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Willowbrook
Eddie Marchant, a former Detective Senior Sergeant in the NZ Police’s Financial Intelligence Unit, and his wife Liz move to Willowbrook, a brand new lifestyle village for over 55s nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. As they settle into village life, they encounter a colourful cast of characters: Millie, the self-proclaimed ‘Mayoress’; Coralie, a former Medécins sans Frontières nurse seeking peace and companionship; Herschel, a computer nerd immersed in artificial intelligence; Douglas, a former CEO abandoned by his scheming ex-wife; Ruth and Aidan, former missionaries grappling with the aftermath of a financial scandal; and the enigmatic Miss Muckle with her unsightly dog, Smooch. She seems to be just a mildly batty old woman with strange habits, but appearances can be deceptive.
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Lakewood
In March 1926, Sam and Sally received a letter from a lawyer inviting them to attend an urgent meeting. They were shocked to find they had been left a thousand-acre estate. The mystery was that they had never met the man who bequeathed them the estate known as Lakewood, and that his son had been disinherited.
The estate was deserted when they first visited it, since all the staff had been dismissed, but Sam and Sally resolved to try to rebuild it. The mystery as to why they had been left the estate is gradually revealed. Whilst struggling to run the estate, they met characters such as Rudge, their handyman; Tansy, the visiting gypsy; Agatha, the village witch who sold herbal cures; and Joe Button, who led a mysterious double life.
Their optimism was shattered when they received a summons; the son was challenging the will. The stressful but sometimes humorous proceedings would determine whether they would be able to continue rebuilding the estate or be ruined. With everything at stake, Sam and Sally must navigate the complex web of secrets and alliances surrounding Lakewood to uncover the truth behind their inheritance and secure their future at the estate.
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In Deep & Shallow Water
Every individual, whether humble or powerful, shapes the world into which they are born. Imagine stepping into a bygone era with no chance of return, where a single variable alters the future forever. In this tale, ghosts are not mere spectres but real people existing in the same space at different times, or perhaps guardians of time itself. The allure of unlocking the secrets of time travel is irresistible. But can a woman, especially one who is dead, be trusted with such profound mysteries?
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The Journal Writer
Journal writers aim to educate others on important matters within specific fields. Chris’ goal, however, was to educate himself on an important matter within a very specific field: himself.
As Chris began writing, he discovered his journal entries were small, seemingly unconnected short stories. As he pieced them together, a larger, finely detailed narrative emerged, one he could see and understand more clearly.
This is the story of a man who comes to realize he is completely broken. After even deeper self-introspection, he resolves to fix himself.
Can he succeed? Does he possess the long-term tenacity needed for this journey? Will he ultimately achieve his goal?
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Borrowed Air Borrowed Land
Love is the spirit of humanity, but can one love a spirit? Julius, a bookstore attendant, is certain of his undying love for a spiritual apparition. However, she is now gone, deceased from this world for centuries, so how can he pursue someone that no longer exists in the world of the living?
His answer is to create her from within. If he cannot find the one he loves, then seeing her again through artistic expression will be his only salvation. Yet, Julius himself is no artist, so who can guide him on this journey?
Laura, his colleague who has recently endured the anguish of a bitter breakup, finds solace in Julius’s presence. As a talented artist she guides Julius in his journey to find the beauty that lies within his emotions. As she watches Julius develop into the artist that parallels herself, she grows closer to him and forms an attachment that gives her the bond that gives meaning to her life.
But unbeknownst to Laura, the object of Julius’s desire lies elsewhere, in a sphere beyond even her artistic thoughts. Will Julius’s journey continue endlessly without resolve? And will it be another cycle of anguish for Laura? Or maybe love and understanding can still find a way to connect them together.
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A Year in the Life of Rebecca Saunders
New beginnings and a dark secret collide in Rebecca Saunders’ chaotic world. Frustrated by a jobless husband, unruly children, and rambunctious dogs, Becky seeks refuge in a quirky job working for Leo, a blustery wine importer with an attic office in his grand home.
Leo’s wife, Fizz, adds to the unpredictable mix with her eccentric personality and champagne-cork temperament. Amidst the swirling chaos, Becky discovers a hidden secret that threatens the heart of her newfound sanctuary. Can she navigate the tangled vines of her own life while preserving the fragile peace she’s found?
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A Tarnished Life
An alcoholic close to death, Emma, a once beautiful woman with the promise of a bright future, lives the last few years of her life in a squalid basement room. In an attempt to banish loneliness, she takes comfort in recalling happier moments shared with loved ones, but is also forced to relive a series of disastrous relationships.
This gripping family saga traces her story from childhood, life as a young woman in war-ravaged London, and a period of affluence and happiness filled with the desire of creating a family of her own. Her hopes are thwarted, and her marriage starts to fail. During this time, she forges a bond with a Scottish couple who bear the scars of a tragic past.
Unable to cope with her disappointments, broken dreams, and a devastating revelation, inexorably she embarks on a spiral of self-destruction. Even the unwavering presence of the man who gave up everything for her cannot release her from the prison of her own making.
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In Tiger Country
In a bustling surgical theatre, where life, death, and difficult decisions intertwine, the lives of Eliza, Ibrahim, and Henry collide, each carrying their own dreams, burdens, and secrets.
Eliza, a junior doctor driven by ambition and insecurities, finds an unexpected champion, only to uncover ulterior motives lurking beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, another, haunted by the specter of racism, yearns to rise above it, but the path forward requires unlikely allies. As tensions reach a boiling point, a sinister conspiracy unfolds, threatening to unravel the very fabric of their profession. Amidst the chaos, a pillar of unity and strength emerges, grappling with the complexities of identity.
In Tiger Country delves into the intricate tapestry of diversity, prejudice, and the hidden depths that reside within us all, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience in the high-stakes world of medicine.
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Miss
This fictional story delves into the dark worlds of human trafficking, prostitution, and questionable ‘big business’ practices. It chronicles a couple’s tumultuous journey through the emotional gamut – from despair to happiness, violence to peace. Their path takes them from Yorkshire to across Europe and the Caribbean as their story highlights the total dependence and unyielding belief these two have in each other.
Touching on complex themes involving the grey areas of consent and morality, this tale will tug at your heartstrings. Ultimately, it is an emotional rollercoaster centred on an unconventional but enduring love story.
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Tragic Wedding
In the 1990s, the UK made significant strides in addressing women’s rights, with issues such as workplace discrimination, maternity leave, and equal pay coming to the forefront of societal awareness. Despite these advancements, certain harmful practices, like underage and arranged marriages, persisted, particularly within Asian and African communities. Many families, holding onto the traditions of their original cultures from former British colonies, failed to recognize the conflict this caused with their UK-raised children, who embraced different values and lifestyles.
The novel centres around Jameela, a young woman tragically caught in such a cultural rift. Her story unfolds against the backdrop of her forced marriage and subsequent life in a tribal society, just as the fanatic militia known as the Taliban begins to rise in power. Years later, Jameela’s sister and a friend, both medical graduates, journey to this tribal land on a mission to help and to search for Jameela. Their efforts lead to arrest and near despair, until a nurse, partially educated in the UK, and her influential uncle intervene, enabling a poignant reunion with Jameela. Now a widow, Jameela has been deeply indoctrinated by the Taliban’s extremist teachings, viewing even the simplest acts of affection as forbidden.
Through an intensive rehabilitation program, Jameela gradually recovers from her indoctrination. Together, the three women return to the UK, united by a resolve to establish a charity dedicated to combating arranged and underage marriages. Their mission is bittersweet, however, as their success is overshadowed by the tragic death of their mother, who is overwhelmed by the shock and joy of seeing Jameela alive.
This poignant tale not only highlights the stark realities faced by women caught in the crosshairs of cultural tradition and modernity but also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of redemption and advocacy.
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A Cry of Hounds
When, in the middle of winter, a beautiful woman arrives in a small village in the English Lake District, James Cameron, the local vet, is drawn into the air of mystery that surrounds her. As he becomes increasingly entwined in her dangerous world, he is drawn into conflicts that will have widespread consequences for him and his community, leading to violence and the involvement of the law at the highest levels.
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Douglas' Diary
This delightful and imaginative diary is narrated by Douglas, a dog who embarks on a narrowboat journey with his human ‘pets’. Douglas recounts his adventures from his unique canine perspective, bringing humor and whimsy to the tale.
Written in engaging diary format, Douglas shares daily events of the journey in his own words. His creative descriptions – referring to the narrowboat as his ‘long-kennel’, the car as his ‘short-kennel’, lifts as ‘magic cupboards’, and more – add a fun touch. As an observant narrator, Douglas provides thoughtful insights into the people and places encountered along the way, while also delighting in simple pleasures like walks, playing ball, and goose droppings. Douglas’ affectionate bond with his Pets shines through.
Enhanced by a map and illustrations, Douglas chronicles the English countryside and villages along the winding canals and rivers. This creative and charming travelogue will appeal to dog lovers, canal boat enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a heartwarming tale of adventure and friendship. Douglas is a captivating guide on this 500-mile narrowboat voyage around the Pennine Ring.
£3.50