In his newest novel, acclaimed author Graham Swift marries the erratic devastations of reality with the elusive probability of magic under the lights of vaudeville, a story of delicate illusions where what one chooses to believe can unearth the most revealing connections.It's the summer of 1959, and something magical can be witnessed at the end of the pier in beach town Brighton, England. Jack Robbins, Ronnie Deane, and Evie White are performing in a seaside variety show, starring as Jack Robinson the compere comedian, and The Great Pablo and Eve: a magic act. By the end of the summer, Evie's glinting engagement ring will be flung to the bottom of the ocean and one of the trifecta will vanish forever. All three friends begin their path toward the end of Brighton's pier early in life. Evie and Jack's mothers always trumpeting the support that is trademark of stage mothers, while Ronnie's mother sends her son out in the child evacuations to Penny and Eric Lawrence... Views: 292
Set against the backdrop of Karachi, Pakistan, Saadia Faruqi's tender and honest middle grade novel tells the story of two girls navigating a summer of change and family upheaval with kind hearts, big dreams, and all the right questions. Mimi is not thrilled to be spending her summer in Karachi, Pakistan, with grandparents she's never met. Secretly, she wishes to find her long-absent father, and plans to write to him in her beautiful new journal. The cook's daughter, Sakina, still hasn't told her parents that she'll be accepted to school only if she can improve her English test score—but then, how could her family possibly afford to lose the money she earns working with her Abba in a rich family's kitchen? Although the girls seem totally incompatible at first, as the summer goes on, Sakina and Mimi realize that they have plenty in common—and that they each need the other to get what they want most. This relatable... Views: 292
She's opened up to him...But will he let her in?Former air force officer Reyna Montero wants to become a firefighter, despite her family's wishes. In a bid to impress the fire chief, Reyna agrees to train the station's naughty dalmatian—and turns to fellow veteran and dog expert Sean Wakefield for support. As they work together, independent Reyna gradually lets Sean see her vulnerable side...until mounting pressures tangle with their dreams coming true.USA TODAY Bestselling Author Views: 292
"Best Novels of Fall 2020" —Vogue "Most Anticipated List for Fall 2020" —Parade "Best of Fall 2020" —PopSugar "Best Books of 2020" —Marie Claire From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl series, a deliciously irresistible novel chronicling a year in the life of four families in an upscale Brooklyn neighborhood as they seek purpose, community, and meaningful relationships—until one unforgettable night at a raucous neighborhood party knocks them to their senses.Welcome to Cobble Hill. In this eclectic Brooklyn neighborhood, private storms brew amongst four married couples and their children. There's ex-groupie Mandy, so underwhelmed by motherhood and her current physical state that she fakes a debilitating disease to get the attention of her skateboarding, ex-boyband member husband Stuart. There's the unconventional new school nurse, Peaches, on... Views: 292
Hotel Belvedere is a Belle Epoque hotel in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. It was built by the Krugers and, in the last months of the 20th Century, it is still owned and run by the family: Vanessa, the grande dame and former opera singer; her daughter, the somewhat ailing Candice, and practical husband Thierry; Philippe, their playboy son, and Paloma the wayward daughter. Nearby, the rival Excelsior is owned by Karl Mercier, whom Candice "should have married". There resides Dr DeBraye, a suave provider of medical services to society ladies. Below stairs in the Belvedere are Fosse the housekeeper, Concierge, Cook, and waiters and chambermaids. As the novel opens, a goatherd's daughter, Odile, comes down from the mountain to become a chambermaid. She faces the swirling emotions of management and staff with simple alpine good sense, and her future seems bright. But a secret from 30 years earlier emerges, when English waiter, Noel, moves from the Excelsior to... Views: 292
Top cop. Devoted sister. Now Inmate 3329. But prison bars won't stop Harriet Blue from seeking justice for the murder of her brother. Prison is a dangerous place for a former cop - as Harriet Blue is learning on a daily basis.So, following a fight for her life and a prison-wide lockdown, the last person she wants to see is Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Woods. The man who put her inside.But Woods is not there to gloat. His daughter Tonya and her two-year-old child have gone missing.He's ready to offer Harriet a deal: find his family to buy her freedom... Views: 292