting backdrops and loveable characters… Then I HIGHLY recommend reading Jill Steeples!'

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Book SynopsisLorna is following her dreams. But can she follow her heart?Lorna Ferguson has dreamt of opening her own bed and breakfast in the village of Glendale for as long as she’d pictured falling in love. While her love life remains frankly hopeless, Lorna is determined to secure Dove House – the home she imagined living in as a child – to start this new venture with her family.Along with brother Adam, Lorna starts restoring the house to its Art Deco glory, but faced with a whole host of renovation problems and their money fast running out, they worry that Dove House will never be ready to open in the New Year.When a mystery man turns up, needing to fulfil a promise he made to his dying father and find the object he left at Dove House many years ago, Lorna’s heart goes out to him. But what they find there is going to change both of their lives forever.Facing problems at every turn, and distracted by her heart, Lorna is going to need all the magic that her beloved Glendale can supply to make all her dreams come true…An uplifting, inspirational and romantic read that will warm your heart. Fans of Jenny Colgan and Heidi Swain will love this. Readers can’t get enough of the Glendale Hall series!:‘A lovely series full of warmth, inspiration, community spirit, friendship and love, set in the most idyllic village in the Scottish hills.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘This book is life-affirming, full of surprises, an absolute joy and a real pick-me-up!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘Victoria has a wonderful way of writing which brings the characters to life, their stories are believable, their love genuine and their pain heartbreaking… I’ve genuinely loved these books so much.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘A brilliantly written, deliciously witty and highly moving tale… sheer perfection from beginning to end!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Bookish Jottings‘I’ve fallen in love with this uplifting story and with the entire town of Glendale...I wish the characters were real!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ReadwithAbi‘A gorgeous feel-good story…I’m already looking forward to the next one!’ Jessica Redland, author of Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow‘Emotional, moving, funny, heartwarming - this novel has got it all. Highly recommended!’ Samantha Tonge, author of The Winter We Met‘Read at any time when you need something comforting and cosy and want to escape from the world for a while.’ Book Lover Worm‘I absolutely loved this book… beautifully written and a really easy, feel good read and a perfect escape.’ A Girl Who Loves to Read

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Kate O’Reilly loves a stroll down memory lane.Nowadays she’s a mother to Declan and Phoebe, has the semi-detached in suburbia and the dependable husband, Seamus – but when faced with a never-ending pile of laundry and new chin hairs sprouting overnight, no wonder she daydreams about the past.A time when the music was better (Girl Power forever!), her social circle was wider, Cool Britannia reigned supreme and only a penalty shootout stood between England reaching the finals of Euro ’96.So, when a freak electrical storm takes her back in time to 1996, Kate’s elated – this is her chance to discover what might have happened if she’d only done things a little bit differently in the Nineties.But as she relives her youth again, will Kate realise some things really are best left in the past? And will she ever be able to get back to the family she misses so much? Even if none of them know how to load the sodding dishwasher…A laugh-out-loud, relatable read for anyone who wishes they could take a holiday from adulting… fans of Why Mummy Drinks and Jane Fallon will love this!Previously published as A Mother Dimension, this has been extensively edited and rewritten.Readers are loving The Glory Years:‘A quick, easy and fun read that I adored…I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and it made me laugh.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewWow!...It completely exceeded all my expectations… a lot of twists and turns throughout the book which keeps you captivated’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I think pretty much everyone can relate to this book… I laughed out loud several times!’ Reader Review'This book had me turning pages without even realizing. It was so good!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Kate was such a fun relatable character…Very nostalgic and cute! I remember so much of the blasts from the past which was fun!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Adorable, heartwarming and inspiring.’ Reader Review‘It’s such a jovial, humorous and light-hearted book… Overall a fantastic read.’ Reader ReviewPraise for Mink Elliott:‘Nothing short of a delight… I would recommend this book if you are looking for a lighthearted and feel good read’ Reader Review‘So fun to read. It reminded me of Bridget Jones’ Diary (for 50 year olds!)…Highly recommend!’ Reader Review‘This book had me laughing because it is so relatable and down to earth…Within the first few pages, I found myself chuckling…Highly recommend this read.’ Reader Review‘Lighthearted and full of comedy…the story was relatable and enjoyable.’ Reader Review‘A really easy, feel good read which is particularly relatable for those of us of a certain age!!!’ Reader Review‘A brilliant, enjoyable and entertaining book that made me smile and laugh… I loved the humour and the likeable cast of characters. Highly recommended.’ Reader Review‘This book was hilarious…a great way to escape for a few hours.’ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisWith an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies?Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes – providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station.Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however – a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery.But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to prove her sister’s innocence…A captivating and heartwarming WWII saga for fans of Daisy Styles and Johanna Bell.Praise for The Girls of Bomber Command ‘I absolutely adored The Girls of Bomber Command. It's a real page-turner and a wonderful mix of love, loss, friendship, action and romance. There were parts of the book that had me on the edge of my seat for all kinds of reasons!’ Johanna Bell‘What a read! Fast-paced, exciting and superbly researched, this story brings World War II to life’ Lesley Eames‘When I was asked to read Vicki Beeby’s new book, I jumped at the chance! The Girls of Bomber Command is an exceptional tale that had me on the first page. Readers will delight in period details, a tight and pacy plot, and beautifully flawed characters. I couldn’t stop reading!’ Andie Newton, USA Today bestseller‘Another brilliant WW2 saga from the queen herself. Loved this book and hoping for more from the Bomber Girls. Fantastic read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Vicki Beeby has done it again! An enthralling read. The author’s notes on the research undertaken to inspire and also to make this story authentic were fascinating. I can’t wait for the next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘There’s a couple of wartime authors that I always read as soon as they have a new book out and Vicki Beeby is one of them! She writes the most perfect wartime stories.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A well-researched and well-written book… All in all a thoroughly good read – which actually brought me to tears at one point – a sign of a good book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘What a great start to a new series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book Synopsis‘Gripping, twisty and dark’ Lucy Clarke‘Nail-biting!’ Jane Corry‘Dark and intriguing’ Alice Clark-Platts'Quietly menacing. . .' Isabel Ashdown__________________________________Two people.Two sides of the story.Whose do you trust?When Erin and Will start having couples therapy, they hope it'll fix the rift that has appeared out of nowhere in their marriage.But their therapist Maggie cannot work out whose version of the truth she can trust.Then Erin is brought into hospital in a critical condition following a hit-and-run accident. Now everyone is desperate to unravel the truth.Because if this isn't an accident, then someone close to Erin must be responsible . . .__________________________________Praise for Heidi Perks:'Another winner from [Heidi] Perks' Daily Mail'A gripping thriller.... with a killer twist' CLAIRE DOUGLAS'Kept me up late into the night' LUCY CLARKE'I flew through this book in three days' LISA JEWELL'Reads like Liane Moriarty at her Big Little Lies best' TONY PARSONS

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Book Synopsis'A stunning mix of hilarious tropes, swoony romance and lovable, relatable characters. A must read for every romance lover!' Ali Hazelwood, author of The Love HypothesisAidenI've spent twelve years loving Freya Bergman and twelve lifetimes won't be enough to give her everything she deserves. She's my wife, my best friend, and all I want is to make her happy. But the one thing that will make her happiest is the one thing I'm not sure I can give her...FreyaI love my husband Aiden, but recently he has been quiet and withdrawn. With a growing distance between us, the last thing we need is to be thrown together for an island getaway to celebrate my parents' many years of perfect marriage while ours is on the brink of collapse.Despite my meddling siblings and a week in each other's constant company, this trip somehow gets us working through the trouble in paradise. But when we leave paradise and return to the real world, will trouble find us again?A marriage-in-crisis romance about a sensitive, fierce-loving woman and her resilient husband who has an anxiety disorder.Praise for Chloe Liese:'I could curl up in Liese's writing for days, I love it so' Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient'Absolute romantic perfection' Christina Lauren, author of The Unhoneymooners

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Book SynopsisUnwanted and unloved, fourteen-year-old Marie Anne Lawson is everything her mother doesn't want her to be - adventurous, outspoken and unusual. As soon as she's old enough, Marie Anne is dispatched from Northumberland to London to live with her Aunt Martha to learn to be a lady and perfect her musical talent.Life in London proves to be more difficult than she could ever have imagined. Only the friendship of her Aunt's companion and the praise of her music tutor prevents her from falling into despair.When Anne Marie is suddenly sent back to the Manor, will she find the strength to be who she really is

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Book SynopsisEnid is many things: lesbian, serial dater, deaf in one ear, space obsessive, true crime fanatic. When she's not listening to grizzly murder podcasts, she's managing her crippling phobia of bald people and trying hard not to think about her mortifying teenage years - which is hard, when she's lost the password to her old YouTube account and the (many) vlogs that her teen self once uploaded. She's worried about herself, her depressive mother, and what the deal is with gender reveal parties. But as Enid fumbles her way through her first serious relationship and navigates a new family life with her estranged half-sisters, she starts to worry that someone is following her. As her paranoia spirals out of control, Enid must contend with her mounting suspicion that something is seriously wrong with her...Full of charm, humour and heart, Interesting Facts About Space is a pitch-perfect exploration of the strange ways we try to connect with others, and the power of sharing our secret selves with the people we love.Trade ReviewEmily Austin has such a talent for weaving together the darkest of shadows with the most dazzling of lights, and Interesting Facts About Space delivers her signature blend of eccentric wit and a healthy pinch of the macabre with aplomb - and I'm so here for it. Another absolute banger * Alice Slater, author of DEATH OF A BOOKSELLER *I adore Emily's writing, perfectly capturing the precise and insistent peculiarities of the anxious mind while also managing to be funny, warm and utterly heartbreaking. Interesting Facts About Space is a triumph * Laura Kay, author of WILD THINGS *Enid is the perfect neurotic queer heroine. Interesting Facts About Space is distinctive, laugh-out-loud funny and thrillingly tense. I loved this book. * Lily Lindon, author of MY OWN WORST ENEMY *Emily Austin has done it again! I love how her quirky dark humor reveals both the absurdity and relatability of the human condition. Enid is undoubtedly a charmingly eccentric Emily AustinT protagonist: her greatest fear is bald men, her love language is sharing interesting facts about space, her coping mechanism is listening to true crime podcasts, and her secret is that she thinks she has a parasite that makes her a bad person. Fellow parasite-host readers will be both entertained and consoled by where the story goes. * Celia Laskey, author of SO HAPPY FOR YOU *Tensely plotted and full of heart, Emily Austin's second novel follows another endearing heroine I'd follow to outer space and beyond. * Anna Dorn, author of EXALTED *A vibrantly paranoid mystery and an unexpected love story. Emily Austin creates beguilingly eccentric characters, especially true crime addict and outer space encyclopedia Enid, who's both oddly confident and yearning to disappear... Highly original, engrossing and hauntingly entertaining. * Paul Rudnick, author of FARRELL COVINGTON AND THE LIMITS OF STYLE *If you've read Emily Austin's debut, Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead, you'll love this charming, heartfelt follow-up. If you haven't read her debut, I'm jealous: everything Austin writes is swoonworthy, full of lovely humans struggling to find meaning, love, and belonging in a world that's too often cold. Enid is a marvel. * Andrew David MacDonald, author of WHEN WE WERE VIKINGS *Wow, just wow. Emily Austin gets better and better! Interesting Facts About Space is a delightful, big-hearted book that made me laugh and think about all the ways in which we convince ourselves we're too weird for this world-and yet it's the most human thing anyone can do. An absolute charmer of a novel! * Mai Nguyen, author of SUNSHINE NAILS *Emily Austin is the patron saint of Sad Girls With Too Many Feelings, and masterful at finding and revealing the universal story in an achingly specific situation. * Nora McInerny, author of BAD VIBES ONLY *Dark humor has so much to teach us about the beauty and absurdity of the human condition, and the risk this book's charming heroine takes to open her fragile and flawed self to love contains a life lesson for us all. * Courtney Maum, author of THE YEAR OF THE HORSES *Absorbing, insightful and humorous - a story about mental health, difference, and phobia, as well as family, friendship and love. This book has everything. * Gillian Harvey, author of A YEAR AT THE FRENCH FARMHOUSE *

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Book SynopsisOn the day that her youngest child leaves home, Alice Hatton discovers two disturbing truths in a matter of hours.The Empty Nest cliche is true.And she does not love her husband Peter at all. Now in her fifties, Alice is appalled to realise that she is no longer considered her own person, but is instead defined by her relationships – mother to her adult children, wife to her husband. Horrified by the thought of spending another thirty years with Peter in their North London suburb, Alice decides to take matters into her own hands.What follows is a triumphant and liberating breaking of all the rules. But when Alice must cope with loss for the second time in as many years, she discovers what even the most apparently ‘respectable ‘woman is capable of.Join Amanda Brookfield as she revisits her first novel, Alice Alone, and rediscover how she got her well-deserved reputation for writing about women’s lives with humour and honesty. Includes a brand new foreword from the author.Praise for Amanda Brookfield:'An engaging, emotionally-charged and intriguing story' Michelle Gorman'No one gets to the heart of human relationships quite so perceptively as Brookfield.' The Mirror'Unputdownable. Perceptive. Poignant. I loved it.' bestselling author Patricia Scanlan on Before I Knew You'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.' Oxford TimesWhat readers are saying about Amanda Brookfield:‘I felt so involved in this story that I found myself thinking about it a lot during the day. A fantastic read. Gripping, moving, characters you care about, highly recommend.’‘Packed with suspense, (I actually held my breath during some of the scenes) and full of relatable characters, this book will draw you in from the first page. Highly recommend.’ ‘The tension builds on every page, the characters, as always with this author’s books, are drawn beautifully. I couldn’t put it down and am looking forward greatly to Amanda Brookfield’s next offering hopefully before too long!’‘Brookfield is undoubtedly one of Britain's foremost chroniclers of human relationships. It goes without saying that this novel is another page turner – guaranteed to make you read the last 50 pages before sleep, even though you know you have an early start in the morning – but it is much, much more.’

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Book Synopsis'If you've ever felt like the only person in the world who isn't perfect . . . this is what you need to read' Daisy BuchananMeet Robin Wilde: mum, newly-appointed official girlfriend, make-up artist extraordinaire and general plate-spinning, life-juggling, balance-seeking badass. Or so she likes to think.Everything seems to be slotting into place, not just for Robin but for her close-knit little world of friends and family too. Yet despite all that, she still feels like she's blagging it.Although things seem pretty great on paper, cracks are beginning to show. Robin's best friend Lacey is struggling to bond with her baby, her Auntie Kath suddenly seems distant and her daughter Lyla is finding it hard to adapt to having a man in their lives. For once everybody is depending on Robin, but the pressure is mounting and she's starting to feel overwhelmed.So, when Robin's asked to go to the States for work, it seems like the getaway they all need. Look out New York, Robin and her girls are on their way! But will the city that never sleeps make or break them? *** This is what you've been saying about the Robin Wilde books:'Amazing''Had me gripped from start to end''I just loved it so much''So real, so relatable, so inspiring''Uplifting, touching and very true to life''Witty and heart-warming'Praise for the Robin Wilde books:'Warm, engaging . . . [Robin Wilde] is a chatty winning yet poignant heroine'SOPHIE KINSELLA'I fell in love with Robin and her family before the end of the first page . . . A fabulous mix of escapism and relatability, this is a hug of a book'DAISY BUCHANAN'Wonderfully written and full of humour. Funny, heartfelt, tender and empowering'GIOVANNA FLETCHER'Hilarious, moving and extremely well written'SUNDAY TIMES STYLE 'If it's great big belly laughs you're after, then meet Robin Wilde'FABULOUS MAGAZINECan't wait to read more from Louise Pentland? Look out for her new non-fiction book, MumLife: What Nobody Ever Tells You About Being A Mum. Search 9781788702928. Trade ReviewHilarious * My Weekly *

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Book Synopsis'I laughed. I cried. I laughed again' Sinéad Moriarty'An enthralling read with . . . so many laughs along the way' Liz Nugent'A funny, poignant and moving read' My WeeklyFrom bestselling Irish writer Anna McPartlin, Waiting for the Miracle is an uplifting novel about how good friends can help you see the funny side of life, even in the darkest of days. Perfect for fans of Sheila O'Flanagan and Marian Keyes.2010Caroline can't get pregnant, Janet can't hold a pregnancy, Natalie's sperm donor is a stoner with a bad attitude and Ronnie is, well, no one knows Ronnie's story. When the women meet in an infertility group, they quicklyform a firm - if slightly odd - friendship and their lives begin to change.1976When 16-year-old Catherine's pregnancy is revealed, she's sent to a convent to give birth. Her baby is taken from her, and she re-emerges into the world, down but not out, determined to fight back. She finds work, a home and acceptance with gay hairdresser and fellow outsider and her life begins again.Waiting for the Miracle is story about finding your tribe, at any age. It's about love, loss, friendship andlaughing at yourself. It's about life.'Takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions...you'll be laughing through your tears at the sharp and funny dialogue' NFOP magazinePraise for Anna McPartlin: 'Anna McPartlin's novel is brilliant, funny and immensely moving' Catherine Isaac, author of You, Me, Everything'It's such a gorgeous examination of grief while also being honest, hilarious and totally relatable. I LOVED this book!' Fionnuala Kearney, author of The Book of Love'When I wasn't reaching for the Kleenex to wipe away a little tear, I was guffawing with laughter - Anna has the gift of being able to make you laugh and sob, and all on a single page.' Claudia Carroll, author of The Women of Primrose Square Readers love Waiting for the Miracle:'Who will have the happy ever after dream and who will settle for the dream never happening? I raced though it in 2 days to find out. I particularly loved the flitting between current day and the character Catherine's story from the past and was eager to see how the 2 would come together. Wrap yourself up in a duvet and start reading. You won't be disappointed.''You will be gripped by both stories and wonder where the book is going ... but it gets better and better.''Loved loved loved it! As always an amazing story with real life issues, read it in 3 days couldn't put it down going to work was a bit of inconvenience lol can't wait for the next one, thanks Anna''Another emotional rollercoaster read about loss, hope, courage & friendship, I was hooked right from the very start, I loved how the story changed between current day and the past with Catherine's story, have your tissues ready.''Didn't want it to end.''McPartlin excels in the one-liner, and finding something to laugh about in the darkest of times.''I do not hesitate to recommend this magnificent book to everyone. Sure to be in my top books of this year.''A story of hope over heartbreak told with Irish humour and charm.''Anna McPartlin has done it again! Another stunning read that ends with me in tears yet also smiling.'Trade Review'Takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions...you'll be laughing through your tears at the sharp and funny dialogue' NFOP magazine'Beautiful. A joy' Sinead Moriarty author of the Devlin Sisters novelsPraise for Anna McPartlin:'Anna McPartlin's novel is brilliant, funny and immensely moving' - Catherine Isaac, author of You, Me, Everything'It's such a gorgeous examination of grief while also being honest, hilarious and totally relatable. I LOVED this book!' - Fionnuala Kearney, author of The Book of Love'When I wasn't reaching for the Kleenex to wipe away a little tear, I was guffawing with laughter - Anna has the gift of being able to make you laugh and sob, and all on a single page.' - Claudia Carroll, author of The Women of Primrose Square

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Book SynopsisSometimes you need to run, to find out where you really belong...'A must read and one of my favourite books of the year.' - 5 stars, Amazon reviewer'The author had me in stitches one minute and in tears the next.' - 5 stars, NetGalley 'I was glued to the pages from the very start' - 5 stars, NetGalley'Rani paints such a beautiful picture of how difficult some Indian women have to find their place in the world without getting married ... a talented author who sucks you into her world' - 5 stars, NetGalleyBaby Saul has had it with just about everything. She's fed up with her job and her colleagues, her love life is permanently casual, and underpinning everything is the grief of losing her much-loved dad. Oh, and if the aunties don't stop asking her when she's going to settle down and start having babies, she might just lose it. When she finds some love letters between her grandfather and someone who is very clearly not her grandmother, Baby realises that she needs to know more. She heads to India to do some detective work on this mysterious other woman... and to find out a bit more about herself along the way. What she doesn't bargain for is Sid, her guide (and unwilling driver) being annoyingly handsome, with a knack for asking Baby the sort of questions that force her to look at what she really wants out of life.

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence 2017 Profound and poignant, Perfume River is a masterful novel that examines family ties and the legacy of the Vietnam War through the portrait of a single North Florida family. Profound and poignant, Perfume River is a masterful novel that examines blood ties and the legacy of the Vietnam War through the portrait of a single North Florida family. Robert Quinlan and his wife Darla teach at Florida State University. Their marriage, forged in the fervour of anti-Vietnam-war protests, now bears the fractures of time, with the couple trapped in an existence of morning coffee, solitary jogging and separate offices. For Robert and Darla, the cracks remain below the surface, whereas the divisions in Robert's own family are more apparent: he has almost no relationship with his brother Jimmy, who became estranged from the family as the Vietnam War intensified. William Quinlan, Robert and Jimmy's father and a veteran of World War II, is coming to the end of his life, and aftershocks of war ripple across all their lives once again when Jimmy refuses to appear at his father's bedside. And a disturbed homeless man whom Robert at first takes to be a fellow Vietnam veteran turns out to have a devastating impact not just on Robert, but on his entire family.Trade ReviewButler's Faulknerian shuttling back and forth across the decades has less to do with literary pyrotechnics than with cutting to the chase. Perfume River hits its marks with a high-stakes intensity . . . Butler's particulars on the two brothers' marriages are comprehensively adroit . . . Butler's prose is fluid, and his handling of his many time-shifts as lucid as it is urgent. His descriptive gifts don't extend just to his characters' traits or their Florida and New Orleans settings, but to the history he's addressing . . . 'You share a war in one way,' Robert thinks. 'You pass it on in another.' Perfume River captures both the agony and subtlety of how that happens -- Michael Upchurch * New York Times Book Review *Though superficially a straightforward family drama, Perfume River poses some deeply serious questions about the nature of our engagement with war and the way throughout history it has served the purpose of testing the resolve and courage of young men. It also explores how notions of loyalty and duty can be part of a son's genetic inheritance and what can happen when they are challenged. And it reveals how, more than 40 years after its ignominious end, the Vietnam War remains for some Americans an open wound. Butler's refusal to even hint at easy answers to those questions makes this a novel that succeeds in engaging us in profound and important ways * Bookreporter.com *At the heart of the story - or stories, which move fluidly among Robert, Darla and Jimmy, one character's thoughts sometimes answering another's - is a knot of misunderstandings, misconceptions and assumptions that begin to unravel with the father's fall, only to be replaced by new if somewhat clearer distortions * Minneapolis Star Tribune *This thoughtful and considered novel stands as a sobering reminder that there are still members of an ageing generation to have, even now, failed to find peace or closure -- Alastair Mabbot * The Sunday Herald *An understated yet profound and incredibly hard hitting and evocative novel that just simmers with tension -- Liz Robinson * LoveReading *

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Book SynopsisMary Robson is a young Yorkshire woman, married to her solid, unromantic cousin, John. Together they battle to preserve Mary's neglected inheritance: their beloved farm, Anderby Wold. This labour of love - and the benevolent tyranny of traditional Yorkshire ways - has made Mary old before her time. Then into her purposeful life comes David Rossitur. Young, red-haired, charming, eloquent: how can she help but love him? But David is from a different England - radical and committed to social change. As their confrontation and its consequences inevitably unfold, Mary's life and that of the calm village of Anderby are changed forever.

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Book Synopsis'A charming, laugh-out-loud read' - SUNDAY INDEPENDENTSHORTLISTED FOR THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2021Three couples. One therapist's couch ...Alice and Niall used to be lovers, best friends and parents, in that order. Now they're no longer on the same page or even reading from the same book.Ann thought when she and Ken retired, it would be their second spring. Instead, it feels more like an icy winter.Orla is falling in love with boyfriend Paul, but her complicated past makes her unsure if she can ever be intimate with anyone.Three couples find themselves telling a stranger about the most private part of their lives - their hopes, their disappointments, their awkward realisations.Can they learn to be honest with each other? And what life-changing decisions will be made when they do?'Such a joy to read . . . a brilliant book' - CLAIRE BYRNE'Moriarty has perfected the fine dance between light and shade, turning some of the most substantial and challenging of life's realities into compelling, companionable reads' - IRISH INDEPENDENTTrade ReviewA brilliant read and perfect for summer. Sinéad is a master when it comes to characters who you care for and storylines that feel genuine and sincere * Belfast Telegraph *Such a joy to read . . . a wonderful book -- Claire ByrneBrilliant and beautifully told -- Anna McPartlinMoriarty has perfected the fine dance between light and shade, turning some of the most substantial and challenging of life's realities into compelling, companionable reads * Irish Independent *There is a bit of each of these women in us all. A charming, laugh-out-loud read * Sunday Independent *The standout book of the summer * RSVP *

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Book Synopsis'An enthralling mystery, family saga and Sunset Song-esque ode to the land' - The Herald, 25 Summer Reads Winner of the Bookmark Book Festival Book of the Year Longlisted for the Highland Book Prize After Highland shepherd Colvin Munro disappears, a mysterious trail of his possessions is found in the Cairngorm mountains. Writing the eulogy for his memorial years later, his foundling-sister Mo seeks to discover why he vanished. Younger brother Sorley is also haunted by his absence and driven to reveal the forces that led to Colvin’s disappearance. Is their brother alive or dead? Set on a farming estate in the upper reaches of the River Spey, Of Stone and Sky follows several generations of a shepherding family in a paean to the bonds between people, their land and way of life. It is a profound mystery, a passionate poem, a political manifesto, shot through with wisdom and humour.Trade Review'Of Stone and Sky unfolds impressively and with a sweeping scope, dispelling romantic notions of the Highlands to acknowledge its material realities, and doing it through diverse, well-developed characters, before capping it with a satisfying ending’ * The Herald *'A paean to the bonds between people, their land and way of life' * Scots Magazine *'A rich stew of a novel, one with a Victorian complexity of plot, a family saga which is also a socio-economic survey of Highland history ... a considerable achievement' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'With the most wonderful blend of stark and sharp plot lines mixed with richly descriptive detailing, this is a beautifully readable novel ... Merryn Glover has an evocative pen, the descriptions sing, the sense of place flowed into my awareness and I found I couldn't stop reading. An unexpected novel, echoing the past and asking questions of the future, it really is a truly lovely read' -- Liz Robinson * LoveReading *'Glover writes with a poet's clarity and economy ... each of the pieces of the jigsaw is compelling in its own right and interlink to create a picture of considerable beauty and power ... exceptionally touching' * Scottish Mountaineer *'This complex, exquisitely written and meticulously-structured work covers almost a century. It deals with love, community, family, the legacies of the past; but also with alcoholism, tragedy, betrayal and loss. It’s immensely readable – and overflowing with grace' * Inverness Courier *'The lyrical, descriptive writing style pairs perfectly with the sweeping landscape ... Of Stone and Sky is brimming with life, love and just enough Scottish stuff: dialect, tradition, song and prayer' -- Nicole Gemine * Dundee Courier, Scottish Book of the Week *'An enthralling mystery, family saga and Sunset Song-esque ode to the land' * The Herald, 25 Summer Reads *'A stunning story, beautifully written…[Merryn Glover] paints a richly detailed portrait of her setting. A book which deserves widespread recognition…outstanding Scottish literary fiction' -- Joanne Baird * Portobello Book Blog *'A novel full of connection and mystery… with the backdrop of the beautiful Scottish Highlands, this is a story of love, wisdom, and wit' * Scottish Field *'The plot embraces a community and landscape which shapes it in the paean to connectivity' * Strathspey and Badenoch Herald *'a perfect winter read... draw the curtains, light the fire and prepare to be transported to the Cairngorm mountains' -- Liz Treacher * Kyle Chronicle *'Crafted beautifully and effects its own quiet, soulful rhythm in the main characters’ lives ... In the midst of tragedy, loss and life-changing physical and emotional pain, Of Stone And Sky shepherds us to feel our part in the existence of something greater' * North Words Now *'Evokes a sense of land and belonging… a journey of introspection and self discovery. A read to be savoured slowly' * The Wee Review *'This book is sublime. It was an absolute joy to read, like drifting along a gentle stream with waves of poetic beauty constantly lapping around me' * Goodreads, 5 star review *'This is a beautiful read ... the heart of the novel is the quality of writing' * Dorset Magazine *

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Book Synopsis‘A moving YA book. And an important one’ – The Telegraph on Lies We Tell Ourselves What if discovering who you really are means letting go of who you've been? Toni and Gretchen are the couple everyone envied in high school. They've been together forever. They never fight. They're hopelessly in love. When they separate for their first year at college they're sure their relationship will stay rock solid. The reality of being apart, however, is very different. Toni's discovering a new world – and a new gender identity – but Gretchen struggles to remember who she is outside of their relationship. While Toni worries that Gretchen won’t understand Toni's shifting identity, Gretchen begins to wonder where she fits in this puzzle. Now they must decide if their love is strong enough to last. A powerful new novel from the acclaimed author of Lies We Tell Ourselves. Praise for Robin Talley ‘This is so thought-provoking it almost hurts to read it, yet every word is needed, is necessary and consequently this is a novel that lingers long after you've finished it' – Lovereading ‘This is an emotional and compelling read that I did not want to put down. It is […] beautifully written and the tension just simmers on the pages.’ – Bookbabblers ‘This book packs a very powerful punch’ – Historical Novel Society ‘With great characterisation, tough issues covered, and a plot which had me guessing right up until the last pages, this is a must-read. Massively recommended!’ – The Bookbag ‘This exceptional novel of first love and sexual awakenings is set against a backdrop of shocking racism and prejudice. It is incredibly well written as the tense, riveting story seamlessly combines fiction with historical fact.’ – Booktrust ‘Every now and then a Young Adult book comes along that I want to push into every reader's hands, both young and old, and Lies We Tell Ourselves is that book for 2014’ – Jess Hearts Books ‘Talley has mixed two controversial topics together to create a firecracker of a story’ – Cheryl M-M's Book Blog *A Goodreads Choice Awards semi-finalist 2014 Trade Review ‘This exceptional novel of first love and sexual awakenings…is incredibly well written as the tense, riveting story seamlessly combines fiction with historical fact.’ – Booktrust on Lies We Tell Ourselves. This is so thought-provoking it almost hurts to read it, yet every word is needed, is necessary and consequently this is a novel that lingers long after you've finished it' – Lovereading on Lies We Tell Ourselves

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Book Synopsis'Delightful' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Can she find it in her heart to let go before it’s too late? As her daughter grows up, Ave Maria can’t help but feel time is slipping through her fingers. Her friends in Big Stone Gap are going through major life changes, too, and her husband seems desperate to reinvent himself in ways nobody could have predicted. Reaching into the past to find answers to the present, Ave Maria is led to places she never dreamed she would go, and as people enter her life and rock the foundation, Ave Maria faces the true test of love: letting go.The third in the bestselling and much-loved BIG STONE GAP series from the bestselling author of The Shoemaker's Wife, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick Praise for the BIG STONE GAP series: 'Hilarious and romantic. I couldn’t put it down’ SARAH JESSICA PARKER 'One of my all-time favourite novels' WHOOPI GOLDBERG ‘If you love curling up with charming tales of small towns and quirky characters, switch off with this’ COSMOPOLITAN 'Delightfully quirky' PEOPLE 'As comforting as a mug of chamomile tea on a rainy Sunday' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW 'Utterly addictive' GLAMOUR 'As quirky and charming as her first novel. If you are not a fan already, you will be after this' COMPANY 'Honest, wholesome entertainment with a spicy Deep South kick' DAILY MAIL 'As warm and sweet as Southern Comfort' ELLETrade ReviewPraise for Adriana Trigiani ‘A gorgeous piece of escapism’ The Times 'A comedy writer with a heart of gold' New York Times 'Trigiani is a master of palpable and visual detail' Washington Post 'One of my all-time favourite novels' Whoopi Goldberg 'Utterly addictive' Glamour 'Exquisite writing and a story enriched by the power of abiding love' USA Today 'Full of romance, drama and snappy dialogue' People 'Eminently readable and richly imagined' Publisher's Weekly 'Trigiani is a seemingly effortless storyteller' Boston Globe 'Hilarious and romantic. I couldn't put it down' Sarah Jessica Parker

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Book Synopsis Shortlisted for the Commonwealth Prize Shortlisted for the Writers’ Guild Awards Shortlisted for the Waverton Good Read Award Nominated for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 'He just knocked, that was all, knocked at the front door and waited, like the fourteen years since the night I'd killed my mother hadn't happened at all...' Crushed by an impossible shame, Jinx's life has been little more than a shell. Now estranged from her husband, she is even relieved when he leaves and takes her young son with him. But a visit from an old friend of her mother's forces Jinx to confront her history. Looking back plunges her once more into the pain of the past, but it also brings with it the possibility of redemption. And Jinx isn't the only one with secrets. Together, she and Lemon will unravel an unforgettable family drama, stoked with violence and passion. Rich with voices from East London and the West Indies, Edwards's narrative is delivered with a unique and uncompromising bite that announces a new talent in British fiction. 'Deeply moving, wonderfully written… A study of grief and remorse.' The Times Trade Review'Deeply moving, wonderfully written... A study of grief and remorse.' -- The Times'In this potent mystery... Edwards makes us greedy for the full story.' -- New York Times'Yvvette Edwards unique and uncompromising debut is stoked with violence and passion, rich with voices form East London and the West Indies.' -- Booker Prize judges'A pleasure to revisit. A Cupboard Full of Coats is literary perfection. Beyond glorious.' -- Eva Verde, author of In Bloom'A gut-wrenching and gorgeously lyrical debut... Engrossing and human to the core, Edwards's novel wrings the heart in the most tender of ways.' -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)'A Cupboard Full of Coats is high drama, full of breathtaking tension, and, at times, brought to mind the works of Arthur Miller and August Wilson, both of whom knew a thing or two about secrets spilled across a kitchen table.' -- Attica Locke, author of Black Water Rising'An impressive debut… A writer to watch.' -- Independent'Redolent of Monica Ali and Zadie Smith, Yvvette Edwards' bold debut is a searing story of family, jealousy, and tragic betrayal… Rich with voices from East London and the West Indies, Edward's narrative is delivered with a unique and uncompromising bite that announces a new talent in British fiction.' -- Fantastic Fiction'A piercing and engaging narrative...reminiscent of Toni Morrison and Barbara Kingsolver, who similarly explore hidden and revealed secrets.' -- Booklist'Lyrical and haunting.' -- Toronto Star'A novel that pulses with rhythm, texture, language, and a story that keeps you locked to its pages. Brutally honest, expertly woven, and utterly mesmerizing. I loved this book.' -- Naseem Rakha, author of the international bestseller The Crying Tree'A truly stunning work of contemporary literary fiction that packs an emotional punch and keeps readers guessing to the end, A Cupboard Full of Coats is already being compared by critics to the novels of the master, Ruth Rendell.' -- African American Literature Book Club'A fierce book, painfully honest and beautifully written… Impressive.' -- The Book Bag'Beyond the luminous prose and fully dimensional characters, Edwards explores difficult issues of race, beauty, gender, objectification and how they coalesce to create the identity we present to the world as well as ourselves.' -- Book Club Classics'One to watch.' -- Daily Mail'Expertly woven and perfectly paced, A Cupboard Full of Coats is both a heartbreaking family drama and a riveting mystery, with a cast of characters who linger in the mind and the heart long after the last page has been turned.' -- BookBrowse'An elegantly structured story of guilt and redemption…emotionally raw and brutally honest… Impressive in its psychological complexity, this is one of the best novels I've read this year.' -- Publishing Perspectives'An impressive debut, particularly notable for its pellucid prose.' -- Kirkus Reviews'Fans of British psychological thrillers, à la Ruth Rendell, will adore this lyrical debut.' -- Redbook'Yvvette Edwards' A Cupboard Full of Coats is a trauma narrative with a surface patina of Junot Diaz.' -- Propeller Magazine'I can't stop talking about this gut-wrenching tale of forbidden love.' -- Essence'It is carefully structured and the human relationships brutally real.' -- We Love This Book'A slow-burning heartbreaker of a story. . . [written] with elegant restraint and a sensitivity uncommon in debut novels.' -- Shelf Awareness'Rich in emotion but resolutely unsentimental, the story is unspooled with judgement and skill.' -- Literary Review'Expert plotting, a flair for the dramatic and an ability to create characters both vividly idiosyncratic and classically archetypal.' -- The Journal Sentinel'The heroine is Jinx and this is her story… It is a very fine first novel, with Edwards keeping her characters interesting, the plot full of guesswork and her story well told. And it is certainly better than some of the others mentioned above.' -- The Modern Novel

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Book SynopsisThis stunning Macmillan Collector's Library edition of Demelza features an afterword by novelist Liz Fenwick.Demelza Carne, the impoverished miner's daughter rescued from a fairground rabble, is now Ross Poldark's wife. But events are set to test their marriage and their love . . . Demelza's efforts to adapt to the ways of the gentry - and of her husband - bring her confusion and heartache, despite her joy at the birth of their first child. Meanwhile, Ross begins a bitter struggle for the rights of the mining communities, sowing the seed of an enduring enmity with the powerful George Warleggan. Demelza is the second novel in Winston Graham's sweeping saga of Cornish life in the eighteenth century. First published in 1945, the Poldark series has enthralled readers ever since.Designed to appeal to the book lover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.Trade ReviewRoss is one of literature's great heroes ... [with] elements of Darcy, Heathcliff, Rhett Butler and Robin Hood -- Debbie Horsfield

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Book SynopsisThe dark, twisty new domestic suspense that will leave you gasping from the author of CuckooShe's married to him. But does she know him at all?Claire lives with her family in a beautiful house overlooking the water. But she feels as if she's married to a stranger one who is leading a double life. As soon as she can get their son Joe away from him, she's determined to leave Duncan.But finding out the truth about Duncan's secret life leads to consequences Claire never planned for. Now Joe is missing, and she's struggling to piece together the events of the night that tore them all apart.Alone in an isolated cottage, hiding from Duncan, Claire tries to unravel the lies they've told each other, and themselves. Something happened to her family But can she face the truth?Perfect for readers who loved The Whisper Man, Here to Stay, and SleepA deftly dark, creepy and disturbing psychological thriller' LoveReadingGreat for anyone who loves an enticing thriller' Marie ClaireAn eerie page-turnTrade Review‘Great for anyone who loves an enticing thriller’ Marie Claire ‘A deftly dark, creepy and disturbing psychological thriller’ LoveReading ‘An eerie page-turner’ Crime Scene Magazine ‘I found myself hanging on to every word . . . brilliant and atmospheric, it will have readers gripped’ The Courier ‘Chilling and heart-rending, a creepy, atmospheric story with a beautifully-drawn, bleak setting and memorably flawed characters’ Roz Watkins ‘Beautifully written, with a chilling mystery at its core, Magpie is a suspenseful and twisty pleasure of a read’ Howard Linskey ‘Sophie Draper is a wonderful writer, adept at weaving stories within stories. This eerie Derbyshire tale lingered with me for days after I’d read the final page. And, try as I might, I didn’t see the final twist coming!’ Nicola Rayner ‘I could not stop reading this – creepy and compelling. I loved it’ Sarah Ward

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