Historical romance

Book SynopsisA brand new edition of the classic love story by forgotten celebrity Irish author, Katherine Cecil Thurston. The book is set in Waterford, in turn-of-the-century Ireland, and was first published in 1908. Now re-issued by Manderley Press, with an introduction by Megan Nolan and a specially commissioned front cover by Kathi Burke.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe second book in the witty, charming Rokesby series by Julia Quinn, NYT #1 bestselling author of the beloved Bridgerton books (now a major Netflix show by Shondaland). A generation before the Bridgertons, there were the Rokesbys...Trade ReviewQuinn writes delightfully fast-paced, funny, sparkling and bright romance * Romantic Times *Quinn's witty Regency-set romantic comedies are the next best thing to Georgette Heyer * Gloss *Quinn has a smart, funny touch...that's reminiscent of Helen Fielding * Time Magazine *A great read . . . with mystery and adventure and, yes, romance . . . Quinn's fans will be grateful she's crossed the pond for this textured look at life in New York during the 1770s * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''This brilliant book is a bombshell! Jane Seymour the shy mouse type? Think again!'' Kate WilliamsAlison Weir, historian and author of the Sunday Times bestsellers Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen and Anne Boleyn: A King''s Obsession, draws an enthralling portrait of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII''s third queen, as you''ve never seen her before. Essential reading for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.''This six-book series looks likely to become a landmark in historical fiction'' The TimesTHE WOMAN HAUNTED BY THE FATE OF HER PREDECESSOR. Eleven days after the death of Anne Boleyn, Jane is dressing for her wedding to the King.She has witnessed at first hand how courtly play can quickly turn to danger and knows she must bear a son . . . or face ruin.This new Queen must therefore step out from the shadows cast by Katherine and AnTrade ReviewThis six-book series looks likely to become a landmark in historical fiction * The Times *Alison Weir gives a fresh take on Jane Seymour's life . . . A brilliant and engaging read * Good Housekeeping *Gripping and utterly compelling . . . Henry VIII's third and - allegedly - best-loved wife is brought vividly to life . . . Not to be missed -- Tracy BormanWritten with the verve of fiction and the authority of history, this is a Jane who is neither a puppet, a pious victim nor a po-faced schemer, but a living, breathing woman, launched on her own emotional journey. Meticulous research is magically transformed into a riveting narrative which takes us into the places non-fiction history cannot reach. It's what Alison Weir does better than anybody - and what historical fiction was created to do -- Sarah GristwoodDeft, authoritative biographical fiction * Kirkus Reviews *This brilliant book is a bombshell! Jane Seymour the shy mouse type? Think again! . . . She is vibrant, determined and she sets the King's court on fire . . . A magnificent novel - you'll never forget her! -- Kate WilliamsHugely enjoyable . . . Alison Weir knows her subject and has a knack for the telling and textural detail * Daily Mail *Combining her authority as a historian with her skill as a novelist, in telling Jane Seymour's story Alison has once again brought the past enthrallingly to life, as only she can. The Haunted Queen is another classic - in the great tradition of historical fiction -- Josephine RossVivid characters and a wonderful sense of time and place combine with the story of a gentle, kind heroine who I really cared about, the more so because she was so cruelly robbed of her life at the moment of her greatest happiness -- Barbara ErskineWeir does an excellent job of bringing the pages of history to life; creating living, breathing characters with flaws and weaknesses like our own * Bookbag *Weir's impressive novel shows why Jane deserves renewed attention . . . This third volume in Weir's exceptional Six Tudor Queens series offers new angles on its earlier subjects [Katherine and Anne] . . . Weir keeps the tension high, breathing new life into a familiar tale and making us wish for a different ending * Booklist *This retelling portrays Jane as a lady of principle. Meticulously researched and richly rewarding * Candis Magazine *A triumph of fine detail and research and offers a complex depiction of an endlessly fascinating woman -- Elizabeth FremantleAlison Weir's wonderfully detailed novel offers a spellbinding solution to the mystery of Anne [Boleyn's] true nature . . . Enthralling -- Sarah GristwoodWell researched and engrossing * Good Housekeeping *Alison Weir makes history come alive as no one else -- Barbara Erskine

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the final book in the Time for Alexander series, Ashley and Alexander journey to Carthage, seal the fate of Rome, take part in the game of Phersu, meet a demon, and wrap up the series in a fine style indeed! On their way back to Egypt, Alexander and Ashley stop in Carthage where they save a boy intended for a bloody sacrifice. Fleeing Carthage's warships, they take refuge in Rome where Alexander is recognised, captured, and forced to take part in the terrifying 'Game of Phersu' in the arena. No doubt having Alexander the Great as a gladiator will draw the crowds...but can it mean the end of his adventures? It's too late for regrets. Time, as Alexander and Ashley discover, marches on – whether or not you cheat the fates.

Read more less

Book Synopsis*A Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller*Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen by bestselling historian Alison Weir, author of The Lost Tudor Princess, is the first in a spellbinding six novel series about Henry VIII''s Queens. Alison takes you on an engrossing journey at Katherine''s side and shows her extraordinary strength of character and intelligence. Ideal for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick. ''Shatters the many myths about Henry VIII''s long-suffering first wife'' Tracy Borman''Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life'' GuardianA Spanish princess. Raised to be modest, obedient and devout. Destined to be an English Queen.Six weeks from home across treacherous seas, everything is different: the language, the food, the weather. And for her there is no comfort in any of it. At sixteen-years-old, Catalina is alone among strangers.Trade ReviewIn this, the first novel of the Six Tudor Queens series, Alison Weir brings Katherine of Aragon dazzlingly to life. Based upon extensive new research, it is a portrayal that shatters the many myths about Henry VIII's long-suffering first wife. Far from being the one-dimensional victim of history, she emerges as a charismatic, indomitable and courageous heroine whose story never fails to enthral -- Tracy BormanA tender understanding of and genuine sympathy for this proud, much-loved and honourable Queen... I was gripped [from] start to finish -- Mavis CheekWeir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life * Guardian *Yet again, Alison Weir has managed to intertwine profound historical knowledge with huge emotional intelligence, to compose a work that throws light on an endlessly fascinating historical figure. Yet her real gift in all of this is making it feel so fresh and alive -- Earl SpencerThis exquisite book charts the rise and fall of Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine . . . A fascinating insight into this period of our history. Weir's undeniable strength is her immaculate description, enabling the reader to be transported back to Tudor England * Sun *Weir manages to untangle the complex web of 16th-century politics, shown through Katherine's duties as ambassador, and her astute reading of the games being played. This adds greatly to the heft of the character, demonstrating what a competent woman she was becoming * Herald Scotland *Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen is a true tour de force. Finely crafted, this novel is wonderful historical fiction and an outstanding introduction to the Six Tudor Queens series * Queen Anne Boleyn Blog *Alison Weir clearly admires her heroine . . . meticulously researched * The Times *A majestic book! ... I felt every one of [Katherine's] emotions: her joy, her heart-wrenching despair and the passionate loyalty she shows to Henry. The bravery she displays is incredible and she must have been one hell of a Queen. It is beautifully written and captivating with so much attention to detail, that the Tudor court came alive in every sense * Baattyaboutbooks Blog *Captivating. . . The way that Katherine comes alive on the page is credit to the author who has such a breadth of knowledge about this Tudor period that it's a real pleasure to read her fictional work * Jaffareadstoo Blog *This well-researched and engrossing read gives a new perspective on the long-suffering first wife * Good Housekeeping *Known for bestselling historical biographies, Alison Weir is in command of her detail . . . her handling of Katherine's misery and dignified response to her predicament is very touching -- Elizabeth Buchan * Daily Mail *The authentic voice of Katherine rings true throughout. It is a study of a woman who inspires admiration as well as sympathy . . . a fitting tribute to a queen who was unduly wronged by history * The Lady magazine *This ambitious, engrossing novel tells Katherine's story from that moment, through her brief and controversial marriage to Prince Arthur and then to his brother, the handsome, gallant Henry VIII . . . Fascinating * S Magazine (Sunday Express) *Alison ensures that we not only come away knowing more of the real Katherine, we understand more of how it felt to be her. . . The author really enables us to feel the claustrophobia and paranoia as Katherine tries to make decisions for her day to day life on snippets of news from her advisors - advisors she begins to realise may not be telling her the truth * The Book Bag *Alison Weir brings Henry VIII's first queen to life, revealing a strong, spirited and intelligent woman fighting for her rights and those of her daughter * Choice magazine *Weir's opening foray into the life of Katherine of Aragon presents Henry's first and most enduring marriage from a refreshingly new and utterly gripping perspective * Lancashire Evening Post *Engrossing and meticulously researched . . . Katherine's life and world are brought vividly to life * Choice magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHORS' CLUB BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD 'What a ride!' India Knight, Sunday Times Summer reads ‘Thrilling… a sumptuous feast of plotting and intrigue’ Mail on Sunday ‘A complete joy’ Bettany Hughes ‘Gloriously immersive’ Guardian ------------------------------------------------- Frances Howard has beauty and a powerful family – and is the most unhappy creature in the world. Anne Turner has wit and talent – but no stage on which to display them. Little stands between her and the abyss of destitution. When these two very different women meet in strange circumstances, a powerful friendship is sparked. Frankie sweeps Anne into a world of splendour that exceeds all she imagined: a Court whose foreign king is a stranger to his own subjects; where ancient families fight for power, and where the sovereign’s favourite may rise and rise – so long as he remains in favour. Anne and Frankie dare to seek a little happiness for themselves in this extravagant, savage hunting ground. But as they gain notice, they also gain enemies; what began as a search for love and safety leads to desperate acts that could cost them everything. Based on the true scandal that rocked the court of James I, A Net for Small Fishes is the most gripping novel you'll read this year: an exhilarating dive into the pitch-dark waters of the Jacobean court.Trade ReviewA superb exploration of female agency, sexuality and class … Anne thrums with life all the way through to her tragic, gruesome end, while Frankie is calculating and alluring … A scintillating novel that plunges you head-first into a darkly compelling chapter of British history * Observer *A powerful take on a fascinating piece of history * The Times *Sumptuous … If you’re feeling bereft after finishing The Mirror and the Light, let Jago transport you back to the Jacobean court -- Lucy Scholes * Daily Telegraph *Rich in intrigue and incident, with a cast of vividly drawn characters and a wealth of detail on every atmospheric page, this is a fabulously engaging read * Daily Mail *Bravura historical debut … Gloriously immersive ... Jago makes her a brilliantly engaging narrator … Jago is excellent on clothes … Throughout the novel, surface detail is deftly handled to convey deeper anxieties and shifts in attitude ... Jago keenly conveys the peril of being a woman of any class in the 17th century … Like all the best historical fiction, A Net for Small Fishes is a gloriously immersive escape from present times, but it’s not escapism * Guardian *Riveting … In a narrative that brims over with colour and invention, Jago summons up Jacobean London with enormous persuasiveness * Sunday Times, Book of the Month *Perfect for those looking for a gripping historical title * i paper *Jago’s thrilling debut is a sumptuous feast of plotting and intrigue at the court of King James, with a feminist slant … A classic historical novel, classily executed * Mail on Sunday *A sensuous evocation of 17th-century noble shenanigans. Jago offers a timely lens through which to reconsider power dynamics in Jacobean England … Seamless and stylish … Set in 1609, 69 years after the Mantel trilogy concludes, so those mourning Cromwell may find much to scintillate here * Irish Times *Will bring wit, wisdom, joy and comfort to your reading pile … There’s no messing about in Lucy Jago’s A Net For Small Fishes. From the first chapter you’re plunged into the dark intrigues, violence, vying for position and cruelty of the 17th century Jacobean court as society beauty Frances Howard meets Anne Turner, whose way with bodices, stockings and eyelashes is unequalled * Stylist *What a tale! Rich in intrigue and incident … A Net For Small Fishes is wonderfully dramatic and movingly tragic. With a wealth of detail on every atmospheric page, as the charismatic, flawed figures of Anne and Frankie try to live and love in the “cesspit” of a royal court, this is historical fiction at its immersive, intriguing best * Sunday Express *Hike up your Jacobean skirts for a romp through the corridors of courtly power … A perfect winter’s tale * Sainsbury's Magazine *A historical gem * independent.co.uk *A magnificent reimagining of a scandal in the Jacobean court … Masques, machinations and murder ensue, as well as affairs, gorgeously described clothes and a dangerous friendship * Tatler, 8 best books of the year so far *Dazzling * Sunday Independent *A terrific first novel, rich in colour, character, place and time. If you like your history spiced with sex, scandal and the sweet sensibilities of female friendship, then this is for you -- Sarah DunantA fabulous book. Frankie and Anne's world is not just brilliantly evoked but brilliantly sustained. Lucy Jago doesn't make a single false step. And it's exciting! -- Andrew MillerThe Thelma and Louise of the seventeenth century: two mis-matched heroines, two grittily textured lives, an outrageous plot (true!), sex, politics, and a gut-wrenching ending -- Lawrence NorfolkFull of colour, intrigue and historical characters we can relate to ... Jago has a great flair for the sensuous image and evokes the heady mix of gaudy glamour and grime that characterises the era with a distinctive, dense poetry. Historical fiction at its scintillating best and most filmic -- Susan ElderkinBrings the early seventeenth century brilliantly to life … Riven with colour and detail * Living Magazine *The attention to detail is wonderful. A really, really great book so early in 2021 * Woman's Way *Unflinching … She lays bare the corruption of the Jacobean court, her sharp prose illuminating its dark corners and the complexities of her subject matter * Lunate.co.uk *We’ve had so much Tudor fiction of the years from authors including Hilary Mantel and Philippa Gregory, that it’s great to escape to a different era as Lucy Jago takes us to the court of James I * Scotsman *An extraordinary story … The court case of the century … Amazing * talkRADIO *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe fourth book in the witty, charming Rokesby series by Julia Quinn, NYT #1 bestselling author of the beloved Bridgerton books (now a major Netflix show by Shondaland). A generation before the Bridgertons, there were the Rokesbys...

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life'' GuardianAnne Boleyn: A King''s Obsession by bestselling historian Alison Weir, author of Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, is the second captivating novel in the Six Tudor Queens series. An unforgettable portrait of the ambitious woman whose fate we know all too well, but whose true motivations may surprise you. Essential reading for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.''Offers a spellbinding solution to the mystery of Anne''s true nature . . . Enthralling'' Sarah GristwoodThe young woman who changed the course of history.Fresh from the palaces of Burgundy and France, Anne draws attention at the English court, embracing the play of courtly love.But when the King commands, nothing is ever a game.Anne has a sTrade ReviewAlison Weir's wonderfully detailed novel offers a spellbinding solution to the mystery of Anne's true nature . . . Enthralling -- Sarah Gristwood on Anne Boleyn: A King's ObsessionWeir's Boleyn is a highly intelligent idealist, who becomes the tragic victim of her own ambition. . . The novel is a triumph of fine detail and research and offers a complex depiction of an endlessly fascinating woman -- Elizabeth Fremantle on Anne Boleyn: A King's ObsessionThis is Anne Boleyn as you have never seen her before. I could not put it down -- Tracy Borman on Anne Boleyn: A King's ObsessionA marvellous book - Anne comes alive and leaps from the page, fascinating, enthralling, full blooded - you can't help but fall in love with her. A brilliant evocation of the period - and a knife edge moment in British history. Wonderful -- Kate Williams on Anne Boleyn: A King's ObsessionAlison Weir has brought English history's most famous 'other woman' compellingly to life. The story of Anne Boleyn's rise from accomplished court lady to Henry VIII's second queen is vividly told and the terror of her final days will haunt the reader. A must for all lovers of historical fiction -- Linda Porter, author of Katherine the Queen and Royal RenegadesAlison Weir makes history come alive as no one else -- Barbara ErskineAlison Weir is the doyen of Tudor fiction and non-fiction ... With Alison's light touch, [Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession] is fiction that reads as fact, and leaves us breathless, hoping ... then of course we recognise that we are not reading pure fiction after all, but a finely woven tapestry of fictional biography that stays with us long after we close the book at the final line. It is simply a masterpiece -- Susan Ronald on Anne Boleyn: A King's ObsessionWeir's outstanding and sound historical research shines through, shedding new light on England's most controversial queen. Weir provides page after page of utterly compelling detail, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. This book is not only a world apart from any other novel on Anne Boleyn, it is also an exquisite work of literary art -- Nicola Tallis on Anne Boleyn: A King's ObsessionDetailed, immaculately researched and convincing -- Antonia Senior * The Times on Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession *Prominent royal biographer and historical novelist Weir is well-placed to craft this detailed fictionalportrait of Henry VIII's second wife . . . She explores Anne's influences and motivations, creating amultifaceted portrait of an ambitious woman who reluctantly accedes to Henry's courtship and later actsout of desperation to protect herself and her daughter, Elizabeth. Even readers who know Anne's storywell should gain insights from this revealing novel * Booklist on Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession *Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life * Guardian *This exquisite book charts the rise and fall of Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine... A fascinating insight into this period of our history. Weir's undeniable strength is her immaculate description, enabling the reader to be transported back to Tudor England * Sun *Weir manages to untangle the complex web of 16th-century politics, shown through Katherine's duties as ambassador, and her astute reading of the games being played. This adds greatly to the heft of the character, demonstrating what a competent woman she was becoming * Herald Scotland *Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen is a true tour de force. Finely crafted, this novel is wonderful historical fiction and an outstanding introduction to the Six Tudor Queens series * Queen Anne Boleyn Blog *Alison Weir clearly admires her heroine ... meticulously researched * The Times *Captivating... The way that Katherine comes alive on the page is credit to the author who has such a breadth of knowledge about this Tudor period that it's a real pleasure to read her fictional work * Jaffareadstoo Blog *This well-researched and engrossing read gives a new perspective on the long-suffering first wife * Good Housekeeping *Known for bestselling historical biographies, Alison Weir is in command of her detail . . . her handling of Katherine's misery and dignified response to her predicament is very touching -- Elizabeth Buchan * Daily Mail *The authentic voice of Katherine rings true throughout. It is a study of a woman who inspires admiration as well as sympathy ... a fitting tribute to a queen who was unduly wronged by history * Lady *This ambitious, engrossing novel tells Katherine's story from that moment, through her brief and controversial marriage to Prince Arthur and then to his brother, the handsome, gallant Henry VIII ... Fascinating * S Magazine (Sunday Express) *Alison ensures that we not only come away knowing more of the real Katherine, we understand more of how it felt to be her... The author really enables us to feel the claustrophobia and paranoia as Katherine tries to make decisions for her day to day life on snippets of news from her advisors - advisors she begins to realise may not be telling her the truth * The Book Bag *Alison Weir brings Henry VIII's first queen to life, revealing a strong, spirited and intelligent woman fighting for her rights and those of her daughter * Choice magazine *Weir's opening foray into the life of Katherine of Aragon presents Henry's first and most enduring marriage from a refreshingly new and utterly gripping perspective * Lancashire Evening Post *Brilliantly rich * Heat *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIsobel, a gifted needleworker with strange talents, finds herself penniless and alone in Salem. When she meets Nathaniel Hawthorne, the two are drawn to each other. Together, they are dark storyteller and muse, but where will their affair lead?Trade Review'Like the greatest historical fiction, Hester makes you believe utterly' Gillian Flynn, international bestselling author of Gone Girl‘Full of lush and colourful prose, Hester proves that a woman will do whatever she must to prosper, even when she is left with nothing but courage – and a few secrets of her own’ Sarah Penner, bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary‘A masterpiece that should be required reading alongside Hawthorne’s classic tale of adultery. Enthralling, ambitious and a total knockout’ Fiona Davis, bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue‘A luminous blend of fiction and truth, Hester weaves a spellbinding tapestry of Salem history as it has never been told before’ Afia Atakora, author of Conjure Women

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the number one bestselling author of Miss Austen, a powerful and moving novel featuring Jane Austen's closest friend and confidante . . .* Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month *'So envious of anyone yet to read this. A triumph!' Nigella Lawson'A masterly piece of storytelling.' Helena Kelly'The great writer is brought to life in this clever, well-researched piece of fiction' The Times'Thoroughly entertaining, Godmersham Park has some of the same understated wit and sharp observation as Austen's novels' Sunday Times'Displays a keen sense of wit and rich characterisation ... a thoroughly enjoyable book' Observer________________January 1804: Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess.At thirty-one years old, she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. But her mother has died and she desperately needs an independent income if she is to survive.For her new charge, twelve-year-old Fanny Austen, Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement.But Anne is keenly aware that her new role is an awkward one: she is neither one of the servants nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in her instant dismissal.She has just begun to settle into her position when dashing Henry Austen and his younger sister Jane come to stay.Both take an immediate interest in the pretty, clever governess who quickly becomes drawn into the above stairs life of the Austen family.Despite her best endeavours, Anne finds that she is beginning to fall in love. But has her survival at Godmersham Park just become a good deal more precarious?________________More love for Godmersham Park . . .'If you love Jane Austen you're sure to enjoy Gill Hornby's stylish glimpse into the life of young governess Anne Sharp ... this elegantly written tale skilfully recreates a world where governesses are midway between the family upstairs and the servants downstairs.' The Independent 'Utterly absorbing and illuminating ... Gill Hornby's best book yet.' Esther Freud'I read it straight through without looking up.' Karen Joy Fowler'Meticulously researched, Hornby's absorbing novel revels in the joys and tensions of life above and below stairs.' Mail on Sunday'An invigorating riff on an author whose life and works keep on giving, and an ideal companion for your beach towel this summer.' Metro'Gill Hornby has created another winning tribute to the genius of Jane.' Woman________________Readers can't get enough of Godmersham Park . . .***** 'An utter joy - powerful, moving, clever and entirely delightful.'***** 'I enjoyed the pace of the story as well as learning about the family.'***** 'I was quite transported by Godmersham Park, which often feels as if from Austen's own pen.'***** 'I have never loved a book so much!'***** 'I thoroughly enjoyed the story.'Sunday Times bestseller, January 2023

Read more less

Book SynopsisShe will forge her own pathSince her father died, Deborah Jannvier has been living with her hateful uncle and dreaming of a better life. So when handsome stranger Matthew Pascoe appears bearing a summons from a long-lost wealthy relative, Deborah doesn't hesitate to venture to Marymoor House with him.There, Deborah is told she will inherit the estate if she immediately marries Matthew. She agrees, unaware of the trouble that awaits her.Anthony Elkin claims that the Marymoor estate rightly belongs to him. And he will do anything for it, including trying to break apart the newlyweds. But Deborah won't give up her new life without a fight. Can she save her marriage, her home and herself?An empowering, engaging historical saga about love and hope against all odds, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Gloria Cook.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn early eighteenth-century Lisbon, Baltasar, a soldier who has lost his left hand in battle, falls in love with Blimunda, a young girl with visionary powers. From the day that he follows her home from the auto-da-fe where women are burned at the stake, the two are bound body and soul by love of an unassailable strength. A third party shares their supper that evening: Padre Bartolomeu Lourenco, whose fantasy is to invent a flying machine. As the Crown and the Church clash, they purse his impossible, not to mention heretical, dream of flight.Trade ReviewA mighty novel, variously bawdy, elevated, angry and tender, combining erudition, comedy, heresy, surreal science fiction and countless good stories. -- Robert Farren * Sunday Independent *Original and brilliant...Lovers of Marquez and magical realism will be enchanted by the wonders of this novel, for the colour and vivacity of Saramago's imagination inspires and entertains. -- Kate Figes * Sunday Times *Jose Saramago affirms the simple truths as only a writer of rare stature can. -- Christopher Wordsworth * Guardian *

Read more less

Book SynopsisLonglisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize'Wildly seductive' Sarah Waters - 'Exquisite' New York Times - 'Deeply enjoyable' Daily TelegraphBlanca has been dead for a few centuries when she falls in love – instantly and devotedly – with celebrated novelist George Sand. George is unlike anyone Blanca has encountered in hundreds of years of haunting: a woman dressed in men’s clothes, a ferocious writer, a passionate lover of men and women alike and an ambivalent mother.It is 1838, and George has come to the island of Mallorca with her ailing lover, Frédéric Chopin. As the weather and the locals turn against this strange couple, can the love of a teenage ghost keep them from disaster?Briefly, A Delicious Life is a story about breaking convention, and about love – yearning, secret, forbidden, unrequited.'Dazzling' Melissa Broder, author of The Pisces and Milk Fed‘A luscious, multi-sensory bewitchment of a book’ Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies‘A shining work of art’ Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory'Electrifyingly beautiful, exhilaratingly clever . . . sensual, original, intelligent and brimming with love' Imogen Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock‘Hugely accomplished’ The Guardian‘A playful, otherworldly debut’ StylistTrade ReviewA luscious, multi-sensory bewitchment of a book - Stevens’ writing rings with wit and surprise -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Sunday Times bestselling author of The MerciesI found myself floored by the astonishing freshness of this historical novel . . . A shining work of art, but so deftfully, gracefully done, that it was a struggle to stop myself from turning the pages. Nell Stevens is an original, whose touch is as deft as it is masterful -- Elizabeth Macneal, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Doll FactoryStevens is brilliant at describing desire * Guardian *Deeply enjoyable, guileful * Telegraph *A voluptuous delight . . . Like the best historical fiction it is playfully disingenuous . . . the whole book is radiant with life * Financial Times *Truly original . . . brilliant * The Herald *Nell Stevens’s hugely accomplished debut novel evokes a sense both of place and time with a confidence that augurs well for her future career . . . The book is attuned to both contemporary and timeless concerns and grips throughout * Guardian *A teenage ghost falls in love with a writer who doesn’t know she exists in this playful, otherworldly debut novel * Stylist *Electrifyingly beautiful, exhilaratingly clever . . . categorically the most gorgeous first novel I've read in years. It's rare that I come across historical fiction so sensual, so original, so intelligent, and so brimming with love -- Imogen Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs HancockA gorgeous, wildly seductive novel, shimmering with intelligence, humour and joy. I adored this book. -- Sarah Waters, author of Fingersmith and The Paying GuestsA haunting, dazzling tale of all the good stuff: love, sex, music, literature, death, and what happens after. Nell Stevens is a beautiful writer. -- Melissa Broder, author of The Pisces and Milk Fed A heady yet poignant story about a queer ghost who falls in love * Vogue *This deeply wild debut follows the unconventional love triangle that unfolds between real-life French novelist George Sand, her lover Frédéric Chopin, and the teenage ghost who died over 400 years earlier and pines after George from afar. * Cosmopolitan, Best Summer Reads 2022 *An interesting and absorbing read . . . Highly recommended * Times of Tunbridge Wells *Tantalising . . . Stevens is convincing in her portrayal of the haunting nature of desire past and present * Literary Review *There are biographies, and there are novels fictionalising real characters, imagining what might happen 'if'. This one is truly original, as it is a brilliant mix of both . . . Blanca may be a ghost, but her feelings are very real, as are the sights, sounds, smells, and dramas which envelop Sand, Chopin and their family, as they struggle for acceptance, creative freedom and, at times, survival * i *A novel of tremulous beauty, sly wit and deep understanding, Briefly, A Delicious Life is an addictive, sunlit delight -- Stuart Evers, author of The Blind LightA luminous, beguiling exploration of creativity and love -- Alice Albinia, author of CWENThis delightfully weird story of loss, longing and love just begs to fill a rainy afternoon. * Good Housekeeping (USA) *Stevens’ prose is by turns languid and visceral . . . An entrancing and singular exploration of a fascinating historical footnote and a queer life after death. -- Kirkus (starred review)We know we are curious about the dead but imagine a life lived so vibrantly as to make the dead curious about us. Nell Stevens brings a reader into the strange and brilliant artistic exile of George Sand, writing this tender story with tremendous heart and daring. Here, reader, are the low-lying truths of love, art and time -- Samantha Hunt, author of The Dark DarkStevens' writing is beautiful and evocative of the Majorcan landscape as she slowly develops the arc of Sand and Chopin's affair and elucidates Blanca's life spent in tantalizing anticipation . . . this is a winner with appeal beyond historical fiction readers * Booklist *A haunting (in all senses of the word) and evocative magical realist account of creativity and gender, sexuality and inspiration, a ghost story both gothic and beautiful * The Millions *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Daphne Du Maurier-esque chiller set on the mysterious Cornish coast, from the award-winning author of The Silent Companions. 'Du Maurier-tastic' GUARDIAN 'Deliciously sinister' HEAT 'A clever, creepy read' SUNDAY EXPRESS Consumption has ravaged Louise Pinecroft’s family, leaving her and her father alone and heartbroken. But Dr Pinecroft has plans for a revolutionary experiment: convinced that sea air will prove to be the cure his wife and children needed, he arranges to house a group of prisoners suffering from the same disease in the cliffs beneath his new Cornish home. Forty years later, Hester Why arrives at Morvoren House to take up a position as nurse to the now partially paralysed and almost entirely mute Miss Pinecroft. Hester has fled to Cornwall to try and escape her past, but she soon discovers that her new home may be just as dangerous as her last… Laura Purcell's spine-chilling new novel, The Whispering Muse, is out now!Trade ReviewDeliciously spooky * Observer *Anyone familiar with Purcell’s previous novels will know she’s an expert at bone-rattling tension … and Bone China is just as eerie … Written with an atmosphere of real foreboding, this is a sensational late autumn read as the evenings close in * Stylist *Du Maurier-tastic … Purcell has a sure storytelling touch, a command of atmosphere and a keen eye for the telling details of social history. Oh, and she stores up some satisfying and suitably macabre final revelations -- Paraic O’Donnell * Guardian *A Victorian tale replete with laudanum, tuberculosis and possibly fairies … a clever, creepy read * Sunday Express, Best New Thrillers *[Laura Purcell] does creeping menace like no one else. With Bone China, once again, I'm sleeping with the lights on * Red *A brilliantly atmospheric and chilling tale and I raced through the pages hardly daring to find out what would happen next! Laura’s characters and the world they inhabit are compelling, unsettling and richly drawn. A fabulous tale! -- Ruth Hogan, author of 'The Keeper of Lost Things'With a cast of mysterious characters, a beautifully written sense of foreboding, and something malevolent (possibly) lurking around every cover, Bone China is a deliciously sinister and chilling read for fans of superior scary fiction * Heat *If Charles Dickens and Emily Brontë had a love-child, it would be Laura Purcell. Bone China is a deliciously creepy novel full of rambling houses, storm-soaked nights, sinister secrets and hidden agendas that kept me turning the pages -- Lorna Cook, author of 'The Forgotten Village'So many books are hyped up as being the next Jamaica Inn or the next Rebecca, but Bone China really is, and I think Queen Daphne might have to hand over the crown to Queen Laura. The research was just exquisite ... A cut above anything else I’ve read this year -- Natasha Pulley, author of 'The Watchmaker of Filigree Street'I absolutely loved it. Sublime gothic atmosphere, completely gripping story and I honestly didn’t expect it to hit me so hard emotionally. It’s not just that I couldn’t put it down, I just couldn’t let go of those characters -- Martyn Waites, author of 'The Old Religion'Profoundly atmospheric and eerie … Full of compelling and beautifully crafted prose and a plot that will have you racing through the pages * Sunday Post *This is an absolute treat, all wrapped up in Laura Purcell’s gorgeous and compelling prose. I would very happily be pixy-led for days through the pages of this book! -- Alison Littlewood, author of 'A Cold Season'Menacing, macabre and utterly gripping. Laura Purcell has done it again -- Essie Fox, author of 'The Last Days of Leda Grey'Brilliant, spine chillingly clever, a fabulously suspenseful tale that will seduce you utterly with its twists and turns -- Professor Kate Williams, author of 'Rival Queens'Purcell is rapidly making a name for herself as the queen of the superior bone chiller and this newest novel is no exception ... Naturally nothing is as it appears and a very creepy mystery soon unfolds -- Sarah Hughes * i *I absolutely loved it! I raced through it, transfixed, as the gloomy and atmospheric Morvoren House offered up its chilling secrets. Laura spins her plot with all the mischievous cunning of a Cornish Fairy -- Sonia Velton, author of 'Blackberry and Wild Rose'Praise for The Corset: A classic Victorian tale of murder most foul, twisted with a curious supernatural thread ... chilling * Stylist *A contender for my Book of the Year. Beautifully written, intricately plotted, a masterpiece -- Sarah HilaryIntricate, atmospheric and chilling – with a wonderfully dark premise at its heart * Woman & Home *A compelling slice of early Victorian gothic … An evocative portrait of a society that punishes women who dare to contravene social norms * Guardian *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Misty Beller is one of the most amazing and enticing storytellers. I love reading her books and enjoy her ability to bring the characters to life. I encourage my readers to give her a try.'--TRACIE PETERSON, bestselling author of the Pictures of the Heart and The Jewels of Kalispell seriesLorelei Collins possesses a soft heart for any animal in need, so when she finds a buffalo calf bawling beside its lifeless mother, she can''t help but bring it home to raise on the ranch she and her sisters are building in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Little does she realize that its white coloring is rare and considered sacred by Native Americans, which makes it highly valuable to them and European trappers alike. Men soon begin to visit their ranch to regard the marvel, with some trying to woo Lorelei into marriage and others trying to steal the calf outright. When the men''s advances become more sinister, Lorelei approaches Tanner Mason, the quiet and mysterious owner

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Gorgeously written, with twists and turns worthy of a circus trapeze'' JENNIE GODFREYTHE SHOW MUST GO ON ...1910. With the disappearance of her mother and the sudden death of her father, Lena instantly loses any security she has within the circus she has known all her life. She is advised to sell the carousel her father cared for like a child and look for a husband, or a job in a factory. Until flame-haired Violet, known to all in the fairgrounds as ''the greatest trapeze artist that ever lived'', suggests they go it alone with their own, all-female act. With her outspoken ways and her refusal to marry, Violet is as much an outcast as Lena. What do they have to lose? Recruiting new performers including bareback horse-rider Rosie, on the run from her abusive father, and Carmen whose rainbow ribbons hide the darkness in her past, the four women form an unbreakable bond.Thrust into a harsh and dangerous world that treats them with suspicion, disdain and even violence, they must forge their own path in search of freedom, security, and love.Deeply rooted in the Edwardian era, THE SHOW WOMAN is brilliantly realised and expertly interlaces strong female characters, deeply-woven family secrets and heartfelt love stories. ''I wanted to run away with this all-woman circus!'' C.J. COOKE''Beautifully written, engaging plot and thoroughly researched'' STYLIST''A very special debut'' JENNY COLGAN''Beautifully crafted, fast-paced and compelling ... easily the debut of the year so far!'' MIKE GAYLE''Suspenseful, authentic, sexy and uplifting. Beautiful writing plunges the reader into the showgrounds of Edwardian Scotland, sights, sounds, smells and all'' ERIN KELLY''A joy to read, so beautifully written, evoking the rich and often overlooked story of the travelling fairs of Edwardian-era Scotland'' SEAN LUSK''Absolutely loved soaking up the atmosphere of the circus and fairground in The Show Woman. There''s hardship and excitement and mystery and joy in this novel, and I couldn''t stop turning the pages'' SARAH L. BROOKS, author of The Cautious Traveller''s Guide to the Wastelands

Read more less

Book SynopsisComplete and unabridged. Bleak House is not only a love story and a tightly plotted murder mystery, but also a condemnation of the corruption at the heart of English society. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition has an afterword by David Stuart Davies and original illustrations by H. K. Browne.The inheritance case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce has been going on for generations involving myriad characters from all walks of life. There’s Esther Summerson, Dickens' feisty heroine; Sir Leicester and Lady Dedlock, cocooned in their stately home in Lincolnshire; and Jo, the penniless crossing sweeper. We are drawn in and fascinated by the complex relationships. Indeed in none of Charles Dickens’ other novels is the canvas broader, the sweep more inclusive, the linguistic texture richer and the gallery of comic grotesques more extraordinary.Trade ReviewBleak House is his greatest novel . . . with its backdrop of a legal system more invested in obstruction and obfuscation than resolution, it remains utterly contemporary -- Anna Quindlen * Independent *The greatest novel of the lot. Why? First, the quality of the writing; second, the complexity of the plot; third, the extraordinary insight and honesty of the characterization -- Colin Dexter * Guardian *The story starts at a spine-tingling pace: a young woman cloaked in gray is swept up in a swirl of rain, fog and mud and sped to London by horse-drawn carriage. It is a romantic journey to the most unromantic of places, the chancery courts -- Alessandra Stanley * New York Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisI’ll not ask you to be mine … I will never seek to blunt the fury in you, never, and will honour your will as my own. What say you? Can you be a soldier’s wife? New England, 1673. Martha Allen, a young woman reviled by her family because of her refusal to marry, is packed off to be a servant in her cousin’s home. She takes charge of the neglected household and annoys everyone around her – including a mysterious Welshman who works for the family, a man whose forceful nature matches her own. As they both gradually let their guard down, a fragile, uneasy friendship grows between the pair. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, a band of assassins, driven by the will of Charles II, charter a ship to the New World. They have a single aim: to capture Thomas Morgan, the killer of Charles I, and bring him back to London where he will face an excruciating death. The Royalists want to see his head on a spike outside the Tower of London. As Martha begins to fall for the tall Welshman, he reveals a little of his past. It soon becomes clear that his life is in grave danger. As the threat of the assassins grows closer, can Martha find it in herself to be a traitor’s wife? Praise for The Heretic’s Daughter ‘Absolutely compelling’ Daily Mail ‘A very fine novel … a remarkably accomplished telling of a truly shocking tale’ Daily Express

Read more less

Book SynopsisStep into the world of Katie Fforde where love, romance and the happiest of happy endings are just around the corner. The new novel by the number one bestselling author and queen of feel-good romance.'A delicious confection of patisserie and passion' Daily Mail Must Reads'A joy of a read' Bella'Another delightful read. Fforde never disapoints' Weekly'This is the perfect Mother's Day read' Take a Break'This enjoyable read will appeal to die-hard romantics' Heat Magazine____________Ever since she can remember, Meg has wanted to be a professional cook.But it's 1966, and in restaurant kitchens all over England it is still a man's world.Then she gets a call from her mother who is running a small hotel in Dorset.There's an important banqueting event coming up. She needs help and she needs it now!When Meg arrives, the hotel seems stuck in the past. But she loves a challenge, and sets to work.Then Justin, the son of the hotel owner, appears, determined to take over the running of the kitchen.Infuriated, Meg is determined to keep cooking - and soon sparks between them begin to fly.Will their differences be a recipe for disaster? After all, the course of true love never did run smooth...____________Readers love One Enchanted Evening . . .***** 'One Enchanted Evening is a literary hug that filled me with a comforting warmth and made me crave for more.'***** 'I loved this book so much that I devoured it in a day and a half. The characters were very well rounded and you instantly become invested in the storyline, the characters, and the beautiful old hotel.'*****'A lovely relaxing read, perfect for a winters day, or for that matter as a holiday read!'***** 'One Enchanted evening is everything you need in a novel when the weather outside demands you snuggle under a blanket with a good book.'***** 'This is a nice, escapist tale.'

Read more less

Book SynopsisA sweeping fantasy romance inspired by the Ottoman Empire, A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland is perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and The Goblin Emperor.‘A delicious tangle of romance, fealty and dangerous politics’ – Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine ThroneOne false coin could topple an empire.Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, has no intention of wrestling for imperial control with his sister, the queen. Yet he remains at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court – the father of the queen’s new child. Then a hunting party goes terribly awry, and Kadou finds himself under suspicion of attempted murder.To prove his loyalty to his sister and salvage his reputation, Kadou takes responsibility for the investigation of a break-in at one of their guilds. He enlists the help of his newly appointed bodyguard, the coldly handsome Evemer, who seems to tolerate him at best. But what appears to be a straightforward crime spirals into a complex counterfeiting operation, with a powerful enemy at its heart.In Arasht, where princes can touch-taste precious metals with their fingers and myth runs side by side with history, counterfeiting is heresy. The conspiracy they discover could cripple the kingdom’s financial standing – and bring about its ruin.‘As indulgent and satisfying as your favourite fanfiction’ – Tessa Gratton, author of The Queens of Innis LearTrade ReviewA delicious tangle of romance, fealty and dangerous politics -- Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine ThroneA Taste of Gold and Iron is a slow-burn romance flush with sexy, complicated relationships, founded on the ethics of duty and love. As indulgent and satisfying as your favourite fan fiction -- Tessa Gratton, author of The Queen of Innis LearWitty, clever, and often extremely funny, Rowland's tale of a prince who doesn't want power but has it anyway – and must survive all the risks that brings with it – somehow manages to be both soft and hard-edged, clever and kind. And sexy! Very much that too -- Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of KingsThis book gleams and sparkles with emotion and sensory detail, showcasing the richness of Rowland's created world. It's a hugely satisfying blend of economic intrigue, vivid characters, and slow-burn romance – and it's also, frequently, funny as hell -- Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous LightAlexandra Rowland delivers again – an engaging story in a complex, intricately rendered world full of deeply human, sensitively drawn characters -- Rowenna Miller, author of TornIn exploring what monarchs owe their people, and what individuals owe each other, this achingly tender fantasy wows -- Publishers Weekly starred reviewRowland's latest continues to showcase their captivating prose, immersive details, and complicated characters -- Library Journal starred reviewAn engaging fantasy/romance set in a large, lush, and inclusive world -- Kirkus starred reviewThe slow-burn romance between them is beautifully done and adds a thrilling element to the story that readers will savor -- Booklist[F]or readers who enjoy forced proximity and bodyguard romances, A Taste of Gold and Iron offers both, wrapped in a delightful package of espionage and royal duty . . . Rowland also impresses in their nuanced depiction of anxiety -- BookpageThis slow-burn romantic fantasy with a heavy dose of political intrigue is rich in world-building and emotional angst . . . A queernormative fantasy world -- Buzzfeed

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom an exciting new voice in WWII historical fiction comes a tale of love, loss and a betrayal that echoes through generationsParis, 1940: War is closing in on the city of love. With his wife forced into hiding, Jacques must stand by and watch as the Nazis take away everything he holds dear. Everything except his last beacon of hope: his beloved bookshop, La Page Cachée.But when a young woman and her child knock on his door one night and beg for refuge, he knows his only option is to risk it all once more to save a lifeModern day: Juliette and her husband have finally made it to France on the romantic getaway of her dreams but as the days pass, all she discovers is quite how far they've grown apart. She's craving a new adventure, so when she happens across a tiny, abandoned shop with a for-sale sign in the window, it feels fated.And she's about to learn that the forgotten bookshop hides a lot more than meets the eyeA heartbreaking tale of love and loss in war, perfect for fans of KatTrade Review Praise for Daisy Wood: 'A ticking time-bomb of intrigue, wrapped around stark but rich descriptions of the Blitz. An unforgettable wartime debut.' Mandy Robotham, internationally bestselling author of The Berlin Girl ‘I couldn’t put it down. My favourite kind of historical fiction.’ Reviewer ‘Wonderful.’ Reviewer ‘Brilliantly captures the essence of 1940s England. Highly recommended!’ Reviewer Set between WWII and today, and America and England, I totally loved this outstandingly amazing book. Five stars!’ Reviewer ‘Daisy Wood skillfully navigates between two timelines, and her descriptions of the war are really masterful.’ Reviewer ‘The perfect blend of historical fiction and espionage.’ Reviewer ‘Beautifully written… I highly recommend this treasure!’ Reviewer

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first book of Elizabeth Goudge's enchanting Cathedral books.Trade ReviewMiss Goudge has the art of presenting men and women, to say nothing of children, as genuinely convincing persons, too human to be either wholly good or wholly bad - The Scotsman

Read more less

Book SynopsisJuniper Collins and her sisters travel west to find the Peigan Blackfoot woman their late father credits with saving his life. Riley Turner became a trapper in the Rocky Mountains to find peace and quiet, but he feels compelled to help the sisters on their mission. But they face more questions than answers as unlikely allies--and enemies--stand in their way.

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis collector’s edition of Jane Austen’s final novel, Persuasion, is a poignant story of love, loss, and redemption set in Regency-era Britain.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WOMEN''S PRIZE FOR FICTION''Tense, dark and intensely gripping . . . written so seductively that passages sing out from the page '' Sunday TimesCathy and her brother, Rob, don''t know why they have been abandoned by their parents. Alone in their grandfather''s decaying country house, they roam the wild grounds freely with minds attuned to the rural wilderness. Lost in their own private world, they seek and find new lines to cross.But as the First World War draws closer, crimes both big and small threaten the delicate refuge they have built. Cathy will do anything to protect their dark Eden from anyone, or anything, that threatens to destroy it.''An electrifying and original talent, a writer whose style is characterized by a lyrical, dreamy intensity'' Guardian''Stops you in your tracks with the beauty of its writing'' Observer''Has a strong and sensuous magic'' The TiTrade ReviewA marvellous novel about forbidden passions * Daily Mail *An intensely gripping book...written so seductively that some passages sing out from the page, like music for the eyes * Sunday Times *A hugely involving story which often stops you in your tracks with the beauty of its writing * Observer *An electrifying and original talent, a writer whose style is characterized by a lyrical, dreamy intensity * Guardian *

Read more less

Book Synopsis**As read on BBC Radio Four**Uplifting, joyous, hopeful - a novel about late love and second chances, shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award and winner of the Paul Torday Memorial Prize'A moving tribute to friendship and love, to the courage of the ordinary, and to starting again' RACHEL JOYCE, author of Miss Benson's Beetle'Full of grace and humanity' Sunday Times________________________This story begins with a letterFrom a housewifeto the gentle curatorOf an extraordinary museumWhere lies peacefullyAn ancient exhibitThat holds the keyTo EverythingWe are.Meet Me at the Museum tells of a connection made across oceans and against all the odds. Through intimate stories of joy, despair, and discovery, two people are drawn inexorably towards each other, until a shattering revelation pushes their friendship to the very edge.This deeply affecting debut novel by seventy-three year-old Anne Youngson won the Paul Torday Memorial Prize and was dramatized on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour*******************************'Tender, wise and moving, Meet Me at the Museum is a novel to cherish.' JOHN BOYNE'Insightful, emotionally acute and absorbing' DAILY EXPRESS'Beautiful and affecting' NINA STIBBEWhat readers are saying:'I loved this book. It was so different from anything else I have read'*****'I just loved this book and read it in one sitting. There were times when I felt like underlining the sentences that resonated with me'*****'I read this book one letter at a time, just to let the contents sink in. Tears came to my eyes'*****Trade ReviewExquisite. Its characters somehow resist following their story and reverse themselves into a new one. A beautiful lasting read. * JAMES HANNAH, author of THE A TO Z OF YOU AND ME *Insightful, emotionally acute and absorbing * Daily Express Literary highlights 2018 *A moving tribute to friendship and love, to the courage of the ordinary, and to starting again. * RACHEL JOYCE *‘Tender, wise and moving, Meet Me at the Museum is a novel to cherish.’ * JOHN BOYNE *Full of grace and humanity * Sunday Times *A thoughtful and gentle meditation on buried passions, regrets, love, grief and loneliness . . . Youngson’s debut offers hope for change in its tender exploration of what it means to have experienced a life well-lived. * Guardian *The loveliest short novel of late love you'll ever read. Whenever I talk about it, I simply cry with joy * JAMES HAWES *Quietly intriguing, beautifully observed, full of powerful emotions * RUTH HOGAN, Author of The Keeper of Lost Things *I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that makes you think and wonder and quietly hope. Loved it. * Tammy Cohen *A quirky, wise and tender novel. Proof that the richest fruits come on the edge of autumn * SARAH DUNANT *Warm-hearted, clear-minded, and unexpectedly spellbinding, Meet Me at the Museum is a novel to savour * ANNIE BARROWS, co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society *A beautiful, affecting novel of late love, by an extraordinary new writer * NINA STIBBE *Precise, clear, funny, poignant and truthful. This is a work of art, dear readers. Revel in its beauty * ADRIANI TRIGIANI *Intriguing and compelling, Meet Me at the Museum invites you into the meeting place between two people, imparting wisdom, thought, and endless charm. * JENNIFER RYAN, author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir *A correspondence that begins with a search for clarity becomes something much deeper and richer - both for the two main characters, and for the reader.Anne Youngson peels away the layers that prevent us from living the lives we ought to be leading, and her book is both tender and absorbing. * LISSA EVANS, author of Their Finest Hour and a Half *Intriguing, tender, unexpectedly moving * Woman and Home *Full of emotion, wisdom and honesty, the story envelops the reader in a celebration of true friendship and an appreciation of the opportunities that life can unexpectedly present. This book makes you realise that life is too short and that the future can be more hopeful than we anticipate.If you only read one book this year, read this. Highly recommended * Mature Times *An insightful and emotional debut … tenderly hints at second chances and rejuvenation * Sunday Express *Full of funny, wise perceptions. The author is 70. This lovely novel is her debut. When's the next? * Saga Magazine *Absolutely beautiful, about loss and the life choices we make -- Liz Hoggard * Daily Mail *I thought the author wrote the content of the letters absolutely beautifully, making the characters jump off the page. * The Writing Garnet *I love books like this, that you can immerse yourself in and enjoy as a treat – books that just hold you in their spell. * On The Shelf Book Blog *Tina and Anders will capture your heart and you will root for them all the way. A very accomplished debut by Anne Youngson. * Novel Deelights *There is a sensitivity and warmth throughout that I found utterly charming. * Reflections of a Reader *It was beautifully crafted and once I had the book open I didn't close it until I had read the last page. * Books And Me *This book touched me to the heart – quite beautiful and exceptionally moving, and one of the very best books I’ve read this year. * Being Anne *When the book finished, I felt an immense sadness that I had to say goodbye to these two people. * My Reading Corner *I loved the setting and the characters were great, it was a pleasure to read. * Donna's Book Blog *Few books ever have that much impact on me and I feel this is something that everyone needs to experience. * Book Lover Worm *A beautiful, lyrical love story, played out with words and paper. * My Weekly *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE CAPTIVATING, HEART-RENDING STORY OF TWO WOMEN IN 1800S CHINA''Brilliantly written, masterful storytelling, and hard to put down. This story will stay with me for a very, very long time'' HEATHER MORRIS, author of The Tattooist of AuschwitzLove and loss. Sisterhood and betrayal. Little Flower and Linjing''s fates are bound together. As a child, Little Flower is sold to Linjing''s wealthy family to become a muizai. In a fit of childish jealousy over her new handmaiden''s ladylike bound feet and talent for embroidery, Linjing ensures Little Flower can never leave her to ascend in society.Despite their starkly different places in the Fong household, over the years the two girls must work together to secure both their futures through Linjing''s marriage. As the two grow up, they are by turns bitter rivals and tentative friends.Until scandal strikes the family, and Linjing and Little Flower''s lives are unexpectedly t

Read more less

Book SynopsisJacci Reed loves her life on the Ohio River in 1896 as part of the Kingston showboat family, but shadows of her past and the death of her mother linger in her memory. With the help of the showboat owners' son, can she find answers before those shadows overtake her and threaten her life?

Read more less

Book SynopsisIf you're born with nothing you have to make your own luck.When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn’t hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story?Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve-years-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with.Nothing has come easy for Clarice but still she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn’t willing to provide them then Clarice will do anything to find someone who is.Jared and Clarice have one thing in common – they are survivors – and in Queen Victoria’s Birmingham you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn’t everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined…Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.What readers are saying about Lindsey Hutchinson:‘I have read most if not all of Lindsey Hutchinson’s books having read a lot of her mother’s as well. She is a super storyteller and seems to be able to write about a multitude of subjects and obviously does a lot of research into her books.’‘I loved this book, such a heart-warming read to the end.’‘The Ragged Orphan was a consuming read that brought history to life under the masterful pen of Lindsey Hutchinson.’‘This book will make you cry in places and laugh in others and like me once you finish a chapter you will want to just hurry on to the next chapter to discover more about Jared and the other characters.’‘Such a cosy book that is gently and easy to read but will keep you wanting to go back to it.’‘Absolutely loved it I couldn't put it down great story great characters ad tears in my eyes at times really enjoyed it.’

Read more less

Book SynopsisA fine exclusive edition of one of literature’s most beloved stories. Featuring a laser-cut jacket on a textured book with foil stamping.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn Volume 3 of Penang Chronicles, as the 18th century draws to a close, Penang must fortify and prepare for war, and Francis Light's partner, Martinha Rozells, learns to negotiate the murky waters of colonial prejudice and corruption for the sake of her family.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe spellbinding winner of the Romantic Novelists' Association Novel of the Year Award from bestselling author Jojo Moyes.Trade ReviewIf you liked Chocolat by Joanne Harris, you'll love FOREIGN FRUIT . . . blissful, romantic reading. * Company *A novel that irrevocably throbs with romance, intrigue and betrayal. * Woman & Home *Moyes evokes the strictures of time beautifully, as well as the enervating charms of a sleepy resort. * Good Housekeeping *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas comes the next title in the beloved romance series The Wallflowers - perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James. ''Kleypas can make you laugh and cry - on the same page'' Julia Quinn, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series''Scorching sexual tension, hysterical banter, and a reformed rake that could melt even the hardest of hearts'' FrolicThe Wallflowers: four young ladies enter London society and band together to each find a husband. Has the third ''Wallflower'' now met her match?''I''m Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. I can''t be celibate. Everyone knows that.''Desperate to escape her scheming relatives, Evangeline Jenner has sought the help of the most infamous scoundrel in London.A marriage of convenience is the only solution.No oneTrade ReviewA few years ago I picked up my first Lisa Kleypas novel and have since devoured almost everything she's written. I could re-read this one over and over again -- Samantha YoungScorching sexual tension, hysterical banter, and a reformed rake that could melt even the hardest of hearts * Frolic *

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne candid photograph will change the lives of four people forever. While taking photographs at an exposition in Seattle in 1909, Camera Girl Eleanor Bennett snaps an image of a woman in widow''s clothes with deep sorrow etched in her expression and a young infant in her arms.Eleanor longs to study botany at the University of Washington and soon becomes fast friends with botanist Bill Reed, but she can''t stop thinking about the widow in the photograph. She is stunned to learn Bill recognizes the woman as the sister-in-law he believed lost in a shipwreck.As Eleanor and Bill hunt for Amelia Reed to reunite her with her grief-stricken husband, they must stand together to face the danger that follows and learn to trust that God will direct their paths.   

Read more less

Book SynopsisA nobleman must work with a dashing soldier to save his sister from a mystical bargain gone awry in this irresistible Regency romance from the bestselling author of Boyfriend Material - perfect for fans of Bridgerton.It is the year 1815 and Mr. John Caesar is determined to help his younger sister, Mary, successfully enter London society. A high-stakes endeavour at the best of times, this task is made slightly more difficult by his family''s non-traditional background, the pernicious whims of the ton, and the ever-present complication of living in a world full of scheming fairies and capricious gods. When Mary is cursed by the fair folk, John sets out to save her. This choice throws him into the path of Captain Orestes James - the handsome up-from-the-ranks hero of Wellington''s armies - and his ragtag band of misfits.Together, they must venture into a vicious world of fey bargains and sacrificial magic as they draw ever closer to rescuing Mary.But while John is no stranger to casual dalliances with soldiers, he''s never expected one to last - or wanted one to - until now.Praise for Mortal Follies: ''Part historical, part fantasy, all top-notch queer romance''KIRKUS REVIEWS''All the interpersonal drama of Jane Austen meets all the complex treachery of Greek mythology''PUBLISHERS WEEKLY''Whimsically wonderful, witty writing that evokes Oscar Wilde''BOOKLIST

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWill their friendship survive against all odds?In the early 1900s two girls see each other through good times and bad. But can their friendship endure when an dreadful act of violence sees their families turn against one another?Hannah Kirk and Alice Moran have been friends since childhood. Growing up in the back streets of Chester, they support each other through hard times. But when Alice’s mother dies in childbirth, the girls both must take on great burdens.Alice’s violent father attacks Hannah’s mother and the friends are separated when Alice is forced to flee with her father while Hannah cares for her bedridden mother and the rest of the family. As Hannah struggles to cope and suffers awful mistreatment at the hands of her devious older brother, she questions whether Alice is her friend – or the cause of all her troubles. Will Hannah and Alice reconcile, or are the wrongs of the past impossible to make right?

Read more less

Book SynopsisA new resident has fetched up at the House of Help for Friendless Girls and she's about to set the cat amongst the pigeonsNineteen-year old Nan Whittington is in trouble again, accused of stealing. She's guilty. Cast out by her family, she turns to the House of Help for Friendless Girls, which promises Nan a fresh start it''s the House or gaol.She and warden Hetty immediately clash, but Hetty has her own secrets to keep her busy. With her sister Amelia drawing ever closer to their dark family past, will Hetty find the courage to reveal the truth before it''s too late?As romance blossoms for Nan outside of the House, can resist her lightfingered ways to forge a future for herself?A dramatic and compelling Victorian saga for fans of Val Wood, Emma Hornby and Kitty Neale.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewQuinn's superlative third prequel to her Bridgerton Regency series introduces one of her most delightful couples yet . . . this is a real treat for Quinn's fans and anyone who loves historical romance * Publishers Weekly *A witty, tender story, full of nuance and romance. Quinn excels in writing stories full of joy and delight, where laughter trembles on the edges. If you're a fan of Quinn's Bridgerton series, this book has its signature charm * Happy Ever After *Quinn is a master of historical romance . . . Quinn makes even the most chaste passages smolder, the chemistry and romantic tension crackling off the page * Entertainment Weekly *Introduces one of her most delightful couples yet . . . This is a real treat for Quinn's fans and anyone who loves historical romance * Publishers Weekly *An adventure on the high seas full of wit, charm and smoldering attraction, The Other Miss Bridgerton captivated me right away . . . an unputdownable story that I think romance fans will treasure * Harlequin Junkie *This book was an utter delight . . . I just loved it * Love in a time of Feminism *Quinn's mastery of banter, character development, and the slow build of romantic and sexual tension is on full display in the newest Rokesby title (a series of 18th-century prequels to the Bridgerton Regency romances). Mentions of puzzles and architecture add interesting texture to an already compelling story. Delightful and charming * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWales, 1093. Meet Nesta, a woman trying to survive in a man's world - a world where the men who would protect her are dead and banished. The warm, comfortable family life of young Nesta, daughter of Prince Rhys of Deheubarth is destroyed when her father is killed and she is taken hostage. Her honor is further tarnished when she is taken as an unwilling concubine by King William's ruthless younger brother Henry, who later ascends the throne under suspicious circumstances. Gerald FitzWalter, an ambitious young knight is rewarded for his unwavering loyalty to his new King with Nesta's hand in marriage. He is delighted, having always admired her from afar, but Nesta's only comfort is her return to her beloved Wales where cannot help but be tempted by the handsome, charismatic and dangerous son of the Welsh prince, Owain. When he offers her the chance to join him in his plan to overthrow Norman rule she must choose between her duty

Read more less