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First Love Burns Hotter Rainbow Valley, Texas, has always been a refuge for animals, and Shannon North, director of the local shelter, intends to keep it that way. But with donations drying up and more pets in need of a loving home than ever before, Shannon's beginning to fear she's not the savior the shelter needs. When a tall, dark, and handsome cowboy from her past comes to the rescue, she knows that accepting his help may come with a high price: her heart. The Second Time Around Bad boy Luke Dawson shook the dust from this little town off his boots years ago. He walked away from everything... except the memory of the one night of passion he shared with Shannon. Now, a few wins away from becoming the world bull-riding champion, Luke's headed for fame and fortune. But then a crisis calls him back to Rainbow Valley, and Luke is reunited with the good girl who stole-and broke-his heart. As their rekindled relationship deepens into desire, old secrets resurface, and Luke must choose between the future he's always dreamed of and the only woman he's ever loved. One of Booklist's Top Ten Romances of 2013!

A romantic historical novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Seeing Red about an independent woman who runs a boarding house in Dust Bowl Texas.Ella Baron runs her Texas boarding house with the efficiency of a ship's captain and the grace of a gentlewoman. She cooks, cleans, launders, and cares for her ten-year-old son, Solly, a sweet but challenging child whose busy behavior and failure to speak elicits undesired advice from others in town. Ella's plate is full from sunup to sundown. When a room in her boarding house opens up, the respected town doctor brings Ella a new boarder―the handsome and gallant Mr. David Rainwater—but Ella is immediately resistant to opening up her home to this mysterious stranger. Even with assurances that Mr. Rainwater is a man of impeccable character, a former cotton broker and a victim of the Great Depression, Ella stiffens at the thought of taking him in. Dr. Kincaid tells Ella in confidence that Mr. Rainwater won't require the room for long: he is dying. Begrudgingly, Ella accepts Mr. Rainwater's application to board, but she knows that something is happening; she is being swept along by an unusual series of events. Soon, this strong-minded, independent woman will realize that the living that she has eked out for herself in the small bubble of her town is about to change, whether she likes it or not... Racial tensions, the financial strain of livelihoods in cotton drying up into dust, and the threat of political instability swirl together into a tornado on the horizon. One thing is certain: the winds of change are blowing all over Texas—and through the cracks in the life that Ella Barron has painstakingly built. This is the story of a woman who takes her life's circumstances in both hands, but who will be forced to reckon with the chaos of her historical circumstances..

From the author of the bestselling Clytemnestra comes another intoxicating excursion into ancient history, painting the brutal and captivating empire of gods and men, and the one queen destined to rule them all.A common woman. The governor she married. The king who loved them both.Babylonia across the centuries has become the embodiment of lust, excess, and dissolute power that ruled Ancient Assyria. In this world you had to kill to be king. Or, in the case of Semiramis, an orphan raised on the outskirts of an empire: Queen.Nothing about Semiramis's upbringing could have foretold her legacy. But when she meets a young representative of the new Assyrian king, a prophecy unfolds before her, one that puts her in the center of a brutal world and in the hearts of two men - one who happens to be king.Now a risen lady in a court of vipers, Semiramis becomes caught in the politics and viciousness of ancient Assyria. Instead of bartering with fate, Semiramis trains in war and diplomacy. And with each move, she rises in rank, embroiled in a game of power, desire, love, and betrayal, until she can ascend to the only position that will ever keep her safe.In her second novel, Costanza Casati brilliantly weaves myth and ancient history together to give Semiramis, the only female ruler of the Assyrian Empire, a voice, charting her captivating ascent to a throne no one promised her.

Fifty-three-year-old Grace Winthrop Hobbes is newly divorced with two college-age kids, an eccentric octogenarian mother, a stalled novel-in-progress, and a sex drive that is coming out of hibernation with a vengeance. Refusing to go gently into the dark night of abstinence and retreat, and tired of sexual double standards, Grace makes a vow to seize life's bull by the horns. Her adventures begin with Fuzz, who likes to take notes after sex; with Dylan, a soulful computer genius in search of an'era'; Otis, a one-armed jogger raising a seven-year-old daughter with OCD; and a banker in Vermont who offers a new twist. However, Grace's year of re-liberation doesnt go quite as planned. As her empty house slowly fills with quirky, unexpected “ guests,” she gains new insights into friendship, intimacy, happiness, and the notion of home. There but for Grace is a funny, earnest look at the modern “ family,” nuclear and extended — sometimes way overextended.

In 1969, eighteen-year-old Kaylen and her workaholic father move into a house with hidden secrets on Crystal Lake. Kaylen befriends Luke, Lane, Schaffer, Bran, and Tony, employees of a nearby Florida campground. As the summer unfolds, relationships develop. Kaylen and Lane are BFFs. Luke and Kaylen are dating. But insights emerge; the men's mistreatment of Lane and Luke's womanizing. Amidst the idyllic setting, Kaylen finds herself drawn to Luke's frequent-visitor, charismatic, twin cousin, Raymo, who introduces them to wayward activities and is nothing but trouble. Raymo manipulates Kaylen, subjecting her to blackmail. The tug-of-war between Raymo and Luke for Kaylen's affections, ensnares her in a twisted game. Retribution from strangers wronged by the group uncovers a horrifying truth. When Kaylen threatens to involve the police, her friends resort to an unspeakable act to secure her silence, exposing a web of violence, dark secrets, and betrayal.

Margo, his widow, is trying to dodge the tsunami of paperwork and other tasks coming her way. She doesn't deal with details—why do you think she was married in the first place? Dick always handled the drudgery. Not terribly well, it turns out. Margo's ex-husband (the first one, not the dead one) and their two adult children are trying to support Margo—who seems to be finally entering adulthood at the tender age of sixty-two. Dead Dick's ex-wife and their daughter consider Margo a maneater, so the funeral is a nightmare. Life in New Brunswick lately is a tornado of siblings, children, pets, marriages, health issues, and endless bureaucracy. And at the centre of it all is Margo, living alone for the very first time, going back to work as a drugstore cashier to make ends meet, and trying to endure everyone else's judgements about the woman she is when she barely knows herself. How old do you have to be to come of age? …and has anyone seen Dick's will? With humour and heart, national bestseller Lesley Crewe walks readers through the incredibly disruptive domino effects of the death of one unremarkable man—and the evolution of the flibbertigibbet wife he's left behind.

'No one gets to the heart of human relationships quite so perceptively as Brookfield.'The MirrorEver since the death of their father twenty years before, beautiful thirty-two-year-old Anna has acted as her younger sister Becky's support, playing the peace-maker in her stormy relationship with their mother, and counselling her through the traumas of a life that has always appeared charmless and problematic in comparison to her own.Now married to wealthy, handsome David Lawrence, with a luxurious country home and a successful career in broadcasting, Anna's good fortune looks set to continue. But when she unexpectedly falls pregnant and Becky's marriage runs into trouble, the door to the sisters past suddenly swings open, exploding all their long-held perceptions both of each other and themselves.Perfect for fans of Erica James, Elizabeth Noble, Joanna Trollope and Anita Shreve, Amanda Brookfield gets to the heart of what it means to be a family and the power of sibling love.What readers are saying about Amanda Brookfield:‘Loved everything about this book! The plot, the characters, even the language! Wonderful. This is the first book I have read written by Amanda Brookfield and she is now my favourite author.'‘A beautifully written book that is perfection in every way, simply my favourite book of all time, I could not praise it higher.'‘Packed with suspense, (I actually held my breath during some of the scenes) and full of relatable characters, this book will draw you in from the first page. Highly recommend.'‘I absolutely loved this book. At times I found myself holding my breath, it was so tense and so well written... I felt so involved in this story that I found myself thinking about it a lot during the day. A fantastic read. Gripping, moving, characters you care about, highly recommend.'Praise for Amanda Brookfield:'An engaging, emotionally-charged and intriguing story'Michelle Gorman'Unputdownable. Perceptive. Poignant. I loved it.'bestselling author Patricia Scanlan on Before I Knew You'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.'Oxford Times

••'A powerful, thoughtful novel about memory and how the past shapes the future'- Red Magazine (Best Books of October) •• An emotionally wrenching novel, set in today's London and 90s Ghana, exploring generational trauma and what it means to be Black British, surviving between the gaps of knowledge around familial migrant journeys. On the cusp of thirty, Ghanaian Londoner Whitney Appiah was born with a special gift. The massage therapist can physically sense where her clients'trauma lies and heal them. But Whitney has no idea that she too is suffering. Tragic events from her youth have left a terrible, unseen mark. When a dangerous encounter with the man she's dating triggers a wave of fragmented recollections, Whitney embarks on a journey to reclaim her memories and the truth that is buried deep in her early years growing up in Kumasi. Spanning three decades, told through the viewpoints of Whitney, her aunts, Gloria and Aretha, and their house help, Maame Serwaa, The Rest of You explores what happens when we try to resolve the mysteries of our past. Perfect for fans of Candace Carty Williams'Queenie, Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half and Anna Hope's Expectation.'A novel that doesn't shy away from the modern issues of being Black and female. At times heartbreaking, this portrait of a family coming to terms with a tragic past is vivid and tender'- Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City'A beautiful, compelling exploration of familial bonds, trauma and the secrets of the past. Maame Blue's tender, emotionally rich portrait of diasporic Black lives is a novel to return to. Highly recommended'- Irenosen Okojie, author of Hag'Maame Blue places vulnerability and emotional truth at the heart of this novel, interwoven between place, time and character... The Rest is You is surprising and tender, precise and free-ranging. A novel of layers, heartfelt meaning, and revelation'- Courttia Newland, author of A River Called Time'A story of friendship, loss, trauma and hope, that explores multi-generational pain and the secrets and silences that families can fall into in a bid to move forward. The Rest of You is a quintessential immigrant story with a particular Black British twist'- Nii Ayikwei Parkes, author of Azúcar'The Rest of You is sharply written and is a compelling read. In this book, Maame Blue is incisive in her exploration of friendship and family'- Peace A. Medie, author of Nightbloom'Maame Blue's skill at crafting characters that take bits of your heart with them as you read the final pages is a true gift... A wonderful book!'- Kelechi Okafor, author of Edge of Here'Gripping - you wonder what isn't being said, but you feel it anyway'- Gabriel Gbadamosi'Evocative prose and keen insights make for a compelling read, inviting reflection on the nature of trauma and the quest for identity. This powerful story affirms Blue's place as a significant voice in contemporary literature'- Booklist This novel contains depictions of violence and sexual assault.

A sharp and playful critique of colonialism from the leading voice of French-Rwandan literature, animated by memories, archival specters, and powerful women“In sentences of great beauty and restraint, Mukasonga rescues a million souls from the collective noun ‘genocide,'returning them to us as individual human beings.” — Zadie SmithIn a 4-part narrative brimming with historical asides, alluring anecdotes, and murky questions left in the margins of colonial records, Sister Deborah heralds “a life that is more alive” as it explores the tensions and myths of Rwanda's past.When time-worn ancestral remedies fail to heal young Ikirezi's maladies, she's rushed to the Rwandan hillsides. From her termite perch under the coral tree, health blooms under Sister Deborah's hands. Women bear their breasts to the rising sun as men under thatched roofs stand, “stunned and impotent before this female fury.”Now grown, Ikirezi unearths the truth of Sister Deborah's passage from America to 1930s Rwanda and the mystery surrounding her sudden departure. In colonial records, Sister Deborah is a “pathogen,” an “incident.” Who is the keeper of truth, Ikirezi impels us to ask, Who stands at the threshold of memory? Did we dance? Did she heal? Did we look to the sky with wonder? Ikirezi writes on, pulling Sister Deborah out from the archive, inscribing her with breath.A beautiful novel that works in the slippages of history, Sister Deborah at its core is a story of what happens when women — black women and girls — seek the truth by any means.

Kate, an ordinary woman, finds her world turned upside down when she becomes a widow and loses the comfortable life she's always known. Suddenly, she's faced with questions she never imagined: Did her husband have a second wife? Where did the money in his account come from? Is it hers? And who stole her identity?As Kate searches for answers, she is befriended by a handsome US Customs Officer and an unorthodox neighbor. Her adventure takes unexpected twists and turns, leading her to a final choice that challenges her honor and integrity.

When Janine and Dougie fell in love they thought it would be for ever.Fifteen years later their relationship is well and truly over, their daughter Stevie their one remaining connection.Stevie is on the cusp of adulthood. At sixteen, she's not quite a child, but not quite grown up: a dangerous age. But it's only during a birthday celebration in Spain, when she gets too close to one of Dougie's best friends, that her parents realise just how dangerous.With friendships shattered and trusts betrayed, Janine and Dougie - brought together in Stevie's moment of crisis - know they must see beyond the past if they're to secure their daughter's future. But even with such a lot at stake, can a relationship with so many complications ever have a future.Perfect for fans of Joanna Trollope and Anita Shreve, Amanda Brookfield's The Love Child is a profoundly moving story about the redeeming power of love.What readers are saying about Amanda Brookfield:‘Excellent characterisation, well written and pretty absorbing. This book has got me over my reading slump. I'm now off to buy more of her books. Highly recommend it you want a gentle read about family, friendship and finding yourself. Really enjoyed reading about all of the characters.'‘I could read it again, I read it so fast, I couldn't put it down.•• Very well written••. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.'‘Brilliant book - just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, another twist popped up - had me picking it up whenever I had the chance.'‘A great story, great characters, vivid, immediate, so'real', and such compassion. Every bit a page turner as Brookfield so gets you into her people. If you like reading really well written real-life novels about your relationships, try this.'Praise for Amanda Brookfield:'An engaging, emotionally-charged and intriguing story'Michelle Gorman'No one gets to the heart of human relationships quite so perceptively as Brookfield.'The Mirror'Unputdownable. Perceptive. Poignant. I loved it.'bestselling author Patricia Scanlan on Before I Knew You'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.'Oxford Times

In this'rare feast'of a novel, a young Indian American book editor inherits her estranged family's ancestral home–and their long-buried secrets (Rachel Lyon, author of Self-Portrait With Boy). Lila De is on the verge of a career breakthrough when she gets a call from her mother in Kolkata, informing her that she's inherited her family's sprawling estate—so she returns there after a decade of estrangement. Lila's grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins still live on different floors of the house, and all of them resent her sudden inheritance. To make matters more complicated, her first boyfriend seeks her out when she arrives, and her star author—and occasional lover— is suddenly determined to make things serious. As Lila come to terms with both past and present, suppressed family secrets emerge, culminating in a shocking act of violence. Lila has no choice but to finally address her family's inherited custom of keeping everything under the surface. Perfect for fans of Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane and All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews, The Magnificent Ruins is an unforgettable novel about the millennial immigrant experience and the desire for belonging.

A perfect heartwarming and feelgood novel to curl up with...Cassie Montgomery can remember a time where her life seemed pretty perfect. By day she was setting up her own little business in her sleek penthouse apartment, and by night sleeping on gazillion-count Egyptian cotton sheets next to her fiancée, once reputed to be Glasgow's most eligible bachelor. And yet one ordinary, fateful day, Cassie uncovers a secret that shatters her heart into tiny pieces, and changes her life forever...Escaping to a rural and idyllic coastal village, Cassie finds a cottage that, from the moment she steps through the rose-surrounded door, feels instantly like home. Then there's Mac, the cool surf teacher, who makes her question what really makes her happy – and makes her wonder if maybe, she might already have found the answer...Poignant and uplifting, this is a story to remind hopeless romantics that you never know when true love might strike...Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Heidi Swain, Laura Kemp and Holly MartinPraise for Lisa Hobman'Involving and intriguing!'- Sue MoorcroftHeart-warming and sometimes heart-wrenching journey of discovery'- Heidi Swain'I love it! - A feel-good, uplifting story of lost love and second chances...'- Holly Martin'I loved the book. It's a captivating story with a relatable heroine and beautifully vivid settings. A perfect holiday read!'- Darcie Boleyn'Simply gorgeous'- Jessica Redland'A really uplifting, feel-good read about hope and love that really did warm my heart.'- Kim Nash

International bestseller The Break is the first in Katherena Vermette's heart-rending, utterly immersive Indigenous family saga that includes The Strangers and The Circle.When Stella, a young Mé tis mother, looks out her window one evening and spots someone in trouble on the Break — a barren field on an isolated strip of land outside her house — she calls the police to alert them to a possible crime. But when they arrive, no one is there; scuff marks in the compacted snow are the only sign anything may have happened.In a series of shifting narratives, people who are connected, both directly and indirectly, with the victim — police, family, and friends — tell their personal stories leading up to that fateful night. Lou, a social worker, grapples with the departure of her live-in boyfriend. Cheryl, an artist, mourns the premature death of her sister Rain. Paulina, a single mother, struggles to trust her new partner. Phoenix, a homeless teenager, is released from a youth detention centre. Officer Scott, a Mé tis policeman, feels caught between two worlds as he patrols the city. Through their various perspectives a larger, more comprehensive story about lives of the residents in Winnipeg's North End is exposed.

Preorder the next instalment in Georgina Troy's uplifting Hollyhock Farm seriesFestival season has come to Hollyhock Farm…Since his sister Lettie took over their parents'farm on the beautiful island of Jersey at the start of the year, Zac Torel's life has changed completely. Zac loves Hollyhock Farm, and he's determined to help Lettie succeed, but when their insurance company refuses to pay for the restoration of one of their barns in time for winter, the clock is ticking for the Torels to raise the money themselves.The siblings decide to host a wellness festival, but with the summer already well underway, they've got their work cut out to get everything ready before the season ends. Lettie recruits the help of Melody, a yoga teacher from Edinburgh. New to the island, Melody is determined to shake things up and make a success of Lettie's festival.But Melody has come to Jersey with more baggage than her small backpack implies. And as her friendship with Zac grows, will her past catch up with her?Readers LOVE Georgina Troy's books:'A gorgeous beachside setting, divine ice-cream sundaes, and a scorching summer love story - this book has it all!'Christina Jones'I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in this charming, evocative story. It's a perfect book to enjoy by the pool, in the sunshine, with a glass of Prosecco!'Kirsty Greenwood'A wonderfully warm and sweet summer read'Karen Clarke‘A lovely feel good factor book by Georgina Troy. I have read quite a few of her books and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one, and I have to say that this book didn't disappoint me.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Another wonderful Author whose writing is funny, captivating and engaging. I really enjoyed immersing myself into this beautiful romance novel,'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I really enjoyed my time on Jersey and at Hollyhock Farm.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I thoroughly enjoyed this initial book; the characters are incredibly relatable – even one of vet Brodie's patients shares the same name as my first cat, Smudge, when I left home! Eagerly anticipating the next installment!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Overall an absolutely perfect light hearted, stunning unputdownable page turner that will sweep you off your feet and land you in Jersey.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Welcome to Hollyhock Farm is a modern romance set on the beautiful island of Jersey. The writing brings out a lot of detail about the characters and the place but without being over descriptive.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘If you're looking for somewhere scenic to escape, then I definitely recommend Welcome to Hollyhock Farm by Georgina Troy, it had everything I wanted for that perfect weekend, just grab a brew, park yourself and fall into some great writing.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading'Welcome To Hollyhock Farm'and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Georgina's work in the future.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Yet another wonderful book by Georgina. With loveable characters and beautiful narratives making it a heart warming spring read. Great setting too, on Jersey.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Hollyhock Farm is an utterly charming backdrop with a load of fun characters I wouldn't mind visiting again.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The world of art is blown wide open'(Jonathan Santlofer, national bestselling author of The Lost Van Gogh) in this novel for fans of The Cartographers, a simmering speculative suspense following art historian Camille Leray, whose secret ability lands her in the middle of the dangerous schemes of the most powerful players in the industry…Art historian Camille Leray has spent her career surrounding herself with fineries and selling pieces worth millions. But she harbors a secret: she has the ability to enter the world of any piece of artwork, and she can take others with her. But tapping into history comes with great risks. And someone has been watching, someone who knows about her magic, and her mistakes...After Camille ruins her career and reputation by misusing her powers, she vows to get her old life back. So when Maxime Foucault, an enigmatic aristocrat who owns a sprawling French estate, enlists her help in authenticating the statues of a mysterious artist, whose disappearance she has been trying to solve for years, she knows this could be her chance to turn her career around and get the man she's always wanted.But something isn't right about the Foucault family and the grand chateau they inhabit, and as Camille gets sucked into its walls, she finds a world of luxury and greed that causes her to risk losing herself, and everything she has ever known, forever.Filled with magic, suspense, the allure of Arthurian legend, and dark academia, The Estate unravels a mystery that spans generations. This captivating tale will leave readers pondering the fine lines between reality and imagination, creation and destruction, and being haunted or free.

A moving exploration of family, friendship, and how far we are willing to go for the ones we love, The Other Side of Nothing is a powerful read about loss, self-determination, and second chances. 2024 IPPY Awards Gold Medalist for Popular Fiction 2024 Zibby Summer Reads Selection? The day after her eighteenth birthday, Julia Reeves checks herself into a psychiatric facility, longing to find a way out of the grief and guilt that have engulfed her since her father's untimely death. What she finds is fellow suicide attempt survivor Sam Lorenzo, a brilliant twenty-three-year-old photographer. Sam brings beauty and light back into Julia's life, so when he asks her to escape with him on a cross-country odyssey, she agrees. Before Julia can process what she's done, the two young lovers are on the run. When Julia's mother, Laura, learns Julia has disappeared and authorities will do nothing to help find her, Laura forms an uneasy alliance with the sole person who has as much to lose as she does: Sam's mother, Arabella. Armed with only a handful of clues, the two mothers embark on a journey of their own, desperately hoping to save their children before they are lost forever.

Having grown up on stories of her mother's wild youth in California, Elena Berg relocates from New England to the Bay Area in 2011 for a placement as an English teacher with Teach for America. Once there, she is eager to inspire a love of poetry and literature in her diverse but underprivileged students. Her own grandfather—a Holocaust survivor—was a storyteller and teacher who touched the lives of his students for years to come. Elena's mother followed in his footsteps, leaving behind the hippie lifestyle of her twenties to become a university professor.But Elena quickly finds herself feeling disconnected from teaching, unable to inspire her students, and before long, she grows disillusioned with her career. She transitions to a role in an education technology startup—though she questions her decision, her motivations, and her values.Coming of age between the Occupy and #MeToo movements and against the backdrop of the 2016 election and California's ever-worsening fire season, Elena reckons with California as she imagined it and California as it really is. As she does so, she must also ultimately reconcile the person she envisioned herself to be with the person she actually is.

It is May 2014, and Dr. Klara Lieberman—forty-nine, single, professor of archaeology at a small liberal arts college in Maine, a contained person living a contained life—has just received a letter from her estranged mother, Bessie, that will dramatically change her life. Her father, she learns—the man who has been absent from her life for the last forty-three years, and about whom she has long been desperate for information—is dead. Has been for many years, in fact, which Bessie clearly knew. But now the Polish government is giving financial reparations for land it stole from its Jewish citizens during WWII, and Bessie wants the money. Klara has little interest in the money—but she does want answers about her father. She flies to Warsaw, determined to learn more. In Poland, Klara begins to piece together her father's, and her own, story. She also connects with extended family, begins a romantic relationship, and discovers her calling: repairing the hundreds of forgotten, and mostly destroyed, pre-War Jewish cemeteries in Poland. Along the way, she becomes a more integrated, embodied, and interpersonally connected individual—one with the tools to make peace with her past and, for the first time in her life, build purposefully toward a bigger future.

Days after graduation, Betsabé Ruiz's life in New York is turning out to be nothing less than cinematic. Although her first job at a white-shoe, Wall Street investment bank is the opportunity of a lifetime, she is not prepared for the magnitude of wealth swirling about her, the long hours and close quarters that infuse her professional relationships with intimacy, nor an unexpected attraction to her boss. And like all great films, Betsabé's New York dream comes with a twist that challenges her to find a balance between where she came from and where she's going.Narrated in the retrospective as a letter of wisdom to her unborn son, Daughter of a Promise captures not only Betsabé's coming of age but also her journey to understand that deep-seated forces such as desire and love are more complicated than she ever could have imagined.

Marianne gets the call while attending a conference in San Francisco: laid off, department dissolved. Two days later, she's back home in the dicey Kansas City neighborhood she moved to after a reversal of fortune two years ago. After all this time rebuilding her life, it's all collapsed.The daily grind is just that—a grind. Until it isn't, until it's gone and taken health insurance, retirement contributions, and the currency to buy food and shelter, never mind the free coffee at the office, along with it. In the aftermath of her layoff, Marianne tries all the usual routes to re-employment, but a middle-aged woman, regardless of experience, has little job cred in the tech world, especially with an address in the heartland. A contract job at a Chicago startup morphs through two acquisitions in eight weeks. And then she's mugged in her own neighborhood, which frightens her enough to consider a permanent move away.An irreverent look at the alien denizens of the tech world, the fraught business of mergers and acquisitions, and the parallel universe of job openings, Still Needs Work is a contemporary story of the working world wrapped around a very human story of one person, her dog, and her community.

Included in the'Most Anticipated Books of 2024'by the Chicago Review of BooksIn the backyard of Margaret and Joe Dowling's new house in the north suburbs of Chicago, Joe plants a young willow tree as a symbol of home, belonging, and growth. As the years pass, the willow becomes a place for Margaret to share life's wisdom with their four young daughters.Years after leaving the nest, now in their early forties, the Dowling women find themselves faced with changes that will define their lives. Debra, the oldest, is shattered when she is asked for a divorce. Rose, who has long hidden her true self, finally begins to evaluate her pattern of being in uncommitted relationships. Linney fears losing Magnolia, the magical shop where she works. Charlotte, the youngest, is the only one who knows their mother is terminally ill, and has been charged by her with keeping it a secret. And Margaret, now faced with the greatest of challenges and struggling with whether she has done enough to help her daughters find their way in life, calls them all to the family home to reunite under the willow one last time.A metaphorically rich and reflective tale of sisterhood and strength, The Wisdom of the Willow is a story of hope and healing, of the choices that shape our lives, and the challenges we all face as we seek to find our places in the world.

New beginnings and a dark secret collide in Rebecca Saunders'chaotic world. Frustrated by a jobless husband, unruly children, and rambunctious dogs, Becky seeks refuge in a quirky job working for Leo, a blustery wine importer with an attic office in his grand home. Leo's wife, Fizz, adds to the unpredictable mix with her eccentric personality and champagne-cork temperament. Amidst the swirling chaos, Becky discovers a hidden secret that threatens the heart of her newfound sanctuary. Can she navigate the tangled vines of her own life while preserving the fragile peace she's found?

The BRAND NEW emotional read from the NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, that fans of Colleen Hoover, Cecelia Ahern and Gabrielle Zevin will love.What if there is life before we are born?There are four of us: Samuel, Lucy, Thomas, and me – Eliza. And – if you've heard of the afterlife… well, we live in the beforelife.We came into being the day Becca Valentine was born. We've been by her side ever since. What she doesn't know yet, is that one day she might become our mother.Then two men come into her life. Both seeking her heart. And then we realise: everything rests on Becca's love story. Because one of the men is Lucy and Thomas's father. And the other is mine and Samuel's. And there's simply no way we can all be born.We all want her to make the right choice. We all want to be born. To hold her hand one day. To feel her stroke our hair. To call her our mother.Then we discover there is something we can do. We can change Fate. But we only have a single chance each. How would you make sure you were born? And what if doing that isn't what's best for the person you already love the most in the world – your mother? The most original, powerful, heartbreaking novel of the year, from the No.1 bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont.Readers love The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine:‘Laura Pearson is officially my author find of 2024!… The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine blew me away. The thought of these little ‘almosts'watching their mums was an incredible concept… It was just genius… My heart. I bow down to Laura. I loved it.'Mel Sherratt, author‘Inventive and wonderfully moving… The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine truly touched my heart. I have never read anything like it – a clever, touching and thought-provoking read that will stay with me.'Charlotte Rixon, author‘A gorgeous (and very clever) book. Actually stayed in bed this morning just so I could finish it, and I adored it, even if I am a little weepy now!'Jennie Godfrey, author‘Full of beautifully written characters, and its clever, compelling storyline had me so hooked I devoured it in one day.'Clare Swatman, author‘Wow! I honestly have no words. This was so beautifully written, so completely unique… A rollercoaster of emotions. I read this in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down… Really touched my heart and will stay with me forever.'Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘My favourite book of the year… I just wanted to keep reading… the characters became so important to me.'Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Incredibly unique… A brilliant concept, and I read it obsessively within the day!'Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book left a profound impact that lingers long after the final page… Incredibly moving and powerful… Takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, gripping you from beginning to end.'Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book truly is incredible!… I went though every conceivable emotion.'Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Laura's books read like she's written them with so much love and kindness, like she truly cares for these characters and their lives as if they were her own children… A stunning book… As dramatic as it may sound, her books make for a better world in my opinion.'Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The BRAND-NEW, brilliantly funny novel from #1 bestseller Fiona Gibson, author of The Mum Who Ran Away from Everything, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell.This year, their families can deck the bloody halls themselves...Old friends Shelley, Lena and Pearl have reached their limit with the festive preparation that has always fallen to them, and five days before Christmas, they've booked a mini break… without their families. Up until Christmas Eve, they'll be sipping prosecco in the Highlands while their kids wrap bacon around 100 chipolatas and their partners brave the supermarkets.It's exactly what they need… until they're snowed in. Facing the prospect of Christmas 500 miles from home, each woman is forced to confront her real reasons for needing to escape: the fiance with the obnoxious family; the son's new girlfriend who is taking over their home; the family who take their mother for granted all year round…Will the friends make it home before Christmas day? And if they do, can they really go back to their old lives?So forget Elf on the Shelf and get ready for Mums on the Run in the hilarious and heartwarming new novel from Fiona Gibson.Praise for Fiona Gibson:'I absolutely love Fiona Gibson's funny, emotional, relatable writing.'– JENNY COLGAN'Hilarious, sparky and joyful, relatable and brilliant! Highly recommended, whatever the time of year.'– JUDY LEIGH'Snowy, sparkly and satisfying. Highly recommended.'– MADDIE PLEASE'I so enjoyed this funny, insightful story... If you're struggling with the Christmas overwhelm, this book is perfect for you!'– CARMEN REID'Fun, festive and full of good cheer, Tis the damn season! should be on the top of your Christmas reading wish list.'– SARAH BENNETT'This book isn't just for Christmas... it's the perfect escapist novel for any time of the year!'– KATE GALLEY'A festive, funny and heartfelt story of friendship and finding your way. I loved it.'– FREYA KENNEDY'Warm, witty and wonderfully relatable. Perfect escapism for women struggling to juggle everything, especially at Christmas!'– KATHLEEN WHYMAN‘I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in less than a day. It was fun, relatable and an easy read. This was one of my favourite books by Fiona Gibson!'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Marvellous at any time of the year! You're never disappointed with a Fiona Gibson novel and this one is no exception. Simple storylines, lovely ending, characters you can relate to and root for, what's not to love?'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘I adored this book! I love Fiona's books anyway and definitely have more on my wishlist! This is the perfect festive read. Wouldn't we all like to escape sometimes from the festive build up?'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘This book is honestly very funny… I am probably going to reread this story again in the next couple of days, I liked it that much.'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘I love a good Fiona Gibson book, and this is a very good one!'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘I honestly couldn't put this book down! Read in 1 day as I was just captured by the characters who are so true to life. This book has me laughing out loud and also in tears!'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘I was cracking up laughing through the entire book and devoured it in one sitting!'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️More praise for Fiona's books:‘A terrifically entertaining, cheery romance, with an endearing heroine'SUNDAY MIRROR‘Warm, funny and poignant'DAILY MAIL‘Warm, witty and fun'MY WEEKLY‘The voice of modern women'MARIE CLAIRE‘More than funny, it's true'ELLE‘Warm, funny and endearing'BEST

The BRAND NEW gorgeous, escapist romantic read from Jennifer Bohnet for 2024A fresh start in the beautiful Brittany countryside is what dreams are made of...Buying and relocating to the Château du Cheval in rural France has fulfilled one of Peter and Ingrid Chevalier's lifelong ambitions. Despite never being able to trace a missing link in Peter's French ancestry he feels he has finally come home. Now they must renovate the Château to its former glory and make it pay for itself… With money getting tight, they take the decision to sell a couple of cottages on the estate. Can the Château begin to pay for itself and be sustainable for the future?Divorced Sasha Heath and her brother Freddie decide to sensibly invest their mother's inheritance into property and buy the two rundown cottages on the Château's estate. Putting the past behind them, a new life in France beckons, but will it live up to their dreams?As they relax and settle into their new idyllic lifestyle, their new lives throw up several surprises, and all they can do is cross their fingers and hope everything will turn out well in the end.An uplifting tale of new adventures and second chances. Perfect for the fans of Jill Mansell and Fern Britton.Praise for Jennifer Bohnet'Unputdownable, a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship in the glorious south of France. What's not to love!'- Lucy Coleman'I couldn't stop myself from turning the pages and read it in one sitting. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended!'- Alison SherlockA beautifully written and heart-warming tale of family and friendship'- Jessica Redland'There is much joy in this story, tempered with some bittersweet memories, but I can promise that you'll be left feeling both joyous and uplifted. Highly recommended.'- Reader Review'No surprises here. Just two sweet romances in a dream-come-true story. Not soppy sweet, just charmingly so. Perfect for a rainy day on the couch or a sunny day on a patio.'- Reader Review'I absolutely love Jennifer's stories, the characters and storyline's are superb and she always leaves us wanting more.'- Reader Review'I couldn't put it down it's definitely a page turner.'- Reader Review'What a lovely, happy story. Full of the ups and downs of life, but with a happy ending full of love and promise. Thank you.'- Reader Review

The BRAND NEW instalment in the Skylarks series from bestseller Helen RolfeA hidden secretLive every day as if it were your last – that's the motto Bess has lived by since her father died unexpectedly. As a critical care paramedic, Bess sees every day just how easily life can be taken away. But carefree living has risks, and as Bess's debts mount, she discovers her actions could have terrible consequences…An unexpected arrivalNothing gives Gio more joy than his work saving lives in the fire service. And on the days when his call-outs put him in the path of the air ambulance, and one paramedic in particular, things are pretty perfect. Until Gio's world is spun on its head, first by the arrival of his estranged mother on his doorstep, and then by an accident that could put his career on hold indefinitely.A new beginning?Gio and Bess have always worked well together, but could they be the solution to each other's problems beyond the frontline as well? And will they let their guard down enough to give each other a chance before snow falls over Whistlestop River?It's time for the Skylarks to drop everything and take to the skies again in this gorgeous new book from Helen Rolfe, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Jo Bartlett.Readers are LOVING The Skylarks series!‘As a big fan of Helen Rolfe books, I have been eagerly awaiting Come Fly With Me and it did not disappoint! Barely a chapter in and I was hooked and knew I'd love it.'—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘I have never read anything by Helen Rolfe before but I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the first chapter, I loved the setting of the story and the details of the air ambulance call outs were really interesting and added to the story.'—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘From the very first moment I saw this on the authors page I knew I had to read it even without reading the outline... I love anything medical but I've never read anything with a air ambulance crew involved but I challenge you not to love The Skylarks Book One.'—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Overall, this is a fantastic read, much deeper than a typical romance, with a really satisfying story. The fact that it's book one of a new series is an added bonus.'—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘A must read!!'—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Helen's descriptive writing immediately immersed me in the world of Dorset, making me feel like part of the story. I absolutely loved it. Excited to see what's next! Grab your copy without delay!'—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Brilliant characters, a great storyline and an absolute delight to read.'—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘••What a terrific start to a new series!•• I'm already looking forward to the next instalment. Whistlestop River is a delightful setting, and I could envisage the patchwork fields and the breathtaking coastline each time the helicopter took to the skies.'—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Praise for Helen Rolfe:‘I really loved this book. I fully intended to save it for the long bank holiday weekend, to be enjoyed leisurely over a few days, but I ended up devouring it all in just two sittings…'Jo Bartlett‘Helen Rolfe is an absolute specialist at building cosy communities and making me want to live there. I want the characters as my friends!'Sue Moorcroft

A wildly inventive follow up to the acclaimed bestseller A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing, winner of the ABIA for Literary Fiction Book of the Year.'A searing critique of academia, but one that cleverly weaves in an exploration of skewed power dynamics, the nature of translation, and mother-daughter relationships. It's fast-paced and written with an intensity that will drive you from page to page. But it's the themes Tu explores – exploitation and deception – that make The Honeyeater both biting and memorable.'– The Guardian'An absorbing story about longing, power, and cultural identity, Tu does a brilliant job of hiding her emotional grenades in plain sight, only to detonate them at just the right moment.'– The Sydney Morning Herald'This second offering, a delicious banquet of microaggressions and epic betrayals, refuses to play politely in a specific genre and the result is a taut, emotionally intelligent, defiant exploration of a young woman's drive to assert herself, to be understood, in a world that would prefer she remained lost in translation.'– The Age'Tu is original, brilliant, funny, fierce--everything I want in a writer.'– Annabel Crabb'Daring and moving... a joy to read.'– Christos Tsiolkas'Startlingly beautiful and ultimately hopeful.'– Tiffany Tsao'What a book.'– Alice Pung'Everything I love in fiction.'– Madeleine Gray, author of Green Dot'The literary mystery for our times... a triumph.'– Neela Janakiramanan, author of The Registrar'Translation is longing. You never get it right.'Young academic and emerging translator Fay takes her mother on a package tour holiday to France to celebrate her birthday. It's a chance for the two of them to take a break from work and have a little fun, but they both find it hard to relax. Her mother seems reluctant to leave their room in the evening, and Fay is working on a difficult translation. On their last night in France, Fay receives the shattering news that her former lover has suddenly died.Back in Sydney, Fay seeks solace from her mentor, Professor Samantha Egan-Smith, who offers her a spot at a prestigious translation conference in Taipei. But can she trust her? Does the Professor know more than she is admitting, or is Fay being paranoid? When a shocking allegation is made, Fay chooses to keep it secret. Is she protecting the Professor or exercising power over her? Fay arrives at the conference in Taipei. Career opportunities abound, but it's ghost month in Taiwan. Her mother had begged her not to go at that time, warning that she would be susceptible to dangers and threats. And there is almost nothing a mother won't do to protect her child.A wildly inventive, chilling and intoxicating story of betrayal, ambition and love, The Honeyeater confirms that Jessie Tu is one of our most original and exciting writers. Praise for The Honeyeater:'A sensitive meditation on what is and isn't said between mother and daughter. In a family stratified by language, Tu beautifully captures the shifting dynamic of who is the parent and who is the child.'– S.L. Lim, author of Revenge'One of those books that haunts you long after it's finished. Despite the narrator's almost dreamy detachment, it is razor sharp and skewers exoticism.'– Sarah Dingle, author of Brave New Humans'Thrilling and playful... Jessie Tu is a compelling literary talent with deep emotional insight and narrative genius.'– Gok-Lim Finch, writer, artist and co-founder of dotdotdash'The entire book manages to feel both painstakingly crafted, and effortless. But perhaps her most powerful skill is creating three emotionally charged characters; outwardly, they choose composure a

'A delight of a novel. Brilliant. All the characters developed in fascinating and unpredictable ways.'Leslie Daniels, author of Cleaning Nabokov's House.Molly Giles is the WINNER of a Pushcart Prize, The Flannery O'Connor Prize and The Leapfrog Global Fiction Prize.At forty-four, Kay Sorensen has quit drinking, smoking, and overeating, and she has almost quit reading self-help books about quitting drinking, smoking and overeating. She has divorced her deadbeat husband, finished college, and landed a job she loves directing a small branch of the county library.But Kay still has one unconquered addiction: she just can't say no to someone who needs her.Praise for other books by Molly Giles“What an irreverent, original voice!”– Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club'Roll over, Evelyn Waugh, here's Molly Giles. She's the authentic satiric voice – a rare bird in American Letters – wicked, affectionate, and amused.'– Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun'Molly Giles is the funniest writer of tragedy this country possesses.'– Lucy Ferriss, author of The Misconceiver'Molly Giles is like a dancer who can't put a foot down wrong.'– Cyra McFadden, author of The Serial

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah comes a stylish boxed set featuring paperback editions of three unforgettable novels: Summer Island, Distant Shores, and Angel Falls.The three novels in this luminous collection showcase Kristin Hannah's trademark gift for crafting evocative stories that examine the secrets of our past and the complexity of our lives to find the strength to change and the courage to forgive:Summer Island: Ruby is offered a fortune to write a tell-all about her famous mother, Nora, who had walked out on her marriage and left her daughters behind. But when they reunite, Ruby comes to find that Nora isn't the woman she's hated all these years.Distant Shores: Soon after Jack and Elizabeth's daughters leave home, the couple begins to drift apart. When Jack accepts a new job, Elizabeth follows him across the country to try and keep their marriage together—until tragedy turns her world upside down.Angel Falls: When Mikaela falls into a coma, her husband, Liam, must keep their family together as he stays by her side daily, hoping for her to wake up. Then he learns of his wife's secret past—a hidden first marriage—and knows he must reach out to her first husband for help... and answers.

Join Daisy May on her biggest adventure yet! A fun-filled cosy story about friendships, family and life on the waterThere may be trouble ahead…Just when Daisy thought she had canal life understood, Theo, her primary go-to for all of her boating questions has left Wildflower Lock, not to mention the budding romance that has been steadily growing.Not one to sit and wallow, Daisy takes matters into her own hands. Who said long-distance relationships can't work?With the help of trusted friend Yvonne, Daisy takes the September Rose on a round trip to surprise her new boyfriend. The best thing about a home on the water? You can go anywhere!But perhaps leaving the serenity of Wildflower Lock wasn't the best idea. Daisy hates keeping secrets from Theo, and she's not the only one…Full of fun, friendship, laughter and sweet romance, Blue Skies over Wildflower Lock will delight readers who love Cressida McLaughlin, Heidi Swain and Holly MartinPraise for Hannah Lynn:'Wildflower Lock is such a beautifully realised location, I want to return there again and again. Hannah Lynn writes with such warmth and fluidity, I was completely invested in Daisy May's journey of self-discovery.'Sarah Bennett‘Heartfelt and engrossing - you'll fall in love with Wildflower Lock.'Fay Keenan'A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!'Katie Fforde'Another wonderful adventure with Daisy and Theo!... Its happy but realistic, swoony but down to earth, and downright delightful.'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'A thoroughly good read, very entertaining and a series I hope will continue. Five sparkling stars and my recommendation.'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'This is a really beautiful cosy read. I found the location and the houseboat to be stunning... The characters where fantastic I honestly loved them all.'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

“A portrait of the riotous, tragicomic, dysfunctional, bonkers Royal family of poor George III.... Fascinating, very, very funny, ultimately humane.” —Marian Keyes, international bestselling author When Nellie Welche is appointed companion to Princess Sophia, her family is delighted. It's more than her father, steward to the Prince of Wales, ever imagined for his daughter. But once Nellie begins spending her days in close quarters with the royal family, she discovers the world within the palace is not at all what she expected. Rather than attending royal balls and society events, Princess Sofy and her sisters live in isolation. There's also affable King George III, whose struggles with madness only deepen the privacy in which the royals must live. Over the course of a lifetime, Sofy and Nellie become inseparable. But as Sofy's dearest friend, Nellie is also the keeper of her secrets—until the scandal that threatens their relationship... and the reputation of the House of Hanover. “Funny, fascinating and profoundly moving.” —Freya North, international bestselling author of The Turning Point “A delightfully smart and sophisticated historical novelist.” —The Sunday Times “Every page is a joy to read.” —Daily Mail

Inspired by the biography of a British royal, a historical novel about a princess who defied her family by marrying a Romanov. As a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, Princess Victoria Melita—known affectionately as Ducky—must abide by the rules of the royal family and make a suitable match. But Ducky is young and infatuated with a Romanov, a member of the doomed Russian imperial family. Risking everything to be with the man she loves, she forges her own path. From her exile to Paris to her glamourous life in St. Petersburg, Ducky narrates the story of her extraordinary journey—at the center of the chaos of the Russian revolution and the demise of the Romanov dynasty.Praise for Laurie Graham “Graham's style is riveting.” —The Times (London) “Laurie Graham has a wonderfully light, deft touch.” —Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Empire Falls “Why is Laurie Graham not carried on people's shoulders through cheering crowds? Her books are brilliant!” —Marian Keyes, international bestselling author of Again, Rachel and Grown Ups

The BRAND NEW instalment in Della Galton's heartwarming Puddleduck Farm series.When life throws up the unexpected, can Phoebe hold strong?In the idyllic setting of the New Forest, talented vet Phoebe Dashwood envisions a picturesque life alongside her beloved fiancé. However, the course of true love is fraught with unexpected hurdles.Career wise, Phoebe encounters a goat who is seemingly experiencing a phantom pregnancy, and a highly-strung talking parrot who pushes her professionalism to the limits.Things take an unexpected turn for the worse when Phoebe is confronted with a glamorous love rival, and a surprise Valentine's Day ‘date'to see a financial advisor! Can things get any worse?When tragedy strikes Phoebe realises that nothing in life should be taken for granted and fears she will lose everything she holds dear.Whilst her friends find their own happy endings, Phoebe is beset with doubts that she and Sam will never find theirs. Is love enough to carry them into the future they deserve?Upliftiing, poignant and feel-good ficiton, perfect for the fans of Alison Sherlock, Sarah Hope and Lisa HobmanPraise for Della Galton:'A delightful story, in what promises to be a wonderful new series, full of fun and animal drama!'- Jo Bartlett'I Love this series. These heartwarming books are an ideal read while you are lazing in the sunshine, or wrapped up warm by the fire. I look forward to the next Della Galton book'- Reader Review'A beautifully written, gentle story about self-acceptance, family and friendship.'- Sarah Bennett'Brilliant. What another great book in this series. I love reading another instalment of life about the characters and animals. A perfect combination.'- Reader Review'Puddleduck Farm will find its way into your heart - a wonderfully cosy read!'- Fay Keenan'A warm, delightful read full of friendship and family with a touch of love on the horizon... I can't wait to see what happens next at Puddleduck Farm!'- Helen Rolfe'A gorgeous start to a heart-warming new series, filled with engaging characters and a delightful cast of animals. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Puddleduck Farm!'- Jill Steeples

The BRAND NEW hilarious novel from the #1 bestselling author, Maddie Please!It's never too late to sail a new course...When retired Jill Parker wins an all-expenses paid mediterranean cruise for two she is thrilled! At 63 life in retirement has got a little bit bland for Jill and this might be just the holiday she and husband Eddy need to get the sparks back in their marriage.But when Eddy admits he would much prefer to build his patio and look through the latest DIY magazine, Jill is left with only one other option – her sister Diana.Diana has become rather reclusive since her husband, Caspar died, but perhaps this is the push she needs to bring some excitement back into her life, too?Could this trip be just what both sisters need to reconnect and chart a new path for their futures?Excited to be exploring new horizons and catching up, the sisters soon discover that not everything is smooth sailing on board. And as they enjoy cocktails together at sundown, they discover that they are both actually a little all at sea…An uplifting and hilarious story about living life to the full and always, always having fun! Perfect for fans of Judy Leigh and Dee MacdonaldWhat readers are saying about Maddie Please:'Sea, sunshine, romance and fabulous characters; Maddie's light touch and sense of fun will lift your spirits!'Bestselling author Judy Leigh'A new lease of life under the Greek sun. As fresh and delicious as chilled retsina!'Sunday Times Bestselling author Phillipa Ashley.'For a book that's as cheering and restorative as a long lunch with your very best friend, Maddie Please is the author you need to know!'Bestselling author Chris Manby'Genuine and life-affirming…a wonderful, lighthearted novel about how it is never too late to find happiness.'Bestselling author Kitty Wilson'A heart-warming story filled with friendship and fun. It's official - I want to be an Old Duck!'Bestselling author Maisie Thomas

The BRAND NEW novel from Number 1 Bestselling author Beth Moran!Growing up, sisters Libby and Nicky never knew who they'd find at breakfast.Their parents fostered children of all ages, and although the girls loved playing their part in providing a safe haven, it meant that life was rarely peaceful.Now as a single mother of two, Libby's life is still anything but peaceful. In her work as an antenatal coach, as well as for the charity she and Nicky run for teenage mothers, Libby uses all the skills she learnt growing up surrounded by children. Her days are full, caring for her family, the mothers-to-be and the latest strays she has welcomed into her home. But in the dark of the lonely nights, Libby worries she's falling apart at the seams.One troubled boy and a reckless decision she made thirteen years ago still haunts her.Two hearts that were broken, still not mended.The time has come for Libby to look out for herself. As her family, friends and her community have known forever, Libby is one of a kind, and if she can just learn to love herself, she may be able to welcome back the love she let slip through her fingers.Uplifting, heart-warming and irresistibly good for the soul, it's impossible not to fall in love with a Beth Moran story. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.Readers love Beth Moran's books:'Beth Moran's heartwarming books never fail to leave me feeling uplifted'Jessica Redland'A British author to watch'Publisher's Weekly'Let it Snow is so uplifting. It's cleverly written, witty and smart. A winner!'Judy Leigh‘Life-affirming, joyful and tender'Zoe Folbigg'Every day is a perfect day to read this'Shari Low‘So much truth and wisdom wrapped up in this lovely story of love and friendship… As always Beth Moran gives us characters who feel like friends for life and an emotionally honest journey of recovery from heart-wrenching pasts with a lot of laughs along the way. Delicious escapist read'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘I was totally invested in this book from the first page. I laughed, shed tears and didn't want it to end. Of course I also wanted to get to the end so I would know the whole story! It's an excellent emotional rollercoaster telling a tale of love, loss and new beginnings'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘Heart-warming, moving and a lovely read as are all the author's books, I enjoyed this thoroughly and loved the back story to go with it!'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘What a lovely story, I enjoyed it so much. This is my first time reading a Beth Moran book but I can assure you it will not be my last. This is really well written story, I strongly advise others to read it. It has it all, mystery, love, friendship, heartbreak but most of all though enjoyment'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘Beth has the knack of describing people and places as if you know them, this is a real gift. This is a story of tragedy and healing and has a very uplifting ending, I love, love, loved it'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘Another gorgeous tale from the queen of comfort reads'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

In Hollywood, deadly secrets lurk just behind the scenes. Scarlett Norris is Hollywood's darling, an award-winning actress on her way to the top. To her younger sister, Angie, she is all that and more—beautiful, loving, fearless, and a guiding light—things Angie believes she herself could never be. When Scarlett suddenly commits suicide, Angie is devastated, but something keeps nagging at her. Scarlett would never do such a thing. Would she? In a move that stuns her family, timid, anxious Angie summons the courage to leave her sheltered New York life to follow Scarlett's path to Hollywood. She gains access to the gilded world of film stars, movie moguls, and powerful producers, and discovers a new sense of self. She also discovers that beneath Hollywood's dazzle and glamour lie some dark and ugly truths. Angie slowly starts piecing together what really happened to Scarlett. Can she expose the corruption of Hollywood and live to tell? Suspense-filled and gripping from beginning to end, Catch and Kill is about staring down monsters—even those that have the power to destroy you.'Heartbreaking search for truth and justice.'- Advanced ReviewFans of The Assistant and Casablanca will love this thrilling book.

A playful debut short story collection imagining women's lives in a world free of social limitations. Amid heightened restrictions about what women can and cannot do with their bodies, Lynn Schmeidler's debut short story collection, Half-Lives, is a humane, absurd, and timely collection of narratives centering on women's bodies and psyches. Playful and experimental, these sixteen stories explore girlhood, sexuality, motherhood, identity, and aging in a world where structures of societal norms, narrative, gender, and sometimes even physics do not apply. The protagonists grapple with the roles they choose and with those that are thrust upon them as they navigate their ever-evolving emotional lives. A woman lists her vagina on Airbnb, Sleeping Beauty is a yoga teacher who lies in state on the dais of her mother's studio, and a museum intern writes a confession of her affair in the form of a hijacked museum audio guide. Half-Lives is the 2023 Rising Writer Prize winner, selected by Matt Bell.

For fans of B. K. Borison and Sarah Adams comes a cheeky, small-town romantic comedy about finding yourself in the weeds... only to find love, too. It took exactly twenty-four hours for Atlanta publicist Emma Walters's life to go from near-perfect to a monumental disaster. One day to break up with her boyfriend, get fired and inherit a farm. All that's left is for her to take the still-smoking remains of her dignity and flee to her new farm in Green Acres, Georgia. However, Emma's new country life is anything but peaceful. The quirky locals seem to inexplicably dislike her, and farming proves way messier than she expected. Adding to her frustration is Dan Pednekar, the farm's infuriatingly handsome manager, who doubts her ability to handle even the simplest tasks. Emma soon discovers that the farm isn't exactly what it seems. It doesn't sell anything, making her wonder if it's just a glorified petting zoo or if Dan is hiding something much bigger. With suspiciously named shops like Four and Twenty Blackbirds lining Main Street, it's clear that the whole town might be in on a secret. But when the farm—and the livelihood of the townsfolk—is threatened, Emma must come up with a plan to save it. Because when you farm around, it's just a matter of time before everyone finds out.'A fun, fresh take on the fish out of water trope that will have you laughing out loud! Lucy Eden delivers a punchline with aplomb!'—Farrah Rochon, New York Times bestselling author of Pardon My Frenchie

The perfect rural romance for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.Primrose Hall is more than Jackson Moody and his fiancée Pia's home – it's the heart of the community.The Sunday craft fairs in the renovated stables are a popular draw for the locals and tourists alike, enticed by the beautiful surroundings of Primrose Woods as well as the irresistible goodies on display. But for Sophie Wright they're a chance to forge a new life and a new business. After leaving behind a turbulent relationship, Sophie is starting again – and romance is the last thing on her mind.Drop dead gorgeous Tom, Lord of the Manor Jackson's newly-discovered older brother, is loving being a member of the Primrose Hall community. Content to muck in where he can be helpful, he's just happy to be part of the family. But when tragedy strikes, Pia needs Tom more than he ever expected. And when Tom needs a shoulder to cry on, Sophie might be the perfect person to help – if only she hadn't sworn off romance for good…Join the gang at Primrose Hall for laughter, tears, friendship and romance, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.‘A gorgeous setting and wonderful characters, just the loveliest place to cosy up and escape to.'Beth MoranReaders are loving the adventures at Primrose Woods:‘I have really enjoyed this series of books. Wonderful to lose yourself in the dramas of Primrose Hall and all the characters within.'‘Jill Steeples is one of my favourite authors. I really enjoy all the Primrose Woods series books…This is the book to curl up with, it's like a warm hug, that you absolutely lose yourself in.'‘I couldn't put the book down and glad I had this whilst in hospital playing the waiting game. Jill you've done it again and I hope they'll be a fourth visit to Primrose Hall because I've got questions and the beginning of new storyline that need to be told.'‘Loved being back at Primrose Woods/Hall and to another story in the series although this could be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the full series for full enjoyment… This was another lovely read from this author within the beautiful setting of Primrose Hall and with an element of festive magic to warm our hearts looking forward to the next instalment of this series.'‘This is a delightful, warm and cosy read. Jill always writes such heart-warming books and never fails to disappoint. Another fabulous book which I hope is not the last in the Primrose Hall series.'

The controversial story of one of the twentieth century's most famed scientists, Rosalind Franklin, who discovered the two-chain helical structure of DNA in 1952— but was then cheated out of the Nobel Prize.Rosalind Franklin knows that to be a woman in a man's world is to be invisible. In the 1950s, science is a gentleman's profession and in the years after WWII there are plenty of scientists who want to keep it that way. After being segregated at Cambridge, then ignored and criticized in the workplace, she has no intention of being seen as a second-class scientist and throws everything into proving her worth. But despite her success in unlocking the very secret of life, the ultimate glory is claimed by the men she left in her wake. Inspired by the true story of a woman so many tried to silence, The English Chemist is a tale of hope and perseverance, love and betrayal.

No matter how far you run, you can't escape yourself--or outrun the love of God When her husband dies, Charlotte can't face the things she's done, things that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything--her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she's made, and the secrets that have been eating her alive. She's desperate to find the peace she's looking for somewhere out there. Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago's South Side with nothing but their home and their belongings, not a parent to be seen. They're doing everything they can to stay together as a family. But three young girls--sixteen, fourteen, and twelve--aren't meant to parent themselves. The close-knit community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but it isn't enough. The girls are struggling and making destructive decisions as a way of coping with abandonment. Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is trying to keep her own head above water. She's made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte's never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, she must face her past head-on. Will she be able to find the courage to embrace motherhood? And will that be enough not to lose her family altogether? Debut author Tina Shelton drops readers straight into 1980s South Side Chicago. Her raw, authentic writing welcomes those who are willing to come alongside characters dealing with generational trauma, abandonment, hidden abuse, destructive choices, and the desire to be set free. This Ain't No Promised Land will appeal to readers of Black Cake, Miss Pearly's Girls, and Michelle Obama's Becoming.

A Broadway actress has a chance at stardom when cast by a major Hollywood director, but the role of her dreams may cost her the love of a lifetime in this epic novel from'one of the finest romance writers of our age.'(Entertainment Weekly) For months I stood in the wings, an understudy waiting for my time to shine. I never imagined he would be in the audience that night. Canon Holt. Famous film director. Talented. Fine. Before I could catch my breath, everything changed. I went from backstage Broadway to center stage Hollywood. From being unknown, to my name, Neevah Saint, on everyone's lips when Canon casts me in a star-studded Harlem Renaissance biopic. But stars shine brightest in the dead of night. Forbidden attraction, scandal and circumstances beyond my control jeopardize my dream. Could this one shot—the role and love of a lifetime—cost me everything? This beautiful new edition includes a never-before-published bonus epilogue! ·Entertainment Weekly Best Romances of the Year ·Washington Post Best Romances of the Year ·BookBub's Highest Rated Books of the Year ·LA Times 50 Best Hollywood Books of All Time

'Fast moving and frothing with the fun kind of female fury'JO BRANDWHEN THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU, IT'S TIME TO GET EVEN.Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men. Only they're not going down without a fight.Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans.After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin...PRAISE FOR KATHY LETTE:'Deliciously rude and darkly funny'Nicole Kidman'Unputdownable'Stephen Fry'The thinking lady's hornbag'Kath and Kim

In a village in rural Assam, quiet, unassuming Paridhi grows up witnessing domestic violence at close quarters. The conservative society she inhabits, shapes and befuddles her. Her rebellion is silent—she submerges herself in a world of colour. Pebbles turn into objects of art in her hands. She writes and reads extensively to escape her cloistered life. But to what end? Is it really ever possible to escape one's confines? The house she's lived in ever since her childhood, now infested with termites, is her responsibility now. With an ageing mother, an ailing uncle and an absentee brother, Paridhi feels like she has no one to depend on. Except perhaps Bondeep. But with passing time, there are growing concerns—will Bondeep's family ever be able to accept her? She could always confide in the vivacious Juroni, her best friend, neighbour and confidant. But Juroni has secrets of her own, which she keeps close to her heart until the inevitable, devastating end. Peopled with characters great and small, Beneath the Simolu Tree follows Paridhi as she navigates life, confronts injustices and comes out stronger but not embittered. Stories and realities are brought into sharp conflict in this tale of human yearning, as Pritam explores the depths of her innermost desires. At the heart of this novel lies the one question we spend our entire lives searching an answer for—what is it to love and be loved?

The next story in a BRAND NEW wartime series by bestselling author Fenella J. Miller - Meet the Army Girls!June 1942Grace Sinclair never meant to sign up to the ATS, but when her parents made it clear she had to marry a man she hated, Grace ran away to the safety of the army. But with her cut-glass accent and upper-class ways, Grace finds it hard to fit in with the other girls and begins to think she has made a terrible mistake…Things get worse for Grace when she meets dashing Squadron Leader Chris Holloway who shares sad and shocking news about Grace's brother. Heartbroken, Grace confides in fellow ATS girl Ruth who offers her a shoulder to cry on.With the war raging on, Grace knows she can't wallow and must do her duty. And with Ruth's new friendship and Squadron Leader Holloway's support too, maybe there is hope on the horizon for Grace after all.A gripping and authentic tale of courage, duty and bravery, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Patricia McBride and Rosie Clarke.Praise for Fenella J. Miller:'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours'Glynis Peters'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place'Lizzie Lane'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!'Jean Fullerton'There were ups and downs for Grace, some major drama, some lovely lighthearted moments, and an absolutely perfect ending that had me smiling from ear to ear'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Historical fiction inspired by the War Office response to the Nazi obsession with the occultStep forward Daphne Devine - you are about to change the course of the war ‘A breathtaking historical thriller.'Erin Kelly, author of The Skeleton Key'Vivid and thoroughly entertaining... More, please.'Guardian, best crime and thrillers June 1940. As World War Two rages, Daphne Devine remains in London, performing each night as assistant to stage magician Jonty Trevelyan, aka the Grand Mystique. Then the secret service call. For, aware of Hitler's belief in the occult, the war office has set up a hidden cohort to exploit this quirk in the enemy's chain of command. Daphne and Jonty find themselves far from the glitz and glamour of the theatre, deep inside the lower levels of Wormwood Scrubs prison. Here, they join secret ranks of occultists, surrealists, and other eccentrics co-opted to the war effort. There is one goal: to avert invasion on British shores. Soon Daphne realises she must risk everything if there is any chance of saving her country'Quirky, clever and compelling.'Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl'A rattling good read.'Barbara Nadel, author of Belshazzar's Daughter

This moving novel gives voice to the silent grief of the mothers of stillborn children The young free-spirited florist Frieda grew up in a strictly Catholic environment in the 1960s. When she steps onto a frozen river on a late winter afternoon, little does she know that everything is about to change for her. On the ice she meets the married Otto. They experience a love that begins stormy and ends fatefully: Frieda becomes pregnant - a scandal in the world in which she moves. And so she must never be the mother of her secret child. For decades she kept her memories of this episode in her life to herself. But the grief for the lost child remains, despite the later marriage, despite the son she still has. At the age of eighty-one, Frieda is suddenly alone again. The silent sorrow returns with force. Only then does she dare to face her story – and to share it. With Afterlight, inspired by true events, Robben not only pulls back the veil on Frieda's story, but also shines a light on the experiences of countless women between the 1950s and 1980s. The result is an impressive story about buried female trauma, caused by society, organized religion and the dominant social mores.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The tender and perceptive debut novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful, about three generations of a large Catholic family jarred into crisis by an unexpected pregnancy“This stunning... exquisite, skillfully written gem addresses serious issues–e.g., guilt vs. loyalty, the past vs. the present—[but] remains hopeful and includes ample doses of humor and wit.”—Library Journal (starred review)No one in my mother's family ever talks about anything that can be categorized as unpleasant or as having to do with emotions....This spellbinding novel by bestselling author Ann Napolitano is a poignant reminder of how connected we are to those we love, even when we cannot find the words to say it. The unforgettable story of three generations of an Irish American family, Within Arm's Reach is another rich and deeply satisfying novel from the author who captured the many dimensions of grief in Dear Edward and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood in Hello Beautiful.

“This is the one: the next must-read, must-recommend, must-discuss, must-re-read novel. A miraculous literary thriller, shocking, daring, moving, haunting, infinitely rewarding—as though Kate Atkinson and Ruth Rendell had joined forces.”—A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window and End of StoryONE OF THE WASHINGTON POST'S 12 THRILLERS TO READ THIS SUMMER • ONE OF BLOOMBERG'S TOP NEW BOOKS FOR YOUR SUMMER READING LIST A heart-wrenching mystery about sisters, lovers, and a dinner party gone wrong.Twenty-five years ago, a young girl left home to walk to school. Her younger sister soon followed. But one of them arrived, and one of them didn't. Her sister's disappearance has defined Willa's life. Everyone thinks her sister is dead, but Willa knows she isn't. Because there are some things that only sisters know about each other—and some bonds only sisters can break.Willa sees fragments of her sister everywhere — the way that woman on the train turns her head, the gait of that woman in Paris. If there's the slightest resemblance, Willa drops everything, and everyone, and tries to see if it is her.When Willa is invited to a dinner party thrown by her first love, she has no reason to expect it will be anything other than an ordinary evening. Both of them have moved on, ancient history. But nothing about Willa's life has been ordinary since the day her sister disappeared, and that's not about to change tonight.Sarah Easter Collins has written an extraordinary novel about memory, lost love, and long-buried secrets that sometimes see the light of day.