Recommendations based on "Four Seasons in Japan An utterly mesmerising and transportive novel, the perfect gift for book lovers!"

“A charmer. Will beguile an hour of your time and put you in touch with mankind.” —New York Times Newly reissued with an introduction by Plum Sykes, this cult favorite is a delightful diary—think Nancy Mitford–meets–Nora Ephron—chronicling author Helene Hanff’s “bucket list” trip to London (at the age of fifty-five!) after the unexpected success of her memoir 84 Charing Cross Road.  When she’s invited to London for the English publication of her wildly successful book, 84 Charing Cross Road—in which she shares two decades of correspondence with Frank Doel, a British bookseller who became a dear friend—New York writer Helene Hanff is thrilled to realize a lifelong dream. The trip will be bittersweet, because she can’t help wishing Frank was still alive, but she’s determined to capture every moment of the journey. Helene’s time in London exceeds her wildest expectations. She visits landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle; explores Shakespeare’s favorite pub, Dickens’s house, and the Oxford University courtyard where John Donne used to walk; and makes a host of new friends from all walks of life, who take her to the theater, introduce her to institutions like Harrod’s, and share with her their favorite corners of countryside. A love letter to England and its literary heritage, written by a Manhattanite who isn’t afraid to speak her mind (or tell a British barman how to make a real American martini), The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is an endearing account of two wildly different worlds colliding; it’s an outsider’s witty, vibrant portrait of idiosyncratic British culture at its best, as well as a profound commentary about the written word’s power to sustain us, transport us, and unite us.

‘A gorgeous story full of emotion and a very special library.’ – Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost BookshopSome stories stay with us forever…For forty-two years, Sally Harrison has been building a library.Each year, on her daughter’s birthday, she adds a new book to her shelves – with a note in the front dedicated to her own greatest work.But Ella – Sally’s only child – fled to Australia twenty-one years ago after a heated exchange, and never looked back. And though Sally still dutifully adds a new paperback to the shelves every time the clock strikes midnight on July 11th, her hopes of her daughter ever thumbing through the pages are starting to dwindle.Then disaster strikes and Ella is forced to return to the home she once knew.She is soon to discover that when one chapter ends, another will soon follow.All you have to do is turn the page…Journey through the pages of this heartwarming novel, where hope, friendship and second chances are written in the margins. Perfect for book lovers everywhere and fans of Sally Page’s The Keeper of Stories.Praise for The Memory Library:'An absolute joy to read. Uplifting, beautiful, and perfect for any book lovers!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The Memory Library delivers on its promise of hope, friendship and second chances. It's a love letter to the written word.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A powerful and poignant story. There were tears shed.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I laughed out loud and had more than one glassy eye!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A real treasure for booklovers everywhere who completely appreciate the joy, knowledge and healing that books can bring.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘There’s page after page of wonderful wisdom in this novel.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Filled with tender moments of sharing, tears, forgiveness, revelation and healing.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘What a beautiful, moving story this was! It really had me sobbing my eyes out.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the author of the phenomenal bestseller The Keeper of Stories, comes the next uplifting story of how the most unexpected friendships are forged in the most unlikely of places . . .Jo Sorsby knows she is hiding from her past when she steps in to look after her uncle’s stationery shop. Glimpsing the lives of her customers between the warm wooden shelves, as they scribble notes with fountain pens and browse colourful notebooks, distracts her from the life she has left behind.Yet far from home, Jo feels adrift . . .When she meets Ruth, a vicar running from a secret, and Malcolm, a septuagenarian struggling to write his first book, she realises that she isn’t alone.It’s the beginning of a friendship that can transform Jo’s life . . . if only she can let them in.

What happens when what you wish for is only half the story...?Three strangers and a funeral, that’s all it takes for these women’s lives and wishes to intersect. Death has a funny way of showing you what you really want out of life… or so they say, anyway.Jo is flirty and a little after thirty, but what she really wants is to get her business back on track and conquer her fear of heights. That’s what she’ll say when asked, anyway. She has things to prove and finding love can always wait…Sarah has the best of both worlds, baby in one hand and job in the other. All she wants is to get that promotion, then all those missed bath times will be worth it. So she says, anyway. She can’t stop to think about it too long or she might drop something…All Carrie wants is to shift the excess pounds and look good for summer. Wearing a bikini is all she has ever desired. So she has always said, anyway. But it’s not the only weight she’s carrying, dark secrets from her past are threatening to surface…So the three unlikely new friends set themselves a deadline to get their lives in order; juggling blokes, babies and bikini bottoms along the way. There’s nothing to stop them from achieving their dreams – except those little white lies we all tell…A feel-good romantic comedy that's guaranteed to make you smile - perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Trisha Ashley and Katie Fforde.Your favourite authors have loved reading bestselling Cathy Bramley:‘Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns’ Trisha Ashley‘Engaging characters and a sweeping romance. This is delightful!’ Katie Fforde‘A witty, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy’ Miranda Dickinson‘The perfect romantic tale, to warm your heart and make you smile.’ Ali McNamara

Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction!"Brilliantly faceted and extremely funny. . . . While I was reading it, I was making a list of all the people I wanted to send it to, until I realized that I wanted to send it to everyone I know." — Ann PatchettThe internationally bestselling sensation, a compulsively readable novel—spiky, sharp, intriguingly dark, and tender—that Emma Straub has named one of her favorite books of the yearMartha Friel just turned forty. Once, she worked at Vogue and planned to write a novel. Now, she creates internet content. She used to live in a pied-à-terre in Paris. Now she lives in a gated community in Oxford, the only person she knows without a PhD, a baby or both, in a house she hates but cannot bear to leave. But she must leave, now that her husband Patrick—the kind who cooks, throws her birthday parties, who loves her and has only ever wanted her to be happy—has just moved out.Because there’s something wrong with Martha, and has been for a long time. When she was seventeen, a little bomb went off in her brain and she was never the same. But countless doctors, endless therapy, every kind of drug later, she still doesn’t know what’s wrong, why she spends days unable to get out of bed or alienates both strangers and her loved ones with casually cruel remarks.And she has nowhere to go except her childhood home: a bohemian (dilapidated) townhouse in a romantic (rundown) part of London—to live with her mother, a minorly important sculptor (and major drinker) and her father, a famous poet (though unpublished) and try to survive without the devoted, potty-mouthed sister who made all the chaos bearable back then, and is now too busy or too fed up to deal with her.But maybe, by starting over, Martha will get to write a better ending for herself—and she’ll find out that she’s not quite finished after all.

'Full of quirky characters, friendship and humour, you will devour this engaging and heartwarming novel in one sitting' Sunday Express S Magazine Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you raid the pantry in the middle of the night... The Comfort Food Cafe is perched on a windswept clifftop at what feels like the edge of the world, serving up the most delicious cream teas; beautifully baked breads, and carefully crafted cupcakes. For tourists and locals alike, the ramshackle cafe overlooking the beach is a beacon of laughter, companionship, and security - a place like no other; a place that offers friendship as a daily special, and where a hearty welcome is always on the menu. For widowed mum-of-two Laura Walker, the decision to uproot her teenaged children and make the trek from Manchester to Dorset for the summer isn't one she takes lightly, and it's certainly not winning her any awards from her kids, Nate and Lizzie. Even her own parents think she's gone mad. Her new job at the cafe, and the hilarious people she meets there, give Laura the chance she needs to make new friends; to learn to be herself again, and - just possibly - to learn to love again as well. For her, the Comfort Food Cafe doesn't just serve food - it serves a second chance to live her life to the full... What readers are saying about Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe: 'My new favourite author' - Holly Martin, bestselling author of Summer at Rose Island 'A lovely, emotion-filled, giggle-inducing story' - Sunday Times bestselling author Milly Johnson 'A book of hope and solidarity, friendship and humour and the belief that everything might just turn out okay after all' - Sophie, Reviewed the Book 'If this book had arms it would grab you and pull you in to the most amazing book ever... just magical' - Lisa Talks About 'An engaging, entertaining and loveable book' - Rae's Reads 'I wish I could actually go there... an original story and it has such a romantic ending' - With Love for Books

'Oh how I wish the Comfort Food Café was real!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Welcome to The Comfort Food Café! It's been a tough year for Maxine Connolly - so tough she's almost given up on finding her happy ending. But then she discovers The Comfort Food Café, shining like the star on top of the Christmas tree and welcoming her in to its cozy, cake-filled embrace for hot chocolates dripping with whipped cream, melty grilled cheese toasties and the funniest bunch of regulars she soon calls friends. Then there's gorgeous local Gabriel Moran, who looks at Max like she's a present he can't wait to unwrap - and she can't help but think that, maybe, he's just what she wants for Christmas too... Readers ADORE the Comfort Food Café: 'Spellbinding' Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley 'You'll devour this book in one go' Woman's Weekly 'As cosy as a buttered crumpet' Sunday Times bestseller Milly Johnson 'Just my cup of tea' Bestseller Sue Moorcroft 'Full of heart and a delight to read' Award winning author Bella Osborne 'Full of comfort and cheer - the perfect antidote to cold winter nights' Sunday Times bestseller Jane Costello 'Full of quirky characters, friendship and humour, you will devour this engaging and heartwarming novel in one sitting' Sunday Express

You will adore this heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from bestelling author Christie Barlow! ‘Full of warmth, fun and feel-good factor’ Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde Welcome to the Little Rock marina – where hearts are healed and dreams are made... For the last two years Nell Andrews has been struggling to stay afloat. As her life tumbled down around her, the only safety net has been her cosy canal boat, The Nollie. Tucked away inside, Nell has found a place to heal her broken heart. And now she’s ready to move on and follow her dream... Gorgeous Guy Cornish, with his easy Irish charm, makes him an instant hit with everyone at the marina, and the perfect person to help Nell with her project. But Guy has his own reasons for being at the marina, and a past that threatens to sink Nell’s dream... What readers are saying about The Cosy Canal Boat Dream: ‘The queen of heartwarming fiction’ Bella Osborne ‘What a gorgeous romance – fun, poignant and surprising’ Sunday Times bestseller Michele Gorman ‘My favourite Christie Barlow book of all time...perfect for when you want to be lost in a cuddle of a book’ Rachel’s Random Reads ‘Christie Barlow's best book yet...Phenomenal’ The Writing Garnet ‘Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns’ Mama Life Magazine ‘An absolute joy to read and full of surprises...one of the best writers in this genre’ The Book Review Cafe

'Beautiful and emotional' Sue Moorcroft'A moving, warm and comforting read' Jennie Godfrey'Tender and moving, The Forgotten Book Club is one to treasure' Celia Anderson'A wonderfully uplifting celebration of community and the joy of books' Annie Lyons-------------------------- Life can begin with a single story. You just have to Bring Your Own Book... For three decades, Grace supported her husband Frank's passion for books, despite not being a reader herself. Since his passing, their shelves echo longingly, and Grace's heartache has only grown.When Grace's grandson suggests joining Frank's old book club to feel closer to him again, Grace reluctantly agrees. Yet, upon arrival, she discovers this isn't a typical book club: here, members settle in for an hour of reading... in silence.Disappointed by the sparse attendance and confused by the lack of chatter, Grace flees. But when fellow member, Annie, convinces her to stay, Grace is determined to ensure that neither Frank - nor his beloved book club - are forgotten.And as she breathes new life into the group, Grace might just find this is where she truly belongs. Because this next chapter of life could just be the beginning of her story... The perfect story for book lovers everywhere. Ideal for fans of Sally Page and Evie Woods. Readers and authors have fallen in love with Kate Storey: 'A gorgeous story full of emotion and a very special library.' - Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop'An absolute joy to read. Uplifting, beautiful, and perfect for any book lovers!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A lovely story that celebrates books, family and kindness. Touching and beautiful.' - Hazel Prior, bestselling author of Away with the Penguins 'The Memory Library delivers on its promise of hope, friendship and second chances. It's a love letter to the written word.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The Memory Library is so joyful. Kate Storey writes from the heart and the gut about mistakes and how we can learn from them. Great characters and a truly heartwarming story - I loved it!' - Laura Pearson, author of #1 Kindle bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont'A powerful and poignant story. There were tears shed.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A gorgeous novel that pairs my (and many people's) perennial love for books about books with themes of family - and just how complex they can be.' - Platinum'I laughed out loud and had more than one glassy eye!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'An utterly gorgeous page turner about the power of books, family and forgiveness.' - Phaedra Patrick, The Library of Lost and Found'A real treasure for booklovers everywhere who completely appreciate the joy, knowledge and healing that books can bring.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The Memory Library is a magical story...It's a magnificent celebration of the wonderful world of books and libraries - one to treasure and re-read over and over again!' - Celia Anderson, author of USA Today bestseller 59 Memory Lane'There's page after page of wonderful wisdom in this novel.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A beautiful, poignant tale of family, friendship and the power of books. I was completely swept away.' - Kindle bestseller Annie Lyons

'Grab the tissues and clear your schedules as you will not be able to put this down!!!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Beautiful, emotional and hopeful, but have tissues to hand.' Liz Fenwick 'I read it in a day...even after finishing it, it's still lingering in my mind.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ------------------ One mistake could change their lives forever... My life is a mess. My marriage is falling apart, and I'd hoped the arrival of our baby girl would bring us closer together. Yet, as she grows, I see less of a resemblance to my husband, stirring unsettling questions. I was hoping a visit from my friend, Victoria would bring some stability. With her seemingly perfect life in Spain, she embodies hope for a brighter future. But our reunion has taken an unexpected turn. And when a shock diagnosis shakes our family further, Victoria doesn't know it yet, but she might just hold the key to saving our family. But if I want her to help, a big secret has to come out. Revealing the truth risks everything - my marriage, our friendship, our families. Can we weather this storm, or will it shatter us beyond repair? An emotional and powerful novel of motherhood, friendship and what family means to us all. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Susan Lewis. Praise for Emma-Claire Wilson: 'Tragic but ultimately uplifting.' Katie Fforde 'Definitely a page turner that you won't be able to put down!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Heartbreaking and heartwarming.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A heartfelt and suspenseful tale of an agonising life-and-death dilemma...this is a family drama that doesn't shy away from sadness and conflict but powers towards an ultimately hopeful conclusion.' Ali Mercer 'An unputdownable addictive emotional rollercoaster drama filled with love, family, heartbreak, friendship and loss.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A beautifully written and emotionally moving novel. All the characters in this book were amazing...it was impossible not to feel a connection with them!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An emotional story which broke my heart but was beautifully uplifting and filled with hope.' Emma Cowell 'An emotional, original read that gripped me from the start.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'What an emotional ride...beautifully written!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This Child of Mine is an emotionally-charged, beautiful, and poignant story that will stay with me for a very long time. Wilson had me sobbing from the very first page, and I couldn't put the book down. An absolute triumph of a debut.' Natali Simmonds 'Full of raw emotion, sadness and heartache, but also family, friendship, smiles, laughter, and hope. I can't recommend it highly enough!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Beautifully written covering marriage, motherhood, social media issues, foster families, anger and love.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐