Whip smart funny and touching. I cannot believe this is the same author who wrote The American Wife. An entirely different book both in subject matter and tone. A romantic story for those who do not generally read romances. A romantic heroine who does not believe in romance. The biggest obstacle to Sally’s happiness if her inability to believe that Noah is really attracted to her. Described with such honesty, precision and affection that it leaves you gasping. Set in the world of sketch writers for a fictional copy of Saturday Night Live. A novel that shows it is possible to write a fresh and original romance in an intelligent way. And it explores the whole issue of physical beauty and fame. The rich and glamorous alongside the ordinary. Self confidence and self-belief. Delightful.
Well written. Compelling characters. Complex, troubled and not particularly warm, except for Jessie, who was a breath of fresh air. Switching points of view helped keep the pace moving and allowed us to understand each character better, which helped, given the lack of communication between them. Spending time with the troubled Birches, helped me get through a difficult Christmas/New Year period. Always good to immerse yourself in another family’s problems to get your own into perspective! From a writer’s point of view, I found it interesting how the secrets we keep can create so much conflict and drama. In future I’ll pause with the development of a story to ask ‘What if they keep this to themselves? How will this affect the story? And when might the truth be revealed?’
The funny, sharply observed and life-affirming Radio 2 Book Club pick. 'Hilarious and touching' DAILY MAIL
'Warm, humane, funny and sad . . . Absolute pleasure reading' MARIAN KEYES
'Hilariously funny' ROSAMUND LUPTON
'Absorbing, insightful and immensely enjoyable' LAURA BARNETT
It's the holidays, and the Birch family is gathering for the first time in years.
Olivia, the eldest daughter, has returned from treating an epidemic abroad and must go into quarantine for seven days. Her mother has decided it's the perfect opportunity to spend some 'special time' together. Her youngest sister wholeheartedly disagrees. Her father isn't allowed an opinion.
Beautiful and compelling. A slow burn thriller where the characters provide their story with an authenticity that is well earned. The heartbreakingly tender and fragile relationship between this world-weary American and an almost feral child, had me holding my breath. The author deliberately and confidently took their time building the atmosphere, the characters and the world of this rural Irish community in order for us to understand the implications of the plot and the stakes involved. So precisely observed - I loved it! A deeply engrossing and satisfying read for a bleak February week.
'Terrific - terrifying, amazing' STEPHEN KING 'Completely, indescribably magnificent' MARIAN KEYES -----
A DISAPPEARANCE. A SMALL TOWN. A QUESTION THAT NEEDS ANSWERING...
Cal Hooper thought a fixer-upper in a remote Irish village would be the perfect escape. After twenty-five years in the Chicago police force, and a bruising divorce, he just wants to build a new life in a pretty spot with a good pub where nothing much happens.
But then a local kid comes looking for his help. His brother has gone missing, and no one, least of all the police, seems to care. Cal wants nothing to do…
A multi-layered narrative spanning three generations of Polish migrants to a Lake District Peninsula in Morecambe Bay. Three extraordinary women; three broken loves and one magical landscape. 1937: Lew and Hania: a love interrupted by WWII. 1992: Renata and Ula: a love never acknowledged. 2011: Leo and Elka: a love built on secrets. Margaret is the connection, but who is she and can she transcend time to prevent tragedy? Historical and contemporary romance and something else altogether. An extraordinary tale of migration, salvaged families and the search for home.
