82ASK

A A Gill

Andrew Swanston read law at Cambridge, but was inspired to write by his lifelong interest in early modern history. His Thomas Hill novels – The King’s Spy, The King’s Exile and The King’s Return – are set against the backdrops of the English Civil War, Cromwell’s Commonwealth and the early Restoration respectively. He is also the author of Waterloo: The Bravest Man and Beautiful Star and Other Stories. His first historical thriller set during the reign of Elizabeth I – Incendium (published in paperback as The Incendium Plot) – introduced readers to the academic, lawyer and intelligencer Dr Christopher Radcliff, whose adventures continue in Chaos. Andrew Swanston lives in Surrey.

A D Swanston

A E Langsford

A G Hopkins

A. J. BAIME is the New York Times best-selling author of The Arsenal of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an Epic Quest to Arm an America at War and Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans. Both books are in development for major motion pictures. Baime is a longtime regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal, and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Popular Science, and Men’s Journal. He lives in Granite Bay, California. Visit him at facebook.com/ajbaime and trumanbook.com.

A J Baime

A J Jacobs

A J P Taylor

Anthony James Pollard is a British medieval historian, specialising in the fifteenth century and in particular the Wars of the Roses. A leading authority in the field, he is profesor emeritus of Teesside University. His books include North-Eastern England during the Wars of the Roses, Richard III and the Princes in theTower, Imagining Robin Hood: the Late Medieval Stories in Historical Context and Warwick the kingmaker: Politics, Power and Fame.

A J Pollard

A J Rochester

A K Benjamin is a clinical neuropsychologist and the author of Let Me Not Be Mad: A Story of Unravelling Minds.

A K Benjamin

A. L. Berridge read English at Oxford, and taught for ten years before moving into television, where her production credits range from period drama and thrillers to long-running soaps. She has written two previous novels, Top Ten besteller Honour and the Sword and In the Name of the King. Into the Valley of Death is her third novel.

A L Berridge

Alison Gaylin's first job was as a reporter for a celebrity tabloid, which sparked a lifelong interest in writing about people committing despicable acts. More than a decade later, she wrote and published her Edgar-nominated first novel, HIDE YOUR EYES. 
 
She's since published nine more books, including the USA Today and international bestselling Brenna Spector suspense series, which has been nominated for the Edgar, Anthony and Thriller awards and won the Shamus award. 
 
She lives in upstate New York with her husband, daughter, cat and dog.

A L Gaylin

A Maxwell-Hyslop

A McArthur

A P Wavell

A.S. Webb is the Sunday Times bestselling author of Daughter of Chaos, the first instalment of The Dark Pantheon Trilogy. She is inspired by stories rooted in history and mythology, that push the boundaries of imagination and urge us to reflect on what it means to be human.

A S Webb

A. A. Dhand is the author of six previous novels, and has been shortlisted for the CWA Steel Dagger Award. His DI Harry Virdee novels are currently being adapted for TV by the BBC. He was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired all his novels. For more information about A. A. Dhand and his books, follow him on X @aadhand, and on Instagram @aa_dhand.

A. A. Dhand

A. A. Gill

A. A. Milne

A. Anatoli

A. B. Poranek grew up sharing her time between Ontario, Canada and rural Poland, and eventually completed a veterinary degree at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. A lover of mythology and history, she enjoys exploring both in her writing. Her debut novel, Where the Dark Stands Still, an instant New York Times bestseller, is an ode to Poland's folktales, while A Treachery of Swans transports readers to a world inspired by 17th century France.

A. B. Poranek

A. Bradley

Professor A. C. Grayling is Principal of the New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London, and a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne's College, Oxford. He has written and edited over thirty books on philosophy, history, science and current affairs. For several years he wrote columns for the Guardian newspaper and The Times and was the chairman of the 2014 Man Booker Prize.

A. C. Grayling

A.D. Miller is the author of Snowdrops, The Earl of Petticoat Lane and The Faithful Couple. Snowdrops was a bestseller and was shortlisted for many prizes including the Man Booker and the CWA Gold Dagger. It was translated into 25 languages. As Moscow Correspondent of The Economist A.D. Miller has travelled across the former Soviet Union and covered the Orange Revolution in Ukraine; he is now the magazine’s Culture Editor based in London. 
 
admillerbooks.com

A. D. Miller

A. E. Ellis

A. E. W. Mason

A. Humphreys

A. Igoni Barrett was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 1979 and lives in Lagos. He is a winner of the 2005 BBC World Service short story competition, the recipient of a Chinua Achebe Center Fellowship, a Norman Mailer Center Fellowship, and a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency. His short story collection, Love is Power, or Something Like That, was published in 2013. In 2014 he was named on the Africa39 list of sub-Saharan African writers under 40. Blackass is his first novel.

A. Igoni Barrett

The short life of A.J.A. Symons (1900-41) was described by his biographer as an intricate and largely harmless confidence trick. His many interests included the collection of musical boxes and rare books as well as the study and practice of forgery; they left him time to edit an anthology of Edwardian verse and compose studies of H.M. Stanley and other notable figures. He is remembered for The Quest for Corvo, one of the most remarkable biographies ever written, and for co-founding the Wine and Food Society.

A. J. A. Symons

PublicationStatus

Brand

Format

AgeRange

Series

Imprint

CategoryLabel

Jo Thomas

Curl up with this delicious collection of bite-sized treats from the queen of feel-good fiction! A Recipe for Happiness takes you through a year with bestselling Jo Thomas and includes seven heartwarming short stories, tons of mouth-watering new recipes and some personal family memories for an insight into Jo's life and loves, along with an extract of her most recent novel. It's perfect for fans old and new! 
 
Your favourite authors love Jo Thomas: 
 
'Bursting with flavour, adventure and romance' Ruth Jones 
 
'Delicious and delightful - Jo sweeps you away to a better place with every book, which are always filled with warmth, love and a big spoonful of happiness' Veronica Henry 
 
'Heart-warming, moving and romantic, with beautiful settings - what could be better?' Katie Fforde

A Recipe for Happiness and other stories

A heart-warming short story collection from the bestselling author

Cathy Bramley

Escape to the seaside with Part Four of a brand-new four-part serial set on the Devon coast, from bestselling author Cathy Bramley. 
 
The sun is beginning to set on Nina’s wonderful time in Brightside Cove. Indeed, things seem to be wrapping up; Theo is looking much more cheery and Brightside holidays is set to be a massive success. Suddenly, it feels like there’s slightly less space for Nina in this sunny corner of Devon. But there’s still lots to do before she leaves, and an old face is still around to stir up trouble for the locals. The real question is whether she can squeeze in some more time with hunky Jude. 
 
Ever resourceful, Nina has never met a problem she can’t tackle. But Brightside Cove’s beautiful, historic lifeboat house is set to be sold to the highest bidder. And her fledgling romance is soon to be strangled by her new starring role, set in the highlands of Scotland. Meanwhile, family secrets have started to bubble, ready to come to a boil… 
 
With all this and time soon to run out, has Nina finally met her match? 
 
Your favourite authors have loved reading Cathy's novels: 
 
'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley 
‘Full of joy and fun’ Milly Johnson 
‘Delightful!’ Katie Fforde

A Match Made in Devon - Part Four

The Leading Lady

Escape to the seaside with Part Three of a brand-new four-part serial set on the Devon coast, from bestselling author Cathy Bramley. 
 
As the sun begins to shine, love is blooming for Nina in Brightside Cove. Finally, she has the chance at the life (and love) she’s always craved, but there may yet be a choice between old and new. There’s hardly time to contemplate her options though; the hen party might be leaving but things don’t stay calm at Brightside Cove for long. 
 
Once again, world’s collide as a friend and a foe come to stay in Theo’s beautiful holiday cottages. What is the reason behind their ancient animosity? What connection do they have to Nina? 
 
Struggling to ignore what the future holds… can Nina help mend the broken relationships of her friends? Will building her career take her even further away from her new sense of home? 
 
Your favourite authors have loved reading Cathy's novels: 
 
'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley 
‘Full of joy and fun’ Milly Johnson 
‘Delightful!’ Katie Fforde

A Match Made in Devon - Part Three

The Frenemies

Escape to the seaside with Part Two of a brand-new four-part serial set on the Devon coast, from bestselling author Cathy Bramley. 
 
Just a few weeks in Brightside Cove and Nina has already started to forget the life she’s left behind. But London is calling – lots has happened in Nina’s absence and her exit has left the world of drama completely abuzz. Despite what she thought, it isn’t yet curtains for her character on Victory Road. 
 
But things are far from settled at Brightside Cove. Theo has been acting strangely and even Mittens, the tiny kitten, hasn’t cheered him up as he desperately struggles to deal with the terrible events of the past. With everything that’s happening, can Nina spare the time to save her friend and his business? 
 
She hasn’t got long to consider, her two worlds are about to collide. The serenity and beauty of Brightside cove is about to be shattered by a chattering of hens. 
 
Your favourite authors have loved reading Cathy's novels: 
 
'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley 
‘Full of joy and fun’ Milly Johnson 
‘Delightful!’ Katie Fforde

A Match Made in Devon - Part Two

The Hen Party

Escape to the seaside with Part One of a brand-new four-part serial set on the Devon coast, from bestselling author Cathy Bramley. 
 
Nina has always dreamed of being a star, unfortunately her agent thinks she’s more best friend than leading lady. Unsurprisingly, her career isn’t quite going as planned and the work seems to have temporarily dried up… But the bright lights of showbiz have always called for Nina and she won’t be giving up that easily – even if the reality of it is actually bit-parts and the small bedroom in her friend’s London flat. 
 
But the next drama is never far away and after a series of very public blunders Nina is soon donning dark shades and a different hair colour - fleeing from the suddenly interested paparazzi. Although she was planning to lay low in Devon with her brother, Nina won’t be taking it easy -- fate has very different plans. 
 
An old pal is desperately in need of some assistance setting up his holiday home business. Always one to help a friend, Nina decides to stay at beautiful Brightside Cove – where new characters, inspiration and possibly love are waiting for her… 
 
Your favourite authors have loved reading Cathy's novels: 
 
'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley 
‘Full of joy and fun’ Milly Johnson 
‘Delightful!’ Katie Fforde

A Match Made in Devon - Part One

The First Guests

Curl up this Christmas with bestselling author Cathy Bramley - COMFORT AND JOY continues the story of The Plumberry School of Comfort Food and **contains recipes!** 
 
It’s been a busy year for Verity Bloom at the Plumberry School of Comfort Food, but Christmas Eve is finally here. With delicious treats all wrapped up and the ingredients packed away, Verity is looking forward to a relaxing few days with her new boyfriend. 
 
Good food, family and friends – it’s a simple recipe for true comfort and joy, and all Verity’s friends in the village are full of excitement about the holidays too. 
 
But the weather has other plans in store . . . Relentless rain leads to a power cut that spells disaster for many of Plumberry’s residents. It’s starting to look like this year’s celebrations could be a total washout. 
 
With dreams of a perfect Christmas dashed, will the last of the festive cheer be swept away in the downpour? Or can Verity cook up a miracle for everyone she holds dear? 
 
Readers have been loving Comfort and Joy! 
'A deliciously romantic winter treat' Rachael Lucas 
'The descriptions of food and drink in this story are just wonderful! I loved it . . . A delicious festive treat with lots of lovely surprises!' One More Page 
'The perfect fireside read to touch the heart . . . Read it!' Linda's Book Bag 
'Imagine everything good about Christmas - friends, family, kindness, love, laughter and generosity . . . A perfect read. I loved this' Crooks on Books 
'An absolute gem' Laura Bambrey Books 
'Full of warmth, romance and Christmas magic!' Christie Barlow 
'Cathy always manages to create likeable characters and really get across that sense of community' Laura's Little Book Blog

Comfort and Joy

A Cosy Christmas Short Story from The Sunday Times Bestseller

L. Marie Adeline

Cassie’s life rarely takes her by surprise. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, heading home alone each night, yearning for more from her life and wishing she could make it happen. 
 
But when Cassie discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, her world is changed forever. The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate her, and eventually lead her to S·E·C·R·E·T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. At the heart of the society is three rules: 
 
NO JUDGEMENTS. NO LIMITS. NO SHAME. 
 
As Cassie is set free from her inhibitions, she is transformed by the confidence she didn't know she had. And so begins the most surprising experience of Cassie's life as she finds her place in an enticing world of passion and danger, with the power to have any secret wish become a reality... 
 
If you can't wait to see the Fifty Shades film and have devoured all of Sylvia Day's Crossfire series, the SECRET trilogy will become your new addiction.

The Secret Trilogy: Secret / Secret Shared / Secret Revealed

Hope thrives at Ivy Lane . . . 
As winter descends on Ivy Lane, the frost sparkles and icy winds flurry – but Tilly is still reeling from the events of the Hallowe’en party. Only the die-hard plot holders brave the cold weather, and Tilly fears the loneliness that gripped her a year ago will return. 
Resolute to stay cheerful, she throws herself into organizing both the inaugural Ivy Lane Great Cake Competition and the Christmas Party, and even squeezes in a little match-making along the way. 
Surrounded by her friends at the Christmas Party, Tilly has come a long way in a year. She can feel her own heart slowly melting, but who will be waiting under the mistletoe? 
Ivy Lane is a serialized novel told in four parts – taking you through a year in the life of Tilly Parker – ending with Winter. 
Each part of Ivy Lane is approx. 10 chapters.

Ivy Lane: Part 4

Winter

Trust blooms at Ivy lane . . . 
Life at Ivy Lane allotments is as hectic as always. With crops to harvest and weeds to tackle, Tilly is busier than ever, but she can never resist chatting with Alf, an elderly widower with top-notch turnips and many a story to tell. 
When the announcement of a young offenders project sends waves of suspicion through the allotment, Alf and Tilly must persuade Ivy Lane to trust the newly arrived teenagers . . . but what secrets is Tilly keeping to herself? 
With best friend Gemma to support her, Tilly must face up to her difficult memories and finally reveal what happened to change her life for ever. But can she open her heart to love at the Hallowe’en party? 
Ivy Lane is a serialized novel told in four parts – taking you through a year in the life of Tilly Parker – with Autumn the third part. 
Each part of Ivy Lane is approx. 10 chapters.

Ivy Lane: Part 3

Autumn

Romance ripens at Ivy Lane . . . 
Tilly Parker is feeling happier than she has done since her life completely changed nearly two years ago. As she flourishes under the summer sun, she throws herself into life at Ivy Lane, complete with strawberry planting, chinwags with Gemma and cups of tea with Alf. 
And excitement reaches fever pitch when a TV crew descends to capture life inside a modern-day allotment, bringing out the best (new wellies and lipstick) and the worst (parsnip rivalry) in them all. 
As Tilly’s broken heart slowly mends, she attracts the attention of not one but two suitors – but is Tilly ready for romance and what secrets is she still keeping from her friends at Ivy Lane? 
Ivy Lane is a serialized novel told in four parts – taking you through a year in the life of Tilly Parker – with Summer the second part. 
Each part of Ivy Lane is approx. 10 chapters. 
 
Praise for Cathy Bramley: 
'A witty, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a protagonist you'll love and I highly recommend it!' Miranda Dickinson 
'The Ivy Lane series is such a clever little idea... It took me an hour or so to read and it was delightful! I very much look forward to the three other Ivy Lane novellas. I loved Tilly and I can’t wait to read more from her!' Chick Lit Reviews &amp; News 
'Full of LOL moments with tenderness that can leave your eyes filled with tears' Room for Reading 
'Cute, charming and very, very funny... similar in feel to the books by Lindsey Kelk and Abby Clements' Page to Stage Reviews

Ivy Lane: Part 2

Summer

Friendship blossoms at Ivy Lane... 
Tilly Parker needs a fresh start, fresh air and a fresh attitude if she is ever to leave the past behind and move on with her life. As she settles in to a new town seeking peace and solitude, taking on her own plot at Ivy Lane allotments seems like the perfect solution. But the vibrant, friendly Ivy Lane community has other ideas and endeavour to entice Tilly into seedling swaps and Easter egg hunts. Can Tilly let new friends into her life, or will she stay a wallflower for good? 
Ivy Lane is a serialized novel told in four parts – taking you through a year in the life of Tilly Parker – beginning with Spring. 
Each part of Ivy Lane is approx. 10 chapters. 
 
Praise for Cathy Bramley: 
'A witty, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a protagonist you'll love and I highly recommend it!' Miranda Dickinson 
'The Ivy Lane series is such a clever little idea... It took me an hour or so to read and it was delightful! I very much look forward to the three other Ivy Lane novellas. I loved Tilly and I can’t wait to read more from her!' Chick Lit Reviews &amp; News 
'Full of LOL moments with tenderness that can leave your eyes filled with tears' Room for Reading 
'Cute, charming and very, very funny... similar in feel to the books by Lindsey Kelk and Abby Clements' Page to Stage Reviews

Ivy Lane: Part 1

Spring

Joanna Trollope

This special 2-for-1 collection features two classic Joanna Trollope novels: The Other Family and A Village Affair. 
 
The Other Family: 
 
Chrissie, in the twenty-three years she'd been together with Richie, had always believed that he loved her. He loved their three daughters and their house in Highgate and their happy, lively existence. But if she really was the love of his life, why had he never given her the one thing that would have made her life perfect? 
 
Then suddenly Richie is no longer there, and without him Chrissie's carefully constructed life is in jeopardy.The one big fact she had always tried to keep from her daughters threatens to overwhelm them all. For Richie had still been married to his first wife, the one with a son that he had abandoned in Newcastle. 
 
And now, with Richie gone and the practicalities of wills and money to be sorted out, it is finally time for the two families to face each other ... 
 
A Village Affair: 
 
The Grey House is the answer to everything in Alice Jordan's perfect life. It seems to be the ultimate achievement of her outwardly happy marriage – a loyal, if dull husband, three children, two cars and now the house. So why does she feel as if something crucial is missing? 
 
As Alice and her family settle themselves into village life the something missing becomes something huge and then breaks, scandalizing the village, opening up old wounds. But because of it, Alice begins to feel that there is hope and humour, understanding and compassion in the new life she must build for herself.

Joanna Trollope: The Other Family & A Village Affair

Ebook Bundle

Sally Stewart

James Rushton dominated both his thriving wine business and large family with all the style of an old autocrat.It was part of his plans that Jane, his only daughter - already thirty-one and likely to become a spinster if she wasn't careful - should marry her cousin William, not a love-match exactly, but highly convenient for the family. 
 
But Jane, slight, plain, quiet, wanted more than William's obedient acquiescence, for she had loved her careless handsome cousin for a long time.On the point of settling for the little she could have, she discovered a shameless betrayal.Humiliated, not really wanted at home, she took the most daring decision of her life - to go and live and work in Italy. 
 
It was to be the beginning of a long, passionate, and overwhelming involvement with the Buonaventura family, aristocratic, and torn apart by the strife of Mussolini's new Italy.To Jane, Ottavio Buonaventura and his family were a fascinating challenge.And the impoverished aristocrats at Castagnolo were to discover that the quiet Englishwoman was to revolutionise their lives.

A Rose For Every Month

Elvi Rhodes

Fans of Rosamunde Pilcher and Maeve Binchy will love this warm-hearted and moving novel from multi-million copy seller Elvi Rhodes. The perfect dose of escapism! 
 
READERS ARE LOVING MIXED BLESSINGS! 
"The twists and turns of the main characters keeping you entertained and wanting more" - 5 STARS 
"She really brings characters to life" - 5 STARS 
"Captivates you on every page" - 5 STARS 
 
********************************************************** 
 
CAN OLD LIVES AND NEW LIVES EVER BE RECONCILED? 
 
For Venus Stanton, the attractive young vicar of Thurston, life could not be better. When she first came to this traditional parish, many people found it hard to accept a woman priest. After a tricky start, however, she is now accepted by most of her parishioners, even though some people still cannot and will not recognize her. 
 
 But vicars have their personal lives as well, and to the delight and surprise of the parish Venus is to marry Nigel, the doctor from the local practice. Her eleven-year-old daughter Becky, after some misgivings, has accepted the idea and there is a joyous ceremony at the church, after which the happy pair set off for honeymoon in France. 
 
On their return, they try to settle down to their new life, but Venus soon finds that marriage, motherhood and her priestly duties do not always go together... 
 
Mixed Blessings continues the story started in A Blessing in Disguise...

Mixed Blessings

A wonderfully heart-warming novel guaranteed to stay with you for ever

When Lavinia St Clyst married Julian Bossiney at St George's, Hanover Square, it was a marriage of convenience on both sides.Julian was linked at last to the real, the old aristocracy, and Lavinia, tolerated as a poor relation of the wealthy St Clyst family, could finally free herself from living on her uncle's charity and have a home of her own.It was at the fashionable wedding reception that - too late - she met the man she should have married - Jonathan Bossiney, her husband's brother. 
 
As she began her new life in the beautiful old stone house standing high on the Cornish cliffs, so she determined that the unspoken love between her and Jonathan would remain secret and unfulfilled.For her children, Tristram and Jennifer, things would be different.There would be no obstacles to their love.But as the years passed, so the family pattern was repeated, of lovers divided by class, by wealth, by the very passion and wildness of their Cornish blood.It was not until the third generation that at last the cruel divisions were healed, and Lavinia also found her abiding happiness.

The Snows Of Springtime

Jilly Cooper

Two fabulous Christmas short stories by the inimitable Jilly Cooper! 
 
In 'Christmas Stocking', unlucky-in-love Caroline is facing possibly the most miserable Christmas of her life. She can't quite see how she'll cope with the season of goodwill to all men - particularly holed up on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors with her boisterous family. And things get a whole lot more complicated when her brother arrives with a deliciously dishevelled friend in tow, Jamie . . . 
 
In 'Sister to the Bride' Helen finds herself in the wedding from hell. The groom's family are constantly sneering at her, her bridesmaid's dress is frightful, and she just can't shake off the unwanted attentions of ginger chinless wonder Tubby Langley. But then Helen meets the devastating David. Dare she risk her fragile heart once again?

Christmas Stocking/Sister To The Bride (Storycuts)

Kate is right in the middle of last-minute marriage preparations. In just two weeks time, she will be wed to Hugh, a high-flying barrister, who is perfect for her - well, at least according to her parents. With the wedding so close, and so many influential friends of Hugh's to consider, it's no wonder Kate's nerves are a little strung out. And when Hugh suggests a weekend away, Kate's idea of getting a bit of peace and quiet is swiftly shattered when she realises they are heading to the boat belonging to Jonty and Muriel - two of Hugh's most braying and exuberant friends. But things get ever worse when there is a terrible surprise waiting for Kate on the boat, in the shape of an unexpected guest: an artist called Tod, who is a devastatingly painful blast from Kate's past. He has a stunning new girlfriend in tow, and Kate is forced to confront the reality of the life she has built for herself - and the memory of the girl she used to be. Is it too late for her to discover what she truly wants? 
 
Part of the Storycuts series, this short story was previously published in the collection Lisa &amp; Co.

Kate’s Wedding (Storycuts)

In 'The Red Angora Dress', Milly just knows her boyfriend, the handsome Andrew, is losing interest in her. So when he invites her to a glamorous party, she resolves to knock him dead with a killer outfit. Having blown half her month's wages on a skintight red angora dress, Milly is dismayed to find that it sheds everywhere - and that it is rather uncomfortably hot. Then she overhears Andrew chatting up the party's hostess, and laughing at her - and her outfit - behind her back. Hurt, heartbroken and humiliated, can anything possibly salvage Milly's dreadful night? 
 
In 'The Square Peg', despite her best intentions, junior secretary Penny is a whirlwind of chaos. She's two hours late back from lunch, mixes up letters, and on one memorable occasion manages to release a rabbit into the boardroom. It's no wonder that the firm's tough new MD, Jake McInnes, has it in for her. He might be the heartthrob of the rest of the typing pool, but Penny is desperate to escape to a new job with a more easygoing boss. But the job application she sends off has some rather unexpected consequences... 
 
Part of the Storycuts series, these two short stories were previously published in the collection Lisa &amp; Co.

The Red Angora Dress/The Square Peg (Storycuts)

Jane Wenham-Jones

Cari is devastated when her husband Martin leaves her for another woman. 
Her friend, wide-boy Nigel, persuades her to get a bank loan and buy a house to do up for rental, but it soon becomes apparent that he's contravened every rule and regulation in the book. 
She's lumbered with an infuriating mother, a friend who's permanently pregnant, and a friend who may be pregnant - but not by her husband - and her neurotic sister Juliette is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. 
Her first tenant, Gary, turns out to be a drug addict on benefit. He moves in a dozen mates and barricades Cari in the flat while the police are battering the door down, ensuring that she's arrested along with the squatters. 
And then her estranged husband announces that he wants to sell the house she's living in. 
Could life get any worse? 
At least her love life begins to get interesting. Pursued by spinsterish Henry, she has a fling with TV interviewer Guy, and then there's closet opera fan Ben the Builder, reassuring and more than presentable. 
Cari writes a wish list: (a) Make some money (b) Lose some weight (c) Find someone to have a grand passion with and (d) Become so rich and successful that Martin is consumed with jealousy. 
And suddenly, all her wishes begin to be answered...

Raising The Roof

Judy Astley

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 
 
******************************************************************************* 
 
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...

Seven For A Secret

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

Charlotte Bingham

This mesmerising love story form bestselling author Charlotte Bingham has it all: clever plotting, wonderful characterization, masterful writing and a totally unexpected and perfect finale: true perfection and perfect for readers of Louise Douglas, Dinah Jeffries and Kristin Hannah. 
 
'Her imagination is thoroughly original...A fairy tale, which is all the more delightful as it is not something one expects from a modern novel...It's heady stuff'' -- Daily Mail 
'Charlotte Bingham's devotees will recognise her supreme skill as a storyteller...A heartwarming romance which is full of emotion.' -- INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY 
'Charlotte Bingham can't have written a better book than this one. Has anyone?' -- ***** Reader review 
'No less than a masterpiece' -- ***** Reader review 
'Compulsive reading!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Truly impossible to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Absolutely riveting' -- ***** Reader review 
'A wonderful read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
*************************************************************************************************** 
CAN ONE CHANCE ENCOUNTER CHANGE THE COURSE OF A LIFE? 
 
Visitors to Stoke Park in Worcestershire could be forgiven for thinking that the house had a timeless quality. Certainly this occurs to Frederick Jourdan, the American composer who has rented the place to escape from overwork and from his well-meaning but exhausting fiancée. He revels in the peace and beauty of the place, until, early one morning, he happens upon the heartstopping sight of the reclusive young occupant of the nearby Folly feeding deer at early dawn. He finds his life has been changed for ever. 
 
Time has indeed stood still for Fleur Fisher-Dilke, but for reasons that can't be guessed. Born to an ambitious surgeon and his social-climbing wife, Fleur has only ever been seen as a tool to improve the family's social prospects. 
 
Quite by chance, however, she finds she has a prodigious gift, and in spite of her parents' opposition, her talent blossoms. Choices are made, but not forgiven, and it is only when her life takes a sudden and tragic turn, and she meets a fascinating and irreverent figure who is her opposite in every way, that Fleur finds the courage she needs to move forward...

Change Of Heart

a deeply moving love story from bestselling author Charlotte Bingham

Fans of Louise Douglas and Dinah Jeffries will love this captivating novel about the destruction of innocence from million copy and Sunday Times bestselling author Charlotte Bingham. 
 
'A galloping read... Bingham relishes her period detail and social comedy and adds an appealing touch of whimsy.' -- The Sunday Times 
'Charming from start to finish' -- ***** Reader review 
'Outstanding' -- ***** Reader review 
'Unputdownable' -- ***** Reader review 
'A must-read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************************************************************* 
LOVE AND BETRAYAL IN AN AGE OF INNOCENCE 
 
Sunny's mundane country life is changed overnight when handsome, stylish Gray breaks down in his Bentley outside her parents' cottage in Rushington. It seems that he may have fallen in love with her. Although Sunny herself remains unconvinced, her best friend Arietta believes that Sunny is soon to be set on the road to wealth and happiness. 
 
Shortly after meeting Gray for the second time at a local ball, Sunny is invited out by his close friend, the beautiful socialite, Leandra Fortescue, who tells her over lunch that Gray wants to marry her if she will accept certain conditions... 
 
Sunny accepts and soon joins Arietta at her cheerfully chaotic lodgings in London. It is here that she realises that she can find the sort of contentment that has eluded sophisticates such as Gray and Leandra. Here too she meets Hart and, despite being engaged to Gray, falls in love with him... 
 
By chance Arietta comes into a secret about Gray, but is afraid to tell Sunny, and yet not to tell her might ruin her future.

The White Marriage

a wonderfully romantic and nostalgic novel set in the 1950s from bestselling author Charlotte Bingham

Robert Edric

Late summer 1946: the Wash on the Fenland coast. Into a suspicious and isolated community comes James Mercer, until recently a serving captain in the Engineers, who is now employed in the demolition of redundant gun platforms. A relationship grows between Mercer and the wife and daughter of a soldier who is soon expected home - though he is returning not from active service but from a sentence in military gaol, and his arrival is awaited with anxiety. 
 
Mercer also befriends Mathias, a German prisoner of war engaged in similar work who has no wish to be repatriated; and Jacob, a Jew, former glassmaker and camp survivor, of whose devastated journey to this isolated place Mercer gradually learns. He learns, too, of the bond between the German and the Jew and is drawn further into their history as the ex-soldier finally returns and begins to re-establish his overbearing authority. 
 
In a place where nothing has changed for decades, the agents of destruction and renewal are at work and everyone begins to search for his or her piece of solid ground. As the summer dies, animosities flare, prejudices and enmities are burnished and the six main characters circle each other like the combatants they believe themselves to be - each man or woman constrained by an intractable moral code, the loss of which is unthinkable. And Mercer finds himself caught in the centre as events quicken to their violent and unexpected conclusion. 
 
In his powerful new novel, Edric captures with breathtaking economy the sense of portent and uncertainty shared by a community in the aftermath of conflict - a community for which peacetime is hardly any different to wartime.

Peacetime

Claudia Carroll

Fans of Sophie Kinsella, Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will love this wonderfully upbeat and unputdownable romantic comedy from bestselling author Claudia Carroll - the ultimate feel-good read. 
 
'A fab tale!' -- OK! 
'It bubbles and sparkles like pink champagne. A hugely entertaining read' -- Patricia Scanlan 
'Claudia Carroll has done it again, with a cracking cast of supporting characters and a heroine you just want fate to smile on. Hugely enjoyable.' -- HEAT 
'Very entertaining' -- ***** Reader review 
'Hilarious!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
************************************************************************* 
WELL COME A LITTLE CLOSER... 
 
Vicky Harper is still hopelessly single and having to face up to the depressing fact that the last time she had a relationship with a decent single man was, well...she can't even remember... 
 
So, having discovered an ancient book, which says that all you need do is focus on thinking your wildest fantasies into reality and you'll get anything you want, she decides to give it a whirl. Kind of like Pollyanna, except with a mortgage and a lot of vodka. 
 
So, along with her two beyond-fabulous best friends, Vicky decides to put her plan into action. Trouble is, there is no instruction manual and Vicky soon realizes that you have to be very, very careful what you wish for...

Do You Want to Know a Secret?

a fantastically funny and feel-good rom-com guaranteed to keep you hooked from bestseller Claudia Carroll

Perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher, an emotional and powerful novel by multi-million copy seller Elvi Rhodes. 
 
READERS ARE LOVING A HOUSE BY THE SEA! 
"A...lovely story that I wanted to go on forever..."-5 STARS 
"A beautiful story, I couldn't put it down..." -5 STARS 
"What a fantastic read" - 5 STARS 
"I've read this book several times and always feel sorry to leave the house and its occupants at the end." - 5 STARS 
 
********************************* 
 
Will she be able to live and love again? 
 
Feeling lonely and stuck in a rut since the death of her beloved husband Pete, Caroline decides to buy a dilapidated house in Brighton - a place which holds many happy memories for her. 
 
Soon she is settled in her new life by the sea. Yet things are never simple: those who care for her are outraged by her impulsive decision and, at times, there seem to be insurmountable obstacles ahead. 
 
Can she overcome these difficulties, find happiness in her new life and even leave a little room for love?

A House By The Sea

A beautifully moving and heart-warming novel about life and loss

The year is 1Q84. This is the real world, there is no doubt about that. But in this world, there are two moons in the sky. Discover the 1Q84 Trilogy by Haruki Murakami.

1Q84

365 Days of Art

A BBC Christmas

A Black Book Thriller

A Box Full of Murders

A Cal Leandros Novel

A Christmas Mystery

The intelligent and capable police commissioner Guido Brunetti confronts crime in and around his home town of Venice.

A Commissario Brunetti Mystery

A DC Smith / Kings Lake Investigation Series

A Daisy Story

Chronicling the lives of over three hundred characters, unrivalled for its scope and humour, this is a unique evocation of life in twentieth-century England.

A Dance to the Music of Time

A Fairy Tale Revolution

A Frank Grasby Mystery

A Guide For the Curious

A Horatio Hornblower Tale of the Sea

A Jo Birmingham Thriller

A Jon Roscoe Thriller

A Ladybird Book

A Ladybird Magic Windows Book

A Look Back at

A Luke Carlton Thriller

A Max Mingus Thriller

A Michael Bennett Thriller

A Midge McGowan Mystery

A Mitchum Thriller

A Moneybunny Book

A Murder Most Unladylike Collection

A Murder Most Unladylike Mini Mystery

A Murder Most Unladylike Mystery

A Nigel Strangeways Mytery

biblio.categories.code

biblio.publicationStatus

biblio.brand

biblio.workEditions.format

biblio.ageRange

biblio.series.seriesName

biblio.imprint.description

biblio.type

About us

About Us (Header 4)

Kate-Atkinson

James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

haruki-murakami-320×320-1

Richard-Osman

Malorie Blackman

Lisa-Jewell

Charlie-Mackesy

Authors (Header 3)

Children&#039;s

Company

Discover

Fiction

Non-fiction

Penguin Classics

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

Work with us

Search Results

Discover the Penguin books that shaped us

Filters

Category

Publication Date

Format

Imprint

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter