Where The Light is Hottest, The Second Book From Catherine Yardley, Out in February. It’s Relevant In The Midst of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

I have been holding this in for so long I thought I might combust. My new book, Where The Light is Hottest, is out soon. It is my second book after Ember which came out in 2022, but Where The Light is Hottest is actually the first book I ever wrote. It is based on my experience working in the film industry as an actor, casting director, producer and director.

I am very proud of this book. Especially since it took me six years to write and nine years to get it published. The book is dual timeline and is told through the past, as Natasha starts in a small town in Scotland, and in the present as a successful, award-winning actress. Now forces are trying to bring her down because of jealousy. She’s too rich, too successful and too beautiful. People are spreading rumours and starting a smear campaign. I found it fascinating that this book is coming out amidst the Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni drama. It seems that metoo part two is coming for Hollywood and this book covers the first one, up until the present day. If you loved The Comeback by Ella Berman you will love Where The Light is Hottest.

I hope you love this book as much as I did writing it. Let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Natasha Jones has everything – a successful acting career, an Oscar, a wonderful husband and ‎beautiful kids. But what does she have to go through to get there? From humble beginnings in a ‎small town, Natasha’s path to stardom is paved with setbacks, heartaches and moments of doubt. ‎ In the glittering world of fame and fortune, where dreams are spun from starlight and ambition ‎fuels the relentless pursuit of success, one woman’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience ‎of the human spirit. Beneath the facade of glamour lies a story of unwavering determination and ‎unyielding courage. ‎ Where the Light is the Hottest is a gripping tale of ambition, perseverance and the enduring ‎power of hope. Through Natasha’s journey, we are reminded that the road to success is rarely ‎smooth, but for those who dare to chase their dreams, the rewards are beyond measure.‎

Where The Light is Hottest is out on 27th February. You can preorder it here.

My Publishing Journey by Anna Britton

One of the things I like to talk about (within the context of writing, at least!) is rejection. Simply because my publishing journey is chock-full of it! And the more authors I chat to (and I talk to them a lot on my podcast, The Rejected Writers’ Club) the more I realise that all of us face rejection all the time. Talking about it normalises and neutralises it – it’s not something to fear or be ashamed of, but it’s something to be embraced as part of the writing life.

The first kind of rejection I faced was self-rejection. I have always wanted to be a writer, but every time I managed to write something I would read it back and be appalled at how awful it was. Every attempt ended up in the bin.

But then my father-in-law died suddenly at the age of 56. He was a lovely man who I wish I’d had longer to know. His death taught me that we may not get as much time as we think we will, so if there is something we want to do, we need to hecking well get on with it.

From then on, I didn’t let myself reject myself (can you tell I’m a writer?!). I still thought (and think) my first drafts were awful, but I no longer let that stop me. I love telling stories and even if they don’t come out right straight away, that’s okay. That’s what editing is for.

Rejection then came from other people. I submitted my first novel to 113 agents and received 113 rejections. There were a couple of full requests in there, but they all ended in the same way. No one wanted that story.

So I wrote another one. And another one. And another one.

I didn’t query quite as hard again – mainly because I am soft and squishy and couldn’t handle such a solid wall of no’s again – but I did make sure to send my stories out to people I thought would connect with them. I got a whole load more rejections, until one person said yes.

Now, I want to pause here and say something that I absolutely didn’t listen to but that I really hope you will if you’re a writer looking for an agent and (let’s be honest, we all are) feeling a bit desperate: having no agent is better than having one who doesn’t get you. I promise this is true.

I signed with an agent and there was absolutely nothing wrong with them as a person, but they weren’t the right fit for me and my stories. I was writing gentle YA while they wanted something plotty and loud.

Parting ways with my first agent was one of the most painful moments of my publishing journey. I see it as a rejection, as it was a split that they initiated, but it was the right decision. I couldn’t see that at the time, but looking back I can see that we weren’t the right fit at all.

I was totally gutted by this, but it didn’t change my dream; to be a published author. I ditched the stories I had been working on and dove into edits on a crime novel with a bi detective with PTSD at its heart, fell in love with her cold and confusing partner, and solved a murder. I sent this story (which would eventually become the first in the Martin and Stern series – Shot in the Dark) out into the world and I was blown away by the response. Relatively quickly, I signed with my lovely agent – Saskia Leach at Kate Nash Literary Agency – and signed a three-book deal with Canelo Crime.

It was a whirlwind, especially coming off the back of such a mountain of rejection. And that rejection doesn’t leave you. The sting has lessened over time and I’m not quite so afraid of opening my inbox anymore, but the years of hearing no again and again don’t magically disappear just because I can go point at my book in my local Waterstones.

Those years of rejection taught me resilience. They taught me to be sure of the stories I want to tell and to make sure I’ve got people on my team who have the same vision. They taught me that sometimes I’m going to have to fight for my stories and that sometimes I will fail, but that I will write another story and try again.

My journey to publication was long and winding and painful, but it was 100% worth it in the end. And not just because I have two (two!) books published, but because I’ve carved out a space in the world for my stories. I spend time doing something I utterly love. I’ve met incredible people along the way and have had so much more fun than sadness.

Anna’s website is here and you can buy her books at Waterstones.

The Peacock And The Sparrow by I.S. Berry Book Review.

I can’t stop thinking about The Peacock And The Sparrow by I.S Berry. I love spy novels and this is searingly honest. Few authors have the courage to write a character in technicolour the way I.S Berry has. Warts and all. Shane Collins, the morally complex main character, is written with as much depth as the other characters. All of this book feels real and is written with bravery. Each character feels like their own person.

This is a beautifully brutal literary novel about the CIA. The story is brought vividly to life so you feel like you are really there, stationed in Bahrain. The Peacock And The Sparrow is a hard read sometimes because I.S Berry, who spent six years as a CIA operations officer, doesn’t pull her punches. I will reread this clever book which has a twist you won’t see coming. Impossible to put down. This is a modern classic. Buy a copy NOW.

The thrilling debut from author and former CIA officer I.S. Berry, following an American spy’s last dangerous mission.

Shane Collins, a world-weary CIA spy, is ready to come in from the cold. Stationed in Bahrain for his final tour, he’s anxious to dispense with his mission — uncovering Iranian support for the insurgency. But then he meets Almaisa, an enigmatic artist, and his eyes are opened to a side of Bahrain most expats never experience, to questions he never thought to ask.

When his trusted informant becomes embroiled in a murder, Collins finds himself drawn deep into the conflict, his romance and loyalties upended. In an instant, he’s caught in the crosswinds of a revolution. He sets out to learn the truth behind the Arab Spring, win Almaisa’s love, and uncover the murky border where Bahrain’s secrets end and America’s begin.

Now optioned for film by Scott Delman of Shadowfox productions (Producer of HBO Max hit series Station Eleven).

The Peacock and The Sparrow is available here.

Rewrite your night routine with 100 Poems to Help you Sleep

‘Into the golden land of dreams’

Last night as I lay gazing with shut eyes

Henry David Thoreau

With levels of insomnia on the rise, the idea of enjoying a full night of good quality sleep seems to have become a dream of its own. 

This pocket-sized collection of comforting poetry is the perfect nighttime soother that makes putting the phone down easy, in exchange for a few moments of mindful bliss. 

In this second book within a brand-new series, discover the lullabies cherished by cultures across the world, verse that worships and praises the nighttime as well as poems that encourage gratitude and optimism for the day ahead, featuring words from literary greats such as Emily Bronte, W.B Yeats and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Let this tranquil poetry anthology improve your sleep and overall wellbeing. 

Jane McMorland Hunter writes and edits books on the good things in life: gardening, nature, cookery, craft and poetry, whilst also working part-time at Hatchards Bookshop, London. She has written and edited several books, including A Happy Poem to End Every Day, Ode to London, Favourite Poems of England, A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year and Nature Writing for Every Day of the Year. She lives in west London and can be found on social media @alittlecitygarden. 

With 100 carefully chosen poems, featuring verse about the beauty of the nighttime as well as an array of restful, tranquil, and meditative verse, 100 Poems to Help You Sleep is an essential pocket-sized guide for anyone in search of better-quality sleep. 

After a 2021 study showed that 42% of individuals feel their sleep improves from reading before bed, the push to reduce screentime has become increasingly imperative. This calming collection makes putting down the phone down easy, with its comforting words reshaping your nighttime routine. 

As the second in a new series of pocket-sized poetry, discover classical lullabies cherished by cultures all over the world and poems that encourage gratitude and optimism for what each day can bring. Observe the night sky with Emily Brontë, visit the Lake Isle of Innisfree with W. B. Yeats, and experience Shakespeare’s most calming verses. 

Poems include the serene ‘In the Evening’ by Nikki Giovanni, the upbeat ‘Everything Is Going to Be Alright’ by Derek Mahon, the nursery classic ‘My Bed is a Boat’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, and many more that are just perfect for the quiet hours of the night.

100 Poems to Help you Sleep by Jane McMorland Hunter is publishing by Batsford and out now.

A Poem for Every Day of Christmas: A beautifully illustrated Christmas book from Allie Esiri

If you are looking for the perfect Christmas present then I suggest A Poem For Every Day of Christmas the beautifully illustrated poetry anthology from Sunday Times Bestseller Allie Esiri, it is only £10 and fits under the tree or in a stocking.

Embossed with gold foil and lavishly illustrated, A Poem For Every Day of Christmas is the perfect stocking filler for young and old, featuring 31 Christmas poems to see you through the holiday season. Compiled by Allie Esiri who has edited a series of wonderful poetry anthologies.

Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with all the family, this book is a cosy accompaniment through the holiday season. Delight in festivities with poems from Thomas Hardy, E. E Cummings, Robert Burns and more. The day-to-day format of this anthology invites readers to make poetry a part of the festive season to get you in the Christmas spirit throughout December.  

This warm and soulful book is the perfect gift for Christmas. With a little bit of magic to read every day.

Described by The Sunday Times as ‘A poetry powerhouse’, poetry champion Allie Esiri has published ten hugely popular poetry anthologies including A Poem For Every Day Of The Year and 365 Poems For Life as part of her mission to keep poetry alive and make it accessible for everyone.

About Allie Esiri 

Allie Esiri’s best-selling poetry anthologies include Shakespeare For Every Day Of The Year, A Poem For Every Day Of The Year and 365 Poems For Life. They have lit an explosion of interest in poetry in the UK, are regularly chosen for National Poetry Day and have been picked as best books of the year by The Observer, The Times and New Statesman. Yearly sell out performances at the National Theatre and major book festivals with some of our best-loved actors reading poetry – from Helena Bonham Carter to Dominic West – are capturing and enthralling a new generation of poetry lovers.  

Esiri read Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge then worked as an actress for ten years in the English Shakespeare Company and on TV in shows such as Sharpe, Howard’s End, Men Behaving Badly and Poirot, before moving on to create the first poetry apps, daily poetry anthologies (for all ages) and live shows.  For more info visit allieesiri.com.

Interview With The Commuter Author Emma Curtis

I finished reading The Commuter in a day. I raced through it. It’s a brilliant domestic thriller which had me hooked from the very first page. Here’s my interview with Emma.

The Commuter is your seventh novel. How does that feel? It’s a huge achievement.

It feels like a huge achievement! I started writing, submitting and getting rejections when I was in my late twenties, found an agent in my late forties and published my debut when I was fifty, so I definitely put the work in. I still sometimes pinch myself. 

Does the writing get easier?

I think the writing does, the editing doesn’t. It’s a long hard slog full of dead ends, frustrations and moments when I want to run away from it all. But when it’s finally signed off the satisfaction is huge. Writing the first draft is such a pleasure. If only the first draft was the last!

Where did the idea for come from?

I’ve lived in London and used the tube all my life and I’ve always enjoyed the free newspapers. The Rush Hour Crush feature in the Metro is so intriguing. When I was a teenager I used to look for Mr Darcys, now I scan faces and wonder what I’d write if I fancied someone. No one so far! It seemed like there could be a thriller in there somewhere.

What is your writing routine?

I get up early, ideally around 6am, have breakfast and start work. Then I work fairly solidly until twelve, have lunch and go for a long walk to mull over what I’ve done and set up the next chapter for the next morning. I like routine and deadlines and I’m not very flexible. But it gets things done.

Do you have a favourite novel that you have written?

Yes, my favourite is Keep Her Quiet which came out in 2020. One of the protagonists is an arrogant male author. I loved writing him!

What books have you read recently that you loved?

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley-Heller. I recommend it to anyone who asks me what to read next.

Do you have any favourite authors?

Loads! JP Delaney for quirky concept thrillers. Stephen King for lessons in story-telling. Celeste Ng is fantastic for family based noir. Robert Galbraith because I adore Cormoran Strike and need to know what happens between him and Robin. I like American literature too. AM Homes is a favourite. I wish Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie would publish another novel!

How did you get published?

Since it took me such a long time, that is a very good question. I had given up for a few years, then my oldest child went off to University and I felt like I had to have another go. I wrote two novels, both rejected, then started writing short stories and entering them in online competitions. These did well. I had about a 25% hit rate of first, second and third prizes and those gave me credibility in the eyes of agents. I needed that because I had zero connection to the publishing industry. I turned one of the prize winning stories into a novel and this time, instead of sending it out to a handful of agents, getting rejections and losing heart, I sent it to thirty within three weeks so that I wouldn’t give up at the first No Thanks. That worked. I had twenty-six rejections, four requests for the full manuscript and an offer. One of the best days of my life. My agent at the time, Victoria Hobbs at AM Heath, secured a deal with Transworld.

What advice would you give other writers?

Mark out your time, even if it’s only half an hour a day. Stick to a routine and write even if you don’t feel like it. 

Learn to properly critique and edit your own work before you give it to anyone else – I did a course on this and it was invaluable (Jericho Writers). 

Don’t give your MS to friends and family to read and comment on. It puts them in a difficult position. Instead, if you’re serious start saving up for a professional critique from a reputable company like Cornerstones, Jericho Writers or The Novelry. But don’t send them anything until you’ve gone the extra mile. (see learn to critique and edit your own work!)

Also, interrogate your ego. It could be getting between you and representation. There’s the ego that will organise a professional edit but not take the advice because it doesn’t agree. There’s the ego that has that one precious pearl of a book and can’t move on from it despite repeated rejections. There’s the ego which will only write ‘what I want to write’, and won’t look for the space where what it wants to write dovetails with what people want to read. 

What’s next for you?

Next is a thriller about the devastating aftermath of a lie told by an angry and embarrassed teenage girl. That’s coming out in October 2025 and I’ve just sent a draft to my agent to take a look at before it goes to my editor. I have everything crossed! I heard today that she’s read a third of it and loves it. Hopefully the next two-thirds won’t change her mind.

The Commuter is out on October 10th.

From Fact to Fiction: The Last Princess by Ellen Alpsten

No other genre offers the unique ‘triple E’ rating as much as Historical Fiction: education, entertainment and escapism. Best are those books that revive a hitherto hidden heroine: a woman with agency, who isn’t formulaic. Finding them isn’t easy, and the leap from fact to fiction a labour of love. Let me take you by the hand and lead you back in time for a millennium. 

My new novel ‘The Last Princess’ is about Gytha Godwinson, the daughter of England’s true House of Dragons and of its last Anglo-Saxon King, Harold II. Godwinson – isn’t that in 1066, that hour zero of the British Isles? Yes, it is. But if this vast timespan is an enormous challenge, it also gives you great liberty. 

Yet rule number one of writing historical fiction is stringent research before you even think of picking up the pen. I read for almost a year to immerse myself in this long bygone world. Research is the rigid, non-negotiable frame in which the story and the plot may teem and swarm as the most colourful of images – an image I am determined to paint in ‘The Last Princess’. A reader gives me their most valuable – and that is not their money, but their time. 

But the Anglo-Saxons treaded famously lightly on the surface of this earth, building in mud, wattle, and daub and living in harmony with nature and its seasons: call it medieval mindfulness. If their ‘settlements’ are long gone, Bosham’s chapel is largely unchanged since Anglo-Saxon days. The distinct two storey architecture of Gytha’s family home, Bosham Manor, is depicted on the Bayeux tapestry. It is here that Gytha’s story starts, during a raucous Modranecht, and the candle-lit glory of a great Hall. But already, the seed of discord is sewn, and it turns the ground beneath her feet into quicksand. The events of that evening will swallow her life and her world, forcing her forward into her fabulous fate. This fills the firm framework of research such as an image popping with colour, swarming and surprising! Gytha’s  times – the High Middle Ages– were an era of intense change, especially for women. 

By autumn 1066, Christianity had reached most corners of the European world. Historically, there is much more evidence of women and how they interacted with the world around them, both religious and secular. Yet it also triggered a type of repression in which women’s bodies are seen as inherently polluting. At the same time, Christianity enables female spiritual growth and the development of canon law also impacted Christian women’s status. If the Fourth Lateran Council solidified the need for consent within marriage, Thomas Aquinas dictated that women owed their husbands ‘a conjugal debt.’

It is in this field of tension that Gytha grows up: ancient rites clash with strict Christian morals. This gives Gytha the courage to question the powers in place and makes her story irresistible: prepare yourself for a wild ride. ‘The Last Princess’ is stringent historical fiction that teems with trolls, malevolent stars, green-faced fairy folk, giants, nasty Norse sorceresses, handsome hunks, and an evil spell that keeps our beautiful, flame-haired Princess captive – and it’s all true. After she witnesses the Battle of Hastings through a crazy twist of super-natural story-telling – we are a 1000 years ago, aren’t we? – Gytha’s life has different plans for her; or does she have different plans for her life? She dares the unthinkable and as she faces fight or flight, she picks both: Gytha lives trial, terror and finally triumph. Her story bridges myth and modernity: She speaks in a strong, clear and modern voice about the demise of a cursed kingdom and the emergence of a new empire. 

But which empire is it that the last Anglo-Saxon Princess founded? 

Let me surprise you: I am writing book two of the series ‘The Sunrise Queen’ as we speak.  

Ellen Alpsten was born and raised in the Kenyan highlands and holds a MSc from the IEP de Paris. She worked as a News-Anchor for Bloomberg TV before writing fulltime. Her debut novel ‘Tsarina’ and its sequel ‘The Tsarina’s Daughter’ (both Bloomsbury Publishing) is widely translated and were shortlisted for numerous awards.

Preorder ‘The Last Princess’ here: 

books2read.com/u/3yXDeV

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Twitter: @ EAlpsten_Author

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Perfect Books To Read Now

Diva Daisy Goodwin

An absolute note perfect novel based on Maria Callas’s love affair with Aristotle Onassis. A fictionalised story of the ultimate Diva of Opera. I was obsessed with this book and did not want to put it down. I have always been a fan of Maria Callas, and Daisy Goodwin is a writer at the top of her game.

In the glittering and ruthlessly competitive world of opera, Maria Callas is known simply as la divina: the divine one. With her glorious voice, instinctive flair for the dramatic and striking beauty, she’s the toast of the grandest opera houses in the world. Yet her fame has been hard won: raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who mercilessly exploited her, Maria learned early in life how to protect herself.

When she meets the fabulously rich shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, her isolation melts away. For the first time in her life, she believes she’s found a man who sees the woman rather than the legendary soprano. Desperately in love, Onassis introduces her to a life of unbelievable luxury, mixing with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

And then, suddenly, it’s over. The international press announce that Onassis will marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces.

Diva is sexy, glamourous and an absolute must-read. Available here.

HRT Husband Replacement Therapy Kathy Lette

Kathy Lette is known for her wit and this book is no different. It takes serious issues and even tragic moments, and tells them with humour and aplomb. Endlessly entertaining, and both heartwarming and funny, HRT Husband Replacement Therapy is a great antidote to reality. Escape between the pages.

An outrageously funny, heartbreaking read – when Ruby finds out she has cancer on the brink of her 50th birthday, she decides to start living instead of complying…

Ruby has always been the generous mediator among her friends, family and colleagues, which is why they’ve all turned up to celebrate her 50th birthday.

But after too many glasses of champers, Ruby takes her moment in the spotlight to reveal what she really thinks of every one of them. She accuses her husband of having an affair and lambasts her mother for a lifetime of playing her three daughters against each other – it’s blisteringly brutal.

As the stunned gathering gawks at Ruby, the birthday girl reveals that she has terminal cancer, and has cashed in her life savings to take her two estranged sisters cruising into the sunset for a dose of HRT – Husband Replacement Therapy. But is Ruby being courageous or ruthlessly selfish?

HRT is available here.

The Revenge Club Kathy Lette

Another belter from Kathy Lette. This time four women reunite for the first time in decades as they enter midlife. The world has decided they are no longer relevant and so they take their revenge. It’s a fantastic, escapist comedy. Throughly enjoyable with many laugh out loud moments.

WHEN THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU, IT’S TIME TO GET EVEN.

Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men. 

Only they’re not going down without a fight.

Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans.

After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin…

Revenge Club is available here.

The Comeback Ella Berman

I needed a moment after finishing this book. Damn, it’s a masterpiece. The story about a former child actor who quit at the top of her game because of the actions of the director she worked with for years. It’s a forensic take on Hollywood and the metoo movement. Ella Berman knows her characters inside out. The relationships between them is tender and realistic. You won’t be able to put this book down.

Grace Turner was one movie away from Hollywood’s A-List. So no one understood why, at the height of her career and on the eve of her first Golden Globe nomination, she disappeared.

Now, one year later, Grace is back in Los Angeles and ready to reclaim her life on her own terms.

When Grace is asked to present a lifetime achievement award to director Able Yorke – the man who controlled her every move for eight years – she knows there’s only one way she’ll be free of the secret that’s already taken so much from her.

The Comeback is a moving and provocative story of justice – a true page-turner about a young woman finding the strength and power of her voice, from the author of Reese’s Book Club pick Before We Were Innocent.

The Comeback is available here.

Be Kind Rosie Nixon Illustrated by Jakki Jones

CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE: Fearne Cotton, Matt Haig, Katie Piper, Melanie B, Holly Willoughby, June Sarpong, Izzy Judd, Beverley Knight, Dermot O’Leary, The Duchess of York, Jo Malone CBE, Paul Weller, Alex Scott MBE, Dr Julie Smith, Emma Bunton and Melissa Hemsley

I absolutely adore this book. Kindness is the most important thing. This book is full of quotes and wisdom, as well as things to do and advice. It is perfect for adults and children and is beautifully illustrated. Buy in bulk to hand out this Christmas.

Unlock the incredible power of kindness with this small book with a huge heart.

Packed with inspirational quotes, tips, actions and pearls of wisdom from famous personalities, experts and inspirational leaders alike, each page of this beautiful book will help you be kinder to yourself, to other people, and to the planet. Be Kind celebrates kindness in all its forms and demonstrates that kindness can truly change the world. Kindness is your superpower, and this book will teach you how to use it well.

Rosie Nixon lives in Surrey and is an author, coach and broadcaster. A former magazine editor in chief, she is the founder of Rosie’s Reinvention Retreats, a series of carefully curated ‘retreats in a day’ to support midlife women. She is a mother of two and the author of three previous novels, The Stylist (2016) and sequel, Amber Green takes Manhattan (2017), and Just Between Friends (2020). Be Kind is her first non-fiction book.

Be Kind is available here.

The Christmas Cottage Sarah Morgan

The Perfect Christmas book from the Queen of Christmas. Best read with a hot chocolate for extra festive feels. It has family drama, a love story and it’s set in a Cotswolds village. Bliss.

Will this Christmas finally bring comfort and joy?

A PAINFUL SECRET

Imogen loves her job as an events organiser, and her colleagues are in awe of her. But Imogen isn’t the person she pretends to be, and she’s hiding painful truths about her past. But as long as she can keep on top of her work, Imogen can put everything else to one side.

AN ACT OF KINDNESS

And then Imogen makes a catastrophic mistake at work, and finally realises it’s time to reset. When her favourite client, Dorothy, invites her to spend Christmas with her and her family, in her cottage in the Cotswolds, it sounds like the perfect way for Imogen to take stock.

FINDING HAPPINESS AT CHRISTMAS

Imogen soon settles into idyllic cottage life, especially with the prospect of a new romance on the horizon … but when long-buried secrets and unwanted faces from the past resurface, Imogen’s new peace is threatened. Will Imogen end up alone this Christmas, or can she find it in her heart to forgive and move on?

The Christmas Cottage is available here.

The Palace Dressmaker Jade Beer

This is a sumptuous page turner. The lives of two women are told expertly. It’s a glamorous love story which is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Perfect for fans of The Crown.

A royal princess. A dress lost for decades. A love story waiting to be uncovered…
London, 1988: 
Meredith has landed her dream job at London’s most prestigious fashion house, creating beautiful gowns adorned with intricate beads and embroidery. But now Meredith is about to create a dress like no other for the most famous woman in the world: Diana, Princess of Wales. As Meredith pours her heart into this career-defining dress, she works under the handsome and exacting William in the workroom.

William, and this commission, could end up changing her life in more ways than one…

New York, 1997: 
The red carpet has been rolled out on Park Avenue for the auction of Princess Diana’s dresses for charity. Of the eighty items listed for sale, only seventy-nine will sell.

Because dress Number 19 is missing…

England, 2018: 
Jayne has met all the neighbours in her new building bar one: Mrs Chalis on the first floor. When she finally meets Meredith Chalis in the hallway, she is taken aback by how upset she seems and offers her help. Entering her home, Jayne immediately knows something is very wrong. The house is in complete disarray and there is no sign of Meredith’s husband.

But then Jayne sees the most beautiful evening dress thrown over a chair and reads the note laid beside it.

Jayne realises that Meredith has an incredible story to tell… and only she can help uncover it…

Out on November 5 | Hodder.

A Dance For a King Anton Du Beke

Perfect for fans of Strictly and historical fiction. We’re a sucker for a wartime story, and this is a page turner.

You’re invited to a show to remember at the prestigious Buckingham Hotel . . .

In London 1942 the war is far from over for soldier Raymond de Guise. His wife Nancy is overjoyed to be reunited with her husband, and to introduce him to their son. But their safety is threatened once more as Raymond returns to the ballroom at the Buckingham Hotel, ordered to discover the dark secrets held by the glittering high society. On the dancefloor Raymond uncovers a dangerous relationship that could change the course of the war, and also threaten his marriage to Nancy. Can he protect his King and his family before it is too late?

A DANCE FOR THE KING is a pageturning and epic wartime story filled with drama, mystery, dance and romance.

A Dance For a King is available here.