Humorous fiction

Book SynopsisNOW A MAJOR TV ADAPTATION STARRING DAVID WALLIAMS & SAMANTHA BONDThe Queen and I is a hilarious satire on modern Britain and an exploration of what it really means to be human, by the bestselling author of the Adrian Mole series.____________The Royals, they''re just like us . . . THE MONARCHY HAS BEEN DISMANTLEDWhen a Republican party wins the General Election, their first act in power is to strip the royal family of their assets and titles and send them to live on a housing estate in the Midlands. Exchanging Buckingham Palace for a two-bedroomed semi in Hell Close (as the locals dub it), caviar for boiled eggs, servants for a social worker named Trish, the Queen and her family learn what it means to be poor among the great unwashed. But is their breeding sufficient to allow them to rise above their changed circumstance or deep down are they really just like everyone else?____________''No other author could imagine this so graphically, demolish the institution so wittily and yet leave the family with its human dignity intact'' The Times''Absorbing, entertaining . . . the funniest thing in print since Adrian Mole'' Daily Telegraph''Kept me rolling about until the last page'' Daily MailTrade ReviewNo other author could imagine this so graphically, demolish the institution so wittily and yet leave the family with its human dignity intact * The Times *Kept me rolling about until the last page * Daily Mail *Laugh-out-loud funny * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis*** CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUTHOR OF THE YEAR 2022***Dive into the blissfully funny No. 1 bestseller about three women who find themselves criss-crossing the line between success and failure, happiness and sadness, sanity and madness, from the No. 1 bestselling author of Grown Ups''Totally addictive . . . a real page turner'' SUNDAY EXPRESS''Brilliantly written and fabulously well-observed'' INDEPENDENT___________''Dammit,'' she realized. ''I think I''m having a nervous breakdown.''Lisa Edwards'' career as a hot-shot magazine editor is destined for high-rise New York, when suddenly she''s blown off-course into the delights of low-rise Dublin. But what on earth can she do about it?Ashling Kennedy, Lisa''s super-organized assistant, is good at worrying. Too good. She''s even terrified of a little bit of raw fish . . .Clodagh Kelly is AshTrade ReviewMarian Keyes' Sushi for Beginners is the blissfully funny, smart tale of three women who discover that the line between success and failure, happiness and sadness, sanity and madness is finer than they ever thought . . . 'Dammit,' she realized. 'I think I'm having a nervous breakdown.' * from the publisher's description *Classic Keyes. Constantly surprising, gloriously entertaining, and has a dark underbite that makes it irresistible * The Pool *Nails the joy and pain of the working world . . . a brilliantly written and fabulously well-observed romantic comedy * Independent *Should come with a health warning. It's totally addictive . . . a real page turner * Sunday Express *Chatty and warmhearted, Keyes's talent is to tell it how it is * Independent *

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Book SynopsisThe Growing Pains of Adrian Mole is the second book in Sue Townsend''s brilliantly funny Adrian Mole series.Sunday July 18thMy father announced at breakfast that he is going to have a vasectomy. I pushed my sausages away untouched. In this second instalment of teenager Adrian Mole''s diaries, the Mole family is in crisis and the country is beating the drum of war. While his parents have reconciled after both embarked on disastrous affairs, Adrian is shocked to learn of his mother''s pregnancy. And even though at the mercy of his rampant hormones and the fickle whims of the divine Pandora, a victim of a broken home and his own tortured (though unrecognised) genius, Adrian continues valiantly to chronicle the pains and pleasures of a misspent adolescence. ________''Funny, moving and a poke in the eye for adult morality'' Sunday Express ''Written with great verve, and showing an uncanny understTrade ReviewEvery sentence is witty and well thought out, and the whole has reverberations beyond itself * The Times *One of literature's most endearing figures. Mole is an excellent guide for all of us * Observer *Adrian Mole will be remembered some day as one of England's great diarists * Evening Standard *The funniest, most bitter-sweet book you're likely to read this year * Daily Mirror *

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Book SynopsisShipwrecked on an unknown island, Lemuel Gulliver wakes to find himself surrounded by its six-inch-tall natives, the Lilliputians. But this is only the first in a long line of wonderful discoveries, as his adventures take him to other far-off lands such as Brobdingnag, populated by a race of giants, Luggnagg, home to the eternally ageing Struldbrugs, and the country of the Houyhnhnms, a race of benevolent talking horses. Parodying the popular travel accounts of its time, Gulliver's Travels is not only a tour de force of imaginative and comic writing, which has thrilled readers of all ages for almost three centuries, but also a masterly, merciless satire on Western society and human nature.Trade ReviewIf I had to make a list of six books which were to be preserved when all others were destroyed, I would certainly put Gulliver's Travels among them. -- George Orwell

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Book SynopsisSail away with the delightful new novel from Gervase Phinn, bestselling author of The School at the Top of the DaleA summer cruise should be just the ticket for a few weeks of luxury and relaxation - but for the passengers and crew of the Empress of the Ocean, the sights of the Mediterranean are nothing compared to the excitement on board...For bickering couple Albert and Maureen, the trip might prove a much-needed escape - or the final straw. Elegant Frances de la Mare is determined to hobnob with the right kind of people - but her penthouse suite proves lonelier than she ever imagined. Meanwhile, precocious twelve-year-old Oliver discovers that guidebooks don't teach you everything, sparks fly when the port lecturer finds himself upstaged by a popular author, dancers Bruce and Babs can't keep in step, and cruise expert Neville just wants someone to speak to.But as unlikely friendships are forged, feuds bubble in the laundry room, and everyone jostles for a seat at the Captain's table, they might find all their plans going overboard.... Warm, funny and uplifting, this is the perfect escapist read for fans of Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire novels, as well as readers of Celia Imrie, Alan Titchmarsh and Maeve Haran.'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh

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Book SynopsisPre-order Julie Soto''s new book, Not Another Love Song now!I loved every second of it!' Ali HazelwoodHe loves me. He loves me notAma Torres is a great wedding planner. Ama Torres does not believe in happily-ever-aftersWhen Ama lands the job of her dreams, a headline-grabbing wedding for a glamorous Instagram star and her fiancee, it's her biggest job yet.But the florist is none other than Elliot Bloom Ama's ex, the man whose heart she broke two years ago. The man she hasn't spoken to since.Can they get through the wedding without killing or kissing each other?A scorching hot debut rom-com you won't want to miss. For fans of The Love Hypothesis and The UnhoneymoonersNetgalley readers LOVE Forget Me Not:WOW! I loved every minute of this! ?????I loved every second of this book Just a fantastic romance, from start to finish! ?????Wow 10 stars ?????I bloody loved it ?????I 100% recommend ?????Julie is my new favorite author. You have to read it ASAP! ?????This is going to be a forever Trade Review‘Julie Soto is my favorite writer, period. I'll read anything she writes – I loved every second of it’ Ali Hazelwood, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis ‘A spicy bouquet of thorns and roses … a triumph for those who love weddings and hot florists’ Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author of Part of Your World

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Book SynopsisHe can't date, she doesn't datebut what happens when they fall in love?A heartfelt romance that isn't afraid to tackle serious issues for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Colleen Hoover and all the best Tiktok made me buy it books'!Dr Lily Galbraith solves her city's love problems with wisdom and wit every week on her widely popular Love Doctor podcast, but her own approach to romance centres on one goal: staying single. So when a meet-cute in the sauna brings gorgeous Jay Hooper into her life she knows she needs to run the other way.Having just agreed to a bet with his sister that he'll stop dating and searching for Mrs Right' for at least six months, Jay tries to ignore the attraction he feels for Lily, which is only intensified when they find themselves working together.He can't date, and she doesn't datebut then again, rules are made to be broken, aren't they?T/w: mention of past violence and abuse, PCOSReaders are already loving The Love Experiment:Super enjoyableIt does touch on some serioTrade ReviewReaders can’t get enough of Kitty Wilson: 'Oh wow!!!! I was invited to read this amazing book and I’m so grateful that I was. What a truly beautiful book that has shaken me to the core!!!! A beautiful heartfelt read.' Oriana 'Being Kitty Wilson, this is a funny book and will make you laugh out loud…But the love story takes centre stage; believable, real and flawed. I absolutely loved it.' Jane 'This book was an absolutely fantastic slow burn, friends-to-lovers books for the holiday season! I mean I am seriously obsessed.' Sophia 'Kitty Wilson just has that knack, and what a knack it is. I loved it!' Kaisha 'The book is a quick, atmospheric and relaxing tale of summer fun, friendship and never giving up on what and who you want in your life. Kitty Wilson has a magical ability to transport the reader.' Kat 'Lots of laugh-out-loud moments along with some of the more serious issues that are tackled in the narrative, and all delivered with a Jilly Cooper-esque joy that makes a warm, humorous read something a little bit more personal.' Terri 'This is a fabulous book. One of those that you end up reading into the wee hours or rushing jobs so you can find out what happens next!' Sarah 'Kitty does a great job of balancing humour, romance and genuine stories of people’s lives and her writing is warm and approachable… All in all, another fabulous book that I would highly recommend.' Julie 'Wow. This book took me completely by surprise with the amount of love I now have for it.' Jess 'This is just so charming, fun, sweet but not too much. It's the perfect balance of good and a wee bit of dark. I loved every moment of it.' Corey 'A refreshing and modern romance…I absolutely adored this book.' Laurel 'This is the perfect love story to restore your faith in humanity and healing.' Kyrie 'I can describe this novel in one word: ADORABLE. But there are many other words I could use to: lovely, romantic, soul-wrenching, beautiful, wonderful.' Tiffany

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Book SynopsisWinner of The Gilpin Hotel Prize for Fiction 2023Eyes down to find a killer who's playing to winAn irresistible slice of murder and mystery there's a killer on the loose in the Lake District, and the members of the Penrith Bingo Club have decided they're the ones to catch the culpritJason Brazel is an out of work journalist who lives in Penrith with his family and mother-in-law, Amita. She knows everyone and everything that's going on in this corner of the Lakes.So when it's discovered that Madeline Frobisher, one of Amita's fellow regulars at the bingo club has died, found by the postman outside her crumbling country home close to Ullswater Lake, she senses immediately this is no accident. The trouble is, no one else seems to take her suspicions seriously.That is, until she enlists the help of her friends at the Penrith Bingo Club. Dismissed by many as eccentric, over the hill or out of touch, it turns out that it's unlucky for some that these amateur sleuths are on the caseTrade Review ‘A warm-hearted and funny story’ The Sun PRAISE FOR JONATHAN’S PREVIOUS BOOKS Jonathan Whitelaw is a terrific writer – Jo Spain Delirious, diabolical and delightful – Anthony O'Neill A brilliant, sharply funny read – Lisa Hall A lot of devilish fun is in store for readers – Stephen Booth

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Book SynopsisA summer that changed everything. A second chance to put things right.~~~Heart-warming, funny, and completely brilliant!' Jaimie AdmansFour years ago, Elodie Parker left the village of Little Heaton where she'd lived for her entire life. She hasn't been back since.Now, with her little sister's wedding looming, she's going home again. It should be a time for celebration, but there are things Elodie left behind she's not ready to face. Not least the love of her life, Tomasz. The man who, if Elodie is really honest, she still loves.But something magical happens on the flight. As turbulence hits, Elodie is thrown back into the past. It's eight years ago, the day she met Tomasz for the very first time. Before everything went wrong and Elodie ran away forever.Can Elodie find a way to change the past and get the happy ever after she longs for?Readers LOVE Our Last Summer!I loved this and I could read it over and over! It was absolutely perfect! 5 stars!!' NetGalley reviewer ?????I lovedOur LTrade Review‘Wow! What a (plane) ride of a book!… Heart-warming, funny, and completely brilliant! 5 HUGE stars!’ Jaimie Admans

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Book SynopsisFrom the prize-winning author of Reasons to be Cheerful comes a story about the ebb and flow of female friendship over half a lifetime''A true gift of a novel, I utterly adored it. For as long as I could make it last, the world just felt a bit nicer.'' Meg Mason''Wonderful . . . Her best yet'' Kathy Burke''I loved it so SO much! Funnier than ever but with a new depth and maturity'' Marian Keyes_______________________________________Susan and Norma have been best friends for years, at first thrust together by force of circumstance (a job at The Pin Cushion, a haberdashery shop in 1990s Leicestershire) and then by force of character (neither being particularly inclined to make friends with anyone else). But now, thirty years later, faced with a husband seeking immortality and Norma out of reach on a wave of professional glory, Susan begins to wonder whether she has made the right choices about life, love, work, and, most importantly, friendship.Nina Stibbe''s new novel is the story of the wonderful and sometimes surprising path of friendship: from its conspiratorial beginnings, along its irritating wrong turns, to its final gratifying destination._________________________________________________''A lovingly observed testament to the complexities and profundities of female friendship'' Elizabeth Day''Nina Stibbe is not just very funny but absolutely life-affirming'' Jenny Colgan''Stibbe writes some of the best-turned comic sentences in contemporary writing. Like Susan, she makes it look easier than it must be'' Sunday Times''Nina Stibbe is one of our funniest novelists - it''s time to take her seriously'' Daily Telegraph''Stibbe is one of the all-time greats'' Daisy Buchanan''Clever and funny, it takes a sharp look at the intricacies of marriage, friendship, work and driving. As with all Stibbe''s writing there is a pleasingly perfect balance of wisdom with jokes'' Cathy Rentzenbrink''For beautifully funny and well-observed comic writing, Nina Stibbe is your go-to author. In her latest release, a tale of lifelong friendship between Susan and Norma, she explores the mistakes, rivalries and love we all experience in life'' Stylist''One of the great comic writers of our time'' Irish TimesTrade ReviewNina Stibbe is one of our funniest novelists - it's time to take her seriously * Daily Telegraph *Stibbe writes some of the best-turned comic sentences in contemporary writing. Like Susan, she makes it look easier than it must be. * Sunday Times *The funniest person who owns a computer -- Ann PatchettI love Nina Stibbe and her new novel, One Day I Shall Astonish the World, is such a lovingly observed testament to the complexities and profundities of female friendship -- Elizabeth DaySue Townsend's heir . . . A moving ode to marriage and friendship and the great joke of agency in a world where everything can turn upside down in a heartbeat * Irish Times *Wonderful . . . Her best yet -- Kathy BurkeTender and comical * New York Times *I loved it so SO much! Funnier than ever but with a new depth and maturity -- Marian KeyesNina Stibbe's latest novel, One Day I Shall Astonish the World buttresses her position as the Kingsley Amis of the twenty-first century. . . . Stibbe's genius, like Amis's, is for noting the cadences of ordinary speech and the idiotic platitudes we all spout. In the anatomy of English conversation, Stibbe (born 1962) takes up where Amis (died 1995) left off. There are echoes of Adrian Mole, Alan Bennett and Victoria Wood - but with no copying or pastiche. Stibbe makes the everyday funny. If a Martian asked me to explain the tragicomedy of normal English life, I would direct him to Stibbe -- Harry Mount * Spectator, 2022 Books of the Year *As a comic novelist, Stibbe is so truly incomparable, I can only describe this perfect novel as Stibbe meets Stibbe, with a touch of Stibbe. (And if you love Nina Stibbe...you'll love this.) For as long as I could make it last, the world just felt a bit nicer. A true gift of a novel, I utterly adored it -- Meg MasonNina Stibbe takes on female friendship and ambition in a novel that has all its predecessors' gossipy bookishness and quirky charm * Observer *It's darker than Stibbe's previous novels, but her trademark wit is still in evidence and her odd and eccentric characters remind us that we are odd and eccentric too! * Red, Book of the Month *Darkly funny and wry story is full of nostalgia and friendship * Sun *Warm and wonderfully well-observed . . . One Day I Shall Astonish The World reminds us that the richness of life is in its small details, not the grand plans. This is author Stibbe at her entertaining and heartwarming best * Sunday Express *Nina Stibbe is one of our most beloved comic writers: One Day I Shall Astonish The World, about the lifelong friendship between two women, will cement that reputation further * Daily Mail, 2022 Sure Fire Blockbuster *While there may be echoes of previous greats, however, Stibbe's voice is utterly her own . . . One Day I Shall Astonish the World is, unsurprisingly, very funny. But it might also be Stibbe's most moving novel yet . . . so hilarious and rewarding * Irish Business Post *Funny, kind, sad, relevant, and raucous in all the right places. I loved it so much -- Daisy BuchananNina Stibbe is not just very funny but absolutely life-affirming -- Jenny ColganClever and funny, it takes a sharp look at the intricacies of marriage, friendship, work, and driving. As with all Stibbe's writing there is a pleasingly perfect balance of wisdom with jokes -- Cathy RentzenbrinkI started off highlighting all the brilliant observations and one-liners but had to give up because there were so many. Nina Stibbe makes being funny look easy, but that's just because she's very, very good at it -- Clare Chambers, author of Small PleasuresHer best yet and it's a delight to watch this gifted comic writer go from strength to strength . . . You'll be rooting for Susan on every page of a novel packed to the gills with perceptive, laugh-out loud observations and idiosyncratic turns of phrase, putting the quirks of ordinary life under the microscope * Daily Express *For beautifully funny and well-observed comic writing, Nina Stibbe is your go-to author. In her latest release, a tale of lifelong friendship between Susan and Norma, she explores the mistakes, rivalries and love we all experience in life * Stylist, Best Novels for 2022 *The true heir to Sue Townsend -- Caitlin Moran[Stibbe's] new novel is Elena Ferrante re-scripted as English comedy * Daily Telegraph *Delicious * Oldie *Funny of course but also a real departure as it packs most of a life and a long, messy marriage into barely 300 pages and its humour springs from a deep understanding of social pain. This acute portrayal of frienmity is up there with Cats Eye and as nourishing as Anne Tyler on top form -- Patrick GaleI absolutely loved every single page of it! I honestly think it's the funniest thing she's ever written -- Garth Jennings, writer and director of 'Sing' and 'Sing 2'From the comic voice of her generation comes a suburban tale of dysfunctional relationships full of charm, wit and lightly told wisdom * i *A master wielder of dry British humour, Stibbe here chronicles 30 years in the lives of frenemies Susan and Norma - a tangle of sweetness, snubs and secrets from their university days to middle age. There's an LOL moment on almost every page, which makes the pandemic ending astonishingly moving * People Magazine *Very funny . . . Nina does gentle wisdom well -- Nell ZinkAnother wonderful, funny slice of fiction from the author of best-seller, Love Nina. Her latest novel explores a decades-long friendship between two women and what happens when your paths diverge * Good Housekeeping, Books We're Looking Forward to in 2022 *Nina Stibbe's very funny novels are full of charm, and her latest brilliantly captures the mordant humour of British suburban life. Through the 90s to the present day, it follows Susan from her job in a haberdashery shop to working at the local university, and the ebbs and flows of her relationships with her husband and best friend * Evening Standard, Best Fiction Books to Look Forward to in 2022 *The wayward, wildly original and beautifully noticing sentences are perfectly cadenced . . . Despite the sparkling, satirical voice, and her laughter at the littleness of Little England, Stibbe creates a world in which tolerance and forgiveness are the key, even in these dark and scary times, to the possibility of a happy life * Daily Telegraph *It's a rare novel that makes me laugh out loud but Stibbe has a knack for extracting humour from everyday moments * Good Housekeeping, Books of the Month *In One Day I Shall Astonish The World by gifted comic writer Nina Stibbe, Susan and Norma have been best friends for 30 years, but when Norma's life takes an unforeseen turn, Susan begins to wonder if she's followed the wrong path in life- and in friendship * Daily Mirror, Brilliant Books in 2022 *One Day I Shall Astonish the World by the always entertaining Nina Stibbe is a story of female friendship * Irish Times, Books To Look Out For In 2022 *In April look out for...Love, Nina writer Nina Stibbe's One Day I Shall Astonish The World * Daily Mirror, What's Hot in 2022 *Nina Stibbe is one of the great comic writers of our time * Irish Times *Stibbe is one of the all-time greats * Daisy Buchanan *Very few writers can find the delicate balance between heartbreak and hilarity like Nina Stibbe * Red Magazine *Funny, charming, odd-in-the-best-way and gorgeously uplifting! A delight from start to finish * Marian Keyes on ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ *Joyful. Stibbe's comedy probes what it means to become an adult * Daily Telegraph on ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ *Pitch perfect vintage comedy * Guardian on ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ *I love everything Nina Stibbe writes and this was my favourite of the novels. It's so sharp and painful and brilliantly funny. There are sentences you could eat for Christmas dinner. If you haven't read it already - you probably have but just in case - I really do think you'd love it -- Katherine Rundell

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Book Synopsis''Just the right dose of delicious steam'' Ali Hazelwood''Fresh, fun and extremely sexy'' Helen Hoang''Full of wit, charm and Big Firefighter Energy'' Lynn Painter----------Curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen built her career shattering gym stereotypes. After a recent break-up, she has little time left for men, instead finding joy in the gym - her place of power and positivity.Enter firefighter Scott Ritchie, the smug new guy who routinely steals her favourite squat rack. Soon, sparks start flying . . .As the ultra-competitive foes battle for gym domination, the last thing they expect is to run into each other at their grandparents'' engagement party. And, in the lead-up to the wedding, Crystal discovers there''s a soft heart under Scott''s muscled exterior. Bonding over family, fitness and cheesy pick-up lines, she just might have found her person.But when a photo of them goes viral, savaTrade ReviewEnergetic, steamy, and so, so fun. But more than that, it's also a hugely important book that celebrates body positivity in the most joyous way possible -- Jesse Sutanto, Dial A for AuntiesThe gym has never seemed such a sexy place -- Denise Williams, How to Fail at FlirtingAn incredibly fun and sexy slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romcom -- Kerry Winfrey, Very Sincerely Yours

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Book Synopsis''Unapologetically romantic, wonderfully sexy, always brilliant'' Ali Hazelwood''The perfect book to lift your spirits'' Beth O''Leary------Tara Chen has had her heart broken ten times, by ten different men. Nevertheless, she is still determined to find her perfect match. The only problem? Tara is a romance novel obsessive, and her standards are sky high.Modern dating apps have killed the meet-cute, so Tara decides to revisit her exes - all ten of them - in the hope of finding her very own trope-worthy second-chance romance. And every heroine needs a sidekick, so she enlists her new flatmate, firefighter Trevor.Trevor Metcalfe is the first to rush into a burning building but the last to rush into a relationship. Love just isn''t his thing. But, the more time they spend together, the more Trevor appreciates Tara''s authentic, dramatic self.Can they break the habits of a lifetime and give their spark a cTrade ReviewJust the right dose of delicious steam -- Ali Hazelwood on Set on YouFresh, fun and extremely sexy -- Helen Hoang on Set on YouFull of with, charm and Big Firefighter Energy -- Lynn Painter on Set on You

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Book SynopsisEven down to its well-set Georgian townhouses, Edinburgh is a hymn to measure and harmony. But on Scotland Street, domestic accord is in short supply. Matthew and Elspeth welcome three new arrivals, though the joys of multiple parenthood are somewhat lost due to sleep deprivation and the difficulties of telling their brood apart. Angus and Domenica are to marry, and Domenica has ambitious and disturbing plans for their living arrangements, especially when it appears that Antonia, in Italy recuperating from Stendhal Syndrome, may not return. And little Bertie, feeling blue, puts himself up for adoption on eBay. Can Edinburgh''s most deliciously dysfunctional residents forsake discord and learn to dance to the same happy tune? Trade ReviewPraise for the 44 Scotland Street series: 'A joyous, charming portrait of city life and human foibles' Sunday Express

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Book SynopsisJo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, including time at Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Radio 2's The Steve Wright Show.Jo's debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook. Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.Trade ReviewA fabulous read celebrating the good things in life - fun, friends, family and food * Jill Mansell *Warm and life-enhancing, I wanted to move to Spain with these wonderful characters * Katie Fforde *A sun-drenched treat... A book that is full of zest, warmth and sunshine, like a jugful of the best sangria. I loved it! * Milly Johnson *No summer reading list would be complete without the latest from the fabulous Jo Thomas * My Weekly *This summer's sizzling must-read * Sunday Post *

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Book SynopsisIt''s never too late for the adventure of a lifetime . . .Heather Winterbottom has worked side by side with her husband as GPs in their idyllic rural practice for over forty years. But as the time comes to hang up their stethoscopes, the Winterbottoms discover that they have rather different visions of retirement . . . Heather dreams of exploring the Greek Islands, of escaping the shackles of her routine life and embracing an exciting new adventure. Alan dreams of growing his own vegetables.When things come to a head at a family lunch, Heather announces that she has decided to take a year off. From her old life, from her marriage - from Alan. Alone in beautiful Greece, Heather embarks on her very own odyssey - complete with peak experiences, pitfalls and temptations. But what if coming home is the biggest adventure yet? ***Readers love MRS WINTERBOTTOM TAKES A GAP YEAR!''Moving and laugh-out-loud funny'' Trade ReviewMrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year was my first Joanna Nell novel and it was a treat. The writing is warm, insightful and funny - there were several laugh-out-loud moments for me - and the story celebrates, so well, the treasures that life's later stages can hold * Dianne Yarwood *

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Book SynopsisTHE IRRISISTABLE, UPLIFTING AND BIG-HEARTED STORY OF SURVIVING IN A MODERN FAMILY . . . ''A wonderful read'' Elizabeth Strout ''Literary sunshine'' New York Times ''A gorgeous and witty storyteller'' Elizabeth Gilbert, author of City of Girls ''The world will love it'' Ann Patchett The instant New York Times BESTSELLER ________ After Astrid Strick - a widowed, 68-year-old mother of three living in upstate New York - witnesses an accident, she resolves to live more honestly. Starting with the mistakes she made in raising her family. But are her kids, tangled in their own messy adult lives, really ready to be treated like grown ups?Charming, uplifting and well-observed, All Adults Here is the delightful story about the wonders and woes of modern family life. ________ Praise for All Adults Here:''PerfectTrade ReviewA novel about how we try and fail at every age and yet somehow survive. It is brimming with kindness, forgiveness, humour and love and yet (magically) is also a page turner that held me captive until it was finished. This is Emma Straub's absolute best and the world will love it -- Ann PatchettLiterary sunshine * New York Times *A wonderful read -- Elizabeth StroutSmartly observant, wryly witty, big-hearted . . . Fans of Ann Patchett, Anne Tyler and Lily King should seek [Straub] out * The Sunday Times *This beautifully written book delves deeply, perceptively and humorously into the contemporary human condition * Daily Mail *A warm and witty story about a family learning to accept the mistakes of the past and feeling their way towards a new, more truthful way of being together. Emma Straub has such a wonderful talent for depicting small-town existence, as well as the challenges and frustrations of family life, that I was utterly immersed in the world of the Stricks. It's one of those books that leaves you feeling as if you've visited a new place and met new friends. All Adults Here is a joy to read -- Sarah Haywood, author of The CactusIf you can imagine a glorious mash-up of Elizabeth Strout and Gilmore Girls, All Adults Here is is * Red *If you're a fan of Anne Tyler's writing, you'll love this captivating well-observed family drama * Good Housekeeping *A novel full of poignant insights into family * Woman & Home *In All Adults Here, Straub cements her status as a master of the domestic ensemble drama. While readers will relate to the comfortable familiarity of Straub's work, it has also taken on an unexpected air of escapism * Time Magazine *Likely to be the book that every single person will be reading this summer * Bookpage *An affecting family saga that juggles issues as weighty as abortion, gender identity and bullying with ease * USA Today *Emma Straub is a master of the breezy, but still literary, family drama. Her fifth novel. . . . promises to be another sprawling, big-hearted page-turner * LitHub *A warm, funny novel about the lifecycle of one family * Sheerluxe *Straub etches in the comforting, often funny truths readers love her for. Like us, her characters are always getting older but never feeling quite old enough to do the right thing, to be the people they want to be, to let go of the past, and they're certainly never ready to die. An all-out celebration of the life force in ourselves and in our families * Booklist, Starred Review *As always, Straub draws her characters warmly, making them appealing in their self-centeredness and generosity, their insecurity and hope. . . . Straub has a sharp eye for her characters' foibles and the details of their liberal, upper-middle-class milieu. With humor and insight, Straub creates a family worth rooting for * Kirkus *No less charming than the rest of her oeuvre, about one family growing up and ageing, and how the parent-child roles between parents and their children is swapped * Thrillist *Will make you question your entire childhood, and how much your parents influenced it as you learn one mother's perspective of what went right and what went wrong with her own family * Marie Claire *Smart and funny and warm, the kind of novel you fall into and don't ever want to end, which is exactly what we need now * The Times *The book has already roused a flood of fans clamoring to find out how Astrid's story ends * Reader's Digest *The warm and funny novel only Emma Straub can deliver to us in this time of need * Paper Magazine *There's no drama like family drama as Emma Straub proves in this touching, humorous, and eye-opening new novel... All Adults Here weaves a memorable tale about navigating some of our most important, and most maddening, relationships * Town and Country *There's refuge to be found in stories of everyday people going about their lives...Emma Straub has become adept at finding amusement in the mundane, and her newest, All Adults Here, might just be her best yet * Oprah Magazine *Perceptive and fun * AARP *It's good company -- Leigh Haber, Book Editor at O, The Oprah MagazineIn her witty new novel, All Adults Here, Emma Straub examines adolescence, ageing, gender, and sexuality through the nuanced experiences of three generations of a New York family * Harper's Bazaar US *Come for the close examination of parental child roles, stay for goats * Good Housekeeping US *Unlike parents when it comes to their children, novel readers are allowed to have favourite characters. This will be an impossible task for many readers of All Adults Here, in which Emma Straub switches among the perspectives of eight characters who are all endearing in their disarmingly muddleheaded or abjectly truth-seeking ways...gasp-worthy...belongs in the company of Cathleen Schine, Tom Perrotta and other fiction writers who understand that the degree of humour that can be teased from family drama is often directly proportional to the extent of the family's misery * Shelf Awareness *All Adults Here is a master class on the small-scale American drama. There's a wry wink in the title; being grown up is no guarantee that you have it figured out. Ensconced in their upstate New York bubble, the Strick clan is the perfect show case...Yet this warm, optimistic novel argues that one should keep trying, regardless. All Adults Here affirms the value of community and family, no matter the strife that may rise up within them * Vogue US *One of our favourite funny and kind books of the year . . . perfectly pitched summer reading * Stylist *Set over the course of an upstate New York summer, this shrewd, kindly tale embraces a topical spread of inter-generational challenges, yielding tart truths about love, class and family. It's spry and satisfying * Mail on Sunday *A warm, funny novel * SheerLuxe *If you can imagine a glorious mash-up of Elizabeth Strout and Gilmore Girls, All Adults Here is it * Red *Set over the course of an upstate New York summer, this shrewd, kindly tale embraces a topical spread of inter-generational challenges, yielding tart truths about love, class and family. It's spry and satisfying. * Mail on Sunday *A novel full of poignant insights into family * Woman & Home *If you're a fan of Anne Tyler's writing, you'll love this captivating, well-observed family drama * Good Housekeeping *Busting with witty and poignant observations about the messiness of family -- Jenna Bush Hager * Read with Jenna Book Club Pick *Emma Straub has done it again! All Adults Here introduces us to the Stricks, a delightfully flawed family, with matriarch Astrid at the centre...I know I've been having trouble adulting during this time (seriously, I have to cook, again?!), and the characters in this novel feel like they're struggling right alongside me * Read It Forward *All Adults Here will make you question your entire childhood * Marie Claire US *All Adults Here is deliciously funny and infectiously warm - a clever blend of levity and poignant insights. Straub's flair for irony and wit shine, and she puts a fresh (and progressive) spin on the age-old multigenerational family saga * Washington Post *The queen of the summer novel...we have turned to Emma Straub to bring us highly enjoyable, yet still thought-provoking, tales about witty protagonists in the throes of life changes * Entertainment Weekly *Straub's novel takes her signature wit upstate, exploring the complexities of small-town life and what it'slike to live as an adult in the same place where you grew up * Deadline *If you've spent lockdown at home with the family, this one might just ring true for you. A witty, warm and thoroughly entertaining novel. Relatable * Luxe *It takes rare skill to make everyday family ups and downs so pleasurable to read but Straub brings both a deceptive light touch and a flinty sense of humour to this breezy big-hearted portrait of ordinary people trying to negotiate the landscape of being a grown up. A superior slice of domestic fiction for fans of Anne Tyler and Ann Patchett * Metro *Pulsating with perceptive wit . . . entertaining * Sunday Post *Great for fans of Liane Moriarty * Harpers Bazaar *Whips along with feel-good momentum, driven by warmth and love * Press Association *Warm, witty, perceptive. Anne Tyler on laughing gas * Saga Magazine *Written with true warmth and wit * Bella *Praise for Emma Straub * - *It's the beautifully drawn, vibrant characters that make this smart, compelling novel so irresistibleFunny, poignant and beautifully observedStraub writes beautifully and amusingly . . . hard to beat for sheer charm and gentle wit * Daily Mail *Smart and entertaining * Stylist *Hugely talented . . . intelligent holiday readingWarm and big-hearted . . . leaves you smiling for days * bestselling author of Where'd You Go, Bernadette *Straub writes with such verve and sympathetic understanding of her characters . . . Reading this novel has all the pleasures of reading one of Anne Tyler's compelling family portraits * New York Times *A funny and insightful look at love and relationships * Good Housekeeping *Written with true warmth and wit * Bella *A smart, cool sensibility * Elle *Lovely, satisfyingSmart and fresh, offering new insights into the lives of people all around us * Brooklyn Magazine *Thoughtful and hilarious * Real Simple *It would be easy to compare Straub to other masters of the genre like Meg Wolitzer or Jennifer Egan, but she's already a master in her own right * The Millions *Wise and often hilarious * Buzzfeed *Readers will devour this witty and warmly satisfying novel * Publishers Weekly *A precise and observant writer whose supple prose carries the story along without a snag. Straub's characters are a quirky and interesting bunch . . . it's a pleasure spending time with them * Kirkus *Devilishly observed * Booklist *Sprinkled with humour and insight * Library Journal *Straub is consistently excellent * Book Riot *

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Book SynopsisTHE FUNNY AND SEXY ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS TIKTOK SENSATION''A glimmering, sharp, and delightfully feminist rom com. The Ex Talk just crashed its way onto my forever-rec pile'' CHRISTINA LAUREN, author of The Unhoneymooners''I couldn''t put this down . . . just such a fun romantic story of enemies to lovers'' 5* Reader Review''A very funny book'' New York Times Book Review''This was steamy! And funny and feminist'' 5* Reader Review*BUSINESS OR PLEASURE, the sizzling new rom com from Rachel Lynn Solomon is available to buy now!*________Shay Goldstein has worked at her Seattle radio station for nearly a decade. But lately she''s been clashing with her new colleague, Dominic Yun - who''s fresh off a journalism course and convinced he knows everything about radio.When the station needs a new concept, Shay proposes ''The Ex Talk'', where two exes give relationship advice live on air. Trade ReviewA very funny book... Rom-coms need tears the way bread dough needs salt, and here the mixture strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory * New York Times Book Review *A glimmering, sharp, and delightfully feminist rom com.The Ex Talk just crashed its way onto my forever-rec pile -- Christina Lauren, bestselling author of The UnhoneymoonersMore than lives up to the hype * PopSugar *The Ex Talk delivers. This book is quick, spicy, and sweet * Shondaland *The Ex Talk is so many things: a banter-packed laugh-out-loud rom-com, a meditation on how grief shapes our lives and our love, an ode to the joys of public radio and podcasting, and an all-around exquisite romance . . . we'll call it a breath of fresh air * Entertainment Weekly *The Ex Talk is an expertly crafted contemporary romance as well as a passionate love letter to public radio. With a crisp and affectionate attention to detail, Rachel Lynn Solomon breaths life across her pages that's so relatable you could sink right in -- Rosie Danan, author of The RoommateForget fake dating ... fake exes is where it's at! The Ex Talk has all the public radio nerdiness that you didn't know was missing from your life. An absolute delight of a read! -- Jen DeLuca, author of Well MetThis book gave me genuine butterflies. I fell in love with Shay and Dominic falling in love -- Sarah Hogle, author of You Deserve Each OtherDelightfully romantic and emotionally uplifting * Kirkus (starred review) *The transition from enemies to lovers is handled with wit and humour which puts an unexpected twist on the fake relationship trope * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *Solomon makes her adult debut with this sizzling rivals-to-lovers romcom, where the heat comes from both precise characterization and a focus on direct communication. Bursting with zest and deep emotion, this one's a winner * Booklist (starred review) *

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Book SynopsisA dark, surreally funny novel from the bestselling Booker Prize-shortlisted authorHilariously surreal. It''s a bit like the Coen Brothers directing an Alan Bennett play... Fantastic'' Daily MirrorUnderstatedly surreal, deadpan gothic, Mills is a master of the uncanny ... Such a fresh fictional voice'' EsquireIt is the end of the summer. The tourists have already gone, and now the sun is abandoning the Lake District''s damp valleys. Only a lone camper remains, enjoying the quiet. He plans to stay just long enough to prepare for a trip to the East.But then the owner of the campsite asks him to paint a fence and he innocently obliges. Soon other odd jobs pile up until little by little he becomes ensnared in the ominous out-of-season''...Trade Review‘Understatedly surreal, deadpan gothic, Mills is a master of the uncanny ... Such a fresh fictional voice' * Esquire *‘Mills is a master of the cliffhanger and can make even the most deadpan behaviour compelling and funny... A deliciously sly comic fable' * Financial Times *‘Absorbing, darkly worrying and very, very funny' * The Times *‘Mill's great strength is in mixing quiet amusing amusements with a deeper feeling of malice' * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis___________________''A delicious piece of entertainment'' - The Times''A very witty novel by a very witty woman. Hugely entertaining'' - Julian Fellowes''If you''re not already on holiday reading this, it will make you want to pack your bags!'' - Best___________________Somewhere on the French Riviera, tucked between glitzy Monte Carlo and Cannes' red carpets, lies the pretty town of Bellevue-Sur-Mer. Sheltered from the glittering melee, it is home to many an expat including an enterprising team who plan to open a new restaurant.Snapping up a local property and throwing themselves into preparations, Theresa, Carol, William and Benjamin's plans are proceeding unnervingly well. But when Theresa encounters a mysterious intruder, she begins to wonder what secrets the building is concealing.Meanwhile Sally, an actress who gave up the stage to live in quiet anonymity, has decided not to be involved. The famous Cannes Film Festival is on and shTrade ReviewFun … Her work has definite joie de vivre and a sunny, good-natured feel -- Wendy Holden * Daily Mail *A hugely enjoyable romp of a novel with eccentric characters, a delightful background and a savoury tang of crime -- Katie FfordeWith its lively plot and eccentric characters, this is a light-hearted, fun read * Daily Express *A very witty novel by a very witty woman. Hugely entertaining -- Julian FellowesA warm, light-hearted, fast-paced tale that fans of Peter Mayle will enjoy -- Joanne HarrisUtterly delicious in every way -- Joanna LumleyA delicious piece of entertainment … The characters are a hoot and their antics are hilarious; even better, Theresa is a fabulous cook and Imrie includes the recipes of her signature dishes * The Times *Wonderful and very amusing -- Helen Lederer * Good Housekeeping *Sunny, funny debut novel … A keenly observed, rollicking tale of mature expats reinventing themselves on the French Riviera … Quickfire dialogue and the strong characterisation * Mail on Sunday *In a delicious touch, the action is punctuated with recipes for the local dishes that are cooked by the characters so that readers can, if they wish, cook along with the action * Daily Telegraph *It’s lots of fun, with adventure at a certain age as its driving force, and sun-kissed recipes * Sainsbury's Magazine *A comic caper set among the tangled lives of a group of expats in a southern French village * Observer *Fast-paced and refreshingly frill-free, the text keeps you on edge without the unnecessary embellishment. If you’re not already on holiday reading this, it will make you want to pack your bags! * Best *Celia Imrie reveals herself to be a gifted novelist in the witty and engaging Not Quite Nice * Choice *A pacy, light-hearted romp around the Riviera … Imrie is on a roll with her Nice stories: they’re sharp, witty, with a nice plot twist and, like her recipes, leave you with an appetite for more * Scotland on Sunday *Imrie’s portraits of expats are vivid * Mail on Sunday *Peppered with local dishes, the novels are as light and frothy as the îles flottantes with crème anglaise she gives a recipe for near the end of the first book * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThe second in a delightful new series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn, set in a village at the top of the Yorkshire Dales, and following on from his acclaimed Dales and Little Village School series.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR GERVASE PHINN:Good old-fashioned yarn-spinning * The Bookbag *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 *As Yorkshire's favourite school inspector turns to fiction, you can enjoy memorable characters and turns of phrase. * Choice *Written with all the humour and warmth one has come to expect from this master storyteller. * Countryman *A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing. * Alan Titchmarsh *

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Book SynopsisDee Jensen's life is about to get complicated...She's just found out that if she wants to start a family she needs to get on with it - fast. But her almost-definitely boyfriend Nat has almost-definitely just broken up with her.Could platonic co-parenting - where two friends have a child together with no romantic connection - be the easy answer?Dee finds herself suggesting the idea to a chef she's just met called Andy. And in the cold light of day he doesn't find it as laughable as she does...But will feelings surface along the way?And, in her heart of hearts, does Dee even want a baby?________________Praise for It's Complicated:'A beautiful ode to finding your place in the world, I related to Dee all too well. Charming, romantic and fresh, It's Complicated will make so very many women feel seen when it comes to the should-I-shouldn't-I baby conundrum of our thirties. Gorgeous' Laura Jane Williams'A fantastic storyteller, and a brilliant observer of modern life - she makes me laugh out loud!' Daisy Buchanan'Sharply observed, witty, and brimming with heart, It's Complicated asks readers an age-old question: What's love got to do with it (having a family)?, and answers it with panache' Lauren Ho'I absolutely adored It's Complicated: Emma has such a sharp sense of what makes us human, what irrational sparks make us fall in love, what friendships are made of. . . I inhaled this book and felt better for it' Bethany Rutter'Full of warmth, wit and a cast of characters that will stay with me for a long time' Caroline Khoury'Warm, kind-hearted and delightfully sharp and witty, this is exactly what I expected from Emma's consistently compelling, charming writing' Laura Kay'Fresh, pacey, surprising, and so intelligently and stylishly written' Niamh Hargan

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

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Book Synopsis'A sparky, bright, hilarious road-trip rom com' BETH O'LEARY, AUTHOR OF THE FLATSHARE'Full of humour and heart' TAYLOR JENKINS REID, AUTHOR OF DAISY JONES & THE SIXTwo love stories decades apart. One chance to prove love is worth the ride.Former childhood star and die-hard romantic Millie is bound for Key West from Washington DC, determined to fulfil a promise to her elderly best friend, Mrs Nash, by reuniting her ashes with her long-lost love. And if this grand gesture also reassures a recently heartbroken Millie that love is real, all for the better. When flights are grounded, Millie is forced to catch a ride with Hollis, an also-stranded near-stranger from her ex's grad school. Rising literary star Hollis doesn't believe in forever-loves (or even for-now loves). He was headed to Miami for a no-strings-attached hook-up, in the hope of curing his writer's block. But as Millie and Hollis make their way across country, racing down open highways and staying in questionable hotels, will their trip turn into a love story all their own?A joyous road trip romcom, perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Rachel Lynn Solomon and Ali Hazelwood.'A complete delight' CARLEY FORTUNE'Heartfelt and hilarious in equal measure' 5* READER REVIEW'Sweet and charming' 5* READER REVIEW'Witty, romantic and full of gorgeous storytelling' CATHERINE WALSH'Romantic and sexy' 5* READER REVIEW'Soft, sweet and utterly enchanting' ASHLEY POSTON'Funny, tender, emotional and sexy' 5* READER REVIEW'A wickedly funny romance' WOMAN'S OWNTrade ReviewA sparky, bright, hilarious road-trip rom com with a heroine who is 100% pure sunshine . . . it has a touch of Emily Henry to it, which is obviously the highest possible compliment * Beth O'Leary *Sarah Adler nails the ultimate rom-com alchemy with her sparkling debut, Mrs. Nash's Ashes. Full of zippy banter, gorgeous prose, and tender-hearted characters who give the novel a deep, emotional core, it's a complete delight -- Carley Fortune, New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer AfterFull of humour and heart * Taylor Jenkins Reid *I laughed. I sobbed. I loved it! Soft, sweet, and utterly enchanting, Mrs. Nash's Ashes by Sarah Adler is a delightfully funny and poignant romance that sticks with you like a warm and gooey cinnamon roll -- Ashley Poston, New York Times bestselling author of The Dead RomanticsA wickedly funny romance * Woman's Own *Brilliantly constructed and full of unforgettable characters, Mrs. Nash's Ashes is an unequivocal delight. Fans of Emily Henry and Sarah Hogle, you've found your newest obsession -- Ava Wilder, author of How to Fake It in HollywoodDebut author Adler combines heat and sweet in this charmingly offbeat rom-com * Publishers Weekly *At turns both zany and heart-wrenching...this is a treasure of a story that lived and breathed inside my heart -- Anita Kelly, author of Something Wild & WonderfulThis unforgettable road trip runs on laugh-out-loud humor, deeply felt romance, a profound sense of the unexpected, and classic rock radio-we loved every mile -- Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Roughest DraftMrs. Nash's Ashes is a delightfully fun and utterly romantic debut. Adler has it all-fresh characters, fabulous writing, and enormous heart -- Sarah Grunder Ruiz, author of Luck and Last ResortsWith an unforgettable voice, Adler crafts a tale full of humor and heart, proving that love sometimes finds us when we least expect it -- Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Astrid Parker Doesn’t FailInstantly addictive! . . . Pure rom-com gold. Witty, fun, and yet also deeply affecting, this remarkably strong debut from Sarah Adler is sure to win hearts -- India Holton, bestselling author of The League of Gentlewomen WitchesWitty, beautifully written, and laced with sexual tension and suspense . . . I expected that I'd be enjoying one romance but ended up falling in love with two. Extraordinary storytelling -- Sarah Hogle, author of Just Like MagicA delightful debut from Sarah Adler! This is a road-trip romance at its best, with all the forced proximity, unexpected intimacies, and questionable music playlists that come with it . . . a journey I didn't want to end -- Jen DeLuca, USA Today bestselling author of Well MatchedAdler perfectly mixes humor, heart, and steam to create a flawless rom-com. If you're in the mood for a true rom-com, you cannot go wrong with this book! -- Falon Ballard, author of Lease on Love and Just My TypePlayful, sexy, and unexpected in the very best way, Sarah Adler is a dazzling new voice in romantic comedy -- Jen Devon, author of Bend Toward the SunA total mood-lifter of a book that charmed me from the first page. Witty, romantic, and full of gorgeous storytelling, I couldn't believe this was Sarah Adler's debut! -- Catherine WalshA wickedly funny, charming romance * Woman's Weekly *

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Book SynopsisIn this hilarious and heartfelt story from the bestselling author of Dry Hard, Will hasn’t seen his rock-star dad for thirty years. But now he’s back for an encore… Will Fairweather is getting old. His back aches, his bowels misbehave if he eats spicy food and he’s completely lost his sense of rhythm. Life has taught him not to take risks, but even that hasn’t stopped his marriage hitting the rocks too. The last thing he needs is a surprise call from Red Fairweather, devil-may-care rock god—and the father Will hasn’t seen for thirty years. If Will’s old before his time, Red’s the boy who won’t grow up. When Will needs somewhere to live, with nowhere else to turn, he finds himself back with the hellraiser who deserted his family. As Will tries to come to terms with the downward spiral of his life, he starts to realise there’s more to Red than he thought—there’s a real human being under all that leather and attitude, a dad determined to make up for lost time and help his son get back on track. Can Will make his peace with a father seeking forgiveness?

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Book SynopsisCan an up-and-coming horror actressand the makeup artist for her newest "creature feature"turn on-set chemistry into the romance of a lifetime?Lilah Silver's a young actress who dreams of climbing out of B-list stardom. She's been cast as the lead in what could be her breakout performance…but if she wants to prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her, she's going to need major help along the way.Noa Birnbaum may be a brilliant makeup artist and special effects whiz-kid, but cracking into the union is more difficult than she imagined. Keeping everyone happy is a full-time job, and she's already run ragged. And yet when the beautiful star she's been secretly crushing on admits to fears of her own, Noa vows to do everything in her power to help Lilah shine like never before.Long hours? Exhausting work? No problem. Together they can take the world by storm…but can the connection forged over long hours in the makeup chair ever hope to survive the glare of the spotlight?Trade Review"A fast read filled with warmth, romance, coming out, vivid supporting characters, and a behind-the-scenes peek at Hollywood...A charming entry in the new adult queer romantic comedies trend in the vein of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall." - Booklist"With hints of Casey McQuiston, a quirky supporting cast, and undeniable heart, this makes a charming addition to the growing list of New Adult queer rom-coms." - Publishers Weekly

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Book Synopsis"Brilliance on every single page."-CHRISTINA LAUREN, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, for Boyfriend MaterialFAKE AMNESIA. REAL FEELINGS? REAL PROBLEMS.Sam Becker loves-or, okay, likes-his job. Sure, managing a bed and bath retailer isn't exactly glamorous, but it's good work and he gets on well with the band of misfits who keep the store running. He could see himself being content here for the long haul. Too bad, then, that the owner is an infuriating git.Jonathan Forest should never have hired Sam. It was a sentimental decision, and Jonathan didn't get where he is by following his heart. Determined to set things right, Jonathan orders Sam down to London for a difficult talk...only for a panicking Sam to trip, bump his head, and maybe accidentally imply he doesn't remember anything?Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea when Sam was afraid he was getting sacked, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan's guilt-as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side to him. There's an unexpected freedom in getting a second shot at a first impression...but as Sam and Jonathan grow closer, can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?"The apotheosis of the rom-com."-Entertainment Weekly, A+ Review, for Boyfriend Material"Delicious, ridiculous, and often poignant." -Talia Hibbert, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, for Husband Material"Every once in a while you read a book that you want to SCREAM FROM ROOFTOPS about. I'm screaming, people!"-Sonali Dev, award-winning author, for Boyfriend Material

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Book SynopsisReality TV turns deadly in Cherry Hinton’s first case When Kenny Thorpe, a contestant on Expose TV’s Big Blubber, the hot new celebrity weight-loss show, is murdered on live television in front of 3 million viewers, the case seems pretty watertight. After all, everyone saw Martin do it – didn’t they? Cherry Hinton knows there’s more to this than meets the eye. As an investigative reporter, she went undercover on dating show Caravan of Love… but after getting in too deep with one of the other contestants, she was caught knickerless in front of the nation. Humiliated, fired and heartbroken, she has fled to Brentwood, where she opens a cake shop, and tries to forget all about Expose. Until Kenny Thorpe’s sister walks into her shop with a letter that turns Cherry’s world upside down. Is Martin innocent? How is infamous gangster Leon Solent involved? Is Expose to blame, and is there a killer still on the loose? Cherry is the only one in a position to find out.Trade Review'If you’re in need of comic distraction (as we all are…) this is extremely funny' Harriet Tyce, author of international bestseller Blood Orange 'A scathingly satirical look at reality TV and society's hypocritical standards, Cherry Slice might not be as nice as pie, but its gooey centre is our intrepid P.I Cherry Hinton ... I think I love her!' Lucy V. Hay, author of Never Have I Ever

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Book SynopsisA collection of prize-winning stories that celebrate life's absurdities and contradictions. This amusing collection of short stories explores a range of complex characters navigating their way through life, including drag queen Roxanne, who is drafted in by the police to help prevent local sex workers from being assaulted; 'cleaning lady' Doreen, who uses company gossip to swindle money out of her bosses; pizza delivery driver Mark, aiming to benefit from the sexual appetites of his wealthier clients; newly qualified pharmacist Anne, trying to battle her way through the tedium of speed dating, and many more. With narratives ranging from the familiar to the downright bizarre, these stories aim to delight and intrigue, acting as a reminder that most seemingly mundane experiences are anything but.

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Book SynopsisThere’s trouble in paradise...Moving home in her 30s was not the life plan Jas had in mind. So when her best friend gets in touch to say she's arranging a long overdue reunion with their high school friends, Jas is very much up for the escape. Oh, and it's all expenses paid to Italy - so that's a bonus!But while being whisked away to the beautiful Italian coast may seem idyllic, Jas has to come face to face with not only her ex-boyfriend, but the one that got away too!It's a week of sun, sea and unravelling secrets, and as the love triangle from the past starts to develop once again, this trip is not panning out exactly as Jas imagines...Should the past be left where it is, or could there be a second chance at love on the horizon..?Join top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh for a sun-drenched, laugh-out-loud love triangle romantic comedy!

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Book SynopsisWhen several children from the same village start succumbing to a mysterious illness, the quest to discover the cause has devastating and extraordinary consequences.'Absolutely MAGNIFICENT: dark, witty, charming. I LOVED it.' MARIAN KEYES 'Utterly absorbing' LISA MCINERNEY'Heart-rending, hilarious . . . it's a belter' LOUISE KENNEDY'Blistering...glorious...written from the guts and from the heart.' LUCY CALDWELL'An original and exciting work that's equal parts terrifying, hilarious and memorable.' SUNDAY TIMESIt is late June in Ballylack. Hannah Adger anticipates eight long weeks' reprieve from school, but when her classmate Ross succumbs to a violent and mysterious illness, it marks the beginning of a summer like no other.As others fall ill, questions about what - or who - is responsible pitch the village into conflict and fearful disarray. Hannah is haunted by guilt as she remains healthy while her friends are struck down. Isolated and afraid, she prays for help.Elsewhere in the village, tempers simmer, panic escalates and long-buried secrets threaten to emerge.Bursting with Carson's trademark wit, profound empathy and soaring imagination, The Raptures explores how tragedy can unite a small community - and tear it apart. At its heart is the extraordinary resilience of one young girl. As the world crumbles around her, she must find the courage to be different in a place where conforming feels like the only option available.Darkly funny, highly inventive and deeply moving, The Raptures is an unmissable novel of 2022.Trade ReviewAbsolutely MAGNIFICENT: dark, witty, charming. I LOVED it * MARIAN KEYES *Heart-rending, hilarious . . . It's a belter. * LOUISE KENNEDY *An Agatha Christie-esque whodunnit, a dark supernatural mystery and an account of mass trauma. Carson forges these parts into a tragicomedy in which fantastic elements slot almost seamlessly alongside kitchen-sink realism...compassionate and meticulously observed.' * GUARDIAN *Original and vivid, The Raptures is its own beautiful, unique thing * IRISH TIMES *The book's beauty comes from its hilarious depiction of claustrophobic small-town life * Sunday Times *An utterly compulsive and gripping portrayal of the brilliance of children, the power of intergenerational relationships, and the certainty of our human desire to belong. An utterly engrossing read - one that confronts the trauma of loss and the dangers of religious zealotry through powerful narrative, compelling characters and sharp wit. Jan Carson is a true original. An absolute must read. Outstanding. * ELAINE FEENEY *The Raptures is a wonderful piece of fiction. It engages the reader with a clever plot and with its perfect portrayal of parochial life in Northern Ireland imploded by tragedy told in prose that shimmers with empathy, warmth and humanity. * IRISH INDEPENDENT *A fascinating tale of trauma, fury and panic. * INDEPENDENT *I gobbled up The Raptures. It's a delightful read - sharp, packed with wit and heart, and always utterly absorbing. And it's got that perfectly Irish mix of darkness and humour, the smartarsed wink into the void. * LISA MCINERNEY *A blistering account of small-town Ulster life, The Raptures is unflinching in its exploration of the corrosive effects of fear and small-mindedness on a community, and the trauma wreaked by uncompromising religious fundamentalism on a young and tender soul. Rich in a glorious colloquial idiom, rich with Jan Carson's sharp, sardonic wit, it is ultimately a hopeful read, too, about the ways - whether we like it or not - we are all connected. This is a book written from the guts and from the heart. * LUCY CALDWELL *An original and exciting work that's equal parts terrifying, hilarious and memorable... It is truly one of those books in which every piece fits together like the cogs of a watch. * SUNDAY TIMES IRELAND *Hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure, The Raptures is a very special novel. Jan Carson is a writer of astounding empathy, giving every character - alive or dead - a voice that rings brilliantly true. A real gem. * RUTH GILLIGAN *This superb book deserves all the plaudits and praise going. * SUNDAY INDEPENDENT, IRELAND *I laughed, cried, was enraptured. * SAGA, BOOK OF THE MONTH *Jan has such a singular voice; she is somehow able to write gently and playfully about the largest, most timely and tragic of topics. Here she has conjured a scenario that feels both very true and very mysterious. I adored it. * SARA BAUME *The Raptures is perfect and generous and beautifully crafted and everything I demand from a book. And Hannah, brave and brilliant Hannah -- I've made up a room for her in my heart forever. I'll be putting it in every hand this Christmas. * KARL GEARY *An instantly compelling and novel take on a fractured society, The Raptures is a captivating, clever book by a truly original writer * Sarah Gilmartin *

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Book Synopsis'Unique, sexy, hilarious, charming... The true crime is NOT reading this novel!' Ali Hazelwood, author of The Love Hypothesis'A criminally addictive romance... this book is sheer perfection from beginning to end' Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk--Turns out that reading nothing but true crime isn't exactly conducive to modern dating - and one woman is going to have to learn how to give love a chance when she's used to suspecting the worst.PhD candidate Phoebe Walsh has always been obsessed with true crime. She's even analysing the genre in her dissertation - if she can manage to finish writing it. It's hard to find the time while she spends the summer in Florida, cleaning out her childhood home, dealing with her obnoxiously good-natured younger brother, and grappling with the complicated feelings of mourning a father she hadn't had a relationship with for years.It doesn't help that she's low-key convinced that her new neighbour, Sam Dennings, is a serial killer (he may dress business casual by day, but at night he's clearly up to something). But it's not long before Phoebe realises that Sam might be something much scarier - a genuinely nice guy who can pierce her armour to reach her vulnerable heart.What readers are saying about Love in the Time of Serial Killers:'Do you know when you disappear into a book? You, your surroundings, everything, ceases to exist? This book was that for me' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'The cover is gorgeous, and the inside is fun, witty, relatable and so entirely sweet' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'This was such an enjoyable read. I really loved the depths given to Phoebe, the way she created walls around herself, the themes were developed organically and believably' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Phoebe is one of the best female protagonists I've read in a long time' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'The whole thing made me laugh out loud and smile like an idiot sooo often' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'The book was witty and fun, but also thought out and honest' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐Trade ReviewUnique, sexy, hilarious, charming... the perfect beach read for anyone who loves witty banter, intelligent plotting, and compelling characters... The true crime is NOT reading this novel! * Ali Hazelwood, author of The Love Hypothesis *A criminally addictive romance... this book is sheer perfection from beginning to end. Phoebe and Sam have a permanent spot on my list of favorite fictional couples * Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk *A heartwarming rom-com brimming with smart, snappy dialogue, sizzling chemistry, and lovable side characters. Fans of Christina Lauren and Rachel Lynn Solomon will adore this ode to true crime and its poignant message of opening your heart to love, even when that's the scariest thing of all * Amy Lea, author of Set on You *Love in the Time of Serial Killers is funny, sharp, and thoughtful * Sarah Hogle, author of You Deserve Each Other *Smart, clever, and slow-burn steamy, Love in the Time of Serial Killers is a fresh, lovable rom-com that tackles facing our fear of not only the worst life can bring but the very best and being brave enough to take a chance on love * Chloe Liese, author of The Bergman Brothers series *

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Book SynopsisWith a cover design by Lucienne DayWhen Mrs Hawkins tells Hector Bartlett he is a 'pisseur de copie', that he 'urinates frightful prose', little does she realise the repercussions. Holding that 'no life can be carried on satisfactorily unless people are honest' Mrs Hawkins refuses to retract her judgement, and as a consequence, loses not one, but two much-sought-after jobs in publishing. Now, years older, successful, and happily a far cry from Kensington, she looks back over the dark days that followed, in which she was embroiled in a mystery involving anonymous letters, quack remedies, blackmail and suicide.Trade ReviewThe divine Spark is shining at her brightest . . . Pure delight * Claire Tomalin, INDEPENDENT *An outstanding novel . . . A FAR CRY FROM KENSINGTON has an effortless, transluscent grasp of the spirit of the period * OBSERVER *'Wonderfully entertaining - full of absurd, comical, engaging characters and written with typical wit, elegance and aplomb * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *One of Muriel Spark's most liberating, liberated and meditative novels. Spark is a writer who can take the meditative and make it mercurially funny, playful and mischievous * Ali Smith *

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Book Synopsis'[A] warm and witty exploration of our hidden vulnerabilities' - Catherine Simpson Ellis’s life has crumbled without warning. Her boyfriend has fallen in love with someone else, her job’s insecure, her bank account’s empty and she has a mouthful of unreliable teeth. Forced back to her childhood home, there is little in the way of comfort. Her mum is dating a younger man (a dentist, no less) and is talking of selling the house, her sister, Lana, is furious all the time, and a distant cousin has now arrived from the States to stay with them. During a long, hot Edinburgh summer, Ellis’s world spins out of control. She’s dogged by toothache, her ex won’t compensate her for the flat and somehow she’s found herself stalking his new lover on Facebook. Will Ellis realise before it’s too late that the bite she was born with is worth preserving? 'There's a huge emotional punch packed into this deceptively light novel' - Sally Morris, Daily Mail For fans of Sally Rooney, Meg Mason and Marian Keyes.Trade Review'There's a huge emotional punch packed into this deceptively light novel ... May's darkly funny take on vulnerability, responsibility and complicated relationships promises more to come' -- Sally Morris * Daily Mail *'An agreeably light novel which is also a serious examination of human relationships ... it treats the everyday world of common experience as serious matter for fiction. This is refreshingly unusual today' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'Compulsively readable, darkly funny... May has a keen eye for the manifestation of emotional complexity in all human interaction and a talent for dramatising it.' -- Venezia Castro * The Skinny *'A truthful, funny, beautifully-written and compulsive read. Lynsey May dissects the everyday traps women manage to set for ourselves with forensic wit and a fine eye for detail.' -- Kirstin Innes'Instantly gripping with details that place you right there, in Ellis’s disintegrating life. Weak Teeth is an emotional exploration of the aftermath of a breakup, and how grief can linger on for years, shaping everyday decisions. A beautiful, compelling story that will stay with me.' -- Rachel Greenlaw, author'In her debut fiction novel Weak Teeth, Lynsey May pulls up the roots of trauma, both in relationships and the body. It probes what can happen when life confronts you in unmistakeable ways that force you to take back control' -- Jenni Fagan'Full of pin-sharp observations about human nature and shot through with May’s pitch black, glorious sense of humour - as well as compassion for her flawed characters - May uses the fragility of our teeth to craft a tender metaphor for the human heart. I was blindsided by the wisdom, savagery and tenderness in it' -- Lucy Ribchester, author of The Hourglass Factory'Weak Teeth is a warm and witty exploration of our hidden vulnerabilities, our unspoken disappointments, the embarrassing subtext of our lives. Sharply observed and hugely enjoyable' -- Catherine Simpson'Weak Teeth marks the debut of an individual and original new voice in Scottish writing, a book which leaves you wanting more' -- Alistair Braidwood * Scots Whay Hae! *'Comparing a story to toothache might not seem like a compliment, but for this debut coming-of-age novel about finding yourself after heartbreak, it really is' -- Lily Lindon * LoveReading *'The most striking debut of the year, an original and new voice in Scottish writing, a book that leaves you wanting more' * Snack Magazine, Top 10 Books of 2023 *'Lynsey May’s debut Weak Teeth comes with a bite that belies its title' * Sunday Post *'Explores themes of grief, family and mental illness with lightness of touch and plenty of warmth' * The Bookseller *'Weak Teeth is a fresh telling of one family's clash with grief. Packed to the neck with little chewable sentences. A wonderful read.’ -- Tish Delaney, author of The Saint of Lost Things'There are some books, some characters whose company is pure happiness. I’m thinking of Diary of a Bookseller, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, The Rosie Project, and this. The characters are endearing, the outlook is positive, the humour dry. All good stuff. Enjoyed every second' * Audiobooks Nest Reviews *'an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel that can be read at different levels depending on your preferred approach' -- Ken Lussey * Undiscovered Scotland *'a sharp, witty and warm read' * Bookmark Book Festival, Book of the Month *'an excellent debut... an emotional, darkly humorous tale of a world spinning out of control' * The List *

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Book SynopsisAngel is dark and plain, introverted and submissive, a spontaneous composer of childish verses, wholly consumed by the wild, seductive spell of her cousin Lara - a beautiful, irresponsible creature who expresses herself in free-form dance.What begins as a tender and intimate attachment between two young girls deepens in adulthood into something complex and perilous, as Lara''s life spins in increasingly erratic circles while Angel''s passionate devotion to her remains undiminished. It is a feverish and impenetrable relationship, of reckless master and willing slave, one forged to shield both Angel and Lara from the harshness of their surroundings, as well as from the far greater terrors of the self. It is a relationship that will end in terror for the young women, and for their families.Set against the vivid, dream-like landscape of of Manhattan in the recent past, Poet and Dancer is an altogether unforgettable novel, written with the subtlety, wry humour and Trade ReviewAll the vibrant, cosmopolitan buzz of roaring Manhattan pulses through this disturbing read * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThe moving and life-affirming bestseller, perfect for anyone who loves unforgettable storiesLONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN''S PRIZE FOR FICTION AND A RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK''I absolutely loved Because of You. Fantastic, passionate, compassionate, so much wisdom, a lot of humour, very real and credible'' BERNARDINE EVARISTO, Booker Prize-winning author of Girl, Woman, Other''Gorgeous . . . wise and full of love'' MARIAN KEYES__________Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock . . . midnight.As the old millennium turns into the new, two very different women give birth to two very similar daughters.Hope leaves with a beautiful baby girl.Anna leaves with empty arms.Seventeen years later, the truth of that night starts rolling, terrible and deep, toward them all.A reckoning is coming. Lives will collide.And mother-love will be tested . . .Trade ReviewI absolutely loved Because of You. Fantastic, passionate, compassionate, so much wisdom, a lot of humour, very real and credible -- BERNARDINE EVARISTO, Booker Prize-winning author of Girl, Woman, OtherGorgeous . . . wise and sad and full of love * Marian Keyes *An extraordinary book - sad, heartening, gripping and reassuringly human -- Jo BrandIncredible * Russell Brand *Dawn tackles the big ones - love, death, grief, childhood, motherhood, parenthood - head on * Guardian *Harrowing but uplifting . . . It is a book about mistakes, regret, forgiveness and unconditional love * Daily Mirror *Fans who have waited five long years for French's fourth novel won't be disappointed: Because Of You is a book with a beating heart, a story told with warmth and verve * Daily Express *Moving . . . French's best yet * Good Housekeeping *The final scenes are so perfectly executed they almost broke my heart. Because of You is a story to cherish * Sunday Express *Told with French's unfailing wit and warmth, Because Of You is the tale of family bonds and the mother-daughter relationships that ultimately make us who we are * Independent *Brilliant . . . a moving read that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page * Closer *A fantastic page-turner * Mail on Sunday *Beautifully observed * The Times *Wise and poignant, Because of You is a story about mothers and daughter, love and loss, mistakes and regrets, and family bonds * Eastern Daily Press *A must-read story told with compassion and heart * Sunday Express *French always writes so melodically about the truth of human nature . . . French manages to pick your heart up with the nib of her pen and slowly pull it apart, heart-wrenchingly, page by page . . . A true writing talent * My Weekly *An emotionally charged story - and a heartbreaking twist at the end * Hello! *A warmly told story about the bond between mothers and daughters * Evening Standard *Warm, witty and wise . . . I raced through * Daily Mail *A powerful and emotional book * Good Housekeeping *A bright, brilliant and heartbreaking tale of two mothers, two babies and the far-reaching consequences of one fateful day * Yahoo! Style *A beautifully powerful story about mothers, family and sacrifice * Sun *An uplifting story about mothers and daughters and familial relationships, in which two very different women give birth to two very similar daughters on the same night * Woman & Home *Arresting page-turner * Best *A novel her fans are sure to love * Woman's Weekly *A story of love, identity and belonging * i *Heartbreaking and humorous in equal measures * Boundless *A bouncy, comedy drama. Funny, poignant and bursting with joie de vivre * Daily Mail *A thought-provoking read . . . shows the true extent of motherly love * Publishers Association *Dawn French moves between the aftermath of that fateful night and 18 years later, when the explosive impact of Hope's actions is finally felt * Daily Express *A heartfelt story, handled so carefully and empathetically -- Aisling BeaBecause Of You is a tale told with warmth by a storyteller who never takes herself too seriously * Sunday Express *Heartbreaking but redemptive, and lightened by French's trademark humour, this is a compelling read that will keep you poised between laughter and tears * Daily Mail *A tantalising story of motherhood told with Dawn French's signature warmth * Sainsbury's Magazine *As ever, even in the darkest of times, Dawn has found humour to inject into her novel * Best *A brilliant book * Good Housekeeping *The life-affirming and unmissable new novel * Eastern Daily Press *A tale told with warmth * Daily Record *While Dawn French's latest novel contains a dash of humour, it's also heart-wrenching * The Hunsbury Handbook *A fabulous emotional tearjerker of a novel * Silversurfers *Praise for Dawn French * - *Hilarious and brilliant * Woman & Home *I adored According to YES. It's so different to anything I've read in forever, so charming, wise, brilliantly written. I loved it allWitty and wise, it'll have you burning the midnight oil. A cracker * Woman's Weekly *Very funny and packs an emotional clout. Brilliant! * Heat *An enlightening and feel-good read offering a fresh look at life and how to embrace it. Funny and enjoyable to the end * We Love This Book *There is lots of fun to be had reading this book. It's impossible not to warm to Rosie, a funny and open-hearted woman who acts as a salve and comfort blanket for this unhappy, inhibited family. There's something quite joyous about the way she unashamedly romps her way through the novel, changing the lives of those around her for the better * Express *Another hilarious novel! * Bella *French can spin a yarn . . . which sets According to YES apart. Think the vicar of Dibley, without the dog collar. YES YES YES indeed * Independent *Wise and poignant * Beyond the Joke *Heart-warming * Choice Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThis was truly the Christmas romance of my dreams 5 ?, Reader reviewWill all three women have their Christmas wishes come true?Christmas is coming and best friends Chloe, Jules, and Lucy are needing change so swapping homes for the holidays could be the perfect present for all of them!Australian Chloe spends her Christmas in a sleepy village in Oxfordshire, England. She is totally star-struck when she discovers who lives across the road.Lucy, who has jetted off to snowy Colorado for her dream-come-true white Christmas, is taken into the fold of Jules's loud and brash family, discovering more about herself in a few short days than she has in years.And Jules leaves the cold climes of Colorado to spend her Christmas on a beach with Chloe's friends in Melbourne, finding that time away is just what she needed.The only thing better than one Christmas romance is three, the perfect festive read for fans of Sarah Morgan, Holly Martin and Karen Swan.*Sandy's BRAND NEW Christmas romance, The ChriTrade Review“The Christmas Swap was GREAT! This was truly the Christmas romance of my dreams and I can't wait to read her other books.” “To say I really enjoyed this book may be an understatement!… I only found one drawback to this book, and that is it finished, so I'm hoping (well, more like begging) that this book turns into a series,” “This sweet holiday story had me totally hooked! If you’re looking for a fun, romantic, different take on a Christmas novel, you should absolutely pick this one up!” “I had so much fun reading this. It was super cheesy in the best way. I found myself grinning silly and trying to hide it while I read in public. ” “This story was everything I want in a holiday read” “What a delightful, heart-warming book! I absolutely adored reading this book that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy! If you’re a fan of The Holiday, you’ll definitely like this one. Three Christmas swaps in one book, what a treat!” “There’s such a tremendous warmth about the whole book – the settings, the festive touches, the way the characters develop and discover themselves, that strong friendship, the perfect romances – and I entirely loved it. You really must add it to your Christmas reading list – you’re going to love it too.” “This is a great escapist read and was just what I needed… This is a great read if you are looking for a warm and cosy snuggle up on the sofa with some happy feel good vibes.” “A great festive story, or three, for putting you in a Christmas mood – very enjoyable.” “This book was great. An easy, uplifting, hopeful read in these crazy Covid times”

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Book SynopsisThe third book in the multi-million copy bestselling No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency seriesThe one with the boy who might have been raised by lionsFacing financial trouble, the No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency is obliged to move into the same premises as Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. And on top of her domestic complications with her fiancé Mr J. L. B. Matekoni and his adopted children, Motholeli and Puso, Mma Ramotswe faces several challenging cases. These include some unattractive behaviour among the contestants in a beauty pageant, and the perplexing discovery of a boy running wild, who smells of lion...''Charming, delightful, feel-good stuff'' Daily Express''Unalloyed pleasure'' Sunday Telegraph''Charming'' Scotland on Sunday''One of the most entrancing treats of many a year'' Wall Street JournalTrade ReviewCharming, delightful, feel-good stuff * Daily Express *One of the most entrancing treats of many a year * Wall Street Journal *Unalloyed pleasure * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis''[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.'' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh''A shining light in our dark days'' - 5 STAR reader reviewAfter an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom''s class. On top of that, his colleague''s malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud momentTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR GERVASE PHINN:Good old-fashioned yarn-spinning * The Bookbag *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 *As Yorkshire's favourite school inspector turns to fiction, you can enjoy memorable characters and turns of phrase. * Choice *Written with all the humour and warmth one has come to expect from this master storyteller. * Countryman *A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing. * Alan Titchmarsh *

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Book Synopsis*** CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUTHOR OF THE YEAR 2022***Step into the lives of three women whose ambitions collide in the hilarious and heart-warming novel from the No. 1 bestselling author of Grown Ups''Wonderful, subtle, hilarious and highly sophisticated. You can''t stop reading'' EVENING STANDARD''It had me in tears . . . and barking with laughter'' DAILY TELEGRAPH___________''There are three sides to every story. Your side, their side, and the truth . . .''Jojo, a sharkish literary agent, has just made a very bad career move - she''s slept with her married boss Mark.Lily, Jojo''s bestselling author, has blown her advance on a house with new boyfriend Anton, only to come down with writer''s block.Gemma used to be Lily''s best friend until Lily ran off with Anton. Now she''s pouring her heart out, and a certain literary agent likes her style . . .Soon the fortunes of Jojo, Lily and Gemma are horribly entangled.But each is about to discover that there''s more than one side to every story . . .___________''Keyes''s genius lies in making the darkest, most difficult aspects of humanity mentionable and manageable . . . Keyes''s plot is cracking, but the story becomes even bolder and brighter because she lets her characters tell it'' Independent''Packed with sound writing, wit and common sense'' GuardianPraise for Marian Keyes:''Mercilessly funny'' The Times''Funny, tender and completely absorbing!'' Graham Norton''Keyes is in a class of her own'' Daily ExpressTrade ReviewKeyes's genius lies in making the darkest, most difficult aspects of humanity mentionable and manageable . . . Keyes's plot is cracking, but the story becomes even bolder and brighter because she lets her characters tell it * Independent *Another chart-topping blockbuster from goddess Marian Keyes . . . packed with sound writing, wit and common sense * Guardian *Fabulously brilliant * Heat *Wildly funny, romantic and nearly impossible to put down * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis*** CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUTHOR OF THE YEAR 2022***Relish the wit and wisdom of Marian Keyes in this story of four women caught up in what seems like love, but may be something much darker . . . from the No. 1 bestselling author of Grown Ups''So funny, so perceptive, so real . . . I changed my life for this book'' MAIL ON SUNDAY''An emotional tour de force with genuine human warmth'' INDEPENDENT___________''Everybody remembers where they were the day they heard that Paddy de Courcy was getting married''Slick, handsome politician Paddy de Courcy is on the up. His party is set to do well in the elections and he''s just announced his engagement to the beautiful Alicia.Which is news to his girlfriend, Lola, who, within hours, finds herself dumped and warned not to talk to the press.Yet journalist Grace is on the prowl. She has been after Paddy ever since he ruined her sister Marnie''s life way back in college.Grace is looking for the inside story and thinks Lola holds the key . . .But do any of them know the real Paddy?___________''The laughs come fast and furious . . . a gripping, compelling tale'' Sunday Independent''The queen of page-turners . . . brimming with her trademark down-to-earth wit'' Cosmopolitan''Gripping from the start . . . the master at her best'' Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewThis is an emotional tour de force, with a plot that packs great power but is lifted, as always, by genuine human warmth * Independent *The laughs come fast and furious . . . a gripping, compelling tale * Sunday Independent *The queen of page-turners . . . brimming with her trademark down-to-earth wit * Cosmopolitan *Gripping from the start . . . the master at her best * Daily Telegraph *Keyes' multi-layered plotting has never been as ingenious as in this . . . It's her best book yet * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisDiscover bestselling author Jonathan Coe''s hilarious sequel to The Rotters'' Club!It''s the end of the century and Benjamin Trotter and friends are all grown up. Life is a ceaseless whirl of jobs, marriages, kids - and self-inflicted angst. Despite the shiny optimism of Blair''s Britain, youthful hopes and dreams feel betrayed. Is the Government (and by extension Benjamin''s MP brother Paul) to blame? Or are the ''rotters'' themselves - only passingly faithful to their dreams - really at fault? The Closed Circle depicts a group of former school friends as older, wiser and disillusioned in Blair''s Britain at the turn of the millennium, proving that the present can never truly be disentangled from the past.THE STORY CONTINUES IN MIDDLE ENGLAND.__________ ''Terrific. An incisive portrait of Britain at the turn of the century'' Spectator ''Coe''s finest achievement since What a Carve up!'' Time Out ''Popular fiction at its best'' Daily MailWritten with his signature wit, Jonathan Coe''s unmissable new novel, The Proof of My Innocence, is available to order now!

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Book SynopsisThe impressively versatile Joanne Harris in her psychological thriller mode, at her darkest and most unsettling. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Susan Hill, Nicci French and Val McDermid.''A magnificently plotted and twisty journey to the heart of a 24-year-old crime...darkly humorous...constantly wrongfoots and misdirects...up to a satisfyingly eccentric conclusion.'' -- Observer''Classy writing, sensitive and moving.'' -- The Times''Harris pulls off an impeccable thriller denouement...consistently entertaining.'' -- Sunday Times''Just fabulous'' -- ***** Reader review''An absolute triumph of a book'' -- ***** Reader review''Twists, turns and droll humour - a great read!'' -- ***** Reader review''Absorbing'' -- ***** Reader review*************************************************************Trade ReviewA magnificently plotted and twisty journey to the heart of a 24-year-old crime...darkly humorous...constantly wrongfoots and misdirects...up to a satisfyingly eccentric conclusion. * Observer *Slowly, Harris reveals tiny clues, withholding full explanations until the startling denouement. Classy writing, sensitive and moving. * The Times *Harris pulls off an impeccable thriller denouement...consistently entertaining. -- John Dugdale * Sunday Times *It's Goodbye, Mr Chips meets The Bad Seed. Joanne Harris' latest has a killer elevator pitch and, what's more, it delivers on its intriguing premise...a rich, dramatic tale that builds to a surprising conclusion. * Washington Post *A masterpiece of misdirection. -- Val McDermid

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Book SynopsisNo.1 bestselling author Gill Sims is back with her eagerly awaited fourth and finalWhy Mummynovel.I just wanted them to stop wittering at me, eat vegetables without complaining, let me go to the loo in peace and learn to make a decent gin and tonic. Mummy has been a wife and mother for so long that she's a little bit lost. And despite her best efforts, her precious moppets still don't know the location of the laundry basket, the difference between being bored and being hungry, or that saying I can't find it Mummy' is not the same as actually looking for it!Amidst the chaos of A-Levels and driving tests, she's doing her best to keep her family afloat, even if everybody is set on drifting off in different directions, and that one of those directions is to make yet another bloody snack. She's feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated, and the only thing that Mummy knows for sure is that the bigger the kids, the bigger the drink.Reader reviews for Why Mummy's SloshedUtterlybrilliant' ?????

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Book Synopsis''An achingly funny anti-hero'' Daily Mail''My comfort read. The best diaries ever written - with apologies to Samuel Pepys, Bridget Jones and me'' ADAM KAYIn the SIXTH book in Sue Townsend''s hilarious and iconic series, Adrian, Leicester''s most unlikely ex-con, faces the nit-infested reality of being a single parent . . . __________ Monday January 3, 2000 So how do I greet the New Millennium? In despair. I''m a single parent, I live with my mother . . . I have a bald spot the size of a jaffa cake on the back of my head . . . I can''t go on like this, drifting into early middle-age. I need a Life Plan . . . The ''same age as Jesus when he died'', Adrian Mole has become a martyr: a single-father bringing up two young boys in an uncaring world. With the ever-unattainable Pandora pursuing her ambition to become Labour''s first female PM; his over-achieving half-brother Brett sTrade ReviewCelebrate Adrian Mole's 50th Birthday with this new edition of the sixth book in his diaries where Adrian, Leicester's most unlikely ex-con, faces the nit-infested reality of being a single parent * from the publisher's description *Told with Townsend's trademark deadpan humour and cringe-worthy mishaps. To people of a certain age, Adrian Mole was their Harry Potter * News of the World *Very funny indeed. A satire of our times * Sunday Times *An achingly funny anti-hero * Daily Mail *Adrian Mole is one of the great comic creations of our time * Scotsman *To people of a certain age, Adrian Mole was their Harry Potter. Loveable in its celebration of mediocrity, it's told with Townsend's trademark deadpan humour * News of the World *The diaries are a satire of our times...very funny indeed * The Sunday Times *Adrian Mole is one of the great comic creations of our time * Scotsman *To people of a certain age, Adrian Mole was their Harry Potter. Loveable in its celebration of mediocrity, it's told with Townsend's trademark deadpan humour * News of the World *The diaries are a satire of our times...very funny indeed * The Sunday Times *The funniest person in the world * Caitlin Moran *

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1921, this volume collects some of the most comical stories Kipling published throughout his writing career. These tales derive their humour from absurd situations – a drunken Irish soldier waking up to find himself worshipped as a god in the Indian holy city of Benares, a monkey let loose in an English village – and from lampooning the attitudes and discourses of the time. While presenting many aspects which will be familiar to Kipling readers – rollicking adventures, exotic locales and an interest in the animal world – these Humorous Tales explore the more light-hearted and amusing side to the great master’s work.Trade Review[Kipling] is still an author who can inspire passionate disagreement … as the age of the European empires recedes, he is recognised as an incomparable, if controversial, interpreter of how empire was experienced. That, and an increasing recognition of his extraordinary narrative gifts, make him a force to be reckoned with. -- Douglas KerrTable of ContentsContains: The Legend of Mirth, The Taking of Lungtungpen, Moti Guj Mutineer, The Rout of the White Hussars, The First Sailor, Judson and the Empire, Namgay Doola, My Sunday at Home, Pig, Alnaschar and the Oxen, The Bull That Thought, A Flight of Fact, Private Learoyd's Story, The Finances of the Gods, Prologue to the Master Cook's Tale, His Gift, The Press, The Village That Voted the Earth Was Flat, The Puzzler (Poem), The Puzzler (Tale), The Incarnation of Krishna Mulvaney, Gallio's Song, Little Foxes, My Lord the Elephant, Brugglesmith, The Sending of Dana Da, The Fabulists, The Vortex, The Song of Seven Cities, The Necessitarian.

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Book SynopsisThe hilarious second novel, and Sunday Times No 1 Bestseller, from author of the smash hit Why Mummy Drinks.Monday, 25 JulyThe first day of the holidays. I suppose it could've been worse. I brightly announced that perhaps it might be a lovely idea to go to a stately home and learn about some history. As soon as we got there I remembered why I don't use the flipping National Trust membership because National Trust properties are full of very precious and breakable items, and very precious and breakable items don't really mix with children, especially not small boys. Where I had envisaged childish faces glowing with wonder as they took in the treasures of our nation's illustrious past, we instead had me shouting Don't touch, DON'T TOUCH, FFS DON'T TOUCH! while stoutly shod pensioners tutted disapprovingly and drafted angry letters to the Daily Mail in their heads.How many more days of the holiday are there?Welcome to Mummy's worldThe Boy Child Peter is connected to his iPad by an umbiliTrade Review“God, she’s funny” – Jilly Cooper “Full of laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a must-read” – Hello Magazine “Honest and very funny – it’s a tale that mums will identify with” – The Sun “Reading Why Mummy Swears will be to some mummies just like having that 5pm snifter – it makes you feel that little bit better.” – Private Eye “Sim’s latest offering is a hilarious follow-up to her bestselling debut… you’d be forgiven for thinking the blogger behind Peter and Jane couldn’t pull it off twice – but she has” – The Sunday Post

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Book Synopsis''Lauren delivers laughs, heart, and swoon all in one ridiculously fun story'' SARAH ADAMSJust a date . . . or a twist of fate? Science meets art in this delightfully swoony romance of fate and second chances by Lauren Kung Jessen. When it comes to love and art, Rooney Gao believes in signs. Most of all, she believes in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. That belief has inspired her career and the large art installations she makes. That is until artist''s block strikes and Rooney begins to question everything. But then fate leads her to the perfect guy. . .Jack Liu is absurdly smart, successful, handsome, and after one enchanting New York night all signs point to destiny. Only Jack doesn''t believe in such a thing. And after their magical date, it looks like they might be lost to each other forever . . . until they''re given one more chance to reconnect. But can Rooney convince a reluctant

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