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How to Fake It in Society
Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue meets Bridgerton in this stunning queer romance by KJ Charles, author of The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting'KJ Charles is, in my opinion, a titan of her genre'– Talia Hibbert, bestselling author of the Brown Sisters seriesNicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte, is making a splash in Society. The son of a French noblewoman wrongly convicted for a notorious crime, he hopes to restore his mother’s reputation, if only he can raise the funds. Or, at least, that’s his story. Titus Pilcrow, an unassuming shopkeeper, accidentally married an immensely wealthy woman on her deathbed. Now possessed of a fortune, he’s the target of every conman and beggar in London. Including Nico. Broke and desperate, Nico latches on to Titus. It’s his big chance to get rich – until he falls in love with the man he needs to cheat. Still, Nico is sure they can have a happy ending together. If he can just find a way out of his own web of lies . . . 'An absolute romp of a book . . . I read it in one glorious day'– T. Kingfisher, Sunday Times bestselling author of Hemlock & Silver'Hilarious hijinks and a heartfelt romance make this a fresh, fun springtime read'- Daily Mirror
A Thief's Revenge
A murder cries out for vengeance. A rogue answers the call.For six long years, fired by cold rage, Jonas Flynt has hunted the man who paved the way for the murder of his son across the Caribbean and American Colonies. Many a pirate was delivered to justice during the chase, but Flynt never caught up with the elusive Dan Hawke. Learning that his quarry has returned to London, Flynt races across the Atlantic in pursuit. Back in his old hunting ground, he finds lies and betrayal are now the norm. During his lengthy absence, alliances have shifted among old friends and older enemies and it's hard to tell friend from foe…Will Flynt be able track Hawke down at last through this web of intrigue? Or will his years-long quest for revenge have been in vai? raise for the Company of Rogues series'Reads like a genuine eighteenth century spy novel. I see a long future for Jonas Flynt' Ambrose Parry, author of The Way of All Flesh'Anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery and likes an edgy, charismatic protagonist is going to love the adventures of Douglas Skelton's new hero, Jonas Flynt' S.G. MacLean, author of The Seeker'An absolute triumph ... Five stars from me, and I look forward to reading more of Jonas's adventures' James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author'Historical crime fiction at its absolute best. I loved it!' Marion Todd, author of the Detective Clare Mackay series'Pitch-perfect stuff. Like all great historical novels you'll feel you're there! This is a departure for Skelton, who seems born to write high-end historical fiction' Denzil Meyrick, author of the DCI Daley thrillers'Uniquely combines a page-turning thriller with a perfectly evoked sense of time and place. Powerful stuff from a master of his craft' Craig Russell, author of Hyde'Skelton's mastery of time and place inhabited with richly drawn characters is a delight. It held me to the last tantalising page' David Gilman, author of The Englishman'Jonas Flynt is one of those characters you'll be rooting for from the very first chapter ... it looks like Skelton has found a new home writing first-class historical fiction' Alison Belsham, author of The Tattoo Thief'This is a fascinating, totally engrossing historical novel. Flynt is a most attractive, three-dimensional character and the same is true of the world he moves through. A brilliant, most enjoyable read' Paul Doherty, author of The Nightingale Gallery'A cracking historical drama with breathless pacing and knuckle-chewing tension, all shot through with Skelton's deft characterisation and flashes of pitch-black humour. The perfect read to lose yourself in' Neil Broadfoot, author of Falling Fast
The Fallen
When the gates of the last Magdalene Laundry closed in 1996, Ireland moved on. Or so it seemed. 'Enraging ... superb' JOHN BANVILLE, Guardian'Remarkable' Sunday Times 'An extraordinary gift ... both an education and a page-turner' DOIREANN NÍ GHRÍOFA'Highly readable and intelligently engaging' FINTAN O'TOOLE, TLS'Indispensable' ANNE ENRIGHT'A terrific unearthing of Ireland's shadowland. A landmark book' RORY CARROLL'Vivid, fluent ... a serious contribution to a subject that has still not been laid to rest' Irish Times'Powerful ... authoritative, passionate' Mail on SundayPublished to coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of the last Laundry’s closure, The Fallen is the forgotten story of the Magdalene Laundries, told through the voices of the women who endured them, the nuns who presided over them and the communities that lived alongside them. Unflinching and compassionate, Louise Brangan draws on archives and survivors’ testimonies to dismantle long-held myths about what the Laundries were, who was sent to these places of violence and secrecy, and why. As we move from the past into the present, Brangan compels us not only to confront this shameful history, but to ask a deeper question: what do we choose to remember?'Engrossing … it feels part novel' MARY McCARTHY, Irish Independent'Critical, informed and beautifully written' MÁIRÉAD ENRIGHT'A forensic ... detailed and haunting history' SEÁN O’HAGAN, ObserverWinner of the 2024 Royal Society of Literature Giles St Aubyn Award
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Sunnyside
Following Longford: A Manchester Love Story, Sunnyside: A New Beginning, continues JulietteTomlinson’s sweeping Victorian family saga. From tragedy on the Cornish coast to the industrialheart of Manchester, the novel returns to the Rylands household at Longford, where orphanedchildren, unexpected motherhood, and acts of quiet philanthropy reshape fragile lives. Rich inatmosphere, this lyrical continuation explores class, inheritance, and the enduring legacies of loveand loss, revealing how compassion and community can forge hope across generations.
Passport Photo Service
'For decades Philip Sharkey modestly ruled the London roost of passport and visa photography: the greatest, most trusted and admired practitioner in the field. Those lucky enough to have come before Philip’s lens always left feeling that we had participated in a ritual that elevated us to a special kind of club. This wonderfully produced memoir vividly brings back to life a vanished time in the capital. Delicious.’ – Stephen Fry
A never-before-seen archive of 300 celebrity portraits from London’s iconic Passport Photo Service, where actors, writers, musicians, athletes, and other famous faces posed for their travel document photographs
Since opening its doors in 1953, Passport Photo Service, an unassuming studio on Oxford Street in London, photographed thousands of people for passports, visas, and green cards – and some of them just happened to be famous. It was a family affair run by professional boxer turned photographer Dave Sharkey, his wife, Ann, and, eventually, their son Philip. Conveniently located near the US embassy and directly opposite the department store Selfridges, Passport Photo Service became the go-to place for passport photos thanks to word-of-mouth and its 'Ready in 10 Minutes' slogan, offering instant service before anyone else in the city was able to provide such a quick turnaround. This charming book is a collection of more than 300 never-before-published portraits taken over the course of six decades, including actors, writers, musicians, politicians, athletes, and more.
Organized loosely alphabetically, Passport Photo Service includes such famous faces as Muhammad Ali, Shirley Bassey, Eric Clapton, John Cleese, Joan Collins, Sean Connery, Anton Corbijn, Tim Curry, Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Dockery, Stefan Edberg, Mia Farrow, Tom Ford, Stephen Fry, Ava Gardner, J. Paul Getty, Althea Gibson, Chrissie Hynde, Mick Jagger, Angelina Jolie, Chaka Khan, Little Richard, Madonna, Rami Malek, Stella McCartney, George Michael, Carey Mulligan, Bill Murray, Peter O’Toole, Alan Rickman, Paul Robeson, Ringo Starr, Tilda Swinton, Shania Twain, Valentino, Gene Wilder, Kate Winslet, and Natalie Wood, among many others.
More than one hundred of the portraits are accompanied by anecdotes and amusing stories, written by Philip Sharkey. Among his memories: The first celebrity to use their services, Errol Flynn, pushed open the door and, hands on hips, boomed, 'Yep, it’s me.' Muhammad Ali’s picture was taken on his way to the DRC (formerly Zaire) to fight George Foreman in the famous Rumble in the Jungle match. Sharkey’s uncle Peter suggested that perhaps Bianca Jagger remove her large hat for her photo, as the government might not accept the picture. She responded, 'They will for me.' She didn’t come back for a retake. In his introduction, which tells a brief history of his family’s business, Sharkey declares, 'One thing is for sure, whoever we photographed, famous or not – we treated them all with the same care and respect. In that moment, when the flash goes off, your passport photo becomes a great leveler.'
Perfect for the photo historian, London nostalgic, or celebrity buff, Passport Photo Service’s design is an homage to the art of the passport, as well as the studio’s photo wallets that held developed prints, complete with a leatherette cover and a smart red stamp. Filled with a wonderfully eclectic assortment of subjects, this book is a breath of fresh air in the age of tightly controlled imagery. This volume charismatically yet emphatically celebrates the importance of vernacular photography and the story of a family-run business, revealing how images even made for travel documents can still be powerful portraits.
The Mental Strength Playbook
Improve your workplace performance with 50 practical, science-backed tools that build emotional resilience and neutralize negative thoughts—from the internationally bestselling author of the 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do seriesWhether you’re dealing with constant demands, the pressure to perform, or the stress of adapting to rapid changes, the workplace is often where you’re tested the most mentally and emotionally. As psychotherapist, speaker, and podcast host Amy Morin discovered, sharpening your mental strength is the key to not only tackling workplace challenges but taking your performance to the next level. The Mental Strength Playbook is specifically designed to help you thrive professionally, with 50 scientifically proven plays you can use right now. Morin helps you navigate tough but common situations at work, like dealing with anxiety in the middle of a sales call or negotiation, staying on task when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or dealing with difficult coworkers. Learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors will help you recover from setbacks faster and optimize your mental game to excel in high-stakes situations. Her workplace-specific strategies are organized to make solving your specific issue quick and easy and include:Dread Diffusers (Play Behavior Bingo or Use the 10-Minute Rule)Insight Ignitors (Question Your Question or Brainstorm the Bad Ideas First)Anxiety Alleviators (Schedule Time to Worry or Change the Channel in Your Brain)Confidence Catalysts (Channel Your Alter Ego or Visit Your Victory Vault)Whether you’re struggling with a tight deadline, delivering a high-pressure presentation, or newly leading a team, The Mental Strength Playbook will give you the skills you need to cope with discomfort, prevent burnout, and excel at work.
Catholicism For Dummies
Explore the world's largest Christian faith With more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide—and growing—Catholicism continues to shape lives and communities across the globe. Whether you're discovering faith for the first time, returning with fresh questions, or seeking to understand Catholic friends and family, Catholicism For Dummies provides your accessible guide to this rich tradition and its evolving role in today's world. This book transforms complex theology into clear insights, tracing the Church's journey from ancient foundations to contemporary realities. You'll discover how Catholic beliefs address both timeless mysteries and pressing modern questions, from the sacraments and creation to current social issues. Learn all about Catholic teachings, traditions, worship, and holydaysFind information on Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, and his focus on Catholic social teaching and inclusive leadershipRead about recent canon law revisions that modernize Church governance while clarifying authorityGet profiles of newly canonized saints and blesseds who inspire today’s faithful Catholicism For Dummies is perfect for seekers, students, spiritual explorers, and practicing Catholics alike. It’s an engaging and straightforward exploration of Catholic beliefs and traditions and how they interact with the modern world.
Sister Europe
'Sister Europe is so ambitious and ethically interested that it makes it clear that Zink is one of our most important contemporary writers.' GuardianAs a Berlin night draws in around the pristine glass exterior of the Hotel Interconti, a ragtag group of friends, family, and potential lovers find themselves frustrated. By promise or threat, they have all gathered at a lavish celebration of an elderly author’s venerable career. But dinner is delayed, the speeches are a drag and the gang – a young trans teen and her father; an ageing publisher and his flakey date; a dog, a troubled heiress and an Arab Prince – begin to feel the pinch of boredom, hunger and horniness. Together they will make their bid for freedom, and will soon embark on an exhilarating odyssey through the city’s shadow and light. . . Sophisticated, sexy and exquisitely funny, Sister Europe is the remarkable new novel from one of the most singular, brilliant writers working today: a vivid tale of growing up, growing old and getting down. 'Nell Zink is a writer of extraordinary talent and range. Her work insistently raises the possibility that the world is larger and stranger than the world you think you know' Jonathan Franzen'To stay out late in Zink’s world, loitering, is a pleasure. Her voice is cool and fastidious, but she has a screwball quality — a comic sensibility rooted in pain.' New York Times'An extraordinary talent… Zink is in the company of not only Jonathan Franzen, but also Donna Tartt, Philip Roth and Tom Wolfe' Daily Telegraph'A novel that fizzes with repartee and off-kilter cleverness' Daily Mail
The Unraveling
Now with a new foreword by Harvard Law Professor and former Assistant Attorney General Jack Goldsmith, and with a new concluding chapter from the author on the unprecedented ethical challenges in the first year of Trump 2.0. Essential reading for anyone interested in modern American politics, get the book that former President Barack Obama on X calls "a deeply thoughtful book" and says, "couldn’t be a more timely read."Part memoir, part rumination on the declining moral compass of the American political class, The Unraveling is the first book to place restoring political ethics at the center of the renewal of American democracy. Politics is a brutal game, but Bauer asks where does the line fall between the “hardball” of politics and attacks on the very foundation of democracy? Looking back on 46 years in the political arena, Bauer tries to better grasp what has gone wrong and to understand what shaped his own decisions and actions. He offers anecdotes, perspectives, and insights that are vitally relevant in our world today, including efforts in 2020 (and 2024) to defend our democratic system of elections from attack and distrust, and the struggles with social media, such as Meta, to combat disinformation in a post-truth politics. The expanded paperback edition includes a new concluding chapter highlighting the ethical failures of public institutions under the the second Trump administration—law firms, universities, and the media, as well as the Trump administration itself—and the imperative to do better in order to preserve the consent of the governed in American democracy. He writes about the various personal experiences along the way—the highs, the lows, and the absurd. Bauer presents a smart and serious look at our political culture and the role that he has played in shaping it. The Unraveling will be essential reading for anyone interested in American politics of the last 50 years--and the next.
Bridgerton Revisited
Bridgerton Revisited is the first book to place the hugely successful Netflix production Bridgerton in its historical context, the Regency Period of English history which ran from around 17295 until 1837. This eagerly anticipated book is in three parts: Part One examines in detail the social history of the Regency, and is obviously the most recognizable to viewers of the series released so far by Netflix. As such it takes in all aspects of Regency society as enjoyed by the landowning and titled aristocracy in their opulent houses, with their lavish fashions and impeccably prescribed conduct and manners. We learn of the affairs, adultery, sport, leisure and the ardent pursuit of illicit sex in brothels, gambling houses and taverns, of Regency LGBTQ and the endless scramble for the best marriage match as played out in the extravagant balls and at the endless visits and soirées. Part Two takes a close look at the production itself and discusses its historical accuracy in relation to what we discovered in Part One, and the divergences from that history. Using first-hand evidence from the creators and writers of the production we explore the ‘alternate history’ underscoring the series, not least the controversial issue of racial diversity in the casting. Part Three looks at the other side of the coin: the plight of the vast majority living and just surviving in Regency England, amidst the routine squalor, poverty, vagrancy, prostitution and occupational disease, workhouses and domestic and sexual abuse navigated daily, particularly by the women of the day.
Madame Matisse
‘An immersive tale of muses, betrayal, sex and bad behaviour' Daily Mail'Deliciously immersive . . . Think of [Haydock] as the art world’s answer to Philippa Gregory . . . I took Madame Matisse on a wet, grey holiday and it swept me into a world of startling, splashy colour' SpectatorA GUNSHOT. A BETRAYAL. THREE LIVES HANG IN THE BALANCE…Growing up with liberal parents in Paris just before the turn of the century, Amélie is a free spirit. When she meets an enigmatic young artist, she is drawn to the life of colour and passion he seems to promise. Together, they share struggles and triumphs, heartbreak and joy, until they arrive on France’s sun-soaked Riviera. With them comes Marguerite, Matisse’s headstrong but courageous daughter. But there too they meet Lydia, a young Russian emigree, who has fled her homeland following the revolution. Lydia also has her dreams. Her passions. And her ambition. As their lives entangle, each woman must ask herself: what is she willing to sacrifice to follow her heart?'A stunning act of literary, historical and artistic reimagining, woven with incredible skill – and so beautifully written. It will stay with me for a long while' Donal Ryan*****What readers say:‘Well I adored this. Beautiful and resilient female characters that came to life off the page vividly and passionately. A sweeping story spanning the years that was addictive and intriguing. ‘Features lush, evocative prose that draws readers into the emotional depths of its characters’‘A triumph… this novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, art history, and anyone captivated by the voices of women long silenced by history.’‘This epic tale takes us from the narrow, dirty streets of Paris to the days of the Russian Revolution, with some time in China, to the hot French Riviera of the 1930s and the French Resistance of World War II. It is rich, it is beautiful and on more than one occasion it made me cry’‘The scope of this book is terrific. The writing is superb. The characters are totally, utterly believable, with all their biases and peccadilloes’‘An extraordinary story, about Henri Matisse and his work of course, but more-so these three remarkable, resilient women’‘Once again, Sophie Haydock claims the lead in my Book of the Year listing. I loved it’
Harvest
Shortlisted for the Booker Prize and now a film adaptation starring Caleb Landry Jones. Jim Crace creates a haunting world in Harvest. ‘Extraordinary’ – The Guardian‘Inimitably excellent’ – Boyd Tonkin, The IndependentAs late summer steals in and the final pearls of barley are gleaned, a village comes under threat. A trio of outsiders – two men and a dangerously magnetic woman – arrive on the woodland borders triggering a series of events that will see Walter Thirsk’s village unmade in just seven days: the harvest blackened by smoke and fear, cruel punishment meted out to the innocent, and allegations of witchcraft. But something even darker is at the heart of Walter’s story, and he will be the only man left to tell it . . . ‘Terrible, lyrical beauty that is nothing like any other novel I have ever read’ – Spectator‘He is, quite simply, one of the great writers of our time’ – Colum McCannWinner of the James Tait Black PrizeWinner of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary AwardShortlisted for the Goldsmiths PrizeShortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical FictionNow part of the Picador Collection, a series showcasing the very best of modern literature.
Boots and Cats
Have fun with sounds in this super silly beatboxing book – perfect for kids who like to read aloud!Introducing Boots and Cats, silly brilliant fun from author Hazel Gardner and prolific illustrator Fred Blunt. Enjoy the free audio track from professional beatboxer Conrad Murray - scan the QR code and beatbox along! With bobbing bunnies, guinea pig wigs and a high-wire act from an elephant this innovative, entertaining book is bursting with wild, unexpected sounds. Inspired by the rhythms of beatboxing, it's hilariously satisfying to read aloud. Beatbox along with the audio QR code, toe-tapping guaranteed!Using the well-known beatboxing starting point pattern of Boots and Cats this book takes you on a fantastical, magical ride, down to a deep-sea diner, a nightclub where ducks dance and an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. Bold, wacky and brilliantly funny, Boots and Cats tickles the imagination, reminding us all to find the fun in reading aloud - and to do it together!
Paint by Numbers: Monsters
Unleash your inner artist with Paint by Numbers: Monsters from Petit Collage!This craft activity kit includes everything you need to send monsters to the moon, throw them a pizza party, play a round of hide-and-go-seek in the forest, and many more wild scenes you can frame, display, or share with friends and family. Each of the included sheets has a printed paint palette that just needs a little water to work. This minimizes mess and makes it easier to take your creativity on the go. Simply match the numbers of the colors to the numbers on the artwork to make your masterpieces!Perfect for ages 6+, all the materials come packaged in a brightly illustrated keepsake storage tin that can be reused. Inside, you’ll find 20 pre-printed sheets with line drawings to color, plus two wooden paintbrushes. Packaged in a reusable and recyclable tin, the sheets are made using FSC materials.
Princess Olivia Investigates: The Knights of Nature
Olivia Alez is loving her life away from the royal palace. Now she isn''t a princess anymore she''s even more determined to be a science investigator, finding out things about the world around her.The third adventure featuring Olivia and her best friends Helga and Ravi .
Best of All Worlds – The Times Children's Book of the Year 2025
'A spellbinding and chilling fable' Financial Times'One of the best YA books I have read this year' Just Imagine'Hugely thought-provoking' GuardianWhen Xavier wakes up on the first morning of an enforced family weekend away with his pregnant stepmum and dad, he doesn't recognise where they are - it's as if the house has inexplicably been transported to the set of a video game, inside an impenetrable dome where the family have been 'donated' chickens, goats, wheat to help them survive. There is no trace of their mysterious captors and no way to escape. Three years later, he's sixteen and resigned to life without the internet, other people, let alone a girlfriend... when suddenly another family appears, one with vastly contrasting political ideologies and priorities. In the confines of this strange world, Xavier and 17-year-old gorgeous Mackenzie are thrown together, Mackenzie's erratic father becomes obsessively fixated on escape, and tensions between the two families begin to rise with devastating and tragic consequences... Kenneth Oppel's most thrilling novel to date is challenging, provocative and unforgettable.
Kill Billionaire
Perhaps one reason not enough people kill billionaires is it’s actually quite tricky... 'Hopeful and exciting. Funny and heartbreaking ... I want to read more books like this!' Mikaela Loach'Scarily believable' Daily MailWhen her home is destroyed in wildfires, fourteen-year-old Australian outback genius Kayla Connolly decides to hunt down the culprits of climate change: billionaires. She teams up with Mr P, a giant ex-soldier from Tuvalu whose home is being flooded by rising sea levels. Together, they find ingenious ways to kill a property developer building on protected wetlands and a mining company CEO poisoning the earth with toxic chemicals. They also find an unexpected ally in Nancy, a wealthy elderly woman with a shocking past. The trio’s mission soon develops a life of its own, taking them first to California to crack billionaire tech bros and then to London for superrich oil executives, spawning a global movement along the way. In pursuit are the FBI and Detective Sergeant Kate Anderson of Scotland Yard, but Kate is having doubts about whether Kayla is even in the wrong. Will Kayla be able to stay ahead of the game and pull off one final, remarkable hit?'I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a handbook for the revolution' Patrick Alley
The Mercy Step
A sharply-witted and tender portrait of a young girl's quiet rebellion and her refusal to be broken. Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2026Winner of the British Book Award - Discover Prize'Dark, humorous, and passionately captures the unique realities of the northern Black experience' - The ObserverSet in 1960s Bradford, The Mercy Step follows Mercy, a precocious young child facing a world far too big for her small body. She lives with her Windrush-generation parents in a crowded household where her mother's attention is stretched between church and family, and her father's temper is something to be endured or avoided. Feeling like an outsider within her own home, Mercy retreats into books and the companionship of her beloved doll, Dolly, while learning early how to navigate the flaws and failings of the adults around her. Yet Mercy is nothing if not resilient. Armed with humour, style and fierce imagination, she quietly begins to plot her escape from a traumatic childhood. Raw and deeply affecting, Mercy's story is one of Black British culture, childhood, family and survival in 1960s Britain. Critical to understanding these untold stories, Marcia's debut is not to be missed.
The Walking Cure
The right place, walked at the right time, can heal, energise, restore and inspire. Instead of ambling the same old track, find a route to match and mend your mood … and prepare to be astonished. In this inspirational guide, Annabel Streets explores the curative and therapeutic benefits of both rural and urban landscapes: from mountains to meadows, disused railway lines to rivers, and coastal cliffs to city parks. She investigates how walking benefits us not only physically, but also how we see, feel and experience ourselves and the world. With warmth, wisdom and a compelling blend of anecdotal and scientific evidence, Streets identifies the perfect place to walk whatever your mood. Whether it be a canal path to spark creativity, a bustling city to allay boredom or the coastline to heal grief and worry. The Walking Cure celebrates the joy of walking and shares the extraordinary health benefits that landscape unlocks.





















