Narrative theme: love / relationships

Book SynopsisDr Amir Khan is a full-time GP and bestselling author working in inner-city Bradford.Amir is a resident doctor for ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain and hosted Dr Amir's Sugar Crash (Channel 5) and You Are What You Eat (Channel 5) with Trisha Goddard.Amir is president of the RSPB, vice president of The Wildlife Trusts and an ambassador for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and Butterfly Conservation, working closely with them to ensure access to green spaces for inner-city children and spreading the word on how being outside with nature is good for health. When he is not in surgery or on TV, Amir spends his time gardening, baking, running and supporting wildlife conservation.He is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Doctor Will See You Now. How (Not) to Have an Arranged Marriage is his first novel.Trade ReviewFun * The Times *Full of the compassion, humanity and mischievous sense of fun you would expect from Dr Amir. This is a complete delight from a born storyteller -- Lorraine Kelly, presenter and host of ITV's LorraineHeartwarming, hilarious and incredibly insightful. Writing with poignant honesty about the messy nature of life, Dr. Amir Khan is definitely an author I’ll be looking out for in the future. -- J F Murray, author of Fling and HitchedCelebrates human beings in all their glorious, messy imperfection -- Cat Deeley on The Doctor Will See You NowA fascinating insight into modern day arranged marriages . . . filled with family, food and warmth * Heat Magazine *

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Book SynopsisIs falling in love multiple times really such a crime?This cupid says no.Emelle used to be just a stupid cupid helping others fall in love (or not) and living a loveless life.Everything changed when she went to the fae realm and was no longer invisible. Her sole goal was to find love for herself, and she did. With four fae men.Too bad she found trouble too.She''s somehow become an accidental spy for the kingdom''s rebels, and there''s a war brewing in the realm.All this cupid really wants to do is spread a bit of love . . . but she''ll have to spread a bit of fight first.Good thing there''s nothing a cupid will fight harder for than love.Crimes of Cupidity is Book Three in the fun, addictive and sexy Heart Hassle seriesGild, Glint and Gleam, Sunday Times bestsellers, April 2023

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Book Synopsis______________ One of the best writers of my generation' - John Irving A playful yet searching novel of gay life in the New York of Ed Koch and Studio 54' - Kirkus Smart, worldly, erudite, well-connected, and funny' - New York Review of BooksRemarkable America's most significant gay writer' - Literary Review______________Has everyone always been in love with you? Of course they have, who am I kidding? What did they say about Helen of Troy? That her face launched a thousand ships? That's you, you're that beautiful. A thousand ships'New York City in the eighties, and at its decadent heart is Guy. The darling of Fire Island''s gay community and one of New York's top male models, Guy is gliding his way to riches that are a world away from his modest provincial upbringing back home in France. Like some modern-day Dorian Gray he seems untouched by time: the decades pass, fashions change, yet his beauty remains as transcenTrade ReviewEdmund White is one of the best writers of my generation; he's certainly the contemporary American writer I reread more than any other, and the one whose next book I look forward to reading most. -- John IrvingEdmund White tells such a good story that I'm ready to to listen to anything he wants to talk about. * The New York Times Book Review on THE FLANEUR *Our Young Man is classic Edmund White, exploring the universal desire to be known, desired, accepted and at what cost. Set against the backdrop of the world of male modeling, Our Young Man takes us from France to Fire Island, exploring ideas of coming of age, coming into one’s own, and coming out, themes of family, trust and identity and the devastation of the AIDS epidemic and always, in keeping true to all of Edmund White’s work through the years the ineluctable nature of desire and the (sometimes failed) beauty of the human heart -- A. M. HomesEdmund White continues to chronicle, with more insight and compassion than any other writer I could name, the points at which gay life is simultaneously particular unto itself, and contiguous with universal human states. Thank you, Edmund, for insisting on our differences while reminding us, as well, that none of us is truly different, not in our innermost selves -- Michael CunninghamSo funny - it's really one of his best - full of life, and so nasty -- Andrew HolleranA playful yet searching novel of gay life in the New York of Ed Koch and Studio 54 … A closely written, multidimensional coming-of-age novel that captures a time of whispers, elaborate codes, and not inconsiderable danger * Kirkus *The cleanest, clearest stream of prose I've let myself into for a long time. But underneath that glitchless surface that are treacherous and unsuspecting currents and depths. The astonishing details of everything, the always-perfect similes and metaphors ... there is such richness to that cleanness. It is thrilling and mesmerising ... A gripping, profound and uproariously funny book -- Neel MukherjeeSmart, worldly, erudite, well-connected, and funny … It’s a picaresque story of one person’s life and career, and a comedy of manners … The worldliness recalls Colette’s descriptions of fin-de-siècle and 1920s Paris … Our Young Man is informative, wise, and amusing, and you can’t help wondering who the originals were, though you know, of course, that it’s only a novel * New York Review of Books *Remarkable … America’s most significant gay writer … Categorically no retread, but rather a sprightly journey through both compelling and familiar terrain … Our Young Man brings frivolous people face to face with some very serious subjects: our common mortality, the horrors of grief and the complex, indeterminate status of the ‘survivor’ … Our Young Man is White’s most elegant, realised and charming novel in decades – vital proof that, in fiction, the old hand can outplay any of the young pretenders * Literary Review *Beguilingly treacherous and deceptive ... impishly turning our attention towards the obvious, while subtler, weightier matters churn on elsewhere … He never descends to savage satire. This open-heartedness, an essential White quality, makes his writing sparkle with generosity … Every detail is alive and gleaming … It is also a book that floats above things, so light is its touch, so playful and joyous its execution … It is shameful, though, that we haven’t managed to free White from the initially groundbreaking but now enfettering label of “gay novelist”. It has blinded us to the essential allusiveness, wit and sprezzatura of his work, its conversations with other books, its effortless ability to say profound things in unsententious and gossamer-light ways -- Neel Mukherjee * Guardian *Eloquent, witty and insightful * Pride Life *Once again his writing finds itself playfully echoing Proust … Whether he is crafting impeccable one-liners … or dissolving them into campy dialogue, White proves that you don’t have to be a supermodel to slow time down. After all, since the publication of A Boy’s Own Story more than 30 years ago, his own prose style has hardly aged a day * The Times *White is a witty, knowing communicator whose gift is creating sharp, lively and candid narratives conveying much of the pain and fear not only of the gay community but of humanity at large. His theme is the emergence of a modern plague, AIDs. Few polemicists make their case as powerfully, or with such conversational ease, unsentimental compassion and elegance of style … Reading this novel is similar to walking a tightrope. White, for all his urbanity, never wants to make it too easy and ensures a reader is suspended between horror and sympathy. It is an interesting place. The characters are bitchy and cruel; calculating and, even at their most camp, shockingly real … Wise, intuitive and informed yet again in this work of bizarre charm, he explores intense seriousness with ironic humour and pathos * Irish Times *

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Book Synopsis''I love this woman''s writing. Golden sentences'' Diana Evans''Witty, fiery, wistful and even shocking, with engrossing heady prose, Campbell''s style is unique'' Irish Independent''An immensely enjoyable novel, and a great validation of Campbell''s uncanny emotional insight'' Megan Nolan, Sunday IndependentCormac is a photographer. Approaching forty and still single, he suddenly finds himself ''the leftover man''.Through talent and charm, he has escaped small town life and a haunted family. But now his peers are all getting divorced, dying, or buying trampolines in the suburbs. Cormac is dating former students, staying out all night and receiving boilerplate rejection emails for his work, propped up by a constellation of the women and ex-lovers in his life.In the last weeks of the year, Cormac meets Caroline, an ambitious young dancer, and embarks on a miniature odyssey of intimacy. SimultaTrade ReviewCampbell writes beautiful sentences with breath-taking imagery -- Mia Letvin * Irish Times *She appears to digest the world in layers, receiving not only what is there, but what once was, and whatever memory or thought it sparks anew -- Niamh Donnelly * Irish Times *Though its short, and deceptively simple, we are treated to a portrait of an entire life . . . Beguiling . . . with astounding intimacy . . . Effortless . . . There is joy and playfulness here, and the novel is also laugh-out-loud funny in places . . . We become intimate with Cormac's circle because they feel so real . . . A breathtakingly accomplished novel that really gets at the soul of a person -- Emer O'Hanlon * Irish Independent *There is so much to love in this deeply intelligent, insightful book . . . One of the best achievements here is conveying that maddening sense one gets at times on the border of intimacy, unable to break through . . . We Were Young is an immensely enjoyable novel, and a great validation of Campbell's uncanny emotional insight -- Megan Nolan * Sunday Independent *Beguiling and funny . . . such a pleasurable story * Financial Times *What sets We Were Young apart, aside from the calibre of her writing is the point of view. Where most accounts of lopsided relationships with arty age gaps are told, as they are written, by women, this time Campbell has boldly handed the microphone to a man -- Susannah Goldsborough * Daily Telegraph **** *An immensely talented writer * Irish Examiner *Campbell's new novel confirms what an outstanding writer she is . . . What makes the novel so endlessly rich is how patiently and sensitively Campbell evokes a complex depth of feeling and sedimented experience . . . She writes with a deliciously refined sense of irony without ever torpedoing the book's emotional sincerity. Superb -- Anthony Cummins * Daily Mail *A beguiling, remarkable work of art. It renders exquisitely the melancholy of living in an always changing Dublin, and of family sorrow which is always threatening to break through the surface of its silence. It feels like an instant classic of Irish literature -- Megan Nolan, author of ACTS OF DESPERATIONWE WERE YOUNG is a truly exceptional novel, by an exceptional writer -- Adrian Duncan, author of LOVE NOTES FROM A GERMAN BUILDING SITEWE WERE YOUNG captures an Ireland I've never before seen in print, namely the erotic and artistic lives of a generation displaced.It is a stunning book that cracked me open more than once. Campbell's sentences are nothing short of magnificent. -- Sue Rainsford, author of FOLLOW ME TO GROUNDThis is trenchant, lucid writing. Niamh Campbell's novel is somehow both sharp and forgiving, steely and warm.With WE WERE YOUNG, Campbell takes up her place as one of the finest Irish stylists of her generation -- Seán Hewitt, author of TONGUES ON FIRE

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Book SynopsisWhat if the person you thought you’d lost forever walked back into your life?On a sunny morning in March 1987, four-year-old Stephen Nelson welcomes his new baby sister, Emily. Holding her for the first time, he vows to love and protect her, and 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 again and when he arrives at the council office where she works, her wish comes true. But they say you should be careful what you wish for – and perhaps they’re right, because there is a reason the two were estranged . . .As the two embark on a birding trip together, Emily is haunted by long-buried memories of a single June day, fifteen years earlier; a day 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?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, ultimately, is found within us.Trade 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 Synopsis‘Literally out-Christies Agatha’ - Janice Hallett, author of The AppealNina de Gramont's The Christie Affair reimagines the unexplained eleven-day disappearance of Agatha Christie that captivated the world.In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days. Only I know the truth of her disappearance.I’m no Hercule Poirot.I’m her husband’s mistress.Agatha Christie’s world is one of glamorous society parties, country house weekends, and growing literary fame.Nan O’Dea’s world is something very different. Her attempts to escape a tough London upbringing during the Great War led to a life in Ireland marred by a hidden tragedy. After fighting her way back to England, she’s set her sights on Agatha. Because Agatha Christie has something Nan wants. And it’s not just her husband.Despite their differences, the two women will become the most unlikely of allies. And during the mysterious eleven days that Agatha goes missing, they will unravel a dark secret that only Nan holds the key to . . .*A Reese Witherspoon Book Cub Pick**Instant New York Times bestseller*‘Storytelling at its very finest’ - My Weekly‘Scintillating’ - Daily Mail‘Romance, enigma and wit in bucketloads’ - Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory‘A genuine marvel’ - Kristin Hannah, author of Firefly Lane‘Ingenious’ - AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs BirdTrade ReviewNina de Gramont’s beautifully written imaginative history of Agatha Christie’s disappearance plays out alongside a parallel murder mystery that could have flowed straight from the pen of the great AC herself. An inspired tapestry of fact and fiction places the story perfectly in its historical context. The result is a novel that literally out-Christies Agatha. An exciting, moving and delightful read -- Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealI was enthralled, moved and entertained by The Christie Affair. This is a book which has it all – romance, enigma and wit in bucketloads. What’s more, its devilishly good plot could out-do those written by Agatha Christie herself -- Elizabeth Macneal, bestselling author of The Doll Factory and The Circus of WondersElegant, ingenious and hugely enjoyable, Nina de Gramont’s The Christie Affair is both an infamous mystery wonderfully explored, and a compelling story of love, adversity, determination and hope -- AJ Pearce, bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird and Yours CheerfullyThe Christie Affair is a genuine marvel. An astonishingly clever novel that manages to be both a deeply satisfying mystery and a profoundly moving story about lost love and the many ways in which grief can shape one’s character. Full of unexpected twists and written in beautiful prose . . . Nina de Gramont takes this thread of a story and weaves it into a rich and vibrant tapestry -- Kristin Hannah, bestselling author of Firefly Lane and The Four WindsA completely fascinating and fabulous piece of storytelling. I paced myself as I did not wish to miss one detail of its clever and twisty plot. Bravo to the skill and imagination of the author -- Elizabeth Buchan, author of Two Women in RomeA delightful puzzle of a book, so cleverly constructed but with real heart and soul. The ingenious yet playful mystery keeps you turning the pages right till the end, but the real treasure of the book is the poignant tragedy buried deep in its core. Such a moving and satisfying read -- Mary Paulson-Ellis, author of The Other Mrs Walker and Emily Noble's DisgraceAn intriguing tale of love and tragedy with a plot as ingenious as one of Agatha's own mysteries * Daily Mail *A scintillating, speculative tale that takes in lost love, revenge, Irish mother-and-baby homes and a double murder at an upmarket spa in Harrogate * Daily Mail *The story unfolds in a series of carefully placed vignettes you may find yourself reading and rereading, partly to get the details straight, partly to fully savour the well-turned phrases and the dry humour, partly so the book won’t have to end, damn it. Devilishly clever, elegantly composed and structured – simply splendid -- Kirkus (starred review)I loved this novel. A clever re-imagining of what happened in the days when Christie disappeared as well as a stunning murder mystery which will keep the reader guessing. The Christie Affair is stylish, compelling and multi-layered, exploring the themes of love, loss, revenge and sacrifice, tugging at our emotions as the truth is revealed. An original and captivating read that has stayed inside my head -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing Girl and The Hiding PlacePulls off the trick of being both a gripping mystery and a stirring story about lost love * Good Housekeeping *The Christie Affair is a pitch-perfect hat-trick of a novel, delivering a fascinating glimpse into history . . . I loved every page, and will be recommending this to everyone I know! -- Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife and When the Stars Go DarkA delight: intriguing, fast-paced and elegantly written. Nina de Gramont takes you on an adventure through the English countryside with as many twists and turns as, well, an Agatha Christie novel. The unlikely alliances, complex motivations and jaw-dropping surprises will keep you riveted until the very last page -- Christina Baker Kline, author of Orphan Train and The ExilesNina de Gramont’s skilful storytelling is exceeded only by her tenderness for her characters, and I was swept up, turning the pages and savouring them, too. This is a cracking good read -- Therese Fowler, author of A Good NeighborhoodImmersive, reflexive and propulsive, The Christie Affair is an extremely impressive literary debut which reveals its hidden themes and secrets through a narrative dance brilliantly done. -- Natalie Jenner, author of The Jane Austen SocietyNina de Gramont’s novel shines on so many levels, it’s hard to keep count: as an ode to Agatha Christie’s legacy, as a dashing love story, and as a tribute to complicated, determined women. Magnificent -- Fiona Davis, author of The Lions of Fifth AvenueI read [The Christie Affair] in a single sitting . . . The story combines dark pasts, dangerous liaisons and unforeseen twists into a masterful work reminiscent of one of Christie’s enigmatic works. The Christie Affair is both enthralling and beguiling, and will keep readers guessing until the very last page -- Pam Jenoff, author of The Lost Girls of ParisIngeniously plotted . . . This book is so much more than a cleverly plotted mystery – with incredibly moving, multi-layered stories about lost love, second chances, hope and revenge, this novel is storytelling at its very finest * My Weekly *A clever, highly original, mesmerizing tale filled with strange and unexpected turns and [de Gramont] concludes it in an unexpected but wholly satisfying manner. With its superb writing, strong characterizations, and wonderfully imaginative plot, this is a must-read -- Booklist (starred review)Gripping . . . [A] series of unexpected twists and turns that Christie herself would be proud of . . . There’s no better time to hunker down with this cosy murder mystery which packs a surprising emotional punch * Reader’s Digest *An ingenious premise * Daily Express *Inventive * The Sun *Devilishly clever * Metro *A delight for fans of both the queen of crime writing and whodunits in general . . . Clever and twisty . . . a real page turner and it felt most apt that the queen of crime should appear as a character in crime novel as herself * The Hunts Post *Heartbreaking, and yet also hopeful * Living North (Yorkshire) *

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Book of the Year'A stunning work of historical imagination . . . masterful in its portrayal of love, sex and friendship' - The Observer'Sparrow [is] truly unforgettable' – Daily MailMeet Jacob – aka Sparrow – a boy slave in the Spanish city of New Carthage in the last years of pagan Rome. Raised in a brothel at the edge of a dying empire, a boy of no known origin creates his own identity. He is Sparrow, who sings without reason and can fly from trouble. His world is a kitchen, a herb-scented garden, a loud and dangerous tavern, and the mysterious upstairs where the ‘wolves’ – prostitutes and slaves from every corner of the empire – conduct their business.He spends his days listening to stories told by his beloved ‘mother’ Euterpe, running errands for her lover the cook, and dodging the blows of their brutal overseer and the machinations of the chief wolf, Melpomene. A hard fate awaits Sparrow, one that involves suffering, murder, mayhem, and the scattering of the women who have been his whole world . . .In Sparrow, James Hynes brings the entirety of the Roman city of Carthago Nova – its markets, temples, taverns of the lowly and mansions of the rich – to vivid, brutal life.'Hynes renders this hidden world so powerfully and vividly.' – The GuardianTrade ReviewA stunning work of historical imagination . . . Masterful in its portrayal of love, sex and friendship * The Observer *Utterly engrossing, vivid, and honest, this coming of age story reaches across millennia to grab us by the throat.' -- Emma Donoghue, author of RoomAn unnerving, exhilarating, unflinching portrayal of sex, slavery and sisterhood . . . This is a novel of ancient times for our times. And it is splendid, a work of scorching distinction. -- Jim Crace, author of HarvestSparrow is a brilliantly written page-turner, a complex, vital, sometimes brutal story told with heartrending beauty. -- Kate Christensen, author of The Great ManHynes, using his pen like a cinematic overview, makes us see everything, the streets, the markets, the homes . . . everything is historically documented. * La Stampa *Sparrow feels like an entirely authentic portrait . . . James Hynes renders this hidden world so powerfully and vividly. * The Times *A bleak and brutal story, vividly told by Hynes, who has created a truly unforgettable character in the resilient Sparrow * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThe remarkable debut novel from critically acclaimed writer Huma Qureshi: an engrossing story of art and sisterhood, family, marriage and betrayal'Poignant and impressionistic . . . highly readable and relatable' Guardian'A gem of a novel' i'A beautifully written debut' RedHana has a perfect job, a perfect home, a perfect marriage. It is her younger sister Mira who is a mess. But Hana wants children and her husband is hesitating, and perhaps her control is slipping.Mira dreams of a creative life but she's stuck working at a local café. She hates her flatmate and Hana's dismissal of her writing but she can't find the right inspiration.One night, a fight between Hana and her husband sparks something in Mira: the words ring in her head and she starts typing. But what can you borrow from your sister? And what can be forgiven?'Warm and moving . . . Playing Games thoughtfully and elegantly considers what it means to be a sister, a mother and a writer' Chloë Ashby, author of Wet Paint'A riveting and evocative tale of two sisters navigating love, loss and desires' Zeba Talkhani, author of My Past is a Foreign Country'Reading Qureshi's crystal prose is a rare pleasure. I found Playing Games unputdownable' Molly Aitken, author of The Island ChildTrade ReviewPoignant and impressionistic . . . highly readable and relatable . . . It is filled with hard decisions and harsh truths, but also the softer and more tender moments of life and familial love. Above all, sisterhood is front and centre. -- Sana Goyal * Guardian *This beautifully written novel dives into the complex dynamic between two very different sisters . . . This is brilliant on siblings, secrets and the art of storytelling. I loved it. -- Sara Lawrence, Books of the Year * Daily Mail *With jeopardy that keeps you turning the pages, as well as both the acuity and tenderness for examining familyand forgiveness, this is a gem of a novel * The i *Conflict, misunderstandings and a rueful acceptance of their sisterly differences fuel an emotionally engaging plot, but it's Qureshi's lambent prose that makes her novel such a radiantly honest read -- Eithne Farry * Mail on Sunday *In beautifully light and charming prose, [Qureshi] gives the reader some deeply engaging romantic drama in the form of Hana's marriage and Mira's romantic encounters, which provide a deeply emotional and enjoyable backdrop for the philosophical musings. -- Edel Coffey * Irish Times *Observant, bluesy . . . an emotive meditation on the ethics of art and the resilience of family bonds -- Hephzibah Anderson * Observer *Huma Qureshi writes with wisdom and heart about two sisters in a fraught relationship * Pandora Sykes *Qureshi skilfully explores the dynamics of family bonds in this beautifully written novel -- Jacqueline Ling * The i *Qureshi brilliantly captures the complexities of sisterhood in this intimate novel -- Joanna Finney * Good Housekeeping *A beautifully written debut * Red Magazine *A warm and moving portrait of two women's desires, equally overwhelming, to create art and to become a parent. Playing Games thoughtfully and elegantly considers what it means to be a sister, a mother and a writer, as well as the fine line between truth and fiction and what happens when one brushes up against the other. -- Chloë Ashby, author of Wet PaintA riveting and evocative tale of two sisters navigating love, loss and desires -- Zeba Talkhani, author of My Past is a Foreign CountryA heartwarming tale of two sisters, and a bittersweet reckoning with what it means to make art; what we ask of and what we take from those we're closest to. Huma Qureshi is a writer with a beautiful lightness of touch -- Lucy Caldwell, author of These DaysPlaying Games is a tender, beautifully nuanced portrayal of sisterhood, of family, love and loss. Huma Qureshi has a rare ability to perfectly capture the details that make up a life, full of raw and real emotion. I adored it. -- Sara Nisha Adams, author of The Reading ListA book full of raw emotion, tension and, ultimately, sibling love -- Kirstyn Smith * My Weekly *Compassionate, thoughtful and thought-provoking -- Haleh Agar, author of Out of TouchPlaying Games is a poignant story about the complexities and beauty of the bond between sisters. Huma Qureshi lucidly examines the curdled emotions of family and illuminates the inner process of the writer. Reading Qureshi's crystal prose is a rare pleasure. I found Playing Games unputdownable. * Molly Aitken, author of The Island Child *A poignant tale of two sisters that illuminates the complexities of family ties * Harper's Bazaar *Reading Huma Qureshi's Playing Games is a comfort. Familiar and tender, the characters are both relatable and infuriating, as only sisters are. It discusses art, love, family, and the large non-negotiable life decisions we all eventually face. For everyone who is a sister, has a sister, or wish they had a sister. -- Jenny Mustard, author of Okay DaysI loved Playing Games. Huma Qureshi writes about relationships, whether it is sisterhood or marriage, with such tenderness that it will break your heart. She steers us through Hana and Mira's chaos with compassion and kindness. There were many instances when I wanted to give the sisters a huge hug, but at the same time, I wanted to shake them because they frustrated me so much. And you only do that with characters you deeply care about. -- Sairish Hussain, author of The Family TreeA moving, sensitive portrait of siblings caught between art, ambition and loyalty * The Bookseller *One of the best writers exploring family connections today -- Jen Campbell * TOAST Magazine *Well-crafted . . . Playing Games is all about sisterhood, in all its gnarly glory -- Alexandra Peake-Tomkinson * Financial Times *

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Book Synopsis*Dive into this summer's most dazzling romance from the queen of heartbreaking love stories*From 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.'A time-travelling delight' Eve Chase'A delightful dream of a book' Lisa Jewell'An incredible story of love and hope' Katie Fforde'Gloriously romantic and deeply moving' Lucy Diamond'A book you will carry with you long after the last page' Milly Johnson'Up there alongside The Time Traveler's Wife' Carole MatthewsHe'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 . . .'Have your hankie ready' WOMANTrade 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 SynopsisThe definitive translation of a truly great French novel - Proust's beautiful, atmospheric story of memory and loss.This is the first volume of In Search of Lost Time, one of the greatest French novels of the twentieth century. Travelling back through time, the narrator tells the story of events long since past - his childhood happiness and sadness, and memories brought famously back to life by the taste of a madeleine. His family's friend and neighbour, the aristocratic Swann, weaves through the tale. We learn of Swann's passionate love affair with Odette, a jealous love that creates a model for the narrator's own relationships. All Proust's great themes begin here: time and memory, love and loss, art and the artistic vocation.THE ACCLAIMED FULLY REVISED EDITION OF THE SCOTT MONCRIEFF AND KILMARTIN TRANSLATIONThe best translation available: 'A really major, significant achievement, and one that you should put on your Christmas list immediately' GuardianVINTAGE FRENCH CLASSICS - six masterpieces of French fiction in collectable editions.Trade ReviewMy advice is to plunge straight into Volume 1, Swann's Way there are many who swear the experience has permanently enriched their lives * Daily Mail *One of the cornerstones of the Western literary canon * The Times *Surely the greatest novelist of the 20th century * Sunday Telegraph *As close to being a definitive English version of the great novel as we are likely to get * Scotsman *Proust isn't just the most profound of novelists, but the most entertaining, too. No reader ever forgets his most killingly funny scenes... Proust sinks deepest in readers because the book is so exhaustively analytical, so ceaselessly truthful. Not the least of it is the book's heavenly length, so that it inevitably takes over your life for a long stretch... the experience of reading it becomes, in itself, an unforgettable thing * Independent *

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Book Synopsis*SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 GOLDSMITHS PRIZE*It's the eighteenth-century and Celine is in trouble'A terrific novel'FINANCIAL TIMES'A radically beautiful new novel'SHEILA HETI, author of Pure ColourParis, 1775: Celine's husband is mostly absent. Her parents are elsewhere. Meanwhile men are inventing stories about her - about her affairs, her sexuality, and addictions...All these stories are lies, but the public loves them - spreading them like a virus. Celine can only watch as her name becomes a symbol for everything rotten in this society ruled by men high on colonial genocide, natural destruction, and crimes against women. To survive, Celine and her friends must band together in search of justice, truth and beauty.Fantastical, funny and blindingly bright, The Future Future follows one woman on an urgently contemporary quest to clear her name and change the world.Trade ReviewThe Future Future is a terrific novel: a testament to female friendship, an adventure story, a political commentary and a hymn to the power of language crafted into a unique and compelling shape * Financial Times *Adam Thirlwell considers the celestial and the political on the same plane, creating wondrous new ways of seeing history, nature, friendship and time. He weaves together so many wisps of reality, and the result is a radically beautiful new novel that is funny, touching, memorable and bright -- Sheila Heti, author of Pure ColourA luminous book, brimming with originality and cleverness * Mail on Sunday *Sex, revolution and death in eighteenth-century France and America, described in the language of the future, and featuring an astonishing visit to the moon. A dazzling performance, unlike anything else you'll read this (or any other) year -- Salman Rushdie, author of Midnight's ChildrenThirlwell's prose is hypnotic and coolly beautiful. The writing is full of dreamlike leaps, not just at the level of plot, but in its sentences, too... The Future Future has a beauty and a mysterious power that reflect its enigmatic protagonist * Guardian *A book filled with imaginative leaps, brave decisions and tiny details that give delight -- Colm Tóibín, author of BrooklynA complex, brilliant book... Engrossing * Times Literary Supplement *Sharp and witty and burningly original: a book that feels joyfully new -- Katherine Rundell, author of Super-InfiniteI am utterly obsessed by Adam Thirlwell's dazzling, effervescent The Future Future. More epic than The Favourite, more vivid than Marie Antoinette, his prose sandblasts the dust off history, revealing the untold stories of real women - raw, sexy, funny and glinting with life. The Future Future is a parachute in time, both modern and timeless, unflinching and hilarious. Mesmerising. I'm transfixed -- Polly Stenham, author of That FaceA landmark - precisely because it's so deeply embedded in our history and is so unthinkably original -- Edmund White, author of A Previous Life

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Book SynopsisBorn of bright-white wishing and black-edged desire, the Grimm girls each command a single element and wield it with great power. But a child born of a Grimm and a fallen star will have command over every element . . . and wield infinite power.At twenty-one, Goldie gave birth to a daughter by her dead lover. Now Goldie is nearly thirty and Luna almost nine. Conceived in the realm between life and death, Luna is part star-soldier, part Grimm and now those opposing forces are waging war within her.Terrified of losing her increasingly volatile child, Goldie goes on the run. Then an act of violence forces her to return and Luna is taken into care. Mother and child can still meet - in the haunted otherworld that is Everwhere.Desperate to reclaim her daughter, Goldie must also confront whatever is corrupting Everwhere. For fresh leaves are falling, and Grimm girls are dying. Fearing the return of her father, Goldie knows she cannot succeed alone and summons her sisters.But can the bonds of sisterhood bear the terrible price that will be paid . . .

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Book SynopsisNellie March and Jill Banford manage an ailing Berkshire farm at the time of the First World War, a task which is made all the more complicated by the frequent rampages of a local fox through their chicken coop. When a young soldier turns up and begins to interfere with the farm and the lives of the two women, they must find ways to react to this new fox in their midst. A compelling study of the question of power, gender and sexuality, as well as a realistic portrayal of wartime rural England, The Fox showcases Lawrence’s inimitable gift for psychological observation and dramatic description.

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 BOOKER PRIZE SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2022 GORDON BURN PRIZE 'A page-turning blast.' Times 'Genuinely affecting … a very funny book.' Guardian 'Burstingly alive and engaging.' Telegraph FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOKER PRIZE-SHORTLISTED HIS BLOODY PROJECT. 'I have decided to write down everything that happens, because I feel, I suppose, I may be putting myself in danger.' London, 1965. An unworldly young woman suspects charismatic psychotherapist Collins Braithwaite of involvement in a death in her family. Determined to find out more, she becomes a client of his under a false identity. But she soon finds herself drawn into a world in which she can no longer be certain of anything. In Case Study, Graeme Macrae Burnet presents both sides: the woman’s notes and the life of Collins Braithwaite. The result is a dazzling, page-turning and wickedly humorous meditation on the nature of sanity, identity and truth itself, by one of the most inventive novelists writing today.Trade Review'Enormous fun … a mystery and a psychological drama wrapped up in one. Case Study is a triumph.' -- Alex Preston * Observer *'Brilliant, bamboozling … Burnet captures his characters’ voices so brilliantly that what might have been just an intellectual game feels burstingly alive and engaging.' -- Jake Kerridge * Telegraph *“Sinister and cleverly done … punctures the myth-making of the period.” -- Anthony Cummins * Daily Mail *“What’s real and what’s not is beside the point in this skilful portrait of a disturbed woman and her encounters with an experimental 1960s psychotherapist … Both strands quickly become compelling … I was hooked like a fish.” -- Leyla Sanai * Spectator *'A thrilling investigation into the nature of sanity and identity' -- Alice O'Keefe * Bookseller *“Poses questions about the nature of the self and the authenticity of identity … fine comic passages … shed[s] light on the dark places of the mind … He is an uncommonly interesting and satisfying novelist.” -- Allan Massie * Scotsman *“Undoubtedly one of the best books of the year.” -- Alistair Braidwood * Scots Whay Hae *'A masterclass of diversion … blurring the lines of fiction and reality … serious and witty at once … an enthralling read.' -- Heather McDaid * The Skinny *'A novel of mind-bending brilliance. Graeme Macrae Burnet is a master of muddying the waters, of troubling ideas of truth and identity, fiction and documentary, and Case Study shows him at the height of his powers' * Hannah Kent *

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Book SynopsisTwo lonely bookworms. An unexpected friendship. A library that needs their help 'A touching story of a friendship between a troubled teenager, a yoga-practising farming woman in her seventies and a local library. A delight!' – Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Fforde Teenager Tom has always blended into the background of life. After a row with his dad and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory, he escapes to the library. Pensioner Maggie has been happily alone with her beloved novels for ten years – at least, that's what she tells herself. When they meet, they recognise something in each other that will change both their lives for ever. Then the library comes under threat of closure, and they must join forces to prove that it's not just about books – it's the heart of their community. They are determined to save it – because some things are worth fighting for. EVEN MORE PRAISE FOR THE LIBRARY! 'Such a heart-warming and thought-provoking novel! A touching tale of true friendship, overcoming adversity and the genuine joy books can bring to our lives' – Jill Mansell 'A touching tale that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face' – Hazel Prior 'A story that was deeply moving, and ultimately uplifting... Definitely recommended – it was one of my best reads this year' – Janet Gover 'Heart-rending and inspiring in equal measures. A wonderful story. I adored it!' – Celia Anderson 'Beautifully and sensitively written, the characterisation is superb!' – Sue Moorcroft 'Absolutely LOVED IT! It's Bella's best book yet! A glorious heartfelt novel' – Christie Barlow 'The Library is a beautifully uplifting story full of wit, warmth and tender moments, with community at its heart and characters you truly care about' – Cressida McLaughlin 'I absolutely loved this book. Heart-warming with genuine characters, the plot pulled me in and I was rooting for the library every step of the way. A great tonic for the times and highly recommended!' – Talli Roland 'A truly special book, brimming with charm, heartwrenching moments and inspiring characters. The Library is one of those feel-good books that is sure to delight readers' – Carmel Harrington, author of The Moon Over Kilmore QuayTrade ReviewTender and heartwarming * Fabulous Magazine *A touching story of a friendship between a troubled teenager, a yoga-practising farming woman in her seventies and a local library. A delight -- Sunday Times bestselling author Katie FfordeSuch a heart-warming and thought-provoking novel! The Library is a touching tale of true friendship, overcoming adversity... and the genuine joy books can bring to our lives -- Jill MansellThe Library is heart-rending and inspiring in equal measures. A wonderful story of the triumphs of community over bureaucracy. I adored it! -- Celia AndersonI absolutely loved this book. Heart-warming with genuine characters, the plot pulled me in and I was rooting for the library every step of the way. A great tonic for the times and highly recommended! -- Talli RolandBeautifully and sensitively written, the characterisation is superb -- Sue MoorcroftA story that was deeply moving, and ultimately uplifting... Definitely recommended – it was one of my best reads this year' -- Janet GoverAbsolutely LOVED IT! It's Bella's best book yet! A glorious heartfelt novel -- Christie BarlowThe Library is a beautifully uplifting story full of wit, warmth and tender moments, with community at its heart and characters you truly care about -- Cressida McLaughlinTender and heart-warming * The Sun *It's hard to convey what a charming, affecting, uplifting and entertaining read it is * My Weekly *A wonderful, endearing story... A really enjoyable read * Beauty and Lace *A wonderful story of two people whose lives have not been easy. The book is written with a lovely touch of humour and so easy to read * Beauty and Lace *

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Book SynopsisMarcovaldo is an enchanting collection of twenty stories that are both melancholy and funny, farce and fantasy. Calvino charts the struggles of an Italian peasant to reconcile country habits with urban life, combining comical disasters with a surrealistic view of city life through the eyes of an outsider. As always with Calvino, nothing is quite as it seems.''Delightful and rewarding as always'' Observer''The most magically ingenious of the contemporary Italian novelists'' The TimesTrade ReviewCalvino is surely among the handful of living writers that can be called, without hesitation, great. Each book by Calvino is a completely original conception. Marcovaldo is one of the best works of fiction published * Spectator *The greatest Italian writer of the twentieth century * Guardian *It is the refinement, the oddness and the humour of the thoughts he gets which make Calvino a rare pleasure to read; he is a match for Borges as he stealthily patrols the limits of the unthinkable * New Review *He will continue to glitter, this strange, lonely prospector in the universe of words, well into the next millennium and after, a master in the empire of the imagination * Independent *What is so much admired by the readers of Mr. Calvino's later Invisible Cities was already at work in Marcovaldo and with a more cogent narrative drive... Marcovaldo conveys the sensuous, tangible qualities of life * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisA USA Today Bestseller!Wow! What an enthralling and emotional read! I was literally in tears Captivating.' Goodreads reviewer, ?????A world at war. One woman will risk everything. Another will uncover her story.1940:When the island ofGuernseyis invaded by the Nazis, two sisters are determined to rebel in any way they can. But when forced to take in a German soldier, they are shocked to find a familiar face on their doorstep a childhood friend who has now become their enemy.2016:Two generations later, Lucy returns toGuernseyafter the death of a distant cousin. As she prepares the old family house for sale, Lucy discovers a box of handwritten notes, one word standing out:resistance. Lucy's search for the author will uncover the story of a forgotten sister who vanished from the island one night, never to be seen again.A timeless story of love and bravery. Fans of Fiona Valpy and Kate Quinn will be absolutely gripped from the very first page.Readers love The Girl from the Island:I finished this novel last night and I cannot get it out of my head Put the phone off the hook, pour yourself a nice hot chocolate and settle down for a wonderful read' Goodreads reviewer, ?????I was gripped from the beginning and could not put it down. I lost a lot of sleep on this one and do not regret it in the slightest!!' Goodreads reviewer, ?????Unputdownable, passionate, captivating, and magnetic!!' Goodreads reviewer, ?????Absolutely brilliant I had to stay up late to read the next chapter!! I couldn''t put it down' Goodreads reviewer, ?????Gripping and very emotional This book has it all and I loved it' Goodreads reviewer, ?????A heart wrenching story of love, loss and survival' Goodreads reviewer, ?????A beautiful, wonderful, and poignant story' Goodreads reviewer, ?????Utterly beautiful and poignant I was blown away' Goodreads reviewer, ?????Trade Review Praise for The Girl from the Island: ‘With a descriptive backdrop this story offers intrigue and tender romance. Highly recommended’ Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan 'Paints an evocative picture of the bravery, fortitude and heart-breaking decisions of two British sisters living under German occupation on the beautiful island of Guernsey during WWII' Adrienne Chin, author of The English Wife ‘A book to get lost in… Love, suspense and a page-turning story’ Tracy Rees, Richard and Judy bestselling author ‘A heart-rending, devastating, beautiful book that brings Guernsey’s past to life in a fresh and thoroughly readable way’ Louise Douglas, author of The House by the Sea ‘A sweeping tale of love and courage, The Girl from the Island is tender and shocking in equal measure. Get ready for an utterly absorbing, heart-rending read. I loved it’ Emma Rous, author of The Au Pair Praise for Lorna Cook: ‘I was so absorbed I read it in a single day’ Kate Riordan ‘Compelling, dramatic, with a great twist’ Jenny Ashcroft ‘An intriguing mystery’ Gill Paul ‘Kept me turning the pages eagerly’ Tracy Rees ‘Entrancing, evocative and romantic’ Woman’s Weekly ‘Full of twists and turns’ Nikola Scott ‘Hugely likeable characters and a corker of a twist!’ Mandy Robotham

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Book SynopsisThe instant Top 5 Sunday Times bestseller''The Book Of The Summer' VOGUE''A page-turning read about the dark side of social media''STYLISTTopical, heartfelt, provocative' BERNARDINE EVARISTOImpossible to put down' PAULA HAWKINSA page-turner that you can't second guess' THE TIMESFans of Yellowface will love The List' RED MAGAZINEONLINE RUMOURS. REAL LIFE TROUBLE.Ola Olajide, a high-profile journalist at Womxxxn magazine, is marrying the love of her life in one month''s time. She and her fiancé Michael seem to have it all.That is, until one morning when they both wake up to the same message:Oh my god, have you seen The List?'It began as a list of anonymous allegations about abusive men. Now it''s been published online. Ola made her name breaking exactly this type of story. But today, Michael''s name is on there.Will the truth behind The List change everything for both of them?An Evening Standard and The Times book of the year.*SOON TO BE A MAJOR TV SERIES*Explosive Every book club shoulTrade Review‘A page-turning read about the dark side of social media’ Stylist ‘A total page-turner on the underbelly of life online’ BBC Woman’s Hour ‘One of the hottest books of the year… Topical and vital’ Marie Claire ‘The Book Of The Summer… Sure to inspire frenzied debate’ Vogue 'Blistering… a love story for our times’ Harper's Bazaar ‘Impossible to put down. The hype is real’ Independent ‘Fun and thought-provoking… A book that's just right for our times’ Harpers Bazaar ‘Punchy, topical and hugely thought-provoking’ Glamour ‘The hottest book of the summer… an incredible commentary on the internet’ BBC Radio London ‘A gripping social nightmare’ Observer ‘One of the most anticipated books of the summer’ Guardian ‘A compulsive read’ Heat Magazine ‘Topical, heartfelt, provocative’ Bernardine Evaristo, author of Girl, Woman, Other ‘The perfect summer read’ Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train ‘An enthralling, razor-sharp, witty page-turner’ Bolu Babalola, author of Honey & Spice ‘Phenomenal’ Abi Daré, author of The Girl with the Louding Voice ‘Utterly compelling, immersive and addictive’ Sara Collins, author of The Confessions of Frannie Langton 'Full of sharp wit and exacting observation’ Diana Evans, author of Ordinary People ‘A biting, chilling, prescient page-turner’ Deborah Frances-White, author of The Guilty Feminist ‘Whip-smart and thought-provoking’ Ruth Ware, author of The It Girl ‘Addictive… will set off a million debates’ Annie Lord, author of Notes on Heartbreak ‘Unputdownable’ Nels Abbey, author of Think Like a White Man ‘Explosive … Every book club should read this’ Symeon Brown

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Book SynopsisGoodreads Choice Award winning poet Trista Mateer "expertly exposes the intensity of first love" in this confessional collection of poetry.You will meet people in your lifetime who demand to have poems written about them. It''s not something they say. It''s something about their hands, the shape of their mouths, the way they look walking away from you.Honeybee is an honest take on walking away and still feeling like you were walked away from. It''s about cutting love loose like a kite string and praying the wind has the decency to carry it away from you. It''s an ode to the back and forth, the process of letting something go but not knowing where to put it down. Honeybee is putting it down. It''s small town girls and plane tickets, a taste of tenderness and honey, the bandage on the bee sting. It''s a reminder that you are not defined by the people you walk away from or the people who walk away from you. Consider Honeybee a memoir in verse, or at the very least, a story written by one of today''s most confessional poets.Perfect for fans of Caroline Kaufman, Atticus, Clementine von Radics, Nina LaCour, Adam Silvera, and Becky Albertalli; or anyone interested in bisexuality, heartbreak, running away from your problems, and coming out.

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Book Synopsis'A glorious love story' – Sarah Winman, author of Still LifeLonglisted for the Dublin Literary AwardA stunning story about the impossible lengths we go to for the ones we love, with a breathtaking twist, from the bestselling author of Burial Rites, Hannah Kent.Hanne and Thea’s friendship is a miracle. Before, Hanne always felt apart from the local girls, but with Thea it all came easy. Suddenly she could imagine a future for herself, a happy one, by Thea’s side.But when their tight-knit community embarks on a long and brutal journey to Australia, in search of new freedoms on old land, Hanne and Thea’s bond must find a way to survive the most impossible devastation.Will their love prove too strong for even Nature to break?'Extraordinarily daring . . . a remarkable novel, an almost visionary celebration of the death-defying power of the women’s love' - Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month'Exquisite . . . it's taken root in my heart' – Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies'So beautiful and so raw . . . Devotion is impossibly good' – Evie Wyld, author of The Bass RockTrade ReviewPiercingly beautiful . . . [Hanne and Thea's] story is an elegy, freighted with loss and longing * Guardian *With an extraordinarily daring twist halfway through its narrative Devotion is a remarkable novel, an almost visionary celebration of the death-defying power of the women’s love * Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month *A modern classic, on par with heart wrenching love stories such as Wuthering Heights and Pride And Prejudice. It tells the story of an achingly beautiful love and a brutal search for freedom . . . A moving tale with a breathtaking twist * The Herald *Devotion is rare and exquisite, both beautiful and muscular in its portrayal of love found and denied. It’s a story of love as a radical act . . . this is masterful storytelling with pull-no-punches stakes. It’s taken root in my heart -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The MerciesKent tells her heroine's burgeoning love story beautifully * The Times *Such a glorious love story. And the poetry of the landscape had, for me, a Whitmanesque sensibility. A mighty impassioned cry to love and the land -- Sarah Winman, author of Still LifeHannah Kent’s latest novel is stunning - full of magic and adventure. I fell in love with language again reading it. So beautiful and so raw. Devotion is impossibly good -- Evie Wyld, author of The Bass RockAbsolutely stunning. The writing, the characters and the twist were just perfect. Any Hannah Kent novel is guaranteed to be powerful, moving and so imaginative, but this was something else. It is a story that will stay with me -- Elizabeth Macneal, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Doll Factory and Circus of WondersA poetic story of friendship, nature and what it means to step into a new world - both physically and spiritually * Cosmopolitan *A superb novel. A fantastic merging of exquisite lyrical writing and page-turning adventure. Devotion had me constantly surprised, always entertained, and ultimately deeply moved: it deserves to be a glittering success -- Emma Stonex, Sunday Times bestselling author of The LamplightersKent combines lyrical writing with a strong sense of place in this novel that takes us from a 19th-century Prussian village to the dusty plains of Australia * Good Housekeeping *It is a love story, ardent and wholesome, and it drapes its reader in lush historical detail. Fans will find a lot to savour * Guardian Australia *[A] marvellous queer love story * InDaily *Draped in rich historical detail, Hannah Kent's luminous and poignant story explores kindred spirits and an epic search for freedom * Woman's Own *Devotion, is nothing short of divine. Kent uses prose like a magician might use a wand. I could say so much about the depth and scope of this novel, its raw, powerful connection to nature and human emotion, and it still wouldn’t do it justice. Simply put, this is a beautiful book. A liturgy of love, full of grace and wonder. -- Nydia Hetherington, author of A Girl Made of AirOne of my favourite reads of the year . . . While there is great sadness and hardship here, this surprising novel is ultimately about beauty, nature and an epic love. I adored it * ABC Arts *A tale of the refiguring might of faithful hearts; of love that sustains and love that ruins; of exile and dominion * Sydney Morning Herald *Exceptional . . . there are not many novelists writing today who can conjure a European past as vividly as Hannah Kent . . . she is a master at immersing the reader in a particular place and a particular period, specialising in stories of women on the margins trapped in close-knit communities and claustrophobic situations * New European *Devotion is utterly original. A glorious heartbreaking love story of infinite beauty -- Heather Rose, author of The Museum of Modern Love

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Book SynopsisWhile enjoying a six weeks' stay in fashionable Bath, the young and callow Catherine Morland is introduced to the delights of high society. Thanks to a new literary diet of the sensational and the macabre, Catherine travels to Northanger Abbey fully expecting to become embroiled in a Gothic adventure of intrigue and suspense - and, once there, soon begins to form the most gruesome and improbable theories about the exploits of its occupants. An early work, but published posthumously, Northanger Abbey is a parody of the Gothic genre typified by the novels of Ann Radcliffe, as well as a witty comedy of manners in the style of Jane Austen's later novels and, ultimately, an enchanting love story.Trade ReviewAs 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

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Book SynopsisSometimes, only a dog's love can heal a family. A Dog’s Promise is the heart-warming and uplifting story about a dog who helps a family that are on the verge of breaking apart. From W. Bruce Cameron the international number one bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose, this novel is perfect of fans of Garth Stein's Art of Racing in the Rain. Bailey knows one thing for sure: all dogs who offer unconditional love, just like him, are destined for heaven.But before Bailey can rest in peace, there’s one family in particular that needs his help. A family that is on the verge of breaking apart. Bailey knows that helping this family means he won’t remember his previous lives, and the other families that he’s met and loved, but sometimes making the sacrifice to help those in need is its own reward. Deeply emotional and beautifully told, A Dog’s Promise will speak to dog lovers all over the world who know that their pets are sent to them for a reason and that their love can heal all wounds.Trade ReviewMarley and Me combined with Tuesdays With Morrie -- Kirkus Reviews on A Dog's Purpose

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Book SynopsisBad, mad, flame-haired cellist Stella, adulterous Jonathan and high-spirited sisters Ellen and Lydia Dent find their fates bound together through love, loss and literature in this dazzling tragicomedyTrade ReviewPungent with life, with wit, love yearning and grief, The Travelling Hornplayer is Barbara Trapido’s most entertaining and powerful novel to date. Her fans might be forgiven for thinking this writer couldn't get any better. She just has * GUARDIAN *Murdochian entertainment: a tragicomedy of errors. Trapido ... races along with a kind of nervy glamour * NEW YORKER *This woman is brilliant. She deserves to be up there, topping the bestseller lists and winning all the prizes. And she actually makes you laugh … I enjoyed every page of this book, which is so shimmering with wit, hectic energy and crazy convolutions of plots that I eneded up in a state of sublime, satiated exhaustion * DAILY MAIL *Sprinkled with magic * SUNDAY TIMES *An entrancing, quirky confection packed with such a rich mixture of fun and pathos that readers may need to pause occasionally, if only draw emotional breath … She has the mind-teasing skills of a crime-writer combined with a sense of humour as dry as a Martini * TELEGRAPH *Witty ... moving ... clever, warm-hearted * NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW *A funny, cunning and surprisingly sexy novel, which moved at least this reader to both tears and laughter * SUNDAY TIMES *The brilliant [Trapido] ... is one of the better-kept secrets of contemporary letters ... [She] is a great novelist; sooner or later the whole reading world will know it * SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE *Audacious, energetic and dazzing … The vividness, and the immediately engaging style, is as sure as ever, and the Dickensian swiftness with which she can draw a character is full of charm … There aren’t many novelists whose stories one doesn’t want to end, but Barbara Trapido is one of them -- PHILIP HENSHER * MAIL ON SUNDAY *Reading Barbara Trapido is sheer pleasure. Afterwards, I went out and bought everything else she has written - and am only disappointed I didn't do it earlier * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *

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Book SynopsisEvelyn Waugh''s celebrated tale of decadence and social disintegration, with an introduction by Philip EadeAfter 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 disintegration of society.''One of the twentieth century''s most chilling and bitter novels; and one of its best''Nicholas Lezard, Guardian''One of the most distinguished novels of the century''Frank Kermode''This is a masterpiece of stylish satire, and is funny, too ... a marvello

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Book Synopsis''Leon is a skilful plotter . . . Brunetti is a nicely shaded creation, a moral man who is also all too human'' The ObserverA sudden act of vandalism has been committed in the chill Venetian dawn and Commissario Guido Brunetti soon finds out that the perpetrator is no petty criminal. For the culprit waiting to be apprehended at the scene of the crime is none other than Paola Brunetti, his wife.As Paola''s actions provoke a crisis in the Brunetti household, Brunetti himself is under increasing pressure at work: a daring robbery with Mafia connections is linked to a suspicious death and his superiors want quick results. As his professional and personal lives clash, Brunetti''s own career is threatened and the conspiracy which Paola has risked everything to expose draws him inexorably to the brink . . .''Donna Leon has established Commissario Guido Brunetti as one of the most engaging of fictional detectives'' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewDonna Leon has established Commissario Guido Brunetti as one of the most engaging of fictional detectives ... Brunetti is ... back on track, sadder perhaps, but wiser and wittier than ever * Sunday Times *A splendid series ... with a backdrop of the city so vivid you can smell it * Sunday Telegraph *One of the most exquisite and subtle detective series ever * The Washington Post *No one knows the labyrinthine world of Venice . . . like Leon's Brunetti * Time *[Brunetti's] humane police work is disarming, and his ambles through the city are a delight * The New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisBest selling international author, Isabel Allende tackles her homeland head-on in this staggering, epic romance.Portrait in Sepia' is both a magnificent historical novel set at the end of the nineteenth century in Chile and a marvellous family saga peopled by characters from Daughter of Fortune' and The House of the Spirits', two of Allende''s most celebrated novels.As a young girl, Aurora del Valle suffered a brutal trauma that has shaped her character and erased from her mind all recollection of the first five years of her life. Raised by her ambitious grandmother, the regal and commanding Paulina del Valle, she grows up in a privileged environment, free of the limitations that circumscribe the lives of women at that time, but tormented by terrible nightmares. When she finds herself alone at the end of an unhappy love affair, she decides to explore the mystery of her past, to discover what it was, exactly, all those years ago, that had such a devastating effect on her young life.RichTrade Review‘You’ll find it hard not to be beguiled by the charm and ingenuity of Allende’s storytelling.’ The Times 'Though its story is the life of Aurora del Valle, a privileged young girl growing up in 19th century Chile, its subject is history, and the way in which the lives of people and the lives of countries exist in uneasy limbo, caught between the shadows of the past and the mysteries of the future. It's a world of secrets and uneasy truces; all that is certain is death, and all that is valuable is love.' Jeremy Poolman, Daily Mail 'If you were thrilled by “The House of the Spirits”, you'll love this.' Marie Claire 'A wonderful, wide-ranging story, which moves back to Chile, and is told in a clever mix of first and third person. Allende's dramatic descriptions of hand-to-hand combat and bloody battle scenes are every bit as vivid and physical as her descriptions of wild passionate love-making. A compulsively readable, colourful, informative and entertaining novel.' Sunday Tribune

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Book Synopsis''Subtle, understated, not without a hint of menace and always courageous ... An important book'' Irish Times''Marvellously compelling ... Park takes that most difficult of subjects - recent history - and with graceful integrity explores the difficulties involved in coming to terms with the legacies of the past ... beautifully described in Park''s crystalline prose'' Daily MailIt is December in Belfast, Christmas is approaching and three sets of people are about to make their way to Amsterdam.Alan, a university art teacher, goes on a pilgrimage to the city of his youth with troubled teenage son Jack; middle-aged couple Marion and Richard take a break from running their garden centre to celebrate Marion''s birthday; and Karen, a single mother struggling to make ends meet, joins her daughter''s hen party.As these people brush against each other in the squares, museums and parks of Amsterdam, their lives are transfigured as they encounter the complexities of loTrade ReviewSubtle, understated, not without a hint of menace and always courageous ... An important book * Eileen Battersby, Irish Times *Marvellously compelling ... Park takes that most difficult of subjects - recent history - and with graceful integrity explores the difficulties involved in coming to terms with the legacies of the past ... beautifully described in Park's crystalline prose * Daily Mail *One of the shrewdest observers of the way we live now * Independent *A stealthily affecting novel, this could well give more famous names a run for their Booker money * GQ Magazine *Woven together with warmth, compassion and great skill * The Times *

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Book SynopsisWhile holidaying at a villa on the French Riviera, Dick and Nicole Diver, a wealthy American couple, meet the young film star Rosemary Hoyt. Her arrival causes a stir in their social circle and exposes the cracks in their fragile marriage. As their relationship unravels, glimpses of their troubled past emerge, and a series of disturbing events unfolds. Peopled by an unforgettable cast of aristocrats and high-fliers, Tender Is the Night is at once a scathing critique of the materialism and hypocrisy of the Roaring Twenties and a poignant and sensitive account of personal tragedy and disillusionment.Trade ReviewGatsby was a tour de force, but this is a confession of faith. -- Fitzgerald comment on Tender is the Night He 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 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 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 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 SynopsisWhen the Basque dragoon Don José meets a Gypsy woman at the factory he is guarding, he is immediately ensnared by her wiles. After she is arrested for injuring a co-worker and he helps her to flee, he is imprisoned and demoted, but she repays him at their next meeting with a day of excess and a night of love. As Carmen continues to exert her spell, José is dragged further and further into a seedy world of smugglers, robbers, fiery passions and uncontrollable jealousy – one that he will find difficult to escape alive. Carmen, the archetype of the amoral femme fatale, is Prosper Mérimée’s highest creation, and a model for many subsequent literary heroines. First published in 1846, this story of crime and desire – here accompanied by another famous novella by Mérimée, The Venus of Ille – has been adapted into a number of dramatic works, including the famous 1875 opera of the same name by Georges Bizet.

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Book SynopsisThe Christmas Cocktail Campervan bringing love, laughter and friendship from coast to coast . . .The gorgeously romantic new novel in the Cosy Campervan series' next stop: Christmas markets, mince pies and kisses under the mistletoe!Christmas feels like a real gift for Lucy this year. Her cosy coastal cottage is starting to feel like home, her new pizza business is getting the locals All Fired Up', and she can't wait to spend it with her new flame Jack, the charismatic owner of the Cocktail Campervan.Winding along the snow-dusted Northumberland coast for a whirlwind of Christmas markets and celebrations, Lucy and Jack can't resist stealing a few kisses under the mistletoe. But there's a twist in their romantic tale when Lucy's ex turns up in the village. As her past closes in, Jack becomes increasingly distant. And Lucy worries he's holding back a few secrets of his own . . .Will Christmas bring a cold spell for Lucy and Jack? Or could it really be the most wonderful time of the yearTrade Review Readers love escaping with The Seaside Cocktail Campervan!: ‘Just the most gorgeous book, really summery, romantic and heartwarming’ Netgalley reviewer ‘THIS BOOK! I absolutely loved and read most of it in one sitting’ Netgalley reviewer ‘What a beautifully written uplifting story’ Netgalley reviewer ‘The perfect summer romance!’ Netgalley reviewer ‘A great story keeping you hooked in from page one’ Netgalley reviewer ‘A real feel-good read and a fresh take on a tale of romance. Five enjoyable stars from me’ Netgalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisA powerful story of grief and hope, a passionate and epic love story from the Russian-born author of the internationally bestselling novels TULLY and ROAD TO PARADISE.The world at war two people in love.Tatiana is eighteen years old and pregnant when she miraculously escapes war-torn Leningrad to the West, believing herself to be a widow. Her husband, Major Alexander Belov, a decorated hero of the Soviet Union, has been arrested by Stalin''s infamous secret police and is awaiting imminent death as a traitor and a spy.Tatiana begins her new life in America. In wartime New York City she finds work, friends and a life beyond her dreams. However, her grief is inescapable and she keeps hearing Alexander calling out to her.Meanwhile, Alexander faces the greatest danger he''s ever known. An American trapped in Russia since adolescence, he has been serving in the Red Army and posing as a Soviet citizen to protect himself. For him, Russia''s war is not over, and both victory and defeat will meTrade ReviewPraise for Tatiana and Alexander'This has everything a romance glutton could wish for: a bold, talented and dashing hero, a heart-stopping love affair that nourishes its two protagonists even when they are separated and lost, a long and bitter military campaign, plus personal excavations into the past. It also has – thank goodness – a welcome sense of humour and discernable characters rather than ciphers.' Victoria Moore, Daily Mail The Bronze Horseman‘Pulling off the passionate love story embedded in a truly epic narrative is a difficult thing to do. Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind remains the blueprint for the genre, while Tolstoy's War and Peace carries off the literary honours … it's quickly apparent that the Russian-born author Paullina Simons has the measure of this kind of epic romantic saga. The power of her descriptive writing, the vividness of the historical detail and, most of all, the strength of her central characters mark out her novel as a considerable achievement … she is able to make some powerful statements about the durability of the human spirit, but never at the expense of descriptive passages refulgent with power and beauty’ Barry Forshaw, amazon

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Book SynopsisHeart-warming Fantastic to curl up in your chair with a cup of coffee in front of the fire with and smile, laugh and cry your way through.It will really bring out your Christmas spirit!' NetGalley review?????For Bo Grayson, Christmas has always been the most wonderful time of the year. Well, until she had her heart broken last DecemberWhen Bo Grayson and her friends meet a mysterious fortune teller, she gives each woman the same prediction: You will meet the love of your life by Christmas Day.But Bo quickly dismisses this as nonsense. And with the festive season in full swing, she has plenty to keep her busy: creating the seasonal menu for her Boatyard Café, getting her rock and roll dance group ready for their Christmas show and avoiding thinking about last December, when her fortune took a turn for the worseBesides, she definitely isn't ready to open her heart again. But will fate and perhaps a sprinkle of Christmas magic change her mind?Pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate and seTrade Review ‘Fabulously festive and sparkly as tinsel – an absolute treat of a book’ Milly Johnson Praise for Phillipa Ashley’s books: ‘Sparkling and festive, as satisfying as figgy pudding and clotted cream – loved it!’ Milly Johnson ‘Sheer joy!’ Katie Fforde ‘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

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

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Book SynopsisI loved Archie and Esther . . . Such a gorgeous feel good romance' Reader review ?????Absolutely brilliant story . . . Highly recommend' Reader review ?????Once again Miranda Dickinson has written an enchanting love story' Reader review ?????All My Love is such a well written, warm and funny tale, with a love story at its heart that will quite simply melt you. Just gorgeous!' Reader review ?????* * *Sometimes love can be staring you in the face . . . and you don't even know itBy day, Archie works tirelessly as assistant to the editor of a local newspaper.By night, Esther works after hours cleaning the rows of office desks with the help of her trusty sidekick, Fred the trolley.Their paths have never crossed, until one discarded Post-it note unexpectedly brings them together.Because they share one thing in common . . . they're both secretly in love with someone else.And they might just be the two people who can help each other find the courage to confess their feelings and write the perfTrade Review Praise for All My Love ‘I love Miranda Dickinson! Esther and Archie stole my heart’ Sarah Morgan ‘All My Love is the very best of romantic fiction – charming, uplifting and warm . . . A will-they won't-they story with two sparkling and unforgettable leads, it will captivate you from the first page to the last’ Holly Miller ‘Miranda Dickinson has penned another winner. All My Love is an original and heartwarming friends-to-lovers story with all the feels!’ Fiona Lucas, Never Forget You ‘Full of warmth and love, this is the perfect comforting read to bring some sparkle to a cold winter’s day’ My Weekly Praise for Miranda Dickinson ‘Dickinson does it again! Charming, quirky and properly romantic’ Mike Gayle, bestselling author of All the Lonely People ‘Gentle and romantic, a wonderful salve for the soul, it is a charming joy of a read – this is Miranda at her very best’ Milly Johnson, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘Breathtakingly romantic and utterly captivating’ Cathy Bramley, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘Charming, relatable and sweet – I was fully invested in this heartwarming love story’ Laura Jane Williams, bestsellling author of Our Stop ‘A truly heart-warming novel about hope, loneliness and the power of reaching out. Charming and romantic, [this] story will move anyone who's ever taken a chance on love. A magical read’ Holly Miller, bestselling author of The Sight of You ‘A story about love, fear, trust; this is a big warm-hearted hug of a book’ Nina Pottell, Prima ‘A slow-burning, heart-wrenching and witty portrayal of modern love, perfect for anyone who's a sucker for a good romance novel’ Heat ‘This sparkling love story . . . is sure to bring a smile to your face’ Woman’s Weekly

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Book SynopsisGloriously uplifting and unashamedly warm-hearted' Bestselling author FAITH HOGANA lovely, summery read full of secrets and hope' Bestselling author JO THOMASAn unforgettable tale of romance, humour and heart set against the stunning backdrop of the Cornish coast, from the Sunday Times bestseller.When Eden steps out of her beautiful coastal cottage to find a Speedo-wearing, suntanned stranger doing yoga in next door's garden, she is immediately on her guard. Since her ex-husband betrayed her in the worst possible ways, she has kept her distance from all men, taking refuge in her start-up coffee business.But as she gets to know Levan, Eden begins to wonder if he might be different until she discovers he's not quite what he seems. And when a long-buried family secret surfaces, her faith in those she loves most is shaken to the core.As the secrets spill out, relationships old and new will be tested like never before. Can Eden learn to trust again, and move past all the secrets of this Trade Review Praise for A Secret Cornish Summer: ‘I LOVED A Secret Cornish Summer – the uplifting summer read for every holiday tote bag. Gloriously uplifting and unashamedly warm-hearted!’ Faith Hogan ‘A lovely summery read, full of secrets and hope. A smashing slice of life in a seaside town, the perfect place to draw a line in the sand and for new beginnings.’ Jo Thomas ‘Escapism at its very best, what a book! The most wonderful setting, lovely characters and oozing with heart and hope – I adored it.’ Milly Johnson ‘Combines romance, humour and intrigue so well … The whole thing was so captivating, and I loved that there were secrets peppered and hinted at throughout … that I was desperate to uncover. A Secret Cornish Summer is blissful story, full of sunshine, secrets and Phillipa’s trademark romance, that I loved diving into.’ Cressida McLaughlin ‘Sunshine, secrets and a stunning setting make this the perfect summer read!’ Heidi Swain 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 SynopsisMartin believes he can possess both a beautiful wife and a delightful lover. But when his wife, Antonia, suddenly leaves him for her psychoanalyst, Martin is plunged into an intensive emotional re-education. He attempts to behave beautifully and sensibly. Then he meets a woman whose demonic splendour at first repels him and later arouses a consuming and monstrous passion. How will he survive it?Trade ReviewThis is a comedy with that touch of ferocity about it which makes for excitement -- Elizabeth Jane HowardOf all the novelists that have made their bow since the war she seems to me to be the most remarkable...behind her books one feels a power of intellect quite exceptional in a novelist * Sunday Times *Immensely readable...Miss Murdoch is blessedly clever without any of the aridity which, for some reason, that word is supposed to imply -- Philip Toynbee

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Book SynopsisIt is the summer of 1936, the early months of the agonising civil war that engulfs Spain and shakes the rest of the world. In a prison in the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, an artist sketches the famous porch of the cathedral, the Portico da Gloria. He uses a carpenter''s pencil. But instead of reproducing the sculptured faces of the prophets and elders, he draws the faces of his fellow Republican prisoners. Many years later in post-Franco Spain, a survivor of that period, Doctor Daniel da Barca, returns from exile to his native Galicia, and the threads of past memories begin to be woven together. This poetic and moving novel conveys the horror and savagery of the tragedy that divided Spain, and the experiences of the men and women who lived through it. Yet in the process, it also relates one of the most beautiful love stories imaginable.Trade ReviewA startling novel. I have rarely read a piece of writing so poetic * Daily Telegraph *He is an important storyteller because he is sensitive and he has an incredible ear, which, in his fiction, is allied to great ingenuity -- John BergerI learnt more about the Spanish Civil War from The Carpenter's Pencil...than from any history book I've read -- Gunter Grass

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Book SynopsisTales of upheaval and confusion, longing and love in the aftermath of the Kobe earthquake.For the characters in after the quake, the Kobe earthquake is an echo from a past they buried long ago.Trade ReviewIn a dance with the delights of Murakami's imagination we experience the limitless possibilities of fiction. With these stories Murakami expands our hearts and minds yet again * The Times *Ushers the reader into a hallucinatory world where the real and surreal merge and overlap, where dreams and real-life nightmares are impossible to tell apart...this slender volume, deftly translated by Jay Rubin, may serve as a succinct introduction to his imaginative world...Lewis Carroll meets Kafka with a touch of Philip K. Dick * New York Times *Dazzlingly elegant...In a world where even the ground beneath our feet can't be relied on, imagination becomes less of a luxury and more of a duty. It's an obligation that Murakami is busily making his raison d'etre, to our very great advantage * Guardian *In the world of literary fiction, Haruki Murakami is unquestionably a superstar...Many critics have touted Murakami for the Nobel Prize. If he can stay on this kind of form, he could be in with a chance * Scotland on Sunday *Murakami is a unique writer, at once restrained and raw, plainspoken and poetic * Washington Post *

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Book Synopsis''A bittersweet work, tough and touching at the same time. Kurkov''s style is spare and effective, drawing us with deceptive ease into a dense, complex world full of wonderful characters'' Michael PalinA sharp, engaging satire that delves into Ukraine''s history.Moscow, 2013. Bunin, the Ukrainian President, has joined other heads of state in an open air swimming pool to drink vodka and celebrate with Putin. During his rise to power Bunin has juggled with formidable and eccentric political and personal challenges. His troubles with his family and his women combine with his difficulties with corrupt businessmen and demanding international allies, but it is his recent heart transplant that worries him most. Since the operation he has started to develop freckles, and his heart donor''s mysterious widow seems to have moved in with him... Spanning forty years, The President''s Last Love is a hilarious satire on love, lies and life before and afTrade ReviewA bittersweet work, tough and touching at the same time. Kurkov's style is spare and effective, drawing us with deceptive ease into a dense, complex world full of wonderful characters -- Michael PalinInventive, funny and worryingly prophetic -- Tibor Fischer * Guardian *Kurkov is a fine satirist and a real, blackly comic find * Observer *Kurkov sports a double whammy: the fiercest of political intelligences married to a truly surrealistic mindset ... This is an ambitious, multi-layered political black comedy * Independent *Kurkov's eye for the absurdities of Ukrainian life is as sharp as ever * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis**NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING HARRY STYLES**This love is all-consumingIt is in 1950s'' Brighton that Marion first catches sight of the handsome and enigmatic Tom. He teaches her to swim in the shadow of the pier and Marion is smitten - determined her love will be enough for them both.A few years later in Brighton Museum Patrick meets Tom. Patrick is besotted with Tom and opens his eyes to a glamorous, sophisticated new world.Tom is their policeman, and in this age it is safer for him to marry Marion. The two lovers must share him, until one of them breaks and three lives are destroyed.''A sensitive, sweeping novel'' VOGUE''Tense, romantic, smart...I loved it. Devoured it!'' RUSSELL T. DAVIES''A powerful story of forbidden love, regret, and living as your true self'' VANITY FAIR''A moving story of longing and frustration'' OBSERVERTrade ReviewThe era and the seaside locale are beautifully rendered and observed, not least the social and sexual undercurrents of the time * Sunday Times *A humane and evocative portrait of a time when lives were destroyed by intolerance * Guardian *This spiky portrait of love makes for a gripping read * Independent *Pitch perfect * Marie Claire *A moving story of longing and frustration * Observer *Stunning...fraught and honest * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Quietly brilliant ... among the best fiction of our time.'' Daily Telegraph''The finest novel Dunmore has written.'' Observer''Superb and poignant.'' GuardianIt is 1792 and Europe is seized by political turmoil and violence.Lizzie Fawkes has grown up in Radical circles where each step of the French Revolution is followed with eager idealism. But she has recently married John Diner Tredevant, a property developer who is heavily invested in Bristol''s housing boom, and he has everything to lose from social upheaval and the prospect of war. Diner believes that Lizzie''s independent, questioning spirit must be coerced and subdued. She belongs to him: law and custom confirm it, and she must live as he wants. But as Diner''s passion for Lizzie darkens, she soon finds herself dangerously alone.______________Nominated for the 2018 Independent BookseTrade ReviewThis is the finest novel Helen Dunmore has written ... From the start, Birdcage Walk has the command of a thriller … The novel’s cast is marvellous and vivid … A novel that deserves to be cherished and to last. -- Kate Kellaway * Observer *This powerful novel is a fine final flourish from a gifted writer … The power Dunmore gives to lowly female lives is inescapably moving, their stories taking us on a remarkable journey into the visceral heart of the female experience in Georgian Britain … [Dunmore is] one of the bravest and most versatile writers of her generation … This fine, fiery novel will surely be remembered as one of her best. -- Melissa Katsoulis * The Times *Like many of Dunmore’s novels, Birdcage Walk defies categorisation ... a blend of beauty and horror evoked with such breath-taking poetry that it haunts me still ... she has an extraordinary gift for taking the ordinary and familiar and rendering them new. When Tredevant’s growing unpredictability once more tightens the narrative, forcing the story back into the ominous and unsettling territory where it first began, it is easy to see why [Dunmore] has earned a place among the finest writers of historical fiction working today. * Guardian *Helen Dunmore’s quietly brilliant historical novels are among the best fiction of our time. -- Jake Kerridge * Daily Telegraph *A finely wrought psychological thriller … But it’s ultimately a novel about the ways in which we remember and, as such, a fitting contribution to Dunmore’s extraordinary legacy. * Daily Mail *Elegant prose and brilliantly researched historical detail … a devastatingly good novel. * Sunday Express, S Magazine *Part psychological thriller, part poetic exhumation of the past, it’s a fiery, first-rate historical novel from an author who’ll be much missed * Mail on Sunday, Summer Reads *A firecracker of a historical murder mystery story with which to leave her many admirers * Guardian, Readers Books of the Year *Dunmore is skilled at claiming the huge canvasses of history and painting upon them exquisitely detailed human tragedies … Every scene is saturated with vivid period detail but Dunmore’s touch is feather-light. -- Francesca Segal * Financial Times *A very good novel indeed * Scotsman, Books of the Year *Dunmore just writes so effortlessly. Birdcage Walk is a joy to read. * Stylist *Marvellous … Dunmore has the ability to evoke a sense of place and to write passages of thrilling and disturbing action … Dunmore is a remarkable novelist who sets herself very different challenges in each new novel. She meets this one triumphantly. It will surely be a great and thoroughly deserved success. -- Allan Massie * Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisKenneth Trachtenberg has left his native Paris for the Midwest. He has come to be near his beloved uncle, the world-renowned botanist Benn Crader, self-described ''plant visionary.'' While his studies take him around the world, Benn, a restless spirit, has not been able to satisfy his longings after his first marriage and lives from affair to affair and from ''bliss to breakdown.'' Imagining that a settled existence will end his anguish, Benn ties the knot again, opening the door to a flood of new torments.

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Book SynopsisConstance Chatterley feels trapped in her sexless marriage to the invalid Sir Clifford. Unable to fulfil his wife emotionally or physically, Clifford encourages her to have a liaison with a man of their own class. But Connie is attracted instead to her husband's gamekeeper.

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