“They had talked about it for years. Looked forward to it. It was their dream. Somehow the reality isn’t living up to the dream.” When Emily and Peter Stanchester retire to Lyme Regis, they both struggle to adapt to their new life. Peter misses his routine and the feeling of being important and useful; Emily misses her freedom and her friends at work. The happy retirement they had been looking forward to seems out of reach and their once-unshakeable marriage is on the brink of falling apart. Practical and optimistic, Emily adjusts more quickly. She finds new interests and makes new friends. But with no clear picture of how to spend his retirement, Peter is at a loss. He has no outside interests and feels useless and worthless. Left alone at home, he becomes resentful, moody and needy. When Emily meets local artist Poppy James, she is instantly drawn to her. With her bohemian lifestyle, dubious reputation and total disregard for convention, Poppy is unlike anyone Emily has ever known. Peter, too, is fascinated by her, and flattered when she turns to him for advice. But is Poppy really who she says she is? And what exactly does she want from them both? Poppy’s Seed is a contemporary novel that explores the changing dynamics of relationships at different points in life. It will appeal to fans of William Boyd, Anne Tyler and Maggie O’Farrell and readers interested in stories about women’s lives and relationships.
Afternoon tea has never been so much fun! A bittersweet novel about life, living and the importance of cupcakes. Rotten things happen in threes in Florence’s family, so when she’s fired by her best friend and left by her husband in the space of a single afternoon, she knows there is yet more trouble brewing. And when her son Monty returns from his gap year Down Under it’s only too clear what, or who, that trouble is. Then the plan to turn her crumbling home into a tea room hits a snag, the macramé at her sister’s house starts to seriously unravel, and why is her doctor leaving so many messages? Enter Will, a mysterious handyman with a secret stash of chocolate truffles, and soon life – with all its hiccups – is just her cup of tea.
Tense, tightly focused, and brimming with corrosive wit, Hidden Wounds is absolutely addictive—every page is a gripping reminder of O’Flynn’s grasp on the thriller genre and the hidden psychology of serial killers. Fans of Claire MacKintosh, Chelsea Cain, and Gilly MacMillion will love the Born Bad series. She’s not fragile like a poppy. She’s fragile like a bomb. Poppy Pratt isn’t sure whether it’s normal for a recently widowed psychopath to feel this level of rage, but she does know two things: Her husband is dead because of what she is. And she’s more dangerous than your average psychopath. She was eighteen when her father brutally murdered her boyfriend in their Alabama shed, but she was seven when the training started. Seven when she watched her serial-killer father hang a victim from a set of metal hooks. Seven when he first handed her the blade. Not that it bothered her; Poppy’s never been normal. Normal children can’t be accomplices. Normal children show signs of distress when asked to keep bloody secrets. But now those secrets are coming back to take the things Poppy cares about. There’s only one suspect who makes sense—only one that her late husband mentioned by name. Molly. The daughter of one of her father’s victims, the only other child who ever lived with them—a child her father might have groomed along with Poppy. A girl who vanished when they were kids. Poppy barely remembers the girl, but the tactics she’s using to rip Poppy’s life apart are undeniably her father’s. It seems Molly always knew more than she should have—she’s not normal either. And Poppy won’t let her past destroy her future. Now Poppy must go back to where it all began to find a girl who should be dead—a girl barely anyone knew existed in the first place. Her father trained Molly well, but he trained his own daughter better. Sometimes, what matters most is blood. *** KEYWORDS: serial killer’s daughter, serial killer father, female protagonist, psychopath thriller, serial killer books, serial killer series, mystery domestic crime, dark suspense thriller, female serial killer, amateur sleuths, whodunnit mystery, whodunit thriller, psychological suspense, suspense fiction, suspense book, nail biting fiction, nail biter mystery, vigilante justice, edge of your seat suspense, dark crime, serial killer, revenge, vengeance, mystery suspense thriller series, hard-boiled mysteries, pulp, noir, noir thriller, crime noir, crime, gritty psychological thrillers, serial killers, crime thrillers, crime fiction, gritty mysteries, mystery series, thriller series, psychological thrillers, psychological thriller series, psychological suspense, psychological thriller books, pulp, nail biter mysteries, crime fiction, murder mystery, serial killer thriller, whodunit, whodunnit, nail-biter, intense mystery, suspense fiction, family drama, small town mystery, dark and suspenseful, dark suspense, daughter of serial killer, family crime, psychopaths, mystery domestic crime
Two glamorous reads for the price of one from Lulu Taylor Heiresses They were born to the scent of success. Now they stand to lose it all... Fame, fashion and scandal, Jemima, Tara and Poppy Trevellyan are the height of success, glamour and style: Jemima's indulgent lifestyle knows no limits. Tara's one amibition in life is to be independent of her family and her husband, no matter the cost. Poppy wants to escape her wealthy family's stifling influence, without losing the comfort their money brings. But when the girls inherit the Trevellyan's vast ailing perfume empire, can they learn to work together to bring the company back from the brinkt? And in making a fresh start, can they face their family's dark past? Midnight Girls From the presitious dormitories of Westfield to the irresistible socialite scene of present-day London, everywhere Allegra McCorquodale goes, scandal follows. And in Allegra's shadow, are her closest friends since school: the Midnight Girls. Romily de Lisle: super rich, brilliant and bored. She's a force to be reckoned with; and Imogen Heath, pretty, timid she longs to be part of the glitzy high-society world where her friends move with such ease. But once out of school, greed, tragedy and sinister passions threaten their allegiance and each of them stand to lose what they love most...
Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa. A Maiden… Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers. A Duty… The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden. A Kingdom… Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel. Reviews for From Blood and Ash: "Dreamy, twisty, steamy escapism. Take me back!" -New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins “Jennifer Armentrout has the power to control my emotions with every word she writes. From swooning to crying to racing through the pages to find out what happens next, I couldn't stop reading about Hawke and Poppy, and you won't be able to either.” - Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times Bestselling Author of A Curse So Dark and Lonely “Action, adventure, sexiness, and angst! From Blood and Ash has it all and double that. So many feels and so many moments it made me cheer for the character. Read. This. Book! You'll be obsessed!” - Tijan NYT bestselling author “From Blood and Ash is a phenomenal fantasy novel that is filled to the brim with danger, mystery and heart melting romance. I loved every single second of it and I couldn’t get enough of this new fantastical world. A heart stopping start to what is clearly going to be a stunning series, perfect for both those who love fantasy and those who are new to the genre. A must read.” Kayleigh, K-Books "If you think you are ready for From Blood and Ash, think again. Jennifer L. Armentrout has woven a new fantasy universe that will leave you reeling. Filled with action, heart wrenching twists and the most delicious romance, this unputdownable novel comes with a warning: keep a fan close by, because the temperatures are about to rise." Elena, The Bibliotheque Blo “In this exciting new novel by Jennifer L. Armentrout, she introduces a fantastical world filled with immense detail, and characters who are poignant and fierce, Jennifer truly has out done herself!” – BookBesties “From Blood and Ash is a fantastic fantasy that will hook you immediately from the very first page! I loved every single moment and all of the characters are ones you will fall in love with! Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again with her amazing writing skills and lots of detail! Get this book immediately!!!” - Amanda @Stuck In YA Books “Jennifer has stepped into the fantasy genre with this absolutely amazing novel. With characters you will love and more than a few twists and turns, get ready for one amazing adventure.” -Perpetual Fangirl "This magnificent book has so many pieces in it: fantasy, mystery, forbidden romance, supernatural, lies, deceit, betrayal, love, friendship, family. And so, so, so many secrets your head will be spinning. Jennifer L. Armentrout has created another masterpiece that I will be rushing to buy, and will be telling everyone to read it ASAP!" ~Jeraca @My Nose in YA Books “From Blood to Ash is the first high fantasy book from Jennifer L Armentrout, but hopefully not the last. Like all her other works, her ability to create worlds, create swoon worthy men, and feisty strong female characters is amazing. Fantasy, mystery, romance, betrayal, love, and steamy scenes, this book has it all.” - Lisa @ The Blonde Book Lover “From Blood & Ash is everything we love about JLA’s fantasy writing...pumped up on steroids. There’s epic world building and plot twists, a strong female lead, a swoon worthy book hottie, a steamy forbidden love story, and side characters that can’t help but steal your heart. My mind was blown by the end of this book.” - Kris S. (frantic4romantic) “Step into an exciting new fantasy world by Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood And Ash takes you on a fantastic ride with twists and turns galore. Characters you will love to laugh and cry with. A phenomenal start to an exciting new series.” - Lori Dunn an avid reader “From Blood and Ash was everything I wanted in a high fantasy novel. The myths, the legends, the epic romance, and an adventure that will keep you on your toes beginning to end. I couldn’t put the book down. Truly a brilliant start to what I believe will be yet another amazing series by Jennifer L. Armentrout." –Sabrina, Books Are My Life “Jennifer L. Armentrout takes her first step into the high fantasy genre with From Blood and Ash. A story of forbidden love, lies, secrets, and betrayal - it will leave you wanting more after the very last page.” - Love Just Is Books “From Blood and Ash is like reading my favorite book for first time.” - Raquel Herrera “With From Blood and Ash, Jennifer Armentrout successfully takes on the genre of high fantasy, proving, once again, that she is a master of her craft. Filled with epic adventure, forbidden romance, deceit, lies, and betrayal, FB&A draws you in from page one and refuses to let go!” - Erica, The Rest Just Falls Away “Jennifer L. Armentrout comes trough once again with From Blood and Ash as it kept me enthralled throughout the full book. You won't be able to put down this epic story once you start.” - Julalicious Book Paradise “From Blood and Ash strikes the perfect balance between fantasy and romance elements leaving the world feeling live in and full while allowing the relationship between the main characters feeling real and authentic.” - Nads Book Nook, Nadine Bergeron “Be prepared to spend your whole day reading From Blood and Ash. Once you start reading this high fantasy novel, you won't want to put it down.” - Love Book Triangle “From Blood and Ash is absolutely breath taking. JLA does what she does best by creating a fantastical world filled with romance, lies, betrayal, adventure and all things we love and expect from JLA characters that melt our hearts and steal our hearts and souls. I cannot wait for the next one!” - Pia Colon “From Blood and Ash, Jennifer L. Armentrout brought to life a high fantasy that is enthralling. Another masterful addition to my collection. Get ready to stay on your toes from start to end.” - Amy Oh, Reader by the Mountains “From Blood and Ash is the first high fantasy novel by Jennifer L Armentrout and she absolutely nails it. This is fantasy for skeptics and unbelievers because it makes you want to be a fantasy fan! This page turner makes you want to devour it in one night and at the same time savor every detail. Heart stopping and inspiring and grips you from page one.” – Tracy Kirby “An intriguing puzzle of a world, a ruthless hero, a determine heroin, and a plot that will keep you up late, this book is one of the best I've read this year.” – Valerie from Stuck In Books “From Blood and Ash, a thrilling high fantasy that packs a punch, each page will leave you wanting more!” - Tracey, Books & Other Pursuits
Twenty years ago, Tatia was adopted into a well-off home where she seemed happy, settled. Then the youngest boy in the family dies in an accident... and she gets the blame. Did she do it? Tatia is cast out, away from her remaining adopted siblings, Joel and Poppy. Now she yearns for a home to call her own. So when she see families going on holiday, leaving their beautiful homes empty, there seems no harm in living their lives while they are gone. But somehow, people keep ending up dead. Did she kill them? As bodies start to appear in supposedly safe neighbourhoods, DI Ray Drake and DS Flick Crowley race to find the thinnest of links between the victims. But Drake's secret past is threatening to destroy everything... Don't miss ZERO KILL, the latest edge-of-your-seat thriller from author MK Hill. Bursting with tension, twists and humour, it is perfect for fans of Killing Eve, Lee Child and people who loved watching Nobody and Hunted. Available to order now. Praise for It Was Her: 'Deliciously tense and darkly addictive. I couldn't put it down until I had devoured it completely!' Jane Isaac 'A thriller with shocking scenes, punchy action, twists and a flawed copper in DI Ray Drake... A crime fan's must-read!' Peterborough Evening Telegraph 'With It Was Her Mark Hill just gets better and better. Beautifully written and utterly gripping.' Cass Green 'With compelling yet flawed characters and plenty of surprise twists, Hill's second DI Drake Mystery is a worthy follow-up.' Culture Fly
From the million-copy bestseller Amanda Prowse, the queen of heartbreak fiction. Amanda Prowse is the author of The Coordinates Of Loss and the no.1 bestsellers Perfect Daughter, My Husband's Wife and What Have I Done? How do you say goodbye to your family for the last time? Poppy Day is thirty-two and married to her childhood sweetheart. She's a full-time mum of two gorgeous children and loves her homely little cottage in the countryside. It's the life she aways wanted. But Poppy is so busy caring for others she hasn't noticed how tired she is, or the menacing lump growing on her breast. It's unthinkable that cancer could defeat such a strong and amazing woman. But life doesn't always give you what you deserve... Reviews for Amanda Prowse: 'Prowse handles her explosive subject with delicate skill... Deeply moving and inspiring' DAILY MAIL. 'Powerful and emotional family drama that packs a real punch' HEAT. 'A gut wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' IRISH SUN. 'Captivating, heartbreaking, superbly written' CLOSER. 'Very uplifting and positive, but you may still need a box (or two) of tissues' HELLO. 'An emotional, unputdownable read' RED. 'Prowse writes gritty, contemporary stories but always with an uplifting message of hope' SUNDAY INDEPENDENT.
The first volume of Alan Ayckbourn's collected work contains his morality plays from the 1980s. It includes the plays A Chorus of Disapproval, A Small Family Business, Henceforward . . ., and Man of the Moment.
Shockwaves ripple through the country town of Currong when touring rock singer, Kyle, disappears after a gig in the pub. Contacted by police in regard to his estranged brother’s disappearance, freelance musician Duncan Barnett arrives. Apart from a drunken father he has no other family and Kyle’s sudden absence affects him more than he expects. By chance, single mother Poppy French meets Duncan and she is stunned. This is the man she had a brief, passionate encounter with at a wild party six years ago. This stranger is her beloved Jessie’s father, a man about whom Jessie is increasingly curious. Given Duncan’s emotional situation and unsure how he will react, should she tell him? Can she face her daughter if she doesn’t?
