Laying The Ghost

bestselling author Judy Astley hits the funny bone again in this upbeat and laugh-out-loud rom-com about second chances

Why does an old boyfriend seem so much more attractive when you haven't seen him for years?

Readers of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this delightfully light-hearted, witty and sparkling romantic comedy. Perfect to settle down with! 
 
'Fast and fun' -- Woman &amp; Home 
'I loved it!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Gripping from beginning to end' -- ***** Reader review 
'A book best read in one sitting' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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IS IT EVER TOO LATE TO REKINDLE AN OLD FLAME? 
 
When Nell was a student, she and Patrick were a serious item. They were inseparable, and she really thought he was The One. 
 
But then Alex came along...the safer, more restful option, and thanks to her over-controlling mother she opted for him instead. 
 
Now nothing is going right. Alex has left her to live in New York with a younger, blonder woman. Escaping to the Caribbean for a recuperative holiday, she is mugged at Gatwick and her bag is stolen. It's crisis time - and she makes two decisions: 
 
First - she will take lessons in self-defence. 
 
Second - she will try and find Patrick again. 
 
Is she trying to put the past behind her - or setting out to ruin her future?

Judy Astley has been writing novels since 1990, following several years as a dressmaker, illustrator, painter and parent. She has two grown-up daughters and lives in London and Cornwall with her husband. Her own exes are safely consigned to the distant past and she wishes them well. 
 
For more information on Judy Astley and her books, see her website at www.judyastley.com

Readers of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this delightfully light-hearted, witty and sparkling romantic comedy. Perfect to settle down with! 
 
'Fast and fun' -- Woman &amp; Home 
'I loved it!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Gripping from beginning to end' -- ***** Reader review 
'A book best read in one sitting' -- ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************************************************************** 
IS IT EVER TOO LATE TO REKINDLE AN OLD FLAME? 
 
When Nell was a student, she and Patrick were a serious item. They were inseparable, and she really thought he was The One. 
 
But then Alex came along...the safer, more restful option, and thanks to her over-controlling mother she opted for him instead. 
 
Now nothing is going right. Alex has left her to live in New York with a younger, blonder woman. Escaping to the Caribbean for a recuperative holiday, she is mugged at Gatwick and her bag is stolen. It's crisis time - and she makes two decisions: 
 
First - she will take lessons in self-defence. 
 
Second - she will try and find Patrick again. 
 
Is she trying to put the past behind her - or setting out to ruin her future?

the perfect festive romance to settle down with this Christmas!

A Merry Mistletoe Wedding

A warm, festive and irresistably romantic new Christmas novel from bestselling author Judy Astley

With unforgettable characters, charming romance and lots of laughter, A Merry Mistletoe Wedding is a gorgeous Christmas read from much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. 
 
'Elegant, witty writing, endearing characters and a wonderful romance. What more could you want?' -- Katie Fforde 
'A light-hearted, romantic and escapist read' -- Good Housekeeping 
'With dialogue that will have you laughing out loud, and well drawn characters to boot, this is an enjoyable light read' -- Sunday Mirror 
'It was like putting on your favourite jumper - warm and cosy - and great to cuddle up with this winter' -- ***** Reader review 
'Warm and witty' -- ***** Reader review 
'Full of fun and charm' -- ***** Reader review 
'Fantastic from start to finish!' -- ***** Reader review 
 
***************************************************************************************** 
CHURCH BELLS RING...ARE YOU LISTENING? 
 
It is almost a year since Sean and Thea met and it's been a roller-coaster ride: they're getting married on Christmas Day! 
 
Neither Thea or Sean want a big fuss - a simple wedding, with Christmas lights and just a few sprigs of mistletoe for decoration is all they need. But before they know it, things begin to get complicated... 
 
Trying to manage a long-distance relationship in the build-up to their Christmas wedding is one thing, but as one challenge after another comes their way, the happy couple begin to wonder if they'll ever make it down the aisle . . . 
 
Thea and Sean's story begins in It Must Have Been The Mistletoe - have you read it?

A light-hearted, romantic and escapist read

With dialogue that will have you laughing out loud, and well drawn characters to boot, this is an enjoyable light read

Born In Lancashire, Judy Astley has lived for most of her life in Twickenham, and was a dress designer and painter before writing her first novel, Just for the Summer, in 1994. 
 
She has two grown-up daughters and lives with her husband in Twickenham and Cornwall. 
 
For more information on Judy Astley and her books, see her website at www.judyastley.com

With unforgettable characters, charming romance and lots of laughter, A Merry Mistletoe Wedding is a gorgeous Christmas read from much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. 
 
'Elegant, witty writing, endearing characters and a wonderful romance. What more could you want?' -- Katie Fforde 
 'A light-hearted, romantic and escapist read' -- Good Housekeeping 
'With dialogue that will have you laughing out loud, and well drawn characters to boot, this is an enjoyable light read' -- Sunday Mirror 
'It was like putting on your favourite jumper - warm and cosy - and great to cuddle up with this winter' -- ***** Reader review 
'Warm and witty' -- ***** Reader review 
'Full of fun and charm' -- ***** Reader review 
'Fantastic from start to finish!' -- ***** Reader review 
 
***************************************************************************************** 
 CHURCH BELLS RING...ARE YOU LISTENING? 
 
It is almost a year since Sean and Thea met and it's been a roller-coaster ride: they're getting married on Christmas Day! 
 
 Neither Thea or Sean want a big fuss - a simple wedding, with Christmas lights and just a few sprigs of mistletoe for decoration is all they need. But before they know it, things begin to get complicated... 
 
Trying to manage a long-distance relationship in the build-up to their Christmas wedding is one thing, but as one challenge after another comes their way, the happy couple begin to wonder if they'll ever make it down the aisle . . . 
 
 Thea and Sean's story begins in It Must Have Been The Mistletoe - have you read it?

escape to Cornwall with this light-hearted, feel-good romantic adventure

Just For The Summer

A summer holiday in Cornwall is full of surprises.

Whether on holiday or dreaming of one, this is the perfect easy-going, cosy read to relax with. Brilliant for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley... 
 
'A great writer, funny and sharp... her prose is a pleasure to read, her dialogue sparkles' - DAILY MAIL 
 
'Great, memorable characters, funny storylines and a lovely escapist holiday setting, it would be a shame for anyone to miss out!' -- ***** Reader review 
 
'My favourite Judy Ashley book! Read it several times and each time enjoyed it just as much and laugh!' -- ***** Reader review 
 
'A heart-warming story of love, lust, mishaps and summer fun.' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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SHE'S MORE THAN READY FOR HER CORNISH HOLIDAY... 
 
AND A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA? 
 
Every July, the lucky owners of Cornish holiday homes set off for their annual break. They close up their desirable semis in smartish London suburbs - having turned off the Aga and turned on the burglar alarm - and look forward to a carefree, restful, somehow more fulfilling summer. 
 
Clare is more than usually ready for her holiday. Her daughter, Miranda, is hitting adolescence bigtime, and her husband Jack is harbouring unsettling thoughts of a change in lifestyle. 
 
No wonder that Clare is contemplating a bit of extra-marital adventure, possibly with Eliot, the successful, heavy-drinking author in the adjoining holiday property. 
 
Unexpected disasters occur, revelations are made and, as the summer ends, real life will never be quite the same again...

Judy Astley became an author of witty contemporary novels after several years as a dressmaker, illustrator, painter and parent. She has two grown-up daughters and lives in London and Cornwall with her husband. 
 
For more information about Judy Astley and her books, see her website at www.judyastley.com

the perfect feel-good festive treat for this Christmas

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe

A hilarious, heart-warming read for the Christmas holidays

Let much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley gift you an unmissable, hilarious and heart-warming read this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson. 
 
'Witty and warm!' - New! 
'A lively laughter-packed riot of a story' - Heat 
'Full of fun and with great characters' -- ***** Reader review 
'Judy gets the story just right for me' -- ***** Reader review 
'Gives you a cosy glow and gets you into the Christmas spirit' -- ***** Reader review 
'A really good Christmas story devoured over a festive week-end' -- ***** Reader review 
******************************************************************************************* 
AT CHRISTMAS, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN... 
 
Thea's parents decide to host a big family Christmas in a house by the sea... even though they are, in fact, about to split up. And while her sister and brother are both settled, Thea herself is newly single - her boyfriend has ditched her in favour of his pedigree dogs, and Thea can't decide whether or not she minds. 
 
There will be copious food and drink, holly and mistletoe, lots of bracing walks and a wintry barbecue on the beach. If it seems an odd way to celebrate the final break-up of a marriage and the Moving On to new partners, no-one is saying so. But then no-one had anticipated that the new partners might actually turn up to complicate the sleeping arrangements... 
 
As Cornwall experiences the biggest snowstorm in living memory, the festive atmosphere comes under some strain. Will Thea manage to find some happiness for herself? Will the mistletoe work its magic on them all?

This witty family drama will keep you enthralled...

Judy Astley became the author of witty, contemporary novels after several years as a dressmaker, illustrator, painter and parent. Her own Christmases are a mad mixture of ever-increasing family, too much food and a panic-stricken last-minute hurtle round the shops for presents. She has usually managed to pay off the resulting expense by the time the next lot of Christmas cards come on the market. 
 
Judy lives in London and Cornwall.

a gloriously funny novel that will sweep you away.  The perfect dose of escapism

In the Summertime

A return to an idyllic Cornish holiday home – what could possibly go wrong?

Let much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley sweep you away to magical Cornwall in this lively, laughter-packed and heart-warming read - a return to the setting of her fantastically successful first novel, Just for the Summer. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson. 
 
'A light-hearted, romantic and escapist read' - Good Housekeeping 
'Heart-tripping surprises lie ahead in this mix of fun and frolics' - Peterborough Telegraph 
'If you love Cornwall you have to read this and if you are a Judy Astley fan this is a must!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Lovely, amazing and relatable' -- ***** Reader review 
'A delightful read' -- ***** Reader review 
'I cannot recommend this book highly enough' -- ***** Reader review 
*********************************************************************************** 
A RETURN TO AN IDYLLIC CORNISH HOLIDAY HOME - WILL EVERYTHING HAVE CHANGED? 
 
20 years ago, Miranda, then sixteen, holidayed in Cornwall and her life changed forever. 
 
Now she's back again - with her mother Clare and the ashes of her stepfather Jack, whose wish it was to be scattered on the sea overlooked by their one-time holiday home. 
 
The picturesque cove seems just the same as ever, but the people are different - more smart incomers, fewer locals, more luxury yachts in the harbour... 
 
Will Miranda and Clare be able find some familiar faces, and what emotions will this trip down memory lane back bring to the surface?

A light-hearted, romantic and escapist read.

Girls, pull up a lounger and enjoy this sparkling sunshiny beach read... heart-tripping surprises lie ahead in this mix of fun and frolics.

Let much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley sweep you away to magical Cornwall in this lively, laughter-packed and heart-warming read - a return to the setting of her fantastically successful first novel, Just for the Summer. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson. 
 
'A light-hearted, romantic and escapist read' - Good Housekeeping 
'Heart-tripping surprises lie ahead in this mix of fun and frolics' - Peterborough Telegraph 
'If you love Cornwall you have to read this and if you are a Judy Astley fan this is a must!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Lovely, amazing and relatable' -- ***** Reader review 
'A delightful read' -- ***** Reader review 
'I cannot recommend this book highly enough' -- ***** Reader review 
*********************************************************************************** 
A RETURN TO AN IDYLLIC CORNISH HOLIDAY HOME - WILL EVERYTHING HAVE CHANGED? 
 
20 years ago, Miranda, then sixteen, holidayed in Cornwall and her life changed forever. 
 
Now she's back again - with her mother Clare and the ashes of her stepfather Jack, whose wish it was to be scattered on the sea overlooked by their one-time holiday home. 
 
 The picturesque cove seems just the same as ever, but the people are different - more smart incomers, fewer locals, more luxury yachts in the harbour... 
 
Will Miranda and Clare be able find some familiar faces, and what emotions will this trip down memory lane back bring to the surface?

an uplifting and hilarious novel from the ever astute Astley

I Should Be So Lucky

If you like Carole Matthews and Milly Johnson, you'll love Judy's delightful, funny and touching novel about changing your luck once and for all . . .

a light, enjoyable, well-written read populated by appealing characters you won't be able to resist warming to.

With sharp dialogue that will have you laughing out loud, and well drawn characters to boot, this is an enjoyable light read.

If you like Carole Matthews and Milly Johnson, you'll love Judy's delightful and funny novel about changing your luck once and for all . . . 
 
Viola hasn't had much luck with men. Her first husband, Marco, companion of her youth and father of her only child, left her when he realised he was gay. Her second, Rhys, ended his high-octane, fame-filled life by driving his Porsche into a wall. No wonder her family always believes she needs Looking After, and her friends think she really shouldn't be allowed out on her own... 
 
Which is why, at the age of thirty-five, she finds herself shamefully back at home, living with Mum. 
 
Viola knows she has to take charge; she needs to get a life, and fast. With a stroppy teenage daughter, a demanding mother, and siblings who want to control her life for her, where is she going to turn? 
 
Readers love Judy Astley: 
"Warm, funny and unerringly true to life" Katie Fforde 
"Irresistible" Daily Mail 
"An enjoyable light read" Sunday Mirror

Judy Astley

a wonderfully funny, warm and moving novel that will sweep you away

Let bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful and uplifting gem of a novel about the important things in life. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley. 
 
"Astley writes with humour and insight about the stresses and strains of family life" - THE TIMES 
"A most absorbing and revealing read" - WOMAN'S WEEKLY 
"Judy Astley's books are always a joy to read." -- ***** Reader review 
"Judy Astley is a brilliant writer, you get lost in her books. They are all brilliant in my opinion." -- ***** Reader review 
 
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HER LIFE SEEMS COMPLETE, BUT THERE'S ONE THING SHE HAS TO FIND... 
 
Funerals are strange things. Kitty hadn't really wanted to go to this one - a old school friend she hadn't seen for years - and she hadn't bargained for the way it made her think of the past. In particular, it made her think of the baby she had given birth to when she was eighteen and been forced to give away for adoption. She'd called her Madeleine, and she remembered her every day, wondered what she was like, if she was happy. 
 
Now, reminded of how cruelly short life can be, she has to see her - just to make sure she'd done the right thing. 
 
Life has turned out pretty well for Kitty: a secure marriage, two teenage children and a house within sound and sight of the Cornish surf... But the hole left by that first baby isn't getting any smaller, and she decides to make the first, tentative steps towards filling it - although she, and all her family, are quite unprepared for what this means...

Judy Astley

Books by Judy Astley

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