English books

"Apart from herpes and Lulu – everything is eventually swept away"Just one shimmering pearl of wisdom from pop-star and polymath James Maker, whose worldly observations will (like herpes) once again be on everyone’s lips thanks to his award-winning memoir, remastered with new chapters.If you hadn’t heard of rock bands Raymonde or RPLA – fronted by James in the 80s and 90s – you might be forgiven for mistaking AutoFellatio for fiction. But here fact is more fantastical than any novel. We follow our hero from Bermondsey enfant-terrible to Valencian grande dame, a scenic journey that stops off variously at Morrissey confidant, dominatrix, singer, songwriter.It is literally littered with memorable bons mots and hilarious anecdotes that make you feel like you've hit the wedding-reception jackpot of being unexpectedly seated next to the groom's flamboyant uncle.According to Wikipedia, very few men can perform the act of autofellatio. We never discover whether James is one of them but certainly, as a storyteller, he is one in a million.‘Glitteringly epigrammatic, it’s a glam-rock Naked Civil Servant in court shoes. But funnier. And tougher.’MARK SIMPSON‘Pistol sharp, loaded with witty one-liners and peppered with Maker’s scatter gun observations on life, music and the meaning of good hair.’ PAUL BURSTONJames Maker first trod the boards in 1982 as dancer and backing vocalist with The Smiths, and was erroneously known as "The Fifth Smith". He subsequently became lyricist and lead singer with the 1980s Indie group, Raymonde, and 1990s "gay" Hard Rock group RPLA. In 2004, he supported the New York Dolls.

How the mighty will fall...1497. Pope Alexander VI Borgia is perfecting his plans for the control of Italy when a heinous crime deprives him of one of the people dearest to him. All of Rome is mobilised to discover the perpetrator but a strange series of coincidences means famous court painter Pinturicchio finds himself on the front line.To shed light on a murder, Pinturicchio is assisted by the city's most established artists, from Michelangelo Buonarroti and Filippino Lippi to Piermatteo d'Amelia and Perugino. The Borgias have so many enemies that the list of suspects grows by the day, but a masked man may be the key witness to the crime – or even its perpetrator...Andrea Frediani brings one of the most famous cold cases in history to life in this thrilling tale of intrigue and deceit set in Renaissance Rome.Andrea Frediani is an Italian author and academic. He has published several non-fiction books as well as historical novels including the "Invincible" series and the "Dictator" trilogy. His works have been translated into seven languages.

The final, gripping, instalment in The Invincibles series.Octavian has revenged Caesar's name, and defeated the pirate Sextus Pompeius, but now he must ensure his complete rule of Rome.He feels the potential of betrayal around every corner: from his wife Livia, to his best friends and allies Maecenas and Agrippa. He needs heirs, and he needs security, but he has the shadow of Mark Anthony breathing down his neck from Egypt.Will Octavian succeed in this, the definitive duel for the Empire of Rome, or will he destroy everything he's achieved in the process?Andrew Frediani is an Italian author and academic. He has published several non-fiction books as well as historical novels including the "Invincible" series and the "Dictator" trilogy. His works have been translated into five languages.

A gripping historical thriller and the third instalment in the Rome's Invincibles saga. The battle for control of Rome continues.Octavian has defeated and killed Caesar's assassins, but the road to absolute power is still long and treacherous. A threat now comes from Sextus Pompeius – a cunning pirate who rules the Italian coastline, terrorising Perugia's citizens.Suddenly, Civil War seems like child's play in comparison to a campaign against piracy. Octavian is close to defeat and death. Everything seems to conspire against him: his enemy appears divinely blessed, public opinion is against him, the soldiers lack confidence in their commander, and rebellion is just around the corner...A thrilling, fast-paced historical adventure, that will hook fans of Conn Iggudlen, Robert Harris and Damion Hunter.

Can romance and riches ever work out?One minute, Jemma Pears is a struggling theatrical make-up artist in London. The next, she's been left a vast fortune by her estranged grandmother. However, there's a catch: she must marry a man with a title to inherit.Jemma thinks this is truly impossible: she's a romantic, searching for true love, not just a convenient marriage... and besides, where would she even find a titled guy?Enter Ashford, the new Duke of Burlingham. His legacy: massive debts that he must pay back immediately or risk the bank seizing his assets. Or worse: his mother's wrath!When their lawyer hears of their situations, a secret match is made despite their mutual hatred of each other: by marrying Ashford, Jemma can inherit and Ashford can pay back his debts immediately. Problem solved!That is until their marriage is leaked to the press and everyone finds out... Now they have to play out the charade for at least a year or risk going to jail for fraud!A hilarious pretence ensues and Jemma must battle against a crazy mother-in-law, a stuffy aristocracy, and finally, and most surprisingly of all, confusing feelings for Ashford!A hilarious romantic comedy perfect for fans of ´The Hating Game´ and ´Red, White & Royal Blue´.Felicia Kingsley is the author of ´How (Not) to Marry a Duke´. She was born in 1987, lives in the province of Modena, and works as an architect.

Hiding in the seedy underbelly of Paris, Vernita is keeping her sick mother alive by selling exquisitely embroidered lingerie to a shop that supplies the Princess Pauline Borghese. When Vernita approaches the Princess directly with a new negligee, she is enchanted and employs Vernita as a personal servant.As an English noblewoman in the enemy French court, Vernita has to tread carefully. However, both the Princess’ handsome lover Count Axel de Storvik and the all-powerful Emperor Napoleon are making matters more complicated...Court intrigue, corsets, and of course, pure romance, a thrilling historical adventure that will delight fans of Lisa Kleyplas, Georgette Heyer, and Julia Quinn.The "Queen of Romance" Barbara Cartland wrote over 700 novels in her lifetime. She holds a Guinness World Record for the most number of books published in one year: 191. Her books have been translated into many different languages, as well as adapted for stage and screen. She is beloved the world over and even counts the young Princess Diana as one of her many fans.

Despite his young age, Octavian is already a consul. Yet his position is not yet consolidated, and he is yet to carry out his plans for revenge upon the murderers of his beloved adoptive father Julius Caesar.He makes powerful allies in Mark Antony and Lepidus with whom he forms a powerful triumvirate, and unleashes upon the streets of Rome a reign of terror.Soon two great armies, led by four renowned commanders, stand ready to clash in Macedonia, far from the city of Rome and its corruption. On one side, Brutus and Cassius – on the other, Octavian and Mark Antony. It is the battle of Philippi, one of the most famous in Roman history. Is this where Caesar's murder will finally be avenged?Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden and Damion Hunter.Andrew Frediani is an Italian author and academic. He has published several non-fiction books as well as historical novels including the "Invincible" series and the "Dictator" trilogy. His works have been translated into five languages.

Caesar is dead. Revenge has armed his hand. His name is Octavian.Though little more than a boy, Octavian, Caesar's heir is determined to avenge his adoptive father's death.Battling against some of Rome's most imposing political figures, Octavian surrounds himself with a group of loyal allies who are as determined as himself to succeed: Maecenas, Agrippa and Rufus.They become known and feared as the 'Invincibles'; dedicated to vengeance, with the aim of punishing, one by one, all those who have Caesar's blood on their hands. Octavian is resolved to overturn the established order, and finish what Caesar has begun...Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Colleen McCullough and Damion Hunter.What readers are saying about ANDREW FREDIANI:'Frediani is an amazing storyteller, not only of historical events but also everyday life''Exciting, fast-paced with well-made characters. I really loved this book and I recommend everyone to read it''I found this beautiful book very late and now I wonder why I waited all these years to read it!'

Tucked away in a near-derelict library in the center of London, The House of Marvellous Books is a publishing house on the brink of financial disaster.With assistant Ursula asleep at her desk, head publisher Gerard going health and safety mad, and chief editor Drusilla focused on finding a supposedly priceless but famously missing manuscript, there is hardly anyone left to steer the ship. Young Mortimer Blackley, assistant editor, charts the descent of the House in his logbook as it lurches from one failure to the next.Will mysterious Russian buyers, lurking in the wings, stop the ship from sinking at great cost to all? Or will Drusilla find the legendary Daybreak Manuscript and save the day?With witty and sharp observations, Fiona Vigo Marshall draws upon a career spent working in small publishing houses to create a laugh-out-loud ode to the publishing industry.´The House of Marvellous Books´ will delight those interested in books about books, such as ´Book Lovers´ and ´The Hating Game´.What readers are saying:"This book was hilarious and quirky! The eccentric characters were fun to follow along with. The pace of everything was well-timed, and kept interesting throughout!" - Goodreads reviewer"I loved this hilarious, a bit eccentric, and witty book. It's populated by quirky and fleshed-out characters and there's plenty of literary references. A book written in diary format that I loved." - Goodreads reviewerFiona Vigo Marshall was born in London and educated at Somerville College, Oxford. Her debut novel ´Find Me Falling´, published by Fairlight Books in 2019, was shortlisted for the Paul Torday Memorial Prize 2020. ´The House of Marvellous Books´ is her second novel.Her short stories and poems have been nominated for numerous awards, including the V. S. Pritchett Memorial Prize, which she won in 2016 with her short story ‘The Street of Baths’. Her work has appeared in Prospect, Ambit, The Royal Society of Literature Review, Orbis International Literary Journal, and The London Journal of Fiction.

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy are four sisters trying to support the family and keep their spirit up while their father is at war. Each one of them has a unique vivid personality which helps them overcome the hardships of poverty. Showing the transition from childhood to womanhood, "Little Women" together with its sequels: "Good Wives", "Little Men", and "Jo's Boys", has been one of the most widely read novels in the world. It has inspired numerous adaptations including a 2019 movie starring Emma Watson with six Academy Award nominations.Louisa May Alcott (1832 – 1888) was an American novelist, short story writer and poet. Having grown up in poverty, May Alcott was a passionate advocate for women's rights and abolitionist. She is best known as the author of the March Family Series: "Little Women", "Good Wives", "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys". The story of the March sisters has inspired numerous adaptations including a 2019 movie starring Emma Watson with six Academy Award nominations.

Every morning, Kerry gets up, goes on her post-round, talks to the locals, and then goes home again. Once a month, she has Sunday lunch with her perfect sister’s perfect family. Life is simple, life is fine.Her sister, Beth, thinks Kerry is kidding herself. She thinks Kerry needs to move out of their parents’ annexe, find a better job, and maybe even meet a man. Beth is determined to make Kerry get a life... whether Kerry likes it or not.But Kerry knows something Beth doesn’t. She knows even the happiest marriages hide the darkest secrets, and even the people you love most in the world can betray you.Burdened by grief and family secrets, Kerry realises that sometimes you have to reach the end of the road before you can start over. Before you can stop just existing, and really learn to live.A brilliantly emotional novel, perfect for fans of "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine", Matt Haig and Mike Gayle.Louise Voss has been writing for the past eighteen years, with many twists and turns in her career. She started her publishing life with four novels for Transworld/Black Swan, the first of which, ´To Be Someone´, was published in 2001.

Sante was a baby when she was washed ashore in a sea-chest laden with treasure. It seems she is the sole survivor of the tragic sinking of a ship carrying migrants and refugees. Her people.Fourteen years on she's a member of Mama Rose's unique and dazzling circus. But, from their watery grave, the unquiet dead are calling Sante to avenge them:A bamboo flute. A golden bangle. A ripening mango which must not fall... are these the missing pieces of the jigsaw which will reveal Sante's story?Written by an award-winning Ghanaian-British filmmaker, shortlisted for the Branford Boase award 2018 and nominated for the 2018 Carnegie Medal.'An ambitious, impressive and skilful blend of modernity, mystery and myth' -- Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week'A blend of magical realism and brutality, this is a powerful and original novel' -- Sally Morris, Daily MailA rich powerful novel, fusing the horror of people-trafficking with the magic of African folklore' ― The BooksellerYaba Badoe is an award-winning Ghanaian-British documentary filmmaker and writer. A graduate of King's College Cambridge, she was a civil servant in Ghana before becoming a general trainee with the BBC. Her short stories have been published in "Critical Quarterly", "African Love Stories" and "New Daughters of Africa". She enjoys writing stories that reveal the magical layers of everyday life and show that no matter where we live in the world we're all connected. She has a passion for Gothic horror and psychological thrillers

The loss of a child is the most devastating event a parent can face. Sharing her experience about the loss of a desperately loved daughter, and the effects that go beyond what people could ever imagine, Liza Jankowski explores her deepest thoughts and feelings surrounding stillbirth in this moving memoir. As she discusses the impact on her relationships, her subsequent pregnancy and what she ultimately learned, ‘Changed’ weaves a powerful combination of a mother's personal journey with helpful information to offer comfort, hope and understanding. A true support for bereaved parents and an aid for health professionals alike, this book is for anyone experiencing or supporting those with the feelings and emotions that arise after stillbirth.Liza Jankowski is a part-time pharmacist and volunteer parent support worker with SIDS and Kids in Adelaide, Australia. The author of the powerful and moving memoir ‘Changed: Living with Stillbirth’, Jankowski is the mother of four children, two boys and two still born girls. She is hopeful that her book will provide comfort and hope to bereaved parents and also help health professionals looking to gain a better understanding of the feelings and emotions that arise after stillbirth.

When DI Bernadette Noel hurries to Keira Howard’s hospital bedside, she knows that Keira has been lucky. Barely conscious and badly injured, at least she is alive. Convinced that Keira’s attack is the latest in a string of increasingly violent assaults on young women in the area, the next victim might not be so fortunate...Vowing to find the culprit, Bernie spurs her team into action and quickly hones in on a prime suspect. But when he suddenly dies while on police watch, Bernie’s investigation goes into freefall and new questions arise: If it was murder, who would want him dead, and why?Bernie determines to set out on her own to find out what happened, but the closer she comes to discovering the truth, the more she is putting her own life in danger. And with Keira finally strong enough to talk to her about her attack, Bernie worries she may be at risk yet again. There’s someone out there who has killed to stay safe in the shadows; can Bernie stop another senseless death and save Keira before it’s too late?An utterly compelling crime thriller, full of twists and suspense, perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Angela Marsons, and Cara Hunter.What readers are saying about ´Left for Dead´:"With its excellent plot and pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down. Left for Dead was such a compelling read, and I relished every moment." - Rubie Reads‘Wow what a book... I don't want to say anymore as it could spoil the book for others but this is an excellent story and I have loved every second of reading it. BRILLIANT!’ - NetGalley reviewerJoy Kluver has been an avid reader and writer since childhood. A book blogger, she’s also part of the First Monday Crime team and if you’ve been to any of their events it’s likely you’ve eaten one of her cookies. She also organises author talks for her local library. She has written three DI Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Noel books – 'Last Seen', 'Broken Girls' and 'Left For Dead', and the series has been shortlisted for Best New Kid on the Block (best new series) in the Dead Good Reader Awards 2022.

Tyler is late for school again. And his teacher's not happy about it.Thing is, his mum is sick and his autistic younger brother, Levi, needs help getting ready for school. Is Tyler supposed to leave without giving Levi his breakfast or his mum her cup of tea?Sent to detention for lateness, he is joined by bad-boy Jayden, class-clown Alisha, and, most surprisingly, straight-A student, Grace.When an alien crash lands in their school gym, "The Late Crew" are entrusted with his special cargo. But can Tyler really take on another responsibility? It turns out his fellow Late Crew have problems of their own too but perhaps if they team up, they could just save their school and their new friend too.A fast-paced tale of unlikely heroes and unlikely friendships that will thrill young fans of "The Breakfast Club Adventures" by Marcus Rashford.Rab Ferguson was born and raised in the UK. He graduated with a first class Creative Writing and English Literature Degree in 2013, and since then has worked with young people, including as a performing storyteller.

As a man holds his wife's fragile hand, he recounts a journey like no other...Daniel and Olivia are destined to be together. At least, Daniel thinks this the night he sees Olivia across a sea of people. As he backpacks through Australia, Daniel and Liv continue to cross paths, yet never speak. Until one night, Liv joins Daniel for a drink. And that night everything changes.Back in London, stuck in a monotonous routine, Daniel finds himself daydreaming of the woman with amber eyes and fiery hair. Armed with only a name he vows to find her, yet with every passing moment, Daniel's hopes begin to disappear. What if it wasn't meant to be?But then fate steps in, and Daniel and Olivia's story can truly begin...A tale of serendipity, missed chances, and the power of love, ´The Night We Met´ is perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks' ´The Notebook´.Readers LOVE ´The Night We Met´:"´The Night We Met´ will warm and break your heart in equal measure, and make you laugh out loud and sob quietly. A lovely gem" - Heat"Beautifully written, utterly heartbreaking. An epic love story" - Paige Toon, author of ´The Minute I Saw You´"I know this gorgeous love story will stay with me for a long time. Amazing" - Lorraine Brown, author of ´Uncoupling´"A beautifully wrought novel, exhilarating and devastating in equal measure, and filled with passion, warmth and humour" - Reader reviewZoë Folbigg is a magazine journalist and digital editor, starting her career at Cosmopolitan in 2001 and has since then been freelancing for titles including Glamour, Fabulous, Daily Mail, Healthy, LOOK, Top Santé, ELLE, Sunday Times Style, and Style.com.In 2008 she had a weekly column in Fabulous magazine documenting her year-long round-the-world trip with 'Train Man' – a man she had met on her daily commute. She since married Train Man and lives in Hertfordshire with him and their two young sons.Zoe is the author of ´The Note´, ´The Postcard´ and ´The Distance´. ´The Note´ was Amazon Prime's most downloaded book of 2018 and has sold over 200,000 copies.

One in five people live with chronic pain and most feel misunderstood and unsupported. Dr Dawn Macintyre was one of those people. In ‘Living with Chronic Pain’, she shares her journey from a full life to one characterised by pain and shame – and back again- as she reclaims her thriving self. Interwoven with insight into the emotions and challenges faced, as well as practical advice for changes and support to help sufferers, Dawn provides her perspective as both a sufferer of chronic pain, and a health practitioner. Perfect for health professionals looking to best support patients and those living with chronic pain, this story will bring you courage, joy and most importantly, the knowledge to find your meaningful life again.Dr Dawn Macintyre trained in Education and Psychology at London University, before completing her Masters in Public Health at Curtin University, WA. She worked and supported families who had tragically experienced the death of a child, going on to focus her PhD on the gaps and challenges faced by grieving families. She is now one of just a handful of professionals across Australia who specialise in supporting feelings of sudden loss, grief and confusion. Having experienced a life changing experience of chronic pain, and learning to survive and thrive through it all – Dawn is the author ‘Living with Chronic Pain: From OK to Despair and Finding My Way Back Again’

The Isle of Wight: in the summers of the 1800s, Queen Victoria holidayed here. At music festivals in the summer of love, hundreds of thousands of people got stoned here. And, in the summer of 2020, Hunter and Claire escaped locked-down North London for a week's holiday here. They fell in love with its sleepy charm – and ended up buying a Grade 2-listed home in the elegant Victorian seaside resort of Ryde."Love in Old Age" tells the story of their first year on the island. It is a journey of discovery in a forgotten corner of England; an exploration of the attraction of meeting new people and new places in old age, and a celebration of flat sandy beaches. Filled with Davies’ insatiable curiosity for people and places and his irrepressible and ironic sense of humour.A wryly humorous memoir, "Love in Old Age" will delight fans of Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking" and Nora Ephron's "I Remember Nothing".Hunter Davies is a prolific author, journalist and broadcaster who has written for Punch, the New Statesman, Guardian and Sunday Times. He is the author of more than 100 books, including the only authorized biography of The Beatles and biographies of Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Alfred Wainwright.

It's never too late to change the habits of a lifetime...Evelyn Pringle isn't the sort to make rash decisions. Or any decisions, really – she's always left that sort of thing up to her husband. But he's been found dead, wearing his best suit, with a diamond ring in his pocket that doesn't fit her. When Evelyn finds a letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight, she decides to deliver it. By hand.So begins a very unusual holiday, and an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends and a little effort on her part, Evelyn discovers that it is never too late to have a second chance at life and forge friendships that are well-worth living for.´The Second Chance Holiday Club´ is a heartwarming and funny later-life uplift for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior, and Maddie Please.Kate Galley is a debut author who lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children and Meg, their Patterdale Terrier. Much of Kate's inspiration comes from the many varied lives of her clients as a mobile hairdresser, and the idea for this book came from one woman's tale of a hilarious Christmas coach trip.

Nemerov’s first novel, ‘The Melodramatists’ is a parody of life in 20th Century America. When wealthy Nicholas Boyne is committed to a mental health facility, his two daughters, Claire and Susan, are left to their own devices. Susan embarks on an ill-fated affair with her psychiatrist, while Claire undergoes a spiritual awakening and sets about a plan to convert the family home into a retreat for the rehabilitation of prostitutes. Brutally funny and packed with wry observations, this is an ideal read for anyone curious about the works of this celebrated writer.Howard Nemerov (1920 – 1991) was an American novelist and poet, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1978. His novels are characterised by the use of self-deprecating wit and an ongoing sense of irony. While his books tended to satirise 20th Century American life, his poems often focussed on the beauty and innocence of nature. In addition, Nemerov also worked as a scriptwriter, most notably on the film, ‘Tall Story,’ starring Anthony Perkins and Jane Fonda.

How much would you pay to survive?Mum-of-three Ronni Ashcroft had just pieced her life back together after her husband left. On a remote spur of the Scottish Highlands, she kept her successful guest house going and even met a new man, Bishop.But it turned out that Bishop had secrets. He had shady connections and shadier plans to use the coastal town as a European gateway for drugs, guns – and something far worse. Now he's disappeared, and Ronnie wants answers.Is he in trouble or simply ignoring her? Was she just his play-thing from the start? And, most importantly, is he dragging them both into something that neither of them will survive?´The Guest House´ is perfect for fans of Alex Michaelides and Ruth Ware.Praise for David Mark:"Dark, compelling crime writing of the highest order" - Daily Mail"Breathtaking" - Peter May"Truly exhilarating and inventive. Mark is a wonderfully descriptive writer" - Peter JamesDavid Mark spent more than fifteen years as a journalist, including seven years as a crime reporter with the Yorkshire Post. His writing is heavily influenced by the court cases he covered: the defeatist and jaded police officers; the competent and incompetent investigators; the inertia of the justice system and the sheer raw grief of those touched by savagery and tragedy.He is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling ´DS McAvoy´ series, historical novels, and psychological suspense thrillers, also writing under the name D.M. Mark.

Inspired by "Much Ado About Nothing", this is a hilarious and uplifting romantic comedy perfect for fans of "10 Things I Hate About You" and "The Hating Game".As old enemies reunite, sparks fly – in ways Bridie could never have seen coming...Bridie Morgan is giving love one last chance – she's going on twenty dates in twenty days. If this 'love' thing really is a numbers game, then surely she'll find The One. And if not? Well, at least the memory will be enough to put her off for life.But being love's biggest sceptic is a challenge in the face of best friend Hattie's upcoming nuptials. And as maid of honour, she really has to give it a chance.Then Bridie's lifelong nemesis Ben Kemp returns home to join the wedding party. Ben, who triggered the sorry state of affairs that has been Bridie's love life since high school. Ben, the best man to her maid of honour. Readers love 'Love at First Fight'! 'A fantastic five-star read. This is funny, and sweet... I adore this author and can't wait to see what they will come up with next' -NetGalley Review,'Mary Jayne Baker take a bow! This is definitely going to be high on the list of favourites for this year! This is a book that has made me laugh out, cry a whole lot and fall in love with the characters that have filled the pages... This is without a doubt a book worthy of all the stars' All Hail Mary Jayne Baker – queen of romance and one of the few authors that can almost read my mind and create the perfect man' -Little Miss Book Lover 87.Mary Jayne Baker is a romance author from Yorkshire, UK. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in a number of cities, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

A revised edition of the candid, sometimes shocking, biography of Rupert Brooke revealing the very different reality behind the golden-boy façade of an English literary iconParagon of youthful beauty, romantic symbol of a lost England, and precociously gifted poet, Rupert Chawner Brooke died in a hospital ship off the Aegean island of Skyros in April 1915, aged just 27. All England mourned his passing.But behind the glow of myth lies a darker reality. At the height of his promise a disappointment in love triggered a mental and physical collapse that brought his inner complexities to the surface. Letters reveal a man who was bisexual, misogynistic, anti-Semitic – and sometimes alarmingly unstable.This revised edition of Nigel Jones's admired biography, including an account of a previously unknown affair of Brooke's, reveals a more conflicted and troubled individual than the gilded Adonis of English literary myth.Nigel Jones is an author, a former editor at History Today and BBC history magazines, and has been a TV and radio broadcaster. He is the author of several histories and biographies, including 'The War Walk: A Journey along the Western Front', 'Rupert Brooke: Life, Death and Myth' and 'Sir Oswald Mosley'.

Sometimes you have to fall apart so that you can start again...After five years stuck in the wrong marriage, 33-year-old Emma is finally free. Her husband has moved out, her son Freddie is making friends, and her parents are finally trying to stop micro-managing her life.On a celebratory night out with her three best friends, Emma meets Finn. Young, dimpled and irresistibly Scottish Finn. Between landing her dream job, stolen moments with Finn, and precious time with Freddie, Emma is happier than she has ever been.Then one accident changes everything and Emma's life is thrown into chaos. With the help of all who love her, can Emma find a way back to happy?A Way Back to Happy is the uplifting and romantic new women's fiction novel from debut author Olivia Spooner.Perfect for fans of Lia Louis, Ella Dove and Eva Woods.Readers love A Way Back to Happy!'What an adorable book this was... So full of emotion... Such a fabulous read. It sucked me in from start... Will have you smiling then saying oh my gosh! So much feelings! Loved it!... Takes your breath away' -oh.happy.reading'Wonderful... Will keep you turning the pages and before you know it you are on the final chapter... Utterly likeable characters and a lovely book' NetGalley reviewer'FIVE STARS! I flew through it in two days and hated putting it down. I admittedly stayed up way too much reading when I should have been sleeping. I loved the story but loved the characters even more ... I could almost feel tightness in my own chest and heart, and tears in my own eyes' -Goodreads reviewerOlivia Spooner has been writing fiction for twenty years and still feels she is only at the start of her writing journey. She is the proud owner of an independent bookshop where she happily shares her love of books with everyone who walks through the door.

A smart, romantic comedy about how finding The One doesn't always have to be love at first sight...Lavinia Ferrari is in her fifth year at Bocconi University where she studies Economics when she is introduced to a new project that will guarantee her extra credits.She's intrigued... but it means the class must team up with students from the Computer Engineering course. Lavinia has absolutely no interest in the project, and to top things off, she's paired with Seb Marconi who is less than enthusiastic.When the work begins, her friends seem to be making great progress with their partners, but Lavinia isn't having the same luck... Seb is making it quite clear that he's not interested in the project, or Lavinia, fuelling her frustration.She has no choice – they're stuck in this, and besides, she won't receive her extra credits unless they work together. Lavinia must come up with a way to convince the guy who drives her crazy to put the work in... but how?´Stuck With You´ is ideal for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.Anna Premoli is a bestselling author in Italy. She began writing to relieve stress while working as a financial consultant for a private bank. Her novel, ´Love to Hate You´ won the Bancarella prize in 2013.

Three strangers all caught in the deep end... but can they help each other float through?After tragically losing her husband and being left a single mother to two children, Gabriella has only one escape for herself - swimming at a local London lido to clear her mind.A constant stream of both new and familiar faces visit the lido like Gabriella, but she doesn't suspect any are suffering quite like her until she meets Helen - who swims to escape her emotionless husband, and Ian - who feels lost in the deep end after becoming unemployed and unable to tell his husband.Grateful for new companionship, these three strangers decide to make their friendship into something more permanent: The Lonely Hearts Lido Club.An uplifting, captivating read about the power of friendship. Fans of Hazel Prior and Mike Gayle will adore this.Readers are loving ´The Lonely Hearts Lido Club´ and Charlie Lyndhurst:"I'm in awe of how Charlie Lyndhurst manages to tease out the extraordinary from ordinary lives and make me like every single character." - Sue Moorcroft, author of ´Summer at the French Café´."A super cute read - you'll be laughing and crying." - Mandy Baggott, author of ´Staying Out for the Summer´."My favorite read of 2022, I am recommending it to everyone I know." - Reader Review"A real escapist summer read. Their friendship is uplifting and heart-warming. I almost wish I was part of the Lonely Hearts Lido Club myself" - Reader Review.Charlie Lyndhurst is the Diversity Officer of the RNA and heavily involved in the Rainbow Chapter. Charlie previously wrote as Liam Livings, self and trade publishing gay erotic/romance novels.

They say that third time's a charm...It's been two years since mass murderer, Giacomo Riondino, disappeared after killing Greta Alfieri. Dr Claps, devastated and guilt-ridden by Greta's death, has been on a man-hunt for Riondino ever since.Meanwhile, an American girl disappears on the 382nd step of the Cerro trail in Guayaquil, Ecuador. No one saw her disappear. Who took her? And how?When the US authorities contact Claps, he is certain that it must be Riordino. But, unlike Riondino's other victims, the girl has disappeared into thin air... Will Claps solve the puzzle, or will he lose his mind in the process, blinded by his own obsession?The third book in the series and a gripping thriller full of twists you won't see coming, ´Taken´ is perfect for fans of ITV's ´Manhunt´ or M. Night Shyamalan's ´Split´.What people are saying about ´Taken´:"A good novel with plenty of twists and turns that follows the others in the series." - Reader review"A most engaging tale with lots of twists. Good character development and consistency." - Reader reviewMonty Marsden, a Tuscan by birth, grew up in Milan, where he studied medicine and still works. He lives in the province of Bergamo with his wife and four children.

Clementine needs to find Lucy before it's all too late.Clementine knows bringing up a child on your own down on Emerald Street where the street walkers ply their trade isn't easy, even when your daughter's as adorable as four-year-old Allegra.When Peter Broadbent, wealthy, kind and possessed of the most beautiful house Clementine has ever seen, proposes, she knows it seems almost too good to be true.Will this be the happy-ever-after Clementine deserves, or will her dreams come crumbling down around her?Praise for 'Looking for Lucy':'A real page-turner. You'll laugh and cry, but not be able to put it down as Julie's trademark humour shines through from beginning to end' -Cassam Book Blog.'This is one of those novels that makes you want to read "just one more chapter" before you turn out the light, and that chapter turns into several more' -Big Bertha, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer.'I became so engrossed in this story I couldn't stop – kept going for just another chapter, and another, until I'd read straight through to the end. I loved it – the magic five for me, a wonderful read and one to keep for rereading' -Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.

Julie Houston's novels are heart-warming, full of joy and completely addictive.Charlie Maddison loves being an architect in London, but when she finds out her boyfriend, Dominic, is actually married, she runs back to the beautiful countryside of Westenbury and her parents. Charlie's sister Daisy, a landscape gardener, is also back home in desperate need of company and some fun. Their great-grandmother, Madge – now in her early nineties – reveals she has a house, Holly Close Farm, mysteriously abandoned over sixty years ago, and persuades the girls to project manage its renovation.As work gets underway, the sisters start uncovering their family's history, and the dark secrets that are hidden at the Farm. A heart-breaking tale of wartime romance, jealousy and betrayal slowly emerges, but with a moral at its end: true love can withstand any obstacle, and, before long, Charlie dares to believe in love again too...Perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell.

It is 1846, famine is gripping Ireland and nowhere is it crueller than in Mayo on the west coast.Owen FitzDeane of Ballyford Castle is a good landlord, but even he is powerless to save all his tenants.When he comes upon a half-dead girl beside the road, he insists on taking her back to the castle, to see if they can save her.But Eilinora is no ordinary girl and soon superstition and fear begin to swirl around her, while Lord FitzDeane of Ballyford falls deeper under her spell.This is the story which sets in motion the events of Nadine Dorries's brilliant new novel Ruby Flynn.Nadine Dorries was born in Liverpool in the 1950s and raised on a council estate, the daughter of a bus driver. Her first novel, 'The Four Streets', was inspired by memories of her childhood, particularly her Irish grandmother who she was very close to.