School Hols are nearly over….phew! A great time had by all but now a little rest and recuperation needed.. There are some fantastic new and recommended books around right now so take a look at these and grab yourself a copy – a bit of escapism never hurt a soul
FICTION
The Sins of the Mother, Danielle Steele
But her younger daughter, Cassie, a hip London music producer, refuses the invitation altogether as she does every year. Liz, her older daughter, is preoccupied with a chance to recapture her dream of being a writer and is terrified of failure, again. And her sons John and Phillip work for her, for better or worse, with wives who wish they didn’t. Immersed in the splendour of the Riviera, this should be a summer to remember, but old resentments die hard, and Olivia is still running the business full-time.
As each of these individuals confront the past and the challenges of the present and future, they also learn to accept the enduring, unconditional love of their family – and a mother who is strong enough to take more than her fair share of the blame, and loving enough to accept them as they really are. The question is: can they do the same for her?
Ma, Jakser’s Dyin Alone, Martha Long
During her vigil, she is joined by Charlie, her beloved little brother, then the ma and some of her other siblings. All of them have suffered greatly and it is clear that no one connected to Jackser has escaped unscathed.
But as she sits with him during his dying days, other memories of Jackser come back to Martha – fleeting moments of concern and kindness, and a sense of closeness as he recalled his own tormented past in one of Ireland’s industrial schools. It is a vicious cycle of cruelty and loss that has played out, from which only her own tenacity and wit has provided an escape.
Poignant, ribald, poetic and defiant, with its resolution of many unanswered questions about her life this is Martha at her best.
The Twins, Saskia Sarginson
They were identical in every way
Until the unthinkable tore them apart
Isolte and Viola are twins. Inseparable as children, they’ve grown into very different adults: Isolte, a successful features writer for a fashion magazine with a photographer boyfriend and a flat in London, and Viola, desperately unhappy and struggling with a lifelong eating disorder.
What happened all those years ago to set the twins on such different paths to adulthood? As both women start to unravel the escalating tragedies of a half-remembered summer, terrifying secrets from the past come rushing back – and threaten to overwhelm their adult lives…
The Workhouse Girl, Dilly Court
Circumstances force eight-year-old Sarah and her widowed mother to enter the notorious St Giles and St George’s Workhouse.
When her mother dies in childbirth, the independent-minded Sarah falls foul of the workhouse master, Trigg and his cruel wife.
Sarah’s ordeal seems to be over when a sugar mill owner takes her into his home.
But her wealthy benefactor reports Trigg and his wife. And blaming Sarah for their misfortune, in a fit of revenge, the couple decide to take the law into their own hands.
Don’t Tempt Me, Sylvia Day
Sylvia Day’s Don’t Tempt Me – the classic erotic romance, part of the Georgian series – is a tale of mistaken identity, lusty liaisons and dangerous deceptions.
Lynette Baillon’s twin, Lysette, died in an accident. Or so Lynette believed until, at a seductive masked ball in Paris, sexy stranger Simon Quinn mistakes her for her sister Lysette. And Simon, who planned to hand notorious assassin Lysette Rousseau over to the French, finds his plans confounded. However, on learning that her sister still lives – for now – Lynette vows to be reunited with her twin. Now she must enter an alluring but ensnaring underworld of dark and twisted desires, where Quinn rules.
Tempting Fate, Jane Green
Number one bestselling author Jane Green gives a powerful portrayal of a marriage rocked by betrayal in the stunning Tempting Fate.
When Gabby first met Elliott she knew he was the man for her. In twenty years of marriage she has never doubted her love for him – even when he refused to give her the one thing she still wants most of all. But now their two daughters are growing up Gabby feels that time and her youth are slipping away. For the first time in her life she is restless. And then she meets Matt . . .
Intoxicated by the way this young, handsome and successful man makes her feel, Gabby is momentarily blind to what she stands to lose on this dangerous path. And in one reckless moment she destroys all that she holds dear.
Consumed by regret, Gabby does everything she can to repair the home she has broken. But are some betrayals too great to forgive?
Wrongful Death, Lynda La Plante
Duty to the job or personal ambition? Anna Travis must decide where her loyalties lie …Six months ago, London nightclub owner Josh Reynolds was found dead from a single gunshot wound to the head, the gun held in his right hand. His death was quickly determined to be a suicide, the investigation was closed …a case done and dusted. Until now.
A young man, awaiting trial for armed robbery has informed his guards that Reynolds was murdered, and that he has information to share with the police. DCS James Langton tasks DCI Anna Travis to review the case. As soon as she wraps up the investigation, Langton tells Anna, she can join him at the FBI Academy in Virginia for training. Meanwhile, Senior FBI Agent, Jessie Dewar, crime scene expert, is seconded to Anna’s team as part of her research. Dewar’s brash manner soon ruffles feathers among the MET, and what should have been a simple case of tying up loose ends becomes a political nightmare as the competence of the original investigation team is questioned. Anna’s trip to America is approaching, but now that the situation at the MET has become so volatile, can she trust Dewar to finish the job in her absence?
Bridget Jones – Mad About the Boy, Helen Fielding
When Helen Fielding first wrote Bridget Jones’ Diary, charting the life of a 30-something singleton in London in the 1990s, she introduced readers to one of the most beloved characters in modern literature. The book was published in 40 countries, sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, and spawned a best-selling sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. The two books were turned into major blockbuster films starring Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth.
With her hotly anticipated third instalment, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Fielding introduces us to a whole new enticing phase of Bridget’s life set in contemporary London, including the challenges of maintaining sex appeal as the years roll by and the nightmare of drunken texting, the skinny jean, the disastrous email cc, total lack of twitter followers, and TVs that need 90 buttons and three remotes to simply turn on.
An uproariously funny novel of modern life, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a triumphant return of our favourite Everywoman.
Dr Sleep (Shining Book 2), Stephen King
An epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of hyper-devoted readers of The Shining and wildly satisfy anyone new to the territory of this icon in the King canon.
King says he wanted to know what happened to Danny Torrance, the boy at the heart of The Shining, after his terrible experience in the Overlook Hotel. The instantly riveting Doctor Sleep picks up the story of the now middle-aged Dan, working at a hospice in rural New Hampshire, and the very special twelve-year old girl he must save from a tribe of murderous paranormals.
NON FICTION
The Boy on the Wooden Box, How the Impossible became Possible – on Schindler’s List, Leon Leyson
Leon Leyson (born Leib Lezjon) was only ten years old when the Nazis invaded Poland and his family was forced to relocate to the Krakow ghetto. With incredible luck, perseverance and grit, Leyson was able to survive the sadism of the Nazis, including that of the demonic Amon Goeth, commandant of Plaszow, the concentration camp outside Krakow. Ultimately, it was the generosity and cunning of one man, a man named Oskar Schindler, who saved Leon Leyson’s life, and the lives of his mother, his father, and two of his four siblings, by adding their names to his list of workers in his factory – a list that became world renowned: Schindler’s List. This, the only memoir published by a former Schindler’s List child, perfectly captures the innocence of a small boy who goes through the unthinkable. Most notable is the lack of rancour, the lack of venom, and the abundance of dignity in Mr Leyson’s telling. The Boy on the Wooden Box is a legacy of hope, a memoir unlike anything you’ve ever read.
The Princess Diana Conspiracy, Alan Power
This is the book that publishers withdrew because their lawyers said it was very dangerous. This book seeks justice for Diana and presents extremely incriminating evidence that all democratic nations should embrace. It’s proven the paparazzi were kept away from court through “political intervention”; the decision to embalm Diana was taken at a “diplomatic level”; MI6 previously attempted to “pervert the course of justice” and are forced into acknowledging they murder people; senior police officers compared evidence to “get their stories straight” during the inquest and repeatedly sidestepped crucial questions, plus much more. The authorities are examined both pre and post the Paris attack. Disturbing evidence is presented and questions are raised over Britain’s “democracy” where the people are supposed to be the law. Please read and consider your verdict.
7 Secrets of Happiness, Gyles Brandreth
7 Secrets of Happiness. The secrets are simple rules, easy to remember, but challenging to achieve. Gyles Brandreth found them when he set out on a journey looking for happiness and ended up in the psychiatrist’s chair – with Dr Anthony Clare.
What is happiness? Who gets to be happy? And how? These are the big questions that Gyles Brandreth aims to answer in this little book. Research (from Manchester University and University College, London) shows that happy people live up to ten years longer than unhappy people. This is a book that won’t simply enhance your life: it will extend it.7 Secrets of Happiness. The secrets are simple rules, easy to remember, but challenging to achieve. Gyles Brandreth found them when he set out on a journey looking for happiness and ended up in the psychiatrist’s chair – with Dr Anthony Clare.
A Beautiful Mess – Photo Idea Book, Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman
In our social media-obsessed world, photos have become social currency, whether pictures of our friends posted to Facebook, or flattering self-portraits for Match.com. Sites like these form a constant outlet for personal images. The result is a growing market of young photo-takers interested in documenting their lives with better, more compelling images. Happily, popular style blogger Elsie Larson and her business partner and sister, Emma Chapman, come to the rescue with A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book, providing 100 easy tips and ideas for turning real life into creative, eye-catching photos using any camera (including cameraphones).
The Moaning of Life, Karl Pilkington
Karl Pilkington is forty years old. He’s not married, he doesn’t have kids, and he’s got a job where he’s known as an ‘idiot’. It’s time for him to take stock and face up to life’s big question – what does it all mean?
Karl is no stranger to travel, and now he’s off on a series of adventures around the globe to find out how other cultures approach life’s big issues. Travelling from far-flung tribes to high-tech cities, Karl experiences everything from a drive-thru wedding in Las Vegas to a vocational theme park in Japan, he meets a group of people in Mexico who find happiness through pain, undergoes a plastic surgery procedure in LA, and even encounters a woman in Bali who lets him help deliver her baby. Have his experiences changed him? Find out in this hilarious new book where Karl shares his stories (and opinions) in his inimitable style.Karl Pilkington is forty years old. He’s not married, he doesn’t have kids, and he’s got a job where he’s known as an ‘idiot’. It’s time for him to take stock and face up to life’s big question – what does it all mean?
Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey, Emma Rowley
A revealing look backstage at the hit TV show Downton Abbey. In-depth interviews give an exclusive insight into the actors’ experiences on set as well as the celebrated creative team behind the award-winning drama.
A lavishly illustrated book full of images from the new series including those stunning 1920s costumes, which will delight the millions of devoted Downton fans. Step inside the prop’s cupboard or the hair and make-up truck and catch a glimpse of the never-before-seen secret backstage world. Expertly crafted with inside knowledge and facts, this book will delve into the inspiration behind the details seen on screen, the choice of locations, the music and much more.
With a perspective from the director’s chair and rare insights into filming, this is the inside track on all aspects of the making of the show.
Eat – The Little Book of Fast Food, Nigel Slater
From the BBC One presenter and author of ‘The Kitchen Diaries’, this beautiful and easy-to-use book contains over 500 recipe ideas and is your essential go-to for what to cook every day.Returning to the territory of Nigel’s bestselling ‘Real Fast Food’, ‘Eat’ is bursting with beautifully simple and quick-to-cook recipes, in a stylish and practical flexible format that’s easy to read and use anywhere.Enjoy sizzling chorizo with potatoes and shallots; a sharp and fresh green soup; a Vietnamese-inspired prawn baguette; a one-pan Sunday lunch.Covering everything from quick meals to share with friends to comfort food, ‘Eat’ is a new, and highly innovative, classic from Nigel Slater.
BIOGRAPHY
Love, Lipstick and Lies, Katie Price
The latest and most sensational instalment of Katie Price’s fascinating life.
The last three years of Katie Price’s life have been as dramatic as ever. From the highly publicised divorce from Alex Reid to the romance and split from Leandro Penna, and a whirlwind marriage and surprise pregnancy with Kieran Hayler, Katie has been through a lot of changes. And that’s just her love life.
Katie has also dealt with increasingly bitter disputes with first husband Peter Andre and her former manager, as well as her public spats with comedian Frankie Boyle, who made offensive comments about her son Harvey, and Kelly Brook, over her dalliance with Danny Cipriani.
Despite her personal life being played out in the public arena, Katie remains true to her heart by always speaking her mind and living life to the full. This fifth instalment of Katie’s roller-coaster life provides intimate access to her side of all the stories with her own special brand of humour, compassion and total honesty.
Back to Black, Cilla Black
The stunning images contained within these pages celebrate Cilla Black’s remarkable showbusiness career. They also celebrate a woman who grew up in the spotlight of international stardom yet was never blinded to the importance of family and friends. Her warm ability to communicate directly with everyone she encountered has won her a lifetime of devoted fans. Musical and comedic, her fifty-year career has swept her from the glamour of Sixties recording success to unprecedented TV dominance as a female host. The fact she made it all seem so easy is a testament to her consummate professionalism. There is only one Cilla and we are proud to look back at her inspiring contribution over the past five decades. Her story is a magical blend of grit and grace.
My Outdoor Life, Ray Mears
Ray Mears is a household name through his television series Tracks, World of Survival, Bushcraft Survival, The Real Heroes of Telemark and many more. He is a private individual who shuns publicity whenever possible and would prefer to let his many skills tell their own tale – until now.
In MY OUTDOOR LIFE, Ray tells of his childhood and the formative years when he first developed a passion for both bushcraft and the martial arts skills that are central to his life. Having travelled the world several times over, he is no stranger to risk and has had more than his fair share of dangerous and life-threatening encounters to share with his readers. But his life is so much more than a tale of derring-do. Shortly after he returned to England having narrowly survived a serious helicopter crash, his father died. Just a year later, he had to face the death of his first wife Rachel. The book conveys the many sides of Ray Mears, taking us up to the present day – including the previously untold story of his involvement in the man-hunt for murderer Raoul Moat.
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