Recommendations based on "The Friend: Winner of the National Book Award for Fiction"

THE NO.1 FRENCH BESTSELLER AND WINNER OF THE MAISON DE LA PRESSE PRIZE'Stunning and heart-gripping' André Aciman, author of Call Me by Your Name'A beautiful, shattering novel about desire and shame, about passionate youth and the regrets of age' Olivia Laing, bestselling author of CrudoJust outside a hotel in Bordeaux, Philippe, a famous writer, chances upon a young man who bears a striking resemblance to his first love. What follows is a look back to Philippe's teenage years, to a winter morning in 1984, a small French high school, and a carefully timed encounter between two seventeen-year-olds. It's the start of a secret, intensely passionate, world-altering love affair between Philippe and his classmate, Thomas.Dazzlingly rendered by Molly Ringwald, the acclaimed actor and writer, in her first-ever translation, Besson's exquisitely moving coming-of-age story captures the tenderness of first love - and the heart-breaking passage of time.'It has been years since anything moved me as much as Lie With Me. It will become a classic.' Jonathan Coe, bestselling author of Middle England'An intense, unforgettable novel, alive with the ache of longing and loss.' Sarah Waters, bestselling, award-winning author of The Little Stranger and Fingersmith'Devastating and tender; this is the book I wish I'd read when I was 15, and a book I'm glad to have as a companion now' Andrew McMillan, award-winning author of Physical'A deeply moving depiction of first love, both tender and elegiac.' John Boyne, bestselling author of A Ladder to the Sky and The Heart's Invisible Furies'A slender, sad, acute novel... absolutely excellent' Sarah Perry, bestselling author of The Essex Serpent and Melmoth'A tender, sensuous novel' New York Times Book Review'Full of Proustian echoes, this story of gay adolescence deals with complex issues of class, shame and secrecy' Guardian'A poignant tale that captures the intensity of first love with all its sadness, longing and regret' Daily Mail'A clear-sighted and passionate coming-of-age narrative. Detailing in elegant and plain prose the anxious and intense first falling-in-love between two schoolboys, Lie With Me has a tenderness and insight that is reminiscent of the writings of Garth Greenwell. This novel can be read in a matter of hours, but its impact, like the love affair it details, will echo in the mind' Irish Times

A story of falling out of love from the winner of the Comedy Women in Print Award, for fans of Monica Heisey and Dolly Alderton

A new chapter is just beginning…*A finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction 2021!*‘The story is an absolute joy . . . A captivating and exquisitely crafted debut’Sunday Times bestseller, HEIDI SWAIN‘A love letter to books, reading and the power of connection – absolutely gorgeous’ Sunday Times bestseller, RUTH WAREWhen Aleisha discovers a crumpled reading list tucked into a tattered library book, it sparks an extraordinary journey.From timeless stories of love and friendship to an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean with a boy and a tiger in a boat, the list opens a gateway to new and wonderful worlds – just when Aleisha needs an escape from her troubles at home.And when widower Mukesh arrives at the library, desperate to connect with his bookworm granddaughter, Aleisha introduces him to the magic of the reading list. An anxious teenager and a lonely grandfather forming an unlikely book club of two.Inspiring and heartwarming, The Reading List is a love letter to storytelling – its power to transport us, connect us, and remind us that a new beginning is only a page away…A real heart-lifter . . . . A joyful, uplifting read’ Good Housekeeping‘A gorgeous debut novel about the power reading has to bring people together, no matter the barriers of age, culture and class’ Red

From the wildly popular bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things—an uplifting, slightly magical story about how it’s never too late to find out who you really are."Ruth Hogan is the queen of uplifting fiction and Madame Burova reminds us why. The writing crackles with humor and warmth. I can't imagine a better book in which to lose yourself at the moment. Stunning, immersive and absolutely wonderful." --Annie Lyons, author of The Brilliant Life of Eudora HoneysettMadame Burova—beloved Tarot reader, palmist, and clairvoyant—is retiring and leaving her booth on the Brighton seafront.After inheriting her mother’s fortune-telling business as a young woman, Imelda Burova has spent her life on the Brighton pier practicing her trade. She and her trusty pack of Tarot cards have seen the lovers and the liars, the angels and the devils, the dreamers and the fools. Now, after a lifetime of keeping other people’s secrets, Madam Burova is ready to have a little piece of life for herself. But she still has one last thing to do—to fulfill a promise made in the 1970s, when she and her girlfriends were carefree, with their whole lives still before them.In London, it is time for another woman to make a fresh start. Billie has lost her university job, her marriage, and her place in the world when a sudden and unlikely discovery leaves her very identity in question. Determined to find answers, she must follow a trail…which leads to Brighton, the pier, and directly to Madame Burova’s door.In a story spanning over fifty years, Ruth Hogan has conjured a magical world of 1970s holiday camps and seaside entertainers, eccentrics, heroes and villains, the lost and the found. Young people will make careless choices which echo down the years….but it’s never too late to put things right.

“A beautiful debut, funny, tender, and animated by a willingness to confront life’s obstacles and find a way to survive. . . . It celebrates friendship, finds meaning in difficulty and lets the reader explore dark places while always allowing for the possibility of light. Lenni and Margot are fine companions for all our springtime journeys.”—Harper’s Bazaar, UK  A charming, fiercely alive and disarmingly funny debut novel in the vein of John Green, Rachel Joyce, and Jojo Moyes—a brave testament to the power of living each day to the fullest, a tribute to the stories that we live, and a reminder of our unlimited capacity for friendship and love. An extraordinary friendship. A lifetime of stories.  Seventeen-year-old Lenni Pettersson lives on the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. Though the teenager has been told she’s dying, she still has plenty of living to do. Joining the hospital’s arts and crafts class, she meets the magnificent Margot, an 83-year-old, purple-pajama-wearing, fruitcake-eating rebel, who transforms Lenni in ways she never imagined. As their friendship blooms, a world of stories opens for these unlikely companions who, between them, have been alive for one hundred years. Though their days are dwindling, both are determined to leave their mark on the world. With the help of Lenni’s doting palliative care nurse and Father Arthur, the hospital’s patient chaplain, Lenni and Margot devise a plan to create one hundred paintings showcasing the stories of the century they have lived—stories of love and loss, of courage and kindness, of unexpected tenderness and pure joy. Though the end is near, life isn’t quite done with these unforgettable women just yet. Delightfully funny and bittersweet, heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot reminds us of the preciousness of life as it considers the legacy we choose to leave, how we influence the lives of others even after we’re gone, and the wonder of a friendship that transcends time. From the beautiful cover to the heart-warming story, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a book that will touch your soul and make you appreciate the beauty of life. This literary fiction novel is one of the best books of all time, and it's perfect for anyone who loves novels about love, grief, and friendship.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A romance like no other . . . this book has it all’ NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A brilliant read and a perfect ending . . . best read of the year’ NetGalley Reviewer The brand new seasonal novel from the author of the bestselling book, A Secret Scottish Escape ‘A charming read full of romance and mystery. Delightful’ Woman’s Weekly When Leonie Baxter finds herself out of a job and out of a relationship, she’s at her wits end. Her life has just been turned upside down and she needs a plan, fast. By chance, on a walk with her rescue puppy, Leonie stumbles across a striking house in the woods; fully furnished but unoccupied. As a journalist, she is determined to find out more, after all, reporting is in her nature. But her attempts are thwarted by Lily Cruickshank who lives in the cottage next door. Why won’t Lily help Leonie? And who is the mysterious Flynn Talbot, whose letter Leonie finds inside the house? And in uncovering the secrets of the abandoned house, will Leonie open her own heart and let love back into her life? The brand new escapist story from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish Escape and A Scottish Highland Surprise, for fans of Jo Thomas, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley. Readers can’t get enough of The Cottage in the Highlands ‘Mesmerising, magical and moving’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A really lovely book about friendship, romance and second chances’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fabulous . . . a page-turner of a book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Has a lot of heart, a story about all the different types of love’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A feel-good story’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A lovely read . . . I highly recommend this book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Just the right amount of mystery, a bit of adventure and a slow romance’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An excellent cosy mystery and romance’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was transported to the lives of these characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heartwarming and sweet, a story about second chances’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A surprisingly little twist’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Julie Shackman knows how to bring the feel-good factor to fiction’ Woman’s Weekly 'I was completely drawn into the storyline... It resonates with love, an extra layer of maturity, wisdom and skill and left my heart squeezed, teary and smiling. This magnificent story shines with a hope and brilliance that captivated my heart.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Get ready to fall in love with the brand new feel-good romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman. When romance author Rosie Winters’s own fairytale romance ends with a bang, she’s determined to get away from everything. Packing up her belongings she sets off for the furthest place she can think of: Scotland. Rosie spent her summers at her late grandmother’s coastal cottage in the Highlands and knows it’ll be the perfect place to wallow for a while. Even better that there’s a gorgeous lighthouse and dolphins in the bay. What Rosie didn’t expect was to bump into the new lighthouse keeper, Mitch. Despite her recent heartbreak, Rosie finds herself fascinated by the mysterious Mitch. As they spend more time together, is it possible that he needs Rosie every bit as she needs him... Readers have fallen in love with A Scottish Lighthouse Escape: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Absolutely stunning book! I absolutely loved the story, it was easy to read and the perfect balance of emotions!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A real page turner... I loved the description of the cottage itself and the surroundings in the Highlands of Scotland’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautiful, heart-warming and uplifting story' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A fabulous book, takes it's time and gives you all the feels. Fabulous characters and perfect pacing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘You have old love, art, a broken hearted lighthouse keeper and two gorgeous dogs. Also discovering your grandparents lives’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A lovely, gentle read, a love story set in Scotland. It had several twists and kept me interested in the plot. I especially loved the way the two dogs played an integral part in the story; you can tell that the author is a dog lover'

'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

"It was Betty, defiant to the end, who sent Lorna back to Longhampton. If Lorna's learned one thing from Betty it's that courage is something you paint on like red lipstick, even when you're panicking inside. And right now, with the keys to the town's gallery in her hand, Lorna feels about as courageous as Betty's anxious little dachshund, trembling beside her. Lorna's come home to Longhampton to fulfil a long-held dream, but she knows, deep down, there are ghosts she needs to lay to rest first. This is where her tight-knit family shattered into silent pieces. It's where her unspoken fears about herself took root and where her own secret, complicated love began. It's not exactly a fresh start. But as Lorna - and the little dog - tentatively open their cracked hearts to old friends and new ones, facing hard truths and fresh promises, something surprisingly beautiful begins to grow around the gallery, something so inspirational even Lorna couldn't have predicted the light it lets into her world ..."--Publisher.

A hilarious, emotional and thought-provoking book club read for fans of David Nicholls and Cecelia Ahern. ------------------ Nell has always known the date she's going to die. After a psychic predicted her death date twenty years ago, she has lived life accepting she would never see forty - embracing adventure and travelling the world, choosing fun over commitment and laying down roots.So, when the fateful day comes, Nell feels ready. She sends five excruciatingly honest confessions to her sister, parents and past loves, knowing she won't be around to face the consequences. Then, with her heart laid bare, all that's left to do is check into a glamorous hotel and wait for the inevitable...But when Nell unexpectedly wakes up the next morning broke, single and very much alive, she must figure out exactly how to seize this second chance at life. And then it also hits her: What on earth happens now that everyone knows how she really feels? This is the perfect book club read for fans of David Nicholls, Holly Smale and Beth O'Leary, asking what it is that makes for a life well lived. ------------------ 'A thought-provoking, funny, delight of a book, I couldn't put it down!' SOPHIE COUSENS