JUNE 2025 REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICK In this dazzling debut novel, a young reclusive coder unearths the story of a lost Shanghai pencil company and a legacy of magic, espionage and family secrets that will alter the path of her life forever. ‘Wildly inventive … Allison King is a talent to watch’ LIZ MOORE 'Marvellous!' GISH JEN 'A beautiful ode to the warmth of family connection' RAY NAYLER 'A stunning debut … had me smiling through my tears' FONDA LEE Monica Tsai spends most days on her computer coding for a program that seeks to connect strangers online. A self-confessed recluse, she finds herself escaping into a digital world, counting the days until she can return home to her beloved grandparents. They are now in their nineties, and she worries about them – especially her grandmother Yun whose memory has begun to fade. Monica has become intent on tracking down her grandmother Yun’s long-lost cousin, Meng, before it’s too late. In her search, Monica connects with a young woman archivist who presents her with a single pencil that holds a clue to a hidden family history. Through this discovery Monica comes to learn of her grandmother’s years in Shanghai, working at the Phoenix Pencil Company. As WWII raged outside their door, Yun and Meng came into a power unique to the women in their family: the ability to reclaim stories from the pencils they were written with. But when government officials uncovered their secret ability, they were both forced into a life of espionage, betraying other people’s stories to survive. These shocking revelations set Monica on a path that will change all their lives in ways she can scarcely imagine. At once a sweeping family epic and a powerful love story with deep emotional resonance, Allison King’s brilliantly inventive debut novel pushes us to question how well we really know our own stories and the many beguiling ways they can connect our lives. 'An impressive juggling act of voices that made me feel like I was in on a secret … a rare novel' SEQUOIA NAGAMATSU

The Phoenix Pencil Company

From the million-copy bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop'A delicious book that I couldn’t resist devouring in one sitting. It was a delight to lose myself in the world of Edie and the mysterious baker. I would recommend to pastry lovers and book lovers alike!' Sally Page, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Keeper of Stories Nestled among the cobblestone streets of Compiègne, there existed a bakery unlike any other. Rumours were whispered through the town that its pastries offered a taste of magic, chasing away the darkest of sorrows. Just one bite of a croissant might bring luck, unlock a precious memory or reveal hidden longings. But dark clouds were looming on the horizon… For Edie Lane, a recipe for disaster doesn’t require that many ingredients. Take an unhealthy amount of wishful thinking and a sprinkle of desperation and that’s how Edie left everything behind in Ireland for her dream job at a bakery in Paris. Except the bakery isn’t in Paris – and neither is Edie. This might not be where Edie intended to be but she soon realizes it's exactly where she needs to be… Praise for Evie Woods‘Beautifully written and captures the wonder and awe that a story can bring to its reader…a delightful story for any book lover…an ode to storytelling and the connections that books can make!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wowwww!! It’s been awhile since I read something so fascinating, captivating and special all in one…It takes you on a journey like most books do, but this one, I just want to inscribe on my back and hope that it becomes a part of me so that I can carry it with me always’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must read for readers that love books’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautiful story that begs to be read in one sitting…a magical story filled with beautiful prose and many surprises that readers will not soon forget’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This spellbinding book hooked me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down til the end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris

An evocative and charming novel full of secrets and mystery, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lost BookshopIn a quiet village in Ireland, a mysterious local myth is about to change everything… One hundred years ago, Anna, a young farm girl, volunteers to help an intriguing American visitor translate fairy stories from Irish to English. But all is not as it seems and Anna soon finds herself at the heart of a mystery that threatens her very way of life. In New York in the present day, Sarah Harper boards a plane bound for the West Coast of Ireland. But once there, she finds she has unearthed dark secrets – secrets that tread the line between the everyday and the otherworldly, the seen and the unseen. With a taste for the magical in everyday life, Evie Woods's latest novel is full of ordinary characters with extraordinary tales to tell. Readers have fallen in love with The Story Collector:‘I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction and want to learn more about Ireland and its folklore history surrounding the faeries.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Romantic and magical, an adventure to be enjoyed.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Painted beautifully.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A bewitching story which I will treasure.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A mystical treasure that echoes with the fairy world power of Ireland. A mesmerising tale told in two timelines where the past unfolds and ripples like a wave into the future.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This is the perfect book to read on a winter afternoon in front of the fire.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A delightful tale of love and loss and magical stories.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Previously published as The Story Collector by Evie Gaughan.

The Story Collector

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2025 'Enormously entertaining'THE TIMES 'As funny as it is moving'GUARDIAN 'A joy of a debut' DAVID MITCHELL 'Magnificent' BERNARDINE EVARISTO A stunning debut novel following five women from three generations of a once eminent Iranian family as their lives are turned upside down The Valiat family are in crisis. Elizabeth, the regal matriarch, remained in Tehran despite the revolution and only has Niaz, her Islamic law-breaking granddaughter for company. In America, Elizabeth’ s daughters, the flamboyantly high-flying Shirin and frustrated housewife Seema, are wondering if their new lives there are all they had hoped for. Lastly, there’s the second granddaughter, Bita, a disillusioned law student trying to find deeper meaning by giving away her worldly belongings. When an annual vacation in Aspen goes wildly awry and Shirin ends up being bailed out of jail, gossip about the family spreads like wildfire. Soon, Shirin sets out to restore the family name to its former glory. But what does that mean in a country where the Valiats never mattered to anyone? And, will reputation be enough to make them a family again? The Persians is an irresistible portrait of a unique family in turmoil that explores timeless questions of love, money, art and fulfilment. Here is their past, their present and a possible new future for them all. A most anticipated novel of 2025 in Stylist, BBC and iNews. ‘Funny, gutsy and confidently written … an outstanding debut’ DIANA EVANS, 2025 Women’s Prize Judge 'Magnificent … I lapped up its wonderful characterisations, profound insights and vivacious prose' BERNARDINE EVARISTO 'Mesmerising' MONICA ALI 'Riotous … will have you hooked'STYLIST ‘A darkly funny read about mothers and daughters, love and loss and being true to yourself’ RED 'As exuberant as it is sharp’ iNEWS 'A sweeping and irreverent tale'BBC ‘Gloriously engrossing’ TASH AW ‘Exuberant, comic, perceptive’ AMINA CAIN 'A very brilliant, very special book' JESSICA STANLEY ‘An unforgettable read’ JOSIE FERGUSON

The Persians

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK A USA TODAY BESTSELLER #1 New York Times bestselling author Wally Lamb, celebrated for two prior Oprah Book Club selections, returns with an exceptional third pick, a propulsive novel following a young father grappling with unbearable tragedy as he searches for hope, redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness. Corby Ledbetter is struggling. New fatherhood, the loss of his job, and a growing secret addiction have thrown his marriage to his beloved Emily into a tailspin. And that’s before he causes the tragedy that tears the family apart. Sentenced to prison, Corby struggles to survive life on the inside, where he bears witness to frightful acts of brutality but also experiences small acts of kindness and elemental kinship with a prison librarian who sees his light and some of his fellow offenders, including a tender-hearted cellmate and a troubled teen desperate for a role model. Buoyed by them and by his mother’s enduring faith in him, Corby begins to transcend the boundaries of his confinement, sustained by his hope that mercy and reconciliation might still be possible. Can his crimes ever be forgiven by those he loves?

The River Is Waiting (Oprah's Book Club)

Sweeping and evocative, The Hidden Girl is a lost treasure from the author of The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley. Discover this reimagined novel from an author loved by millions of readers worldwide. You can’t alter destiny . . . Born and raised in a small village on the Yorkshire moors, Leah Thompson grows more beautiful with each passing day. When she catches the attention of the influential, troubled Delancey family, she knows her life will never be the same again. Years later, Leah takes the modelling world by storm, travelling from Milan to London and New York and living life in the lap of luxury. But her past follows her like a dark shadow, mysteriously intertwined with the tragic tale of two young siblings in Poland during the Second World War. As two generations of secrets threaten to explode, Leah is haunted by a fatal, forgotten prophecy from her past, and must fight to challenge the destiny that has been mapped out for her in the stars . . . Long before she became the bestselling author of The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley wrote Hidden Beauty as Lucinda Edmonds. This standalone novel has been reworked and given new life as The Hidden Girl by Harry Whittaker, Lucinda’s son and co-author of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt. Five-star reader reviews: 'All I can say is WOW . . . Lucinda Riley is a master storyteller, and this book is an epic lost masterpiece’ ‘There are so many aspects to this novel: a beautiful love story, a family saga, the modelling world, greed and revenge. I was totally engrossed’ ‘This sweeping, epic tale takes you from the wilds of the Yorkshire moors to New York. It’s moving, poignant and full of friendship, love, and loss with many twists along the way’ 'The historical elements were beautifully researched and added so much depth to the story. What I loved most was the emotional journey. The themes of love, loss, and redemption were handled with such sensitivity and grace'

The Hidden Girl

As read on BBC Radio 4 A Sunday Times Best Book of 2025 An Observer Best Debut of 2025 'Compassionate, lyrical and full of devilment' - Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses 'A joy . . . vivid, loving and genuinely funny' The Sunday Times 'I didn't want it to ever end' Jennie Godfrey, author of The List of Suspicious Things In 1973 on the west coast of Ireland, a baby is found abandoned on the beach. Who is he? Where is he from? What changes will he bring? Ambrose, a local fisherman, is far more interested in who he will become and – with a curious community looking on – takes the baby home and adopts him. But for Declan, the baby’s new brother, this arrival is surely bad news. Rivalries can be decades in the making . . . Set over twenty years, Garrett Carr’s The Boy from the Sea is about a restless boy trying to find his place in the world, and a town caught in the storm of a rapidly approaching future. Readers love The Boy from the Sea: 'Left me feeling warm and satisfied when I finished it and I’ve thought about it daily since then' ***** 'Books are meant to change you, to shape you, and to heal you, and The Boy from the Sea does all those things' ***** 'You feel like you’re right there in the village' ***** 'Stunning. I found myself waking up at 5am because I was desperate to read more' ***** 'Felt like I was stepping off life's treadmill and immersing myself in another world' *****

The Boy from the Sea

‘Beautiful and emotional’ Sue Moorcroft ‘A moving, warm and comforting read’ Jennie Godfrey ‘Tender and moving, The Forgotten Book Club is one to treasure’ Celia Anderson ‘A wonderfully uplifting celebration of community and the joy of books’ Annie Lyons –––––––––––––––––––––––––– Life can begin with a single story. You just have to Bring Your Own Book…For three decades, Grace supported her husband Frank’s passion for books, despite not being a reader herself. Since his passing, their shelves echo longingly, and Grace’s heartache has only grown. When Grace’s grandson suggests joining Frank’s old book club to feel closer to him again, Grace reluctantly agrees. Yet, upon arrival, she discovers this isn’t a typical book club: here, members settle in for an hour of reading… in silence. Disappointed by the sparse attendance and confused by the lack of chatter, Grace flees. But when fellow member, Annie, convinces her to stay, Grace is determined to ensure that neither Frank – nor his beloved book club – are forgotten. And as she breathes new life into the group, Grace might just find this is where she truly belongs. Because this next chapter of life could just be the beginning of her story… The perfect story for book lovers everywhere. Ideal for fans of Sally Page and Evie Woods. Readers and authors have fallen in love with Kate Storey:‘A gorgeous story full of emotion and a very special library.’ – Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop 'An absolute joy to read. Uplifting, beautiful, and perfect for any book lovers!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A lovely story that celebrates books, family and kindness. Touching and beautiful.' – Hazel Prior, bestselling author of Away with the Penguins 'The Memory Library delivers on its promise of hope, friendship and second chances. It's a love letter to the written word.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The Memory Library is so joyful. Kate Storey writes from the heart and the gut about mistakes and how we can learn from them. Great characters and a truly heartwarming story – I loved it!' – Laura Pearson, author of #1 Kindle bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont ‘A powerful and poignant story. There were tears shed.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A gorgeous novel that pairs my (and many people’s) perennial love for books about books with themes of family – and just how complex they can be.' – Platinum ‘I laughed out loud and had more than one glassy eye!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An utterly gorgeous page turner about the power of books, family and forgiveness.' – Phaedra Patrick, The Library of Lost and Found ‘A real treasure for booklovers everywhere who completely appreciate the joy, knowledge and healing that books can bring.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The Memory Library is a magical story…It’s a magnificent celebration of the wonderful world of books and libraries – one to treasure and re-read over and over again!’ – Celia Anderson, author of USA Today bestseller 59 Memory Lane ‘There’s page after page of wonderful wisdom in this novel.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautiful, poignant tale of family, friendship and the power of books. I was completely swept away.’ – Kindle bestseller Annie Lyons

The Forgotten Book Club

A spellbinding epic tale of ambition, anarchy and absolute power set against the sprawling medieval canvas of twelfth-century England, The Pillars of the Earth is Ken Follett's classic historical masterpiece. A MASON WITH A DREAM 1135 and civil war, famine and religious strife abound. With his family on the verge of starvation, mason Tom Builder dreams of the day that he can use his talents to create and build a cathedral like no other. A MONK WITH A BURNING MISSION Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, is resourceful, but with money scarce he knows that for his town to survive it must find a way to thrive, and so he makes the decision to build within it the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has ever known. A WORLD OF HIGH IDEALS AND SAVAGE CRUELTY As Tom and Philip meet so begins an epic tale of ambition, anarchy and absolute power. In a world beset by strife and enemies that would thwart their plans, they will stop at nothing to achieve their ambitions in a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state, and brother against brother . . . The Pillars of the Earth is the first in The Kingsbridge Novels series, followed by World Without End and A Column of Fire. More than 175 million copies sold worldwide. Published in over eighty territories and thirty-seven languages. The international No. 1 bestselling phenomenon returns.

The Kingsbridge Novels

The Pillars of the Earth

A family secret. A century of heartache . . . The Girl on the Cliff is an evocative, moving story of family, loss and hope, from Lucinda Riley, the international bestselling author of The Seven Sisters series. After a devastating loss, Grania Ryan flees her life as an artist in New York and returns home to Ireland and the arms of her loving family. While out walking the windswept cliffs of West Cork, she comes across Aurora, an enigmatic eight-year-old girl. Mysteriously drawn to the troubled child, Grania soon discovers that the histories of their families are strangely and deeply entwined. From a bittersweet romance in wartime London, to betrayals and close-guarded family secrets, the two families, past and present, have been entangled for a century. Can Aurora help Grania to come to terms with her loss, and look forward to a brighter future? Readers love The Girl on the Cliff: 'A beautiful story, brilliantly woven through generations' 5***** 'Stunning, enchanting, evocative . . . You can feel the wind in your hair' 5***** 'Takes you on a journey . . . Beautifully written' 5****

The Girl on the Cliff

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER AND NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST‘A dazzling epic of love, war and the joy of books’ Guardian‘There is magic in this place … You just have to sit and breathe and wait and it will find you’ Fifteenth-century Constantinople. Present day Idaho. The future, and humanity’s last hope. Across time and space, five young dreamers are bound by a single ancient text. Together, they tell a story of a world in peril; of the power of words, of resilience, and of hope against all odds. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of All the Light We Cannot See returns with a heart-breaking, magnificent epic of human connection and a love letter to storytelling itself. ‘Wonderment and despair, love and destruction and hope – all find their place in its sumptuously plotted pages’ Observer ‘Ingenious, hopeful and totally absorbing’ Financial Times ‘This engagingly written, big-hearted book is a must-read’ Daily Mirror

Cloud Cuckoo Land

The profound sequel to Firefly Lane, now a major Netflix series starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. From Kristin Hannah, the bestselling author of The Four Winds and The Nightingale. Fly Away is the heartrending story of three women who have lost their way and need each other – plus a miracle – to transform their lives . . . Tully Hart, a celebrity news reporter is spiralling downward after the sudden loss of her best friend Kate. Consumed with guilt, Tully and Kate's daughter, Marah, grapple with their past mistakes. Meanwhile, Cloud, Tully's mother, endeavours to alleviate the burden. For them to find their way back, forgiveness becomes their only hope. And then something momentous happens – something which causes each one of them to realize what they’ve done, and what they have become . . . This audiobook also contains a reading group guide with Kristin Hannah. 'A novel that will touch the hearts of all who pick it up' – Huffington Post Readers love Fly Away: 'So gripping and unputdownable' 'The sequel to Firefly Lane is simply fabulous . . . The three women all reach new heights and depths' 'Make sure you have your tissues at the ready' 'So beautifully written, you will love it from start to finish' 'I will be telling all my friends who read about it'

Fly Away

LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION 'A deeply humane and genre-defying work of love and … hope’ OCEAN VUONG ‘Beautiful, brilliant’ R. F. KUANG ‘Dazzling’ OBSERVER ‘Will shatter your heart’ GLAMOUR ‘Powerful’ SUNDAY TIMES An extraordinary story of the journey of one young family through love, loss and unwavering hope. There are the goodbyes and then the fishing out of the bodies – everything in between is speculation. One night, not long after the last American troops leave Vietnam, siblings Anh, Thanh and Minh flee their village and embark on a perilous journey in hope of a new life. Separated from their parents and fearing the worst they find themselves travelling alone in the world without a home to return to. After a twist of fate lands them in Thatcher’s Britain, they must somehow build new lives there. Will the love they have for each other be enough to keep them together? Wandering Souls is a stunning, life-affirming testament to the healing power of stories. A Time and Guardian book of the year Shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize 2023 ‘Poignant and lyrical’ DAVID NICHOLLS ‘A powerful story of courage, love and unwavering hope’ MARIE CLAIRE ‘Beautiful… I loved every word’ PHILIPPA PERRY ‘A deeply affecting reckoning with history’ i-D ‘Tells one of the most important stories of our times’ LUCY CALDWELL ‘Special … Reading it is like watching a writer at work’ NEW YORK TIMES

Wandering Souls

Three generations of Palestinian-American women living in Brooklyn are torn between individual desire and the strict mores of Arab culture in this heart-wrenching story of love, intrigue and courage. Palestine, 1990. Seventeen-year-old Isra prefers reading books to entertaining the suitors her father has chosen for her. Over the course of a week, the naïve and dreamy girl finds herself quickly betrothed and married, and is soon living in Brooklyn. There Isra struggles to adapt to the expectations of her oppressive mother-in-law Fareeda and strange new husband Adam, a pressure that intensifies as she begins to have children – four daughters instead of the sons Fareeda tells Isra she must bear. Brooklyn, 2008. Eighteen-year-old Deya, Isra’s oldest daughter, must meet with potential husbands at her grandmother Fareeda’s insistence, though her only desire is to go to college. But her grandmother is firm on the matter: the only way to secure a worthy future for Deya is through marriage to the right man. But fate has a will of its own, and soon Deya will find herself on an unexpected path that leads her to shocking truths about her family… Set in an America at once foreign to many and staggeringly close at hand, A Woman Is No Man is a story of culture and honour, secrets and betrayals, love and violence. It is an intimate glimpse into a controlling and closed cultural world, and a universal tale about family and the ways silence and shame can destroy those we have sworn to protect. A New York Times bestseller • A Washington Post 10 Books to Read in March • One of Cosmopolitan’s Best Books by POC for 2019 • A Refinery 29 Best Book of the Month ‘A love letter to storytelling’ New York Times ‘A nuanced look at the power of shame to shatter lives and send shards of pain hurtling down the generations . . . brilliant’ Big Issue ‘Enthralling’ Image magazine

A Woman is No Man

Don’t miss this transporting novel full of family secrets, a disputed inheritance, and a century-old unsolved mystery … ‘As much a feminist adventure as a redemptive family mystery . . . I was gripped and entertained from start to finish’ Ashley Audrain, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Push ‘Strong women, rich history and page-turning suspense make for a rich and satisfying read’ Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author * * * A century-old unsolved murder A disputed inheritance A family secret that some will kill to protect . . . When Sara Marsala’s beloved great-aunt Rosie passes away, she leaves Sara a valuable piece of land in Sicily, but there’s a catch: the locals refuse to acknowledge the rightful owner of the deed, and if Sara wants the land she must first uncover the truth about what happened to her great-grandmother, Serafina Marsala. Because Rosie didn’t think Serafina died of illness as family lore states . . . Rosie believed Serafina was murdered, and she wants Sara to prove it. Sara’s investigations take her up and down the picturesque Italian countryside and, along the way, she learns more about Serafina, a headstrong young woman thrust into motherhood in her teens, who fought for a better life for all the woman of her small village. Yet a woman who challenges the status quo is never safe, and as Sara discovers more about Serafina, she comes up against the same menacing forces that took down her great-grandmother. And now they want to destroy Sara too. * * * Praise for The Sicilian Inheritance: ‘Equal parts rich historical fiction, gripping murder mystery, and a moving exploration of identity, grief, and the long shadow of the past’ Andrea Bartz, New York Times bestselling author of We Were Never Here

The Sicilian Inheritance

‘SUCH a treat! Glorious, glamorous and transporting: the British answer to Taylor Jenkins Reid’ Lucy Foley‘Totally enchanting…romantic and aspirational. You’ll be captivated’ Adele Parks River of Stars is wholly involving with a rich, emotional depth. I loved it so much. Georgina Moore is the heir to the late great Maeve Binchy’ Jennie Godfrey ***** Jo hasn’t seen Oliver since that magical, life-changing summer when their idyllic island paradise was shattered. Growing up on Walnut Tree Island, they were everything to each other, defying a feud that fractured their families decades before. If first love runs deep, Jo and Oliver’s ran like the river itself, fast and true. On Walnut Tree Island, love affairs and secrets come and go like the tides. Once the pulse of a flourishing 1960s music scene, it’s where Mary Star fell in love with a young musician about to hit the big time, only to be left with a baby and a broken heart. Mary has made the island a haven for two generations of Star women, raising her daughter and her granddaughter, surrounded by the river, supported by a bohemian, artistic community. But Oliver’s return to the island after years away throws everyone into a frenzy. The threat of change is coming to paradise. And for Jo, Oliver’s return opens the wounds of a love she thought she had lost for ever… Beautifully written, featuring a cast of magnetic characters, River of Stars is the captivating new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Georgina Moore. ***** Praise for River of Stars'Utterly enchanting, and with richly drawn characters, this is the perfect summer read' Heat 'Full of rich characters and an enchanting setting, this is a gorgeous read' Fabulous 'Utterly enchanting and rich in character, River of Stars is perfect summer reading' Bella ‘A completely transporting summer read' Stylist 'An epic saga full of characters that will stay with you' The Sun ‘It’s a dream. Romantic, sexy, bittersweet’ Patrick Gale 'River of Stars will sweep you up in a glorious tide of music and art and romance and hold you in its spell till the very last page. A gorgeously escapist treat, I loved it' Louise Candlish ‘Gorgeous. A hugely rich and rewarding read… the perfect summer escape’ Emma Stonex ‘Like the best kind of music, powering your soul and making your heart swell. I loved everything about it – magical’ Lucy Vine ‘Each chapter is a song, and Georgina Moore’s storytelling will seduce you as surely as the night time melodies of her Walnut Tree Island’ Tiffany Murray ‘So seductive, and fiercely charming, and your brilliant sense of place – such beguiling settings’ Fran Littlewood ‘A tangle of glamourous chaos in a gorgeous setting…A wonderfully escapist emotional rollercoaster to get truly lost in’ Veronica Henry ‘Beautifully written and wonderfully escapist – you won’t want to leave this island. But the best part is the gorgeous romance at its core. Jo and Oliver have my whole heart' Becky Hunter ***** Readers are swept away by River of Stars!'A gorgeous, character-driven book filled with secrets, second chances and emotional honesty' (Five stars) 'What a brilliant book, I absolutely loved it! Very VERY highly recommended' (Five stars) 'A captivating and immersive read, which draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end' (Five stars) 'A deeply emotional, moving, romantic and hopeful read' (Five stars)

River of Stars

2021 CANADA READS FINALIST 		Longlisted for the 2020 Scotiabank Giller Prize 		An intergenerational saga about three Nigerian women: a novel about food, family, and forgiveness. 		Butter Honey Pig Bread is a story of choices and their consequences, of motherhood, of the malleable line between the spirit and the mind, of finding new homes and mending old ones, of voracious appetites, of queer love, of friendship, faith, and above all, family. 		Francesca Ekwuyasi’s debut novel tells the interwoven stories of twin sisters, Kehinde and Taiye, and their mother, Kambirinachi. Kambirinachi feels she was born an Ogbanje, a spirit that plagues families with misfortune by dying in childhood to cause its mother misery. She believes that she has made the unnatural choice of staying alive to love her human family and now lives in fear of the consequences of that decision. 		Some of Kambirinachi’s worst fears come true when her daughter, Kehinde, experiences a devasting childhood trauma that causes the family to fracture in seemingly irreversible ways. As soon as she’s of age, Kehinde moves away and cuts contact with her twin sister and mother. Alone in Montreal, she struggles to find ways to heal while building a life of her own. Meanwhile, Taiye, plagued by guilt for what happened to her sister, flees to London and attempts to numb the loss of the relationship with her twin through reckless hedonism. 		Now, after more than a decade of living apart, Taiye and Kehinde have returned home to Lagos to visit their mother. It is here that the three women must face each other and address the wounds of the past if they are to reconcile and move forward. 		Bespeak Audio Editions brings Canadian voices to the world with audiobook editions of some of the country’s greatest works of literature, performed by Canadian actors.

Butter Honey Pig Bread

*Discover The Secrets of Flowers, the brand new novel from Sally Page – available to pre-order now* ‘I absolutely loved it! So different, clever, funny and charming’ Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde‘Funny, wise, moving and full of lovely moments…The characters are endearing and unforgettable’ Hazel Prior, author of the Richard & Judy Book Club Pick Away with the Penguins ‘Janice is a wonderful woman whose authenticity pulls you along…the breadth and originality of supporting characters makes this debut an immersive delight’ Dorset Magazine ‘Absolutely spellbinding…a warm-hearted, thoughtful, funny and yet deeply poignant’ Celia Anderson, author of 59 Memory Lane ‘A treasure of a book. Beautiful, emotional and heartfelt with a cornucopia of characters you’ll love spending time with’ Phaedra Patrick, author of The Library of Lost and Found She can’t recall what started her collection. Maybe it was in a fragment of conversation overheard as she cleaned a sink? Before long (as she dusted a sitting room or defrosted a fridge) she noticed people were telling her their stories. Perhaps they always had done, but now it is different, now the stories are reaching out to her and she gathers them to her… When Janice starts cleaning for Mrs B – a shrewd and tricksy woman in her nineties – she meets someone who wants to hear her story. But Janice is clear: she is the keeper of stories, she doesn’t have a story to tell. At least, not one she can share. Mrs B is no fool and knows there is more to Janice than meets the eye. What is she hiding? After all, doesn’t everyone have a story to tell? Readers are loving Sally Page:‘Oh my giddy aunt what an amazing book…absolutely adored it from start to finish’ Jeannie ‘Not what I was expecting at all…loved the way it ended’ Julie ‘An absolutely wonderful, unputdownable book full of delightful characters’ Sue ‘What a wonderful idea for a book…A joy to read’ Angela ‘Beautiful story…I loved every minute of reading it!’ Rubie

The Keeper of Stories

"East of Eden" by John Steinbeck is an epic novel that traverses generations, exploring the intricate tapestry of human relationships and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Set in California's Salinas Valley, the story revolves around the intertwined destinies of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons. At its heart is the retelling of the biblical tale of Cain and Abel, as themes of morality, free will, and the pursuit of identity unfold. The characters, vividly drawn and deeply flawed, grapple with their own desires and the impact of their choices on those around them. Steinbeck's prose weaves a narrative of profound depth and insight, creating a literary masterpiece that delves into the complexities of the human spirit and the enduring quest for redemption and understanding.

East of Eden

THE FIRST IN A STUNNING SERIES, THE COUSINS' WAR, FROM INTERNATIONALLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR PHILIPPA GREGORY Set amid the tumult and intrigue of The War of the Roses, Philippa Gregory tells the story of one woman's ambitious ascent to royalty during the unsolved mystery around her sons' imprisonment in the Tower in a captivating family drama. Elizabeth Woodville is a common woman who ascends to royalty by virtue of her beauty. A woman who rises to the demands of her position and fights tenaciously for the success of her family. A woman whose two sons become the central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the Princes in the Tower. Their fate remains unknown to this day. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores the most famous unsolved mystery, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills. Praise for Philippa Gregory: ‘Meticulously researched and deeply entertaining, this story of betrayal and divided loyalties is Gregory on top form’ Good Housekeeping ‘Gregory has popularised Tudor history perhaps more than any other living fiction writer…all of her books feature strong, complex women, doing their best to improve their lives in worlds dominated by men’ Sunday Times ‘Engrossing’ Sunday Express ‘Popular historical fiction at its finest, immaculately researched and superbly told’ The Times 'Queen of the historical novel' Mail on Sunday

COUSINS' WAR

The White Queen

Read by Miranda Raison (Lessons in Chemistry) Unlocking the past is the key to the future . . . From Lucinda Riley, the international bestselling author of The Seven Sisters series, The Light Behind the Window is a breathtaking historical romance about love, war and, above all, forgiveness. South of France, present day. After the death of her glamorous, distant mother, Emilie de la Martiniéres finds herself alone in the world – and sole inheritor of her grand childhood home. A notebook of poems leads her to search for the mysterious and beautiful Sophia, whose tragic love affair changed the course of her family history. As Emilie unravels Sophia's story, she embarks on a journey of discovery, realizing that the château may provide clues to her own difficult past. Paris, 1943. Constance Carruthers, a young office clerk for M15, is drafted into a special operations team, arriving in occupied Paris during the climax of the conflict. Separated from her contact in France, she stumbles into the heart of a wealthy family who are caught up in a deadly game of secrets and lies. Forced to surrender her identity and all ties to her homeland, Constance is drawn into a complex web of deception, the repercussions of which will affect generations to come . . .

The Light Behind The Window

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Cutting for Stone comes a stunning and magisterial epic of love, faith, and medicine, set in Kerala, South India, following three generations of a family seeking the answers to a strange secret The Covenant of Water is the long-awaited new novel by Abraham Verghese, the author of the major word-of-mouth bestseller Cutting for Stone, which has sold over 1.5 million copies in the United States alone and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over two years. Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala’s Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl—and future matriarch, Big Ammachi—will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love the only constants. A shimmering evocation of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself, The Covenant of Water is a hymn to progress in medicine and to humanunderstanding, and a humbling testament to the hardships undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. Imbued with humor, deep emotion, and the essence of life, it is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years.

The Covenant of Water

‘A gorgeous story full of emotion and a very special library.’ – Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost BookshopSome stories stay with us forever…For forty-two years, Sally Harrison has been building a library. Each year, on her daughter’s birthday, she adds a new book to her shelves – with a note in the front dedicated to her own greatest work. But Ella – Sally’s only child – fled to Australia twenty-one years ago after a heated exchange, and never looked back. And though Sally still dutifully adds a new paperback to the shelves every time the clock strikes midnight on July 11th, her hopes of her daughter ever thumbing through the pages are starting to dwindle. Then disaster strikes and Ella is forced to return to the home she once knew. She is soon to discover that when one chapter ends, another will soon follow. All you have to do is turn the page… Journey through the pages of this heartwarming novel, where hope, friendship and second chances are written in the margins. Perfect for book lovers everywhere and fans of Sally Page’s The Keeper of Stories. Praise for The Memory Library:'An absolute joy to read. Uplifting, beautiful, and perfect for any book lovers!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The Memory Library delivers on its promise of hope, friendship and second chances. It's a love letter to the written word.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A powerful and poignant story. There were tears shed.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I laughed out loud and had more than one glassy eye!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A real treasure for booklovers everywhere who completely appreciate the joy, knowledge and healing that books can bring.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘There’s page after page of wonderful wisdom in this novel.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Filled with tender moments of sharing, tears, forgiveness, revelation and healing.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a beautiful, moving story this was! It really had me sobbing my eyes out.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Memory Library

When Pearl's grandmother Nell dies unexpectedly, she and her family – mother Diana, sister Lucy – return to Kangaroo Island to mourn and say farewell to her. Each of them knew Nell intimately but differently, and each woman must reckon with Nell's passing in her own way. But Nell had secrets, too; and as Pearl, Diana and Lucy reflect on their feelings about the island, Pearl starts to pull together the scraps Nell left behind – her stories, poems, paintings – and unearths a connection to the island's early history, of the European sealers and their first contact with the Ngarrindjeri people. As the three women are pulled apart from each other in grief, Pearl's deepening connection to the generations before them, who formed the foundation of the island, grounds her, and will ultimately bring the women back to each other.

Heart of the Grass Tree

The captivating and unforgettable saga of the Dollanganger family continues in Petals On the Wind, the New York Times bestselling sequel to Flowers in the Attic and the inspiration behind the Lifetime original movie and “tortured love story” (Variety). Forbidden love comes into full bloom. For three years they were kept hidden in the eaves of Foxworth Hall, their existence all but denied by a mother who schemed to inherit a fortune. For three years their fate was in the hands of their righteous, merciless grandmother. They had to stay strong…but in their hopeless world, Cathy and her brother, Christopher, discovered blossoming desires that tumbled into a powerful obsession. Now, with their frail sister, Carrie, they have broken free and scraped together enough for three bus tickets and a chance at a new life. The horrors of the attic are behind them…but they will carry its legacy of dark secrets forever.

Dollanganger

Petals on the Wind

Ambitious and addictive, Only Time Will Tell is the first novel in Jeffrey Archer’s The Clifton Chronicles, beginning the epic tale of Harry Clifton, a working-class boy from the docks of Bristol. Read by Emilia Fox, known for her role in Silent Witness, and Roger Allam. It is 1920, and against the backdrop of a world ravaged by conflict, Harry’s story begins with the words ‘I was told that my father was killed in the war’. Harry’s existence is defined by the death of his father and he seems destined to a life on the docks until a remarkable gift wins him a scholarship to an exclusive boys school and entry into a world he could never have envisaged. Over the course of twenty years, as the Second World War and the fight against Hitler draws nearer, Harry will learn the awful truth about his father’s death and of his own connections to a powerful shipping family, the Barringtons. And in doing so, he will change his destiny forever . . . Richly imagined and populated with remarkable characters, The Clifton Chronicles will take you on a powerful journey, bringing to life one hundred years of family history in a story neither you, nor Harry, could ever have dreamt of. Continue the bestselling series with The Sins of the Father and Best Kept Secret.

The Clifton Chronicles

Only Time Will Tell

**A gritty and emotional family drama, from the Sunday Times bestseller. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries and Katie Flynn.** BEATEN Glenda Jenkins has been beaten by her husband Harry one too many times – and this time he’s put her in a hospital bed. Battered and bruised, Glenda slowly makes her recovery. But she fears what awaits her back at home… BROKEN When Glenda meets kind hospital porter Frank, he offers her a lifeline she can’t refuse. The pair decide to run away together, escaping the terror of Harry. But, fearing for her life, Glenda has to make the biggest sacrifice of all and leave her baby, Johnnie, behind. BEREFT Safe on the Kent coast, Glenda finally has the life she dreamed of. But without Johnnie, she’s a broken woman. Will she ever see her baby again? And will she ever be able to escape the fearsome shadow of Harry after all?

A Mother’s Sacrifice

Now a major Lifetime movie event—Book Four of the Dollanganger series that began with Flowers in the Attic—the novel of forbidden love that captured the world’s imagination and earned V.C. Andrews a fiercely devoted fanbase. They escaped their mother’s hellish trap years ago, but a cruel history of lies and deceit has come full circle… The forbidden love that blossomed when Cathy and Christopher were held captive in Foxworth Hall is one the Dollanganger family’s darkest secrets. Now, with three grown children and even a new last name, the pair seem to have outlived a twisted legacy. But on their son Bart’s twenty-fifth birthday, when the spiteful and disturbed young man claims his rightful inheritance, the full, shattering truth of their tainted past will be revealed at Foxworth Hall—the place where the nightmare began, and where Christopher and Cathy were once just innocent flowers in the attic…

Seeds of Yesterday

All they ever wanted was somewhere to call home… Beaten When Jenny’s mother abandons her and her younger siblings, Jenny is left at the mercy of her abusive father Henry. And when Henry beats his eldest daughter so badly that she ends up in the hospital, it seems like there’s nowhere left for them all to go. Broken But carpenter Craig has fallen head over heels for Jenny, and he offers her a place to stay. Happy at last, Jenny begins a new life with him, but when tragedy strikes, she’s left to pick up the pieces of both her broken home – and her broken heart. Bereft Desperately trying to make ends meet, Jenny is alone and working round the clock. Will she ever be able to give her siblings the happy home they deserve? Or is the worst yet to come…? The Sunday Times bestseller is back in a gritty family drama, perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries and Dilly Court.

A Family’s Heartbreak

May, 1941 After a difficult few months, Castle's Café is getting back on its feet. And with Marianne's baby due soon, there is much to look forward to, despite the havoc that the war is wreaking on Dover. Meanwhile, Bert Castle is recovering from the injuries he sustained during an enemy attack. And though he is plagued with nightmares, at least one good thing has come out of the incident: his friendship with nurse Dot Calloway. But when Nellie, Bert and his sister Edie are summoned to give evidence at the trial of the woman who who shot Nellie's best friend, Gladys, they soon realise that Susan Blake will not be the only one on trial . . .

The Dover Cafe series

The Dover Cafe on Trial

From the author of the bestselling Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley's Hothouse Flower is a moving story of love, heartbreak and, above all, hope. Read by Stephanie Racine (Daisy Darker) Georgian mansion Wharton Park was a place of childhood solace for Julia Forrester, spending summers in the Norfolk countryside with her beloved grandfather. So after tragedy strikes, she finds herself seeking comfort at Wharton and the allure of its hothouse, once home to exotic flowers from all corners of the globe but now lying abandoned. There she meets the new owner, the charming and magnetic Kit Crawford, whose own past is shrouded in sadness and mystery. When Kit finds an old diary, light is finally shed on Wharton Park's past – revealing a century of secrets and heartache, through war-torn Europe and taking them to the vibrant streets of Thailand. Drawn together on this quest, Julia and Kit can but hope to unearth the truth behind the fortunes and failures of the Crawford family . . . 'Thoroughly addictive storytelling with a moving, emotional heart' – Dinah Jefferies, author of The Tea Planter's Wife This title has been published outside the UK under the title The Orchid House.

Hothouse Flower

Three sisters. One war. A trilogy of heart-wrenching stories of love, sacrifice and survival. Born to a groom at the elegant manor house Foxden Hall, the Dudley sisters never imagined the impossible choices World War II would force upon them. When London’s bombs destroy her teaching dreams, Bess returns to Foxden Acres as a Land Girl, watching on as the man she’s always loved plans a life with another, until tragedy violently changes everything. In the glittering West End, her sister Margot grasps stardom on the stage, only to be trapped between her ambitions and falling bombs. And in Nazi-occupied France, Claire gambles her life as an undercover agent, discovering forbidden love while carrying a secret of her own. From the English countryside to Nazi-occupied Paris, these sisters navigate a world where tomorrow is never guaranteed, and love might be the most dangerous risk of all. A moving and gripping wartime series that will be loved by fans of Vicki Beeby, Pam Jenoff and Rachel Wesson. Perfect for readers who cherish stories of female courage and the unbreakable spirit of family amid history’s darkest hours. What readers are saying about this series: “A stunning novel… I cried. But I also felt my heart lift. This book has it all – tension, love and loss.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Totally absorbing! Reading this novel, I felt as though I was living the experience of World War Two through Margot Dudley's eyes.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “OUTSTANDING. I really can't praise this book enough and can highly recommend this series.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Completely swept me away… Superb historical detail, great characters and a cracking story. Loved it!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Kept me riveted page after page… I absolutely loved this book.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Totally blown away by this book.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sisters of Wartime England

Sisters of Wartime England Books 1–3

Presented for the first time on audio, the epic tale of Beren and Lúthien will reunite fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Elves, Men and Orcs and the rich landscape unique to Tolkien’s Middle-earth in this unabridged recording read by critically acclaimed father and son, Timothy and Samuel West. Beren was a mortal man, but Lúthien was an immortal Elf. Her father, a great Elvish lord, was deeply opposed to Beren, and imposed on him an impossible task that he must perform before he might wed Lúthien. Undaunted by Lord Thingol’s challenge, Beren and Lúthien embark on the supremely heroic attempt to rob Morgoth, the greatest of all evil beings, of a Silmaril, one of the hallowed jewels that adorn the Black Enemy’s crown. The tale of Beren and Lúthien, which was written shortly after J.R.R. Tolkien returned from the Battle of the Somme in 1916, was an essential element in the evolution of The Silmarillion. In this book Christopher Tolkien has extracted the various versions of Beren and Lúthien from the comprehensive work in which they are embedded. To show something of the process whereby this Great Tale of Middle-earth evolved over the years, he tells the story in his father's own words by giving, first, its original form, and then passages in prose and verse from later texts that illustrate the narrative as it changed. Presented together for the first time, they reveal aspects of the story, both in event and in narrative immediacy, that were afterwards lost.

Beren and Lúthien

If you're born with nothing you have to make your own luck. When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn't hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story?Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve-years-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire's Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with. Nothing has come easy for Clarice but still she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn't willing to provide them then Clarice will do anything to find someone who is. Jared and Clarice have one thing in common - they are survivors - and in Queen Victoria's Birmingham you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn't everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined...Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. What readers are saying about Lindsey Hutchinson: 'I have read most if not all of Lindsey Hutchinson's books having read a lot of her mother's as well. She is a super storyteller and seems to be able to write about a multitude of subjects and obviously does a lot of research into her books.' 'I loved this book, such a heart-warming read to the end.' 'The Ragged Orphan was a consuming read that brought history to life under the masterful pen of Lindsey Hutchinson.' 'This book will make you cry in places and laugh in others and like me once you finish a chapter you will want to just hurry on to the next chapter to discover more about Jared and the other characters.' 'Such a cosy book that is gently and easy to read but will keep you wanting to go back to it.' 'Absolutely loved it I couldn't put it down great story great characters ad tears in my eyes at times really enjoyed it.'

The Bad Penny - A BRAND NEW gritty, heart-wrenching historical saga from Lindsey Hutchinson for 2023 (Unabridged)

Dark secrets, fast cars, filthy lust...your new mafia romance obsession 🖤🏎️ Ruthless Underboss. Clever Mastermind. Sworn Rival. Just a handful of reasons why I should hate Cesare Salvatore, heir to the Salvatore Sicilian mafia throne. Other reasons? His insanely gorgeous face. How hot he looks in his Formula One race suit. The feral look in his eyes when he's pounding his enemy into the ground... But as a Mancinelli, I abide by one family rule: Stay away from the Salvatores. Betrayal. Forbidden Attraction. Vendetta Ignited. Cesare believes there's a traitor in his crew...put there by me. He'll uncover the truth by any means, including blackmailing me into his bed. What he doesn't know is I've crushed on him since high school; have craved his blood-stained hands on me since one mistake sparked a lust-hate relationship. Discovering he's equally hot for me risks re-igniting a family vendetta and unearthing brutal decades old secrets many have been killed for. Can we stop before sparks turn to inferno? Because if it does? Forget Romeo & Juliet. Our forbidden attraction will destroy empires. An enemies-to-lovers dark mafia story full of dark secrets, fast cars, filthy lust and deceit. Perfect for fans of Kylie Kent, Sadie Kincaid and Penelope Sky. PRAISE FOR ZARA COX ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'Steamy, violent, full of betrayals and secrets, this is what mafia romance is made of' NetGalley ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'The spice was abundant and the dirty talk was filthy 🥵' NetGalley ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'Ate this up. Mafia and F1???? Ya I loved every moment of this.' NetGalley

Mafia Rivals

The Mastermind - Mafia Rivals, Book 1 (Unabridged)

The Sunday Times No. 1 Bestseller ‘Mosse is a master storyteller’ – Madeline Miller, bestselling author of Circe Bringing sixteenth-century France vividly to life, Kate Mosse’s historical epic The Burning Chambers is a gripping story of love, betrayal, war and conspiracy. It is the first volume in the sweeping, spellbinding series, The Joubert Family Chronicles. Carcassonne, 1562. Nineteen-year-old Catholic Minou Joubert receives an anonymous letter at her father’s bookshop. Sealed with a distinctive family crest, it contains just five words: SHE KNOWS THAT YOU LIVE. But before Minou can decipher the mysterious message, a chance encounter with a young Huguenot convert, Piet Reydon, changes her destiny forever. For Piet has a dangerous mission of his own, and he will need Minou’s help if he is to get out of La Cité alive . . . A thrilling adventure and a heartbreaking love story, The Burning Chambers is the first novel in Kate Mosse's enthralling, meticulously researched historical series. It is followed by The City of Tears. 'A tour de force' – The Observer 'Gripping, complex and intensely atmospheric' – The Mail on Sunday Praise for The Joubert Family Chronicles: 'Historical fiction to devour' – Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of Close to Death, on The Burning Chambers 'An utterly absorbing epic' – Lucy Foley, bestselling author of The Paris Apartment, on The City of Tears 'Meticulously researched and stunningly written' – Santa Montefiore, bestselling author of Wait for Me, on The Ghost Ship

The Burning Chambers

‘His best novel yet … A Middlemarch-like triumph’ Telegraph‘A pleasure bomb of a novel’ Vogue‘A true modern master’ IndependentIt’s 23 December 1971, and the Hildebrandts are at a crossroads. Fifteen-year-old Perry has resolved to be a better person and quit dealing drugs to seventh graders. His sister Becky, the once straight-laced high school social queen, has veered into counterculture, while at college, Clem is wrestling with a decision that might tear his family apart. As their parents – Russ, a suburban pastor, and Marion, his restless wife – tug against the bonds of a joyless marriage, Crossroads finds a family, and a nation, struggling to do the right thing. ‘Funny, moving, crackling with life, it has what all great fiction should have’ Financial Times ‘Intoxicating – a luxuriant domestic drama’ Guardian THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A GUARDIAN BEST FICTION BOOK OF 2021 • AN INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR • A WHITE REVIEW BOOK OF THE YEAR • A LIT HUB BOOK OF THE YEAR

Crossroads

From decadent Cairo in the 1930s to bohemian Beirut in the 1970s, an epic yet intimate story of great love and lasting friendship . . . ‘Exquisite’ Ruth Hogan ‘Evocative’ Good Housekeeping 'Epic, sweeping and gloriously romantic’ Veronica Henry ‘Sumptuous and immersive’ Platinum As her home, Beirut, teeters on the brink of war, Polly Fitzgerald has one last story to tell – about her best friend, Juno, and their life together in Cairo. Juno was vital and brilliant – and determined to succeed in her ambition to uncover Nefertiti’s tomb. But Juno and Polly’s friendship was bound by a secret, one that has never been told. Now, as Polly’s daughter, Lucie, travels to Beirut to be with her dying mother, the mystery of what happened many years ago must be revealed . . .

The Golden Hour

Now a major Lifetime movie event—Book Three of the Dollanganger series that began with Flowers in the Attic—the novel of forbidden love that captured the world’s imagination and earned V.C. Andrews a fiercely devoted fanbase. They hide the shocking truth to protect their children. But someone who knows their dark secret is watching. Christopher and Cathy have made a loving home for their handsome and talented teenager Jory, their imaginative nine-year-old Bart, and a sweet baby daughter. Then an elderly woman and her strange butler move in next door. The Old Woman in Black watches from her window, lures lonely Bart inside with cookies and ice cream, and asks him to call her “grandmother.” Slowly Bart transforms, each visit pushing him closer to the edge of madness and violence, while his anguished parents can only watch. For Cathy and Chris, the horrors of the past have come home…and everything they love may soon be torn from them.

If There Be Thorns

Can one Greek summer heal the secrets of the past?Could discovering a family secret encourage Kat to follow her heart? Shattered by the sudden loss of her twin, Nik, Kat is lost in grief. The comfort of family feels both soothing and suffocating, but everything changes when she inherits a house on the breathtaking Greek island of Agistri from a mysterious uncle she’s never met. Arriving on Agistri, Kat is mesmerized by its crystalline waters, lush pine forests, and the citrus-scented air. Among the white-washed houses and warm, welcoming locals, she begins to feel her heart heal. The island offers more than solace, sparking courage in Kat to face her loss — and maybe even embrace the spark of unexpected love… But as she unearths her family’s buried past, Kat must also confront her own fears of belonging, forgiveness — and the possibility of rediscovering happiness in the shadow of heartbreak… This soul-stirring novel from Emma Cowell, perfect for fans of Victoria Hislop, Carol Kirkwood and Karen Swan, offers an unforgettable journey of healing, heritage, and the hope that blooms under the Grecian sun. ––––––––––––––– AUTHORS LOVE UNDER THE LEMON TREE!‘Emma Cowell is a masterful storyteller of sun-drenched, heartfelt, glorious stories. In Under the Lemon Tree, you will bask in the Grecian sun in a novel of pure escape. Kat navigates the path of grief and as she heals, secrets are revealed that will change the course of her life. Delicious. Luscious. The perfect summer read!’ – Adriana Trigiani 'Move over Victoria Hislop, Under the Lemon Tree seals Emma Cowell’s place as mistress of the Greek romantic novel. This book has all the elements for a bestselling summer romance.' – Eva Glyn 'Beautiful, emotional and uplifting escapism with an exquisitely vivid Greek island setting. Utter bliss.' – Alex Brown ‘I was engrossed, hanging on to every word, and so impressed by Under the Lemon Tree that I will be recommending it to all my friends.’ – Patricia Wilson 'A life-affirming and captivating story. A delightful read.’ – Kate Frost 'A compelling journey of healing and family secrets. It evokes Greece through Cowell’s beautiful descriptions of food and family life.’ – Francesca Catlow 'Cowell's beautiful descriptions are so vivid, you are practically breathing in the Agistri air and eating the incredible Greek food. A stunning five star read and an absolute triumph.' – Jenni Keer ‘Under the Lemon Tree is one of those novels that stayed with me long after I finished reading the last page… A beautiful uplifting love story, full of secrets, emotion and hope, set against the backdrop of a gorgeous Greek island.’ – Jan Baynham ‘Absolutely enchanting. I could feel the Greek sun kissing my skin as tenderly as the story warmed my heart.’ – Kate Glanville READERS LOVE UNDER THE LEMON TREE!'A delicious romantic summer story, with wonderful sounding food, afeisty interesting heroine and relatable family dynamics. I loved it.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review 'I was utterly immersed in the story, the beautiful setting and the engaging characters… An entertaining, emotive, enjoyable read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review 'I really enjoyed this book – the Greek setting was lovely and the writing and characters felt very authentic.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review Readers and authors LOVE Emma Cowell:‘Emma Cowell creates worlds of warmth, laughter, healing and hope in her delicious novels’ – Adriana Trigiani ‘I adored The House in the Olive Grove. It is a hymn to friendship and love, and is utterly perfect.’ – Liz Fenwick ‘This book is food for the soul.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Evocative, compelling, moving. A glorious story’ – Kate Frost ‘Makes you wish you were there’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A sweeping novel about sisterhood, courage and new beginnings that will inspire and delight’ – Tessa Harris ‘A lovely atmospheric novel that will engage and entertain you’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The glorious setting will instantly transport you to sunnier climes!’ – My Weekly ‘A gorgeous read’ – Best

Under the Lemon Tree

'Another meticulously researched and stunningly written novel by a much-loved and highly accomplished author. I adored it!' - Santa Montefiore Piracy. Romance. Revenge. Across the seas of the seventeenth century, two seafarers are forced to fight for their lives. The sequel to The City of Tears, The Ghost Ship is the third novel in the Joubert Family Chronicles from bestselling author Kate Mosse. The Barbary Coast, 1621. A mysterious vessel floats silently on the water – its hull splintered and its sails tattered and burnt. For months the Ghost Ship has hunted pirates to liberate enslaved prisoners. Now it – too – finds itself hunted. But the ship’s crew hides a secret, and the stakes could not be higher. The bravest among them are not who they seem: if arrested, they will hang for their alleged crimes. Can they survive their journey and escape their fate? A sweeping and epic love story, The Ghost Ship is a tale of adventure and buccaneering, love and revenge, stolen fortunes, piracy and hidden secrets on the high seas.

The Ghost Ship

In Whiteoaks of Jalna, the saga of the Whiteoak family continues, with more rivalries, tangled relationships, and secret love affairs. The colourful matriarch Adeline Whiteoak dies at 101.

Jalna

Whiteoaks of Jalna

Gwenllyn Lyons has been raised by her grandmother in the Wye Valley. One afternoon, they come across a man lying injured by the river bank. They nurse him but nothing seems to help him regain his lost memories. Gwenllyn realises that she can't imagine what it would be like without this man in her life. As her love for the mysterious stranger grows, she cannot help rejoicing when she realises he feels the same way about her. Gwenllyn's only fear is that some day his past may come to haunt them - a different life, where another woman might be waiting for him. Will she ever have the happiness of being a bride, or will she always be the other woman?

The Other Woman

USA TODAY bestselling author Being stranded for Christmas never had so much sizzle! Texas Cattleman’s Club member Jesse Stevens just hired a matchmaker to lure an appropriate wife to his remote ranch. But when a flash flood dumps Houston heiress Esme Perry on his doorstep instead, days before Christmas, is it a sign? Esme is smart, sexy…and a big-city girl to the core. Totally wrong for him. So why can’t they keep their hands off each other?

Texas Cattleman's Club: Houston

Hot Holiday Rancher

A completely heartbreaking story about the impossible dilemmas two mothers find themselves facing. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Amanda Prowse, and Emma Robinson. 'I promise.' Meg kissed the top of her daughter's head, tears welling in her eyes. 'I'll never leave you, my beautiful girl. Never.' At the time, she'd meant every word. But now she had to break that promise... When Meg gets a terrible diagnosis, her only thought is for her family. How will her husband Simon and their beautiful, sweet-hearted, 14-year-old daughter Grace cope when she's gone? She also knows that she has to finally tell Grace the secret they've kept from Grace her whole life. That, though Simon is Grace's father, she isn't Grace's birth mother. Because Simon was married before, and his first wife, Cassie, hadn't wanted to keep their baby. So Simon and she had stepped up. They'd given Grace the life she deserved, full of light and happiness. But in the family's darkest hour, Meg thinks Grace deserves the choice to meet the mother who gave her up... because she's the only mother she will have left. Could you risk destroying the family you've worked so hard to create, if it meant your child might get the chance to have a mother again? Even though you can't know whether her birth mother will ever be able to offer her the love your beloved daughter deserves? Readers love Lisa Timoney: 'A fabulous family drama... it kept me turning the pages from beginning to end' Kerry Fisher, bestselling author of The Silent Wife 'WOW. What a book. I could not put it down.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review 'What a fantastic read...there are lots of secrets that come to life that make this a real page-turner...highly recommend!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review 'I was hooked from page one. Be prepared to laugh and cry throughout this book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review 'It kept me turning the pages. A story full of emotions, secrets and lies.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review 'I read this in one sitting - only stopping to eat. It is a beautifully written story.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review 'A story of friendship and lies, betrayal, kindness and living life! Beautifully written and a joy to read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review 'Beautiful! I loved this book from beginning to end. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review 'So heartwarming and full of hope.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review 'The perfect combination of drama and suspense. I loved the plot, characters, and emotional ending. I devoured it in less than two days.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

The Daughter She Gave Away - An emotional, page-turning family drama from Lisa Timoney (Unabridged)

The Pratchett family have to contend with coalman Alfie Pratchett's obsessive jealousy. A bully, his two teenage children, John and Millie, have learned to dodge him and his moods. The main concern of ugly duckling Millie - who looks nothing like her handsome brother John - is to protect their mum, Eileen.When crisis strikes the Pratchetts' home, Alfie is forced to watch his whole world gradually collapse around him. Their old life has gone forever, and a new one has begun - one in which rape, debt, alcoholism and insanity play their parts. And redemption is a long time coming.

The Empty Hearth

'An inspiring story of personal growth, and the edifying power of friendship, The Santorini Writing Retreat left me feeling uplifted and hopeful … and craving a holiday in the Greek sunshine.' Kate Storey, bestselling authorThree women, one writing retreat, endless possibilities… Bestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs? Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s determined to make her new business a success. And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud. In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud of… Readers love The Santorini Writing Retreat:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Oh how I would love to be one of the three women in this book. It was a joy to read and I adored the setting of Santorini' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The Santorini Writing Retreat is the most wonderful novel. Thoughtful, poignant and insightful fiction at its absolute best' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Great characters, thought-provoking storylines, beautiful location and delicious sounding food - an excellent summer holiday read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Another wonderful book from Eva Glyn! I drew it out as long as I could just to stay in Santorini with this wonderful group of people' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I couldn't put this book down. A real gem of a story' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Wonderfully drawn characters, a stunning location and a plot that kept me turning the pages. A treat of a novel!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A gripping read with lots of secrets. You will love it' Authors love The Santorini Writing Retreat:'A glorious book celebrating the power of friendship, storytelling and the kindness of strangers. I adored spending time with these characters. A beautiful novel that instantly transported me to the pistachio groves of Santorini.' Emma Cowell This story is emotional and life-affirming, and the sun-soaked setting will have you reaching for the travel brochures' Maisie Thomas 'A true page turner … no hesitation in awarding five stars.' Angela Petch 'I loved every page of this beautiful, heart-felt tale. For a summer read that will have you moving from laughter, to tears to genuine sadness as the stories of the women unfold, The Santorini Writing Retreat is the one book you must read' Alexandra Walsh 'The story beautifully captures the evolving bind between the women. An uplifting read, both atmospheric and heartfelt, Eva Glyn has done it again.' Caroline James "I very much enjoyed meeting these characters… Highly recommended." Rosanna Ley

Bookish Escapes

The Santorini Writing Retreat

Brought to you by Penguin. ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS BOOKS AND WINNER OF THE NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE 'Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice' Gabriel García Márquez's great masterpiece is the story of seven generations of the Buendía family and of Macondo, the town they built. Though little more than a settlement surrounded by mountains, Macondo has its wars and disasters, even its wonders and its miracles. A microcosm of Columbian life, its secrets lie hidden, encoded in a book, and only Aureliano Buendía can fathom its mysteries and reveal its shrouded destiny. Blending political reality with magic realism, fantasy and comic invention, One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the most daringly original works of the twentieth century. 'Should be required reading for the entire human race' The New York Times 'The book that sort of saved my life' Emma Thompson 'No lover of fiction can fail to respond to the grace of Márquez's writing' Sunday Telegraph © Gabriel Garcia Marquez 2007 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

One Hundred Years of Solitude

'Family secrets, new horizons and a gorgeous continent-crossing romance . . . prepare to be swept away!' LUCY DIAMOND HOW DO YOU FIND WHERE YOU'RE GOING, IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU'RE FROM? Angie has always wanted to travel. But at twenty-seven, she has barely stepped outside the small mining town where she was born. Instead, she discovers the world through stories told to her by passing travellers, dreaming that one day she'll see it all for herself. When her grandmother passes away, leaving Angie with no remaining family, she is ready to start her own adventures. Then she finds a letter revealing the address of the father she never knew, and realises instantly where her journey must begin: Italy. As Angie sets out to find the truth – about her family, her past and who she really is – will mysterious and reckless Italian Alessandro help guide the way? 'Heart-warming, wistful and full of joy . . . Paige Toon tugs on the heartstrings like no other; this is a beautiful book about someone searching for her place in the world and finding herself along the way' LINDSEY KELK ‘Warm, inspiring, like a holiday mood in book form’ MHAIRI MCFARLANE ‘I LOVED If You Could Go Anywhere. Such a beautiful love story; not just a heady, compelling romance, but a really charming, moving story about how a life is made of so many different kinds of love . . . Will make every reader’s life feel a bit more magical’ DAISY BUCHANAN ‘Toon writes beautifully about family, grief and the bravery in turning dreams into reality’ DAILY MAIL Praise for Paige Toon: 'You'll love it, cry buckets and be uplifted' MARIAN KEYES 'Tender, heartbreaking and magical' GIOVANNA FLETCHER ‘Poignant and lovely, warm and wise’ MILLY JOHNSON ‘A gorgeous, warm novel’ ADELE PARKS 'For smart, romantic fiction, look no further than the new book from bestselling Paige Toon' RED 'Achingly romantic and brilliantly written . . . Five Stars!' HEAT 'Filled with warmth and poignancy' CATHERINE ISAAC 'Simply gorgeous' SUN 'You won't be able to put down this emotional read' CLOSER 'Paige Toon is the queen of will-they/won't-they romance, setting up an ending that will leave you in bits' SUNDAY EXPRESS 'Full of living-in-the-moment and what-might-have-been contrasts, this tender read pulls at the heart strings' FABULOUS 'A lovely read' BELLA

If You Could Go Anywhere

Captivating and suspenseful, Best Kept Secret is the third novel in international bestseller Jeffrey Archer’s outstanding Clifton Chronicles. It sees our hero Harry Clifton and Giles Barrington, brother of Harry’s beloved wife Emma, become entwined in the fate of the Barrington family fortune. It is 1945 and the House of Lords’ vote on who should inherit the Barrington estate ends in a tie, casting a long shadow on the lives of those involved. Author Harry begins to promote his novel, whilst Emma, after her father’s mysterious death, searches for the girl found abandoned in his office on the night he died. Politician Giles defends his seat in the House of Commons and finds not only his future but his family’s fortune at stake. Ultimately his fate is dictated by Harry’s son Sebastian, even as Sebastian himself becomes embroiled in an international art fraud. As they move out of the shadows of war, a new generation of Cliftons and Barringtons comes to the fore, and a thrilling new episode of Jeffrey Archer’s captivating family saga begins. Continue the bestselling series with Be Careful What You Wish For and Mightier than the Sword.

Best Kept Secret

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Family Sagas

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Family Sagas

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