Humorous fiction

Book SynopsisI loved it! I read this book in a (very pleasant) day' Sue Moorcroft, Sunday Times bestselling authorCaptured perfectly the essence of the fake-dating trope Really enjoyable and fun.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????Niro is a photographer who's lost the joy of taking photos. Burned by a bad break-up, she's in desperate need of inspiration.Vimal is determined to win back his ex-girlfriend. When he hears she's bringing her new boyfriend on a group holiday, he impulsively declares that he's bringing a plus one too.Their mutual friends have the perfect solution: Niro can pretend to be Vimal's new girlfriend and join the holiday. Imagine the incredible photographs she could take in the Swiss alpsShe's not thinking about love. He's thinking about someone else. Can they fake a picture-perfect relationship or will real feelings get in the way?Don't miss this funny and uplifting fake-dating romance for fans of The Kiss Quotient and The Love Hypothesis!Readers LOVE Picture Perfect!Quirky, original andTrade Review‘I loved it! I read this book in a (very pleasant) day’ Sue Moorcroft, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘Quirky, original and charming… I absolutely loved it.’ Kathleen McGurl

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Book SynopsisMake a loved one smile with this classic Christmas read - a perfect stocking filler!''Christmas Day was organized by Lady Bobbin with the thoroughness and attention to detail of a general leading his army into battle . . .''The formidable fox-hunter Lady Bobbin is holding a Christmas house party. Attendees include her rebellious daughter Philadelphia, a pompous suitor, a couple of children poring over newspaper death notices, and a dejected writer whose first serious novel has been declared the funniest book of the year. Add to the mix beautiful ex-courtesan Amabelle Fortescue and her guests staying in a neighbouring cottage and you have a ribald tale of true love and false fidelity, hijinks and low morals, not to mention the consumption of a considerable quantity of Christmas spirit.''Utter, utter bliss'' Daily Mail''A dazzling comic delight'' The Times''Very funny, irresistible'' Spectator

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOK CLUB PICKAS HEARD ON RADIO 4 BOOK AT BEDTIME, READ BY MEERA SYAL A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE TIMES, DAILY MAIL, RED MAGAZINE, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING''Absolutely terrific'' JENNY COLGAN''An utterly unputdownable exploration of modern love'' STYLIST''Gloriously readable, acute, funny and sympathetic'' DAILY MAIL------------------------------------------------------------TWO CULTURES. TWO FAMILIES. TWO PEOPLE. Yasmin Ghorami has a lot to be grateful for: a loving family, a fledgling career in medicine, and a charming, handsome fiancée, fellow doctor Joe Sangster. But as the wedding day draws closer and Yasmin''s parents get to know Joe''s firebrand feminist mother, both families must confront the unravelling of long-held secrets, lies and betrayals.As Yasmin dismantles her own assumptions about the people she holds most dear, she''s also forced to ask herself what she really wants in a relationship and what a ''love marriage'' actually means.''A glorious tapestry of modern British family life'' METRO''A joy'' NAOISE DOLAN''I defy you to put this book down'' ADAM KAY''A surefire hit'' OBSERVER''Wildly entertaining ... a bold and generous book'' FINANCIAL TIMES''Big-hearted, wry and tender'' HARPER''S BAZAAR''As engrossing and enjoyable as Brick Lane'' SUNDAY TIMES''Rich, sensitive and gloriously entertaining'' TASH AW, TLSTrade ReviewAbsolutely terrific . . . genuinely touching . . . every one of its many characters, no matter how small their part, is beautifully rounded out -- Jenny Colgan * Spectator *Gloriously readable, acute, funny and sympathetic * Daily Mail *Compelling, witty and warm-hearted * Sunday Express *Ali provides an acute examination of race, class and identity in British society . . . A glorious tapestry of modern British family life * Metro *Wise, warm and utterly compelling * Red *Worth the decade it took to arrive . . . This is a proper family saga, both deliciously old-fashioned and full of surprising reversals -- Alex Preston * Observer *Every bit as compelling as her debut Brick Lane . . . Ali perfectly captures the delicate push-pull with families in this warm and intelligent family drama * Good Housekeeping *A topically freighted tale of premarital tension told with easy-reading propulsion, Love Marriage has the air of a surefire hit * Observer *Love Marriage is enormously satisfying in its inventions and observations, and its exploration of cultural diversity in Britain. At once touching and satirical . . . as engrossing and enjoyable as Brick Lane -- David Sexton * Sunday Times *Nuance is one of Ali's greatest skills; she can lay out a character's flaws, self-delusions and inconsistencies and then make you love them anyway * The Times *Monica Ali's rich, sensitive and gloriously entertaining novel . . . brim[s] with extremely funny moments of excruciating social comedy . . . For all its precise comic timing and consummate plotting, the novel's real strength lies in its depiction of complex social encounters, leaving the reader to decide which side, if any, to take . . . [A] love letter to the richness of London life -- Tash Aw * Times Literary Supplement *Wildly entertaining . . . Filled with people who are not just likeable, but loveable. This contract of sympathy, which flows between reader and characters, deepens and enriches the portrait of contemporary London that Ali creates with a confident Dickensian sweep -- Susie Boyt * Financial Times *Big-hearted, wry and tender . . . a state-of-the-nation novel in the very best sense . . . a terrific story delivered with a light touch: with dialogue that can turn a situation on a sixpence and exquisite descriptions . . . There are some extremely moving moments, and splendid cinematic scenes of high comedy * Harper’s Bazaar *The beating heart of this novel is the author's uncompromising scrutiny of the messy, heart-breaking, head-wrecking, brutal beauty of family dynamics . . . Heroes and anti-heroes fuse to create multidimensional characters who each evoke huge sympathy * Irish Times *There are riches here. All the components of modern identity are laid out: race, class, gender, faith, sexuality . . . engaging, entertaining and relevant * Guardian *Poignant and precise . . . a tribute to freedom and self-exploration, Ali's novel is, above all, a story about love - the bonds that it brings, and the shackles * New Statesman *A warm and welcoming book, styled in witty, graceful prose . . . a novel of immense brightness * Big Issue *Compulsive, tightly plotted . . . Love Marriage reveals a master storyteller playing to her strengths: a satirical eye that deftly navigates the fine line between humour and pathos; a wicked ear for dialogue; and a flair for conjuring illicit passion * Prospect *This is such a gloriously vibrant and tender novel packed with wit, intelligence and wisdom. It has everything - clashing cultures, family rifts, suppressed addictions, desire, passion. Her two junior doctor protagonists are superbly drawn - flawed, courageous, flailing, human. Just brilliant -- Rachel ClarkeI absolutely loved it. It had me gripped and I was so invested in her brilliant characters with their fallibilities and secrets! I empathised with every one of them and really felt I knew them all as individuals. I loved how she so cleverly interwove their experiences to create such a fabulous story. She writes human frailty so well, and her astute observations on family dynamics are superb. Exquisitely written with big heartedness, intelligence and passion. This will be a hit I have no doubt -- Ruth Jones, author of NEVER GREENERFunny, warm, powerful . . . Love Marriage has a warm intelligence and a sharp observational power, making the characters and the world of the story feel very alive -- Diana EvansA novel with the richness, and the throng and press and hum of life itself, Love Marriage is bold, compassionate, big-hearted, pitch-perfectly written, and utterly unputdownable. Every single character lives and breathes on the page. Make time for all of them for they are going to take up residence in your mind and soul for a long, long time -- Neel Mukherjee, Booker Prize shortlisted author of THE LIVES OF OTHERSA truly astonishing piece of writing - exquisite storytelling, featuring the most human portrayal of doctors I've ever read. I defy you to put this book down -- Adam KayA joy: drolly observant and expertly paced, with a voice that's shrewd yet compassionate. A masterclass in crafting characters who are all, in their own heads, the hero * Naoise Dolan *I have loved every one of Monica Ali's books and Love Marriage is her best. A huge, bounteous story, it is lit from end to end with human variety and storytelling brilliance. Ali writes like an angel who is not afraid of the devil. It will be a novel of the year and confirms Monica Ali as a national treasure -- Andrew O'HaganNo one captures the modern family like Monica Ali - Love Marriage is a masterful cacophony of characters, all drawn with deep empathy and sharp insight. The novel is full of surprises and unexpected twists, with an ending that will take your breath away -- Tahmima AnamExuberant, entertaining . . . at the book's close is an impressive example of a revelation that makes sense of what has gone before rather than invalidating the reader's experience * Oldie *I absolutely loved Love Marriage. It's a story about love and family, about despair and forgiveness, about trauma and recovery, about expectation and responsibility, about friendship and community. Mostly, it's about having the courage to lose yourself, in order to find yourself again. It's big-hearted and tender and it's a novel that cares about its characters so deeply that you will too -- Hannah BeckermanI loved Love Marriage, and looked forward to reading it every night. Funny, compassionate, sexy, romantic, beautifully plotted and richly peopled, it is both highly original and working within a literary tradition of novels about love and marriage. Above all it is about the way that individuals are a mystery to each other, and themselves, wounding and misunderstanding each other, yet also about how, with patience and kindness, we can change for the better -- Amanda CraigThrough the construct of a marriage, Monica Ali imagines complex modern lives tip-toeing around and defying each other's sensitivities in a warm, affectionate and hilarious novel. Love Marriage is every bit as compelling, as charming as Brick Lane. A joyous novelist at the peak of her formidable powers writing fresh lives into our literary tradition -- Daljit Nagra, author of LOOK WE HAVE COMING TO DOVER!I tore through Love Marriage. An engrossing read . . . Such a brilliant portrayal of how we can't help but be mortified by the ones we love, no matter how much we hate ourselves for it. Even in the characters' darkest and most desperate moments there is warmth - they're not perfect but you root for them all the same. I enjoyed my time peeking into their lives - and was happy to see everybody exactly where they should be (for better or worse) when it came time to leave them -- Justin MyersA brilliant exploration of the complexities of human connection ... wonderfully rich and nuanced ... packed with compelling characters and thrilling plot twists * i paper *The Brick Lane author returns to form with Love Marriage . . . There is lots of drama here, ranging from sex addiction to rampant Islamophobia, but there are also laugh-out-loud funny moments, as when Mrs Ghorami mistakes a Howard Hodgkin painting on the wall of Harriet's airy Primrose Hill mansion for a sentimental childhood artwork. The BBC is already making it into a series, and it's easy to see why -- Hayley Maitland * Vogue *Quick-footed and absorbing . . . The playful clash of cultures evolves into a subtle exploration of the ways in which both immigrant and non-immigrant families have shaped their children * New Yorker *

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Book SynopsisINTRODUCED BY SALLEY VICKERS''I''m a huge fan of Barbara Pym'' RICHARD OSMAN''She is the rarest of treasures; she reminds us of the heart-breaking silliness of everyday life'' ANNE TYLERCatherine Oliphant is a writer and lives with handsome anthropologist Tom Mallow. Their relationship runs into trouble when he begins a romance with student Deirdre Swann, so Catherine turns her attention to the reclusive anthropologist Alaric Lydgate, who has a fondness for wearing African masks. Added to this love tangle are the activities of Deirdre''s fellow students and their attempts to win the competition for a research grant.The course of true love or academia never did run smooth.''Her best [novels] are sheer delight, and all of them companionable. Quiet, paradoxical, funny and sad, they have the iron in them of permanence too'' JOHN UPDIKE, NEW YORKER''She can be seriously, hilariously funny - no otTrade ReviewHer best [novels] are sheer delight, and all of them companionable. Quiet, paradoxical, funny and sad, they have the iron in them of permanence too -- JOHN UPDIKE, NEW YORKERShe can be seriously, hilariously funny - no other novelist has celebrated our national silliness with such exuberance -- KATE SAUNDERSI am a huge fan of Barbara Pym -- RICHARD OSMANShe is the rarest of treasures; she reminds us of the heart-breaking silliness of everyday life -- ANNE TYLER

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Book SynopsisBook 13 in the delightful 44 Scotland Street series, by worldwide bestselling author Alexander McCall SmithIt is summer in Scotland Street (as it always is) and for the habitués of Edinburgh''s favourite street some extraordinary adventures lie in waiting. For the impossibly vain Bruce Anderson - he of the clove-scented hair gel - it may finally be time to settle down, and surely it can only be a question of picking the lucky winner from the hordes of his admirers. The Duke of Johannesburg is keen to take his flight of fancy, a microlite seaplane, from the drawing board to the skies. Big Lou is delighted to discover that her young foster son has a surprising gift for dance but she is faced with big decisions to make on his and her futures. And with Irene now away to pursue her research in Aberdeen, her husband, Stuart, and infinitely long-suffering son, Bertie, are free to play. Stuart rekindles an old friendship over peppermint tea whilst Bertie and his frienTrade ReviewFragrant, refreshing, and soothing as a cup of - well, you know what * Kirkus *From the sunshine world that is 44 Scotland Street... Pulsating with the little dramas of life, this delightful book is definitely our cup of tea * Sunday Post *Take a few minutes to relax with a cup of your favourite tea and savour the affairs of the world in microcosm, teeming with life's loves and challenges. Little dramas writ large by the master chronicler of modern life and manners * The Week *

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Book Synopsis''A brilliantly funny new voice'' Jenny ColganImagine the worst day of your life. Now imagine living it on repeat...This Friday the 13th has been particularly unlucky.Jess has been fired from her comfortable job. She''s gone from dating two guys to none. She''s been kicked out of her mediocre flat. And worst of all, she''s really really let down her best friend.As she drifts off to sleep, she is filled with relief that this terrible day is over. Tomorrow she will try to fix things, tomorrow cannot be any worse than this.Except it is. Maybe not worse... but exactly the same. When Jess wakes up the next morning, it is Friday the 13th again. And again. And again. And again.Jess knows how this goes, she''s seen the films, this is her wake up call. But she had no idea she needed a wake up call. How is Jess supposed to work out where she''s gone wrong when, as far as she''s concerned, she''s been having the time of herTrade ReviewA brilliantly funny new voice -- Jenny ColganWhat a wonderful debut! Such fun, and so deftly written, with a fabulous premise and perfect ending -- Jill MansellThe Time of My Life is a gem - funny, warm, and surprising -- Adam KayThe modern twist on Groundhog Day is hilarious and utterly unputdownable * Woman's Own *A brilliant and very funny read * Closer *Incredibly funny * That's Life *A cut above the others: funny, witty, hilarious, sad, emotional, funny, hilarious, clever, romantic, observant, funny, powerful, moving, funny, intelligent, clever, deft, smart, funny, heartfelt, human, funny... -- David QuantickA poignant and original debut all in one * The Sun *

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Book Synopsis'A delightful love story brimming with heart and sparkling humour' FIONA GIBSON When her Christmas Eve flight home to London is grounded by a snowstorm, Thea is desperate to make it back to her family. The only flight available is first thing the next morning, so she books a night's stay at the closest hotel. But there's a problem: there's only one room, and someone else has beaten her to it. Logan is tall, gorgeous and charming - and determined to get home for Christmas too. The solution? They're going to have to share . . . One thing's for sure: it's going to be a Christmas to remember.Trade ReviewA delightful love story brimming with heart and sparkling humour. I loved it * Fiona Gibson *This charming festive romance is the perfect fireside read * Woman’s Own *A romcom novel that has more festive feels than a glass of eggnog * Woman's Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe world is a bewildering place and we're ill-equipped to deal with it. From the horrors of childhood to the vagaries of old age, from confused people to humiliated animals, we're all just trying - and often failing - to keep it together. How carefully should you answer when asked what you'd take to a desert island? What do you do if your parents are reading your diary? How useful is a Swiss Army Knife? And what's A Brief History of Time really about? Armed with a sharp eye for the absurd and an overwhelming sense of doom, Simon Rich explores the ridiculousness of our everyday lives, from the most minute of anxieties to one of life's biggest questions: Does God really have a plan for us? Yes, it turns out. Now if only He could remember what it was ... 'Simon Rich is very much laugh-out-loud funny. He can conjure authentic, from-the-abdomen laughter on almost every page. He stacks surrealism on top of slick satire on top of pure childish silliness in such a brilliant and condensed way, there are sometimes three laugh-out-loud moments within the same paragraph ... He is exactly the right kind of writer for the internet: funny, high-concept, accessible, short, sharable, a James Thurber for the Twitter age' Matt HaigTrade ReviewSimon Rich is outrageously, lavishly gifted -- Caitlin MoranHow fabulously funny -- Lauren LaverneHilarious. Open this book anywhere, begin reading, and you will laugh -- Jon StewartThe wittiest American humourist of his generation * Guardian *This year's giggliest read * Observer magazine *A remarkably funny writer, likely to make you laugh harder than any other ... there's no funnier writer working today * Shortlist *Rich has a wonderful way of making a familiar situation strange and then presenting it in deceptively simple language, within a perfectly lucid, concise structure ... Genius ... 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 -- David Sexton * Evening Standard *Simon Rich is very much laugh-out-loud funny. He can conjure authentic, from-the-abdomen laughter on almost every page. He stacks surrealism on top of slick satire on top of pure childish silliness in such a brilliant and condensed way, there are sometimes three laugh-out-loud moments within the same paragraph ... He is exactly the right kind of writer for the internet: funny, high-concept, accessible, short, sharable, a James Thurber for the Twitter age -- Matt Haig * Guardian *Brilliant ... Slightly nerdy and very sharp -- William Leith * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisNow a major film directed by Danny Boyle reuniting the cast of TrainspottingYears on from Trainspotting Sick Boy is back in Edinburgh after a long spell in London. Having failed spectacularly as a hustler, pimp, husband, father and businessman, Sick Boy taps into an opportunity which to him represents one last throw of the dice. However, to realise his ambitions within the Adult industries, Sick Boy must team up with old pal and fellow exile Mark Renton. Still scheming, still scamming, Sick Boy and Renton soon find out that they have unresolved issues to address concerning the unhinged Begbie, the troubled, drug-addled Spud, but, most of all, with each other.T2 Trainspotting was previously published as Porno.Trade ReviewFunny, appalling, frightening * Mail on Sunday *A brilliant satirical study of the ugly dynamic which draws together predators and prey * Sunday Telegraph *Not for the fainthearted... Highly entertaining * Sunday Times *Funny and eloquently obscene * Daily Telegraph *A worthy sequel... A touching love song to the possibilities and limits of friendship. Charming, funny and sly, Porno is a good poke at all kinds of pretence and moral tidiness * Evening Standard *

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Book Synopsis'YOU CANNOT INTERFERE WITH FATE. WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE WHO SHOULD LIVE AND WHO SHOULD DIE?'Death comes to us all. When he came to Mort, he offered him a job.Death is the Grim Reaper of the Discworld, a black-robed skeleton with a scythe who ushers souls into the next world. He is also fond of cats and endlessly baffled by humanity. Soon Death is yearning to experience what humanity really has to offer, but to do that, he'll need to hire some help.It's an offer Mort can't refuse. As Death's apprentice he'll have free board, use of the company horse - and being dead isn't compulsory. It's a dream job - until Mort falls in love with Death's daughter, Ysabell, and discovers that your boss can be a killer on your love life . . .'Incredibly funny, compulsively readable' The Times'Cracking dialogue, compelling illogic and unchained whimsy' Sunday TimesMort is the first book in the Death series, but you can read the Discworld novels in any order.Trade ReviewPratchett is a comic genius * Daily Express *Cracking dialogue, compelling illogic and unchained whimsy... Pratchett has a subject and a style that is very much his own * The Sunday Times *He is screamingly funny. He is wise. He has style * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe savvy, sharp and steamy rom-com inspired by Pretty Woman from bestselling author Meghan Quinn that you won''t want to miss!''PERFECT ROMCOM'' 5* Reader Review''THE BOOK THAT MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH READING'' 5* Reader Review''ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS'' 5* Reader Review''Don''t let that cute cover fool you- this is SMOKIN'' HOT, with sexual tension dripping from every page. I was HOOKED from the start, and I devoured it at an alarming rate'' Jeeves Reads Romance''I loved this book. It was without a doubt, the funniest book I''ve ever read'' TaylorsReadThat''The sexual tension between Hux and Lottie was fan-my-face fantastic'' LA. Readsromance_______''How did you two meet?''It''s the question I dread.Because my (not so) meet cute was unexpected to say the least. I was in Beverly Hills, searching for someone to take me on as their bride, you know, as you dTrade ReviewDon't let that cute cover fool you- this is SMOKIN' HOT, with sexual tension dripping from every page. I was HOOKED from the start, and I devoured it at an alarming rate, even for one of Quinn's rom cons. And this IS a rom com, albeit a very tense and steamy one -- Jeeves Reads RomanceTop freaking notch!! I totally have a new favorite MQ book. This story was so laugh out loud hilarious, my kids kept asking what was so funny! The sexual tension between Hux and Lottie was fan my face fantastic. These two take the saying there's a thin line between love and hate to the max. I cannot recommend this book enough -- LA. ReadsromanceI loved this book. It was without a doubt, the funniest book I've ever read -- TaylorsReadThat

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Book SynopsisThe author of the “swoon-worthy debut” (Harper’s Bazaar) The Charm Offensive returns with a festive romantic comedy about a woman who fakes an engagement with her landlord…only to fall for his sister. One year ago, recent Portland transplant Ellie Oliver had her dream job in animation and a Christmas Eve meet-cute with a woman at a bookstore that led her to fall in love over the course of a single night. But after a betrayal the next morning and the loss of her job soon after, she finds herself adrift, alone, and desperate for money. Finding work at a local coffee shop, she’s just getting through the days—until Andrew, the shop’s landlord, proposes a shocking, drunken plan: a marriage of convenience that will give him his recent inheritance and alleviate Ellie’s financial woes and isolation. They make a plan to spend the holidays together at his family cabin to keep up the ruse. But when Andrew introduces his new fiancée to his sister, Ellie is shocked to discover it’s Jack—the mysterious woman she fell for over the course of one magical Christmas Eve the year before. Now, Ellie must choose between the safety of a fake relationship and the risk of something real. Perfect for fans of Written in the Stars and One Day in December, Kiss Her Once for Me is the queer holiday rom-com that you’ll want to cozy up with next to the fire.Trade Review“Cue snowbound high jinks, four-way romantic entanglements, a hilarious set of relatives and enough musical earworms to last you till January. That’s right, this is the queer women’s “While You Were Sleeping” you didn’t know you needed this Christmas season.” —The New York Times “Fans of Alison Cochrun’s debut, The Charm Offensive, will love her new queer romance . . . . Read this sexy, insightful, and utterly charming book.” —Buzzfeed“Cochrun’s cozy second novel is chock full of holiday cheer, pop music, and queer happy endings… Ellie and Jack’s love story is gentle, and readers will appreciate every grand gesture, whether it takes place on a snowy bridge, a ski lift, or even a dingy dive-bar bathroom. A heartwarming queer romance reminiscent of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas.’” —Kirkus Reviews“[T]his holiday-themed romance is sure to warm even the coldest reader’s heart.”—Library Journal“A sparkling winter wonderland, quirky family traditions, and a messy ‘love trapezoid’ make the yuletide gay in this earnest queer rom-com… it’s delightful to watch this clever spin on the fake dating trope unfold. This is a winner.” —Publishers Weekly "Dizzyingly adorable and brimming with laugh-out loud humor, Kiss Her Once for Me is the new rom-com gold standard. Alison Cochrun writes with palpable compassion, tenderness, and heart that makes every page a memorable one. I swooned, squealed, and shrieked my way through this absolute masterpiece." —Mazey Eddings, author of Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake“Beautifully tender and delightfully sexy, Kiss Her Once for Me is the holiday romance of my dreams. A cozy, cinnamon-scented hug of a book.” —Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care"Kiss Her Once for Me is a gift of a story. Capturing the festive charm and nostalgia of the season, the fresh-fallen-snow wonder of falling head over heels, this holiday romance also reminds us that giving and receiving love can be as tangled as a knot of Christmas lights, yet with patience and perseverance, finally unwound, no less beautiful, the glowing joy we all deserve." —Chloe Liese, author of Two Wrongs Make a Right"Big-hearted, affirming, and dreamy—Kiss Her Once For Me is an ode to those in search of love, family, and a new lease on life." —Timothy Janovsky, author of Never Been Kissed"Cochrun’s writing is by turns whip-smart, hilarious, and deeply vulnerable. Kiss Her Once For Me is both a queer celebration and subversion of romance tropes, along with being a love letter to Portland and an incisive exploration of family, art, and failure. Jack and Elle’s swooningly romantic love story will make even the most cynical among us believe in the magic of snow days." —Anita Kelly, author of Love and Other Disasters

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Book SynopsisA spicy, hilarious HGTV-inspired romantic comedy trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Happened One Summer and Hook, Line, and Sinker!Georgette Castle’s family runs the best home renovation business in town, but she picked balloons instead of blueprints and they haven’t taken her seriously since. Frankly, she’s over it. Georgie loves planning children’s birthday parties and making people laugh, just not at her own expense. She’s determined to fix herself up into a Woman of the World... whatever that means.Phase one: new framework for her business (a website from this decade, perhaps?) Phase two: a gut-reno on her wardrobe (fyi, leggings are pants.)Phase three: updates to her exterior (do people still wax?)Phase four: put herself on the market (and stop crushing on Travis Ford!)Living her best life means facing the truth: Georgie hasn’t been on a date since, well, ever. Nobody’s asking the town clown out for a night of hot sex, that’s for sure. Maybe if people think she’s having a steamy love affair, they’ll acknowledge she’s not just the “little sister” who paints faces for a living. And who better to help demolish that image than the resident sports star and tabloid favorite?Travis Ford was major league baseball’s hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he’s flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can’t even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his… bat. And then there''s Georgie, his best friend’s sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme—that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job—he agrees. What’s the harm? It’s not like it’s real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there’s nothing fake about how much he wants her...“Her voice feels as fresh and contemporary as a Netflix rom-com.” —Entertainment Weekly“Fix Her Up ticks all my romance boxes. Not only is it hilarious, it’s sweet, endearing, heartwarming and downright sexy. It’s a recipe for the perfect love story.” - Helena Hunting, New York Times bestselling author of Meet CuteTrade Review“Bailey writes banter and rom-com scenarios with aplomb, but for those who like their romance on the spicier side, she’s also the Michelangelo of dirty talk. She wields filth like Da Vinci does a paintbrush, and there’s a lot to be said for an author who can fill such exchanges with all the requisite heat, enthusiastic consent, and yes, even humor, of such a scenario without veering into corny territory... Bailey ties all of these elements—the perfectly calibrated tropes, sizzling dirty talk, and envy-inducing ladies’ nights—together with a super-charged ribbon of emotion... a swoon-inducing ending any reader will fall head over heels for.” — Entertainment Weekly “I could not stop smiling. Romantic comedy perfection.” — Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author “Fix Her Up was a complete, utter, unrelenting delight.” — Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author “Tessa does it again. I laughed, swooned and had to look over my shoulder to make sure no one was reading the sexy scenes with me. Well-written, with great pacing and lovable characters, I absolutely loved everything about Fix Her Up.” — Mariana Zapata, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author “Small-town atmosphere permeates bestseller Bailey’s comedic contemporary... Delightfully intense and creative sex scenes and potent emotions will reward both fans and new readers alike.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “a lovable cast of meddling secondary characters... a charming subplot... The sexual relationship between Travis and Georgie is sizzling, but the emotional journey from fake relationship to true love is just as compelling. Don’t let the cover fool you: This romance is as steamy as it self-empowering.” — Kirkus Reviews “A super delightful rom com that has the heat turned up to 11...I LOVED IT!” — Lauren Morrill, author of Meant to Be “A lovely book... I’m here for ALL OF IT. Books by Tessa Bailey are an insta-buy for me.” — Sally Thorne, USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine “FIX HER UP ticks all my romance boxes. Not only is it hilarious, it’s sweet, endearing, heartwarming and downright sexy. It’s a recipe for the perfect love story.” — Helena Hunting, New York Times bestselling author of Meet Cute “Funny, and SUPER hot, and also full of sooooo much heart... I AM SO EXCITED there will be more books in the series!” — Rachel Hawkins, New York Times bestselling author “Bailey creates fireworks in this steamy novel as Georgie and Travis quickly break their own rules about their fake relationship. The story moves fluidly from one situation to the next, with lots of hot sex in between, and Bailey will keep readers on their toes as the “couple” starts to realize this might be the real thing. Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Helena Hunting.” — Booklist “Fix Her Up is (so far) my favorite romance of 2019. The novel features well-drawn protagonists, who are as incredibly likable as they are lovable, and endearing secondary characters that jump off the page and into your heart... an authentic romance with humor, heart, incredible sex, and a refreshing depiction of female friendship. This is a must-read for all romance fans.” — All About Romance (Desert Isle Keeper) “I love Tessa Bailey’s contemporary romances... the books are super sexy, but also deliver on an emotional level, and provide a lot of re-read romantic moments.” — Lucy Parker, author of Act Like It and The Austen Playbook “It had the perfect amount of quirky humor with steamy romance. Bailey hits so many of my favorite romance tropes with the book and she executes them all so well... If you need a fun rom-com to take the beach this summer, then Fix Her Up is a great choice.” — Bookish “If you adore romance and HGTV, this is just the book for you.” — Oprahmag.com

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Book SynopsisMichael Young is a brilliant young history student whose life is changed when he meets Leo Zuckerman, an ageing physicist with a theory that can change worlds. Together they realise that they have the power to alter history and eradicate a great evil. But tinkering with timelines is more dangerous than they can imagine and nothing - past, present or future - will ever be the same again. ''The tensions and resolutions are intrinsically comic, made still more enjoyable by [Fry''s] sinuous invention and cleverness at caricature'' Spectator ''Sprightly and entertaining'' TelegraphTrade ReviewStephen Fry at his twinkling best * Sunday Times *His best novel yet ... an extravagant, deeply questioning work of science fiction * GQ *A sci-fi comedy that is also a time-travel thriller, constantly topical and always surprising... packed with the author's personal enthusiasm and hatreds, the former red-hot and the latter icy-black * Literary Review *A powerful imaginative pull that keeps the pages turning while the tea goes cold and the cat gets the goldfish * The Independent *A sprightly and entertaining read * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisWith his characteristic warmth, inventiveness and brilliant wit, Alexander McCall Smith gives us more of the gloriously entertaining comings and goings at 44 Scotland Street, the Edinburgh townhouse. Six-year-old prodigy Bertie perseveres in his heroic struggle for truth and balanced good sense against his insufferable mother and her crony, the psychotherapist Dr Fairbairn, going as far as to make a short-lived bid for freedom on a trip to Paris with the Edinburgh youth orchestra. Domenica sets off on an anthropological odyssey with pirates in the Malacca Straits, while Pat attracts several handsome admirers, including a toothsome suitor named Wolf. And Big Lou, eternal source of coffee and good advice to her friends, has love, heartbreak and erstwhile boyfriend Eddie''s misdemeanours on her own mind.Trade ReviewIt is McCall Smith's particular genius to be able to look on the brighter side of life, and he's seldom done so more enjoyably * THE SCOTSMAN *A master storyteller . . . as warm and enjoyable as a very good soap opera * SUNDAY TIMES *A master storyteller . . . as warm and enjoyable as a very good soap opera * SUNDAY TIMES *

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Book Synopsis ‘A sparklingly delicious confection to satisfy the mystery reader’s appetite’ Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay Mysteries

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHORS' CLUB FIRST NOVEL AWARD'Divine . . . the smart, sexy read you need' Evening Standard'Startlingly impressive' Daily Mail'An electric new novel' GuardianExiled from his university position for an inexcusable blunder, art historian Don Lamb flees to London, a city alive with sex and creativity. There, over the course of a long, hot summer, as he is immersed in the anarchic art and gay scenes of the mid-90s, Don sees his carefully curated life irrevocably changed. But his epiphany is also a reckoning, as his unexamined past is revealed to him in a devastating new light.Intense and atmospheric, Tiepolo Blue traces Don's turbulent awakening, and his desperate flight from art into life.'Wildly enjoyable . . . A novel that combines formal elegance with gripping storytelling' Financial Times'Dizzying and exciting and unsettling, and beautifully told' Reverend Richard Coles, Daily MailTrade ReviewThis divine debut from art critic and academic James Cahill is the smart, sexy read you need in 2022. Expect to see it on prize lists as well as Instagram feeds. The novel's protagonist is Professor Don Lamb, a precocious but prematurely stuffy art historian and Cambridge don, who likes measuring the skies in the paintings of Venetian master Tiepolo. Lamb takes preternatural offence when a Tracey Emin-esque bed sculpture is installed outside his college lodgings, and departs to London in a sulk for a new museum gig. There awaits a new kind of awakening - and it's not just because the YBAs are taking off. Not only an addictive pageturner, Cahill's book taps into the tensions and suspicions between generations that feels incredibly relevant for our testy times. * Evening Standard *Bringing together the Italian masters and the Young British Artists, this is a debut that looks at art, power, academia, and the potential of the urban setting at the end of the 20th century. * Dazed.com *The story of Tiepolo Blue and its people have invaded my dreams...something in the way Cahill puts the reader in Don Lamb's shoes does (or has done in my case) extraordinary things. I blushed and howled warnings and wanted to slap, cajole, hug, disown, disavow and walk away from him. His life will look so squalid and pathetic from the outside, but Cahill takes us inside and we somehow respect and love him. This is the best novel I have read for ages. It is so beautifully written, not a false note in any sentence. Cahill's presentation of the agonising clash of aesthetics, of culture, of generations... it's just masterly. Don's disintegration is painful to read, but it all grips you like a thriller. My heart was constantly in my throat as I read... There is so much to enjoy, to contemplate, to wonder at, and to be lost in. -- Stephen FryThe spirit of E.M. Forster is alive and well in James Cahill. The same palpating of damaged moral tissue, the same psychological canniness, the same gently invoked erudition, the same exactitude and eloquence - except Cahill is able to explore forbidden themes that Forster feared to touch on except posthumously -- Edmund WhiteThis is a novel full of suspense and surprise. It made me laugh and brought back memories of a time in my own life. I missed the characters as soon as I'd finished. -- Sarah LucasI travelled on the exquisite vessel of James Cahill's prose, unable to disembark. The journey is sensual, treacherous and elegiac. The final landing, breath-taking. -- Maggi HamblingWow. It is magnificent. Simply magnificent...Tiepolo Blue really has blown me away: the gorgeous phrase-making; the sure-footed pacing; the (re-)immersion in a world I know, or knew, in a way that is both hard-edged with historical detail and almost hallucinatory...The last debut novel I read that had this much talent buzzing around inside it was Alan Hollinghurst's The Swimming-Pool Library. -- Robert Douglas - FairhurstImagine if Hollinghurst and Murdoch collaborated on a witty update of Death in Venice and you'll see the appeal of James Cahill's assured debut. -- Patrick GaleJames Cahill's first novel, drawn from close observation, tells a gripping tale of the worlds of traditional academia and art history pitted against those of contemporary art, each failing horribly to understand the other. As a result all becomes infused with satirical comedy and ghastly tragedy. -- Norman Rosenthal * Curator of the ‘Sensation’ exhibition in 1997; former Exhibitions Secretary at the Royal Academy *An absorbing coming-of-age story. * The Art Newspaper *The standout [recent novel about art] is James Cahill's Tiepolo Blue...Interrogating beauty and meaning in art, Tiepolo Blue rewards rereading. Pointing to masked, tricksy identities, clues glitter gem-like amid hallucinatory prose...a stylish tale of love and long-game revenge. * Royal Academy Magazine *The worlds of art, academia and queerness collide in James Cahill's debut book. * i-D *[An] arresting debut novel . . . a masterly attention to (especially visual) detail and an irresistibly propulsive, almost swaggering style . . . Cahill is by no means a polemical author, and the novel is all the better for it. Any authorial commentary is barely detectable above the crowd of vivid characters with which Cahill has populated his novel, for Tiepolo Blue is, at its heart, an astute character study. * Literary Review *Evocative and accurate... meticulous and atmospheric... delicious unease and pervasive threat give this assured first novel great singularity and a kind of gothic edge... an electric new novel written by an author skilled in the evocation of vertiginous, heightened emotion' * Michael Donkor, Guardian *One of the standout debut novels is James Cahill's Tiepolo Blue, a coming-of-age tale set in London in the 1990s that deftly explores what it is like to suffer a very public fall from grace * Independent *What starts off as a campus novel soon shades into something weirder and much more mesmerizing... The plot is propulsive, though the crafted ambience of unease simultaneously destabilizes the reader at every turn. The prose is fluid and precise but the tone equivocal, bathos merging into pathos, tragedy into farce and back again... It's a measure of Cahill's sleight of hand that he manages to inject his plot with such page-turning momentum. -- Lucasta Miller * TLS *Art, academia and abject self-denial combine in this startlingly impressive, 1990s-set debut...A heavily perfumed, sexually tender, psychologically acute novel... as full of light and colour as Tiepolo's incandescent skies. * Daily Mail *[A] simmering debut novel * Esquire.com *With touches of Alan Hollinghurst, the musings of the book's protagonist on the radical power of art to act as a catalyst for personal change make it an exhilarating, erudite read. * Vogue.com *A novel that combines formal elegance with gripping storytelling...wildly enjoyable...The combination of arty milieu and sexual stirrings may evoke Alan Hollinghurst, but Iris Murdoch is a more obvious point of comparison...Snobbish and incompetent, Don may be difficult to like, but his painful awakening is delicately rendered. * Financial Times *I love the punctured idealism, contained savagery and ever-lurking farce of campus novels, and there are some delicious new additions to the genre - perfect antidotes for the cold. James Cahill's Tiepolo Blue tells the tale of a fusty ferociously fusty art historian whose academic career is upended by a ferociously unbeautiful sculpture. * TLS *[An] old-fashioned ambitious novel about the wonders of art and the depths of the human heart, full of people and ideas * The Times *I just devoured Tiepolo Blue, I could not put it down. The longing, the beauty, the detail, the complexity, the art, the intellect and the emotion . . . What a triumph! -- Paul KindersleyAlready a compelling psychosexual story about beauty, desire and art, Tiepolo Blue is all the more interesting because it hits notes of such strangeness -- Lucy Scholes, Fiction Books of the Year * Prospect *Tiepolo Blue is about a buttoned-up art historian in Cambridge in 1994 who messes up and gets a job managing a London gallery just as the Young British Artists enter their glory. One of them initiates his unbuttoning which is dizzying and exciting and unsettling, and beautifully told -- Rev Richard Coles, Big writers on their best reads of 2022 * Daily Mail *Most giddying are the passages that evoke the slow-mo slide of Don's professional collapse . . . I shivered with awful delight -- Alex Diggins * Critic *

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Book SynopsisSaki’s Cats rounds up the tales about cats, big and small, by the undisputed master of the short story. ‘Tobermory’, one of Saki’s most famous pieces, demonstrates the danger that would ensue from granting cats the power of speech – animals have long lurked unseen, eavesdropping, in the background. The tom in ‘The Philanthropist and the Happy Cat’ is the only one to enjoy his meal, as is the leopard in ‘The Guests’. In ‘The Penance’ and ‘Mrs Packletide’s Tiger’, hunters who put cats in their sights are humiliated and blackmailed. ‘The Achievement of the Cat’ considers how cats have come to be served by the human race. In addition to the short stories about cats, Saki’s Cats also collects Saki’s juvenile letters to his sister Ethel about the tiger cub he adopted while living in Burma. The feisty felines of these tales are the only clear winners, and, with a characteristic smirk and dash of his pen, it is Edwardian Society that Saki sends slinking off, tail between its legs.Trade Review'His stories and novels appear as delightful and [...] sophisticated as they did when he first published them.' (Noel Coward)Table of Contents'Saki's Tiger', 'Tobermory', 'The Philanthropist and the Happy Cat', 'The Penance', 'The Guests', 'Mrs Packletide's Tiger', 'The Achievement of the Cat', Note on the Text, Notes, A Brief Biographical Note on Saki

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Book SynopsisEscape to the beautiful Scottish Highlands for the perfect heartwarming and feel good cosy romance!When Scotland's sleepiest hamlet becomes the centre of hot gossip, Layla Devlin finds herself caught in a mysteryWhen Layla's fiancé has an unexpected heart attack and dies in another woman's arms, no less Layla is determined to pack up and leave Loch Harris, the village she's always called home. But an unexpected inheritance and love for her quiet corner of Scotland send her down a new path.Now Layla finds herself facing a whole new kind of drama. Rumours swirl that a celebrity has moved into Coorie Cottage and Layla is determined to have him headline her opening night at local music venue The Conch Club. But the reclusive star is equally determined to thwart Layla's efforts. Rafe Buchanan is in hiding for a reason, and soon his past comes to Loch Harris to haunt himJulie Shackman's brand new novel, A Scottish Highland Surprise, is available now! Readers can't get enough of A Secret Sc

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Book Synopsis'What a lovely warm feeling this book gave me, I loved the storyline loved the characters would recommend.'NetGalley ReviewerEscape with a feel-good romance that will warm your heart this summer!Emily Hendrickson is tired of being the wedding guest and never the bride. Working at her local paper as a wedding columnist, she can't wait to write her own happy-ever-after.When she bumps into her childhood sweetheart Calvin Albright, her world is knocked off balance. Calvin has returned to the quiet town of Hebblestone desperate for a fresh start. After his wife tragically died two years ago, he wants nothing more than to find a new home and settle down with his son, Isaac.Isaac can see how lonely his dad is he's determined to help him find love again and complete their familyUploading a video to his blog in search of a new girlfriend for his dad, he convinces Emily to use the local paper to make the video viral and sift through the potential candidates.But as the letters to Calvin begin t

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Book SynopsisThey haven't spoken for 12 years.Can they fall in love in 12 days?'I've been bowled over by this perfect little rom com . . . FULL of good lines and great moments' JANE CASEYSnap-crackling with wit and energy, ridiculously enjoyable' MHAIRI MCFARLANE'Fresh, funny and beautifully written. Niamh Hargan is going to be huge' SOPHIE COUSENS'A sweepingly romantic debut . . . it's sexy, escapist and FUN everything a romantic comedy should be!' LAURA JANE WILLIAMSSmart, funny and sizzling with chemistry but with a big, tender heart' CRESSIDA MCLAUGHLIN'I adored this thoughtful, funny, intelligent and very hot romcom' SARRA MANNINGA sparkling, witty debut from a talented new voice' LAUREN HOFunny, smart and very romantic . . . the perfect escape' ALEX BROWN____________________Lizzy Munro is working at the Cannes Film Festival, in a job that involves a lot more admin than red-carpet glamour.There, Ciaran Flynn is the man everyone is talking about: heartthrob of the moment and director of the most romantic movie of the year.What nobody knows is that twelve years ago, they were best friends . . . and they haven't spoken since.But when Ciaran's film runs into trouble, there's only one person he can turn to.Is twelve days enough to save not only Ciaran's film, but also the spark he and Lizzy once shared?____________________READERS ARE LOVING TWELVE DAYS IN MAY:If you want a fun, romantic book to sweep you off your feet this summer: look no further' ?????Such a lovely debut novel about finding a spark again . . . warm and full of joy' ?????I finished this book in one sitting. I would definitely recommend' ?????The writing is outstanding and the plot extremely original' ?????This has all of the makings of a great story: romance, a twisted past, Cannes festival, and the dreamy taste of Tunnocks' ?????Trade ReviewPraise for Niamh: 'Could Niamh be Ireland's answer to Nora Ephron?' Stellar ’A fun, smart romcom about second chances’ The Sun ’Hargan’s novel is about our inaccuracies of perception, as well as being a behind-the-scenes look at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s a smart, wry, engaging debut’ Sunday Independent ‘A gloriously gossipy read, written with intelligence and style’ Irish Examiner ’Picture-perfect romance . . . Fizzes with fun’ Best

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Book SynopsisBookBub Best Romances of the Second Half of 2022!BookPage Most Anticipated Fall 2022 Romance!I LOVED this [A] beautiful, heart warming story' ?????Once haunted . . .Gemma Daniels has never been quite the down to earth woman her adoptive parents raised her to be. She even has a unique gift: she can see ghostsand she likes helping them settle their unfinished business. But the hotter-than-hot stranger she impulsively kisses on a bet is not only a phantom, he''s determined to help her. And the only way Gemma can explain his presence is to pretend they're a real-life couple.Twice shy . . .Levi Walker livedand diedto save his sister. Now he's got a second chance at life if he assists Gemma in reuniting with her own long-lost sibling . . . and then never sees Gemma again. But as he starts to enjoy her irrepressible personality, he's finding it hard to abide by any rules at all . . .Readers are LOVING Therese Beharrie's books:My first book by the author and it won''t be the lastThe writing waTrade Review"Beharrie weaves her best magic when she unpacks the ways the protagonists’ minds and hearts work… A sweet reminder of the connections between love and magic." – Kirkus Reviews "This richly emotional romcom is electric enough to kickstart even the most cynical heart. Achingly real, unexpectedly whimsical, and wholly original." – Talia Hibbert, New York Times Bestselling Author on AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

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Book Synopsis''Hilarious and totally Townsend. There were parts where I laughed until I cried'' Daily Mail What happens when a duvet day turns into a duvet year?Sue Townsend, the bestselling author of the Adrian Mole series, returns with The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year, a funny and touching novel about what happens when someone stops being the person everyone wants them to be. The day her twins leave home, Eva climbs into bed and stays there. For seventeen years she''s wanted to yell at the world, ''Stop! I want to get off''. Finally, this is her chance.Her husband Brian, an astronomer having an unsatisfactory affair, is upset. Who will cook his dinner? Eva, he complains, is attention seeking. But word of Eva''s defiance spreads.Legions of fans, believing she is protesting, gather in the street. While Alexander the white van man brings tea, toast and sympathy. And from this odd but comforting place Eva begins Trade ReviewWhat happens when a duvet day turns into a duvet year?Sue Townsend, the bestselling author of the Adrian Mole series, returns with The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year, a funny and touching novel about what happens when someone stops being the person everyone wants them to be. * from publisher's description *Proof, once more, that Townsend is one of the funniest writers around * The Times *Townsend's wit is razor-sharp * Daily Mirror *Laugh-out-loud . . . a teeming world of characters whose foibles and misunderstandings provide glorious amusement. Something deeper and darker than comedy * Sunday Times *She fills the pages with turmoil, anger, passion, love and big helpings of wit. It's full of colour and glows with life * Independent *Hilarious and totally Townsend. There were parts where I laughed until I cried * Daily Mail *Touching and hilarious. Bursting with witty social commentary as well as humour * Women's Weekly *A funny, poignant look at modern family life * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisThis is a novel about the hundreds of tiny connections between the public and private worlds and how they affect us all.It''s about the legacy of war and the end of innocence.It''s about how comedy and politics are battling it out and comedy might have won.It''s about how 140 characters can make fools of us all.It''s about living in a city where bankers need cinemas in their basements and others need food banks down the street.It is Jonathan Coe doing what he does best - showing us how we live now.''Coe is among the handful of novelists who can tell us something about the temper of our times'' ObserverWritten with his signature wit, Jonathan Coe''s unmissable new novel, The Proof of My Innocence, is available to order now!Trade ReviewCoe is back doing what he does best. Number 11 is a baroquely plotted, densely allusive, heart-on-his-sleeve, state-of-the-nation satire, an angry and exuberant book....Coe is not just back, but back on top form * Sunday Times *You can't stop reading....I was haunted for days * The Independent *Coe's prose is always a delight...hugely enjoyable * Daily Mail *Jonathan Coe has established himself as one of the most entertaining chroniclers of our times. . . He has an enviable lightness of touch and is brilliant at portraying the lunacy of our time, when bankers need iceberg houses and their neighbours need food banks. He is often satirical, always compassionate. * Tatler *He brings us the usual high quotient of jokes, emotional engagement with the characters and commitment to old-school storytelling, complete with narrative twists and thrilling set pieces * The Daily Telegraph *An incredibly Dickensian novel...it articulates all kinds of themes that will make the reader feel very angry...I enjoyed it hugely and read it pretty much in a single sitting. Whenever there was an interruption I felt really angry and you can't really ask more from a novel than that...Really satisfying -- Tom Holland, BBC Radio 4Jonathan Coe rips into modern celebrity culture and the decadent lives of the super-rich in hs latest satire * Good Housekeeping *A restlessness would overtake me when I was separated from the book -- Kit Davis, BBC Radio 4No modern novelist is better at charting the precariousness of middle-class life * The Observer *Coe creeps up stealthily, delivering a book bursting with narrative coups and delicious ironies. Presenting a picture of an ailing country close to collapse, despite the apparent health suggested by its millionaires' mansions and its confidently callous politicians, the book scares rather than laughs us into calling for reform * Literary Review *Coe intriguingly depicts the social grievances of modern Britain * Metro *My first Jonathan Coe book but it won't be the last...gloriously insane...It takes you into another space and time....Very beautiful -- Kerry Shale, BBC Radio 4It's dispiriting that, for a country that prides itself on its sense of humour, Coe has not been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.....Read Number 11 to see what an odd country Britain has become * T2 *[Coe] has a fine ear for dialogue and mastery of comic plot: this is first-class entertainment * Evening Standard *The country needs Number 11....[Coe's] take-down of modern Britain proves he's still the UK's premiere national lampoon * Stylist *Number 11 is undoubtedly a political novel. It is also an interrogation of the purposes and efficacy of humour in exposing society's ills * Guardian *A richly enjoyable, densely textured and thought-provoking entertainment, Number 11 might not feature in many Kensington mansions, Swiss bolt-holes or private jets this winter. But perhaps it should' * Financial Times *What Victorians called "a condition of England" novel...This sequel is a very good book indeed - let's hope that Coe goes for a trilogy * The Times *Richly textured * Esquire *Undoubtedly a political novel. It is also an interrogation of the purposes and efficacy of humour in exposing society's ills * Guardian *[A] state-of-the-nation address * Independent on Sunday *Jonathan Coe has taken aim at the absurdity of modern life * Sport *

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Book SynopsisThe very start of Lizzie Vogel''s story. From the much-loved author of Love, Nina, discover a wildly comic, brilliantly sharp-eyed novel about one family''s fall from grace.''All hail a book that''s funny!'' Barbara Trapido***** Meet Lizzie Vogel, 9. Lizzie is concerned about her newly divorced mother; thirty-one years old and trapped in a hostile village in the English countryside with only three young children and a Labrador for company. It isn''t that having a husband is good, but in 1970s rural Leicestershire, not having one is bad. The women in the village think Lizzie''s mother is after their husbands - and no one will let the children into the Brownies!Worried about their mother''s drinking, her (bad) playwriting and social workers sending them off to the infamous Crescent Home for Children, Lizzie and her sister embark on a misguided campaign to find their mother a new husband.LIZZIETrade ReviewI can't remember a book that made me laugh more . . . Man at the Helm is a winner - it even trumps Love, Nina * Observer *A wicked anatomising of a dysfunctional family . . . Buoyantly comic: farcical yet tender, rude with a forgiving sweetness * Spectator *Read it and be charmed. Just the right mixture of childhood innocence and incredulity for the necessary deadpan delivery of Stibbe's particular brand of comedy * Independent *All hail a book that's funny! -- Barbara Trapido[A] joyous read, full of wit and charm . . . I am already longing for Nina Stibbe's next book * Express *A beguilingly comic blend of naivety and precociousness * Sunday Times *Within a few pages I was completely caught up in the lives of Lizzie and her family . . . I couldn't have loved it more -- Lisa JewellFantastic. Comical, moving and brilliantly evocative of British childhood * Glamour *This book is very, very funny. Stibbe has a fine eye for absurdity, and her writing has an unforced charm. [And] there is real darkness here, which makes the humour shimmer all the more * Independent on Sunday *Lizzie's voice is convincingly childlike but also confidently witty . . . What is most moving here - and what makes the book most similar to Love, Nina - is its celebration of the happiness possible within the family. Stibbe's feat is to remain unsentimentally barbed while subtly and triumphantly demonstrating the value of the kind of understated love found within the strangest and least obviously functional families * Telegraph *Fans of Love, Nina will not be disappointed. Amusing, the writing is never less than accomplished * Daily Mail *This densely populated coming-of-age story (for both mother and children) has retained and even expanded on Stibbe's signature antic charm ... The appeal of Stibbe's novel lies less in plotting than in the way she shades a sequence of comic vignettes with seriously sad undertones. It's not too much of a stretch to conclude that Man at the Helm, with its jauntily matter-of-fact social satire, wouldn't be out of place on the same shelf as Cold Comfort Farm and I Capture the Castle * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisAs summer blooms in Edinburgh''s gardens and Bertie Pollock''s birthday appears on the horizon, all at 44 Scotland Street is not cake and sunshine. Newlywed Angus Lordie has been booked by his bride into what he must not call the loony bin; Bruce''s first encounter with hot wax brings more anguish than he bargained for; and Bertie''s birthday dreams of scout camp and a penknife look set to be replaced by a game of Royal Weddings and a gender-neutral doll. But fate, an amorous Bedouin and the Dubai Tourist Authority conspire to transport Bertie''s mother Irene to a warmer - if not a better - place, and once again in Scotland Street the triumph of human kindness over adversity gives cause for celebration.Trade ReviewFor an author to entertain and instruct with such effortless simplicity is one thing, but to achieve this effect upon readers is remarkable. I can think of no author save Dickens who has achieved it, and no author now writing currently more deserving of an enormous audience * New Statesman *Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers lets us immediately relax, secure in the knowledge that we are in a safe pair of hands as McCall Smith is an engaging and a witty guide to the goings on (and comings off) at fictional 44 Scotland Street * Sunday Express *

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Book Synopsis''A triumph of tone and, ultimately, of the imagination.'' Guardian ''Strange and hilarious and so, so sharp.'' Monica Heisey ''When a book reaches out and speaks to a reader so clearly, one can hardly do anything but recommend it in the highest terms.' SpectatorA New Statesman, New Yorker and Financial Times Book of the Year. From one of the most celebrated imaginations in American literature, Lorrie Moore's new novel is a magic box of longing and surprise.High up in a New York City hospice, Finn sits with his beloved brother Max, who is slipping from one world into the next. But when a phone call summons Finn back to a troubled old flame, a strange journey begins, opening a trapdoor in reality. It will prompt a questioning of life and death, grief and the past, comedy and tragedy, and the diaphanous separations that lie between them all.''Moore writes with such panache, such extraord

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Book Synopsis From Sunday Times and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over You don''t fall for your brother''s high school sweetheart, your boss''s daughter, or your ex-wife''s best friend. Especially when they''re all the same woman.Under Brick Callan''s mile-wide chest beats a loyal heart with a few cracks in it. He''s the steadfast, overprotective type. Especially when it comes to the one woman he can never have. When Remi Ford returns to Mackinac Island in the dead of winter with a secret, Brick makes it his mission to find out what put the shadows in those green eyes. Even if it means breaking down the walls he''s built between them. Even if it means falling for the one girl he''ll never get over.

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Book Synopsis**A READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK!****THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**''Littlewood writes with ferocity and compassion. Read it and weep (then cheer)'' THE TIMES''I just adored this . . . An unforgettable read'' LIANE MORIARTY''Compelling, funny and poignant. I devoured it'' PAULA HAWKINS''A rip-roaring, empowering story. Glorious'' DAILY EXPRESS''An absolute gut punch of a book'' RED________Is this the best worst day of her life?Once, Grace Adams was poised for great things. Now, she barely attracts a second glance as she strides down the street carrying her daughter''s sixteenth birthday cake.But behind the scenes, Grace''s life is in freefall. Her husband is divorcing her. Her daughter has banned her from her birthday party. And Grace has just abandoned her car in bumper-to-bumper traffic.Because Grace Adams has finally had enough. She''s sick of being overlooked and undeTrade ReviewA tragicomic character that middle-aged women can celebrate . . . It's a tale of giddy love, thwarted ambitions, devastating loss, the dangers of 21st-century adolescence, the horrors of the menopause and how badly language can let us down . . . Littlewood writes with ferocity and compassion about Grace's all-too-believable agonies and the impossibility of spinning all the plates that modern life expects us to manage. Read it and weep (then cheer) * THE TIMES *An exhilarating roar of rage, loss and redemption * Daily Mail *Hugely enjoyable. Compelling, funny and poignant. I devoured it -- Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the TrainAll hail Fran Littlewood and the truly amazing Grace Adams -- Sam BakerAn absolute gut punch of a book that throbs with all the rage of a middle-aged woman who refuses to go quietly * Red *I just adored this beautiful debut novel! Funny, moving and at times absolutely heart-breaking, it had me captivated until the very last page. An unforgettable read -- Liane MoriartyAmazing Grace Adams takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of female rage, loss and resilience. A rip-roaring, empowering story of redemption, discovery and starting over. And the more emotional moments are peppered with so much humour, you find yourself laughing and crying at the same sentence. Amazing Grace Adams is a glorious tragicomedy. The characters are wonderfully drawn and you'll applaud Grace for her amazing fortitude, compassion and warmth. Littlewood flips the stereotypes of menopause and middle age into something women can aspire to * Daily Express *I loved it. Vivid, visceral and incredibly emotional. I laughed and sobbed -- Tim MinchinRarely have I felt more seen than by this book * Good Housekeeping *Readers will relish the letting loose of one woman's long-suppressed righteous rage . . . Spectacular * Mail on Sunday *Explores motherhood with wit, warmth and wisdom. Extraordinary * Grazia BOOK CLUB *An exacting and brilliantly structured novel about love, grief, hope lost and then found again. I rooted for Grace from the first sentence -- Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, YesWomen in their 40s everywhere will be wondering 'how did she get into our heads?' Funny and moving * The Midulthood *The 10 Best Feel Good Books of 2023 * Washington Post *Fran Littlewood has written a magnificent novel. Grace Adams is everywoman-filled with promise, trepidatious in love and eventually, a besotted mother. Amazing Grace Adams is a fully realized story of catastrophe and joy, grief and love, and the hidden chambers of the human heart that carry the best and worst of our experience. A stunning debut -- Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Left UndoneFull of depth and honesty * Prima *From the first hot minute when Grace Adams, stalled in traffic, stuck in her car, simply opens the door and walks away from it all-into her day, the single day that gathers all her days up to this tipping point at the middle, she had me. How Life in the middle of our lives breaks us open-and apart-and then open again. I finished her story on a plane above the country, so full, and in tears. "Ma'am?" my seat-mate asked, "are you ok?" "Oh, yes," I answered. And gave him this book' -- Sarah Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Postmistress and The Guest BookA redemptive story of womanhood, motherhood and marriage. You won't forget Grace Adams in a hurry * Culturefly *Brilliant . . . a story of a midlife heroine seeking redemption and so much more * Woman & Home, Book of the Month *I can't remember the last time I read a novel with such unbridled enthusiasm. Amazing Grace Adams is a raw, uproariously hilarious portrait of parenthood, love, and family; it's also a profound examination of the way language can both save us and fail us when we need it the most. I'd walk across London on the hottest day of the year with Fran Littlewood-hell, I'd walk anywhere with her. I'm begging you: read this book -- Grant Ginder, author of The People We Hate at the WeddingI laughed, I cried ugly tears, I rooted for Grace Adams. It broke my heart then reassembled it - as only a fabulous novel can -- Emily Koch, author of Keep Him CloseAn incredible debut. Grace Adams is fighting back and her story is both powerful and heartbreaking. I recommend. -- Julie Owen Moylan, author of That Green Eyed GirlHugely accomplished. You'll laugh, cry and nod in recognition. Properly amazing * Sun *This is a redemptive narrative, conveying the complex midlife crisis, with humour and hope * Take a Break 'Book Club' *Family dynamics are well observed in a Falling Down-inspired tale of a mother's menopausal rage. Grace Adams is certainly a fighter * Guardian *Grace and her family feel brilliantly, dramatically real and believable, and she becomes a heroine to take to heart * Apple Books *Honest and relatable * Sun 'Pick of the Week' *An uplifting tour de force with a heartfelt message that will make you laugh and cry. It's the perfect January read. In her amazing Grace, Fran Littlewood has created an unforgettable heroine * Irish Independent *A surefire literary hit . . . destined to be a Hot for 2023 phenomenon * Hot Press *Hotly anticipated * Hello! *We promise you'll rage, cry and laugh * Sunday Post *

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Book Synopsis''Engrossing...a powerful book with characters that will stay with you'' **** Heat''What a yearning, tenderly bruising beauty of a book. Generous, gorgeous and funny'' Rhik Samadder''Unputdownable. Totally wonderful'' Daisy GoodwinThe party has to end sometimeIt all starts on New Year''s Eve. A night that has to be a success, whatever the cost. For Joni and her friends, it''ll be a party that promises all the high stakes and glamour of any other, but by sunrise they''ll be dealing with something darker than the usual post-party comedown. Not that they let this stand in their way. For this is their year to revel in all that the playground of London has to offer: sneaking into places they shouldn''t, breaking every rule, falling in love with the wrong people. All the while avoiding one undeniable truth: it''s not if the party ends, it''s how.JUST FOR TODAYTrade Review'What a yearning, tenderly bruising beauty of a book. Generous, gorgeous and funny, it's a brilliant portrayal of friendship in the roaring noughties. When I finished, I was so bereft and impressed that I turned straight back to the beginning and started again' -- Rhik Samadder'Unputdownable. Totally wonderful' * Daisy Goodwin *'Engrossing . . . a powerful book with characters that will stay with you' * Heat *'An absolute page-turner of a coming-of-age story, a debut that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the final page' * LoveReading *I was immediately pulled in with that wonderful feeling of "Ah, this is going to sail me along and provide huge delight." I longed to get back to it over the few days I read it and remained utterly gripped throughout -- Sofka Zinovieff, author of Putney

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Book Synopsis''[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.'' - bestselling author Alan TitchmarshNewly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer has been given his first post in Risingdale, a sleepy little village at the very top of the Yorkshire Dales. Unsure if he''ll ever fit into this close-knit community, Tom joins a motley staff at the village school. With pupils who know more about sheep than they do arithmetic, Tom has his work cut out for him. Add to that an altercation with the beautiful but stand-offish Miss Janette Fairborn and an argument with the local squire''s son, and Tom''s first term proves a baptism of fire. But Tom soon finds himself growing fond of Risingdale, and with a class of lively and demanding pupils, an end-of-term show to put on, and a jewellery thief at large, he will find himself at the centre of drama, secrets revealed, and plenty of love, laughter and new friendships. Full of colourful characters, andTrade ReviewPraise for The Little Village School series * : *Packed with delightful and authentic characters, juicy gossip, precarious romance and good old-fashioned village drama, this is a warm-hearted and hilarious account of a struggling school in a small community. * Good Book Guide *A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing. -- Alan TitchmarshWritten with all the humour and warmth one has come to expect from this master storyteller. * Countryman *As Yorkshire's favourite school inspector turns to fiction you can enjoy memorable characters and turns of phrase. * Choice *

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Book Synopsis***A BOOK CLUB PICK FROM THE QUEEN CONSORT'S READING ROOM*** Now a major film, starring Leslie Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Jason Isaacs and Lucas Bravo 'Mrs Harris is one of the great creations of fiction - so real that you feel you know her, yet truly magical as well. I can never have enough of her' Justine Picardie 'It is almost impossible not to succumb to Gallico's spell' Times Literary Supplement Mrs Harris is a salt-of-the-earth London charlady who cheerfully cleans the houses of the rich. One day, when tidying Lady Dant's wardrobe, she comes across the most beautiful thing she has ever seen in her life - a Dior dress. In all the years of her drab and humble existence, she's never seen anything as magical as the dress before her and she's never wanted anything as much before. Determined to make her dream come true, Mrs Harris scrimps, saves and slaves away until one day, after three long, uncomplaining years, she finally has enough money to go to Paris. When she arrives at the House of Dior, Mrs Harris has little idea of how her life is about to be turned upside down and how many other lives she will transform forever. Always kind, always cheery and always winsome, the indomitable Mrs Harris takes Paris by storm and learns one of life's greatest lessons along the way.Trade ReviewMrs Harris is one of the great creations of fiction - so real that you feel you know her, yet truly magical as well. I can never have enough of her -- JUSTINE PICARDIEIt is almost impossible not to succumb to Gallico's spell * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *'Wherever she goes Mrs. Harris seems to sprinkle fairy dust over those she meets. YET she's very realistically drawn and the book is fraught with painful setbacks ... In the end Mrs. Harris' yearning for the dress is secondary. The friendships that are made because of her quest are what change her life forever. This book was a delight from start to finish' * Worthwhilebooks.blogspot *‘A heartwarming, engaging novelette' * Bookmark *

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Book SynopsisGoodread's Big Books of Spring 2019 - Romance'Such a fun read... Original and sexy and sensitive.' Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist, on The Kiss Quotient__________________From the bestselling author of The Kiss QuotientKhai Diep has no feelings. Well, not big, important emotions - like grief. And love. He thinks he's defective. His family knows better - that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly refuses to consider a relationship, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. So when the opportunity arises to go to America and meet a potential husband, she can't turn it down. This could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go quite as planned. Esme's lessons in love seem to be working... but only on herself. She's hopelessly smitten with a man who's convinced he can never return her affection.As Esme's time in the United States dwindles, will Khai let his head catch up with his heart? Will he find the strength to let go, and let love in?'Refreshingly real.' Marie Claire on The Bride TestTrade ReviewSmart, honest, and achingly romantic, just as sexy as it is sweet. * Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones and the Six *[Hoang] has truly found her voice - an important, entertaining, skilful voice at that. * Independent Online *I loved loved loved The Kiss Quotient and had high hopes for her second novel... The Bride Test is fun. Hoang is a great storyteller. I loved the characters she created here... The sexy parts were sexy... I highly recommend this book. It's a fun read with substance and great writing. * Roxane Gay *Helen Hoang is a master of building characters that feel relatable. * Christina Lauren, author of Love and Other Words *Hoang's writing bursts from the page. * Buzzfeed *With serious moments offset by spot-on humor, this romance has broad appeal, and it will find a special place in the hearts of autistic people and those who love them. * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review *Such a fun read... Original and sexy and sensitive. * Roxane Gay on The Kiss Quotient *AWESOME. Adorable, sexy, smart. Exactly the book I wanted to read! * Christina Lauren, author of Love and Other Words, on The Kiss Quotient *It's one of the best books I've read in a very long time. It's funny, sad, poignant and impossible to put down. * Christine Feehan, author of Dark Promises, on The Kiss Quotient *I loved it. Hoang's writing has a sharp, quirky, emotional edge that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to navigate the complicated world of modern relationships. * Jayne Ann Krentz, author of Promise Not to Tell, on The Kiss Quotient *An absolute delight - charming, sexy, and centered on a protagonist you love rooting for... Equal parts endearing and (very) steamy. * Buzzfeed, 30 Best Summer Books, on The Kiss Quotient *

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Book Synopsis'This story will have you laughing, swooning, & wishing it would never end.' Aimee BrownPoppy Dean lives and breathes romance - in her job at least. As a matchmaker at an elite London agency, she spends her days finding the perfect Mr Right for pretty much everybody but herself.When Tristan Fellows walks into the agency, Poppy knows she’s in for a challenge. A typical bachelor, Tristan has no intention of falling in love, but in order to receive his 30-million-pound inheritance, he must find himself a wife before his 35th birthday.This may be Poppy’s hardest case yet, but even the most arrogant of men can sometimes warm a woman’s heart. And who knows, maybe it’s finally time for Poppy to find her happy ever after too?From the sunny skies of Greece, to the trendy streets of London, to the romantic hills of Scotland, Match Me If You Can is a laugh out loud enemies-to-lovers romance, guaranteed to make you believe in love again!'A delightful romance that left me with a big smile on my face.' Jessica Redland'Well worth a read. 5 lovely sparklers from me!' Julie Houston'A perfect romcom filled with delicious banter, a swoony hero and a classy, confident heroine! A must read for 2023!' Katie Ginger'A brilliantly funny and addictive love story with all the feels and so much more!' Nina Kaye'A cracking romcom, full of laughs and misadventure.' Leonie Mack'Such a heartwarming, uplifting read, full of love, hope, heart, friendship and joy! Thoroughly enjoyed it!' Kim Nash'With smart banter and swoony moments… Sandy Barker gives us another brilliant romcom and joyful read.’ Pernille Hughes‘A wonderfully warm and witty will they/won’t they romance. Match Me If You Can is a perfect romantic read.’ Kathleen Whyman‘Pure escapism. I laughed, I smiled, I swooned. A cracking start to the Ever After Agency series.’ Laura Carter'It's so brilliantly will they, won't they that it really kept me guessing!' Anita Faulkner'I loved this book! An adorable laugh-out-loud romance, that gives all the right tingles and touches the heart.' Ella Hayes

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Book Synopsis'A sizzling enemies-to-lovers read you'll definitely fall for' Mandy BaggotNo man can be as good as the one in your imagination...Librarian Liv Jones has always dreamed of writing a romance novel. But she’s stuck when it comes to creating a romantic hero – sadly – lacking anyone in real life to base him on.When her brother suggests his best friend stay in their shared flat for a few weeks, she can’t believe her bad luck. Aiden Rivers is irritating and pushes all her buttons. Worst of all, he’s gorgeous, has a sexy accent and reminds her of her all-time favourite character Mr Darcy.Liv finds herself unexpectedly inspired and the leading man in her novel begins to bear an uncanny resemblance to Aiden. He can never find out though: she’d never live it down. Because Aiden can only ever be her love interest in the pages of her book – and definitely not in real life… right?!A sexy enemies-to-lovers rom com, perfect for those who spend far too much time thinking about Mr Darcy coming out of the lake!‘I love a good enemies-to-lovers story and this was the perfect romance for a Sunday morning’ Sarah Turner'Clever, quirky and swoonsome - The Love Interest will tick all your Book Boyfriend boxes' Holly Hepburn'A must read for romcom lovers - fresh, funny and utterly charming' Sandy Barker'An absolutely gorgeous romance novel with a swoon-worthy hero to die for ... I was kept guessing right to the end and had a great big smile on my face' Kim Nash'I loved it! The delicious chemistry between Liv and Aiden kept me up way past my bedtime' Leonie Mack'The Love Interest is so much fun and utterly swoon-worthy... a gorgeous concept, with an abundance of charm and wit' Laura Carter'a beautiful ode to romance loving bookworms ... Walters shines with this amazing read' Rachel Dove'Honestly I LOVED this book. I thought that Aiden and Liv were really likeable and enjoyable characters. Their chemistry was amazing' netgalley reviewer'Absolutely perfection! I wasn't even done with the book and I was texting all my reader friends that this a must-read.' netgalley reviewer'...the characters were all brilliant and likeable and the banter was on top form. ... What's not to like? I raced through it!' netgalley reviewer'This book drew me in and I couldn’t put it down! ... This had everything you’d hope for in a romance book!' netgalley reviewer

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Book Synopsis'Fresh, funny and irresistibly good humoured - the perfect lockdown read' Claudia Carroll'A witty, exuberant debut' People magazine'A mix of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye and a Maeve Binchy novel [...] perfect to savor as we emerge from this particular winter.' American Booksellers Association indie pick'A delightfully friendly and welcoming read' LoveReadingMeet the Gogartys: cantankerous gran Millie (whose eccentricities include a penchant for petty-theft and reckless driving); bitter downtrodden stepson Kevin (erstwhile journalist whose stay-at-home parenting is pushing him to the brink); and habitually moody, disaffected teenage daughter Aideen.When Gran's arrested yet again for shoplifting, Aideen's rebelliousness has reached new heights and Kevin's still not found work, he realises he needs to take action. With the appointment of a home carer for his mother, his daughter sent away to boarding school to focus on her studies and more time for him to reboot his job-hunt, surely everything will work out just fine. But as the story unfolds - and in the way of all the best families - nothing goes according to plan and as the calm starts to descend into chaos we're taken on a hilarious multiple-perspective roller-coaster ride that is as relatable as it is far-fetched.Good Eggs is a heady cocktail of that warmth and wit of Marian Keyes, Caitlin Moran and TV's Derry Girls.Trade ReviewGood Eggs is a joyous, exuberantly fun-filled novel of second chances. In the Gogartys, Rebecca Hardiman has created a vivid cast of characters whose schemes, adventures and mishaps keep us on the edges of our seats. We can't help but cheer each of them on - especially the exasperating and beguilingly naughty Millie Gogarty - as they untangle the various muddles in which they find themselves. With all their quirks and flaws, this is a family that earns a place in our hearts. An absolute delight from start to finish! -- Sarah Haywood, author of THE CACTUSGOOD EGGS is a remarkably clear-eyed and sure-footed debut; pure, unadulterated reading pleasure. Hardiman writes with great warmth, humor, and incisiveness about reinvention and the unique foibles of family. * Jonathan Evison, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author *Bracing, hilarious, warm, this novel is as wayward and mad as the human heart. -- Judy Blundell, New York Times bestselling authorThe novel is sheer delight, from the moment we meet the prickly, fabulous Millie Gogarty until her final surprise on the last page. What a pleasure to be immersed in the story of a tangled family who you just KNOW are going to come through in the end. I loved Good Eggs! -- Amanda Eyre Ward, New York Times bestselling authorFresh, funny and irresistibly good humoured - the perfect lockdown read to put a big happy smile on your face! This gem has bestseller written all over it. -- Claudia Carroll * Claudia Carroll *With a similarly finicky and rambunctious cast of characters, GOOD EGGS is a story of what happens when a new caretaker arrives to aide the elderly (and delightfully naughty) Millie, and whose presence upends a chaotic three-generation Dublin household. Fans of Backman's good-natured characters and uplifting surprises will enjoy this spring debut! * Off The Shelf *Filled with warmth and hilarity, this book reads like a mix of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye and a Maeve Binchy novel. The Irish setting is especially welcome on this side of the pond, and of the three plotlines following different generations, the absolute best paints 83-year-old pistol of a grandma Millie as a delightfully quirky and determined soul. A charming, offbeat novel - perfect to savor as we emerge from this particular winter. -- Deb Wayman * American Booksellers Association’s ‘Indie NEXT List’ for March 2021 *What a lovely, amusing, and uplifting multi-generational debut this is! . . . Among the lightness, there are some stinging notes to be found too, which ensures this is a fully rich tale with much to discover. Good Eggs is a delightfully friendly and welcoming read, sit back and enjoy! -- Liz Robinson * LoveReading *GOOD EGGS captures the kind of dysfunction familiar in many families, but one that gives way to genuine love and kinship when the road gets tough. * Off The Shelf *Kooky Irish octogenarian Millie is saddled with a home caregiver to help curtail her shoplifting habit just as her hell-raising granddaughter is banished to a boarding school. Each falls prey to a questionable new friend, careening toward calamity-and each other. A witty, exuberant debut. * People Magazine *The humour is subtle, not unlike Ciara Geraghty, and if it's a funny family saga you're after, this is a perfect choice. Wryly observant, distinctly Irish and sometimes just plain ridiculous (exactly like real life) this is a stylish, accomplished debut. -- Anne Cunningham * Meath Chronicle *A wonderfully warm and welcoming read -- Charlotte Walker * LoveReading *

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Book SynopsisPomfret Towers, Barsetshire seat of the earls of Pomfret, was constructed, with great pomp and want of concern for creature comforts, in the once-fashionable style of Sir Gilbert Scott's St Pancras station. It makes a grand setting for a house party at which gamine Alice Barton and her brother Guy are honoured guests, mixing with the headstrong Rivers family, the tally-ho Wicklows and, most charming of all, Giles Foster, nephew and heir of the present Lord Pomfret. But whose hand will Mr Foster seek in marriage, and who will win Alice's tender heart? Angela Thirkell's classic 1930s comedy is lively, witty and deliciously diverting.Trade ReviewA perfect balance of satirical observation and chocolate-box charm ... one of the cosiest and funniest reads this winter * The Lady *Angela Thirkell is perhaps the most Pym-like of any twentieth-century author, after Pym herself -- Alexander McCall SmithA perfect balance of satirical observation and chocolate-box charm ... Thirkell's novel is one of the cosiest and funniest reads this winter * The Lady *Angela Thirkell is perhaps the most Pym-like of any twentieth-century author, after Pym herself -- Alexander McCall Smith

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Book SynopsisAt an all-time low after being rejected by his crush, office worker Yoshida reluctantlyagrees to take in Saya, a runaway high school girl he met on the street. Now, as theyare finally settling into their unusual living situation, Saya has a request—she wants tostart a part time job! Saya has always held back from voicing what she wants, andYoshida is overjoyed at her progress. Meanwhile, Yoshida's one-sided crush invites himto dinner, just the two of them...and now she wants to come over?!

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Book SynopsisSinclair Lewis' satirical book Babbitt, published in 1922, is about American culture and society and criticizes the superficiality of middle-class life and the temptation to fit in. Babbitt's disagreement had a big impact on the decision to give Lewis the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1930. The book has been adapted into two motion pictures: a silent version in 1924 and a talkie version in 1934. Babbitt's life is chronicled in the first seven chapters over the course of a single day. Babbitt coos over his ten-year-old daughter Tinka during breakfast, tries to talk his 22-year-old daughter Verona out of her recent socialist tendencies and exhorts his 17-year-old son Ted to work more in school. He dictates letters while at work and has conversations with his staff on real estate advertising. Babbitt hurries home and abandons all disobedience when his wife develops acute appendicitis. They reestablish their intimacy during her prolonged recovery, and Babbitt returns to his emotionless conformity. In the climactic scene, Babbitt learns that his son Ted secretly wed Eunice, his neighbor's daughter. Though he doesn't agree, he declares that he is in favor of the union and commends Ted for leading an independent life.

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Book SynopsisBertie''s respite from his overbearing mother, Irene, is over. She has returned from the middle-east, only to discover that her son has been exposed to the worst evils of cartoons, movies and Irn Bru, and her wrath falls upon her unfortunate husband, Stuart. Meanwhile, Bruce has fallen in love with someone other than himself; Big Lou wants to adopt her beloved Finlay; Matthew and Elspeth host the Duke of Johannesburg for supper and Bertie decides he wants to move out of Scotland Street altogether and live with his grandmother, Nicola.Can Irene and Stuart''s marriage survive? Will Bruce''s newfound love last? And will Bertie really leave Scotland Street? Find out in the next instalment of this charming, beloved series.

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Book SynopsisThe adventure of a lifetime awaits blue seas, white sands and two months of freedom!A gorgeous escapist romance' Emma RobinsonRecommended for anyone who loves a good romcom and a spot of armchair travel' Fiona LeitchHome is where the heart is . . .When Jaelee Tan leaves her high-flying PR job in Miami for a sabbatical in Bali, the last thing she expects is for it to become permanent. But when her boss demands the trip be cut short, Jae does the only thing she can think of and quits on the spot.With two months in Bali, a new group of friends and the gorgeous scenery and beaches, Jae is determined to make the most of her new-found freedom. And when she locks eyes with hunky Scot, Alistair, Jae wonders if she'll lose her heart to more than just a Balinese sunrise.Escape to Bali in this uplifting novel full of friendship, laughter and romance, perfect for fans of Mandy Baggot, Julie Caplin and Holly Martin.Readers are falling in love with A Sunrise Over Bali:You just can't beat a Sandy BaTrade ReviewReaders absolutely love Sandy Barker’s Holiday Romance series ‘Warm, witty and wonderful’ Emma Robinson ‘An absolutely brilliant holiday read’ Katie Ginger ‘Deliciously romantic’ Lynne Shelby ‘An absolute delight’ Ella Hayes

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Book SynopsisTHE SIXTEENTH BOOK IN THE BELOVED NO. 1 LADIES'' DETECTIVE SERIESThe one with Mma Ramotswe''s summer holiday . . . Mma Ramotswe is taking a break, leaving important tasks in the capable hands of Mma Makutsi, co-director of the No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency. But Mma Ramotswe soon finds herself interfering in cases (secretly, or so she intends). While on ''holiday'', she delves into the past of a man whose reputation is brought into question, she is called upon to rescue a small boy - and discovers Violet Sephotho''s latest underhand business endeavour: the No. 1 Ladies'' Secretarial College. Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi hires a part-time science teacher as an assistant, and suspects that her authority is being undermined.Will Mma Ramotswe be caught out?Trade ReviewLike [Barbara] Pym, McCall Smith believes that the small stuff in life matters * Scotsman *

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Book Synopsis'A VERY special book. GORGEOUS, real believable and BEAUTIFUL' - Marian Keyes London. Nine million people. Two hundred and seventy tube stations. Every day, thousands of chance encounters, first dates, goodbyes and happy ever afters. And for twenty years it's been where one man and one woman can never get their timing right. Jennifer and Nick meet as teenagers and over the next two decades, they fall in and out of love with each other. Sometimes they start kissing. Sometimes they're just friends. Sometimes they stop speaking, but they always find their way back to each other.But after all this time, are they destined to be together or have they finally reached the end of the line?All your favourite authors love SARRA MANNING!'Wonderful - romantic, sexy, moving and impossible to put down' - Louise O'Neill'Sexy, heartfelt, funny and fresh' - Laura Jane Williams'Epically romantic yet utterly relatable' - Holly Miller'Beautiful' - Lindsey KelkTrade ReviewThis is already one of my books of the year! . . . A VERY special book - a decades-long 'near miss' love story, it gave me One Day vibes. It's GORGEOUS, real, believable and BEAUTIFUL * Marian Keyes *Reading London, with Love reminded me why Sarra Manning is one of my favourite writers. It's wonderful - romantic, sexy, moving, and impossible to put down. * Louise O'Neill *Witty, well-paced and wonderfully entertaining, with a heroine you really root for * Daily Mail *A wonderful rom-com - such a glorious treat * Harriet Evans *Wonderful. An epic, enduring love story that is so funny, tender and warm. I loved everything about it. -- Cressida McLaughlinImmersive, razor sharp and full of tenderness. Manning explores love in many forms - not least her obvious affection for the city in which this romance unfolds. But it is her witty rendering of life in the 90s that I really fell for! I was transported! * Claire McGlasson *Sarra Manning's stunning, beautifully written book is not just a love letter to London, but a love letter to what really matters in life: each other. Funny, smart and gorgeously romantic, London, With Love is the perfect read to make you smile on the rainiest of days * Katy Birchall *A book to treasure - brilliantly crafted with characters that feel like lifelong friends. Beautiful, romantic, real, poignant, nostalgic and completely compelling. I love this book with all my heart. * Alex Brown *This is light, dark, sweet, sour, sexy, funny and so real . . . So knowing, so smart, but so generous, kind and inclusive * Daisy Buchanan *I loved it so much . . . it's funny, clever, gorgeously sexy and the characters are compelling. Never mind heartwarming, it's heart-boiling * Lucy Vine *London, With Love is just all kinds of glorious, one minute moving me to tears, the next making me snort with laughter. I'm going to be pressing it into the hands of all my friends and family * Jenny Ashcroft *Sarra Manning is the queen of London-set romance. London, With Love is the sort of book that sweeps you off your feet and wins your heart with laughter, tears and the whole cavalcade of city life. Utterly romantic, totally recognisable and with as much spirit as the city itself, this is an unforgettable love story * Jane Casey *Pure nostalgia - I laughed, I cried bittersweet tears and then I texted my mates to say you have to read this . . . * Penny Parkes *A pitch-perfect love story, brimming with tenderness, humour and great longing. I loved every single word of this beautiful, epic tale of missed connections and second chances * Rosie Walsh *I read it in one huge gulp, laughing and crying my way through . . . a really beautiful and honest love story, I loved it as a classic coming-of-age novel with a sparky and engaging heroine * Laura Wood *Brimful of longing, tenderness and the pain of missed chances, this book could soften the stoniest heart * Kate Riordan *I adored this fabulous and relatable story so, so much * Prima *Witty, well-paced and wonderfully entertaining, with a heroine you really root for * Daily Mail *We adored this beautiful, nostalgic, love story * Fabulous *The descriptions of London through the 1980s up to the present day - the neighbourhoods, the music, the clothes - are pitch perfect * Good Housekeeping *Reads like a love letter to London the backdrop to much of the story. With two compelling lead characters, it's romantic, moving and impossible to put down. If you loved David Nicholls' One Day, you'll adore this * Daily Mirror *Sarra Manning writes straight from the soul in this powerful, intimate and completely captivating love story * Woman’s Own *Those of us who remember paisley shirts, The Smiths and Doc Martens the first time around will love London With Love . . . warm and witty * The Gloss *A fabulous rom-com * Daily Mail *I adored this beautiful nostalgic love story * Yours Magazine *This is the on-again off-again love story of Jennifer and Nick, who first meet as teenagers in 80s north London and spend the next few decades never quite getting their timing right. London, With Love is a gorgeous read, heaped full of nostalgia and a romance to really root for * I News, The Best Books to Read This Valentine's *Perceptive, funny and entertaining, you can't go wrong with Sarra Manning's winning books. In her latest, it's an exploration of how sometimes finding the right person for you doesn't happen overnight - in fact, it could take 20 years. Weaving together major cultural and historical moments from 1986 onwards, Jen and Nick are drawn together, fall out and finally realise what they mean to each other, all set against the highs and lows of living in London (out now in hardback, out in paperback 3 August). * Stylist, Best Rom-Com Books for the Summer *Clever and nostalgic, with loveable characters, this is a rom-com with real heart and guts * Best *

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Book SynopsisComplete and unabridged.Three Men in a Boat remains one of the best-loved and most entertaining comic novels. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, unabridged, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features illustrations by A. Frederics and an afterword by David Stuart Davies.Join our young heroes J., George and Harris (not forgetting Montmorency, the mischievous, irascible fox terrier) as they take a boating holiday along the Thames. Their aim is to escape the weary workaday world and improve their health, but they are ill prepared for the various escapades, difficulties and vicissitudes that they encounter along the watery way. The adventures of these incompetent innocents abroad are magnified to epic proportions by the storyteller, J. His narration gives the book not only a wonderful endearing freshness but also a series of hilarious moments of timeless comedy.Trade ReviewThere are a few seriously funny books that remain great for all time. Three Men in a Boat is one of these. -- Robert McCrum * Guardian *Ultimately, Three Men in a Boat is a study of friendship, human foibles and forgiveness. Returning to the book is like settling in for a fireside chat with an eccentric great-uncle who has seen it all, done it all, but who's still more ready to mock himself than others. -- Mark Mills * Independent *

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Book SynopsisTerry Pratchett was the acclaimed creator of the global bestselling Discworld series, the first of which, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. In all, he was the author of over fifty bestselling books which have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal. He was awarded a knighthood for services to literature in 2009, although he always wryly maintained that his greatest service to literature was to avoid writing any. www.terrypratchettbooks.comTrade Review • "You'd have thought that, by now, Pratchett would be running out of ideas; thankfully, however, the universe he created 25 years ago just keeps on giving... It's a triumphant effort." --Independent on Sunday

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