Humorous fiction

Book Synopsis''⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ I HAD THE BEST TIME READING THIS BOOK AND IF IT DOESN''T END UP BEING A NETFLIX SERIES I AM GOING TO BE VERY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE IT''S PERFECT!!!!!!'' ''Immersive, cinematic, and exquisitely fun! The perfect debut'' Ali Hazelwood''Escapism at its finest. This book will swallow you right up and keep you awake until you turn the last page'' Elena ArmasCRAZY RICH ASIANS meets THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, with a dash of GOSSIP GIRL, in this dazzling debut novel._________Samantha Song has always dreamed of having her own by-line in a high-society magazine. But the death of her father and the constant struggle to help her mum make ends meet make it feel like a distant fantasy. Instead, she works at a drab PR firm and lives vicariously through her socialite co-worker Anya Chen. Then she meets Timothy Kingston: the disillusioned so

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Book SynopsisIt started as a fake date for the wedding from hell . . . The next sparkling and swoony enemies-to-lovers rom-com from the author of the TikTok-hit A Brush with Love and Lizzie Blake''s Best Mistake.''Mazey Eddings''s writing is authentic, emotional, and intensely romantic! To me, it''s like a Taylor Swift song in book form'' Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author Readers gave A Brush with Love FIVE SHINING STARS!''Swoony, steamy, adorable . . . Read. This. Book. You won''t be disappointed. It''s a keeper and Mazey Eddings is on my auto-read list forever''''There was so much to love about this book . . . Thank you to Mazey Eddings for this romance with its messy, true, and painfully real representation of anxiety . . . We need more books like this in the world''............................................Some facts are indisputable:

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Book SynopsisIn 1938, two rival expeditions set off for a lost Mayan temple in the jungles of Honduras, one intending to shoot a screwball comedy on location there, the other intending to disassemble it and ship it back to New York. A seemingly endless stalemate ensues, and twenty years later, when a rogue CIA agent learns that both expeditions are still out in the wilderness, he embarks on a mission to exploit the temple as a geopolitical pawn. But the mission hurtles towards disaster when he discovers that the temple is the locus of grander conspiracies than anyone could have guessed.Trade ReviewDazzling . . . his best to date . . . If there is one adjective that describes Beauman's prose it is 'buoyant' - a quality which allows the reader to get through a long book with little effort, and the author to carry the considerable heft of his intelligence lightly. And it is a roaming intelligence. -- David Patrikarakos * Spectator *Madness is Better than Defeat is a Swiss watch: there isn't a single moving part out of place . . . The jokes are superb . . . a zestful romp? Undoubtedly. But that doesn't quite do justice to the experience of reading Madness is Better than Defeat. The book is certainly a literary performance of a high order . . . The clockwork runs beautifully. Every paragraph gives pleasure. -- Kevin Power * Literary Review *Almost perfect . . . This is one of the most purely enjoyable novels I've read in years - by turns sad, moving, thoughtful, intriguing, clever, enlightening, surprising and laugh-out-loud funny - which is more than enough. I can't think of any type of reader who wouldn't enjoy it: whether your thing is genre, literary or, like this, a fizzling, sparking, sparkling mixture of the two. -- Darragh McManus * Irish Independent *A teaming shaggy-dog comedy of megalomania and obsession . . . Beauman is a sparkling writer, and his book bustles with diverting micro-narratives . . . A novel of great intelligence and humour, cleverly structured and brimming with tricks . . . a tremendous rainbow -- Tim Martin * New Statesman *Beauman has a gift: he's a natural comic writer. (I've only read one funnier book this year) -- Cal Revely-Calder * Guardian *It reminded me of a Coen brothers film . . . I found it enchanting, and I was happy to turn every page . . . I really enjoyed it -- Tom Sutcliffe * BBC Radio 4 Saturday Review *I am really enjoying it . . . I have no clue what's going to happen when I turn the page -- Inua Ellams * BBC Radio 4 Saturday Review *Wildly plotted, comedic . . . One senses that behind the vivacious plotting and baroque characterisation, Beauman's purpose is to question the "madness" of artistic endeavor . . . he emerges from his latest expedition triumphant. -- Carl Wilkinson * Financial Times *Beauman's fourth novel provides his usual humour, oddities, convolutions and impressive writing. * Mail on Sunday *A fun madcap mystery * Daily Mail *Wildly original . . . Madness could easily become a confusing mess but Beauman manages to keep the narrative consistently focused and engaging. This madcap ride about the eccentricities of humans will keep you entertained till the last page * Bookriot *Typically quirky . . . Zany and sprawling * Tatler *Beauman writes with rare and bizarre brilliance * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis''As her work reappears, another missing jigsaw piece is replaced''IndependentDescribed by the New York Times upon her death as ''one of Britain''s best-known novelists'', plunge yourself into the wry world of Pamela Hansford Johnson in this coming-of-marriageable-age story, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Jane Howard and Barbara Pym.******************It''s between the wars, and Christine - Christie, to her friends - is tired of London, her job in a travel agency, her friends, and the young men she''s being set up with. So when, by chance, she meets the older Ned Skelton, who seems sophisticated and experienced, she quickly becomes besotted. Before Christie knows it, they are engaged. But will marriage to a man she doesn''t know well truly offer this young woman an escape? Or is she walking into another prison of her own making? A classic coming-of-age story set in the 1930s, by one of BritaTrade ReviewAs her work reappears, another missing jigsaw piece is replaced * Independent *A story so vivid it might be the memoir of a real person * Britannia and Eve *A remarkable craftswoman -- A.S. Byatt, author of POSSESSIONHansford Johnson at her wittiest is Waugh mingled with Malcolm Bradbury -- Ruth RendellA writer whose memory fully deserves to be kept alive -- Jonathan Coe, author of THE HOUSE OF SLEEP

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF AN ENGLISH PEN AWARD''Effortlessly readable and fizzing with energy, this novel is by turns quirky, funny and thoughtful'' Mail on SundayDani Mosca is 40 and his father has just died. Fulfilling his father''s last wishes, Dani embarks on a road trip back to his childhood village, a three-hour hearse journey from Madrid. Leaving behind the busy streets of the city for the deserted, archaic heart of Spain, Dani revisits the key junctions of his life: his conflicted relationship with a pragmatic and authoritarian father; the mystery of his birth; his school years in the repressed atmosphere of Catholic Spain; the origin of his band and its early successes; the emptiness left by a tragically lost friendship; his great loves. Laugh-out-loud funny, deeply moving and featuring an unforgettable cast of characters - from Ecuadorian drivers to Spanish Bowie lookalikes - Rolling Fields is a novel full ofTrade ReviewEffortlessly readable and fizzing with energy, this novel is by turns quirky, funny and thoughtful. * Mail on Sunday *Incisive and bittersweet. * Independent *Breezy, bittersweet and tangential, Trueba's prose captures the rueful regrets of a man who's searching for meaning and redemption in a life that's short on both. * Daily Mail *What holds the attention is the evocation of a culture trying to break free of rural, religious and Franco-ist ties. Dani's wistful search for validation - from music, sex, or his father - adds a thoughtful dimension. * Evening Standard *David Trueba's skilfully crafted novel is fast-moving and full of sparkle, but with a deeper pull beneath the surface ... It is a novel that tackles the chaos of life nakedly and nobly -- Michael Eaude * LITERARY REVIEW *Funny, poignant, full of honesty and warmth * The Sun *Trueba writes about everyday life with a redemptive epic while avoiding sentimental pornography and cynicism. He wants to know who he is while we the readers try to figure out how is it possible that his experience of life looks so much like ours. * Carlos Zanón, El País *The narrative richness of the book is outstanding. Trueba has an instinct to extract from the language its paradoxes with a grace that comes only from a delicate attention to people's conversations (...) The novel shines even brighter as life flirts with death and the ballad becomes sad. * J.M. Pozuelo Yvancos, ABC *A funny and bitter novel, full of intelligence and energy. It shows some of the miseries and the modest grandeur of life. The character's self-criticism is brave, exciting, and realistic. With a skillful and stimulating taste for risk, it combines many issues and registers: from rock mythology to family melodrama, from John Irving to Rafael Azcona. * Daniel Gascón, Letras Libres *An effortless, fast-paced and light-hearted yet tremendously good piece of fiction. * Rafael Ruiz Pleguezuelos, Qué Leer *A stunningly lucid novel, well written and elegant, but never cold. * Juan Ángel Juristo, La Vanguardia *The novel can be read from several perspectives, all of them enriching the reading experience: the difficulty of growing up with no roots; the deep marks left by love and desire; identity as a work in progress; and the porous connection between life and art. * Domingo Ródenas, El Periódico (Book of the week) *A beautiful novel that blends drama and irony. * Elisabetta Pagani, La Stampa *Lively and bittersweet. * Il Manifesto *Writing that is both warm and charming. * Focus Vif *

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Book SynopsisWHY DATE A MOUNTAIN MAN? Because he knows how to pitch a tent.TROPES: Tall, dark & (adorably) grumpy hero charmed by heroine despite himself; quirky small mountain town; gorgeous Colorado Rocky wilderness; only one sleeping bag; slow burn to clothes melting off spice; extreme competence; a few (somewhat) minor explosions.CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN MANWhen Dahlia Weathersby''s sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she''ll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermitadorably grouchy survival expert Winston Daneto be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia''s charmand just the teeniest bit of blackmailbefore she''s got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger.Winston Dane should know better than to follow beautiful city girl Dahlia deep into the mountains, but it's not like he could let her go <

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Book Synopsis“Somewhere between Tom Perrotta and Erica Jong lies The Swing of Things, a charming, sexy, and surprisingly tender romp through the dark side of wish fulfillment. I’ll never look at the other playground parents the same way again.” —Marcus Sakey Told from the dual perspective of a husband and a wife, The Swing of Things is a sexy, provocative, page-turning novel about a suburban couple who wants out of their routine—but will they take things too far? Attorney Jayne Larsen loves her stay-at-home husband. Eric is attentive and a great father to their daughter. He’s also unfailingly committed to their Wednesday date nights—but things have gotten too predictable. Enter Theo and Mia Winters, the effortlessly cool, attractive couple who are the center of everyone’s attention. They are blissfully happy and ready to share their secret for keeping things spicy. But there are rules. And breaking them has consequences. As Jayne and Eric explore a more modern definition of marriage, they are forced to confront whether they’ve given up too much in the pursuit of trying to have it all.

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Book SynopsisWhile they are discussing the possible illnesses they may have, Jerome, Harris, and George all realize they suffer from the same thing—working too much. Upon the realization, the three best friends decide that they must go on a vacation. After rejecting the ideas of a sea trip or country stay, because Jerome doesn’t like the sea, and Harris finds the country to be dull, the men decide on a boat trip. With their bags packed and with the company of Jerome’s dog, Montmorency, the friends set off on a boat traveling along the Thames River. They pass notable landmarks and muse about them, questioning their importance, appearance, and origins. Memories are recalled and shared with embellishments. The three men enjoy each other’s company until the vacation takes turns that they could never expect. With unpredictable weather, comedic pitfalls, and wild humor, no outcome is impossible on this chaotic vacation. Facing their own shortcomings, flaws, and the uncontrollable weather, Jerome, Harris, and George must work together to remain in good spirits and find the silver linings so they can still enjoy their vacation. Though originally intended to be a travel guide, the witty jokes, humorous diversions, and realistic characters portrayed in Three Men in a Boat stole the focus of the novel. Based off author Jerome K. Jerome’s real-life experiences, Three Men in a Boat is a comedy that has stood the test of time. With undated jokes and hilarity, Jerome’s comedic work of escapism, Three Men in a Boat, remains to seem fresh and witty over one hundred years later. Three Men in a Boat is brought back to life with a modern font and a new, eye-catching design. This classic comedy is an essential to any fun collection. Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat offers a short escape from reality and entertainment from even the most unexpected adventures.

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Book Synopsis'Smart and funny' – Ruth Hogan, author of The Keeper of Lost ThingsThe first step was learning to read, but if she really wants to turn her life around, Maggsie is going to have to trust other people – and that might just be the hardest lesson she’s ever faced . . . Small and dyslexic, with a short fuse, bad teeth, a prison record and something to prove, Marguerite McNaughton – Maggsie – doesn't need anybody or anything, thank you very much. She's more than capable of looking after herself. She’s also about to discover that everyone needs someone, sometimes. Even her. The thing about trusting others, though, is that not everyone is trustworthy . . . It starts when a fellow inmate gives Maggsie reading lessons. Then she's offered a job in London as a kitchen assistant, together with supported accommodation and a colleague who seems determined to befriend Maggsie, no matter what.At first, Maggsie is convinced nothing will change. Especially her. But maybe this time can be different? Maybe Maggsie can be different – if she can just put her previous mistakes behind her and her trust in the right people. Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance, by Frances Maynard, is an uplifting, heartwarming novel about the power of friendship and the written word, perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Home, Three Things about Elsie and Elizabeth is Missing.Trade ReviewSmart and funny -- Ruth Hogan, author of The Keeper of Lost Things and Queenie Malone's Paradise HotelGuaranteed to melt the hardest of hearts * Red Magazine *A joy from start to finish: quirky, real and moving, with unforgettable characters you’ll root for from the very beginning -- Katy Regan, author of Little Big LoveFinished Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance and I feel bereft. A wonderful, uplifting read -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing GirlBig-hearted and charming -- James Hannah, author of The A to Z of You and Me, on The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira CarrWonderful -- Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't Call, on The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr

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Book Synopsis'A funny, warm, wry writer' - David Nicholls, bestselling author of One Day and Sweet Sorrow'A gentle reminder love never gives up on anyone. A funny, charming, warm-hearted story to restore your faith in life' - Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealNed is in IKEA with his wife when she breaks the news that it’s over.For Gemma, it happens on the way to get fish and chips, when she opens the glove compartment of her husband’s car to find a pair of women’s sunglasses that aren’t hers.For both, it’s a bolt from the blue that rocks their faith in the world, relationships, and themselves. But you can’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself, especially when there are children involved, so both – for very different reasons – join a support group for single parents.It’s fair to say they don’t exactly hit it off.However, as Ned and Gemma know from bitter experience, life is full of surprises, and as they navigate their respective brave new worlds, it’s possible they have more in common than either might have suspected, including – but not limited to – excess emotional baggage, low self-esteem, and the ability to take something promising and well and truly screw it up . . .A warm and witty look at the world of dating second time around, The Pre-Loved Club by Sue Teddern is for anyone who has ever dreamt of finding true love, only to realize life doesn’t necessarily work that way.Trade ReviewA funny, warm, wry writer -- David Nicholls, bestselling author of One Day and Sweet SorrowThis fabulous summer read is a gentle reminder love never gives up on anyone. A funny, charming, warm-hearted story to restore your faith in life. Starts with a bang and leaves you with a smile on your face -- Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal and The Twyford CodeThe Pre-Loved Club is a riotous joy! I defy anyone not to fall for Ned and Gemma as they navigate the murky waters of second-chance dating and the search for love. Full of heart, achingly funny and wryly observed, it's an uplifting tale for our times, told with Sue Teddern's perfect wit and style. I loved it! -- Miranda Dickinson, author of The Start of SomethingFresh, sharply observed and laugh out loud funny - a bittersweet, grown-up romcom that tells it like it is -- Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest ManThe Pre-Loved Club is a superb summer read – utterly relatable, huge fun and just like real life, but with more jokes. Just like her debut, Sue Teddern’s lovely new book is wry, readable and irresistible -- Eva Carter, author of Owner of a Lonely Heart[A] funny, moving story of second chances, love and the mistakes we all make. Sue Teddern is just so good at getting under the skin of her characters and all the nuances of modern life. Peppered with laugh out loud lines -- Araminta Hall, author of Perfect StrangersWith sharp wit and keen observation, Sue Teddern holds a mirror up to the brutal twists and turns of family breakups. This tender, bittersweet story has you on the edge of your seat, gunning for a happy ending -- Sarah SteeleSuch storytelling! It grabs you at the first sentence, holds you to the last, and leaves you wanting more. Her shrewdly-observed, lovingly-explored characters are a joy - funny, poignant and utterly believable -- Felicity Hayes-McCoySuch well-drawn characters, they're like mates. This book is a delight -- Josie Lloyd, author of The Cancer Ladies' Running ClubSharp social observations and witty writing -- Linda Green, bestselling author of While My Eyes Were Closed and One Moment

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Book Synopsis'A gentle reminder love never gives up on anyone. A funny, charming, warm-hearted story to restore your faith in humanity' - Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealNed is in IKEA with his wife, Tanya, when she breaks the news that their marriage is over.For Gemma, it's when she opens the glove compartment of her husband’s car to find a pair of women’s sunglasses that aren’t hers.When Ned and Gemma meet at a support group for single parents, they don't exactly hit it off. Ned thinks Gemma is rude and unsympathetic; Gemma thinks Ned is entitled and self-pitying.But as they've both learned from bitter experience, life is full of surprises. And maybe they have more in common than they think . . .Sue Teddern's The Pre-Loved Club is a hilarious and warm look at finding love the second time around, and how a bad first impression might lead to the best second chance . . .'A funny, warm, wry writer' - David Nicholls, bestselling author of One Day and Sweet SorrowTrade ReviewA funny, warm, wry writer -- David Nicholls, bestselling author of One Day and Sweet SorrowThis fabulous summer read is a gentle reminder love never gives up on anyone. A funny, charming, warm-hearted story to restore your faith in life. Starts with a bang and leaves you with a smile on your face -- Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal and The Twyford CodeThe Pre-Loved Club is a riotous joy! I defy anyone not to fall for Ned and Gemma as they navigate the murky waters of second-chance dating and the search for love. Full of heart, achingly funny and wryly observed, it's an uplifting tale for our times, told with Sue Teddern's perfect wit and style. I loved it! -- Miranda DickinsonFresh, sharply observed and laugh out loud funny - a bittersweet, grown-up romcom that tells it like it is -- Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest ManThe Pre-Loved Club is a superb summer read – utterly relatable, huge fun and just like real life, but with more jokes. Just like her debut, Sue Teddern’s lovely new book is wry, readable and irresistible -- Eva Carter, author of Owner of a Lonely Heart[A] funny, moving story of second chances, love and the mistakes we all make. Sue Teddern is just so good at getting under the skin of her characters and all the nuances of modern life. Peppered with laugh out loud lines -- Araminta HallWith sharp wit and keen observation, Sue Teddern holds a mirror up to the brutal twists and turns of family breakups. This tender, bittersweet story has you on the edge of your seat, gunning for a happy ending -- Sarah SteeleSuch storytelling! It grabs you at the first sentence, holds you to the last, and leaves you wanting more. Her shrewdly-observed, lovingly-explored characters are a joy - funny, poignant and utterly believable -- Felicity Hayes-McCoy

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Book SynopsisFilled with wit, warmth and sunshine, In the Summertime by Maeve Haran has all the things we love about a seaside England in the sun making us realize you don’t have to go abroad to find romance and adventure.With her marriage falling apart and her longed-for holiday cancelled, Georgina Greenhills gets an unexpected offer: a holiday in the small seaside town nestling in the beautiful South Downs where she grew up. There is only one catch: she must try and solve the mystery of the valuable antiques disappearing from the remote manor house belonging to an old lady called Maudie.Gina gathers her childhood friends, scatty Ruth and feisty Eve, to help her. In the middle of a blazing summer they swim, sunbathe and share cocktails as they watch the sun sparkling on the sea, and Gina realizes how much she missed them and how happy she is to be back here in the summertime. Not least because of bumping into Daniel Napier, her shy and awkward teenage dancing partner, now an alarmingly attractive man. Although there is the small problem of his annoying girlfriend.As Gina tries to solve the mystery at the manor and wonders how to get rid of the girlfriend, an even bigger secret emerges that will take all their skill and experience to resolve.Trade ReviewMake sure of a happier holiday by packing a Maeve Haran novel in your suitcase. -- Jilly CooperAn engaging romance mixing heartwarming friendship with gentle humour in a gorgeous setting -- Daily Mail on The Greek HolidayWarm, witty and wise, this is the perfect read for anyone missing their holiday this year. Wonderful. -- Daily Express on The Greek HolidaySimultaneously hilarious and heartwarming -- Woman & Home on The Greek HolidayA slice of pure escapism -- Sunday Express Magazine

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Book Synopsis'Fiercely independent, all of Evans’s characters struggle for a place in a world intent of fencing them out.' - New York Times Book ReviewThe extraordinary début short story collection from Danielle Evans, one of the United States' foremost literary talents, is published in the UK for the first time.A college student's unplanned pregnancy forces her to confront her feelings of resentment toward her more privileged classmates. A father’s misguided attempt to rescue a gift for his adult daughter magnifies all he doesn’t know about her. And two teenage girls’ flirt with adulthood leads to disastrous consequences.Based in a world where inequality is reality, but where the shifting terrain of adolescence and family are the most complicating forces, Evans’ characters are wry, wise and utterly original. Striking in their emotional immediacy, the electrifying, prize-winning stories in Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self offer a fresh perspective on race and class in contemporary America.'Danielle Evans is funny as hell' - Victor LaValle, author of Big Machine'Knife-sharp wit and tender but unflinching eye' - V.V. Ganeshananthan, author of Love MarriageTrade ReviewDanielle Evans's whipsmart first story collection charts the liminal years between childhood and the condition dubiously known as being a grown-up. * New York Times Book Review *There are books that capture our world perfectly, like a scrim over a stage. And then there are books that surprise the audience and go somewhere new, somewhere completely unpredictable. In this collection, Evans paints a picture, sometimes ripping through the fabric. One wonders where she will go next. * Boston Globe *Danielle Evans' blisteringly smart short stories offer fresh perspective on being young and black in America. From a vandalizing valedictorian to a rejected biracial child, her characters triumph by surviving without forgetting. * Time *The most vivid characters in Danielle Evans's story collection are in-betweeners: between girlhood and womanhood; between the black middle class and Ivy League privilege; between iffy boyfriends and those even less reliable; between an extended family and living on your own. To say they're caught between worlds isn't quite accurate, though; they tend to be hard-headed, sadder but wiser and, most of all, funny. * The New York Times *I hope Danielle Evans is a very nice person because that might be her only defense against other writers’ seething envy . . . Again and again, without any histrionics, but with a clear appreciation for the natural drama of our mundane lives, Evans frames such questions in a way that will resonate with any thoughtful reader. * Washington Post *This striking debut collection Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self offers rich slices of African-American life . . . [Evans's] stories are bolstered by memorable images . . . Evans's book, meanwhile, carries a strong scent of freshness and promise. * Entertainment Weekly *Danielle Evans's considerable talents are in evidence on every page of this impressive debut. She finds her often surprising dramatic material in the unexpected asides of modern life, with results that are intense, intelligent, humane, and funny. I look forward to reading more. -- Daniel Alarcon, author of Lost City RadioEvans's knife-sharp wit and tender but unflinching eye create a range of characters who are entirely sympathetic, even as they tumble headlong into their own mistakes. -- V.V. Ganeshananthan, author of Love MarriageDanielle Evans is funny as hell. Which only makes all the heartbreak in these stories more surprising and satisfying. The young women in this collection are always on the edge of real trouble but don't be fooled, they're the dangerous ones. Written with wonderful clarity and a novelist's sense of scope, Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self is a fabulous literary debut. -- Victor LaValle, author of Big MachineDanielle Evans's stories are fresh, arresting, real. The young women and men in them could be sitting across from you on the subway or strolling past you on a college campus. And the young woman who brings them to us is a writer to watch. -- Martha Southgate, author of The Fall of RomeQuietly magnetic, Evans's voice draws us into richly-charged worlds where innocence isn't lost but escaped, and where pieces of the past reassemble in the present with the inevitable geometry of kaleidoscope glass. -- Sana Krasikov, author of One More Year

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for BookTok Author of the Year!'Fresh, funny, genuinely heartwarming' – Catherine Walsh, author of Just for DecemberYour next one might be closer than you think . . . Tara loved Colin at first sight. Colin loved Tara at first fight. That’s when they knew they were meant for each other.But after six years, their marriage has started to crumble. Unable to recapture the spark they once had, it seems it’s all over.That is, until they meet their perfect match on a controversial new dating app – Fling . . .'Clever, original, witty' – Sinéad Moriarty, author of Me and My Sisters'Hilarious and original' – Laura Price, author of Single Bald Female'A literary soul brother to the likes of Marian Keyes and Beth O'Leary' – Irish IndependentFive-Star Reader Reviews:'This had me crying with laughter''Devoured this book in a few days''Loved this book! It was exactly what I expected and was craving'Trade ReviewClever, original, witty and great insight into marriage and the problems that come when communication breaks down -- Sinéad Moriarty, author of Yours, Mine, OursUtterly original, emotionally astute and cripplingly funny, Fling is a fantastic read that genuinely warmed my heart -- Laura Jane Williams, author of Lovestruck and Just for DecemberHilarious and original - one of the best books I've read this year -- Laura Price, author of Single Bald FemaleFresh, funny, genuinely heartwarming -- Catherine Walsh, author of The MatchmakerFabulous! A beautiful rom-com of the Nora Ephron variety -- Edel Coffey, author of Breaking PointA literary soul brother to the likes of Marian Keyes and Beth O'Leary -- Irish Independent

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Book SynopsisMore Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up: the laugh-out-loud sequel to the hilarious, WTF AM I DOING NOW?! runaway bestseller!'The new Bridget Jones for our times' – Celia Walden, Telegraph'The story of Nell Stevens’ struggle through her imperfect, messy life doesn’t just make brilliant fiction, it’s turning into a cultural revolution!' – Matt Cain There is no magical land you finally arrive at where everything is figured out, fixed and sorted. Life, like us, is a sum of moving parts, and if we’re lucky, we get to keep f**king up, figuring it out and laughing in the face of it all.Nell’s back. Her life still isn’t going to plan. And she’s still asking the big questions and getting none of the answers. Like, for example:1. Why is falling in love so easy, but staying in love so hard?2. What do you do when your friendships are put to the ultimate test?3. Can we ever really live in the moment and leave the past behind?4. When everything goes tits up, do you fall apart or jump on a plane to LA with Cricket (an eighty-something widow and your BFF)?5. And when all else fails, will celebrity-scented candles, smashed avocados and Instagram filters save us?*In this hilarious, un-put-downable follow-up to the bestselling Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up, now the basis for the major TV series called Not Dead Yet, there are laugh-out-loud lessons to be learned, truths to be told, adventures to go on and joys to discover.But first, Nell has some more confessions . . .*#onlyjoking #sortof #LOLPraise for Alexandra Potter:'Say hello to a book that will have you laughing with every page, whether you're 20, 40 or 80' – Heat'Brilliant! Laughing out loud' – Emma Gannon'Funny but layered, light-hearted but surprisingly deep, this is a perfect and inspiring new year read' – RedTrade ReviewThe new Bridget Jones for our Covid-ridden times -- Celia Walden * Telegraph *The story of Nell Stevens’ struggle through her imperfect, messy life doesn’t just make brilliant fiction, it’s turning into a cultural revolution! -- Matt Cain, author of The Madonna of BoltonFilled with wit, wisdom and hilarity, the further adventures of Nell and Cricket are sheer summer-reading joy -- Kate Eberlen, author of Miss YouA dream of a book - warm, insightful and absolutely hilarious . . . I laughed, I cried, I texted all my forty-something friends -- Lindsey Kelk, bestselling author of Love Me Do A novel which takes the reader on such a satisfying ride. Perfectly paced, insightful, funny and moving – I love these characters and I love this book! Alexandra Potter is a master storyteller – I would read her shopping lists! -- Freya North, author of Little WingMore Confessions is a treat: honest, funny, warm and even better than the first instalment -- Lucy Dillon, author of Lost Dogs and Lonely HeartsAs a fan of the first book, I couldn’t wait for this fabulous follow up. I devoured every page over one blissful, laugh-out-loud weekend -- Catherine Isaac, author of The World at My FeetBrilliant! Laughing out loud -- Emma Gannon, bestselling author of Olive on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k UpA funny, feisty tale about the highs and the oh-so-lows of having to start over in your forties with a smart, sassy character at its heart who you’ll be cheering on from start to finish -- Mike Gayle, bestselling author of All the Lonely People on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k UpI loved this book so much. It’s very funny and painfully true. Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up is perfect comfort reading for anyone who thinks life isn’t working out as they want it to, whether they’re forty, fourteen or eighty-four -- Chrissie Manby, author of Once in a LifetimeIt made me laugh, cry, cheer - I loved it! -- Hermione Norris, star of Cold Feet, on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k UpA warm, very funny read -- Bella on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k UpFeistily funny . . . and so relatable -- Fabulous magazine, The Sun on Sunday on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k UpSay hello to a book that will have you laughing with every page, whether you're twenty, forty or eighty -- Heat on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up

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Book SynopsisFrom the double Booker Prize-winning author of Disgrace, an astonishing novel of new beginnings and the troubles of youth.'Brilliant... Tenaciously absorbing' Daily TelegraphDavid is the small boy who is always asking questions. Simón and Inés take care of him in their new town, Estrella. He is learning the language, he has begun to make friends and he has the big dog Bolívar to watch over him.But he'll be seven soon and he should be at school. And so, David is enrolled in the Academy of Dance. It's here, in his new golden dancing slippers, that he learns how to call down the numbers from the sky. Yet it's here too that he will make troubling discoveries about what adults are capable of.The Schooldays of Jesus is a mesmerising tale about growing up, and about the choices we are forced to make in our lives.'Compelling, often very funny, full of sudden depths' ObserverLonglisted for the Booker Prize 2016Trade ReviewCompelling, often very funny, full of sudden depths * Observer *Brilliant...tenaciously absorbing * Daily Telegraph *It is written with the coolness and limpidity that makes Coetzee a master... There were moments where I found it almost too affecting to read -- David Sexton * Evening Standard *It’s compulsively enigmatic but surprisingly funny too. * Metro *Coetzee doesn't want to be understood, or explained. He wants, merely, to be read. The Schooldays of Jesus is, indeed, very readable * The Times *

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Book SynopsisNOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREThe choir from Our Lady of Perpetual Succour School for Girls is being bussed to the national finals in the big, big city. It's an important day for The Sopranos, with pub-crawling, shoplifting and body-piercing being the top priorities. And with a newly anchored nuclear sub in the bay, the Man Trap disco will be full of submariners on shore-leave tonight. There is no time for delays – or even for winning…But after the fifth bottle of alco-pop on the bus it's clear that all is not going to plan, for anyone. The Sopranos are never going to be the same.

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Book SynopsisCelebrating 120 years of P. G. Wodehouse with his very first novel.'What a mad thing to go and do. Jolly sporting, though.'Suspicion abounds at St Austin's School when two silver trophies, or 'pots', are stolen from the cricket pavilion. Jim Thomson, a talented sportsman who due to an unfortunate series of coincidences could be thought to be the burglar, resolves to clear his name. Featuring a man from Scotland Yard, chases through the woods and an exasperated headmaster, Wodehouse's first novel is a paean to his beloved, idyllic late Victorian schooldays, punctuated by bouts of gentlemanly sport and comic escapades. All the hallmarks of what makes Wodehouse the greatest comic writer of all are in evidence here, in a spiffing read for Wodehouse aficionados and the uninitiated alike.Trade ReviewThe finest and funniest writer the past century ever knew -- Stephen FryPlenty to savour * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis'Charming, surprising and moving' Clare Chambers, author of Small Pleasures'Perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant' AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs Bird and Yours Cheerfully'Funny, sad, gritty and beautifully told.' Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins'A soulful, lyrical tale... a treat.' Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy'The perfect mix of humour and heartache' Good Housekeeping'Uplifting, full of charm and warmth' Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters'Tender, humorous and hopeful' Lissa Evans, author of V for Victory_______________________________________________George is angry at the world. His wife has died and now all he wants to do is sit in his underpants and shout at the cricket. The last thing he needs is his cake-baking neighbour Betty trying to rescue him. And then there's the dog, a dachshund puppy called Poppy. George doesn't want a dog - he wants a fight.Dan is a counsellor with OCD who is great at helping other people - if only he were better at helping himself. His most meaningful relationship so far is with his labrador Fitz. But then comes a therapy session that will change his life.Lizzie is living in a women's refuge with her son Lenny. Her body is covered in scars and she has shut herself off from everyone around her. But when she is forced to walk the refuge's fat terrier, Maud, a new life beckons - if she can keep her secret just a while longer...Dog Days is a novel about those small but life-changing moments that only come when we pause to let the light in. It is about three people learning to make connections and find joy and comfort in living life off the leash.COMING SOON IN APRIL 2024 - Ericka Waller's new novel GOODBYE BIRDIE GREENWING__________________________________________________What readers say about Dog Days:***** '[An] exhilarating & deeply moving novel about accepting the ebb & flow of life & about grabbing those magical moments when you can...Dog Days is a book with a big heart'***** 'Life isn't perfect, it's messy & complicated but with small acts of kindness, there is always hope - a sentiment that is captured perfectly in this compelling debut'***** 'Dog Days had me feeling all the emotions, it broke my heart and gently pieced it back together. '***** 'Wonderful journey of three complicated characters and the dogs that saw them through their individual journeys'***** 'A joy to read from start to finish.'Trade Review'Funny, sad, gritty and beautifully told, this story will make you look at life again and appreciate the small acts of kindness that make everything worthwhile. * HAZEL PRIOR, author of Away with the Penguins *A charming, surprising and moving story of three troubled characters' encounter with love, grief, healing. * CLARE CHAMBERS, author of SMALL PLEASURES *'Moving, uplifting, full of charm and warmth, [Dog Days] gave me much paws for thought. Such great characterisation, too - by the end, George, Dan et al felt like family! * EMMA STONEX, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE LAMPLIGHTERS *A Russian doll of a book that twists and tugs each outer husk, revealing delicate and poignant inner layers. * BETH MORREY, author of SAVING MISSY *Perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant, Ericka Waller's wonderful debut is both laugh out loud funny and immensely moving. Definitely one of my favourite novels of 2021, Dog Days is an absolute delight. * AJ Pearce, author of Dr Mrs Bird *The kind of charm readers will recall from Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine... a welcome balm for anxious lockdown minds... the book is gentle but poignant, moving but uplifting, suffused with different kinds of love and loss. * VANITY FAIR *[A] Touching and thoughtful debut novel * RED *Hilarious and moving, it recognises the unconditional love of dogs and their ability to make the world a better place * WOMAN'S WEEKLY *If you enjoyed Beth Morrey's Saving Missy, you'll love this...both hilarious and moving. * Woman and Home *Easy to read and witty but full of pathos and sadness, this tightly plotted tale will bring you joy. * BEST *Tender, humorous and hopeful * LISSA EVANS, author of V for Victory *Dog Days is a beautiful novel, filled with poignancy and humour. Ericka Waller looks closely at life with all its ghosts and new beginnings, finding glitter in the dark and hope where there is healing. * Rónán Hession, author of Leonard and Hungry Paul *A beautifully written book... it's very hard to believe it's a debut novel. Ericka Waller peels back the layers of life and delves deep into the highs and lows of mental health, of loss, and of love.' * NEW BOOKS MAGAZINE *This was such an emotional read and the perfect mix of humour and heartache * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *Both joyful and heartbreaking * HEAT *Deftly drawn... a warm debut about loss, healing and making new connections * MAIL ON SUNDAY *We loved this heartwarming story * CLOSER *Weaves together tales of man's best friend helping in the darkest days * HELLO! magazine *Waller's tormented, endearing and intriguing characters cross paths as they walk dogs on the Sussex Downs in a bittersweet, touching novel of waggy tails, wet noses and tear-filled eyes. * SAGA *A charming novel that focuses on the healing properties of man and woman's best friend * Choice Magazine *Waller has a lyrical way of weaving words that perfectly encapsulates a feeling or thought ... Funny, sad and reassuringly sage, Dog Days is a story of humanity, family and life. * Culturefly *A glorious read full of love and humour * THE IRISH EXAMINER *Combines two total opposites - sorrow and joy. The way Waller makes the two work together is outstanding * FEMALE FIRST magazine *A charming novel that focusses on the healing powers of man and woman's best friend * CHOICE Magazine *With its tightly plotted twists Dog Days is an exhilarating, at times even vertiginous ride... The mix of human passion and canine good sense works triumphantly.. * Ed Stourton, author of Diary of a Dog Walker *

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Book SynopsisAn emotional friends-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Colleen Hoover'I cried, I laughed, I swooned! A gorgeous friends-to-lovers romance' Laura Jane Williams, author of Our Stop'Perfect for a sunny afternoon' Daily Mail 'Funny, heart-wrenching and simply brilliant' Beth Reekles, author of The Kissing Booth series on Netflix and Love Locked Down ONE PROMISE Aged thirteen, best friends Eleanor and Fin are inseparable. Convinced it will always be this way they make a pact - to go to university together, always live near each other, and if they're both single at 35 they'll get married. TWO DECADES Eleanor and Fin haven't spoken in fifteen years. Life has run away from them and they're both far from where they'd dreamt of being all those years ago. CAN THEY STILL KEEP THEIR WORD? It takes tragic circumstances for Fin to come back into Eleanor's life, but everything has changed since the last time they met. Is it too late to mend their friendship? Or is there a chance they can keep some of the promises they made? Readers have fallen for Emily Houghton's brilliant romances:***** 'I'm an absolute sucker for a good friends-to-lovers trope and this book definitely delivers that.'***** 'An absolute joy and a love story about falling in love and allowing yourself to be loved.'***** 'A funny, heart-wrenching and beautiful love story. Absolutely loved it.'***** 'Beautifully written with characters that have such great depth.'Trade ReviewI cried, I laughed, I swooned! A gorgeous friends-to-lovers romance filled with wise explorations of love, loss and self-forgiveness. * Laura Jane Williams, bestselling author of Our Stop *Romantic, hopeful and uplifting, I loved Last Time We Met and the gorgeous, emotional friendship at its heart. Eleanor and Fin are two characters who I couldn't help but fall in love with, and who will stay with me for some time * Emily Stone, author of Always, in December *Eleanor and Fin's stories hook you right from the off, making you root for them as individuals as well as for their sizzling, gorgeous romance that builds throughout the book. Funny, heart-wrenching and simply brilliant. * Beth Reekles, bestselling author of The Kissing Booth series *Perfect for a sunny afternoon * Daily Mail *[This book] will tug at all your heartstrings as it takes you on a rollercoaster of a journey * Chat *Heart-warming and emotional * My Weekly *For anyone on the lookout for a feel-good holiday read, [Last Time We Met] is one not to miss ... A light-hearted read for to get lost in. * The UpComing *Praise for Emily Houghton * : *The perfect read for fans of Me Before You * Candis *An emotional and character-led story that is sure to tug at your heartstrings * Woman's Own *A beautifully-written, emotionally rich story about hope, love and new beginnings * Lynsey James, author of The Single Dad's Handbook *A beautiful, uplifting story with characters that made me smile on every page * Jessica Ryn, author of The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside *

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Book SynopsisAn unforgettable story about love in all its chaotic glory from the author of Last One At The PartyA book synopsis is fundamentally ridiculous. How can I possibly convey, in only 100 words, the events of the past year and their impact on my perfectly ordered existence?It is insufficient space to accurately detail how I was blackmailed into demonstrating my flawless algorithm to find a soulmate, despite having no desire for one.In my former life I avoided trivial human connections. I was alone, accomplished and brilliant.Unfortunately, that solitary and driven woman no longer exists.My name is Indiana Dylan and this is the extraordinary account of how I fell in love.There: 100 words exactly.***'An eerie yet witty tale of what the future might be like' Sun'Such is the wit and exuberance of her writing, so engaging are her characters, it's easy to miss the sheer ingenuity that's gone into the science fiction element' The Times'Smart, funny, scary and sweet. I LOVED it [...] Bethany Clift's wondrous imagination is matched by her pitch-perfect writing' Nikki May, author of Wahala'I was hooked! A palm-tingly romance set in a believable future with nuanced, funny and surprising characters. BookTok is going to love it!' Kate Sawyer'So fresh, so funny, so satisfying . . . Bethany Clift skilfully combines humour with heartfelt writing, a pacey plot and truly unforgettable characters. This smart and vibrant story explores big questions around love, friendship and ambition, and every page is a joy' Holly MillerTrade ReviewAn absolute riot, a joyous reboot of the rom-com that explores the power and unpredictability of human connection. In a gorgeous cast of characters, my absolute favourite was Peggy. WE ALL NEED A PEGGY. * Beth Morrey *Utterly fabulous! Bethany injects so much joy and humour into her books; creating characters you will love, and stories that will make you laugh and cry at literally the same time. * Sarah Bonner *Love and Other Human Errors is at once a beautiful, poignant and witty observation on what it is to be human and to try and figure out love in all its messy chaos. Bethany possesses such talent in combining sharp wit with original ideas. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. * L.V. Matthews *Even the most hardened cynic won't be able to resist this funny and touching story about all the wonderful messiness of love * Red *This original story is wonderful on love, loss, loneliness and the vital importance of human connection * Daily Mail *Such is the wit and exuberance of her writing, so engaging are her characters, it's easy to miss the sheer ingenuity that's gone into the science fiction element * The Times *A heartwarming story of love, trust and friendship - utterly unputdownable * Candis *An eerie yet witty tale of what the future might be like in the world of digital dating * The Sun *Quirky, cute and surprising * Fabulous magazine *

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Book SynopsisMargot doesn't have time for love.Will is afraid to love.And neither of them are expecting to fall in love with Blossom: a gentle Staffy with a tragic past, a belly made for rubbing and a head the size of a football.After their first meeting at the rescue centre, both Margot and Will want to adopt Blossom so reluctantly agree to share custody. But Will's obsession for micro-managing and clear-cut boundaries and Margot's need to smother Blossom with affection, means that soon they have a very confused and badly behaved dog on their hands.Can they put their differences aside to become successful "co-pawrents" and maybe even friends? And meanwhile, does Blossom have plans of her own?Trade ReviewPraise for Rescue Me - -The LOVELIEST book, the complete antidote to these terrible times. Absolutely gorgeous with great characterisation. Yet another winner for Sarra * Marian Keyes *The balm for our times: sexy, heartfelt, funny and fresh. If you loved Beach Read and The Flatshare, you'll adore this. Sarra has nailed it! * Laura Jane Williams *Rescue Me will steal your heart. Uplifting, tender, and heartwarming, this is one of the loveliest books I've read all year * Louise O'Neill *LOVED LOVED LOVED . . . the ABSOLUTE tonic I needed right now. The perfect feel good read, I fell in love with Margot, Will, and Blossom * Nina Pottell *What a vivid, exuberant, joyful read - I felt my spirits lift with every page. Big-hearted, funny, wise and uplifting, this is the book everyone needs this year * Iona Grey *A joyous, emotional, uplifting, beautiful book of utter pawfection! Such a treat for everyone who has a heart * Alex Brown *Rescue Me will steal your heart - uplifting, joyful and full of hope. You won't want to miss this! * Penny Parkes *Warm, witty, moving, tender, uplifting and everything the world needs right now * Tammy Cohen *I absolutely adored everything about this book. No one writes such brilliantly original and flawed, many layered characters the way Sarra Manning does. I completely fell in love with Margot and Will and of course Madam Blossom. It was everything I hoped for and more * Jules Wake *An uplifting and original love story, told with depth, humour and heart (and starring THE most adorable dog, of course) * Holly Miller *I cannot remember the last time I was this emotionally invested in - or affected by - a book. Rescue Me will steal your heart if you let it - and you REALLY need to let it because it Just. Makes. Life. Better. A truly special, unforgettable book * Cressida McLaughlin *A delightful tale of loneliness, love and connection all pulled together by a quite wonderful rescue Staffie -- Sarah Hughes * i News *Guaranteed to brighten any gloomy day . . . warm and funny * Prima *A completely gorgeous story * The Sun (Fabulous) *A beautiful, beautiful book. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy and like you just got to pet a dog. It is exactly what you need right now, trust me * Lindsey Kelk *As an extremely enthusiastic dog person and romcom fan, I felt like this wonderful book was written specifically for me! It was sweet, insightful, sensitive and completely lovely. It was delightfully accurate in its portrayal of love - both for rescue dogs and people. I absolutely loved it and was caught smiling to myself the whole way through reading it. As someone who's written about the relationship between dogs and humans (and who loves her Shih Tzu, Bert, more than anything), this book absolutely spoke to me. Gorgeous * Kate Leaver *Packed with heart . . . Expertly handles tough topics of grief, trauma and fertility, all while creating characters you can't help but root for * Heat *This wholesome novel left me feeling that the world is a good place to be and it will bring welcome cheer to a grey January * Daily Mirror *In a cunning romantic fiction contrivance, two strangers co-rescue a dog . . . A pure dose of adorable * Cosmopolitan *Warm, witty, sad, sharp and beautifully crafted. It makes me love London. It should be a film. It's honestly a total joy * Harriet Evans *Romance and dogs - what's not to love? This uplifting love story is full of humour and the characters are wonderful * Good Housekeeping *A charming, funny, and gorgeously feel-good tale . . . you'll fall head-over-heels for Blossom, the gentle Staffie at the heart of this story * Woman & Home *Charming and funny, it's the perfect pick me up * Woman's Weekly *Give me a love story about a rescue dog . . . and I will do nothing until I finish the book while sobbing into my dog's fur. Blossom's personality was captured so perfectly, in a way that only true dog people will understand. -- Jamie Klingler * i News *A romantic treat of a novel about two singletons and the fabulous dog they 'co-pawrent'. If you don't want your own dog by the time you finish it, there's no hope for you . . . * Fanny Blake *Charming and funny, it's the perfect pick-me-up * Woman *If you love dogs, love laughs, and love LOVE with a capital L, Sarra Manning has the most perfect book for you. Rescue Me is simply paw-geous * Lucy Dillon *An uplifting romantic comedy for dog-lovers * Red *One man, one woman, one rescue dog. Uplifting, tender, and heart-warming, this is a delight. * Louise O'Neill *A tender-hearted romp with terrific characters (including the canine) * Best *Manning's winning story is the perfect piece of escapism with one eye on snappy dialogue and another on the things that make us whole again * Stylist *A roaring rom com * Sunday Post *A fun, romantic read * My Weekly *I adored reading this beautifully written, funny and endearing rom com * Kate Eberlen *PRAISE FOR SARRA MANNING - -Bright, funny, romantic - a total joy to read! -- Mhairi McFarlaneFantastically addictive, beautifully written -- Paige ToonDeeply satisfying and impossible to put down -- Santa MontefioreSuch a delight * Irish Examiner *A charming, funny, and gorgeously feel-good tale * Woman & Home *

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Book Synopsis'Bursting with heart' Lindsey Kelk'Filled my heart with joy' Paige ToonSophie Breeze is a brilliant bridesmaid. So brilliant, in fact, that she's made it her full-time job.As a professional bridesmaid, Sophie is secretly hired by brides to be their right-hand woman, ensuring their big day goes off without a hitch. From wrangling rowdy hen dos to navigating last minute portaloo cancellations, there's no problem she can't solve. So when she's employed by an actual Marchioness to help plan the society wedding of the year, it should be a chance for Sophie to prove just how talented she is. Of course, it's not ideal that the bride, Cordelia, is rude, difficult and determined to make Sophie's life a nightmare. It's also a bit inconvenient when Sophie finds herself drawn to Cordelia's posh older brother, who is absolutely off limits. And when a rival society wedding is announced, things get even more complicated . . .Can Sophie pull off the biggest challenge of her career, follow her heart and maintain her reputation - all while keeping her true identity hidden?________________________________Everyone is talking about The Secret Bridesmaid'Total escapist fun!'Fabulous magazine'An absolute treat'Katie Marsh'Will have you laughing down the aisle'My Weekly'Vivid and heartwarming . . . a fun, fresh romantic comedy' Holly Miller'A unique, hilarious spin on wedding mayhem' Publishers WeeklyTrade ReviewJust like a glass of champagne, a bright, sparkling treat of a book. Funny, uplifting and bursting with heart, The Secret Bridesmaid is classic romcom escapism * Lindsey Kelk *Hilarious and heartwarming - the perfect wedding season read -- Heidi SwainA fun, fresh romantic comedy that perfectly depicts all the delights and dramas of wedding season. A vivid and heartwarming reminder of the joys of celebration, friendship and togetherness - the perfect read for this summer * Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You *I devoured The Secret Bridesmaid - it's as moreish as a wedding canapé, as heady as champagne and as romantic as any wedding vow. One of the funniest books I have ever read. An absolute treat * Katie Marsh *A unique, hilarious spin on wedding mayhem . . . Birchall pays just as much attention to the complex nuances of female friendship as to the healing power of love, resulting in an entertaining romp * Publishers Weekly *This book filled my heart with joy - I never wanted it to end. I loved it and will be recommending it far and wide! * Paige Toon *Total escapist fun! * Fabulous Magazine (Sun on Sunday) *Hilariously fun! * Peterborough Telegraph *For fans of Sophie Kinsella, this will have you laughing down the aisle. Friendships, love and weddings, with a confetti of humour * My Weekly *

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Book Synopsis***** 'I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' Amazon reviewer***** 'Outrageously funny!' Amazon reviewer***** 'Extremely touching' Amazon reviewer***** 'An absolute delight' Netgalley reviewerThe PERFECT Christmas gift!A ninety-year-old woman with Alzheimer's and a heartbroken young man share a ride to Brussels that ends up changing their lives forever.When Alex pulls up to meet "Max", he expects everything but a ninety-year-old lady who has her heart set on getting to Brussels by carpool.As for 'Max', who is actually called Maxine, she could not be more ill at ease when settling into the seat next to this young man with bloodshot eyes. God help her if he turned out to be a drug addict who hasn't slept in days!When it becomes clear that Maxine is suffering from Alzheimer's and wants to take matters into her own hands while she still can, and that Alex battles severe depression, a wonderful friendship starts to form between the unlikely pair. Before long, their travel plans take an unexpected turn...Translated from the French by Kelly Lardin.

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Book SynopsisTHE WORD-OF-MOUTH PHENOMENON THAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT:'Intelligent, moving and darkly comic . . . taking us deftly from serious explorations of trauma to riotously funny scenes of modern life' The Sunday Times'Haunting and hilarious' Daily Mail'A brilliant debut' Cariad Lloyd'Full of heart, wit and feeling' Caroline O'Donoghue'I loved it!' Lauren Bravo'Heartfelt, sharp-but-tender' Erin Kelly'I couldn't stop reading' Angela Scanlon'A glorious new talent has arrived' Emma Gannon'Raw and utterly brilliant' Otegha Uwagba'Absorbing and clever . . . I fell in love with Mathilda' Cathy Rentzenbrink'Will be read for years by any and all young women looking for a friend' Scarlett Curtis__________________________________ There is something wrong with Mathilda.She's still reeling from the blow of a gut-punch break up and grieving the death of a loved one. But that's not it. She's cried all her tears, mastered her crow pose and thrown out every last reminder of him. But that's not helping.Concerned that she isn't moving on, Mathilda's friends push her towards a series of increasingly unorthodox remedies. Until the seams of herself begin to come undone. Tender, unflinching and blisteringly funny, What a Shame glitters with rage and heartbreak, perfect for fans of Emma Jane Unsworth, Dolly Alderton and Holly Bourne.__________________________________'Ever-so-relatable' Cosmopolitan'Delightfully frank' The Skinny'A modern story of grief and loss' Refinery29'Dazzling . . . By turns funny, sharp, raw and overwhelming' Heat'Fizzes with energy, rage and love' Jessica Moor'A book that beautifully balances the light and the dark' Chloe Ashby'Dark, nuanced and provocative' Laura Jane Williams'An extraordinary novel that will stay with me for a long time' Laura KayTrade ReviewAn intelligent, moving and darkly comic debut, taking us deftly from serious explorations of trauma and consent to riotously funny scenes of modern life - it's like Fleabag with a sprinkling of the occult. * The Sunday Times *Tipped to be THE hit book of 2022 * Daily Mail *Affecting, clever and blisteringly humorous... a riveting read about heartbreak, female shame and self-acceptance -- Sarra Manning * Red Magazine *Hits the nail on the head . . . above all it's a really beautiful portrayal of female friendship. -- Laura Hackett * Times Radio *Dazzling . . . By turns funny, sharp, raw and overwhelming, this is one of those novels where you think you are exploring someone else's pain, only to realise you are actually exploring your own -- Read of the Week * Heat *Alternately haunting and hilarious . . . an original and zeitgeisty story about grief, friendship, secrets, shame and self-acceptance. * Daily Mail *It's LOL, ever-so-relatable and will also have you weeping into a snotty tissue. Love, love, love * Cosmopolitan *A modern story of grief and loss * Refinery29 *Bergstrom's prose, and especially the core dynamic of Mathilda and her friends (a coven of voice notes and anxious love) has a sweet verisimilitude that is delightfully frank, (re)inscribing warmth and intimacy for warmth and intimacy's sakes. And if it all seems a bit familiar - the millennial hodgepodge of tarot, bad dates, housemates and female trauma - well, maybe this is also the point. Maybe these stories are more common than we want to believe. * The Skinny *Absorbing and clever . . . I fell in love with Mathilda -- Cathy RentzenbrinkRaw and unexpected and weird and utterly brilliant -- Otegha UwagbaAs soon as I finished the final page of What a Shame a deep ache set in. Written by one of the cleverest and boldest writers I've ever read, it is a powerful, beautiful, fascinating novel that will be read for years by any and all young women looking for a friend. I already miss Mathilda. -- Scarlett CurtisComparisons to Sally Rooney are inevitable, but this heartfelt, sharp-yet-tender novel earns its own place in the spotlight -- Erin KellyWhat A Shame weaves eternal themes of grief and heartbreak against a modern canvas that is clear and recognisable. There's a piercing sense of what happens when your tragedy becomes your anecdote, and your anecdote becomes tiring to the people around you. Full of heart, wit and feeling, Bergstrom is a new voice but sure to be an enduring one. -- Caroline O'DonoghueA brilliant debut -- Cariad LloydRaw, poignant, haunting (and hilarious!)... In Mathilda, Bergstrom has created a clear-eyed heroine for a new generation. -- Sam BakerTruly captivating, blisteringly funny, so clever and perceptive and beautifully written. It made me want to voicenote all my friends immediately. I loved it! -- Lauren BravoA book that simultaneously punches you in the gut and makes you snort with laughter. It's beautifully raw in its delivery. A glorious new talent has arrived -- Emma GannonDark, nuanced and provocative, this is a sterling debut that fans of Caroline O'Donoghue, Holly Bourne and Emma Jane Unsworth are sure to love. Mathilda's chilling - but ultimately redemptive - story will stay with me. -- Laura Jane WilliamsRazor-sharp, compelling and darkly funny. An extraordinary novel that will stay with me for a long time. -- Laura KayWhat a Shame fizzes with energy, rage and love, burrowing deep into those experiences that define us at our core. Bergstrom writes with wit and wisdom, and Mathilda's voice is ever-incisive, fresh and compelling. -- Jessica MoorI fell hard for Mathilda and her tale of heartache, grief and acceptance. Like most of us, she's a bit weird and a bit wild, and you'll be so glad you met her. -- Laura PearsonA wry and zeitgeisty look at grief, heartbreak and the fix-you industry, What a Shame asks whether we can ever expect closure from our worst and most secret pain and fear. A must-read for anyone who has ever felt defined by a break-up. -- Harriet WalkerCrackles with wit and emotional insight . . . so good on tangled webs of feeling, the power of female friendships, and hope -- Emma HughesDark, complex and very funny. A dazzling debut about the power of self-belief, sisterhood and letting go -- Hannah ToveyA book that beautifully balances the light and the dark. I loved spending time with Mathilda, a heroine who's funny, wise, wonderfully weird and brave, and who feels like a friend. -- Chloë AshbyTender, searingly honest and widely vulnerable. I couldn't stop reading -- Angela ScanlonAn absolute corker - tender, sexy and weird. I can't wait to see what she writes next -- Michelle ThomasMy favourite kind of book: the kind that you can't help but race through, leaves you immediately devastated when you finish it and envious of everyone who has yet to read it. -- Dr SophA painfully exquisite book, by a unique talent that has single handedly rewritten the narrative of female shame -- Camilla PangAbigail Bergstrom's assured debut is a forensic excavation of the female psyche - on friendship, grief, and the secrets we keep to survive. -- Laura BaileyA beautiful, raw story of self-acceptance and shame that haunted me until I finished the last page. Reading Abigail's debut captured the pain and release that comes with laughing at a funeral. I swallowed the story in big gulps and will push it towards my friends. An ambitious, beautifully balanced novel that manages to strike laughter and heartache in equal measure. -- Abigail Mann[A] wry, poignant meditation on female shame, healing and friendship * Culture Whisperer *What a Shame is an absorbing experience; the story is strange yet brilliant . . . it's dark and raw and funny, with a woman on an emotionally engulfing journey at its centre . . . like Sorrow and Bliss on acid . . . A real gem. * Well Read with Anna Bonet *Abigail Bergstrom's darkly funny debut is a sharply observed account of a group of young women finding their way and discovering that they are more powerful than they imagined * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis'One of the funniest and most original writers at work today' The TimesA firecracker of a novel by the Booker-shortlisted author of A Fraction of the Whole - a scathingly funny and affecting tale of life, death, love and the questionable existence of God.Angus Mooney is not happy - he's been murdered, cut off in the prime of his life. He feels humiliated - he's never even believed in an afterlife. (How wrong he'd been). He's confused - death has provided more questions than answers. And he desperately misses his audacious and fiery wife, Gracie, who's expecting their first child. The only upside is that Angus has found a way to see what his murderer is up to, and how Gracie is faring. The downside: Gracie and his murderer are getting uncomfortably close, and a worldwide pandemic means the afterlife is about to get very crowded . . .'Toltz takes his time with each book and Here Goes Nothing is a funny, clever, entertaining argument in favour of cultivating the patience to get it right' GuardianTrade ReviewSteve Toltz's fabulously impressive third novel cannonballs straight into heady existential questions, magicking up a vision of human life at once generous and absurd while wearing its considerable ambition lightly . . . Toltz takes his time with each book and Here Goes Nothing is a funny, clever, entertaining argument in favour of cultivating the patience to get it right. -- Rob Doyle * Guardian *A morbidly two-fisted tour de force . . . energetically full of sardonic one-liners . . . it reeks of mortality, but it is thoroughly bracing. -- Phil Baker * Sunday Times *Savagely comic . . . Here Goes Nothing is a Jeremiad with jokes . . . But when the story focuses on the end of days on Earth, Toltz abandons existential standup for the detailed horror of what we all might have faced if Covid had triumphed. Wider questions persist about what it means to be alive. * Spectator *In his three books (alas, too few) Steve Toltz has shown that he is one of the funniest and most original writers at work today. -- Robbie Millen * The Times *Toltz refreshingly posits an afterlife without any religious scaffolding . . . He conjures up scenes few other novelists would dare to imagine, let alone write . . . In a book full of narrative tricks, Toltz saves the best, or strangest, for last. -- Suzi Feay * Financial Times *Steve Toltz's first two novels . . . were filled to the brim with exuberant sentences, dark jokes, large philosophical ideas and wildly imaginative, often lurid incidents . . . Now, with Here Goes Nothing he pulls off the same trick again . . . While Toltz obviously has a serious purpose - to rub our noses in what a mess we've collectively made of being alive - his usual high quotient of fizzing one-liners ensures that not many pages go by without at least one laugh -- James Walton * The Times *The greatest Mitteleuropean novelist ever to have come from Australia . . . Toltz's great skill is to make [his] monsters in a lunatic way loveable . . . I read the final pages through a veil of tears. Of course, the flipside to such remorseless, brilliantly withering contempt is sentimentality. It is perhaps the most difficult genre to do well, and Toltz does it humanely, compassionately and unforgettably. -- Stuart Kelly * Scotland on Sunday *Toltz is the king of pitch-black comedy and personal catastrophe . . . his new novel grapples with big existential questions but is also stuffed with zingers. If there's no cure for being alive, laughter is still the best medicine. -- Justine Jordan * Guardian *A wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms . . . Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year. -- Simon Humphreys * Mail on Sunday *Sizzles with black comedy and anarchic energy * Guardian, Hot New Books for the Summer *A moving meditation on all that is wrong with our world today . . . In its epic scope charting this life and beyond, Here Goes Nothing works as a smart social commentary on our fossil fuel-guzzling, warmongering, information-obsessed, pandemic-riddled world. It is a hugely timely book. -- Sarah Gilmartin * Irish Times *I honestly think you have to resort to the likes of Oscar Wilde to find so many maxims per minute in a narrative. The book is the ideal guide to living and dying and living again in this parlous age. * Steve Stern *Clever lines drop down on these pages like flowers thrown on a casket . . . [a] zany, increasingly dark comedy * Washington Post *Dark, twisted and hilarious . . . Toltz is smart, imaginative and funny, unafraid to lob a literary grenade into hard-held beliefs of humankind. He uses Here Goes Nothing as a jumping-off point to parody the perversity and stubbornness of human nature and to highlight our uneasy relationship with mortality. Think of it as a comic, modern-day Divine Comedy with more intercourse and fewer opportunities to reach Paradise. -- Connie Ogle * Star Tribune *A story about the afterlife is ambitious enough but to make this so effortlessly funny is quite an achievement. * Penelope Debelle, Herald Sun (Australia) *What should survive of our past when we can start again from scratch? What do the dead owe the living? The answers Toltz provides are provisional, bleak and often hilarious, but they are never superficial. Here Goes Nothing reads like late-phase Saul Bellow in that it is brilliantly febrile and argumentative, though pessimistic when it comes to the human condition. Yet the implications of its character's actions are at variance to the general melancholy, and gloriously so. -- Geordie Williamson * Australian *

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Book Synopsis'Obligatory reading for all parents of teenagers!' NIGELLA LAWSON'Bloody marvellous. Horribly familiar, funny, touching, sad, brutally honest...clutch this book to your stained T-shirt and never let it go.' JO BRAND'Terrific. A remarkable blend of hilarity and heartbreak with a really satisfying plot. Being childless never felt so good.' GRAHAM NORTON'Warm and witty... The competitive mothering, the hell that is other people's children, the fights and accusations of Homeland inquisition all rang deliciously true... a most entertaining read.' KATHY LETTE'Very poignant... A moving read as well as a funny one.' JANE GARVEY 'Honest, hilarious and painful' WOMAN & HOMEWarning!! This novel may lead you to make rash and life-changing decisions!**Probably don't read if you fear you may be ripe for liberation. Or if you sometimes wee when you laugh...First there was Having It All, then there was Bridget Jones' s Diary and I Don't Know How She Does It. Now there is Teenage Punchbag.I'm Just A Teenage Punchbag is a laugh-out-loud, sob-on-the bus journey through the so-called life of a middle-aged woman.Ciara is mother to three ungrateful, entitled teenagers, is married to steady Martin, a man with hairy udders, and is grieving for her mum who now lives in the wardrobe in a cardboard box from the crematorium. She finds solace in her anonymous blog, and in the daily chats she has with her mum's ashes (often the best conversations she has all day.)Despite the menopause, the invisibility of middle age and the daily self-esteem bashings, courtesy of her kids, Ciara manages to navigate the stormy waters of grief and family life - until her mask slips and she is cast out from the family bosom. She embarks on a mission to fulfil her mum's dying wishes to have her remains sprinkled from the top of the Empire State Building, finding company, distraction and - ultimately - herself in the process.If motherhood is a job - who says you can't resign?

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Book SynopsisPretty Woman meets the Bridgertons in this witty, vivacious historical take on 90s romcoms by USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard: "Refreshing, steamy, and stocked with characters you don't normally get to see in the genre-a must-read author"-Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling authorLord Lysander Blackstone, the stern Duke of Montcroix, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. After a series of betrayals, he keeps his emotions buried deep. Money, after all, can't break a man's heart-or make promises it can't keep. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual-and alluring-solution . . . Once an up-and-coming ballerina, Miss Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. After refusing to become a wealthy patron's mistress, Nève was promptly shown the door to the streets. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, she doubts the encounter will go any better than her last brush with nobility. But instead of propositioning her, Montcroix makes Nève an offer she would be a fool to refuse: act as his fake fiancée in exchange for fortune enough to start over.Only neither is prepared when very real feelings begin to grow between them. They both stand to win . . . but only if they're willing to risk their hearts.

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Book SynopsisWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves. But while her sisters were dreaming of white weddings, Piper was left heartbroken and commitment phobic by her first love, her best friend’s younger brother. As a woman dominating the male-driven construction industry, Piper has no interest in turning in her hammer for an apron—even if hot and hilarious Harley thinks otherwise. Burly bar owner Harley Dutch has a bum ankle and two preteen nieces to take care of, and having his best friend, tough-as-nails and sexy-as-sin Piper Dalton, come to his rescue is just the remedy he needs. Piper is her snarky self, and she kind of sucks at caregiving, but she’s owned his heart for years, she’s got a way with the girls, and Harley would sure like to have his way with her… As things heat up between Piper and Harley, she warns him not to fall in love with her because she’ll only break his heart. Harley is the right man for that challenge—until he makes the biggest mistake of his life, and they begin to wonder if true love really can conquer all.

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Book SynopsisWhat if you already met the soul mate you were destined to be with? And you didn’t even know it? After losing her best friend to cancer, Corinne’s life is in flux. She has moved back to Chicago, is considering her next career move (or temp job), and has absolutely no time to look for love—until a mysterious dating app called Met suddenly appears on her phone, and with it, an invitation for Corinne to reconnect with four missed connections from her past. One of them, Met says, is her soul mate… Corinne doesn’t believe the app for a second, but when she very quickly finds herself with back-to-back blasts from the past, she’ll have to consider if maybe she’s wrong about it. The thing is, Corinne’s also been introduced to a really great guy outside the app’s influence. As their feelings for each other grow, Corinne has to wonder: With her apparent true love still out there, should she tap yes to the next match? With help from a new group of friends, her loving if annoying family, and maybe a touch of fate, can Corinne come to terms with the loss she’s still reeling from, take control of her career, and find love along the way?Trade Review“Baker’s heart-wrenching and addictive debut follows a 27-year-old Black woman as she learns to regain hope and trust in the wake of her best friend’s death…Baker shines in engaging portrayals of friendships old and new. Readers are in for a treat.” —Publishers Weekly “Baker’s debut is funny, steamy, and heartwarming all at once…A great read that’s perfect for those with reunions on the horizon.” —Booklist “Have We Met? by Camille Baker is as much a story about the lasting power of friendship as it is a charming rom-com.” —POPSUGAR “A fun and current read, Baker’s debut about a modern woman finding her place in the world is sure to satisfy. Perfect for those longing for this decade’s Sex and the City.” —Liz Talley, USA Today bestselling author “Have We Met? is the perfect blend of fantasy, fun, and hope, with a cast of characters who will make you believe in soul mates and remind you that the love stories we write are the ones we get to read over and over. Camille Baker’s debut novel is a true delight!” —Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually comes a hilarious, heartfelt story about marriage, divorce and what the hell happens next. Amy and Joel’s honeymoon in the Maldives was the perfect week of love, sun, sex and a free minibar…but unfortunately, it was also the high point of a marriage that quickly descended into an absolute disaster zone. Eight years on, they’re back in paradise, trying to recreate the magic with new partners. What a crying shame they’ve picked the same week to do it… Trapped together on an island small enough to spit across with the wind behind you, Amy and Joel pick up right where they left off: at total loggerheads. And so begins a hideous week of rivalry, one-upmanship and score-settling—as each tries to prove they’ve now comprehensively won at life. The thing is, hurt and pain are strongest where there was once love. And what if being back in this island paradise, with all its wonderful memories, sets sparks flying in more ways than one?

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Book SynopsisAn Amazon Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestseller.An NFL quarterback turned small-town coach gets sacked by a Texas beauty queen in this swoony, passionate romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.Gorgeous, talented, and brilliant, NFL quarterback Ronan Smith has the world in his hands. But after losing his career and his fiancée in a car accident, he falls into a pit of grief and bad choices. When a mysterious girl shows up to his party, he feels drawn to her and makes her his…for one night.Former beauty queen Nova Morgan is on a mission. Scantily clad as a princess from a galaxy far, far away, she sneaks into a high-profile party to capture the attention of her favorite quarterback. But her hopes crash after an awful one-night stand.Fast-forward two years. Broke and desperate, Nova returns home to Blue Belle, Texas, where, by a cosmic twist of fate, her broody neighbor is none other than Ronan, the shiny new football coach everyone adores. But he has no idea who she is.The booster club keeps shoving women at Ronan to keep him in town. His solution? He proposes fake dating to Nova. But things heat up for real under these Friday-night lights when he realizes she’s the one who slipped away.Has this jaded beauty found her forever baller, or will his past keep them apart?

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Book SynopsisFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds comes a bittersweet romance about the risks and rewards of falling in love. Everly never expected to move back in with her parents, and she definitely didn’t expect to do so as a single mother. But with the father of her son suddenly out of the picture, she’s had to make some adjustments to her plans. Now Everly has one priority: to make a life for herself and her boy. And Blake, her sometimes infuriating but admittedly handsome employer at Live Life Adventures, doesn’t factor into her future as anything more than her boss. But it seems the guy who’s about as friendly as a grizzly bear has a soft spot for her and her son…and the more time she spends with him, the more difficult it is to remember why giving in to the chemistry between them is a bad idea. Now, with their future on the line, they’ll have to decide if love is a risk worth taking.Trade Review“Reynolds’s first-rate characters—Blake especially will melt readers’ hearts with his sweet interactions with baby Sampson—and perfect pacing, paired with lively prose, will keep readers hooked to the very end. This is a winner.” —Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisFrom USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a heartfelt romantic comedy about new beginnings and finding the romanticized happily ever after in the most unlikely of places.Hollywood screenwriter Sawyer Walsh knows a good love story when he sees it. But when it comes to real life romance, he’s a mess. That’s how he finds himself standing at the altar…as his ex-girlfriend ties the knot with his very famous best friend. The pressure, the resentment, the media coverage—it’s all too much—and before he knows exactly what he’s doing, he’s making a run for it, leaving a shocked congregation and flashing cameras in his wake.Needing to lie low amid the media fallout, Sawyer lands in the charming town of Canoodle, California, where he crosses paths with Fallon Long, who runs the Canoodle Cove Cabins, a family-owned business and Sawyer’s new short-term residence. Overwhelmed with renovations and her long list of responsibilities, Fallon is struggling to make ends meet while attempting to bring the cabins back to their original glory. So when Sawyer arrives, she is grateful for the income, but immediately writes him off as just another vapid Hollywood hack, until he begins to prove her wrong at every turn.As Fallon comes closer to saving the family business, an undeniable bond forms between her and the handsome screenwriter. But the pressures of her family obligations and Sawyer’s notoriety might prove to be too much for anyone to handle. Could Canoodle be the setting for a new romance—or is true love just a Hollywood cliché?

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Book SynopsisIn the follow-up to the visionary Hospital, Yang Wei discovers that there’s more to the mysterious hospital than meets the eye—and none of it is as it seems. Yang Wei wakes to find himself still a patient at the hospital. Somehow, he’s aged decades overnight and is confined to the geriatric ward on a massive Hospital ship as it floats along a bloodred sea full of unsightly things. But human remains and sea nymphs are perhaps nothing compared to the goings-on belowdecks. The doctors are nowhere to be found, replaced by a procession of medical robots from whom, of course, no information can be gleaned. So Yang Wei, along with a small group of patients—all just as aged as he is—venture out to explore the uncharted depths of the ship and the answers that are surely hidden within. As they delve deeper into both the ship and why they’re on it, every uncovered secret comes with its own questions. The only thing Yang Wei can be sure of is that the more he learns, the less he understands…and the less he truly wants to know.Trade Review“The bizarre twists and disturbing wrongness are compelling and reminiscent of other postmodern classics.” —Booklist

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Book SynopsisOpposites don’t just attract—they ignite—in a flirty against-all-odds romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Lauren Landish.Wyatt Ford hightailed it out of Cold Springs to get away from his influential family and the unwanted privilege that came with it. Returning for his brother’s wedding dredges up every reason he left. One unexpected bright spot: a curvy knockout who slings burgers, hustles pool…and hates the last name Ford.Hazel Sullivan is fiercely independent and happy to be maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding, but she isn’t looking for romance. Especially not with a man whose family is dividing her town into a battleground with their development plans. Fighting the family is easy. Fighting Wyatt? Not so much. Why does the enemy have to be so drop-dead gorgeous?The sparks that fly between Hazel and Wyatt might start out as combat, but one kiss and it’s total surrender. How is a happy ever after even possible for two people with so little in common? Except, of course, for an overwhelming attraction and that growing temptation to say “I do” themselves.

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Book SynopsisBest of friends with benefits?and more in common than they ever expected?in a funny and sexy romance by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish.Wren Ford is the city attorney for Cold Springs?a job she takes seriously. Good thing she has a great form of stress relief: a friends-with-benefits arrangement with the well-muscled and very attentive construction worker Jesse Sullivan. Wren?s heart secretly craves more, but how can she fess up her feelings to a man who doesn?t want to get tied down?Jesse is head over heels in love with Wren, but he can?t picture a happily ever after. What would an attorney and out-of-his-league goddess want with him? Especially when a flirty, cocky lawyer who screams money and power shows an interest in Wren.As a scandalous high-profile split escalates from name-calling to corporate takeovers, Wren and Jesse must team up to find a way to protect the people and the town they love. And everyone in Cold Springs is rooting for them to figure out that maybe, against all odds, they?re made for each other.

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Book Synopsis'God of War B is for Boy is a hilarious retelling of the game’s story. With adorable art, witty writing, and a heartwarming story it’s a great addition to anyone's library even if you’re not familiar with the game.' - Gaming Trend  An ABC storybook for adults based on the award-winning God of War franchise.In this humorous take on Sony Interactive Entertainment’s God of War franchise, Kratos teaches his son Atreus the ABC’s of the nine realms, including lessons learned from Kratos’s past mistakes. Kratos fills the book’s pages with the essential vocabulary from the world of the game, imparting his questionable (at times) wisdom in an irreverent and entertaining style. Accompanied by original illustrations, God of War: B is for Boy: An Illustrated Storybook is a delightful satirical tour through the world of the critically acclaimed game.

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Book SynopsisNolan Baker longs to be "thirty, flirty and thriving" in this charmingly quirky LGBTQIA+ romance that's one part 13 Going on 30 and one part One Last Stop.WHY CAN'T WE SKIP TO THE GOOD PART?Twenty-three-year-old Nolan Baker wants it all by the time he's thirty. Too bad he's single, barely able to cover his own expenses, and still paying his dues at a prominent NYC comedy club. When faced with his perfect sister's wedding, Nolan takes it as a wakeup call. It's time to quit comedy and make good on his practical dreams-most importantly, asking Drew Techler, his best friend, to be his date.But right as Nolan is about to give it all up, he's asked to fill a last-minute spot for a famous comedian. Score! He crushes his set, but stands Drew up, misses his sister's big day, and disappoints his entire family. After major blowouts with everyone he loves, Nolan desperately wishes on a set of gift "magical healing crystals" to skip to the good part of life. When he wakes the next morning, it's seven years later, he's a successful comedian, and he has everything he always thought he wanted. Everything, that is, except his friends and family, none of whom are taking his future self's calls.With nowhere else to turn, Nolan sets out to find the only person he trusts to help. Except Drew is all grown up now, too. He's hot, successful...and hates Nolan's guts. As Nolan works to get back to his younger self-and the life he so carelessly threw away-he'll have to prove he's not the man everyone thinks they know in order to regain Drew's trust, friendship, and maybe, ultimately, his heart.While part of a series, this book stands alone.People Are Raving About Timothy Janovsky:"This book made my queer heart so very full and deeply happy."-Anita Kelly"A cinematic daydream guaranteed to steal your heart."-Julian Winters"Wonderfully upbeat and sweet."-Suzanne Park"Full of hope and heart."-Alexandria Bellefleur"[A] fresh, sweet, and swoony love story that blends coming-of-age comedy with the nuances of exploring sexual identity."-Alison CochrunTrade ReviewVoicy, playful, heartbreaking, and ultimately perfect. I felt every possible emotion while I read this, and hugged the book when I'd finished. New Adult is delicious. It is everything I love about reading. * Christina Lauren, author of The Unhoneymooners *

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Book Synopsis'Clever and magical' - Women's Weekly'Author Jaclyn is the sister of Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies) and has the same talent for great plots. This unusual novel tugs at the heartstrings.' - Good HousekeepingTwenty years ago, Abigail Sorenson's brother Robert went missing one day before her sixteenth birthday, never to be seen again. That same year, she began receiving scattered chapters in the mail from a mysterious guidebook, whose anonymous authors promised to make her life soar to heights beyond her wildest dreams. These missives have remained a constant in Abi's life - a befuddling yet oddly comforting voice through her family's grief over her brother's disappearance, a move across continents, the devastating dissolution of her marriage, and the new beginning as a single mother and café owner in Sydney.Now, two decades after receiving those first pages, Abi is invited to learn 'the truth' about the book. It's an opportunity too intriguing to refuse - she believes its absurdity and her brother's disappearance must be connected. What follows is an entirely unexpected journey of discovery that will change Abi's life - and enchant readers. Gravity Is the Thing is a smart, unusual, wickedly funny novel - heart-warming and life-affirming.Trade ReviewIt is ASTONISHINGLY WONDERFUL and magical and moving and uplifting and DIFFERENT . . . an instant classic . . . It literally might be my most favourite book of all time. * Marian Keyes *I loved this book. It's rare for me to have no idea where a story is headed but I only knew that I didn't want it to end. Funny, heartbreaking and clever with a mystery at its heart. * Jojo Moyes *A brilliant, beautiful, hilarious, heartbreaking, extraordinary book. I say this without bias, only awe. -- Liane MoriartyGRAVITY IS THE THING is a beautiful, lyrical curiosity of a book. It's about loss and hope, but it's deliciously funny, too, and the writing is so fantastic I found myself reading passages out loud just to savour them. -- Beth O'LearyWhen Abigail's brother disappeared, she began to receive scattered chapters from a mysterious self-help book, which remain a constant in her life. But, when 20 years later, she is invited to a retreat to learn the 'truth' about the pages, she comes to understand just how everything is connected. Clever and magical. * Women's Weekly *Author Jaclyn is the sister of Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies) and has the same talent for great plots. This unusual novel tugs at the heartstrings. * Good Housekeeping *Jaclyn Moriarty's debut novel for adult readers is one of the first books released this year but you're likely to still be talking about it months down the line. It centres on Abigail Sorensen, who was sixteen when her brother disappeared and she first received chapters from The Guidebook in the mail. This unusual self-help collection promised to change Abigail's life for the better; all she had to do was reply 'yes' to a no-obligation, free subscription. Twenty years later, Abi - now a single mother and café owner - is invited to attend a retreat where she will finally learn 'the truth' behind the book. Heart-warming and absorbing, you'll never want this book to end. * Culturefly *This is a multi-dimensional story about cafe owner Abi and her search for happiness. On her 16th birthday, Abi's brother Robert went missing and on the same day, she received a self-help book promising to change her life. Now 35, Abi is on a quest to learn more about the mysterious book she's been using to guide her. This is a beautifully written, complex novel about growing up and coping with unresolved grief, as well as a satirical examination of the self-help industry. It's also very funny and has a satisfying, thought-provoking ending. -- Kate Corr * Heat Magazine *A thoughtful, beautifully written, truly original, and often hilarious meditation on loss, hope, the self-help industry, and the difficulties of navigating life on earth. -- Emily St. John Mandel (author of STATION ELEVEN)Lovers of the uplit phenomenon Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine are likely to enjoy Jaclyn Moriarty's Gravity is the Thing. It stands above many in the rather contrived/marketed uplit genre as, like Eleanor Oliphant, it carries a message of hope while not running scared from genuinely difficult realities which can't be easily resolved. Likeable, sensitive single mother Abi is haunted by the disappearance of her beloved teenage brother when she was a teenager, and is moved by a need for answers to follow up an anonymous promise to bring contentment to her life. Yes, it's a little trite in places, but there is also some lovely writing and a very touching conclusion. * The Big Issue *A dazzling, imaginative novel filled with extraordinary heart and wisdom from Jaclyn Moriarty. [...] Astonishing. Poignant. Life-affirming. [...] A story with extraordinary heart, warmth and wisdom. * Female.com.au *Jaclyn Moriarty's hilarious, incandescent novel "Gravity Is the Thing" takes us along on Abigail (Abi) Sorensen's quest to find balance in her life after a family tragedy. [...] Moriarty's originality and humor flow on every page of this wise take on loss and healing. -- Elfrieda Abbe * Star Tribune (US) *The main character's revelations are personal to her situation but really feel universal. The writing is exceptional, and the story is thoughtful. This book is a rare literary achievement. Find a copy. -- Seema R. * NetGalley US *I am in love with this hilarious and tender story about characters who enchanted and surprised me up to the last page. Gravity is the Thing will lift you up and leave you wondering if the most impossible ideas are actually the heart of everything. -- Mary Adkins, author of WHEN YOU READ THISHere, Jaclyn Moriarty has given readers a tender and exhilarating tale of what becomes possible when you dare to believe in the impossible. GRAVITY IS THE THING brims with mystery and enchantment on every page. This book will leave readers breathless and aching for more. -- Meghan MacLean Weir, author of THE BOOK OF ESSIEWith an eye as keen for human idiosyncrasies as Miranda July's, and a sense of humor as bright and surprising as Maria Semple's, this is a novel of pure velocity; it sucks the reader into Abi's problems and her joys in equal, brilliant measure. A complex dissection of the self-help industry, as well as a complete and moving portrait of a difficult, delightful woman, Moriarty proves her adult novels can live up to her YA work's reputation. (July) * Publishers Weekly - starred review *At its heart, Moriarty's complex and nimble plot serves as a vehicle for a deeper story of the devastating, lifelong trauma caused by a great loss. In between adorable moments with her mercurial toddler and quirky excerpts from The Guidebook, Abi relates the exhaustion and isolation of grief in wry but heartrending detail. Redemptive and hopeful, Gravity Is the Thing announces the arrival of a fresh, funny and perceptive voice in adult fiction. -- Jaclyn Fulwood * Shelf-Awareness *Bestselling young adult novelist Jaclyn Moriarty brings her unfettered imagination and a buoyant sense of humor to Gravity Is the Thing. She explores difficult subjects, such as the loss of a sibling, with a light touch. As Abi accepts an invitation to re-examine her life, readers may laugh, cry and even reflect on their own paths of discovery. * BookPage - starred review *When Abigail discovers her brother is missing on her 16th birthday, her life is changed irreversibly. Now 35 years old, Abigail searches for a connection between this cataclysmic event and the chapters of The Guidebook she has been mysteriously receiving ever since. This adult debut novel from YA author Jaclyn Moriarty takes us on a soaring adventure, quite like few we've read before. Most memorable is the sharp, witty narration which glows even in the most heartbreaking moments. This book-with Moriarty's profound prose, the touching portrayal of a young mother's relationship with her five-year -old son and the beautiful, life-affirming ending-made us laugh as often as it brought us to tears. * Apple Books *If books were friends (and more than a few are) then I feel as though I have met the most wonderfully quirky forever friend. Gravity is the Thing is a complete joy of a book, and one that refuses to be pigeonholed into a genre. Abi, a Sydney cafe owner, has been invited to attend a retreat to learn the truth about 'The Guidebook', chapters have been arriving since she was a teen, and have kept her company in the darkest of times. The book floats between 1990 and 2010, and as Abi opens up her life, she revisits, examines, and searches for answers. Jaclyn Moriarty writes with the most beautiful eloquence, sharp pointed observations sit alongside the tightest of warm hugs. I wanted to meander, to wander, to eke out my reading time, and yet hoover up the words and the feelings they created in one heady go. I contemplated loss and grief, I smiled, laughed, and believed... oh how I believed! Gravity is the Thing is different (in the best possible way), and I predict that this will be one of my favourite books of the year. So, as well as being one of our Books of the Month, it has also been chosen as a LoveReading Star Book. It really is that gorgeous! -- Liz Robinson (expert reviewer) * Love Reading *Lovers of the uplit phenomenon Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine are likely to enjoy Jaclyn Moriarty's Gravity is the Thing. It stands above many in the rather contrived/marketed uplit genre as, like Eleanor Oliphant, it carries a message of hope while not running scared from genuinely difficult realities which can't be easily resolved. Likeable, sensitive single mother Abi is haunted by the disappearance of her beloved brother when she was a teenager, and is moved by a need for answers to follow up an anonymous promise to bring contentment to her life. . . . there is also some lovely writing and a very touching conclusion. Marian Keyes has declared it her favourite book of all time. * The Big Issue *

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Book Synopsis'Simon Rich is outrageously, lavishly gifted' - Caitlin Moran 'Simon Rich is the funniest writer alive' - Matt Haig 'How fabulously funny' - Lauren Laverne 'One of my favourite authors' - B J Novak From a bitter tell-all by a horse who made a man famous and then got left behind to a gushing magazine profile of one of your favorite World War II dictators, these stories trawl through history to skewer our obsession with fame and fortune - all the way from ancient Babylon to Hollywood. What father-to-be wouldn't feel a little jealous when his baby outstrips his success from the womb? And what happens when a film critic is forced to live in the movies he so cruelly damned? Loved in the UK by celebs, writers and readers alike, from Lauren Laverne to Matt Haig and Caitlin Moran, Simon Rich is back with his funniest and most personal collection of stories to date.Trade ReviewSimon Rich is outrageously, lavishly gifted -- Caitlin MoranHow fabulously funny -- Lauren LaverneOne of my favourite authors -- B J NovakSimon Rich is the funniest writer alive -- Matt HaigGenius ... He is a Thurber, even a Wodehouse, for today. Who could ask for more? You can give his books to people and just watch them laugh. Only after you've snorted through them yourself, though * Evening Standard *With Simon Rich's new collection you will laugh out loud regularly ... The stories are very, very funny ... Read Hits and Misses if you like laughing at things. -- Patrick Freyne * Irish Times *Wildly funny -- Anthony Cummins * Metro *

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Book SynopsisSteven Vinacour''s hilarious u-bend adventure sees Ted travel back in time to get acting tips from Shakespeare himself all in the vain hope of becoming Romeo to Chloe''s Juliet in the school play. But two new additions at school and some dodgy plumbing may put a spanner in the works of his already dubious plan. A hilarious page-turner that encompasses history, adventure, and comedy in equal measure.

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Book SynopsisTHE POST-BREXIT EDITION - brand new chapters with extra EU chaos for Englishman Paul West.An Englishman, Paul West, goes to Brussels to work for a French MEP. There he gets an insider's view of what really goes on in the massive madhouse that is the EU Parliament. With the referendum on the horizon, things are even more hysterical than usual.When the Brexit result comes in, Paul has to make a decision. If he wants to work in Europe, should he apply for a French passport? But can an Englishman really become French? Can he sing the bloodthirsty 'Marseillaise'? Can he even pronounce the word 'Marseillaise'?And as Paul contemplates his own personal Brexit, the whole of Brussels seems to be going into meltdown …Trade ReviewStephen Clarke brings some much-needed humour to Britain’s EU referendum debate in this entertaining novel… Clarke considers both sides of the argument and makes the debate much more accessible. * France Magazine *The inside story of what life is really like behind the scenes at the European Union * Express *Humorous tale … * FRANCE Magazine *

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Book SynopsisWITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY STEWART LEE'Should The Bloater be republished? Oh God, absolutely, it's fantastic' Stewart LeeMin works at the BBC as an audio engineer, where she is struggling to replicate the sound of a heartbeat. At home, other matters of the heart are making a mockery of life as Min knows it.Min has found herself the object of her lodger's affection. An internationally renowned opera singer she's nicknamed 'The Bloater', Min is disgusted and attracted to him in equal measure. But with a husband so invisible that she accidentally turns the lights off on him even when he's still in the room, Min can't quite bring herself to silence The Bloater's overtures. Vain, materialistic, yet surprisingly tender, The Bloater is a sparklingly ironic comedy of manners for all flirtatious gossips who love to hate and hate to love.PRAISE FOR THE BLOATER'A wonderfully unromantic romantic comedy' Daily Telegraph'Uncommonly good' Guardian 'It is the perfect aperitif, makes you feel warm and careless and much, much happier' The TimesTrade ReviewThe Bloater delights us by its wit, relish, and new-minted metaphors * Daily Telegraph *Brittle, spry, spiky, amusing, a comedy of love... an original and distinctive flavour * Sunday Times *[Tonks'] novels are valuable curios...of their time. They read like a strange hybrid of Muriel Spark and Beryl Bainbridge with a dash of Joe Orton -- William Boyd * The Times *What a charismatic writer Rosemary Tonks is. The Bloater is lively and witty with some brilliant metaphors and descriptions, and so atmospheric. I really enjoyed it -- Katy WixIt is about flirtation as a method of self-organization, and a crush as a method of self-torture. All of The Bloater, however-every single sentence-is funny * New Yorker *

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Book SynopsisIt is 1777, and England's second-greatest portrait artist, Thomas Gainsborough, has a thriving practice a stone's thrown from London's royal palaces. Meanwhile, the press talks up his rivalry with Sir Joshua Reynolds, the pedantic theoretician who is the top dog of British portraiture. Fonder of the low life than high society, Gainsborough loathes pandering to grand sitters, but he changes his tune when he is commissioned to paint King George III and his large family. In their final, most bitter competition, who will be chosen as court painter, Tom or Sir Joshua? Two and a half centuries later, a badly damaged painting turns up on a downmarket TV antiques show being filmed in Suffolk. Could the monstrosity really be, as its eccentric owner claims, a Gainsborough? If so, who is the sitter? And why does he have donkey's ears? Mixing ancient and modern as he did in his acclaimed debut The Hopkins Conundrum, Simon Edge takes aim at fakery and pretension in this highly original celebration of one of our greatest artists.Trade Review`The way in which the eighteenth century is rendered in this novel is witty, observant and joyously gossipy. The characterisations are sharp and Simon Edge has the painter's eye for detail. It is paced beautifully and nothing is wasted' - NB magazine, `The more of Simon Edge you read, the more you realise that every element of his stories is hand-selected and glued to the bigger picture - it's whimsical, farce-like... scrapbooky, in the best possible way' - Buzz Magazine, `The rivalry between Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds is at the heart of this larky novel' - Saga Magazine, `It hooked me straight in from the beginning. It's brilliant' - Lesley Dolphin, BBC Radio Suffolk, 'A masterpiece!' - Books are Cool, `With sheer comedy and a lot of ambition, this short novel combines excellent writing, seemingly effortless historical research and a great understanding of people to create a really enjoyable read' - Northern Reader, `A deft and exuberant satire that is pointed whilst avoiding cruelty' - Never Imitate

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Book SynopsisThe scene is Otisville Prison, upstate New York. A crew of fraudsters, tax evaders, trigamists and forgers discuss matters of right and wrong in a Talmudic study and prayer group, or 'minyan', led by a rabbi who's a fellow convict. As the only prison in the federal system with a kosher deli, Otisville is the penitentiary of choice for white-collar Jewish offenders, many of whom secretly like the place. They've learned to game the system, so when the regime is toughened to punish a newly arrived celebrity convict who has upset the 45th president, they find devious ways to fight back. Shadowy forces up the ante by trying to 'Epstein' - ie assassinate - the newcomer, and visiting poetry professor Deborah Liston ends up in dire peril when she sees too much. She has helped the minyan look into their souls. Will they now step up to save her? Jonathan Stone brings the sensibility of Saul Bellow and Philip Roth to the post-truth era in a sharply comic novel that is also wise, profound and deeply moral.Trade Review'Erudite, trenchant and touching, with a premise that the young Philip Roth would have envied' - Michael Arditti; 'Delectable...glorious...this most cherishably Jewish of books' - Jewish Chronicle; 'Warm, insightful, wise and very funny. Jonathan Stone has created a remarkably appealing community of prison inmates and staff. Quite brilliant'- Abi Silver; 'To the best of my knowledge, The Prison Minyan is the first fiction written about the lives of Jewish criminals that is set in a uniquely Jewish prison. This book has abundant humour and a light touch but it also raises some serious issues, such as the true cost of a life of crime; the meaning of loyalty; antisemitism; morality; and the power of poetry - and words in general - to transform one's life. An intriguing and enjoyable read' - Nora Gold; Praise for Jonathan Stone: ; 'Die Next is the model of a brilliant and stylish thriller! Rich with character development and it's-like-I'm-there settings, the novel is an adrenaline rush between covers. Bravo!'- Jeffery Deaver, author of The Bone Collector and The Goodbye Man, on Die Next ; 'Stone plays cruel and cunning mind games.' - The New York Times Book Review on Die Next; 'Stone belongs with the elite of current mystery writers... He should not be missed.' - Publishers Weekly on Die Next ; 'Crisp, elegant prose distinguishes this exceptional crime thriller from Stone.' -Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Moving Day ; 'A spellbinding ride.' -Library Journal, starred review, on Moving Day; 'A true page-turner, sure to appeal to Harlan Coben and Laura Lippman fans.' -Booklist on Moving Day; 'Stone creates the kind of people who can make a reader turn pages.'-Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on The Heat of Lies; 'Audacity can be a welcome ingredient in a mystery, especially when it's couple with a ferocious literary talent...it's a great, devilish pleasure.' - Chicago Tribune on The Heat of Lies

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