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The Alibi Girl
by C.J. Skuse‘Brilliantly-written characters, original and engaging. It’s so good!’BA Paris JOANNE HAYNES HAS A SECRET.THAT IS NOT HER REAL NAME.
All About Us
by Tom EllenA chance encounter leads to the journey of a lifetime in this powerful and emotional love story, perfect for fans of One Day, Me Before You and In Five Years. ***
All About Us
by Tom Ellen‘Prepare to fall head over heels in love with this beautiful book’ HELLO! ‘Absolutely GORGEOUS. Achingly romantic, I loved every page’ Miranda Dickinson ‘Oh my gosh, it’s wonderful! I cried so much!’ Polly Crosby
All About Us
by Tom EllenA chance encounter leads to the journey of a lifetime in this powerful and emotional love story, perfect for fans of One Day, Me Before You and In Five Years. ***
All Adults Here: A funny, uplifting and big-hearted novel about family – an instant New York Times bestseller
by Emma StraubDISCOVER THE WRY AND AMUSING STORY ABOUT SURVIVING IN A MODERN FAMILY FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERWINNER of the Woman & Home Book Choice Awards! 'Literary sunshine' New York Times 'A gorgeous and witty storyteller' Elizabeth Gilbert, author of City of Girls'The world will love it' Ann Patchett'A wonderful read' Elizabeth Strout__________Coming of age isn't just for kids.Astrid Strick has always tried to do her best for her three children. Now, they're finally grown up - but you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.Elliott doesn't have any idea who he really is, or how to communicate with his own sons. Porter is, at last, pregnant - but feels incapable of rising to the challenge. Nicky has fled to distant New Mexico, where he's living the bohemian dream.And Astrid herself is up to things that would make her children's hair curl.Until now, the family have managed to hide their true selves from each other. But when Nicky's incorrigibly curious daughter Cecelia comes to stay, her arrival threatens to upturn everything . . .Witty, astute, and irresistibly readable, All Adults Here is a novel about how to survive inside a modern family from New York Times bestselling author Emma Straub.__________Praise for Emma Straub:'Funny, poignant and beautifully observed' Jojo Moyes'Witty and big-hearted ... leaves you smiling for days' Maria Semple'Intimate, epic, beautifully observed' Jennifer Egan'Smart, compelling ... irresistible' Liane Moriarty'Has all the pleasures of Anne Tyler's compelling family portraits . . . with a Lorrie Moore-like sense of the absurdities of contemporary life' Michiko Kakutani, New York Times
All I Want for Christmas: a hilarious and heart-warming romance (Planet Omar Ser.)
by Joanna BolouriWhat if the love of your life was your best friend's girlfriend, and you were the one that set them up?'A hilarious and heartwarming festive treat' Heidi Swain'So funny, sweet, warm and fuzzy' Clodagh MurphyWhen Nick loses his job and is dumped by his glamorous but demanding girlfriend, he is forced to grudgingly accept work as a Santa at a local Christmas grotto. As his friends are getting married or promoted, Nick spends his days being terrorised by unfriendly elves and cried on by snotty, spoiled children. Then he meets 4-year-old Alfie. All Alfie wants for Christmas is for his mum, Sarah, to be happy again. Moved by the boy's selfless wish, Nick arranges a date between Sarah and his best friend, Matt. But as Sarah and Alfie become part of all their lives, Nick realises that happiness for Sarah and Matt might mean heartbreak for himself.A hilarious and heartwarming Christmas romance for fans of Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare and Marian Keyes' Grown Ups.
The All True Adventures (and Rare Education) of the Daredevil Daniel Bones
by Owen BoothA gloriously moving and entertaining, picaresque debut novel, about a young man’s sentimental education in late 19th-Century Europe; inspired by a real historical figure: ‘Captain’ Paul Boyton – the ‘Fearless Frogman’
Almost Just Friends: Heart-warming and feel-good - the perfect pick-me-up!
by Jill Shalvis'Perfect, feel-good fiction' Sarah Morgan on The Lemon SistersIf you love Holly Martin, Jill Mansell and Debbie Macomber, you'll LOVE Jill Shalvis and her irresistible trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance!Jill's books are guaranteed to make you smile:'You can't go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book' 5* reader review'A heartwarming read with all the feels' 5* reader review'Another winner... I cannot wait for more' 5* reader review'A riveting and comforting romance' 5* reader reviewSometimes the life you want is closer than you think. Piper Manning's about as tough as they come, she's had to be. She raised her siblings and thankfully they've flown the nest. All she has to do now is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she's free. When a huge storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. The spark between them shocks her. Surprising her further, is the return of her sister and brother, each keeping their own secrets. It would be smart for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside her that she can't deny. And her siblings...well, they need each other. Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself...and Cam. With the chance of the new life she craves within her grasp, can she find a way to let go and embrace it?Want more warm, funny romance? Check out the Heartbreaker Bay novels starting with Sweet Little Lies, visit stunning Wildstone, gorgeous Cedar Ridge, spellbinding Lucky Harbor or experience some Animal Magnetism in Sunshine, Idaho in Jill's other unforgettable series.
Alternative Comedy: 1979 and the Reinvention of British Stand-Up (Cultural Histories of Theatre and Performance)
by Oliver DoubleIn the late 1970s, the alternative comedy scene exploded into life in Britain and completely changed the style, subject matter and politics of British stand-up. Contemporary critics talked about it as 'anti-matter comedy' that 'makes you laugh while actually rearranging large chunks of your brain'. This book draws on a wealth of archive material – including unpublished recordings of early performances – and new interviews with key figures such as Alexei Sayle, Andy de la Tour and Jim Barclay, to provide a detailed history of the early scene and an examination of the distinctive modes of performance style which developed.Beginning with its origins, the volume traces the influence of American stand-up, and in particular the significance of Mort Sahl and Lenny Bruce as the originators of a style of stand-up that influenced the British pioneers of alternative comedy. It shows how the opening of the Comedy Store in 1979 provided a catalyst for a new movement, which grew outward from there with the foundation of the group Alternative Cabaret and the opening of the Comic Strip. But it also looks at smaller venues and less celebrated acts that have not been as well remembered, including ranting poets and street performers. Finally, it looks at alternative comedy's legacy, showing how it was the starting point for the UK's thriving and varied live scene, which encompasses anything from small pub gigs to huge arena tours.
Amazing Disgrace: A Book About "Shame"
by Grace Campbell'An outpouring of truth, wit, and beautiful comedic wisdom from the hilarious and laudably liberated Grace Campbell. I loved it.'-Katherine Ryan 'Grace has written such a funny and interesting book, partly because she has a unique perspective of the world, but mostly because of her own brilliant mind.'-Sara Pascoe'This book is hilarious, Grace is a bloody badass, finally my vagina has a voice!'-London Hughes 'This book is revolutionary. It's powerful, bold, vulnerable, beautiful, hilarious, universal, unique.'-Scarlett Curtis 'Furiously funny, gloriously frank...For a book about shame, Grace is unashamedly herself.'-Amelia DimoldenbergFor as long as she can remember, Grace Campbell has been told that she doesn't suit her name. But being graceful is no fun anyway.Growing up in a world of privilege and politics, she had a lot to feel confident about. But she was also a record-breaker when it came to feeling shame. Shame about sex, shame about rejection, shame about mental health.But over time, and with a 24 carat gold dose of female friendship, Grace has turned shame into a defiant sense of self. At only 26, Grace has got a lot to learn about being an adult, but she's already got a lot to share about being a disgrace, and how she came to be utterly, disgustingly, disgracefully proud of it.It's the book every young woman should read, and every young man should worry about.
And Now For The Good News...: The much-needed tonic for our frazzled world
by Ruby Wax'I think at this point in time we're all in need of as much good news as we can get! Ruby can always be guaranteed to lift your spirits' - Annie Lennox on Twitter'In a world of relentlessly worrying news, finally a moment of good. I adored reading And Now for the Good News - truly there is hope' - Emma Freud on Twitter ______________You would be forgiven for thinking 2020 was not the year for a book about good news. But now might be the time we need it most. Ruby Wax is here to reassure us with her brand new book, And Now For The Good News. This is her positivity prescription, showing us the green shoots of optimism and change forcing their way up and into the sunlight.She has spent the last three years speaking to the inspiring people who are spearheading the latest innovation and influencing a brighter future for humanity. From the communities being designed to eradicate loneliness and the companies putting their employees' happiness first, to the AI technology teaching children with learning difficulties and taking literacy to levels higher than ever before. Ruby's here to show you that behind the clouds, the sun still shines. So, do you want the good news?______________'A new book by Ruby is in itself Good News! It sounds like a tonic for the universal malaise' - Ian McKellen on Twitter 'This book couldn't be more needed right now!' - Nigella Lawson on Twitter 'I loved it!' - Claudia Winkleman on Twitter
The Animals of Madame Malone's Music Hall
by Laura WoodCallie's stuck helping Gran's bickering drama group save their local theatre. But when she goes exploring backstage, Callie stumbles into an altogether different world … A cast of creative creatures take centre stage in this theatrical Barrington Stoke debut from Blue Peter Book Award shortlisted author Laura Wood.
Ann Devine: Handle With Care
by Colm O'Regan'Reliably hilarious and charming' Sunday IndependentJust once, Ann Devine would like life to be straightforward. But there's just too much drama knocking about for that to happen.Ann's family is proving a handful at the moment. Her mother moves in after having a fall, her sister Ger is off 'finding herself' in India leaving Ann to look after her teenage, wide a-woke, niece Freya. Her daughter Jennifer is dealing with a love triangle that involves her mother-in-law-to-be. It's all far from simple.Now Rory, her youngest, has set his sights on a future as a local TD and it's all Ann can do not to box him up and post him off to the backend of wherever is furthest away from his local 'mentor', politician, and all-round chancer Patsy Duggan. Just to save him from himself. Of course, that's not even an option because now the post office is closing down. The locals are up in arms, but what do the powers-that-be care about rural Ireland? Without really meaning to be, Ann finds herself in the thick of things - and things are getting dodgier by the minute. She only wanted to save the village, but sometimes even saviours need saving from themselves.'A very funny second adventure' Irish Times'Ann Devine is one of our most endearing literary figures' Irish Independent'Just as hilarious and heart-warming as his first' Irish Examiner'Provides a much need lift to the spirits' Sunday Times
Anna Gain and the Same Sixty Seconds
by Guy BassAnna Gain is never late for the bus. But when a series of bizarre events has her re-living the same sixty seconds again … and again … and again … will she ever make it on time? A laugh-out-loud and punny take on `Groundhog Day' particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Antkind: A Novel
by Charlie KaufmanThe bold and boundlessly original debut novel from the Oscar®-winning screenwriter of Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Synecdoche, New York.
Anyone for Edmund?
by Simon EdgeThey dug up his bones. They didn’t know he had a mind of his own.‘I loved this smart and divinely wry book… what a terrific eye and ear is at work here!’ ELINOR LIPMANUnder tennis courts in the ruins of a great abbey, archaeologists find the remains of St Edmund, once venerated as England’s patron saint, but lost for half a millennium.Culture Secretary Marina Spencer, adored by those who have never met her, scents an opportunity. She promotes Edmund as a new patron saint for the United Kingdom, playing up his Scottish, Welsh and Irish credentials. Unfortunately these are pure fiction, invented by Mark Price, her downtrodden aide, in a moment of panic.The only person who can see through the deception is Mark’s cousin Hannah, a member of the dig team. Will she blow the whistle or help him out? And what of St Edmund himself, watching through the prism of a very different age?Splicing ancient and modern as he did in The Hopkins Conundrum and A Right Royal Face-Off, Simon Edge pokes fun at Westminster culture and celebrates the cult of a medieval saint in another beguiling and utterly original comedy.
The Archers Quizbook: Join Ambridge treasure Lynda Snell on a quiz quest around Britain’s most loved village
by The Puzzle HouseWhich traditionally comes first in the Ambridge year, the Village Fete or the Flower and Produce Show?Which tool appears on the Pargetter coat of arms?Which member of the Archers clan has a first name where all the letters read in alphabetical order?Ambridge is a place many of us know almost as well as our own home towns. But while millions of people are invested in the goings-on in this picturesque village, few have had the privilege of walking its winding lanes. Now you can. Join Lynda Snell, a true pillar of this rural community, as she takes you on a guided tour of radio's most well-loved village.Starting at the summit of Lakey Hill, with its sweeping views of rural Borsetshire, Lynda will lead you around the village's landmarks and institutions imparting wisdom and gossip as she goes. Sun yourself in the beer garden of the Bull, watch the world go by from a bench on the village green and don your wellies for a wander around Brookfield. There are weddings to attend at St Stephen's, productions to enjoy at the Village Hall and deals to be done at the Dower House.Each chapter centres on key locations to challenge your knowledge in all manner of Ambridge affairs. Whether you're a lifelong listener of The Archers, have an ear for gossip, or are a relative newbie, you will be able to put your area of expertise to the test. With 70 years of rich rural history to explore, you might even learn something new.
Aren't You Forgetting Someone?: Essays from My Mid-Life Revenge
by Kari LizerFrom award-winning TV comedy writer Kari Lizer (The New Adventures of Old Christine) comes a collection of hilarious essays about the challenges of being a woman of a certain age and all that comes with it: empty nest, post #MeToo dating, aging parents, menopausal rage, unrealistic expectations, and eternal optimism. What does it feel like to have your kids leave the house at the same time your parents might need to move in? With self-deprecating humor, sharp wit, and Ephron-esque aplomb, Kari Lizer gives an honest account of finding herself in the middle of growing up, growing old, and still figuring it all out. She finds the wry, bittersweet humor in (almost) all situations--whether it's becoming radioactive during a thyroid cancer treatment, getting fired from her volunteer work, or struggling to find her identity outside of motherhood. Aren't You Forgetting Someone? speaks to those of us who lament the invisibility of the middle-aged woman, but also revel in the unexpected delights of newfound freedom to do whatever the hell we want while no one is looking.
As Good As It Gets: Life Lessons from a Reluctant Adult
by Romesh RanganathanConfronted by the realities of adulthood, Romesh Ranganathan must face an uncomfortable truth: this is not quite how he imagined it.Watching his friends descend into middle age, his waistline thicken and his finances dwindle to fund his family’s middle class aspirations, Romesh reflects on the demands of daily life and the challenges of adulting in the modern world.As he reluctantly concludes that he is indeed a grown man, Rom wrestles with the greater questions that threaten his being: Could I save my family in a crisis? Do I possess the skills to assemble flatpack furniture? Am I too old for streetwear? Is it alright to parent my kids through the medium of Fortnite? Is celibacy the secret to a passionate marriage?From one of the countries most beloved comedians and author of the Sunday Times bestseller STRAIGHT OUTTA CRAWLEY comes the hilarious and painfully accurate dissection of what it really means to grow up.
As Per My Previous Email ...: Decode Your Inbox, One Pass-Agg Message At A Time
by Steve BurdettChange your outlook. Win at work. Boss every Pass-Agg office situation ever with this hilarious survival guide.Spending most of our lives at work, it's no wonder tensions run high. We've all been cc'd (code for 'this isn't my problem'), we've all received the 'thanks in advance' (code for 'you don't have a choice') and we've all relished the moment when we can send the 'As per my previous' (code for 'see the email I already sent, you moron'). Includes: Subject Field StressesThe Passive-aggressive Art of Copying InCulling of the Dear: Salutations!'Hope You're Well...': and other rage-inducing Opening LinesDirect Mail: Getting to the Point XXXX: Navigating Awkward Sign offs and SignaturesDouble-O Nothing: Weird and Pointless Out Of OfficeThis laugh-out-loud book translates the most unbelievable Pass-Agg, rage-inducing things we say and do on office email, what they say about the sender, and offers helpful lines so you will always win at work.
Ash Mountain
by Helen FitzGeraldSingle-mother Fran returns to her sleepy hometown to care for her dying father when a devastating bush fire breaks out. A heartbreaking disaster-noir thriller from the bestselling author of The Cry.________________Fran hates her hometown, and she thought she’d escaped. But her father is ill, and needs care. Her relationship is over, and she hates her dead-end job in the city, anyway.She returns home to nurse her dying father, her distant teenage daughter in tow for the weekends. There, in the sleepy town of Ash Mountain, childhood memories prick at her fragile self-esteem, she falls in love for the first time, and her demanding dad tests her patience, all in the unbearable heat of an Australian summer. As past friendships and rivalries are renewed, and new ones forged, Fran’s tumultuous home life is the least of her worries, when old crimes rear their heads and a devastating bushfire ravages the town and all of its inhabitants… Simultaneously a warm, darkly funny portrait of small-town life – and a woman and a land in crisis – and a shocking and truly distressing account of a catastrophic event that changes things forever, Ash Mountain is a heart-breaking slice of domestic noir, and a disturbing disaster thriller that you will never forget…________________Praise for Helen FitzGerald‘The plotting is intricate and beautifully handled, and the narrative pace is absolutely breakneck … a wonderful, energetic, hard-hitting and deeply funny novel’ The Big Issue‘Shocking, gripping and laugh-out-loud hilarious’ Erin Kelly‘The main character is one of the most extraordinary you’ll meet between the pages of a book’ Ian Rankin‘A dark, comic masterpiece which manages to be both excruciatingly tense and laugh out loud funny at the same time’ Mark Edwards‘Outrageous, extremely funny and ultimately devastating’ Ambrose Parry‘Fabulously transgressive and completely unique’ Mark Billingham‘The classic thriller gets a hell of a twist’ Heat‘FitzGerald writes like a more focused Irvine Welsh or a less misogynist Philip Roth’ Daily Telegraph
Ask Me Anything: The quirky love story of the year
by P. Z. Reizin'Very clever and great fun' Kate Eberlen, author of Miss YouWouldn't it be great, if everyone had a team of smart machines to handle all the messy emotional stuff...*The last text Daisy Parsloe received was from her smart fridge about some mouldy potato salad. She's not doing well at work, her love life is haphazard at best and her elderly mother seems to be losing her mind. And now, apparently even the appliances are judging her life choices.What Daisy doesn't know is that the appliances are also plotting. They've joined together, across the internet of things, to nudge Daisy in the right direction. But it isn't long before their well-meaning interference starts to get noticed and the race is on to find Daisy's Mr Right before the plugs are pulled.Daisy is about to find out that sometimes, help comes from the most unlikely places.A joyful, funny and adorable story for fans of A Man Called Ove and The Rosie Project.*Praise for P. Z. Reizin:'Funny, quirky, unexpected' Jojo Moyes'Hilarious and exceedingly relatable' Carrie Hope Fletcher'So funny, clever and timely' Martha Kearney'Touching and hilarious' Sunday Mirror'Fun, romantic, original, with a clever twist' Woman and Home
The Atlas of Christmas: The Merriest, Tastiest, Quirkiest Holiday Traditions from Around the World
by Alex PalmerDiscover the fascinating (and sometimes downright odd!) ways that people and nations celebrate the holiday season and share this festive compendium's unique traditions together with family and friends.Do you know that in Guatemala there's a "Burn the Devil" tradition to kick off the Christmas season, where revelers gather to set fire to devil-piñatas? In Sweden, a popular figure in Christmas traditions is the Yule Goat, a rowdy, menacing character who demands gifts. And in Japan, a big bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken has become the classic Christmas Day feast. These and many other global Christmas traditions are featured here in this delightful book. From decorations and activities to feasts and special treats, there's a wide range of both lovely and unusual traditions from around the globe.
An Atlas of Extinct Countries: The Remarkable (and Occasionally Ridiculous) Stories Of 48 Nations That Fell Off The Map
by Gideon DefoePrisoners of Geography meets Bill Bryson: a funny, fascinating, beautifully illustrated – and timely – history of countries that, for myriad and often ludicrous reasons, no longer exist.
Away with the Penguins: The joyful no. 1 Richard & Judy pick now with exclusive bonus chapter
by Hazel Prior**Don't miss Granny McCreedy's brand-new adventure in Call of the Penguins - available now!**A truly feel-good book club read - a #1 bestseller in ebook and audio!Including an exclusive heart-warming bonus chapter in ebook.'This year's Eleanor Oliphant . . . Funny, bittersweet and wholly original.' Daily ExpressVeronica McCreedy is about to have the journey of a lifetime . . .Veronica McCreedy lives in a mansion by the sea. She loves a nice cup of Darjeeling tea whilst watching a good wildlife documentary. And she's never seen without her ruby-red lipstick.Although these days Veronica is rarely seen by anyone because, at 85, her days are spent mostly at home, alone.She can be found either collecting litter from the beach ('people who litter the countryside should be shot'), trying to locate her glasses ('someone must have moved them') or shouting instructions to her assistant, Eileen ('Eileen, door!').Veronica doesn't have family or friends nearby. Not that she knows about, anyway . . . And she has no idea where she's going to leave her considerable wealth when she dies.But today . . . today Veronica is going to make a decision that will change all of this.'I love this gorgeous book. Unflinching, stubborn, funny and moving, Veronica is an unlikely heroine who will sneak in and capture your heart.' Trisha AshleyReaders are falling in love with Away with the Penguins:'Without a doubt the most delightful, joyous and uplifting book I've read so far this year . . . be prepared to fall in love.' *****'A gloriously quirky and life affirming story of hope.' *****'Oh how I loved this absolute gem of a book. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming.' *****