'A thought-provoking, discursive survey by Mona Chollet, a bright light of Francophone feminism' – The New York Times 'Rousing . . . a very interesting take on contemporary feminist politics' – Irish Times A source of terror, a misogynistic image of woman inherited from the trials and the pyres of the great early modern witch hunts – in In Defence of Witches the witch is recast as a powerful role model to women today: an emblem of power, free to exist beyond the narrow limits society imposes on women. Whether selling grimoires on Etsy, posting photos of their crystal-adorned altar on Instagram, or gathering to cast spells on Donald Trump, witches are everywhere. But who exactly were the forebears of these modern witches? Who was historically accused of witchcraft, often meeting violent ends? What types of women have been censored, eliminated, repressed, over the centuries? Mona Chollet takes three archetypes from historic witch hunts, and examines how far women today have the same charges levelled against them: independent women; women who choose not to have children; and women who reject the idea that to age is a terrible thing. Finally, Chollet argues that by considering the lives of those who dared to live differently, we can learn more about the richness of roles available, just how many different things a woman can choose to be. Translated from the French by Sophie R Lewis.

In Defence of Witches

‘What can I say, I loved this book. It has all my favorite tropes. Fake dating – check! Grumpy/ sunshine (reversed) check! One bed – check!’ Reader reviewWhen you can’t find the perfect date for the holidays you hire him! Hotshot lawyer Rebecca Madison is dreading the annual family Thanksgiving break where the question on everyone’s lips will be ‘why are you still single?’. When it comes to her career, she’s the best of the best, hired for her take-no-prisoners approach and sharp instincts. But when it comes to her love life…well, she hasn’t found the loophole for happy ever after yet. So when she has a one night stand with a gorgeous stranger she meets in a bar, Becca decides to do what she does best: make a deal with Mr One Night to be her Mr Right (just for the holidays). With an iron-clad contract setting out the terms for their fake relationship, Becca has one important point. Clause 1.a. No kissing, no sex (as mind-blowing as it was), and absolutely no emotional attachment! But five thousand miles from home and spending every waking moment in the company of a man who makes her feel things she’s never felt before, just how easy will it be for Becca to stick to her own rules… Readers are LOVING Cassie Connor:‘Fake dating is one of my absolute favorite tropes but then ya throw in holiday romance and I'm completely sold…Freaking loved it and I look forward to reading many more books like it from this phenomenal, talented author!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The perfect rom com with some funny moments and some amazing banter…Read if you like: The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa and The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Completely exceeded my expectations…loved the grumpy/sunshine aspect of it. I couldn't put it down!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely adored this fake dating holiday romance…Definitely a new holiday favorite!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved this book!…one of my favorite reads of the year’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book could have been written for me…I can't wait to read more from this author’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great five-star read…warmed my cold heart’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Love Under Contract

"An epically exciting, utterly unique debut. Not to be missed." - William Hussey, author of Broken Hearts & Zombie Parts "The fantasy drama of dreams. " - Lauren James, author of The Quiet at the End of the World A Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week. Sometimes, emotions can be a little too powerful... Seventeen-year-old Steven has a big problem... Whenever he feels intense emotions, weird things happen. Like when he kissed a boy for the first time, and the boy's head literally exploded. Fleeing to the miserable town of Grunsby-on-Sea, Steven is determined to not hurt anyone else - but he doesn't count on his best friend Freya, her boyfriend Marcus and American friend Troy following him. And when agents from the mysterious DEMA organisation show up talking about "neutralisation", Steven realises that Grunsby-on-Sea might not be the safe haven he'd hoped for... The first in a queer YA fantasy trilogy packed with magic, loveable characters and big plot twists from debut author DAVID FENNE. Perfect for fans of TJ Klune, Rainbow Rowell and Adam Silvera. "A refreshing debut by an exciting new voice - David Fenne is a YA talent to look out for." - Benjamin Dean, The King Is Dead "A wonderful queer action novel, with as many unexpected twists and turns as there is laughter and love!" - Alexis Caught, author of Queer Up "Tender-hearted, witty and exciting . . . a twisty thrill-ride that had me on the edge of my seat. A race-to-the-end mystery, full of surprises. I simply adored it." Jennifer Bell, author of Wonderscape "Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. I too was overly emotional by the end." - Ann Sei Lin, author of Rebel Skies (OVEREMOTIONAL by David Fenne was a Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week on 16/07/23)

The Overemotional Series

OVEREMOTIONAL

'Stunning... will long remain in the reader's mind' - Kristin Hannah This morning, I met the man who started the fire. He did something terrible, but then, so have I. I left him. I left him and now he may be dead. Once upon a time there was a beautiful village that held a million stories of love and loss and peace and war, and it was swallowed up by a fire that blazed up to the sky. The fire ran all the way down to the sea where it met with its reflection. A family from two nations, England and Greece, live a simple life in a tiny Greek village: Irini, Tasso and their daughter, lovely, sweet Chara, whose name means joy. Their life goes up in flames in a single day when one man starts a fire out of greed and indifference. Many are killed, homes are destroyed, and the region's natural beauty wiped out. In the wake of the fire, Chara bears deep scars across her back and arms. Tasso is frozen in trauma, devastated that he wasn't there when his family most needed him. And Irini is crippled by guilt at her part in the fate of the man who started the fire. But this family has survived, and slowly green shoots of hope and renewal will grow from the smouldering ruins of devastation. Once again, Christy Lefteri has crafted a novel which is intimate and epic, sweeping and delicate. The Book of Fire explores not only the damage wrought by human folly, and the costs of survival in our changing world, but also - and ultimately - our powers of redemption and renewal.

The Book of Fire

'A Spellbinding, edge-of-your-seat sequal, not to be missed.' - William Hussey, author of Broken Hearts and Zombie Parts 'A smart, witty and utterly compelling read.' - SIMON JAMES GREEN, author of Boy Like Me Emotions are hard . . . but mind games are the worst. Steven Percival has been thriving. After an idyllic summer with his boyfriend Troy, his emomancy powers are under control and he can't wait to start uni life in London. But things don't exactly go to plan . . . Alongside terrible housemates and frazzled friendships, Steven and Troy are recruited by DEMA for a mission which will bring the buried past crashing to the present and make Steven question his own reality. And who can Steven trust when life turns upside down? The second instalment in this queer YA fantasy trilogy includes plenty of new drama, intrigue and jaw-dropping surprises. It's bound to enchant fans of Alice Oseman, F.T. Lukens and Erik J. Brown. PRAISE FOR OVERTHINKING 'OVERTHINKING is the perfect sequel for fans of OVEREMOTIONAL, a celebration of big feelings and teenage friendship. I loved every page.' - MELISSA WELLIVER, author of My Love Life and the Apocalypse "I loved OVERTHINKING just as much as OVEREMOTIONAL! It's twisty, fun and heartwarming, with the most gorgeously written relationships." - AMY MCCAW, the MINA AND THE UNDEAD series "A fast-paced action which keeps up the momentum to its twisty climax. It's an incredibly fun ride." - RAVENA GURON, author of This Book Kills

Overthinking

A SEARING HOT SUMMER READ FOR FANS OF SALTBURN AND THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY. 'Addictive, evocative and effortlessly stylish' Culturefly | 'Very much for fans of The Secret History . . . glamorous' Pandora Sykes | 'A cool smart choice for the beach this summer' Daily Mail When Hanna moves to Spain for an internship at the prestigious Prado gallery, she finds herself spending her days buried in the museum's stifling archives, and her nights alone in a tiny rented flat. Then one day she sees them; Tom, Samuel, and Leah. Glamorous and elegant, they are also foreigners in the city. But unlike her they are fabulously wealthy, their lives an endless whirl of creativity and hedonism. And when Hanna discovers an uncatalogued 17th century etching in the archive, she makes a decision which changes everything . . . Taking us from the sultry streets of Madrid to the gleaming world of Mediterranean luxury villas and exclusive art world parties, The Group is a timeless story of hidden identity and obsession. (Translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles).

The Group

A bestselling gripping thriller from the author of Our House, full of characters you'll love to hate and twists you'll never see coming!'Riveting' THE TIMES ‘A stylish, sun-soaked thriller… Our Holiday is destined to be THE summer read of 2024’ Janice Hallett 'The perfect summer thriller' T.M. Logan A Richard and Judy Book Club Pick: 'We both loved this sizzling summer scorcher of a book' Charlotte and Perry long for summers at Cliff View, their gorgeous holiday home overlooking the turquoise waters of Pine Ridge. And now that city friends Amy and Linus have bought a property nearby, they plan lazy weeks of sun, sea and sipping rosé on Charlotte’s summerhouse veranda. But there’s trouble in paradise… A rising tide of resentment towards second-home owners is heading their way and small acts of criminal damage are escalating into something more menacing. By the end of the summer, families and friendships will be torn apart and Pine Ridge will be known for more than its sun-drenched beaches. It will be known for murder… Praise for Our Holiday:'A superstar of psychological thrillers' DAILY MAIL ‘Scorching’ THE SUN ‘An unmissable summer read’ HEAT ‘Smart, sharp and suspenseful’ Adele Parks, PLATINUM ‘Tense and gripping’ WOMAN’S OWN ‘This is psychological suspense at its finest’ WOMAN&HOME ‘Stands out for its wit, plotting and consideration of serious social issues… This is a novel that offers all kinds of pleasure – and a warning for anyone who thinks that family holidays will provide rest and relaxation’ LITERARY REVIEW ‘Nobody combines social tensions and murderous thrills quite like Louise Candlish' Abigail Dean ﻿‘A taut, twisting psychological thriller that grabs hold of you and never lets go… Louise Candlish never disappoints’ Tim Weaver ‘Another slice of compelling, gripping escapism from Louise Candlish. Absolutely loved it’ Jane Fallon

Our Holiday

The water's rising, the temperature's dropping. Time is running out... I wake up to darkness, my head pounding. As I reach out, my hands meet cold hard stone, and I realise in one single terrifying moment that I'm back where it all started - trapped at the bottom of the well where my best friend Amy's body was found fifteen years ago. My husband Martin warned me not to come back here. Westhaven turned its back on me a long time ago, after my hit true crime documentary freed Amy's murderer and made our small town infamous. But when another teenager turned up dead, I knew I couldn't stay away... Did I get too close to the truth? Is that why my captor put me down here? But the way they're taunting me from the top of the well feels too personal. They say if I want to live, I have to tell the truth. If I want to hold my little girl again, I have to figure out who put me down here and what secret they claim I'm keeping. But how long until I have only one last breath? A totally gripping, dark and twisty psychological thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Mark Edwards and Freida McFadden.

One Last Breath

The new sun-drenched summer read from the bestselling author and TV presenter'Soak up the glamour' PRIMA You’re invited to the most glamorous wedding of the year…The guests are gathering under the Mediterranean sun, and as the champagne flows, so do the secrets… The childhood sweethearts Carina is marrying the love of her life. But he isn’t the person she thinks he is. The dazzling bridesmaid Hollywood starlet Edie is hiding a secret that could destroy her best friend. The unexpected guest Mother-of-the-bride Philippa is stunned by the arrival of a lover from her past. Are scandal and betrayal about to destroy their happy ever after? Readers love Secrets of the Villa Amore!'This book was a joy to read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'It had me gripped from start to finish' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Another wonderful book … very refreshing and engaging' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review Carol Kirkwood's book 'Secrets of the Villa Amore' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-07-24.

Secrets of the Villa Amore

Don’t miss this gripping historical novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl From Bletchley Park. A country rebelling It’s 1916 and, as war rages in Europe, Gráinne leaves her job in a department store to join Countess Markiewicz’s revolutionary efforts. It is a decision which will change her life forever. A rebellion is brewing, and as Dublin’s streets become a battleground, Gráinne soon discovers the personal cost of fighting for what you believe in… A forgotten sacrifice Decades on, student Nicky is recovering from a break-up when a research project leads her to her great-grandmother’s experiences in revolutionary Ireland. When Nicky finds a long-forgotten handkerchief amongst her great-grandmother’s things, it leads to the revelation of a heartbreaking story of tragedy and courage, and those who sacrificed everything for their country. Inspired by a heartbreaking true story, this emotional historical novel will sweep you away to the Emerald Isle. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Sandy Taylor and Fiona Valpy. Readers LOVE The Girl with the Emerald Flag!‘Kathleen never disappoints’ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The mark of an excellent book – when you don't want it to be finished and when you want to find out more about the subject…This book was an education as well as entertaining – as always well written and one not to put down until it was finished.’ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you like getting your history from fictional stories rather than dry tomes then this is the book for you. I'd highly recommend it!’ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is a book that has been researched so well and so accurate, attention to detail is brilliant, I loved this from start to finish and can highly recommend for a very true to life book.’ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved reading 'The Girl With The Emerald Flag' and I would certainly recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Kathleen's work in the future’ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Girl with the Emerald Flag

Will her island escape change everything?The new captivating read from the bestselling author and beloved TV presenter‘Glorious escapism!’ SANTA MONTEFIORE 'Utterly engaging, deliciously escapist' CATHY KELLY 'Wonderfully escapist – marvellous' ANTON DU BEKE ___________________________________ Lies, seduction and secrets await under a Spanish sun…When Camille Fontaine arrives on the sun-drenched island of Majorca, she’s running from a shattered love affair. But even amongst the palm trees and the golden sands, she can’t forget her past. Surrounded by the glamorous and the guilty, Camille isn’t the only one with secrets to hide. Is one sunseeker hiding a dark revelation? Will a Hollywood actress risk her glittering career? Can a broken-hearted lover take a last chance at happiness? As the sun sets on their island paradise, can they escape a lifetime of secrets?

Meet Me at Sunset

A mother's secret past collides with her daughter's present in this intoxicating novel from Jane Healey, the author of The Animals at Lockwood Manor. In the summer of 1973, teenage Ruth and her four friends are obsessed with pre-Raphaelite paintings, and a little bit obsessed with each other. They spend the scorching summer days in the river by Ruth's grand family home, pretending to be the drowning Ophelia and recreating tableaus of other tragic mythical heroines. But by the end of the summer, real tragedy has found them. Twenty-four years later, Ruth is a wife and mother of three children, and moves her family into her still-grand, but now somewhat dilapidated, childhood home following the death of her father. Her seventeen-year-old daughter, Maeve, is officially in remission and having been discharged from hospital can finally start acting like a 'normal' teenager with the whole summer ahead of her. It's just the five of them until Stuart, a handsome photographer and old friend of her parents, comes to stay. And there’s something about Stuart that makes Maeve feel more alive than all of her life-saving treatments put together . . . As the heat of the summer burns, how long can the family go before long-held secrets threaten to burst their banks and drown them all? Set between two fateful summers, The Ophelia Girls is a visceral, heady exploration of illicit desire, infatuation and the perils and power of being a young woman.

The Ophelia Girls

A schoolyard stabbing sends wingbeats echoing from the past. One shocking event. Two teachers risk their careers to help a boy who has nothing. Three worlds intersect and collide. The best way to avoid trouble, thinks Ayisha Emmanuelle, is to avoid confrontation. As an inner-city schoolteacher, she does a whole lot of avoidance. 14-year-old Shamayal Thomas trusts no one. Not the family, not the gang. And at school, trusting people is forbidden. Jim Stevens teaches history. Haunted by his own, he still believes everyone can learn from the past. History doesn’t always have to repeat itself. A powerful exploration of the ache of loss set in a landscape where broken people can heal each other. Fresh, funny, heartbreaking and real, this original and compassionate study of when to break the rules and why is perfect for fans of Maggie O'Farrell, Rachel Joyce and Ali Smith. ‘If you want to laugh and cry and stamp and cheer – all in the space of a few hours – then this book is the one for you.’ Bookmuse '...a powerful story...the narration was outstanding...it kept me absolutely engrossed.' - Anita Wallas (NetGalley Reviewer) 'a layered literary novel with charm and humor as well as harsh realism. I can heartily recommend this book.' - Helen Aristar-Dry (Educator, NetGalley) 'A beautifully written story that will hold your attention until the very end. A pleasure to read and I would highly recommend this book to fans of literary fiction.' - Kirsty Holt (NetGalley Reviewer) Hailed by The Bookseller as 'One to Watch', Jane Davis writes thought-provoking literary page turners with a strong commercial edge. Her first novel "Half-Truths and White Lies", won a national award established with the aim of finding 'the next Joanne Harris'. Further recognition followed in 2016 with "An Unknown Woman" being named Self-Published Book of the Year by Writing Magazine/the David St John Thomas Charitable Trust, as well as being shortlisted in the IAN Awards, and in 2019 with "Smash all the Windows" winning the inaugural Selfies Book Award. Her latest novel "At the Stroke of Nine O'Clock", July 2020, has been featured in The Lady Magazine as one of their favourite books set in the 1950s, selected as a Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice, and shortlisted for the Selfies Book Awards 2021. Jane Davis lives in Carshalton, Surrey.

A Funeral for an Owl

‘I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I loved it. Utterly heartwarming’ Julie Caplin ‘Adorable and clever, bursting with love and laughter. Climb aboard the Heartwarmer Express, this is THE rom com of the year!’ Jane LinfootTwo people. One journey… Millie loves her city life, her city friends and writing her true(ish) confessions column – but she’s starting to wonder if the grass really is greener on the other side, or if her heart really belongs back in Northumberland, with her mum who is struggling after the death of Millie’s dad. Since leaving home. Joe’s lived believing that looking back means you’ve failed, and life is about taking chances and seeing the world. So when the two meet up surely it can never work, their lives are moving in opposite directions. On different tracks… Readers are LOVING Meet Me on Platform Three:‘A five-star read you would miss a train for…there was just something special about the will-they-won’t-they aspect’ Sara ‘Zara Stoneley is back to her witty best, in this light hearted rom-com that had me giggling and smiling throughout’ Rachel ‘I read this one in the space of two days…was so much fun, I couldn't put it down. Delighted to discover that this author has other books, will be reading them ASAP’ Courtney ‘A fun, smart, and witty ROM-COM that will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next’ Anne ‘From the first page I was hooked…A feel-good rom-com’ Rubie ‘A humorous, light-hearted read, touching on some more serious topics…I loved how easily I settled down into reading it! A wonderful story would recommend!’ Sharon ‘Left me feeling really upbeat at the end of it…it felt genuine and heartfelt with characters that leapt off the page’ Sarah ‘A perfect holiday read! Great storyline and brilliant characters’ Helen ‘Heartwarming and full of love and fun’ Katie ‘Really enjoyable read…totally recommend ’ Julie ‘A very clever story and a good ending…I loved it’ Rosamund

The Zara Stoneley Romantic Comedy Collection

Meet Me on Platform 3

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