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Lost December: A Novel
By Richard Paul Evans. 2011
From one of America’s most beloved storytellers comes his most spiritual book since The Christmas Box. The New York Times…
bestselling author of The Christmas Box and The Walkseries returns with a modern-day, Christmas-themed retelling of the story of the prodigal son.It has been said that sometimes the greatest hope in our lives is just a second chance to do what we should have done right in the first place. This is the story of my second chance.When Luke Crisp graduates from business school, his father, CEO and cofounder of Fortune 500 Crisp’s Copy Centers, is ready to share some good news: he wants to turn the family business over to his son. But Luke has other plans. Taking control of his trust fund, Luke leaves home to pursue a life of reckless indulgence. But when his funds run out, so do his friends. Humbled, alone, and too ashamed to ask his father for help, Luke secretly takes a lowly job at one of his father’s copy centers. There he falls in love with a struggling single mother and begins to understand the greatest source of personal joy. Lost December is New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans’s modern-day holiday version of the biblical story of the prodigal son, a powerful tale of redemption, hope, and the true meaning of love.Promise Me: A Novel
By Richard Paul Evans. 2010
The #1bestselling author of The Christmas Box and A Christmas Memory presents a breathtaking story of the transcendent power of…
love.Beth Cardall has a secret. For eighteen years, she has had no choice but to keep it to herself, but on Christmas Eve 2008, all that is about to change. For Beth, 1989 was a year marked by tragedy. Her life was falling apart: her six-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was suffering from an unidentifiable illness; her marriage transformed from a seemingly happy and loving relationship to one full of betrayal and pain; her job at the dry cleaners was increasingly at risk; and she had lost any ability to trust, to hope, or to believe in herself. Then, on Christmas Day, as she rushed through a blizzard to the nearest 7-Eleven, Beth encountered Matthew, a strikingly handsome, mysterious stranger, who would single-handedly change the course of her life. Who is this man, and how does he seem to know so much about her? He pursues her relentlessly, and only after she&’s fallen deeply in love with him does she learn his incredible secret, changing the world as she knows it, as well as her own destiny.Tiff: A life of timothy findley
By Sherrill Grace. 2021
Timothy Findley (1930-2002) was one of Canada's foremost writers—an award-winning novelist, playwright, and short-story writer who began his career as…
an actor in London, England. Findley was instrumental in the development of Canadian literature and publishing in the 1970s and 80s . During those years, he became a vocal advocate for human rights and the anti-war movement. His writing and interviews reveal a man concerned with the state of the world, a man who believed in the importance of not giving in to despair, despite his constant struggle with depression. Findley believed in the power of imagination and creativity to save us. Tiff: A Life of Timothy Findley is the first full biography of this eminent Canadian writer. Sherrill Grace provides insight into Findley's life and struggles through an exploration of his private journals and his relationships with family, his beloved partner, Bill Whitehead, and his close friends, including Alec Guinness, William Hutt, and Margaret Laurence. Based on many interviews and exhaustive archival research, this biography explores Findley's life and work, the issues that consumed him, and his often profound depression over the evils of the twentieth-century. Shining through his darkness are Findley's generous humour, his unforgettable characters, and his hope for the future. These qualities inform canonic works like The Wars (1977), Famous Last Words (1981), Not Wanted on the Voyage (1984), and The Piano Man's Daughter (1995)Christmas Scarf Murder
By Carlene O'Connor, Maddie Day, Peggy Ehrhart. 2022
Stocking stuffers like handknit scarves make the coziest of Christmas gifts—unless they&’re used as accessories for murder!CHRISTMAS SCARF MURDER by…
CARLENE O&’CONNOR When grinchy thefts steal the good cheer at a local nursing home, Siobhan O&’Sullivan manages to identify one missing item before Kilbane, Ireland&’s Christmas tractor parade—a hideous shamrock scarf wrapped around a very dead body. Now, with her holiday farmhouse bash approaching, Siobhan must dash to stop a deadly Secret Santa from gifting another unwanted surprise.SCARFED DOWN by MADDIE DAY It&’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas at Pans &‘N Pancakes, as twelve days of menu specials dazzle hungry locals. But the festivities go cold the instant a diner dies while knitting a brilliant green scarf. With Aunt Adele tied into a murder investigation, it&’s all on Robbie Jordan to find out who&’s really been naughty or nice in South Lick, Indiana. DEATH BY CHRISTMAS SCARF by PEGGY EHRHART Suspects pile up faster than New Jersey snow when frosty-tempered Carys Walnutt is found strangled by a handmade scarf auctioned at Arborville&’s tree-lighting ceremony. Between a winning bidder hiding behind the alias &“S. Claws&” and a victim who deserved coal in her stocking, can Pamela Paterson and the crafty Knit and Nibble ladies freeze a killer&’s merry murder plot?Magic Puffin: A Birthday Surprise (Pocket Money Puffins)
By Sue Bentley. 2010
Splash, the youngest of the magic puffins, has been caught in a storm and can't get back to Silver Dream…
Cliffs. Luckily for the little lost puffin, he meets Martina and the two become best friends. Together they try to find a way for Splash to return home - but first there is the problem of the puffin egg-stealers...A delightfully warm and endearing story, specially written for Puffin's 70th birthday by the creator of bestselling Magic Kitten, Magic Puppies and Magic Ponies series.GRAB THE JOYOUSLY FESTIVE AND HEART-WARMINGLY ROMANTIC NEW NOVEL FROM EMILY BELL, WINNER OF THE 2023 ROMANTIC NOVELISTS PRIZE -…
- - -After yet another heartbreak, Natasha is flying home for Christmas to Ballyclare, the beautiful old house in the Wicklow hills that's been a constant all her life. She's hoping for family solace, but her mother and sister have their own troubles. Doon is dreading her upcoming wedding to the perfect man, and their mother Aileen is still grieving their father Dan, who disappeared over twenty years ago. Worse still, Aileen has terrible news for the sisters: the house is literally falling down, and will have to be sold. But when a stranger with a family connection to the house knocks on their door, their fortunes start to take a turn. With snow on the hills and magic in the air, is there a chance all three women might lose their hearts this Christmas - and keep their home? - - - PRAISE FOR EMILY BELL: ‘A refreshing romance filled with holiday spirit and second chances. The descriptions of Dublin at Christmas time alone will leave you longing for your very own trip . . . ‘ - Woman & Home ‘Cosy up with this fab festive read!’ - Sun ‘The perfect festive treat! I really enjoyed Emily Bell's believable, sympathetic characters and her sensitive and wise writing about friendship and bereavement which deliver richness and depth to a charming love story’ - Kate Eberlen, author of Richard and Judy Pick Miss You ‘Tremendous fun, with a big heart and gorgeous locations to get lost in - it's the perfect uplifting Christmas read, unashamedly romantic and beautifully written. Emily is this year's Queen of Christmas!’ - Veronica HenryA must read for fans of Cecila Ahern, Fiona Valpy and Lucinda Riley - this is an evocative and exciting…
romantic adventure from the multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples.READERS ARE LOVING KATERINA'S SECRET! "Loved it - you feel like you are part of the storyline" - 5 STARS"I couldn't put this book down and read it in two days." - 5 STARS"You will not be disappointed with this book." - 5 STARS. "As always Mary Jane Staples has written a very good book that takes you back in time." - 5 STARS*********************A WARTIME HERO AND A MYSTERIOUS WOMAN...1928: Edward Somers, passing the winter at the Hôtel de Corniche on the French Riviera, happens upon a nearby villa within which lives the elusive and beautiful Countess Katerina. Despite the fact she does not seem to be allowed visitors, he manages to forge a friendship and the pair grow closer and closer.But Edward cannot help but wonder: why is she confined to the villa, guarded by a man with a rifle? Who is observing her with a telescope? Why is she so reluctant to be photographed?A sinister chain of events unfolds: is Katerina's life in danger? Must she always be on the run and forced into hiding? Will she ever be allowed to find the love she craves?Katerina's Secret was previously published as Shadows in the Afternoon.Whether on holiday or dreaming of one, this is the perfect easy-going, cosy read to relax with. Brilliant for fans…
of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley...'A great writer, funny and sharp... her prose is a pleasure to read, her dialogue sparkles' - DAILY MAIL'Great, memorable characters, funny storylines and a lovely escapist holiday setting, it would be a shame for anyone to miss out!' -- ***** Reader review'My favourite Judy Ashley book! Read it several times and each time enjoyed it just as much and laugh!' -- ***** Reader review'A heart-warming story of love, lust, mishaps and summer fun.' -- ***** Reader review******************************************************SHE'S MORE THAN READY FOR HER CORNISH HOLIDAY...AND A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA?Every July, the lucky owners of Cornish holiday homes set off for their annual break. They close up their desirable semis in smartish London suburbs - having turned off the Aga and turned on the burglar alarm - and look forward to a carefree, restful, somehow more fulfilling summer.Clare is more than usually ready for her holiday. Her daughter, Miranda, is hitting adolescence bigtime, and her husband Jack is harbouring unsettling thoughts of a change in lifestyle.No wonder that Clare is contemplating a bit of extra-marital adventure, possibly with Eliot, the successful, heavy-drinking author in the adjoining holiday property.Unexpected disasters occur, revelations are made and, as the summer ends, real life will never be quite the same again...Let much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley gift you an unmissable, hilarious and heart-warming read this Christmas. Perfect for fans…
of Katie Fforde, Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson.'Witty and warm!' - New!'A lively laughter-packed riot of a story' - Heat'Full of fun and with great characters' -- ***** Reader review'Judy gets the story just right for me' -- ***** Reader review'Gives you a cosy glow and gets you into the Christmas spirit' -- ***** Reader review'A really good Christmas story devoured over a festive week-end' -- ***** Reader review*******************************************************************************************AT CHRISTMAS, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN...Thea's parents decide to host a big family Christmas in a house by the sea... even though they are, in fact, about to split up. And while her sister and brother are both settled, Thea herself is newly single - her boyfriend has ditched her in favour of his pedigree dogs, and Thea can't decide whether or not she minds.There will be copious food and drink, holly and mistletoe, lots of bracing walks and a wintry barbecue on the beach. If it seems an odd way to celebrate the final break-up of a marriage and the Moving On to new partners, no-one is saying so. But then no-one had anticipated that the new partners might actually turn up to complicate the sleeping arrangements...As Cornwall experiences the biggest snowstorm in living memory, the festive atmosphere comes under some strain. Will Thea manage to find some happiness for herself? Will the mistletoe work its magic on them all?The House of Hopes and Dreams: An uplifting, funny novel from the #1 bestselling author
By Trisha Ashley. 2018
A hilarious romcom from the Sunday Times bestseller‘Full of down to earth good humour.’ SOPHIE KINSELLA 'Trisha Ashley writes with…
remarkable wit and originality - one of the best writers around.' KATIE FFORDE ‘Fresh and funny.’ WOMAN’S OWNWhen newly-dumped Carey Revell unexpectedly becomes the heir to Mossby, his family’s ancestral home, it’s rather a mixed blessing. The house is large but rundown. Though he already knows someone who could restore the stained glass windows in the older part of the house . . .Angel Arrowsmith has spent the last ten years happily working and living with her artist mentor and partner. But suddenly bereaved, she finds herself heartbroken, without a home or a livelihood. Life will never be the same again – until old friend Carey Revell comes to the rescue.They move in to Mossby with high hopes. But the house has a secret at its heart: an old legend concerning one of the famous windows. Will all their dreams for happiness be shattered? Or can Carey and Angel find a way to make this house a home?Readers love The House of Hopes and Dreams***** ‘A lovely tale…a bit of mystery, and just great escapism.’ ***** ‘Full of sparkle and shine, a joy to read.’ ***** ‘A good warm hearted book with intrigue, friendship, humour and a touch of romance.’The Gift of the Magi (Little Clothbound Classics)
By O. Henry. 2022
Little Clothbound Classics: irresistible, mini editions of short stories, novellas and essays from the world's greatest writers, designed by the…
award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith.O. Henry is one of the most popular American writers of the twentieth century and a true master of the short story. This selection of tales ranges from Christmas in New York to the cattle-lands of Texas, taking in con men, clerks, shop assistants, tramps and tricksters. They all highlight O. Henry's comic eye, his gift for evoking speech and setting, and his unique approach to life's quirks of fate.'His stories are perfectly executed mini-classics' Washington PostThe delightful Sunday Times bestselling novel from Trisha Ashley'One of the best writers around!' Katie Fforde'Full of down-to-earth humour.' Sophie…
Kinsella___All Marnie wants is somewhere to call home. Mourning lost years spent in a marriage that has finally come to an end, she needs a fresh start and time to heal. Things she hopes to find in the rural west Lancashire village her mother always told her about.With nothing but her two green thumbs, Marnie takes a job as a gardener, which comes with a little cottage to make her own. The garden is beautiful - filled with roses, lavender and honeysuckle - and only a little rough around the edges. Which is more than can be said for her next-door neighbour, Ned Mars.Marnie remembers Ned from her college days but he's far from the untroubled man she once knew. A recent relationship has left him with a heart as bruised as her own.Can a summer spent gardening help them recapture the forgotten dreams they've let get away?___Readers are falling in love with The Garden of Forgotten Wishes***** 'Gorgeous . . . a lovely rom-come to cheer your heart and ease your soul.'***** 'Once again another outstanding book full of intrigue, hope and a new beginning.'***** 'A perfect read to escape with.'___Trisha's forthcoming novel, The Wedding Dress Repair Shop, is available to pre-order nowA Family Christmas
By Katie Flynn. 2014
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Christmas to Remember. Two children go on a desperate journey to find…
their familyJimmy Trewin and his little sister are devastated by their mother's death and horrified to find themselves entrusted to the far from tender care of a hated neighbour, Mrs Huxtable. They hope their father will rescue them when his ship comes into port but this does not happen and when Cyril Huxtable is seen by the children hiding "a wad of notes" away, a wad which subsequently disappears, they realise they are in deep trouble. Cyril accuses them of theft and threatens a terrible revenge so they decide to leave Liverpool and try to find their mother's family in Wales.Soon, they meet Miiss Trent, a school teacher who has been unfairly dismissed, and agree to join forces since Miss Trent also hopes to find relatives in Wales. But Cyril has promised to pursue them until they hand over his property, and soon they realise he has picked up their trail...'It's Christmas in a book!' Katie Fforde'Sprinkled with Christmas magic!' Milly Johnson'A scrumptious seasonal treat!' Heidi Swain------------------------------Residential-home caterer Connie has…
had one online-dating disaster too many. Hurt in the past and with her son to consider, now she's feeling hesitant. Then one of Connie's residents sets her up on a date at a beautiful German Christmas market - with the promise she'll take a mini-bus full of pensioners along with her...Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a checklist of potential partner must-haves. Baker Henrich ticks all the boxes, but when Connie meets Henrich's rival William, she starts to wonder if ticking boxes is the answer.Will Connie's wish for love this Christmas come true, and if so - with who?-------------------------------Readers are feeling enchanted by Finding Love at the Christmas Market:'This book was a hot chocolate on a cold day, warming and satisfying.''I could smell the gingerbread and spices, a real hug of a book.''A beautiful book about finding what matters most at Christmas . . . such a heart-warming story.'If you loved Finding Love at the Christmas Market, pre-order Jo's newest Christmas novel, Countdown to Christmas, now!Escape to the French Farmhouse: The #1 Kindle Bestseller
By Jo Thomas. 2020
'You smell the lavender, you feel the sun on your face, this book is pure joy!' Katie Fforde'Uplifting and full…
of warmth, this novel is the next best thing to jetting off to France on a relaxing break away.' My WeeklyCan Del find her recipe for happiness?Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they’re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier…a new life in France – without Ollie.Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? After discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill.--------------------------------------------------Readers are falling in love with Escape to the French Farmhouse‘It’s simply amazing . . . has you hooked and makes you feel are in the sunshine in France.’‘A refreshing, feel-good story, just perfect for sitting and reading in the sun.’‘A love story at its best. You can smell the lavender.’Let bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful, uplifting and hilarious novel where a family holiday turns…
into more of a torment than a treat... Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley."I just love Judy Astley's books" - JILL MANSELL"Wickedly funny" - DAILY MAIL"A funny, warm and moving novel" - SUNDAY MIRROR"If I am feeling in need of blue skies and sunshine and none are to be had here I just pick [this] up and settle down to while away an hour or two" -- ***** Reader review"A really light and amusing story" -- ***** Reader review******************************************************IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT, DON'T BRING THE FAMILYAs a penniless and partnerless house-painter with an expired lease on her flat and a twelve-year-old daughter, Lucy could hardly turn down her parents' offer to take them on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Caribbean.She'd just have to put up with her sister Theresa (making no secret of preferring Tuscany as a holiday destination) and brother Simon (worrying that there might be some sinister agenda behind their parents' wish to take them all away) with their various spouses, teenagers and young children.In a luxury hotel, with bright sunshine, swimming, diving, glorious food and friendly locals, any family tensions should have melted away in the fabulous heat. The children should have been angelic, the teenagers cheerful, the adults relaxed and happy.But some problems just refuse to be left at home.The perfect novella to curl up with on the cold winter nights - the festive sequel to Dream a Little…
Dream from the No. 1 bestseller Giovanna Fletcher'Everything that Giovanna writes is consistently perfect, beautifully written and utterly heartwarming' 5***** Reader Review'Full of drama, wit, friendship, romance and just lots of festive cheer. The perfect book to read on a cold, wintery day' 5***** Reader Review__________Sarah's doing great. Okay, her dreams might still be totally bananas but real life is definitely back on track. She's got a fantastic job, amazing friends and plans to spend all Christmas wrapped up with Brett, her handsome boyfriend. But after another night of increasingly bizarre dreams, Sarah wakes to find her housemate suddenly announcing she's moving out. And later that day Brett begins to act strangely.He's clearly hiding something . . . but what? Soon Sarah can't help but wonder if she's living in a festive nightmare.Will any of her dreams come true for Christmas?__________'Giovanna really knows how to set the scene, I feel like I was a character in the books!' 5***** Reader Review'I read it in one sitting and loved every minute of it. A brilliant Christmas read' 5***** Reader Review'Laughter, happiness, suspense and tears. Gripping and addictive. What a brilliant read!' 5***** Reader ReviewDickens at Christmas
By Charles Dickens. 2012
Discover this selection of the best of Dickens' Christmas stories and writings in one beautiful gift edition. The ultimate Christmas…
present.It is said that Charles Dickens invented Christmas, and within these pages you'll certainly find all the elements of a quintessential traditional Christmas brought to vivid life: snowy rooftops, gleaming shop windows, steaming bowls of punch, plum puddings like speckled cannon balls, sage and onion stuffing, miracles, magic, charity and goodwill. This beautifully produced Vintage Classics edition gathers together not only Dickens' Christmas Books ('A Christmas Carol', 'The Chimes', 'The Battle of Life', 'The Cricket on the Hearth' and 'The Haunted Man') but also stories that Dickens wrote for the special seasonal editions of his periodicals All the Year Round and Household Words, and a festive tale from The Pickwick Papers. A must-have for Christmas, this edition should be as necessary to your festivities as holly, mistletoe and silver bells.The heartwarming and uplifting new Wartime Midwives novel perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Nancy Revell'A rousing tale of…
integrity and heroism, and an endearing story of a group of women working together' WOMAN__________Cumbria, 1944: as Christmas comes to Mary Vale, mothers and midwives alike seek a miracle . . .Newly trained midwife Libby is forced to work in the neighbouring villages as well as at the Mother and Baby Home, trying her best to help the many desperate new mums.Meanwhile, Margaret arrives at Mary Vale heartbroken after losing her man and facing having a child alone.Yet it isn't long before Libby and Margaret discover someone with bigger problems. Beth, along with her young children and desperately ill husband, face eviction from their home just before Christmas.As time starts to run out, so does her hope.But can Libby and Margaret save Beth and her family with a quick-witted plan and some festive magic?After all, it's Christmas . . . and a time for miracles.__________Praise for Daisy Styles'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson'Will tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere!' Fiona Ford 'Truly endearing characters' Annie MurrayChristmas with the Engine Girls: An uplifting wartime Christmas romance
By Daisy Styles. 2023
An aspirational story of friendship, fortitude and the joy of Christmas . . . As the Autumn of 1941 dawns,…
and female conscription looms, three women arrive at the Bell Works Factory in Hucknall to work on the Spitfire production line. Lily, Edna and Jeannie. . . Lily soon realises her real dream is to pilot the planes; Edna longs to be reunited with her evacuee daughter while facing a much bigger problem; and Jeannie fears the worst after weeks of no news from her fiancé. Despite all the heartache, with a bit of Christmas cheer and 'can do' attitude, The Engine Girls will pull together and do all they can to ensure Britain's safe for the New Year!