Narrative theme: love / relationships

Book Synopsis"Sense and Sensibility" is famously characterised as the story of two Dashwood sisters who embody the conflict between the oppressive nature of 'civilised' society and the human desire for romantic passion. However, there is far more to this story of two daughters made homeless by the death of their father. Elinor, 19, and Marianne, 17, initially project the opposing roles with Elinor cautious and unassuming about romantic matters, while Marianne is wild and passionate when she falls hopelessly in love with the libertine Mr Willoughby. But the lessons in love and life see the two characters develop and change with sense and sensibility needing to be compromised as a matter of survival.Written when Austen was just nineteen, this story has been read as a biographical reflection of her relationship with her own sister Cassandra, with the younger Jane being the victim of 'sensibility.' However, the novel is far more than a simple case of passion versus manners, and depicts the romantic complications of two women made highly vulnerable by the loss of their father and estate. With a raw and intense quality Austen creates a romantic masterpiece on the backdrop of a fragile social context.Trade Review"As a creative realist, giving to her characters the very body and pressure of actual life, no writer, living or dead, has surpassed her." - John Cowper Powys - "The technique of [Jane Austen's novels] is beyond praise... Her mastery of the art she chose, or that chose her, is complete." --Elizabeth Bowen - "The wit of Jane Austen has for partner the perfection of her taste." --Virginia Woolf

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Book SynopsisMonroe Stahr is a film producer at the height of his career, revered by the industry and in control of every aspect of his business empire. In his ruthless rise to the top, the young widower has had little time for sentiment, until he mets the beguiling Kathleen Moore and the two embark on an intense but ill-fated relationship. Told in parts from the perspective of Cecelia Brady, the witty and perceptive daughter of Stahr's business partner, The Last Tycoon is a sophisticated, gripping tale of love and intrigue in the Golden Age of Hollywood, containing what many critics have claimed are Fitzgerald's most modern and engaging chracters.Trade ReviewHe was better than he knew, for in fact and in the literary sense he invented a generation. * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisThe glittering new uplifting Christmas read from bestselling author Cressida McLaughlin.A wonderfully cosy festive treat' My weeklyOllie Spencer has started a new life in the idyllic Cornish seaside town of Port Karadow. Throwing herself into her job at the town's bookshop, A New Chapter, is one way to make friends. The shop is glitzing up for first Christmas and Ollie hopes her inspired ideas will give the shop the edge it needs to dazzle the town.But far from being the Sugar Plum fairy the place needs, Ollie is fast becoming its Christmas pudding. With the bookshop's success at stake, Ollie turns to twinkly-eyed café owner Max for help. Can he help Ollie to turn the page, and put the sparkle back into her Cornish dream?Praise for the Cornish Cream Tea series:Gorgeous!' Phillipa AshleyPerfect' Cathy BramleyWarm-hearted fun with a sprinkle of love' Holly MartinTrade Review Praise for Cressida McLaughlin: ‘One of our favourite women’s fiction stars’ – Heat ‘A warm and wonderful read’ – Woman’s Own ‘The perfect summer treat; as sweet as a cream scone and just as moreish’ – Cathy Bramley ‘Gorgeously romantic’ – Rachael Lucas ‘Cressida's characters are wonderful. So warm and relatable… A delicious summer treat!’ – Sarah Morgan ‘Evocative and gorgeous’ – Phillipa Ashley ‘Warm and wonderful… bursting with characters you’ll adore’ – Miranda Dickinson ‘So many perfect romantic moments that made me melt.’ – Jules Wake ‘You’ll want to cancel plans and stay in’ – Pernille Hughes ‘Sizzingly romantic and utterly compelling’ – Alex Brown ‘I just LOVED this story. All the characters are wonderful’ – Isabelle Broom ‘Real heart and soul’ – Sarra Manning ‘I absolutely love Cressida’s warm-hearted, romantic stories – they’re the perfect escape’ – Rachael Lucas ‘A wonderful ray of reading sunshine’ – Heidi Swain ‘A little slice of a Cornish cream tea but without the calories’ – Bella Osborne ‘Perfectly pitched between funny, sexy, tender and downright heartbreaking’ – Jane Casey 'A lovely warm gem’ – Alex Brown ‘McLaughlin writes so warmly and vividly, the rest of the world melts away!’ – Kirsty Greenwood ‘Beautiful, heartwarming. Drew me in and I didn’t want to leave!’ – Zara Stoneley ‘As hot & steamy as a freshly made hot chocolate, and as sweet & comforting as the whipped cream & sprinkles that go on top’ – Helen Fields

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Book SynopsisShe''s planned the perfect Christmas. But fate might have other ideas... Krystle didn''t have a normal childhood and longed for warm family Christmases with presents under the tree. Now she makes sure everyone else has the perfect Christmas she never had,bringing beautiful decorations to cheer as many people as possible. With her festive business booming, she decides to celebrate by renting a secluded house in the Lakes, with a plan to make this the ultimate yuletide getaway. But fate immediately throws a spanner in the works in the form of a broken-down car, a flooded river and Max; a man who despises Christmas. Krystle becomes determined to show Max the joys of the holiday. She won''t take no for an answer. Can she melt Max''s Grinch-like heart? And can he show her that life doesn''t need to go to plan to take you somewhere magical--

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Book SynopsisA collector''s edition of the best-loved classic work of English literature, complete with Wibalin binding, gold foil embossing and gilded page-edges.Pride & Prejudice is a classic romance that every reader will love to have on their bookshelf. A comedy of manners centring on the slow-burning romance between the coquettish Elizabeth Bennet and aristocratic, reserved Mr Darcy, this tale of an attraction of opposites has chimed with readers through the ages. This luxurious edition makes a wonderful gift.ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound editions of iconic literary works across history. These compact, foil-embossed hardbacks are printed using deluxe ivory paper and make the perfect gift.

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Book SynopsisIt kept me awake desperate to find out what had happened to affect them all so badly.' 5* reader review'This is a beautifully written novel with powerfully drawn characters.' 5* reader review'Had me hooked...

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Book Synopsis** AN OBSERVER BEST DEBUT NOVELIST AND BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR 2023 ** ** SHORTLISTED FOR THE NERO BOOK AWARDS 2023: DEBUT FICTION ** ‘A voice unlike any other’ OBSERVER ‘I fell in love immediately’ MAX PORTER ‘A writer of imagination and flair’ ECONOMIST ‘Smart, subversive, funny, heartbreaking’ KAMILA SHAMSIE ‘Buoro's writing deserves to inspire a generation of superheroes’ THE TIMES Fifteen-year-old Andrew Aziza lives in Kontagora, Nigeria, where his days are spent about town with his droogs, Slim and Morocca, grappling with his fantasies about white girls – especially blondes – and wondering who his father is. When he’s not in church, at school or attempting to form ‘Africa’s first superheroes’, he obsesses over mathematical theorems, ideas of black power and HXVX: the Curse of Africa. Sure enough, the reluctantly nicknamed ‘Andy Africa’ soon falls hopelessly and inappropriately in love with the first white girl he lays eyes on, Eileen. But at the church party held to celebrate her arrival, multiple crises loom. An unfamiliar man claims, despite his mother’s denials, to be Andy’s father, and the gathering of an anti-Christian mob is headed for the church – both set to shake the foundations of everything Andy knows and loves. The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa announces a dazzling, distinctive, new literary voice. Profound, exhilarating and highly original, this tragicomic novel is a stunning exploration of the contemporary African ‘condition’, the relentless infiltration of Western culture and, most of all, the ordinary but impossible challenges of coming of age in a turbulent world.Trade ReviewThis is extraordinary, driven by a gloriously eccentric central character. It is utterly compelling, not shy about posing difficult questions for the reader * 2023 Nero Book Prize Judges *The pleasure here is as much in the journey as the destination, with sex, terrorism and, er, catechisms in the mix. Buoro has energy to burn -- IndependentCraft and verve abound in this tragicomic coming-of-age debut fuelled by the lapel-grabbing voice of its 15-year-old narrator, Andy . . . Both sweet and sour, it offers a family story, a thwarted romance and a story of friendship * Daily Mail *A smart and incisive coming-of-age tragicomedy * i *The vivid immediacy of Buoro’s prose is transporting, his similes as alive as the scenes he paints . . . [Buoro's] writing deserves to inspire a generation of superheroes * The Times *This ticks all the boxes of a literary blockbuster . . . Buoro commits to representing diversity within Blackness, the way Toni Morrison does . . . You wouldn’t be wrong to read the book as satire of a certain kind of Black aspiration, or as an allegory of Africa and the western imperialist project. Or you could read it as itself, without abstracting its particularities: the story of a boy doing his best under the assault of powerful western influences and illusions * Guardian *An assured debut . . . [Buoro] brings Andy’s world to life with such immediacy * Independent *Buoro is a writer of imagination and flair . . . His sentences are mad, boisterous, incantatory – and, in a continent where rhythm is as common as praying, quite singular. The prose on any page could only be his. And Andy Africa is an unforgettable character … Contemporary African literature is rich in coming-of-age stories. For its sheer energy, The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa is among the best * Economist *An exhilarating, tragicomic novel that questions what it means to come of age in Nigeria today . . . A voice unlike any other * Observer *Beautiful, intelligent and heart-wrenching -- NoViolet Bulawayo, author of GLORY and WE NEED NEW NAMESA barnstorming, heartbreaking debut . . . Tackling the perils of carving out a unique identity in a world of carnage and confusion, in the shadow of colonialism, this assured, engaging book, will make you fall in love with teenager Andy Aziza, and will undoubtedly make a star of Stephen Buoro * Harper's Bazaar, Highlights for 2023 *This novel exudes a wonderfully vivid sense of place and leads the reader inside the head of its teenage hero . . . It’s a narrative of depth that also manages to be instantly engaging -- Ian RankinI fell in love with this novel immediately. [It has] hilarious energy, a satirical but also wildly ambitious philosophical framework … It’s eccentric, profound, timely, specific but it also has global concerns and a really, really brilliant central character -- Max PorterFascinating; unashamedly, brilliantly intelligent. It grapples with ideas around maths, Afrofuturism, biblical myth . . . profound philosophical stuff, but fundamentally it’s a really playful, pleasurable book about young boy who’s falling madly in love, and has a difficult, intense, loving relationship with his mother -- Sarah PerryStephen Buoro’s wonderful The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa is filled with lovable, memorable characters. You’ll meet a young man pining over a fantasy; his fierce mother who tries to shield him as best she can; a friend who confides; and others who just want happiness. This novel is at once funny and heartbreaking. Most importantly, it’s honest -- De'Shawn Charles Winslow, author of DECENT PEOPLE and IN THE WEST MILLSA blazing debut – smart, subversive, funny, heartbreaking. I’m already impatient for Buoro’s next book -- Kamila ShamsieHilarious and heartbreaking and full of surprises, Stephen Buoro’s debut novel puts us inside the head of the titular teenager, a charming, nervous Nigerian kid who is curious about the world but convinced that he lives on a cursed continent. It’s a fun and harrowing place to be * The Philadelphia Inquirer *

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Book SynopsisGet ready for small towns stirred by mystery and desire in The Eden series, sexy fourth story . . .Eloise is so close to her dream she can almost taste it. Eloise Eden always knew one day she''d take over her family''s hotel, The Eloise Inn, in Quincy, Montana. All she has to do is prove she''s responsible to her parents. And that her immature, gullible, and reckless ways are long gone. But now her ideal future is at stake following a weekend in Las Vegas when she comes home married to a stranger. Jasper must have put her under a spell with those soul-deep eyes because after a single night together, they woke up husband and wife. Her only hope is to keep this marriage a secret until it''s annulled. Then she''ll pretend it never happened. Except Jasper begs her to stay married. To fake it for just three months so she can accompany him to a wedding. Maybe she''s lost her mind to agree. But her brooding husband seems desperat

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Book SynopsisThe perfect pick me up romcom for fans of Beth O'Leary, Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood!Not an expert, not even close, not in any of this. But nobody will try harder than me to make you happy.Sally is a classic romantic and Harry is a classic cynic, but when a drunken bet leads the new flatmates to (badly) recreate the lift' from Dirty Dancing, and the video goes viral (#EpicRomcomReenactmentFailure), they both realise there's potential financial benefit in blundering their way through the romcom lexicon for their suddenly vast social media following.Now, as Harry and Sally bring major romcom moments to new life including recreating that classic diner scene their faking it turns to makingout and suddenly they're living a real life romcom of their own! But like all the greatest love stories, the road to happily ever after is paved with unexpected challenges for this hero and heroineEveryone LOVES this book!Fuzzies, chills, goosebumps and more1000% the romcom of the year' ?????Gave me ALTrade 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 SynopsisOlivie Blake is the internationally bestselling author of The Atlas Six, Alone with You in the Ether, One For My Enemy, and Masters of Death. Writing as Alexene Farol Follmuth, she's released My Mechanical Romance her debut YA rom-com. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, goblin prince/toddler and rescue pit bull.Trade ReviewThe pages fly by in this character-driven novel that is intimate, complicated, and utterly romantic -- BooklistFar from your average love story . . . well worth the ride -- HeatThe narration is stunning . . . 100% recommend -- Utopia State of MindThis is a book to savor -- Publishers WeeklyLethally smart. Filled with a cast of brilliantly realized characters, each entangled with one another in torturously delicious ways, The Atlas Six will grip you by the throat and refuse to let go -- Chloe Gong, author of These Violent Delights, on The Atlas SixAs much a delicious contest of wit, will, and passion as it is of magic, this book is half mystery, half puzzle, and wholly a delight -- Holly Black, author The Cruel Prince, on The Atlas SixCoolly horrific, brilliantly brainy and utterly compelling -- Daily Mail on The Atlas Six

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Book SynopsisBridgerton meets Jilly Cooper in this feminist historical romance that will have you swooning!''Unflinching, tender and moving.'' EVIE DUNMORE''A rare treat to enjoy and savour.'' KATE PEARCE''A moving love story and a vivid recreation of Victorian life.'' Anna Campbell The marriage mart is calling, and Evelyn must answer . . . Evelyn Maltravers longs for her perfect match. But with her family tumbling toward ruin. Her only hope is to distinguish herself is on horseback and to succeed she''ll need a habit-maker who''s not afraid to take risks. Ahmad Malik have always made women beautiful - but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible. But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. The indomitable pair must decide wTrade ReviewWhat I love about Mimi Matthews is that in the crowded field of historical romance she always finds new and interesting slants for her plots and characters. That, along with her wonderful writing and meticulous research, makes every book she puts out a rare treat to enjoy and savor. Highly recommended! * Kate Pearce, New York Times bestselling author *Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year * Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman *Lush, seductive, original-The Siren of Sussex drew me in from the first page, and wove its magic. A fresh, vibrant, brilliant Victorian romance, making it an unforgettable read * Jane Porter, New York Times bestselling author *A moving love story and a vivid recreation of Victorian life, The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is a treat of a book for the historical romance lover * Anna Campbell, award-winning author *The best book I've read in a long time: gorgeously written, thoughtfully considered, swoonily romantic, and unafraid to examine issues of class, race, and gender * Olivia Dade, national bestselling author *Impeccably researched, brimming with passion and chemistry, and a loving tribute to Victorian fashion and horsemanship, The Siren of Sussex is a page-turning, powerful, and endearing love story about two people rising above the pressures of society to follow their hearts. A five-star fantastic read! * Syrie James, USA Today bestselling author *A tender and swoonworthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London...Readers will delight in this paean to women's fashion and horseback riding * Publishers Weekly, starred review *Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable * Booklist, starred review *Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn's friends in future installments * Library Journal, starred review *An exquisite historical romance that is so captivating I had to force myself not to gallop through it at a breakneck speed, wanting to savor the author's obvious care and delicate attention to detail...A must read for lovers of historical fiction * Meg Tilly, author of The Runaway Heiress *Readers should expect emotional heft and fascinating historical detail...Matthews explores cultural identity conflicts, exoticism and the difficult position of a merchant catering to the whims of a privileged class, all within a tender, empowering love story * Shelf Awareness, starred review *A masterclass in using fashion history to build character * BookRiot *At times passionately intelligent and achingly vulnerable, The Siren of Sussex is destined to dazzle readers of Evie Dunmore and Harper St. George * Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code *Any reader who has ever loved horses, high fashion, and brooding protagonists will fall hard for The Siren of Sussex * Stephanie Barron, author of That Churchill Woman *

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Book Synopsis'Stimulating, elengant, distinctive and thought-provoking' Sunday TimesFrom the internationally bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Interpreter of Maladies comes an exquisitely crafted work of fiction. Jhumpa Lahiri sets her gaze on the eternally beautiful city of Rome, illuminating the frailties of the human condition and dissecting lives lived on the margins.A man recalls a summer party that awakens an alternative version of himself. A couple haunted by a tragic loss return to seek consolation. An outsider family is pushed out of the block in which they hoped to settle. A set of steps in a Roman neighbourhood connects the daily lives of the city’s myriad inhabitants. This is an evocative fresco of Rome, the most alluring character of all: contradictory, in constant transformation and a home to those who know they can’t fully belong but choose it anyway.Rich with Lahiri’s signature gifts, Roman StorTrade ReviewLahiri [works] over her themes with a precise and controlling intellect . . . These stories are stimulating, elengant, distinctive and thought-provoking * Sunday Times *A writer of formidable powers and great depth of feeling * The Observer *One of the most interesting American writers at work today * The Sunday Times *Lahiri steps back from the action, gets out of the way, so the people and things in her stories can exist the way real things do: richly, ambiguously, without explanation. * Time *A writer of uncommon elegance and poise * The New York Times *Lahiri has a talent for capturing the everyday * Spectator *Jhumpa Lahiri is intelligent, astute, informed and genuine * The Irish Times *Jhumpa Lahiri is an elegant stylist, effortlessly placing the perfect words in the perfect order time and again so we’re transported seamlessly into another place * Vanity Fair *Jhumpa Lahiri's writing is wonderful in the literal sense: on every page there is something to take your breath away * Sainsbury's Magazine *Lahiri has an extraordinary voice -- Salman RushdieJhumpa Lahiri is the kind of writer who makes you want to grab the next person you see and say “Read this!” She’s a dazzling storyteller with a distinctive voice, an eye for nuance, an ear for irony. She is one of the finest short story writers I’ve read. -- Amy TanAn urgent and affecting portrait of Rome in nine stories . . . * Guardian *Full of humanity and its joys and disappointments, tiny incidents resonate through time and relationships. The city feels like another character, slipping in and out of focus just as the fleeting lives of the characters do too. * The Independent *

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Book SynopsisFrom the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids comes an emotional novel about two women facing the betrayals, heartbreaks, and refuge of true friendship. Phoebe and Suze used to be closer than sisters. Growing up in a quiet and wildly beautiful coastal town in Oregon, they shared everything. Until the secrets they couldn’t share threatened their bond and complicated their lives. Now, decades later, Suze, a famous actress desperate for safe haven following a brutal attack, is back in town. Phoebe, a successful illustrator and fabric designer, has discovered keeping a secret means she can’t let anyone get close, aside from her beloved granddaughter, Jasmine. As Jasmine’s move to London looms, Phoebe doesn’t know how to face the return of her old friend and all that’s still unsaid between them. Can the two women who’ve never confronted their past do it now when the choice is between healing and survival? Heartfelt and layered, The Starfish Sisters is a moving story about the complicated nature of female friendship, the joys and heartbreaks of life, and the resiliency and power that women possess.Trade ReviewPraise for The Starfish Sisters “Barbara O’Neal is at the top of her game. The Starfish Sisters is a gorgeous, heartfelt story about two lifelong friends who, now estranged, must battle their way back to each other after years of betrayals and jealousy and misunderstandings. Suze is a famous, world-traveling movie star who seems to have everything but love—while her former best friend, Phoebe, does art and nurtures the people around her. O’Neal has written a deeply harrowing, suspenseful, and ultimately loving book that explores the nature of women’s friendships and the lengths to which we all will go to protect those we love from danger. I read it far into the night, and, yes, I wept a few tears along the way.” —Maddie Dawson, Washington Post bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners Previous Praise “A wonderfully moving tale…This Place of Wonder will sweep you away.” —Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Kristin Hannah readers will thoroughly enjoy the family dynamic, especially the mother-daughter relationships.” —Booklist (starred review) on This Place of Wonder “A woman’s strange disappearance brings together four strong women who struggle with their relationships, despite their need for one another. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen will appreciate the emphasis on nature and these women’s unique gifts.” —Library Journal (starred review) on The Lost Girls of Devon “An emotional story about the relationship between two sisters and the difficulty of facing the truth head-on.” —Today on When We Believed in Mermaids “Elegiac but also forward-looking…I loved every moment of it.” —Julie Powell, author of Julie & Julia and Cleaving on This Place of Wonder “Great writing, terrific characters, food elements, romance, a touch of intrigue, and more than a few surprises to keep readers guessing.” —Kirkus Reviews on The Art of Inheriting Secrets

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Book SynopsisFunny of course it's funny but also smart, insightful and sincere about heartbreak'' DAVID NICHOLLS, author of ONE DAY''This is the greatest. You''ll cry and laugh. I read it though the night. And I never, ever avoid sleep'' CLAUDIA WINKLEMANI award it 13/10 on my QWJ scale (stands for Queasy With Jealousy that I didn''t write it)' MARIAN KEYES---Every relationship has one beginning.This one has two endings.Andy loves Jen. Jen loved Andy.And he can''t work out why she stopped.Now he is. . .1. Without a home2. Waiting for his stand-up career to take off3. Wondering why everyone else around him seems to have grown up while he wasn''t lookingSet adrift on the sea of heartbreak at a time when everything he thought he knew about women, and flat-sharing, and his friendships has transformed beyond recognition, Andy clings to the idea of solving the puzzle of their broken relationship. Because if he can find the answer to that, then maybe Jen can find her way back to him.Andy still has a lot to learn, not least his ex-girlfriend''s side of the story.From the bestselling author of Ghosts and Everything I Know About Love: a sharply funny, beautifully observed and exquisitely relatable story of heartbreak and friendship, and how to survive both.''The most book-based fun I had this year ... It''s the most I''ve laughed while reading about heartbreak since Nick Hornby''s High Fidelity. A complete delight'' The Sunday Times, Critics'' favourite books of the yearSunday Times bestseller, November 2023Trade ReviewIf Dolly’s memoir Everything I Know About Love summed up being twentysomething then this, her second novel, is a tender and funny love letter to our tumultuous 30s * Red *Brilliantly observed … Beautifully written, pacy and excellent on rejection, friendship and letting go. Fabulous * Daily Mail *Laugh-out-loud dialogue on every page ... No-one has a firmer grasp on the themes she explores. Good material, indeed * Sunday Express *Funny, sad and true; a book she has clearly poured her soul into ... Cements her status as a fiction heavyweight * inews, The best new books to read in November 2023 *This is the greatest. You’ll cry and laugh. I read it through the night. And I never, ever avoid sleep * Claudia Winkleman *It's so good. I loved it * Sharon Horgan *Leaves you heartsore but happier. Irresistible * Richard E. Grant *Made me laugh while punching me in the gut. Loved this book * Aisling Bea *Sharply written and acutely observed ... A beautifully nuanced portrayal of modern love that will have you racing to the last page * Heat *Have you ever wondered what a lost love was thinking? In this ingeniously constructed and endlessly amusing novel, Dolly Alderton flips the script on everything we think we know about romantic loss, to bring us an unforgettable character on a deeply relatable downward spiral. Wise and relatable and pee-your-pants funny. I cried by page 5. Dolly Alderton is, quite simply, the bard of modern day love * Lena Dunham *WONDERFUL ... Shot through with Dolly's characteristic emotional intelligence ... Very funny ... Such a pleasure to read. I devoured it ... I award it 13/10 on my QWJ scale (stands for Queasy With Jealousy that I didn't write it) * Marian Keyes *I adored it! I ... Dolly is THE comic writer of our generation. This feels like her most ambitious book yet, and it delivers on every single page. She uses humour so brilliantly to underpin the quiet roar of romantic despair - this book is raw, smart and human. This makes me believe Dolly knows everything there is to know about love. * Daisy Buchanan *Dolly Alderton just gets better and better. Good Material is both heartbreaking and hilarious with an ending that has you holding your breath. With the wit of Nick Hornby and the emotional scalpel of Nora Ephron, Alderton is one of our greats and this is sure to be an absolute classic * Emma Gannon *A relatable, laugh-out-loud story of a thirtysomething failed comedian struggling with a break-up * Sunday Times Style *Good Material combines Alderton’s wit and eye for detail with a beautiful depth of emotion * Woman & Home *Genuinely laugh-out-loud funny – with characters straight out of a Richard Curtis film – whipsmart dialogue and relatable millennial themes (Alderton’s forte) mean there’s never a dull moment ... Thought-provoking and wise * The Independent, Best New Books to Read This Autumn *The author of Everything I Know About Love nails the zeitgeist with a witty, relatable and acutely insightful page-turner about the trails and tribulations of the lovelorn * Daily Express *Dolly Alderton is the Adele of writing * Esther Coren, The Spike *Witty, warm and well-observed * Fabulous Magazine *A funny, tender novel about human relationships. By turns, laugh-out-loud, eye-roll relatable, and 'stop you in your tracks' heart-wrench. A thoroughly modern romantic masterpiece. * Nina Stibbe, author of Love, Nina *Highly relatable for millennials navigating dating in London, and hugely insightful for those generations wanting to understand them. Packed with sharp observations and wisdom. A triumph * Sathnam Sanghera *Alderton entertains with observational quips about thirtysomething life ... There's a Hornby-esque charm to her well-meaning characters and their relatable dramas * The Observer *The bestselling author brings her warmth, emotional intelligence and wry observation to bear on her second novel ... Refreshing * The Bookseller, Editor's Choice *Alderton is perceptive about how men deal (badly) with emotional pain * The Times *Relatable, funny and refreshing * Elle *[A] book to be devoured, adored, underlined, and passed on (but only to the friends you know will give it back) ... [Alderton] proves herself once again as having both a deep understanding of the intricacies of relationships and the ability to articulate it better than the majority of us ever could ...Good Material showcases Alderton’s knack for rich characterisation and zippy dialogue like never before ... Genuinely funny – if only more books made you laugh as much as this * The i *All of Alderton's considerable gifts as a writer are on display here: her wit, her ability to capture exchanges that feel real, and her skilful characterisation ... Alderton's work truly shines when she writes about friendship * Sunday Independent *With distinct notes of Helen Fielding, Richard Curtis and Nick Hornby ... Warm and generous ... A writer very much in control of her material * Guardian *Alderton is excellent at fusing poignant tenderness with wry observations about modern life, and that talent is on full display here. Good Material is a highly enjoyable exploration of the messy, non-binary nature of many break-ups, and how two people can simply make a terrible couple ... If you're on the hunt for a readable romcom to inhale in a few sittings, this is very good material * Stylist *Funny, tender and astute on heartbreak * Mail on Sunday *This is Dolly Alderton's best book yet ... Alderton is a great social chronicler: her observations here about thirty-something friendship and the differences (or not) between millennials and Gen Z feel particularly true. But most crucially, this is a tender, bittersweet portrait of the addictive fug of longterm monogamy – and the crushing pain when it ends * The i – All I want for Christmas: Which books should you buy for your loved ones this year? *Brilliantly observed ... addictive * Daily Mail *Comical yet warming * Psychologies *A brilliantly observed portrait of a break-up, which examines how miserable it is to become obsessed with the unknown reasons a relationship has ended. Andy can’t understand why Jen no longer wants to be with him. The more he thinks about it the madder he feels but he can’t stop. Addictive * Daily Mail – Christmas Books: Best way to survive Christmas? Read a really good book! *I’ve already bought several copies of Dolly Alderton’s Good Material for the men and women in my life, and I will continue the rampage through the festive season. It’s the perfect blend of easy to read, funny and extremely astute * The Observer – Books of the year 2023 *Failing stand-up comedian Andy is devastated when his girlfriend Jen breaks up with him out of the blue. Alderton explores the trials and tribulations of finding yourself unexpectedly single in your mid-30s in a novel as witty as it is perceptive * Daily Express – Stocking fillers: What were the must read novels of 2023? *The most book-based fun I had this year ... It’s the most I’ve laughed while reading about heartbreak since Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. A complete delight * The Sunday Times – My favourite read of the year, Charlotte Ivers *

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Book SynopsisA brand new spicy STEM romance for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Sally Thorne!What do you do when your mortifying Friday night blind date is sitting opposite you at your desk on Monday morning?A hot blind date in Paris with no strings? Practical Leonie would never do such a thing! But when a new dating app that uses science and logic leads her to gorgeous, so-not-her-type Jack the chemistry is off the charts.Only, when the morning after proves that opposites definitely don't attract, Leonie is relieved they never need to see each other again.Until she starts her new job and there he is, sitting in the boss's office, the man behind the best and worst night of her life.Readers are obsessed with Once Upon An AlgorithmA delightful and engaging romantic novel that adds a fresh and modern twist to the world of love and algorithms.' ?????''Freaking PERFECTION. 10/10. This was just so so good. I couldn't get enough of it and wanted a thousand more pages of this.' ?????Trust me when I say you won''

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Book SynopsisEnter THE PINK HOUSE, the heartwarming new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors''Stepping into the world of The Pink House is like getting home and discovering someone has already run a hot, bubbly bath for you after a hard day''s work'' CELIA ANDERSONWhen Emma and Hugh move into The Pink House, it''s a welcome new start.Lazy summer afternoons in the sun, quiet Sunday mornings reading the paper.Or so Emma hoped. Unfortunately, life in the country is far from a peaceful idyll.There''s Hugh''s sister Sally, who lives in the garden cottage.Their son''s upcoming wedding, which they''ve promised to host.The old barn which Emma wants to transform into an art gallery and a new career.But Emma has it all under control. Until she runs into Rory McCloud -the one who got away so many years ago . . .Is The Pink House the only new beginning for Emma,or could Trade ReviewI've always been a Catherine Alliott fan, and this was an absolute joy.A delicious tangle of secrets and hidden desire. Alliott's heroines are always a delight - like Bridget Jones' posher cousin: a bit dizzy, but with a huge heart and a strong sense of what's right and what's important. And in this case, that's family. A complicated, messy, imperfect family and all the baggage that brings, all playing out in the most gorgeous setting. How I longed to live in the Pink House!It's a modern fairy tale of mistakes and the lengths we go to to pretend everything is perfect: wise, funny, glamorously chaotic and achingly romantic. -- VERONICA HENRYThis deeply satisfying read brings Emma's desirable world to life and will keep you guessing until the end * Daily Express *Another fantastic family drama with superb characterisation from this much-loved author * Woman's Weekly *A great family drama * Woman & Home *A joyful read about love and new starts * The Sun *Stepping into the world of The Pink House is like getting home and discovering someone has already run a hot, bubbly bath for you after a hard day's work. Emma and Hugh's story is intriguing and twisty. They've been married for what feels like forever and it's been mostly...well...okay. The children are great but they're independent now, and the chance to relocate to Hugh's idyllic family home in the country is too difficult for Emma to resist. What follows is a voyage of discovery for them all that turns Emma's largely contented life upside down. A kaleidoscope of family complications tends to threaten Emma's equilibrium but nothing daunted, she breezes forward and gets right on with socking it to them all. I adored every moment of this blissful book! -- CELIA ANDERSONPraise for Catherine Alliott * - *Warm, witty and wise * Daily Mail *A huge treat. Hilarious yet poignantHer writing is both intelligent and sparklingHilarious and full of surprises * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisIn this thrilling novel from the world’s favourite storyteller, Danielle Steel, a small community is tested when their children go missing while exploring a dangerous local peak, forcing them to band together during the crisis.Fishtail, Montana, is home to Anne and Pitt Pollock, local royalty, high school sweethearts and owners of the successful Pollock ranch. The sprawling foothills of the Beartooth Mountains surround the town, overlooking the Pollocks’ property and the nearby ranch belonging to Bill and Pattie Brown. The two couples have known each other since childhood. Their sons Peter Pollock and Matt Brown are also the best of friends. When they and two other local kids meet Juliet Marshall, new to town after her parents’ bitter divorce, the five of them are soon inseparable, spending their summer days swimming, horseback-riding, hiking and fishing.But one August afternoon, their latest adventure takes a dangerous turn – and quickly escalates into a battle for survival – when they find themselves trapped on Granite Peak. Fear reverberates through the town as their parents grow ever more desperate to hear word that their children have been found. They must place their own trials aside amid a massive search-and-rescue operation. As they come to lean on one another for support, a media frenzy ensues, heightening tensions and testing some already fragile relationships.In the aftermath of this one fateful event, devastating secrets are revealed, new love appears on the horizon, and families are forced to reconsider what they once held dear.

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Book SynopsisWhat a joy to read The Little French Village of Book Lovers, which will delight Nina George's millions of readers. Exquisitely written, as always, she draws you in from the first page and immerses you in the lives of her delightful characters. You won't want to put it down. - Patricia ScanlanThe heartwarming new novel from the international million-copy bestselling author of THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP ''Everyone knows me, but none can see me. I''m that thing you call love'' __________In a small town in balmy Provence, Marie-Jeanne has a gift.She can see the marks Love has left on the people around her. Glowing faces, hands that shimmer brighter when enclosed in another. Before long, Marie-Jeanne is playing matchmaker.When her foster father, Francis, sets up a mobile library travelling the many mountain towns of the Nyons region, Marie-Jeanne takes her quest further. Their library offers enTrade ReviewBrimming with magic . . . Full of allegory and mysticism, the book often feels more like a poem than a novel. Nuanced and enchanting . . . an elegantly crafted, unhurried examination of the enthralling and elusive nature of love * Kirkus Reviews *An appealing companion piece to The Little Paris Bookshop. George convincingly portrays her characters’ emotions . . . Charming * Publishers Weekly *This spin-off of George’s beloved The Little Paris Bookshop—this is the book within that one—is narrated by omniscient and powerful representations of abstract concepts, with Love, Pride, and Fate all weighing in, and this creative framing adds to its considerable charm. George pays particular attention to the romantic potential of the everyday—those mundane events that can spark new feelings in anyone hoping for a chance at love. Fans will adore George’s latest exploration of life, love, and destiny * Booklist *PRAISE FOR NINA GEORGE * - *Glowing...layered with wit, enchanting writing and a love of books...I prescribed it for a cynical friend who has "seen it all" (and read it all) and she swooned' * Daily Mail *A true gem for fiction lovers * Good Housekeeping *A charming tale...for fans of Like Water for Chocolate and Amelie * Red *An enchanting, uplifting read...the sort of book that acts as a soothing tonic as you read - so the perfect accompaniment to relaxing in the sun * Independent *

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Book Synopsis'This cosy read is guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit.' - Good Housekeeping 'A joyous, uplifting and funny tale... As warming as mulled cider on a winter's night, this is a sweet celebration of sisterly love, festive romances and community spirit' - WI LifeA December to Remember is a cosy, small-town festive read to curl up with this winter, perfect for fans of Josie Silver and Lindsey Kelk.Wildly different half-sisters Maggie, Simone and Star have hardly seen each other since their idyllic summers spent in the charming village of Rowan Thorp, the home of their eccentric father, Augustus. Known for the fruitful ways in which he and his bustling curiosity shop kept the towns tongues wagging and ladies swooning, Augustus was loved by all and known by none, not even his daughters.Now, years later, the three estranged women are unexpectedly reunited at the reading of Augustus’s will. Maggie, Simone and Star are shocked to find out that Augustus has engineered a series of hoops through which the three women must jump to unlock their inheritance – the last thing any of them want to do. But each sister desperately needs the money, and they are in no position to rebel against their father's final wishes.Spending the winter months at Rowan Thorp stirs up feelings with forgotten flames, and makes the sisters confront the lives they’ve left behind. As old wounds resurface and long-buried secrets come to light, the sisters must learn to work together if they hope to succeed. Sometimes the only way to move forward is to go back to where it all began . . .----'No one does holidays better than Jenny Bayliss' - Amy E. Reichert, author of Once Upon a December 'A December to Remember is such a cosy, feel-good winter delight’ - My Weekly'A charming and heart-warming tale of family bonds, loss and love to snuggle up with this festive season' - Woman's Weekly5* READER REVIEWS:A good book to curl up to on a winter’s night. A must read!I love, love, LOVED this story. It gave me all the Christmas feels.A perfect read for the holiday season, reminding us of the power of family and the magic of love.This is a delightful Christmas read; you'll need a cosy armchair, cosy blanket and a mug of mulled wine!Trade Review'A heartwarming read' - Woman's Own'Jenny Bayliss has penned a joyous, uplifting and funny tale about bringing a family and a village together. As warming as mulled cider on a winter's night, this is a sweet celebration of sisterly love, festive romances and community spirit' - WI LifeA gorgeous, cosy winter read that will transport you to the coast on a windswept day. Full of quirky characters, this book will restore anyone’s faith that it’s never too late for a second chance at love or, indeed, life -- Sophie Cousens, bestselling author of This Time Next YearThis book has all the ingredients to make a perfect festive treat, full of humour, warmth and characters you're rooting for. -- Debbie Johnson, author of Falling For You.'A December to Remember is such a cosy, feel-good winter delight’ - My Weekly'This cosy read is guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit' - Good Housekeeping'A charming and heart-warming tale of family bonds, loss and love to snuggle up with this festive season' - Woman Magazine

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Jam Factory Girls, Mary Wood's The Guernsey Girls is the first in a touching new series of friendship found far from home . . .January 1936. After the hard work of being a maid at Wallington Manor in the lead-up to Christmas, Annie is thrilled at the prospect of going home to Bethnal Green. She has missed her family, but the money she earns keeps them all afloat.Olivia is from the island of Guernsey and is visiting her aunt at Wallington Manor. When she has to leave for London, Annie is asked to look after her, and on the train journey a friendship blossoms.A tragic accident sees their friendship become even stronger. A friendship that will see both girls through pain, happiness, marriage and death. A friendship that will see them both united in Guernsey.And this is just the beginning of their incredible journey . . .Trade ReviewWood is a born storyteller * Lancashire Evening Post *A cosy fireside read * Westmeath Examiner *

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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 SynopsisAs World War One brings women unexpected new freedoms, bookbinder Peggy has the chance at a new future.'A wonderful book' Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker's Gift'Your job is to bind the books, not read them.'When the men of Oxford University Press leave for the Western Front, Peggy, her twin sister Maude and their friends in the bookbindery must shoulder the burden at home. As Peggy moves between her narrowboat full of memories and the demands of the Press, her dreams of studying feel ever more remote. She must know her place, fold her pages and never stop to savour the precious words in front of her.From volunteer nurses to refugees fleeing the horrors of occupation, the war brings women together from all walks of life, and with them some difficult choices for Peggy. New friends and lovers offer new opportunities, but they also make new demands - and Peggy must write her own story.'Vivid and moving ... I absolutely loved it!' Ruth Hogan, author of The Keeper of Lost Things'Charming, original and beautifully researched' Rachel Hore, author of A Beautiful Spy'A fresh, exciting new voice in historical fiction' Paula McLain, author of The Paris WifeTrade ReviewA compelling story, beautifully told and full of vibrant characters. It's such a vivid and moving account of how the war brought not only horror and deprivation, but for some - especially women - new freedoms and opportunities which they were reluctant to give up once the fighting had ended. I absolutely loved it! * Ruth Hogan, author of The Keeper of Lost Things *What a charming, original and beautifully researched historical novel. It nails the problems facing female ambition in a man's world a century ago in such a vivid way that it speaks to us still * Rachel Hore, author of A Beautiful Spy *'A wonderful book, whose vividly-drawn characters tell the story of a pivotal period in women's history as they work behind the scenes in the bindery of the Oxford University Press. I could almost smell the ink and hear the whisper of the pages being folded, as the novel followed their traumas and their triumphs against the harrowing backdrop of the First World War.' * Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker’s Gift. *An immersive and compelling tale ... Williams is a fresh, exciting new voice in historical fiction. I can't wait to see what she does next * Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife and When the Stars Go Dark *A compelling, beautifully written homage to the transformational power of books, set against the tragic backdrop of the First World War. * Daisy Wood, author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris *

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Book SynopsisThe truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance becomes something to conceal in a gripping novel about justice, lies, and impossible choices by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde. When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone has an opinion. Only Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, knows the real story. Norma’s already found Jill, huddled in a cave and terrified that her abusive boyfriend, Jake, will kill her. If he ever sees her again. To protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma quietly delivers the girl to her grateful parents in California, even though she’s conflicted. Keeping Jill safe and hidden from Jake, the press, and the public will be their secret. But secrets can’t last forever. Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for the murder of Jill Moss—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her. As Jake is about to stand trial, lust for retribution inflames public opinion and Jill’s family refuses to come forward, forcing Norma to make a life-changing decision. What are the consequences if she stays silent? And what are the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth?Trade Review“Prolific author Hyde raises thorny issues around domestic violence, examines the power of misplaced guilt, and illustrates the bonds of shared experience in her take on a ripped-from-the-headlines story. Her characteristic empathy is on full display…” —Booklist “In Catherine Ryan Hyde’s gripping novels, ordinary people become extraordinary because of their determination to do the right thing…No matter which Hyde book you read, life after that reading seems just a bit different, a bit more satisfying and a bit more hopeful.” —Bookreporter

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of the Undead series comes a ride through the lives of three estranged friends as they?re reunited by murder (possible frame job) and mayhem (just the way they like it).Operation Starfish has one goal: to remove domestic violence survivors from danger. But when a mission backfires in tragedy, the band of bikers who founded OpStar dissolves the organization and their ride-or-die friendship.Five years later Amanda, Sidney, and Cassandra are brought back together by the same thing that tore them apart when the man who victimized his wife is murdered, and all signs point to Cassandra.Circumstances being what they are?in a word: dire?the trio reignites their bond, if only to shut and barricade the door to their past once and for all. Their tentative sisterhood is infiltrated by Investigator Sean Beane, whose intentions aren?t as clear as they should be, but even so he?s too tempting for his (or Amanda?s) own good.Despite all reservations, regrets, and blossoming romance, it?s time for these biker babes to strap on their helmets and hit the road?before the real murderer can run them off it.

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Book SynopsisReturn to the sensational standout TikTok series, The Royals, in this third instalment, Twisted Palace. From mortal enemies to unexpected allies, two teenagers try to protect everything that matters most.Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She''s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome.Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he''ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation.No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all.They may be right.With everything and everyone conspiring to keep them apart, Ella and R

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Book SynopsisAn explosive feminist and anti-racist novel about the importance of friendship. We don’t exist in this world. Here, we are neither Germans nor refugees, we don’t report the news and we aren’t the experts. We’re some sort of wildcard. Hani, Kasih, and Saya have shared a deep friendship ever since they were kids. After years apart, the three young women meet again for a few days, to pick up where they left off. But regardless of what they have achieved, it becomes clear, again and again, that they can’t escape the racism that accompanies their daily lives: the glances, the chatter, the hatred, and the outright rightwing terror. But their friendship gives them stability. Until one dramatic night shakes everything up. Sisters in Arms is a provocative, uncompromising, and moving novel about the extraordinary alliance between three young women and the only thing that makes a self-determined life possible in a society that doesn’t tolerate otherness: unconditional friendship.Trade Review‘[W]ill appeal to fans of Elena Ferrante, Zadie Smith, and Kamila Shamsie … An immersive and thought-provoking read with a strong plot and relatable characters, and which explores urgent contemporary questions around racism and sexism in society.’ * New Books in German *‘This worthy novel about immigration and racism in contemporary Germany is tough going. Bazyar is astute in her depiction of a contemporary climate that explicitly “others” migrants.’ -- Claire Allfree * Daily Mail *‘Sends us on a journey of exploration, right into the abyss of German identity politics — a magnificent book.’ * Süddeutsche Zeitung *‘A smart, important novel that gives you a caress on the cheek and a punch in the jaw as you read it. The amazing thing is that in the end you want more of both.’ -- Pierre Jarawan author of Song for the Missing‘Shida Bazyar tells us — uncompromisingly, powerfully, and accusingly — what it means to have one’s origins constantly questioned.’ -- Judges’ comments for The German Book Prize‘It tackles the pressing issues of our time, and yet it is timeless. This is a story of friendship, marginalisation and society's blindness to its own deep-seated problems … A triumph. It has all the makings of great literature, literature that will endure … Sisters in Arms demonstrates that all the talk about the lack of social relevance of art and literature is a fatal mistake.’ -- Gerrit Wustmann * Qantara *‘An explosive feminist and anti-racist novel about the importance of friendship … Sisters ini Arms is a provocative, uncompromising, and moving novel about the extraordinary alliance between three young women and the only thing that makes a self-determined life possible in a society that doesn't tolerate otherness: unconditional friendship.’ * Female *‘Humane, relatable, and self-aware, Sisters in Arms is an involving novel that indicts polite neoliberalism and open racism alike for the ways in which people in contemporary societies are forced apart.’ * Foreword Reviews *

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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Compelling . . . Faulks has become an international sensation' GUARDIAN'Performs like an elegant melody' OBSERVER'Tense and affecting . . . A modern epic' SPECTATORLife at the British Embassy in Washington in 1959 is awash with parties, martinis, jazz, and for Mary van der Linden, the kind of happiness she has always dreamt of. With her diplomat husband Charlie busy and the children off at boarding school, she feels listless until news reporter Frank Renzo enters their lives. And when Frank and Mary begin a torrid affair, their passion will force an impossible decision.Set between Washington, New York and Moscow, On Green Dolphin Street, is a masterful exploration of Cold War chaos, and devastating love.

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Book Synopsis'A superb romcom, with relatable and loveable characters that literally burst from the pages. With laugh-out-loud moments, woven between a heartwarming and hopeful story, it charmed me from the first page'Carmel HarringtonTrue love is only just a swipe away? Right?Iris lives by numbers. The only thing missing from her perfectly calibrated life is a partner - and not for lack of trying. After decades of disappointment, Iris practically has a PhD in online dating. But something still eludes her: that unquantifiable spark.Kim is too busy being the life of the party to look for love. Her terrible dates make great stories for her friends and co-workers, as long as she's not caught by her tyrannical boss, Iris.Connie, Kim's recently widowed mum, is single for the first time since the 1970s. The dating game has changed a lot since her day . . .Sick of being let down, Iris takes matters into her own hands - using her analytical skills to create the first real formula for love. With Kim and Connie on board, they launch Analyzed, a dating app like no other.As Analyzed takes the world by storm, are the three women in over their heads? Is love really just a numbers game?'A laugh on every page, entirely empathetic characters and a warm heart in the middle of the story. I found this book highly entertaining and totally satisfying' Liz NugentPraise for Claudia Carroll:'Brilliantly funny' Sun'An immensely talented writer' Sinéad Moriarty'Brilliant' Bella

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Book Synopsis'These heartbreaking but also inspirational tales are full of the grit and hardship that have become hallmarks of a storyteller who writes straight from the heart.' - Lancashire Evening PostHeartfelt and moving, The Orphanage Girls Come Home is the beautiful conclusion to the Orphanage Girls series, set during WW1 and travelling from London's East End to Montreal, Canada.London, 1910. When Amy is chosen to be a part of a programme to resettling displaced children in Canada, her life changes overnight. Her great sadness is having to say goodbye to Ruth and Ellen, the friends who became family to her during the dark days at the orphanage. As she steps on board the ship to Montreal, the promise of a new life lies ahead. But during the long crossing, Amy discovers a terrifying secret.Canada, 1919. As the decades pass, Amy’s Canadian experience is far from the life she imagined. She always kept Ruth’s address to hand – longing to return to London and reunite with her dear friends. With the world at war, it seems an impossible dream . . .Separated by oceans, will Amy the orphanage girl ever come home?The Orphanage Girls Come Home is the third and final book in the Orphanage Girls series, which began with The Orphanage Girls and The Orphanage Girls Reunited. For more beautiful saga writing from Mary Wood, try The Guernsey Girls – available now.Trade ReviewThese heartbreaking but also inspirational tales are full of the grit and hardship that have become hallmarks of a storyteller who writes straight from the heart. * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book Synopsis** LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2023 **** SHORTLISTED FOR IRISH NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2023 ****AS SEEN ON BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS**Meet Jamie and his community on the west coast of Ireland, in the most uplifting and tender book of the year'Heart-rending and delightful' LOUISE KENNEDY, no.1 bestselling author of Trespasses'A gorgeous gift of a novel' DOUGLAS STUART, no.1 bestselling author of Shuggie BainJamie O'Neill loves the colour red. He also loves tall trees, patterns, rain that comes with wind, the curvature of many objects, books with dust jackets, cats, rivers and Edgar Allan Poe. At age 13 there are two things he especially wants in life: to build a Perpetual Motion Machine, and to connect with his mother Noelle, who died when he was born. In his mind these things are intimately linked. And at his new school, where all else is disorientating and overwhelming, he finds two people who might just be able to help him.How to Build a Boat is the story of how one boy and his mission transforms the lives of his teachers, Tess and Tadhg, and brings together a community. Written with tenderness and verve, it's about love, family and connection, the power of imagination, and how our greatest adventures never happen alone.'Beautifully rendered and imagined' - Anne Enright'A heart-stopping read' - Sinéad Gleeson'Bursting with soul' - Lisa McInerney'I can't wait for readers to fall in love' - Jan CarsonTrade ReviewOne of those rare books that leaves you feeling less lonely. An uplifting tale of community, healing and the small connections that can change a life. A gorgeous gift of a novel, hopeful and full of humanity. -- Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize winning author of SHUGGIE BAINA heart-stopping read and a stunning, resonant exploration of a community, a motherless boy and living an authentic life. -- Sinéad GleesonWhat a gorgeous book. Unsentimental but generous, sharp as a teacher's side-eye and bursting with soul. -- Lisa McInerneyHow to Build a Boat is a gentle tsunami of a novel, so beautifully and tenderly crafted you don't even notice you're being swept along. It gets right to the heart of what it means to be broken and searching for community. I can't wait for readers to fall in love with Jamie's refreshingly sideways take on life. -- Jan CarsonA story of absence, love, loss, courage and resilience lit up from within, Elaine Feeney's How To Build A Boat is an emotionally resonant tour-de-force very much in keeping with the unforgettable spirit of her debut As You Were. -- Alan McMonagle

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Book Synopsis‘A breathtaking page-turner of a mystery’ Susi HollidayDon’t trust everyone you meet here…A young British backpacker goes missing on the West Coast Trail.No one is sure whether she died or simply disappeared.Apart from Laura.Twenty years later, a body has been found.And there’s only one person who could reveal the secret that Laura’s been hiding all this time.But she knows that two can keep a secret.IF ONE OF THEM IS DEAD.A tense and suspenseful thriller perfect for fans of M.J. Ford and Susi Holliday.Praise for Jenny Blackhurst‘Fast-moving and laced with suspense, it buzzes from first page to last’ Daily Mail‘Electrifying’ Woman’s Own‘Fabulously tense’ Prima‘Addictive stuff’ Woman & Home‘An addictive thriller’ Good Housekeeping‘A thoroughly twisty treat’ Heat'The duel timeline and clever narratives really hook you into this tense and atmospheric thriller.' My Weekly‘Utterly gripping’ Clare Mackintosh‘Jenny is an evil genius’ Lisa Hall‘Hooked from the first page’ Claire Douglas‘This talented writer knows a thing or two about her craft’ Amanda Jennings‘Compelling, disturbing and thoroughly enjoyable’ Sharon Bolton‘An outstanding and original thriller’ B A Paris‘Gripping and hugely enjoyable’ Jane Casey‘Had me hooked from the very first line. Tense, dark and highly compelling’ B.P Walter'A dark, clever, and twisty read... I devoured it' A.A. Chaudhuri'A twisting tale... I was gripped until the final page' Sophie FlynnWhat readers are saying about The Hiking Trip ‘A heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A clever and enthralling story that I could not put down. Highly recommend this author as a whole as all her books are just brilliant.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A brilliant book by one of my favourite authors. I knew there was a twist coming and thought I had it all figured out until another twist blew me away! It's not often a book blindsides me so this was an amazing surprise.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘The story is fast paced, the writing was really great, the thriller itself is unputdownable with twists and turns.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Definitely one of her best. I raced through it, just had to know how it was going to end and it did not disappoint.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I'd easily say this is one of my favourite thrillers of the year! It’s modern and fresh and the main character makes smart choices. There are plenty twists and turns and it is a really fascinating story that unfolds at such a good pace.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘As usual Jenny Blackhurst never disappoints. What a great book, I could not put this one down.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I raced through this… It is a fast paced psychological thriller which will keep you on the edge with the twists and turns. Will definitely be recommending this book to all.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This novel of mystery and intrigue is difficult to put down. I usually can guess the ending of a mystery story, but not in this case…’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I was absolutely delighted to read another Jenny Blackhurst thriller… I was hooked from the opening paragraph. Jenny’s books are always wonderful to read and so deftly written.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisSunday Times bestseller Tessa Hadley explores the big consequences of small events in this new collection'You've either got it or you haven't. Hadley's got it' FINANCIAL TIMESHeloise's father died in a car crash when she was a little girl; at a dinner party in her forties, she meets someone connected to that long-ago tragedy. Janey's bohemian mother plans to marry a man close to Janey's own age - everything changes when an accident interrupts the wedding party. A daughter caring for her elderly mother during the pandemic becomes obsessed with the woman next door; in the wake of his best friend's death, a man must reassess his affair with the friend's wife. Teenager Cecilia wakes one morning on vacation with her parents in Florence and sees them for the first time through disenchanted eyes.These stories illuminate the enduring conflicts between responsibility and freedom, power and desire, convention and subversion, reality, and dreams.***A GUARDIAN AND NEW STATESMAN BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023******ONE OF THE BBC’S '25 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2023'***Trade ReviewConsistently pulls you in from the first sentence... The capacity to make readers care from the off about what happens to these imaginary people next is an unquantifiable, indefinable talent that cannot be taught. You've got it or you haven't. Hadley's got it * Financial Times *One of our finest novelists and a short story supremo... It is hard to imagine stories more skilfully paced and polished than these * Observer *After the Funeral is a brilliant collection. From the virtuosity of Hadley's technique to the clarity of her moral vision and the warmth of her humour, what she has achieved in After the Funeral is nothing short of masterful. Her stories are surprising, profound, and each feels as full as a world -- Brandon Taylor, author of The Late AmericansBeautifully done... The strongest stories resonate, offering glimpses of the hidden selves we all conceal * Sunday Times *She has such great psychological insights into human beings, which is rare... One of the best fiction writers writing today -- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of AmericanahShort stories tend to be literary Marmite, but the dozen tales in Hadley's classy new collection are a testament to the startling power of both their author and the form itself` * Mail on Sunday *After the Funeral draws us into situations that bear out Tolstoy’s famous line, “every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”. Each story explores a way of coping with a peculiar challenge… Hadley elicits the answer with an acumen that puts her among the great detectives of human nature * New Statesman, *Books of the Year* *Tessa Hadley is my favourite author -- Kate Atkinson, author of Shrines of GaietyHadley has elevated middle-class domesticity, and the emotional ripples beneath it, into the realms of high art... Her depictions of buried disappointment and quiet yearning are timeless... A reminder of just how sublime an experience reading a Tessa Hadley book is * i *Few writers give me such consistent pleasure -- Zadie Smith, author of White Teeth

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Book SynopsisA powerful new novel about grief and mourning from the acclaimed and prize-winning author of The Old DriftA BARACK OBAMA BOOK OF THE YEAR and NEW YORK TIMES BOOK OF THE YEARI don't want to tell you what happened. I want to tell you how it felt.Cassandra is twelve; her little brother Wayne is seven. One day, when they're alone together, there's an accident and Wayne is lost forever. Though his body is never recovered, their mother can't stop searching.As Cassandra grows older, she sees her brother everywhere: in cafes, aeroplane aisles, subway cars. But it can't be, of course. Or can it? And then one day, there's another accident, and she meets a man both mysterious and familiar, a man who shares her brother's name and who is also searching for someone...'In Namwali Serpell's hands, grief is a kind of possession. The Furrows is a piercing, sharply written novel about the conjuring power of loss' - RAVEN LEILANI, author of LusterTrade ReviewSerpell is a terrific destabiliser, even at the level of the sentence... There are no tidy moral lessons at the end of her dissonant and time-contorting fable - no bones to bury, no truth to pin, no mysteries solved - only the inescapable rhythms of loss -- Beejay Silcox * The Guardian *A masterfully intelligent and many-sided book * The Telegraph *The Furrows...confirms Serpell's place as one of the most innovative and intelligent writers today * Financial Times *In Namwali Serpell's hands, grief is a kind of possession. The Furrows is a piercing, sharply written novel about the conjuring power of loss -- Raven Leilani, author of LusterMasterful: a blend of self-knowing, sincere and spry... Serpell's sentences are unhurried, yet detailed, smart and brisk * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisJoanna and Roger have been married for over forty years. Children of the sixties, they're still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music - and each other. Conversations from a Long Marriage is exactly that: following conversations that take them from the local café, to their kitchen table, taking in her resentment of new glasses - a symbol of ageing - and fury at being lectured by the dental hygienist. He has a dodgy knee and is on statins, and when they discuss the marriage break-up of their closest friends, Sally and Peter, there's jealousy and talk of affairs. She suggests there are advantages to single beds and separate holidays, and wants to go clubbing in Ibiza for her imminent 'big' birthday. Witty, big-hearted and a whole lot of fun, Conversations from a Long Marriage will resonate with couples of any age - but especially those who are still dancing in the kitchen, singing in the car and trying to keep the passion alive.Trade ReviewSublimely funny, touching ... Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship * Radio Times *Witty and warm * The Spectator *Jan Etherington is a brilliant writer and these books are sheer joy -- Joanna LumleyConversations is a brilliant vehicle for tackling difficult subjects, like ageing and mortality, with a kind of clever, gentle, sardonic and affectionate humour, laced with human insight that makes you chuckle but can also unexpectedly move you. * Suffolk Magazine *Beautifully written * Observer *Sitcom is what most marriages are really like - repetitive and ridiculous - and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject -- Richard CurtisAstute ... They are unlike anyone I actually know but, truly, I like them * The Times *This book gives me hope ... that life and marriage might permanently include taking the absolute piss while simultaneously dancing in the kitchen -- Emma FreudOne of the best writers for radio ... Her dialogue works because it is so true -- Simon BrettAn endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love * Guardian *Not just comedy but also a compelling, well-rounded drama. Brilliantly crafted, delightfully funny and perceptive ... they sparkle and spring vividly to life * Mature Times *Pin-sharp * The Lady *Exquisitely simple ... it captures the rhymes and language of spousal life [and] in these [Jan Etherington] hands it works perfectly -- Ben Dowell * The Times Pick of the Week *Comedies about likeable people are not common. Treasure this one * Sunday Times *Beautifully captured in Etherington's sparkling dialogue ... the couple whose flirty, combative relationship, ... made famous by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam ... is now so beloved -- Simon O'Hagan * i Newspaper *This warm, witty portrait of a 40-year marriage is written with a pin-sharp perception. Sublimely funny, touching ... couple Joanna and Roger remain passionate about life, music and each other, as their conversations veer from reading glasses and dodgy knees to clubbing in Ibiza, separate beds and affairs. Lumley and Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? A funny, relatable read ... this is a work of supreme craftsmanship * Radio Times *

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Book Synopsis‘A true page-turner’ Chat Monthly ‘Emotional, humorous and heartening, Julie Shackman knows how to bring the feel-good factor to fiction’ Woman’s Weekly Escape to the Scottish Highlands with a brand new spring romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman

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

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestselling novel from viral sensation, @MammyBanterA hilarious warts-and-all novel about modern motherhood and how having it all sometimes isn't what you think it might be.Previously published in hardback as Mammy Banter: The Secret Life of an Uncool MumShe used to want it all.Now she just wants a nap.Tara Gallagher is knackered. She used to dream of being Beyoncé but suddenly she's thirty-six and instead of headlining Glastonbury, she's in her pyjamas on a Friday night, watching Gogglebox.It's time for a mammy makeover. She's going to show her teenage daughter she's still cool. Show her husband she's still an absolute ride. And show her colleagues she's still a Boss Bish.But most of all, she's going to prove to herself that she can still be a mum, still work full time, and still be Beyoncé*Published in hardback as Mammy Banter: The Secret Life of an Uncool MumMammy Banter was a Sunday Times No.5 bestseller for w/c 08/03/2022Trade Review‘Honest and laugh-out-loud funny’ Woman’s Own ‘An authentic, relatable and hilarious debut novel’ The Sun

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Book SynopsisFascinating' ChoiceThis well-researched novel draws you straight into the heart of this engaging story' My Weekly'A stunning evocative novel I was completely captivated' Clare Marchant, author of The Queen's SpyCan she tread a dangerous line between love and duty?Raven-haired and fiercely independent, Joan Guildford has always remained true to herself. As lady-in-waiting and confidante to Queen Elizabeth, wife of Henry VII, Joan understands royal patronage is vital if she and her husband, Sir Richard, are to thrive in the volatile atmosphere of court life.But Tudor England is in mourning following the death of the Prince of Wales, and within a year, the queen herself. With Prince Henry now heir to the throne, the court murmurs with the sound of conspiracy. Is the entire Tudor project now at stake or can young Henry secure the dynasty?Drawn into the heart of the crisis, Joan's own life is in turmoil, and her future far from secure. She faces a stark choice be true to her heart and riskTrade Review Praise for The Queen’s Lady: ‘A stunning evocative novel which weaves together the personal and the political, immersing the reader in vivid historical detail. I was completely captivated.’ Clare Marchant, author of The Queen’s Spy ‘Fascinating’ Choice ‘This well-researched novel draws you straight into the heart of this engaging story’ My Weekly Praise for Joanna Hickson: ‘An intriguing tale, told with confidence’ The Times ‘A great tale… the golden thread that led to the crown of England’ Conn Iggulden ‘Bewitching … the characters and the narrative work seamlessly together.’ Woman & Home ‘Evocative … well-researched’ Woman’s Weekly ‘Excellent’ Carol McGrath author of The Handfasted Wife ‘A great book… loving it!’ Joanna Courtney, author of The Chosen Queen ‘Rich and Warm’ Sunday Express 'Colourful and vivid' Elizabeth Chadwick ‘A big-hearted and engrossing novel.’ Elizabeth Freemantle ‘Thoroughly engrossing’ The Lady A gripping and emotional story’ Woman ‘I couldn’t have been more riveted’ For Winter Nights blog 'Well written, well researched and utterly captivating' 5*Netgalley review 'I found it very difficult to put down' 5*Netgalley review 'A most enjoyable read' 5*Netgalley review

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