Narrative theme: love / relationships

Book Synopsis'Brilliant' – V. E. Schwab, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Darker Shade of MagicFor one apprentice assassin, the clock is ticking . . .Pyrre Lakatur doesn’t like the description skullsworn. It doesn’t capture the beauty of her devotion to Ananshael, God of Death. And she’s not an assassin, but a priestess. Or she will be, if she can pass her final trial. The problem isn’t killing, as Pyrre has spent her life training for this. The problem is love. To pass the trial, she will have fourteen days to kill seven people detailed in an ancient song, including one true love, ‘who will not come again’. However, Pyrre has never been in love, time is short, and if she fails she’ll be given to her god. Pyrre’s not afraid to die, but she hates to fail. So a month before the trial begins, she returns to the violent city of her birth, where she once offered an abusive father to the god. Here Pyrre hopes to find love – and end it with the edge of her knife.'Pleasantly grim and emotionally complex' – Kirkus Reviews'Lush, evocative descriptions . . . remarkably intimate' – Publishers WeeklySkullsworn is a thrilling standalone set in the world of the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne by Brian Staveley.Trade ReviewBrilliant -- V. E. SchwabPleasantly grim and emotionally complex . . . an accessible entree for new readers, who will undoubtedly go on to consume the rest of the series -- Kirkus ReviewsLush, evocative descriptions sharpen the setting . . . Visceral action scenes and memorable characters bring this tale to life. Despite the outsize aspects of this adventure, it still feels remarkably intimate -- Publishers WeeklyBrian Staveley deftly weaves a fast-paced and compelling tale filled with excellent characterization, vivid world-building, and high personal stakes, making this one an outstanding novel on every level -- BibliosanctumSkullsworn is a fantastic standalone book with a very satisfying conclusion -- TheBookBagSkullsworn displays Staveley’s signature bleak style, characters that are teeming with conflict and inner turmoil and exciting small and large-scale fight scenes that should keep every fan of the genre entertained . . . it makes me look forward to my next foray into this exciting universe and makes it easy to give this one a very high recommendation -- FantasyFactionThis is a warm, funny, character focused novel which is also darkly charming, bloody, and lethal. It was very, very hard to put down, and had an emotional punch to match its high adrenaline moments. If you enjoyed the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne, this is a more than worthy successor text – and if you’ve never read those, you can pick this up, and know you’re in for a fantastic (if sometimes violent) journey -- SF&FReviewsHighly recommend, especially for fans of female characters that like to kick ass -- SpeculativeHeraldA highly engrossing fantasy world -- FantasyBookReviewBrian Staveley is a must-read author -- TheBookGeekKept me mesmerized from start to finish . . . Unique, bold, and exciting, Skullsworn is not to be missed -- Qwillery

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Book SynopsisFor better. For worse. Forget him. Over You is a compelling story of friendship pushed to its limits by bestselling author Lucy Diamond. What the fans say: 'Full of friendship, family and how when life throws something at you, you have to fight back!' Emily Josie, Nell and Lisa go back a long way - they were flatmates, soulmates and best mates back in their twenties when life was one long party.Five years later, things are different. Josie is married with kids in deepest suburbia, free-spirit Nell has travelled the world, and Lisa is on the path to career glory (and the salary Premiership). A reunion weekend in London seems a great idea to Josie . . . until she discovers something which will change the course of her life forever.Praise for Lucy Diamond:'A hugely satisfying read' Heat'An absolute treat' Katie Fforde, bestselling author of A Summer at Sea'Warm, witty and wise' Daily MailTrade ReviewSassy, sexy and very funny, this is a great novel about following your fantasies - and then facing up to the consequences * Kate Harrison *

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Book SynopsisSt Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it's always cocktail hour somewhereA pure delight' Debbie JohnsonReturn to your favourite little wedding shop by the sea for love, laughter and a romance to sweep you off your feet! It's the most romantic day of the year but the girls aren't just gearing up for Valentine's Day and a busy wedding season ahead, it's also the 10 year anniversary of their beloved shop!Jess is planning the party of the decade and with the champagne and cocktails flowing, sparks are going to flyand not just from the fireworks display!Readers adore Jane Linfoot's books!Have you ever liked a book so much that you wanted to give it a hugchicklit GOLD' Pretty Little Book ReviewsJane Linfoot combines fabulous friendship with gorgeous true lovea fantastic captivating story with a sweet romantic ending' With Love for BooksA character that you genuinely like' Mrs Wheddon ReviewsThe perfect holiday readyou feel as if you are part of the group ofTrade ReviewPraise for Jane Linfoot: ‘Sparkling, laugh-out-loud, romantic’ Phillipa Ashley, bestselling author of Summer at the Cornish Café ‘The perfect holiday read to warm your heart’ #1 Bestselling author Tracy Bloom 'Just like the perfect wedding cake, Cupcakes and Confetti is beautifully crafted and wrapped in romance' Heidi Swain ‘Funny and big-hearted, I was enchanted by Lily and her friends’ Sunday Times bestselling author Michele Gorman ‘A pure delight…fabulous, fun and unforgettable’ Debbie Johnson, bestselling author of Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe

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Book Synopsis'The perfect mix of funny, poignant and heartwarming.' - Good Housekeeping‘Warm, witty but also heart-wrenching read' - Red Magazine'This heart-warming and creative contemporary fiction is a story of unexpected self-discovery.'- Woman's Weekly'Full of heart and depth.' - Prima Book of the Month‘Funny, heart-warming read - it made me laugh and cry' — Nikki Smith, author of The Beach Party'Eleanor Oliphant meets About a Boy' — Gillian Harvey'A beautiful read full of heart and depth’ — Nina Pottell, Prima Magazine'An absolute joy' — Nancy Peach'Brilliantly funny' — Louise HareSwimming for Beginners will show you how a child can open your heart even if you aren't a mother.Loretta has her life under control. She's chasing a big promotion, she's marrying the "perfect man" and she has a flawless five-year plan.This plan does not include children.But when a complete stranger asks her to watch her six-year-old daughter in an airport and never returns, both their lives will be changed forever.A little human in fairy wings and sparkly cowgirl boots will turn Loretta's world upside down and maybe, just maybe, show her exactly what she's missing.Overflowing with humour and heartbreak, Nicola Gill takes us on a relatable journey of self-discovery through the power of a child's love.'Brilliantly funny, incredibly touching and so relatable.’- Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City‘Please meet my new favourite book.' - Jessica Ryn, author of The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside'Heartbreaking and life-affirming, an absolute must read’ - Tim Ewins, author of We Are AnimalsTrade ReviewIt’s funny, smart and will break your heart. -- Eleni KyriacouThis book swam away with my heart. Poignant and uplifting, it addresses loss, sadness and the horrible feeling of never quite fitting in, but with a lightness of touch and humour that makes it a pleasure to read. -- Eleanor RayA heartfelt tale of love, loss and coming back to life -- Gillian HarveyBrilliantly funny, incredibly touching and so relatable. Another fabulous book from Nicola Gill -- Louise HarePlease meet my new favourite book. I roared with laughter and wept buckets for Phoebe and Loretta. So much heart on each beautifully written page and one to read again and again -- Jessica RynAs a parent, this book absolutely killed me. It's spot on and a complete page turner -- Tim EwinsI ADORED it. It’s original, refreshing and full of soul. A truly unforgettable read that’s heartbreaking and spirit lifting in equal measure, with characters and life lessons that will stay with me forever -- Helly ActonI love, love, LOVED this book! A massive great hug of a story: warm, funny and big-hearted. Uplifting fiction at its very best! -- Louise MumfordThis story was so compelling and easy to read . . . I devoured it in two sittings -- Sharon M. PetersonI loved this book which made me both laugh and cry, often at the same time. Nicola Gill has expertly crafted a page-turning, emotional and relatable novel which will warm every heart. The perfect book to curl up with. I absolutely adored it. -- Louise FeinA Nicola Gill book is always a treat and I loved this so much - laugh out loud funny, warm-hearted and feelgood, with characters that jump off the page. -- Frances QuinnA beautiful read full of heart and depth -- Nina Pottell * Prime *Once again, Nicola hits that sweet spot between humour and heart. Loretta is a character that everyone will be able to see a little bit of themselves in. A truly charming read. -- Holly McCullochFunny, smart and heart-warming, Swimming For Beginners is an absolute gem of a novel. Loretta's story was so brilliantly written, with every character crafted to perfection. I'll be recommending this gorgeous book to all my friends. -- Holler Miller, author of 'The Sight of You'‘Funny, heart-warming read - it made me laugh and cry' -- Nikki Smith * Author of The Beach Party, *'This heart-warming and creative contemporary fiction is a story of unexpected self-discovery.' * Woman's Weekly *The perfect mix of funny, poignant and heartwarming. -- Joanne Finney

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the Beach Reads Book Club. Where love is just a page awayI would run through fire to be part of this kind of bookclub, with books that make us smile and cry and laugh. Never have I seen my view of rom com and beach reads better expressed than in this wonderful book' Genevieve, reader reviewWhen Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book!The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.If there's anything Lottie has learned from the romances she's been reading, it's that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.Readers are loving The Beach Reads Book Club:A brilliant bookTrade Review Readers can’t get enough of The New Guy: ‘Seriously love this twist on an office romance’ Christina Parker, Netgalley ‘Their chemistry was off the charts’Mad Mom Life ‘Better than most rom coms I’ve watched and read!’ Jennifer Arnold, Netgalley ‘Reads like the perfect rom-com movie’ Sinead, Librarian ‘Very sexy and very sweet’ Morgan Shulman, Goodreads ‘Warmed my heart and read like a movie…What a beautiful sweet surprise this was’ Kelsey Peterson, Goodreads ‘You have yourself a page turning, don’t want it to end story, in essence an absolutely cracking read!’ Margaret Harris, Netgalley ‘A gorgeously sweet romance!’ From Rachael Claire ‘It's got laugh out loud moments, heart wrenching moments but most important that feel good factor’ Chantiece Bates, Goodreads

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Book Synopsis'Wow wow wow. Loved this from page one' NetGalley review?????Absolutely wonderful. The perfect escape to Cornwall' NetGalley review?????Totally loved this book Couldn't put it down Brilliant' NetGalley review?????Under the golden Cornish sun, buried treasure and family secrets will change Emma's life foreverEmma loved her life in the seaside village of Silver Cove. But when the discovery of sunken treasure ignited a feud between her family and that of Luke, her first love, everything fell apart. Heartbroken and betrayed, she fled.Now, as she wades into the sparkling surf for the first time in fifteen years, she remembers everything she loved about this beautiful place. Then a huge wave knocks her off her feet. Dripping wet, Emma is rescued by none other than Luke who is, to her dismay, even more handsome than ever.As their paths continue to cross, and Emma is reminded of everything she ran away from, she starts to wonder if returning home was a huge mistake.Or could the real treasure Trade Review Praise for Phillipa Ashley: ‘Sheer joy!’ Katie Fforde ‘Within moments you’ll feel like you're at the Cornish seaside, gazing out on the waves, cream tea in hand. The ultimate summer reading escape!’ Yours Magazine ‘Full of genuine warmth and quirky characters’ Woman’s Own ‘Serious festive escapism . . . like a big warm hug’ Popsugar ‘A page-turner of a festive read’ My Weekly ‘Romantic and life-affirming’ Woman’s Weekly ‘A feel-good read for summer’ The Sun

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.''Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There''s no better rule''Pip is an orphan without any expectations he has no name, no fortune and no prospects. It is only when he begins to visit Miss Havisham, elderly, rich and reclusive, and her adopted niece Estella, that he begins to hope for something better. And when it is revealed that Pip has inherited a large sum of money from a mysterious benefactor, he begins an adventure that will change his life forever.Epic and memorable, Pip''s quest to find the truth about himself is a classic coming-of-age tale and one of Dickens' most enduring and popular novels.

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Book SynopsisSparkling, laugh-out-loud, romantic' Phillipa AshleySt Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it's always cocktail hour somewhereA clean slate in the world's cosiest cottage by the seaWhen Gwen Starkey and her best friend, Ella Simpson, arrive in St Aidan to take on a cottage renovation, it's the fresh start they both so desperately need. But when their new adventure begins with them unintentionally breaking into their neighbour, Ollie Lancaster's cottage thinking it's their new home and Gwen accidentally flashing the gorgeous Ollie before they flee, the life-long friends realise that life in Cornwall is going to be anything but quiet!They also quickly discover that they're in over their heads and it's going to take a village to turn their cottage's narrow walls into the luxurious hideaway of their dreams. St Aidan is full of colourful characters just waiting to welcome them, if only Gwen and Ella can find the courage to start leaving the past behind thTrade Review Praise for Jane Linfoot ‘Sparkling, laugh-out-loud, romantic’ Phillipa Ashley, bestselling author of Summer at the Cornish Café ‘The perfect holiday read to warm your heart’ #1 bestselling author Tracy Bloom 'Just like the perfect wedding cake, Cupcakes and Confetti is beautifully crafted and wrapped in romance' Heidi Swain ‘Funny and big-hearted, I was enchanted by Lily and her friends’ Sunday Times-bestselling author Michele Gorman ‘A pure delight…fabulous, fun and unforgettable’ Debbie Johnson, bestselling author of Christmas at the Comfort Food Café

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Book SynopsisDeliciously dark and suspenseful A tour-de-force' Alex Michaelides, The Silent PatientWINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL THRILLER WRITERS BEST EBOOK ORIGINAL NOVEL 2023NEW START. OLD SECRETS.Kat and Mark move to an island off the Northern Irish coast for a new beginning. Far away from their frantic life in London, it's the perfect place to bring up the family they're longing to start.But as soon as they arrive, cracks begin to appear in their marriage. Mark is still texting his ex-wife. Kat is lying about a new friendship. And one of them is keeping an explosive secret about the past.The couple in Causeway Cottage are hiding something and the truth can be deadlyA gripping page-turner with a shocking twist, perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke, Alice Feeney and Shari Lapena.Readers LOVE The Couple at Causeway Cottage!Wow! What a rollercoaster of a ride this book is! Gripped me from the start!' NetGalley reviewer, ?????I could not put this book down I was mesmerized.' NetGalley reviewer, ?????LovedTrade Review Praise for The Couple at Causeway Cottage: ‘Deliciously dark and suspenseful… A tour-de-force’ Alex Michaelides ‘Pacy, twisty and full of shocks, all the way to the jaw-dropping finale’ S.E. Lynes Praise for Diane Jeffrey: ‘A scorchingly good thriller’ Lisa Hall ‘Tense and compelling, a genuinely thrilling read’ Elizabeth Haynes ‘Brimming with tension, riddled with doubt and suspicion, insidious and compelling with a terrifying ending that had me catching my breath’ Sue Fortin ‘Gripping, thought-provoking and scarily believable … just when you think you know where the story is going, another twist comes round the corner’ T.M. Logan ‘Stayed up late finishing this, just had to know what happened, brilliant final twist! Gripping page-turner with great characters’ B A Paris ‘With twists and turns that will wrong-foot you all the way, a dash of dark humour and a strong emotional punch, this is an excellent debut that more than earns its place within the genre.’ S.J.I. Holliday

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Book SynopsisThe BBC Between the Covers Book Club Pick''Sentence by sentence, Ben Hinshaw offers wit, sensitivity and sharp observation. Then slowly the reader sees the grand design - the intricate, braided storylines, sustained with energy and relish. It is entertaining, and something more - truly involving, like a whole novel sequence cleverly condensed'' Hilary MantelSurrounded by the dramatic beauty of Guernsey, a teenager discovers a secret and finds his betrayal has the power to ruin adult lives. In London, a marriage shot through with infidelity leads to a quest for revenge, resulting in a series of simultaneously comical and catastrophic events. And in California, as wildfires threaten landscapes and lives, a young veteran struggles with the trauma of war, seeking solace at a local ranch.In this extraordinary debut, a cast of characters grapple with unexpected betrayal, the loss of innocence and the lies we tell. With sharp insight, Ben Hinshaw illumTrade ReviewA surprising and enjoyable read . . . this novel without guardrails stands as a brave debut * The Times *Virtuosity of technique accompanies keenness of insight and depth of characterisation . . . Hinshaw's impressively accomplished debut puts him in [Tim Winton and Jennifer Egan's] company -- Peter Kemp * Sunday Times *Ben Hinshaw offers wit, sensitivity and sharp observation . . . the intricate, braided storylines, sustained with energy and relish. It is entertaining, and something more - truly involving -- Hilary Mantel, author of The Mirror and the LightA poignant demonstration of the way the past is still folded into the present * FT *Ben Hinshaw renders ordinary human agonies with extraordinary precision and emotional insight . . . This book is a riveting and beautifully patterned map of the emotional archipelago of longing and learning, loving and leaving -- Max Porter, author of Grief is the Thing with FeathersSuch an incredibly clever idea this, a set of interlinked stories in which people who appear in one turn up in another . . there's a regretful, wistful atmosphere that's compelling. * Daily Mail *A splendid debut. The stories are sharp, subtle, richly coloured and the world they deliver delightfully surprising. Read this book -- Lynn Freed, author of The Romance of ElsewhereFull of precise moments of humanity. So finely observed, funny and touching -- Alex Hyde, author of VioletsTerrific. I really enjoyed it -- Andy Miller, author of The Year of Reading Dangerously and co-host of BacklistedThe calm, clear and intelligent prose belies the tortured emotional currents just below the surface. Sophisticated and ambitious -- Samantha Dunn, author of Failing Paris

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Book SynopsisAfter seven years of marriage, the beautiful Lady Brenda Last is bored with life at Hetton Abbey, the Gothic mansion that is the pride and joy of her husband, Tony. She drifts into an affair with the shallow socialite John Beaver and forsakes Tony for the Belgravia set. Brilliantly combining tragedy, comedy and savage irony, A Handful of Dust captures the irresponsible mood of the ''crazy and sterile generation'' between the wars. This breakdown of the Last marriage is a painful, comic re-working of Waugh''s own divorce, and a symbol of the breakdown of society.

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Book SynopsisMeet Andy: GSOH, emotionally available and... well, dead. Meet Emily: the girl Andy ghosted. No, literally...A year ago, Emily was ghosted. But it''s fine, she''s over it. Plus, she''s far too busy working on herself to be haunted by her past.That is... until his name is spelled out on a Ouija board at a party, and she learns that he didn''t ghost her after all. He died. And just as she''s trying to work out how she feels about that, Andy turns up in her flat as a ghost.Andy needs Emily''s help: he can''t move on until he solves the mystery of his death. But as they spend more time together, Emily is reminded of just how right Andy was for her. And just how drop dead gorgeous he was - and still is.And suddenly laying her ghosts to rest becomes a lot harder than she first thought...A hilarious and feel-good rom com, perfect for fans of Ashley Poston''s The Dead Romantics, Erin Sterling''s The Ex Hex or anytTrade ReviewPraise for The Time of My Life:A brilliantly funny new voice -- Jenny ColganWhat a wonderful debut! Such fun, and so deftly written, with a fabulous premise and perfect ending -- Jill MansellThe Time of My Life is a gem - funny, warm, and surprising -- Adam KayThe modern twist on Groundhog Day is hilarious and utterly unputdownable * Woman's Own *A brilliant and very funny read * Closer *Incredibly funny * That's Life *A cut above the others: funny, witty, hilarious, sad, emotional, funny, hilarious, clever, romantic, observant, funny, powerful, moving, funny, intelligent, clever, deft, smart, funny, heartfelt, human, funny... -- David QuantickA poignant and original debut all in one * Sun *

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Book SynopsisA decade after leaving his family's bush pilot operation to become a Pararescue Jumper, Dodge Kingston is back home in Alaska. He hadn't counted on meeting up again with Echo, a girl with a spirit as free as the sky. When she goes missing, he hopes all her skills will keep her safe until he can reach her--and that she'll accept his help when he does.

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Book SynopsisIn his bold and pioneering novel, No Past, No Present, No Future, Yulisa Amadu Maddy explores the dynamics between three young boys as their lives slip quickly into chaos and tragedy. At a missionary school in colonial West Africa, three students from very different backgrounds forge a friendship in an effort to forget the difficulties they face at home. But when one of the boys betrays the other, a series of disastrous events spiral into out of control. After finally leaving school, their paths cross once again in Europe but prejudice and diverging loyalties put the brotherhood they once had into question. How can they ever dream of a future together when the ghosts of the past are determined to haunt their present?

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Book SynopsisPassion. Obsession. Acceptance. Betrayal. Three ground-breaking female playwrights have cooked up a feast, with a trio of short plays with music that explore love in all its glorious, sticky complexity. From the boozy warmth of the social club to the endless labyrinth of the internet, this is a show about the communities we form, the care that we show each other and the love that we hope never tears us apart.The Start of Space by Laura Lindow: A visiting expert lecturing on the secrets of the heart has a dark and unexpected truth of their own.fangirl, or the justification of limerence by Naomi Obeng: An obsessive fan poses as her musical idol online and becomes lost in a maze of love and revenge.with the love of neither god nor state by Vici Wreford-Sinnott: A young woman runs away from a world that doesn't understand her and finds shelter in a local social club. But will they have the heart to truly let her in?This edition was published to coincide with the world

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Book SynopsisA HOT ITALIAN SUMMER. TWO COUPLES. ONE DARK SECRET THAT COULD RUIN EVERYTHING. . .''The best book I have read this year. Atmospheric, thrilling and completely unputdownable'' 5***** Reader Review''Sultry, sexy, immersive'' HARRIET TYCE''A compelling and unsettling read with summer written all over it'' WOMAN & HOME''The only book you need this summer. Gripping, well-paced and full of thrills'' 5***** Reader Review''Tense and atmospheric. A dark, sultry, summer read'' JANE FALLONTHE ADDICTIVE NEW NOVEL FROM THE AUTHOR OF RICHARD & JUDY PICK THE HEATWAVE''A sexy summer read with a twist. If you''re looking for a summer read to devour by the pool or on the beach, look no further'' EVENING STANDARD_________Nick and Laura are the hosts: pretending their marriage isn''t on the rocks.Madison and Bastian are the guests: neither is remotely who they claim to be.Trade ReviewA sexy summer read with a twist. If you're looking for a summer read to devour by the pool or on the beach, look no further * Evening Standard *Tense and atmospheric. A dark, sultry, summer read -- Jane FallonSultry, sexy, and suspenseful - Summer Fever is scorched with tension. Psychologically complex characters and a beautifully evoked Italian setting make this an utterly page-turning summer read -- Lucy ClarkeA compelling and unsettling read with summer written all over it * Woman & Home *Sexy and atmospheric - incredibly smart escapism. I was gripped throughout and so surprised and delighted by the ending -- Daisy BuchananA sexy, sultry, immersive read -- Harriet TyceSteamy, febrile, hypnotic. Kate Riordan is the Queen of the sexy summer psychological drama -- Tammy CohenThe characters leapt from the page, and yet they have such nuance and depth, Kate really knows how to get under their skin; and the villa and setting, that brooding Italian charm with and edge of menace. Laura, Nick, Bastian and Madison will stay with me, their relationships authentically complicated and compelling -- Amanda ReynoldsAnother scorcher from brilliant writer Kate Riordan. Written in an urgent, breathless style with a fascinating structure, Italy is evoked in all its sultry beauty, while drama throbs and secrets surface. A quintessential summer read -- Becca MascullIf you enjoyed Kate Riordan's South of France set novel The Heatwave, then you're guaranteed to love Summer Fever , which transports readers to a crumbling villa in the Italian countryside . . . Full of forbidden desire and dark secrets, this sultry psychological thriller pulses with suspense and simmering tension * Culturefly *A creeping, dreamlike drama unravelling in the perfect setting, Summer Fever reminds me why Kate Riordan is one of my favourite suspense writers -- Anna BaileyIntimate, intense and utterly addictive, Summer Fever is a rare treat of a novel, combining elegant writing with astute psychology and a thrilling plot. Riordan excels in drawing us close and keeping us there, witness to her characters' simmering desires and hidden betrayals, as secrets from the past begin to creep through the walls of Villa Luna Rossa. I enjoyed every minute of this beautiful story. Days after finishing it, I'm still shaking off the spell. -- Emma StonexAn emotionally rich and keenly observed novel, full of astute observations on desire and disappointment. Summer Fever is utterly compelling and transporting, with a delicious sense of ever-building unease. I loved it -- Emylia HallSultry, seductive and unsettlingly honest, Summer Fever explores the lies that we tell ourselves, the truths that desire blinds us to, and the bonds of friendship that can reveal them all -- Claire McGlassonThis is the perfect summer read. The tension sizzles off the pages, and the sense of foreboding and danger never lets up. I devoured this feverishly, well into the early hours, wishing I was basking in the Mediterranean sun. Sexy, moreish... dazzlingly good -- Jack JordanBeautifully written, totally immersive, the believable characters and stunning but menacing setting will keep you reading way after lights out -- Katie FfordeA scorching portrait of obsessive lust and a marriage in danger, in a setting that is both beautiful and hostile. I love Kate Riordan's sharp insight into the nuances of the relationships between the four protagonists, as their moods shift and the tension rises. She creates such a detailed, immersive world, you can feel the simmering heat and repressed passion in your bones. Summer Fever is a totally addictive, moreish summer treat, like a long, cool Aperol Spritz on a sweltering day -- Gill PaulSummer Fever steams with longing and menace, and takes us on one woman's dangerous, suspense-filled journey towards self-discovery. Kate Riordan's magnificent prose dazzles with astute observations on the psychology of female desire, even as we hold our breath -- Jane BaileyYou can practically feel the heat coming off the pages; the simmering tension in this novel is almost unbearable yet absolutely delicious. I loved it -- Jackie KablerPraise for Kate Riordan -- :A sultry, gorgeously written and hugely atmospheric thriller with a dark, compelling mystery at its heart -- Lucy FoleySultry, atmospheric and unsettling - a book to lose yourself in this summer -- Erin KellyA tense psychological drama...terrific summer escapism * Daily Mail *Evocative, compelling, intoxicating. I loved it -- Tammy CohenThis red-hot book will have you gripped * Sun *

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Book SynopsisThe brand new, utterly hilarious and totally addictive romantic comedy in the No. 1 bestselling AISLING series''Aisling is one of the finest comic creations of all time'' MARIAN KEYES''That rare, precious thing: a fictional character you care about like a friend. It''s a joy to spend time with Aisling again'' LISA McGEE, creator of DERRY GIRLS________Anything is possible in the bright lights of New York . . .Aisling is 31 and life is good. Yes, her relationship with boyfriend John may be over but her café, BallyGoBrunch, is booming and it isn''t long before an exciting offer lands: a catering gig in The Big Apple.Armed with her best wrap dress and heels, Aisling boards a business-class flight to New York to start a new adventure.But life in the city isn''t as easy and glamorous as she first thought. Alone and homesick, Aisling fears she has made a terrible mistakeYet New York has so much to offerTrade ReviewAn utter ray of sunshine * Red *Praise for the Aisling Series * - *Plenty of acutely observed running jokes . . . The female relationships are as charmingly drawn as ever . . . It's not difficult to see why Aisling has become such a phenomenon in Irish publishing * Sunday Times *There aren't enough words for how much I love it. It's feicin' HILAIRE and very touching * Marian Keyes *The Irish answer to Bridget Jones . . . it's stuffed with laughs * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisHens Reunited is a humorous story of friendship and romance, from the author of The Beach Cafe, Lucy Diamond.Katie, Georgia and Alice were at each other's hen nights but now the chickens have come home to roost; their marriages have fallen apart and their friendships have been tested to the limits.Control-freak Katie has become a commitment-phobe - there's no way she wants to get married again. Is there?Ambitious Georgia always puts her career first. If anyone gets hurt, it's their look-out - right?And faithful Alice wants to make a fresh start, but can't get over her cheating ex - and Georgia's betrayal.Hearts have been broken, and feathers ruffled . . . can the hens ever be reunited?

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Book Synopsis**A Prima magazine pick of the year**Haunting, beautiful and uplifting, Katy Regan’s How to Find Your Way Home is about sibling love, the restorative power of nature and how home is found within us.'A luminous novel about the power of love . . . It's beautiful, fascinating, perfectly crafted and life affirming. I adored it' - Rowan Coleman, author of The Summer of Impossible ThingsWhat if the person you thought you’d lost forever walked back into your life?In 1987, four-year-old Stephen Nelson welcomes his new baby sister, Emily. Holding her for the first time, he vows to keep her safe forever.Nearly thirty years later, the two have lost touch and Stephen is homeless.Emily, however, has never given up hope of finding her brother and when he arrives at the council office where she works, her wish to be reunited comes true. But should you be careful what you wish for?As they embark on a road trip together, Emily is tormented by memories of a day fifteen years earlier that changed everything. Will confronting the secrets that tore them apart finally enable Emily and Stephen to make their peace – not just with their shared past and each other, but also themselves?'Gorgeous' - Good HousekeepingTrade ReviewA luminous novel about the power of love and how to find your place as part of natural world once again. It's beautiful, fascinating, perfectly crafted and life affirming. I adored it -- Rowan Coleman, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Brontë Mysteries series, The Vanished Bride, The Diabolical Bones and The Red MonarchBeautiful, heartbreaking and life-affirming -- Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't CallA gorgeous book with characters that walk off the page and into your heart. I loved it -- Eva Chase, author of The Glass HouseTender and perceptive -- Lucy Diamond, author of Anything Could HappenPowerful and tender, with characters I loved so much that I didn’t want to say goodbye to them . . . Sublime -- Catherine Isaac, author of The World at My FeetA truly touching story about love, hope, belonging and memory -- Araminta Hall, author of Perfect StrangersGorgeously written, emotional and moving, How To Find Your Way Home brought a tear to my eye. It's life-affirming and simply wonderful -- Sarah J Harris, author of One Ordinary Day At A TimeGorgeous * Good Housekeeping *

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Jodi Picoult and If Only I Could Tell You, Penny Hancock's The Choice is an engrossing, thought-provoking novel about family secrets and the way that even the smallest decisions can sometimes have far-reaching consequences.‘Emotional and thought-provoking’ – Jenny Quintana, author of The Hiding PlaceAn estranged daughter.Renee Gulliver appears to have it all: a beautiful house overlooking a scenic estuary on England’s East Coast, a successful career as a relationship therapist, three grown-up children, and a beloved grandson, Xavier.A missing grandson.But then Xavier vanishes after Renee fails to pick him up from school, and the repercussions are manifold.A mother faced with an impossible choice.Renee is wracked with remorse; the local community question her priorities, clients abandon her; and, as long-held grievances surface, her daughter Mia offers her a heartbreaking ultimatum.Amid recriminations, misunderstandings and lies, can Renee find a way to reunite her family?‘A real tour de force’ – Kate Rhodes, author of the Locked-Island mysteries‘Gut-wrenching’ – Woman's OwnTrade ReviewA perfect evocation of the complex modern family . . . I found myself holding my breath while reading it, hoping that Xavier would be found unhurt, and identifying with the beautifully drawn characters, as past mistakes come home to roost . . . A real tour de force -- Kate RhodesA hugely readable, carefully perceptive story of family dynamics tough and tender. Rife with entrenched positions, assumptions and gut-wrenching mistakes, it is ultimately loving and redemptive -- Louise FoxcroftThe Choice is an emotional and thought-provoking novel which explores the nature of love and guilt, and the impact of the decisions we make on others and ourselves, through compelling characters and sensitive and absorbing prose -- Jenny QuintanaA gut-wrenching story about the power of our decisions * Woman's Own *A brilliantly woven story around issues that so many women know only too well - Julia Crouch, author of The New Mother Beautifully written, thought-provoking, and brimming with powerful and recognisable emotions, Hancock’s superbly wrought story speaks straight from the heart * Blackpool Gazette *A compelling story of forgiveness and redemption. Powerful, moving, and beautifully written -- Susan Elliot Wright

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Book Synopsis'Engrossing...I loved each and every brushstroke' Ian Rankin'Nightshade is a glorious novel... full of twisted sexuality, art and power' ObserverCould the creative urge be the most destructive - even the deadliest - impulse of all? Could it end in death?Eve Laing, once the muse of an infamous painter, is now - forty years later - an artist herself. But she has sacrificed her career for her family. She resents the global success of her old college roommate. She is slowly unravelling.When Eve embarks on her most ambitious work yet, she takes a wrecking ball to her comfortable life, jettisoning her marriage for a beautiful young lover who seems to share her single-minded creative vision. This timely novel explores sexual politics, asking if the true artist must relinquish the ordinary human need for love and connection to pave the way for desire and ambition, leading to a fatal awakening...Trade ReviewNightshade is a glorious novel... full of twisted sexuality, art and power, about what it means to commit yourself entirely to the artistic life. The book's ending is unforgettable. -- Alex Preston * Observer *Brilliant and biting. -- Harriet Fitch Little * Financial Times *The drama of creation, of impending triumph or failure, and the expert rendering of the artistic process, all lift the novel to a new level...McAfee’s prose is lyrical yet sharp… the novel fascinates…and Nightshade’s questions continue to intrigue. -- Joanna Briscoe * Guardian *McAfee’s engaging novel combines a dark plot with a zestful skewering of the contemporary art world. -- Anthony Gardner * Mail on Sunday *Eve is a fascinating, plausible creation, both alluring and monstrous in her all-consuming self-regard. * Metro *

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Book SynopsisGet ready to fall for this year's most poignant and romantic love story...Fourteen days together. Fifteen years apart.Their love story isn't over yet...When Abbie met Oz they were young, idealistic students from different backgrounds, but their connection was unmistakable. Then Oz went home to Istanbul and life moved on.Years later, Abbie and Oz meet again - a chance encounter that could change everything.Despite leading very different lives, they find themselves drawn to eachother once more. But they have commitments, jobs and families that take priority - and too much time has passed... Hasn't it? From London to Istanbul, Paris to Beirut, It Must Be Love is a heart-wrenching story that will leave you believing in the power of fate and destiny. Perfect for fans of Josie Silver and Sophie Cousens.______________________READERS ARE FALLING HEAD OVER HEELS FOR IT MUST BE LOVE...'A real rollercoaster ride of emotions ... I felt them all!''Wistful, touching ... takes you on a wonderfully romantic journey''The characters are ones you can easily warm to and take to your heart''This book had me entranced from the beginning''I was hooked!''Fans of One Day will love this''You are sure to be weeping by the end. A fab read with a cup of tea and mountain of biscuits'______________________PRAISE FOR IT MUST BE LOVE...'Life-affirming and unforgettable, this is a very special love story' Holly Miller'One of the most wonderful will-they-won't-they books I've read' Lorna Cook'A gorgeously romantic and evocative debut ... I know it's going to be a hit!' Emma HughesTrade ReviewOne of the most wonderful will-they-won't-they books I've read. I wasn't sure who Abby was going to end up with and the way the ending rolled around was really unexpected. -- Lorna CookAn evocative, escapist novel about true love, fate and destiny that's guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts ... Life-affirming and unforgettable, this is a very special love story. -- Holly MillerA gorgeously romantic and evocative debut, full of such heart and truly transportive to so many wonderful corners of the world. I know it's going to be a hit! -- Emma Hughes

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Book SynopsisDuckling's a nickname Lucy has never been able to shake off.And, if she's honest, maybe it suits her.She just isn't the type to socialise with other people.You might say she's reluctant to leave her nest.Lucy's life is small, but safe. She's got a good routine. But all that's about to change...When Lucy's neighbour asks her to look after her little girl for a couple of hours - and then doesn't come back - Lucy is suddenly responsible for someone other than herself.It takes courage to let the outside world in, and Lucy's about to learn there's much more to life - but only if she's brave enough to spread her wings...________________________________Praise for Duckling'A poignant read' Woman's Own'[I] loved this gorgeous, funny, poignant and very human book' Rowan Coleman'Underlines the importance of friendship, community and family while maintaining a galloping plot that keeps you gripped until the last page' Sarah J Harris'A lovely, heart-warming story about the importance of friendship and family, the power of forgiveness and about learning to love yourself' Clare Swatman'Duckling is joyous, life-affirming and refreshing' - Joanne Harris'Combines uplifting and poignant moments with a plot that is so gripping it had me feverishly turning the pages!' Jessica Ryn'Charming and compassionate, dark at times yet peppered with joy' Eleanor RayTrade ReviewUplifting, heart-warming and with characters you truly root for, I couldn't put [Duckling] down. It underlines the importance of friendship, community and family while maintaining a galloping plot that keeps you gripped until the last page. Highlight recommend a read -- Sarah J HarrisI love a story about an underdog, and Lucy is definitely one of those! I loved watching her blossom - or learn to fly - throughout the course of the novel, and was with her all the way on her journey of self-discovery. Duckling is a lovely, heart-warming story about the importance of friendship and family, the power of forgiveness and about learning to love yourself. It's a warm, satisfying read with a great, relatable cast of characters and, even though it deals with some gritty issues, it does so with real intelligence and understanding. A great story. -- Clare SwatmanThis beautiful story combines uplifting and poignant moments with a plot that is so gripping it had me feverishly turning the pages! -- Jessica Ryn[I] loved this gorgeous, funny, poignant and very human book -- Rowan ColemanCharming and compassionate, dark at times yet peppered with joy. I fully expect Duckling to spread its wings and fly! -- Eleanor Ray

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Book SynopsisMalaya, 1920: Two girls make a promise in the shadows of the jungle. A promise that life won't let them easily keep.Malaya, 1941: Ella is running her late father's tin mine in the Kledang hills, while Noor works as her cook.When the war that felt so far away suddenly arrives on their doorstep, Ella is torn apart from her family. Her daughter Grace is left in Noor's care as Japanese soldiers seize the mine.Ella is forced to make an impossible choice that takes her to England, thousands of miles from home. She is desperate to be reunited with her loved ones. But will the life she returns to be anything like the life she left behind?-------------------------------------------Praise for Paula Greenlees:'This atmospheric tale celebrates loyalty and courage' People's Friend'Paula's novel transports the reader to a long-forgotten and fascinating time...' LOUISE FEIN'Guaranteed to transport you to exotic climes and engross you in the story of its troubled heroine' LIZ TRENOW'A beautiful, immersive tale that will keep you turning the pages until the end' JENNY ASHCROFT

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Book Synopsis'Stylish, deft...an absolutely fascinating novel' Guardian'Haunting, mesmerising, and so deeply intelligent' Kamila Shamsie, author of Women's Prize for Fiction winning Home Fire'Powerful...compelling and profoundly moving' Irish Times'Heartbreaking, sweetly logical and tentatively hopeful' SpectatorHeartbroken after a long, painful love affair, a man drives a haulage lorry from England to France. Travelling with him is a secret passenger - his daughter. Twenty-something, unkempt, off the rails.With a week on the road together, father and daughter must restore themselves and each other, and repair a relationship that is at once fiercely loving and deeply scarred.As they journey south, down the motorways, through the service stations, a devastating picture reveals itself: a story of grief, of shame, and of love in all its complex, dark and glorious manifestations.______________What readers are saying:***** 'The prose is sublime and deeply moving . . . a stunning novel'***** 'Beautifully written, lyrical and unsettling in its exploration of human frailties, family, love, and loss, grief'**** 'A haunting, tragic and highly original story of a father and daughter travelling across England and France in a haulage truck, and discovering more about their relationship and past in all its raw candour'MORE PRAISE FOR WE ARE NOT IN THE WORLD:'Unusual, utterly original and mysterious . . . a must read' Elaine Feeney'...the book stays with you, a haunting presence you cannot - and do not want to - escape...astounding.' Ruth Gilligan Extraordinary...achingly sad and tender and sexy, and the writing is very beautiful.' Louise Kennedy'Wonderful, wrenching . . . full of enormous feelings very precisely rendered' Sara Baume'Elusive, unsettling, beautiful, haunting. This is a complex, devastating study of human relations; a portrait of intense love and damage in equal measure.' Lisa Harding'A whirlpool of memories, regrets and hopes' Tim Pears'An uncanny ability to turn the seemingly insignificant into something monumental' Jan Carson

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Book Synopsis'Beautiful' LOUISE BEECH 'Life-affirming and joyful' SARA SHERIDAN 'A time-travelling delight' EVE CHASE 'An incredible story of love and hope' KATIE FFORDE'Gloriously romantic and deeply moving' LUCY DIAMOND'A stunning book about what it takes to be truly alive' JULIE COHEN'Wonderful . . . both emotional and utterly captivating' JILL MANSELL'A book you will carry with you long after the last page' MILLY JOHNSON'Up there alongside The Time Traveler's Wife' CAROLE MATTHEWS'Captivating and completely unforgettable, Vita and Ben's love story made me believe the impossible might not be so far out of reach' JULIETTA HENDERSONFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Memory Book, an unforgettable, beautiful novel about what it means to live to the fullest and to love forever, for fans of The Time Traveler's Wife, Me Before You and Outlander.He's running out of time.Ben Church has never done anything extraordinary in his life - until now. Now, he needs to fulfil as many of his dreams as possible while he still can.Time is all she has.Vita Ambrose's life of parties and fabulous clothes looks wildly glamorous but in reality it has no meaning. She's seen too much, lived too much and lost too much.Together, can they make time stand still? Ben and Vita's connection is immediate, spontaneous and passionate. But the clock is ticking. Can they find a way to make their love live forever? Because every moment matters when it might be your last . . .YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS LOVE ROWAN COLEMAN:'A writer I'd follow anywhere' KATIE FFORDE'It's so lovely to find an author you love' MARIAN KEYES'Such a brilliant writer' JILL MANSELL'I've always loved Rowan's writing' LUCY DILLON'There is a lovely smooth glow to the writing' MATT HAIG'Whenever I read a Rowan Coleman novel, I am always taken on a great adventure' ALICE PETERSONTrade ReviewA time-travelling delight of a novel, beautifully written, with a huge heart. -- Eve ChaseAn incredible story of love and hope -- Katie FfordeA delightful dream of a book -- Lisa JewellA wonderful read . . . Beautifully written, it is both emotional and utterly captivating. Next time I visit an art exhibition I shall be taking a lot more notice of the other attendees! -- Jill MansellSensitively told and beautifully written, FROM NOW UNTIL FOREVER is an exceptional read, a powerful punch of a book that you will carry with you long after the last page. -- Milly JohnsonUp there alongside The Time Traveler's Wife. Excellent. -- Carole MatthewsThis cIever romance is mind-blowingly good. * Fabulous *Rich in historical detail and sprinkled with magic, this love story is both touching and unique * Heat *An incredibly moving read * Closer *Gloriously romantic and deeply moving, this is a centuries-spanning story of love and hope that dazzles with its ambition and originality. -- Lucy DiamondCaptivating, compelling and completely unforgettable, Ben and Vita's love story made me believe the impossible might not be so far out of reach . . . -- Julietta HendersonA stunning book about the deathless power of love and art, and what it takes to be truly alive. -- Julie CohenA fabulous, heart-breaking, uplifting love story . . . An absolute gem of an era-spanning romance that just goes to show time might not always be on our side, but love always wins out. -- David BarnettLife-affirming and joyful, Coleman has created a seductive world where humanity a blessing -- Sara SheridanRowan Coleman is the queen of heart-breaking love stories and she's outdone herself with this gorgeous, epic novel which plunges you into the complex and mysterious lives of Vita and Ben. From Now Until Forever deserves to be read over and over - once to appreciate the compelling love story, and again to savour the deep understanding of humanity and time the author shows. -- Eva CarterThis beautiful book is about time, magic and love - so make the time because it's magic and you'll love it. -- Louise BeechA beautiful read * That's Life Magazine *Dazzling, captivating and captures the healing power of love * S Magazine *An incredibly moving story * Bella Magazine *Have your hanky ready * Woman & Home *

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Book Synopsis'An evocative literary saga . . . seductive' Sunday Times'Steeped in longing and spiked with pitch perfect 80s detail . . . Gorgeous' ANNA HOPEGrowing up, it was always the three of them: Miller and Olly and Ash. They stuck together like they were keeping a secret; they were successful, best friends, lovers. It was perfect - a shining life - until it fell apart. Now Miller and Ash are married and living in Wonderland, the tidal island of sugary coloured houses they ran away from.Miller feels like she's disappearing. She wears her tinted sunglasses so often sometimes she forgets the world isn't green.Ash is having an affair with a helmet-haired TV presenter.Olly lives a charmed life in LA but it's on the precipice of disaster. Over the long, hot summer of 1984, unanswered questions draw the three of them back together. They are so consumed with the possibility of a redemptive third act, they don't notice what's going on between Miller's son, his best friend and the girl who lives next door. . . Some summers are spent yearning for something to happen, others are charged with the terrifying, exhilarating feeling that everything is going to change.Trade ReviewSteeped in longing and spiked with pitch perfect 80s detail, Klaussmann conjures a restless, heat-soaked atmosphere, in which her characters circle, desire, and hurt one another - a gorgeous summer read -- ANNA HOPE, bestselling author of ExpectationOver the course of a summer, Klaussmann dangles the possibility of a redemptive third act in this sharp, tart narrative that's drenched in retro detail * The Mail on Sunday *Totally transporting . . . I loved it -- CLOVER STROUD, author of My Wild and Sleepless NightsAn evocative literary saga, steeped in the sounds, scents and cinematic hits of the early 1980s, has a seductive pull * Sunday Times *A stunning read * Good Housekeeping *'A perfect poolside read that rocks along to the soundtrack of the Eighties' * Saga *A restless summer novel, readers looking for escapism, or longing for another chance to reignite sparks from the past, may find what they are looking for here * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisClara’s mother is famous for the nude portraits she took of Clara throughout her childhood.Clara has spent her entire adult life pulling away from her mother. At age eighteen, sick of her notoriety as 'the girl in the pictures', Clara fled New York City, settling and making her own family in small-town Maine. But years later, when her mother reaches out from her deathbed, Clara suddenly finds herself drawn back to the past she thought she had escaped.From the beloved author of SIGNAL FIRES and FAMILY HISTORY, BLACK & WHITE is a moving love letter to those familial bonds that both bruise and make you in equal measure.‘Spellbinding...provocative, hypnotic’ USA Today ‘Uncompromising storytelling’ Los Angeles Times‘Ambitious…thrilling’ TimeOut New YorkTrade ReviewShapiro does something rather thrilling with her story: she gets it just right. * Washington Post *Universal dilemmas face us all, and it is the novelist's job to breathe life into them one way or another, and this is something Shapiro does very well indeed * New York Times Book Review *Trenchant and enduring * Los Angeles Times Book Review *Shapiro's central characters are expertly rendered * Elle Magazine *Spellbinding...provocative, hypnotic...spot-on authentic. A cool depiction of a mother and daughter's fraught and fiery relationship * USA Today *

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Book SynopsisFrom an internationally bestselling author comes the powerful and poignant final book in his Rome Novels trilogy, following two soulmates whose lives will be intertwined forever-perfect for fans of Reminders of Him and In Five Years. Step Mancini has more than any man has a right to ask for. He has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams as a television producer and can afford to surround himself with beautiful things, including his lawyer wife. And now his life is even more perfect because they have a baby on the way.But there's nothing like the magic of first love. When Babi Gervasi suddenly reappears in Step's life, she brings back tender memories along with a shocking request for his help. Step knows that his wife can never find out, and so he begins a double life, torn between the two women he cares about most in the world.

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Book SynopsisVincent, having grown up as the privileged daughter of artists, has a lovely life in many ways. At forty-four, she enjoys strolling the streets of Paris and teaching at the modern art museum; she has a vibrant group of friends; and she's even caught the eye of a young, charismatic man named Loup. But Vincent is also in Paris to escape a painful betrayal: her husband, Cillian, has published a bestselling book divulging secrets about their marriage and his own past, hinting that when he was a teenager, he may have had a child with a young woman back in Dublin-before he moved to California and never returned.Now estranged from her husband, Vincent has agreed to see Cillian again at their son's wedding the following summer, but Loup introduces new complications. Soon they begin an intense affair, and somewhere between dinners made together, cigarettes smoked in the moonlight, hazy evenings in nightclubs, and long, starry walks along the Seine, Vincent feels herself loosening and blossoming.In a journey that is both transportive and intimate, Half-Blown Rose traverses Paris, art, travel, liminal spaces, and the messy complexities of relationships and romance, with excerpts from Cillian's novel, playlists, and journal entries woven throughout. As Cillian does all he can to win her back, Vincent must decide what she wants . . . and who she will be.

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Book SynopsisA young artist forges a path of self-discovery in an enriching novel about forgiving the past and embracing second chances, from the bestselling author of An Unfinished Story. Maine, 1969. After losing her parents in a car accident, aspiring artist Annalisa Mancuso lives with her grandmother and their large Italian family in the stifling factory town of Payton Mills. Inspired by her mother, whose own artistic dreams disappeared in a damaged marriage, Annalisa is dedicated only to painting. Closed off to love, and driven as much by her innate talent as she is the disillusionment of her past, Annalisa just wants to come into her own. The first step is leaving Payton Mills and everything it represents. The next, the inspiring opportunities in the city of Portland and a thriving New England art scene where Annalisa hopes to find her voice. But she meets Thomas, an Ivy League student whose attentions—and troubled family—upend her pursuits in ways she never imagined possible. As their relationship deepens, Annalisa must balance her dreams against an unexpected love. Until the unraveling of an unforgivable lie. For Annalisa, opening herself up to life and to love is a risk. It might also be the chance she needs to finally become the person and the artist she’s meant to be.Trade Review“Walker’s (An Unfinished Story) beautifully written coming-of-age novel is set during the Vietnam War…Ideal for book groups and for readers who enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & the Six, Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s Dance Away with Me, or Nicholas Sparks’s novels.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “The Singing Trees is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story set in working class Maine during the seventies, a time of intense turmoil and transformation in America. It is a heartfelt, complex tale of chasing your dreams without forsaking your roots, and I was swept away by Boo Walker’s deft storytelling and incredibly complex characters. Soulful but also full of sharp dialog and humor, The Singing Trees is exactly the sort of book you get lost in then mourn when it is over.” —Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant “The Singing Trees is more than a poignant coming-of-age story; it is a deep exploration of the intricacies of personal growth, family ties, and that most elusive and extraordinary of human gifts, forgiveness. Walker’s lively cast of characters centers around the young artist, Annalisa, whose vibrant, yearning nature lights up this story. I cared for her from the first page as she struggles, as we all do, to protect herself from heartbreak only to find that an open heart is a necessary condition for her art, and, ultimately, for happiness. Book clubs will enjoy second-guessing Annalisa’s choices, and readers everywhere will be enthralled by this clear-eyed journey into the lessons of the heart.” —Sonja Yoerg, Washington Post bestselling author of True Places and The Family Ship “Boo Walker is that rare writer who is both a master storyteller and wordsmith all at once. Set against the backdrop of small-town Maine, The Singing Trees is an uplifting story about the juxtaposition of love and great art, and the possibility of second chances. This is a book to bring you to tears but leave you with a light in your heart.” —Eoin Dempsey, bestselling author of White Rose, Black Forest “Boo Walker’s The Singing Trees filled my heart with a song that echoed inside me long after I’d read the last sentence. With his skill at storytelling on display, Walker deftly takes the reader on a journey through the choices and sacrifices facing those who are caught in creativity’s siren call in this tale of love, sacrifice, and ultimately forgiveness. Bring tissues because there will be tears, but the good kind—the kind that let you know you are alive.” —Emily Bleeker, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author

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Book SynopsisIt was supposed to be a good day. On the one-year anniversary of her divorce, Alex Martinez is getting closure—and margaritas with her two best friends. But just before the celebratory meetup, Alex is clobbered by life once again. Damping the cheer is the diagnosis of a brain tumor she can’t pronounce, a procedure she’d rather postpone, and the prospect of what to say to an already heartbroken mother. Not that Alex plans to tell her anything anytime soon. Going from blissful to blindsided in one afternoon, Alex has other plans: to be impulsive and embark on an adventure she’ll never forget. Expected destinations: the Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and zip-lining through Costa Rica. Unexpected companion: a hiker named David who’s found a woman after his own heart. But no matter how enriching the journey, how long can Alex keep running? It’s time to accept past griefs, reconnect with her mother, and find her way back to happy. For Alex, whatever the future holds, maybe everything she really needs to face is right where she left it.Trade Review“Cuban American Escudero writes a sometimes gritty, occasionally hilarious, and mostly heart-wrenching story. A relatable, gripping tale, infused with Latinx culture, that packs an emotional wallop.” —Library Journal (starred review)

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Book SynopsisA widowed father and his young daughter embark on a life-changing journey in a heartening novel of family and second chances by the bestselling author of The Singing Trees. Adjusting to the death of his wife hasn’t been easy on Baxter Shaw—or on their eight-year-old daughter, Mia. Baxter has left his band and abandoned his dreams to focus on being a single father, but it’s not enough: Mia’s exhibiting escalating behavioral problems. And neither has been able to face the past head-on…until the past reaches out to them. After surprising results from a DNA test, Baxter and Mia journey to southeastern Spain to connect with their mysterious roots. Staying in a centuries-old villa on a renowned olive oil estate, they come to know the family they never realized they had, including a woman whose strength and passion for the estate remind Baxter of the love he lost—and that it’s not too late to rekindle his own dreams. For Baxter and Mia, it’s a healing season in Spain, and the romance of the culture awakens a new outlook on life. But when long-simmering family secrets surface and the estate’s fate is called into question, Baxter must choose to let go of the past if he ever hopes to find love and live again.Trade Review“Walker dazzles in this heart-wrenching tale about a grieving father’s restorative trip to Spain with his daughter… Transporting descriptions of Ester’s farm bring the setting to life, the characters all earn the reader’s emotional investment, and the pacing is perfect. Readers will fall in love.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Set against the lush backdrop of a centuries-old villa, A Spanish Sunrise explores a heartbreaking question: How do you rebuild your life after losing a beloved spouse? For Baxter Shaw, the road to healing starts in earnest when his daughter Mia—an eight-year-old unable to process her own grief—begins acting out in troubling ways. With her wellbeing in mind, Baxter sets them on a journey into his late wife’s mysterious past, where an unexpected homecoming awaits. Readers will cheer on these memorable characters and savor every page to the story’s wonderful and uplifting conclusion.” —Christine Nolfi, bestselling author of A Brighter Flame “Boo Walker’s A Spanish Sunrise is a beautifully written tale about overcoming grief, embracing the true meaning of family, and resurrecting lost dreams. Walker takes a deep dive into grief’s many guises, yet manages to deliver a story that is both heartfelt and hopeful. A splendid cast of characters and settings that positively come to life on the page make this one of the most satisfying books I’ve read in a long time. Clear-eyed, thoughtful, and thoroughly charming, A Spanish Sunrise is the perfect escape!” —Barbara Davis, bestselling author of The Keeper of Happy Endings “A delightful novel. Lose yourself in the evocative descriptions of the Spanish countryside as you sink into the lives of this loving but complicated family. This touching story of a man doing his best for his young daughter in heart-breaking circumstances will stay with you long after you turn the final page.” —Imogen Clark, million-copy bestselling author of Impossible to Forget

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Book SynopsisLAMBDA LITERARY OCTOBER'S MOST ANTICIPATED LGBTQIA+ LITERATURE49th SHELF TOP 22 BOOKS OF 2022Is love real if the beloved isn’t? Girl, Interrupted meets Rebecca in this taut tale of love and madness When Tia meets Pacifique, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime love. They spend five wild days and nights together, and then Tia wakes up in an ambulance with a collarbone broken in a bike accident — and no trace of Pacifique. Unable to convince anyone that Pacifique exists, Tia winds up in a psychiatric ward, forced to face the possibility that this perfect lover may be a figment of her imagination. While there, Tia meets Andrew, a contemplative man with schizophrenia, who falls in love with Tia. He, too, tells her to forget Pacifique. Who to believe? The medical establishment and her fellow patients? Or her frail human memory? And if Pacifique truly is a figment, is life in the “real world” with Andrew enough?"In concise and vibrant prose, Sarah L. Taggart illuminates the dark corners of delusion (or is it delusion?) and a mental-health system that consigns people to endless limbo. Lucid and destabilizing, graceful and raw, this novel asks: is losing one’s sanity so different from falling in love?" – Deborah Willis, author of The Dark and Other Love Stories"Pacifique turns the psychological thriller on its head, allowing madness to be a meaningful lens through which to see the world instead of a cheap plot twist. Taggart has created a stunning, smart and revolutionary novel here - one that forces its readers to see clearly what so often remains hidden. This book means so much to me. One of the best I've read in years." – Alicia Elliott, author of A Mind Spread Out On The GroundTrade Review"Pacifique is a necessary novel that uses poetic language and poignant writing to bring the too-often marginalized and stigmatized stories of mental illness into mainstream narratives. Taggart doesn’t shy away asking hard questions in her work, and even more importantly, doesn’t attempt to offer answers or clean endings to stories that linger with readers after they’ve turned the last page." – Megan Cole, ROOM Magazine"Pacifique is a welcome read, a story that's compelling and touching, and a rejoinder to dated novels of mental illness. It keeps readers off balance but comes together nicely. It's a good debut and one wonders where Taggart will go from here." – Roz Milner, Broken Pencil"Pacifique portrays the highly stigmatized psychiatric hospitals and its patients through the eyes of an author who has experienced similar circumstances herself, allowing for a vulnerable and suspenseful story that continuously kept me on the edge of my seat." – Megan Hatton, White Wall Review"Pacifique suggests that sometimes healing is accepting oneself and not trying to fit into the prescribed box, but to create the container that is most comfortable in which to reside." – Becca Lawlor, Ampersand Review

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Book SynopsisA cheeky chappy comedianCharlie is most comfortable playing the funny man in front of boisterous crowds in London’s comedy clubs. But he’s about to be swapping his routine for wedding speeches. And his new acquaintance Sarah thinks he is anything but amusing.The woman who’s got it coveredWeddings are always a difficult time for widow Sarah, but you would never tell – she’s too focused on making the week of her best friends’ wedding as perfect as possible. She definitely has no time for the grumpy and surly Charlie, who it's clear her friends are trying to set her up with.And only one room left at the rental...When a drunken invitation adds more people to the pre-wedding holiday house than Sarah organized for, she finds herself spending A LOT more time with Charlie than she intended. If only they could both let their guards down, they might find they have more in common than they think.

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Book SynopsisFROM THE #1 EBOOK BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF CALL ME MUMMY 'Gripped my throat and didn't let go until the final, searing sentence' - CAROLINE ENGLAND A nightmare jolts Debs awake. She leaves the kids tucked up in their beds and goes downstairs. There's a man in her kitchen, holding a knife. But it's not an intruder. This is her husband Marc, the father of her children. Once, their differences were what drew them together. Him, the ex-army officer from a good family. Her, the fitness instructor who grew up over a pub. But now they grate to the point of drawing blood. Marc screams in his sleep. And Debs hardly knows the person she's become, or why she lets him hurt her. Neither of them is completely innocent. Neither is totally guilty. Marc is taller, stronger, and more vicious, haunted by a war he can't forget. But he has no idea what Debs is capable of when her children's lives are at stake... This gripping read about a relationship built on passion, poisoned by secrets and violence will keep you turning the pages all night. Perfect for readers of Blood Orange and Big Little Lies. 'A slow-burn thriller, both horrifying and touching' - CATHERINE COOPERTrade ReviewA brilliantly written psychological thriller, its twists and turns executed with devastating precision. Everyone *needs* to read this -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALWhat I love most is the prodigious humanity Tina Baker heaps into her characters. She dares you to make judgements... Every sentence is splinter-sharp -- Kate Simants, author of A RUINED GIRLA slow-burn thriller... horrifying and touching but also manages touches of humour. Compelling -- Catherine Cooper, author of THE CHALETExquisitely dark... Gripped my throat and didn't let go until the final, searing sentence -- Caroline England, author of MY HUSBAND'S LIESA pacy, heart-stopping, brutal yet humorous roller coaster -- J.M Hewitt, author of THE LIFE SHE WANTSBy the last third of the book, I was scared to pick it up and scared to put it down. Brilliantly executed -- Eddie MairI couldn't put it down from the first page to the last... a whirlwind of emotions. Compulsive and tense -- Louise Mullins, author of I KNOW YOUAn addictive, brutal read * Woman's Own *

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Book SynopsisA surprise inheritance and a failing care home might hold the unlikely makings for true love…Kate’s husband has not only left her, he’s also left her tons of debt and she now risks losing her career as a lawyer if she can’t find a way to pay it back.Overnight, Calvin’s life changed when he signed for a major football team, and then again when injury forced him into early retirement. His life is once more about to be shaken up after he inherits his great-uncle’s estate.Kate needs a job and Calvin needs someone to manage the care home he now owns – if it doesn’t turn a profit in the next three months, it will be shut down and the residents forced out. Can the two work together to save Rose Court, and each other?A fun, festive and joyful romance for fans of Sophie Ranald and Holly Martin.Praise for Someone for Everyone ‘A perfect slow-burn romance! I was mesmerised and brought into a Christmas feel-good world.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I loved the eccentricity of the care home residents from the very outset… a great cosy-night-in kind of a book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘An engaging read set in a care home. It was lovely to read a slow developing romance with lots of funny moments. Excellent.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘You can always rely on a festive Tracy Corbett book to get you in that warming, cosy, joyful mood. She has quickly become a member of my go-to author list for quality, uplifting fiction.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I loved the setting… an absolutely cracking story.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Such a great story! This slow burn romance… has a fun cast of characters. A great holiday read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisWhen a local meadow is turned into a bee-friendly allotment, will romance also blossom?New teacher Ceri has enough on her plate trying to keep her class in line and get them excited for her Foxmore wildlife efforts. Then she meets the mysterious – and occasionally grumpy – Damon, whose orchard she’d like to explore.Rock star Damon has moved to Foxmore to escape the hounding paparazzi following the tragic death of his bandmate. Relocating to somewhere quiet and isolated is just what he needs to recover. Ceri is a ray of sunshine, but he’s not ready to share his dark secrets with her.As love blooms, will Damon’s hidden past get in the way of their happiness? And can he bring himself to give up his music for love?A gorgeously tender, uplifting romance in the heart of Wales, perfect for readers of Mandy Baggot, Suzanne Snow and Sue Moorcroft.Praise for The Allotment on Willow Tree Lane ‘This was a lovely love story. One of those reads that leaves you feeling happy.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I was engrossed after the first few pages. The characters were brilliant and the setting was stunning… I really felt like I was there. A beautiful romantic story with some bittersweet moments.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Another great instalment from Foxmore village… I can’t wait to visit again.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book Synopsis'This is a book about the untidy, complicated underbelly of love and love's end. Funny and true, wise and utterly authentic, you will recognise yourself over and over. I loved it' Kit de Waal 'A deeply unsettling, but unputdownable account of a marriage unravelling. This book held me captivated with its wit, ambiguity and complexity' Abi Morgan, creator of The Split Did you mean to marry me? Did you understand the vows that we took? J's wife has left, and J is trying to understand why. How could someone you loved so much, who claimed to love you once, just walk away? How could they send divorce papers accusing you of terrible things, when all you've ever done is tried to make them happy? Narrated by J in the days, weeks and months after the marriage collapses, and interspersed with the departed wife's diary entries, Is This Love? is an addictive, deeply unsettling, and provocative novel of deception and betrayal, and passion turned to pain. As the story unfolds, and each character's version of events undermines the other, all our assumptions about victimhood, agency, love and control are challenged - for we never know J's gender. If we did, would it change our minds about who was telling the truth?Trade ReviewUnsettling, furious & challenging ... raw - but brilliantly so * Observer *A deeply unsettling, but unputdownable account of a marriage unravelling. This book held me captivated with its wit, ambiguity and complexity -- Abi MorganA brilliant book about a difficult subject, compelling and disturbing in equal measure. It is dark and timely. It is needed - and very well done -- Stella DuffyClever, well-structured and thought-provoking, this is a painful but truly engrossing read * Daily Mail *A very honest story, showing the sensitivity and hurt that sit behind anger, and how misinterpreted desires can shape who we think we are and what we think we need -- La RouxC. E. Riley creates a world and a scenario at once horrifying and all too familiar. When love and a marriage shatter, where do the pieces fall? - and how do we apportion blame and responsibility? This book traces just such an unravelling, to electrifying effect -- Neil HegartyA ferocious piece of writing which, like its characters, feels ready to detonate at any moment -- Thurston MooreThis is a book about the untidy, complicated underbelly of love and love's end. Funny and true, wise and utterly authentic, you will recognise yourself over and over. I loved it. -- Kit de WaalExplores uncomfortable truths about life, love and self ... perfect for fans of unreliable narrators ... addictive ... an unforgettable read like no other * Diva *[A] forceful debut ... Is This Love? leans on its ambitious concept to provide intrigue and impetus, as it plays out a familiar narrative trajectory that goes from romance to intractable acrimony. The novel is a determined reminder that, for some couples, an unhappy, litigious process of separation can be as intoxicating as a passionate courtship * Guardian *Raw and darkly honest * CultureFly *Unflinchingly honest, with contradictory accounts of blame and abusive behaviour, this authentic presentation of the brutal breakdown of a marriage is devastatingly powerful * LoveReading *

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Book SynopsisThe gorgeous and hilarious new rom com from the bestselling author of An Un Romantic Comedy. Discover the author fans of Sophie Ranald, Catherine Walsh and Mhairi MacFarlane can't get enough of!Ella’s life is about to be hit by a wrecking ball…On the surface, Ella has it all. A great job, a penthouse apartment and the perfect boyfriend, Lee. There's just one snag: their relationship has to be kept secret due to their employer's strict rule about not dating colleagues.When Lee quits to join a competitor, Ella discovers they haven't been as discreet as they thought and she finds herself out of a job. Stuck in an apartment she can't afford with a man she's beginning to suspect loves himself much more than her, Ella's life quickly unravels.A job offer could be her ticket to a new start, but it's miles away on a construction site, an industry she knows nothing about. Can Ella prove everyone wrong and make a go of her new career? And will guidance from foreman Noah help her build a new, even better life for herself?What readers are saying about Phoebe MacLeod:'A perfect love story' ★★★★★'Humorous, light and romantic!' ★★★★★'I absolutely loved it. Heart-warming, just perfect!' ★★★★★'I loved every minute reading this book, light hearted and fun, finished in a day!' ★★★★★'I smiled so much' ★★★★★'What a wonderful book' ★★★★★'Fantastic' ★★★★★

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Book Synopsis ‘Chilling… You won't be able to stop turning the pages!’ Shari Lapena, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘One of the best books I have read this year!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You trusted him with your secret…and then he vanished. When Wren Greenwood meets a good-looking stranger from a dating app, she expects a casual fling – but they connect immediately. Adam Harper is her perfect match. She falls for him. She confides in him. And then he disappears… his profiles deleted, his phone disconnected, his Manhattan apartment emptied. First, Wren blames herself. Then she hears about the other girls – girls who fell in love with Adam, and are now missing. Wren needs answers, but as she follows the breadcrumb trail Adam left behind, it leads back to her own dark past. Suddenly, she’s no longer sure if she’s predator or prey. She only knows one thing: whatever it takes, she’ll be the last girl he ever ghosts… This unforgettable thriller will keep you hooked until the very final twist. Perfect for fans of Harriet Tyce’s Blood Orange and A.J. Finn’s The Woman in the Window. Readers LOVE Last Girl Ghosted! ‘WOW, what a read!… I couldn't put it down. ’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I flew through this – you just can’t put it down. Lots of delicious twists.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘It grabbed me from the get go… A must read… Highly recommend!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book kept me riveted to my seat… I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense novel.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘[Lisa Unger] has knocked this one out of the park! Psychological suspense… at its finest.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant and compelling… I read straight through the night, couldn't put the novel down till I turned the last page…’ Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Box ‘Lisa Unger is our most inventive suspense author… Clear your calendar and lock the doors. You will not be able to stop reading.’ J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of Her Dark LiesTrade ReviewPraise for Last Girl Ghosted:‘Chilling… You won't be able to stop turning the pages!’ Shari Lapena, New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door ‘Brilliant and compelling, full of fascinating characters that take us to the darkest places imaginable… I read straight through the night, couldn't put the novel down till I turned the last page, and am haunted by it still.’ Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Box ‘Lisa Unger is our most inventive suspense author, and she's created another fascinating, timely, and insanely good story with LAST GIRL GHOSTED… Clear your calendar and lock the doors. You will not be able to stop reading." J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of Her Dark Lies Praise for Lisa Unger:‘Lisa Unger’s deliciously intense and addictive thriller got under my skin. I picked it up, was drawn into this dark, tangled tale, and couldn’t pull away until it was done. Gripping suspense at its best.’ Karin Slaughter ‘Lisa Unger is one of my favorite writers. And in this tilt-a-whirl of a psychological thriller, she’s at the top of her game.’ Lisa Gardner ‘Riveting psychological suspense of the first order. If you haven’t yet experienced Lisa Unger, what are you waiting for?’ Harlan Coben ‘Suspenseful, sensitive, sexy, subtle. The best nail-biter I have read for ages. Highly recommended.’ Lee Child ‘Deeply plotted and complex… This is one book that will have you racing to the last page, only to have you wishing the ride wasn’t over.’ Michael Connelly ‘A darkly thrilling tale of survival and obsession. Lisa Unger never disappoints.’ Riley Sager ‘A masterclass in storytelling. The pacing, the characters, and the story are all pitch-perfect. This is an unforgettable novel.’ Samantha Downing ‘Unger takes you deep into the minds of psychopaths… what wild, creepy places they are to visit. Unger is at the top of her game here.’ Linwood Barclay

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Book Synopsis'Absolutely compelling. Every page fizzes with energy and observation' Rebecca Wait, author of I'm Sorry You Feel That Way 'A powerful and compelling novel from a very gifted writer' Joseph O'Connor, author of My Father's House 'Consummately done. The prose is clean, crisp, perfectly-filleted; the pace and tension perfectly controlled, to the very last page' Lucy Caldwell, author of Intimacies ________________ The scorching, engrossing novel about the fallout from a scandal-struck high-end restaurant When Hannah learns that famed chef Daniel Costello is facing accusations of sexual assault, she's thrown back to the summer she spent waitressing at his high-end Dublin restaurant - the plush splendour of the dining rooms, the wild parties after service, the sizzling tension of the kitchens. But Hannah also remembers how the attention from Daniel soon morphed from kindness into something darker. Now the restaurant is shuttered and Daniel is faced with the reality of a courtroom. His wife Julie is hiding from paparazzi lenses behind the bedroom curtains. Surrounded by the wreckage of the past, Daniel, Julie and Hannah are all forced to reconsider what happened at the restaurant. Their three different voices reveal a story of power and complicity, of the lies that we tell and the courage that it takes to face the truth. ________________ READERS LOVE SERVICE 'A proper novel, each thread felt true... It's been an excellent read' ***** 'Acerbic, incisive' ***** 'This book is superb' ***** 'The characterisation is perceptive and incisive' **** MORE PRAISE FOR SERVICE 'Ferocious, minutely accurate, damning' Ross Raisin, author of God's Own Country 'A hugely gripping literary page-turner. Sharp, visceral and shocking' Claire Powell, author of At the Table 'A brilliantly observed, immersive novel which tells the "me too" story from every angle' Amber Medland, author of Wild Pets 'Service is gripping, fearless and raw' Una Mannion, author of A Crooked Tree 'I raced through Service. Sarah Gilmartin is a smart, stylish and darkly funny writer' Aingeala Flannery, author of The Amusements 'I gorged every page... compelling and brilliant' Victoria KennefickTrade Review'Absolutely compelling. Every page fizzes with energy and observation. Gilmartin combines effortless, elegant writing with a momentum that propels you onwards, barely pausing until you've reached the end. A masterful novel' - Rebecca Wait, author of I'm Sorry You Feel That Way'A powerful and compelling novel from a very gifted writer' - Joseph O'Connor, author of My Father's House and The Star of the Sea'A hugely gripping literary page-turner. Sharp, visceral and shocking' - Claire Powell, author of At the Table'Sarah Gilmartin's second novel is consummately done. The prose is clean, crisp, perfectly-filleted; the pace and tension perfectly controlled, to the very last page. Superb.' - Lucy Caldwell'A brilliantly observed immersive novel which tells the 'me too' story from every angle' - Amber Medland, author of Wild Pets'The exhausting and exhilarating life of a high-end restaurant is beautifully recreated in this masterful novel . . . deeply satisfying . . . A writer correctly confident in her recipe' -Emma Healey (author of Elizabeth is Missing) Irish Independent'Fantastic... a layered and thoughtful story about misbehaviour and who bears the impact of it' - Fiction of 2023, The Journal

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Book SynopsisChildhood polio has left Reggie Rainbow with a limp, but his strong arms and nimble fingers are perfect behind the scenes of down-at-heel variety theatres-where he helps illusionist Mr Brookes 'disappear' his glamorous assistants. When Mr Brookes accepts a booking at the Brighton Grand, Reggie finds himself in a strange new town. The seaside air works its own magic and the disappearance boy begins to wonder how much longer he can go on keeping secrets for a living...Trade Review"Vivid characters, a fascinating subject and an expertly evoked setting. Excellent'"- Daily Mail; "Bartlett delights in taking that which was once hidden and making it clear for all to see." - Independent; "This book and its enchanting characters had me under their spell. I was bewitched." - Sheila Hancock; "Mysterious, tender and utterly compelling." - S.J. Watson "One of England's finest writers" - Edmund White

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