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 
 
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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 
 
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 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 
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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 
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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

a wonderfully uplifting, heart-warming and hilarious rom-com from bestselling author Judy Astley

The Look of Love

When a makeover turns into a nightmare...

This laugh-out-loud comedy from bestselling author Judy Astley is perfect for readers of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. Showing that life - and a fulfilling love life - doesn't have to end at 40, this is a marvellously modern rom-com that will have you hooked! 
 
'Astley is a great writer, funny and sharp... her prose is a pleasure to read, her dialogue sparkles... a perfect book to race through at the beach' -- Daily Mail 
'Love, life and reality TV. Great fun' -- Woman &amp; Home 
'Romantic fiction at its best' -- ***** Reader review 
'Warm and witty' -- ***** Reader review 
'Riveting' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story line, a lot of fun, kept my interest and didn't disappoint' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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WHEN A MAKEOVER TURNS INTO A NIGHTMARE... 
 
Bella has given up on men. 
 
Her latest boyfriend 'forgot' to tell her about his current wife, so she's single again. 
 
Now, her ex-husband has turned up, wanting to sell the family home in which she and their two teenage children are happily living their lives. 
 
Then Bella sees a chance to stay in the house and earn some money. She rents it out for a reality TV makeover programme. 
 
And it turns out that the house isn't the only thing that will benefit from a change...

Astley is a great writer, funny and sharp and a creator of narratives where appealing, witty characters inhabit interesting situations... her prose is a pleasure to read, her dialogue sparkles... a perfect book to race through at the beach

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. 
 
For more information on Judy Astley and her books, see her website at www.judyastley.com

This laugh-out-loud comedy from bestselling author Judy Astley is perfect for readers of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. Showing that life - and a fulfilling love life - doesn't have to end at 40, this is a marvellously modern rom-com that will have you hooked! 
 
'Astley is a great writer, funny and sharp... her prose is a pleasure to read, her dialogue sparkles... a perfect book to race through at the beach' -- Daily Mail 
'Love, life and reality TV. Great fun' -- Woman &amp; Home 
'Romantic fiction at its best' -- ***** Reader review 
'Warm and witty' -- ***** Reader review 
'Riveting' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story line, a lot of fun, kept my interest and didn't disappoint' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************************ 
 
WHEN A MAKEOVER TURNS INTO A NIGHTMARE... 
 
Bella has given up on men. 
 
 Her latest boyfriend 'forgot' to tell her about his current wife, so she's single again. 
 
 Now, her ex-husband has turned up, wanting to sell the family home in which she and their two teenage children are happily living their lives. 
 
 Then Bella sees a chance to stay in the house and earn some money. She rents it out for a reality TV makeover programme. 
 
 And it turns out that the house isn't the only thing that will benefit from a change...

a brilliant, laugh-out-loud gem of a novel about family… and all that entails

Excess Baggage

A family holiday in the sunny Caribbean turns into more of a torment than a treat.

Let bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful, uplifting and hilarious novel where a family holiday turns into more of a torment than a treat... Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley. 
 
"I just love Judy Astley's books" - JILL MANSELL 
"Wickedly funny" - DAILY MAIL 
"A funny, warm and moving novel" - SUNDAY MIRROR 
"If I am feeling in need of blue skies and sunshine and none are to be had here I just pick [this] up and settle down to while away an hour or two" -- ***** Reader review 
"A really light and amusing story" -- ***** Reader review 
 
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IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT, DON'T BRING THE FAMILY 
 
As a penniless and partnerless house-painter with an expired lease on her flat and a twelve-year-old daughter, Lucy could hardly turn down her parents' offer to take them on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Caribbean. 
 
She'd just have to put up with her sister Theresa (making no secret of preferring Tuscany as a holiday destination) and brother Simon (worrying that there might be some sinister agenda behind their parents' wish to take them all away) with their various spouses, teenagers and young children. 
 
In a luxury hotel, with bright sunshine, swimming, diving, glorious food and friendly locals, any family tensions should have melted away in the fabulous heat. The children should have been angelic, the teenagers cheerful, the adults relaxed and happy. 
 
But some problems just refuse to be left at home.

Judy Astley was frequently told off for day-dreaming at her drearily traditional school but has found it to be the ideal training for becoming a writer. There were several false-starts to her career: secretary at an all-male Oxford college (sacked for undisclosable reasons), at an airline (decided, after a crash and a hijacking, that she was safer elsewhere) and as a dress designer (quit before anyone noticed she was adapting Vogue patterns). She spent some years as a parent and as a painter before sensing that the day was approaching when she'd have to go out and get a Proper Job. With a nagging certainty that she was temperamentally unemployable, and desperate to avoid office coffee, having to wear tights every day and missing out on sunny days on Cornish beaches with her daughters, she wrote her first novel, Just for the Summer. She has now had eleven novels published by Black Swan.

Let bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful, uplifting and hilarious novel where a family holiday turns into more of a torment than a treat... Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley. 
 
"I just love Judy Astley's books" - JILL MANSELL 
"Wickedly funny" - DAILY MAIL 
"A funny, warm and moving novel" - SUNDAY MIRROR 
"If I am feeling in need of blue skies and sunshine and none are to be had here I just pick [this] up and settle down to while away an hour or two" -- ***** Reader review 
"A really light and amusing story" -- ***** Reader review 
 
****************************************************** 
IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT, DON'T BRING THE FAMILY 
 
As a penniless and partnerless house-painter with an expired lease on her flat and a twelve-year-old daughter, Lucy could hardly turn down her parents' offer to take them on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Caribbean. 
 
She'd just have to put up with her sister Theresa (making no secret of preferring Tuscany as a holiday destination) and brother Simon (worrying that there might be some sinister agenda behind their parents' wish to take them all away) with their various spouses, teenagers and young children. 
 
In a luxury hotel, with bright sunshine, swimming, diving, glorious food and friendly locals, any family tensions should have melted away in the fabulous heat. The children should have been angelic, the teenagers cheerful, the adults relaxed and happy. 
 
But some problems just refuse to be left at home.

a delightful, light-hearted and heart-warming novel about finding the right life for you…

Away From It All

A delightful, light-hearted read about leaving dull but respectable London behind and getting away from it all in Cornwall . . .

Fans of Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson will love this irresistible and uplifting read in which two differing world views collide from much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley. You'll be hooked! 
 
'Warm, funny, and unerringly true to life' - Katie Fforde 
'A laugh out loud read' - Woman's Own 
'Wickedly funny' - Daily Mail 
'A lively laughter-packed riot of a story' - Heat 
'I bought "Away From It All" on the spur of the moment and liked it so much that I will buy another Judy Astley title immediately.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great escapism' -- ***** Reader review 
'A fun read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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IS HER LIFE REALLY GOING THE WAY SHE WANTS IT TO? 
 
Alice has a scrupulously organised, comfortable life in West London with Noel - her second husband whose main ambition in life is to sharpen his golf handicap in time for retirement. But when her mother Jocelyn, residing in shabby splendour in a crumbling house on a clifftop in Cornwall, becomes ill, Alice and the family goes to look after her. 
 
What she finds there appals her: her glorious childhood home falling into decay. Noel, helpfully, thinks Jocelyn should offload the house ('She's sitting on a goldmine, you know') and move into sensible sheltered accommodation. 
 
But their children love the freedom and beauty that they discover in Cornwall, and Alice begins to wonder whether her chosen way of life is necessarily the right one . . .

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

Fans of Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson will love this irresistible and uplifting read in which two differing world views collide from much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley. You'll be hooked! 
 
'Warm, funny, and unerringly true to life' - Katie Fforde 
'A laugh out loud read' - Woman's Own 
'Wickedly funny' - Daily Mail 
'A lively laughter-packed riot of a story' - Heat 
'I bought "Away From It All" on the spur of the moment and liked it so much that I will buy another Judy Astley title immediately.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great escapism' -- ***** Reader review 
'A fun read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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IS HER LIFE REALLY GOING THE WAY SHE WANTS IT TO? 
 
Alice has a scrupulously organised, comfortable life in West London with Noel - her second husband whose main ambition in life is to sharpen his golf handicap in time for retirement. But when her mother Jocelyn, residing in shabby splendour in a crumbling house on a clifftop in Cornwall, becomes ill, Alice and the family goes to look after her. 
 
 What she finds there appals her: her glorious childhood home falling into decay. Noel, helpfully, thinks Jocelyn should offload the house ('She's sitting on a goldmine, you know') and move into sensible sheltered accommodation. 
 
But their children love the freedom and beauty that they discover in Cornwall, and Alice begins to wonder whether her chosen way of life is necessarily the right one . . .

a sparkling and delightfully uplifting romantic comedy. Perfect to settle down with!

Seven For A Secret

Scandalous secrets set a peaceful village community alight.

If you like Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley, you will love this brilliantly funny romantic comedy buzzing with speculation and scandal from bestselling author Judy Astley. 
 
"Light, fast and funny...By the time you turn the last page you'll never be able to look your neighbour in the eye again" - PRIMA 
"A jaunty woman's read" - DAILY MAIL 
"Judy Astley's books are always a joy to read." -- ***** Reader review 
"Always look forward to reading this author's books. Never disappointed. They make me smile. My only trouble is when I finish it...There are no more to read as I've read them all!" -- ***** 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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SCANDALOUS SECRETS SET A PEACEFUL VILLAGE ALIGHT... 
 
It was Heather's silver wedding anniversary. But this important milestone did not relate to her marriage to Tom, her often-absent airline pilot husband and father of their two teenage children. It was for her first marriage - a wildly romantic, secret affair, when, at 16, she and Iain - twelve years her senior and the heir to a Scottish baronetcy - had eloped immediately after her final school speech day. 
 
The marriage had not lasted twenty-five weeks, let alone years and it was As If It Never Happened. 
 
But secrets have a habit of coming out, and when a film crew arrives in the attractive Thamesside village where Heather and Tom live, Heather is horrified to find her ex-husband amongst them. 
 
As Heather and Iain meet again, many secrets jostle to be revealed, including Tom's own highly secret life. Heather, her daughter Kate and her mother Delia are all forced to reveal things which they never thought would need to be revealed, and their peaceful Oxfordshire village community rocks with speculation and scandal...

If you like Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley, you will love this brilliantly funny romantic comedy buzzing with speculation and scandal from bestselling author Judy Astley. 
 
"Light, fast and funny...By the time you turn the last page you'll never be able to look your neighbour in the eye again" - PRIMA 
"A jaunty woman's read" - DAILY MAIL 
"Judy Astley's books are always a joy to read." -- ***** Reader review 
"Always look forward to reading this author's books. Never disappointed. They make me smile. My only trouble is when I finish it...There are no more to read as I've read them all!" -- ***** 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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SCANDALOUS SECRETS SET A PEACEFUL VILLAGE ALIGHT... 
 
It was Heather's silver wedding anniversary. But this important milestone did not relate to her marriage to Tom, her often-absent airline pilot husband and father of their two teenage children. It was for her first marriage - a wildly romantic, secret affair, when, at 16, she and Iain - twelve years her senior and the heir to a Scottish baronetcy - had eloped immediately after her final school speech day. 
 
The marriage had not lasted twenty-five weeks, let alone years and it was As If It Never Happened. 
 
But secrets have a habit of coming out, and when a film crew arrives in the attractive Thamesside village where Heather and Tom live, Heather is horrified to find her ex-husband amongst them. 
 
 As Heather and Iain meet again, many secrets jostle to be revealed, including Tom's own highly secret life. Heather, her daughter Kate and her mother Delia are all forced to reveal things which they never thought would need to be revealed, and their peaceful Oxfordshire village community rocks with speculation and scandal...

a funny, warm and entertaining novel that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!

Muddy Waters

Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley, this is a story full of wry laughs and shrewd insight into friendship and family from bestselling author Judy Astley. 
 
'Wickedly funny... A thoroughly entertaining romp best enjoyed when you're on a sun lounger with a glass of Pimm's to hand' - DAILY MAIL 
 
'Frothy fun from an author worth noting' - DAILY EXPRESS 
 
'This deliciously funny novel had me laughing out loud' - WOMAN AND HOME 
 
'Highly entertaining with dry humor and hilarious situations' -- ***** Reader review 
 
'Perfect for summer, Judy's books show a real passion for writing' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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FRIENDS SHARE EVERYTHING... DON'T THEY? 
 
Stella works as an agony aunt for a teenage magazine. She lives on Pansy Island, a self-consciously arty community on the Thames, where her husband Adrian writes erotic novels in a summerhouse by the river, while her two teenage children prepare themselves for adult life in various ways not necessarily recommended in the pages of their mother's advice columns. 
 
Stella's friends assume that she has no problems of her own, and shamelessly come to her for the advice she dishes up for a living on the magazine; Stella, however, finds herself with a problem she cannot handle when Abigail, her rich and glamorous friend from university, comes to stay. 
 
Abigail has been deserted by her husband, and has decided that Stella's life, and more particularly Stella's husband will fill the gap nicely...

The perfect, light-hearted, feel-good romance to settle down with

Unchained Melanie

If you like Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews, you'll love this funny and touching novel from Judy Astley about life after marriage . . .

Let bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this uplifting, laugh-out-loud romance. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley. 
 
"Warm, funny, unerringly true to life" - Katie Fforde 
"A light, enjoyable read you won't be able to resist warming to" - Daily Mail 
"With sharp dialogue that will have you laughing out loud, and well drawn characters to boot, this is an enjoyable light read" - Sunday Mirror 
"Really enjoyable...very amusing" -- ***** Reader review 
"I loved it" -- ***** Reader review 
 
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IS THERE LIFE AFTER MARRIAGE? 
 
When Melanie finds herself single again after years of being one half of a couple, her friends predict loneliness, frustration, disaster and her parents are convinced she's a failure in life. 
But Melanie is overwhelmingly excited to be able to do her own thing - she plans a programme of behaving badly, after a lifetime of behaving properly. 
 
With her daughter off to university and ex-husband Roger married off at last - to his lamentably young girlfriend - she has a Free House, and she intends to make the most of it. 
 
But is the single life quite all it's cracked up to be?

A light, enjoyable, read you won't be able to resist warming to

This witty family drama will keep you enthralled

an uplifting and hilarious novel from the ever astute bestselling author Judy Astley

Other People's Husbands

Judy Astley hits the funnybone of contemporary life yet again in this delicious new novel, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde

Certain to raise a smile and warm your heart; escape for an afternoon with this gem from Judy Astley. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley... 
 
'Warm, funny and unerringly true to life' - Katie Fforde 
'Frothy fun from an author worth noting' - DAILY EXPRESS 
'A real page-turner' -- ***** Reader review 
'An excellent read, worth indulging' -- ***** Reader review 
'Highly entertaining with dry humour and hilarious situations' -- ***** Reader review 
************************************************************************************* 
 
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER, RIGHT? 
 
Sara's mother told her that she shouldn't marry Conrad - that the twenty-five-year age gap between them would tell in the end. The end is now (apparently) approaching fast. 
 
Conrad, a famous painter, has decided that it would be good to die before he gets seriously old and so spends his time sorting out his chaotic life. Sara, teaching art at a local college, finds that she has plenty of male company - other people's husbands, ones she tells Conrad all about, who are just good friends to her. 
 
But there's one she, somehow, doesn't get round to mentioning...

a brilliantly funny, mad-cap novel guaranteed to make you laugh from bestselling author Judy Astley

Blowing It

Readers of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this wonderfully witty and whimsical comedy from bestselling author Judy Astley. Perfect to settle down with! 
 
'A fun romp ... funny and surprisingly thought provoking.' -- Sunday Express 
'A hugely entertaining novel' -- Cambridge Style Magazine 
'Another fluffy, fun read from Astley.' -- In The Know 
'I loved it ... a lovely summer read' -- New Books Magazine 
'A smashing novel' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story line, a lot of fun, kept my interest and didn't disappoint' -- ***** Reader review 
'A fun book!' -- ***** Reader review 
'A thoroughly enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************************************************* 
WILL THE KIDS GET WHAT'S COMING TO THEM? 
 
Sorrel is about to go off on her Gap Year. She sooo wants a home to come home to. 
 
Ilex, her brother, is trying to upgrade his flat and marry his smart girlfriend Manda. He'd like some immediate equity. 
 
Clover, the elder sister, has plans that involve a bijou second home in France. And she wants it now. 
 
If only their parents would be sensible. If only they would sell their large, rather grand but somewhat dilapidated home and hand over their inheritance. 
 
But parents aren't always as sensible as their children. They are planning on blowing the lot...

A fun romp ... funny and surprisingly thought provoking.

Judy Astley has been writing novels since 1990, following several years as a dressmaker, illustrator, painter and parent. Blowing It was inspired by her inability to be sensible with money. Being a high-maintenance blonde with a serious shopping habit (frocks, books, plants and music) uses up all potential pension-funds and Judy has unfortunately failed to make any plans for her own fast-approaching dotage except to request that her ashes be scattered in the Designers Guild fabric showroom. 
 
Judy has two grown-up daughters and the world's best-ever grandson and lives with her equally profligate husband in SW London and Cornwall. 
 
For more information on Judy Astley and her books, see her website at www.judyastley.com

an unputdownable and unforgettable laugh-out-loud read from bestselling author Judy Astley

All Inclusive

Everyone likes a holiday romance - but not if your husband's having it!

Do the friendships you make on holiday have anything to do with real life? It might be sensible to hope that they don't!! Bestselling author Judy Astley has written another highly entertaining, hilarious and upbeat escapist read - perfect for readers of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. 
 
'As sweet and intoxicating as a glass of rum punch' -- ET Life 
'A warm, funny story of love, life and infidelity...' -- Woman 
'Romantic fiction at its best' -- ***** Reader review 
'Warm and witty' -- ***** Reader review 
'Riveting' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************* 
Everyone likes a holiday romance - but not if your husband's having it! 
 
For the last few years, Beth and Ned have gone to the same Caribbean island to the same luxury spa hotel. There they meet the same crowd, and take up where they left off last time. Real life, home life, family life, are all safely left behind. 
 
Except this year. 
 
This year, home problems have somehow tagged along for the ride. Ned has been playing away - a bit of a drunken fling, that's all, nothing to worry about, Beth thinks. But although they have put it all behind them, what Beth doesn't know is that Ned's fling was with the female half of one of the couples they are holidaying with. 
 
To make matters worse, Beth has insisted on bringing along their sixteen-year-old daughter Delilah, who's been ill and needs rest and sunshine. Not so ill, however, that she can't look around for some entertainment...

'As sweet and intoxicating as a glass of rum punch'

'A warm, funny story of love, life and infidelity... great beachtime reading'

Judy Astley was born in Lancashire but has lived for most of her life in South West London.She was a dress designer and painter before writing her first novel, Just For The Summer, in 1994.She has now written twelve novels, all published by Black Swan. She has two grown-up daughters and lives with her husband in Twickenham and Cornwall.

Do the friendships you make on holiday have anything to do with real life? It might be sensible to hope that they don't!! Bestselling author Judy Astley has written another highly entertaining, hilarious and upbeat escapist read - perfect for readers of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. 
 
'As sweet and intoxicating as a glass of rum punch' -- ET Life 
'A warm, funny story of love, life and infidelity...' -- Woman 
'Romantic fiction at its best' -- ***** Reader review 
'Warm and witty' -- ***** Reader review 
'Riveting' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************* 
Everyone likes a holiday romance - but not if your husband's having it! 
 
For the last few years, Beth and Ned have gone to the same Caribbean island to the same luxury spa hotel. There they meet the same crowd, and take up where they left off last time. Real life, home life, family life, are all safely left behind. 
 
Except this year. 
 
This year, home problems have somehow tagged along for the ride. Ned has been playing away - a bit of a drunken fling, that's all, nothing to worry about, Beth thinks. But although they have put it all behind them, what Beth doesn't know is that Ned's fling was with the female half of one of the couples they are holidaying with. 
 
To make matters worse, Beth has insisted on bringing along their sixteen-year-old daughter Delilah, who's been ill and needs rest and sunshine. Not so ill, however, that she can't look around for some entertainment...

a witty and warm-hearted comedy from bestselling author Judy Astley

Size Matters

Does losing weight make you a happier person?

Fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this uplifting and upbeat comic novel from bestselling author Judy Astley. The perfect dose of escapism! 
 
'As irresistible as triple choc fudge cake - with extra cream' -- Mail on Sunday 
'A witty take on a modern dilemma' -- Woman and Home 
'You'll love this funny novel' -- Sun 
'Real wit...The story is so entertaining' -- Scottish Daily Record 
'A refreshingly good read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Good fun' -- ***** Reader review 
'I couldn't put the book down. Great read!' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************************************************** 
Does losing weight make you a happier person? 
 
Jay has always envied her cousin Delphine. While Jay was brought up in a large, noisy and chaotic family, Delphine was indulged, perfectly dressed with a co-ordinated bedroom, an immaculate wardrobe, dancing lessons and monogrammed silver-backed hairbrushes. 
 
Now Jay lives happily with her architect husband and their three teenage children, running a successful cleaning company and trying to keep some kind of order on her disorderly household, while Delphine has long since disappeared to Australia with her second husband. 
 
But Jay does sometimes wonder whether she should be more like her cousin - utterly well-organised and with a seemingly perfect body. 
 
So Jay decides to diet. But what should it be? She tries a range, with a variety of successes and failures. 
 
But then Delphine reappears, with a third husband in prospect and the same old air of apparently effortless superiority. But Jay never considers that perhaps Delphine is the envious one...

As irresistible as triple choc fudge cake - with extra cream

Fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this uplifting and upbeat comic novel from bestselling author Judy Astley. The perfect dose of escapism! 
 
'As irresistible as triple choc fudge cake - with extra cream' -- Mail on Sunday 
'A witty take on a modern dilemma' -- Woman and Home 
'You'll love this funny novel' -- Sun 
'Real wit...The story is so entertaining' -- Scottish Daily Record 
'A refreshingly good read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Good fun' -- ***** Reader review 
'I couldn't put the book down. Great read!' -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************************************************** 
Does losing weight make you a happier person? 
 
Jay has always envied her cousin Delphine. While Jay was brought up in a large, noisy and chaotic family, Delphine was indulged, perfectly dressed with a co-ordinated bedroom, an immaculate wardrobe, dancing lessons and monogrammed silver-backed hairbrushes. 
 
Now Jay lives happily with her architect husband and their three teenage children, running a successful cleaning company and trying to keep some kind of order on her disorderly household, while Delphine has long since disappeared to Australia with her second husband. 
 
But Jay does sometimes wonder whether she should be more like her cousin - utterly well-organised and with a seemingly perfect body. 
 
So Jay decides to diet. But what should it be? She tries a range, with a variety of successes and failures. 
 
But then Delphine reappears, with a third husband in prospect and the same old air of apparently effortless superiority. But Jay never considers that perhaps Delphine is the envious one...

another light-hearted and laugh-out-loud comedy from bestselling author Judy Astley

No Place For A Man

Out of work - or just enjoying an unusually long holiday?

Perfect escapism again from the pen of bestselling author Judy Astley, No Place for a Man is a sizzling and seriously funny novel about family life and the eternal need to hold everything - and everyone - together. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. 
 
'Amusing and entertaining, easily relatable and recognisable characters' -- ***** Reader review 
'I couldn't put the book down. Great read!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Warm and witty' -- ***** Reader review 
'Riveting' -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************************* 
SOMEONE HAS TO HOLD IT ALL TOGETHER, AND IT WON'T BE HIM! 
 
Jess has just waved goodbye to her darling son, off backpacking to Oz. She's left with two teenage daughters and husband Matt - all of whom find themselves regularly featured in her popular and lighthearted newspaper column in which she conveys to her readers an enviably cheery muddle of family life. 
 
 Things become less rosy when Matt, after twenty years with the same firm, is made redundant. Only Jess sees the potential calamity in this. Matt is delighted with his new freedom and takes to hanging out at the local bar with others of the male barely-employable tendency, drinking and drifting and dreaming up hopeless schemes to make them all rich... 
 
Daughter no. 1, meanwhile, has taken up with a mysterious boy living in an abandoned car on the allotment, and her younger sister is over-burdened with a surfeit of secrets. 
 
For Jess, trying to hold everything together and missing her first-flown child, it becomes ever-harder to maintain the carefree façade for her readers. Of course she could just tell them the truth...

the perfect, light-hearted, feel-good romance to settle down with…

Every Good Girl

A sparky look at what, exactly, are little boys made of.

Let bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this uplifting, laugh-out-loud comedy which shows EXACTLY what little boys are made of. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley. 
 
'A funny, incisive gem of a novel' - Sunday Post 
'This deliciously funny novel had me laughing out loud' - Woman and Home 
'A funny, warm and moving novel' - Sunday Mirror 
"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 
'Great escapism' -- ***** Reader review 
************************************************************************** 
PEACE AT LAST? NOT LIKELY! 
 
After twenty years of marriage, Nina had offloaded serial philanderer Joe and was happy enough, thank you, coping alone with their two demanding daughters and her own hectic life. It felt like freedom, not having to wonder constantly where Joe was, who with and up to what. 
 
But into Nina's new, carefree life some disturbing elements began to appear. A flasher had been accosting young girls on the nearby common, leaving every man in the area under suspicion. Home, to Nina, no longer felt so safe. And Joe, during one of his oh-so-civilised monthly lunches with Nina, revealed that the new love in his life, pin-thin, power-dressed Catherine, had decided that she now required a baby. 
 
But babies, Joe told Nina, were what he did with her: a remark that Nina found oddly unsettling...

the perfect, light-hearted, laugh-out-loud read from bestselling author Judy Astley

Pleasant Vices

The setting up of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme causes unexpected problems.

Bestselling author Judy Astley hits the funnybone of contemporary life yet again in this delicious comedy, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson 
 
'Fast and fun' -- Woman &amp; Home 
'It sparkles with Astley's wry wit' -- Peterborough Evening Telegraph 
'Loved reading this book' -- ***** Reader review 
'Enjoyed this from beginning to end' -- ***** Reader review 
'This is my happy book and I loved it so much I've read it twice' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very funny' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************************** 
EVERYONE HAS THEIR GUILTY PLEASURES... 
 
The residents of the Close were much concerned with crime - preventing it, that is. With all those out-of-work teenagers on the nearby council estate hanging around, stealing, joy-riding and goodness knows what else, it was just as well that Paul Mathieson was setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. 
 
Not that the inhabitants of the Close did not have their own little activities, of course, but these were hardly the same thing... 
 
If Jenny and Alan's daughter was caught travelling on the underground without a ticket, and their son was doing a little experimenting with certain substances, and Laura didn't see the need to declare her earnings from hiring out her house to a film crew, and Jenny drove home only just over the legal limit - well, these were quite different matters, not to be compared with what went on in the Estate. 
 
And then there was Jenny's discovery, when she advertised flute lessons, that she could work up quite a nice little earner in a rather unexpected way... 
 
As the leafy London street resounded to the efforts of its citizens to keep crime at bay, Jenny realised that it was her marriage, rather than her property, that needed watching.

This deliciously funny novel had me laughing out loud

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 
 
********************************************************* 
 
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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