Family life fiction / Stories about family

Book Synopsis‘Written with all the ingenuity and twisty tautness of a thriller’ The TimesFrom the Booker-winning Irish author, a brilliant and moving novel about fame, sexual power, and a daughter’s search to understand her mother’s hidden truths. This is the story of Irish theatre legend Katherine O’Dell, as told by her daughter Norah. It tells of early stardom in Hollywood, of highs and lows on the stages of Dublin and London’s West End. Katherine’s life is a grand performance, with young Norah watching from the wings. But this romance between mother and daughter cannot survive Katherine’s past, or the world’s damage. As Norah uncovers her mother’s secrets, she acquires a few of her own. Then, fame turns to infamy when Katherine decides to commit a bizarre crime. Actress is about a daughter’s search for the truth: the dark secret in the bright star, and what drove Katherine finally mad . . .Trade ReviewA perfect jewel of a book, a dark emerald set in the Irish laureate’s fictional tiara, alongside her Man Booker Prize winner The Gathering (2007) and The Green Road (2015). Its brilliance is complex and multifaceted, but completely lucid… Actress is a deeply humane, often darkly funny novel about the exercise of power over sexually attractive women. The grim subject matter is illuminated by Enright’s acute sensitivity to language… Enright proves, once again, her genius. -- Ruth Scurr * Spectator *Anne Enright, the unofficial rock star of literary fiction, cements her stardom with Actress. -- Niamh Donnelly * Irish Times *Actress absolutely enthralled me… [An] immersive, masterful novel. -- Anya Meyerowitz * Red Magazine *In Katherine O’Dell, her fictional fallen star of stage and screen…Enright has created a heroine as irresistible to the reader as to her audiences… She has become a byword for contemporary Irish literary fiction at its finest. -- Lisa Allardice * Guardian *May I recommend Actress by Anne Enright. Her writing is always pitch perfect, but this is truly exquisite. If there is such a thing as the perfect novel, this is it. -- Nigella Lawson

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Book SynopsisHOW DID THE GOOD LIFE GO SO WRONG? Amy Connell and Lan Honey are having the best childhood. When their families make the leap from city living to a farm in the West Country they have untold freedom. The adults are far too busy to keep an eye on them, and Amy and Lan would never tell them about climbing on the high barn roof, or what happened with the axe that time, any more than their parents would tell them the things they get up to. Adult things, like betrayal, that threaten to bring the whole fragile idyll tumbling down...'Funny and moving' Elizabeth Day'A fabulous thing: vivid and funny, sometimes heart-rendingly sad' Guardian'I couldn't put it down' Esther FreudTrade ReviewI adore Sadie Jones' writing... [Amy and Lan is] funny, moving, and really goes to the heart of why trying to change for the better isn't as simple as it sounds -- Elizabeth Day, *Day's Delights*Jones's fictional landscape is jam-packed, abundant, and her smallholding as thick with intrigue as the Borgias' court... I don't think I've read another recent novel that better captures the pure sugar-rush of childhood; the sense of a life so exhilarating and ecstatic that it is almost too much to bear -- Xan Brooks * Guardian *I couldn't put it down. Amy and Lan is a love letter to nature, to the seasons, to the ideal of simple living with all its human complications. It's a beautifully evoked story, full of empathy and hope -- Esther Freud, author of I COULDN'T LOVE YOU MOREAchingly poignant... This is a novel of quiet beauty, vividly evoking the magnitude of childhood loss and the capacity for hope -- Stephanie Merritt * Observer *A bright, bittersweet novel * Evening Standard, *Summer Reads of 2022* *

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Book SynopsisThe brand new high-concept domestic suspense that asks the important question - are women ever truly safe? Perfect for fans of Vox, The End of Men and John Marrs. Curfew law keeps men at home after 7pm. It keeps women safe after dark. It changed things for the better... until now. SARAH Sarah rebuilt her life after her husband was sent to prison. Now he's about to be released, and Sarah isn't expecting a happy reunion given she's the reason he was sent there... CASS Seventeen-year-old Cass disagrees with Curfew. She believes men and women should be equal. And she's determined to prove she's right - whatever the cost. HELEN Helen wants a baby more than anything, so things are moving quickly with her boyfriend. She loves him. But should she trust him? All of these women are in danger. And one will end up dead. Evidence will suggest that she was killed late at night and that she knew her attacker. It couldn't have been a man because a Curfew tag is a solid alibi... Isn't it?Trade ReviewWhat a thought-provoking read. So timely, so relevant and so remarkably written, it's going to live with me for some time to come -- John MarrsThis book is so clever and timely. It is written so well and is so clever. Original and brilliant * Frost Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA magical and emotionally powerful novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis, perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Fiona Valpy and Rosamunde Pilcher.READERS ARE LOVING NO MAN'S ISLAND, THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER!"This is my first Susan Sallis book and it certainly won't be my last." - 5 STARS"Couldn't put it down." - 5 STARS"I loved the way the story had a twist at the end. Great book." - 5 STARS*********************ON A WILD AND WINDSWEPT ISLAND, THE SECRETS OF THE PAST UNRAVEL...When she hears the news of the death of her ex-husband, Binnie feels like her tranquil life in the West Country is over.To her surprise, she discovers that he has left her the island in the beautiful archipelago off the coast of Cornwall and the dilapidated house where he spent his childhood, and Binnie has to take her family to the island - revisiting it for the first time in years - and work out what to do.As she becomes involved in the life of the island, and its inhabitants, she has to embark upon a whole new life and discovers many things about her husband - and her own past - that will change everything forever...

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Book Synopsis'EXQUISITE' Vanity Fair 'REMARKABLE . . . POISED, INTELLIGENT, VERY GROWN-UP WRITING, EQUALLY AT HOME IN ALL ITS ENVIRONMENTS.' Guardian'AS HONEST AS IT IS ENGROSSING' NPR'A TIMELY, SWEEPING TALE . . . BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN.' Boston Globe'ARTICULATES THE FULL-BODIED CHORUS OF EGYPT'S VOICES' New York TimesSisters Rose and Gameela Gubran could not have been more different. Rose, an Egyptologist, married an American journalist and immigrated to New York City, where she works in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Gameela, a devout Muslim since her teenage years, stayed in Cairo. During the aftermath of Egypt's revolution, Gameela is killed in a suicide bombing. When Rose returns to Egypt after the bombing, she sifts through the artifacts Gameela left behind, desperate to understand how her sister came to die, and who she truly was. Soon, Rose realizes that Gameela has left many questions unanswered. Why had she quit her job just a few months before her death and not told her family? Who was she romantically involved with? And how did the religious Gameela manage to keep so many secrets? Rich in depth and feeling, A Pure Heart is a brilliant portrait of two Muslim women in the twenty-first century, and the decisions they make in work and love that determine their destinies. As Rose is struggling to reconcile her identities as an Egyptian and as a new American, she investigates Gameela's devotion to her religion and her country. The more Rose uncovers about her sister's life, the more she must reconcile their two fates, their inextricable bond as sisters, and who should and should not be held responsible for Gameela's death. Rajia Hassib's A Pure Heart is a stirring and deeply textured novel that asks what it means to forgive, and considers how faith, family, and love can unite and divide us.Trade ReviewExquisite * Vanity Fair *A timely, sweeping tale that examines the intersection of fate and choice, the pull of culture and identity, family and love . . . Beautifully written. * Boston Globe *Hassib is a perceptive writer with a real understanding of how people act - not how they ought to act . . . a novel that's as honest as it is engrossing. * NPR *Remarkable . . . poised, intelligent, very grown-up writing, equally at home in all its environments. * Guardian *Shines as one of the finest explorations of identity, religion, and culture in modern American literature. Her background leaves her particularly well situated to develop these themes ... brilliantly illuminates the complications of our world: the clash of religious beliefs, the uneven division of wealth, our classist snobbery, the failure of our best intentions. Yet the story is not simply an examination of problems. It is also a fervent illustration of the strength and beauty of familial bonds, ties that persist even after death. * Southern Literary Review *Hassib . . . articulates the full-bodied chorus of Egypt's voices . . . dismantling stereotypes of her country and culture. In so doing she exposes mankind's best and worst qualities, our universalities and differences, illuminating all the while the myriad ways in which a heart can be pure. * New York Times *A profound and deeply affecting examination of fate and free will, family and identity, sin and redemption, and the unique bond between sisters. * Buzzfeed, 'Summer Books to Be Excited About' *Characters are deeply woven and veiled in their own facades . . . a stellar entry into the world's library. * Irish Examiner *A captivating novel about family, love, and home. Hassib masterfully excavates the secret loyalties that drive women to make fateful choices and, in so doing, explores important themes of guilt and responsibility, shame and forgiveness. * Laila Lalami, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist The Moor's Account *A Pure Heart is an emotional portrait of sisterly relationships and how political strife and change affects even the most personal aspects of our lives. * Real Simple's "Best Books of 2019 (So Far) *[A] gripping contemporary novel about two Muslim sisters. . . . When one sister is killed, the other uncovers continuous challenging questions in her quest for understanding and closure. * Ms. Magazine *A Pure Heart grapples with the question of how to be many things at once. . . . Hassib is especially talented at rendering the small details of daily Egyptian life-not in some exoticized fashion but rather as a foundation on which to lay the wide variety of experiences, ideologies, and aspirations of the country's citizenry. These details found throughout the book, shine. . . . What's most impressive about A Pure Heart . . . [is] the novel's meditation on the nature of multiple identities. * Omar El Akkad, BookPage (starred review) *A multifaceted look at the complicated legacies of identity, religion, and politics in Egypt after the Arab Spring emerges. Even the story of the suicide bomber is given careful consideration in this enlightening, heartrending novel. * Booklist (starred review) *[A Pure Heart] fluidly explores how even seismic historical events can mix with everyday emotions such as sibling rivalry and insecurity to concoct a potent brew. . . . A devastating definition of the new normal in which revolution does not always deliver real power to institute change. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *A profound tale of two Egyptian Muslim women in the 21st century, and the decisions they make in work and love that determine their destinies. This is a timely, thought-provoking novel that explores the intersection of religion, identity, and politics in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. * BookRiot's “7 of The Buzziest Beach Reads of The Year *Hassib's impressive second novel is a fascinating depiction of sisters Rose and Gameela, their shared heritage, and the country that ultimately divides them. . . . Hassib seamlessly transports the reader from one culture to another, eloquently showcasing the triumphs, heartaches, and beliefs shared by the protagonists. * Publishers Weekly *Hassib draws an intimate portrait of contemporary Egypt, deftly explaining the complexity of political viewpoints regarding the revolution and post-revolutionary years. Through her characters, she shows the subtle differences in class, culture, and religious belief that can cause fractures in families, marriages, and societies. . . . Giving a voice to everyone, even the bomber, Hassib displays empathy and compassion steeped in a deep knowledge of her subject. Recommended. * Library Journal *A captivating novel about family, love, and home. Hassib masterfully excavates the secret loyalties that drive women to make fateful choices and, in so doing, explores important themes of guilt and responsibility, shame and forgiveness. * Laila Lalami, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist The Moor's Account *Full of intelligent reflections about exile, this moving novel about two Egyptian sisters-one in New York, the other in Cairo-carefully dramatizes the curdling of individual dreams in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. * Karan Mahajan, author of National Book Award finalist The Association of Small Bombs *A stunner of a book. Weaving through the lives of two sisters split by destiny, Hassib's latest novel is a story of excavation: of countries and people. With the Egyptian revolution as backdrop, Hassib masterfully explores the loyalties, geographies and histories that can both partition and bind family. * Hala Alyan, author of Dayton Literary Peace Prize and Arab American Book Award winner Salt Houses *It would be unjust to call Hassib's A Pure Heart anything but heartbreaking and beautiful. Nearly every character is trapped between political, religious, and geographic extremes, trying to figure out who they are and what they love. These goals are always in sight, but, for some, ever beyond reach. * Ian Bassingthwaighte, author of Live from Cairo *Rajia Hassib's latest novel is a lyrical, heartfelt reflection on the Egyptian revolution as well as on the painful secrets that separate two sisters. * Susan Muaddi Darraj, author of Arab American Book Award winner A Curious Land *A gripping tale of two sisters whose lives intersect with tragic consequences. A Pure Heart beats to its own rhythm of heartaches, joy, loss and courage. An extraordinary achievement. * Zeba Talkhani, author of My Past is a Foreign Country *'An intimate portrait of "fractured souls in a fractured nation"' * TLS *

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Book Synopsis 'The unrelenting tension of this well-crafted debut kept me whizzing through the book . . . I loved the tension, the secrets and the satisfying, unexpected conclusion' KL Slater In a converted Georgian townhouse in south west London, three families live under one roof.The large flat that takes up the top two floors is home to the Harlow family: happily married Paul and Steph, and their bubbly teenage daughter Freya. The smaller first floor flat is rented by Emma, who spends most of her time alone, listening to people coming in and out of the building. And the basement flat belongs to Chris, a local driving instructor, who prefers to keep his personal life private from the neighbours.But their lives are all upended when Freya vanishes. As the police become involved and a frantic Paul and Steph desperately search for answers, they begin to realise that the truth behind their daughter's disappearance may lie closer to home than they were expecting. When everyone has something to hide, can you ever really know those closest to you? Or will some secrets be taken to the grave?Trade ReviewThe unrelenting tension of this well-crafted debut kept me whizzing through the book, eager to discover exactly what had happened to Freya and whether the intriguing neighbours had anything to do with it. Loved the tension, the secrets and the satisfying, unexpected conclusion. Recommended! * KL Slater *I can't remember the last book that made me guess and long for answers quite as much as The Downstairs Neighbour. The story was always one step ahead of me, catching me out. Gripping, teasing, intricately plotted, an accomplished debut that's impossible to put down. * Cath Weeks *Lock your doors, close your curtains, and sink into this claustrophobic tale of families, neighbours and buried secrets. Tense and perfectly paced, this emotionally charged novel will keep you guessing right to the very end * Emma Rous, bestselling author of The Au Pair *A gripping read with plenty of twists, Cooper's debut will keep you guessing throughout * Heat *The air is thick with the sound of chickens coming home to roost in this promising domestic noir debut -- Mark Sanderson * The Sunday Times Crime Club *I am a sucker for an eavesdropping premise, and Helen Cooper's The Downstairs Neighbour doesn't disappoint. Cooper starts with a bang, with a missing girl and a big house filled with suspects, then holds the suspense high with characters that will keep the reader guessing - and guessing wrong. A gradual unearthing of long-held secrets wrapped in a smoothly plotted page-turner * Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of Stranger in the Lake *A heart-pounding debut . . . Even avid suspense readers won't be able to predict all the twists. Cooper is off to a strong start * Publishers Weekly *An intriguing and compulsive story about family, secret pasts and private lives. Simmering with suspense and packed with twists and tension, this expertly crafted novel kept me gripped from start to finish * Holly Miller *If you loved Harlan Coben's The Stranger, this is the perfect pick * Woman & Home *A compelling story about secret pasts and private lives * Waitrose Magazine *If you want smart writing and a book that dashes all your theories on 'who dun it' The Downstairs Neighbour is your bag. I adored this book! So clever, so engaging, such heart * L.V. Matthews *

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Book Synopsis'An instant classic of a rom-com . . . perfect feel-good escapism' - Laura Jane Williams Freya Scott is getting married. Her wedding to Matthew, her long-term boyfriend, is the first of eight in her calendar this year, and as someone who prides herself on being meticulously organised, Freya is intent on making it the perfect day to remember. But when Matthew calls things off hours before they walk down the aisle, Freya's entire life plan goes up in smoke. Humiliated and heartbroken, the last thing she wants is to attend a summer of other peoples' nuptials on her own. Fortunately, her friends have an idea: together they devise a series of outrageous challenges for Freya to complete at each event, designed to distract her from Matthew and what might have been. From getting stuck in an old church bathroom and needing to be rescued by the vicar to making out with a barman at a French chateau, Freya realises that despite herself, she might just be having fun. By the time the final wedding arrives, she's not the same woman she was at the start of the season. And maybe her own love story isn't over just yet . . .Trade ReviewAn instant classic of a rom-com, The Wedding Season is perfect feel-good escapism * Laura Jane Williams *A delicious, confetti-filled adventure sure to lift your heart . . . Choc-full of fun and laughs - a celebration of the power of friendship when life comes crashing down * Fiona Gibson *The Wedding Season is the perfect antidote to recent stressful times; like a glass of Prosecco, it's bubbly, fun and over way too fast. And a warning: Do not read The Wedding Season in bed late at night whilst your partner sleeps! Your constant snorts and giggles will wake them repeatedly. Don't say I didn't warn you * Lindsay Emory *Fun, hilarious and heartwarming, The Wedding Season is like a giant hug for anyone who has faced the challenge of a failed relationship. With a stellar cast of loyal friends, quirky family members, and a wacky plan to get through the wedding season, this book had me laughing, crying happy tears and turning pages late into the night * Sara Desai *An utterly charming story about what to do when life hands you Something Blue: turn it into Something New. The Wedding Season is exactly what I needed to read right now * Julia Whelan, author of My Oxford Year *I adored The Wedding Season! Its wit made me laugh, its relatability made me cry, and its delicious slow-burn romance had me swooning. The perfect wedding season read. I can't wait to read what Birchall writes next * Lacie Waldon, author of The Layover *Birchall manages to design a cheer squad of fully supportive chums and a sexy, sensitive love interest in this witty, relatable tale that doesn't fall prey to the trite rom-com formula * USA Today *

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Book SynopsisThe sparkling Christmas romance to pick you up this year...'A hilarious and heartwarming festive treat' Heidi Swain'So funny, sweet, warm and fuzzy' Clodagh MurphyWhat if the love of your life was your best friend's girl?When Nick loses his job and is dumped by his glamorous but demanding girlfriend, he is forced to grudgingly accept work as a Santa at a local Christmas grotto. As his friends are getting married or promoted, Nick spends his days being terrorised by unfriendly elves and cried on by snotty, spoiled children.Then he meets 4-year-old Alfie. All Alfie wants for Christmas is for his mum, Sarah, to be happy again. Moved by the boy's selfless wish, Nick arranges a date between Sarah and his best friend, Matt. But as Sarah and Alfie become part of all their lives, Nick realises that happiness for Sarah and Matt might mean heartbreak for himself.'A hilarious and touching festive read' Heat'A festive romance in all its technicolour fairy-light glory' My WeeklyREADERS ARE LOVING ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS'Will have you laughing out loud' *****'I'd have given it 10 stars if I could!' *****'Impossible to put down' *****'A funny, fuzzy, festive feast of a book!' *****'Absolutely perfect escapism' *****Trade ReviewA hilarious and touching festive read * Heat *A hilarious and heartwarming festive treat * Heidi Swain *So funny, sweet, warm and fuzzy * Clodagh Murphy, author of FOR LOVE OR MONEY *A festive romance in all its technicolour fairy-light glory * My Weekly *So tenderly written in parts, and laugh out loud funny in others. I devoured it * Woman's Way *The perfect Christmas read! Highly recommended! * Hot Brands, Cool Places *

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Book Synopsis'Compulsively readable and with an ending you will not see coming' WOMAN & HOME'Masterful . . . a great twist' HARRIET TYCETHE PERFECT HUSBAND . . .After a difficult pregnancy, Esther is grateful that her husband Robin offers to put his career on hold so that she can return to the job she loves.But Esther finds leaving her daughter Riley behind more challenging than she'd thought. And soon the new imbalance in her relationship with Robin brings old tensions to the surface.OR A PERFECT LIE?Then one day Esther arrives home from work to find Robin and Riley are missing. As the police investigate their disappearance, it becomes clear that nothing about this modern-day family is what it seems...Is Robin the perfect father everyone thinks he is? Or was it all a perfect lie?READERS LOVE THE PERFECT FATHER'Deceit, ambition, suspense and betrayal: this book has it all' 5* Reader Review'Gripping and nuanced' 5* Reader Review'Totally twisty, dramatic and addictive' 5* Reader Review'The best thriller I have read this year' 5* Reader Review********'A real thrill ride' HEAT'The perfect read. Surprising and original' LESLEY KARA'Doctor Foster meets Gone Girl' BP WALTER'A real thriller of a ride with a twist I did NOT see coming' NIKKI SMITH'An emotional and intelligently written thriller' ELISABETH CARPENTER'Had me hooked from the first page' RUTH HEALD'Realistic, gripping, emotional and distinctive' NICOLA MOSTYN'Unpredictable, tense and engrossing' REBECCA FLEET'I love Charlotte's dark, messy takes on modern relationships' CLAIRE MCGOWAN'Fresh, thrilling and packed with unstoppable tension' LAUREN NORTH**********Trade ReviewSmart, compulsively readable and with an ending you will not see coming, there's nothing about this gripping story that fails to satisfy * Woman & Home *A real thrill ride * Heat *The Perfect Father is the perfect read. Such a clever book. Surprising and original * Lesley Kara *I sped through it. Masterful handling of timelines and a great twist - very much enjoyed * Harriet Tyce *I absolutely loved The Perfect Father! A real thriller of a ride with a twist I did NOT see coming * Nikki Smith *Unpredictable, tense and engrossing, The Perfect Father will challenge your perceptions of parenthood and keep you hooked from the first page to the last * Rebecca Fleet *Modern, smart and fast-paced, this thriller had me hooked from the first page * Ruth Heald *I love Charlotte's dark, messy takes on modern relationships, and this is no exception * Claire McGowan *I loved this book. The Perfect Father is an emotional and intelligently written thriller. The twists are so expertly woven in, that at times I had to pause to let them sink in. Highly recommended * Elisabeth Carpenter *Doctor Foster meets Gone Girl. Tense, twisty and deeply unsettling * BP Walter *I absolutely LOVED The Perfect Father! Such realistic, well drawn characters, gripping emotional plot twists (that also feel rooted in reality) and a really distinctive story style * Nicola Mostyn *Abandoned my responsibilities to finish The Perfect Father today. Such a cleverly woven, timely thriller that covers a number of complex themes without ever dropping the pace * Amy Heydenrych *An unputdownable thriller! The Perfect Father is fresh, thrilling and packed with unstoppable tension. I will be raving about this book for ages * Lauren North *

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Book SynopsisWhen bakery owner Hannah Eicher finds an infant in the barn on Christmas Eve, it seemed like her prayers for a family of her own were answered. She's been fostering little Grace for nearly a year now and soon the adoption will be final.Anxious to find the baby his late sister abandoned in Hope's Haven, paramedic Mike Colder sets out to his childhood hometown. But the trail he follows leads not to his nephew but to a sweet baby girl and the Amish woman caring for her.Though there is a growing attraction between Hannah and Mike, both are aware of the different worlds they come from and know it can't lead anywhere. Before long Mike begins to feel a tug for the simple lifestyle he left behind all those years ago and begins to wonder if perhaps he can return to it. But as Christmas nears, long buried secrets come to light. Can these two work though all the obstacles to claim their Christmas Miracle -- a happily ever after together?

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Book SynopsisKit Blakemore is ready to live again. After her husband died while serving in the military, she was in a haze of grief. Now she wants to reclaim her former self-finish her degree and find a better career to provide for their sweet little boy, Oliver. To do that, she'll need to sell her late husband's dilapidated Victorian in Seashell Harbor. But first, Kit intends to give Ollie the kind of unforgettable seaside summer she had growing up, making lifelong memories and friendships.Of course, nothing goes exactly as she planned. Ollie is struggling with his confidence, and frankly, so is Kit. But everything changes when her husband's best friend, Alex de la Cruz, returns to town, offering to help her renovate. She doesn't expect Alex to temporarily move in...or for him to bond with Ollie...or for her numb heart to begin thawing. Slowly he's helping Kit and Ollie heal, and it scares her to death.Kit swore she wouldn't leave herself open to the pain of loss again. But if she's going to teach her son to be brave and move forward, Kit must first face her own fears.

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling author Nancy Star comes a deeply moving novel about the truths we hide from others and the lies we tell ourselves. To the outside world, beloved advice columnist Lane Meckler has all the answers. What no one knows is that she also has a secret: her life is a disaster, and it’s just gotten worse. Her husband, whom she was planning to leave, has died in a freak accident. Her six-year-old son, Henry, has stopped speaking to everyone but her. Lane’s solution? Move. Growing up, that was what her family did best. But when she and Henry pack up and leave, Lane realizes that their next home is no better, and she finally begins to ask herself some hard questions. What made her family move so often? Why has she always felt like an outsider? How can she get Henry to speak? On a journey to help her son find his voice, Lane discovers that somewhere along the way she lost her own. If she wants to help him, she’ll need to find the courage to face the past and to speak the truth she’s been hiding from for years.Trade Review“With Rules for Moving, Nancy Star takes us beyond the paywall to ask what happens when our favorite internet advice columnist needs help of her own. A tender exploration of family, friendship, and what it means to be the black sheep.” —Julia Phillips, National Book Award finalist, author of Disappearing Earth “Nancy Star’s delightful and wise Rules for Moving could have been called Rules for Living. Advice columnist Lane offers her readers the help we would be lucky to receive: kind but unwaveringly honest, unexpected but utterly sensible. While Lane makes a boatload of mistakes, she never wavers in her fierce dedication to understanding and protecting her sweet but troubled young son, who Star paints with humor and rare insight. Readers will be transformed by watching Lane surmount her own tragedies with the grace and courage we dearly wish for ourselves.” —Lisa Gornick, author of The Peacock Feast and Louisa Meets Bear “Rules for Moving highlights once again Nancy Star’s sense of humor and empathy for tenderhearted people who are struggling to find a place in the world. I rooted for Lane Meckler, the snappy advice columnist who has no quick comeback when her six-year-old son goes silent with everyone but her. The novel is as suspenseful as a mystery and as wise as an Elizabeth Strout book.” —Alice Elliott Dark, author of In the Gloaming and Think of England “An advice columnist in desperate need of advice. A son who won’t talk. A rented house unfit for habitation. Nancy Star’s poignant novel Rules for Moving captures the chaos and heartbreak that is life—and also the wonder and joy.” —Marcy Dermansky, author of Very Nice “Nancy Star has written a beautiful, luminous novel filled with quirky characters so real you want to bring them home with you and give them some tea and a hug. This book has it all: an advice columnist who is struggling to follow her own best advice; an adorable little boy who has decided to stop talking; and an eccentric family that is burdened with secrets and rules. There is love and laughter and sweetness—and Star’s insightful writing and humor sweep us right to the heart of things. I loved every page!” —Maddie Dawson, Washington Post bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners

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Book SynopsisBerlin, 1989. Siblings Rune and Lotte are shaken awake by Mama and told to follow her quietly into the night. Last time they snuck away from Papa, with Mama bruised and broken, they were back within a week. But this time they are starting a new life, Mama says—where nobody can ever hurt them again. Ten years later, the memories of their escape are blurry; Mama is long gone and the siblings are back at Papa’s house. But when they receive a mysterious notebook that seems to have come from Mama, Papa tears it apart. Could there be more to their past than they’ve been led to believe? With Rune paralysed by fear, Lotte takes their fate into her own hands. When she learns about the ‘Puzzle Women’ working tirelessly to reconstruct files shredded by the former secret police, she begs them to help her piece Mama’s story back together. But as Papa’s threats against both siblings escalate, can they unite to learn the full, brutal truth in Mama’s own words at last?Trade Review“Both heartbreaking and life-affirming.” —Heat Magazine “Rune’s love of his little sister is touching, while his secret guilt and a heart-stopping climax held me gripped.” —Saga Magazine “A moving tale.” —My Weekly “I loved it. A shocking and powerful story that moved me profoundly. Ellory deals with dark and difficult subjects, yet turns them into an extraordinary uplifting tale of love and loyalty. A very special talent. This book will grip your heart and not let go.” —Kate Furnivall, author of The Guardian of Lies “I have never been so moved by a story, so astounded anyone could tear my heart out with her words and then make it whole again with the wonderful ending…a masterpiece I’ll never forget.” —Lesley Pearse, Sunday Times bestselling author “I was utterly blown away by The Puzzle Women. It’s easily one of the most stunning books I can remember reading! On every level it’s beautiful, delicate, devastating and I’ve been thinking about it almost solidly ever since. Voicing it was such a genuine honour. Thank you so much for your astonishing words.” —Kristen Atherton, actress

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: how do you forgive the family that lied to you, and love the mum you never had? When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead. As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth. To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?

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Book SynopsisDuring WWII, a teenage boy finds his voice, the courage of his convictions, and friends for life in an emotional and uplifting novel by the New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author. 1941. Steven Katz is the son of prosperous landowners in rural California. Although his parents don’t approve, he’s found true friends in Nick, Suki, and Ollie, sons of field workers. The group is inseparable. But Steven is in turmoil. He’s beginning to acknowledge that his feelings for Nick amount to more than friendship. When the bombing of Pearl Harbor draws the US into World War II, Suki and his family are forced to leave their home for the internment camp at Manzanar. Ollie enlists in the army and ships out. And Nick must flee. Betrayed by his own father and accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he turns to Steven for help. Hiding Nick in a root cellar on his family’s farm, Steven acts as Nick’s protector and lifeline to the outside world. As the war escalates, bonds deepen and the fear of being different falls away. But after Nick unexpectedly disappears one day, Steven’s life focus is to find him. On the way, Steven finds a place he belongs and a lesson about love that will last him his lifetime.Trade Review“Fans of Homer H. Hickham Jr.’s Rocket Boys, Andrew J. Graff’s Raft of Stars, and Hyde’s substantial backlist will savor this heart-opening and meticulously researched coming-of-age tale.” —Booklist

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Book Synopsis‘My book of the year so far…’ —Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author In this chilling thriller from the bestselling authors of Spare Room, one woman just wants the truth about who she really is. But she’s not the only one looking… It’s twenty years since Eva, a biracial woman, was adopted as an eight-year-old, and Cherry and Carlton ‘Sugar’ McNeil have always been the only parents she’s wanted or needed. But when she’s dealt the double blow of Cherry’s death and her own suspension from work, Eva decides it’s time to discover who she was before she was theirs. Against Sugar’s advice, Eva joins a DNA database, desperate for a match that will unlock her identity. And when a positive hit comes, she’s excited to learn there are relations out there who might hold the key. But the closer Eva gets to uncovering her past, the more it appears someone is trying to stop her finally finding the truth… As she continues to dig, Eva is drawn into a dark and merciless underside to society, where black women disappear without a word. Names erased from history, no search parties, no desperate pleas for their return. Once, someone tried to save Eva from all this. Someone wanted a better life for her. But now that she’s torn down the facade of her life, has she come too far to be spared again?Trade ReviewOne of Crime Monthly’s Top 5 Killer Thrillers of April 2022 “Powerful.” —Crime Monthly “My book of the year so far.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author “A heartfelt and eloquent exploration of the iniquities of racial bias.” —The Guardian “Dreda Say Mitchell has been flying the flag for crime writing for years.” —Bernardine Evaristo, bestselling author of Girl, Woman, Other “A truly original voice.” —Peter James, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author “A strong dose for readers interested in watching racial prejudices play out at every possible opportunity.” —Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThe old house hides her darkest secret—and there’s no running away this time… Twenty years ago, Liz left Easthaven to escape the memory of one tragic night at Lakewell Manor. Only she and her best friend Tamsin saw what really happened, and in the aftermath they drifted apart. Now she’s forced back after a nasty divorce, with two daughters in tow, the shadows of that terrible night lurking on every corner. With a custody battle looming, she’s one wrong move away from her life falling apart completely. So when news arrives that Tamsin, too, is returning to Easthaven, Liz fears their reunion will bring the awful truth spilling out into the open. But when she finally meets Tamsin, now mistress of the clifftop house whose locked gates have guarded the friends’ secret all these years, she’s in for a surprise. Tamsin looks different, and she doesn’t remember Liz, let alone what happened that night… Something is clearly wrong. But confronting Tamsin means reliving the nightmare Liz has been running from for twenty years. Can she risk exposing what happened that night, knowing that the truth will destroy everything?

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Book SynopsisFrom the authors of Tiny Imperfections comes a riotously funny, emotionally real look at race and religion, love and heartache, and the realities of parenting through it all.Self-appointed fixer of other people’s woes Marjette Lewis is uncharacteristically determined to keep to her side of the driveway when it comes to her flawless neighbor Noa Abrams. Professionally, Marjette has her hands full as she prepares for a new class of kindergarteners and her first year of teaching without her best friend, Judy, as campus “Black-up.” And at home, her son’s budding manhood challenges her expectations, and her vexing ex-husband continues to be a thorn in her side.But when tragedy strikes Marjette’s street, and an unexpected child shows up on the first day of school with an uncle who has all the class moms aflutter, Marjette is forced to contend with both her neighbor and her own heartache over losing the life she once thought was guaranteed. Through laughter, tears, and the gift of found family, Marjette and Noa navigate the rituals of loss together and discover the strength to remake their lives—whether they meant to or not.

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Book SynopsisWhat if all you inherit from your mother are her secrets? Isla knows her family kept things from her. When she inherits the cliffside cottage where she spent her childhood, she must face dark shadows of her past—the mother who rejected her in favour of her art, the aunt whose death haunted them both, and the silence that permeated every room. Digging through the belongings of someone she realises she never really knew, Isla finally has the chance to find answers to the secrets her mother spent a lifetime hiding. But lies can’t be swept away by the tide. And when Isla crosses paths with a mother and young daughter visiting her remote hometown, she becomes entangled in their family’s secrets, too, forcing her to wonder whether the truth she is seeking will really set her free. Isla’s past is as dark as the ocean around her. But when she comes up for air, the mysteries of this lonely shore will reveal themselves in unexpected ways…

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Book SynopsisIt’s time everyone knew the truth, and what better way to announce you’re getting married (and gay) than on your family WhatsApp group? Amar can’t wait to tell everyone his wonderful news: he’s found The One, and he’s getting married. But it turns out announcing his engagement on a group chat might not have been the best way to let his strict Muslim Bangladeshi family know that his happy-ever-after partner is a man—and a white man at that. Amar expected a reaction from his four siblings, but his bombshell sends shockwaves throughout the community and begins to fracture their family unit, already fragile from the death of their mother. Suddenly Amar is questioning everything he once believed in: his faith, his culture, his family, his mother’s love—and even his relationship with Joshua. Amar was sure he knew what love meant, but was he just plain wrong? He’s never thought of his relationship with Joshua as a love story—they just fit together, like two halves of a whole. But if they can reconcile their differences with Amar’s culture, could there be hope for his relationship with his family too? And could this whole disaster turn into a love story after all?Trade Review“This Way Out explores the vastness and intricacy of intercultural relationships alongside religious and spiritual reconnection, mental health, and masculinity in South Asian, Muslim, and LGBTQIA+ cultures, and the power of inclusion and a found family amid love, loss, growth, and change.” —Booklist “A beautiful journey” —The New Arab “Adored reading This Way Out—deeply-felt and thought-provoking in equal measure…It’s so fresh and original, I pretty much inhaled it.” —Angela Chadwick “It’s fascinating, absorbing, and vital!” —Matt Cain, author of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistlex and Becoming Ted “A total treat! This Way Out…is absolutely lovely. I loved its portrayal of the family you are born into and the family you make along the way. It was funny and sad and poignant and heartfelt…highly recommended.” —Bethany Clift, author of Last One at the Party and Love and Other Human Errors

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Book Synopsis“Complex and rich, Chen’s story serves as a fascinating window into a unique period of history and the plight of one displaced family.” —Harper’s Bazaar The day nine-year-old San San and her twelve-year-old brother, Ah Liam, discover their grandmother taking a hammer to a framed portrait of Chairman Mao is the day that forever changes their lives. To prove his loyalty to the Party, Ah Liam reports his grandmother to the authorities. But his belief in doing the right thing sets in motion a terrible chain of events. Now they must flee their home on Drum Wave Islet, which sits just a few hundred meters across the channel from mainland China. But when their mother goes to procure visas for safe passage to Hong Kong, the government will only issue them on the condition that she leave behind one of her children as proof of the family’s intention to return. Against the backdrop of early Maoist China, this captivating and emotional tale follows a brother, a sister, a father, and a mother as they grapple with their agonizing decision, its far-reaching consequences, and their hope for redemption.Trade Review“Chen captures the complex and terrifying political environment of the time through San San’s horrifying experience trying to reach her family, as well as through the depiction of the consequences of family loyalty over party loyalty. This is a fascinating family portrait.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Historic and contemporary themes related to refugees, immigrants, and periods of social, politica,l and cultural unrest add significance and immediacy to Chen’s fast-paced novel.” —San Jose Mercury News “Chen’s writing is fluid, and her storytelling ability is engaging. Readers are easily drawn to the characters and their perils, particularly plucky young San San…This novel is a quick and enjoyable read that should appeal to many audiences.” —Library Journal “Chen’s brisk pacing and eye for minor details make this a compelling narrative. Short chapters with emotional weight and a tense adventure lead to a page-turning read that will appeal to readers who shy away from historical fiction.” —School Library Journal “Chen draws a lovable protagonist in San San, and her deft use of suspense makes the novel a quick and satisfying read.” —Booklist “This is an atmospheric novel of betrayal and ardent allegiance to ideology and political choices…With its striking title about the sacrifice (the ‘burying’) of those who are left behind, the novel succeeds in drawing a very striking portrait of this turbulent period of Chinese history.” —The Millions “A heartbreaking and intriguing novel, Bury What We Cannot Take sheds light on a crucial point in history that you won’t find mentioned in many other books.” —Brit + Co “Kirstin Chen’s Bury What We Cannot Take is an incredibly moving exploration of family and identity, one that's set against a backdrop that we don't often hear about but which is infinitely fascinating: Maoist China. Heartbreaking and intricate, you’ll be driven forward by Chen's prose from the very start.” —PopSugar, “20 Best Books to Read in March” “Complex and rich, Chen’s story serves as a fascinating window into a unique period of history and the plight of one displaced family.” —Harper’s Bazaar “[Bury What We Cannot Take] provides a rare glimpse into the little-documented history of such people during Mao’s era.” —San Francisco Chronicle “…Epic and suspenseful, navigating universal themes of family and sacrifice while building a clear and empathetic picture of a precise historical moment in Maoist China.” —SF Gate “A beautiful story about family, freedom, and the choices we make.” —HelloGiggles “Chen is a precise writer, with enviable control on the page. Bury What We Cannot Take is completely immersive, and the only times I stepped out of the story were to admire the perfection of her word choice.” —KQED Arts “Chen brilliantly captures the complex and terrifying post-Trump world we’re living in, as families torn apart becomes more of reality than ever before.” —ELLE UK “[Bury What We Cannot Take] is an absorbing look at how women and children survive a crumbling world in which they have been indoctrinated to leave each other behind.” —The Straits Times “Constructing a survival narrative for a child is no mean feat, and what makes Chen’s extraordinary tale believable is the depth of her historical research, as well as the expert sense of pacing she brings to the storyline…In a tradition of exile narratives that are often told from male points of view, Chen’s novel proves a distinctive and overdue contribution.” —Cha: An Asian Literary Journal “Chen writes with a tenderness for her characters as well as a thorough knowledge of the environment of that time…Her commitment to thorough historical research and patient detail to her characters has resulted in a novel as enjoyable as it is sobering.” —Fathom “I just don’t understand how a book can be this good and this beautiful and this heart-wrenching all at once, and if you only read one of the books on this list: make sure it’s this one.” —Book Riot “Bury What We Cannot Take explores what it takes to survive in a world gone mad—and what is lost when we do. Kirstin Chen has written both an engrossing historical drama and a nuanced exploration of how far the bonds of familial love can stretch.” —Celeste Ng, New York Times bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere “This story will sweep you away. An utterly beautiful, entirely engrossing family saga. Chen writes betrayal and love with wisdom and nuance, attuned always to the complexities—personal, historical, cultural—of the human heart. Bury What We Cannot Take is an instant classic.” —Claire Vaye Watkins, author of Gold Fame Citrus and Battleborn “In Maoist China, the family at the center of this propulsive, haunting story is fractured by the dazzlingly complex fallout of a single irrevocable act. This beautifully plotted, suspenseful, and deeply compassionate novel shows Kirstin Chen, whose work I’ve long admired, at her absolute finest. Bury What We Cannot Take is a vital book.” —Laura van den Berg, author of Find Me “Bury What We Cannot Take fulfills the promise of Kirstin Chen’s debut. San San’s family flee Drum Wave Islet, leaving her behind. An epic story follows that explores gender roles, oppressive ideologies, sacrifice, and what it means to be free. All through the microcosm of one family. This is a book set in the past, on the other side of the world, that is more than relevant in today’s America. Chen delivers a page-turner that holds a historical mirror up to our fuzzy, complicit world.” —Matthew Salesses, author of The Hundred-Year Flood

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Book SynopsisFrom Icelandic author Sigríður Hagalín Björnsdóttir comes a heart-wrenching thriller about a woman’s desperate quest to save the people she loves from a natural disaster. After an eight-hundred-year slumber, the volcanoes in Iceland’s most populated region are showing signs of life. Earthquakes dominate the headlines. Echoes of the devastating eruptions in the past stir unease in the people. Volcanologist Anna Arnardóttir has spent her entire life studying the volcanic powers under the earth’s crust, but even she cannot fathom the catastrophe at hand. As a series of eruptions threaten most of Iceland’s population, she’s caught off her rational guard by the most terrible natural disaster of all—love. The world as she knows it is about to fall apart, and so is her heart. Caught between the safety of a nation and her feelings for her children, her lover, and her past, Anna embarks on a dangerous journey to save the lives of the people she loves—and her soul.Trade Review“This fiercely wrought thriller from Björnsdóttir perfectly balances science and psychology…Björnsdóttir smoothly integrates geological and historical information about Iceland’s volcanos into the action. This explosive tale of adulterous passion is not just for Scandi noir fans.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) “[Sigríður Hagalín Björnsdóttir] weaves together the hearts of men and the hearts of the earth and the magma of the earth and does it so wonderfully. The Fires is a huge success. Such a profound, well-thought-out, romantic thriller.” —Kiljan, Iceland’s foremost literary TV program “A shocking love story as well as an existential speculation about the role of the mother, but first and foremost it is an extremely accomplished thriller.” —Víðsjá “The Fires is a thriller, a love story, and a tragedy. It is absolutely fantastic, though one cannot help but hope that Reykjanes will not start to shake and tremble with as much force as in the book…The Fires is a must read. Except maybe for those who are very terrified of earthquakes.” —Morgunblaðið (5 stars)

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Book SynopsisA thrilling story of wealth, power and the true cost of ‘having it all’. Because sometimes the price of the perfect life…is death. In cosmopolitan Johannesburg, three high-flying couples form the core of the elite Khula Society: part investment group, part social club, with meetings where the champagne flows, the dresses are designer and the one-upmanship is off the scale. Noma, Moshidi, Lerato and their husbands are living the dream—or so it appears from the outside. In reality, the cut and thrust of ‘keeping up with the Khulas’ is taking its toll on all three couples. Behind the facade of their ocean-front mansions, Italian supercars and lavishly catered receptions lies a tangle of explosive secrets—and deadly consequences. But as long as every member toes the line, plays the role they’re here to play, the dark truth remains crushed beneath the heels of so many Louboutins… That is until, in her bid to have it all and more, one of these rich and powerful women oversteps the mark—with someone else’s man. The group soon comes to learn that you can’t have it all without paying the ultimate price… Revised edition: Previously published as Critical But, Stable, this edition of Critical But Stable includes editorial revisions.

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Book SynopsisAn emotional novel about a small-town Texas family, forgiveness, and coming to terms with the past by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.Angela Marie has spent all of her thirty-five years on Meadow Falls, the farm that?s been in her Texas family for generations. It wasn?t her plan. It was an obligation. Now that her parents?less loving kin than strangers?have passed, the whole shebang belongs to Angela. And a legacy she never wanted is hers to uphold.She can?t forsake it now. Her beloved nanny, Mandy, who was always more of a mother, needs a caregiver herself. And Mandy?s great-granddaughter, as close to Angela as a sister, has returned to roost. When a handsome veteran arrives seeking work as a farmhand, Angela thinks the future might not be half-bad after all.But it?s the past that proves enlightening. Mandy is revealing secrets Angela never knew about her parents. As the clouds on her family history begin to part, the inheritance feels more like a precious gift, and Meadow Falls more like the home Angela?s been looking for her whole life.

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Book SynopsisIs it harder to keep a secret when the world is watching – or to tell the truth when no-one is listening? Belle Simon was just 12 years old when she was one of six girls plucked from obscurity to star in reality TV sensation The Real Deal. Under the wing of dazzling star Donna Mayfair, she and the other five girls were meant to become world-famous actresses, singers and dancers. But at 26, Belle is trying to live anonymously, away from being loved or loathed. The public eye has never fully shut, however, and when a producer offers Belle a big paycheck to join a reunion special for The Real Deal, she finds it hard to say no. If people are going to talk about that shocking final episode anyway, maybe this is an unexpected opportunity. Everyone watching thinks they know what happened, but only Belle knows what really occurred away from the cameras and outside the editing room. Is she ready to go back and confront her past? And will anyone believe her if she reveals the truth?

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Book SynopsisIn the quiet of a New Zealand winter's night, a rescue helicopter is sent to airlift a five-year-old boy with severe internal injuries. He's fallen from the upstairs veranda of an isolated farmhouse, and his condition is critical. At first, Finn's fall looks like a horrible accident; after all, he's prone to sleepwalking. Only his frantic mother, Martha McNamara, knows how it happened. And she isn't telling. Not yet. Maybe not ever. Tragedy isn't what the McNamara family expected when they moved to New Zealand. For Martha, it was an escape. For her artist husband Kit, it was a dream. For their small twin boys, it was an adventure. For sixteen-year-old Sacha, it was the start of a nightmare.They end up on the isolated east coast of the North Island, seemingly in the middle of a New Zealand tourism campaign. But their peaceful idyll is soon shattered as the choices Sacha makes lead the family down a path which threatens to destroy them all.Martha finds herself facing a series of impossible decisions, each with devastating consequences for her family.Trade ReviewOriginal, wonderfully written and utterly gripping, this is a corker of a tale. * The Sun *After The Fall is a gripping tale that would appeal to fans of Jodi Picoult and Joanna Trollope... A page turning book to while away a winter's evening. * Red Online *Jodi Picoult had better look over her shoulder - she's got a new contender by the name of Charity Norman. * Sydney Morning Herald *A gripping story, which touches on the fragility of trust, the strength of love and, of course, second chances. This is Norman's second novel. Her style is emerging as reminiscent of bestselling author Jodi Picoult. * Sunday Canberra Times *Will appeal to devotees of Joanna Trollope and Jodi Picoult... [Norman] is hot on their heels. * Daily Mail on Freeing Grace *Easy to read, hard to put down, it'll move you to tears. * Easy Living on Freeing Grace *

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Book SynopsisUpstate is a funny, moving family drama from one of the world’s most influential literary critics.‘Thoughtful and though-provoking’ Financial TimesAlan Querry, a successful property developer from the north of England, has two daughters: Vanessa, a philosopher who lives and teaches in Saratoga Springs, NY, and Helen, a record company executive based in London. The sisters never quite recovered from their parents’ bitter divorce and the early death of their mother, with Vanessa particularly affected, and plagued by bouts of depression since her teenage years. When she suffers a new crisis, Alan and Helen travel to Saratoga Springs. Over the course of six wintry days in upstate New York, the Querry family begins to struggle with the questions that animate this profound and searching novel: Why do some people find living so much harder than others?Rich in subtle human insight, and vivid with a sense of place, Upstate is a perceptive, intensely poignant novel.Trade ReviewWood can produce sentences as fine as bone china. -- Claire Allfree * Daily Mail *Those who know Wood as the New Yorker's literary critic would do well to pick up his novels, too. Upstate is a funny, moving family drama. * GQ *Captures the anxious plight of a loving father with exquisite delicacy … Its affections are large and its wisdom deep … One can’t help but feel enriched by the treasure of Wood’s sweet-tempered wit. -- Ron Charles * Washington Post *Its energy derives from feted critic James Wood's observational chops, and you can expect muscular descriptions ... and modest, deeply humane revelations ... Polished, poignant and often very funny. -- Hephzibah Anderson * Mail on Sunday *Uncharted physical and emotional terrain collide in James Wood’s thoughtful and thought-provoking second novel Upstate, a deceptively gentle exploration of the wounds of the past, the complex mesh of family relationships and the ways in which they aid or obstruct our strategies for healing … stubbornly true to life. -- Rebecca Abrams * Financial Times *

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Book Synopsis'I loved this beautiful book. It's tender and compassionate, written with exquisite care and verve, and so so SO funny' MARIAN KEYESProfessor Chandra is about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. In the moments after the bicycle accident, Professor Chandra begins to reassess his life, his career and his relationship with his three children. He’s just missed out on the Nobel Prize (again). All this work. All this stress. It's killing him.Professor Chandra needs to take a break, and reluctantly agrees to visit a Californian retreat, to follow his bliss.And so he must try to crack the most complex problem of all: the secret to his own happinessTrade ReviewI loved this beautiful beautiful book. It's tender and compassionate, written with exquisite care and verve, and so so SO funny -- Marian KeyesChandra is a delightful creation: peevish, intolerant, intellectually exacting, unwittingly eccentric, nerdy, needy let lovable. The book, like its picaresque hero, is a one-off -- Patricia Nicol * Sunday Times *This brilliant and eloquent novel, which puts into words so many unutterable annoyances, is a sort of Zen satire in which tolerance and understanding mingle with hilarious criticism of contemporary mores. It’s a wonderful read -- Wendy Holden * Daily Mail *Rajeev Balasubramanyam gently pokes fun at the modern fondness for positivity, but tells a disarmingly positive story... The writing is elegant and witty and the comedy is always underpinned with humanity; a life without bliss is no life, and the gradual dawning of Chandra’s self-awareness is genuinely uplifting -- Kate Saunders * The Times *Balances satire and self-enlightenment... a surprisingly soulful family tale that echoes Jonathan Franzen’s Corrections in its witty exploration of three children trying to free themselves from the influence of their parents -- Ben East * Observer *

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Book SynopsisA suspenseful, surprising thriller for readers of THE COUPLE AT NO 9 and OUR HOUSE, about a woman who needs to solve the mystery of her husband's death... before it's too late'Twisty, dark and hugely gripping' - Sunday Times bestselling author Karen Hamilton'Impossible to predict with clever twists and gripping turns' - bestselling author Nicola Moriarty 'Had me hanging on every twist and turn' - Richard and Judy bestselling author Gytha LodgeSORRYThe only word scribbled on a note from Beth's husband before he disappeared.The police believe that Oscar took his own life and this last apology was his way of saying goodbye to his wife. But Beth knows there is more to the story. As disturbing secrets about his life emerge, and the lies of those closest to her begin to unravel, she realises she never really knew her husband at all.She wants to know what he was sorry for, and she's going to find out... but someone doesn't want her to discover the truth.And they'll do anything to stop her.What His Wife Knew is a gripping suspense which is not what it first seems. It is a tale of revenge and betrayal but also of family and loyalty, with a final showdown you won't easily forget.*PRAISE FOR JO JAKEMAN*'Revenge is a dish served with lashings of relish in this vivid suspense novel, as three women fight back against an abusive partner. I cheered them on to the bloody end.' - LOUISE CANDLISH, bestselling author of OUR HOUSE 'A cracking book. Darkly funny, yet also touching and emotive. Plus, full of suspense and twists. Buy it!' - C J TUDOR, author of THE CHALK MAN 'This is a cracker of a thriller...you will absolutely be up way past your bedtime' - JOANNA CANNON'I loved Sticks and Stones. A gripping story, sensitively told but also really funny: no mean feat given the subject matter!' - LAURA MARSHALL, bestselling author of Friend Request'I raced through this dark, tightly-plotted and satisfying thriller. Loved it!' - Roz Watkins, author of CWA Dagger shortlisted The Devil's Dice Trade ReviewI raced through this dark, tightly-plotted and satisfying thriller. Loved it! * Roz Watkins, author of The Devil's Dice *Taut, compelling, authentic, and with a superb crescendo of an ending. With its flawed but strong and relatable female characters, the book is a true page-turner. I loved the last line, which for me summed up the author's talent in cleverly mixing emotion with just the right amount of dark humour throughout. A great read. Loved it. * J.A. Corrigan *'A totally engaging, brilliantly characterised read that had me hanging on every twist and turn. An absolute 5* cracker of a book' * Gytha Lodge *Twisty, dark and hugely gripping * Karen Hamilton *Cleverly written, page-turning psychological thriller with an intriguing plot and excellent characterisation * Jenny Quintana *

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Book Synopsis***BY POPULAR DEMAND*** THE THIRD AND FINAL BOOK IN THE BESTSELLING NO CHILD OF MINE TRILOGY from Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis. Books one and two - No Child of Mine and Don't Let Me Go - are available to buy in paperback and ebook NOW'A master storyteller' Diane Chamberlain *********Charlotte Goodman is living the dream. Surrounded by family, friends and a stunning vineyard overlooking the ocean, it would be difficult for anyone to believe that she has a troubled past. However, haunted by the theft of a young girl, Charlotte begins to realise the enormity of something she did many years ago, and soon finds herself having to make the most harrowing decision any woman would ever have to face.Praise for Susan Lewis:'Spellbinding! You just keep turning the pages' Daily Mail'One of the best around' Independent on Sunday'Heartbreakingly real family drama' Essential Trade Review***BY POPULAR DEMAND*** THE THIRD AND FINAL BOOK IN THE BESTSELLING NO CHILD OF MINE TRILOGY from Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis. Surrounded by family, friends and a stunning vineyard overlooking the ocean, it would be difficult for anyone to believe that Charlotte Goodman has a troubled past. However, haunted by the theft of a young girl, Charlotte begins to realise the enormity of something she did many years ago, and soon finds herself having to make the most harrowing decision any woman would ever have to face. * from the publisher's description *Lewis has now written thirty-six gripping, gritty and compelling novels, each a fascinating exploration of how ordinary people cope in extraordinary circumstances. Using meticulous research and her remarkable empathy, she has tackled some of the most emotive and distressing human and family issues with warmth, wisdom and compassion… A master storyteller on top form… * Lancashire Post *Interesting and intelligent * The Daily Express *Susan Lewis is not afraid to tackle these difficult questions * My Weekly *

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Book SynopsisA stunning new collection of short stories about motherhood, selected and introduced by Candice Brathwaite.______________'To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colours of a rainbow' MAYA ANGELOUThe story of motherhood is an endlessly rich one: it's one of love - and all the highs and lows that come with that world-turning emotion - and, in the purest sense, of life itself. Within these pages, some of the finest writers in the world explore motherhood in wildly varying modes, from single parenthood to sisters coparenting, from the deepest hardships to the biggest celebrations.Selected and introduced by Candice Brathwaite, author of I Am Not Your Baby Mother.Stories by Lydia Davis, Anita Desai, Mary Gaitskill, Tessa Hadley, Jamaica Kincaid, Toni Morrison, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Irenosen Okojie, Casey Plett, Tabitha Siklos, Helen Simpson, Ali Smith

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Book Synopsis‘Stop trying to be brave all the time, Rachel. Fear is a necessary part of being alive. Sometimes we have to let it show. We have to own up to it or it drives us mad.’Rachel Elliot is single and attractive, a director of a successful advertising agency, with a handsome lover, close friends, and a clutch of beloved godchildren. But as her fortieth birthday approaches, so does a whispering fear that she might have missed the point...Almost imperceptibly over the years her friends and contemporaries have settled down and started families. Rather less subtly her parents have been urging Rachel to do the same. Managing a shocking incident at work is soon taking up all her energies and she adores her godchildren. So, is a child of her own what she really wants? Or is motherhood just what everyone else wants for her? If she picks the wrong path, there will be no turning back...Join Amanda Brookfield as she revisits and refreshes her novel, The Godmother, 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 GormanNo 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 SynopsisA moving and heartwarming World War I saga. For readers of Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court. 'When I'm the farmer,' began Mairi, and then she stopped, for she would never be the farmer. She was a girl.Ever since she was nine years old, Mairi McGloughlin has known she wants to be a farmer, but by the law of the land it's her scholarly brother Ian who will someday inherit. The next best thing might be to marry a farmer, and charming, confident Jack could be the perfect answer. But then there's Robin, her brother's best friend, more a man of books than of the land - and yet there's something about him. . .But with the outbreak of the Great War, their choices change completely and neither Mairi, Ian or Robin can hope to escape unscathed.As the world around them changes, only the land and love remain constant. But can it be enough to see them through?Previously published as Harvest of Courage.Trade ReviewA beautiful story . . . Ramsay's love of this stunning corner of Scotland shines through in an emotional story that explores a small farming community caught up in the rigours of war . . . Full of Ramsay's natural warmth, superbly drawn characters and wonderful storytelling, this is t he ideal curl-up-and-relax book for long winter nights * Lancashire Post *This wonderful panoramic novel sweeps you up and carries you along to the end. Lovely! * Katie Fforde, on the previous work of Eileen Ramsay *An unpredictable ending, a few surprises along the way and several tear jerkers - I enjoyed every minute of it. * Historical Novel Review, on the previous work of Eileen Ramsay *Good old-fashioned storytelling, wonderfully satisfying...This is a curl up and enjoy book * The Bookseller, on the previous work of Eileen Ramsay *Captivating romance . . .The beautiful Scottish setting only adds to this poignant and poetic journey . . . This book is as unique as it is exquisite. * Daily Record, on the previous work of Eileen Ramsay *As always, Ramsay's prose is vivid and flowing, and the pages just fly by * Choice, on the previous work of Eileen Ramsay *

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Book SynopsisEliza Miller grew up in Australia as the only daughter of a troubled young mother, but with the constant support of her two watchful godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. Despite her tricky childhood, she always felt loved and secure. Until, just before her eighteenth birthday, a tragic event changed her life.Thirteen years on, Eliza is deliberately living as safely as possible, avoiding close relationships and devoting herself to her job. Out of the blue, an enticing invitation from her godmothers, now both based in the UK, prompts a leap into the unknown.Within a fortnight, Eliza has swapped her predictable routine in Melbourne, for life in the middle of a complicated family in Edinburgh. There's no rush thing as an ordinary day any more. Yet, amidst the chaos, Eliza begins to blossom. She finds herself not only hopeful about the future, but ready to explore her past. Her godmothers have long been waiting for her to ask about her mother's mysterious life – and about the identity of the father she has never known. But even they are taken by surprise with all that Eliza discovers.Trade Review'An absolutely beautiful book ... Intriguing and uplifting' -- Marian Keyes'You think she can't get any better, but she does! The perfect read' -- Patricia Scanlan

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Book Synopsis'Mollie Walton captures your attention from the very first page and doesn't let go!' Diney Costeloe'Beautiful ... I can't wait for the next instalment' Judy Summers'A tender tale of love and strength in the midst of war' Val Wood'Stays with you long after you have finished reading' Margaret Dickinson'A highly enjoyable, immersive read!' Sarah Sykes'Vivid, compulsive, and heart-rending. Had me hooked' Louisa Treger'A lively and heart-warming saga' People's Friend ___________North Yorkshire, September 1939.Rosina Calvert-Lazenby, the widowed matriarch of Raven Hall, must be strong for her five daughters as the war approaches. When the RAF come to stay, Rosina is intrigued by their charismatic – albeit young – sergeant. But is there time for love with the war looming?Grace Calvert-Lazenby is twenty-one years old and ready for a new adventure. Joining the Women's Royal Naval Service, she trades the safety of Raven Hall for exhausting drills and conflicting acts of secrecy. It's not easy, but Grace knows that everyone has a part to play in what's to come.With so much on the line, will Rosina and Grace have the courage to lead those around them into the unknown?This heartwarming, dramatic World War II saga is perfect for fans of Vicki Beeby, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. ___________Reader reviews for A Mother’s War:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'LOVED IT! The layout and the research is stunning'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A fabulous read'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A definite 5 stars'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Mollie Walton has done it again!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An excellent book by an outstanding writer'Trade Review'Mollie Walton captures your attention from the very first page and doesn't let go!' -- Diney Costeloe'Beautiful ... I can't wait for the next instalment' -- Judy Summers'A tender tale of love and strength in the midst of war' -- Val Wood'Stays with you long after you have finished reading' -- Margaret Dickinson 'A highly enjoyable, immersive read!' -- Sarah Sykes'Vivid, compulsive, and heart-rending. Had me hooked' -- Louisa Treger'A lively and heart-warming saga' * People's Friend *

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Book SynopsisTHE SEVENTEENTH CLIFFEHAVEN NOVEL BY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELLIE DEAN______________________________Cliffehaven, 1945The war in Europe is over, but for Peggy Reilly and the residents of Beach View Boarding House the effects of the conflict are still far-reaching.Cockney evacuee, Ivy, and her sweetheart, Andy, are saving to get married and fulfil their dream of returning to the East End. But when tragedy strikes, Ivy is faced with a life-changing dilemma that only she can resolve. . . Rita also faces an impossible choice when her sweetheart Peter proposes and asks her to live with him in Australia - just as her widowed father returns from the fighting in Europe.Meanwhile Peggy must say goodbye to several of her evacuee chicks whilst she awaits the return of her family from Somerset and the news that her husband, Jim, can finally come home.It is a dream she has held onto for six long years, but fate has one more twist in store.

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Book SynopsisA moving and uplifting festive short story from Marcia Willett, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde and Fern Britton.Nestled in the Devon countryside, the Keep has always been a refuge for the Chadwick family: forever warm and welcoming through the challenges life has thrown at them. And the current occupants have certainly seen their share of challenges...Lulu and her small son, Oliver, are staying at the Keep while they find their feet. Freddie's commission as a naval chaplain has just ended and he too is grateful to have been welcomed at the Keep whilst he decides where to go next. And now Ed, the black sheep of the family, is finally coming home after ten years living in the USA.Ed's strange, secretive behaviour means that he often clashes with his family. But as the autumn draws to a close and a sprinkling of snow dusts the moors, could the promise of a family Christmas at the Keep be enough to ease tensions and soothe the sting of a long-buried secret?The Chadwicks all know one thing for certain - no matter the circumstances, the Keep will always be there to welcome them home.Praise for Marcia Willett:'A warm and engaging read.' Trisha Ashley'A beautifully woven tale of families and their secrets...' Liz Fenwick, bestselling author of The Cornish House'Riveting, moving and utterly feel-good.' Daily Mail'Sweeping powers of description transport her readers to another time and place.' Rosanna Ley

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Book Synopsis"Somewhere between Ozark and Sharp Objects, there is Sharon Doering’s Confess to Me… you won’t put this one down” – Samantha Downing "Wow! Doering delivers spellbinding plot twists… I loved every moment spent with this story!" – Wendy Walker>/p>“A truly menacing tale delivered one elegant twist at a time. You don't devour this book – it devours you." – P. J. Vernon Heather Hornne is going home. Haunted by a childhood tragedy and estranged from her family, Heather finds herself back in Hunther, Wisconsin after twenty years running from it. She returns to finally put the past to rest, but uncovers another tragedy and finds herself in the beguiling grip of a young woman who knows more of her family secrets than Heather does. To survive this homecoming, Heather must piece together a toxic history that she long tried to forget.Trade Review"A well-spun plot... the storytelling is confident"Daily Mail“Little shivers of dread tingle as Doering lays on sinister layers of shocks and surprises.”Peterborough Telegraph Review"Somewhere between Ozark and Sharp Objects, there is Doering’s Confess to Me. This book has everything—small town, family secrets, wild animals—and it’s all blended together into one tense, irresistible story. Get settled in for a long night of reading, because you won’t put this one down." – Samantha Downing, bestselling author of My Lovely Wife"Doering has done it again! Raw, dark, and explosive, Confess to Me is an alluring and engrossing tale of revenge and redemption." – Jeneva Rose, bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage"Step by masterful step, Sharon Doering takes readers on a creepy, mind-bending journey through past trauma and present secrets. She skillfully creates characters whose darkest thoughts mirror our own, and every word is woven with sinister foreboding. Genius twists and winding paths lead to a shocking ending you won't see coming. A chilling read!" – Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and bestselling author of Woman on the Edge"Wow! The characters in Confess to Me jump right off the page. Doering writes with exceptional authenticity and imagination, delivering spellbinding plot twists in this small town psychological thriller. I loved every moment spent with this story!" – Wendy Walker, bestselling author of Don't Look for Me"Brilliant, vicious, and wildly compulsive, Confess to Me is a masterpiece of a thriller. Through stunning prose and an almost unbearable sense of dread, Doering delivers a truly menacing tale one elegant twist at a time. You don't devour this book – it devours you." – P. J. Vernon, author of When You Find Me“A truly unusual thriller, both in its delightful authorial voice, and in its exciting, surprising and insightful plot.”Morning Star Review"A deftly plotted, page-turning tale"Criminal Element Review"Unsettling and unexpected, a thriller that will subvert your expectations at every turn... definitely worth the read"The Crime ReviewPRAISE FOR SHE LIES CLOSE"Every curve, every twist takes you further down the rabbit hole. Sharon Doering has written a crackling debut that should be on your 2020 list!" – Samantha Downing, Sunday Times bestselling author of My Lovely Wife and He Started It"I am gasping for breath–what a terrific book. She Lies Close is a masterclass in voice, a psychological tour de force, and one of the most original stories I've ever read. Doering's talent leads the reader on a page-turning non-stop obsessive journey–but also skillfully weaves in true emotion and laugh out dark loud humor. Do not miss this!"– Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of The First to Lie“Dark, searing, and raw... an ending that will shake you to your core.”– Samantha M. Bailey, bestselling author of Woman on the Edge"Packed with chills, and an unexpected ending that readers won’t see coming, Sharon Doering’s fast-paced, tension-filled debut makes her a writer to watch."– Joanna Schaffhausen, author of The Vanishing Season"Vivid storytelling at a breathtaking pace."- Alice Blanchard, award-winning author of A Breath After Drowning"A perfect mixture of chilling suspense and twisting family secrets... an astonishing debut"– Jamie Freveletti, bestselling and award-winning author of the Emma Caldridge series, Robert Ludlum's The Janus Reprisal and The Geneva Strategy"Doering's fascinating and unforgettable characters surprise at every twist and turn."– Sophie Littlefield,bestselling author of A Bad Day for Sorry and The Missing Place"'The perfect blend of dark writing, gripping characters and gasping twists that will keep you reading late into the night. Sharon Doering has knocked it out of the park."– Sherri Smith, author of Follow Me Down "You'll be trying to both savor every word and turn the page as fast as possible! It's a remarkable debut that should not be missed!"– JENEVA ROSE, author of The Perfect Marriage"A fast-paced, taut, psychological mind-bender, that hits all the right notes. Sharon Doering has crafted a truly impressive debut that’s guaranteed to make her a writer to read for years to come."– DJ PALMER, USA Today bestselling author of Saving Meghan and The New Husband"Scrupulously plotted with one of the most memorable protagonists I've read, SHE LIES CLOSE is a live wire of a debut."– MARY KUBICA, New York Times bestselling author of The Other Mrs."A chilling twister of a thriller. A remarkable debut."– LISA UNGER, New York Times bestselling author of The Stranger Inside"A darkly comedic psychological thriller."– Foreword Magazine"Very interesting and well-thought-out thriller"– Booklist

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Book Synopsis'Funny, timely and absolutely pitch perfect. I loved this unfiltered look at the world of influencers' Clare Mackintosh Can you filter your way to #happiness? Cassie Holliday is at the top of her game. A glamorous wife and mother with 1.3 million Instagram followers, she posts images of her gorgeous husband and cute (gender-neutral) twins online every day. To her adoring fanbase, Cassie's life is a string of perfect experiences in VSCO filter. But in real life, you can't airbrush the truth. Cassie's marriage is at breaking point, her finances are precarious, and she is terrified of every Insta-star's worst nightmare: becoming irrelevant. Then Cassie meets Beth, an anxious new mum who never ventures online. Finally, Cassie feels like she can be herself. They soon become each other's lifeline, until a video of Beth goes viral, and their offline friendship tips into online rivalry... Everything's Perfect is a smart and thought-provoking debut about motherhood, friendship and the quest for perfection in an Instagram age. Praise for Everything's Perfect: 'Thought-provoking, fluid, vivid... and a reminder to us all that our inside lives rarely reflect what we show on the outside. I loved it' Lia Louis, author of Eight Perfect Hours 'I couldn't put it down... Nicole Kennedy writes so brilliantly about the weird world we live in' Lucy Vine, author of Bad Choices 'A witty, no-filter glance at the reality of becoming – and remaining – a social media influencer' Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City 'A fresh, eye-opening look into the fascinating world of 'insta mums'' Katy Colins, author of The Best is Yet to Come 'A smart and thought-provoking read about friendship, parenting and the pressure to appear perfect... Witty and relatable' Holly Miller 'If you have any interest at all in the strange world of 'influencers'. This book is The One... I felt like I'd been spied on. Thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny. A perfect summer read' Sarah TurnerTrade ReviewThought-provoking, fluid, vivid [...] and a reminder to us all that our inside lives rarely reflect what we show on the outside. I loved it -- Lia Louis, author of Eight Perfect HoursA witty, no-filter glance at the reality of becoming – and remaining – a social media influencer. I loved this relatable tale of friendship, marriage and family life -- Louise Hare, author of This Lovely CityEverything's Perfect is a smart and thought-provoking read about friendship, parenting and the pressure to appear perfect. Witty, sharply observed and utterly relatable – I loved it -- Holly Miller, author of The Sight of YouAfter a year indoors, staring at online life through a Valencia filter, this is exactly the book we need. I couldn't put Everything's Perfect down, and laughed, cried and cringed at the all-too-relatable moments. Nicole Kennedy writes so brilliantly about the weird world we all live in and I can't recommend it enough -- Lucy Vine, author of Bad ChoicesA fresh eye-opening look into the fascinating world of 'insta mums'. This smart and sassy novel is a must for any new mum or social media obsessive! -- Katy Collins, author of The Best is Yet to ComeI loved this funny novel about social media, Instagrammers and the rise of the 'Mummy blogger' * Clare Mackintosh Book Club *A witty and thoughtful look at the world of social media while celebrating friendship and motherhood * LoveReading *Warm, captivating, and a great excuse to have a break from your own social media! * Happiful Magazine *A refreshing and relatable exploration of on and offline life * Sunday Post *Laugh-out loud funny, but poignant too * Irish Examiner *

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Book SynopsisSometimes your enemies are closer than you think… Nicole Jameson has always been proud of her husband, Ethan. He’s built a successful career in finance, and his employers, the Harrisons, treat them like family. They’re a firm who look after their own, and even gave a loan to the company chauffeur, Conrad, to fund his pilot licence. When the two men are returning from a business trip, the worst possible thing happens – their plane crashes into the sea. No survivors are expected to be found. Nicole is heartbroken, much like Conrad’s wife, Ania. She never warmed to Nicole, but now they share a bond of grief. When evidence is found that Conrad took drugs shortly before the plane departed with him at the controls, the two women begin to wonder if all is not what it seems. But when they ask questions about events leading up to the crash, unsettling occurrences suggest it wasn’t a good idea. Sinister-looking men follow them, the Harrisons are increasingly cagey, and the women wonder if there is not more to this than a tragic accident. But are the most dangerous people the ones they have already allowed to get too close…? A compelling psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page. Perfect for fans of S. E. Lynes, Lauren North and Jane Corry. Praise for One Fatal Secret 'Absolutely compelling, with characters you can relate to and an action-packed plot. To say it’s “gripping” is an understatement; One Fatal Secret is the kind of book you start, then barely put down until you reach the shocking and unexpected conclusion. A fabulous psychological thriller that fully deserves five stars.' Linda Huber, author of Baby Dear'Tense, thrilling and seamlessly plotted, as the action ramps and startling revelations come to light, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, holding my breath until the nail-biting denouement. A must read for psychological thriller fans.' - A. A. Chaudhuri, author of She's Mine‘A fast paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time you’re reading it. Great characters and a great plot!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This was riveting… the whole novel had a nice flow to it, and there was always another twist or piece of action that kept my attention.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Wholly compelling and compulsive suspense with a perfectly crafted cast of characters, a pacy narrative and an immersive and sometimes unexpected plot. First class.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A tense, exciting and fast paced read that had me gripped from the start. It had so many twists and red herrings that the ending was a surprise but perfect.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘From beginning to end I was stuck to it and it had more twists than a corkscrew. Fantastic book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisTo save her home, she faces a difficult choice.When Rose Hamilton’s mother died in childbirth, her father, a farmer on the royal Sandringham estate, turned his back on the daughter whose birth killed his beloved wife. Rose’s one joy is Orchards, her father’s beloved farm. When he collapses, it is left to Rose to manage their land and do battle with their landlord Bertie, the lecherous Prince of Wales, who quickly turns vindictive. Faced with more family tragedy, Rose is left with a choice to make – either she must marry in order to stay on at Orchards, or leave the farm.Reliable Basil Pooley has been in love with Rose for years, though Rose has never returned his feelings. But Geoffrey Devlin, a man she has both loved and hated in equal measure since she was a girl, is an impossibility. Will she be forced into a marriage with somebody she does not love, or can she find a way to save her beloved home?An engaging saga set in Victorian Norfolk, perfect for fans of Rosie Harris and Iris Gower.

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Book SynopsisThe last thing on Lizzie’s mind is catching the bouquet When her best friend’s wedding venue catches fire, Lizzie Martin is on the case to find somewhere new. By some miracle, a space opens up at Halesmere House, and it makes perfect sense to move the event to the Lake District artists’ residence. But Lizzie has painful memories of Halesmere…And when she bumps into Cal, her first love, she is forced to confront the past. Now a sought-after blacksmith, Cal has his own studio at Halesmere and the two must find a way to get along if this wedding isn’t going to be a complete disaster. It soon becomes apparent that their attraction hasn't waned, but can Lizzie put their shared past behind her and learn to trust the man who left her once before?An emotional and heartwarming romance for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Heidi Swain and Sue Moorcroft.Praise for Wedding Days at Halesmere House ‘Romantic and uplifting… This novel is an emotional rollercoaster!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Suzanne has made me desperately want to visit the Lake District area – her description of the scenery is sublime! The touch of mystery and intrigue was a delight, and I liked the sweet fade to black romance. I want to pack my bags and find myself a flat at Halesmere house!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I enjoyed this book very much… a lovely, thoughtful read. The characters were very likeable and I warmed to them so quickly.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. It felt so good to be back in the lakes, and the characters. Such a lovely read and the setting descriptions made me wish I was there.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Gosh this was good! Set in Cumbria and including old love and found family. I loved it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A beautiful escapist read… had me hooked from the first page and I read it in practically one sitting. Heartwarming with fabulous characters … the emotions in this book leapt out of the page. I am already eagerly anticipating book three in this series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A wonderfully romantic, uplifting story that ebbs and flows through misunderstandings, loss, happiness and weddings. I loved the characters and their personalities. This book is a winner for me.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A wonderful experience. Hoping there will be more in the series and looking forward to returning and catching up with the characters.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisAS RECOMMENDED BY LYN ANDREWS Liverpool, 1861.Annie Shaw longs to be taken seriously. At 14, she's fed up of being babied by her big sister Delilah. It's true that Delilah has been the closest thing to a mother that Annie or any of her siblings have ever known, but she's secretive about the past and won't let her little sister out of her sight. When Annie's old friend Clara visits with tales of the good money that can be made at the cotton mill outside Ormskirk, she sees her chance at adventure and runs away.The work is gruelling and Annie is shocked to witness children as young as eight working long days around dangerous machinery. But it seems that, as long as the cotton is produced on time, the mill owners turn a blind eye to the very real human toll to be paid. The children from the workhouse are treated especially poorly and Annie can't help but make it her responsibility to rescue them.Soon Annie finds herself caring for three young orphans, now a makeshift mum herself. As hard times hit the mill and hundreds of jobs are lost, will Annie be able to keep her young charges warm, fed and safe? In order to face a turbulent future, Annie needs to first dig into the secrets buried in the past . . .PRAISE FOR JUDY SUMMERS:'I thoroughly enjoyed this book... The characters are well drawn and believable' - Lyn Andrews'Fascinating insights into Victorian Liverpool and a heart-warming story make for an inspiring read' - Mollie WaltonTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR JUDY SUMMERS: 'I thoroughly enjoyed this book... The characters are well drawn and believable' Lyn Andrews. 'Fascinating insights into Victorian Liverpool and a heart-warming story make for an inspiring read' -- Mollie Walton

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Book SynopsisDon’t dream your life, live your dreams….Phoebe Dashwood is a passionately committed vet who’s living the dream. She’s about to open her own small animal practice at her grandmother’s animal shelter, Puddleduck Farm in the New Forest. Phoebe is helped by her two oldest friends. Her best friend Tori is a mix of hard-headed journalist and hopeless romantic, who thinks love will conquer all when she finds the right man! Then there is Sam, Phoebe’s staunchest ally, whose integrity and selflessness mean he would do anything to make Phoebe happy, no matter what the cost to himself. Very soon Phoebe discovers that fantasy and reality don’t quite match. An unscrupulous bunny breeder, a poisoned stream, and a complicated attraction all conspire to throw her dreams in a spin. Events come to a shocking climax at the New Forest Show where Phoebe’s world is turned upside down and she has to make some life changing decisions.What everyone is saying about Puddleduck Farm: 'A delightful story, full of fun and animal drama!' Jo Bartlett 'A beautifully written, gentle story about self-acceptance, family and friendship.' Sarah Bennett 'Puddleduck Farm will find its way into your heart - a wonderfully cosy read!' Fay Keenan 'A warm, delightful read full of friendship and family with a touch of love on the horizon ... I can't wait to see what happens next at Puddleduck Farm!' Helen Rolfe 'Heart-warming, filled with engaging characters and a delightful cast of animals. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Puddleduck Farm!’ Jill Steeples

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Book Synopsis** Pre-order A WEDDING AT HEATHERLY HALL, the new cosy village romance from Julie Houston, now! ** Fans of Katie Fforde, Phillipa Ashley and The Vicar of Dibley will love this heartwarming and witty new novel from Julie Houston. Three devoted sisters... One complicated family. After the untimely death of their biological father, triplets Eva, Rosa and Hannah find themselves the unlikely owners of Heatherly Hall, the vast manor house overlooking their home village of Westenbury. But the beautiful house comes with almost as much baggage as it does land, not least high running costs and expectations. It's up to the sisters to find a way to keep Heatherly Hall going and, most importantly, in the family. But with drama in their private lives and secrets about to emerge, can the sisters stick together to focus on the task at hand? Praise for Julie Houston's books: 'A warm, funny story of sisters and the secrets they keep' Sheila O'Flanagan 'Warm, funny and well written, with a page-turning plot, this book has everything! I loved it!' Katie Fforde 'Julie Houston at her best – heartfelt and hilarious' Sandy Barker 'Laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartwarming!''Mandy Baggot 'This book is an absolute gigglefest with characters you'll fall in love with!' Katie GingerTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR A VILLAGE VACANCY: 'Warm, funny and well written, with a page-turning plot, this book has everything! I loved it!' Katie Fforde. 'A tour de force of beautiful, funny and emotional storytelling' Fay Keenan. 'A warm, funny story of sisters and the secrets they keep' Sheila O'Flanagan. 'This book is an absolute gigglefest with characters you'll fall in love with!' -- Katie Ginger

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Book SynopsisNEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AT THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2022 Molly Black has disappeared. She’s been running away since her parents died. But this time, or so says her note, she’s gone for good. There’s Been a Little Incident is an award-winning debut about grief, family and the people who are there for you when you can’t be there for yourself. 'Genuinely funny' Marian Keyes 'A brilliant read' The Sun ‘Exceptional’ Irish Times ‘Absorbing, uplifting’ Sinéad Crowley 'Exuberant family drama' The GlossTrade ReviewWarm, wry and genuinely funny. Alice Ryan has a great ability to describe the nuances of people -- Marian KeyesHere is a story that takes on grief in its many insidious guises, and yet this brave, big-hearted novel is full of warmth and wisdom. Clever, funny and an utterly life-enhancing read -- Christine Dwyer HickeyA story told with great generosity and humour... An absorbing, uplifting and very hopeful read -- Sinéad CrowleyRyan’s real achievement is to dramatize the process by which family – with all its oddities, misfires and intrusions – acts as a force for recuperation and renewal. * Times Literary Supplement *A refreshing, hugely entertaining novel with depth and ambition that had me compelled from the off. Alice Ryan is an author I will read forever more -- Anne GriffinAccomplished debut novel... full of such deep existential questions, as well as poignant reflections on loneliness and connection; family and belonging. But it is also remarkably light and humorous. Ryan has a Marian Keyes-esque touch * Business Post *This warm and very funny look at family relationships and grief is a brilliant read * The Sun *Alice Ryan's debut novel is an exploration of the binding force of shared grief and personal history * Irish Times *A heartbreaking, but uplifting read that treats grief, connection and loss with a light, but powerful hand * RTÉ *A warm and witty family drama... Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one will recognise the non-linear nature of grief, as depicted in this light-hearted, yet empathetic story, full of wit and warmth. This debut deftly conveys the rich tapestry of family dynamics * Sunday Independent *An exuberant family saga... Ryan writes with a featherlight touch but her message is supremely warm and hopeful * The Gloss *

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