Humorous fiction
Little, Brown Book Group Bilgewater
Book SynopsisMarigold Green calls herself ''hideous, quaint and barmy''. Other people calle her Bilgewater, a corruption of Bill''s daughter. Growing up in a boys'' school where her father is housemaster, she is convinced of her own plainness and peculiarity. Groomed by the wise and loving Paula, upstaged by bad, beautiful Grace and ripe for seduction by entirely the wrong sort of boy, she suffers extravagantly and comically in her pilgrimage through the turbulent, twilight world of alarming adolescenceTrade ReviewShe does fiction as it should be done, with confidence and insight -- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie * Observer *Lively....excellent * The TIMES *One of the funniest, most entertaining, most unusual stories about young love * EVENING STANDARD *A striking story * TLS *
£9.49
Little, Brown Book Group In The Company of Cheerful Ladies The No 1 Ladies
Book SynopsisThe sixth book in the multi-million copy bestselling No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency seriesThe one where Mma Makutsi finds a dancing partner . . . Although Mma Ramotswe and Mr J. L. B. Matekoni have finally settled down, at the shared premises of the No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency and Speedy Motors, the staff - especially Mma Makutsi and Charlie the garage apprentice - are not mixing in a perfectly peaceful manner. But in the course of investigating her latest case, of a very unhappy young lady, Mma Ramotswe''s tiny white van comes into contact with a man on a bicycle who might be able to restore harmony. And Mma Makutsi does at last seem to have found someone special... ''A rare pleasure'' Daily Telegraph''Gentle, rich'' Sunday Times''A strong, independent and endearing model for contemporary women'' Boston Globe''A literary confection... there is no end to the pleasTrade ReviewA rare pleasure * Daily Telegraph *Forget the library - the body is in the mud hut. An African Miss Marple created by a Scottish lawyer . . . superb * Sunday Times *One of the most entrancing literary treats of many a year * Wall Street Journal *A strong, independent, and endearing model for contemporary women anywhere . . . A crowded fictional genre will have to make room for Precious Ramotswe. In the best sense possible, she's a heavyweight * Boston Globe *McCall Smith's style melts words into instant meaning and the music of all the novel's principal voices is a chorus you cannot resist * Scotsman *A literary confection... Fortunately, since texts aren't cakes, there is no end to the pleasure * New York Times Book Review *Enchanting... In the Company of Cheerful Ladies may be the most compelling of the lot * Daily News *Beguiling, lyrical... blessed with McCall Smith's richly detailed portraits of life in Africa and his flair for storytelling with an engaging cast of fully realized characters * Los Angeles Times *A rare pleasure * Daily Telegraph *Forget the library - the body is in the mud hut. An African Miss Marple created by a Scottish lawyer . . . superb * Sunday Times *One of the most entrancing literary treats of many a year * Wall Street Journal *A strong, independent, and endearing model for contemporary women anywhere . . . A crowded fictional genre will have to make room for Precious Ramotswe. In the best sense possible, she's a heavyweight * Boston Globe *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan The Android's Dream
Book SynopsisFrom New York Times bestseller and Hugo Award-winner John Scalzi, The Android’s Dream is a wild-and-woolly caper novel of interstellar diplomacy.‘The Android’s Dream is just the right gene-splicing of fast action and furious comedy SF has been needing for ages’ – SFF180When a human kills an alien during diplomatic negotiations, the fall-out is astronomical. To prevent interstellar war, humanity must deliver an extremely rare sheep for the aliens’ coronation ceremony – or face enslavement. So Earth’s government turns to Harry Creek: ex-cop, war hero and hacker extraordinaire.It should be a straightforward mission, but there are others who covet the priceless animal. Ruthless mercenaries, a religious cult, and alien races eager to spark revolution. Harry’s mission will take him across the galaxy, as he tries to pull off the grand diplomatic coup of the century. There’ll only be one chance to save the life of the sheep – and ensure the future of humanity.Praise for John Scalzi:‘John Scalzi is the most entertaining, accessible writer working in SF today’ – Joe Hill‘Scalzi is one of the slickest writers that SF has ever produced’ – Wall Street JournalTrade ReviewWith plenty of alien gore to satisfy fans of military SF and inventive jabs at pretend patriotism and self-serving civil service, Scalzi delivers an effervescent but intelligent romp -- Publishers WeeklyThe Android’s Dream is just the right gene-splicing of fast action and furious comedy SF has been needing for ages -- SFF180Equal parts crime story, diplomatic drama, political intrigue and science fiction adventure . . . This is one of those books that makes science fiction fun -- SFSignalIt's a great read, and nothing to be sheepish about liking -- SFRevuRemarkably well-crafted entertainment . . . Highly, and enthusiastically, recommended -- SFSiteJohn Scalzi is the most entertaining, accessible writer working in SF today -- Joe Hill
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers Inc Razzmatazz
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Smart and funny and all sorts of raunchy in the best way. . . Dazzles, entertains and squeezes in more than a few laughs. . . Razzmatazz is another success for Christopher Moore.” — San Francisco Chronicle “Moore and his merry band of miscreants are firmly on the right side of history—and they will make you laugh until it hurts.” — BookPage (starred review) "There is literally a laugh on every page of this book (several, on some pages), and with its fast-paces, deliberately helter-skelter storyline, it sinks its hooks deeply and never lets go." — Booklist "A humorous romp. . . . Moore’s fans and those who like their noir with a side of slapstick and the supernatural will enjoy." — Publishers Weekly “Razzmatazz is marked with the same sort of coarse charm that permeates all of Moore’s books. . . . There’s chaos at play throughout—there’s a LOT going on—yet Moore handles it deftly, resulting in a book whose myriad fractured storylines ultimately come together in a delightfully droll denouement.” — The Maine Edge "Razzmatazz is Christopher Moore once again at his unique best. Bravo!" — Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star "Moore’s trademark humor is on full display with his cast of strangely lovable characters. This is Shakespeare with an edge and will not only appeal to Moore’s fans but garner new ones." — Library Journal (starred review) on Shakespeare for Squirrels “This book is so funny, so full of gloriously ludicrous characters and plausibility-defying goings-on that reading it in public should only be undertaken if you don’t mind making a spectacle of yourself. Because you will laugh. Out loud.” — Winnipeg Free Press “Buckle in for Shakespeare for Squirrels, an uproarious take on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream—transformed into a murder mystery. . . A funny, fast-paced, and wild read.” — Huffington Post "It takes a certain amount of guts and wild abandon to recast a Shakespeare comedy as a hard-boiled detective story, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s master satirist Moore, whose gift for funny business apparently knows no bounds. . . . A welcome return of a fan-favorite character in a romp of a tale that will delight not only mystery buffs but also fantasy fanatics, and, of course, Bard lovers." — Booklist (starred review) on Shakespeare for Squirrels “Christopher Moore gives us dizzy dames and shadowy gangsters in Noir. Sammy, Moore’s comic revision of Sam Spade, will take you on a silly-thrilly ride through late-1940s San Francisco, and you’ll be laughing all the way.” — Washington Post “[A] pedal-to-the-metal, exquisitely written comic romp through a neon-lit San Francisco that may never have actually existed, but that, in Moore’s supremely talented hands, sure feels like it could have.” — Booklist (starred review) on Noir
£10.44
HarperCollins Publishers Why Mummy Drinks at Christmas
Book SynopsisI romped through Why Mummy Drinks at Christmas', and I absolutely adored it' Jilly CooperTis' the season to get trollied!Mummy has always loved Christmas. Sure, the kids turn into demons, the dinner gets burnt to a crisp and Aunt Louisa's general staggering inappropriateness sends Mummy reaching for the nearest maximum-strength festive tipple, but nevertheless, for her, Christmas is always special.This year, she wants nothing more than to perfectly fig up the pudding and sit by the fire reading aloud from A Christmas Carol to a rapt, rosy-cheeked audience. But, just like all Mummy's best-laid plans, this year's Festive Vision is in danger of being totally derailed by her chaotic family. There's not much chance of any action under the mistletoe, and the kids are just not playing ball.Can Mummy find her silver lining after all and bring the whole family together for one moment of harmony, so they can finally proclaim Verily You Are the Queen of Christmas'? Or should she get stuck into the festive spirits and just let it all go?Trade Review‘Such a great writer’ Jilly Cooper
£15.29
HarperCollins Publishers Murder at the Book Festival
Book Synopsis''Wow, what a read! Great plot and characters. Everything you want in a mystery. This series gets better with every book'' NetGalley reviewer, ?????When a body is found at the Merrywell Book Festival, amateur sleuth Violet Brewster must leave no page unturned to solve the mysteryThe small and idyllic village of Merrywell is getting ready to host its first ever book festival, and Violet Brewster is delighted when she is asked to interview the star author.Leonie Stanwick, now a bestselling romance author, is the featured guest of the festival. She was born in Merrywell, but abruptly left when she was 18 years old and never came back.But the festival takes a dark turn when Leonie is found murdered; her return to the village had clearly shaken someone up. When a shocking secret about Leonie's past is revealed, Violet's suspicions must turn to her own neighbours. Who in the village was intent on making sure Leonie could never leave the village again?An utterly gripping and unputdownable Eng
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group The Second Chance Year
Book Synopsis''I could not put this one down. Just a truly fun and satisfying read from start to finish'' ANITA KELLY''[A]n adorable, swoony, beautifully written romance that I devoured in a day. Full of warmth, heart (and food), I was completely charmed by Sadie and Jacob and cried all the happy tears. I didn''t want it to end!'' CATHERINE WALSHOne disastrous year. One magical wish. One chance to change the past. In one fell swoop, Sadie Thatcher managed to lose her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend. So when a fortune teller offers her one wish, Sadie longs to redo her awful year. More than a little sceptical, she makes her wish, opens her eyes, and . . . nothing has changed. And then, in perhaps her worst move yet, she kisses her brother''s best friend, Jacob.When Sadie wakes up the next morning, she''s in her former apartment with her former boyfriend, and her former boss is expecting her at work. She realises it''s January 1 . . . of l
£9.89
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Bergdorf Blondes
Book SynopsisThe no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling satire of New York high society from the wickedly funny Plum Sykes''Perfectly pitched playful, funny, satirical and sweet. I laughed out loud many times'' Anna Wintour, Vogue''Sykes has a distinctive, wily and well-deployed comic voice Into the blender go Bridget Jones, Anita Loos, Sex and the City and Clueless; out comes a diabolically amusing concoction'' New York Times''A masterpiece: never has intelligence been so wickedly dark, on-point and outright funny ... I'm full of awe and admiration'' Alain de Botton on Party Girls Die in PearlsMeet moi, a champagne bubble of a girl about town working at being a princess by day and by night on the prowl for that elusive, must-have accessory every girl simply demands: an impossibly rich fiancé''. It shouldn't be too tricky. After all, her BFF is Julie Bergdorf, department store heiress, Trade ReviewA masterpiece: never has intelligence been so wickedly dark, on-point and outright funny ... I’m full of awe and admiration * Alain de Botton on Party Girls Die in Pearls *Highly entertaining and intelligent … Whips along at an exhilarating speed * Mail on Sunday *Sparkling, bliss, glitteringly honest … A delicious bubble of a book. I haven’t had so much fun since re-reading the Mitford novels -- Rachel Johnson * Spectator *Plum Sykes channels Nancy Mitford and Holly Golightly with great charm and sweetness -- Jane GreenRiveting, the sparkiest kind of fable * The Times *Perfectly pitched – playful, funny, satirical and sweet. I laughed out loud many times -- Anna Wintour * Vogue *Bright, funny … Haute couture chick lit -- Candace BushnellSykes has a distinctive, wily and well-deployed comic voice … Into the blender go Bridget Jones, Anita Loos, Sex and the City and Clueless; out comes a diabolically amusing concoction -- Janet Maslin * New York Times *Mishaps and misadventures, fabulously accessorized, très romantic. A comedy of social mores in Manhattan * Daily Mail *Explosive … Lifts the lid on the swirling social world of New York’s fashion industry * Daily Express *Savagely funny * Observer *Fun, bubbly, riveting * Daily Telegraph *Hilarious, witty and clever, it’s the story of a New York society girl about town with a wardrobe to die for and loads of charm * Woman & Home *Sykes has an upbeat, breathy style … Sharp observations * New Statesman *Playfully witty … A deft, sparky, sharply observed comedy * Metro *Fizzes like a lychee bellini * In Style *Sharply observed, frothy * Tatler *If dreaming how the other half lives appeals, you’ll be delighted by this tale of an English girl let loose among the platinum blondes, peach bellinis and Park Avenue mansions of New York’s high fliers * Red *
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Once Upon a Leap Year
Book SynopsisYou will fall for Noah and Lucy . . . this is one of those stories that will capture your attention and not let it go' Reader review ?????I couldn't get enough of this story' Reader review ?????I was hooked from page one. Following Noah and Lucy''s life over twenty years broke my heart, made me laugh and eventually had me swooning' Reader review ?????* * *A gorgeous, high-concept romcom about finding love and daring to take a chance. After all, it's all about timing. . .29th February 2000. Lucy's never met another leapling until she encounters Noah also spending his once-in-four-years birthday on a disappointing day trip to Calais. There's a spark that Lucy is sure Noah must feel too, and their friends insist they have amazing chemistry, but they're both with other people. It can never be more than platonic and that's OK.Over the next twenty years, they're at each other's side through all of life's big moments weddings, babies, new jobs, family illness but Lucy can never shake the feTrade Review'A great, heartwarming read' Fabulous 'This immersive romcom is just what you need on a cold winter's night' Chat 'A heartwarming read' That's Life
£8.54
Vintage Publishing Conference at Cold Comfort Farm
Book SynopsisRobert Poste''s child is back at Cold Comfort Farm. But all is not well. Flora finds the farm transformed into a twee haven filled with Toby jugs and peasant pottery, and rooms labelled ''Quiete Retreate'' and ''Greate laundrie''. It is, Flora winces, ''exactly like being locked in the Victoria and Albert Museum after closing time''. Worse, the farm is hosting a conference of the pretentious International Thinkers Group - a group made up of the ''sadistic owl'' Mr Peccavi, loathsome Mr Mybug and the overpowering Mrs Ernestine Thump. And worst of all, there are no Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm. All the he-cousins have gone abroad to make their fortunes and the female cousins are having a pretty thin time of it. Once again the sensible Flora decides to take the situation in hand.Trade ReviewGibbons was an acute and witty observer, and her dissection of the British class system is spot-on. * Mail on Sunday *Stella Gibbons is the Jane Austen of the twentieth century * Lynne Truss *Most of us wish we knew a real Flora Poste who could put straight our pretzeled lives -- Julie Birchill * Sunday Times *
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare The Cat Who
Book SynopsisIn the small town of Pickax an accident has claimed the life of the local paper''s eccentric publisher, but to Jim Qwilleran and his Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum it smells like murder. They soon sniff out a shocking secret - but Koko''s snooping into an unusual edition of Shakespeare may prove catastrophic. Because somewhere in Pickax a lady loves not wisely but too well, a widow is scandalously merry, and a stranger has a lean and hungry look. The stage is set for Qwilleran, Koko, Yum Yum and the second act of murder most meow...Trade ReviewPraise for the Cat Who... series:'The fastidious plotting is designed to appeal to more than just the cat-lover' The Times;'This droll and engaging mystery...firmly grips the reader...a lively witty tale bolstered by sharply etched characters' Publishers Weekly;'An engaging tongue-in-cheek yarn with a sting in the tail that won't just appeal to the cat-lover' Belfast Telegraph; 'It's a Wonderful Life meets The Aristocats in this daft but endearing whodunnit' Liverpool Daily Post;'Mrs Braun has a breezy style; the cats are really smart' New York Times Book Review;'Great fun!' Lawrence Block'Entertaining and absorbing mysteries which, in the tradition of all good whodunnits, keep you guessing right to the end' Dumfries and Galloway Standard'Lilian Jackson Braun purveys delight from beginning to end' Los Angeles Times'Like news from Lake Woebegon, Braun's Cat Who... series...has charmed readers' Publishers Weekly'Light-hearted originals... The mix of crime and cats [is] catnip to readers who like both' Chicago Sun-Times'An offbeat series with a good deal of charm' The Baltimore Sun'Braun writes with charm and sureness' Cleveland Plain Dealer
£9.49
Faber & Faber The Collected Stories of Lorrie Moore
Book SynopsisOne of the funniest writers alive.' Dave EggersHer stories, her stories, are perfect.' Slate''Such a delight.'' Sunday Telegraph''Poetic, sharp and devastatingly funny.'' GuardianA wonderful collection from one of the most acclaimed and influential writers of her generation.Since the publication of Self-Help, her first collection of stories, Lorrie Moore has been hailed as one of the greatest and most influential voices in American fiction. Her ferociously funny, soulful stories tell of the gulf between men and women, the loneliness of the broken-hearted and the yearned-for, impossible intimacies we crave. Gathered here for the first time in a beautiful hardback edition is the complete stories along with three new and previously unpublished in book form: Paper Losses, The Juniper Tree, Debarking.
£12.34
HarperCollins Publishers Tracy Flick Cant Win
Book SynopsisSoon to be a major filmTracy Flick, star of Election and one of the most memorable characters of our time, returns in this dark and insightful comedy about midlife.Ambitious and hardworking Tracy Flick feels underappreciated and stuck. Her job as a high school assistant principal isn't the political career she dreamed of as an over-achieving teen, so when the longtime principal abruptly announces his retirement, offering a rare chance of promotion, Tracy is filled with zeal at the prospect of success.But nothing ever comes easily to Tracy Flick, no matter how diligent or qualified she happens to be. As she takes her shot at the top job, her male colleagues' determination to honour Vito Falcone, a star quarterback of dubious character, triggers troubling memories of her high school experience, and storm clouds brewing in her present her goals, career and relationships send Tracy spiralling.One of the great writers that we have today. I love this book' Harlan CobenEngrossing and mordanTrade Review‘Engrossing and mordantly funny’ People ‘Told with Perrotta’s piercing wit, wisdom, and exquisite insight into human folly, Tracy’s second act delivers acerbic insight about frustrated ambition’ Esquire ‘One of the great writers that we have today. I love this book’ Harlan Coben ‘This is the rare sequel that lives up to the original’ Publishers Weekly ‘Brilliant, biting satire’ Associated Press ‘Humorous yet humane . . . prescient, darkly comical’San Francisco Chronicle ‘Short chapters from many perspectives keep readers alternately laughing and gasping’ Los Angeles Times ‘Perrotta’s great gift is that he lets his love for his characters, flaws and all, shine through. . . . I was rooting hard for Tracy Flick to, finally, win’ Seattle Times
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd A Long Time Coming
Book SynopsisThe addictive, savvy and steamy new romcom inspired by My Best Friend''s Wedding from bestselling author Meghan Quinn''Meghan Quinn is the QUEEN of romcoms'' 5***** Reader Review''Oh my . . . Meghan Quinn NEVER disappoints!'' 5***** Reader Review''Meghan Quinn knocks Rom Coms out of the park!'' 5***** Reader Review_________Ophelia thought wedding planning would be fun.But with her nightmare of a mother-in-law, she''s struggling to adjust to life with a ring on her finger.Thankfully her best friend of over ten years, Breaker, agrees to be her faithful ''man in waiting''.While nervous to play the part, Breaker takes his title very seriously.That is until he starts to realise that it''s not nerves he feels at all.But a weird, butterfly sensation directed at his soon-to-be-married best friend . . ._________Praise for Meghan Quinn:''I can''t gTrade ReviewI can't get enough of her writing. Her books are my romantic comedy happy place -- A Novel GlimpseMeghan is an absolute QUEEN when it comes to writing stories that are not only funny but have a lot of heart in them too -- Elle's Book Blog
£9.49
Amazon Publishing The Hollywood Jinx
Book SynopsisWhen Hollywood comes to small-town Ohio, the scene is set for an unpredictable romance in a fun and flirty novel by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love.The small town of Patience needs a financial boost. Temporary librarian and aspiring film-score composer Jane Wagner’s plan? Invite movie star Nick Haddon to the town’s harvest festival and stand back for the tourist surge. No one thought he’d say yes—much less that he’d bring a documentary crew to stream his visit.Given Nick’s affinity for trouble, his reputation and films are tanking. Patience is the perfect stopover on a journey of self-improvement and his chance to put good karma out in the universe. Spending time with a sweet and lovely guide like Jane is a bonus. But Jane’s heartbroken past keeps her on guard against men. Especially when they’re jinxed.The truth is, Jane’s falling hard. But she can’t ignore the differences between them. He’s famous. She isn’t. He’s here for two weeks. This is her home. Where can it possibly lead? She’ll see. Because day after blissful day, Nick’s encouraging Jane to trust again and, best of all, to dream beyond Patience.
£8.54
Duckworth Books Out of Service
Book SynopsisAfter the events in Coldbay where they sealed the hell hole, Lucy is trying to learn more about it and how to save Murzzzz from eternal damnation. Yes, he’s a demon and all, but he’s also a part of the family. Lucy’s turned to her diocese for guidance but they’ve gone strangely quiet so she persuades the Rooks to drive there so they can sort this out. On the way, they realise something is incredibly wrong with a motorway service station - it’s empty except for lingering, sad ghosts and… oh no, another hell hole has opened up and sucked in a load of people. They know they need to stay until they can rescue them and close it down, but not before they’ve done everything in their collective power to rescue Murzzzz. After all, one man’s hellhole is a family of ghost-hunter’s opportunity to save their demon friend. That’s the expression, right?Trade Review'Gabby is one of the funniest writers I know' Sarah Millican
£8.54
Pan Macmillan In A New York Minute: The laugh out loud romantic comedy and must read debut
‘A sweet, hilarious treat’ – Christina Lauren, author of The Soulmate EquationTheir love story has gone viral. But it hasn’t even begun . . .Franny Doyle is having the worst day. She’s been sacked, the subway doors ripped her favorite dress to ruins, and now she’s flashed her unmentionables to half of lower Manhattan. On the plus side, a dashing stranger came to her rescue with his (Gucci!) suit jacket. On the down side, he can’t get away from her fast enough.Worse yet? Someone posted their (entirely not) meet-cute online. Suddenly Franny and her rescuer, Hayes Montgomery, are the newest social media sensation, and all of New York is shipping the #SubwayQTs.Only Franny and Hayes couldn’t be a more disastrous match. She’s talkative, and creative. He’s serious, shy, and all about numbers. Yet somehow, Hayes and Franny keep running into each other. It seems fate isn't done with the subway sweethearts just yet . . .Kate Spencer’s In a New York Minute is a fresh, modern take on romantic comedy for fans of The Flatshare, Our Stop and One Day in December.‘Spencer writes with a wry lilt and a gift for dialogue’ – Entertainment Weekly
£8.54
Penguin Books Ltd Lake Success a novel
Book Synopsis*Over 50 Best of 2018 listings worldwide* ''Gary Shteyngart hears America perfectly; its fatuity, its poignant lament, its boisterous self-loathing. Its heartbeat. Reading him sometimes makes me want to scream - with recognition and with pure hilarity'' - Richard FordA riotously satirical road trip through modern America from the brilliant author of Super Sad True Love Story and AbsurdistanBarry Cohen, master of the universe, has just had a very public meltdown involving a dinner party, an insider trading investigation and a $30,000 bottle of Japanese whisky. So he flees New York City, leaving behind his beautiful young wife and son, but remembering to bring his six favourite designer watches. Zig-zagging south through Trump''s America on a Greyhound Bus pilgrimmage he is singularly unprepared for, Barry heads to Texas - to find his old college girlfriend and, with her, a shot at a second chance...LaTrade ReviewShteyngart, perhaps more than any American writer of his generation, is a natural. The wit and the immigrant's sense of heartbreak just seem to pour from him * The New York Times *Uproariously funny, bitingly satiric, yet also warm and big-hearted * Boston Globe *SPECTACULAR... More than just an artistic tour de force, Lake Success succeeds in saying something big about America today. By turns compassionate and mournful, wickedly satirical and ultimately aspirational. He captures what Philip Roth once called the 'indigenous American berserk' * NPR/Fresh Air *A novel in which comedy and pathos are exquisitely balanced * Washington Post *Gary Shteyngart hears America perfectly; its fatuity, its poignant lament, its boisterous self-loathing. Its heartbeat. Reading him sometimes makes me want to scream - with recognition and with pure hilarity -- Richard FordAn unforgettable road trip through an America that's ominously divided, wildly diverse, and weirdly familiar. Gary Shteyngart writes with brutal honesty, virtuoso wit, and stubborn compassion for his deeply flawed but still somehow lovable characters -- Tom Perrotta, bestselling author of 'The Leftovers'The funniest book you'll read all year. A rollicking and zinger-filled road trip [and] a poignant tale of a man trying to outrace his problems. Epic, melancholy, staggeringly beautiful -- Maria Semple, author of 'Where'd You Go, Bernadette?'A trip through the American wasteland - from the people who have too little, to the people who have too much. Incredibly smart, incredibly funny, incredibly tragic, and therefore incredibly human, this is the perfect novel for these dysfunctional times -- Nathan Hill, author of 'The Nix'A novel reflecting with perfect comedy and horrible tragedy exactly what America feels like right this minute. I barked with laughter, at the same time as wincing in pain. Shteyngart has held up a mirror to American culture that is so accurate and so devastating... Stupendous -- Elizabeth GilbertLake Success is a genial and warm-hearted book...a virtuoso piece of work, full of brilliant noticings...an unhysterical novel about a hysterical country at a hysterical time - the work of a novelist who believes in the power of fiction to illuminate out shared world. * Literary Review *Shteyngart does slapstick as well as ever, but he stakes out new terrain in the expert way he develops his characters' pathos.... A stylish, big-hearted novel. Shteyngart made his name as a sharp satirist, and he'll undoubtedly widen his appeal with this effort * Publisher's Weekly *The satirical layering is masterful. Dark - so dark - yet delicious. * Esquire *Lake Success is undeniably enjoyable, rattling along with good jokes and sharp set pieces, and shot through with Shteyngart's good-natured melancholy. * The Times *Referencing classic novels like The Great Gatsby and On the Road, Shteyngart whips up a novel that's part-satire and part-comedy of manners, humanising the super-rich while casting a critical eye over their world. It's funny, cutting, but above all compassionate * The Herald Magazine *Shteyngart's comic energy is well deployed on the ridiculously rich, especially amid Trump's campaign and his election by, perhaps, many Greyhound riders. * Daily Mail *
£8.99
Vintage Publishing Shylock is My Name
Book SynopsisA re-envisaging of Shakespeare''s The Merchant of Venice, from the Man Booker Prize-winner and our great chronicler of Jewish life. Who is this guy, Dad? What is he doing here?' With an absent wife and a daughter going off the rails, wealthy art collector and philanthropist Simon Strulovitch is in need of someone to talk to. So when he meets Shylock at a cemetery in Cheshire's Golden Triangle, he invites him back to his house. It's the beginning of a remarkable friendship ...Jacobson is quite simply a master of comic precision. He writes like a dream' Evening Standard''The funniest British novelist since Kingsley Amis or Tom Sharpe'' Mail on SundayTrade ReviewInspired...It does what any good literary subversion should do: deepens and enhances one's appreciation of the original. -- James Lasdun * Guardian *Jacobson’s writing is virtuoso. He is the master of shifting tones, from the satirical to the serious. His prose has the sort of elastic precision you only get from a writer who is truly in command … There's also deep and sincere soul-searching going on here -- Lucasta Miller * Independent *A brilliant conceit… A powerful reimagining and reinvention of Shakespeare’s character. -- Adam Lively * The Sunday Times *Howard Jacobson’s reworking of The Merchant of Venice is a sly success… Irascible, eloquent Shylock is a man transplanted from the play to today. -- Tim Martin * Daily Telegraph *Shylock is My Name has much to tell us about loss, identity and modern antisemitism ... Simon's debates with Shylock, snapshots of a man haranguing his literary Creator, are the heart of this book, knowing and humane -- Kate Maltby * The Times *
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Just for December
Book SynopsisEvie Bird is a romance writer whose latest bestseller is being made into a Christmas movie. Duke Carlisle is a world-famous actor who has landed the role of leading man.When Evie and Duke meet on set, it's a frosty encounter even icier than the cobbled Bavarian streets they''re filming on.But after images of them arguing leak to the press and put the movie in jeopardy, they are left with no choice but to fake date until the cameras stop rolling.As the pair start to put their differences aside, their feelings gradually begin to thaw But can sparks ever really fly in a snowstorm?Laura Jane Williams is BACK with the most romantic read of the festive season. If you love Christmas movies like The Holiday and The Christmas Prince, this is the read to warm your heart with this December.Readers love Just for December:This book has all the elements of a fun romcom that I love. It is dual pov, has great characters who love books and movies, and is enemies-to-lovers and fake dating. What more coTrade ReviewPraise for Laura Jane Williams: ‘Sexy, fun and full of heart.’ Beth O’Leary, author of The Flatshare ‘I have three words of advice: ADD TO CART.’ Hannah Doyle, author of The A to Z of Us ‘What a book! The ending was so perfect!’ Emily Stone, author of Always in December ‘OH MY WORD. Such a beautiful read… it just made me tingle with joy.’ Elle Cook, author of The Man I Never Met ‘A modern, playful romance with flirty rhyming texts, real bffs, and mind-blowing sex. So refreshing!’ Lily Lindon, author of Double Booked ‘An absolutely gorgeous, funny and romantic delight – I adored it!’ Rachael Lucas, author of The Winter Cottage ‘A five-star read you would give more than a night for!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘I just loved Nic and Ruby from the start […] they made me laugh and I fell in love with them!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘I absolutely ADORED this book. It was so swoony and reading it felt like a big hug.’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘I highly recommend this book. The ending was just so perfect!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘Laura’s books just get better and better, and One Night With You is my favourite so far! It couldn’t have been more perfect! Loved every second. Highly, highly recommend!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘A fun and cute read that I finished in one sitting!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘I absolutely loved One Night With You – it was so unlike anything I’ve read previously […] it felt so real!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘Funny, so romantic and totally charming!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘Delightful, charming, romantic and hilarious, which should come as no surprise to anyone!’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘Ruby and Nic’s chemistry had me turning the pages well into the night. I loved their chance meeting and how it played out… beautiful and feel-good.’ NetGalley Reviewer
£8.55
HarperCollins Publishers The Library on Love Heart Lane
Book SynopsisDon't miss this very special standalone novel in the Love Heart Lane series. Previously published as Evie's Year of Taking Chances but now rewritten and improved by the author!Love, life, and librariesGrowing up in foster care, Elle Cooper always felt a piece of herself was missing. Now, as her thirtieth birthday approaches, she's ready to find it. But when instigating the search for her birth mother leads to a whole host of unexpected events, this librarian's quiet life suddenly gets very loud!With new friends, old flames and surprising influences keeping Elle busy, she soon starts to see that there's more to life than where you came from and that where you are right now, and who you have in your corner, is what might just matter most of allLove Heart Lane where friends are there for you no matter whatTrade Review‘Christie Barlow is one of the best writers in this genre’ Lorraine Rugman – The Book Review Café ‘Christie is an immensely talented author with the ability to spin words into heart-warming comedy gold’ Caroline Mitchell #1 bestselling author ‘Well-observed, highly-relatable and wickedly-funny’ Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley ‘There’s always love, laughter and a happy-ever-after with Christie Barlow’s books!’ Mandy Baggot ‘What I absolutely love about the authors books is her attention to her characters, they are a joy to read about. they are so well developed by the end of the book you really do feel you are saying “goodbye” to old friends’ Lorraine Rugman – The Book Review Café
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Love on the Menu A totally perfect heartwarming
Book SynopsisOne takeaway dinner. Two lonely hearts. Did somebody order a rom com?A really sweet, warm-hearted read a winner for fans of Jasmine Guillory or Beth O''Leary!' Niamh Hargan, author of Twelve Days in MayA delicious rom com!' Kate Bromley, author of Talk Bookish to MeGia thrives on risks. Ben plays it safe.She crossed continents to chase her London dream; he works the same job in the same restaurant, night after night.Then fate steps in. When Gia's takeout is delivered, her embarrassing list of New Year's resolutions accidentally makes its way to Ben's restaurant, stuck to the bottom of a delivery backpack.With each delivery Gia orders, Ben slips in a note of his own and eagerly awaits her reply. One by one, these notes transform their lives in unexpected ways, and an unlikely love story is written.A totally gorgeous and escapist rom com with a twist. Fans of Beth O'Leary, Ali Hazelwood and Emily Henry will be totally hooked from the very first page.Readers are loving Love on the Menu:ATrade Review‘A delicious rom-com! In Love on the Menu, Deb pens a stirring story about serendipitous connections and chasing your dreams that readers are sure to enjoy’ – Kate Bromley, author of Here for the Drama and Talk Bookish to Me ‘This slow-burn rom-com has the most delicious payoff! With hilarious and witty prose and chracters who won’t leave your brain, Love on the Menu is a vibrant, fresh take on modern love!’ – Farah Heron, author of Kamila Knows Best and Accidentally Engaged ‘A really sweet and warm-hearted read’ – Niamh Hargan, author of Twelve Days in May
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HarperCollins Publishers The ExMas Holidays
Book SynopsisA super cute, heart-warming, second-chance holiday romance.' NetGalley reviewer, ??????????Falling in love can sometimes go off-pisteThere's never a good time to bump into your ex so Maya Bashir is shocked when she comes face to face with her old flame Sam Holland, who is wearing nothing but a tiny apron, working as a naked butler at her friend's Christmas party.Having driven home for the holidays after losing her boyfriend, flat and job and dreading her father's inevitable disappointment that she still doesn't have a fifty-year plan perhaps Sam is exactly the distraction Maya needs.But as sparks begin to fly, Maya doesn't know if she can let Sam back into her heart so easily With Christmas day fast approaching, will Maya find love or disaster under the tree?For fans of Sophie Cousens and Mhairi McFarlane comes a hilarious Christmas romance that will warm your heart this winter! If you love:?? Enemies to lovers?? Second-chance romance?? An adorable meet-cute?? City girl/small hometoTrade Review‘A truly gorgeous Christmassy nearly lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story that will remind you just what happiness is.’ Lucy Keeling ‘A lovely heartwarming romance you can read curled up on the sofa in your big winter socks…’ Nancy Peach 'Full of chemistry and witty banter, Allison's Scottish ski story is lots of fun.' Leonie Mack ‘The Ex-Mas Holidays is the perfect winter read — warm and cosy and packed with feels and festive fun.’ Katherine Dyson ‘Do yourself a favour and snuggle up with this book as the weather turns chilly; this charming debut will keep you warm!’ Denise Williams ‘The Ex-Mas Holidays has all the Christmas trimmings: snowy ski slopes, sparkling lights, and family drama, not to mention all the hot cocoa you can drink! After this charming and cheeky debut, I can’t wait to see what Zoe Allison writes next!’ Amy E. Reichert
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HarperCollins Publishers An Invitation to Seashell Bay A heartwarming
Book Synopsis?A lovely, sunshiney story, bursting with wit and joy?MILLY JOHNSON?Has the Bella Osborne hallmark combination of wit, wonderful characters and meaningful conflicts ? a fantastic read?SUE MOORCROFTThe brand-new summery rom com from Bella Osborne, full of laughter, love and life?s twists and turns!Trade Review Praise for An Invitation to Seashell Bay: ‘A lovely, sunshiney story, bursting with wit and joy.’ Milly Johnson ‘An Invitation to Seashell Bay has the Bella Osborne hallmark combination of wit, wonderful characters and meaningful conflicts that never fails to provide a fantastic read.’ Sue Moorcroft ‘Sparkling and laugh out loud – Bella's books are like a glass of the finest bubbly.’ Phillipa Ashley ‘Bella’s done it again, another gorgeous page turner of a story. From the opening chapter I was completely hooked by this fresh, funny tale full of Bella’s trademark wit and warmth.’Jules Wake ‘An Invitation to Seashell Bay is the summer invite you need to accept. It’s a funny, warm and gloriously uplifting romance with loveable characters and, like all Bella’s books, is the perfect blend of hilarious and heartwarming.’ Cressida McLaughlin ‘Pure joyous escapism bursting with sunshine! An absolute delight to read!’ Christie Barlow ‘A gorgeous, feel-good summer read that will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart along with a heroine that you want to be best friends with. Absolutely adored my trip to Seashell Bay.’ Kim Nash ‘A perfect ray of sunshine. Packed full of love and laughter, this fun and funny read is Bella Osborne at her best. Once you visit Seashell Bay, you’ll want to stay forever.’ Sarah Bennett ‘I absolutely adore Bella Osborne books and An Invitation to Seashell Bay is no exception. Sparkling with warmth and wit, Bella’s books are guaranteed to put a smile on my face. An Invitation to Seashell Bay is the perfect escapist summer read.’ Cathy Lake ‘I loved this book! Funny, charming, with a wonderful heroine. We should all have a little Nancy in our lives.’ Susan Mallery ‘A contemporary romance novel perfect to pack in your suitcase’ My Weekly Praise for Bella ‘A page-turning summer sensation!’ Nicola May
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HarperCollins Publishers The Accidental Housemate
Book SynopsisSometimes, to find love, you have to be a little accommodatingA whip-smart, hilariously funny romcom for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Kinsella!Witty, heartwarming and totally relatable' Kathryn FreemanCath Beckinsale is in a jam. She's a single mum of three, with her 40th birthday in sight and a precarious hold on employment. And she can't quite let go of her late husband Gaz, whose ashes are still in an urn on the kitchen table.To make ends meet a student lodger seems like the perfect solution after all, what's one more child in the house? But when Dan flies in from the US with guitar and chest hair on display, it's immediately clear that he's no teenager, but someone who quickly sends life in an unexpected direction.Properly hilarious yet touching and real serving up laugh after laugh amid the challenges of life' Pernille HughesReaders love The Accidental Housemate:I loved every page of this book. Thank you Sal Thomas for giving me so many laughs' ?????Absolutely brilliant. L
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HarperCollins Publishers Inc So This Is Christmas
Book SynopsisUSA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday concludes her beloved royal Christmas series with an unforgettable romance about a confident American woman and the strait-laced royal advisor who falls hopelessly in love with her.Matteo Benz has spent his life serving at the pleasure of the Eldovian crown.Trade Review"Witty banter and sizzling love scenes played out against the backdrop of a dazzling winter wonderland make Holiday’s latest sparkle. Series fans are sure to be charmed." — Publishers Weekly "With So This Is Christmas, Holiday delivers a holiday delight full of banter and wintry magic." — Popsugar "Fans of Holiday’s A Princess for Christmas series will enjoy being whisked back to Eldovia in this latest. The book stands on its own, with appearances by characters from earlier installments." — Library Journal "It is refreshing to see two successful people admiring each other’s competence in Holiday's slowly evolving, gentle romance." — Booklist "Holiday’s knack for writing witty banter is on full display here, with Dani and Max's escalating text messages and phone conversations showing a deepening friendship between them... This slow-burn romance will appeal to readers who enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope. The novel carefully builds trust and a deepening emotional attachment between Dani and Max." — Kirkus Reviews on Duke, Actually "Holiday’s follow-up to A Princess for Christmas hits all the right notes as the heir to a dukedom discovers love during the holidays...Holiday cleverly draws parallels to Love, Actually throughout this witty, emotionally charged holiday tale. Readers will delight in the strong heroine seeking love on her own terms." — Publishers Weekly on Duke, Actually "RITA-nominated Holiday follows A Princess for Christmas with another splendidly entertaining romance that offers just the right dash of holiday cheer and delectably droll wit." — Booklist on Duke, Actually “A Princess for Christmas is a confection of a holiday plot with more steam than a perfect cup of hot cocoa. Given her surname, Holiday was virtually obligated to write a book like this—and she delivers with a sexy, sugary delight full of her signature delectable banter.” — Entertainment Weekly “A modern fairy tale that’s perfect for reading with a warm cup of cocoa.” — USA Today Yes Shopper on A Princess for Christmas "This delightful charmer is the ultimate escape." — BookPage (Starred Review)
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HarperCollins Garden Variety
Book SynopsisIn this fresh and delightful debut, Christy Wilhelmi shows that there’s more to gardening than merely keeping pests at bay …Each time Lizzie steps through the gates of the Vista Mar Community Gardens, she knows she’s left the chaos of the outside world behind.Trade Review"You don’t have to be an avid gardener to fall in love with Garden Variety and the characters from Vista Mar… Every time I opened it, Christy Wilhelmi made me feel like I was coming back to a place of comfort, compassion, and sympathy with a good smattering of dry humor and no-nonsense honesty." — Milla Jovovich
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Vintage Publishing The Pregnant Widow
Book SynopsisA phenomenal writer' Sunday TimesAn intoxicating comedy about youth, the 1970s, the sexual revolution and its aftermath.Summer, 1970. Sex is very much on everyone''s mind. Keith Nearing - a bookish twenty-year-old, in that much disputed territory between five foot six and five foot seven - is on holiday and struggling to twist the seventies's emerging feminism towards his own ends. Torn between three women, his scheming doesn''t come off quite as he expects.''Read it: it is hilarious, often wonderfully perceptive, uncompromisingly ambitious and written by a great master of the English language'' Financial TimesTrade ReviewNo one better understands the cosmic joke that is humanity. Nor is anyone as funny telling it * Observer *One of the funniest books I've read in a long time * Psychologies *Read it: it is hilarious, often wonderfully perceptive, uncompromisingly ambitious and written by a great master of the English language * Financial Times *Moving and humane... I love this novel... It is beautifully achieved, cunningly relaxed, and reveals considerable emotional depth * Daily Telegraph *The best novelist of his generation * Independent *
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Penguin Books Ltd The Brightest Star in the Sky
Book Synopsis*** CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUTHOR OF THE YEAR 2022***Delve into the lives, loves and hopes of the residents of Star Street, and the mysterious visitor waiting to emerge from the shadows in the No. 1 bestseller from author of Grown Ups''Gripping from the start . . . the master at her best'' DAILY TELEGRAPH________''June the first, a bright summer''s evening, a Monday . . .''And into the busy, bustling homes at 66 Star Street slips, unseen, a mysterious visitor.As the couples, flatmates and repentant singletons of No. 66 fall in and out of love, clutch at and drop secrets, laugh, cry and simply try to live, no one suspects the visitor patiently waiting in the wings.For soon, as the light slowly fades to dark, everything is going to change . . .________''Our very favourite Keyes novel yet'' Heat''An expert storyteller who can makeTrade ReviewMarian Keyes' The Brightest Star in the Sky will draw you deep into the lives, loves and hopes of the residents of Star Street . . . And who or what exactly is the mysterious visitor waiting to emerge from the shadows? * from the publisher's description *Gripping from the start . . . the master at her best * Daily Telegraph *Our very favourite Keyes novel yet * Heat *
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Penguin Books Ltd Oh Dear Silvia
Book SynopsisDiscover the gloriously heartwarming and funny novel from No. 1 bestselling author of Women''s Prize shortlisted Richard & Judy pick BECAUSE OF YOU, Dawn French''A wonderful writer - witty, wise, poignant'' DAILY MAIL''Hilarious. My top book'' THE TIMES__________Everyone knows the real Silvia, don''t they?Silvia Shute lies in hospital in a coma.Family and friends gather at her bedside, each thinking they know the real Silvia. But do they?For Silvia hides a secret. One she can never tell. And as her visitors congregate, so the truth about Silvia is slowly revealed.Again, and again and again . . .__________PRAISE FOR DAWN FRENCH:''Fantastic, passionate, compassionate, so much wisdom, a lot of humour, very real and credible'' BERNARDINE EVARISTO''I adored it. So charming, wise and brilliantly written'' MARIAN KEYES''Think the Vicar of Dibley, without the dog collar'' INDEPENDENT''Dawn tackles the big ones - love, death, grief, childhood, motherhood, parenthood - head on'' GUARDIAN''A fantastic slam-dunk pageturner. Funny, enriching . . . page after page I laughed out loud'' MAIL ON SUNDAY''A hilarious snapshot of family life in the twenty-first century'' SUNDAY TIMES''Extremely funny'' SUNDAY TIMES''Side-splitting, darkly humorous'' HEAT''Makes you laugh on every page'' THE TIMES''A brilliantly observed, very funny novel of family life'' WOMAN & HOME''Funny, really enjoyable, highly recommended'' DAILY MAILTrade ReviewBeautifully observed. Makes you laugh on every page * The Times *Hilarious. Chortle-out-loud turns of phrase, razor-sharp observations * Stylist *Really enjoyable and highly recommended. Dawn French is a wonderful writer - witty, wise and poignant * Daily Mail *
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Penguin Books Ltd Adrian Mole The Cappuccino Years
Book Synopsis''One of the greatest comic creations. I can''t remember a more relentlessly funny book'' Daily Mirror''My comfort read. The best diaries ever written - with apologies to Samuel Pepys, Bridget Jones and me'' ADAM KAYThe fifth book in his hilarious diaries, where Adrian faces divorce, fatherhood and (short-lived) television stardom . . . __________Adrian Mole is thirty, single and a father. His cooking at a top London restaurant has been equally mocked (''the sausage on my plate could have been a turd'') and celebrated (will he be the nation''s first celebrity offal chef?). And the love of his life, Pandora Braithwaite, is too busy as the newly elected MP for Ashby-de-la-Zouch to notice him. Frustrated, disappointed and undersexed, Adrian despairs until a letter from his past changes everything . . .__________ ''With the Mole books, Townsend has an unrivalled claim to be this countryTrade ReviewCelebrate Adrian Mole's 50th Birthday with this new edition of the fifth book in his diaries, where Adrian faces divorce, fatherhood and (short-lived) television stardom * from publisher's description *One of the greatest comic creations. I can't remember a more relentlessly funny book * Daily Mirror *With the Mole books, Townsend has an unrivalled claim to be this country's foremost practising comic novelist * Mail on Sunday *Adrian Mole really is a brilliant comic creation. Every sentence is witty and well thought out, and the whole has reverberations beyond itself * The Times *Three cheers for Mole's chaotic, non-achieving, dysfunctional family. We need him * Evening Standard *The funniest person in the world * Caitlin Moran *
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Penguin Books Ltd Rumpoles Return Penguin Modern Classics
Book Synopsis''A fruity, foxy masterpiece, defender of our wilting faith in mankind'' Sunday TimesHorace Rumpole is in a strange state that could only be described as a kind of air-conditioned purgatory: he has retired to Florida with his wife, Hilda (She Who Must Be Obeyed). It is safely assumed the Old Bailey hack''s wig has been hung up for good. But when a rather unkempt civil servant is mixed up in the mysterious death of a minor aristocrat, Rumpole seizes the opportunity to escape a life of leisure. He is soon back in court (via a budget airline) to do battle once more with Judge ''Mad Bull'' Bullingham.
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Penguin Books Ltd Worst Idea Ever
Book SynopsisA white lie never hurt anyone, right? . . .''Worst Idea Ever is SO GOOD! I read it in one mad gulp'' MARIAN KEYES ''Emotionally intelligent and beautifully written'' DAILY MAIL ''I loved Worst Idea Ever, possibly my favourite so far. Riveting'' RUTH JONES ''I literally could not put this book down'' 5***** READER REVIEW ''Funny, insightful, sharp, wicked, brilliant - Jane Fallon at her very best'' MILLY JOHNSON________Georgia is lying to her best friend Lydia.Just a little white lie - a fake Twitter account to support Lydia''s struggling business. No harm meant. But maybe this wasn''t Georgia''s best idea ever.Because Lydia wants to confide in her new (fake) Twitter friend. About Georgia and her husband Nick, who might be having an affair.Georgia wants out. Except what if it''s true? She needs to trick Lydia into revealing all.But there''s another posTrade ReviewI loved Worst Idea Ever. Another Fallonesque treat, possibly my favourite so far. Full of heart, humour and humanity. Great characters and a riveting story from the start. She's so good at tapping into the best and the worst in us. Fabulous -- Ruth JonesWorst Idea Ever is SO GOOD! I read it in one mad gulp -- Marian KeyesWe adore Jane Fallon's novels, and this witty page-turner could be her best yet * Closer 'Must Read' *Brilliant, gripping . . . Emotionally intelligent and beautifully written * Daily Mail *We love everything Jane Fallon writes and this might be her best yet! * Bella *Fallon's trademark warmth and humour is very much to the fore with this tale of friendship gone badly wrong * Connaught Telegraph *Takes us on a deep dive into the emotionally murky waters which exist between protagonists Lydia and Georgia . . . I adored it * Daily Mail *Ingenious. Her eye for detail, compressed emotion and the absurdity that lurks beneath what people say to each other, is unerring. Worst. Idea. Ever. strengthens her claim to be one of our very finest comic novelists * Tortoise Media *Funny, insightful, sharp, wicked, brilliant - Jane Fallon at her very best -- Milly JohnsonJane's talent lies in understanding human behaviour . . . Another winner. You won't regret it * Belfast Telegraph *Fallon constructs a nail-biting situation and has us turning the pages at speed . . . Fraught and fabulous, pacy and persuasive * Platinum *A razor-sharp tale of friendship and secrets * Rescue & Animal Care *Highly recommended * Sun *Praise for Jane Fallon * - *Intelligent, edgy and witty * Glamour *Chick lit with an edge * Guardian *I LOVE her books. She always delivers a fabaliss readA romcom with attitude * Mail on Sunday *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd Nat Tate
Book SynopsisThe infamous literary hoax that fooled the art worldOn January 8 1960, artist Nat Tate set out to burn his entire life''s work. Four days later he jumped off a Staten Island ferry, killing himself. His body was never found. When William Boyd published his biography of Abstract Expressionist Nat Tate, tributes poured in from a whole host of artists and critics in the New York art world. They toasted the troubled genius in a Manhattan launch party attended by David Bowie and Gore Vidal. But Nat Tate never existed. The book was a hoax. Will Boyd''s biography of a fake artist is a brilliant probe into the politics of authenticity and reputation in the modern art scene. It is a playful and intelligent insight into the fascinating, often cryptic world of modern art.Trade ReviewWilliam Boyd has probably written more classic books than any of his contemporaries * Daily Telegraph *A finely judged performance: a deft and resonant alchemy of fact and fiction, of literary myth and imagination * Guardian on Love Is Blind *One of Britain's most celebrated contemporary novelists * Sunday Times *
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Little, Brown Book Group Miss Bunting Virago Modern Classics
Book SynopsisBarsetshire in the war years. Miss Bunting, governess of choice to generations of Barsetshire aristocracy, has been coaxed out of retirement by Sir Robert and Lady Fielding to tutor their daughter Anne, delicate, sixteen years old, and totally lacking in confidence. When Anne makes friends with Heather Adams, the gauche daughter of a nouveau riche entrepreneur, her mother is appalled. Miss Bunting, however, shows an instinctive understanding of the younger generation - perhaps, having lost so many of her former pupils to the war, she is more sympathetic to their needs. She may be a part of the old social order, where everyone knows their place, but is wise enough to realise that the war has turned everything on its head and nothing will ever be the same again - even in rural Barsetshire.First published in 1945, Miss Bunting is a charming social comedy of village life during the Second World War.Trade ReviewYou read her, laughing, and want to do your best to protect her characters from any reality but their own * New York Times *The novels are a delight, with touches of E. F. Benson, E. M. Delafield and P. G. Wodehouse -- Christopher Fowler * Independent on Sunday *Charming, very funny indeed. Angela Thirkell is perhaps the most Pym-like of any twentieth-century author, after Pym herself * Alexander McCall Smith *
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Little, Brown Book Group THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BERTIE
Book SynopsisPoor put-upon Bertie is still struggling to escape his overbearing mother''s influence, his yoga lessons and his pink bedroom while wondering why new baby brother Ulysses looks uncomfortably like his psychotherapist. The insufferably handsome Bruce has returned from London to land, on his feet and rent-free, in the arms of heiress Julia Donald. But all is not well among the residents of 44 Scotland Street: Angus''s dog and constant companion Cyril is under threat of execution, victim of a miscarriage of justice, while pretty, indecisive Pat and hopeless romantic Matthew are on the verge of making the most terrible mistake of their lives . . . Big Lou finds a new man, Matthew and Pat edge their relationship towards something more permanent - although this development is not without complications, when a glimpse of someone who just might be her handsome, caddish ex-flatmate Bruce sets Pat''s pulse racing - and Domenica''s friendship with Antonia is tested to the limit when an assortment Trade Review** 'McCall Smith's confident brush picks out vivid and entertaining characters . . . A deliciously engaging Edinburgh comedy * FINANCIAL TIMES *
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Headline Publishing Group The Cat Who Turned On Off The Cat Who Mysteries
Book SynopsisJim Qwilleran''s latest commission is a piece on Junktown - a ghetto of antique dealers and collectors living in genteel decay. Enchanted by Junktown and its delightfully bohemian inhabitants, Qwill finds himself digs in the area, renting two rooms to share with his sleuthing Siamese companions Koko and Yum Yum. When his landlord C.C. Cobb, one of Junktown''s leading citizens, falls mysteriously to his death, Qwill''s famous whiskers begin to twitch. It''s only when Koko develops a passion for tape-recorders, to rival even that of his journalist mentor, that the vital clues begin to drop into place...
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Simon & Schuster Ltd Threes A Crowd
Book SynopsisWhat happens when an estranged father and son unwittingly fall in love with the same woman? 'If ever a book was a mood-lifter, it’s this one. Full of caustic wit, I cried laughing!' MILLY JOHNSON, Sunday Times bestselling author 'Smart, clever and engaging - the perfect ‘what-if’ novel' PENNY PARKES 'What a treat this novel is! Compulsively readable, and with surprising twists and turns right to the end. And who knew that such a nightmarish situation could be so funny?' DEBORAH MOGGACH 'Fun, fresh and endlessly entertaining!' HEIDI SWAIN, Sunday Times bestselling author 'A witty twisty romp that leaps from the page. Perfect for lifting the spirits' FANNY BLAKE 'Funny, sad, uplifting and clever - pure escapism!' SUSI HOLLIDAY ’What an incredible read - tender, engrossing and extremely Trade Review'A warm and witty romp' HEAT 'A very funny read' BELLA 'A lively, clever exploration of a what-if scenario, this will have you laughing, gasping and perhaps shedding a tear too' MY WEEKLY 'Full of brilliant plot twists, the narrative alternates between the rounded and engaging characters’ points of view and zips along at pace' DAILY MAIL 'Laugh-out-loud funny, this is a breath of fresh aid' FABULOUS
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Penguin Books Ltd According to Yes
Book SynopsisDiscover the joyously funny and charming novel from Dawn French, number one bestselling author of A Tiny Bit Marvellous and Oh Dear Silvia''I adored it. So charming, wise and brilliantly written'' MARIAN KEYES''Think the Vicar of Dibley, without the dog collar. YES YES YES indeed'' IndependentThe Foreign Land of the Very Wealthy - otherwise known as Manhattan''s Upper East Side - has its own rigid code of behaviour. It''s a code strictly adhered to by the Wilder-Bingham family.Emotional displays - unacceptable.Unruly behaviour - definitely not welcome.Fun - no thanks.This is Glenn Wilder-Bingham''s kingdom. A beautifully displayed, impeccably edited fortress of restraint.So when Rosie Kitto, an eccentric thirty-eight-year-old primary school teacher from England, bounces into their lives with a secret sorrow and a heart as big as the city, nobody realises that she hTrade ReviewA bouncy, comedy drama. Funny, poignant and bursting with joie de vivre Daily Mail A fast, indulgent read that makes you long to take Manhattan Sunday Times 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 all -- Marian Keyes Witty 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 French acknowledges in all of this that her happiness is not just chance. There has also been a significant change of attitude to her life. It's why she's called her new book According to Yes, and she writes of the main character Rosie: 'She is the person who, a couple of weeks ago, said no to all the even keel, and yes to grabbing life by the throat, yes to jumping off the edge, yes to what the hell's it going to be like? Yes to being afraid. YES, YES, YES, PLEASE!' The Times A fantastic slam-dunk page-turner. Funny, enriching ... page after page I laughed out loud Mail on Sunday (on 'A Tiny Bit Marvellous') A hilarious snapsnot of family life in the twenty-first century Sunday Express (on 'A Tiny Bit Marvellous') Side-splitting, darkly humorous. It will make you laugh with delight Heat (on 'Oh Dear Silvia') A brilliantly observed, very funny novel of family life Women and Home (on 'A Tiny Bit Marvellous') Extremely funny Sunday Times (on 'A Tiny Bit Marvellous') Hilarious. Chortle-out-loud turns of phrase, razor-sharp observations Stylist (on 'Oh Dear Silvia') Makes you laugh on every page The Times (on 'A Tiny Bit Marvellous') Dawn tackles the big ones - love, death, grief, childhood, motherhood, parenthood - head on Guardian (on 'Oh Dear Silvia') An easy read, but one that doesn't fall short on sustenance - it's not purely light and airy but fun and poignant with some hilariously perceptive observations of family life. French covers the big issues of love, betrayal, grief and heartbreak We Love This Book
£8.54
Penguin Books Ltd About Last Night . . .
Book SynopsisLose yourself in the immensely funny and heartwarming No. 1 bestseller from the author of A Cornish SummerMolly gets a second chance in life - but will she have the courage to take it? Molly has traded London for a dream home in the country - except it was her husband''s dream, not hers. And David is, well, rather dead now.So when a distant relative leaves her a London townhouse, Molly is ready to quit ''The Good Life'' and return to her good life.But there''s a rather tall, handsome problem - a man who''s already living in Molly''s new house. And when a face from her past reappears, she''s no longer quite sure where she belongs.Do any of the men in Molly''s life have honourable intentions?Is she ready to ditch muddy wellies for high heels?Or is she saying goodbye to the delights of country life too soon?Readers love Catherine Alliott''s books:''Like goingTrade ReviewThe immensely funny and heartwarming number one bestseller tells the story of a woman who gets a second chance in life - but will she have the courage to take it? * from the publisher's description *Praise for About Last Night. . . * - *Warm, witty and wise * Daily Mail *An easy, entertaining and enjoyable read, About Last Night raises some modern moral dilemmas . . . and a little lust too! * Living Edge Magazine *Laugh-out-loud * Press Association *A great, optimistic springtime read * WI Life *Frothy and fun * Sunday Mirror *An engaging, light-hearted romp * Sunday Express *Just as enjoyable as previous novels. A wonderfully easy read * Daily Mail *Praise for Catherine Alliott * : *Her writing is both intelligent and sparkling -- Marian KeyesCompulsively readable * The Times *Hilarious and full of surprises * Daily Telegraph *A fun, fast-paced page-turner * OK *An addictive cocktail of wit, frivolity and madcap romance * Time Out *Classy, wonderfully gossipy and breathless * Red *We defy you not to get caught up in Alliott's life-changing tale * Heat *
£10.46
Penguin Books Ltd Tell Me a Secret
Book SynopsisFROM THE MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FAKING FRIENDS AND MY SWEET REVENGE ''Brilliant, with completely unexpected twists'' Gill Sims, bestselling author of Why Mummy Drinks Is she your best friend, or your worst enemy? __________Best friends Holly and Roz tell each other everything. So when Holly gets a shot at her dream job she assumes Roz will be waiting to pop the champagne. But is she just imagining things or is Roz not quite as happy as she should be? And now she thinks about it, a few things don''t quite add up... Perhaps it was a mistake to tell Roz all her secrets. Because it takes two to tango. But only one to start a war... ___________''She''s the queen of the revenge novel and Jane Fallon''s done it again'' Heat''Another winner from Jane Fallon'' Hello!''CompTrade ReviewBrilliant, with completely unexpected twists and the ending made me cry. I really enjoyed it! -- Gill Sims * bestselling author of Why Mummy Drinks *She's the queen of the revenge novel and Jane Fallon's done it again. Dramatic and engaging from the start, this is the perfect winter read. You won't want to put it down * Heat *Fallon's best yet. Full of laugh-out-loud wit and mischief and some truly magical moments. I'm a big fan -- Milly Johnson * bestselling author of The Perfectly Imperfect Woman *Fallon's compelling, edgy, beautifully written narratives paint vivid portraits of likeable, flawed protagonists placed in tricky emotional situations. Watching them as they navigate their way out of these is always a joy. This latest is no different. Here, she examines fake female friendship and what happens when it goes badly wrong * Daily Mail *Fallon is a dab hand at capturing the toxicity of friendships gone bad, and this witty and waspish tale of workplace rivalries is a deliciously devious one . . . it will keep you turning the pages * Sunday Mirror *Jane Fallon explores the darker side of female friendship while keeping a wry smile on her face. And her clever combination of comedy and unsettling suspense is likely to have you eyeing your workmates suspiciously over the office kettle * Sunday Express *Another winner from Jane Fallon * Hello! *Praise for Jane Fallon * - *Intelligent, edgy and witty * Glamour *Chick lit with an edge * Guardian *I LOVE her books. She always delivers a fabaliss read -- Marian KeyesA romcom with attitude * Mail on Sunday *Original, edgy, compulsively readable * Daily Mail *Sparkling and unpredictable * Elle *Smart stuff to race through * Sunday Mirror *Deliciously devious * Daily Express *Fun and feisty * Heat *Deliciously edgy * Good Housekeeping *Brilliant and original * Sun *Hilarious * Closer *Glorious -- Giovanna FletcherHugely compelling and unpredictable -- Ruth JonesWell-crafted, dryly funny * Red *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd Queen Bee
Book SynopsisTHE HILARIOUS NEW SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER AND RICHARD & JUDY SUMMER PICK FROM THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FAKING FRIENDS AND TELL ME A SECRET''Absolutely masterly. Bliss'' Heat''Had me turning the pages into the small hours'' Louise Candlish_________Welcome to The Close - a beautiful street of mansions, where gorgeous Stella is the indisputable Queen Bee . . .It is here that Laura, seeking peace and privacy after her marriage falls apart, rents a tiny studio. Unfortunately, her arrival upsets suspicious Stella - who fears Laura has designs on her fiancé, Al.When Laura stumbles on the big secret Al is hiding, suddenly Stella''s perfectly controlled world, and Laura''s future, are threatened.Taking a chance on beating Al at his own twisted game, these two former strangers are fast becoming friends. But has Laura forgotten that revenge always comesTrade ReviewAbsolutely masterly. She turns her trademark wit and taste for the absurd to The Close . . . Bliss * Heat *Fallon's fun, fish-out-of-water tale is full of love-to-loathe characters and a fair few twists * Heat *It was unputdownable and such a joy to read! -- Alice FeeneyPerfectly crafted with razor sharp wit, Queen Bee is utterly hilarious and deliciously wry -- Nicola Moriarty * author of The Ex-Girlfriend *Fallon is a fabulously engaging writer who excels at counter-intuitive plot lines, creates believable protagonists who are as capable of bad behaviour as good . . . Blissful escapism - I adored it * Daily Mail *Sharp and hilarious . . . had me turning the pages into the small hours -- Louise Candlish * bestselling author of Our House and Those People *The brilliant Jane Fallon does it again. Queen Bee is a whip-smart, laugh-out-loud, feel-good kinda novel perfect to curl up on the sofa with -- Ali LandI love it. I thought it was whip-smart, sassy and gripping -- Gillian McAllisterJane Fallon's wry observation and razor-sharp wit make for a compelling read * Sunday Express *A perfect beach read * Sunday Mail *Razor sharp and laugh-out-loud hilarious . . . the perfect antidote to our troubled times * Daily Express *Compelling, addictive with effortless wit and bite - gloriously connecting -- Helen LedererA cracking comedy of manners -- Richard and Judy BookclubAbsolutely loved Queen Bee. Brilliant characters, funny, addictive and very clever. The perfect book to lose yourself in -- Claire DouglasTypical Fallon, written with wit and an after-sting * My Weekly *With its edgy wit, this sharp tale is full of characters you'll love to hate * Weight Watchers *Sharp and hilarious. A perfect beach read * Irish News *Praise for Jane Fallon * - *She's the queen of the revenge novel. Dramatic and engaging from the start, you won't want to put it down * Heat *Brilliant, with completely unexpected twists * bestselling author of Why Mummy Drinks *Superbly taps into our inner Avenger. Hugely compelling and unpredictable * bestselling author of Never Greener *Compelling, edgy, beautifully written * Daily Mail *Intelligent, edgy and witty * Glamour *I LOVE her books. She always delivers a fabaliss read * bestselling author of Grown-Ups *Barbed, twisty and full of deliciously dry wit, this is smart stuff to race through * Sunday Mirror *This entertainingly twisty tale is populated with some enjoyably toxic characters * Sunday Mirror *Chick lit with an edge * Guardian *Sparkling and unpredictable * Elle *Darkly comic and addictive * Daily Express *Another sure-fire hit from Fallon * Platinum *
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group The Carer
Book Synopsis''Moggach is at the height of her powers with this book, which moves from a beautifully observed comedy of middle-class life to an immensely moving celebration of two imperfect marriages'' Sunday TimesAn unforgettable novel about age, caring and with a twist you won''t see coming...''A cracking, crackling social comedy, with some brilliant observations about ageing and a devilish plot twist'' The TimesFrom the bestselling author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a deliciously funny, poignant and wry novel, full of surprising twists and turns:James is getting on a bit and needs full-time help. So Phoebe and Robert, his middle-aged offspring, employ Mandy, who seems willing to take him off their hands. But as James regales his family with tales of Mandy''s virtues, their shopping trips and the shared pleasure of their journeys to garden centres, Phoebe and Robert sense something is aTrade ReviewUnputdownable, fun and tender with characters that jump off the page. Perfection -- Marian KeyesMoggach is at the height of her powers with this book, which moves from a beautifully observed comedy of middle-class life to an immensely moving celebration of two imperfect marriages * Sunday Times *A cracking, crackling social comedy with some brilliant people observations about ageing and a devilish plot twist -- Robbie Millen * The Times *Moggach's latest is full of warmth and humour as well as blistering truths about the sorrowful threads that bind families * Daily Mirror *This is a world full of charm, warmth and pitch-perfect humour, but it is also a world punctuated by Moggach's blistering truths on the tangled, sorrowful threads of resentment and disappointment that bind families together * Sunday Express, S Mag *Infuses the subject with her trademark humour and pathos, reshaping a societal dilemma into a family drama, by turns compelling and surprising - her nuanced characterisations make the subject matter really come alive -- Hannah Beckerman * Observer *Moggach addresses an all too common nightmare with ruthless honesty and sublime wit - The Carer is one of the funniest novels I have read for ages -- Kate Saunders * The Times *If you enjoyed THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, there's a chance you'll love the author's new novel even more. A heartwarming triumph * Woman & Home *Wickedly, witty entertainment. Moggach is so very good at describing the ordinary, she transforms it into the unusual, shocking and fascinating. Behind the normality of people's lives there often lies an extraordinary story. It's this that Moggach tells with insight, acute observation of character and mordant humour. The Carer is an immediately relevant work, a fiction anchored in reality * Spectator *Surprising, funny and certain to have more than one reader wincing in recognition * The i *I love her book - and this one especially. It's marvellous -- India KnightThis joyous novel ... a sustained satire on smug middle-class mores, like a deranged Archers omnibus. Can there be higher praise? -- Wendy Holden * Daily Mail *A sharp, witty, characteristically generous and gallopingly readable novel * Readers Digest *A witty tale, with beautifully drawn characters * Best *Moving and funny * Good Housekeeping *Good, rollicking, and occasionally, what with the file of evasions, duplicity and fractured emotion, wounding and reflective stuff * Private Eye *I just loved it - so touching and wise and funny, full of all the lovely touches that Debby is so good at. She draws characters so deftly; you begin to think you know them from the smallest of observations. They're all so human! -- Sabine DurrantThe Carer will ring bells for any reader with parents reaching the grab-rail stage of life but proves as touching as it's funny. Moggach writes in the best funny-ouch tradition, her humour always rooted in acute observation of our frailties and appetites -- Patrick GaleDeborah Moggach's warm heart and cool eye for hilarious British idiosyncrasies are both on top form here - I laughed like a drain. Specially at the hippy Lothario in the wet Welsh woods -- Louisa YoungBeautifully written, oozing interesting characters that you genuinely care about -- Adele ParksLit up a dull day with its warmth and wit * Tessa Hadley *The most endearing of humorists, Deborah Moggach casts a penetrating eye on our foibles and fantasies. Neither ageing, nor death - as The Carer so beautifully demonstrates - can resist her comic scrutiny * Lisa Appignanesi *A wry, witty and wise novel, full of insight and understanding' * Susie Boyt *
£8.54
Headline Publishing Group Never Rescue a Rogue
Book SynopsisA hilarious, sparkling historical romantic comedy, with an irresistible family at its heart, perfect for fans of Julia Quinn''s Bridgerton and Martha Waters.''The perfect mix of romance and intrigue, and the formidable central couple is sure to win hearts. This is a gem'' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY starred review''Virginia Heath''s fun characters and situations will have you laughing out loud! Don''t miss this wonderful read!'' SABRINA JEFFRIES''Filled with fabulously British banter, wit, and heart, this delightful book is one of my must-read rom coms of the year'' EVIE DUNMORE.....................................................Why on earth would she want to kiss him when he vexed her so?Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair only tolerate one another for the sake of their nearest and dearest. Everyone believes that they are meant to be together, but Diana and Giles know th
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Pretending
Book SynopsisWHY BE YOURSELF WHEN YOU CAN BE PERFECT?**As featured on The High Low podcast** ''MAGNIFICENT. Brutally honest and righteously angry but still HUGELY enjoyable and engaging. I bow down!'' Marian Keyes ''A thoughtful, intelligent, urgent novel women need to read.'' Dolly Alderton _____________He said he was looking for a ''partner in crime'' which everyone knows is shorthand for ''a woman who isn''t real''. April is kind, pretty, and relatively normal - yet she can''t seem to get past date five. Every time she thinks she''s found someone to trust, they reveal themselves to be awful, leaving her heartbroken. And angry. If only April could be more like Gretel. Gretel is exactly what men want - she''s a Regular Everyday Manic Pixie Dream Girl Next Door With No Problems. The problem is, Gretel isn''t real. And April is now claiTrade ReviewMAGNIFICENT. The whole sorry mess of gender and sexual politics wrapped up in a compelling story told by an ADORABLE heroine. I feel educated and empowered from reading it. Brutally honest and righteously angry but still HUGELY enjoyable and engaging. I BOW DOWN! -- Marian Keyes'Unsettling and hopeful, enlightening and entertaining. A thoughtful, intelligent, urgent novel women need to read' * Dolly Alderton *Pretending is the most freeing, reassuring book on dating after #MeToo I've ever read. Perceptive. Hilarious. Reassuring. Brilliant. -- Laura Jane WilliamsI love this book! It made me cry and laugh and rage and fall completely in love with the characters and you MUST READ IT! It's beautifully written and completely engrossing but also a really important, timely book. Sheer brilliance. -- Lucy FoleyPretending looks at what it is to be a woman and makes the reader look inwards (or backwards), reflecting on past encounters with more awareness, forgiveness and understanding than ever before. Empowering, thought-provoking, honest, observant, heart-wrenching and uncomfortable - an exposing and healing read * Giovanna Fletcher *I cannot think of a more important modern love story to tell * Dolly Alderton, The High Low podcast *What looks like a lolzy rom-com is actually a punch-in-the-gut brilliant novel about consent and mental health. Don't let this one pass you by * Grazia *The amazing thing about Holly's writing is how she's able to say not just what we're all thinking but what we're even too afraid to admit to ourselves. Her books should be mandatory reading for everyone.Thoughtful, smart and painfully true * Cosmopolitan *A brilliant, hard-hitting, tell-all-your-girlfriends-to-read-it book * Fabulous Magazine *Hugely entertaining rom-com for the post #MeToo generation * Daily Mail *As with all of Holly's books, I was totally hooked from the first page. Her unique voice immediately invites you in and you can't look away. Gritty, funny and poignantWhat a painful, raw, important, hilarious, whip-smart triumph of a book.I adore-love-worship this book. Every page brings another eye-wateringly relatable moment and I couldn't put it down. I was constantly laughing, crying, and nodding aggressively at every page. Holly Bourne is officially my favourite writer and this book is everything.I really, really enjoyed but also really, really admired this bookOne of Holly Bourne's greatest gifts as a writer is her ability to cut to the emotional core of her chosen subject and nowhere is that shown with more deftness than in Pretending. Searingly honest, intense, and insightful, this is a profoundly moving novel, and to my mind, Bourne's best work to dateSo relatable, powerful and thought-provoking. April is a rare and wonderful protagonist, I fell for her instantly, I loved her rage and vulnerability and I constantly rooted for her even when I knew she was doing the wrong thing. This is a vivid, contemporary exploration of the darkest side of relationships, anger and powerlessness, but it's filled with joy too. If we've all been suffering from Gone Girl Cool Girl syndrome, Holly has written the antidotePretending is Holly Bourne at her best. It's a funny, feminist yet challenging read that will make many readers feel validated and seen * Red *Bourne's novels are so witty, so stingingly acute on millennial pop culture, that you only notice by stealth their serious intent * Metro *A funny, feminist and challenging story, which will make readers feel validated and seen. What an accomplishment for a novel * Red Magazine *An extraordinary book. Properly funny, effortless to read and yet it deals with real and visceral trauma in a way that is incredibly effective and true to life. It's feminist and angry and compassionate and hopeful. I would give this book to every woman in her 20s and 30s.Smart, perceptive, funny and touching about modern life for modern women.I just read this in two sittings and I need to reiterate: I love Holly Bourne. Such unbelievably dark themes and brutal cynicism yet Pretending still has a joy and a lightness of touch that makes it easy to breeze through.Devastating, funny and insightful, Holly Bourne's Pretending is a read that will resonate * Stylist *What a brilliant book this is! I felt such lacerating anger, laughed and was incredibly moved all in the space of one book. I hope everyone reads it. Fantastic -- Lucy DiamondA novel about female fragility and female power and about the endless tightrope we all walk as women in the #metoo era. Honest, courageous and fiercely funny. A surefire hit.A brilliant takedown of the rules and expectations of the dating game, with a spot-on analysis of the falseness and contradictions within. Insightful, relatable and excruciatingly honest, with a serious heart. Holly's style is so clear and her pace so perfect, the Things We Don't Talk About Enough are presented in the most accessible way imaginable. That's an exceptional gift. I'm sure thousands of women will find comfort in April's story. I absolutely loved it I inhaled this in two greedy sittings because WOW. What a read - perceptive, unflinching, funny and raw, this story and its characters just leapt from the page.After Bourne's How Do You Like Me Now? became a bestseller, we predict great things * Red *This book will make you laugh, cry, think and feel understood in less than 500 pages * Platinum-mag.co.uk *An author highly attuned to the concerns of 20/30-something women, but writes so engagingly that her readership goes well beyond this demographic * The Bookseller *
£13.49
Pan Macmillan Fling: the must read rom-com for fans of Marian
Book Synopsis'The freshest, sexiest, funniest and most poignant book I’ve read in a very long time' – Claudia Carroll, author of The Love Algorithm‘Clever, original, witty and great insight into marriage and the problems that come when communication breaks down’ – Sinead Moriarty, author of About UsYour next one might be closer than you think . . .Tara loved Colin at first sight. Colin loved Tara at first fight. That’s when they knew they were meant for each other.But after six years, their marriage has started to crumble. Unable to recapture the spark they once had, it seems like it’s all over. Until they meet their 100% match on a controversial new dating app – Fling.At once heartfelt and hilarious, Fling by Joseph Murray is the story to remind us all that sometimes, what you’re looking for might just be closer than you think.'Utterly original, emotionally astute and cripplingly funny, Fling is a fantastic read that genuinely warmed my heart' – Laura Jane Williams, author of The Lucky Escape'Hilarious and original - one of the best books I've read this year' – Laura Price, author of Single Bald Female'Fresh, funny, genuinely heartwarming' – Catherine Walsh, author of The Rebound‘Fabulous! A beautiful rom-com of the Nora Ephron variety’ – Edel Coffey, author of Breaking Point'A literary soul brother to the likes of Marian Keyes and Beth O'Leary' – Irish IndependentTrade ReviewFling is a lightning-fast romcom full of comic capers, heartfelt moments and completely loveable characters. It's hilarious and original, with a genius concept that is begging for the big screen. One of the best books I've read this year. -- Laura Price, author of Single Bald FemaleWow. Just wow. The freshest, sexiest, funniest and most poignant book I’ve read in a very long time. I mean that so sincerely. From page one, I was rooting for both Tara and Colin. I defy any reader not to want to stand and cheer at the end. -- Claudia Carroll, bestselling author of The Matchmaker and One Night OnlyFabulous! A beautiful rom-com of the Nora Ephron variety -- Edel Coffey, author of Breaking PointFunny, fresh and genuinely heartwarming, Fling is what romantic comedy is all about -- Catherine Walsh, author of The Matchmaker'A literary soul brother to the likes of Marian Keyes and Beth O'Leary' -- Irish IndependentUtterly original, emotionally astute and cripplingly funny, FLING is a fantastic read that genuinely warmed my heart. Murray is a bright and talented new voice in fiction. * Laura Jane Williams, author of Lovestruck and Our Stop *
£13.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman: The most
Book SynopsisThe inspiring, feel-good Richard & Judy Book Club pick about a small boy with a big heart - and even bigger dreams.'One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity' - Ruth Jones, co-creator of Gavin and Stacey and bestselling author of Us ThreeIt was a journey they would always remember . . . for a friend they'd never forget.Norman and Jax are a legendary comedic duo in waiting, with a five-year plan to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe by the time they're fifteen. But when Jax dies before they turn twelve, Norman decides a tribute act for his best friend just can't wait, so he rewrites their plan:1. Look after Mum 2. Find Dad 3. Get to the Edinburgh FringeSadie knows she won't win Mother of the Year and she's not proud she doesn't know who her son's father is. But when she finds Norman's list, all she wants is to see her son smile again. So, enlisting the help of eccentric friend Leonard - an 84-year-old veteran with superior planning skills and a thirst for adventure! - they set off on a pilgrimage to Edinburgh, making a few stops to find Norman's dad along the way.-'An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour' - Mail on Sunday'Charming, funny and cheering' - Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy'As moving as it is funny. And it's very funny' - Romesh Ranganathan'He's wheedled his way into my heart, and I suspect I'll have a Norman-shaped hole there forever' - Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity ProjectReaders are in love with Norman:***** 'This has everything a feel good book should have. I loved it'***** 'Norman is one of the most lovable characters I have ever met'***** 'A book to make you laugh and cry in the same moment, a bittersweet read'***** 'A charming, uplifting tale of love, family, friendship and hope'***** 'A beautifully written novel about having the courage to hold on to and chase your dreams'Trade ReviewOne of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale. * Ruth Jones *An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour. * Mail on Sunday *What a charming, funny and cheering read. There's such a lovely, buoyant innocence to Norman and his quest - a coming-of-age that tickles and moves in equal measure. The writing is sharp but tender and in the same way that Marcus in About a Boy strengthens his house of cards, Norman builds the eccentric, loving network he deserves. * Beth Morrey, bestselling author of SAVING MISSY *As moving as it is funny. And it's very funny. * Romesh Ranganathan *The funny thing about Norman Foreman is that he's wheedled his way into my heart, and I suspect I'll have a Norman shaped hole there forever. * Clare Pooley, author of THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT *Tender and hilarious... the perfect tonic for our current times * Katherine Parkinson *What a delightful read! This book is about what's really important: caring for each other and finding ways through the problems life throws at us, no matter how terrible they can be. The story is both hilarious and heart-warming, with one 'helluva' brave, wise, and lovable twelve-year-old hero... Three cheers for Norman Foreman! * Hazel Prior, author of AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Sunny: Heartwarming and utterly relatable - the
Book Synopsis'If you've ever felt lonely, overlooked, unappreciated and just "wrong" this is the book for you . . . Very funny, blisteringly honest' Marian Keyes'I was laughing from the very first page. Sunny is a big, bright novel that radiates energy and warmth just like the title. Sukh is such a fun and exciting new voice in fiction. Give a copy of this book to all your pals!' Emma Gannon'Bracingly honest, funny and sharp . . . it took me back to reading Bridget Jones's Diary. Fast, irreverent, but relatable' Adele Parks, PlatinumThis actually is a love story, just not the one Sunny was looking for . . . Sunny is the queen of living a double life. To her friends, she's the entertaining, eternally upbeat, single one, always on hand to share hilarious and horrifying date stories. But while they're all settling down with long-term partners and mortgages, Sunny is back in her childhood bedroom at thirty, playing the role of the perfect daughter. She spends her time watching the Sikh channel, making saag and samosey with her mum, hiding gins-in-a-tin in her underwear drawer and sneaking home in the middle of the night after dates, trying but failing to find 'the one'.She juggles both lives perfectly . . . on the outside, at least. But when her mum sees a guy dropping Sunny home one evening, Sunny's life gets a little complicated. Now her mum wants to know about the life she's hidden from her for so long. Sunny is well versed in lying to her friends, her family, and, above all, herself. But how long can she keep it up for? Or is it finally time to start being honest? SUNNY by Sukh Ojla is a relatable, moving, and life-affirming novel. It is warm and full of honesty, exploring family, love and mental health. Perfect for fans of Grown Ups by Marian Keyes and Olive by Emma Gannon.'Hilarious and heartbreaking, enlightening and important . . . EVERYONE needs to read this book!' Helly Acton, author of The Shelf'I absolutely loved Sunny! . . . A riveting rollercoaster of a read!' Heidi Swain, the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Taste of Home'A triumph. Everyone should read Sunny. It's a funny, moving and important novel, and I loved every word' Stephanie Butland, author of Lost For WordsReaders have fallen in love with SUNNY: 'The best thing since Bridget Jones''This is the book everyone needs to read this year''She is a riot''Sukh Ojla's debut is a witty, fun read and one I heartily recommend' Trade ReviewIf you've ever felt lonely, overlooked, unappreciated and just "wrong" this is the book for you. Sunny is LOVELY. Very funny, blisteringly honest, VERY sweet on mother-daughter dynamics and ultimately hopeful -- Marian KeyesMuch like the title, main character Sunny is a big and bright character bursting with humour * Cosmopolitan *I was laughing from the very first page. Sunny is a big, bright novel that radiates energy and warmth just like the title. Sukh is such a fun and exciting new voice in fiction. Give a copy of this book to all your pals! -- Emma Gannon, author of OliveBracingly honest, funny and sharp . . . it took me back to reading Bridget Jones's Diary. Fast, irreverent, but relatable -- Adele Parks * Platinum *Warm and laugh-out-loud funny with sharp observations on life. Sunny is the modern-day heroine we all want to know * Heat magazine *A human story with a loveable protagonist you want to hug through the pages * Garavi Gujarat *What a gem of a book! So, so funny, warm and relatable -- Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, where is your huzband?I loved Sunny, the hapless heroine of this heartfelt and hilarious book and I know you will too -- Sarra Manning * Red *Sunny by Sukh Ojla has brought me lashings of joy - it's a book that roars. It's properly funny, it broke my heart and made it swell -- Daisy Buchanan
£8.54
