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Queer love story meets true crime thriller in the dream factory of 1970s cinema, from the award-winning, bestselling author. Perfect for readers of André Aciman's Call Me By Your Name and Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr Ripley. SHORTLISTED FOR BLACKWELL’S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025A NEW YORK MAGAZINE TOP TEN BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025RUNNER-UP FOR THE TADEUSZ BRADECKI PRIZE 2026‘Sublime’ The New York Times'Brilliant' Olly Alexander‘It is dangerous to want someone this much. He has always known it, from the very first night.’It is September 1974. Two men meet by chance in Venice. One is a young English artist, in panicked flight from London. The other is Danilo Donati, the magician of Italian cinema, the designer responsible for realising the spectacular visions of Fellini and Pasolini. Donati is in Venice to produce sketches for Fellini’s Casanova. A young – and beautiful – apprentice is just what he needs. He sweeps Nicholas to Rome, into the looking-glass world of Cinecitta, the studio where Casanova’s Venice will be ingeniously assembled. Then in the spring, the lovers move together to the set of Salo, Pasolini’s horrifying fable of fascism. But Nicholas has a secret and in this world of constant illusion, his real nature passes unseen. Amidst the rising tensions of Italy’s ‘Years of Lead’, he acts as an accelerant, setting in motion a tragedy he didn’t intend. Stylish and seductive, The Silver Book is an absorbing fictional account of real things, and an investigation into the difficult relationship between artifice and truth, illusion and reality, love and power. Praise for The Silver Book:‘Seamlessly inserts a fictional narrative into a real historical world . . . a gripping novel that is, in many ways, a technical tour de force’ Times Literary Supplement ‘A great chronicler of male genius, sexuality, loneliness and madness’ Observer‘Unabashedly queer and unapologetically erotic’ Art in America'My favourite novel of last year' M. John Harrison‘You do not need to be an expert on postwar Italian cinema or politics (or to know the true crime story unfolding here) to savour this novel. Laing describes the filming in dazzling clarity. 1970s Rome swaggers from the page’ The Times ‘Laing’s vibrant depiction of both real and imagined events is a prescient exploration of the meaning of art in dangerous places’ Washington Post

THE HEART-STOPPING NEW THRILLER FROM THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING MASTER OF THE MISSING PERSON MYSTERY'The Lost Women is Tim Weaver at the absolute top of his game – a masterclass in tense, propulsive thriller writing as a web of interlocking mysteries come together with deadly consequences' T.M. LOGAN'Weaver's books are unputdownable. If you haven't yet met Raker, you're in for a treat' MICK HERRON'What a talent' DAILY MAILEIGHTEEN YEARS AGOThree women visit a Cornish island...and vanish. No bodies. No trace. They are never seen again. Journalist David Raker covers the story but, like everyone else, finds no answers. The fate of the women still haunts him. YESTERDAYFollowing a car accident, Preston Stewart requires surgery on his face. But when the dressings are removed, his wife realizes something is wrong. The man under the bandages isn't her husband. TODAYNow a missing persons investigator, David Raker is hired to find Preston - and soon discovers a terrifying connection to the Lost Women. Thrown into a desperate race against the clock, Raker has just hours to uncover the truth - or everyone he loves is in danger... PRAISE FOR TIM WEAVER'Impossibly clever. Impossible to put down' CHRIS WHITAKER'Corkscrew twists. Impossible to read without breaking into a sweat' THE TIMES'The master of clever, unpredictable plots' CLAIRE DOUGLAS

THE AGE GAP, SINGLE DAD COWBOY ROMANCE OF THE SUMMER Making music was supposed to be Adriana’s ticket out of Bravetown, the Wild West theme park where she spent her teenage summers serving drinks in a saloon skirt. But after being cut from the tour of country music’s golden boy, Brooks Monroe, she’s right back where she started — pouring drinks for tourists and wondering where it all went wrong. Brooks walked away from fame — and from Adriana — when he learned he had a daughter. Now, three years later, Brooks is in Bravetown, determined to make amends. But when he sees how badly the park is struggling, and how much his daughter loves it there, he buys it outright. . . and asks Adriana for one more favour. He needs her to pretend to be his fiancée. But as fake kisses turn into real sparks, Adriana must decide if Brooks — and Bravetown — could be her future after all. . . Tropes: Black cat x golden retriever Age gapFake engagement Small town Praise for Dilan Dyer'Consider me a member of the Dilan Dyer fan club.' - Lisina Coney, author of The Brightest Light of Sunshine 'Dilan Dyer is a tour de force in romance and romcoms. Her characters are always witty, hilarious and incredibly relatable in their vulnerabilities.' - Soraya Nadia Bouazzaoui, author of Aicha 'Get me tickets to Bravetown at once!' - Ava Rani, author of The Spare 'Small town charm, a grump you can’t help but love, and enough tension to short-circuit a rollercoaster.' - Stephanie Alves, author of Never Have I Ever (on The Brave and The Reckless)'A love story that feels like a fistful of stardust and a slow burn under a blazing sun. I adored every messy, sweet, and fiercely brave moment.' - Ki Stephens, author of Game On (on The Brave and The Reckless)'A fresh and unique take on cowboy romance that readers will love!' - Emma Lucy, author of Live Ranch Love (on The Brave and The Reckless)'Funny, filthy and fearless - a rip-roaring, whip-cracking tale of cowboy revelry.' Eleanor Vendrell, author of The Great Orchid Heist (on The Brave and The Reckless)

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT NEW FANTASY OBSESSION NOWPerfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson and John Gwynne. ‘The Mistral is marvellous . . . wonderful, consistent and profound world-building. Something amazing has spun out of Felix’s head’ Stephen Fry'A glorious read: clever, compelling, and deftly original while still bringing to mind so many of my fantasy favourites' Ellie Keel 'A plot that fuses innovative magic, grand adventure, political intrigue and a complex, multi-layered coming of age story – what more could you want in modern fantasy?' - Vaseem Khan --A DYING MAGIC. A SLAUGHTERED QUEEN. A WORLD ON THE BRINK OF WAR. The Mistral - a divine, ancient wind - has long swept over the realm, bestowing magical abilities on those destined to shape the future. But The Mistral is dying. As it falters, and fear of all-out war consumes the kingdom, a peace delegation sets out from the land of Terrius to the city of Lurella. At the delegation’s heart is Swan, daughter of an assassinated queen, who holds a powerful and rare ability. She must seek answers - both to her mother’s murder and her own inability to master her powers. Before it's too late. Meanwhile, in Lurella's duelling pit - The Iron Circuit - Fenne, a feared fighter, comes to the attention of one city ruler, who sees in her an opportunity . . . As the Peace Pledge begins, Swan and Fenne are thrown together by a dark conspiracy – one that could forever alter not just their fate, but that of The Mistral. And the fragile balance holding the realm together . . . The Mistral begins an epic new fantasy trilogy – a sweeping tale of high magic. Of dangerous powers and deadly ambition. And a world on the precipice of the darkest of wars . . . --READERS ARE LOVING THE MISTRAL'Big, dramatic, and full of tension. This gave me similar vibes to Mistborn and Godkiller with its epic scale, layered magic system, and character driven story.' — ? Reader Review'My goodness, what a book!! The world? Amazing! The writing? Insanely good! The plot? Political intrigue with magical aspects!' — ? Reader Review'A sprawling epic fantasy reminiscent of Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, but also distinctly original in it’s world-building, histories, and a very intriguing central plot premise . . . A twisting and weaving narrative of hidden motivations, manipulation and betrayals . . . which culminates to a shocking finale.' — ? Reader Review'An epic fantasy that’ll sweep you away into a richly crafted world full of adventure and magic . . . If you love big, sweeping fantasy with depth and excitement, this book is definitely worth diving into!' — ? Reader Review'Imagine a melting pot of: Mistborn Era 1, Worlds of Radiance, Godkiller, and more . . . Political instability and rival wars, secret powers and prophecies . . . it ticks a lot of boxes.' — ? Reader Review'The world building was brilliant . . . Almost felt like watching a film.' — ? Reader Review'The Mistral offers richly imagined world building paired with a thoughtful, well-paced character journey' — ? Reader Review

The perfect mix of glamour and heart in this relatable story about two friends in crisis‘A perfect poolside read’ The Gloss‘Honest, insightful and entertaining. Long Story puts female friendship under the spotlight’ Louise O’Neill‘Fun and glam and gossipy while also being hilarious and full of heart’ Sophie White‘Makes your heart feel full, hits you in the gut with how relatable it is.’ Her.ie---Two best friends, one old flame … It’s a long storyTara is a famous movie star, known for her leading roles in beloved rom-coms. When her husband shows up on set one day to tell her he’s leaving her for his much younger action movie co-star, her life is turned upside down. Alex is a powerhouse podcast host and writer, covering all things celebrity and pop culture. But she’s less of a girlboss when it comes to her love life, which has never quite recovered after an old flame left her heartbroken. As youngsters as the same stage school, they swore off a boy for life, promising to always put their friendship first. But now the two BFF’s friendship is tested when rockstar Sean Sweeney’s memoir is published, revealing his past relationships with them both, unveiling secrets from the past and plunging their friendship into crisis. Set between Ireland and the US, in the glamorous and high-energy world of celebrities, online influencers and social media, this is a pacy and fun novel about female friendships with a lot of heart. ---'Glitz, glam, friendship and betrayal, Vicki Notaro’s new page-turner is hugely entertaining. Loved it!' Patricia Scanlan'A deliciously emotional story celebrating the complexity of friendship between women.' Sarah Breen‘A glorious story about female friendship … compulsive reading’ Amanda Cassidy’Fascinating … great dialogue’ Oliver Callan, RTÉ Radio One‘There’s grit as well as gloss in this entertaining read’ Irish Times‘A whip smart tale of the complexities of female friendships’ Sunday world‘Vicki’s emotional insight in to the complexity of women’s relationships makes Long Story feel both modern and nostalgic’ TV Now‘She has an affection for woman and an innate instinct for what makes them tick’ Irish Examiner‘Funny, warm and glamorous, there is real heart behind the gloss.’ Image‘I came for the funny jokes and the glamorous setting but I stayed for the relatable tale of a gorgeous friendship.’ Richy Craven‘Great fun!’ Liz Nugent'More glitz, glam, warmth and humour from the fab Vicki Notaro' Sheila O’Flanagan‘A modern-day City Women … great characters and gripping storylines! I can’t put it down’ Katriona O’Sullivan'A roller-coaster book... a deliciously page-turning novel with a heart of gold and the sharpest turn of phrase around.’ Cathy Kelly'You won’t be able to put it down! I devoured it, and just wish I’d been on a beach somewhere reading it.' Laura Whitmore'Assured, so well-paced and so good on modern love and female friendship in the era of social media. Did I forget to say wildly entertaining? I couldn't put it down.' Edel Coffey'Entertaining, engaging and very real' Sinead Moriarty'Fun, romance, and the perfect dose of escapism. Full of quirky characters, feel-good vibes, and a perfect blend of humor and sentiment' Amanda Cassidy

'Few historians write with Serhii Plokhy’s authority, clarity or global vision... Essential reading, and a marvellous book' Peter FrankopanFrom the bestselling author of Chernobyl comes a sweeping history of the geopolitics behind the nuclear arms race, from the first atomic bomb to todayOn 16 July 1945, the Nuclear Age began with the explosion of the first atomic bomb and the words of J. Robert Oppenheimer: 'Now I am become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds.'While the threat of mutually assured destruction kept a lid on a simmering and tense geopolitical landscape, events like the Chernobyl disaster and near-misses like the Cuban Missile Crisis showed that total destruction was only ever one malfunction, mistake, or miscommunication away. Now, as governments re-arm their nuclear arsenals, treaties designed to limit the acquisition and use of nuclear weapons fall away, and nuclear weapons come increasingly within reach of non-state actors, we are on the brink of a renaissance of the nuclear industry. In The Nuclear Age, acclaimed historian Serhii Plokhy paints an intricate picture of a world governed by fear. From the first artificial splitting of the atom in 1917 and the race to create the first atomic bomb in World War II, through the fraught arms race of the Cold War, to the imperialism, neo-colonial motivation and wars being waged today, the threat posed by nuclear weapons is as pertinent as ever. As he examines the motivations of key players, Plokhy confronts the crucial question of our age: what can we learn from the first nuclear arms race that can help us to stop the new one?

Discover the whiplash-inducing spy thriller, for fans of Scott Mariani and Black Doves. 'A pacey, punchy read' THE TIMES‘A freight train of a novel. Exhilarating, raw, unmissable’ DAVID McCLOSKEY'Espionage, action, mystery and mayhem … [A] cracking new novel’ IRISH INDEPENDENT‘Crackles with tension. Brilliant, exciting and worryingly believable’ CHARLES BEAUMONT'Octagon bleeds authenticity from the first page to the last. Read it today!' JACK CARR, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF CRY HAVOC'An espionage novel that moves fast and hits hard' M.W. CRAVEN'A blistering thrill ride' VASEEM KHAN, author of the Q Mysteries'A smart, slick, adrenaline-fuelled adventure for fans of Ludlum and Fleming' CHARLES CUMMINGA DYING RUSSIAN SCIENTISTconfesses to his children what he did as a young man. A MURDERED SPYshares vital intelligence before he’s ruthlessly assassinated in the English countryside. A RITUAL KILLINGhidden in a forest clearing in Sweden hints at something much worse. FORMER MI6 AGENT RUNNERStella McRae is the only person who can be trusted to investigate now her former employer has been compromised. EX-SAS OPERATORTommy Kane has always had Stella’s back, but as the threats against them escalate, will his formidable skills be enough this tim? CTAGONA devastating plot against the West is already in train. Only Stella and Tommy stand in its way. And time is running out... 'Octagon barrels along at blistering pace, with suspense a-plenty … it's very hard to put the book down from one chapter to the next…' ASPECTS OF CRIME'A gritty, well-paced page-turner' THE CRITICPraise for C.J. Merritt:‘A writer to put on your reading list!’ – David Baldacci‘A first-class blend of intrigue, suspense, and action… as propulsive as a Bourne movie.’ – Charles Cumming, CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger winner‘Very well done’ – Anthony Horowitz‘A tight, compelling thriller that never misses a beat.’ – Lou Berney, CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger winner‘Gripping’ – Peter James

The final instalment of N.A.M. Rodger's definitive, authoritative trilogy on Britain's naval historyAt the end of the French and Napoleonic wars, British sea-power was at its apogee. But by 1840, as one contemporary commentator put it, the Admiralty was full of ‘intellects becalmed in the smoke of Trafalgar’. How the Royal Navy reformed and reinvigorated itself in the course of the nineteenth century is just one thread in this magnificent book, which refuses to accept standard assumptions and analyses. All the great actions are here, from Navarino in 1827 (won by a daringly disobedient Admiral Codrington) to Jutland, D-Day, the Battle of the Atlantic and the battles in the Pacific in 1944/45 in concert with the US Navy. The development and strategic significance of submarine and navy air forces is superbly described, as are the rapid evolution of ships (from classic Nelsonic type, to hybrid steam/sail ships, then armour-clad and the fully armoured Dreadnoughts and beyond) and weapons. The social history of officers and men – and sometimes women – always a key part of the author’s work, is not neglected. Rodger sets all this in the essential context of politics and geo-strategy. The character and importance of leading admirals – Beatty, Fisher, Cunningham – is assessed, together with the roles of other less famous but no less consequential figures. Based on a lifetime’s learning, it is the culmination of one of the most significant British historical works in recent decades. Naval specialists will find much that is new here, and will be invigorated by the originality of Rodger’s judgements; but everyone who is interested in the one of the central threads in British history will find it rewarding.

In the shadowed halls of Villa Diodati, Mary Shelley’s fury took shape – and birthed a monster…LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE 2026The thrilling retelling from the author of PRIZE WOMEN, THE METAL HEART and THE GLASS WOMAN. Perfect for fans of The Essex Serpent and The Manningtree Witches. ‘Hauntingly beautiful, dangerous and magnificent’ Anya Bergman, author of The Witches of Vardo‘A deliciously dark reimagining of the birth of literature's greatest monster’ Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters‘Richly woven, gorgeously addictive, this is a true Gothic novel about life, death, desire, fury and passion’ Joanne Burn, author of The Bone Hunters--Villa Diodati, Lake Geneva, 1816. The dark summer that birthed a monster . . . Eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley has fled London with her lover, Percy Shelley, and her sister, Claire. Tormented by Shelley’s betrayals, haunted by the loss of their baby and suspicious of her sister’s intentions, Mary seeks sanctuary. But Lord Byron’s villa, lying under ominous, ash-shrouded skies, feels more like a trap. When Byron suggests each guest write a supernatural tale, Mary is as drawn to the challenge as she is, unexpectedly, to Byron himself. And so an idea begins to form in her mind . . . It spills out of her in thick, black ink. A thing given life is before her. Day and night, she is possessed. Heart and mind. Body and soul. But is she in control, or is i? n this hauntingly evocative feminist retelling, Caroline Lea delves into the female rage, creative madness and steamy scandal that bore the world's most famous work of gothic fiction. –PRAISE FOR LOVE, SEX & FRANKENSTEIN‘Fury and passion, obsession and revenge sizzle beneath the surface as out-of-this-world prose spins the book to a powerful, sensual grand finale. What a firecracker of a story - it completely swept me off my feet!’ Fiza Saeed McLynn, author of The Midnight Carousel‘You cannot help but fall in love with Mary, whose journey as an artist and as a woman is both absolutely heartbreaking and truly inspiring. This is a deeply moving, magical book from a consummate storyteller’ Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den'Beautifully written and wonderfully intense, this is no glamorous story of the rock star poets and their female muses but a rendition of absolute powerlessness turned around through sheer force of will’ Elizabeth Fremantle, author of Disobedient

It's never too early for your first checkmate. International Master and top YouTube chess coach Levy Rozman (aka GothamChess) brings the world’s greatest game to its youngest fans: babies!This board book introduces little ones to the basics of chess: the names of the pieces, how they move, and what it takes to win. With bold, high-contrast illustrations designed to support a baby’s developing vision and growing mind, this charming little book is both brainy and beautiful. Whether you're raising the next grandmaster or just want something smart for storytime, Chess for Babies is a perfect first move.

War came to North Africa in June 1940. But it was over a year before a newly-formed SAS went into action. Until then, the fight belonged to an elite, top secret band of brothers called the Long Range Desert Group.They were Britain’s first special forces.Born out of a pre-war club of explorers, eccentrics and mavericks, the LRDG operated alone behind enemy lines, performing astonishing feats of navigation, endurance and survival, and paved the way for the SAS.Drawing on his own decade’s service with UK Special Forces, Titch Cormack brings to life the action-packed but little-known story of Britain’s original rogue heroes.

The remarkable story of the real 'Dad's Army', from the bestselling historian of The Secret Life of Bletchley Park'Impeccably researched and deliciously entertaining, Dad's Army shines a bright searchlight on to an organization dismissed for far too long as humorously incompetent' - Giles Milton, author of the The Stalin AffairWith the threat of invasion from Hitler's forces looming large in 1940, British men of all ages and backgrounds assembled under the banner of the Home Guard. At its height, this voluntary force, much later nicknamed ‘Dad’s Army’, was made up of almost two million volunteers prepared to defend every corner of the kingdom. Numerous notable figures were involved including George Orwell, A. A. Milne, and C. S. Lewis; many women took part too, including in the Women's Home Defence Force, which was formed in 1941. In Dad’s Army, Sunday Times bestselling author Sinclair McKay tells the remarkable story of these courageous, highly trained and often pioneering men and women through original archival research, vivid storytelling and insights into the beloved television comedy that has shaped the national memory of the Home Guard. Far from the stereotype of charming incompetence, McKay shows that the Home Guard were in fact entirely serious in their approach. Many volunteers had fought in the First World War, and radical veterans from the Spanish Civil War taught new techniques in lethal guerilla fighting. Chocolate-box village greens throughout the country were reimagined as bloody battlefields, with duties including rifle and mortar training, night-time patrols and manning anti-aircraft guns – all on top of volunteers’ everyday jobs. Yet all of this was underpinned by an essential good humour, with moments of levity and camaraderie vital in keeping up a much-needed spirit of defiance. With its vibrant personalities and touch of nostalgia, Dad's Army tells this extraordinary story in full colour. 'One of my favourite historians' Dan Snow

'Smart, funny, and driven by unforgettable characters ... a must-read' Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry'With exquisite storytelling and unforgettable characters, The Calamity Club is a joyful, heartbreaking, heartwarming read. I loved it so much' Jennie Godfrey, author of The List of Suspicious Things'Pure hell-raising entertainment' New York Times'So immersive, exciting, and downright fabulous, you never want it to end' Oprah Daily“You give a girl a taste of fresh air and then you take it away—she’ll grow fierce and wild to get it back.”Oxford, Mississippi, 1933. Eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Ever since her beloved mother failed to come home last Christmas Eve, she’s been one of the 'unadoptable' girls at the town’s orphanage, where she fights each day to keep her wits sharp and her spirit unbowed. When she meets Birdie, a young woman who has come to Oxford determined to remind her socialite sister of the impoverished family she left behind, for the first time in a long while it seems someone else might care about Meg’s future. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie begins to suspect her sister’s charmed life may be founded on a tapestry of lies. Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman haunted by loss who has been pushed to the brink with nothing left to lose. Drawn together by circumstance, they find unexpected kinship among a disreputable, determined band of women. But in a town steeped in hypocrisy, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences …Bold, heartwarming, and riotously funny, The Calamity Club is an unforgettable story of resilience and friendship, and a sisterhood of underestimated women who risk everything to take back control of their fates. _PRAISE FOR THE HELP'Daring, vitally important and very courageous, I loved and admired The Help. Fantastic' MARIAN KEYES'Outstanding, immensely funny, very compelling, brilliant' Daily Telegraph'A laugh-out-loud, vociferously angry must-read' Marie Claire'Touching, disgraceful, funny. Highly recommended' Daily Mail

The new tale of female camaraderie and bravery from beloved saga author Rosie Meddon - available to pre-order now!When one woman's attempt to help the war effort from her sleepy Devon village is thwarted, she is determined to fight back! September 1940: When Isabel Thaxley becomes homeless and heartbroken following a London air raid, she calls on her old friend Julia Nance for help. Julia runs a guesthouse in faraway Slipscombe, Devon, and Isabel hopes that sleepy village life is exactly what she needs to start again. In need of new purpose, Isabel is keen to support the war effort. When she learns that women are not allowed to join the Local Defence Volunteers, she sets up her own organization. But with opposition on all sides, can she unite these isolated women against the common enemy?

*** PRE-ORDER THE FINAL EPIC IN THE NERO TRIOLOGY *** The throne is never safe ... especially in RomeAD 60. Rome stands at the height of its power – glittering with wealth, drowning in intrigue. On Palatine Hill, Nero Claudius Caesar rules as Emperor, a young man adored for his beauty and brilliance, feared for his temper, intoxicated by his own power. His empire stretches from the wilds of Britain to the deserts of Parthia, yet his enemies are never far: generals who command legions, senators who whisper in corridors, a people who cheer him in the circus but curse him on the streets. Nero has learned that power is never shared, only seized. He has seen off enemies before, not least his mother, Agrippina. Yet now Boudicca, queen of the Iceni, leads a revolt in the North. Closer to home, Gaius Julius Vindex, Roman by office but Gallic by blood, denounces Nero’s corruption and declares open rebellion against the Emperor from Gaul. Rome is a city that devours its rulers. As the first sparks of revolt alight beyond its walls, an empire built on fire begins to burn from within . . .

*AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW - THE BRAND NEW NOVEL FROM MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER DAWN FRENCH*ETTA'S FOUND THE CURE FOR OLD AGE. BUT HER FAMILY WON'T LIKE IT . . . Etta is sixty-eight years old. Happy, healthy and an active participant in her world, she’s gathered her family together for an unforgettable weekend. Tick. At 5am that Saturday morning, Etta wakes her daughter, her granddaughter, her son and her daughter-in-law up to lead everyone down to the beach. To ‘Etta’s Hollow’, where a roaring fire has already been lit. Drowsy but delighted – the sun is just starting to rise for a glorious dawn – Etta’s family bask in the beauty of the moment. A memory to be cherished forever. Tick. Until twenty minutes later, when Etta announces to her assembled beloveds something as shocking as it is alarming. ‘I have brought you all down to the beach this morning to tell you something important. You see, the thing is, today is my last day alive.’ Boom. Over the next twenty-four hours, Etta and her family are about to have the most surprising, affecting and life-affirming day of all their lives. PRAISE FOR DAWN FRENCH‘'Dawn tackles the big ones - love, death, grief, childhood, motherhood, parenthood - head on' Guardian'Fantastic, passionate, compassionate, so much wisdom, a lot of humour and very real’ Bernadine Evaristo'Gorgeous. Wise and full of love' Marian Keyes'A life-affirming read' Daily Express‘'An extraordinary book - sad, heartening, gripping and reassuringly human' Jo Brand‘Tender and devastating, it almost broke my heart' Sunday Express