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By E. T. Hoffman. 2018
On Christmas Eve, seven-year-old Marie and her eight-year-old brother Fritz anxiously await their Christmas gifts. When their godfather—a clock builder…
and toymaker—arrives, he unveils an ornate clockwork castle adorned with whirling figurines for the children. While Fritz plays with the clock, Marie is taken aside and given another gift—a nutcracker. After Fritz grabs the nutcracker from Marie and breaks its jaw by cracking too many nuts, their playtime ends and they head off to bed. When the clock strikes twelve, magic makes its way into this enduring tale and an epic battle ensues. This timeless classic, featuring all-new full-color and black-and-white illustrations by artist Arkady Roytman and abridged text by Gina Gold, is the perfect story to get anyone in the holiday spirit!By Charlotte Wood. 2020
A #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER One of The Times books of the year: 'Ripples with wit, insight and vitality' 'The Weekend…
is so great I am struggling to find the words to do it justice... Wood is an agonisingly gifted writer: I am now going to read all her other books!'Marian Keyes'It was refreshing to encounter a novel that so profoundly sympathises with women on the forbidding cusp of being classified as "elderly". Wood ably conveys that older women didn't used to be old, and that the experience of ageing is universally bewildering'Lionel Shriver (Observer, Books of the year) 'Riveting' Elizabeth Day 'A perfect, funny, insightful, novel about women, friendship, and ageing. I loved it'Nina Stibbe 'Authentic, funny, brutally well-observed... As with the novels of Elizabeth Strout or Anne Tyler, these are characters not written to please, but to feel true'The Sunday Times 'Glorious... Charlotte Wood joins the ranks of writers such as Nora Ephron, Penelope Lively and Elizabeth Strout' Guardian'The Weekend triumphantly brings to life the honest, inner lives of women' Independent'A lovely, lively, intelligent, funny book' Tessa Hadley 'One sharp, funny, heartbreaking and gorgeously-written package. I loved it' Paula Hawkins'One of those deceptively compact novels that continues to open doors in your mind long after the last page' Patrick GaleSylvie, Jude, Wendy and Adele have a lifelong friendship of the best kind: loving, practical, frank and steadfast. But when Sylvie dies, the ground shifts dangerously for the remaining three.These women couldn't be more different: Jude, a once-famous restaurateur with a spotless life and a long-standing affair with a married man; Wendy, an acclaimed feminist intellectual; Adele, a former star of the stage, now practically homeless. Struggling to recall exactly why they've remained close all these years, the grieving women gather for one last weekend at Sylvie's old beach house. But fraying tempers, an elderly dog, unwelcome guests and too much wine collide in a storm that brings long-buried hurts to the surface - a storm that will either remind them of the bond they share, or sweep away their friendship for good.'A delight from the first page to the last' Milly Johnson, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew'Laugh-out-loud…
funny, as warm as it is witty...If you love Milly Johnson you will love Laura Kemp' Debbie Johnson, bestselling author of The Comfort Food Café seriesCharlotte Bold is nothing like her name - she is shy and timid and just wants a quiet life. When her job doing the traffic news on the radio in London is relocated to Sunshine FM in Mumbles, she jumps at the chance for a new start in Wales. But when she arrives she discovers that she's not there to do the travel news - she's there to front the graveyard evening show. And she's not sure she can do it.Thrust into the limelight, she must find her voice and a way to cope. And soon she realises that she's not the only person who finds life hard - out there her listeners are lonely too. And her show is the one keeping them going.Can Charlotte seize the day and make the most of her new home? And will she be able to breathe new life into the tiny radio station too...?Praise for Bring Me Sunshine:'An absolute joy. Five stars' Isabelle Broom, Heat'A truly wonderful and heartwarming read' Heidi Swain'It will make you giggle, cheer and feel good - basically it's a hug in book form. Hugely recommended' Fabulous Magazine'It's brilliant, so fresh and funny' Katy Regan'A delight from the first page to the last' Milly Johnson, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew'Laugh-out-loud…
funny, as warm as it is witty...If you love Milly Johnson you will love Laura Kemp' Debbie Johnson, bestselling author of The Comfort Food Café seriesCharlotte Bold is nothing like her name - she is shy and timid and just wants a quiet life. When her job doing the traffic news on the radio in London is relocated to Sunshine FM in Mumbles, she jumps at the chance for a new start in Wales. But when she arrives she discovers that she's not there to do the travel news - she's there to front the graveyard evening show. And she's not sure she can do it.Thrust into the limelight, she must find her voice and a way to cope. And soon she realises that she's not the only person who finds life hard - out there her listeners are lonely too. And her show is the one keeping them going.Can Charlotte seize the day and make the most of her new home? And will she be able to breathe new life into the tiny radio station too...?Praise for Bring Me Sunshine:'An absolute joy. Five stars' Isabelle Broom, Heat'A truly wonderful and heartwarming read' Heidi Swain'It will make you giggle, cheer and feel good - basically it's a hug in book form. Hugely recommended' Fabulous Magazine'It's brilliant, so fresh and funny' Katy ReganBy Fanny Blake. 2018
AN ITALIAN SUMMER is a novel about friendship, family secrets and second chances, set against the backdrop of southern Italy.Sandy…
is in her fifties, and at a crossroads in her life: she's a teacher and respected by her pupils, but she feels she is being sidelined in favour of younger colleagues. So when her mother dies, leaving her a sealed envelope addressed to an unknown woman living in Naples, Sandy decides to head to Italy to resolve the mystery by delivering the letter herself. She books herself on to a small sightseeing trip from Rome to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, hoping to meet some like-minded people along the way. Who is the mysterious woman she is searching for? And will Sandy find friendship, or even love, along the way...?Your favourite authors love Fanny Blake:'Fanny Blake has the gift of creating wonderful page turners from very domestic situations; and then making them warm and funny as well' Penny Vincenzi'I love the way Fanny Blake proves that women just become more and more fascinating' Adele Parks'I love that she writes about women our age, and the painful and wise truths we know' Marian Keyes'Warm, funny, wise and relatable. A perfect summer read' Veronica HenryRead by Jane McDowell(p) Orion Publishing Group 2018By Ceril Campbell. 2021
The ultimate glamorous, escapist blockbuster - perfect for fans of Melanie Blake, Jackie Collins and Shirley Conran's Lace.'Campbell's warm, wise…
bonkbuster...transports you to the sexual free-for-all of the 1970s... There's an upbeat honesty in the writing that reminded me of Jilly Cooper' Rowan Pelling, Daily Mail'A rip-roaring, gold-plated, sizzling bonkbuster - this is one for Jackie Collins fans everywhere who are missing the glitz!' Fiona WalkerGlamour. Deceit. Sex. Deadly ambition.They have the world at their feet. And they want it ALL. Innocent Phoebe has only known a life of privilege.Street-smart Paula has had to make her own way in the world.When the two girls meet as teenagers, they form a deep sisterly bond, recognising in one another a yearning for love and for lives that are different from the ones they were born into. But when they each suffer a personal trauma, they are torn apart and set out on very different paths. So begins a rollercoaster journey throughout the 1970s of extreme highs and lows for Phoebe and Paula, as they travel from the epicentre of cool on the Kings Road, Chelsea, to the glamour of Paris, LA and the South of France. It's a scandalous world of sex, drugs, celebrity and wealth - alluring, addictive...and deceptive.Listeners adore Secrets in the Dark!'For those of you missing the fabulous Jackie Collins, look no further than Ceril Campbell's debut novel' 5* reader review'The perfect escapism...easy to read, full of luxury, romance, style, fashion and rock and roll. Highly recommend!' 5* reader review'Anyone interested in what made swinging London cool would enjoy this exciting, action-packed narrative - it is both a love letter to London and a tantalizing mystery' 5* reader review'Loved, loved the story and could not put the book down' 5* reader review'Terrific mystery that has you guessing till practically the last page. Highly recommended' 5* reader review'The new Jackie Collins' 5* reader review'A great debut novel with a clever twist at the end. Recommend as a brilliant holiday read' reader review(P) 2021 Headline Publishing Group Ltd'...a fantastic story that really tugs at your heartstrings as you follow each character in the countdown to Christmas... I…
adored it.' The BroadbeanYou can't plan for the unexpected... Kate Potter used to know what happiness felt like. A few years ago, she was full of energy, excited by every possibility. But that was back when everything was different, before Kate's husband went away with the army and didn't come home. She can't even remember what it felt like to be in love. Then Kate meets Daniel. Recognising her loneliness reflected in his eyes, Kate vows to try and help bring him out of his shell. But as Kate plans to bring life back to Daniel, she might have stumbled on the secret to happiness... Can one chance meeting change two lives?The perfect Christmas treat for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Trisha Ashley and Isabelle Broom.Reviewers love this wonderful festive romance. Praise for 25 Days in December:'A beautifully crafted Christmas tale, full of 'magic' and the reality of life in equal measure.' MADEUP Book Reviews'Romantic, heart-warming and completely captivating' Book After Book'a beautiful, beautiful story which had my heart under its Christmas tree from the very beginning.' The Writing GarnetCharlotte Bold is nothing like her name - she is shy and timid and just wants a quiet life. When…
her job doing the traffic news on the radio in London is relocated to Sunshine FM in Mumbles, she jumps at the chance for a new start in Wales. But when she arrives she discovers that she's not there to do the travel news - she's there to front the graveyard evening show. And she's not sure she can do it.Thrust into the limelight, she must find her voice and find a way to cope. And soon she realises that she's not the only person who finds life hard - out there her listeners are lonely too. And her show is the one keeping them going.Can Charlotte seize the day and make the most of her new home? And will she be able to breathe new life into the tiny radio station too...?Read by Lowri Walton(p) Orion Publishing Group 2019By Nancy Raines Day. 2018
A universal ode to babies and their milestones that celebrates all the joys in a baby&’s first year. Join three…
babies, encouraged by their families, as they grow more and more active with each day--crying, smiling, eating, teething, rolling, crawling, walking, and talking--culminating in a birthday celebration for all the kids.With rhythmic, rhyming text and sweet, soft illustrations, this is the perfect repeat read for babies&’—and parents&’—first year.By Lisa McCourt. 2018
Our beloved Stinky Face is back asking Mama another timely and endearing question: Mama, are you thankful for me?In this…
new, original Stinky Face story, Mama tells her little one that she's thankful for him. Stinky Face, of course, has a question. With greasy, taco-covered hands and face, he asks, Mama, are you thankful for me even right now?Being thankful is a perennial theme for this young age group. Learning to appreciate yourself, the people around you, and people's unique gifts and individuality is a lesson that is more crucial now than ever, and that is what is at the heart of this touching story. Author Lisa McCourt and illustrator Cyd Moore team up once again to bring us a truly endearing tale of mother and child that's perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday but can live all year round. This new story is the closest in feel and tone to the original, and with over one and a half million copies sold of I Love You, Stinky Face, we're confident this one will truly resonate with this audience.By Julie Berry. 2019
The miracle of Christmas comes alive in this luminous celebration of unconditional love and the joy and hope and promise…
in every child from Printz Honor receipient Julie Berry!Long ago, in a dusty barn, a mother took a child in her arms, wrapped him snug, made his bed in the hay. He was her gift that Christmas Day. There's no sweeter gift than a life so new. My best gift, little one, is you.In this poignant and lyrical story by Printz Honor recepient Julie Berry, the miracle of Christmas and the promise in every new child come together in a luminous celebration of unconditional love and hope. With tender, incandescent illustrations by Annie Won, the wonder of the nativity story and the marvel of every baby come alive in a wholly extraordinary book for families everywhere.A special, beautiful keepsake storybook to read, share, and cherish every Christmas season with the ones you love.By Lindsey McDivitt. 2022
Wanting to show her grandma a snowy American Christmas, Tessa mails a card with only a drawing of Christmas fairies…
and the words Ouma (that means Grandma) and Cape Town, South Africa. The letter carrier who finds it knows that it can&’t go to Cape Town, so he puts it in his pocket. With no name, no street, and no stamps, how is Ouma ever going to get Tessa&’s letter? Follow the magical journey of a child&’s Christmas card traveling 10,000 miles across the world, from the hand of one stranger spreading cheer to another, all the way to Ouma. Is it kindness or Christmas magic? With gorgeous illustrations, hidden fairies on every page, and a heartwarming message of caring and connection, Christmas Fairies for Ouma shares Christmas joy and celebrates the love between a grandparent and grandchild.By Summersdale Publishers. 2022
Let your mum know just how much you care with this delightful collection of heart-warming quotes and sentimental statementsThere’s nobody…
quite like a mother – she’s always there for you, no matter what, giving comfort, counsel and care. And, however old you are, you’ll never stop being her child!She deserves the sun, moon and stars, but if you can’t manage that this little book is the next best thing. Inside you’ll find a host of glittering quotations from around the world – whether from actors, writers, musicians or leaders from all walks of life, they all have something heartfelt and inspiring to say about their relationship with their mum or about their experience of being a mum. To make it even more special, there’s a sprinkling of sentimental statements illustrating the kind and generous things mothers are known for best.This is the perfect love bomb to let your mum know she’s the world’s greatest!Two rivals. One holiday. A trip they will never forget.Jo Watson returns with a hilarious and heartfelt new enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity…
rom-com! It's the book you won't want to go on holiday without! Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O'Leary and Christina Lauren..........................................Journalist Margaret needs a vacation. After a difficult couple of years, some R&R is on the cards, and she's taking her mom with her. Luckily, the office Quiz Night is coming up and the prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to Zanzibar. Good thing Margaret has never met a quiz question she didn't like. But Margaret has also never played against Jagger Villain. For the last six months, they have shared a desk and not a day has gone by when he hasn't driven her to distraction. The idea of sharing anything else with Jagger is unthinkable. But if she's going get what she needs from this trip, Margaret might have to compromise. Away from the office and in a tropical paradise, Margaret beings to wonder if her archnemesis maybe has some qualities. Could the holiday from hell turn into the vacation of her dreams? .........................................Love funny, romantic stories? You don't want to miss Jo Watson:'The perfect choice for fans of romantic comedies' Gina's Bookshelf'It was amazing, it was hilarious' Rachel's Random Reads'A brilliant read from beginning to end' Hopeless Romantics'Sitting here open mouthed in disbelief at just how wonderful this book is' Rachel's Random Reads'A stunning heart-warming read' Donna's Book BlogBy Thomas Nast. 1978
Sixty-six Yuletide illustrations -- almost all holiday drawings -- by one of America's foremost illustrators and the creator of the…
popular Santa Claus image. Finely detailed drawings of St. Nick, sleigh rides, reindeer, "The Night Before Christmas," North Pole, and more are all depicted in this seasonal collection.By Caroline Scott. 2021
From the highly acclaimed author of The Photographer of the Lost, a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick, comes a tale…
of a young war widow and one life-changing, sun-drenched visit to Cornwall in the summer of 1923... Esme Nicholls is to spend the summer in Cornwall. Her late husband Alec, who died fighting in the war, grew up in Penzance, and she&’s hoping to learn more about the man she loved and lost. While there, she will stay with Gilbert, in his rambling seaside house, where he lives with his former brothers in arms. Esme is fascinated by this community of eccentric artists and former soldiers, and as she gets to know the men and their stories, she begins to feel this summer might be exactly what she needs. But everything is not as idyllic as it seems – a mysterious new arrival later in the summer will turn Esme&’s world upside down, and make her question everything she thought she knew about her life, and the people in it.Full of light, laughter and larger-than-life characters, The Visitors is a novel of one woman finally finding her voice and choosing her own path forwards. Praise for Caroline Scott: &‘A page-turning literary gem&’ The Times, Best Books of 2020 'A touching novel of love and loss' Sunday Times 'A beautifully written must-read' heat 'A gripping, devastating novel' Sarra Manning, RED &‘A powerful novel&’ Good Housekeeping &‘A heartbreaking read&’ Anita Frank 'Breathtaking exploration of loss, love and precious memories&’ My Weekly, Pick of the Month &‘Achingly moving and most beautifully written&’ Rachel Hore &‘This beautiful book packs a huge emotional punch&’ Fabulous &‘Drew me in from the first line and held me enthralled until the very end' Fiona Valpy &‘Quietly devastating' Daily Mail 'A compulsive, heart-wrenching read' Liz Trenow &‘Powerful&’ Woman & Home 'Page turning, mysterious, engrossing and compelling' Lorna Cook &‘A carefully nuanced, complex story&’ Woman&’s Weekly &‘Caroline Scott evokes the damage and desolation of the Great War with aching authenticity' Iona Grey &‘Poignant&’ Best 'Momentous, revelatory and astonishing historical fiction!' Historical Novel Society &‘Wonderful and evocative&’ Suzanne Goldring &‘Based on true events, this is a powerful story&’ Bella &‘Immersive, poignant, intricately woven&’ Judith Kinghorn &‘An evocative read&’ heat &‘The story left me breathless&’ Kate Furnivall &‘A poignant hymn to those who gave up their lives for their country and to those who were left behind&’ Fanny Blake 'I was utterly captivated by this novel' Isabelle Broom'...a fantastic story that really tugs at your heartstrings as you follow each character in the countdown to Christmas... I…
adored it.' The BroadbeanYou can't plan for the unexpected... Kate Potter used to know what happiness felt like. A few years ago, she was full of energy, excited by every possibility. But that was back when everything was different, before Kate's husband went away with the army and didn't come home. She can't even remember what it felt like to be in love. Then Kate meets Daniel. Recognising her loneliness reflected in his eyes, Kate vows to try and help bring him out of his shell. But as Kate plans to bring life back to Daniel, she might have stumbled on the secret to happiness... Can one chance meeting change two lives?The perfect Christmas treat for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Trisha Ashley and Isabelle Broom.Reviewers love this wonderful festive romance. Praise for 25 Days in December:'A beautifully crafted Christmas tale, full of 'magic' and the reality of life in equal measure.' MADEUP Book Reviews'Romantic, heart-warming and completely captivating' Book After Book'a beautiful, beautiful story which had my heart under its Christmas tree from the very beginning.' The Writing GarnetBy Victoria Springfield. 2024
'She has a way of bringing Italy to life that makes your mouth water when you think of the food,…
your body ache for some sunshine as she describes the setting, and has you searching for your credit card to book a plane ticket to the destination! Victoria has become my go-to author for my Italian fix.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This was my first Victoria Springfield book; I can safely say it will not be the last!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Abi is distraught when her ex-husband Alex takes their twelve-year-old daughter, Chloe to spend the summer with his glamorous fiancée Marisa and her parents at their home on the beautiful Italian island of Procida. Persuaded by her best friend to book a holiday at the island's Hotel Paradiso, Abi finally meets the woman she's been avoiding for so long. Will the two women's strained relationship survive the summer? One-time teenage swimming sensation, Loretta, has run the Hotel Paradiso since leaving Capri broken-hearted. When childhood friend Salvo comes to stay, Loretta is forced to confront her past and the fears that have kept her away from the water for forty years. But just as she finds the courage to open her heart, she discovers all is not as it seems with Salvo... It's a summer of new beginnings for Abi and Loretta - and one they will never forget.Take a trip to Italy with Victoria Springfield for a summery getaway any time of the year!By Victoria Springfield. 2024
'She has a way of bringing Italy to life that makes your mouth water when you think of the food,…
your body ache for some sunshine as she describes the setting, and has you searching for your credit card to book a plane ticket to the destination! Victoria has become my go-to author for my Italian fix.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This was my first Victoria Springfield book; I can safely say it will not be the last!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Abi is distraught when her ex-husband Alex takes their twelve-year-old daughter, Chloe to spend the summer with his glamorous fiancée Marisa and her parents at their home on the beautiful Italian island of Procida. Persuaded by her best friend to book a holiday at the island's Hotel Paradiso, Abi finally meets the woman she's been avoiding for so long. Will the two women's strained relationship survive the summer? One-time teenage swimming sensation, Loretta, has run the Hotel Paradiso since leaving Capri broken-hearted. When childhood friend Salvo comes to stay, Loretta is forced to confront her past and the fears that have kept her away from the water for forty years. But just as she finds the courage to open her heart, she discovers all is not as it seems with Salvo... It's a summer of new beginnings for Abi and Loretta - and one they will never forget.Take a trip to Italy with Victoria Springfield for a summery getaway any time of the year!