Recommendations based on "The 24-Hour Café An uplifting story of friendship, hope and following your dreams from the top ten bestseller"

**Josie Lloyd's heart-warming and joyful new novel, Lifesaving for Beginners, is available for pre-order now!** *** 'Amazing, heartbreaking and inspiring' Jenny Colgan 'A love letter to the power of friendship, honest and uplifting' Jill Mansell 'A fiercely positive story, about the power of hope' Mike Gayle *** Sometimes we need our friends to help us find our feet... When Keira first receives her breast cancer diagnosis, she doesn't want to have to tell her family, or step back from work. She doesn't want to sit in a hospital, or be part of a group of fellow cancer patients. Cancer is not her club. But as she accepts that her health is no longer something she can rely on, Keira finds herself embracing running. And running in the company of a group of brilliant, funny women each going through treatment unexpectedly gives Keira the hope she needs. Because the C-word is not going to define Keira's identity. And with the Cancer Ladies' Running Club cheering her on, she's going to reclaim her life. One step at a time. Life isn't always the race we expected to run but this moving and uplifting novel is full of hope and about love, family, friendship and the power of finding your tribe. ****** 'A wise, warm and wonderful novel ... an incredibly moving, uplifting and hopeful story that looks at the power of finding your tribe. It will make you smile and love life just a little bit more' Adele Parks, Platinum 'Uplifting and positive, you will be cheering them along' Prima 'An honest read that, despite its heart-wrenching topic, will uplift and inspire you' Heat 'Made me believe in life and in love. Hopeful and life-changing' Katie Marsh, author of The Rest of Me 'An amazing story that shows us all the strength of the human spirit and the power of friendship. An inspiration!' Magic Radio

Gripping, emotional and uplifting – a novel about the true power of friendship.’a tender, emotional and uplifting read … I loved it’ Lucy Diamond’A superb writer – the Irish Jojo Moyes’ Irish Examiner The simple fact of the matter is that Iris loves life. Maybe she’s forgotten that. Sometimes that happens, doesn’t it? To the best of us? All I have to do is remind her of that one simple fact.Monday morning starts like any other – until Terry discovers her best friend Iris has gone missing. Finding her takes Terry, Iris and Terry’s confused father Eugene, into an extraordinary journey – one that will change all of their lives. And, along the way, what should be the worst six days of Terry’s life turn into the best.Because friendship teaches us all to be brave. And, sometimes, the rules are made to be broken.

THE INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA Good Housekeeping "Book We're Most Looking Forward To" * An Independent Today "Best Fiction Books to Read" * A GQ Magazine (UK) "Best Book of 2024" * A Harper’s Bazaar (UK) "Best Novels to Read" * A Daily Record "Best Novel""Captivating [and] flawless...An affectingly hard-won romance. [Michael is] a sturdy and slyly amusing authority figure, … flailing amid the debris of a loving marriage gone sour. Marnie is a compulsively witty, winningly cranky near-agoraphobe...Both protagonists are prickly, smart and desperately yearning, but utterly guarded for understandably good reasons. Nicholls builds his own erotic and at times wrenchingly emotional suspense as the would-be lovers reveal past mishaps and surrendered dreams... As in the best romances, we cherish Michael’s and Marnie’s difficult personalities, and relish the unlikely process that might bring them together. The novel is sharp-tongued and irresistible." — New York Times Book Review"I finished this novel in two breathless sittings, as invested in its outcome as I would be in the happiness of a friend. This is the magic of You Are Here: warm, generous and funny, it invites readers into the world of Marnie and Michael with the promise that everyone is welcome, and that choosing happiness and being courageous in any small way we can is always possible. I loved this book." — Kaliane Bradley, author of The Ministry of TimeFrom the internationally bestselling and Booker Prize-longlisted author of One Day, one of the most enduring love stories of its generation, comes an uplifting and unputdownable love story about second chances.Sometimes you need to get lost to find your way . . .Michael is coming undone. Adrift after his wife's departure, he has begun taking himself on long, solitary walks across the English countryside. Becoming ever more reclusive, he’ll do anything to avoid his empty house.Marnie, on the other hand, is stuck. Hiding alone in her London flat, she avoids old friends and any reminders of her rotten, selfish ex-husband. Curled up with a good book, she’s battling the long afternoons of a life that feels like it’s passing her by.When a persistent mutual friend and some very unpredictable weather conspire to toss Michael and Marnie together on the most epic of ten-day hikes, neither of them can think of anything worse. Until, of course, they discover exactly what they’ve been looking for.Michael and Marnie are on the precipice of a bright future . . . if they can survive the journey.A hilarious, hopeful, and heartwarming love story—the novel belovedNew York Times bestselling author David Nicholls calls “my funniest book yet”—You Are Here is a bittersweet and hopeful story of first encounters, second chances, and finding the way home.

THE BESTSELLING NOVEL FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY-SELLING AUTHORFor three friends, one summer will change everything . . .Grace has been best friends with Ella and Flick forever. The late-night chats, shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time.When Ella invites them to stay for a week in her cottage in South Wales, Grace jumps at the chance to see her old friends. She also hopes that the change of scenery will help her reconnect with her distant husband.Then Flick arrives; loveable, bubbly, incorrigible Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah.And all at once they realise this is going to be one week which will change all their lives forever...A Cottage by the Sea is the bestselling reader favourite by Carole Matthews, filled with breath-taking romance, heart-warming friendships, and a whole lot of laughter. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Sarah Morgan.YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS LOVE CAROLE MATTHEWS:'A life-affirming story full of joy and hope' CATHY BRAMLEY'A sun-filled, fun-filled wonderful escapist adventure' MILLY JOHNSON'A wonderful setting where dark clouds part to reveal a happy ending' KATIE FFORDE'An irresistibly warm-hearted story' TRISHA ASHLEY'Warm, witty and hopeful - I was charmed' SARAH MORGAN'The queen of funny, feel-good fiction' MIKE GAYLEA COTTAGE BY THE SEA was a Sunday Times bestseller on 31st March 2013

*Carol's new captivating, escapist novel, ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE, is available to pre-order NOW!*The escapist Sunday Times bestselling debut from the nation’s best loved TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood.‘Loved it! It sizzles with secrets and passion. A real page turner!’ Jo ThomasOne woman returns to the island that changed her life foreverA-list actress Shauna Jackson has the perfect life. Fame, fortune, marriage. Or so it seems.Running from a scandal, Shauna flees to the place that changed her life twenty years ago, the idyllic Greek island of Ithos.Captivated once more by the azure seas and scented olive groves, bittersweet memories resurface of one summer, one unforgettable man, and a long-hidden secret.Shauna can escape Hollywood, but can she escape her past?‘An absolute cracking read – it’s brilliant!’ Steph McGovern presenter of Packed Lunch‘Sun-soaked, glamorous escapism.’ Cressida McLaughlin‘A sizzling summer read. I couldn’t put it down.’ Alex Brown, bestselling author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage‘An exquisite tale of love lost and found that’s full of intriguing characters and romantic locations. A Perfect summer read.’ Judy MurrayFive Star reviews from NetGalley:Excellent debut novel *****You had me hooked from the very first page, right through to the very last word! I was riveted. I’m in awe. *****100% recommend sitting and relaxing with your favourite cocktail and getting lost in this truly wonderful romance. I loved it. *****A great summer read! *****Full of wonderful descriptions of sun-drenched Greek islands, Hollywood and its screen icons; I didn't want to put it down. *****This book makes for a perfect summer read and one I definitely recommend reading. *****Absolutely adored this book. I'm pretty sure I didn't move the whole time I was reading it! *****Carol Kirkwood's book 'Secrets of the Villa Amore' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-07-24.

Come to the Comfort Food Café this spring for sunshine, smiles and plenty of truly scrumptious lemon drizzle cake. ‘As cosy as a buttered crumpet’ Sunday Times bestseller Milly Johnson ‘Summer wouldn’t be Summer without Debbie Johnson!’ Jenny Oliver My name is Willow Longville. I live in a village called Budbury on the stunning Dorset coast with my mum Lynnie, who sometimes forgets who I am. I’m a waitress at the Comfort Food Café, which is really so much more than a café ... it’s my home. For Willow, the ramshackle café overlooking the beach, together with its warm-hearted community, offers friendship as a daily special and always has a hearty welcome on the menu. But when a handsome stranger blows in on a warm spring breeze, Willow soon realises that her quiet country life will be changed forever. Curl up with this gorgeous novel and make yourself at home at the Comfort Food Café. ‘Just my cup of tea’ Sue Moorcroft ‘Full of heart and a delight to read, another triumph from Debbie Johnson’ Bella Osborne

From the USA Today bestselling author of Sunshine Beach, a story of four women trying to rebuild more than their lives...   Before you can fix it up, you might have to tear it down...   Embroiled in a battle to regain control of their renovation-turned-reality TV show, Do Over, Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra find themselves holding tight to the frayed ends of their friendship and relationships.   Maddie must face the realities of dating a rock star once again topping the charts and dealing with her hapless ex-husband, while Avery is caught up in family drama even as she attempts to transform a tiny cottage into a home for the newly impoverished heiress who helped bankroll their last renovation. Put on bedrest, a hugely pregnant Nikki can’t quite believe love can last, or trust in her own maternal instinct. And Kyra, who has secretly put Bella Flora at risk in an attempt to salvage Do Over, must decide whether to accept a desperately needed bail out from her son’s famous father that comes with far too many strings attached…   But friendship is made for times like these, to keep each other—and their dreams—from crumbling.

The perfect summer holiday read for fans of Cathy Bramley and Phillipa Ashley Return to Love Heart Lane for friendship, romance and a community who will be be there for you no matter what... Isla and Drew Allaway appear to have the perfect life - a strong marriage, two beautiful children and their picture-perfect home, Foxglove Farm. But, new mum Isla is struggling. She loves her little family but with Drew working all hours on the farm, Isla's lonely. When she discovers that Drew has been keeping secrets from her, Isla has to face losing the home they all love. Can the Love Heart Lane community pull together once more to help save Foxglove Farm? And can Isla save her home...and her marriage?

‘Be whisked away in this sunny, heartwarming read’ Woman’s Own ‘I adored it’ Milly Johnson ‘Enchanting and wonderfully romantic’ Cathy Bramley ‘I adored it. The perfect summer read!’ Lesley Pearse Grace Quinn loves her job at Cohen’s Convenient Storage Company, finding occasional treasure in the forgotten units that customers have abandoned. Her inquisitive nature is piqued when a valuable art collection and a bundle of letters and diaries are found that date back to the 1930s. Delving deeper, Grace uncovers the story of a young English woman, Connie Levine, who follows her heart to Italy at the end of the Second World war. The contents also offer up the hope of a new beginning for Grace, battling a broken heart and caring for her controlling mother. Embarking on her own voyage of discovery, Grace’s search takes her to a powder pink villa on the cliff tops overlooking the Italian Riviera, but will she unravel the family secrets and betrayals that Connie tried so hard to overcome, and find love for herself?

‘A little gem. 5*’ Samantha Tonge, bestselling author of The New Beginnings Coffee Club You’re never too old to try something new! When octogenarian Olive Turner is persuaded by her son to move into a retirement home, she congratulates herself on finding the secret to an easy life: no washing up, cooking or cleaning. But Olive isn’t one for mindless bingo with her fellow residents, and before the first day is over she's already hatching a plan to escape back to her beloved beach hut and indulge in her secret passion for a very good gin & tonic. Before long Olive’s secret is out and turning into something wonderful and new. Only a select few are invited, but word spreads quickly about the weekly meetings of The Gin Shack Club. Soon everybody on the beach wants to become a gin connoisseur and join Olive on her journey to never being forced to grow older than you feel. A journey of friendship, defiance and a quest for the perfect G&T. Readers LOVE The Gin Shack on the Beach! ‘Wow, what a lovely story! The book captured me from the start...This book was a breath of fresh air!... This is a book that I won’t forget in a hurry, genuinely one that everyone should read. Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘I absolutely loved it! This is a 5 star book all the way and I’m only sorry that it ended.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘This book is a hoot and I spent a glorious Saturday immersed between the pages and absolutely loved every moment of it. Fantastic.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘I adored absolutely everything about this book!... Fantastic and utterly fun.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Brilliantly written, and a story of not growing old gracefully.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Perfect summer reading, or for anytime really when you want a feel-good and uplifting read.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars