Family life fiction / Stories about family

Book SynopsisPlug yourself in to this hilarious, high-voltage romance from Niamh ShawUnlucky-in-love Lara sure knows how to pick ''em - losers, that is. But who can blame her when she''s never gotten over having her heart (and self-esteem) smashed to pieces by her one and only true love, the super-intelligent, super-geeky, and super-emotionally-inept Conn? Six years later, working alongside her ex on an energy-generating project in Dubai is the last thing Lara expected. It''s not long before sparks are flying, but can Lara trust Conn with her heart again?

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Book SynopsisThe perfect family celebration requires the perfect family...Alice Dunlop knows the best things in life are free. But the approach of her 40th wedding anniversary and 60th birthday surely warrants a proper celebration. With visions of a glorious family gathering complete with a marquee, champagne and beautiful sunshine, Alice has big plans for the big day. Her husband David isn''t so enthused. He seems to have lost his lust for life since retiring from his job. And he''s not the only one who isn''t in the mood to celebrate. Each of Alice and David''s four grown-up children has their own problems to contend with and things aren''t going as smoothly as any of them had hoped. As Alice focuses on preparations for the party, her family begins to unravel around her. Even her husband''s sudden rise from apathy isn''t as great a blessing as it first appears. It''s only a matter of time before Alice''s special day is at risk of disaster...Trade Review'A satisfying read about the swiftly running undercurrents in our lives, no matter how tranquil the surface may appear' * She *

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Book SynopsisA family struggles to survive bereavement, bombing and bitter rivalry...Patsy Rushton''s brother Barney doesn''t know the meaning of hard work, so when their father tragically dies, Patsy has no choice but to save the family''s business. Meanwhile, Barney has got his girlfriend pregnant and, feeling trapped, he abandons her and leaves Merseyside altogether. But trouble follows Barney wherever he goes and when he learns of his sister''s growing success, he can''t help feeling resentful. Why is their mother, Beatrice, so quick to forgive him? Surely, she can''t be blind to his faults? As Patsy is to discover, there''s something else about Barney that is frightening her mother so much she has never dared to speak of it before.Trade ReviewPraise for Anne Baker's previous Merseyside sagas: 'A stirring tale of romance and passion, poverty and ambition * Liverpool Echo *A compelling book that you just don't want to put down * Southport Visiter *A gentle tale with all the right ingredients for a heartwarming novel * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *Another nostalgic story oozing with atmosphere and charm * Liverpool Echo *

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Book SynopsisA perfect Christmas would be for a father to be reuinted with his daughter.When Glen Trainer is framed for a crime he didn''t commit he loses his home, his business and, worst of all, his daughter. Years later, living rough on the streets of Leicester, Glen meets Jan Clayton. She, too, has a heartbreaking story to tell and together they find the courage to start afresh. As Christmas approaches, Glen gets ever closer to finding his daughter, but will his wish for a perfect Christmas come true?Trade ReviewPraise for Lynda Page: 'You'll be hooked from page one * Woman's Realm *Cookson/Cox aficionados who've missed her should grab this. Romantic and gripping * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Ms Page creates strong characters and is a clever and careful storyteller... A great writer who gives an authentic voice to Leicester... A formidable talent * LE1 *In Lynda Page, we have an author who writes with skill and style... Leicester's Lynda Page is destined to share the limelight - and bestseller lists - with the likes of Catherine Cookson * Hull Daily Mail *If you want an enthralling saga read Lynda Page * Martina Cole *Lynda Page is a leading purveyor of the saga, enlivening her plots with all manner of page-turning twists and turns. Expect the unexpected * Choice magazine *Inspirational and heart-warming * Sun *

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Book SynopsisIdentical twins Lily and Rose Flowers aren''t from a rich family, but they lead a comfortable life in 1920s Rotherhithe with their mum and dad. The twins are the apple of their parents'' eye, and each other''s best friend - they always know what the other is thinking. Feisty Rose has a more rebellious nature than her sister, but it''s never before interfered with their closeness.However, Rose''s secret dissatisfaction with her humdrum lifestyle reaches a head when she meets the rich and handsome Rodger. To the shock of the Flowers family, she elopes with him to Gretna Green. Once Rose has the money and glamour she''s always craved, nothing will persuade her to contact her family again; not even her father''s death.And then, in the wake of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, everything changes. With her charmed life in shreds and with no one left to turn to, Rose is determined to build bridges those she has hurt the most. But can forgiveness be sought so easily - and can sTrade Review'An inspiring tale' * Woman's Weekly *'Another fine saga by this ever-popular author' * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *'Harsh times, brave hearts and always a hint of hope' * Northern Echo *'An inspiring tale, full of surprises, intrigue and suspense' * Newcastle Evening Gazette *

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Book SynopsisSelected for the Waterstones Eleven list for 2013.We first meet Michel eleven days after the death of his son Lion. Lion was lost, suddenly, to a virulent strain of meningitis and it''s left his father and entire family reeling. We join Michel on his personal journey through grief, but the twist that makes the journey truly remarkable, and tips this true story into fiction, is the fact that we see it all through Lion''s eyes.In a stunningly original blurring of memoir and fiction, THE SON tackles the very hardest of subjects in the most readable of ways. Michel Rostain resolutely ducks away from sentimentality and pathos, and tells his story instead with wit, wisdom and vitality. For this is not a book about death; it''s a book about life.Trade ReviewAn original slant on the issues of grief and survival. Unusual, painful and intelligent writing -- Susan FletcherTransmut[es] humour into savage irony and back again...An honourable, humane and touching work * The Sunday Times *Both compelling and jarring...the author treads the line between poignancy and sentimentality, bitterness and joy, memoir and fiction * TLS *'Moving...packed with emotion... you will cry, yes, but you will also laugh as this novel reminds us of the overwhelming capacity we have for the most powerful love' * Psychologies *This is one of the most emotionally powerful books I've ever read. The deep sadness is layered with hope; showing how friends and family can help each other through grief. It is a roller-coaster of emotion... Highly recommended -- www.farmlanebooks.com

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Book SynopsisA gloriously rich coming-of-age novel set in southern high society, 1930s America. My parents sent me away because I wanted too much, wanted badly. And all that want was a dangerous thing...High in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls is a refuge of privilege in a land devastated by the Depression.Thea Atwell''s arrival late in the summer season causes a ripple of intrigue and speculation. But even the most scandalous rumour cannot come close to the truth that destroyed her family, and brought her here.Fearless and unbroken, Thea soon finds that there is no banishment from secrets and temptations. Poised on the brink of adulthood, the events of that year will change the girls of Yonahlossee in ways they will never forget.Trade ReviewDiSclafani's name is being bandied around in the same breath as The Secret History's Donna Tartt... A clever and compelling coming-of-age novel * Glamour *Beautiful...steamy...it's a spectacular debut * Adriana Trigiani *Sultry * Independent *Darkly addictive * Express *Sumptuous * Stylist *Exciting, passionate and beautifully vivid * Red *Brilliantly atmospheric * Heat *I fell completely under the spell of Anton DiSclafani's amazing first novel and was gripped by its lush and dreamy evocations of Southern decorum, family secrets, and boarding school rituals. DiSclafani is wildly talented, and this is a sexy, suspenseful, gorgeously written book * Curtis Sittenfeld *'DiSclafani's pitch-perfect details of time and place effortlessly drew me into this fantastic novel's authentic and alluring world' * Laura Moriarty, author of THE CHAPERONE *

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Book SynopsisFor generations, the Campbells have lived happily at Dulough, an idyllic, rambling estate on the windswept coast of Ireland. But upkeep has drained the family coffers. Faced with the heartbreaking possibility of having to sell, John Campbell makes a very difficult decision; to keep Dulough he will turn the estate into a tourist attraction. He and his wife, daughter and son will move from the luxury of the big house to a small, damp caretaker''s cottage. The upheaval strains the already tenuous threads that bind the family, and when a tragic accident befalls them, long-simmering resentments and unanswered yearnings are forced to the surface.Trade Review'Beautifully written debut' * Fabulous Magazine, Sun on Sunday *'Johanna Lane writes in an easy melodic style and she shows a real talent for understanding the separate sorrows and secret dreams that simmer beneath the surface of even the closest families' * Daily Mail *'An elegantly written story' * Irish Mail on Sunday *'Lane's prose is graceful, textured and her elegant style reflects the Campbells' glazed retrograde world' * Irish Independent *'What won me over was the touching depiction of the two children' * Woman & Home *'A beautifully atmospheric and poignant debut' * Bella magazine *'I found I could not put this book down' * Woman’s Way *This ultimately becomes a story of the importance of home, whatever its history, told in highly lyrical prose' * Image magazine *'A poignant and haunting tale that really resonates' * Evening Echo *'A haunting debut' * Publishers Weekly *Lane's prose is graceful, textured and her elegant stye reflects the Campbell's glazed retrograde world * Irish Independent *Quiet novels like Black Lake don't get much air-time, but it's worth cutting through the noise and losing yourself in this gently devastating read * Harper's Bazaar *This is a charming story with gems for the thinker while being populated by interesting people for the lover of an easiy absorbed tale' * Book Bag *

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Book SynopsisNew Orleans, May 1862. The largest city in the ill-starred confederacy has fallen to Union troops. Twelve-year-old Joseph Woolsack disappears from his home, putting his mother Elise into a panic and his father Angel into a rage. Elise must struggle to maintain a hold on her sanity, her son and her station, but is threatened by the resurgence of a troubling figure from her past. Their paths all intersect with General Benjamin ''the Beast'' Butler, whose avarice and brutal acumen are ideally suited to the task of governing an ''ungovernable city''.With the richly historical prose that marked The Blood of Heaven, Wascom carves a gothic tale of insurrection and ill-advised romance in the city at the heart of Secessia, the rebellious just-conquered South.Trade ReviewA powerful and memorable story. * Sunday Times *Secessia should be greeted with trumpets and fanfare. I haven't read a novel this exciting in a long, long time. -- Valerie MartinWascom, who was born in New Orleans, has justly been compared to Cormac McCarthy, but the spirit of his new novel is touched by the lurid energy of Anne Rice and Joyce Carol Oates and even Edgar Allen Poe. * Washington Post *Though most of the characters are as passionate, selfish, and greedy as the city itself, Wascom makes every one of them a pleasure to read, effortlessly inhabiting each of their specific psychologies. . . . This is such a good yarn that readers will be totally on board with the whole rambunctious package. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisA Good Morning America Buzz PickA Mary Calvi Book Club PickA perfectly paced, addictive thriller with a vicious twist. Paula HawkinsFrom bestselling nonfiction author Abbott Kahler comes a spellbinding fiction debut: an unusual form of amnesia upends the lives of identical twins, forcing them to face the indelible, dangerous shadow of the past.When Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude's face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to make sense of things, she believes Jude will provide all the answers to her most pressing questions:Who am I?Where am I?What actually happened? Amid this tragedy, Jude sees an irresistible opportunity: she can give her sister a brand-new past, one worlds away from the lives they actually led. She spins tales of an idyllic childhood, exotic travels, and a bright future.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Tinniswood Award at the 2024 BBC Audio AwardsAs I walk past the funeral parlour, I see a poster next to their two-for-one offer. It''s a wanted poster with my name on it.A completely made-up true story. When the world goes mad, do we inevitably go mad too?When Shôn playfully cracks an egg on his mother's head, he has no idea real-life internet trolls will appear on his doorstep. Cracking takes on the battle between love and hate, asking what's funny and where we draw the line. Part stand-up, part theatre, Cracking is a funny, touching and thought-provoking solo performance that sews together fact and fiction into one seamless whole making us wonder what's real, what's not and what's gone wrong. This story about love and hatred celebrates how searching for connection beats disconnecting. This edition was published to coincide with the UK tour starting in February 2024.

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Book SynopsisWould you run away to find out where you''ve come from?Twenty-five-year-old Chiara has always wished she knew her father, thought to have died in a tragic accident before she was born.When she learns by chance that her biological father could in fact be a Frenchman living on the island of Groix, Chiara sets off for the summer of a lifetime, leaving behind only three letters in her wake.Finding companions in Urielle, a young mother looking to get away from Paris, and Gabin, an attractive writer reluctant to discuss his past, Chiara becomes bewitched by the island and its community.Under the guise of a letter carrier, Chiara slowly uncovers the secrets of her family, but can she find herself - and love - along the way?Trade ReviewAn exquisite epic. A subtle mapping of the turmoil, the emotions and the joys of our lives * Elle *Pack your luggage, and let you be carried by Lorraine Fouchet's writing. She engages you into a whirlwind of laughter and tears. It's moving. Inspiring * Femme Actuelle *One feels at home in Lorraine Fouchet's novels * Madame Figaro *Lorraine Fouchet signs a powerful and moving book, just like the stories she tells. A landmark in feel good novels * Le Figaro *

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Book Synopsis''Beautifully written and compelling'' Daily Mail''Rowan Hisayo Buchanan is one of the most distinctive and luminously original novelists of her generation'' Sharlene Teo, author of Ponti''Elegant, atmospheric, sharp-edged . . . The Sleep Watcher is a novel that obsessed me from the moment I opened the cover'' Cal Flyn, author of Islands of AbandonmentWhen she is sixteen, Kit suffers a summer of peculiar sleeplessness that isn''t quite what it seems. Her body lies in bed while she wanders through her family home, the streets of her run-down seaside town and into the houses of friends and strangers. Unseen and unheard, she witnesses her parents and their fracturing relationship. Her home thrums with quiet violence that she can no longer ignore. With this secret knowledge it becomes impossible not to react and a single choice soon changes everything.Intimate, tense and exquisitely observed, The Sleep WTrade ReviewA lyrical, bracing read, wearing the influences of Kazuo Ishiguro, Ruth Ozeki and Virginia Woolf light as a perfume -- Annabel Nugent * Independent *Beautifully written and compelling * Daily Mail *The pleasure in Buchanan's writing lies in her insightful phrases and shrewd observations -- Suzi Feay * Guardian *Thoughtful . . . nuanced and powerful -- Alex Peake-Tomkinson * Spectator *Affecting . . . both tense and tender -- Sophie Mackintosh * Observer *The Sleep Watcher simmers with tension and a constant threat of violence - and yet it is so delicately and cleanly observed as to make reading a pleasure. A pitch-perfect evocation of coming of age in a seaside town - with all the freedom and risk that comes of growing up among flawed and fractured adults. Elegant, atmospheric, sharp-edged . . . it is a novel that obsessed me from the moment I opened the cover. -- Cal Flyn, author of Islands of AbandonmentWith agonising precision, The Sleep Watcher captures that estranging moment of young womanhood when you suddenly realise your body, your parents, your whole world is nothing like you thought. The writing is incredibly beautiful and unbearably tense - I had to hold my breath as I read. It is exquisite. -- Ruth Gilligan, author of The ButchersCharged with the otherworldliness and shrewd social perception found in the works of Shirley Jackson and Octavia Butler, The Sleep Watcher is a bracing and compelling portrayal of adolescence and feeling uncanny at home. Rowan Hisayo Buchanan is one of the most distinctive and luminously original novelists of her generation and I'll read anything she writes. -- Sharlene Teo, author of PONTIThe Sleep Watcher is a taut and vicious thrum of a novel, deceptively pretty and mesmerising as the calm before a storm. Rowan Hisayo Buchanan cuts close to the bone with her insights on family and secrecy, trust and power, and the dangerous, double-edged keenness of intimacy -- C Pam Zhang, author of How Much of These Hills Is GoldIn her uncanny central conceit Buchanan has hit on a perfect metaphor for the estrangement of adolescence. The Sleep Watcher is a beguiling, atmospheric work, at once wary and tender, of how we haunt our parents and how they in turn possess us. -- Peter Ho Davies, author of THE FORTUNESAn incredibly moving story about connection, loneliness, and what we do when we think no one else is watching. Beautifully written - Buchanan's prose has a brilliantly sensitive touch. -- Julianne Pachico, author of THE LUCKY ONESBuchanan has written a beautiful book. In The Sleep Watcher she manages to a tell a story that is ethereal and other-worldly while being heart-breakingly human. We are lucky to have her unique voice. -- Paul McVeighIn elegant and restrained prose, the novel charts one young woman's summer of heat and dreams, of longing and rebellion, of relationships deteriorating and new experiences rising. No one is writing about the interior worlds of women like Rowan Hisayo Buchanan. The Sleep Watcher is an astonishing achievement, in which ordinary life and a magnificent unreality collide. I loved it. -- Gemma Seltzer, author of Ways of LivingI absolutely adored The Sleep Watcher. It is so finely wrought - with an aching, delicate beauty and suspense -- Jessica J. LeeSlippery, luminous, ethereal . . . like finding sea glass at the beach. Hisayo Buchanan writes like a dream, only this time her subject is also dreams, liminal spaces, adolescence on the brink of adulthood, sleep that skirts the rim of waking, what is real about her father at the creeping dawn of a young woman's realisation. She is my favourite contemporary writer -- Abigail TarttelinA powerful meditation on the realisations that come with adolescence -- Pat Carty * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisA chilling novel of childhood secrets, first love - and a brutal murder. Perfect for the BROADCHURCH audience.''A nail-biting debut full of twists and betrayal'' Candis''I''m good at secrets,'' Libby says. Yes, thinks Jessica, I bet you are... Jessica should have everything to make her happy: a loving husband, a growing reputation as a jewellery designer, hope for a family of her own in the future. Then she meets Libby - flattering, attentive - and believes she has found the friendship she missed out on as a child. Until Jessica catches her husband and Libby alone, heads together in whispered collusion.With her life unravelling, Jessica flees home to the seaside town where she grew up. The discovery of an old postcard among her childhood belongings sends Jessica in search of her first love, Thomas, ''the ghost boy'' who disappeared one night 17 years ago. The last time Jessica saw Thomas he was covered in blood and begging Trade ReviewA book to devour in one sitting, JELLYBIRD is a dark and unsettling thriller from exciting new voice Lezanne Clannachan * Good Housekeeping *A tremendous debut with real psychological texture. The plotting is subtle, the balance between past and present finely judged, the prose fresh and precise -- Nigel Farndale, bestselling author of The BlasphemerThis is a nail-biting debut full of twists and betrayal - an author to look for again. * Candis *Clannachan's clipped style sustains the story's tempo in her promising, unsettling debut * Big Issue in the North *A book to devour in one sitting, JELLYBIRD is a dark and unsettling thriller from exciting new voice Lezanne Clannachan * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *A tremendous debut with real psychological texture. The plotting is subtle, the balance between past and present finely judged, the prose fresh and precise -- Nigel Farndale, bestselling author of THE BLASPHEMERThis is a nail-biting debut full of twists and betrayal - an author to look for again. * CANDIS magazine *Clannachan's clipped style sustains the story's tempo in her promising, unsettling debut * BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH *

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Book SynopsisA lost love, a valuable jewellery box stolen from the Nazis - and a lifetime of secrets... A powerfully emotional and romantic novel of rekindled love - perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Josie Silver, and Kathryn HughesTrade ReviewTantalizing, heartbreaking, and filled with beautifully imperfect characters, this novel will slowly draw you in and leave you with tears in your eyes and hope in your heart * Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES and THE FOREST OF VANISHING STARS *

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Book SynopsisA hilarious and heartwarming debut set on the Cornish coast, perfect for fans of Catherine Alliott, Lucy Diamond and Fiona Gibson.

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Book Synopsis''A warm, nurturing, optimistic, sunny story.'' Sue Teddern, author of Annie Stanley, All at SeaIt''s never too late for a new beginning...Steph Herrington runs a successful hair salon - she can make your hair look amazing but she''s no gardener. An allotment was her late husband''s dream. But when her daughter, Jessie, decides to take the plot on in her dad''s memory, Steph sees a chance to bridge the gulf that grew between them as their loving, close-knit family fell apart... Only the gnarly tangle of weeds and thorns - and working together to tame it - is much harder than they''d imagined. But as winter turns to spring and fruits and vegetables start to flourish - and with the support of Jessie''s loyal friend, Hog, and handsome fellow plot-holder and single dad, Richard - can Steph and Jessie''s relationship grow back stronger than ever?A heartwarming and uplifting novel about community, family, and finding

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Book Synopsis''I am a big fan of this writer'' Katie Fforde After years of being unlucky in love, Julia has found the one - or in her case, the one that was there all along, her best friend Toby. Except that after a perfect weekend making plans for the future, Toby''s ex-girlfriend Ruby gets in touch, telling him she''s pregnant. Although he feels torn, Toby decides to give their relationship another chance, for the baby''s sake.Julia is determined to pick herself up and move on from Toby. But life is about to get much more complicated for the three of them. . . ''Keeps you gripped until the end'' Daily Mail''An enjoyable romantic comedy with some entertaining twists'' Sunday MirrorReaders love Two For Joy: ''LOVED this one'' Sharon''Very well written, lovely characters and a beautiful story line. Thumbs up Helen Chandler!!!!'' Ebunolu''Couldn''t puTrade ReviewThis is a pure delight . . . beautifully handled with some unexpected, humorous and emotional moments, all thrown into a fast-moving plot. I loved it. * Lovereading.co.uk *A page-turner that keeps you gripped until the end. * Daily Mail *An enjoyable romantic comedy with some entertaining twists. * Sunday Mirror *Charming . . . warm, confidently written, very addictive . . . I thoroughly enjoyed it * Bookseller *A really impressive debut. The writing keeps you on edge and has you wanting to read more and more and more! Helen is definitely an author to watch out for. * chicklitclub.com *[Julia is] a fantastic character whose flaws make her all the more loveable . . . The novel explores the vulnerability and strength that accompany pregnancy and motherhood in a distinctive way. * Novelicious.com *This was brilliant, and I really did enjoy every page, I didn't want to put it down! Chandler is an exciting new voice in women's fiction, and this debut makes me very excited for what else she has to come. I hope you enjoy TWO FOR JOY as much as I did, it was fantastic! * chicklitchloe.blogspot.co.uk *A quick and entertaining read with a number of twists and turns to the story that I couldn't have predicted and a wonderfully satisfying ending . . . Funny, insightful and romantic - an absolute joy to read! * onemorepage.co.uk *A wonderfully written debut . . . Written in a lovely laid back style that quickly absorbs the reader's attention and provides witty, warm-hearted reading, with regular giggles and loads of fun, the story explores the complexity of relationships, misunderstandings and drama of first babies and second chances. * handwrittengirl.com *I was drawn into these characters' lives instantly and I fell in love with Julia . . . The writing was funny and sharp and I found myself storming through this book as each chapter made me want to keep reading . . . it was really impressive and I cannot wait to see what is next from Helen! * lauralovelockbookreviews.wordpress.com *A touching, romantic read . . . What a fantastic debut, I'm looking forward to her next release. * reabookreview.blogspot.co.uk *A light-hearted . . . satisfying read. * The Lady magazine *

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Book SynopsisA sharp, spiky and funny look at modern life and middle-class preoccupations - this time Christina Hopkinson unpicks the world of the weekend wives.Trade ReviewWitty, sharp and absorbing with a dark edge that we loved. * Heat *Praise for Christina Hopkinson's novels * : *Utter genius -- Lisa JewellFantastically well-written, searingly truthful...very moving * Daily Mail *You will race through thus indulgent treat * Sunday Mirror *Ignore the chores and read this * Grazia *A razor sharp dissection of the madness of modern fame. * Good Housekeeping *A wonderful portrait of celebrity . . . a light, wry take on life behind the scenes of the A-List and an easy, accessible read. * We Love This Book *A very funny satire on fame and the media, you will race through this indulgent treat. * Sunday Mirror *It's a great premise and the book's full of spot-on brilliance, from posh children's clothes to the dramatic denouement in the garden. * Daily Mail *Hilariously lifts the shades on an uber-glamorous world * Daily Express *The Nanny Diaries meets Sex And The City * Red *A quirky story which is amusingly told. * Image *Nail-biting end * The Lady magazine *Funny and deliciously rude. * Daily Mail on JUST LIKE PROPER GROWN-UPS *Utter genius. * Lisa Jewell on THE PILE OF STUFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS *Fantastically well-written, searingly truthful, occasionally very moving * Daily Mail on THE PILE OF STUFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS *Sharply funny * Marie Claire on THE PILE OF STUFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS *

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Book Synopsis**The #1 New York Times bestselling novel.** Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Liane Moriarty and The Devil Wears Prada.Trade ReviewPraise for First Comes Love * : *Giffin is a great writer and the psychologically complex narrative races along, making for compulsive reading. This is a compelling portrait of a family in crisis; warm, witty, wise and so honest it occasionally made me wince. I loved it. * Daily Mail *Moving and complex, [First Comes Love] proves [that Emily Giffin is] still at the top of her game. * Booklist *Giffin paints a realistic portrait of the troubled and complex relationship between a pair of sisters...[her] fans will be pleased with this fast-paced, witty, and thoughtful new offering' * Kirkus Reviews *Giffin's talent is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to the modern woman's story about life, love and family * Redbook *Praise for Emily Giffin's previous novels * : *A modern-day Jane Austen. * Vanity Fair *A dependably down-to-earth storyteller. * New York Times *Giffin's writing is true, smart, and heartfelt. * Entertainment Weekly *I absolutely loved it . . . I could not put it down. * Marian Keyes on Something Borrowed *Giffin's talent lies in taking relatable situations and injecting enough wit and suspense to make them feel fresh. * People *Here's a heroine you'll root for and a book you won't want to put down. I loved it! * Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada on Something Borrowed *When it comes to writing stories that resonate with real women, bestselling author Emily Giffin has hit her stride. * San Francisco Chronicle *Emily Giffin ranks as a grand master . . . She has traversed the slippery slopes of true love, lost love, marriage, motherhood, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption that have led her to be called 'a modern-day Jane Austen'. * Chicago Sun Times *Emily Giffin writes with both insight and empathy. * Candis *

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Book Synopsis''A powerful story, sweetly told'' Antonio Iturbe, author of The Librarian of AuschwitzA country torn apart by war. Two siblings divided by fate.Italy, 1938. Mussolini is in power and war is not far away . . .Clara and Pippo are just children: quiet, thoughtful Clara is the older sister; Pippo, the younger brother, is forever chatting. The family has only recently arrived in the city carrying their few possessions.When Mamma goes missing early one morning, both Clara and Pippo go in search of her. Clara turns right; Pippo left.As a result of the choices they make that morning, their lives will be changed forever.Diana Rosie's Pippo and Clara tells the story of a family and a country divided. But will Clara and Pippo and their mother find each other again?Trade ReviewAn absorbing story of a brother and sister separated by troubled times in an Italy torn between fascination and hatred of fascism . . . A powerful story sweetly told -- Antonio Iturbe, author of The Librarian of AuschwitzA heartbreaking read set against the backdrop of WWII * S Magazine (Express) *Deeply affecting . . . This is an enjoyable, fast-paced and emotionally engaging story that portrays the ideological divides of wartime Italy from different childhood perspectives * Historical Novel Society *Moving and evocative . . . Rosie has produced a tender portrayal of wartime Italy, vividly describing the previously vibrant neighbourhoods and the bravery that sometimes comes to the fore in the face of tragedy * The Lady *Diana Rosie’s latest novel tells the story of a family pulled apart by conflict . . . Pippo and Clara’s dad was killed when they were very young and when the family move to an Italian city, they find themselves separated from both their mother and each other. Taken in by two different families, they dream of finding each other again as they do their best to survive in Italy’s changing political climate * OK Magazine *Charms and illuminates in equal measure -- Fanny Blake on Alberto's Lost BirthdayMoving, thoughtful and absorbing . . . Alberto's Lost Birthday reminds us of the importance of home and the peace that comes with knowing who we truly are -- Mail on Sunday on Alberto's Lost BirthdayWill capture your heart until the very end -- Essentials magazine on Alberto's Lost BirthdayA fascinating look at Spain’s troubled history and a heartwarming intergenerational love story about the bonds of family -- Red magazine on Alberto's Lost Birthday

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Book SynopsisFor readers of The Nightingale and Brooklyn, an exquisitely moving novel about friendship, love, and redemption in a circle of immigrants who flee Europe for 1930s-era New York City.On the eve of World War II Egon Schneider--a gallant and successful Jewish doctor, son of two world-famous naturalists--escapes Germany to an uncertain future across the sea. Settling into the unfamiliar rhythms of upper Manhattan, he finds solace among a tight-knit group of fellow immigrants, tenacious men and women drawn together as much by their differences as by their memories of the world they left behind.They each suffer degradations and triumphs large and small: Egon''s terminally acerbic lifelong friend, bestselling author Meyer Leavitt, now wears a sandwich board on a New York street corner; Catrina Harty, the headstrong daughter of a dirt-poor Irish trolley driver, survives heartbreak and loss to forge an unlikely alliance; and Egon himself is

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Book SynopsisIf you love Robyn Carr''s Virgin River, don''t miss Emily March''s warm, uplifting Eternity Springs series!Reflection Point is the captivating sixth novel in New York Times bestselling author Emily March''s warm and uplifting romance series about a small town with a big heart. For fans of Debbie Macomber, Holly Martin and Sheryl Woods.Savannah Moore arrives in Eternity Springs, determined to leave her troubled past behind. Her handcrafted-soap shop fits perfectly with the magic of this warm and welcoming community - only the sexy, suspicious local sheriff promises to upset her happiness.Zach Turner knows this woman means trouble: maybe to his town, possibly to his friends, but definitely to his heart. The simmering Southern beauty drives the committed bachelor crazy, taunting him with possibilities beyond his dedication to his sometimes dangerous job. So when Savannah'Trade Review'Heartwarming and uplifting... Meaningful issues, a familiar and wholesome cast of secondary characters, and a substantial romance will please fans and newcomers alike' * Publishers Weekly *'A brilliant writer you'll love creates a world you'll never want to leave' * Susan Mallery, New York Times bestselling author *'Emily March's stories are heart-wrenching and soul-satisfying. For a wonderful read, don't miss a visit to Eternity Springs' * Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author *

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Book SynopsisThe irresistible, heartwarming new saga from Pam Evans, the bestselling author of IN THE DARK STREETS SHINING.It is 1938 and the threat of war looms on the streets of London. But, when the lights go down in the cinema aisles, usherette Daisy Blake is transported to a world of glamour and romance. Among the staff there is much merriment and Daisy soon falls in love with the handsome organist, Al Dawson. Then war is declared and, just after Al leaves for the frontline, Daisy discovers she''s pregnant. Her mother is distraught; she doesn''t think Al is right for her daughter and when Daisy''s letters to him go unanswered, her mother encourages her to marry John, the cinema''s projectionist, to spare her further heartache.As the blitz rages over London and disaster strikes, Daisy''s morale is boosted by her work and her young son, Sam, brings her comfort and joy in the troubled times ahead...Trade ReviewA touching novel - Daily ExpressVery readable - BellaA special kind of warmth with all the right ingredients - Lancashire Evening PostHistory and Romance. A touching saga - My Weekly

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Book SynopsisOn the same day that a retired French police inspector receives a letter from a woman claiming to be his daughter, he returns to his apartment to find a stranger waiting for him on his doorstep. That stranger is a Japanese man called Tadashi Omura, and the men end up telling each other their life stories, transporting us back to Japan and Algeria. As we try and work out the connection between the two men, one thing that''s clear is that they''ve both led lives that have been extraordinary, dangerous and built on layers upon layers of lies.Trade ReviewA novel of exquisite beauty, which evades categorisation * The Times *A striking piece of work, with all the intricate, precise beauty of an origami bird * Lady *Gripping... each chapter builds on the one before, unfolding through levels of story to unpack deeper and deeper truths * Guardian *Wonderful...a novel of detection, a thriller of the intellect * Sydney Morning Herald *Stunning and hypnotic... You won't read another novel like THE SNOW KIMONO this year, or perhaps for many to come * Asian Review of Books *This book casts a spell from the start....A highly original book full of small sensations with the bonus of being a joy to read * Shots Magazine *Strongly atmospheric, the vivid scenery of Japan resonates through Henshaw's carefully placed words as he creates a psychological thriller * Scottish Woman *The novel questions authorship and the slipperiness of memory...[Its] narrative twists are challengingly clever * Australian Book Review *The writing is beautiful: pellucid and wonderfully visual, painting memorable landscape cameos. The reader is compliant, willingly engaged with a story that starts in medias res and branches in unexpected and seemingly unconnected yet complementary directions * Advertiser *Masterful...a tale almost as seamless, and of such a rich fabric, as one of Sachiko's mother's famous kimonos * Sydney Review of Books *Henshaw creates a world of psychological complexity and emotional subtlety in a story that moves from Paris to Japan and back again...Henshaw's prose shimmers as his narrative becomes ever more nuanced, complex, and misleading * Kirkus Reviews *Henshaw's prose [is] luminous and crisp, like the snowy countryside of Japan or the barren lanes of Algiers...When I finished The Snow Kimono, I raised my head, vaguely surprised that I was at home, in familiar surrounds, and it was still daylight outside. I turned straight back to page one and began again * Saturday Paper *

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Book SynopsisLOOK AT ME is a superb coming-of-age novel and an unsettling yet entertaining exploration of grief. ''A sharp-eyed novel about grief, family and understanding''Woman & Home MagazineLizzy''s mother died two years ago, leaving a family bereft by her absence and a house still filled with her things. Then, one day, Lizzy finds a letter from a stranger to her father, and discovers he has another child. Lizzy invites her into their world in an act of outraged defiance. Almost immediately, she realises her mistake.''A clever exploration of family and grief, which will appeal to fans of Harriet Lane''RED MAGAZINE ''A creepy, claustrophobic family drama...a welcome breath of fresh air in the era of huge doorstep novels ''GLAMOUR MagazineTrade ReviewWith characters that are sharply observed with a beady eye for detail, this is a haunting study of family, grief, and loss * Daily Mail *A hugely enjoyable novel - astutely observed, witty and original. Just my sort of book! -- Sarah Rayner, bestselling author of ONE MOMENT, ONE MORNINGThis slender novel puts a fragile family under the spotlight with great effect -- Cathy Rentzenbrink * Bookseller, Editor's Choice *A book to fall in love with... captivating, creepy and beguiling all at once -- Colette McBeth, author of THE LIFE I LEFT BEHINDA creepy, claustrophobic family drama * Glamour *A sharp-eyed novel about grief, family and understanding * Woman & Home *This debut is about to go massive - and it has us hooked from the get-go * Look Magazine *Suspenseful, tautly written and unnervingly psychologically astute -- Alison MercerA beautifully written story of a normal, dysfunctional family, trying to cope with grief -- Nina Pottell, notesfromthechairIt reminded me of Hausfrau in tone, somehow. Startling and sad -- Sarah FranklinSarah Duguid's debut is light on its toes, a delicate, elegant examination of a complicated family situation where emotions are unpredictable and connections are tenuous * Daily Express S Magazine *Exquisitely written, with a beautiful balance between darkness and humour -- Joanna Cannon, author of THE TROUBLE WITH GOATS AND SHEEPEnchanting and creepy, Look At Me filled me with a delightful sense of unease -- Sarah Chapman, BibliomouseA clever exploration of family and grief, which will appeal to fans of Harriet Lane * Red Magazine *Full of wonderfully acerbic humour, a fantastic debut * Sunday Mirror *A tense, gripping and beautifully descriptive tale of grief, revenge and family secrets * Heat *Duguid brings to life the nuances of family life with ease * Grazia *Its astute observations about family means it packs a punch * Good Housekeeping *A witty and touching take on grief and how families pull together to cope in its wake (5*) * OK Magazine *The simmering tension and painful misunderstanding of Duguid's debut lingers on my mind... seductive and chilling * Stylist *Unnerving, absorbing and wincingly well-observed, this is an accomplished debut * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisLyn Andrews''s engaging saga of Liverpool life in the twentieth century, A WING AND A PRAYER, is the perfect read if you love the novels of Kate Thompson and Katie Flynn.For Mary Callaghan marriage has brought heartaches and disappointment. But with it have come joys, the greatest of which are her daughters, Daisy and Nell. Mary longs for them to have the one thing denied to her - a husband who will offer them kindness, security and love. But when Daisy confesses she''s pregnant, the future looks grim, for the father''s a rough, pleasure-loving man. As Nell watches her sister sink into bitter poverty, and as the world around her grows more uncertain, with war more likely by the day, risking all for love seems to Nell a foolish game...

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Book SynopsisWall Street meets Sons of Anarchy in Damage Control, the smouldering, scorching second novel in the explosively sexy Dirty Money series from New York Times bestseller Lisa Renee Jones, author of the Inside Out series.''Edgy, brilliant and all-consuming, Dirty Money is THE series of the year! Lies, danger, secrets, and a hero you will fall HARD for. A must read!'' Katy EvansThe only thing more dangerous than a dark secret is a damaged heart...Shane Brandon has been pushed to the brink, torn between his corrupt family and his explosive, all-consuming desire for Emily Stevens, who he now knows is not what she seems. Has he trusted the wrong person? Will she, not his brother Derek, be the ultimate destruction of his family empire?Emily tries to run from Shane, but he''s intent on making her reveal - one hot touch and kiss at a time - every intimate detail of who she is and what she realTrade ReviewIntoxicating, intense, and deeply seductive * Romantic Times *Edgy, brilliant and all-consuming, Dirty Money is THE series of the year! Lies, danger, secrets,and a hero you will fall HARD for. A must read! -- Katy Evans

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Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Because You Are Mine, The Affair and Make Me - Behind the Curtain is a seductive standalone romance, perfect for fans of E. L. James, Sylvia Day, Jodi Ellen Malpas and J. Kenner, that will have you begging for more...There''s something about this woman that could bring a man to his knees...On a break between overseas jobs, journalist Asher Gaites returns to his hometown of Chicago - and allows his friends to persuade him to check out a hot new singer. At a downtown jazz club, he''s soon transfixed by the lyrical voice and sensuous body of a woman who performs behind a thin, shimmering veil...The veil gives Moroccan-American Laila Barek the anonymity she needs, since she has never been able to reconcile her family''s values with her passion for music. But one man is inexplicably drawn to her. And when Asher confronts her on a subway platform after a gig, he''sTrade ReviewA lush read, Kery's latest is full of heart-wrenching emotions centered on love, loss and family - 4&½ stars, Top Pick * Romantic Times *Hands down beautiful * Novel Grounds *Rare...a story that touches you in the most unexpected way. It reaches down into your soul and changes the way you view things in your life. I cannot recommend BEHIND THE CURTAIN highly enough * Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads Blog *BEHIND THE CURTAIN is a beautifully written second chance romance...both passionate and extremely emotional * Romance Readers Retreat *BEHIND THE CURTAIN is a sophisticated, beautifully crafted romance that will keep you entranced * USA Today, HEA blog *Heartbreaking and intense, this romance - with a happy ending that is all the more precious for its challenges. BEHIND THE CURTAIN is an evocative and passionate second chance romance - Grade A * All About Romance *Exceptional * The Good, the Bad, and the Unread *First love and loss and undying passion and everything I want in a romance * Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews *If you like angst, emotional young love, and a books that give you "all the feels" BEHIND THE CURTAIN is for you * Smexy Books *

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Book SynopsisSweet Little Lies is the first in New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis''s Heartbreaker Bay series, featuring her trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts and Marie Force. What if you fall for the one guy you can''t have? As the captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru Harris can handle rough seas - the hard part is life on dry land. Especially when it comes to resisting her growing feelings for her new friend, Finn O''Riley. He''s kind, he''s gorgeous and he''s Mr Right - for anybody but her.Pru has a particular reason for wanting Finn to find happiness and it''s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that''s supposed to grant her heart''s desire. But things get tricky when it becomes clear that, when it comes to Pru, there''s more than friendship on Finn''s mind - because she''s been keeping a secret that could cTrade ReviewIf you're picking up a Jill Shalvis book, you're in for a treat -- Julie CohenMy go-to read for humour and heart -- Susan MalleryWill make you laugh and fall in love -- Rachel GibsonWill make you laugh and fall in love -- Rachel GibsonMy go-to read for humour and heart -- Susan MalleryIf you're picking up a Jill Shalvis book, you're in for a treat -- Julie Cohen

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Book SynopsisThe third novel in the magnificent Sinful Suitors series from the queen of the sexy regency romance.

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Book SynopsisIf you love Julia Quinn''s Bridgerton, you''ll be enchanted by Sabrina Jeffries'' Sinful Suitors!''Anyone who loves romance must read Sabrina Jeffries!'' Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling authorThe Pleasures of Passion is the fourth charming book in the Sinful Suitors series by New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries. Sabrina''s witty, sexy historicals will be loved by fans of Sarah MacLean, Eloisa James and Julia Quinn.When Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave, was forced to flee after killing a man in a duel, he expected Brilliana Trevor to wait for him. Seven years later, Niall has returned, disillusioned and cynical - so being blackmailed by the government into helping his former love catch a counterfeiter connected to her father doesn''t improve his mood. The now widowed Brilliana wants noth

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Book SynopsisWhen all seems lost, will her mother''s legacy keep her safe?Praise for Anne Baker''s Merseyside sagas: ''A stirring tale of romance and passion, poverty and ambition'' Liverpool EchoAimee Kendrick is no stranger to heartache. Having lost her father during the Great War and her mother, a famous French impressionist painter, in a tragic accident, Aimee is brought up by her troubled grandparents on the banks of the river Mersey. She works hard at her art lessons and is encouraged to believe she has inherited her mother''s gift, but it is her childhood friend and fellow student Frankie Hopkins who shows greater talent. When Frankie joins the Kendrick''s textile mill to work on new fabric designs, Aimee begs her grandfather to teach her how to run the business. Working together, Aimee and Frankie become much more than friends but then they find themselves involved in family problems and it is impossible to know what the future holds.Trade ReviewPraise for Anne Baker's gripping Merseyside sagas: 'A stirring tale of romance and passion, poverty and ambition - Liverpool EchoA heartwarming saga - Woman s WeeklyBaker's understanding and compassion for very human dilemmas makes her one of romantic fiction's most popular authors - Lancashire Evening PostTruly compelling...rich in language and descriptive prose - Newcastle Upon Tyne Evening ChronicleWith characters who are strong, warm and sincere, this is a joy to read - Coventry Evening Telegraph

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Book SynopsisAnna Kaling''s sparkling debut rom-com, Not OK, Cupid, is perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald, Jo Watson and Sally Thorne. Readers are raving about Not OK, Cupid!''I''m pretty sure I have NEVER laughed so hard in my entire life...a rom-com fan''s dream'' 5* reader review''Great characters, lots of laughs, and oh-so-hot sex scenes'' 5* reader review''Positively the best romantic comedy I''ve read in a long time'' 5* reader reviewLove doesn''t always follow the rules...Ally Rivers has three jobs, a disastrous dating record, and her gran won''t stop talking about sex with eighty-year-old Melvin. Now her best friend Sam confesses his whole family think they''re engaged. The longest relationship she''s ever been in is fabricated, and her intended is gay. Playing Sam''s besotted lover at a family party, Ally discovers the hot gardener she''s been flirting with is Sam''s dad, Marcus. She even sucks at

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Book SynopsisA stunning Spanish novel, depicting the tragedy of twentieth century Europe through one family's story of betrayal.Trade Review[I was] completely transported to communist East Berlin and drawn into the lives and fates of Katia and her family, so sparely and yet vividly told. . . I admired it immensely -- Clare ChambersAroa Moreno Durán writes with a rare sensitivity about the unconsidered consequences of giving everything up for love -- Claire FullerA moving novel * Grazia *Beautifully written, powerfully realised. This is a novel that both makes you think and touches the heart -- Kate HamerA fascinating story of personal and political uprootedness. . . written with the delicacy that touches the reader's heart * Manuel Vilas *A perfect novel * Almudena Grandes *

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Book Synopsis''Perfect, feel-good fiction'' Sarah Morgan on The Lemon SistersIf you love Holly Martin, Jill Mansell and Debbie Macomber, you''ll LOVE Jill Shalvis and her irresistible trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance!Jill''s books are guaranteed to make you smile:''You can''t go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book'' 5* reader review''A heartwarming read with all the feels'' 5* reader review''Another winner... I cannot wait for more'' 5* reader review''A riveting and comforting romance'' 5* reader reviewSometimes the life you want is closer than you think. Piper Manning''s about as tough as they come, she''s had to be. She raised her siblings and thankfully they''ve flown the nest. All she has to do now is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she''s free.Trade ReviewIf you're picking up a Jill Shalvis book, you're in for a treatMy go-to read for humour and heartWill make you laugh and fall in love

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Book SynopsisBeloved New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a powerful, moving story.''Perfect, feel-good fiction'' Sarah Morgan''Fall in love with Jill Shalvis! She''s my go-to read for humor and heart'' Susan Mallery, New York Times bestselling author.............................................Could an unexpected windfall be the gift of a lifetime? Alice never expected to inherit the falling-apart-at-the-seams old Wild West B&B she once considered home, nor did she expect that she''d have to share it with two strangers. Except they weren''t always strangers. Once upon a time, they were friends. One is her ex-BFF Lauren. The other is Knox, the only guy to ever break her heart. Years ago, each of them independently helped the same woman, never expecting that it would link them togethe

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Book SynopsisRocked by her husband's affair, a woman decides to welcome a refugee to live with her family - but how will this addition affect them?Trade ReviewSusan Beale's writing is alive with subtlety and flair. Her stories unspool with a confident voice, a relish for detail and deft shifts in perspective * Tessa Hadley *How skilfully Beale negotiates a minefield in this lucid account of colliding realities * Saga Magazine *Timely but has great warmth and readability, too * Good Housekeeping *Thought provoking and powerful . . . Superbly written, this is a significant and poignant story that will resonate with many people at different stages of their lives * Buzz Magazine *

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