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'The most perceptive book I have ever read about the female interior' DOLLY ALDERTON'Identifiable, heart-breaking and wickedly funny. I'd say…
this is one of my favourite books of the year' GIOVANNA FLETCHER'Bourne holds a mirror up to contemporary aspiration' SUNDAY TIMES*****Everyone wants to be Tori Bailey.A straight-talking, bestselling author, she's inspired millions of women around the world with her self-help memoir and uplifting posts online. What's more, her perfect relationship with her long-term boyfriend is the envy of all their friends.But Tori isn't being honest.While everyone around her is getting engaged and having babies, Tori's boyfriend will barely look at her, let alone talk about marriage. And when her best friend Dee unexpectedly falls in love, suddenly Tori's in danger of being left behind.Tori's built a career out of telling women how to live their best life, but is she brave enough to admit it's not what she wants?*****The debut adult novel by bestselling author Holly Bourne is a blisteringly funny, honest and moving exploration of love, friendship and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of your thirties.Everyone is raving about this book!Brutally honest, appallingly funny and very moving - so accurate on the female interior, and the loneliness life in the public gaze. I want to read everything Holly Bourne has written now' ROSIE WALSH'It'll resonate with anyone trying to convince themselves that sticking it out is better than being alone.' EMERALD STREET'Relatable for any woman navigating emotional time bombs' RED'It speaks so many truths about being a woman in your thirties; friendships, love and what a fickle beast social media can be. ' CLEMMIE HOOPER'Hilarious and painfully true' GRAZIA'Sure toresonate with anyone navigating the emotional minefield of their thirties'RED ONLINE'Funny, real and heartbreaking. I haven't been this obsessed with a book in years.' LUCY VINE'Injected with such reality it can't help but be hilarious'TIMES'A very funny novel that lives up to its hype' THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPHBy Grace Lowrie. 2017
An emotional and evocative story about the deepest bonds of friendship.Abandoned as children, Kat and Jamie were inseparable growing up…
in foster care. But their bond couldn’t protect them forever.From a troubled upbringing to working in a London greasy spoon, Kat’s life has never been easy. On the surface Jamie’s living the high-life, but appearances can be deceiving.When they unexpectedly reunite, their feelings become too intense to ignore. But as secrets come back to haunt them, are they destined to be separated once more?Perfect for fans of Hilary Boyd and Nicholas Sparks.By Lynne Shelby. 2018
Fame can bring fortune - but can it bring love?'Warm-hearted, romantic, and beautifully written' KATE FIELD, author of A Place…
to Begin AgainWhen Lucy Ashford lands a top job at a leading theatrical agency in London, work mixes with pleasure, as she literally falls into the arms of Hollywood heartthrob Daniel Miller.Handsome, charming and irresistible, Daniel is just what unlucky-in-love Lucy needs, and she is quickly drawn into his glittering celebrity lifestyle. But can she tame the A-list bad boy or is she just one more girl in Daniel s long line of conquests?And then there's up-and-coming actor Owen Somers, fiercely talented but as yet uncast in a starring role. After she takes him onto the agency's books, Owen and Lucy's friendship slowly grows. If she looks closely, Lucy's leading man might be right before her very eyes...________Readers LOVE Lynne's swoon-worthy romances:'Well this is a wonderfully, romantic story! This is the first book I have read by Ms Shelby and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author. The One That I Want is fun, entertaining and very romantic' Amazon reviewer'Shelby's writing style transports you so completely into the world of her characters that I actually dreamt about Owen Somers! I loved reading this book and found it to be the perfect balance of romantic, unpredictable and fast paced. I really didn't want it to end' Amazon reviewer'This was a perfect weekend read. It whisked me away from rainy reality to the glamorous celebrity world in London... The story raced along with plenty of twists and turns; I had no idea how it was going to end, or which way I wanted it to end. Warm-hearted, romantic and beautifully written - I loved it' Amazon reviewer'Lynne Shelby has given us a glamorous, fun and compulsive read in her fabulous The One That I Want. I was rooting for the heroine Lucy all the way through and enjoyed every twist and turn of the plot... I thoroughly recommend this fresh, sparkling book - it's the one that you want!' Amazon reviewer'A believable and fun escape into the world of celebrity and showbiz... Very enjoyable read, with a most satisfactory ending' Amazon reviewer'A very well told story, of things that glitter brightly , but are rarely gold. Lovely believable charters with a good dollop of romance' Amazon reviewer'I really enjoyed this book. Lovely characters, lovely story and very well written. I will buy more books by this author' Amazon reviewerWill they ever truly escape their dark and twisted past?Perfect for fans of 365 Days, E. L. James, Sylvia Day…
and Tara Sue Me, if you enjoyed Fifty Shades of Grey or Bared to You, you will LOVE the Untwisted series.Enlightenedis the deeply erotic fourth instalment of the bestsellingUntwistedseries.Readers are OBSSESSED with Alice's sensual series:'Brilliant read... Emotionally captivating and very funny at times... just brilliant' ***** Reader Review 'I love this series, it's warm, funny, sad & gripping in all the right amounts... couldn't put them down' ***** Reader Review 'Every possible emotion felt, amazing story, loved every moment' ***** Reader Review'Wow well done to Alice Raine, for another excellent book' ***** Reader Review______Passionate, intense, and formidable...h3> Nicholas and Rebecca are together and stronger than ever as they prepare for their upcoming wedding, but a series of misunderstandings threatens to ruin their big day - and possibly the foundation of their entire relationship. Meanwhile, Nathan and Stella are drawn into complications as Stella hides a secret from the man she loves that could tear them apart forever. Can Nicholas and Nathan ever truly escape their dark past and find the happiness they thought would always be out of reach?_______Don't missChristmas with Nathan, a sexy seasonal short story, part of the seductively sensual Untwisted series - OUT NOW!By Jenny Harper. 2014
She’s a professional photographer – but is she ready to expose her heart?Adorable but scatterbrained newspaper photographer Daisy Irvine becomes…
the key to the survival of The Hailesbank Herald when her boss drops dead right in front of her. And while big egos and petty jealousies hinder the struggle to save the paper, Daisy starts another campaign – to win back her ex, Jack Hedderwick.Ben Gillies, returning after a long absence, sees childhood friend Daisy in a whole new light. He’d like to win her love, but discovers that she’s a whole lot better at taking photographs than making decisions, particularly when she’s blinded by the past.When tragedy strikes Daisy’s family, loyalty drives her home. But it’s time to grow up and Daisy must choose between independence and love.'This is definitely up there as one of the best books that I have read. It's got a special place…
in my heart. Just amazing!' 5* reader review'Gorgeous! Exuberant writing, convincing, adorable characters, romance and a little whimsy' TRACY REESLove will always find a way . . . Discover the intriguing secrets of Hawthorn Place in this heartfelt dual-time novel, filled with warmth and charm, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Cecelia Ahern.'An intriguing dual timeline tale that weaves together interesting characters and history, with an added touch of magic' BELLA OSBORNE'An exquisitely detailed and enchanting love story' HEIDI SWAIN'An epic love story, mixed with gorgeous settings, a great deal of mystery and intrigue, lots of laughs, a few tears and fabulous characters, made this an absolute delight to read' KIM NASH'An absolutely wonderful dual time story that captivated me . . . and kept me spellbound' CHRISTINA COURTENAY'A beautifully intriguing love story, that . . . stays with you long after the last page' ROSIE HENDRY'Unforgettable and unique, the twists and turns of this enchanting book are woven together with threads of love and magic. I loved it!' CLARE MARCHANT........................................................................Two houses, hundreds of miles apart . . . yet connected always.When life throws Molly Butterfield a curveball, she decides to spend some time with her recently widowed granddad, Wally, at Hawthorn Place, his quirky Victorian house on the Dorset coast. But cosseted Molly struggles to look after herself, never mind her grieving granddad, until the accidental discovery of an identical Arts and Crafts house on the Norfolk coast offers her an unexpected purpose, as well as revealing a bewildering mystery. Discovering that both Hawthorn Place and Acacia House were designed by architect Percy Gladwell, Molly uncovers the secret of a love which linked them, so powerful it defied reason. What follows is a summer which will change Molly for ever . . .........................................................................'One of those wonderful, magical stories that appear rarely and stay in your heart forever' CELIA ANDERSON'A marvellous dual-time novel filled with mystery, fabulous detail and an enduring love story' MADDIE PLEASE'A wonderful, page-turning story full of intrigue and romance' VICTORIA CONNELLY'I found the book enchanting' SUZANNE SNOW'An enchanting storyline and engaging characters make this book a delight to read' LYNNE SHELBY'A beautifully written timeslip . . . Highly recommended. Five stars' ERIN GREEN'The perfect mix of mystery, magic, and romance' KATE G. SMITHEarly readers are captivated by The Secrets of Hawthorn Place:'A sweeping five stars from me for this novel that defies time but trusts in love''A sheer delight to read and can highly recommend''Utterly brilliant. The storyline is riveting, you never quite know what could be about to happen as it's constantly twisting and turning . . . such a beautiful book'By Florence McNicoll. 2019
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BATTERSEA DOGS AND CATS HOMECan Battersea's loneliest cat find a home in time for Christmas?It's Christmas at…
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Laura is desperate to find a home for Felicia, a spiky, bad-tempered moggy with a heart of gold. Her boyfriend, Rob, can't understand why she's spending so much time at work, but for Laura, the animals aren't just a job - they're her life. She needs a partner who understands that - doesn't she?As the December snow falls, Laura encounters nine people, all of whom need a little love in their lives and find it in new pets. Everyone needs somebody to curl up with at Christmas, and when the handsome Aaron walks in, he takes not just Felicia, but Laura's heart too...A heart-warming tale about loneliness, love, and the importance of furry friends - perfect to snuggle up with this Christmas.By Cathy Bramley. 2021
The perfect cosy Christmas novel to curl up with this winter, from Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley.'Charming, cosy, candlelit romance…
all wrapped up in a gorgeous setting' Veronica Henry'The perfect Christmas treat!' Sarah Morgan'Stuffed with Cathy's sparkling wit and warmth - I devoured it whole' Milly Johnson'A wonderful warm hug of a book, brim full of festive comfort and joy!' Alex Brown'Treat yourself to this gift of a book - if Merry and Cole's story doesn't get you into the Christmas spirit, nothing will!' Holly Hepburn'A real Christmas cracker of a book. Romantic and uplifting - the perfect early Christmas present for yourself!' Sophie Cousens'Merry, bright and sparkly - we were enchanted by this feel-good romance' People's Friend* * * * Christmas has always meant something special to Merry - even without a family of her own. This year, her heart might be broken but her new candle business is booming. The last thing she needs is another project - but when her hometown's annual event needs some fresh festive inspiration, Merry can't resist.Cole loves a project too - though it's usually of the bricks and mortar variety. As a single dad, his Christmas wish is to see his kids again, so getting the new house finished for when they're all together is the perfect distraction. But this Christmas, magic is in the air for these two strangers. Will it bring them all the joy they planned for . . . and take their hearts by surprise too? After all, anything can happen at Christmas. . . * * * * Praise for Cathy Bramley from some of your other favourite authors: 'The perfect read to escape with over the festive season if you want your heart warmed and a smile on your face.' Veronica Henry'Filled with warmth and laughter' Carole Matthews'Delightful!' Katie Fforde'A page-turner of a story' Milly Johnson'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley'A gorgeously romantic comfort read' Rachael Lucas'Magical, heart-felt and uplifting, this book will bring joy to all who reads it.' Carmel Harrington'The perfect romantic tale, to warm your heart and make you smile' Ali McNamara'A wonderful warm hug of a book, brim full of festive comfort and joy!' Alex BrownTHE SECOND NOVEL IN THE BRAND NEW SAGA SERIES BY MAGGIE MASON - MEET THE HALFPENNY GIRLS. . . 'In…
the grand tradition of sagas set down by the late and great Catherine Cookson ' Jean Fullerton on Blackpool LassWill their prayers be answered at the most wonderful time of the year?/font>As Christmas approaches, Alice, Edith and Marg continue to face hardships growing up on one of the poorest streets in Blackpool. Penniless, their friendship has helped them survive this far, but it'll take more than that to see them through the dark days that lie ahead . . .Newly married Alice receives shocking news about her pregnancy that threatens the future she's always dreamed of, Marg is struggling to care for her ailing mother and ensure her little sister receives the education she deserves, and Edith is grieving the loss of her family while preparing to marry her sweetheart. The Halfpenny Girls once again are faced with a struggle, but with the festive season upon them will family, friendship and Christmas spirit see them through?The second in a brand new series from reader favourite Maggie Mason, The Halfpenny Girls is the perfect heart-warming family saga about overcoming hardship and the value of friendship. Perfect for fans of Val Wood, Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.Readers LOVE Maggie Mason's Blackpool sagas:'5 stars - I wish I could give it more. Wonderful read.''Another must read book''What a brilliant book. I couldn't put it down!''I was hooked from the first page . . . this author is a must read''A totally absorbing read''A heart warmer' HeatWill a magical winter in Lapland help Myla fall in love with festive?Myla is the UK's least-festive…
woman. Starting the year she found out the truth about Santa Claus, everything bad that's ever happened to her occurs around Christmas. Nowadays, she wants nothing to do with this time of year, so of course she would lose the bet with her sister and be forced to put herself forward for a seasonal job in Lapland, welcoming tourists to Santa's winter wonderland for the holidays.Ten weeks, temperatures well below freezing, days that are mostly dark, and the need to stay brimming with Christmas spirit doesn't fill Myla with joy as she heads off to the arctic circle for winter in Finland. But as she discovers that Lapland is more than Santa Claus's Village, the very last person she ever thought she'd fall for turns out to be a man who plays an Elf, and who is bound to stay in character at all times.Will a little love under the Northern Lights convince Myla that her bad luck might finally have come to an end?Filled with husky sledding, falling snow and heart-warming seasonal romance, this is the perfect festive treat for fans of Sarah Morgan and Heidi SwainPRAISE FOR ISLA GORDON:'Heart-warming and full of hope. I loved it' HEIDI SWAIN, Sunday Times bestselling author'The most beautiful, heart-warming story. Gorgeously cosy, uplifting . . . utterly lovely book' HOLLY MARTIN, bestselling author'Dogs + snow + romance = Sunday afternoon bliss!' Fabulous'Original, funny and so, so romantic'Cressida McLaughlinBy Angeliki Sioli, Yoonchun Jung. 2018
Why write instead of draw when it comes to architecture? Why rely on literary pieces instead of architectural treatises and…
writings when it comes to the of study buildings and urban environments? Why rely on literary techniques and accounts instead of architectural practices and analysis when it comes to academic research and educational projects? Why trust authors and writers instead of sociologists or scientists when it comes to planning for the future of cities? This book builds on the existing interdisciplinary bibliography on architecture and literature, but prioritizes literature’s capacity to talk about the lived experience of place and the premise that literary language can often express the inexpressible. It sheds light on the importance of a literary instead of a pictorial imagination for architects and it looks into four contemporary architectural subjects through a wide variety of literary works. Drawing on novels that engage cities from around the world, the book reveals aspects of urban space to which other means of architectural representation are blind. Whether through novels that employ historical buildings or sites interpreted through specific literary methods, it suggests a range of methodologies for contemporary architectural academic research. By exploring the power of narrative language in conveying the experience of lived space, it discusses its potential for architectural design and pedagogy. Questioning the massive architectural production of today’s globalized capital-driven world, it turns to literature for ways to understand, resist or suggest alternative paths for architectural practice. Despite literature’s fictional character, the essays of this volume reveal true dimensions of and for places beyond their historical, social and political reality; dimensions of utmost importance for architects, urban planners, historians and theoreticians nowadays.'A wonderfully written, funny and moving debut with an intriguing mystery at its heart... Unforgettable.' - Claire Douglas, bestselling author'Thought-provoking,…
beautifully observed study of love' - JILL MANSELL, bestselling author'With all the twists and turns of this book, I was hooked from the start' - Amazon reviewer, 5 starsLizzie James is happy.She has a steady office job (with a steady stream of snacks), has had the same best friend since school, and she sees her family every Thursday night for take-away and trashy TV. Lizzie likes her uncomplicated life.Then a letter arrives one day from her first love, Roman. A letter dated the day he disappeared, 12 years before. As Lizzie uncovers the secrets of the letter, she discovers what really happened the year her life fell apart - and all avenues lead back to Roman.Lizzie James thought she was happy, or somewhere close to happy, at least. Now she's not so sure.'I LOVED Somewhere Close to Happy. It made me cry several times but was also really funny. It is incredibly good and I am sure it will be huge.' - Laura Marshall, bestselling author of Friend Request*Perfect for fans of Giovanna Fletcher, Mhairi McFarlane and Cecelia Ahern and Kate Eberlen's Miss You. This is a novel you won't soon forget.*By Anindya Sinha, Sharada Srinivasan, Jerri Daboo, Cathy Turner. 2022
This edited volume considers performance in its engagement with expanding Indian cities, with a particular focus on festivals and performances…
in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The editors ask how performance practices are affected by urbanisation, the effects of such changes on their cultural economy, and the environmental impacts of performance itself. This project also considers how performance responds to its context, and the potential for performance to be critical of the city’s development, and of its own compromises. Bringing together perspectives from the humanities, natural and social sciences, the book takes a multi-faceted analytical view of live performance, connecting contemporary with heritage forms, and human with more-than-human actors. The three sections, themed around heritage, everyday life, and future ecologies, will be of great interest to students and scholars in performance, heritage studies, ecology and art history.By Milly Johnson. 2020
*** A FESTIVE TREAT FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ***'An absolute joy. Like all of Milly's books it's packed with…
heart and humour and characters you fall in love with. I didn't want it to end' Jane Fallon, bestselling author of Queen Bee It&’s nearly Christmas and it&’s snowing, hard. Deep in the Yorkshire Moors nestles a tiny hamlet, with a pub at its heart. As the snow falls, the inn will become an unexpected haven for six people forced to seek shelter there… Mary has been trying to get her boss Jack to notice her for four years, but he can only see the efficient PA she is at work. Will being holed up with him finally give her the chance she has been waiting for? Bridge and Luke were meeting for five minutes to set their divorce in motion. But will getting trapped with each other reignite too many fond memories – and love? Charlie and Robin were on their way to a luxury hotel in Scotland for a very special Christmas. But will the inn give them everything they were hoping to find – and much more besides? A story of knowing when to hold on and when to let go, of pushing limits and acceptance, of friendship, love, laughter, mince pies and the magic of Christmas. Gorgeous, warm and full of heartfelt emotion, I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day is the perfect read this winter!Praise for I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day: 'Packed with her trademark warmth and wit, it&’s the perfect holiday read&’ heat 'Pure escapism' Woman & Home 'The perfect Christmas read!' My Weekly &‘Perfect escapism, love, laughter, snow, oodles of festive fun' Debbie Johnson, author of Maybe One Day &‘A new Milly Johnson novel – a festive one at that – is always welcome&’ Woman &‘Heart-warming&’ Choice &‘Guaranteed to put you in the Christmas mood&’ Woman & Home, Christmas Gift Guide &‘For anyone in need of a lift, Milly Johnson&’s feel-good read could be just the tonic&’ Yours Fiction Monthly 'The feel good treat of the year' UnderTheChristmasTree, Best Christmas BooksBy Sarah Adams. 2021
Is it ever too late to leave the friend zone? Friends-to-lovers TikTok sensation, The Cheat Sheet, is the rom-com that…
has readers laughing and rooting for these lovable best friends from the first page! 'A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy' SOPHIE SULLIVAN'As slapstick funny as it is both sizzling and sweet, this best-friends-to-lovers sports romance brings its RomCom A-game' CHLOE LIESE'The perfect mix of laugh-out-loud entertaining and intensely tender' DEVON DANIELS.................................................................................The friend zone is not the end zone for Bree Camden, who is helplessly in love with her longtime best friend and extremely hot NFL legend, Nathan Donelson. The only problem is that she can't admit her true feelings, because he clearly sees her as a best friend with no romantic potential, and the last thing Bree wants is to ruin their relationship. But those abs . . . Nope! Nothing but good old-fashioned, no-touching-the-sexiest-man-alive, platonic friendship for Bree. In any case, she has other things to worry about. After a car accident ended her chance at becoming a professional ballerina, Bree changed paths and now owns her own dance studio, with big dreams to expand it. But one more rent increase could mean the end of the studio entirely. Then, as usual, Nathan comes to the rescue and buys the entire building. A stubborn Bree is not happy about it and decides to rebel with a couple - okay, maybe more than a couple - of tequila shots. Then her plan backfires as she spills her deepest, darkest secret to a TMZ reporter. One viral video later, the world thinks Nathan and Bree are the perfect couple. Before they can really talk about her confession, Nathan's publicist proposes a big opportunity that could mean financial security for Bree. The catch? They have to pretend to be in love. For three whole weeks. What will happen when Bree gives in to the feelings she's been desperately hiding for so long, and could she be imagining that Nathan is actually enjoying it? Discover the heartwarming friends to lovers romance that became a sensation on TikTok!By Bernice L. McFadden. 2012
"McFadden's reissued second novel takes an unflinching look at the corrosive nature of alcoholism . . . This is not…
a story of easy redemption . . . McFadden writes candidly about the treacherous hold of addiction."--Publishers Weekly"Riveting. . . . So nicely avoids the sentimentality that swirls around the subject matter. I am as impressed by its structural strength as by the searing and expertly imagined scenes."--Toni Morrison, author of Beloved"The sharpness of the prose and power of the story make it hard to stop reading even the most brutal scenes . . . The story feels real perhaps because it’s familiar . . . Or maybe, as Frey points out, the story is too vivid to be read purely as fiction. But in this Precious-style novel, genre is the least of our concerns."--Bust magazine"This is a story that cuts across all race and social strata in its need to be told."--The Dallas Morning NewsThe Warmest December is the incredibly moving story of one Brooklyn family and the alcoholism that determined years of their lives. Narrated by Kenzie Lowe, a young woman reminiscent of Jamaica Kincaid's Annie John, as she visits her dying father and finds that choices she once thought beyond her control are very much hers to make.Bernice L. McFadden is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels.By Carlo Goldoni. 2009
True to Goldoni's mixture of comic wit and farce, the plot is a breathtakingly fast succession of twists and turns…
which only unravel in the final lines with a surprise ending.Two friends are in love with the same young woman. Neither wants to place their friendship in jeopardy. How can love triumph without breaking off their friendship? Goldoni explores the conflicts brought about when Florindo has to choose between Lelio, his best friend, and Rosaura, his friend's fiancée. Added to this conundrum are the issues of whether Ottavio, the old miser, will provide a dowry and the mature Beatrice's unashamed incessant pursuit of Florindo.The play is set in Bologna in Lelio's house. Florindo is a guest along with his faithful manservant. From the opening of the play, Florindo seeks to return home to Venice in order not to damage his friend's relationship. However, his departure is obstructed by his hosts, leading to one complication after another.From the beginning, the plot is intense and fast-moving with inversions fed into the action in quick succession. This creates suspense which continues throughout the play as potential marriage partners are switched back and forth until the very ending when the audience finally discovers what the main characters' destiny will be. Will love or friendship prevail?The Venetian element is brought into this play through Florindo and his manservant, both Venetians. Apart from these two characters, all the others are portrayed as self-seeking, selfish and sly - whether servants or masters. The tension is kept at a constantly high level by the struggles between the characters. These struggles are not just brought about through love and friendship but are also generational and social. Furthermore, there is the added complication in the contrast of the characters' ideas of reality as they deceive one another. This creates dramatic irony and humour as the audience know more than any of the characters on stage.