Search results for ""ava""

This heart-warming and heartfelt debut picture book from multi-award-winning author Patrice Lawrence will help ensure that the struggles and achievements of the Windrush generation are never forgotten.One day, Ava is asked to dress as an inspirational figure for assembly at school, but who should she choose? Granny suggests famous familiar figures such as Winifred Atwell, Mary Seacole and Rosa Parks, and tells Ava all about their fascinating histories, but Ava's classmates have got there first - and she must choose someone else. But who?And then Ava finds a mysterious old suitcase - Granny's "grip" - and Granny begins to share her own history, and how she came to England on the Empire Windrush many years ago. She tells her story through the precious items that accompanied her on the original voyage, each one evoking a memory of home, and as Ava listens to how Granny built a life for herself in England, determined to stay against the odds and despite overwhelming homesickness, she realises that there is a hero very close to home that she wants to celebrate more than anyone - her very own brave and beloved granny."This book is a heart-warming intergenerational account of the Windrush experience, told with love and attention to detail by Patrice Lawrence and stunningly brought to life with Camilla Sucre's beautiful artwork. An absolute must-have for any collection." - Dapo Adeola

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The first book in a warm and beautifully observed farm adventure series from Nicola Baker, star of Our Farm in the Dales. Perfect for readers 8+ and fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, Dick King Smith and The Snow Foal. With stunning illustrations from Rachael Dean throughout. When ten-year-old Ava moves to Whistledown Farm while her parents are working abroad, she must swap city life for mud, wellies and animals. But as one catastrophe follows another, will Ava learn to love life on the farm and find hope in nature? And can a very special little lamb show Ava that when all might seem lost, hope can be found... ‘Baker is a gifted writer, and her bucolic adventure harks back to classic farm stories such as those written by Dick King Smith and Michael Morpurgo’ The BooksellerAbout the author: Growing up, Nicola spent hours with her n

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Being bullied is never fun, but what do you do when the bullies are at home? An important story that shows kids how to get help if they need it and how to find strength within themselves.

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Everyone has scars. Some are just easier to see ... 16-year-old Ava Lee is heading back to school one year after a house fire left her severely disfigured. She’s used to the names, the stares, the discomfort, but there’s one name she hates most of all: Survivor. What do you call someone who didn’t mean to survive? Who sometimes wishes she hadn’t? When Ava meets Piper, she begins to feel like maybe she doesn't have to face the nightmare alone. Piper helps Ava reclaim the pieces of Ava Before the Fire, a normal girl who kissed boys and sang on stage. But Piper is fighting her own battle, and Ava must decide if the new normal she’s chasing has more to do with the girl in the mirror — or the people by her side. The beautiful, life-affirming debut from Erin Stewart that's being called the YA answer to Wonder. Perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson, Nicola Yoon and John Green. PRAISE FOR SCARS LIKE WINGS: “A heartfelt and unflinching look at the reality of being a burn survivor and at the scars we all carry. This book is for everyone, burned or not, who has ever searched for a light in the darkness.” – Stephanie Nielson, New York Times bestselling author of HEAVEN IS HERE and a burn survivor "A gripping story, which examines what it means to survive." - The i "This is a must read, must have, must share book." – NetGalley reviewer "A triumph against adversity is an understatement … a tale of survival, hope and future promise." – NetGalley reviewer "One of my favourite reads of this year." – Mike Reads "Relatable, heart-breaking, and real, this is a story of resilience." – The Reader Devotee

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'The perfect sinisterly magical escape' Stephanie GarberCaraval meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this deliciously dark young adult fantasy about a girl who makes a deal with a magical secret society to enter a potentially deadly competition for the chance to avenge her mother's death.Ever since a vampire murdered her mother, Ava has been determined to get revenge. This all-encompassing drive has given her the fuel she needed to survive foster home after foster home. But it's been ten years since anyone's seen a vampire, and Ava has lost hope that she'll ever find one . . . until she stumbles across a hidden magic show where she witnesses impossible illusions. The magicians may not be the bloodsuckers she's hunting, but Ava is convinced something supernatural is at play, so she sneaks backstage and catches them in acts they can't explain. But they've been waiting for her. The magicians reveal they're part of an ancient secret society with true magic, and Ava has the same power in her blood that they do. If she joins them, they promise to teach her the skills she needs to hunt vampires and avenge her mother. But there's a catch: if she wants to keep the power they offer, she needs to prove she's worthy of it. And to do so, she must put on the performance of her life in a sinister and dangerous competition where illusion and reality blur, and the stakes are deadly.

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A Wall Street Journal bestseller. A dead conspiracy theorist. A mass murderer. Two cases collide for Callahan and McLane in a pulse-pounding thriller by Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author Kendra Elliot. A man is savagely murdered outside Portland, and Detective Mason Callahan finds blood-spatter evidence that tells a troubling story. Files reveal the murder victim, Reuben Braswell, was a radical conspiracist. In his home, investigators find pages of diatribes against law enforcement as well as ties to Mason’s fiancée, FBI special agent Ava McLane. The victim was her informant—and had strong reasons to be paranoid. To Ava, Braswell’s rants were those of a wearying and harmless man…until they collide with her investigation into the murders of police officers and finding the connection becomes urgent. Meanwhile, Braswell’s brother and Ava’s twin sister both disappear, and disturbing acts of sabotage target Ava’s personal life. For Mason and Ava, the brutal crimes and escalating mysteries create a perfect storm for a terrorist conspiracy that becomes dangerously personal—one that has yet to claim its last victim.

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In the days leading up to Christmas, Dómhildur delivers her 1,922nd baby. Beginnings and endings are her family trade; she comes from a long line of midwives on her mother's side and a long line of undertakers on her father's. She even lives in the apartment that she inherited from her grandaunt, a midwife with a unique reputation for her unconventional methods. As a terrible storm races towards Reykjavik, Dómhildur discovers decades worth of letters and manuscripts hidden amongst her grandaunt's clutter. Fielding calls from her anxious meteorologist sister and visits from her curious new neighbour, Dómhildur escapes into her grandaunt's archive and discovers strange and beautiful reflections on birth, death and human nature. For even in the depths of an Icelandic winter, new life will find a way.

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'Ólafsdóttir's specialty is the small journeys we take to save ourselves and the ones we care for. She is the heart's finest map-maker' Sjón Winner of the Icelandic Literature Prize< Jónas feels like his life is over. His wife has left him, his mother is slipping deeper into dementia, and his daughter is no longer who he thought. So he comes up with a foolproof plan: to buy a one-way ticket to a chaotic,war-ravaged country and put an end to it all. But on arriving at Hotel Silence, he finds his plans - and his anonymity - begin to dissolve under the foreign sun. Now there are other things that need his attention, like the crumbling hotel itself, the staff who run it, and his unusual fellow guests. And soon it becomes clear that Jónas must decide whether he really wants to leave it all behind; or give life a second chance, albeit down a most unexpected path...

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'The perfect sinisterly magical escape' Stephanie GarberCaraval meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this deliciously dark young adult fantasy about a girl who makes a deal with a magical secret society to enter a potentially deadly competition for the chance to avenge her mother's death.Ever since a vampire murdered her mother, Ava has been determined to get revenge. This all-encompassing drive has given her the fuel she needed to survive foster home after foster home. But it's been ten years since anyone's seen a vampire, and Ava has lost hope that she'll ever find one . . . until she stumbles across a hidden magic show where she witnesses impossible illusions. The magicians may not be the bloodsuckers she's hunting, but Ava is convinced something supernatural is at play, so she sneaks backstage and catches them in acts they can't explain. But they've been waiting for her. The magicians reveal they're part of an ancient secret society with true magic, and Ava has the same power in her blood that they do. If she joins them, they promise to teach her the skills she needs to hunt vampires and avenge her mother. But there's a catch: if she wants to keep the power they offer, she needs to prove she's worthy of it. And to do so, she must put on the performance of her life in a sinister and dangerous competition where illusion and reality blur, and the stakes are deadly.

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Old friends. Old grudges. One evening back together again. The last time they all had dinner, someone wound up dead. What could go wrong? Sophie Lind hasn''t seen her college friends in a decade when a dinner invitation from one of the friends, Ava, arrives on her doorstep. They used to all be inseparable, meeting for dinner every week even after graduation. But the last time they all had dinner, ten years ago, someone was dead by the end of the night. It was Sophie''s then-fiance William who died that night in his apartment, just a room away from the friends he called family. Sophie isn''t sure if it''s curiosity-or guilt-that pushes her to accept Ava''s dinner invitation and unbury those old wounds. When the six friends arrive for the dinner, there''s a small box waiting for each of them by their plates. Each box uncovers secrets that the friends have kept hidden all these years, and with the door to the apartment locked from the outside, it''s clear that Ava didn''t plan this dinner

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Ava O’Hara seems to have it all . . . She has a great job, a long-term relationship and the promise of a wedding on the horizon. But her fiancé has other plans, and Ava’s not part of them. On the big day itself, she’s forced to flee the ruins of her best life. Ava needs help, and fast. Who knew that a trio of old friends, two roguish strangers in an ice-cream van and one handsome French man would turn out to be the best emergency bride squad ever? A brilliantly funny, wise and warm-hearted story of love, friendship and freedom by BFFs, Caroline and Lisa.

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A revelatory collection of poems set in the Gulf South, Carolyn Hembree's For Today chronicles the experience of a woman who becomes a mother shortly after her father's death and struggles to raise her child amid private and public turmoil. Written in closed and nonce forms that give way to the field composition of the maximalist title poem, the work explores grief, rage, and love in a community vulnerable to Anthropocene climate disasters. Through relationships with her daughter, neighbors, friends, ancestors, other poets (living and dead), and the earth, the speaker is freed to accept and celebrate her own perishability.

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In the sixth CatStronauts graphic novel, the elite team gets invited to test the first-ever space hotel! With a highly sophisticated Artificial Intelligence running the hotel and attending to the CatStronauts' every need, what could possibly go wrong?Darby Fuzzelton, the world's richest cat, is determined to open the first-ever space hotel! Her first guests? The elite CatStronauts along with a few kittens who were top of their class at Space Camp. Their job? To prove that her space hotel is safe to the public.When the cats and kittens arrive, they're greeted by AVA, an advanced Artificial Intelligence system programmed to handle countless hotel operations. Upon seeing Cat-Stro-Bot and his ability to go ANYWHERE, AVA becomes obsessed with gaining her own freedom. With AVA distracted, all the hotel systems go on the fritz! Will the CatStronauts escape this hotel of horror?In this full-colour graphic novel, author/illustrator Drew Brockington pushes the CatStronauts team further than ever, but there's still lots of humour, teamwork, and tuna fish by the ton!

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''The perfect, sinisterly magical escape'' Stephanie GarberA magical secret society.A deadly competition. A chance for revenge. After a vampire murdered her mother, Ava swore to get revenge. But it''s been ten years since anyone has even seen a vampire. When Ava stumbles across a magic show, she witnesses impossible illusions. Sneaking backstage, she discovers an ancient secret society with true magic. They will teach her how to hunt vampires if she can prove her worth. Now, she must put on the performance of her life in a sinister competition: one where illusion and reality blur, and the stakes are deadly. But vengeance is finally within reach . . .''Sensuous and sinister'' Kirkus Reviews''Beguiling'' Publishers Weekly, starred review

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A simple and modern guide to bodies and boundaries!Amy and Alex have toured over 200 schools delivering inclusive sex and relationship lessons.They've taken the toughest and most common questions about puberty from THOUSANDS of UK children and answered them in this simple and empathetic guide to growing up. From questions about puberty, consent and boundaries to navigating the online world and sexuality, Brilliant Questions About Growing Up is an easy-to-follow toolkit about what 'normal' really means when it comes to growing up (spoiler, it looks different for all of us).This reassuring read is ideal for 7-11 year olds and offers a non-judgemental approach to all of those difficult, funny and (sometimes) embarrassing questions in a way that facilitates honest and comfortable conversations with children.'The authors navigated this difficult to explain and sometimes difficult to understand area with great empathy and simplicity . . . I think this is a great book and I'll continue to use it as a parent, sharing it with my kids as we try and understand the world of growing up together.' Dan Sumpton, social worker and NHS psychological therapist - Sonshine Magazine

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This heart-warming and heartfelt debut picture book from multi-award-winning author, Patrice Lawrence, will help ensure that the struggles and achievements of the Windrush generation are never forgotten.One day, Ava is asked to dress as an inspirational figure for assembly at school, but who should she choose? Granny suggests famous familiar figures such as Winifred Atwell, Mary Seacole and Rosa Parks, and tells Ava all about their fascinating histories, but Ava's classmates have got there first - and she must choose someone else. But who?And then Ava finds a mysterious old suitcase - Granny's "grip" - and Granny begins to share her own history, and how she came to England on the Empire Windrush many years ago. She tells her story through the precious items that accompanied her on the original voyage, each one evoking a memory of home, and as Ava listens to how Granny built a life for herself in England, determined to stay against the odds and despite overwhelming homesickness, she realises that there is a hero very close to home that she wants to celebrate more than anyone - her very own brave and beloved granny."This book is a heart-warming intergenerational account of the Windrush experience, told with love and attention to detail by Patrice Lawrence and stunningly brought to life with Camilla Sucre's beautiful artwork. An absolute must-have for any collection." - Dapo AdeolaEvery Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free 'Stories Aloud' audio recording - just scan the QR code and listen along!

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It's summer in Twinkleton-Under-Beanstalk, and Princess Ava and her magical pet Pugicorn are helping out at Mrs Paws' Pupicorn Training School!The excitable pups must discover their rainbow powers in order to graduate at the end of the week. But one little pupicorn is more interested in hugs and cuddles than listening and learning...Can Princess Ava and Pugicorn help Hugicorn find her powers in time?An adorable adventure, full of magic and friendship, with a gentle message about everyone learning at their own pace. From the creators of Pugicorn and Pugicorn and the Christmas Wish.Discover other books in the Magic Pet Shop series:PugicornPugicorn and the Christmas WishStarwhalLa-La-LlamaPandarinaKitticornStarpuffElepop

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From the funniest voice in young fiction today, our first ever Squishy picture book sees Ava and her invisible cat go to Buckingham Palace to visit the Queen.A day out with Squishy could never be boring!When Squishy and Ava go on a trip to London, they can't resist the chance to explore the palace, but when they accidentally find the Queen, will she be able to see how wonderful Squishy is?'A surefire hit.' Guardian'Charming.' The Times'Bound to ensure catisfaction.' Independent'Cleverly bridging the gap between picture books and longer fiction, the lovable Squishy is certain to be a success with under-sevens.' BookTrust'In delightful rhyme reminiscent of Dr Seuss, this charmingly illustrated book is bound to become a bedtime fave.' Gurgle

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In the Florida Everglades, gator-park Swamplandia! is in trouble. Its star performer, the great beauty and champion alligator-wrestler Hilola Bigtree, has succumbed to cancer, and Ava, her resourceful but terrified 13-year-old daughter, is left in charge with her two siblings. But Ava's sister has embarked on a romantic relationship with a ghost, her brother has defected to a rival theme park, and her father is AWOL. And then a mysterious figure called Bird Man guides Ava into a perilous part of the swamp called the Underworld, promising he can save both her sister and the park...Swamplandia! was longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize and shortlisted for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize and 2013 IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.

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'Mysterious, all-consuming and pretty damn good' Closer'Humour, heartbreak, drama, and passion.' The Reading CaféA series of serendipitous encounters lead to sizzling romance in this new book from the New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street and Hero . . .The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. She's flying home to Boston for the saddest of reasons when her emotional cloud becomes a real one - of volcanic ash. Stranded, her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip is thwarted by an arrogant Scotsman, who steals a first class seat out from under her. Then over the course of their journey home, their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for the steamiest layover Ava's ever had. And that's all it is - jet-lag induced insanity - until Caleb, AKA Mr Arrogant Himself, shows up on her doorstep.Pure chance has landed Caleb in Boston, but he's determined to enjoy himself - and Ava - while he's there. Ava gives in because a) her heart is safe since she barely likes Caleb, b) his existence in her life is temporary and c) it's by a mile high club the best sex of her life. When his stay in Boston becomes permanent, Ava must decide whether to fight her feelings for him or give into them. And even if she does decide to risk her heart on Caleb, there is no guarantee her stubborn Scot will want to risk his heart on her . . .'Heartwarming, sizzling and captivating. . . . [Young's characters] are complex, a little flawed, and at their core good people struggling to make it in this crazy world. . . . ' Caffeinated Book Reviewer'Ridiculously incendiary chemistry.' Dear Author 'Scotland's answer to E. L. James' Sunday Post'A true gift for storytelling' Daily Record'Young writes stories that stay with you long after you flip that last page.' Under the Covers

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DISCOVER THE GRIPPING 2024 BRITISH CRIME NOVEL EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT:**SHORTLISTED FOR THE VAL McDERMID DEBUT AWARD 2024****One of The Times' best crime and mystery books of 2024 so far**'A remarkable debut' - THE TIMES 'Utterly mesmerising' - PETER JAMES'A crime novel I wish I had written' - LYNDA LA PLANTE'Marie's writing is beautiful' - BELINDA BAUER'Exceptional in every way' - CHRIS WHITAKER'A dark glittering gem of a book' - LISA GRAY'Gloriously dark, deadly and deathly' - C. J. SKUSE'An incredible debut. Damn near perfect' - SUSI HOLLIDAY'Tierney is a name to watch' - SAM HOLLAND'A masterpiece' - WILLIAM HUSSEYThirteen-year-old Ava Bonney is different.While her friends play, Ava searches for roadkill. S

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'Full of fun, friendship and romance - a real escapist treat' Jill Shalvis on What Happens In Vegas'If you are looking for a fun, sexy and swoon-worthy series about friendships and love, I can't recommend this one enough' Hopeless Romantics Book BlogIn the third warm, funny and romantic novel in the Girls Weekend Away series, four best friends embark on the ultimate girls' getaway filled with hijinks and a sprinkling of romance. For any fan of Bridesmaids and Sex and the City and readers of Jo Watson, Lauren Layne, Joanna Bolouri and Cate Woods.The romantic... When her boss offers her free tickets to the CMA Fest, Ava Trent jumps at the chance for a weekend in Nashville with her best girlfriends. Great music and new opportunities to look for Mr Right? What more could a former country girl ask for? Well, maybe not to literally fall at the feet of the hottest guy she's ever seen. And the superstar singer... After becoming an overnight success, fame doesn't rest easy on Chase Hudson's shoulders. It's hard to tell who's interested in him and who's interested in the star. So when he and Ava collide, and she has no idea who he is, he's immediately intrigued. Something about Ava calls to him - even though he's convinced she's a city-type who couldn't handle his Nashville life. Are about to get their country on. What starts as a light-hearted bet to test one another, becomes something much deeper as Ava and Chase can't stay away from one another. But with so many differences between their lives, will they win the relationship they've been dreaming of? Or lose each other?Look for the other Girls' Weekend Away novels, including What Happens In Vegas and Meet Me In San Francisco!

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HUSTLERS meets BIG LITTLE LIES in the heist of the summer… A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ‘Propulsive and captivating’ Vogue ‘Darkly comedic’ Daily Mail Meet Ava: rule-abiding lawyer who has ticked all of life’s boxes. She’s married to a successful surgeon and has just taken an indefinite career break to raise her adorable toddler. A picture-perfect life. Meet Winnie: Ava’s old college roommate. Once awkward, quiet and apparently academically challenged, she left Stanford in a shroud of scandal. But now, she is charismatic, wealthy and has returned to town dripping in designer accessories. An actual perfect life. When the two women bump into one another at a local coffee shop, it seems like fate has intervened: Winnie’s new-found success is courtesy of a shady business and she needs a favour; Ava is realising she is not built for the stay-at-home life. But what starts as one favour turns into two, then three, and soon Ava is in far deeper than she ever imagined. Now Ava has to make the ultimate decision: cut and run, or risk it all? ‘Entertaining, luxurious … innovative and subversive’ NEW YORK TIMES ’Riveting and energetic’ BALLI KAUR JASWAL ’Clever, sharp, and slyly funny’ KIRKUS REVIEWS ’Will keep you breathless to the last page’ CLAIRE MESSUD ’Sly, subversive … incisive’ BOOKLIST _____ NetGalley readers LOVE Counterfeit ‘One of the best books I’ve read all year’ * * * * *‘Gripping … ingenious’ * * * * *‘Amusing, addictive story that kept me reading all night’ * * * * *‘Mysterious, suspenseful and twisty … had me on the edge of my seat’ * * * * * *‘Fresh, observant and somehow … an incredible story without a wasted word’ * * * * *‘I absolutely loved this book … highly recommend’ * * * * *‘Devoured this in a night or two … funny, sad and eye-opening’ * * * * *‘This book refused to allow me to put it down!’ * * * * *‘Amusing, addictive … kept me reading all night’ * * * * *

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HUSTLERS meets BIG LITTLE LIES in the heist of the summer… A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ‘Propulsive and captivating’ Vogue ‘Darkly comedic’ Daily Mail Meet Ava: rule-abiding lawyer who has ticked all of life’s boxes. She’s married to a successful surgeon and has just taken an indefinite career break to raise her adorable toddler. A picture-perfect life. Meet Winnie: Ava’s old college roommate. Once awkward, quiet and apparently academically challenged, she left Stanford in a shroud of scandal. But now, she is charismatic, wealthy and has returned to town dripping in designer accessories. An actual perfect life. When the two women bump into one another at a local coffee shop, it seems like fate has intervened: Winnie’s new-found success is courtesy of a shady business and she needs a favour; Ava is realising she is not built for the stay-at-home life. But what starts as one favour turns into two, then three, and soon Ava is in far deeper than she ever imagined. Now Ava has to make the ultimate decision: cut and run, or risk it all? ‘Entertaining, luxurious … innovative and subversive’ NEW YORK TIMES ’Riveting and energetic’ BALLI KAUR JASWAL ’Clever, sharp, and slyly funny’ KIRKUS REVIEWS ’Will keep you breathless to the last page’ CLAIRE MESSUD ’Sly, subversive … incisive’ BOOKLIST _____ NetGalley readers LOVE Counterfeit ‘One of the best books I’ve read all year’ * * * * *‘Gripping … ingenious’ * * * * *‘Amusing, addictive story that kept me reading all night’ * * * * *‘Mysterious, suspenseful and twisty … had me on the edge of my seat’ * * * * * *‘Fresh, observant and somehow … an incredible story without a wasted word’ * * * * *‘I absolutely loved this book … highly recommend’ * * * * *‘Devoured this in a night or two … funny, sad and eye-opening’ * * * * *‘This book refused to allow me to put it down!’ * * * * *‘Amusing, addictive … kept me reading all night’ * * * * *

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Adventure, history, and the drama of family life intertwine in this engrossing tale of a fifth-grade girl struggling to find her place after her mom remarries and she finds herself stuck with a younger stepbrother. Find out what happens when Ava and her newly blended family take a trip to Boston, where she buys a magic bobblehead and is unexpectedly transported to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As Ava and her stepbrother, J. P., travel back and forth with John and Abigail Adams and their children, from Massachusetts, to Philadelphia, to the White House, to France, she learns about history, friendship, and how to deal with new situations, including her recently blended family. This sequel to The President and Me: George Washington and the Magic Hat features some of the same characters.

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The Summerhouse by the Sea… you’ll wish you were here! The Top 10 bestselling author tells a summery story about returning to your past and finding a new beginning. Bestselling author Debbie Johnson says, 'You know you're in for a treat when you open a Jenny Oliver book’. Escape with Jenny Oliver’s new uplifting read, The Summer We Ran Away in June 2020!! Every summer has its own story… For Ava Fisher, the backdrop to all her sun-drenched memories – from her first taste of chocolate-dipped churros to her very first kiss – is her grandmother’s Summerhouse in the sleepy Spanish seaside town of Mariposa. Returning for one last summer, Ava throws herself into a project her grandmother would be proud of. Café Estrella – once the heart of the sleepy seaside village – now feels more ramshackle than rustic. Just like Ava, it seems it has lost its sparkle. Away from the exhausting juggle of London life, Ava realises somehow her life has stopped being…happy. But being back at the Summerhouse by the sea could be the new beginning she didn’t even realise she needed… Praise for Jenny Oliver: 'You know you're in for a treat when you open a Jenny Oliver book' Debbie Johnson ‘Brilliantly written, this is packed full of humour and there is a wonderful thread of love… A perfect holiday read’ The Sun ‘This book made me want to fly to Spain and dance on the beach with a glass of sangria in my hand. The perfect summer read’ Sarah Morgan 'Jenny Oliver writes contemporary women's fiction which leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside’ Books with Bunny ‘Intelligent, delightful and charming! The writing is exquisite’ What’s Better Than Books ‘A very uplifting story full of happy endings and guaranteed to make you smile….’ Goodreads

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Once upon a time, there was a lonely woman who was beautiful on the outside but sad on the inside… Meet Ava, a blonde bombshell and newly divorced banker who leads a glamorous life in Mayfair and is looking for love again. She is passionate and strong, a woman who has it all and wants more, but her professional success and fearlessness are a foil to her vulnerability and inner demons. Outwardly Ava is confident and successful, yet she feels alone in the world. Naked in Mayfair follows Ava’s uninhibited sexual odyssey as she is courted by many fascinating men. She loves sex, and her intense sexuality is her expression of a desire to find true love and connection. But whilst Ava has an amusing and pleasurable life, she is damaged inside, and the deep love she yearns for eludes her until finally, she finds purpose and peace in the most unexpected way. Sometimes shocking, often hilarious, always thought-provoking, Naked in Mayfair gives us an illuminating glimpse behind closed doors, in the back of a Bentley and at 30,000 feet. This is a glittering world of privilege and wealth, with extravagant holidays, fine dining and mega yachts. It gives us a unique insight into the secret life of a 21st-century woman’s unwavering search for love, meaning, inner peace – and ultimately, self-acceptance.

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Ava, Rebecca and Grace have been best friends forever. But lately their lives in London have felt a little stagnant...Ava has hit rock bottom since her husband left her. It's hard enough being a Scot in London without being broke to boot! Photographer for a women's magazine, Rebecca is tired of working on the fluff pieces. She knows her affair with the boss is going nowhere, so why can't she stop herself?Grace was top of her class in law school, but for a long time now has settled for being a barrister's wife. Her life may seem outwardly perfect... but if she's honest, it's also SO boring. When a reunion brings them together, they realise it's time to shake things up... and have some fun again!

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What lies would you tell to uncover the truth? . . . THE UNPUTDOWNABLE NEW THRILLER PERFECT FOR FANS OF ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL'Enough twists to give you whiplash. This is a clever, shocking read' CLARE MACKINTOSH 'Tense, jaw-dropping, clever' CLAIRE DOUGLAS'Keeps you guessing from start to finish' JANE FALLON'I loved it. Huge twists' GILLIAN MCALLISTER_________Prosecutor Ava Knight always plays by the rules.Until she meets fifteen-year-old Lily Hawthorne, accused of stabbing hotel magnate Michael Osborne in cold blood.It should be an open-and-shut case. But Ava suspects something everyone else does not:MICHAEL OSBORNE IS LYING.Because eighteen years ago, Ava was brutally assaulted. The case went to trial. Her attacker was acquitted.His name? Michael Osborne.Now, court is in session.And Ava must decide how far she's willing to go to uncover the truth . . ._________'Just when you think you have it figured out, another bombshell of a twist drops' SAMANTHA DOWNING, author of MY LOVELY WIFEReaders LOVE Your Word Or Mine'A genuine twist that left me open mouthed as I turned the last page' 5* Reader Review'The author does it again. Full of twists, fast-paced . . . I was hooked' 5* Reader Review'Tense and emotional, characters so real they almost step off the page . . . one of the most pacy thrillers I've read in a while' 5* Reader Review'Wow! What a book! This had me holding my breath' 5* Reader Review'Fast paced, suspenseful, scarily believable' 5* Reader Review'Shocking, clever and unpredictable' 5* Reader ReviewPraise for Lia Middleton'Brilliantly written . . . I'll be recommending it to everyone I know' Sarah Pearse, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Sanatorium'A stand-out psychological thriller' Ashley Audrain, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Push'Superb. Assured, elegant and utterly gripping' Will Dean, author of The Last Thing to Burn'Couldn't put it down' Catherine Cooper, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Chalet

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Ava and Tash are up on a cliff, looking out at the flocking birds – and at their future. On the cusp of adulthood and about to leave the care home they've shared, the two friends road-test their impending freedom and living in the outside world. Ava must confront the mother she left behind. Tash will have to look for a new home. And both girls will go on living dangerously with the men who surround them. Raw, delicate and bold, Katherine Chandler's play Bird is a story of growing up outside a family but inside the fiercest of friendships. It was the winner of a Judges' Award in the 2013 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, and premiered at Sherman Cymru in 2016 before transferring to the Royal Exchange, Manchester.

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Adventure, history, and the drama of family life intertwine in this engrossing tale of a fifth-grade girl struggling to find her place after her mom remarries and she finds herself stuck with a younger stepbrother. Find out what happens when Ava and her newly blended family take a trip to Boston, where she buys a magic bobblehead and is unexpectedly transported to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As Ava and her stepbrother, J. P., travel back and forth with John and Abigail Adams and their children, from Massachusetts, to Philadelphia, to the White House, to France, she learns about history, friendship, and how to deal with new situations, including her recently blended family. This sequel to The President and Me: George Washington and the Magic Hat features some of the same characters.

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Transport yourself to mid-century New York in this compelling and evocative story of secrets, jealousy and hidden love''BOOK OF THE MONTH'' WOMAN & HOME''DAZZLING DEBUT'' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING''SUPERLATIVE'' RED''SO VIVIDLY EVOKED'' CLARE CHAMBERS, AUTHOR OF SMALL PLEASURES''I WAS GRIPPED FROM THE FIRST PAGE'' SARA COX ''BROKE ME, PUT ME BACK TOGETHER. JUST BUY THIS. YOU WON''T REGRET IT'' 5* READER REVIEW _________1955In an apartment on the Lower East Side, school teachers Dovie and Gillian live as lodgers. Dancing behind closed curtains, mixing cocktails for two, they guard their private lives fiercely. Until someone guesses the truth . . .1975Twenty years later in the same apartment, Ava Winters is keeping her own secret. Her mother has become erratic, haunted by something Ava doesn''t understand - until one sweltering

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Addictive, dangerous, your guiltiest pleasure yet: the thrilling climax to the hit trilogy.The very place where their passionate love affair began, The Manor, fills with guests on what should be the happiest day of Ava and Jesse's lives. She has accepted that she'll never tame the fierceness in Jesse, and she doesn't want to. Their love is profound, their connection powerful, but just when she thinks that she's finally got beneath his guarded exterior, more questions arise which lead Ava to believe that Jesse Ward may not be the man she thinks he is. He knows too well how to take her to a place beyond ecstasy...but will he also drive her to the brink of despair? It's time for this man to confess.Includes a bonus scene from Jesse's perspective.

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DISCOVER THE GRIPPING 2024 BRITISH CRIME NOVEL EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT:'A remarkable debut. It is funny, creepy, gory and moving.' THE TIMES 'Utterly mesmerising' - PETER JAMES'A crime novel I wish I had written' - LYNDA LA PLANTE'Marie's writing is beautiful' - BELINDA BAUER'Exceptional in every way' - CHRIS WHITAKER 'A dark glittering gem of a book' - LISA GRAY'Gloriously dark, deadly and deathly' - C. J. SKUSE'An incredible debut. Damn near perfect' - SUSI HOLLIDAY'Tierney is a name to watch' - SAM HOLLAND'A masterpiece' - WILLIAM HUSSEYThirteen-year-old Ava Bonney possesses an unusual intellect far beyond her years. While her friends play, Ava's fascination lies in the intricate process of animal decomposition, studying roadkill found in the streets around her home.But, one night, Ava's secret nocturnal routine takes a chilling turn when she stumbles upon the lifeless body of fellow schoolmate, Mickey Grant.As Detective Seth Delahaye takes charge of the perplexing case, Ava refuses to sit idle. Determined and resourceful, she embarks on a daring quest to unveil the truth behind the string of chilling deaths plaguing her community. Armed with her unique skills and unrivalled local knowledge, Ava becomes an unlikely force in the race to apprehend the elusive killer before more lives are claimed.'Deadly Animals is a shockingly beautiful, rare and heartbreaking gem. I really can't recommend it highly enough' - CHRIS WHITAKER

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Read all of the acclaimed Terrific Toddler books, which include All Mine!, Boo-Boo!, Bye-Bye!, New Baby!, Potty!, and Time to Go!All Mine! teaches about toddlers’ need to feel ownership so they and you can better navigate this tricky time in their development when everything is “All Mine!”Written with simple language and reflective of children’s realities, the Terrific Toddlers series is based on understanding of the developmental level of young toddlers The books are written by experts in the field and are critically acclaimed.Ava, Kai, and JoJo are playing with their toys at school, but they aren’t ready to share and take turns. Can the teacher help them out? JoJo wants Ava’s carrot. JoJo grabs one end of the carrot.Ava holds tight to the other end. They both shriek!Here comes the teacher to help.“I see you both want that carrot. But Ava’s not done yet. JoJo, here’s the asparagus—let’s make a stew with Ava.”JoJo does not want to make stew. She still wants the carrot.“Ava, tell JoJo, ‘You can have it when I’m done,’” the teacher says.Ava says, “When I done!”Ideal for actual toddlers when parents are using the bestselling Busy Toddler's Guide to Actual Parenting: From Their First "no" to Their First Day of School (and Everything in Between) parenting book by Susie Allison, The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being by Simone Davies, illustrated by Hiyoko Imai, and Best practices in Toddler Discipline from 1 to 5 without tantrums: Effective Strategies for Developing and Helping your Child by Mary Simmons. Also includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers written by the authors about supporting toddlers’ need for ownership.Excerpt:“Sharing” is simply not a concept that a young toddler can grasp...yet. It may seem counterintuitive, but in fact, encouraging full ownership, as the teacher does for JoJo in All Mine!, can actually hasten the development of generosity, since allowing the toddler to fully be in this phase of development hastens her mastery of the lessons about self that it provides.It is not until at least age three—when young children are developmentally ready to want acceptance from peers and have a firm understanding of the concept of self—that they can begin to want to share.

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When Ava Harrison receives a letter containing an unusual job listing one month after the sudden death of her ex-boyfriend, she thinks she’s being haunted. The listing - a job as a live-in caretaker for a peculiar old man and his cranky cat in Driftwood, Alabama - is the perfect chance to start a new life. A normal life. Ava has always been too fearful to even travel, so no one’s more surprised than she is when she throws caution to the wind and drives to the distant beachside town. On the surface, Maggie Mae Brightwell is a bundle of energy as she runs Magpie’s, Driftwood’s coffee and curiosity shop, where there’s magic to be found in pairing the old with the new. But lurking under her cheerful exterior is a painful truth - keeping busy is the best way to distract herself from the lingering loss of her mama and her worries about her aging father. No one knows better than she does that you can’t pour from an empty cup, but holding on to the past is the only thing keeping the hope alive that her mama will return home one day. Ava and Maggie soon find they’re kindred spirits, as they’re both haunted - not by spirits, but by regret. Both must learn to let go of the past to move on - because sometimes the waves of change bring you to the place where you most belong.

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Once upon a time, there was a lonely woman who was beautiful on the outside but sad on the inside… Meet Ava, a blonde bombshell and newly divorced banker who leads a glamorous life in Mayfair and is looking for love again. She is passionate and strong, a woman who has it all and wants more, but her professional success and fearlessness are a foil to her vulnerability and inner demons. Outwardly Ava is confident and successful, yet she feels alone in the world. Naked in Mayfair follows Ava’s uninhibited sexual odyssey as she is courted by many fascinating men. She loves sex, and her intense sexuality is her expression of a desire to find true love and connection. But whilst Ava has an amusing and pleasurable life, she is damaged inside, and the deep love she yearns for eludes her until finally, she finds purpose and peace in the most unexpected way. Sometimes shocking, often hilarious, always thought-provoking, Naked in Mayfair gives us an illuminating glimpse behind closed doors, in the back of a Bentley and at 30,000 feet. This is a glittering world of privilege and wealth, with extravagant holidays, fine dining and mega yachts. It gives us a unique insight into the secret life of a 21st-century woman’s unwavering search for love, meaning, inner peace – and ultimately, self-acceptance.

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You've fallen in love reading about Christian Grey; you've seen the Fifty Shades movie. Now it's time for your next fix.Beyond undeniable passion is fierce love...Jesse Ward drowned her with his intensity and blindsided her with his passion, but he kept her away from his dark secrets and broken soul. Leaving him was the only way Ava O'Shea could survive, but she should have known that Jesse Ward is impossible to escape. Now he's back in her life, determined to remind her of the sensual pleasures they had shared, but Ava is equally determined to get at the truth beneath this man's steely exterior. That means letting herself get close to the Lord of the Manor once more. And it's exactly where Jesse wants her - within touching distance . . . Includes a brand-new bonus scene from Jesse's perspective.

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Could you be a Euro Spy? Try to solve the cryptic clues as you read along in a race against the clock! Samia, Ava and Frankie are thrilled to win a whirlwind trip of European capital cities. But when the Euro Metro rumbles through the night to their first destination and shots are fired, it becomes crystal clear that this is no ordinary school trip. Their enigmatic chaperone, Miss Watson, is forced to admit that the children are being used as cover for a spying mission. Her colleague in M16 has vanished—presumed dead—and has left behind a trail of cryptic clues leading to vital information. On their arrival in Paris, Samia, Ava and Frankie are catapulted into a world of art, espionage and terrible danger. Can the children solve the fiendish clues hidden on famous European landmarks and avoid the scary strangers who are stalking their every move?

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The second book in a warm and beautifully observed farm adventure series from Nicola Baker, star of Our Farm in the Dales. Perfect for readers 8+ and fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, Dick King Smith and The Snow Foal. With stunning illustrations from Rachael Dean throughout. Ten-year-old Ava has swapped city life for mud, wellies and animals on Whistledown Farm. With the arrival of Autumn and as the leaves begins to fall, she rescues a tawny owl called Ruby. As Ava helps Ruby, she soon realises that learning to love means letting go as well . . . ‘Baker is a gifted writer, and her bucolic adventure harks back to classic farm stories such as those written by Dick King Smith and Michael Morpurgo’ The BooksellerAbout the author: Growing up, Nicola spent hours with her nose stuck in a book or filling notebooks with stories and sketches. After a success

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The next hilarious, uplifting book from Abigail Mann, author of The Lonely Fajita! ‘Heartwarming, charming and witty’ Sophie Cousens #1 bestselling author of This Time Next Year Journalist Ava takes a DNA test hoping to discover her roots. Instead, she finds out she has a half-sister … whilst on a live stream watched by 100,000 people. Her boss thinks it’s the perfect click-bait story. Ava just wants to go to Moira’s tiny Scottish village and meet her. But when Ava arrives undercover as a volunteer farmhand, she realises Moira – who’s her pig-wrestling, chatterbox polar opposite – might not be delighted by the news. And the longer Ava stays in Kilroch, with its inappropriately attractive minister and ties to her hidden family past, the more complicated this surprise is going to get… The perfect funny, heartwarming read for fans of Marian Keyes, Beth O’Leary, Sophie Ranald and Mhairi McFarlane. Readers love The Sister Surprise: ‘I was invested, I was amused, I was heart-warmed and I didn't want it to end…ps the priest was really hot too’ Holly McCulloch, author of Just Friends ‘I inhaled it! Super funny and packs an emotional punch’ Nicola Gill, author of The Neighbours ‘I loved it so much! Had me laughing all the way through, and I got weepy at the end’ Sara Nisha Adams, author of The Reading List ‘I laughed the whole way through and cried at the end. The perfect smart, escapist read’ Freya Sampson, author of The Last Chance Library ‘Heartwarming, tender and completely unputdownable’ Hannah Tovey, author of The Education of Ivy Edwards ‘As comforting as putting on your cosiest sweater and fuzzy socks. I loved every moment of it’ Jesse Sutanto, author of Dial A For Aunties ‘The most lovely, heartwarming, hilarious, escapist dream’ Mary Hargreaves, author of This is Not a Love Story ‘Like going on my favourite kind of country holiday, full of rampaging farm animals, mud, suspicious locals and hot priests … Witty, lovely, brilliant escapism’ Lex Croucher, author of You’re Crushing It

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Join Harry and Ava as they battle the most terrifying space Beast yet! Book 3 in a thrilling new adventure series that's out of this world - perfect for Beast Quest fans and anyone who loves action-packed stories.The community aboard the massive space station Vantia1 is in danger once again - and now their enemy Vellis has stolen the technology that could allow him to escape the Void and attack the station himself! When a massive space spider is spotted, armed with powerful lasers and the ability to spin deadly webs, Harry and Ava know they must act - but can they foil their enemy and save their friends and families?Book 3 in this gripping series. Don't miss Space Wars: Curse of the Robo-Dragon if you want to find how Harry and Ava's adventure began!

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Blast off to adventure! Join Ava as she explores the furthest reaches of the solar system and beyond. Die-cuts throughout and a surprise pop-up make every page an interactive experience as you take a ride in a moon buggy, discover a Mars rover looking for life, and watch the greatest show in outer space – a supernova explosion.

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Don’t miss the new, devastatingly good thriller from Helen Fields, The Institution. Coming March 2023 – available to pre-order now! ‘Relentless pace, devilish cleverness and a laser-sharp focus on plot.’ Chris Brookmyre When silence falls, who will hear their cries? The body of a young girl is found dumped on the roadside on the outskirts of Edinburgh. When pathologists examine the remains, they make a gruesome discovery: the silhouette of a doll carved in the victim’s skin. DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are struggling to find leads in the case, until a doll made of skin is found nestled beside an abandoned baby. After another young woman is found butchered, Luc and Ava realise the babydoll killer is playing a horrifying game. And it’s only a matter of time before he strikes again. Can they stop another victim from being silenced forever – or is it already too late?

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From the funniest voice in young fiction today, the sixth in this irresistible series for young readers about imaginary friends in hilarious rhyming text and with adorable illustrations by Ella Okstad.Squishy McFluff has been blow-dried and primped to perfection. He must win the Country Fair prettiest pet competition - and will if Ava has anything to do with it . . .But not everyone can see he's the winner. The Mayor seems to have a particular blindspot . . . That is until Ava and her invisible pet foil a dastardly robbery!Another joyful, hilarious, instant classic of a tale for five year olds and upwards, stunningly illustrated by Ella Okstad.'A surefire hit.' Guardian'Charming.' The Times'Bound to ensure catisfaction.' Independent'Cleverly bridging the gap between picture books and longer fiction, the lovable Squishy is certain to be a success with under-sevens.' BookTrust'In delightful rhyme reminiscent of Dr Seuss, this charmingly illustrated book is bound to become a bedtime fave.' Gurgle

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