Fiction: mashup / crossover

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Book Synopsis‘Exciting, contemporary, heartfelt and clever’ Greg Mosse‘Riveting, real and raw . . . a powerful journey’ Balvinder Sopal‘Wisely and wittily leaps into the heart of friendships’ Sabrina Mahfouz ‘Dares to subject modern feminism to a tough and timely cross-examination’ T.J. EmersonThe hen party from hell descends into darkness, perfect for fans of Nikki May, Dawn O’Porter and Zakiya Dalila HarrisSome friends have your back. Some friends stab you in the back. Ayesha is just about finding her feet on the London stand-up scene, but when her response to a sexist heckler goes viral, she finds herself drawn into an exclusive group of activists: a sacred circle of change makers, each woman with a specific gift to contribute to the cause. The circle draws in her friend Yaz too aTrade Review'Had me laughing out loud in some places and unable to tear my gaze from the drama in others. Highly recommended' Cass Green, author of The Killer Inside 'Bold, gripping and divinely comic. A thrilling pageturner with a fresh, original heroine at its heart. A story that dares to subject modern feminism to a tough and timely cross-examination' T.J. Emerson, author of The Ideal Man 'Exciting, contemporary, heartfelt and clever' Greg Mosse, author of Murder at Church Lodge 'Nina plays with many themes and masterfully weaves them into a narrative that is riveting, real and raw . . . a powerful journey . . . We are faced with colonial ownership, power, abuse, money, fame, cultural appropriation, the fetishisation of a culture and its people, feminism, and what happens when the right to tell one's own story is taken away, hijacked by another so far removed from our own lived experience. The narrative moves seamlessly from chapter to chapter, bringing us ever closer to the truth of what it feels like to be silenced into submission . . . It is the book of the year for me' Balvinder Sopal 'Goddesses wisely and wittily leaps into the heart of friendships made within rage, both how healing and harmful they can be. Taut with tension, the worlds of activism, comedy and literature are deftly and hilariously described. Combined with the resonant, contemporary tone, this is an excellent, indulgent read' Sabrina Mahfouz, poet and playwright, author of How You Might Know Me

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Book Synopsis‘Exciting, contemporary, heartfelt and clever’ Greg Mosse‘Riveting, real and raw . . . a powerful journey’ Balvinder Sopal‘Wisely and wittily leaps into the heart of friendships’ Sabrina Mahfouz ‘Dares to subject modern feminism to a tough and timely cross-examination’ T.J. EmersonThe hen party from hell descends into darkness, perfect for fans of Nikki May, Dawn O’Porter and Zakiya Dalila HarrisSome friends have your back. Some friends stab you in the back. Ayesha is just about finding her feet on the London stand-up scene, but when her response to a sexist heckler goes viral, she finds herself drawn into an exclusive group of activists: a sacred circle of change makers, each woman with a specific gift to contribute to the cause. The circle draws in her friend Yaz too aTrade Review'Had me laughing out loud in some places and unable to tear my gaze from the drama in others. Highly recommended' Cass Green, author of The Killer Inside 'Bold, gripping and divinely comic. A thrilling pageturner with a fresh, original heroine at its heart. A story that dares to subject modern feminism to a tough and timely cross-examination' T.J. Emerson, author of The Ideal Man 'Exciting, contemporary, heartfelt and clever' Greg Mosse, author of Murder at Church Lodge 'Nina plays with many themes and masterfully weaves them into a narrative that is riveting, real and raw . . . a powerful journey . . . We are faced with colonial ownership, power, abuse, money, fame, cultural appropriation, the fetishisation of a culture and its people, feminism, and what happens when the right to tell one's own story is taken away, hijacked by another so far removed from our own lived experience. The narrative moves seamlessly from chapter to chapter, bringing us ever closer to the truth of what it feels like to be silenced into submission . . . It is the book of the year for me' Balvinder Sopal 'Goddesses wisely and wittily leaps into the heart of friendships made within rage, both how healing and harmful they can be. Taut with tension, the worlds of activism, comedy and literature are deftly and hilariously described. Combined with the resonant, contemporary tone, this is an excellent, indulgent read' Sabrina Mahfouz, poet and playwright, author of How You Might Know Me

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Book SynopsisA mash up of Max Porter, Kafka's METAMORPHOSES and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, NOTHING is a short, strange unforgettable novel and a deeply humane portrait of a disintegrating mindTrade ReviewWritten in a playful style, this is a dark and funny exploration of the fears and anxieties embedded in domestic suburban life that seems particularly pertinent as we emerge from these troubling times * Big Issue *Readers with a taste for unreliable narrators will find themselves entranced by this exhilaratingly peculiar debut. O'Connor's addled language, which often deploys words in ways that don't feel quite right, adds to the delirious impression of a man untethered from reality. Quite where that leaves the reader is all part of the fun. * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis'This atmospheric debut looks like a rural Irish coming-of-age novel, but it’s cleverer, darker, more unreliable.' Daily Mail AN IRISH INDEPENDENT BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR AN IRISH INDEPENDENT CRITICS CHOICE FOR CHRISTMAS WINNER OF THE BERYL BAINBRIDGE BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD, 2020/2021 AN IRISH TIMES, IRISH INDEPENDENT and SUNDAY INDEPENDENT 'TITLE TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2020' Katie, Maeve and Evelyn have been friends forever. Outspoken, unpredictable and intoxicating, Evelyn is the undisputed leader of the trio. But Katie’s dream of escaping their tiny rural town for a new life in Dublin confronts her with a choice: to hold onto a friendship that has made her who she is, or risk leaving her best friend behind. Told from Katie’s witty, quirky perspective and filled with unforgettable characters, this moving, immersive and very funny study of sisterhood takes a keen-eyed look at the delights and complexities of female friendship, the corrosive power of jealousy and guilt, and the people and places that shape us. Compellingly readable and effortlessly sharp, fizzing with the voices of rural Ireland, this is an unmissable novel from a dazzling new talent.Trade Review'This was perfect. Shades of Elena Ferrante in the story of a country girl who leaves and the friend who stays behind. Light of touch but not light of substance. Great stuff.' -- Kathleen MacMahon, author of This is How it Ends'This atmospheric debut looks like a rural Irish coming-of-age novel, but it’s cleverer, darker, more unreliable.' * Daily Mail *'A fresh, clever look at the intricacies and jealousies of female friendship. This debut reads like a modern, mysterious version of Edna O’Brien’s The Country Girls.' * Irish Examiner *'Hugely enjoyable, profound and humorous.' * Mayo News *‘Small town familiarity meets the Utopian promises of Dublin city as school finishes. Alcohol, grief and the pressure to have 'stories' to bring home to those at home destroy the silvery-spun webs of friendships. Astute and sharp, this is sublime.’ * The Book Nook *'Few writers have articulated the intricacies of friendship – the dependency, the uncertainty, the fragility of the pecking order – with as much authority….a debut bursting with heart.' * Irish Independent *'I loved this one... In some ways, this novel reminded me a fair bit of My Brilliant Friend, just a different time and place, but connected by those themes of friendship, moving on and breaking free.' * Theresa Smith Writes *'Macken's downplaying of major events, such as Pamela's disappearance and Katie's college years, resonates with the solipsism of youth... [She] gets a lot of mileage from Katie's beguiling voice and sardonic humor.' * Publishers Weekly *‘You Have to Make Your Own Fun Around Here vividly captures life in a close-knit community, while examining the intricacies and anxieties of female friendship… Katie is a vibrant creation, whose insights are often fresh and startling… The ups-and-downs of going places is ultimately what makes the narrative come to life.’ * Irish Times *'This exploration of the seething hinterland of growing up, with its often unspoken passions, unrequited longings and intense jealousies, is melancholy, funny, dark and affecting.' * Deborah Kay Davies, author of Reasons She Goes to the Woods *'A subtle, powerful debut novel. Quietly packing her emotional punches, never predictable, Macken’s prose is clear-eyed yet lyrical, and in Katie, she has created a truly touching (and at times very funny) protagonist... A new voice in fiction to celebrate.' * Anna Beer, author of Patriot or Traitor *'Readers will be charmed by the picture of Katie’s circle of friends and acquaintances... Macken's first novel will suit young adult and adult readers alike.' * Booklist *'Frances Macken's You Have To Make Your Own Fun Around Here charts the friendship of three small-town girls from their childhoods through to their early careers, exploring envy and self-belief with consistent, natural humour and spot-on observations.' * Caoilinn Hughes, author of Orchid & the Wasp *'It's funny, dark and brilliant on toxic friendships. I highly recommend.' * Jackie Lyman, Dublin City Libraries *'Frances Macken paints the very real scenario, that we leave, just to say that we did… A breath-taking novel from Irish writer, Frances Macken, shows us that while we may anchor our dreams around others, we can achieve them on our own.' * Waterford News and Star *'Written with a keen insight into female friendships and dripping with wit and charm, You Have to Make Your Own Fun Around Here is a truly immersive story. Macken has a visual eye, bringing simple scenes to life with a carefully chosen word or perceptive detail, and her ear for dialogue is pitch-perfect. The ways in which she captures the pull of the places we call home and the people from our childhoods who shape our lives is also impressive... Reminded me of the best of Maeve Binchy's work, albeit set in a more modern era.' -- Reading Matters'Mayo author Frances Macken captures the intricacies and anxieties of female friendship in this vibrant story set in the fictional small town of Glenbruff… Jealousy and guilt dog the three young women as they attempt to follow their dreams and make their mark in the world in this funny and at times dark tale.' -- Irish Independent'Following these young women from their childhood to their 20s, Macken's novel grapples with the successes and disappointments that splinter their friendship. This tension between expectation and reality — between dreams and growing up — becomes a driving narrative force in the novel... Macken thrives in making meaning out of the commonplace...as she traces Katie and Evelyn's friendship from early childhood to adulthood, inviting the reader to follow along.' -- NecessaryFiction

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Book SynopsisThere’s nothing a good cup of tea can’t fix… even a hopeless love lifeFran Gandolfini can’t help taking in strays; with four dogs, five cats and two bearded dragons, she refuses to give up on a creature in need. The only thing Fran has given up on, in fact, is her love life.Moving from the city to Penhallow Sands to work in the Tea Shop, Ethan Clarke hopes he’s made the right choice for his daughter, Tilly. His past means he struggles to trust people, but Fran might be the one person capable of changing that.Until a life-changing secret that Fran’s keeping for a friend causes a rift between them. Fran can’t tell Ethan the truth, but she hates lying to him more. It’ll take a Christmas miracle to set things right…A heartwarming Christmas romance set in Cornwall and perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Phillipa Ashley and Sue Moorcroft.Praise for The Christmas Tea Shop ‘Perfect Christmas read. Full of love, laughter and Christmas feelings. Gets you in the mood for the holidays! Such a fun read! Fall in love with Fran, Holly, Ethan, Tillie and many more as you read this book.’ 5* Reader review‘I found this book to be a delightful, romantic love story involving Fran, who has given up on her love life, and Ethan a single father. If you’re looking for a lift-your-spirit Christmas story, then I recommend this book to you.’ Reader review‘A thoroughly enjoyable and laugh-out-loud book!’ Reader review‘What a super third novel in the Cornish Hearts series this is! Introducing new characters, this expands on the feel-good nature of the previous two books and with a gorgeous Christmas setting, love just sparkles all the way through. With some wonderful, magical moments this is a delicious read, with everything you could possibly want in a festive rom-com and perfectly timed to set you up for your own sparkling Christmastime, and absolutely earning a full five shining stars!’ 5* Reader review‘This was a lovely, heartwarming story that captures the essence of life in a small community, focusing on the importance of family and friends supporting one another.’ Reader review‘A sweet romantic festive tale of new love, yummy food and misunderstandings. Get cosy and be prepared not to move until the end. Loved it.’ 5* Reader review

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Book Synopsis‘A chilling page-turner…Gripping and twisty, I was hooked until the last page.’ Sophie Flynn, author of All My LiesThey’re in your house.They want your life.And now, they have your baby. To the world, I’m @HappyWife. Online, people only see my picture-perfect home, my handsome husband, Nick, and my beautiful baby, Thomas.They don’t see the real Gemma Adams. They don’t see my past, the dark secrets I’m hiding in my marriage. They don’t see the fear I live in every single day.But I know someone is watching me. And now, they’ve taken Thomas. I just don’t know why. But I’m going to stop at nothing to get my baby back. Even if it destroys everything I’ve got to find him. A compelling thriller, packed with suspense - fans of K.L. Slater and Lisa Jewell won't be able to put it down.Praise for The Face at the Window:'Tense and heartbreaking, this emotional thriller really got under my skin.' Barbara Copperthwaite, author of The Girl in the Missing Poster‘Races towards an explosive ending. A compelling and engrossing read!’ Jane Isaac, author of One Good Lie'An emotional rollercoaster of a thriller with twists and turns that kept me hooked from page one.' Karen Coles, author of The Asylum‘Chilling, twisty, emotional and compulsive, this is psychological thriller writing at its best!’ A.A. Chaudhuri, author of She's Mine‘Loved this book!! The twists just kept coming’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A great page turner, brilliantly addictive with great characters and I just loved every page.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Wow - just wow…took a plot twist that I wasn't expecting.’ Reader Review‘Kept me turning the pages late into the night…The ending was satisfying and unexpected.’ Reader Review‘A great read with loads of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end.’ Reader Review‘This book was incredible!...It was so hard to put down…Would definitely recommend.’ Reader Review‘Packed full of suspense, nail-biting angst and drama, this is one you definitely don't want to miss!’ Reader Review‘Wow!...This book definitely gave me chills!’ Reader Review‘This is so addictive writing. Definitely recommend it.’ ‘A great page turner, brilliantly addictive with great characters and I just loved every page.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘This was a very good page turner… it’s full of twists and turns throughout, the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat.’ Reader Review‘Read in one sitting! Dark, frightening and twisty story that you won't be able to put down’ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisThe brand NEW instalment in the bestselling Harpers Emporium series by Rosie Clarke. Can the Harpers Girls look forward to some happy times as a new dawn rises over London?Sally Harper is busy juggling running London’s Oxford Street Store Harpers and looking after her beautiful new-born daughter, whilst husband Ben is overseas on another dangerous mission, this time to rescue a friend in need.Young Becky Stockbridge finds herself in a difficult situation which could bring shame to her and her family. Will Becky, with the help of her friends find her happy ever after and keep her secret? Marion Jackson is blessed with a son as she eagerly awaits the return of her husband Reggie. But all is not right when Reggie returns. Is Marion strong enough to save her family from yet another crisis?As the war clouds retreat and the victory bells ring, tears and joy mingle with those of sadness as the world counts the true toll of war and celebrates peace.

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Book SynopsisThe BRAND NEW gritty gangland thriller from Heather Atkinson!To survive, they’ll need to stick together…After the defeat of the rival Gordon and Thompson families, the Blood Brothers' reputations as feared lieutenants of the McVay clan are firmly established. The Gallowburn has become an untouchable stronghold in their capable hands. However, danger rears its head in another form - Jamie’s deadliest foe, Cameron Abernethy. Still fighting to be released from prison, Cameron decides to use the Lawson family, the Blood Brothers’ biggest rivals, to discover his daughter's whereabouts. With his enemies getting closer, and the police on his tail too, Jamie has some impossible choices to make. This is his last chance to live the life he's dreamed of with the woman he loves, but first he’s got to make sure he's not caught or killed… If you love Kimberley Chambers, and Jessie Keane, you’ll love Blood Pact. Discover the bestselling gangland author Heather Atkinson and you'll never look back... What readers are saying about Heather Atkinson:'Another brilliant book from Heather...she really is one the best in the business. ''I have read ALL Heather Atkinson's books. They are all fantastic.''All Heather's books are action packed and have you on edge.''I stumbled upon Heather's books and I'm so glad I did, characters excellent and storylines are great , I find myself searching the book stores for more of them to read the minute I finish one.'

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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