Free fundraising ideas & silent auctions for communities & charities

1

Neil Gaiman

Title: Coraline Genre: Paranormal Thriller - Suspense Format: Leather Bound Limited Edition Printed at the Request of Neil (Very, Very, Very Rare) Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global *Bonus: The book at the moment is unsigned. Neil will sign and dedicate his book once he knows who the successful bidder for his book is. He will also be adding a unique drawing of a rat to his signature and dedication * Website: https://www.neilgaiman.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/neilhimself The Book; Coraline is a dark fantasy horror children's novel by British author Neil Gaiman. Gaiman started writing Coraline in 1990, and it was published in 2002 by Bloomsbury and HarperCollins. It was awarded the 2003 Hugo Award for Best Novella, the 2003 Nebula Award for Best Novel, and the 2002 Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers. The Guardian ranked Coraline #82 in its list of 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. It was adapted as a 2009 stop-motion animated film, directed by Henry Selick under the same name. Plot Coraline Jones moves into a new apartment with her parents. As a curious and adventurous 9-year-old girl, Coraline quickly becomes bored of her new surroundings even though she has some eccentric neighbors to keep her company. One rainy day, Coraline becomes interested in a strange door that opens up to a brick wall. Mysteriously, the brick wall vanishes the next day and the door leads to an eerie corridor. When Coraline explores it, she finds that on the other side is a parallel universe that is a mirror image of the one she just left behind. She finds an alternate version of her new home, inhabited by versions of her parents who call themselves her "Other Mother" and "Other Father". When Coraline returns home from the parallel universe, she finds that her real parents have gone missing. She decides to go back to the parallel universe and look for them. Coraline undertakes several brave adventures in the Other universe as she battles the evil Other Mother. She ends up discovering the incredible strength within herself through these adventures. The Author: Neil Gaiman's work has been honoured with many awards internationally, including the Newbery and Carnegie Medals. His books and stories have also been honoured with Hugos, Nebulas, the World Fantasy Award, Bram Stoker Awards, Locus Awards, British SF Awards, British Fantasy Awards, Geffens, Mythopoeic Awards, and numerous others. He is a Professor in the Arts at Bard College.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

20

£3,075

2

Carol Drinkwater

Bumper Bundle! Title 1: The Lost Girl Genre: Historical Fiction - Suspense Format: Audio CD pack - (Narrated by Carol herself) Title 2: An Act of Love Genre: Historical Fiction - Suspense - Romance Format: Paperback Title 3: The Illustrated Olive Farm Genre: Travel - Biographical Format: Hardback Coffee Table Edition Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.caroldrinkwater.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Carol4OliveFarm Book 1 Blurb: The Lost Girl Since her teenage daughter went missing four years ago, Kurtiz Ross has blamed and isolated herself. Until, out of the blue, Lizzie is sighted in Paris. But within hours of her arrival, Kurtiz sees the City of Light plunged into terror. Amid the fear and chaos, a hand reaches out. A sympathetic stranger offers to help a terrified mother find her daughter. The other woman's kindness - and her stories of her own love and loss in post-war Provence - shine unexpected light into the shadows. The night may hold the answers to a mystery - but dare Kurtiz believe it could also bring a miracle? Book 2 Blurb: An Act of Love France, 1943. Forced to flee war ravaged Poland, Sara and her parents are offered refuge in a beautiful but dilapidated house in the French Alps. It seems the perfect hideaway, despite haunting traces of the previous occupants who left in haste. But shadows soon fall over Sara's blissful summer, and her blossoming romance with local villager Alain. As the Nazis close in, the family is forced to make a harrowing choice that could drive them apart forever, while Sara's own bid for freedom risks several lives . . . Will her family make it through the summer together? And can she hold onto the love she has found with Alain? Book 3 Blurb: THE OLIVE TRILOGY is the story of the love affair between actress Carol Drinkwater and television producer Michel Noll and a Provencal olive farm, Appassionata, which they fall in love with, buy and with little money and many tribulations restore with the aim of producing the finest olive oil. In this book Carol and Michel have documented their life on the olive farm: the highs and lows of harvesting and pressing, the constant concern about water, the adoption of animals, and the anxious search for ways to diversify. Local food and wine, customs, markets and fairs, friends and characterful neighbours, the whole Provencal way of life, are richly recounted and illustrated. Author Bio: Anglo-Irish actress Carol Drinkwater is perhaps still most familiar to audiences for her award-winning portrayal of Helen Herriot in the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small. A popular and acclaimed author and film-maker as well, Carol has published nineteen books, and one Kindle Single, for both the adult and young adult markets. She is currently at work on her twenty-first title. When she purchased a rundown property overlooking the Bay of Cannes in France, she discovered on the grounds sixty-eight, 400-year-old olive trees. Once the land was reclaimed and the olives pressed, Carol along with her French husband, Michel, became the producers of top-quality olive oil. Her series of memoirs, love stories, recounting her experiences on her farm (The Olive Farm, The Olive Season, The Olive Harvest and Return to the Olive Farm) have become international bestsellers. Carol's fascination with the olive tree extended to a seventeenth-month, solo Mediterranean journey in search of the tree's mythical secrets. The resulting travel books, The Olive Route and The Olive Tree, have inspired a five-part documentary films series entitled The Olive Route. Carol has also been invited to work with UNESCO to help fund an Olive Heritage Trail around the Mediterranean with the dual goals of creating peace in the region and honouring the ancient heritage of the olive tree. Carol has recently become an ambassador for Children in Read.

Winning Bidder

Jessica Adams

Bids

7

£70

3

Jessica Adams

*Bid for yourself or for a friend's birthday present from one of the world's most popular astrologers, Jessica Adams. *45 Minute Astrology and Tarot Zoom Reading. *A birthday greeting for you on The Astrology Show Podcast for your special week. *A birthday mention in Jessica Adams' Daily Horoscope at jessicaadams.com, the website seen by 2 million people every year. *A dedicated bottle of champagne from Fortnum & Mason. *A written lifetime horoscope *Your choice of a signed astrology book: Astrology for Women (HarperCollins), Handbag Horoscope (Penguin) or Modern Astrology 2050. Title: Modern Astrology 2050 Genre: Non-Fiction, Astrology Format: Signed, numbered, Limited-Edition Hardback Copy of the Bestselling Ebook Includes 45 Minute Zoom Astrology and Tarot Reading With Jessica Adams Postage included worldwide (covered by author) Website: https://www.jessicaadams.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicacadams The Book: Modern Astrology 2050 is the follow-up to the number one Amazon bestseller, 2020 Astrology. This new book for the rest of your life, covers your personality and future, based on your unique birth horoscope. Suitable for family and friends and perfect as a gift. Find out more about compatibility and chemistry with friends, partners or family. Explore what life until 2050 holds for all of us. Learn the truth about modern astrology discoveries like Salacia and the asteroids. Modern Astrology 2050 is for every fan of jessicaadams.com which attracts 29 million hits, or page views a year. The Author: Jessica Adams is the author of Essential Astrology for Women (Harper Collins) and Handbag Horoscopes (Penquin). Her astrology appears around the world in Vogue, Marie Claire. The Express, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and on ITV This Morning, also Channel 10 Studio Ten, In 2023 Jessica launches The Leo Moon Mysteries with Rachel Wells on Audible UK, Her Latest book, launched in November 2022, is Modern Astrology 2050 Author Photograph Credit: Tess Adams Cover Photograph: James Williams

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

29

£3,110

4

Rachel Wells & Jessica Adams

RACHEL WELLS with JESSICA ADAMS - from bestselling author Rachel Wells we have a signed copy of one of her ALFIE books plus other cat goodies but the most amazing thing is we can offer a unique PAWREADING for your cat! Paw reading gives an insight into your cats’ character and famous international astrologer Jessica Adams (as seen on TV’s This Morning) will do a zoom reading along with Rachel for you! This is not available anywhere else, it’s exclusively available for this auction! Title: A FRIEND CALLED ALFIE Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://rachelwells.co Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaithBleasdale Website: https://www.jessicaadams.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicacadams Book Blurb: The Sunday Times bestseller returns for a sixth book! Alfie and his mischievous kitten George are back for more adventures – this time with a puppy in tow… At Christmas time we all need a friend… Alfie and his kitten, George, have always known that a human is for life and not just for Christmas. So when George learns that one of the residents of Edgar Road has been taken into hospital, he realises it’s up to him to provide some comfort at this difficult time of year. The only problem is that they now have a little puppy in tow – Pickles the Pug, who is convinced he can be a cat if only he sticks with his new found friends. As George tries to do everything he can to make the world – and its humans – happier, Alfie struggles to keep Pickles in check and out of trouble. Because even the best laid plans can be destroyed by a well-meaning – but mischievous – little puppy… Join Alfie, George – and now Pickles – as they come to the rescue of some lonely souls. The perfect read for fans of James Bowen from the Sunday Times bestseller. Author Bio: Rachel Wells is a mother, writer and cat lover who lives in North Devon with her son, Xavier and her cat Lady A. She grew up in Devon but lived in London for a number of years, working in Marketing and living in a tiny flat with an elderly rescued cat, who she called Albert. After having a child she moved back home and is currently juggling writing full time and being a single mum. She has always had cats as pets, ever since she was a young child, and she has always loved writing. Delighted to have been able to combine her two main passions, ALFIE THE DOORSTEP CAT was her first cat novel. She has continued with A CAT CALLED ALFIE, ALFIE & GEORGE, ALFIE THE HOLIDAY CAT, ALFIE IN THE SNOW, A FRIEND CALLED ALFIE and ALFIE THE CHRISTMAS CAT. Delighted to be able to continue to bring Alfie’s adventures to life, Alfie has become a part of the family. She has also written two books for children about Alfie; ALFIE – CAT IN TROUBLE and ALFIE – FAR FROM HOME. Astrologer Bio: Jessica Adams is the author of Essential Astrology for Women (Harper Collins) and Handbag Horoscopes (Penquin). Her astrology appears around the world in Vogue, Marie Claire. The Express, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and on ITV This Morning, also Channel 10 Studio Ten, In 2023 Jessica launches The Leo Moon Mysteries with Rachel Wells on Audible UK, Her Latest book, launched in November 2022, is Modern Astrology 2050

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£51

5

Nigella Lawson

Title: Cook. Eat, Repeat Genre: Food & Drink Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.nigella.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nigella_Lawson The Book: COOK EAT REPEAT is a delicious and delightful combination of recipes intertwined with narrative essays about food, all written in Nigella’s engaging and insightful prose. Whether talking about the evolution and meaning of the recipe in 'What is a Recipe?' – 'a recipe, much like a novel, is a living collaboration between writer and reader. And in both cases, it is the reader who keeps it alive' – or exploring the heinous notion of the guilty pleasure in 'Death to the Guilty Pleasure', Nigella is by turns characteristically informative, intelligent, thought-provoking and amusing. 'The recipes I write come from my life, my home', says Nigella, and in this book Nigella shares the rhythms and rituals of her kitchen through over fifty new recipes that make the most of her favourite ingredients. Dedicated chapters include 'A is for Anchovy' (a celebration of the bacon of the sea), 'Beetroot and Me', 'A Vegan Feast', a shout out for 'Brown Food', a very relatable 'How To Invite People for Dinner Without Hating Them (or Yourself)', plus new ideas for Christmas. Within these chapters are recipes for all seasons and tastes: Burnt Onion and Aubergine Dip; Butternut with Chilli, Ginger and Beetroot Yoghurt Sauce; Brown Butter Colcannon; Spaghetti with Chard and Anchovies; Beef Cheeks with Port and Chestnuts; Oxtail Bourguignon; and Wide Noodles with Lamb in Aromatic Broth, to name a few. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in Rhubarb and Custard Trifle; Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake; Rice Pudding Cake; and Cherry and Almond Crumble. The Author: Nigella Lawson is an English broadcaster, journalist television personality and food writer. She began work as a book reviewer and restaurant critic, and then embarked upon a career as a freelance journalist, writing for a number of newspapers and magazines. Her first cook book ‘How to Eat’ sold 300,000 copies and became a best-seller while her second book, ‘How to be a Domestic Goddess’, won her the British Book Award for Author of the Year. She hosted her own cooking show series, Nigella Bites, on Channel 4, accompanied by another best-selling cook book ‘Nigella Bites’. She hosted the Food Network's ‘Nigella Feasts’ in the United States, followed by a three-part BBC Two series, Nigella's Christmas Kitchen, in the UK, which led to the commissioning of Nigella Express on BBC Two. Her book Cook, Eat, Repeat, was made into a massively popular 7 part T.V. Series for B.B.C Television, and can still be binged watched on B.B.C. I-Player. Her dishes are known for their simplicity and do not require an elaborate preparation. Her warm and honest demeanour as well as her stunning beauty enables her to engage both male and female viewers. Described as the sexiest television chef ever to grace an apron, she continues to inspire men and women to cook.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

17

£251

6

Tom Parker Bowles

Title: Let's Eat Meat Genre: Food and Drink Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/tomparkerbowles The Book: Let's Eat Meat Eat meat, but eat less and eat better – that, if any, is this book’s philosophy. That's not to say we should stint on great hunks of beef, cut paper-thin and served with glistening gravy, charred steaks, or golden deep-fried chicken. Nor should we forgo slow-cooked lamb, roast Chinese duck, Keralan pork curry or rich jambalayas, cassoulets and daubes – you’ll find recipes for all of these here. But read on and things get a little less carnivorous. In the Less Meat chapter, meat shares the limelight with other ingredients, and in Meat as Seasoning, scraps of beef, lamb, pork and chicken are eked out to give depth to a range of dishes. There are 120 recipes in total, ranging from meat feasts such as roast beef through to game stock and everything in between. Let's Eat Meat shows us how to enjoy meat, whether it is a prime cut or a scrap of meat used in a way that is thrifty but never mean. With an eye on welfare, it encourages us to spend money on eating less but better meat. But this is no revolution: here are recipes for dishes rooted in cultures where meat is a luxury, and so delicious you will return to cook them again and again. The Author: From 1997 until 2000, Parker Bowles was a junior publicist for Dennis Davidson Associates public relations firm. In 2001, he was one of the founders of the Quintessentially Group, a high end concierge service, which his cousin Ben Elliot co-founded and the same year became Tatler's food columnist. From 2002 to date he has been a food writer, critic and broadcaster. He is a restaurant critic of The Mail on Sunday and food editor of Esquire. He is also a contributing editor to Conde Nast Traveller (UK and US), and Departures (US), as well as a regular contributor to Country Life, Harpers Bazaar and Town and Country. He was a contributor to Gordon Ramsay's The F Word. From 2007 to 2010 he co-presented Market Kitchen on Good Food Channel, alongside Matthew Fort and Matt Tebbutt, and presented LBC Radio's Food and Drink Programme for a year. He was a judge on the ITV Food series Food Glorious Food and Channel nine Australian cooking series The Hot Plate. In 2017, he was judge, alongside Matt Moran and Anna Polyviou on Series 1 of Family Food Fight (Channel nine Australia) and filmed series two of Family Food Fight, which was broadcast in late 2018. He is also one of the regular critics on MasterChef (BBC 1). In 2014, Parker Bowles was named as one of the Top 10 most followed UK restaurant critics on Twitter. Tom is the son of Queen Camilla , and Andrew Parker Bowles. His stepfather and godfather is King Charles III. He has one younger sister, Laura Lopes.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£36

7

Duchess of York

Title 1: A Most Intriguing Lady Genre: Historical Fiction - Romance Format: Hardback Title 2: Her Heart for a Compass Genre: Historical Fiction - Romance Format: Paperback Dedications Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Added Bonus: Signed Children in Read Poster Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahTheDuchess Book 1 Blurb:: Wallflower Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott has a secret. Moving effortlessly unnoticed amongst the ballrooms and palaces of Queen Victoria, her sharp intelligence and keen powers of observation allow her to quietly solve society crimes – coming to the rescue of those whose pride and fortune is at stake. Overlooked and underestimated, Mary finds missing money, recovers stolen jewellery and saves reputations. When she meets Colonel Walter Trefusis, an unlikely and spirited alliance is formed. But Mary has more than met her match in her sleuthing partner. As she battles the expectations of society and her family, Mary must follow her heart – whatever the cost… Book 2 Blurb: From one of the most famous former members of the British royal family, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York —a mesmerizing novel of a young noblewoman’s coming-of-age that richly details both high society and low in Victorian England. Queen Victoria’s close friend, the Scottish Duke of Buccleuch, Lady Margaret Montagu Scott is expected to make an advantageous marriage. But Margaret is an impulsive and outspoken girl in a repressive society where women are, quite literally, caged in corsets and required to conform. When Lady Margaret’s parents arrange a society marriage for her, she tries to reconcile herself to the match. But shortly before her betrothal is announced, Margaret flees, leaving her parents to explain her sudden absence to an opulent ballroom stuffed with two hundred distinguished guests. Banished from polite society, Margaret throws herself into charitable work and finds strength in a circle of female friends like herself—women intent on breaking the mold, including Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louise. Margaret resolves to follow her heart—a journey of self-discovery that will take her to Ireland, America, and then back to Britain where she finds the life she was always meant to lead. A bold and thoughtful story about a rebellious woman finding herself and her voice in an age of astounding technological change and great social unrest, Her Heart for a Compass is a delicious costume drama rich in atmosphere, and colour. Author Bio:: Sarah, Duchess of York, is a British writer, charity patron, public speaker, film producer and television personality. She is the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Sarah has two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York.

Winning Bidder

Jill Paterson

Bids

13

£33

8

Ramsey Campbell

250 copies of this first edition of The Decorations were printed letterpress from hand set Joanna types on dampened Johannot, a French mouldmade paper, by Chad Oness at his Sutton Hoo Press in Stockton, Minnesota for Alpenhouse Apparitions, a new imprint co-edited with James Boyd White and dedicated primarily to publishing the best supernatural & other genre fiction in hand made fine press editions. Each copy is signed by both the author and the artist, and numbered at the press. The Decorations features 11 original engravings by Ladislav Hanka. Title: The Decorations Genre: Supernatural Format: Hardback (First Edition) Dedication Available: YES (Ramsey will happily add a dedication) Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://knibbworld.com/campbell Website: http://suttonhoopress.com/Alpenhouse/Titles.html Website: https://ladislavhanka.com/Ladislav_Hanka_Etchings Twitter: https://twitter.com/ramseycampbell1 Book Blurb: Octavo, eleven engravings by Ladislav Hanka, black cloth with three quarter marble board front, fore and bottom edge uncut. One of 250 numbered copies signed by Campbell and artist Ladislav Hanka. A short ghost story specifically written for this publisher. David, a young boy, tries to navigate family tensions during a visit to his grandparents for the Christmas holidays. David's mother has recently been abandoned by her husband, and David's grandmother, who is struggling with dementia, obsesses over a plastic Santa Claus decoration coming loose from the roof of her house. The narrative slowly builds to a terrifying, ambiguous climax. THE DECORATIONS was later selected as the lead story by editor Stephen Jones for The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror (2006). A fine copy. A lovely example of hand letter pressed book in a fine binding. Author Bio: Ramsey Campbell has been writing for well over fifty years. Two of his novels have been filmed, both for non-English-speaking markets. Since he first came to prominence in the mid-1960s, critics have cited Campbell as one of the leading writers in his field: T. E. D. Klein has written that "Campbell reigns supreme in the field today", and Robert Hadji has described him as "perhaps the finest living exponent of the British weird fiction tradition", while S. T. Joshi stated, "future generations will regard him as the leading horror writer of our generation, every bit the equal of Lovecraft or Blackwood." Illustrator: Ladislav Hanka currently resides in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born in 1952 in an ethnic enclave of Cedar Rapids, Iowa as the son of recent exiles of Stalinist Czechoslovakia. He describes himself as a printmaker, draftsman and book artist. Ladislav has a long standing interest in the natural world and he received a BA in Biology and Liberal Arts and an MS in Zoology. In 1979 Ladislav had a private apprenticeship with Jindra Schmidt, a master engraver of Stamps and Currency in Prague. This pivotal experience was followed by an MFA in printmaking from Western Michigan University in 1981. Ladislav has exhibited nationally and internationally. His work appears in over 60 public collections including but not limited to: the National Park Service - Isle Royale National Park Headquarters, the Fogg Museum of Art at Harvard, The New York Public Library, the Library of Congress in Washington DC, The National Museum in Prague.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£80

9

Peter James

Title: Stop Them Dead Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.peterjames.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/peterjamesuk Book Blurb: Discover the darkness that lurks around every corner in the latest instalment of the award-winning Grace series, now a major ITV series. A ruthless crime. A race against time. When a young farmer confronts intruders in the middle of the night he has no idea that just minutes later he will be left dying in a pool of blood. What’s more chilling is what the perpetrators were willing to kill for. At the scene of the crime, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace soon realises this is no isolated robbery gone wrong but the tip of the iceberg of a nationwide crime wave, in which ruthless organised gangs are making more money from the illegal trade in dogs than drugs. A trade which pits him against some ruthless people who will kill anyone who gets in their way, because where there is greed, there is murder. Author Bio: Peter James is a UK No.1 bestselling author, best known for his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now a hit ITV drama starring John Simm as the troubled Brighton copper. Much loved by crime and thriller fans for his fast-paced page-turners full of unexpected plot twists, sinister characters, and accurate portrayal of modern day policing, he has won over 40 awards for his work including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award and Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger. To date, Peter has written an impressive total of 19 Sunday Times No. 1s, sold over 21 million copies worldwide and been translated into 38 languages. His books are also often adapted for the stage

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£65

10

Joanne Harris

Title: Broken Light Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.joanne-harris.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Joannechocolat Book Blurb: Bernie Ingram is forty-nine, menopausal, lonely. Married since the age of eighteen, with no close friends and few family ties, she feels as if the past thirty years of her life have been sacrificed to others: to her husband, Martin, who still carries a torch for a one-night stand at University; to her son, Dante, whose affection seems largely directed towards his maternal grandmother; to her boss, Salena, who runs a struggling bookshop in London’s East Finchley. Bernie’s own ambitions and dreams have been forgotten by everyone – including Bernie herself, who feels herself growing less visible, less surprising, less lovable, with every passing day. Until the murder of a woman in a local park unlocks a series of childhood memories, and with them, a power that she has suppressed for all her adult life. Author Bio: Joanne Harris (OBE, FRSL) was born in Barnsley in 1964, of a French mother and an English father. She studied Modern and Mediaeval Languages at Cambridge and was a teacher for fifteen years, during which time she published three novels, including Chocolat (1999), which was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche . Since then, she has written 19 more novels, plus novellas, short stories, game scripts, the libretti for two short operas, several screenplays, a stage musical (with Howard Goodall) and three cookbooks. Her books are now published in over 50 countries and have won a number of British and international awards. She is an honorary Fellow of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, has honorary doctorates in literature from the universities of Sheffield and Huddersfield, and has been a judge for the Whitbread Prize, the Orange Prize, the Desmond Elliott Prize, the Betty Trask Award, the Prima Donna Prize and the Royal Society Winton Prize for Science, as well as for the Fragrance Foundation awards for perfume and perfume journalism (for which she also received an award in 2017). She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2022. She is a passionate advocate for authors’ rights, and is currently the Chair of the Society of Authors (SOA), and member of the Board of the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS). Her hobbies are listed in Who’s Who as: “mooching, lounging, strutting, strumming, priest-baiting and quiet subversion of the system”, although she also enjoys obfuscation, sleaze, rebellion, witchcraft, armed robbery, tea and biscuits. She is not above bribery and would not necessarily refuse an offer involving perfume, diamonds, foreign travel or pink champagne. She works from a shed in her garden, plays in the band she first joined when she was 16, and lives with her husband in a little wood in Yorkshire.

Winning Bidder

David McLoughlin

Bids

11

£50

11

Milly Johnson

Title: The Happiest Ever After Genre: Rom Com Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids: UK Only Website: https://millyjohnson.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/millyjohnson Book Blurb: What if you could write your own perfect storyline…? Polly Potter is surviving, not thriving. She used to love her job – until her mentor died and her new boss decided to make her life hell. She used to love her partner Chris – until he cheated on her, and now she can’t forget. The only place where her life is working is on the pages of the novel she is writing – there she can create a feistier, bolder, more successful version of herself – as the fictional Sabrina Anderson. But what if it was possible to start over again? To leave everything behind, forget all that went before, and live the life you’d always dreamed of? After a set of unforeseen circumstances, Polly ends up believing she really IS Sabrina, living at the heart of a noisy Italian family restaurant by the sea. Run by Teddy, the son of her new landlady Marielle, it’s a much-loved place, facing threat of closure as a rival restaurant moves in next door. Sabrina can’t remember her life as Polly, but she knows she is living a different life from the one she used to have. But what if this new life could belong to her after all? Author Bio: Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She is the author of 20 novels, 4 short story ebooks, a book of poetry and a Quick Reads Novella ('The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe') and was an erstwhile leading copywriter for the greetings card industry. She is also a poem and joke-writer, a newspaper columnist and a seasoned after dinner speaker. She won the RoNA for Best Romantic Comedy Novel of 2014 and 2016, the Yorkshire Society award for Arts and Culture 2015, the Romantic Novelist Association Outstanding Achievement award in 2020, the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2021 and the Richard Whiteley Award for Inspiration to the County of Yorkshire in 2022. She writes about love, life, friendships and the importance of community spirit. Her books champion women, their strength and resilience and celebrate her beloved Yorkshire. Her 20th novel 'Together, Again' was published in paperback on 2nd March 2023 and is about three estranged sisters convening after the death of their mother in order to arrange her funeral. Freed from the shadow of the overbearing Eleanor Vamplew, the three women come to realise that they have more in common than they could ever have realised.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

14

£80

12

Milly Johnson

Title: I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Christmas Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Bonus: A 'Milly Parcel' Quote from Milly: I will be adding a Milly Parcel with a hardback of my Christmas book ‘I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day’. With a Yorkshire mug, a Yorkshire candle, a Yorkshire tea-towel, a Yorkshire passport notepad, Yorkshire tea, some coffee, some whipped soap and a lucky black cat. There will also be some little surprises to make it a treat. Obvs chocolate will be added in! Website: https://millyjohnson.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/millyjohnson Book Blurb: *** A FESTIVE TREAT FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER *** It’s nearly Christmas and it’s snowing, hard. Deep in the Yorkshire Moors nestles a tiny hamlet, with a pub at its heart. As the snow falls, the inn will become an unexpected haven for six people forced to seek shelter there… Mary has been trying to get her boss Jack to notice her for four years, but he can only see the efficient PA she is at work. Will being holed up with him finally give her the chance she has been waiting for? Bridge and Luke were meeting for five minutes to set their divorce in motion. But will getting trapped with each other reignite too many fond memories – and love? Charlie and Robin were on their way to a luxury hotel in Scotland for a very special Christmas. But will the inn give them everything they were hoping to find – and much more besides? A story of knowing when to hold on and when to let go, of pushing limits and acceptance, of friendship, love, laughter, mince pies and the magic of Christmas. Gorgeous, warm and full of heartfelt emotion, I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day is the perfect read this winter! Author Bio: Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She is the author of 20 novels, 4 short story ebooks, a book of poetry and a Quick Reads Novella ('The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe') and was an erstwhile leading copywriter for the greetings card industry. She is also a poem and joke-writer, a newspaper columnist and a seasoned after dinner speaker. She won the RoNA for Best Romantic Comedy Novel of 2014 and 2016, the Yorkshire Society award for Arts and Culture 2015, the Romantic Novelist Association Outstanding Achievement award in 2020, the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2021 and the Richard Whiteley Award for Inspiration to the County of Yorkshire in 2022. She writes about love, life, friendships and the importance of community spirit. Her books champion women, their strength and resilience and celebrate her beloved Yorkshire. Her 20th novel 'Together, Again' was published in paperback on 2nd March 2023 and is about three estranged sisters convening after the death of their mother in order to arrange her funeral. Freed from the shadow of the overbearing Eleanor Vamplew, the three women come to realise that they have more in common than they could ever have realised.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£151

13

Trisha Ashley

The Wedding Dress Repair Shop lot includes A signed copy of the hardback A rare uncorrected proof, A custom one off embroidered book bag, Embroidered Museum of Bridal Misfortune plush, Embroidered keyring, Mug, Bookmarks & other little gifts, all made by Trisha's costumier son Robin. Title: The Wedding Dress Repair Shop Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Hardback & Unedited Proof Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/237180/trisha-ashley Twitter: https://twitter.com/trishaashley Website: https://www.kisbetbespoke.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kerravondarrow Book Blurb: Can her heart be mended too? After losing her fiancé and her dream job in the same week, Garland Fairford's life is turned upside down. Having recently met a long-lost relative - Honey Fairford - through her work as a historical costumier, Garland is intrigued when Honey reveals she is opening a Wedding Dress museum in Lancashire. With nothing to lose, Garland accepts the offer of a job there. What she doesn't expect is to come face-to-face with a ghost from her past - her old friend, Thom, who mysteriously disappeared years ago. As Garland begins reading the stories behind each of the beautiful wedding dresses, and sets about repairing both them and her relationship with Thom, could this finally be the chance for her own happy-ever-after? Author Bio: Trisha Ashley has written nineteen romantic comedies and her latest novel, The Garden of Forgotten Wishes, which is published by Transworld, is a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller. Her novels have twice been shortlisted for the Melissa Nathan award for Romantic Comedy and Every Woman for Herself was nominated by magazine readers as one of the top three romantic novels of the last fifty years. She is from St Helens in West Lancashire, and believes that her typically dark Lancashire sense of humour in adversity, crossed with a good dose of Celtic creativity from her Welsh grandmother, has made her what she is today...whatever that is. Several of her novels are set in rural West Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Wales. They frequently explore aspects of the three F's that are a constant in her own life: Food, Flowers and Friendship and include delicious recipes at the back. Nowadays she lives in North Wales

Winning Bidder

Agnes McLeod

Bids

14

£97

14

Trisha Ashley

The Magic of Christmas lot includes A signed copy of the new edition of the book, A custom one off embroidered Christmas stocking, Embroidered keyring, Mug, Bookmarks and other little gifts, all made by Trisha's costumier son Robin. Title: The Magic of Christmas Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/237180/trisha-ashley Twitter: https://twitter.com/trishaashley Website: https://www.kisbetbespoke.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kerravondarrow Book Blurb: A deliciously seasonal and heart-warming tale from the Sunday Times bestseller In the pretty Lancashire village of Middlemoss, Lizzy is on the verge of leaving her cheating husband, Tom, when tragedy strikes. Luckily she has welcome distraction in the Christmas Pudding Circle, a group of friends swapping seasonal recipes – as well as a rivalry with local cookery writer Nick over who will win Best Mince Pie at the village show… Meanwhile, the whole village is gearing up for the annual Boxing Day Mystery Play. But who will play Adam to Lizzy’s Eve? Could it be the handsome and charismatic soap actor Ritch, or could someone closer to home win her heart? Whatever happens, it promises to be a Christmas to remember! Previously published as Sweet Nothings, but now with fabulous new extra material. Author Bio: Trisha Ashley has written nineteen romantic comedies and her latest novel, The Garden of Forgotten Wishes, which is published by Transworld, is a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller. Her novels have twice been shortlisted for the Melissa Nathan award for Romantic Comedy and Every Woman for Herself was nominated by magazine readers as one of the top three romantic novels of the last fifty years. She is from St Helens in West Lancashire, and believes that her typically dark Lancashire sense of humour in adversity, crossed with a good dose of Celtic creativity from her Welsh grandmother, has made her what she is today...whatever that is. Several of her novels are set in rural West Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Wales. They frequently explore aspects of the three F's that are a constant in her own life: Food, Flowers and Friendship and include delicious recipes at the back. Nowadays she lives in North Wales

Winning Bidder

Carole Parker

Bids

23

£100

15

Jane Markland

Title: Cielo Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/markland_jane Book Blurb: Who do you trust when you can't trust yourself? Following his release from Prison, Nathan arrives at Cielo determined to change his life for the better. After prison, and beating addiction, he has a vision, and he’s discovered a talent, a gift with plants. Max Harrison wants him to create a special garden, The White Terrace, full of scent and white petals, Max wants to die there, his addiction to vodka and grief consuming everything. Slowly Nathan begins to falls under his spell, Max is full of insight, kindness. His affinity to music,and playing Rachmaninov on the piano reduce Nathan to tears of joy. Only underneath the surface, and the seductive surroundings of Cielo, Nathan discovers the other gardeners disappeared. Never to be heard of again. As he begins to uncover disturbing clues, Nathan must ask himself, just who is Max Harrison? Can he trust him? Can he love him? Author Bio: Jane started writing at school, where one English teacher told her she'd one day write a novel. It's only taken most of her life to achieve this. Cielo was formed as a spark of an idea one sunny afternoon while Jane rode her bike past a country house in North Norfolk. She wondered, just who could live there? Then came Nathan, and Max. Jane is a medical secretary at her local hospital, she has two children and two granddaughters. Her other interests are nature, football, gardening and reading. Jane can always be found with her head in a book, her nose inside a rose, or with her family. She lives in Norwich, Norfolk, her home city.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£21

16

Holly Smale

Title: The Cassandra Complex Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Science Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication is Available Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.hollysmale.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/HolSmale Book Blurb:: The sparkling debut adult novel from the author of the much-loved Geek Girl series finds a woman unlucky in both love and career suddenly blessed with the ability to travel back in time. Cassandra Penelope Dankworth has always had more than her name to contend with. But today is a new low... This morning, Cassie's boyfriend breaks up with her. By lunchtime, she is fired from her PR job for not being a 'People Person'. This evening, her ex turns up as if nothing happened and Cassie is too relieved to ask questions. She's just glad her longest ever romantic relationship (4 months) is back on track. Tomorrow, Cassie finds herself being dumped again. By lunchtime, she's being fired. When Cassie realises she is gifted - or perhaps cursed - with the power to travel back in time, she has a chance to do things differently. But will things keep going wrong for her when she has infinite chances to get them right? Author Bio: Holly Smale has been writing stories since she was four years old: constructing her own books from cereal boxes and a lot of sticky-tape, then forcing family readers to give her glowing reviews by standing in front of the television. Her path to publication included teen-modelling, factory-work, PR, teaching in Japan and a chaotic stint as the world's worst waitress, along with a BA in English Literature and an MA in Shakespeare from Bristol University. She uses neither of these qualifications on a daily basis, but still brings them up at parties. Her debut children's novel, GEEK GIRL, became the No.1 Young Adult title in the UK and won the Waterstones YA Book Prize, selling 3.4 million books in 30 languages. It is currently in development with Netflix. At the age of 39, Holly was diagnosed as both autistic and dyspraxic. She writes and speaks passionately about neurodiversity and a lot of random topics she's not really qualified to talk about yet does anyway. Her debut adult novel, THE CASSANDRA COMPLEX (UK)/ CASSANDRA IN REVERSE (US) will be published in Spring/Summer '23 and has already been picked as a BBC Radio2 Book Club selection. She lives in Hove, England.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

11

£60

17

Estelle Paranque

Title: Blood, Fire & Gold Genre: History - Biography Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.estelleparanque.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrEstellePrnq Book Blurb: In sixteenth-century Europe, two women came to hold all the power, against all the odds. They were Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici. One a Virgin Queen who ruled her kingdom alone, and the other a clandestine leader who used her children to shape the dynasties of Europe, much has been written about these iconic women. But nothing has been said of their complicated relationship: thirty years of friendship, competition and conflict that changed the face of Europe. This is a story of two remarkable visionaries: a story of blood, fire and gold. It is also a tale of ceaseless calculation, of love and rivalry, of war and wisdom - and of female power in a male world. Shining new light on their legendary kingdoms Blood, Fire and Gold provides a new way of looking at two of history's most powerful women, and how they shaped each other as profoundly as they shaped the course of history. Drawing on their letters and brand new research, Estelle Paranque writes an entirely new chapter in the well-worn story of the sixteenth century. Author Bio: Estelle is a historian and an Assistant Professor in History. She is the author and editor of five books. Her latest book, Blood, Fire, and Gold has been named "Best History Books of 2022" in History Today, "10 Best History Books of 2022" Smithsonian Magazine, Amazon's Editor Pick for "Best History Books of the Month" (December), Best Books Summer 2022 (The Times), Book of The Week (18 June 2022, The Times). She completed her PhD in Early Modern History at University College London in 2016. She turned her PhD into a monograph that was published in November 2018 by Palgrave Macmillan Elizabeth I of England Through Valois Eyes: Power, Representation, and Diplomacy in the Reign of the Queen, 1558-1588. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and she is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in January 2019. She is also a co-convenor of the Tudor and Stuart Seminar at the Institute of Historical Research in London. She has been teaching at university level for the last twelve years and is dedicated to share her passion for history with the next generation. Her research interests are royal, diplomatic, women studies. She is also very interested in public engagement and has participated in BBC 2 / PBS The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family and Secrets d'Histoire on France 2, BBC Radio 4, and numerous podcasts (BBC History, Viral History, Not Just The Tudors, HistoryHit).

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£25

18

Louise Candish

Title 1: The Only Suspect Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Hardback Title 1: Our House Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedications Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/louise_candlish Book 1 Blurb: Wrong time. Wrong place. Wrong man. Alex lives a comfortable life with his wife Beth in the leafy suburb of Silver Vale. Fine, so he’s not the most sociable guy on the street, he prefers to keep himself to himself, but he’s a good husband and an easy-going neighbour. That’s until Beth announces the creation of a nature trail on a local site that’s been disused for decades and suddenly Alex is a changed man. Now he’s always watching. Questioning. Struggling to hide his dread . . . As the landscapers get to work, a secret threatens to surface from years ago, back in Alex’s twenties when he got entangled with a seductive young woman called Marina, who threw both their lives into turmoil. And who sparked a police hunt for a murder suspect that was never quite what it seemed. It still isn’t. No one else could have done it. Could they? Book 2 Blurb: Nothing strange about that. Except it is your house. And you didn’t sell it. When Fiona Lawson comes home to find strangers moving into her house, she's sure there's been a mistake. She and her estranged husband, Bram, have a modern co-parenting arrangement: bird's nest custody, where each parent spends a few nights a week with their two sons at the prized family home to maintain stability for their children. But the system built to protect their family ends up putting them in terrible jeopardy. In a domino effect of crimes and misdemeanors, the nest comes tumbling down. Now Bram has disappeared and so have Fiona's children. As events spiral well beyond her control, Fiona will discover just how many lies her husband was weaving and how little they truly knew each other. But Bram's not the only one with things to hide, and some secrets are best kept to oneself, safe as houses. Author Bio:

Winning Bidder

Fiona McCormick

Bids

5

£25

19

Paige Toon

Title: Seven Summers Genre: Contemporary - Love Story Commercial Fiction Format: Paperback (Rare Editor's Proof) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.paigetoon.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaigeToonAuthor The Book; Six summers ago Liv and Finn meet working in a bar on the rugged Cornish coastline, their futures full of promise. When a night of passion ends in devastating tragedy they are bound together inextricably. But Finn's life is in LA with his band, and Liv's is in Cornwall with her family - so they make a promise. Finn will return every year, and if they are single they will spend the summer together. This summer Liv crosses paths with Tom - a mysterious new arrival in her hometown. As the wildflowers and heather come into bloom, they find themselves falling for one another. For the first time Liv can imagine a world where her heart isn't broken every year. Now Liv must make an impossible choice. And when she discovers the shocking reason that Tom has left home, she'll need to trust her heart even more . . . The Author: Paige Toon grew up between England, Australia and America and has been writing books set in sun-drenched locations around the world since 2007. She has written eighteen women's fiction novels, a three-part spin-off series for young adults and a collection of short stories. Her novels have sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

34

£375

20

Jane Fallon

Title: Over Sharing Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Humour Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://janefallonauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneFallon Book Blurb: Can you live a lie without spilling the truth? . . . Once, Iris was happy. She had the home, the husband, the promise of a family. Now she's divorced and renting out her spare room to make ends meet. Life could be worse. But could have been better - if it hadn't been for Maddy: the woman who ruined her life . . . Social influencer Maddy's brand is happy families. She preaches about loyalty and the sanctity of marriage, and is quickly becoming famous for her wholesome videos of life with her husband and adorable twin girls. Iris doesn't believe a word of it. And she's going to prove it's all false. Because if there's one thing that will bring back Iris's happiness, it's taking away Maddy's . . . Jane Fallon's whip-smart new novel explores the murky truths behind the versions of ourselves we project online, the lengths we go to when we feel we've been wronged, and the often unlikely places we find true friendship. Author Bio: I was born in Harrow in North London and later moved out to Buckinghamshire where I attended St Bernard's Convent School in Slough before moving back up to London to read history at University College. My first real job was working as a 'Girl Friday' in a small Theatrical and Literary Agency - (the same job that Rebecca has in 'Foursome'). As soon as I walked through the door I fell in love with the idea of working in drama in some capacity. After three years I left to pursue a career in TV, starting as a freelance script reader and then working as a script editor on various shows including EastEnders where I was made a producer in 1994. The following year I started work producing a new low budget show for BBC2 - 'This Life'.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£80

21

Adam Kay

3 Book Special Title 1: Kay's Anatomy Title 2: Kay's Marvellous Medicine Title 3: Kay's Brilliant Brains Genre: Children - Comedy - Biological Sciences Teaching Aids Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK ONLY Website: https://www.adamkay.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/amateuradam Book 1 Blurb: THE RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER FROM THE UK'S BESTSELLING NON-FICTION AUTHOR. Discover all the weird and wonderful things that go on inside your body with Adam Kay. Covers key stage 2 / 3 human biology syllabus (in a slightly repulsive way). Do you ever think about your body and how it all works? Like really properly think about it? The human body is extraordinary and fascinating and, well . . . pretty weird. Yours is weird, mine is weird, your maths teacher's is even weirder. This book is going to tell you what's actually going on in there, and answer the really important questions, like: Are bogeys safe to eat? Look, if your nose is going to all that effort of creating a snack, the least we can do is check out its nutritional value. (Yes, they're safe. Chew away!) And how much of your life will you spend on the toilet? About a year - so bring a good book. (I recommend this one.) So sit back, relax, put on some rubber gloves, and let a doctor take you on a poo (and puke) filled tour of your insides. Welcome to Kay's Anatomy*. *a fancy word for your body. See, you're learning already. Book 2 Blurb: 'Read this book and you're virtually a qualified doctor! Educational and entertaining - it should be on the national curriculum!'- Harry Hill The olden days were pretty fun if you liked wearing chainmail or chopping people's heads off but there was one TINY LITTLE problem back then . . . doctors didn't have the slightest clue about how our bodies worked. It's time to find out why Ancient Egyptians thought the brain was just a useless load of old stuffing that might as well be chucked in the bin, why teachers forced their pupils to smoke cigarettes, why hairdressers would cut off their customers' legs, and why people used to get paid for farting. (Unfortunately that's no longer a thing - sorry.) You'll get answers to questions like: Why did patients gargle with wee? How did a doctor save people's lives using a washing machine, a can of beans and some old sausages? What was the great stink? (No, it's not what doctors call your bum.) If you're sure you're ready, then pop a peg on your nose (there was a lot of stinky pus back then), pull on your wellies (there was a lot of poo there too), wash your hands (because they certainly didn't) and explore this gross and gruesome history of the human body! 'An enjoyably gross look at the human body. Hours of gruesome fun guaranteed' 'Like listening to a teacher who makes pupils fall about' Sunday Times Book 3 Blurb: KAY'S BRILLIANT BRAINS is a mini book written and illustrated for World Book Day 2023 by the record-breaking Adam Kay and Henry Paker. It's a hilarious celebration of the world's most ingenious geniuses and all that their brilliant brains achieved. One hundred billion people have lived on earth. Unfortunately, this book would be too heavy if it talked about them all, so it's about ten of them. You'll meet Amelia Earhart, who flew across a huge ocean in a tiny plane, back in the days when planes were basically made out of old bits of wood (and worst of all, they didn't have in-flight movies) and Thomas Edison, who invented light bulbs and movie cameras (but only went to school until he was twelve). Plus a whole bunch more other brilliant people with brilliant brains who woke up one day and thought 'Oh, I've got an idea . . . !' and changed the world forever. 'Very funny - this exciting book is bound to inspire the next generation of medics' Sunday Express Author Bio: Adam Kay is a BAFTA-winning author, TV writer, comedian and former junior doctor. His first book, This is Going to Hurt, spent over a year at number one in the Sunday Times bestseller list, was translated into 37 languages, won ten national awards, and sold over three million copies. His subsequent adult nonfiction books, Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas and Undoctored were also Sunday Times number one bestsellers. He edited Dear NHS: 100 Stories to Say Thank You, raising over £400,000 for charity. He is also one of the country's bestselling children's authors, with books including Kay's Anatomy (the fastest selling kids' non-fiction book of the decade), Kay's Marvellous Medicine, Kay's Brilliant Brains and picture book Amy Gets Eaten. As a live performer, Adam has sold-out several West End seasons and UK tours. His tour of This is Going to Hurt was attended by over 250,000 people.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

14

£68

22

Adam Kay

Title: Amy Gets Eaten Genre: Children's Books on Visiting the Doctor - Comedy - Educational Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.adamkay.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/amateuradam Book Blurb: The first-ever picture book from Adam Kay and Henry Paker. This is the hilarious (and admittedly a tiny bit gross) tale of Amy, a small piece of sweetcorn who is eaten by Noah, a medium-sized boy. The story follows Amy on her funny, gooey and anatomically-accurate adventure through the human body as she discovers lots of facts about digestion. (It's fair to say that parents might learn a little bit too.) Author Bio: Adam Kay is a BAFTA-winning author, TV writer, comedian and former junior doctor. His first book, This is Going to Hurt, spent over a year at number one in the Sunday Times bestseller list, was translated into 37 languages, won ten national awards, and sold over three million copies. His subsequent adult nonfiction books, Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas and Undoctored were also Sunday Times number one bestsellers. He edited Dear NHS: 100 Stories to Say Thank You, raising over £400,000 for charity. He is also one of the country's bestselling children's authors, with books including Kay's Anatomy (the fastest selling kids' non-fiction book of the decade), Kay's Marvellous Medicine, Kay's Brilliant Brains and picture book Amy Gets Eaten. As a live performer, Adam has sold-out several West End seasons and UK tours. His tour of This is Going to Hurt was attended by over 250,000 people.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

23

Anthony Horowitz

Title: Nightshade Revenge Genre: Children - Action & Adventure Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://anthonyhorowitz.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonyHorowitz Book Blurb: When his best friend Tom is abducted, Alex Rider is given an ultimatum by Nightshade – a sinister cult of assassins with a score to settle. But what twisted evil are they planning, and how is it connected to a revolutionary new gaming system? With no idea who to trust, Alex finds himself dragged into a nightmare world – where nothing is real but the game could kill you. The clock is ticking and Nightshade is closing in… The world’s bestselling teenage spy takes on a new and daring mission. This much-awaited new book in the bestselling Alex Rider series continues Alex’s fight against the deadly assassins encountered in the last book, Nightshade. Alex still has unfinished business with this sinister group made up of brainwashed children, not least trying to reunite MI6 chief Mrs Jones, along with her long lost son and daughter. The adventure takes us deep into the life-changing world of augmented reality, where even Alex will struggle to succeed against the technology. A thrilling new challenge for the world’s best-loved teen superspy. Author Bio: One of Britain’s bestselling novelists, Anthony Horowitz is the author adult and children’s fiction, films, plays and journalism. His best-known work for children and teens includes the Alex Rider spy series and the Diamond Brothers series. His adult fiction includes the new Sherlock Holmes novels House of Silk and Moriarty, the new James Bond series novel Trigger Mortis and Forever and a Day, and standalone novels The Word is Murder, The Magpie Murders and The Twist of a Knife

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

11

£57

24

Julie Mae Cohen

Title: Bad Men Genre: Feminist Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://julie-cohen.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/julie_cohen Book Blurb: It's a tough job, but someone's got to kill them . . . Saffy has a secret. A secret that she is deeply ashamed of. It's not the fact that she's a serial killer in her free time. In fact, she's quite proud of that. After all she's only killing the bad men. She is making the world a better place. No, her secret is far worse than that. Saffy has a messy, inexplicable, uncontrollable crush. So while she's busy plotting her next murder, she also has the much harder task of figuring out how to get a boyfriend. But if there's one thing Saffy knows, it's how to get her man . . . Author Bio: Julie Cohen grew up in Maine and studied English at Brown University, Cambridge University and the University of Reading. Her award-winning novels have sold over a million copies worldwide, and she has twice been selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club in the UK. Julie is an Associate Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Reading, and runs an online school, Novel Gazing. She is a Vice President of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, a founder of the RNA Rainbow Chapter for LGBTQ+ writers, and a Patron of literacy charity ABC To Read. She won the 2020 Romantic Novelists’ Association Inclusion Award. Her bestselling novel TOGETHER has been translated into eleven languages and optioned for television; THE TWO LIVES OF LOUIS & LOUISE was long-listed for the Polari Prize and has been optioned by Enderby Entertainment as a feature film. Her first historical novel, SPIRITED, was published in July 2020 and her latest novel is SUMMER PEOPLE (Orion, 2022). Under the name Julie Mae Cohen, her first thriller, BAD MEN, will be published by Bonnier in July 2023. She lives in Berkshire, UK with her teenager and a terrier of dubious origin.

Winning Bidder

David Barber

Bids

8

£25

25

Lucy Ann Unwin

Title: The Octopus, Dadu and Me Genre: Children Age 9-12 contemporary fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES! And an octopus stamp! Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://lucyannunwin.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LucyAnnUnwin Book Blurb: FACT: Octopuses have three hearts. FACT: Octopuses have BEAKS, like BIRDS. FACT: The octopus at the aquarium is psychic! Sashi feels like she has three hearts and they’re all breaking. She’s losing her beloved Dadu to dementia, and her parents don’t even want her to visit him any more. She hides from her grief in the aquarium, and that’s where she meets Ian. Like her Dadu, Ian is trapped. Like her Dadu, Ian should be at home with his family. And then Ian tells her he’s in danger and only she can help him escape. Except Ian just happens to be an octopus... Author Bio: Lucy’s professional background is in journalism; she was a music journalist at BBC 6 Music for 10 years. Brought up in Birmingham, Lucy has lived all around the UK, from Newcastle to Brixton, Worcester to Chesterfield. She also lived for a year in the Chilean city of Valparaiso, and for three years in San Francisco, where she tutored children and young adults in creative writing as part of the 826 Valencia writing programme, set up by Dave Eggers. She has now settled on the Sussex clifftops with her husband, two daughters, and tortoise.

Winning Bidder

Anne Boyere

Bids

2

£12

26

Maria Oliver

Title: Not So Long Ago, You... a Yoga Adventure where you choose what happens! Genre: Picture book Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://boxmooryoga.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/boxmooryoga Book Blurb: Where do you want to fly next? The Golden Eagle, Flying Foal and Dragon need your help again! Another adventure where you use yoga poses and choose what happens! The enchanting sequel to Once Upon a Time, You… “A lovely book for engaging children with yoga… Ideal for children’s yoga classes or for parents to practise with their children at home.” Christiane Kerr, Course Director, Calm for Kids. “Beautiful, engaging and interactive. My daughter (6) was obsessed with the first book and is going to love this one!” Rosie Andrews, Sunday Times Bestselling Author of The Leviathan “I would bring this book into therapeutic yoga sessions time and time again. Thank you, Maria, for your storytelling innovation and sensitivity in bringing well-being stories and practices to all children.” Nicole Zimbler, Founder, Yotism. “The most exciting book yet” Zac, Year 3. Author Bio: Maria Oliver is a Hertfordshire based yoga teacher and member of the British Wheel of Yoga. She started teaching yoga in 2015, much to her children’s disgust, and spent the next few years trying to work out how to interest them in what she did. This changed when she started her children’s yoga teacher training with Calm for Kids, and she learnt how to spark children’s imaginations through yoga. Maria is married with two children and two cats.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

27

Joan Haig

Book Title: Tiger Skin Rug Genre: Middle-grade adventure/magical realism Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Global Website: http://joanhaigbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/joanhaigbooks LinkTree: https://t.co/Ds5OiLJ4Gb Book blurb: An old promise. A mysterious tiger. A magical adventure. Lal and his brother Dilip miss home. They don’t like drizzle, midges, or the tiger skin rug in their creepy new house. All they want is to leave Scotland and go back to India. But that’s before they make friends with Jenny, and before the tiger comes back to life… The tiger tells them it will take them home in return for their help: it cannot rest until it fulfills an old promise. Can Lal, Dilip and Jenny help it on its quest? Will they get back home? And who is following them? Silver Winner, ForeWord Indies Book Awards USA. Nominated for the Carnegie Medal. ‘With its sensitivity, sincerity and touches of humor, Tiger Skin Rug is an excellent option for both independent readers and family read alouds.’ – The Wall Street Journal Author bio: Joan Haig is an award-winning writer of novels and nonfiction, and a university lecturer in travel writing. She has appeared at major literary festivals, held an author residency with the Scottish Book Trust, and featured in a Publishing Scotland documentary on children’s literature. She lives in the Scottish Borders with her cats and other family.

Winning Bidder

Christopher White

Bids

2

£16

28

Joan Haig

Title: Great Minds: 2500 Years of Thinkers and Philosophy Genre: Children's Nonfiction (10+) Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://joanhaigbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/joanhaigbooks LinkTree: https://t.co/Ds5OiLJ4Gb Book blurb: Discover 19 brilliant thinkers and their unique ideas that changed the world over 3000 years! Aristotle’s ideas shaped our understanding of the natural world for hundreds of years. Yacob’s Hatata laid the grounds for equality long before our time. Gandhi’s philosophy inspired non-violent protest movements all over the world, and Langer shook up our understanding of what art is and can be. The brilliant ideas from each of these amazing thinkers have stayed with humans for centuries, teaching us new ways of uncovering our world and understanding each other. Covering ideas from the last 2500 years, explore the time periods that shaped each thinker’s ideas, unpack the theories in accessible, easy to digest text and discover the impact they had for the years to come. Presented in graphic novel style, this is a book to inspire a new generation of thinkers and philosophers. Written by Joan Haig and Joan Lennon, and illustrated by André Ducci. Templar Publishing. Author bio: Joan Haig is an award-winning writer of novels and nonfiction, and a university lecturer in travel writing. She has appeared at major literary festivals, held an author residency with the Scottish Book Trust, and featured in a Publishing Scotland documentary on children’s literature. She lives in the Scottish Borders with her cats and other family.

Winning Bidder

Alan McClure

Bids

1

£25

29

S.M. Hardy

Title: The Evil Within and Evil Never Dies (two book bundle) Genre: Supernatural Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage free: Yes Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://smhardy.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/SueTingey Book Blurb: The Evil Within Two years after the death of his fiancée, Jim Hawkes quits his high-powered job in the City to rent a cottage in the Devon seeking some well-needed rest. But Slyford St James is far from a peaceful haven.Almost immediately he is plagued by strange noises in the attic and the figure of a little girl always just out of sight. His new village friends are convinced Jim has found his way to the village to solve the mystery surrounding the suspicious death of a child. But as Jim is haunted by the ghosts of his past and endangered by a real-world threat in the present, it soon becomes apparent that true evil never dies. Evil Never Dies When Jed receives a letter from an old friend, he is intrigued. Though he and Simon were like brothers during their army days, they have lost touch over the years. However, the invitation to the Pomeroy family estate isn't quite the reunion he was hoping for - Simon's eldest brother has been brutally murdered, and he wants Jed to use his connection to the dead to help solve the crime.When they arrive at the estate, Jed is shocked by how fragile and fearful his friend has become. As Jed calls upon the spirit world, the results are dramatic, and a gruesome warning reveals dark and dangerous family secrets that threaten the safety of them all Bio: S. M. Hardy grew up in South East London and worked in banking for many years before turning her attention to arboricultural management. She has now given up the day job to allegedly spend more time with her husband; he, however, has noticed that an awful lot more writing appears to be going on. She currently lives in Devon.

Winning Bidder

Kerry Foyle

Bids

5

£26

30

Liz Fenwick

Title: The Secret Shore Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/liz_fenwick Book Blurb: As one of the Navy’s most skilled mapmakers, Merry knows the very lives of men far away depend on her work in the War Office. But when a family crisis draws her back to her beloved Cornwall, Merry finds herself working alongside an enigmatic American officer on secret operations spanning the rugged coasts of Cornwall and Brittany which she knows so well. But not everything is as clear as the maps she draws. As rumours and suspicion swirl around her family, Merry is increasingly drawn to Jake, despite the defences she’s built around her heart. It’s a dangerous time to fall in love when there is everything to lose as the tides of war are rising… Author Bio: Novelist, wife, mother of three, slave to two cats and dreamer turned doer.... Award winning author of The Cornish House, A Cornish Affair, A Cornish Stranger, Under A Cornish Sky, The Returning Tide, One Cornish Summer, The Path to the Sea, The River Between Us and the novella A Cornish Christmas Carol. She lives in Cornwall with her husband and spends her time wrangling two mad cats, plot walking, reading and procrastinating on social media. The Secret Shore was released 11 May 2023 and she’s now writing the next book. Her books are available in Dutch, Germany, Portuguese, French, Estonia, Norwegian, Danish, Turkish, Swedish, Latvian, Serbian, Czech, Hungarian, Italian and Finnish.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£20

31

Lola Jaye

Title: The Attic Child Genre: Historical Fiction - Black British Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lolajaye.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LolaJaye Book Blurb: Longlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2023. ‘An incredibly important book . . . a beautifully crafted, compelling story . . . which will undoubtedly break your heart but also make it sing’ - Mike Gayle Two children trapped in the same attic, almost a century apart, bound by a secret. 1907: Twelve-year-old Celestine spends most of his time locked in an attic room of a large house by the sea. Taken from his homeland and treated as an unpaid servant, he dreams of his family in Africa even if, as the years pass, he struggles to remember his mother’s face, and sometimes his real name . . . Decades later, Lowra, a young orphan girl born into wealth and privilege, will find herself banished to the same attic. Lying under the floorboards of the room is an old porcelain doll, an unusual beaded claw necklace and, most curiously, a sentence etched on the wall behind an old cupboard, written in an unidentifiable language. Artefacts that will offer her a strange kind of comfort, and lead her to believe that she was not the first child to be imprisoned there . . . Lola Jaye has created a hauntingly powerful, emotionally charged and unique dual-narrative novel about family secrets, love and loss, identity and belonging, seen through the lens of Black British History in The Attic Child. Author Bio: Lola Jaye is an author, registered psychotherapist and speaker who has penned six novels and a self-help book. She was born and raised in London, England and has lived in Nigeria and the United States. She currently works as a psychotherapist. She has written for, CNN, HuffPost, Essence and the BBC and also speaks on issues of mental health and racism. She has also appeared on national television, most recently discussing Covid 19 and mental wellbeing. Lola once gave a presentation on imposter syndrome – a subject close to her heart, because at times she’s unable to believe she’s an actual writer! The Attic Child (Macmillan) is her first epic historical novel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

12

£25

32

Sue H Cunningham

Title: Totally Deceased Genre: YA humour/murder mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/susywrites Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Jess wakes from an emergency heart transplant to discover she’s being haunted by the disgruntled ghost of her donor - teenage socialite, Tilly. And she won’t leave Jess in peace until they unravel the mystery surrounding her death. Their investigations take them deep into Tilly’s luxurious heiress life – from private schools to Swiss banks and high-end hotels. But the clues lead somewhere darker than either of the girls could have imagined. And if Jess can’t solve the murder in time, her own life may be at risk... A hilarious, high-stakes murder mystery like no other. Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson, Benjamin Dean and Netflix's Inventing Anna. An ambitious, tightly-plotted, laugh-out-loud read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This charming friendship will remind readers of Only Murders in the Building and 90s Ghost. Perfect for BookTok and Bookstagram. Author bio: Sue H Cunningham writes young adult fiction with humour and a hint of magic. She has won a number of awards for writing, including the Write Mentor Children’s Novel Award 2020, and featured in the SCBWI Undiscovered Voices 2022 Anthology. She has also had more than fifty short stories for adults published in the UK and worldwide. Her debut YA murder mystery, TOTALLY DECEASED, will be published 12th October 2023. Sue lives in Manchester with her husband and teen sons. When she’s not writing, or tripping over electric guitar cables, she works for the NHS.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£32

33

Stephanie Sorrell

Title: Dandy the Highway Lion Genre: Historical, Adventure, Animal Stories Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://chickenhousebooks.com/books/dandy-the-highway-lion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sophistopheles Book blurb: 'Lonely after their family moves to London, Ben and Hattie are delighted to find a new friend in the park. But Mr Dandy Paws is a highway lion – and with a P.I. on his tail, his latest scheme could get Ben and Hattie into far more trouble than they bargained for … • A delightfully old-fashioned debut adventure for modern children aged 7-11, full of friendship, daring and fun. • Set in an off-the-wall 1920s London complete with talking animals. • Strong animal welfare and ecological themes with a funny and fantastical twist. • Illustrated by Roxana de Rond with a classic nostalgic feel.' Author bio: 'Stephanie Sorrell’s debut children’s novel, DANDY THE HIGHWAY LION, was shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Competition in 2020, before going on to be published by Chicken House in Spring 2023. After studying English Literature with Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, she stumbled, semi-intentionally, into life aboard a boat, where she now lives with her husband, two spoilt cats (rescued while sailing in Spain), and several visiting swans.'

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£16

34

Victoria Howard

Three book package Title 1: Ring of Lies Genre: Crime - Romance Format: Paperback Title 2: The House on the Shore Genre: Crime - Romance Format: Paperback Title 3: Three Weeks Last Spring Genre: Crime - Romance Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Bonus: Victoria will be adding a few secret extras Website: https://www.victoriahoward.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaHoward_ Book 1 Blurb: When English accountant Daniel Elliott dies in a car accident one rainy night, his widow, Grace, is overcome with grief…and panic. Daniel was controlling and their marriage loveless, but he always took care of the sheltered Grace. Or so she thought. She soon discovers Daniel kept secrets: an alias, mob ties, a list of numbers, a mysterious beach house in Florida… and a girlfriend who looks like Grace. Swallowing her fear, she flies to Miami to claim the house Daniel left her. But the price of her curiosity is peril. Underworld figures stalk her. The other woman has left a damning trail of evidence pointing her way. And handsome, troubled FBI agent Jack West has crossed precarious paths with Grace before. He could be her savior or her damnation. All she knows for certain is that she longs to be in his arms. With little to go on and danger at every turn, Grace must depend on Jack to help her navigate the criminal world of south Florida, and find the truth behind the Ring of Lies. Book 2 Blurb: When Anna MacDonald leaves Edinburgh to find peace in the Scottish Highlands, she gets a twofold surprise: a lost sailor teaches her to love again…while a mysterious stranger has plans to kill her. Passed over for promotion by her boss—and boyfriend, Anna walks off the job in anger. But being reactionary has its price. Now she can no longer afford the rent on her Edinburgh apartment. So she retreats to the only place she has ever felt happy – her grandmother’s croft on the edge of a Highland loch. With no phone or neighbours, and only two border collies for company, Anna sets out to finally achieve her lifelong dream; to write—and sell—the novel that has burned within her for years. Luke Tallantyre, a renowned Cape Cod artist, has sailed across the Atlantic to escape an artistic dry spell—and come to terms with his dangerous past. When his yacht develops a problem he drops anchor in Loch Hourn. He rows ashore, and knocking on the door of the croft, asks to use the telephone, but the reception he receives is less than welcoming – in fact it’s downright frosty. Anna resents the cranky American’s intrusion to her seemingly idyllic life. Luke thinks she’s an ill-mannered hermit. But an unseen assassin is after one of them. So they unwillingly join forces and embark on an adventure neither ever imagined…including a chance at true love. Book 3 Blurb: Skye Dunbar needs to get away from London to put a disastrous affair behind her. When she rents a small cabin in Washington State’s San Juan Islands, the last thing she expects is to be accused of computer hacking. Marine biologist Jedediah Walker is called in to investigate the large number of dead marine life being washed up on the islands beaches. And he has another problem – an unexpected, beautiful and suspicious new tenant renting his cabin. When Walker discovers that the fish contain a high concentration of toxic chemicals, he suspects that the chemicals are being deliberately dumped in Puget Sound. And later, when someone hacks into his computer, he realises it is no coincidence and sets out to find out more about his mysterious new tenant.However, Skye doesn’t like Walker from the moment she lays eyes on him. He feels the same. But that’s about to change. Author Bio: Victoria Howard is the author of three romantic suspense novels; The House on the Shore, (a 2009 Joan Hessayon Award finalist), Three Weeks Last Spring, and Ring of Lies. She is also the author of several short stories, including the Kindle short, A Little Protection. Victoria trained as a medical secretary, and subsequently worked for the National Health Service. She spent twenty years living on a croft in the Highlands of Scotland, managing a company involved in the offshore oil and gas industry. During those rare times when she isn't writing, Victoria can be found curled up with a book, gardening, designing knitwear, walking her Border collie, Rosie, or travelling the world. Victoria is a member of Romantic Novelists' Association.

Winning Bidder

Justine Woodbridge

Bids

3

£22

35

Peter May

Title: A Winter Grave Genre: Crime/Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://petermay.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorpetermay Book Blurb: A young meteorologist checking a mountain top weather station discovers the body of a man entombed in ice. The dead man is investigative reporter, George Younger, missing for three months after vanishing during what he claimed was a hill-walking holiday. Cameron Brodie, a veteran Glasgow detective, volunteers to be flown north to investigate Younger’s death, but he has more than a murder enquiry on his agenda. He knows the time has come to face his estranged daughter who has made her home in the remote Highland village. Arriving during an ice storm, Brodie and pathologist Dr. Sita Roy, find themselves the sole guests at the International Hotel, where Younger’s body has been kept refrigerated. But evidence uncovered during his autopsy places the lives of both Brodie and Roy in extreme jeopardy. Author Bio: PETER MAY was born and raised in Scotland. He was an award-winning journalist at the age of twenty-one and a published novelist at twenty-six. When his first book was adapted as a major drama series for the BBC, he quit journalism and, during the high-octane fifteen years that followed, became one of Scotland’s most successful television dramatists. He has won several literary awards in France, received the USA’s Barry Award for The Blackhouse – the first in his internationally bestselling Lewis Trilogy; and in 2014 Entry Island was awarded the ITV Specsavers Crime Thriller Book Club Best Read of the Year, as well as the Deanston Scottish Crime Book of the Year. May now lives in South-West France with his wife, writer Janice Hally.

Winning Bidder

David McLoughlin

Bids

9

£50

36

Michael Morpurgo

Title: My Heart Was a Tree Genre: Children - Environment - Education Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.littletoller.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/LittleToller Book Blurb: Discover the beauty and wonder of trees in this stunningly illustrated collection of poetry and stories celebrating trees and what they mean to the world around us . . . Inspired by the woods around his home, the mighty forests that support our life on Earth, and the Ted Hughes poem which gives this book its title, My Heart Was a Tree is a celebration, and Sir Michael Morpurgo's love letter to trees. There are stories from an ancient olive remembering Odysseus and Penelope, and from a eucalyptus that gave shelter to a koala; from a piece of driftwood that was made into a chair, and from a tiny sapling carried by a refugee as a reminder of home – these are poems and stories that will amuse, move and energise families and readers of all ages to appreciate the beauty and wonder of trees. Yuval Zommer's beautiful, detailed illustrations bring the natural world to life, and make My Heart Was a Tree a book to pore over for hours and hours, discovering something new each time. Author Bio: Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s best-loved writers for children. He has written over 130 books including War Horse, which was adapted for a hugely successful stage production by the National Theatre and then, in 2011, for a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Michael was Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005. The charity Farms for City Children, which he founded thirty years ago with his wife Clare, has now enabled over 70,000 children to spend a week living and working down on the farm. His enormous success has continued with his most recent novels Flamingo Boy and The Snowman, inspired by the classic story by Raymond Briggs. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity. Yuval Zommer graduated from the Royal College of Art with an MA in Illustration. He is an award-winning author and illustrator whose work has been translated into twenty-five languages. His bestselling ‘Big Book Of…’ series teaches children about our planet and the creatures on it. Zommer is an environmentalist.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

11

£70

37

Michael Morpurgo

Title: All Around The Year Genre: Agriculture & Farming Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only * Along with Michael, Katherine Rundell has kindly added her signature to the book * Website: https://www.littletoller.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/LittleToller Book Blurb: Originally published in 1979, All Around the Year is a diary following a year at Parsonage Farm, a mixed farm in Devon, close to Dartmoor. The book documented a way of life unchanged for centuries, but which was already remote to most people. In All Around the Year, Morpurgo revealed the daily hardships and rewards of such a life. The accompanying poems were written by Ted Hughes about life on his own nearby farm. The book is illustrated with the photographs of James Ravilious from the Beaford Archive. The book has a new introduction by the prize-winning author Katherine Rundell, and is published for Michael Morpurgo’seightieth birthday. Author Bio: Michael Morpurgo is a prize-winning author of books for children, including War Horse and Private Peaceful.From 2003-2005 he was the Children’s Laureate, a role he conceived with Ted Hughes. With his wife, Clare, he founded the charity Farms for City Children.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

15

£46

38

Fiona Cummins

Title: Into the Dark Genre: Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://cwagency.co.uk/client/fiona-cummins Twitter: https://twitter.com/FionaAnnCummins Book Blurb: 'Complex. Inventive. Twisting. Unsettling.' - Sarah Vaughan, bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal THE PLACE: Seawings, a beautiful Art Deco home overlooking the sweep of the bay in Midtown-on-Sea. THE CRIME: The gilded Holden family - Piper and Gray and their two teenage children, Riva and Artie - has vanished from the house without a trace. THE DETECTIVE: DS Saul Anguish, brilliant but with a dark past, treads the narrow line between light and shade. One late autumn morning, Piper’s best friend arrives at Seawings to discover an eerie scene – the kettle is still warm, all the family’s phones are charging on the worktop, the cars are in the garage. But the house is deserted. In fifteen-year-old Riva Holden’s bedroom, scrawled across the mirror in blood, are three words: Make Them Stop. What happens next? Author Bio: FIONA CUMMINS is a graduate of the prestigious Faber Academy in London and an award‑winning journalist. She spent twelve years at Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper as its chief showbiz reporter, interviewing celebrities from Michael Jackson to George Clooney. She was named Showbusiness Reporter of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2007, and has been nominated four times. Now freelance, her work has appeared in numerous UK publications, as well as appearing on several national TV programs. She lives in Essex with her husband and two children.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£20

39

Kate Mosse

Title: Ghost Ship Genre: Romance - Adventure Format: Hardback - First Addition Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.katemosse.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/katemosse Book Blurb: Piracy. Romance. Revenge. Across the seas of the seventeenth century, two seafarers are forced to fight for their love and their lives. The sequel to The City of Tears, The Ghost Ship is the third novel in The Joubert Family Chronicles from bestselling author Kate Mosse. The Barbary Coast, 1621. A mysterious vessel floats silently on the water. It is known only as the Ghost Ship. For months, its captain - Louise Reydon-Joubert - and her courageous crew has hunted pirates to liberate those enslaved during the course of their merciless raids. But now the Ghost Ship is under attack – its hull splintered, its sails tattered and burnt, and the crew at risk of capture. But the bravest among them are not who they seem. Louise is fleeing a miscarriage of justice; her lover, Gilles Barenton, is at risk of being exposed - she is forced to masquerade as her brother. The stakes could not be higher: if arrested, they will be hanged for their crimes. Can they survive the journey and escape their fate? A sweeping and epic queer love story, ranging from France in 1610 to Amsterdam and the Canary Islands in the 1620s, The Ghost Ship is a thrilling novel of adventure and buccaneering, love and revenge, stolen fortunes and hidden secrets on the High Seas. Most of all, it is a tale of defiant women in a man's world. Author Bio: Kate Mosse is the author of ten novels & short story collections, including the No 1 bestselling The Joubert Family Chronicles – The Burning Chambers, The City of Tears and The Ghost Ship – as well as the multimillion selling Languedoc Trilogy - Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel - and No 1 bestselling Gothic fiction including The Winter Ghosts and The Taxidermist's Daughter. Her books have been translated into 38 languages and published in more than 40 countries. She has also written four works of non-fiction – including her memoir about caring An Extra Pair of Hands and Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built the World, which inspired her first one-woman show and theatre tour. She has also written four plays, contributed essays and introductions to classic novels and collections. Her novel for Quick Reads, The Black Mountain, was published in 2022 and she contributed a story to the international bestselling Miss Marple Collection of Short Stories, Marple. A champion of women's creativity, Kate is the Founder Director of the Women's Prizes - the largest annual celebration of women's writing in the world - and is the Founder of the global campaign #WomanInHistory launched in January 2021 to honour, celebrate and promote women’s achievements throughout history. She was awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to literature and women, was named Woman of the Year for her service to the arts in the Everywoman Awards and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. A regular guest on book & arts shows on radio and television, shealso writes and presents documentaries. To celebrate her 60th birthday, she launched her own YouTube book channel – Kate-Mosse-on-Books – with a monthly show ‘Mosse on a Monday’. Kate hosts the pre performance interview series at Chichester Festival Theatre in Sussex, chairs Platform Events for the National Theatre in London, as well as interviewing writers, directors, campaigners and actors at literary and theatre festivals in the UK and beyond. Kate was awarded a Fellowship at the Writer's House in Amsterdam in 2019. She is a visiting Professor of Creative Writing & Contemporary Fiction at the University of Chichester, a Patron of the Chichester Festival of Dance, Music and Speech and President of the Festival of Chichester. In 2019, Kate was honoured to be presented with a medal for services to culture by the City of Carcassonne. It is because of buying a tiny house in the shadow of the medieval city walls of Carcassonne in 1989 - and becoming inspired by the landscape, the beauty and the history of the region - that Kate became the writer she is.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

12

£51

40

Andreina Cordani

Two Book Special Title 1: Dead Lucky Genre: Young Adult thriller Format: Paperback Title 2: The Girl Who... Genre: Young Adult psychological thriller Format: Paperback Dedications available: Yes Postage: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://andreinacordani.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreinaCordani Book 1 Blurb: Ed, Maxine, Leni, Xav. They are the influencers, the lucky ones. Gifted, gilded people who have everything - fame, respect, adulation, more freebies than they can ever unbox. Their lives, loves and feuds are shared with millions of fans on the streaming platform PlayMii, and they are living the dream. But it's broken Ed's heart. It's crushing Maxine. It's destroying Leni's friendships. And it's gone to Xav's head. Then, a masked figure walks into Xav's apartment and murders him on camera. As the world reels with shock, Maxine discovers Xav was sitting on a file of secrets about his fellow creators - career-destroying secrets that they'd do anything to keep hidden. And if she doesn't find the file, she could be next . . . 'I loved Dead Lucky. It was gripping, refreshing and wonderfully told: Andreina is brilliant at misdirection, so I had no idea what was ahead . . . I hugely recommend this book to anyone who likes a twisty thriller' Emily Barr, author of The One Memory of Flora Banks Book 2 Blurb: The girl who... survived The girl who... inspires The girl who... has something to hide People can't bring themselves to say what happened to her. They just describe her as 'the girl who... you know...'. But nobody really knows, no one sees the real Leah Leah is the perfect survivor. She was seven years old when she saw her mother and sister killed by a troubled gang member. Her case hit the headlines and her bravery made her a national sweetheart: strong, courageous and forgiving. But Leah is hiding a secret about their deaths. And now, ten years later, all she can think of is revenge. When Leah's dad meets a new partner, stepsister Ellie moves in. Sensing Leah isn't quite the sweet girl she pretends to be, Ellie discovers that Leah has a plan, one she has been putting together ever since that fateful day. Now that the killer - and the only one who knows the truth - is being released from prison, time is running out for Ellie to discover how far Leah will go to silence her anger . . . Author bio Before writing her first novel, Andreina Cordani was a senior editor and writer for women's magazines including Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan, where her assignments included interviewing gun-toting moms on the school run, ordering illegal DIY Botox online and learning to do the splits in eight weeks. She lives on the Dorset coast with her family where she reads voraciously, occasionally makes TikTok videos and swims in the sea. She is the author of two dark thrillers for young adults, The Girl Who... and Dead Lucky and is currently working on an adult crime story.

Winning Bidder

Allie Palmer

Bids

7

£40

41

Mickey Mayhew

Title: The Anne Boleyn Bible Genre: History - Biography Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.mickeymayhew.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mickey_Mayhew Book Blurb: Anne Boleyn sells, but she sells in segments; a biography here, a study over there on her guilt and something else yonder concerned with where she lived or what she liked to wear. This book, covering not just her life but her life onscreen, in theatre, on TV and also the impact of the first black actress to play her, is the definitive, all-encompassing story of Anne Boleyn from 1501 (or thereabouts) to 2023. Having examined the ardent fandom of Anne Boleyn for his doctorate, Dr Mickey Mayhew is in a unique position to offer something new to say on this much-discussed 'tragic' Tudor queen and is not afraid to tackle some of the less palatable aspects of her life. Also, this book is the first to examine with authenticity the reality of Anne's relationship with the most important man in her life, the man whose name she repeated in comfort whilst facing the Swordsman of Calais on the scaffold, having spent her life promulgating his doctrine; Jesus Christ himself. As for the aforementioned executioner, Dr Mayhew's research in Calais and Saint-Omer can now lift a lid on a few of the particulars of this elusive and yet essential figure of Anne Boleyn mythos; and yes, now he even has a name as well. The Anne Boleyn Bible also offers a straightforward retelling of Anne's actual historical life, albeit one that outlines an entirely fresh and empowering perspective on her rise to prominence; this is followed by a series of considered arguments on the 'for' and 'against' in regard to her guilt & execution; then her entry into popular culture, firstly in plays and masques, before she went on to headline movies, TV series, cosplay, and now, with the first black woman to portray her, model and actress Jodie Turner-Smith. This book is simply what it says on the cover - The Anne Boleyn Bible - leaving no depiction, no religious aspect, no appearance in popular culture, from The Simpsons to the West End musical 'Six', overlooked; likewise, Dr Mayhew also turns his trademark brand of rather wry commentary toward the vast plethora of Anne Boleyn merchandising, tourist spots, rubber ducks, beanies and the wrangling question of who was the ultimate onscreen Anne; Genevieve Bujold or Natalie Dormer?! Author Bio: Lifelong Londoner Mickey Mayhew has a PhD concerning the online cult surrounding tragic queens; Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots. He was co-author on three books relating to Jack the Ripper, published by The History Press; The Little Book of Mary Queen of Scots was also published by The History Press in January 2015. I Love the Tudors, by Pavilion Books, was released in 2016. He has a semi-regular column in the journal of The Whitechapel Society, and was previously a film and theatre reviewer for several London lifestyle magazines. He has also worked as an assistant researcher on several projects for London South Bank University. His first book for Pen & Sword - House of Tudor: A Grisly History - was published in early 2022. Imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots: The men who kept the Stuart Queen was released in the autumn of 2022; proving that being a polymath isn't at all problematic, Rasputin and his Russian Queen: The True Story of Grigory and Alexandra was released in early 2023.

Winning Bidder

Christine Finegan

Bids

9

£31

42

Mickey Mayhew

Title: Rasputin Genre: History - Biography Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.mickeymayhew.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mickey_Mayhew Book Blurb: RASPUTIN’S RELATIONSHIP with Russia’s last Tsarina, Alexandra, notorious from the famous Boney M song, has never been adequately addressed; biographies are always for one or the other, or simply Alexandra and her husband Nicholas. In this new work, Mickey Mayhew reimagines Alexandra for the #MeToo generation; ‘neurotic’; ‘hysterical’; ‘credulous’ and ‘fanatical’ are shunted aside in favour of a sympathetic reimagining of a reserved and pious woman tossed into the heart of Russian aristocracy, with the sole purpose of providing their patriarchal monarchy with an heir. When her longed-for son then developed haemophilia, she turned to the one man capable of curing the child’s agonising pain – Grigory Rasputin. Some say that between them, Grigory and Alexandra brought down 300 years of Romanov rule and ushered in the Russian Revolution, but theirs was simply the story of a mother fighting for the health of her son against a backdrop of bigotry, sexism and increasing secularism. She liked to pray and he liked to party, but when they found themselves steering Russia through the First World War, her gender and his class gave society no option but to destroy them. Bubbling with his trademark bon mots, Mickey Mayhew’s latest book breathes fresh life into two of history’s most fascinating – and polarising – figures. This is the real story of Rasputin and his Russian Queen. Author Bio: Lifelong Londoner Mickey Mayhew has a PhD concerning the online cult surrounding tragic queens; Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots. He was co-author on three books relating to Jack the Ripper, published by The History Press; The Little Book of Mary Queen of Scots was also published by The History Press in January 2015. I Love the Tudors, by Pavilion Books, was released in 2016. He has a semi-regular column in the journal of The Whitechapel Society, and was previously a film and theatre reviewer for several London lifestyle magazines. He has also worked as an assistant researcher on several projects for London South Bank University. His first book for Pen & Sword - House of Tudor: A Grisly History - was published in early 2022. Imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots: The men who kept the Stuart Queen was released in the autumn of 2022; proving that being a polymath isn't at all problematic, Rasputin and his Russian Queen: The True Story of Grigory and Alexandra was released in early 2023.

Winning Bidder

Christine Osborne

Bids

4

£20

43

Samantha Tonge

Title: The Memory of You Genre: Contemporary - Women's Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted UK Only *Bonus: Samantha is adding a bumper size Peppermint Aero for her successful bidder Website: http://samanthatonge.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamTongeWriter Book Blurb: Alex would like to believe she’s a woman who has it all. Or that’s what she tells everyone, including herself. But this is far from true. Actually she’s on the cusp of losing her home, her dream career as a writer is in tatters, her ex won’t speak to her, and her mother’s gone forever. But then a chance meeting with a stranger named Hope gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, when Hope jokes that perhaps Alex should take over her job in a café while she goes travelling. Just at that moment, it sounds like the answer to all her problems. So Alex persuades Hope to let her step into her shoes for a month. She brushes away Hope’s attempts to explain about the café, instead demanding to know more about the owner Tom. But she should have asked for more details. Because the ‘Wrong Order Café’ isn’t like anywhere she’s ever been before. And Alex’s life is about to change forever… Author Bio: Award-winning and bestselling author, Samantha Tonge, lives in Manchester UK with her family and writes uplifting, emotional women's fiction. The Memory of You is her 18th published book.

Winning Bidder

Jude Srivalsan

Bids

8

£37

44

Helena Fairfax

Have you written a novel? Helena Fairfax is offering a full developmental edit and helpful feedback on your manuscript. Helena is a freelance editor of fiction, a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, the Society of Authors and the Romantic Novelists' Association, for whom she's a reader for their New Writers' Scheme. She has several years' experience providing in-depth and supportive feedback – and is looking forward to reading your novel! (You can find out more about Helena at http://helenafairfax.com)' Helena explains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEODtJUkYP8 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaFairfax Website: https://helenafairfax.com

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£250

45

Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Title: The Wonder Brothers Genre: Children - Fantasy - Adventure Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/frank-cottrell-boyce Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankcottrell_b Book Blurb: 'A writer of comic genius - he has something of Roald Dahl's magic, but more heart' - Sunday Telegraph No matter how big the show, family, friendship and adventure shine through in The Wonder Brothers by multi-award-winning author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated throughout by Steven Lenton. ‘Maybe you don’t believe me. Maybe you don’t believe in magic. I bet you will by the time you’ve heard what happened to us.’ Cousins Middy and Nathan love magic. The on-stage, cape-swirling, bunny-out-of-a-hat kind. For Middy, it’s all about patience and practice. She uses magic skills to help her out of tricky situations. Nathan is a show-off and a total danger magnet, he is drawn to the sensation, spectacle and audience. So when the famous Blackpool Tower dramatically vanishes the night of the Grand Lights Switch-On, showman Nathan announces live on TV that they will magic it back home. With a stick of rock, a spangly cape, and a bit of misdirection, they end up lost in Las Vegas, home to the grand master of illusion, Perplexion, ‘Legend of Magic’. Full of tricks, twists and deceptions, the delightful Nathan and Middy will keep you guessing until the very end. Author Bio: Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an award-winning author and screenwriter. Millions, his debut children's novel, won the CILIP Carnegie Medal. He is also the author of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again, Cosmic, Framed, The Astounding Broccoli Boy and Runaway Robot. His books have been shortlisted for a multitude of prizes, including the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children's Fiction Award (now the Costa Book Award) and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth was shortlisted for the 2017 CILIP Carnegie Medal and selected for the inaugural WHSmith Tom Fletcher Book Club. Frank is a judge for the 500 Words competition and the BBC's One Show As You Write It competition. Along with Danny Boyle, he devised the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics. He has written for the hit TV series Dr Who and was the screenwriter for the hit film Goodbye Christopher Robin.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£35

46

Vicki Beeby

The Wrens Series : Three Book Special! Title1: A New Start for the Wrens, Genre: Historical Fiction - WW2 Saga Format: Paperback Title 2: A Wrens’ Wartime Christmas Genre: Historical Fiction- WW2 Saga Format: Paperback Title 3: Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens Genre: Historical Fiction WW2 Saga Format: Paperback Dedications available: Yes Bids accepted: UK only Website: https://vickibeeby.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBeeby Book 1 Blurb: A New Start for the Wrens Winner of the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Saga of the Year award, 2023 Following a humiliating experience involving the man she thought she’d marry, Iris Tredwick signs up to the Wrens in order to escape and find ‘the right sort’ of man to please her mother. After a bumpy start, Iris manages to befriend outspoken Mary and dreamer Sally as they are sent to their first posting – in Orkney. There she meets mechanic Rob, whose flirtatious nature both charms and confounds straight-laced Iris. Much more appropriate for her is local doctor Stewart, if only she felt the same spark for him as she does for Rob… As Iris, Mary and Sally work to interpret signals from incoming ships, they realise the enemy is somehow one step ahead of their manoeuvres, dropping sea mines under the cover of darkness. Could there be a spy on the island? And can the Wrens prevent disaster striking before it’s too late? A thrilling and lively Second World War saga for fans of Kate Thompson and Daisy Styles. Book 2 Blurb: A Wrens’ Wartime Christmas After her fiancé died in the sinking of the Royal Oak, Mary finds herself stationed in Orkney, still battling her grief. With Iris and Sally by her side, she is gradually overcoming her loss and is surprised to be helped by the irascible Joe. Joe is a signalman aboard the Kelpie and his cheeky Morse code signals to Mary while she's on shift bring her cheer and exasperation in equal measure. With Christmas round the corner, Mary is opening herself back up to the festive spirit – and to love. But the Germans keep slipping through Scapa Flow’s defences, somehow without triggering any of the Navy’s alarms. Could someone on land be guiding them? If so, can Mary, Iris and Sally figure out who and stop them before more lives are lost? Book 3 Blurb: Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens During war, nothing is ever at it seems... Sally Hartley is a hopeless romantic. Her father died when she was a baby but she has lived off stories from her mother of what a wonderful man he was. Now, all she wants is a love like theirs. And she thinks she’s found it in Adam, the brother of a friend from home. When Adam is posted to Orkney, it’s like Sally’s dreams have all come true. After Italy changes sides in the war, the Italian POWs are granted more freedom on the islands, meaning Sally can spend more time with her friend, Aldo, and the two grow ever closer. But when a family secret is revealed, Sally's trust might be forever broken. Sally, Iris and Mary must continue their duties even as life changes drastically around them, including an attack on one of their fellow Wrens from an unknown assailant. Now the friends face danger not just from the enemy, but also someone much closer to home. Author Bio: Vicki Beeby is a saga author who writes about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War. Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher, an education consultant before she turned freelance to give herself more time to write. She is published by Canelo and represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency. She was a finalist for the RNA Romantic Saga award in 2021 and won it in 2023.

Winning Bidder

Michelle Fraser

Bids

9

£32

47

Tasha Harrison

Title: The Thing About Lemons Genre: Y/A - Rom Com Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Twitter: @DotDashTash Book Blurb: Ori Reynolds has just made the biggest mistake of her life. One that’s resulted in: 1) losing all but one of her friends, 2) feeling like the World’s Most Terrible Person, and 3) having all her fun summer plans cancelled. And, as if things couldn’t get any worse, she now has no choice but to go on a road trip with her estranged grandad Claude to his home in the French countryside. Talk about life giving you lemons! However, while Ori scoffs at her mum’s suggestion to “make lemonade”, her sour situation is about to turn significantly sweeter than she could ever have imagined… Author Bio: Tasha Harrison is the author of middle grade comedy Clementine Florentine and YA romcom The Thing About Lemons. A former sub-editor and copywriter, she has an incurable weakness for puns, rhymes and alliteration. She lives in Brighton with her family and food-obsessed Labrador.

Winning Bidder

Leigh Troop

Bids

1

£12

48

A.A. Chaudhuri

Two Book Bundle! Title 1: She's Mine Genre: Crime Thriller - Suspense Format: Paperback Title 2: The Loyal Friend Genre: Crime Thriller - Suspense Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://aachaudhuri.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AAChaudhuri Book 1 Blurb: 'Beautifully written, immaculately plotted, very clever and deliciously dark. Loved it.' Catherine Cooper, author of The Chalet and The Chateau Her missing daughter was just the start of the nightmare Twenty years ago, Christine Donovan took a call she should have ignored while shopping. In those few seconds while her back was turned, her toddler, Heidi, was kidnapped. She’s never been seen again. Despite having two other children with husband Greg, Christine remains guilt-stricken that her neglect caused her child to be stolen, while haunted by a secret that consumes her. Just as she takes measures to finally heal, a note is posted through her door, with the words she has always longed to hear: Heidi isn’t dead. Christine might finally get the answers she craves - but what she doesn’t know is that finding her daughter will uncover dark secrets close to home. In seeking the truth, Christine might destroy everything that she loves … so how far is she willing to go to find Heidi? With a truly jaw-dropping end twist, She’s Mine is a dark, scandalous, and gripping read from a major new talent in psychological thriller writing. Book 2 Blurb: 'A dark, twisty tale of toxic friendship where no one can be trusted – a great read.' Catherine Cooper, author of The Chateau She has your back. And may stab you in it. Wealthy, pampered Susan is living the perfect life in leafy Kingston. She’ll never let anyone see the darkness she’s concealing behind the diamonds and rosé. Grace is new to the group, seemingly the perfect wife and mum. Yet no one knows the truth of what’s happening behind closed doors. Loner Natalie hides the pain of her childhood behind a carefully ordered life. But how long can the past stay hidden? Three unlikely friends, brought together for a weekly class run by beautiful, friendly, instructor, Jade. But when Jade goes missing in mysterious circumstances, the group starts to unravel. And as their darkest secrets come to light, it seems that no one can be trusted. Even their closest friends… A heart-in-your-mouth thriller that builds twist after twist, culminating in an unforgettable ending. The Author: A.A. Chaudhuri is a former City lawyer. Born and raised on the south coast, she now lives in Surrey with her family. Once a highly ranked British junior tennis player, she toured the women’s professional satellite circuit as a teenager, and achieved a world ranking of 650. After returning to full-time education, she gained three As in A-Level History, English Literature and Theology, a BA Honours 2:1 in History at University College London, and a commendation in both the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at the London College of Law. She trained as a solicitor at City firm Norton Rose, before going on to practise as a commercial litigator at two other City firms, Kendall Freeman and Travers Smith. She left law in 2008 to pursue her passion for writing. She also passed the NCTJ fast-track newspaper journalism course in 2010, in respect of which she was awarded The Oxford University Press Public Affairs Award for the most outstanding public affairs central government paper. The Scribe and The Abduction were published by Lume Books (formerly Endeavour Media) in July and December 2019. Both books have hit the bestsellers lists in the UK, Australia and Canada, with bestseller tags in Australia and Canada. They were also published as audio books by Isis Audio in January and March 2021, read by David Thorpe. In February 2021, Alex signed a two-book contract for two standalone psychological thrillers with HERA BOOKS, the first entitled SHE’S MINE was published on 18th August 2021 in ebook and 26th August in paperback. THE LOYAL FRIEND was published by Hera Books on 23rdJune 2022 in paperback and ebook and on 26th June in audio with Saga Egmont. In June 2022 Alex signed a deal with Hera Books for three more psychological thrillers. Besides being an avid reader, she enjoys fitness, films, anything Italian and a good margarita!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£31

49

A.A. Chaudhuri

Title 1: The Final Party Genre: Psychological Thriller/Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: Free Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://aachaudhuri.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AAChaudhuri Book Blurb: SIX FRIENDS. In a luxury villa set high in the hills above the glamorous town of Sorrento, southern Italy, three couples gather for the perfect 40th birthday celebration. ONE BODY. Before the week is out, one of them is dead. COUNTLESS LIES. Their perfect reunion quickly becomes the holiday from hell when one of the group starts receiving anonymous messages, threatening to expose a dark secret from their university days. As old friendships are tested to the limit, it’s clear that what happens in the dark past won’t stay buried… A heart-racing psychological thriller that will hook you from the very first page, with twist after twist that will make your jaw drop. Fans of B.A. Paris, My Husband's Killer and Lucy Foley won’t be able to put this down. If you were hooked by The White Lotus or The Watcher, you'll love this. The Author: A.A. Chaudhuri is a former City lawyer. Born and raised on the south coast, she now lives in Surrey with her family. Once a highly ranked British junior tennis player, she toured the women’s professional satellite circuit as a teenager, and achieved a world ranking of 650. After returning to full-time education, she gained three As in A-Level History, English Literature and Theology, a BA Honours 2:1 in History at University College London, and a commendation in both the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at the London College of Law. She trained as a solicitor at City firm Norton Rose, before going on to practise as a commercial litigator at two other City firms, Kendall Freeman and Travers Smith. She left law in 2008 to pursue her passion for writing. She also passed the NCTJ fast-track newspaper journalism course in 2010, in respect of which she was awarded The Oxford University Press Public Affairs Award for the most outstanding public affairs central government paper. The Scribe and The Abduction were published by Lume Books (formerly Endeavour Media) in July and December 2019. Both books have hit the bestsellers lists in the UK, Australia and Canada, with bestseller tags in Australia and Canada. They were also published as audio books by Isis Audio in January and March 2021, read by David Thorpe. In February 2021, Alex signed a two-book contract for two standalone psychological thrillers with HERA BOOKS, the first entitled SHE’S MINE was published on 18th August 2021 in ebook and 26th August in paperback. THE LOYAL FRIEND was published by Hera Books on 23rdJune 2022 in paperback and ebook and on 26th June in audio with Saga Egmont. In June 2022 Alex signed a deal with Hera Books for three more psychological thrillers, the first to be published in June 2023. Besides being an avid reader, she enjoys fitness, films, anything Italian and a good margarita!

Winning Bidder

David Barber

Bids

5

£22

50

T.E. Kinsey

Title: A Fire at the Exhibition Genre: Cosy Historical Crime Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://tekinsey.uk Threads: https://threads.net/@tekinseymysteries Twitter: https://twitter.com/TEKinsey Book Blurb: May 1912. After the previous year’s deadly heatwave, it’s been an uneventful spring in Littleton Cotterell. Though for Lady Hardcastle and her fiercely loyal lady’s maid Flo, at least there are the provincial delights of the village’s inaugural art exhibition—and bicycle race—to look forward to. But at the exhibition opening, there’s a panicked shout of ‘Fire!’ In the confusion, the main attraction—an extremely expensive book—is stolen from under everyone’s nose, as is a valuable painting lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. Then the race, which starts as a charming day out, ends in a shocking death. And to top it all off, the Farley-Strouds reveal they’re in debt and might lose their house. The sleuthing duo soon find themselves torn between a murder investigation, an art theft mystery, and trying to help their pals. All with a suspicious figure from Flo’s past, a supercilious insurance investigator, and a pair of rather bizarre treasure hunters on the loose… Author Bio: T E Kinsey (Tim) was born in the 1960s. He grew up in London in the 1970s and went to university in Bristol in the 1980s. He worked in magazines in the 1990s, and for IMDb in the 2000s. He still lives near Bristol. He’s responsible for the popular historical cosy series The Lady Hardcastle Mysteries and The Dizzy Heights Mysteries (Thomas & Mercer) but he does occasionally play the drums.

Winning Bidder

Zoe Pepper

Bids

5

£54

51

Frances Quinn

Title: The Smallest Man Genre: Historical Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: @franquinn Book Blurb: My name is Nat Davy. Perhaps you’ve heard of me? There was a time when people up and down the land knew my name, though they only ever knew half the story. The year of 1625, it was, when a single shilling changed my life. That shilling got me taken off to London, where they hid me in a pie, of all things, so I could be given as a gift to the new queen of England. They called me the queen’s dwarf, but I was more than that. I was her friend, when she had no one else, and later on, when the people of England turned against their king, it was me who saved her life. When they turned the world upside down, I was there, right at the heart of it, and this is my story. Inspired by a true story, and spanning two decades that changed England for ever, The Smallest Man is a heartwarming tale about being different, but not letting it hold you back. About being brave enough to take a chance, even if the odds aren’t good. And about how, when everything else is falling apart, true friendship holds people together. Author Bio: Frances Quinn is the author of two historical novels, The Smallest Man and That Bonesetter Woman.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£20

52

Carrie and David Grant

Title: A Very Modern Family Genre: Education : Parenting Hyperactive Children & Children with Disabilities Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://carrieanddavidgrant.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarrieGrant1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidGrantSays Book Blurb: 'So much more than a parenting manual - the Grants have thrown out a lifeline' THE TIMES 'The most extraordinary parenting guide of our time' DAILY MAIL A breakout book on the ever-expanding concept of family Carrie and David Grant have an extraordinary family story to tell. They have four children, one of whom is adopted, and all have come with a curveball: mental health challenges, neurodivergence, trans non-binary identities, various sexualities, and they are a mixed-race family, too. It is a reflection of the fact that society is changing faster than most of us can keep up with. The wider concepts of family and community are being deconstructed. There are those who are desperately clinging to the old and those who are desperate for the new to be accepted. How do we hold our families and communities together in unity? How do we create a society where all are included and none are oppressed? In A Very Modern Family, Carrie and David share their challenges and discoveries of growing and shapeshifting to create an incredible, diverse family and community. With their multi-intersectional family, they share their own mindset changes and insights into how to construct a new, accepting and unified space, while providing a deep dive into real life, frequently encountered situations and pertinent, applicable advice. A Very Modern Family is an important guide for our times - full of pain, change and hope. Author Bio: Carrie and David Grant are BAFTA award-winning broadcasters, vocal coaches, leadership coaches and campaigners. Their TV and music career has spanned over 35 years and they have been awarded a MOBO award and a BASCA for their lifetime services to the music industry. David has had 14 hit records and been nominated for 2 Brit Awards. David was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his lifetime services to music. Carrie is a reporter for BBC 1’s The One Show and together with David hosts the Saturday Breakfast Show on BBC Radio London. In 2018 Carrie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Bedfordshire and in 2020 an MBE for services to Music, Media and Charity.

Winning Bidder

Linda Sheridan

Bids

1

£12

53

Lisa Timoney

Three Book Special Title 1: Her Daughter’s Secret Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Family Drama Format:Paperback Title 2: Her Mother’s Lies Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Family Drama Format: Paperback Title 3: His Secret Wife Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Family Drama Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lisatimoneywrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LTimoneyWrites Book 1 Blurb: Will her daughter’s secret tear her family apart? When troubled teenager Immy disappears, she leaves her widowed mother Bea completely devastated. Bea pours her love into her six-year-old niece Phoebe, even taking her in when her single father Ewan takes a job abroad. Then Immy returns, in desperate need of her mother’s help and love. But Ewan is clear: he will never let Bea see Phoebe again if she welcomes her daughter back. As Bea grapples with this impossible choice between two girls who sorely need her, a long-buried secret comes out that changes everything – and Bea must fight harder for her family than she ever thought she could. Book 2 Blurb: Bonnie has been running from her tragic past for far too long. Now, years after the events that changed her life for ever, the time has come to face it. Her search for answers takes her to the idyllic town of Hamblin, where she is determined to start over. Alice’s perfect life is slipping through her fingers. Drowning in debt, she struggles on, working long days alongside her daughter Laura, ever more desperate to hold on to what little remains. Laura had her future as an artist snatched from her when she had to return home to care for her sickly father. Whilst she tries hard to be content with her life, each day her resentment grows. When their worlds collide, Laura and Bonnie form an instant bond. But as they grow closer, Alice begins to grow suspicious of Bonnie’s intentions. Why is she so interested in Alice’s daughter? And what devastating truth is she hiding? Book 3 Blurb: What happens when his secret wife is the only one who can save your child? Elle has the perfect life. A hard-working husband, a clever little boy, and a gorgeous home in a quaint neighbourhood. Jen also has the perfect life. A passionate relationship with a doting husband, a creative little girl, and an exciting career. When a strange coincidence throws them together, they become close friends. But then they uncover a shocking truth: they share the same husband. As they both grapple with this devastating revelation, Elle receives worrying news about her son’s health. When things go from bad to worse and Elle has no one else to turn to, will Jen help the woman who shattered her world? And can Elle trust the other woman with her child’s life? An emotional and powerful novel about motherhood, friendship and a shocking secret that will tear life as they know it apart Author Bio: Originally from Yorkshire, Lisa now lives in the London suburbs. She started her career teaching English and Drama and now writes novels about family drama.

Winning Bidder

Barbara Boyles

Bids

6

£30

54

Jessie Childs

Title: The Siege of Loyalty House Genre: History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://jessiechilds.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/childs_jessie Book Blurb: It was a time of climate change and colonialism, puritans and populism, witch hunts and war. A greater proportion of the British population died in the civil wars of the seventeenth century than in the world wars of the twentieth. Jessie Childs recovers the shock of this conflict by plunging us into one of its most extraordinary episodes: the siege of Basing House. To the parliamentarians, the royalist stronghold was the devil’s seat. Its defenders called it Loyalty House. We follow artists, apothecaries, merchants and their families from the revolutionary streets of London to the Marquess of Winchester’s mist-shrouded mansion. Over two years, they are battered, bombarded, starved and gassed. From within they face smallpox, spies and mutiny. Their resistance becomes legendary, but in October 1645, Oliver Cromwell rolls in the heavy guns and they prepare for a last stand. Drawing on unpublished manuscripts and the voices of dozens of men, women and children caught in the crossfire, Childs weaves a thrilling tale of war and peace, terror and faith, savagery and civilisation. The Siege of Loyalty House is an immersive and electrifying account of a defining episode in a war that would turn Britain – and the world – upside down. Author Bio: Jessie Childs is an award-winning author, historian and broadcaster. Her first book Henry VIII’s Last Victim won the Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography, and her second, God’s Traitors, won the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize for History in 2015. It was also longlisted for the Samuel Johnson (now Baillie Gifford) Prize for Non-Fiction and selected as a Book of the Year in the Times, Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Observer and BBC History Magazine. Jessie’s latest book The Siege of Loyalty House (Bodley Head, 2022) tells the story of the totemic resistance of a royalist mansion in the English Civil War. It was a Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Economist, Spectator, Prospect, Critic, New European, Daily Express and Mail on Sunday Book of the Year. Described by Hilary Mantel as ‘a brilliant speaker as well as writer’, Jessie has performed at the major national and international literary festivals and frequently appears on television and radio. TV credits include the RTS Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated Elizabeth I’s Secret Agents (BBC 2 & PBS), and BBC Four’s two recent series on Charles I: Downfall of a King and Killing a King. She has written and reviewed for many publications, including The Times, Sunday Times, Guardian, Telegraph, Financial Times, Literary Review, TLS and LRB. She was one of the judges of the 2016 PEN Hessell-Tiltman History Prize and the 2021 HWA Non-Fiction Crown. Jessie is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and lives with her husband and two daughters in Hammersmith

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£50

55

Evie Woods

Book Title: The Lost Bookshop Genre: Magical Realism Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Eire & UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/evgaughan Book Blurb: The Keeper of Stories meets The Lost Apothecary in this evocative and charming novel full of mystery and secrets. ‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’ On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found… For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives. But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems. Author Bio: Evie Woods is the pseudonym of Evie Gaughan, bestselling author of The Story Collector, The Heirloom and The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris. Living on the West Coast of Ireland, Evie escapes the inclement weather by writing her stories in a converted attic, where she dreams of underfloor heating. Her books tread the intriguing line between the everyday and the otherworldly, revealing the magic that exists in our ordinary lives.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

12

£32

56

Rebecca Harry

Title: Snow Bunny's Christmas Show Genre: Children - Christmas Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.rebeccaharry.com/new-products Twitter: https://twitter.com/BekHarry1 Book Blurb: A touching tale about a little bunny with a big heart, featuring sparkly silver foil on every page! Snow Bunny and her friends are putting on a Christmas show. Finally, the stage is set and Snow Bunny has helped Bear, Mouse and Fox with their acts, but – oh dear! – there’s no time left for her to prepare her own perfomance. But as the performers take their final bows, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the helpful friend whose hard work and brilliant ideas made it all possible: Snow Bunny – the true star of the show. The perfect book for sharing on cold winter’s nights in the run-up to Christmas!" Publication date Nov 2023 Author Bio: Rebecca has illustrated nearly 50 children's books that have been translated into over 20 languages. She lives in Cardiff and is thrilled to be part of Children in Read again this year.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£25

57

Claire Sheldon

Title: Perfect Lie Genre: Crime Thriller - Police Procedural Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packing: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only * Claire is happy to name a character in her next book in the 'Lisa Carter' series after her successful bidder* Website: https://csheldonblog.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaireEESheldon The Book; What is ‘perfect’ trying to hide? Jen Garner tries her best to be ‘wife and mother of the year’. She helps organise school plays and accompanies her husband to company dinners, all with a big smile on her face. But Jen has started to receive strange gifts in the post ... first flowers, then a sympathy card. It could just be a joke; that’s what she tells herself. But then the final ‘gift’ arrives, and Jen has to question why somebody is so intent on shattering her life into pieces ... The Author: Claire lives in Nottingham with her family, a cat called Whiskers and a dog called Podrick. She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and as a result of the disease had to reduce her hours working in insurance for an Insolvency Insurer. This spare time enabled her to study a creative writing course which inspired her to write her debut, Perfect Lie and later A Silent Child. When Claire isn't working she enjoys reading crime novels and listening to music - the band Jimmy Eat World is her biggest muse! Claire is also an avid reader and book blogger. The inspiration for her novels comes from the hours spent watching The Bill with her grandparents and auntie; then later, Spooks and other detective programmes like Morse, A Touch of Frost and Midsummer Murders.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£52

58

Sarah Airriess

Title: The Worst Journey in the World: The Graphic Novel (Vol.1) Genre: History, Adventure Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES with Signature & drawing Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://worstjourney.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorstJourneyGN Book Blurb: It’s June 1910, and Cherry, inexperienced and unqualified, has just joined Captain Scott’s new expedition to the South Pole. Simply getting to Antarctica turns out to be an adventure in itself. As they sail the Terra Nova through one trial after another, the scientists and Navy men learn to work as a team – but are they a match for the fury of the Southern Ocean, which threatens to sink the expedition before it even begins? Author Bio: Sarah trained as an animator in Canada and worked in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, and London. A radio dramatisation of The Worst Journey in the World led her to quit her Hollywood career and move to England to make the graphic novel. She went to Antarctica in 2019 with the NSF’s Antarctic Artists and Writers Program, and is currently an Institute Associate at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£225

59

Ruby Speechley

Two Book Package Title 1: GONE Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Title 2: A Mother Like You Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/rubyspeechley Twitter: https://twitter.com/rubyspeechley Book 1 Blurb: My son is missing, and everyone is lying to me. Last night my son, Shay, sneaked out of the house and didn’t come home. He promised not to go to the illegal party in the woods. But someone’s been attacked and Shay has gone missing. The police want to know if he saw what happened. I’m worried he could be involved. After all the trouble he’s been in lately, mixing with the wrong crowd, coming home beaten up and scared, I thought we’d put it all behind us. Trouble is, Shay resents me moving my new boyfriend into the family home. I found all sorts on his laptop, including a half-written email warning me not to trust David. What does he know that I don’t? I’m beginning to fear for his safety. What is David hiding from me? Who have I let into our lives? I don’t know who I can trust. Will I ever see my son alive again? Book 2 Blurb: An unexpected pregnancy and a blackmailing ex shake up a woman’s seemingly perfect life in this domestic thriller by the author of Every Little Secret. Kate Marshall lives an enviable life. Married to handsome, charming, James, owner of a successful company, she seems to have it all. But falling pregnant at forty-five was never part of the plan. Especially as Kate’s hiding a devastating secret—one that she’s been running from for twenty years. So when ex-boyfriend Paul comes back into her life, threatening to expose the truth about what Kate did, the clock is ticking. Can she keep her secrets and finally be the mother she always dreamed of—or will her past lies destroy her perfect life? Author Bio: Ruby Speechley is a bestselling psychological thriller writer, whose titles include Someone Else’s Baby. Previously published by Hera, she lives in Cheshire with her husband and two of her three children and two Springer spaniels. She has an older son and two grandsons. Her latest novel, Missing, is published on 27 September 2023 with Boldwood Books.

Winning Bidder

Vikkie Wakeham

Bids

5

£17

60

Molly Gartland

Title: The Girl from the Hermitage Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.mollygartland.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/molbobolly Book Blurb: Galina was born into a world of horrors. So why does she mourn its passing? Shortlisted for the Impress Prize, longlisted for the Bath Novel Award and the Grindstone Novel Award It is December 1941, and eight-year-old Galina and her friend Vera are caught in the siege of Leningrad, eating wallpaper soup and dead rats. Galina s artist father Mikhail has been kept away from the front to help save the treasures of the Hermitage. Its cellars could provide a safe haven, as long as Mikhail can survive the perils of a commission from one of Stalin s colonels. Three decades on, Galina is a teacher at the Leningrad Art Institute. What ought to be a celebratory weekend at her forest dacha turns sour when she makes an unwelcome discovery. The painting she starts that day will hold a grim significance for the rest of her life, as the old Soviet Union makes way for the new Russia and her world changes out of all recognition. Warm, wise and utterly enthralling, Molly Gartland s debut novel guides us from the old communist era, with its obvious terrors and its more surprising comforts, into the bling of 21st-century St Petersburg. Galina s story is an insightful meditation on ageing and nostalgia as well as a compelling page-turner. Author Bio: Originally from Michigan, Molly Gartland worked in Moscow from 1994 to 2000 and has been fascinated by Russian culture ever since. She has an MA in Creative Writing from St Mary’s University, Twickenham and lives in London. The manuscript for her debut novel The Girl from the Hermitage was shortlisted for the Impress Prize and longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Competition, the Bath Novel Award and Grindstone Novel Award.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£13

61

Cara Matheson

Title: Finding Floss Genre: picture book Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Added Bonus: Cara is kindly adding some chocs, with a Cockapoo toy, for her successful bidder* Twitter: https://twitter.com/cara_writer Book Blurb: When your pet can change colour, finding them is no easy job, but what happens when it's their owner who needs finding? Floss, the colour-changing cockapoo finds mischief at every turn, but when things go wrong, she uses her skills to save the day! Includes advice on what to do if you get lost and how to stay safe. Author Bio: Cara is a children's writer and former magazine journalist. She loves writing funny picture books, with a touch of the absurd. Two of her stories have been shortlisted for the WriteMentor Awards. She lives in Greenwich, London, with her husband, daughters and registered therapy cockapoo, Scout (with whom she volunteers in schools as part of the Read2Dogs scheme).

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£36

62

Ali Mercer

Title: A Child's Goodbye Genre: Contemporary Women's fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available. YES Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://alimercerwriter.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlisonLMercer Blurb: All I remember is the screeching of brakes and the sound of tyres swerving on tarmac. The last thing that crossed my mind was of my beautiful boy Billy, waiting alone at the school gates… The cold ground. The flashing blue lights. Strong hands lifting me… I open my eyes, and the memories rush into focus. As if emerging from deep water, I blink in the bright, white light of what, I realise slowly, must be a hospital ward. The low hum of the monitor next to the bed should be reassuring. The soft, thick blanket a kindly nurse has tucked around me should feel comforting. But all I can think about is my darling son. And the secret I have kept from him for all these years. I have never – could never – tell anyone who Billy’s father was. I was hiding the truth to protect us. I’ve never allowed myself to think about what would happen to my precious child if something terrible happened to me. If I had to say goodbye… And now it might be too late. That man, his dad, who once meant everything to me, could be our only hope. But telling the truth is the one thing I have been afraid of. Will my secret tear us apart forever, or be the thing that finally saves us? Author Bio: Ali decided she wanted to be a writer early on and wrote her first novel when she was at primary school. She did an English degree and spent her early twenties working in various jobs in journalism, including as a reporter for the showbusiness newspaper The Stage. She started writing fiction in earnest after getting married, moving out of London to the Oxfordshire market town of Abingdon and starting a family. She has two children, a daughter and a son who is autistic and was diagnosed when he was four years old.

Winning Bidder

Jill Paterson

Bids

3

£15

63

Roger A Price

Title: Inside Threat Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only. Website: http://rogerapriceauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/RAPriceAuthor Book Blurb:: Meet DS Martin Draker from the North West’s Regional Organised Crime Unit. A top informant tells Martin that a corrupt police official who is passing sensitive intelligence to criminal Dan Manning, is importing heroin from India. The informant goes missing. Field analyst Cath is investigating an upsurge in deaths caused by a new drug – Sky White. Manning leaves a body in a burnt-out car. The missing informant? He also leaves a note threatening more deaths unless the cops back away. Cath launches a TV appeal warning of the dangers of Sky White. Manning is incensed; she could kill the new drug’s market before it gets going. He must stop her. The story flows between Preston, Blackpool, Manchester and India: the cops are in a race to catch Manning before the body count increases. Manning is in a race to kill Cath and anyone else who gets in his way; cop or otherwise. These races crash together in a denouement which will shock you: followed by a final twist that will stun you even further. Author Bio: I was born in Bury, raised in Whitley Bay, and have lived in Lancashire since I was thirteen. Currently living in Preston, I served for over thirty-one years with the Lancashire Constabulary, the Regional Crime Squad and the National Crime Squad. I retired in the rank of detective inspector in charge of a covert unit, which received local and national acclaim for its successes in engaging those who openly sold Class A drugs, such as heroin and crack cocaine. Prior to this I led the C.I.D. in Preston for a short while and before that I was in charge of a dedicated informant unit. Previous experiences include work on many murder investigations and other serious crimes, as well as time spent on drug squads. I have served around the region, country, and overseas. My work on the National Crime Squad took me across Europe and to the Far East. I have been commended on four occasions. I now write fiction based in-part on my experiences, and in-part from my fevered imagination. I write full time, and in addition to my crime novels I am developing a TV crime drama titled 'BRISTOL FIVE-0' featuring a crime duo who are trouble-shooters with a difference.

Winning Bidder

David Barber

Bids

2

£15

64

Jonathan Whitelaw

Title: The Village Hall vendetta Genre: Cosy Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/JDWhitelaw13 Book Blurb: Hal Mulberry has long dreamt of owning the iconic painting, Buttermere at Dawn. And now the entrepreneur has got his hands on it, he’s determined to bring it back to the Lakes where it belongs and put it on show, turning Penrith Village Hall into a cultural hotspot – with the painting at its heart. Journalist Jason Brazel is delighted to get the exclusive. Even if his mother in law, Amita, thinks he’s making a fuss about an ugly piece of modern art. But when Amita uncovers a theory that the painting is cursed, she wonders just what Hal is bringing to their door: hex, hoax or dirty-deal? While the great and the good gather for the unveiling, someone’s got murder on their mind. And it’s up to Jason and Amita to find who is trying to put people out of the picture … permanently. Author Biog: Jonathan Whitelaw is a writer, award-winning journalist and broadcaster. After working on the frontline of Scottish politics, he moved into journalism, covering everything from sports to music to radioactive waste – and everything in between. He's also a regular reviewer, podcaster, panellist and commentator.

Winning Bidder

Natalie Freeman

Bids

3

£15

65

D.L Marshall

John Tyler Trilogy Title 1: Anthrax Island Genre: Thriller Espionage Format: Paperback Title 2: Black Run Genre: Thriller Espionage Format: Paperback Title 3: 77 North Genre: Thriller Espionage Format: Paperback Dedication sAvailable: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Bonus: Danny will be adding posters, postcards, coasters , and lots of other goodies for his successful bidder* Website: https://www.canelo.co/authors/d-l-marshall Twitter: https://twitter.com/DLMWrites Book 1 Blurb: FACT: In 1942, in growing desperation at the progress of the war and fearing invasion by the Nazis, the UK government approved biological weapons tests on British soil. Their aim: to perfect an anthrax weapon destined for Germany. They succeeded. FACT: Though the attack was never launched, the testing ground, Gruinard Island, was left lethally contaminated. It became known as Anthrax Island. Now government scientists have returned to the island. They become stranded by an equipment failure and so John Tyler is flown in to fix the problem. He quickly discovers there’s more than research going on. When one of the scientists is found impossibly murdered inside a sealed room, Tyler realises he’s trapped with a killer... Book 2 Blurb: John Tyler has a new mission: capture a heavily protected target from the Alps and smuggle him back into the UK – alive. La Rochelle in the dead of night: Tyler boards the Tiburon, a rusting freighter crewed by smugglers and mercenaries, for the last leg of his journey. But he is short on time. His mark’s security team has pursued him across France, determined to retrieve their boss, and they won’t be deterred by an ocean. The race is on. Tyler heads into the Bay of Biscay in a storm, with a pursuing boat snapping at his heels. But when his prisoner is found murdered inside a sealed hold on the ship, everyone on board becomes a suspect. In the flickering light of the Tiburon’s passageways there’s nowhere to run, but everywhere to hide. Some might think the situation is spiralling out of control, but they don’t know John Tyler… Book 3 Blurb: An agent the world thinks is dead can be useful. John Tyler has gone rogue, pursuing an international vendetta against those responsible for killing his brother. But he’s lured back by the CIA for one final mission to wipe the slate clean. Simple, for a man like Tyler: journey to an old Soviet-era hotel on an ice-locked island in the frozen wastes of Siberia to obtain information from a Russian scientist about a double agent within NATO. But strange things are afoot, events related to the hotel’s grisly past and the KGB’s Cold war experiments into psychic phenomena... Unexplained deaths revolve around the scientist, and with enemies from Tyler’s own past emerging from the rotting woodwork, he must fight to keep the man alive against the odds. But a killer stalks the hotel’s dilapidated corridors, able, apparently, to kill through concrete walls and sealed doors. As Tyler homes in on the NATO double agent, he quickly realises nothing is as it seems, no-one can be trusted, and his own past is coming back to haunt him... Author Bio: D. L. Marshall was born and raised in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Influenced by the dark industrial architecture, steep wooded valleys, and bleak Pennine moors, he writes thrillers tinged with horror, exploring the impact of geography and isolation. In 2016 he pitched at Bloody Scotland. In 2018 he won a Northern Writers’ Award for his thriller novel Anthrax Island.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£40

66

Philip Gray

Title: Two Storm Wood Genre: Historical Thriller Format: Hardback US Edition Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.philipgraybooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilipGrayBooks Book Blurb: 1919. On the battlefields of northern France, the guns of the Great War are silent. Special battalions now face the task of gathering up the dead for mass burial. Amy Vanneck's fiancé is one soldier lost amongst many. She heads to France, determined to discover what became of the man she loved. Meanwhile, Captain Mackenzie cannot bring himself to go home until his fallen comrades are laid to rest. His task is upended when a gruesome discovery is made beneath the ruins of a German strongpoint. It soon becomes clear that what Mackenzie has uncovered is a war crime of inhuman savagery. As the dark truth leaches out, both he and Amy are drawn into the hunt for a psychopath, one for whom the atrocity at Two Storm Wood is not an end, but a beginning. Author Bio: Philip studied modern history at Cambridge University, and went on to work as a journalist in Madrid, Rome and Lisbon. He has tutored in crime writing at City University in London and serves as a director at an award-winning documentary film company, specialising in science and history. Philip's grandfather was a captain in the Lancashire Fusiliers and fought through the First World War from start to finish, losing his closest friends along the way. Years after his death, Philip came across a cache of trench maps and military documents that his grandfather had kept, and in which he had recorded the events that befell his unit. Philip was inspired to write his thriller Two Storm Wood when the pull of his grandfather's legacy felt too strong to ignore.

Winning Bidder

Rosalind Bartlett

Bids

1

£15

67

Jenny Kane

Title: Frost Falls at The Potting Shed Genre: RomCom Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://jennykane.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennyKaneAuthor Book Blurb: It has always been Maddie Willand's dream to take over her father's plant nursery. But after his sudden death, she is devastated to discover that she might lose The Potting Shed forever. Maddie's bossy older sister, Sabi, is joint owner of the nursery, and she's convinced that the best thing for both of them would be to sell up. Determined to keep the business going, Maddie can't afford any distractions, but staying focused might be harder than she thinks when – after a major garden centre chain puts in an offer – her search for legal advice throws her into the path of attractive lawyer Ed... As frost begins to fall over The Potting Shed, will Maddie find the strength to save her father's legacy and open herself up to new beginnings? Author Bio: Creative writing tutor and author, Jenny Kane, has written forty novels/novellas, including the romcoms Frost Falls at The Potting Shed, Midsummer Dreams at Mill Grange and A Cornish Escape, for Head of Zeus and Headline. When writing as Jennifer Ash, she creates historical fiction; including The Folville Chronicles crime novels and audio scripts for ITV’s 1980’s television show, Robin of Sherwood. As Kay Jaybee, Jenny is one of the most read erotica authors in the UK. Her The Perfect Submissive series has won multiple awards, and led to her becoming the ETO’s Erotica Author of the year in 2015.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

5

£19

68

Tim Ewins

Tiny Pieces of Enid by Tim Ewins – signed edition with exclusive limited bookmark and treats. Title: Tiny Pieces of Enid Genre: Contemporary - Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/EwinsTim Website: https://www.tealeavesandreads.co.uk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeaLeaves_Reads Book Blurb: Enid isn’t clear about much these days. But she does feel a strong affinity with Olivia, a regular visitor to her dementia home in a small coastal town. If only she could put her finger on why. Their silent partnership intensifies when Enid, hoping to reconnect with her husband Roy, escapes from the home. With help from an imaginary macaw, she uncovers some uncomfortable truths about Olivia’s marriage and delves into her own forgotten past. A deeply touching story of love, age and companionship, evoking the unnoticed everyday moments that can mean the world to the people living them, Tim Ewins’ second novel will delight fans of his acclaimed debut, We Are Animals. Author Bio: Tim has enjoyed an eight-year stand-up career alongside his accidental career in finance. He has previously written for DNA Mumbai, had two short stories highly commended and published in Michael Terence Short Story Anthologies, and enjoyed a very brief acting stint (he’s in that film Bronson, somewhere in the background). We Are Animals is his first novel. When not writing, he enjoys travel, reading (of course), cycling and spending time with his wife, son and dog in Bristol.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£31

69

Ana Sampson

Title: Wonder: The Natural History Museum Poetry Book Genre: Poetry Natural History Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.anasampson.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnaBooks Book Blurb: Wonder: The Natural History Museum Poetry Book is a beautiful gift hardback collection of poetry with poems inspired by The Natural History Museum. It covers everything from the depths of space to the very centre of the earth - there are poems about the solar system, planet earth, oceans and rivers, birds, dinosaurs, fossils, wildlife, flowers, fungi, insects, explorers and palaeontologists. Each section includes an introduction and some footnotes about particularly interesting species. The museum has a collection of over eighty million objects and behind the scenes of its twenty-eight galleries crowd kilometres of preserved specimens, libraries of rare books and artworks, wonders gathered on some of the most famous voyages in history, rooms packed with pressed plants, warehouses teeming with stuffed animals and freezers full of DNA. As well as a museum, it is a state-of-the-art centre for discovery with over three hundred resident scientists and over ten thousand visiting researchers each year, investigating everything from dinosaurs to life on other planets. The collection is made up of brand new and classic poems and is illustrated with botanical drawings and engravings from the museum’s collections. This fantastic collection speaks of the wonder of nature and shows us why we need to look after our incredible planet. Author Bio: Ana Sampson is the author of many best-selling anthologies including I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud and Other Poems You Half-Remember from School, Tyger Tyger Burning Bright: Much Loved Poems you Half-Remember, Poems to Learn by Heart, Green and Pleasant Land: Best-Loved Poems of the British Countryside, Best-Loved Poems: A Treasury of Verse, and Wonder: The Natural History Poetry Collection. Ana grew up in Kent and studied English Literature at the University of Sheffield. After achieving both a BA and an MA, she began a career in publishing PR and has appeared multiple time on radio and television discussing books and poetry. She lives in London with her her husband, young daughter and two cats. She is Fierce is her first poetry collection for Macmillan.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£20

70

Dan Smith

Title: The Wall Between Us, Genre: Children Middle Grade Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://dansmithsbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanSmithAuthor Book Blurb: Anja and Monika live opposite each other. They play together every day, with Otto the cat. One night they wake up to bangs and shouts. Soldiers are building a huge barbed wire fence between them. A terrible forever wall that gets longer and higher until it divides the whole city. On the East side, Monika is scared – neighbours are becoming spies and there are secret police everywhere. It’s Anja who spots that Otto has found a way across. If he can visit Monika, then perhaps she can too. But Anja gets trapped and there’s no safe way back . Author Bio: Growing up, Dan Smith led three lives. In one he survived boarding school, while in another he adventured in the paddy fields of South East Asia and the jungles of Brazil. The third life was in a world of stories – where he still lives now.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£22

71

Natalie Chandler

Title: What We Did Genre: Psychological Thriller Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieC_Author Book Blurb: Jenna has spent the last twenty-five years trying to forget what happened to her as a teenager. Trying to forget what they did. But it has always been there - the mistake the four friends made. Now it has taken another life, Jenna has the opportunity to make amends. But if she comes forward now, the truth could shatter her marriage, her family and the friendships she's held onto all these years. And what if she's about to make the biggest mistake of all? Addictive, chilling and twisting, WHAT WE DID is the brand-new psychological suspense from bestselling author of BELIEVE ME NOT. For fans of LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE, THE LYING GAME and THE PROMISE. Author Bio: Natalie Chandler was educated at St Chad's College, Durham and currently works in behavioural education, specialising in social, emotional and mental health issues. She is a Curtis Brown Creative alumna and was previously selected to be part of the WoMentoring scheme. Natalie's debut psychological thriller Believe Me Not was published in June 2022 and delves into the fractured mind of a woman sectioned in a psychiatric hospital, as she fights to prove the existence of her baby. She lives with her partner, dividing her time between London and rural Lancashire, and enjoys greeting every dog she meets.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

72

T F Lince

Title 1: Room 119 - The Whitby Trader Genre: Thriller = Mystery and Suspense Format: Paperback Title 2: Funicular Genre: Crime Thriller - Mystery Suspense Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://room119.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Room119TFLince Book 1 Blurb: High-flying trader Dean Harrison has it all – the London penthouse apartment; the fast car; the beautiful wife. But when the threads of Dean’s life start to unravel, they do so with alarming speed. Following the advice of a frail stranger, Dean sets off for Welnetham Hall Hotel and is plunged into the mysterious world of Room 119 – a world where nothing makes sense. How does everyone in the hotel know his name? Why does he travel there on a train line that shut down over fifty years ago? And who is the sinister man in black who pursues him wherever he goes? As he gradually pieces together the puzzle of Welnetham Hall, Dean is forced to re-evaluate his life and realises that nothing is more important to him than his wife and daughter. Desperate to get back to them, he vows he would lay down his life for the people he loves. It’s a promise he may have to keep. Book 2 Blurb: After his life is threatened, DI Bob Dixon leaves London hoping for the quiet life in the northern village of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. But when he takes on the case of young Lizzy Scraggs, missing since a huge tide hit Saltburn six years earlier, he embarks on an investigation that will push him to the very edge of reason. Out on the beat, Bob learns the legend of the funicular car that left the top of Saltburn’s famous cliff lift many years ago carrying two passengers, and arrived at the bottom empty save for an abandoned ticket. And every big tide since has seen another local child disappear. Feeling increasingly manipulated by a shadowy nemesis, Bob struggles to make sense of the seemingly impossible clues before him. How can the dead live again? Who is the tortured man haunting the churchyard in nearby Marske? And with the next massive tide just hours away, can Bob solve the puzzle and bring an end to the tragedy of Saltburn’s missing children? Author Bio: Trev Lince originates from Marske-by-the-Sea on the North East coast of England, but now lives in Darlington with his wife, Claire. Their daughter, Annie, is a very good guitarist and is setting up a band, playing every pub in the North East that she can. She’s so rock and roll, living the dream while her father is approaching his mid-life crisis. A keen golfer and frustrated Middlesbrough FC fan, Trev gets to as many matches as work and leisure time allow. He writes in what little spare time he has, when not working as a freelance IT Consultant. Room 119 – The Whitby Trader is Trev’s first book and he really enjoyed the experience of writing it. Funicular followed and he is now writing his third novel which will probably be called Reunion.

Winning Bidder

Natalie Freeman

Bids

4

£20

73

Robert Welbourn

Title: Belonging Genre: Contemporary - Literary Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://robertwelbourn.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/r_welbourn Book Blurb: Noah is young, attractive, and madly in love with two people. These two people are both madly in love with Noah, yet neither knows about the other. Can Noah balance two secret relationships? Can he juggle so much secrecy, all whilst trying to discover who he really is as a person? And when family tragedy strikes, how will Noah cope with all that follows? Belonging is a novel about being young and in love in a world that’s cold and uncaring. Can you ever truly know someone if you don’t know yourself? Can you find meaning in a world that seems random and thoughtless? Does anyone, like, actually care? Author Bio: Robert Welbourn’s debut novel, Ideal Angels, was published in 2018 and received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Inspired by the likes of Jonathan Franzen, John Steinbeck, and Joan Didion, Robert’s writing asks the question: what is it to be human? With a BA and MA in Literature, Robert’s writing tries to find out how to survive in a world that feels like it doesn’t care. His fast-paced, ironic prose may look shallow on the surface, but in reality it makes us look into ourselves, to try and discover who we really are.

Winning Bidder

Wendy Janes

Bids

1

£11

74

Damien Lewis

Title: SAS Great Escapes Two Genre: Military non-fiction Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bid Accepted: Global Website: www.damienlewis.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/authordlewis Book Blurb: Six Untold Epic Escapes Made by World War Two Heroes. SAS Great Escapes Two recounts the hitherto untold stories of six of the most dramatic and daring escapes executed by the world’s most famous fighting force during WWII. From the very earliest SAS missions to the push into Nazi-occupied Europe, they cover some of the key figures in the Regiment, including its founder, David Stirling, plus other lesser-known heroes. With each story comes an edge-of-the-seat, rollercoaster ride in classic Damien Lewis fashion, as readers are plunged into the escapees’ experiences – sharing their most terrifying yet inspiring moments. These stunning accounts of survival beggar belief, revealing nerve-racking bluff and deception, knife-edge encounters with enemy hunter forces hellbent on wreaking vengeance and murder, but also incredible acts of mercy and kindness from those who risk all to help the escapees on their way. Each tale of breath-taking derring-do reveals how necessity really is the mother of all invention, as with every step and at every juncture these fugitives defied fate, snatching survival and freedom from the jaws of the enemy, and all the horrors that would have followed capture. Damien Lewis has worked closely with the families of those portrayed, accessing wartime diaries, letters, mission reports, interrogation transcripts and more, to relate how the men of the SAS crossed blazing deserts, evaded enemy hunter forces and escaped through hostile lands, battling against seemingly insurmountable odds. But most of all, these uplifting tales of endurance beyond measure showcase the triumph of the human spirit and the will to survive. Author Bio: For two decades Damien Lewis worked as a war and conflict reporter for major broadcasters, reporting from across Africa, South America, the Middle and Far East, during which time he won numerous awards for his journalism. In 2001 he wrote his first book, Slave, which was an international bestseller translated into some forty languages, and which was made into a film (I Am Slave) and a stage play (Slave). In 2003 he wrote his first book about elite military operations, Operation Certain Death, which was a Sunday Times top ten bestseller, followed by the number one bestseller Zero Six Bravo. Since then Lewis has penned a dozen related bestsellers, including Operation Relentless, the story of the DEA’s hunt for the world’s most-wanted arms-dealer, Russian billionaire Viktor Bout (presently being made into a TV drama series). He presently has several other books in various stages of development as TV drama series or movies, including a trilogy of films being scripted by Paramount Pictures. In addition, his own life story as a war reporter is being developed as a TV drama series by foremost British-based TV and film company. He has scripted some of his own work and is performing the role of Executive Producer on some of his film projects.

Winning Bidder

Garry Abson

Bids

14

£52

75

M.A. Hunter

Title: ADRIFT Genre: Psychological thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Accepted Bids: UK Only Website: http://stephenedger.com/m-a-hunter Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephenEdger Book blurb: A stag do, six old friends … and a secret they’d all kill to protect. When Pete and his friends set sail on a private yacht in the Balearics to celebrate Fergus’ upcoming wedding, they’re all looking forward to sun, sea and copious quantities of alcohol. But there’s a reason they are still entwined in each other’s lives a decade after leaving university. A terrible event they’ve all been trying their hardest to forget. They say you can’t outrun the past … And these six friends are about to find that out the hard way. Author Bio: M.A. Hunter is the pen name of Stephen Edger, the Amazon bestselling author of psychological and crime thrillers, including Snatched, and the Kate Matthews series. Born in the north-east of England, he now lives in Southampton where many of his stories are set, allowing him to use his insider knowledge to deliver realistic and unsettling suspense on every page. Away from writing, he loves to read anything that will keep him awake at night. He’s also a passionate advocate for contemporary cinema and binge-watching the latest offerings from streaming services. He is married with a son and a daughter, and two dogs.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

76

Maria Whitehead

Title: Embellish With Relish Genre: Food and Drink Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Bonus: Maria is adding a Cookbook Gift Bag for her successful bidder: Details below Book Blurb Website: https://www.hawksheadrelish.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/embellishrelish Book Blurb:: Embellish With Relish shows how easy it can be to cook and prepare delicious food for your nearest and dearest. The book brings together simple but satisfying meals packed full of flavour, including family favourites, tried and tested classics, inventive creations and a selection of contemporary dishes with a twist so there’s something for everyone. Recipes for Spiced Garlic Kiev and Tex-Mex Cottage Pie provide savoury inspiration, alongside some seriously tempting sweet treats such as Salted CaramelBrownies and Raspberry Bakewell which put Hawkshead Relish creations like Raspberry & Vanilla Jam, Salted Caramel Sauce and Hot Garlic Pickle to good use. Gift Bag: The perfect foodie gift! Treat the foodie in your life with this delicious NEW selection of bestselling preserves along with our ‘Embellish With Relish’ Cookbook. The book brings together over 50 simple but satisfying meals packed full of flavour, including family favourites, tried and tested classics, inventive creations and a selection of contemporary dishes with a twist so there’s something for everyone. Recipes for Spiced Garlic Kiev and Tex-Mex Cottage Pie provide savoury inspiration, alongside some seriously tempting sweet treats such as Salted Caramel Brownies and Raspberry Bakewell which put Hawkshead Relish creations like Raspberry & Vanilla Jam, Salted Caramel Sauce and Hot Garlic Pickle to good use. "Hawkshead Relish has the most amazing range of products, but the story of this family business is also extraordinary. Their products are so versatile and are truly part of the cook’s armoury. They are creative but above all really tasty, and the business is a great ambassador for Cumbria." – Dave Myers, Hairy Biker The recipes in Embellish With Relish are inspired by Mark and Maria’s travels around the world, as well as their family dinner table, and of course the relishes they produce from their 16th century barn on the shores of Esthwaite Water. They want to share the delights of the great food they’ve enjoyed along the way, and inspire people to embellish with relish! Author Bio: LAKE DISTRICT CAFÉ (1999) we had a busy café in the Lake District Town of Hawkshead and made a small range of Chutney, Relish and Preserves to go with the meals served to our customers. People enjoyed the preserves so much they would ask to buy a jar to take home with them. Gradually we found we were producing more and more jars of preserves to sell. We believe the reason why our products are so successful and why people love them is because we care about the ingredients we use. Where other producers will sometimes use cheaper ingredients to bulk out their products, we only use quality ingredients that add to the flavour and you can really taste the difference in the quality. Having started with a small range of 2-3 products, we found out Mark had the knack for coming up with great new recipe ideas. He would come up with recipes that work well but were not run of the mill. As our range was growing, we found we had 20, 30, 50… 100 products. Mark’s imaginative and great tasting products lead to Hawkshead Relish also winning over 60 Great Taste Awards. All our products are still made by hand using traditional open pans and are free from Nuts, Gluten, Additives and Preservatives as well as all being suitable for vegetarians and most are vegan friendly. ‘Flavour is the key ingredient using the best quality produce, if it doesn’t add flavour or texture, it doesn’t go in the jar!’ Maria Whitehead MBE

Winning Bidder

Sue Vickers-Thompson

Bids

14

£50

77

Emma Bradley

Title 1: The Trouble With Fairies (Arcanium series book #1) Genre: Teen Fantasy Format: Paperback with bookmark, postcard and signed sticker Title 2: The Union Of Shadows (Courts of Faerie series book #1) Genre: YA Fantasy Romance Format: Paperback with bookmark, postcard and signed sticker Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.emmaebradley.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmmaEBradley Book 1 Blurb: As the only fairy in her family, Demi has always dreamed of escaping to Arcanium - the most prestigious of fairy organisations - but when she arrives, she uncovers a plan to overthrow the Queen of Faerie and must embrace her human side to defeat those who want dominion over her new home. Welcome to Arcanium, elite training for the future of Faerie (Disclaimer: All initiates join at their own risk. Loss of limbs unlikely. No refunds.) Book 2 Blurb: As Lord of the Court of Illusions, Kainen Hemlock is determined to redeem himself after the War of Queens. But having to dodge an arranged marriage wasn't part of the plan. Reyan Roseglade is determined to keep her head down until she can buy her freedom from service at Kainen's court. But pretending to be his future bride so he doesn't have to marry someone else wasn't what she had in mind. Then the Holly Queen asks for their help. Reyan agrees to use her shadow-merging gift to investigate a disturbance in the fabric of Faerie, but soon Kainen has his own plans for her future. Author Bio: Emma lives on the UK south coast with her husband, her plant collection and a very lazy black Labrador who occasionally condescends to take her out for a walk. Aside from writing and spending far too much time procrastinating on social media, Emma is still waiting for the arrival of her unicorn. Or a tank, she's not fussy.

Winning Bidder

Nicola McKenna

Bids

8

£25

78

Clare Mulley

Title: The Spy Who Loved Genre: Biographical History Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://claremulley.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/claremulley Book Blurb: The Spy Who Loved brings to life the Polish-born Countess Krystyna Skarbek, aka Christine Granville, Britain’s first and longest serving female special agent of the Second World War. In 1941, the vital intelligence she smuggled across borders prompted Churchill to call her his favourite spy. She went on to make the first contact between the French resistance and Italian partisans, secured the defection on an entire German garrison in the Alps, and saved the lives of many of her male colleagues. The Spy Who Loved, for which Clare was decorated with Poland’s national honour, the Bene Merito, has been optioned for film. Author Bio: Clare Mulley is an award-winning popular historian, author and broadcaster, primarily focused on female experience during the Second World War. Clare writes for various papers and magazines, reviews for the Spectator and TLS among other publications, and has twice been chair of the judges for the Historical Writers Association non-fiction prize. Recent TV includes several history series for Channel 5, More 4, Sky, and the History Channel, as well as two series of the BBC’s Rise of the Nazis. Also guest spots on the BBC’s Newsnight, Songs of Praise, D-Day 70 coverage, BBC World News, Sky News, ITV News etc. A regular on radio and podcasts, Clare has contributed to the BBC R4’s Today Programme, Woman’s Hour and PM, as well as Times Radio and many others. She is a favourite on Dan Snow’s History Hit, James Holland and Al Murray’s We Have Ways of Making You Talk and many other pods. Clare and is a recipient of the Bene Merito cultural honour of the Republic of Poland, and the Daily Mail Biographers Club Prize.

Winning Bidder

Malcolm Craig

Bids

9

£33

79

Helen Matthews

Title: The Girl in the Van Genre: Psychological Suspense Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://helenmatthewswriter.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenMK7 Book Blurb: Winner of Pageturner Book Award 2022 (suspense and thriller genre) A tormented mother. An abandoned girl. A deadly game of survival. What happened to Ellie? Traumatised by events, Ellie’s mother, Laura, can’t bear to stay in the Welsh seaside town where she lives with her partner, Gareth. She escapes to London, breaking all ties with him, and refusing to tell anyone her new address. After two years of living alone and working in a mundane job, Laura buys an old campervan and joins a singles holiday. Here, she meets Miriana, a teenage girl who bears a chilling resemblance to Ellie. As Laura uncovers Miriana’s story, she’s shocked by the parallels to her own life. But stories can be dangerous, and someone out there will stop at nothing to prevent the truth about Ellie from coming out… Author Bio: Helen Matthews writes page-turning psychological suspense novels and is fascinated by the darker side of human nature and how a life can change in an instant. Recent novels published by Darkstroke Books are The Girl in the Van, suspense and thriller genre winner in the 2022 Pageturner Book Award, and Girl Out of Sight. A second edition of domestic suspense novel Lies Behind the Ruin, set in France, has recently been released. Her other books include Façade (family noir), and a collection of short stories Brief Encounters.

Winning Bidder

David Barber

Bids

6

£25

80

Cate Ray

Title: Good Husbands Genre: Domestic Suspense Format: Paperback (US Edition) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://cateray.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/CateRaywriter Book Blurb: ‘Good Husbands’ is a gripping, voice driven domestic noir with a major moral dilemma at its heart. Three wives, one letter, an explosive secret that will change everything. He said, she said. Who do you believe? Author Bio: Cate Ray writes gripping suspense novels that give the reader something to think about after turning the final page. The author of 4 previous novels published as Cath Weeks, her debut ‘Blind’ was longlisted for the Waverton Good Read Award and she was named an ‘Author to Watch’ by ELLE. In the U.S., 'Good Husbands' is an Apple Best Book and a Barnes & Noble Booksellers’ Favourite.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

81

Eve McDonnell

Title: Elsetime Genre: Middle-grade (8+) historical fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: Free Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://evemcdonnell.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eve_Mc_Donnell Book Blurb: It’s January 6th 1928, the day before the GREAT FLOOD. There’s a snowstorm and the river is about to burst its banks – fourteen souls will be lost. Can Glory, an orphan with only one hand, her TIME-TRAVELLING friend Needle and their pet CROW change the future? Is there ANYONE among all those people entombed in that snow-shrouded town who will LISTEN? WARNING: Time travel isn’t something you should try unless you are prepared to face the consequences. Cover and illustrations by Holly Ovenden WINNER OF THE WELLS FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE BOOK FOR CHILDREN AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPELLBINDING AWARDS AND AWESOME BOOK AWARD The Irish Examiner: “Expertly crafted.” “Characters splendidly drawn.” “A remarkable debut which features a brilliant and surprising ending.” The Irish Times: “Rich with historical detail – Elsetime is both classic in tone and original in vision.” Irish Independent: “Fans of Helena Duggan will love the atmosphere and clever plotting of this debut novel and there’s a terrific twist towards the end. A highly original debut.” Author Bio: Eve is a children’s author and artist who lives halfway up a hill in Co Wexford, Ireland. She is the author of middle-grade novels including Elsetime and The Chestnut Roaster, both published by Everything With Words. Eve provides creative writing and crafting workshops to libraries, schools, writing clubs and festivals.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£15

82

Eve McDonnell

Title: The Chestnut Roaster Genre: Middle-grade (10+) historical fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://evemcdonnell.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eve_Mc_Donnell Book Blurb: “Starting on All Fools’ Day, twelve years ago, I remember everything. EVERYTHING. That was a wet Saturday, and that was the day I was born.” 12-year-old Piaf has the ability to, and burden of, remembering everything that has happened since the day she was born. When she discovers everyone in Paris has forgotten the entire last year, 1888, including the disappearance of several gifted children, Piaf and her twin brother Luc embark on a dangerous journey that brings them to the depths of Paris’s underground twin, the Catacombs, to capture the memory thief and find the lost children—but are the two connected? And who dare they trust? Cover by Holly Ovenden. Internal illustrations by Ewa Beniak-Haremska SHORTLISTED FOR THE WEEK JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS 2023 – BEST COVER The Guardian / Observer: CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2022 “A pacy feast for the senses, dizzyingly illustrated by Ewa Beniak-Haremska.” The Times: CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK. “Fantastique!” Irish Independent: CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2022 “The plot is as clever and twisting as the catacombs themselves. Perfect for fantasy adventure fans.” Sarah Webb Author Bio: Eve is a children’s author and artist who lives halfway up a hill in Co Wexford, Ireland. She is the author of middle-grade novels including Elsetime and The Chestnut Roaster, both published by Everything With Words. Eve provides creative writing and crafting workshops to libraries, schools, writing clubs and festivals.

Winning Bidder

Lucy Albrighton

Bids

5

£15

83

Gabby Hutchinson Crouch

The Darkwood Trilogy Title 1: Darkwood Genre: Fantasy Comedy Adventure Format: Paperback Title 2: Such Big Teeth Genre: Fantasy Comedy Adventure Format: Paperback Title 3: Glass Coffin Genre: Fantasy Comedy Adventure Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://farragobooks.com/book-series/the-darkwood-series/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Scriblit Book 1 Blurb: Magic is forbidden in Myrsina, along with various other abominations, such as girls doing maths. This is bad news for Gretel Mudd, who doesn’t perform magic, but does know a lot of maths. When the sinister masked Huntsmen accuse Gretel of witchcraft, she is forced to flee into the neighbouring Darkwood, where witches and monsters dwell. There, she happens upon Buttercup, a witch who can’t help turning things into gingerbread, Jack Trott, who can make plants grow at will, the White Knight with her band of dwarves and a talking spider called Trevor. These aren’t the terrifying villains she’s been warned about all her life. They’re actually quite nice. Well… most of them. With the Huntsmen on the warpath, Gretel must act fast to save both the Darkwood and her home village, while unravelling the rhetoric and lies that have demonised magical beings for far too long. Book 2 Blurb: If you go down to the woods today, be sure of a big surprise. The Battle of Nearby Village is over, and deep in the Darkwood, Gretel and her friends journey into the hostile mountains of the north, seeking new allies in their fight against the huntsmen. There they find Gilde the Bear Witch, along with a Werewolf named Scarlett and a winged man named Hex. Meanwhile, Hansel and Daisy set off on a dangerous trip of their own to the Citadel, where they end up in the middle of a political battle for the future of the whole country. Can Gretel and her friends persuade Gilde to join forces, or at least stop fighting them at every step? Can Hansel find a way to heal the land’s divisions and make the huntsmen change their ways before disaster strikes them all? And how did Trevor the spider get hold of a wig? Discover the answers to all these questions and more in Such Big Teeth. Book 3 Blurb: The tyrannous Huntsmen have declared everyone in one village to be outlaws, since they insist on supporting the magical beings of neighbouring Darkwood. Why won’t they accept that magic is an abomination? Far from being abominable, the residents of Darkwood are actually very nice when you get to know them, even Snow the White Knight, who can get a bit tetchy when people remind her she’s a Princess. In order to stop the Huntsmen from wiping out all magical beings, Snow and her friends have to venture into the Badlands of Ashtrie, and seek the support of the Glass Witch – but she has plans of her own, and let’s just say they’re not good ones. Author Bio: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch (Horrible Histories, Newzoids, The News Quiz, The Now Show) has a background in satire, and with the global political climate as it is, believes that now is an important time to explore themes of authoritarianism and intolerance in comedy and fiction. The Darkwood Series does so in a funny, engaging way that never loses the warmth of humanity, even as its villainous Huntsmen try to dehumanise their victims as well as anonymising and dehumanising themselves. Drawing on inspiration from other satirical stories set in a magical universe such as Shrek and the Discworld novels, the Darkwood adventures create a world where readers can enjoy more grown-up versions of fairytales, while also holding up a mirror to our own society.

Winning Bidder

John Merrigan

Bids

6

£120

84

Jane Elson

Title: Storm Horse Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.aroomfullofwords.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JJELSON35 The Book: When a mystery horse gallops on to a London housing estate in the middle of a storm, it will change four kids' lives for ever ... A heart-warming tale that celebrates neurodiversity and the power of alternative thinking from an author known for her honest, heartfelt and inclusive stories. For Daniel Margate, life is muddled because everything moves: letters, numbers, even classrooms sometimes. Daniel is dyslexic and most of the time, school just doesn't make sense. He's in the bottom reading group at school with other kids who are trying to make sense of it all. There's Akin who can't sit still for more than two minutes and is almost always getting into trouble, sports star Ste is recovering from a car accident that left him learning how to walk again and Molly-May's school uniform never fits and is a regular at the local foodbank. But when a mystery horse gallops into their lives one stormy evening, it changes everything. Desperate to keep him safe they form the Secret Horse Society and vow to protect this amazing creature. Inspired by stories of the great racehorse Seabiscuit, they name him Jammie Dodger and find they when they work together, nothing seems impossible. Even the Big Read Off at school. They just need to keep their new horse friend a secret. How hard can it be to hide a horse, anyway? The Author: After performing as an actress and comedy improviser, Jane fell into writing stories and plays. Her books have won many awards including Peters Book of the Year two years running. Her debut novel A Room Full of Chocolate was longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and she has twice been nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Jane is loud and proud about her dyslexia and when not writing likes to mentor Neurodiverse young people and promote the gift of alternative thinking. She was honoured to be named as one of the top 50 Neurodivergent Women by the platform Women Beyond the Box. Jane is an advocate for charities close to her heart such as Nacoa and All Dogs Matter - whose dog shows she has lots of fun judging!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£30

85

Elly Griffiths

Title: The Great Deceiver Genre: Crime Thriller - Police Procedural Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://ellygriffiths.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellygriffiths Book Blurb: The next gripping volume in The Brighton Mysteries series by bestselling author Elly Griffiths. Magician Max Mephisto, now divorced and living in London, is on his way to visit daughter Ruby and her new-born baby when he is hailed by a voice from the past, fellow performer Ted English, aka the Great Deceiver. Ted's assistant, Cherry, has been found dead in her Brighton boarding house and he's convinced that he'll be accused of her murder. Max agrees to talk to his friend, Superintendent Edgar Stephens, who is investigating the case. What Max doesn't know is that the girl's family have hired private detective duo Emma Holmes (aka Mrs Stephens) and Sam Collins to do some digging of their own. The inhabitants of the boarding house, most of whom are performing in an Old Time Music Hall show on Brighton pier, are a motley crew. The house is also connected to a sinister radio personality called Pal. When a second magician's assistant is killed, Edgar suspects a serial killer. He persuades Max to come out of semi-retirement and take part in a summer show. But who can pose as his assistant? Edgar shocks the team by recommending someone close ... Author Bio: My name’s Elly Griffiths, except it’s not really. My real name is Domenica de Rosa and I’ve written four books under that name . I was born in London in 1963 and my family moved to Brighton when I was five. I loved Brighton and still do – the town, the surrounding countryside and, most of all, the sea. I went to local state schools and wrote my first book when I was a 11, a murder mystery set in Rottingdean, near the village where I still live. At secondary school I used to write episodes of Starsky and Hutch (early fan fiction) and very much enjoyed making my readers cry. I did all the right things to become a writer: I read English at King’s College London and, after graduating, worked in a library, for a magazine and then as a publicity assistant at HarperCollins. I loved working in publishing and eventually became Editorial Director for children’s books at HarperCollins. All this completely put me off writing and it wasn’t until I was on maternity leave in 1998 that I wrote what would become my first published novel, The Italian Quarter. Three other books followed, all about Italy, families and identity. By now we had two children and my husband Andy had just given up his city job to become an archaeologist. We were on holiday in Norfolk, walking across Titchwell Marsh, when Andy mentioned that prehistoric man had thought that marshland was sacred. Because it’s neither land nor sea, but something in-between, they saw it as a kind of bridge to the afterlife. Neither land nor sea, neither life nor death. As he said these words the entire plot of The Crossing Places appeared, full formed, in my head and, walking towards me out of the mist, I saw Dr Ruth Galloway. I didn’t think that this new book was significantly different from my ‘Italy’ books but, when she read it, my agent said, ‘This is crime. You need a crime name.’ And that’s how I became Elly Griffiths.

Winning Bidder

David Maidstone

Bids

10

£51

86

Sarah Pearse

Title: The Retreat Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://sarahpearse.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahVPearse Book Blurb: Will you brave The Retreat? The new bestselling thriller from the author of The Sanatorium. They couldn't wait to stay here. An idyllic wellness retreat has opened on an island off the coast of Devon, promising rest and relaxation - but the island itself, known locally as Reaper's Rock, has a dark past. Once the playground of a serial killer, it's rumored to be cursed. But now they can't leave. A woman is found dead below the yoga pavilion in what seems to be a tragic fall. But DS Elin Warner soon learns that the victim wasn't a guest - she wasn't meant to be on the island at all. And they would do anything to escape . . . The longer Elin stays, the more secrets she uncovers. And when someone else drowns in a diving incident, Elin begins to suspect that the old stories about the island are true. Because history seems to be repeating itself - and the guests might not make it home alive Author Bio: Sarah Pearse lives by the sea in South Devon with her husband and two daughters. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick and worked in Brand PR for a variety of household brands. After moving to Switzerland in her twenties, she spent every spare moment exploring the mountains in the Swiss Alpine town of Crans Montana, the dramatic setting that inspired her debut novel, The Sanatorium, which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and became an instant New York Times Bestseller and a No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller. The Retreat is her second novel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£24

87

Linda Corbett

Title: What Would Jane Austen Do? Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Twitter: https://twitter.com/lcorbettauthor Book Blurb: When journalist and Jane Austen fan Maddy Shaw is told her Dear Jane column has been cancelled, she has no choice but to look outside of London's rental market. That is until she's left an idyllic country home by the black sheep of the family, long-lost Cousin Nigel. But of course there's a stipulation... and not only is Maddy made chair of the committee for the annual village literary festival, she also has to put up with bestselling crime author - and romance sceptic - Cameron Massey as her new neighbour. When Maddy challenges Cameron to write romantic fiction, which he claims is so easy to do, sparks fly both on and off the page... Author Bio: Linda Corbett lives in Surrey with her husband Andrew and three permanently hungry guinea pigs. Linda is a member and former Treasurer of Shine Surrey - a volunteer-led charity that supports individuals and families living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. When not writing, Linda can be found gardening, papercrafting or cuddling guinea pigs. What Would Jane Austen Do is her second published novel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£19

88

Amanda Geard

Title: The Moon Gate Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.amandageard.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmandaGeard Book Blurb: 1939: On the eve of war, young English heiress Grace Grey travels from London to the wilderness of Tasmania. Coaxed out of her shell by the attentions of her Irish neighbour, Daniel - Grace finally learns to live. But when Australian forces are called to the frontline, and Daniel with them, he leaves behind a devastating secret which will forever bind them together. 1975: Artist Willow Hawkins, and her new husband, Ben, can't believe their luck when an anonymous benefactor leaves them a house on the remote Tasmanian coast. Confused and delighted, they set out to unmask Towerhurst's previous owner - unwittingly altering the course of their lives. 2004: Libby Andrews has always been sheltered from the truth behind her father Ben's death. When she travels to London and discovers a faded photograph, a long-buried memory is unlocked, and she begins to follow an investigation that Ben could never complete. But will she realise that some secrets are best left buried . . .? Author Bio: Amanda Geard is a writer, geologist, amateur gardener, experimental chef and enthusiastic restorer of old houses. Having lived and worked from the Equator to the Arctic she is now happily settled in Ireland with her husband and two setters. When not at her desk, she can be found between the wild Atlantic and even wilder Kerry mountains, getting rained on while planning her next project. Her second novel, Moongate, is set between Ireland and Tasmania, the island state at the edge of the world where she was born and raised. Amanda has also written for The Irish Times, The Journal, writing.ie, The Waxed Lemon, Ireland’s Own and Nordic Reach. You can read samples of her work here. Her first short story, Not Yet Recycled, won October 2019’s New Irish Writing.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£40

89

Glen Blackwell

Title: The Blitz Bus Genre: Middle grade historical fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://glenblackwell.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/gblackwellbooks Book Blurb:: Emmie let out a huge sob – “It’s not a film set”, she cried. She held onto Jack for a moment, then took a step back, closed her eyes and shouted - “WHERE AM I?” When Jack and Emmie suddenly find themselves transported back to London in 1940, they find a world both familiar, yet very different. As they dodge falling bombs and over-zealous policemen, they befriend Jan - a lonely Polish refugee. Together, they must work out if the shadowy figure they keep seeing is a spy and unlock the secret of getting home again… Author Bio:: Glen Blackwell lives in Suffolk, England. He has a career in finance and has written 3 children's books - The Titanic Tunnel is his latest release and is a sequel to The Blitz Bus. Inspired by bedtime reading with his 3 daughters, Glen loves to bring stories to life for young readers.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£22

90

Mary Beard

Title: Emperor of Rome Genre: History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.the-tls.co.uk/categories/regular-features/mary-beard-a-dons-life Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmarybeard Book Blurb: In her customary lively yet scholarly style, the eminent historian and author of SPQR presents an authoritative account of the role of Roman Emperor and the colourful personalities who occupied that position over the centuries. In her international best-seller SPQR, Mary Beard told the thousand-year story of ancient Rome. Now, she shines her spotlight on the emperors who ruled the Roman empire, from Julius Caesar (assassinated 44 BCE) to Alexander Severus (assassinated 235 CE). Emperor of Rome is not your usual chronological account of Roman rulers, one after another: the mad Caligula, the monster Nero, the philosopher Marcus Aurelius. Beard asks bigger questions: What power did emperors actually have? Was the Roman palace really so bloodstained? Emperor of Rome goes directly to the heart of Roman (and our own) fantasies about what it was to be Roman, offering an account of Roman history as it has never been presented before. Author Bio: Dame Winifred Mary Beard, DBE, FSA, FBA (born 1 January 1955) is an English scholar of Ancient Roman civilisation. The New Yorker characterises her as "learned but accessible". Dame Mary is Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge, a fellow of Newnham College, and Royal Academy of Arts Professor of Ancient Literature. She is the Classics editor of The Times Literary Supplement, where she also writes a regular blog, "A Don's Life". Her frequent media appearances and sometimes controversial public statements have led to her being described as "Britain's best-known classicist." Dame Mary was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours and a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2018 Birthday Honours for services to the study of classical civilisations.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

14

£52

91

Nikki Smith

Two Book Package Title 1: The Beach Party Genre: Thriller Format: Paperback Title 2: Look What You Made Me Do Genre: Thriller Format: Paperback Dedications Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: U.K. only Website: http://nikkismithauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mrssmithmunday Book 1 Blurb: 1989 - The tunes are loud and the clothes are louder when a group of friends arrives in Mallorca for a post graduation holiday of decadence and debauchery at a luxury villa. A beach party marks the height of their fun, until it isn’t fun any longer. Because amid the wild partying - sand flying from dancing feet and revellers leaping from yachts - an accident happens. Suddenly the night of a lifetime is a living nightmare. Now - The truth about that summer has been collectively buried. But someone knows what happened that night. And they want the friends to pay for what they did. Book 2 Blurb: Two people can keep a secret . . . if one of them is dead. Sisters Jo and Caroline are used to hiding things from each other. They've never been close - taking it in turns to feel on the outside of their family unit, playing an endless game of favourites. Jo envies Caroline's life - things have always come so easy to her. Then a family inheritance falls entirely to Jo, and suddenly now Caroline wants what Jo has. Needs it, even. But just how far will she go to get it? You'll be riveted by the new psychological suspense from Nikki Smith - a gripping gut-punch of a novel . . . Author Bio: Nikki Smith studied English Literature at Birmingham University, before pursuing a career in finance where she worked for various companies including BDO and Morgan Stanley. Following a ‘now or never’ moment, she applied for a Curtis Brown Creative course on which she started writing her debut novel All In Her Head which was pre-empted by Orion in a two-book deal. It went on to be an Amazon bestseller, was nominated for the Guardian ‘Not The Booker Prize’ and has been optioned for TV. Her second novel, Look What You Made Me Do was published on 1 April 2021. She then followed her editor and moved to Viking who will publish her third novel, The Beach Party in July 2023, with The Perfect Escape to follow in 2024. She is a co-host of the podcast and vodcast In Suspense alongside Lesley Kara and Lauren North and is represented by Sophie Lambert at the C&W agency. She lives near Guildford with her husband, two teenage daughters and a cat who thinks she’s a dog.

Winning Bidder

Kallistheni Papadopoulos

Bids

6

£25

92

Ian Rankin

Title: A Heart Full of Headstones Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.ianrankin.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/Beathhigh Book Blurb: John Rebus stands accused: the once legendary detective is on trial, facing the rest of his life behind bars. How does a hero turn villain? Or have times changed, and the rules with them? Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke tackles Edinburgh's most explosive case in years, as a corrupt cop harbouring huge secrets goes missing. But is her loyalty to the police or the public? And who can she trust when nobody is truly innocent - including her former mentor Rebus - and a killer walks among them? As the time comes to choose sides, it becomes clear: after a lifetime of lies, the truth will break your heart... Author Bio: Born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960, Ian Rankin graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982, and then spent three years writing novels when he was supposed to be working towards a PhD in Scottish Literature. After university and before his success with his Rebus novels, Ian had a number of jobs including working as a grape-picker, a swineherd, a journalist for a hi-fi magazine, and a taxman. Following his marriage in 1986, he lived briefly in London where he worked at the National Folktale Centre, followed by a short time living in France, before returning to Edinburgh. Ian’s first novel Summer Rites remains in his bottom drawer, but his second novel, The Flood, was published in 1986, while his first Rebus novel, Knots & Crosses, was published in 1987. The Rebus series is now translated into twenty-two languages and the books are bestsellers on several continents. In addition to his Rebus and Malcolm Fox novels, he has also written standalone novels including Doors Open, which was televised in 2012, short stories, a graphic novel – Dark Entries – and a play (with Mark Thomson, the Royal Lyceum Theatre’s Artistic Director) Dark Road, which premiered at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, in September 2013. A second play, Long Shadows, starring John Rebus, was co-written with Rona Munro and staged in 2018. There are also a number of novels under the pseudonym ‘Jack Harvey’ and in 2005 he collaborated with singer Jackie Leven on a CD. His non-fiction book Rebus’s Scotland was published in 2005. Ian Rankin has been elected a Hawthornden Fellow, and is also a past winner of the Chandler-Fulbright Award. He is the recipient of four Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Awards including the prestigious Diamond Dagger in 2005. In 2004, Ian won America’s celebrated Edgar Award for Resurrection Men. He has also been shortlisted for the Edgar and Anthony Awards in the USA, and won Denmark’s Palle Rosenkrantz prize, the French Grand Prix du Roman Noir and Germany’s Deutscher Krimipreis. Ian Rankin is also the recipient of honorary degrees from the universities of Hull, Abertay, St Andrews and Edinburgh as well as The Open University. In 2019, he donated his archive of over 50 boxes of manuscripts, letters and paperwork to the National Library of Scotland. A regular contributor to BBC2’s Newsnight Review, he also presented his own TV series, Ian Rankin’s Evil Thoughts on Channel 4 in 2002 and Rankin on the Staircase for BBC Four in 2005. In 2007, Rankin appeared in Ian Rankin’s Hidden Edinburgh and Ian Rankin Investigates Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde also for BBC Four. Ian has been the subject of ITV’s South Bank Show and BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs where his choice of music included Joy Division, The Rolling Stones and Van Morrison. Ian has received an OBE for services to literature, opting to receive the prize in his home city of Edinburgh, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

17

£60

93

Helga Jensen

Title: Fly me to Paris Genre; Contemporary Fiction - Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://romanticnovelistsassociation.org/2021/07/helga-jensen-forde-twice-in-a-lifetime Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelgaJensenF Book Blurb; Penny is not living her best life. Her job is far from thrilling and her long-term boyfriend shows no sign of wanting to commit. She has just turned fifty and is going nowhere. Wanting a new start, Penny applies for a job as cabin crew, to find out if she can push herself out of her comfort zone. Her new job brings the adventure she craves, even if she does keep bumping into impossibly handsome but deeply annoying pilot, Matt Garcia. Stuck in Paris on an unscheduled stopover, the chemistry between them grows. But the path of love never did fly smooth, as Matt’s past threatens to come between them. Beside which, Penny is not looking for love. But what if love finds her? A romantic, uplifting and inspirational read all about taking chances later in life The Author: Helga Jensen is an award-winning British/Danish author and journalist. Her debut novel was a winning entry in the 2017 Montegrappa First Fiction competition at Dubai’s Emirates Literary Festival. Her debut was also a contender for the coveted 2021 Joan Hessayon Award for new writers. Helga’s second romantic comedy is due out in 2022. Helga holds a BA Hons in English Literature and Creative Writing, along with a Creative Writing MA from Bath Spa University. Helga, who lived in the Middle East for the past 25 years, continues to work as a freelance journalist when not writing books. A former airline stewardess, she now has her feet firmly on the ground and lives with her wonderful family, which includes a crazy Labradoodle who never stops making her laugh. Helga loves chocolate, wine, nice people and everything dog related,

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

94

Lesley Kara

Four Book Special Title 1: The Rumour Title 2: Who Did You Tell? Title 3: The Dare Title 4: The Apartment Upstairs Genre: Psychological Thrillers Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lesleykara.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LesleyKara Book 1 Blurb: The Rumour When single mum Joanna hears a rumour at the school gates, she never intends to pass it on. But one casual comment leads to another and now there’s no going back… Rumour has it that a notorious child killer is living under a new identity, in their sleepy little town of Flinstead-on-Sea. Sally McGowan was just ten years old when she stabbed little Robbie Harris to death forty-eight years ago – no photos of her exist since her release as a young woman. So who is the supposedly reformed killer who now lives among them? How dangerous can one rumour become? And how far will Joanna go to protect her loved ones from harm, when she realizes what it is she’s unleashed? Book 2 Blurb: Who Did You Tell? Someone knows Astrid’s darkest secret. And they’re going to have fun with it… It’s been 192 days, seven hours and fifteen minutes since her last drink. Now Astrid is trying to turn her life around. Having reluctantly moved back in with her mother, in a quiet seaside town away from the temptations and painful memories of her life before, Astrid is focusing on her recovery. She’s going to meetings. Confessing her misdeeds. Making amends to those she’s wronged. But someone knows exactly what Astrid is running from. And they won’t stop until she learns that some mistakes can’t be corrected. Some mistakes, you have to pay for. Book 3 Blurb: The Dare Come on. You’ll be fine. It’s only a game. Lizzie has no memory of the accident in which her best friend Alice died as a teenager. And it was an accident. Wasn’t it? Alice’s friends and relatives suspect Lizzie was to blame, but Lizzie knows that can’t be true. She would never have hurt Alice. Twelve years on, unpacking boxes in the new home she shares with her fiancé, Lizzie is finally beginning to feel like she can move on with her life. But someone has other ideas… Book 4 Blurb: The Apartment Upstairs Scarlett’s aunt lived – and was brutally murdered – in the flat upstairs. But Scarlett is determined that life should return to some kind of normal, even if that means living with just a ceiling between her and the scene of such a devastating crime. After all, this is her home. She’s safe here. Isn’t she? Dee is busy balancing her job as a funeral director with organizing an event to mark the disappearance of her best friend, ten years ago. So she’s got enough on her plate without worrying about the threatening messages that are appearing on her company’s Facebook page. When Scarlett approaches Dee about planning her aunt’s funeral, an unexpected link between them emerges. Together, the two women could uncover secrets that have long been buried. Even while someone wants to stop them digging… It’s only ever that girl until it’s someone you know. Author Bio: Lesley Kara burst onto the thriller scene with a startling debut novel set in a British seaside community and quickly made a name for herself as an aficionado of the psychological thriller. She has followed her bestseller success with three more gripping, suspense-filled standalone novels, putting complex female protagonists at the centre and lacing each story with secrets that gradually unfold. For a fresh, contemporary, immersive read, Lesley Kara has you covered.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£30

95

Rob Keeley

Title: The Boy Who Disappeared and Other Stories Genre: Middle-grade fiction/juniors/short stories Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://robkeeley.co.uk/the-boy-who-disappeared Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobKeeleyAuthor Book Blurb: Ellis is annoying Isla... but suddenly he isn’t there... Oscar’s written what he thinks about everyone... and left the paper in a library book... Fletcher becomes a hero to Suzie... Tessa takes action when her school bans hugging... Holly Class wind up Pine Class on Transition Day... Paul really doesn’t want to go to big school... Myra hates her new school... until she meets Shane... A brand-new collection of short stories from award-winning children’s and YA author Rob Keeley. Includes Guess What? – shortlisted for Best Short Story 2022 at the Searchlight Writing for Children Awards – and two new Liam and Justin stories. Suitable for the 8-12s, and with primary and secondary school stories, this collection is fast, funny and packed with twists and turns. Author Bio: Rob Keeley is an award-winning author of children’s novels, short stories and picture books, including the Spirits series. Credits include the award-listed stage play Mr. Everyone, Chain Gang and Newsjack for BBC Radio. He holds author workshops in schools and libraries, and teaches Creative Writing to children and adults.

Winning Bidder

David McLoughlin

Bids

2

£25

96

Pauline Tait

Title: Abigail Returns Genre: Romantic Suspense Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://paulinetait.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PTait_author Book Blurb:: With just over a decade missing to Dissociative Amnesia, and a newly broken heart, Abigail finds herself with no choice but to return to Lochside. The supposedly idyllic home on the Isle of Skye she had fled so dramatically six years before. And while struggling to find her way in a world she can’t recall, she must battle the conflicts of the present with the shocking secrets she uncovers from her past. Jamie’s support is invaluable, but how much does he know? Greg is loving and attentive, but does he have an ulterior motive? Meanwhile, the presence of a stranger on the island shakes Abigail to her very core. With no memory, she can only trust her instincts as she strives to build a life and a future she can call her own. But Abigail soon discovers the stranger’s trail leads far too close to home. A riveting novel about new beginnings and second chances. Author Bio: As a novelist and children's author, Pauline’s necessity to write has emerged alongside a profound passion to engage and inspire our younger generations. Her years of experience in working with and assessing children from Primaries one to seven, who needed extra-curricular support, then creating and delivering individual learning plans to meet their specific needs, has only fuelled her passion and has influenced both the writing and the production processes of her picture books. Pauline also enjoys writing women's fiction, primarily romantic suspense. It is essential that emotions and reactions are true to their topics while the landscape and settings are truly authentic. Pauline is currently writing a series set on the Isle of Skye, an island she has been visiting for over two decades, and has formed a close bond with both the island and its people. Pauline writes Romantic Suspense, second chance romance and contemporary romance with relatable characters and happily ever afters, alongside children's picture books for 3 to 7 years, all of which are selling worldwide

Winning Bidder

Krys Stamell

Bids

2

£20

97

Sophie Claire

Title: THIS CHRISTMAS IN PARIS Genre: Contemporary Women's fiction - Christmas Format: paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://sophieclaire.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/SClaireWriter Book Blurb: What could be more magical than Christmas in Paris? When Carys is offered the chance to run a little French café, she leaps at the chance to discover an exciting city where she can dream big. Meanwhile, struggling journalist Mat is living in the City of Love – but he’s never found romance himself. Then, a chance encounter changes everything, and it feels like the start of something wonderful. But Carys and Mat are both keeping secrets . . . Can they open their hearts to one another – and maybe even find love, just in time for Christmas? Author Bio: Sophie Claire writes uplifting emotional stories with their heart in Provence, where she spent her childhood summers. She is half French, half Scottish, was born in Africa and growing up in England she felt she didn’t belong anywhere – except in the pages of a book. Perhaps this is why she likes to help her characters find their home; a place in the world where they can be loved for themselves. Previously, she worked in marketing and proofreading academic papers, but writing is what she always considered her ‘real job’ and now she’s delighted to spend her days dreaming up heartwarming contemporary romance stories set in beautiful places.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£29

98

Adrienne Chinn

Two Book Bundle! Book 1 Title: Love in a Time of War Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Book 2 Title: The Paris Sister Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/adriennechinn Website: https://www.adrienne-chinn.co.uk Book 1 Blurb: Three sisters, the Great War, the end of innocence... In 1913, in a quiet corner of London, the three Fry sisters are coming of age, dreaming of all the possibilities the bright future offers. But when war erupts their innocence is shattered and a new era of uncertainty begins. Cecelia loves Max but his soldier’s uniform is German, not British, and suddenly the one man she loves is the one man she can’t have. Jessie enlists in the army as a nurse and finally finds the adventure she’s craved when she’s sent to Gallipoli and Egypt, but it comes with an unimaginable cost. Etta elopes to Capri with her Italian love, Carlo, but though her growing bump is real, her marriage certificate is a lie. As the three sisters embark on journeys they never could have imagined, their mother Christina worries about the harsh new realities they face, and what their exposure to the wider world means for the secrets she’s been keeping… Book 2 Blurb: Three sisters separated by distance but bound by love. The Fry sisters enter the Roaring Twenties forever changed by their experiences during the Great War. Now, as each of their lives unfold in different corners of the globe, they come to realise that the most important bond is that of family. Desperate to save the man she loves, Etta leaves behind the life she has made for herself in Capri and enters the decadent world of Parisian society with all its secrets and scandals. Celie’s new life on the Canadian prairies brings mixed blessings – a daughter to adore, but a husband who isn’t the man who holds her heart. In Egypt, Jessie’s world is forever changed by a devastating loss. And back in London – where each of their adventures began – their mother Christina watches as the pieces of her carefully orchestrated existence begin to shatter…with implications for them all… Author Bio: Adrienne Chinn was born in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, grew up in Quebec, and eventually made her way to London, England after a career as a journalist. In England she worked as a TV and film researcher before embarking on a career as an interior designer, lecturer, and writer. Her second novel, The English Wife -- a timeslip story set in World War II England and contemporary Newfoundland -- was published in June 2020 and has become an international bestseller. Her debut novel, The Lost Letter, was published by Avon Books UK in 2019. Her third novel, Love in a Time of War, the first in a series of four books in The Three Fry Sisters series, was published in February 2022. The second book in the series, The Paris Sister, was published in February 2023. She is currently working on the third book in the series, to be published in the spring of 2024.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£20

99

Yvonne Banham

Title: The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie Genre: Paranormal Mystery age 10+ Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website http://yvonnebanhamwrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eviewriter Book Blurb: Delores Mackenzie has always attracted Bòcain- ghostly overstayers. But after she's chased home by a particularly restless spirit, she's sent to the mysterious Uncles of Edinburgh Old Town to learn how to control her 'gifts'. Scared and alone, she soon realises that her strange new housemates at the Tolbooth Book Store have sinister events of their own to battle with...can Delores find the strength to save them? Author Bio: I grew up on Walney, a small island off the coast of Cumbria where I spent lots of time huddled on blustery beaches with a book or three. I write spooky books for middle grade and young teen readers, and I love stories of hauntings, witches, or anything with a bit of stomach-flipping uncanniness about it.. After a long spell in the Netherlands and five gloriously spooky years in Edinburgh, I now live in Stirlingshire with my husband and our very naughty hound. When I'm not writing, I can be found scoping out creepy settings for my next book or exploring the nearby hills.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£33

100

Lee McKenzie

Title: Inside F1 Genre: Sport - Formula 1 Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Leemckenzietv Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeeMcKenzieTV The Book: On the frontline of one of the most watched sports on the planet and gaining the respect of F1 world champions with her tough but fair interview approach, Lee has shared experiences, hire cars, parties and friendships with a host of drivers from Michael Schumacher to Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel to Jenson Button. Inside F1 tells the stories of the careers of seven stars of the sport using her personal contact and interviews throughout the years. Lee's unique perspective takes us through the highs and lows, the controversies and crashes that led to some of the biggest and most memorable interviews in recent years. Lee's close relationship with the drivers makes Inside F1 an enthralling behind-the- scenes account of one of the biggest sports in the world. The Author: From an early age, Lee McKenzie had access to a motorsport world that most are rarely allowed into. From spending time in the paddock as a teen to becoming a highly respected Formula One journalist and presenter, Lee has been at the heart of motorsport for almost twenty years. Lee is a highly respected broadcast journalist and presenter who has covered some of the biggest news and sports events of recent times. She is best known for her work in Formula One, presenting and interviewing the drivers for Channel 4 and previously for the BBC. Lee has covered almost every series of motorsport around the world from sports cars to single-seaters. Lee also presents international rugby and is part of ITV's 2023 Rugby World team. She hosted the European Champions Cup for Channel 4 as well as the Paralympics. For the BBC she presents on both the men's and women's Six Nations, the Olympics, Wimbledon and her own personal passion, equestrianism. Lee has competed as a co-driver in rallying up to world championship level, became the first female to be the lead presenter on an F1 show in the UK and was the first female recipient of the prestigious Jim Clark Award.

Winning Bidder

Gary Donaldson

Bids

7

£80

101

Jill Mansell

Title: Promise Me Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://jillmansell.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillMansell Book Blurb: One minute Lou is happily employed, with a perfect flat. The next, her home and job have gone. Suddenly she has to start over. The last thing Lou wants is to move to a tiny Cotswolds village. She certainly doesn't intend to work for curmudgeonly eighty-year-old Edgar Allsopp. But Edgar is about to make her the kind of promise nobody could ignore. In return, she secretly vows to help him fall in love with life again. Foxwell is also home to Remy, whose charm and charisma are proving hard to ignore. But Lou hasn't recovered from the last time she fell for a charmer. She needs a distraction - and luckily one's about to turn up. Secrets never stay hidden for long in Foxwell, nor are promises always kept. And no one could guess what lies ahead... Author Bio: Jill Mansell’s books are full of love, life and friendship and have been bringing joy to readers for twenty-five years. She started writing fiction while working in the NHS, after joining a local creative writing class. She has since written over twenty Sunday Times bestsellers, including MAYBE THIS TIME, THIS COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING and YOU AND ME, ALWAYS, and her books have sold over 11 million copies around the world. Jill's hobbies include buying stationery, particularly magical new colours of ink for the fountain pen she uses to write all her books – Jill is one of the few authors who still write their books by hand. Jill also loves people-watching and finding new characters to put in her novels. So when you’re out, make sure to always be on your best behaviour. And beware of beady-eyed authors carrying notebooks . . .

Winning Bidder

Lindsey Perry

Bids

10

£25

102

Andrea Mara

Title: No One Saw A Thing Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK & EIRE Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreaMaraBooks Book Blurb: Two children get on the train. Only one gets off... 'Probably the most suspenseful book I will read all year.' Liz Nugent No one saw it happen. You stand on a crowded tube platform in London. Your two little girls jump on the train ahead of you. As you try to join them, the doors slide shut and the train moves away, leaving you behind. Everyone is lying. By the time you get to the next stop, you've convinced yourself that everything will be fine. But you soon start to panic, because there aren't two children waiting for you on the platform. There's only one. Someone is to blame. Has your other daughter got lost? Been taken by a passing stranger? Or perhaps the culprit is closer to home than you think? No one is telling the truth, and the longer the search continues, the harder she will be to find... Everyone is talking about No One Saw a Thing: 'You will look hard to find a more searing opening 15 pages of a thriller this year.' Irish Independent 'This sharply observed novel manages to be at once an intricate puzzle and an involving race against time' The Sunday Times Author Bio: Andrea Mara is a crime novelist from Dublin, Ireland, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her most recent novel, No One Saw A Thing (Transworld, May 2023) was a Number 1 bestseller in Ireland and on Kindle. Hide And Seek (July 2022) spent five weeks in the Irish Times bestseller charts and was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the year at the An Post Irish Book Awards. All Her Fault (July 2021) was Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Month, a Sunday Times and Irish Times Top Ten Bestseller, and Kindle Top Five bestseller. It was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year in the An Post Irish Book Awards. Her first book, The Other Side of the Wall, was shortlisted for the Kate O'Brien Award 2018 and was an Amazon number one bestseller in Irish Crime. Her second book, One Click, was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year at the 2018 An Post Irish Book Awards, and a number one on Amazon in Irish Crime and Northern Irish Crime. Her third novel, The Sleeper Lies, published in February 2020, was an Irish Times Top Ten Bestseller. Andrea also runs multi-award-winning parent and lifestyle blog, OfficeMum.ie.

Winning Bidder

Ashley Penny

Bids

4

£17

103

Paterson Joseph

Title: The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho Genre: Historical/Biographical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/ignatius_sancho Book Blurb: Shortlisted for The British Book Awards 2023 Discover Book of the Year Shortlisted for The Jhalak Prize 2023 Longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2023 Meet Charles Ignatius Sancho: his extraordinary story, hidden for three hundred years, is about to be told. I had little right to live, born on a slave ship where my parents both died. But I survived, and indeed, you might say I did more... It's 1746 and Georgian London is not a safe place for a young Black man, especially one who has escaped slavery. After the twinkling lights in the Fleet Street coffee shops are blown out and the great houses have closed their doors for the night, Sancho must dodge slave catchers and worse. The man he hoped would help - a kindly duke who taught him to write - is dying. Sancho is desperate and utterly alone. So how does Charles Ignatius Sancho meet the King, write and play highly acclaimed music, become the first Black person to vote in Britain and lead the fight to end slavery? It's time for him to tell his story, one that begins on a tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, and ends at the very centre of London life. And through it all, he must ask: born amongst death, how much can you achieve in one short life? From one of Britain's best-loved actors, Paterson Joseph, comes an utterly captivating and haunting historical novel, telling the true story of a Great Black Briton. Author Bio: Paterson Joseph is a British actor. He has appeared in the Royal Shakespeare Company productions of King Lear and Love's Labour's Lost in 1990. On television he is known for his roles in Casualty, as Alan Johnson in Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show, Green Wing, Survivors, Boy Meets Girl, as DI Wes Layton in Law & Order: UK, and as Connor Mason in Timeless. His film roles include The Beach, Æon Flux and The Other Man. The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho is Paterson's debut novel.

Winning Bidder

Vicky Taithe

Bids

9

£33

104

Greg Mosse

Title: The Coming Darkness Genre: Political Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.gregmosse.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregMosse Book Blurb: A thrilling debut that has been likened to John Le Carré and Raymond Chandler... Paris, 2037. Alexandre Lamarque of the French external security service is hunting for eco-terrorists. Experience has taught him there is no one he can trust – not his secretive lover Mariam, not even his old mentor, Professor Fayard, the man at the centre of the web. He is ready to give up. But he can’t. In search of the truth, Alex must follow the trail through an ominous spiral of events, from a string of brutal child murders to a chaotic coup in North Africa. He rapidly finds himself in a heart-thumping race against chaos and destruction. He could be the world’s only hope of preventing THE COMING DARKNESS... Author Bio: Greg Mosse is a 'writer and encourager of writers', husband of international bestselling author, Kate Mosse. He has lived and worked in Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Madrid as an interpreter and translator, but grew up in rural south-west Sussex. In 2014, he founded the Criterion New Writing playwriting programme in the heart of the West End and, since then, has produced more than 25 of his own plays and musicals. His creative writing workshops are highly sought after at festivals at home and abroad. His superbly reviewed novel, The Coming Darkness, was published by Moonflower in 2022. Hodder & Stoughton will release his gripping Maisie Cooper mystery series in July 2023.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£15

105

Emma Gannon

Title: Olive Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.emmagannon.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmagannon Book Blurb: Revolving around the eponymous, sympathetic, thirty-something protagonist, this is a story of modern womanhood, expectations and the courage it takes – still – to divert from female stereotypes created by men. The debut novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author, Emma Gannon. Independent. Adrift. Anxious. Loyal. Kind. Knows her own mind. Olive is many things, and it’s ok that she’s still figuring it all out, navigating her world without a compass. But life comes with expectations, there are choices to be made, boxes to tick and – sometimes – stereotypes to fulfil. And when her best friends’ lives start to branch away towards marriage and motherhood, leaving the path they’ve always followed together, Olive starts to question her choices – because life according to Olive looks a little bit different. Moving, memorable and a mirror for every woman at a crossroads, Olive has a little bit of all of us. Told with great warmth and nostalgia, this is a modern tale about the obstacle course of adulthood, milestone decisions and the ‘taboo’ about choosing not to have children. Author Bio: Emma Gannon is a Sunday Times bestselling author, speaker, novelist and host of the no. 1 careers podcast in the UK, Ctrl Alt Delete. She began her career working in digital media agencies, then Bauer Media, then Condé Nast, and has since been published in places like The Telegraph, The Guardian, Vanity Fair and ELLE, as well as being a columnist for The Telegraph, COURIER and The Sunday Times. The Multi-Hyphen Method – a manifesto for multi-hyphenates crafting work on their own terms – became an immediate Sunday Times business bestseller. After the book’s publication, she was selected in the 2018 Forbes 30 under 30 list, Management Today '35 Under 35, and The Telegraph’s ‘Millennials To Watch’. Her third work of non-fiction is Sabotage: How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Get Out of Your Own Way. In July 2020, Emma's first novel OLIVE was published, a story that follows a protagonist asking the big questions about motherhood (to have, or not to have children?) published by Harper Collins. The book is narrated by BAFTA-winning actor Sian Clifford and hit no.1 in the Apple audiobook charts. Her WEBBY-nominated podcast Ctrl, Alt, Delete is a non-traditional careers podcast founded in 2016 and gives an insight into people who’ve looked at their interests to shape the work they do. It won Best Business Podcast at the Vuelio Awards in 2019 and has had nearly 8 million downloads, with guests including the philosopher Alain de Botton, activist Rachel Cargle and cleaning guru Mrs Hinch. It was also one of the first podcasts to record an episode from inside Buckingham Palace. She is also write a weekly newsletter called The Hyphen that is an exploration of ideas that have got her thinking in new ways, and an online book club, The Hyphen Book Club.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£18

106

AJ Pearce

The Emmy Lake Chronicles – 3 books Title 1: Dear Mrs Bird, Paperback Title 2: Yours Cheerfully Paperback Title 3: Mrs Porter Calling Hardback Genre: Historical fiction Dedicationa Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.ajpearce.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajpearcewrites Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajpearcewrites Facebook: www.facebook.com/ajpearcewrites Book Blurb: The Emmy Lake Chronicles follows the life of young agony aunt Emmy Lake as she and her friends face the challenges of life London in World War II. This auction lot includes Mrs Porter Calling, the latest in the series where Emmy is faced with the arrival of a new owner at Woman’s Friend who threatens to change everything that Emmy and her readers love about the magazine. Author Bio: AJ Pearce is the Sunday Times Bestselling author of The Emmy Lake Chronicles. Born in Hampshire, her favourite subjects at school were History and English which now (finally!) makes sense. Her debut novel Dear Mrs Bird was shortlisted for the Best Debut Novel at the British Book Awards in 2019, and her books have been translated into over fifteen languages. She has appeared at literary events across the UK and when not researching or writing her novels can be found surrounded by muddy dogs, or messing around trying to learn how to paint.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£45

107

Kiley Dunbar

Two Book Special Title 1: The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday Title 2: Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.kileydunbar.co.uk Book 1 Blurb: The Borrow-a-Bookshop Bookshop Café invites literature lovers to run their very own bookshop … for a fortnight. Spend your days talking books with customers in your own charming bookshop and serving up delicious cream teas in the cosy café. Bookworms, what are you waiting for? Your holiday is going to be LIT(erary). Apply to: The Borrow-a-Bookshop Bookshop Café, Down-a-long, Clove Lore, Devon. Jude Crawley should be on top of the world. She’s just graduated as a mature student, so can finally go public about her relationship with Philosophy professor, Mack. Until she sees Mack kissing another girl, and her dreams crumble. And worse, their dream holiday – running a tiny bookshop in the harbour village of Clove Lore for two weeks – is non-refundable. Throwing caution to the winds, Jude heads down to Devon, eager to immerse herself in literature and heal her broken heart. But there’s one problem – six foot tall, brooding (but gorgeous) Elliot, who’s also reserved the bookshop holiday for two weeks… As Jude and Elliot put their differences aside to run the bookshop, it seems that Jude might be falling in love with more than just words. Until she discovers what Elliot is running from – and why he’s hiding out in Clove Lore. Can Jude find her own happy ending in a tiny, tumbledown bookshop? Or is she about to find out that her bookish holiday might have an unexpected twist in the tale… Readers are loving their stay at The Borrow-A-Bookshop! Book 2 Blurb: A fairytale ending isn’t just for fiction… The Borrow-a-Bookshop is recovering, seven months on from the winter flood that destroyed all its stock, and the latest temporary bookseller, Joy Foley, arrives in Clove Lore with her daughter, five-year-old Radia Pearl. As a tech expert, she’ll be working on dragging the Bookshop into the twenty-first century. But what no one knows is that Joy is running from Radia Pearl’s father. She can’t settle down here or anywhere … moving on is how she stays safe. So when Radia befriends Monty Bickleigh, ex-fisherman and the new cook at The Siren’s Tail pub, despite herself, Joy finds herself growing closer to him, and the quirky community of Clove Lore. While Joy settles in to the bookshop, Araminta Clove-Congreve, local lady of the Manor, is finding running her new wedding business harder than anticipated. She needs to hire a chief wedding planner, and fast - and Joy’s family may have the answer. As Joy finds her heart softening by the magic of Clove Lore, can her new friends – and Monty – be enough to convince Joy to stop running and find a new life? Bookworms everywhere, escape to the magic of Clove Lore today... Author Bio: Hi! I'm Kiley Dunbar and I write super cosy, escapist, romantic fiction set in beautiful places. I'm a Scot over the border in North England and I'm an academic, so it's really Dr Kiley ;)

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£30

108

Anne Louise Avery

Title: Reynard the Fox Genre: Medieval/Folk tales/Fairy tales/Myth & legend. Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.patreon.com/annelouiseavery Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneLouiseAvery Book Blurb: Reynard – a subversive, dashing, anarchic, aristocratic, witty fox from the watery lowlands of medieval East Flanders – is in trouble. He has been summoned to the court of King Noble the Lion, charged with all manner of crimes and misdemeanours. How will he pit his wits against his accusers – greedy Bruin the Bear, pretentious Courtoys the Hound or dark and dangerous Isengrim the Wolf – to escape the gallows? Reynard was once the most popular and beloved character in European folklore, as familiar as Robin Hood, King Arthur or Cinderella. His character spoke eloquently for the unvoiced and disenfranchised, but also amused and delighted the elite, capturing hearts and minds across borders and societal classes for centuries. Based on William Caxton’s bestselling 1481 English translation of the Middle Dutch, but expanded with new interpretations, innovative language and characterisation, this edition is an imaginative retelling of the Reynard story. With its themes of protest, resistance and duplicity fronted by a personable, anti-heroic Fox making his way in a dangerous and cruel world, this gripping tale is as relevant and controversial today as it was in the fifteenth century. "Anne Louise Avery presents the full, complicated glory of the silver-tongued predator and his milieu in Reynard the Fox, a tour de force of storytelling and a beautiful object in itself. A writer and art historian, Ms. Avery deploys a scholar’s fluency with medieval language, literature and religion and a raconteur’s ease with anecdote." - Wall Street Journal Author Bio: Anne Louise is a writer and art historian based in Oxford.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£45

109

Rob Rinder

Title: The Trial Genre: Legal Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobbieRinder Book Blurb: An unputdownable murder mystery by Britain's best-loved criminal barrister Rob Rinder. ONE MURDER. ONE IMPOSSIBLE CASE. WHO IS GUILTY? When hero policeman Grant Cliveden dies from a poisoning in the Old Bailey, it threatens to shake the country to its core. The evidence points to one man. Jimmy Knight has been convicted of multiple offences before and defending him will be no easy task. Not least because this is trainee barrister Adam Green's first case. But it will quickly become clear that Jimmy Knight is not the only person in Cliveden's past with an axe to grind. The only thing that's certain is that this is a trial which will push Adam - and the justice system itself - to the limit . . . Author Bio: Rob Rinder is a barrister turned writer and broadcaster. In 2014, while still a practising barrister, he began starring in his reality court show Judge Rinder, and he now uses his legal knowledge working in the media to make the law more accessible. He is also the author of two books and a columnist for the Sun and the London Evening Standard newspapers. His participation in Who Do You Think You Are? retraced the story of his Holocaust survivor grandfather and received a BAFTA. The BBC series he presented, The Holocaust, My Family and Me, was aired to wide critical acclaim. In 2020, Rob was awarded an MBE for his services to Holocaust education and an honorary doctorate for his legal work. The Trial is his debut novel and is inspired by Rob's own experiences as a barrister.

Winning Bidder

Rebecca Ruck

Bids

9

£45

110

Val McDermid

Two Book Special Title 1: 1979 Title 2: 1989 Genre: Crime Thrillers Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.valmcdermid.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/valmcdermid Book 1 Blurb: 1979 "The year started badly and only got worse - blizzards, strikes, power cuts, and political unrest were the norm. For investigative journalist Allie Burns, however, someone else's bad news was the unmistakable sound of opportunity knocking, and 1979 is ripe with possibilities. But Allie is a woman in what is still a man's world. Desperate to get away from the "women's stories" the Glasgow desk keeps assigning her, she strikes up an alliance with wannabe investigative journalist Danny Sullivan. From the start, their stories create enemies. First an international tax fraud, then a potential Scottish terrorist group aiming to cause mayhem ahead of an impending referendum. And then Danny is found murdered in his flat. For Allie, investigative journalism just got personal." Book 2 Blurb: 1989 1989. The world is on the brink of revolution and journalist Allie Burns is a woman on a mission. When she discovers a lead about the exploitation of society's most vulnerable, Allie is determined to investigate and give voice to the silenced. Elsewhere, a ticking clock begins the countdown to a murder. As Allie begins to connect the dots and edges closer to exposing the truth, it is more shocking than she ever imagined. There's nothing like a killer story, and to tell it, Allie must risk her freedom and her life . . . Author Bio: Val McDermid is a number one bestseller whose novels have been translated into more than forty languages, and have sold over eighteen million copies. She has won many awards internationally, including the CWA Gold Dagger for best crime novel of the year and the LA Times Book of the Year Award. She was inducted into the ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards Hall of Fame in 2009, was the recipient of the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger in 2010 and received the Lambda Literary Foundation Pioneer Award in 2011. In 2016, Val received the Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award at the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and in 2017 received the DIVA Literary Prize for Crime, and was elected a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Literature and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Val has served as a judge for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Man Booker Prize, and was Chair of the Wellcome Book Prize in 2017. She is the recipient of six honorary doctorates and is an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College, Oxford. She writes full-time and divides her time between Edinburgh and East Neuk of Fife.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

20

£100

111

Faith Hogan

Title: The Gin Sister’s Promise Genre: Women’s Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://faithhogan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GerHogan Book Blurb: Three estranged sisters. Six months to come back together. When Georgie, Iris and Nola's mother died, the sisters made a pact: they would always be there for one another, no matter what. Now, decades later, they can barely stand to be in the same room. As his health declined, their father came up with a plan to bring them back to one another. He stated in his will that before they can claim their inheritance, they must spend six months living together in the Irish village of Ballycove, and try to repair their broken relationships. But reunited in their childhood home, old resentments boil over, new secrets threaten to come out and each sister must decide what matters more: their pride, or their family. Can they overcome their past and find a way to love each other once more? Author Bio: Faith Hogan is an award-winning and bestselling author of nine contemporary fiction novels. Her books have featured as Book Club Favourites, Net Galley Hot Reads and Summer Must Reads. She writes grown up women's fiction which is unashamedly uplifting, feel good and inspiring. Faith's Kindle Number 1 bestselling book, The Ladies Midnight Swimming Club is published in May 2021. Her summer 2022 book, The Gin Sisters' Promise is a USA Today Bestseller! Her new summer read for 2023 is called The Guest House By The Sea. It's available to pre-order now and it's being described by the author as a great big welcome back to Ballycove for readers. She lives in the west of Ireland with her family and a very busy Labrador named Penny. She's a writer, reader, enthusiastic dog walker and reluctant jogger - except of course when it is raining!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

112

Claire Douglas

Title: The Woman Who Lied Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://shor.by/ClaireDouglas Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dougieclaire Book Blurb:: Emilia Ward lives quietly in suburban London with her husband and two children. Just an ordinary wife and mother. But also a bestselling crime writer. When she starts writing her tenth Detective Miranda Moody novel, however, life takes a frightening turn: an incident straight out of one of her novels occurs in real life. Just an unsettling coincidence, she thinks. Until it happens again. Then someone she knows dies exactly like a victim in the book she's still writing . . . Why is someone doing this? How do they know what she is writing? And how long before Emilia and her family are next? Author Bio: Claire Douglas is the Sunday Times number one bestselling author of eight stand alone novels: The Sisters (2015), Local Girl Missing (2016), Last Seen Alive (2017), Do Not Disturb (2018), Then She Vanishes (2019) and Just Like The Other Girls (2020). Her seventh, The Couple At No 9 (2021) was an Amazon number one bestseller, a number three Sunday Times bestseller and most recently hit number one on Germany's Der Spiegel paperback bestsellers chart. The Girls Who Disappeared was a Richard and Judy book club pick for Autumn 2022 and was an instant number one Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have sold over a million copies in the UK and have been published worldwide. Her most recent, THE WOMAN WHO LIED was published on July 6th 2023.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

4

£21

113

Bella Osborne

Two Book Bundle! Title 1: An Invitation To Seashell Bay Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Title 2: The Perfect Christmas Village Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.bellaosborne.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/osborne_bella Book 1 Blurb: One ambitious businesswoman. One irresponsible heir. A deal that will turn both their lives upside down… To grow her craft business, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. So when a potential investor she’s looking to impress recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to secure both. Freddy Astley-Davenport is a notorious playboy with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay – but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. His plan is to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can. Nancy has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one. However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly, and they soon discover exactly why opposites attract… Book 2 Blurb: When Christmas-hating Sam moves to Holly Cross, he thinks he's found the perfect home, until he discovers that, each year, Holly Cross transforms into the most Christmassy village in the whole country... Blythe is just one sale away from being Real Estate Agent of the Month, so she twists the truth to sell a home to city boy Sam, who is looking for the perfect house in the perfect location. Little does he know he's just bought a cottage in the middle of the most Christmassy village in the country. And if there's one thing Sam loathes, it's Christmas. Sam's arrival puts Holly Cross's chance to win the title of Britain's Most Perfect Christmas Village now in jeopardy, and the villagers are soon up in arms. Meanwhile, Sam is in his own personal hell surrounded by fairy lights and everyone is looking to Blythe to fix things. But as the festive season looms, maybe there's more than just Christmas in Holly Cross for Sam to fall in love with... Author Bio: I've been jotting down my stories for as far back as I can remember... well that's not exactly true. I remember writing a story when I was about nine and I was in Mrs Hurran's class. The story was about a thief who stole the crown jewels but then didn't know what to do with them. It went on for pages and pages, in my spiders dance handwriting, so my teacher typed it up and pinned it to the classroom wall. It was a proud day! Somehow life took over, I got a sensible job and the writing remained a hobby which other people puzzled over and which I adored. Over the years there have been dalliances into poetry, short stories and five unfinished novels. But I decided that 2013 would be the year that was going to change. I joined the Romantic Novelists Association New Writer Scheme which gave me a deadline to chase - a full length novel had to be completed and submitted for review by 31st August. I beat the deadline by a month! In 2014 I secured a two book contract with Harper Impulse, part of the HarperCollins Group, and my first novel 'It Started at Sunset Cottage' was published in ebook format on 12th February 2015 and paperback on 23rd April 2015. It went on to be shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon New Writers' Award and the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year 2016. My second book 'A Family Holiday' and my fifth 'A Walk in Wildflower Park' were both shortlisted for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year! In 2016 I moved to Avon, which is also part of the wonderful HarperCollins family. My books are released in four digital instalments ahead of the whole story being published a few months later. 2021 saw the publication of two novels: a romantic comedy The Promise of Summer and a bookclub read The Library. The Library was published by a new publisher - Aria, Head of Zeus. 2022 looks like it will be just as busy with The Girls out in April and A Wedding At Sandy Cove being published in July. I can't believe these will be books ten and eleven! I was overjoyed to win the RNA Jane Wenham-Jones Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award 2022 with The Promise of Summer! In my spare time I love to read, cook with my daughter, plan holidays and rehabilitate rescue hedgehogs.

Winning Bidder

Julie Green

Bids

13

£28

114

Nicole Fitton

Title: Soaring Genre: Contemporary - Short fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://nicolefittonauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MisoMiss Book Blurb: Small chunks of life, perfectly wrapped and waiting for you to open! Stories told in 70 -1000 words. Award-winning and short-listed pieces of prose sit alongside newer thoughtfully crafted short glimpses of human nature and 21st century life. You are invited to pause for a moment and reflect on the writer's suggestions. They are sure to uplift and inspire you. Author Bio:: Nicole is not yet a best selling thriller writer but she is working on it… She has been lucky enough to live in such glamorous locations as London, New York, and Croydon! She currently lives in Devon with her family. For over three decades she worked in music PR and marketing within Europe and the USA before reinventing herself within the world of healthcare management. She writes mystery thrillers with a large splash of romance. Her debut novel ‘All Tomorrow’s Parties’ was released in 2015, and followed in 2016 by her second novel ‘Forbidden Colours’. Both novels have received great reviews with comments such as ‘Wow, Just Wow…’ and ‘A Real Page Turner…’ Nicole’s first short story collection ‘Soaring’ was released in March 2023

Winning Bidder

Chloe Elizabeth

Bids

1

£11

115

Louise Douglas

Two Book Package! Title 1: The Lost Notebook. Genre: Psychological Thriller. Format: Paperback. Title 2: The Escarlata Dress. Genre: Psychological Thriller. Format: Paperback. Dedication available: YES. Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://boldwoodbooks.com. Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouiseDouglas3 Book 1 Blurb: THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER. A notebook full of secrets, two untimely deaths – something sinister is stirring in the perfect seaside town of Morranez… It’s summer and holidaymakers are flocking to the idyllic Brittany coast. But when first an old traveller woman dies in suspicious circumstances, and then a campaign of hate seemingly drives another victim to take his own life, events take a very dark turn. Mila Shepherd has come to France to look after her niece, Ani, following the accident in which both Ani’s parents were lost at sea. Mila has moved into their family holiday home, as well as taken her sister Sophie’s place in an agency which specialises in tracking down missing people, until new recruit Carter Jackson starts. It’s clear that malevolent forces are at work in Morranez, but the local police are choosing to look the other way. Only Mila and Carter can uncover the truth about what’s really going on in this beautiful, but mysterious place before anyone else suffers. But someone is desperate to protect a terrible truth, at any cost… Book 2 Blurb: In the long, hot summer of 1995, Alice Lang rents a caravan on the outskirts of the holiday resort of Severn Sands. She befriends Marnie, a shy, damaged little girl whose father is the park's caretaker, and Will, whose mother runs the bar. One evening Alice disappears from her caravan. She's never seen again, and only her scarlet dress is found washed up on the shore. A quarter of century later, the holiday park is sold for development and builders clearing the land uncover human bones. It has to be Alice. Will and Marnie's lives were entirely shaped by what happened that summer, and now Alice has been found, they must struggle to escape the secrets of the past, the lies they told and the unbearable guilt they're both carrying. They need to find out what happened to Alice. Who killed her? And why? Author Bio: Louise Douglas is the internationally best-selling author of ten books and has been translated widely. The Lost Notebook, reached number one in the UK Kindle charts and stayed there for several weeks. Her new book, The Secret of Villa Alba, was published on July 3rd.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

5

£23

116

Nicola Pryce

Title: The Cornish Rebel Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://nicolapryce.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/NPryce_Author Book Blurb: Cornwall, 1801. In the wake of her mother's death, Pandora Woodville has finally escaped her domineering father and returned to Falmouth. Bright with the dream of working at her Aunt Harriet's school for young women, Pandora is shocked to learn the school is facing imminent closure after a series of sinister events threatened its reputation. Acclaimed chemist Benedict Aubyn has also recently returned to Cornwall, to take up a new role as Turnpike Trust Surveyor. Pandora's arrival has been a strange one, so she is grateful when he shows her kindness. As news of the school's ruin spreads around town, everyone seems to be after her aunt's estate. Now, Pandora and Aunt Harriet must do everything in their power to save the school, or risk losing everything. However, Pandora has another problem. She's falling for Benedict. But can she trust him, or is he simply looking after his own interests? Author Bio: Nicola Pryce is published by Atlantic Books and is represented by Teresa Chris. She trained as a nurse at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, loves literature and history, and has an Open University degree in Humanities. She is a qualified adult literacy support volunteer and lives with her husband in the Blackdown Hills in Somerset. She and her husband love sailing and together they sail the south coast of Cornwall in search of adventure. It is there where she sets her books. Pengelly's Daughter was her debut novel, followed by The Captain's Girl, The Cornish Dressmaker, The Cornish Lady, A Cornish Betrothal, and The Cornish Captive. The Cornish Rebel is to be published in August 2023. Nicola is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and The Historical Writers' Association.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£25

117

Joanna Wallace

Title : You'd Look Better as A Ghost Genre : Comedy Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoWallaceAuthor Book Blurb: This tells the story of Claire, a part time serial killer who sees her victims as ghosts before they die. The night after her father's funeral, Claire meets Lucas in a bar. Lucas doesn't know it, but it's not a chance meeting. One thoughtless mistyped email has put him in the crosshairs of an extremely put out serial killer. But even before they make eye, contact, before Claire lets him buy her a drink, before she takes him home and carves him up into little pieces, something about that night is very wrong. Because someone is watching Claire. Someone who is about to discover her murderous little hobby. The thing is, it's not sensible to tangle with a part-time serial killer, even one who is distracted by attending a weekly bereavement support group and trying to get her art career off the ground. Claire will do anything to keep her secret hidden - not to mention the bodies buried in her garden. Let the games begin ... Author Bio : Joanna Wallace worked as a solicitor until an autoimmune condition took away some of her sight. She now volunteers at a charity helpline and runs a family business with her husband. She was partly inspired to write 'You'd Look Better as A Ghost' following her father's diagnosis of early onset dementia. Joanna lives near London with her husband, four children and two dogs.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£25

118

Susan Bower

Title: SHOO! By Susie Bower, Illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa. Genre: Picture Book. Format: Paperback. Dedication Available: Yes. Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids accepted in UK only. Twitter: https://twitter.com/susienottbower Book Blurb: Mrs Golightly doesn't like animals. Then a Zoo moves in next door. There's a giraffe in her bath, a kangaroo on her loo - and even ants in her pants! Author Bio: Among many, many jobs, Susie's been the worst TV Floor Manager in the world (her midriff appearing behind Sue Lawley during the news). Writing is much more her thing!

Winning Bidder

Casey Chamberlain

Bids

3

£19

119

Judy Leigh

Title: Foul Play at Seal Bay Genre: Cozy Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://judyleigh.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudyLeighWriter Book Blurb: It was meant to be the start of quiet season in the sleepy Cornish village of Seal Bay, but not for sexagenarian librarian and wild swimming enthusiast Morwenna Mutton. Because when a local businessman is found on the beach with a bread knife is his back, bungling police officer DI Rick Tremayne is soon out of his depth. Morwenna knows it’s going to be down to her to crack the case. The list of people the victim upset is long, the evidence is slight, and an arrest illusive. Morwenna has plenty to occupy her time what with ghostly goings-on at the library and skullduggery at her granddaughter’s school, but she could never resist a challenge. And even the most ruthless of murderers should quake at the sight of this amateur sleuth getting on her bike to track them down. If you love Miss Marple and The Thursday Murder Club, then you'll love The Morwenna Mutton mysteries. Author Bio: Hello - I'm Judy Leigh. I've lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently I live in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, I completed an MA in Professional Writing. Over the last few years I have written nine novels, including A Grand Old Time, The Old Girls' Network and The Golden Girls' Getaway. The Highland Hens came out on August 4th. And watch out for The Golden Oldies' Book Club, published in December.... These novels celebrate fun and friendship, the ups and downs of life, relationships, the power of laughter and the belief that everyone should have a second chance at happiness, whatever their age. I'm also working on more stories in another genre under the name of Elena Collins. These are dual timelines and more than a little bit spooky. The first one, The Witch's Tree, was published in May 2022 and the second one is out in February. Watch this space. Then there's an announcement coming soon about a series of new books. I'm so excited about this - I can't wait to share the news. I'm a prolific writer, but when I'm not at the computer I'm often on the beach or on the moors, walking, doing yoga or travelling in the camper van. I'm a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. I have three black cats and I love live music, theatre and football.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£13

120

LH Stacey

Title: The Weekend Genre: Psychological Thriller. Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.lyndastacey.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/LyndaStacey Book Blurb: That Lake. This house. His friends. They all know what happened to my boy. I know they do. And you... you have to help me find the truth... A weekend to remember… Ten years ago, deeply in love, I would have done anything for Thomas Kirkwood. But on the night of our graduation, fuelled by drink and drugs, Thomas’s lifeless body was found floating in the Kirkwood family lake. That weekend changed everything, and I swore I would never return to Kirkwood manor. A weekend to forget… Now, ten years later, I have been invited back to the place that holds such terrible memories for me, to a memorial weekend for Thomas, organised by his still-grieving mother Ada. But this is no ordinary weekend. This is a reunion to catch a killer…and I fear that I could be top of Ada’s list…. Author Bio: As well as being the author of eight books, Stacey also works full time as a Sales Director. She's also a fully qualified scuba diving instructor and has been known to happily jump in the sea with sharks, without a cage. Following a life changing car accident in 2008, Stacey was left with limited mobility in her right arm. Unable to teach scuba diving professionally anymore, she turned to her love of writing, a hobby she’d followed avidly since being a teenager. Her own life story, along with varied career choices helps Stacey to create stories with challenging and unpredictable plots. Stacey's debut novel 'House of Secrets' was published in 2016 under her full name of Lynda Stacey. Her latest book 'The Weekend' was published by Boldwood Books in February 2023, under her new author title of L.H. Stacey.

Winning Bidder

Elaine Everest

Bids

3

£14

121

Chloë Perrin

Title: His Royal Hopeless Genre: Comedy Middle Grade Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/GatlinChloeP Book Blurb: "Robbie is heir to wickedest dynasty in the world: the Sinistevils. He can't wait to embark on his bloodthirsty future. The only thing is, Robbie is... well... hopelesly nice! And that means life in this royal family is about to get horribly complicated." Author Bio: Chloë Perrin is a North Walian writer who loves feeding crows and prefers Halloween to Christmas. They are currently trying to raise an army of cats."

Winning Bidder

Joanna Rollings

Bids

2

£14

122

Santa Montefiore

Title: Wait For Me Genre: Emotional Drama Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://santamontefiore.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/SantaMontefiore Book Blurb: New York, 1979. It is Thanksgiving and Evelina has her close family and beloved friends gathered around, her heart weighted with gratitude for what she has and regret for what she has given up. She has lived in America for over thirty years, but she is still Italian in her soul. Northern Italy, 1934. Evelina leads a sheltered life with her parents and siblings in a villa of fading grandeur. When her elder sister Benedetta marries a banker, to suit her father’s wishes rather than her own, Evelina swears that she will never marry out of duty. She knows nothing of romantic love, but when she meets Ezra, son of the local dressmaker, her heart recognises it like an old friend. Evelina wants these carefree days to last forever. She wants to bask in sunshine, beauty and love and pay no heed to the grey clouds gathering on the horizon. But nothing lasts forever. The shadows of war are darkening over Europe and precious lives are under threat… Author Bio: Santa Montefiore is the number one international bestselling author of 25 titles. She has sold over 6 million copies worldwide in 25 languages. She is married to the author and historian Simon Sebag Montefiore. They have two children and live in London.

Winning Bidder

Carolyn Robertshaw

Bids

4

£15

123

Janey Jones

Title: Princess Poppy Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/janeylit Book Blurb: PLEASE, PLEASE SAVE THE BEES! It is never too early to introduce your child to the need to nurture our environment. Please, Please Save the Bees makes it accessible for young conservationists in the making! Dr Jess French as seen on CBeebies In this book, join Poppy and her friends as they discover why the bees have gone missing from Honeypot Hill. Without the bees there will be no more delicious strawberries, tomatoes, peas or honey treats. What can Princess Poppy do to save the bees? Follow the adventures of Princess Poppy and discover nature with her! Author Bio: Janey Jones is an author from Edinburgh who campaigns for education for women and girls globally.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£13

124

Vashti Hardy

Title: Serpent of the Sands Genre: Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.vashtihardy.com/landing-ethan Twitter: https://twitter.com/vashti_hardy Book Blurb: When Princess Ganzorig's uncle falls gravely ill, she sneaks out of the Citadel to find a powerful cure, said to be guarded by the Serpent of the Sands. But is it only a story? Is she chasing false hope? But the further Gan travels, the more secrets are revealed - and the more she questions everything she believes... The fourth adventure in the Brightstorm Chronicles series, but this book can be read on its own! The story is told from the perspective of Princess Gan, a fan-favourite character from Firesong Perfect for fans of The Cogheart Adventures, Sky Song, Dragon Mountain, and The Land of Roar Author Bio: Vashti Hardy's breathtaking middle grade fantasies are published across the world in several languages. Wildspark won the Blue Peter Book Award ‘Best Story’ in 2020 and the FCBG Children’s Book Awards and Brightstorm was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, Books are My Bag Awards and Leeds Book Award. Brightstorm was also selected for Independent Booksellers Book of the Season and Primary School Book Club Reads.

Winning Bidder

Mandy Clark

Bids

6

£26

125

Elisabeth Hobbes

Title: The Promise Tree Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes Book Blurb: When does a story begin? For Edwin Hope, it begins with a childhood dare and a forbidden tree. It begins with him falling … in more ways than one. Called home from his studies by the grandfather who has always hated him, eighteen-year-old Edwin is once again trapped in a house that is colder than the winds whipping across the fields. Seeking sanctuary, he escapes into the untamed beauty of the Peaks and meets a woman who sparks an old memory. A memory of the sycamore that broke him, and the little girl who saved him. Drusilla has had many acolytes over the centuries but none like Edwin. With the Great War looming and Edwin’s future uncertain, she knows the right thing to do is to set him free from her spell, but can she do so if it means breaking her own heart? Author Bio: Elisabeth’s writing career began in 2013 when she entered Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write contest and it turned out she could. She writes romantic Historical fiction as Elisabeth Hobbes and Historical folklore/fantasy inspired romance as Elisabeth J. Hobbes. She teaches Primary school but would rather write full time because unlike five year olds her characters generally do what she tells them. She spends most of her spare time reading and is a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book. She lives in Cheshire because the car broke down there in 1999 and she never left. Elisabeth has two almost grown kids, two cats, two dogs and a husband. The whole family are on the autistic spectrum and that probably includes the pets! She dreams of having a tidy house one day.

Winning Bidder

Carolyn Robertshaw

Bids

3

£14

126

Jemma Hatt

Title: Secrets at No.6 Genre: Children's (ages 8-12) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.jemmahatt.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JemmaHatt Book Blurb: A new mystery adventure for ages 8-12 from the award-winning author of The Adventurers Series. Edwardian London, a forbidden friendship and a house filled with secrets ... A robbery rocks the entire household of No.6, and everyone is a suspect. Twelve-year-old trainee housemaid Alice and reclusive young aristocrat Theo are determined to solve the case. As they investigate upstairs and downstairs to track down the culprit, the mystery deepens and danger looms closer. Join them in an adventure spanning the grand streets of Belgravia to the Docklands of the East End in their headlong race to uncover the truth. Author Bio: Jemma Hatt is an award-winning children's author whose books include The Adventurers Series' and the 'Mysterious Mansions Series'. Growing up near Sevenoaks in South East England, Jemma developed with a passion for reading and writing short stories, which ultimately led to a degree in English Literature from the University of Exeter. The Adventurers Series was inspired by many family holidays to Devon and Cornwall as well as the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. After having lived and worked in London, New York and Delaware, Jemma is living in Kent and working on her next writing projects.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£13

127

Daisy May Johnson

Title: How To Be True Genre: Children’s Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://didyoueverstoptothink.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaletfan Book Blurb:: Edie was born to a family of troublemakers. When her activist parents leave Paris to protest around the globe, her grandmother decides it’s time she became a proper young lady and so sends her to the School of the Good Sisters. But to Edie’s surprise, the nuns at the school teach genuinely useful things, like how to build a perfect library, cater for midnight feasts and make poison darts, and mischievous Edie feels right at home. When a school trip to Paris is planned, she worries about returning to the strict order of her grandmother’s chateau – but things are not as she left them. Soon Edie and her rebellious friends are caught up in a mystery involving a precious painting, secrets from her grandmother’s past and a very persistent burglar… Author Bio: Daisy May Johnson is the author of How to Be Brave, How to Be True and How to be Free. In her spare time, she researches children's literature and thinks very deeply about biscuits.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£30

128

Julie-Ann Corrigan

Two Book Special Title 1: The Nurse Title 2: Bad Sister Genre: Psychological Thrillers Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliannwriter Book 1 Blurb: When you hear her story, will you believe her? Rose Marlowe is a hard-working nurse, a loving wife, and a merciless killer. Or so she says. Despite her confession, it is hard to believe that this beautiful, kind woman could have killed her vulnerable patient in cold blood. Down-on-his-luck true crime author, Theo Hazel, is convinced that there’s more to what happened than Rose is telling, and so decides to visit her behind bars to write her story. His first surprise comes when Rose reveals that the victim was not a stranger to her. As time goes on, it seems that Rose is letting Theo see behind her perfect mask. With each new visit, he learns terrible new things about her heart-breaking past. With each new visit, he becomes more and more convinced that she can’t be a killer. But is he trying to free an innocent woman, or falling prey to a calculating murderer? Book 2 Blurb: One rotten apple can spoil the bunch The Keane sisters grew up together at Raven House, a luxurious riverside home that their mother inherited. On the day of a party at the house, tension fills the air as Jess, Natalie and Teresa all fear the exposure of things they’re desperate to hide. The beautiful evening is marred by tragedy, and a celebration turns into a nightmare when a young life is lost. It is a haunting reminder of a shocking event five years earlier. As guests eye their companions with suspicion, it’s the family who have the most to hide. They turn on one another, with breathtaking malice and irrevocable consequences. Years later, the sisters are barely hanging on to the scraps of their relationship. As another family celebration looms, long-held secrets come rushing to the surface. But someone is determined that the past will stay dead and buried, and will stop at nothing to prevent their mistakes being uncovered. Which sister has the most to hide? A secret that they would kill to keep… Author Bio: Julie-Ann was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. She studied in London, completing a BA (Hons) Humanities degree, majoring in Modern History and English Literature. Travelling in Europe for several years, she taught in both Greece and Spain - countries and cultures she found fascinating. On return to the UK she gained a BSc (Physiotherapy), becoming a Chartered Physiotherapist. She lives in Berkshire with her family.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

4

£14

129

Chris Tetreault-Blay

Title: 'It's A Long Way To The Moon' Genre: Children's Fiction (Ages 2-6 years) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/TetreaultBlay Book Blurb: Chris Tetreault-Blay's `It's a Long Way to the Moon' is a heart-warming, inspirational rhyming picture book that follows the exploits of a moth with just one dream - to fly to the moon. Along with help from some lovable animal friends, he discovers an easier way to accomplish his goal, and invites children along for the ride. Taking its cues from the works of such greats as Julia Donaldson and Eric Carle, Tetreault-Blay's creation is set to become a classic in itself. Author Bio: Being a fan of horror film & fiction, sci-fi and heavy metal, Chris Tetreault-Blay naturally worked towards his own novel whilst writing three different short stories - all of which will have morphed in some way to form what eventually became The Wildermoor Apocalypse trilogy. Upon discovering and taking part in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) 2014, Chris was finally given the chance to bring all of the pieces together to write the first in this series – his debut novel, ‘Acolyte’. Chris' role as a father and his enjoyment of reading bedtime stories to his children inspired him to finally try his hand at writing a children's book of his own, resulting in his debut offering 'It's A Long Way to The Moon' in 2019. Drawing on Chris' own love of Julia Donaldson and Eric Carle's work, the story follows the adorable Little Brown Moth on his mission to achieve his dream - and fly to the moon! Chris also became a podcaster during the pandemic, where he is currently the producer and host of four different series, each following one of his passions in life. Originally hailed from Basingstoke, Chris moved to sunny Devon after graduating from Staffordshire University in 2005, where he lives with his wife and twin children.

Winning Bidder

Helen Smith

Bids

6

£28

130

Tracey Corderoy

Title: Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble Genre: Children Format: Hardback Picturebook Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.traceycorderoy.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TraceyCorderoy Book Blurb: All aboard for an exciting new Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam escapade! When Shifty and Sam are asked to bake on board the Pawrient Express, travelling to Venice for Carnival night, they find themselves caught up in a robbery. A sneaky thief has stolen the posh passengers’ gems and she’s making her escape in a getaway gondola! The doggy detectives are hot on her tail, but can they unmask that kitty-cat criminal and save the day? Author Bio: Tracey grew up in South Wales, on a council estate firmly sandwiched between the steel and chemical works. She’s a trained teacher but now writes stories in an ancient cottage in the woods. A multi award-winning author, her first book was published in 2010, and in March 2022, her 73rd. As a young child, Tracey owned few books. But thanks to an ancient set of encyclopaedias and a Ladybird copy of Cinderella, her passion for nosing into other people’s ‘stories’ began early on. Some years later, one very special teacher fed Tracey more and more books. Between their pages real magic then started to happen. Books made her laugh and cry and think. They made her feel that – maybe she could do things…

Winning Bidder

Kiley Dunbar

Bids

3

£21

131

Catherine Cooper

Title: The Island Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://catherinecooperauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinecooper Book Blurb: The perfect escape, or the perfect trap? When a select group of influencers and journalists receive an exclusive invitation to a luxury resort in the Maldives, it seems like the ultimate press trip. But when the island is cut off during a storm and people start dying, it looks like someone has murder in mind. Are the guests really who they seem to be, or does each one of them have a secret to hide? Something they would kill for? Lose yourself in the latest twisty page-turner from the queen of glamorous crime, Catherine Cooper. Author Bio: I am a freelance journalist living in the South of France with my husband and two teenage children. We moved from London in 2009 so that the children could grow up bilingual and we could all ski more, and to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since. I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child. Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.

Winning Bidder

Kathryn Goddard

Bids

4

£17

132

Daniel Peak

Book Title: Little Horror Genre: Children’s Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/iDanielPeak Book Blurb: Rita may only be two years old but she has the mind of a teenager. When her parents disappear and a sinister clown in an ice-cream van seems to be hunting her down, even a soft-play centre might not be safe… Author Bio: Daniel Peak is a Bafta and International Emmy Award-winning TV writer. His work includes Not Going Out, Code 404 and Horrible Histories

Winning Bidder

Dave Espley

Bids

3

£31

133

Susan Hughes

Title: Sprout's Surprise Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available : YES Postage & Packing: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/SproutsSurprise The Book: Sprout is a playful little Brussel whose tummy keeps turning greener and greener but he doesn't know why! Puzzled, he asks Scarecrow if he knows the answer. But that's not his only surprise! What big discovery does Sprout make? As he innocently goes about his day, Sprout somehow seems to end up in mischief and mayhem. A cheeky but loveable little Brussel, his antics will help children to make sense of the world around them. The ethos behind this book is that just like Sprout who is small, little children can learn about big issues too. He may be small in size, but he's big in surprise! A fun rhyming story with a gentle eco-friendly message, perfect to share at home or in the classroom with preschool/early readers. Includes Sprout's Tips - story questions and themed activity ideas for children and grown-ups to do together. The Author: Susan Hughes lives in Derbyshire with her family and two rescue cats. With a background in primary and early years education, Susan is passionate about young children learning through play and for reading and writing to be fun. She loves that light bulb moment when young children pick up a book to 'read' for the first time, even if it is upside down! When young children learn without feeling they have been taught is when Susan feels she has done her job well. This lies at the heart of her writing. Susan loves to write fun and engaging stories for children and grown-ups to share together which make you laugh, smile or maybe even bring a tear to your eye! Sprout's Surprise is the first in a series of fun escapades to develop children's understanding of the word around them.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£22

134

Amanda Mason

Two Book Special Title 1: The Wayward Girls Genre: Supernatural Fiction Format: Paperback Title 2: The Hiding Place Genre: Supernatural Fiction Format: Paperback Dedications available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://bonnierzaffre.us3.list-manage.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandajanemason Book 1 Blurb: Then. 1976. Loo and her sister Bee live in a run-down cottage in the middle of nowhere, with their artistic parents and wild siblings. Their mother, Cathy, had hoped to escape to a simpler life; instead the family find themselves isolated and shunned by their neighbours. At the height of the stifling summer, unexplained noises and occurrences in the house begin to disturb the family, until they intrude on every waking moment . Now. Loo, now Lucy, is called back to her childhood home. A group of strangers are looking to discover the truth about the house and the people who lived there. But is Lucy ready to confront what really happened all those years ago? Book2 Blurb : Nell Galilee, her husband and twelve year old step-daughter Maude rent a holiday cottage by the sea, needing time and space away from home. Nell grew up in this small, wind-blown town and has mixed feelings about returning, and it isn't long before she is recognised by a neighbour, seemingly desperate to befriend her. The cottage has been empty for some time, and from the start Nell feels uncomfortable there. Something isn't quite right about this place . . . Maude, furious about being brought here against her will, soon finds herself beguiled by the house's strange atmosphere. There are peculiar marks in the roof beams above her bedroom, and in another room, a hiding place, concealing a strange, unnerving object. As the house gradually reveals its secrets, Nell becomes increasingly uneasy - and Maude spellbound. But these women - and the women that surround them - are harbouring their own secrets too, and soon events will come to a terrible head . . . Now. Loo, now Lucy, is called back to her childhood home. A group of strangers are looking to discover the truth about the house and the people who lived there. But is Lucy ready to confront what really happened all those years ago? Autor Bio: Amanda Mason was born and brought up in Whitby, North Yorkshire. She studied Theatre at Dartington College of Arts, where she began writing by devising and directing plays. After a few years of earning a very irregular living in lots of odd jobs, including performing in a comedy street magic act, she became a teacher and has worked in the UK, Italy, Spain and Germany. She now lives in North Yorkshire and has given up teaching for writing. Her short stories have been published in various anthologies, and she is the author of two novels, THE WAYWARD GIRLS (2019) and THE HIDING PLACE (2021).

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£25

135

Annie Payne

Title: the Doctor, Genre: Medical Thriller (crime) Format: Paperback Dedication: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.candydenman.co.uk FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/CrimeCandy Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrimeCandy Author Bio: After publication of her novel, Deadly Treatment, Candy branched out into short story writing for radio and then started her television career on THE BILL. During her time there, the show was nominated for two Writer's Guild Awards. After brief sojourns on LONDON BRIDGE and CROSSROADS, Candy was part of the team that helped DOCTORS through development and into production with the BBC and she stayed with them through the first three series,. She has worked on three series of HEARTBEAT for ITV. Candy is now working on a series of novels for The Book Folks, the first six, starting with Dead Pretty are already published along with an anthology of the first three: A Police Doctor Investigates. More books are planned in this series. Candy also writes standalone thrillers for Avon under the name Annie Payne Book Blurb: Care giver, life saver… or cold-blooded killer? Running away from a past she’d rather forget, Doctor Alison Wilson has moved to a new town to take up the role of Medical Officer at failing hospital St Margaret’s. Tasked with shaking things up, she quickly learns that things are worse than they initially seem: patient records are in disarray, staff morale is low, and there’s something afoot that she can’t quite put her finger on… As Alison starts to dig into the hospital’s past, she gradually discovers a trail of lies that runs deeper and darker than she could have ever imagined. There’s a cold-blooded killer in the hospital. And they’re hiding in plain sight…

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

136

Emma Cowell

Two Book Special plus Proof of Emma's next book Title 1: One Last Letter From Greece Genre: Mystery - Romance Format: Paperback Title 2: The House in the OliveGrove Genre: Mystery - Romance Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Added Bonus: A proof of Emma's third novel- as yet untitled- to be published in May 2024. The successful bidder will receive a copy to read before anyone else! Website: https://www.emmacowell.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmalloydcowell Book 1 Blurb: Devastated by her mother’s death, Sophie longs to get away from an empty house full of memories and a life that hasn’t quite turned out as she had imagined. So when a chance discovery among her mother’s belongings hints at a past Sophie knows nothing of, she jumps at the opportunity for escape and a chance to heal. The magical, idyllic Greek town of Methoni awaits… But Sophie – determined to uncover her mother’s secrets – is about to discover so much more. Among the tranquil waters and cozy tavernas, Methoni’s locals offer Sophie the answers she craves, along with unexpected romance and, if she’ll take it, a chance at her own happiness… Book 2 Blurb: Will one week in Greece change their lives for ever? Chef Maria is running a successful cookery school in her home village of Petalidi, Greece – but she is also running from the secrets of her past. Food journalist Kayla thought this was going to be just another work trip. But right before she leaves for Greece, she discovers that her whole life is built on a lie. Jewellery-maker Alessandra has always lived according to her own rules – despite what it has cost her to do so. But she has just had some devastating news. As these three very different women come together at the house in the olive grove, unlikely friendships blossom and a season of self-discovery begins. Will the sumptuous flavours, sapphire waters and golden sands of Greece give each of them the answers they so desperately seek? Author Bio: Emma lives in Cornwall with her husband, Tony, and their fur baby, a Russian Blue called Papoushka Gerald Cowell. A former actress and BBC presenter Emma has worked in the fundraising division of children’s palliative care for the last decade and is currently Head of Philanthropy for national charity Together for Short Lives. Segueing from being paid to talk for a living into writing was a natural progression, since story telling has been at the heart of her career to date. Outside of work, Emma is a keen angler and is attempting to learn Greek to maintain her love affair with the country where she has set her novels. She is yet to achieve a level of proficiency outside of tavernas and bakeries

Winning Bidder

Sue Vickers-Thompson

Bids

2

£55

137

Louise Beech

Title: Eighteen Seconds: a shocking and gripping memoir of horror, forgiveness and love Genre: Memoir Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://louisebeech.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouiseWriter Book Blurb: My mother once said to me, ‘I wish you could feel the way I do for eighteen seconds. Just eighteen seconds, so you’d know how awful it is.’ I thought about it. Realised we could all learn from being in another person’s head for eighteen seconds. Eighteen seconds inside Grandma Roberts’ head as she sat alone with her evening cup of tea, us girls upstairs in bed. Eighteen seconds inside one-year-old Colin’s head when he woke up in a foster home without his family. Eighteen seconds inside the head of a girl waiting for her bedroom door to open. Writer, Louise Beech, looks back on the events that led to the day her mother wrote down her last words, then jumped off the Humber Bridge. She missed witnessing the horror herself by minutes. Louise recounts the pain and trauma of her childhood alongside her love for her siblings with a delicious dark humour and a profound voice of hope for the future. Author Bio: Louise's debut novel, How to be Brave, was a Guardian Readers' pick in 2015 and a top ten bestseller on Amazon. The Mountain in my Shoe longlisted for the Guardian's Not The Booker Prize 2016. The Sunday Mirror called Maria in the Moon 'quirky, darkly comic, original and heartfelt'. It was also a Must Read in the Sunday Express and a Book of the Year at LoveReadingUK. The Lion Tamer Who Lost was described as 'engrossing and captivating' by the Daily Express. It also shortlisted for the RNA's Romantic Novel of the Year and longlisted for the Polari Prize 2019. Call Me Star Girl hit number one on Kobo. It also longlisted for the Not The Booker Prize and won the Best magazine Big Book Award 2019. This Is How We Are Human was a Clare Mackintosh August Book of the Month 2021. Audiobook memoir Daffodils came out in 2022, and novel Nothing Else too. Her memoir is coming in paperback as Eighteen Seconds April 2023. Louise also writes as Louise Swanson.

Winning Bidder

Fiona McCormick

Bids

6

£18

138

Bernard Cornwell

Title: Sharpe’s Assassin Genre: Historical Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.bernardcornwell.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/BernardCornwell Book Blurb: SHARPE IS BACK. The global bestseller Bernard Cornwell returns with his iconic hero, Richard Sharpe. If any man can do the impossible it's Richard Sharpe . . . Lieutenant-Colonel Sharpe is a man with a reputation. Born in the gutter, raised a foundling, he joined the army twenty-one years ago, and it’s been his home ever since. He’s a loose cannon, but his unconventional methods make him a valuable weapon. So when, the dust still settling after the Battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington needs a favour, he turns to Sharpe. For Wellington knows that the end of one war is only the beginning of another. Napoleon's army may be defeated, but another enemy lies waiting in the shadows – a secretive group of fanatical revolutionaries hell-bent on revenge. Sharpe is dispatched to a new battleground: the maze of Paris streets where lines blur between friend and foe. And in search of a spy, he will have to defeat a lethal assassin determined to kill his target or die trying . . . Bernard Cornwell's book 'Sharpe’s Assassin' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 13-12-2021. Author Bio: Bernard Cornwell was born in London and worked in television until he met his American wife and moved to the US. Denied a work permit, he wrote a novel and has been writing ever since. A master storyteller with a passion for history, his current bestselling series, THE LAST KINGDOM, is centred around the creation of England. It is also a major TV series on Netflix, with Bernard playing a cameo role in season three. The fourth season is currently being filmed. He is also the author of THE GRAIL QUEST series, set in the Hundred Years’ War, THE WARLORD chronicles, set in Arthurian Britain, a number of standalone novels, one non-fiction work on Waterloo and the series with which he began, the SHARPE series.

Winning Bidder

David Maidstone

Bids

6

£51

139

Caroline Roberts

Two Book Special Title 1: The Seaside Cocktail Campervan Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Title 2: The Christmas Cocktail Campervan Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://carolinerobertswriter.blogspot.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/_caroroberts Book Blurb: Escape to the beautiful Northumberland coast and countryside with Lucy, Jack and 'The Seaside Cocktail Campervan'. Books 1 and 2. Romantic and heartwarming. Author Bio: Family, friends, food, a glass of bubbly and, of course, a good book make Caroline smile. She loves writing emotional stories about love, loss, learning and hope, all set in her stunning home county of Northumberland.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£42

140

Sally Page

Title: The Book of Beginnings Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://sallypage.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SallyPageBooks Book Blurb: This is a book about how friendship can develop in the most unexpected places and, as George Eliot once wrote, ‘It is never too late to be what you might have been.’. The story starts when Jo Sorsby moves from the North East to London to look after her uncle’s shop. She is dealing with the end of a relationship and is wondering what to do with her life. Soon she forms an unlikely friendship with Rev Ruth (a runaway vicar) and Malcolm, a septuagenarian who is researching a book he never writes. Author Bio: Sally Page is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Keeper of Stories, which has now sold over 500k copies. After studying history at university, Sally worked in a number of different jobs, including running a market research company and also a flower shop – which inspired her series of non-fiction flower books. Later, Sally founded her pen company, PLOOMS, when she could not find the fountain pen that she wanted. Her passion for stationery partly inspired her second novel, The Book of Beginnings, which is set in small stationery shop in London. Sally now lives in Dorset. Her eldest daughter, Alex, is studying to be a doctor and her youngest daughter is the author Libby Page.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£16

141

Sam Holland

Title: The Twenty Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.samhollandbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamHollandBooks Book Blurb: A SHOCKING CRIME SCENE… DCI Adam Bishop has never seen anything like it. Five murder victims – all with numbers written above. And the spray-painted daubs reveal a horrific truth: the killer is counting down… A CASE THAT TWISTS AND TURNS… When Dr Romilly Cole learns of the murders, they trigger memories of a traumatic past she has tried hard to forget. But getting involved with the case is a bad idea. She and Bishop have history – and working together could never end well. A RACE AGAINST TIME TO STOP A KILLER… Adam and Romilly soon realise the truth lies in a decades-old case, and only Romilly holds the key. But they must act quickly, because with every passing day, there are more victims. And as the numbers edge toward zero, the murders get closer to home… Author Bio: Having always been fascinated with the dark and macabre, Sam Holland studied psychology at university then spent the next few years working in HR, before quitting for a full-time career in writing. A self-confessed serial killer nerd, her debut novel, The Echo Man, shocked and enthralled readers and reviewers alike with its sinister depiction of a serial killer copying notorious real-life murderers of the past. The Twenty is her second novel.

Winning Bidder

Mags Naylor

Bids

9

£30

142

Louisa Scarr

Butler & West 5 Book Series Title 1: Last Place You Look Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Title 2: Under a Dark Cloud Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Title 3: Blink of an Eye Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Title 4: Seen To Be Believed Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Title 5: Out of the Ashes Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/paperclipgirl Book 1 Blurb: The man you love has been murdered. You’d do anything to find out the truth. Wouldn’t you? A man lies dead in a hotel room, and the police attend his home address to inform the widow. Nothing unusual, until DC Freya West realises that the victim is the man she has been having an affair with. The future she imagined has been snatched away. Meanwhile, her new boss, DS Robin Butler, is preoccupied with his own problems. Mistakes he thought were buried deep in his past now threaten to be exposed. Before long, both Butler and West are keeping secrets that could end their careers – and worse. When the detectives have a chance to tell the truth, they choose to keep quiet. But once that line is crossed, is there any going back? After all, breaking the law is easy when you know how to uphold it. Book 2 Blurb: One dead body. One witness. One answer. Early one morning, DS Robin Butler is summoned to a crime scene. Not as a policeman, but as best friend to renowned meteorologist, Dr Finn Mason. The morning after studying an enormous storm, Finn has locked himself in a van. Bloodied, confused, and with no memory of how he came to be there. And alongside him – a dead body. Butler sets out to prove Finn’s innocence, his friend now accused of murder. Meanwhile, DC Freya West is struggling to cope. She has been plagued by nightmares since the events of nine months ago. Freya assists her boss on his quest to clear Finn’s name, but while Butler becomes increasingly desperate to help his boyhood friend, Freya is crumbling under the weight of the secrets she is keeping. As the past threatens to consume them both, do both detectives stand to lose more than they can bear? Book 3 Blurb: Five friends meet. Only four come home. On Christmas morning, DS Robin Butler has no plans to celebrate. He’ll be glad to get back to work – a wish that comes true sooner than he anticipates. A dog walker at a local beach has discovered five unresponsive people strewn across the shingle. By the time Robin arrives, one is pronounced dead, and the other four are being treated in hospital. DC Freya West is less than pleased when the romantic day with her boyfriend is scuppered, but duty calls. As she and Butler speak to those involved, it’s clear something is being left unsaid. They claim they are friends, and that they don’t know how one of the group was killed. But why are they so cagey? A cold case investigation unlocks some answers about the history between the beach-going gang, yet they’re tight-lipped about what prompted them to meet on Christmas Eve. Butler and West are getting nowhere, and their partnership is about to face another test. When Freya wants to come clean about events in her past, it’s not just her neck on the line, but Robin’s too. Can their relationship survive if their pact of silence is broken? Book 4 Blurb: Nothing is as it seems, for Butler and West. One spring evening, a mother and her children are brutally attacked in their home. The unprovoked and violent assault leaves DS Robin Butler and DC Freya West in the dark – the luxury items were left untouched and there is no apparent motive. The investigation’s only lead is Andrew Grace, the husband who was not home at the time. He and his business partner have created unique virtual reality software which is valuable and extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. Robin and Freya are stonewalled by uncooperative witnesses at every turn but when a woman linked to the work of Andrew and his co-founder is kidnapped, the need for progress becomes critical. Failure to solve the case will result in murder. Meanwhile, Robin and Freya’s unresolved feelings have come to the surface and they must finally face facts. But is it too late? In a case where nothing is as it seems, are Robin and Freya doomed to never find the truth? Book 5 Blurb: When an old friend tells DS Freya West that she’s being stalked by someone she met online, Freya promises to help. But there are no leads, and the dating site refuses to give up their data. To make matters more complicated, DI Robin Butler is back in town. He’s investigating a string of arson attacks that have escalated to murder, and the cases seem to be connected somehow. They’re going to need their wits about them… Because this is a killer more devious than any they’ve hunted before, and he wants to obliterate everything they hold dear. Author Bio: Louisa Scarr studied Psychology at the University of Southampton and has lived in and around the city ever since. She works as a freelance copywriter and editor, and when she's not writing, she can be found pounding the streets in running shoes or swimming in muddy lakes. She is the author of the Butler and West crime series, published by Canelo Crime, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

14

£39

143

Hannah Dolby

Title: No Life For A Lady Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Twitter: https://twitter.com/LadyDolby Book blurb: Read the most uplifting historical debut of 2023! Perfect for fans of Dear Mrs Bird, The Maid and Lessons in Chemistry. Violet Hamilton is a woman who knows her own mind. Which, in 1896, can make things a little complicated... At 28, Violet's father is beginning to worry she will never find a husband. But every suitor he presents, Violet finds a new and inventive means of rebuffing. Because Violet does not want to marry. She wants to work, and make her own way in the world. But more than anything, she wants to find her mother Lily, who disappeared from Hastings Pier 10 years earlier. Finding the missing is no job for a lady, but when Violet hires a seaside detective to help, she sets off a chain of events that will put more than just her reputation at risk. Can Violet solve the mystery of Lily Hamilton's vanishing before it's too late? Readers adore No Life For a Lady: 'Glorious... it's funny from the start.' Daily Mail 'A charming, humorous and glorious read!' Woman's Weekly 'A GORGEOUS historical romcom with lashings of mystery... Joyful!' Sophie Irwin 'Charming, exhilarating, fabulously funny and so full of heart – Violet is the heroine I've been waiting for.' Daisy Buchanan 'So original and well written, I couldn't put it down... I can't remember rooting for a heroine as hard as I did for Violet.' Lucy Vine 'Delightful, original, cleverly crafted and completely addictive. Violet Hamilton is one of those characters who slips into your heart straight away and radiates joy. I loved it!' Hazel Prior 'Impeccably researched, with a slowly unfurling mystery at its heart, this witty and uplifting story belongs entirely to Violet – a lady determined to tackle life (and love!) on her own terms' Julietta Henderson 'Violet's story is moving, inspiring and very, very funny; a complete triumph' Celia Anderson 'Watch out Enola Holmes - Violet Hamilton is on the case! Pure joy and utterly charming!' Faith Hogan 'Eleanor Oliphant for historical fiction fans, with a dash of detective work and mystery thrown in. I loved everything about it.' Katie Lumsden Author Bio: Hannah Dolby's first job was in the circus and she is keen to keep life as interesting. She trained as a journalist in Hastings and has worked in PR for many years, promoting museums, galleries, palaces, gardens and even Dolly the sheep. She completed the Curtis Brown selective three-month novel writing course, and she won runner-up in the Comedy Women in Print Awards for this novel with the prize of a place on an MA in Comedy Writing at the University of Falmouth.

Winning Bidder

Ann South

Bids

3

£15

144

Dani Atkins

Three Book Special Title 1: This Love Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Title 2: A Sky Full of Stars Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Title 3: Six Days Genre: Romantic Thriller Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtkinsDani Book 1 Blurb: This Love is an emotional family drama for fans of Jojo Moyes and Dorothy Koomson, from the bestelling author of Fractured. Sophie stopped believing in happy endings a long time ago, but could this love change all of that? Sophie Winter lives in a self-imposed cocoon - she's a single, 31-year-old translator who works from home in her one-bedroom flat. This isn’t really the life she dreamed of, but then Sophie stopped believing in dreams when she was a teenager and tragedy struck her family. So, to be safe, she keeps everyone at arm’s length. Sophie understands she has a problem, but recognising it and knowing how to fix it are two entirely different things. One night a serious fire breaks out in the flat below hers. Sophie is trapped in the burning building until a passer-by, Ben, sees her and rescues her. Suddenly her cocoon is shattered - what will be the consequences of this second life-changing event? Book 2 Blurb: Winner of the Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2022. A gorgeous love story that will restore your faith in humanity Lisa was a professional astronomer: a stargazer. And when she gazed at her husband Alex, she saw that behind his tough exterior was a man full of love. Alex, Lisa and their young son Connor made a happy little universe. But when Lisa dies suddenly, their universe is shattered. Then Alex meets four strangers. Two men and two women, who never met Lisa, but whose lives changed profoundly because of her. As Alex hears their stories, he begins to find his way back to love, and to hope. Perhaps, after all, the future is written in the stars... Book 3 Blurb: Two people. One love story. Six days. He loves me... He loves me not... He loves me... Gemma knows that she and Finn are destined to be together. They are soulmates. But then, on their wedding day, he never arrives at the church. Gemma is convinced Finn wouldn't abandon her like this, even though he has disappeared once before. But back then he had a reason. She feels sure something terrible has happened, but no one else is convinced. Even the police aren't concerned, telling Gemma most people who disappear usually turn up in a week... assuming they want to be found, that is. For the next six days Gemma frantically searches for Finn, even though every shocking revelation is telling her to give up on him. Before long, even she begins to doubt her own memories of their love. How long can she hold on to her faith in Finn if everyone is telling her to let him go? Author Bio: Dani Atkins is an award-winning novelist. Her 2013 debut FRACTURED (published as THEN AND ALWAYS in North America) has been translated into over twenty languages and has sold more than half a million copies since first publication in the UK. Dani is the author of eight other bestselling novels (THE STORY OF US, OUR SONG, THIS LOVE, WHILE I WAS SLEEPING, A MILLION DREAMS, A SKY FULL OF STARS, THE WEDDING DRESS, SIX DAYS) and PERFECT STRANGERS, a standalone eBook novella. In 2018 THIS LOVE won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award at the RNA awards in London and in 2022 A SKY FULL OF STARS won the Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year at the RNA awards. Dani lives in a small village in Hertfordshire with her husband, a Siamese cat and a very soppy Border Collie.

Winning Bidder

Nicola Kennedy

Bids

8

£40

145

Claire Fayers

Title: Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine. Genre: Children's Sci-fi Format: Paperback Dedication: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://clairefayers.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaireFayers Blurb: Tapper Watson is just an ordinary Erisean boy who loves adventure stories. But when one of his sixty-seven cousins sends him away on a smugglers’ submarine through the River Lethe to other worlds, he just wants to go home again. On an unscheduled visit to Earth he meets Fern Shakespeare and a talking plant called Morse, and their adventures begin. But chased through worlds by a pair of trigger-happy lobster mobsters in search of the mysterious Nemo Machine, Tapper begins to realise that he might not be so ordinary after all. Author Bio: Claire Fayers lives in South Wales where she creates mash-up adventures from myth and legend. Tapper Watson is new out this year.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

146

Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

House of Shadows Duology Title 1: Daughter of Darkness Genre: Y/A Fantasy Format: Paperback Title 2: Queen of Gods Genre: Y/A Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://corrsisters.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/katharinecorr Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizcorr_writes Book 1 Blurb: The Underworld awaits . . . Deina is trapped. As one of the Soul Severers serving the god Hades on earth, her future is tied to the task of shepherding the dying on from the mortal world - unless she can earn or steal enough to buy her way out. Then the tyrant ruler Orpheus offers both fortune and freedom to whoever can retrieve his dead wife, Eurydice, from the Underworld. Deina jumps at the chance. But to win, she must enter an uneasy alliance with a group of fellow Severers she neither likes nor trusts. So begins their perilous journey into the realm of Hades. . . The prize of freedom is before her - but what will it take to reach it? From the authors of A THRONE OF SWANS and A CROWN OF TALONS comes a stunning new YA duology set in a world inspired by the mythology of ancient Greece. Book 2 Blurb: Author Bios: Katharine and Elizabeth Corr are sisters originally from Essex, now living in Surrey. When they both decided to write novels - on account of fictional people being much easier to deal with than real ones - it was obvious they should do it together. They can sometimes be found in one of their local coffee shops, arguing over which character to kill off next. Katharine and Elizabeth are authors of the enthralling A Throne of Swans duology and the spell-binding trilogy The Witch's Kiss Stuff Katharine likes: playing instruments badly; dead languages; LOTR; loud pop concerts; the Surrey Hills. Killing off characters. Stuff Elizabeth likes: sketching, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, cinema, long baths, kitchen discos, Terry Pratchett, Thor, London. Saving characters. Stuff we both like: YA / non-YA fantasy and science fiction, Star Wars, Star Trek, each other (most of the time).

Winning Bidder

Rachael Hammond

Bids

10

£24

147

Laurence Anholt

Book Title: ART OF DEATH, The Mindful Detective Series Genre: Adult Crime Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://anholt.co.ukolt Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenceAnholt Book Blurb: ART OF DEATH is the first title in the MINDFUL DETECTIVE series. Philosophical and funny, these leftfield mysteries are set in and around Laurence’s home town, Lyme Regis in Dorset, and feature a Buddhist detective named Vincent Caine who feels too much for his own good! Described by UK Crime Bookclub as ‘Captivating and unusual - a real sleep-stealer of a book,’ the series has been translated into several languages and optioned for TV by World Productions, creators of Line of Duty. Author Bio: In a career spanning three decades, Laurence Anholt has written and occasionally illustrated more than 200 books which are translated into 30 languages, spanning every age from babies to adults. Laurence’s titles which include the self-illustrated ANHOLT’S ARTISTS series and the multi-award-winning Young Adult novel THE HYPNOTIST, have sold millions of copies around the world. His most recent series is the MINDFUL DETECTIVE, featuring a Buddhist cop who feels too much for his own good.

Winning Bidder

Kim Howard

Bids

5

£22

148

Lynda La Plante

D.I Jane Tennison Two Book Special Title 1: Taste of Blood Hardback Title 2: Dark Rooms Paperback Genre: Crime Thrillers Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lyndalaplante.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaPlanteLynda Book 1 Blurb: Taste of Blood YOUR NEIGHBOUR IS A KILLER. BUT WHICH ONE? A trove of dark secrets in sleepy Clarendon Court involving a tragic death and a forbidden love affair… As Tennison hunts for the missing piece of evidence that will identify a vicious killer, she knows that this case will either make her career – or break it. Book 2 Blurb: Dark Rooms Helena Lanark is an elderly woman, living in a luxurious care home. The heiress of an immense family fortune, she keeps the secret to the horror which once occurred within the Lanarks’ family house. Jane Tennison is leading a murder investigation into the recent brutal death of a young girl, her decomposed starved body discovered in an old air raid shelter in the garden of the Lanark’s now derelict house. Initially the focus is on identifying the victim, until another body is found, hidden in the walls of the shelter. As the investigation and search for answers intensifies, Jane travels to Australia. There she discovers the dark secret, that the Lanark family has kept hidden for decades. A secret, that not only threatens to bring down a family dynasty, but also places Jane Tennison in mortal danger . . . The Author: Lynda La Plante is a British author, screenwriter, and erstwhile actress (her performances in Rentaghost and other programmes were under her stage name of Lynda Marchal), Her first TV series as a scriptwriter was the six part robbery series Widows, in 1983, in which the widows of four armed robbers carry out a heist planned by their deceased husbands. In 1991 ITV released Prime Suspect which has now run to seven series and stars Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. (In the United States Prime Suspect airs on PBS as part of the anthology program Mystery!) In 1993 La Plante won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for her work on the series. In 1992 she wrote at TV movie called Seekers, starring Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon, produced by Sarah Lawson. She formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions, in 1994 and as La Plante Productions she wrote and produced the sequel to Widows, the equally gutsy She's Out (ITV, 1995).

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

26

£130

149

Lynda La Plante

DC Jack Warr Two Book Special Title 1: Buried Paperback Title 2: Judas Horse Paperback Genre: Crime Thrillers Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lyndalaplante.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaPlanteLynda Book 1 Blurb: Buried SOME THINGS SHOULD REMAIN…BURIED DC Jack Warr and his girlfriend Maggie have just moved to London to start a new life together. Though charming, Jack can’t seem to find his place in the world – until he’s drawn into an investigation that turns his life upside down. In the aftermath of a fire at an isolated cottage, a badly charred body is discovered, along with the burnt remains of millions of stolen, untraceable bank notes. Jack’s search leads him deep into a murky criminal underworld – a world he finds himself surprisingly good at navigating. But as the line of the law becomes blurred, how far will Jack go to find the answers – and what will it cost him? Book 2 Blurb: Judas Horse Violent burglars have been terrorising residents across the English countryside for months. But when a mutilated body is discovered in a Cotswolds house, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary group of opportunist thieves. As Detective Jack Warr investigates, he discovers locals with dark secrets, unearths hidden crimes – and hits countless dead ends. With few leads and the violent attacks escalating, he will have to act as audaciously as the criminals if he hopes to stop them. When Warr meets Charlotte Miles, a terrified woman with links to the group, he must use her to lure the unsuspecting killers into one last job, and into his trap. But with the law already stretched to breaking point, any failure will be on Warr’s head – and any more blood spilled, on his hands . . . Author Bio: Lynda La Plante is a British author, screenwriter, and erstwhile actress (her performances in Rentaghost and other programmes were under her stage name of Lynda Marchal), Her first TV series as a scriptwriter was the six part robbery series Widows, in 1983, in which the widows of four armed robbers carry out a heist planned by their deceased husbands. In 1991 ITV released Prime Suspect which has now run to seven series and stars Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. (In the United States Prime Suspect airs on PBS as part of the anthology program Mystery!) In 1993 La Plante won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for her work on the series. In 1992 she wrote at TV movie called Seekers, starring Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon, produced by Sarah Lawson. She formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions, in 1994 and as La Plante Productions she wrote and produced the sequel to Widows, the equally gutsy She's Out (ITV, 1995).

Winning Bidder

David Maidstone

Bids

14

£43

150

Anne Coates

Title: Stage Call Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only *Bonus: Anne will be naming a character in her next Hannah Weybridge book at the bequest of her successful bidder* Website: https://annecoatesauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anne_Coates1 Book Blurb: At the Old Vic, one of London’s most iconic theatres, the stage is set for one of our national treasures to tread the boards in a new, sell-out play. Joan Ballantyne, now in her sixties, has attracted a new fan base with her role in an award-winning soap, Chicory Road, and they’ve turned out in force. As the curtain rises, it reveals the strangely still body of the leading lady, slumped in an armchair. The show will not go on… Still recovering from the attempt on her life, Hannah Weybridge is stunned. She had been collaborating with the actress on her memoir. Now she has to contribute to her obituary. Suicide is suspected, but Hannah, from the little she knows of the woman, is sceptical. As is Joan’s son, the famous TV actor, Leo Hawkins, who implores Hannah to investigate the circumstances of his mother’s mysterious death. Hannah is drawn into the lives of those who knew Joan. But who can she trust in a world where everyone seems to be playing a part? Author Bio: Anne Coates writes the type of fiction she likes to read. Her work includes prize-winning flash fiction and very short tales with a twist and the longer stories exploring relationships – often within a family. Most of these stories were published first in Bella, Candis and other magazines and now appear in two collections published by Lume Books. Anne’s Hannah Weybridge series – "Dancers in the Wind", "Death's Silent Judgement", "Songs of Innocents" and "Perdition's Child" – were all initially published by Urbane Publications and are now published in new editions by Red Dog Press who released the fifth in the series, “Stage Call”, in February 2022. Anne’s fiction is informed by her work as a journalist for magazines and newspapers and she is the author of seven non-fiction titles. She lives in SE London with three demanding and unimpressed cats. Theatre, cinema and socialising with family and friends inspire her creativity … as seen in “Stage Call”.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

11

£40

151

Robert Scragg

Title: End Of The Line Genre: Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://robertscragg.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/robert_scragg Book Blurb: Ross Henderson was an influential vlogger rallying against the growing tide of the far right. As his audience tuned in to Henderson's latest live broadcast, they had front-row seats for his savage murder. Alongside this volatile case, Detective Inspector Jake Porter finally has a lead on the hit-and-run which killed his wife. With his life in disarray, he and his partner DS Nick Styles struggle to prevent full blown riots in the wake of the Henderson atrocity. And following the trail to his wife's killer will take its toll: Porter will have to act like a criminal in order to take down the person responsible, but there's no guarantee he will come out the other side alive. Author Bio: Robert had a random mix of jobs before taking the dive into crime writing; he's been a bookseller, pizza deliverer, karate instructor, football coach, and HR Manager. He lives on the North East Coast with his wife, children & overly-needy dog, and is a founding member of the Northern Crime Syndicate crime-writers group. What Falls Between The Cracks, the first in his Porter & Styles series, written under the name Robert Scragg, was a New Writing North pick as one of the 2019 Read Regional books of the year. Rob’s work has also seen him win the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction in 2021, and be shortlisted for CWA daggers in 2021 and 2022.

Winning Bidder

Lauren Rea

Bids

1

£15

152

Lora Davies

Book Title: The Widow's Last Secret Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://loradavies.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaviesLora Book Blurb: Victorian England, 1846: A gripping and powerful story about one woman’s incredible courage in the face of heartbreak, and a secret that – if revealed – could destroy everything. Author Bio: Lora studied English at Hull University before training at East 15 Acting School. She went on to work as an actor, director and workshop leader throughout the UK, as well as in Italy and Hong Kong, for companies including English Touring Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and Theatre Clwyd. In 2018, Lora impulsively signed up for a writing course at her local bookshop and this led to a Masters in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University of London. Here she completed the first draft of her debut novel, Daughter Of The Shipwreck. The Widow's Last Secret is her second novel.

Winning Bidder

Jill Paterson

Bids

2

£20

153

Stephanie Burgis

The Raven Crown duology. Title 1: The Raven Heir Genre: Children - Middle Grade - Fantasy Format: Paperback Title 2: The Raven Throne Genre: Children - Middle Grade - Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://stephanieburgis.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephanieburgis Book Blurb: Three magical triplets have spent their childhood hidden away in an enchanted forest by their sorceress mother. When armed soldiers break their mother's spells, they realise that one of them is the new king or queen of a broken kingdom, and it will take all of their powers to save their family and make things right. Author Bio: Stephanie Burgis grew up in the USA, but now lives in Wales with her husband and two sons, surrounded by mountains, castles and coffee shops. She writes fun and award-winning MG fantasy adventures, including The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart trilogy, the Improper Adventures of Kat Stephenson trilogy, and The Raven Crown duology.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£28

154

Cathie Dunn

Title: Love Lost in Time Genre: Dual-timeline fiction Format: hardback Dedication Available: yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://cathiedunn.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathiedunn Book Blurb: A tale of love, death and redemption… AD 2018 Languedoc, south-west FranceMadeleine Winters must live in her late mother’s old stone house in south-west France for one hear before she can claim her inheritance – and sell it! Reluctantly leaving her life in England, she begins to renovate the house. But she’s not prepared for all the discoveries… Is it her imagination when she hears a woman’s voice? Or when the ground shakes? When ancient human bones belonging to a female are found beneath the kitchen floor, the mystery deepens. How did the woman end up buried, without a sarcophagus and all alone, in that particular spot in the Cabardès hills? And why were her bones broken? AD 777 Septimania, on the western coast of the Mediterranean Sea 17-year-old Nanthild attends Charlemagne’s court with her father, where she is introduced to Bellon of Carcassonne. Unimpressed by the blustering young warrior, Nanthild is shocked when Charlemagne and her father arrange their wedding as a gesture of ensuring Bellon’s support in the king’s conquest of the volatile southern region of Septimania. Despite his Visigoth origins, Bellon is installed as Count of Carcassonne, and he soon has to face challenges to Frankish rule that often keep him away from home – and his family. Bellon’s absences make it easy for Nanthild to keep her calling as a healer and wise-woman from him, and she continues to visit those in need of her help. But dangers lurk on her journey… Readers of Kate Mosse and Barbara Erskine might enjoy Love Lost in Time. Author Bio: Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance. The focus of her historical fiction novels is on strong women through time. Cathie has been writing for over twenty years. She studied Creative Writing, with a focus on novel writing, which she teaches in the south of France. She loves researching for her novels, delving into history books, and visiting castles and historic sites. Her stories have garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for their authentic description of the past. Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Winning Bidder

Chloe Elizabeth

Bids

1

£11

155

Suzanne Snow

Love in the Lakes Trilogy Title 1: Snowfall over Halesmere House Title 2: Wedding Days at Halesmere House Title 3: Starting Over at Halesmere House Genre: Contemperay Romance - Humour Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only * Bonus: Suzanne is adding a limited edition 'Heart of the Lakes' soy candle for her successful bidder Website: https://www.suzannesnowauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SnowProse Book 1 Blurb: Snowfall over Halesmere House Welcome to Halesmere House, where romance might be just around the corner… After years of living in the past, Ella is ready to start building a future. The perfect opportunity presents itself when she is offered a short-term role at Halesmere House in the Lake District, and tasked with kick-starting its artists’ residence. She can’t wait to start and explore a new career in an inspiring location. But when Ella arrives at Halesmere, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake when she clashes with Max, the new owner. Max has his own reasons to be unsettled by her presence, but despite his misgivings it seems everyone else loves having Ella around. As a single dad, it’s his children’s attachment to her that bothers him most. Who will pick up the pieces when Ella leaves? What Max doesn’t know is that Ella is falling for more than just the Lake District and the community around her. Can her temporary job lead to a permanent happy ending? Book 2 Blurb: Wedding Days at Halesmere House The last thing on Lizzie’s mind is catching the bouquet… Events planner and maid of honour Lizzie Martin knows her best friend Gemma is making the right decision for her wedding. After the original venue catches fire, and a space opens up at Halesmere House, it makes complete sense to move the wedding to the Lake District artists’ residence. But Lizzie has painful memories of Halesmere… When she bumps into Cal, her first love, she is forced to confront the past. Now a sought-after blacksmith, Cal has his own studio at Halesmere and the two must find a way to get along if this wedding isn’t going to be a complete disaster. It soon becomes apparent that their attraction hasn’t waned, but can Lizzie put their shared past behind her and learn to trust the man who left her once before? Book 3 Blurb: Starting Over at Halesmere House Can two broken hearts mend each other? Taking over the Flower Shed studio at Halesmere, Alice is looking to mend her heart through horticulture after the end of her ten-year marriage. She isn’t looking for romance, especially not with brash young tree surgeon, Zac. Zac has his own past he’s trying to move on from, and he’s only staying at Halesmere until the new year. But when their circumstances change in a way that shocks them both, they have to decide if they can share a future that already binds them. Will the magic of Halesmere work once more to bring love to two lost souls? Author Bio::

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

13

£42

156

Suzy Henderson

Title: Christmas in the Highlands Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://suzyhendersonauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Suzy_Henderson Book Blurb: When Niamh Macdonald's world crumbles, her roots call her home. Step back to the snow-covered hamlet of Arden, a wilderness in the Scottish Highlands, with a picturesque castle, country cottages, log fires and lashings of hot chocolate. Will this New Year be the one where Niamh MacDonald's dreams come true? When thirty-year-old artist Niamh Macdonald uncovers her boyfriend’s affair, she leaves her job and city life behind and flees home to the sleepy hamlet of Arden in the Scottish Highlands. Betrayed and hurt, it seems that true love is a myth. Having inherited her late grandmother’s cottage, she vows to make a fresh start and pursue her dream of a career as an artist. If all fails, she has a job waiting for her in the city. Love is the furthest thing on her mind until she bumps into her old friend, Alex Mackenzie, heir to Arden Castle. Alex reminds her of the beauty in the Highlands, and as her roots deepen in the sleepy hamlet of Arden, sparks fly between the pair. When Alex inadvertently scuppers Niamh’s plans, she wonders if she can ever trust him again. Can she make her home in Arden and can she ever forgive Alex? Author Bio: Best-selling author Suzy Henderson lives in the 1940s in a rural corner of Cumbria, writing historical fiction. She also writes contemporary romance, although her heart lies in the past. Her characters are fearless, often flying aircraft, but in real life, Suzy is afraid of heights and of flying. She’ll probably never take that ride in a Lancaster Bomber or a B-17 that features on her bucket list above the steam train ride over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct—or will she? Her first novel, The Beauty Shop, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion and was inspired by the true story of the RAF Guinea Pig Club and Sir Archibald McIndoe. Her second novel, Madame Fiocca, is based on the real-life exploits of SOE heroine, Nancy Wake. In 2021 she released Christmas in the Highlands, a contemporary romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found wandering around the lakes and fells in Cumbria or rambling around Hadrian’s Wall. You can catch up with Suzy on http://facebook.com/AuthorSuzyHenderson or on Twitter @Suzy_Henderson. You can also visit her website, http://suzyhendersonauthor.com, and sign up for her reader’s group for all the latest news, releases, and special offers. Subscribers also receive a free book when they join. Suzy is a member of The Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£19

157

Rosie Hannigan

Title: The Moonlight Gardening Club Genre: Uplifting Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://amy-gaffney.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/gaffneyamy Book Blurb: One unlikely friendship. One chance to heal. Though they come from the same small Irish village, lonely widow Ruby and struggling single mother Frankie couldn’t be more different. Then they discover the Moonlight Gardening Club, where they learn that even on the darkest of nights, beauty and light can still be found. As they plant flowers chosen specially to be enjoyed under a carpet of stars in the gentle glow of moonlight, an unexpected friendship starts to bloom – and it might be just what each of them needs. But when shocking secrets from the past are revealed, both their worlds are turned upside down. If their friendship is going to survive, each of them must face what they’ve been running from… Author Bio: Amy Gaffney hails from Kildare and is a graduate of UCD’s Creative Writing MA. Her poetry is published in Poetry Ireland Review, the Irish Times Hennessy New Irish Writing, in Washing Windows II and Washing Window III. Amy’s short story Mother May I was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards Short Story of the Year in 2019. Her debut novel The Moonlight Gardening Club was published by Avon Books in April 2023 under the pseudonym Rosie Hannigan.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

158

Adrienne Vaughan

The Heart Trilogy Title 1: The Hollow Heart Title 2: A Change Of Heart Title 3: Secrets Of The Heart Genre: Romantic Mystery Thriller Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Uk Only Website: http://adriennevaughan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/adrienneauthor The The Book 1 : The Hollow Heart This heartrending mystery thriller is the story of Marianne Coltrane a feisty, award-winning journalist who uncovers a devastating travesty of justice involving the sale of babies by the church in Ireland. Fighting her corner in the male-dominated world of newspapers she witnesses a terrorist attack that changes how she thinks about her future and what she really wants. Taking herself off to the wilds of the west of Ireland to re-evaluate her life, she encounters the soon to be world-famous actor Ryan O'Gorman, to her mind the most conceited, infuriating man in the world. He in turn loathes journalists, especially female ones. One thing they do have in common is they both think their chance of true love has passed them by. As they both begin to fall in love with Innishmahon, their spiritual home, they discover the very fabric of the island is threatened and as the islanders find themselves in grave danger, Marianne and Ryan join forces to save that which they hold most dear. But the road is rocky for this fiery, opinionated pair ... and when Ryan discovers his ex-fiance is carrying his child, things take a turn for the worst. Can he talk his way out of this one? And will Marianne even care, when she unwittingly reveals the most devastating secret of all, the truth behind her past and her own parentage. Sexy, moving and funny, this heart-warming duo and cast of colourful characters will stay with you, long after the last page leaves you smiling. The Book 2: A Change Of Heart This captivating mystery thriller is an unputdownable rollercoaster of a read, filled with action, adventure and romance. When campaigning journalist Marianne Coltrane falls in love with a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, she had not bargained for a tumultuous affair with Hollywood movie star Ryan O'Gorman. When Ryan's career recalls him, Marianne remains on the island to support the close-knit community who are becoming like a family to the world-weary journalist and her beloved Highland terrier. It's not long before Ryan realises he cannot live without her and returns to woo her back.Tricky enough without his problematic ex-wife or the contract he cannot break, but when a mysterious death lands his agent in a heap of trouble and Marianne's mother find herself literally up to no good in New York, the couple, struggling to establish their own relationship are very nearly driven apart. Then when a dangerous but essentially good deed puts all they treasure in jeopardy, it's time to take stock and fight for what matters most ...or is time running out for this charismatic couple and everything they hold most dear? "Following the acclaimed debut The Hollow Heart, A Change of Heart is another exciting read. Laced with glamour, mystery and intrigue, this beguiling tale is filled with characters you'll love and laugh with all over again. The Book 3: Secrets Of The Heart Fabulous, award-winning romantic suspense, just had to see how the story ended! Finally free to be together on the remote Irish isle of Innishmahon, campaigning journalist Marianne Coltrane and her movie star partner, Ryan O'Gorman are looking forward to life away from the bright lights of Hollywood and the constant pursuit of the paparazzi. However, when nature conspires to keep them apart and Ryan puts both his own and his son's life at risk, Marianne finally realises how determined he is they should be a family. She now needs to put aside her own, deep rooted fear of commitment and come to terms with the sinister secrets buried within her family history. Yet when Ryan's own devastating secret is revealed, and their world is turned upside down, Marianne has to call upon more than determination to see them through. She has to believe in love with every fibre of her being, because if she cannot, it could mean not only the end of their relationship, but even life itself. The Author : Adrienne is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and a founder member of the indie publishing group The New Romantics4. She lives in Leicestershire with her husband, two cocker spaniels and a retired dressage horse called Marco.

Winning Bidder

Madalyn Morgan

Bids

2

£12

159

Mary Grand

Title: Death at Castle Cove Genre: Cosy Crime / Whodunnit. Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://marygrand.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/authormaryg Book Blurb: Death at Castle Cove Susan’s days are comfortingly routine, starting every morning by exercising her beloved Rocco on Ventnor beach with her fellow dog walkers. However, when her lodger Colette dies in suspicious circumstances at Castle Cove, Susan is devastated to realise that one of her dog walking group must have been responsible for her death. Everyone has secrets to hide, but who is desperate enough to kill? Susan won’t rest until she has solved the mystery and found the killer. This is the first book in a brand new series of Susan Flynn murder mysteries set on the stunning Isle of Wight. Author Bio: Mary Grand writes gripping, page-turning murder mysteries, classic whodunnits, which keep you guessing to the last page. Mary grew up in Wales, was for many years a teacher of Deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight. She is published by Boldwood Books.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£26

160

Sam Pope

Title: The Haunting of Lindy Pennyworth Genre: Supernatural - Horror Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://sampopewriter.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/sampopewriter Book Blurb: A psychological horror that will grip you from the first page, and haunt you long after you've finished the last. Nobody believes Lindy when she says she doesn't pull her hair out on purpose. Nobody believes Lindy when she says she hears voices in the night. Nobody believes Lindy when she says her dead ancestors are haunting her dreams. Nobody believes Lindy ... After the death of her father, Lindy falls headlong into a state of grief and no longer understands her place in the world. Through paranormal rituals, Ouija boards and spiritualist churches, Lindy attempts to speak to her father beyond the grave - but to no avail. That is until she receives a 'visit' from Esme, her Victorian ancestor, who reveals that her family is under a curse that separates them in the afterlife. Determined to break it, Lindy sacrifices her grip on reality. Not everyone wants her to succeed and there are secrets that fight to remain buried alongside the dead that she seeks . . . Author Bio: Sam Pope writes fiction and non-fiction for both adults and children, specialising in ghost stories and the supernatural. Her debut YA novel, The Haunting of Lindy Pennyworth, was published in October 2021 by UCLan and was named as one of Blackwell's YA horror books of 2021. She has had numerous short stories published and performed, including one at the Charles Dickens Museum in London as part of their 'To Be Read After Dark' exhibition. She is currently working on a biography of Regency-era poet Eleanor Porden.

Winning Bidder

Caterina Bonsaver

Bids

4

£15

161

L. C. North

Title: The Ugly Truth Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lauren-north.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lauren_C_North Book Blurb: 'The Ugly Truth is fresh, compelling and searing in its exploration of the toxicity of social media and the reality of modern celebrity. Not to be missed!' Lisa Jewell, bestselling author of THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS '#FreeBritney meets The Appeal in this addictively unique thriller' Jack Jordan, bestselling author of Do No Harm "I'm a prisoner. I'm not allowed to leave. There is someone watching me every minute of the day." Melanie Lange has disappeared. Her father, billionaire business tycoon Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic. Her ex-husband, Finn, and best friend, Nell, say she has been kidnapped. They are deeply concerned for her safety. The media will say whichever gets them the most views. But whose side are you on? #SaveMelanie #HelpPeter Author Bio: L.C. North studied psychology at university before pursuing a career in Public Relations. Her first book club thriller - The Ugly Truth - combines her love of psychology and her fascination with the celebrities in the public eye. L.C. North is currently working on her second novel, and when she's not writing, she co-hosts the crime thriller podcast, In Suspense. L.C. North lives on the Suffolk borders with her family and also writes psychological suspense novels under the name of Lauren North. Readers can follow her on Twitter and Instagram as @Lauren_C_North , and Facebook as @LaurenNorthAuthor.

Winning Bidder

Vikkie Wakeham

Bids

5

£15

162

Susan Sage

Title: Dancing in the Ring Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK & USA Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanSage Book Blurb: Detroit in the 1920s proved to be the Paris of the West for many—including Catherine McIntosh and Robert Sage. These two law school students are as passionate about each other as they are their dreams. From a poor family in the neighborhood of Corktown, Catherine learned early on, the necessity of being resilient. She becomes one of the first women in Detroit to obtain a law degree. Bob, the 'battling barrister,' boxes in order to pay for law school. Despite his gruff and tough-boy personality, he is a friend to all: judges, cops, and even a couple members of the notorious Purple Gang. The couple becomes legendary in legal circles for their commitment to social justice causes—as well as notorious in the local speakeasies and dance halls. At first, their optimism seems boundless, as it had for many following an era of trauma and challenges that included the 1918 flu pandemic. It isn't long before their passionate courtship turns into a tempestuous marriage. Then the Great Depression hits and their lives are forever changed. Author Bio: Susan E. Sage, was born (1956) in Detroit, Michigan, to Joyce and Robert Sage. Youngest of three daughters, she received her undergraduate degree in English from Wayne State University in Detroit and has done post-graduate work at the University of Michigan-Flint. She was a recipient of the Tompkin's Award in Poetry (1981), and has published her poetry in numerous literary magazines. Susan is a multi-genre novelist. A MENTOR AND HER MUSE was published in 2018, and INSOMINY was published in 2010. She is a fan of Historical Fiction, Magic Realism, and Contemporary Fantasy literature. Susan has one daughter (Sarah), loves cats, smooth jazz, blues, art, and poetry. Susan's latest novel, DANCING IN THE RING, was released in June 2023.

Winning Bidder

Amanda Giles

Bids

1

£11

163

Estelle Grace Tudor

Through The Fairy Door : 5 Book Series OCTAVIA BLOOM AND THE MISSING KEY. BEATRICE BLOOM AND THE STAR CRYSTAL. MARTHA BLOOM AND THE GLASS COMPASS. FELICITY BLOOM AND THE GOLDEN ARROW. OTTO BLOOM AND THE ENCHANTED COIN. Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Bonus: Estelle is adding bookmarks to her books for her successful bidder Twitter: https://twitter.com/E_G_Tudor Book 1 Blurb: Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key : One tiny discovery can have enormous consequences... Almost 10-year-old Octavia Bloom is looking for adventure, but when it comes it's in the shape of a tiny fairy door. Dragging her reluctant sister and cousins into the mystery, Octavia discovers her family are hiding not ONE but TWO life-changing secrets. Why is her mother searching for an elusive flower? And does she have what it takes to reunite her fractured family? Octavia's certain the answers lie behind the fairy door, if only she could just find the key... Bravery, secrets & magic intertwine in this fantastical adventure. Book 2 Blurb: Beatrice Bloom and the Star Crystal : Beatrice Bloom is excited but a bit apprehensive to be heading through the fairy door once again with her sister and cousins. The adventure quickly turns ominous with the arrival of old foes and new enemies who are conspiring to overthrow the throne. Is Beatrice brave enough to embrace magic once more to help her friends? And can she restore the star crystal to its rightful place before time runs out?Beatrice will need all her courage in this new 'Through the Fairy Door' adventure.Courage, friendship and deceit collide in this spellbinding adventure.Continue the magic in this follow up to Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key! Book 3 Blurb: Martha Bloom and the Glass Compass: One act of compassion can evoke everlasting change...Martha Bloom has always been the most sensible Bloom child and takes her role as eldest seriously, but even she cannot contain her excitement at an invitation to visit Fairy Land once http://again.An idyllic day visiting the companion class at the new fairy school quickly turns sour when an old nemesis steals something of great importance.Will Martha be able to use the Glass Compass once again to retrieve what was stolen? And can she set an old wrong right?Martha is determined to succeed before they head back home 'Through the Fairy Door'.Integrity, companionship and daring abound in this captivating adventure. Book 4 Blurb: Felicity Bloom and the Golden Arrow: One grave misunderstanding put right can lead to forgiveness... Felicity Bloom has always felt responsible for her younger sister, so when an offer of even greater responsibility comes from Fairy Land she doesn't hesitate. Celebrations at Castle Enfys abruptly turn to terror when an old adversary threatens the realm once again. Can Felicity embark on the Blooms' most dangerous quest yet to find a golden arrow? And will she have the courage to face her past and put right her future? Felicity will need the help of old friends and new to complete this quest and get her family safely back home 'Through the Fairy Door'... Valour, forgiveness & intrigue unite in this enthralling adventure. Book 5 Blurb: Otto Bloom and the Enchanted Coin: One final quest can show the way home... Otto Bloom has had an interesting start to his life, having been shielded in Fairy Land until a cure for the curse he was under could be found. But now he is back with his family, the Blooms. As a childhood illness makes him feel low, he becomes riddled with doubts about his place within the family. He is caught off guard when an urgent message arrives from Fairy Land. Feeling like this is his time to be a hero and step up to save his family, Otto makes a rash decision that will have dire consequences for those in Fairy Land and those in the human world too. Can Otto put aside his doubts and venture on the Blooms’ final quest to procure the mythical enchanted coin needed to activate a legendary weapon? And will he realise that his power and place was within him all along? Otto will need to believe in himself and the power of family in a bid to finally rid Fairy Land of its darkest threat, before he takes his forever family back home ‘Through the Fairy Door’... Spirit, family and discovery conclude in this final adventure. Bio: When not searching the backs of wardrobes for Narnia, the bottom of the garden for fairies or exploring yet another Castle, Estelle can be found with her nose in a book or a pen in her hand. Having previously worked at Cardiff Castle, she now writes full time while looking after her four children. She lives on the beautiful South Wales coast with her husband, children and crazy dog. She loves to connect with her readers via Twitter or Instagram @through_the_fairy_door_books

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

12

£33

164

P.G. Bell

Title: The Train To Impossible Places Genre: Fantasy/Adventure Format: Hardback Package & Posting: FREE Dedication Available: YES Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://pgbellwriter.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/petergbell Book Blurb: "When Suzy hears a strange rattling noise in the middle of the night, she creeps downstairs to find a train roaring through her house. But this is no ordinary train. This is the magical delivery express for the Union of Impossible Places. Whisked on board by a troll-boy called Wilmot, Suzy's world is turned upside down when she's given the job of delivering a cursed package to the fearsome sorceress, Lady Crepuscula. Except when the mysterious package begs not to be delivered, Suzy discovers the fate of the Impossible Places might just be in her hands..." Author Bio: P.G. Bell is a native of south Wales, where he was raised on a diet of Greek mythology, ghost stories and Doctor Who. He's had all sorts of jobs over the years, from lifeguard to roller coaster operator, but all he's ever really wanted to do is write stories for a living. And now he does!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£29

165

Rosamund Lupton

Title: Three Hours Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.rosamundlupton.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rosamundlupton Three hours is 180 minutes or 10,800 seconds. It is a morning's lessons, a dress rehearsal of Macbeth, a snowy trek through the woods. It is an eternity waiting for news. Or a countdown to something terrible. It is 180 minutes to discover who you will die for and what men will kill for. In rural Somerset in the middle of a blizzard, the unthinkable happens: a school is under siege. Told from the point of view of the people at the heart of it, from the wounded headmaster in the library, unable to help his trapped pupils and staff, to teenage Hannah in love for the first time, to the parents gathering desperate for news, to the 16 year old Syrian refugee trying to rescue his little brother, to the police psychologist who must identify the gunmen, to the students taking refuge in the school theatre, all experience the most intense hours of their lives, where evil and terror are met by courage, love and redemption. The Author: Rosamund Lupton is the author of four novels. Rosamund Lupton graduated from Cambridge University in 1986. After reviewing books for the Literary Review and being invited to join the Royal Court Theatre, she won a television play competition and subsequently worked as a screen writer. Her debut novel Sister, was a BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime, a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, has been translated into over thirty languages and has international sales of over 1.5 million copies. It was the fastest-selling debut of 2010 by a British author, and was winner of the Richard and Judy Best Debut Novel of 2011 Award and the Strand Magazine Critics First Novel Award. Film rights of Sister are currently under option. Lupton’s critically acclaimed second novel Afterwards also went straight into the Sunday Times bestseller lists and was the No. 2 Sunday Times fiction bestseller of 2011. The Quality of Silence her third novel was a Sunday Times best seller and a Richard & Judy bookclub pick Her new novel Three Hours is a Sunday Times top ten best seller and a best book of 2020 in the Sunday Times, the Times, Guardian, Telegraph, Stylist, Red & Good Housekeeping. It’s a Times and Sunday Times thriller of the month.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

9

£22

166

Steve Weatherill

Two Book Special Title 1: Baby Goz Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Title 2: Count on Goz Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://babygoz.webflow.io Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveWeatherill\ Book 1 Blurb: Baby Goz the gosling has just hatched and goes looking for his mother. He sees parts of other animals, such as a long green leg or a wagging brown tail and the reader lifts the flap to see whether the animal is his mum or not. Then he finds her, and it is time for a swim. A very welcome re-issue of the delightful Baby Goz stories, which are perfect for Nursery and Reception age children.' Book 2 Blurb: Goz goes for his first swim and gets lost. He sets out to find his family and meets other animal families on the way. How many does he meet? Author Bio: Steve Weatherill is an author/illustrator and cartoonist. He studied fine art and film-making at Hornsey and the Royal College of Art. He is best known for the Baby Goz and Lucy Goose books first published by Frances Lincoln and Pan Macmillan and also the History Activity books written with his wife, Susan for b small publishing. He has visited over a 1000 schools and libraries with his early learning interactive storyplays.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£30

167

Daniel Dockery

Book Title: Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree Genre: Adventure, Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://wendingtonjones.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendingtonJones Twitter: https://twitter.com/quintdox Book Blurb: Wendington Jones has her world abruptly up-ended when her adventuring mother dies in a car crash in late 1920. Left in the care of her Grandmamma and her valet Rohan, Wendington receives a parcel in the middle of the night, seemingly from her dead mother. It's half of a manuscript from a book her mother was writing, and describes a mystery surrounding the mythical Tree of Life. When Wendington reads that the tree could have the power to bring her mother back to life, she throws herself into finding the remainder of the manuscript and solving her mother's mystery. However, her initial attempts are laced with danger. Other people also seek to find the Tree of Life and Wendington has to trick, fight and talk her way out of many perilous situations. Does Wendington have what it takes to complete her mission? Enola Holmes meets Indiana Jones in this epic story of mystery, adventure and learning to live with grief along the way. Author Bio: Daniel Dockery has written storylines and scripts for one of the UK's most popular tv series, Hollyoaks, including award winning stories about anorexia, young LGBT relationships and criminally exploited children. As well as working on Coronation Street's award winning 50th anniversary, he's developed and storied several feature films starring Robert De Niro, Dave Bautista and Olga Kurylenko. He has also written theatre pieces, staged in Manchester schools where he has taught drama when not writing.

Winning Bidder

Claire Hope-Arnold

Bids

1

£11

168

Jenny Worstall

Title: Home for Christmas Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://jennyworstall.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennyWorstall Book Blurb: All you need is love, friendship...and the magic of Christmas... Young army widow Anna falls for Will, but her five year old son Charlie’s not happy. Susie next door tries to help, but there’s an accident, a femme fatale and possibly a ghost to deal with before everyone can enjoy their best Christmas ever. Author Bio: Jenny is a writer and musician, and lives in London with her family. You will find her playing the piano, singing in a choir or gossiping with her friends (obviously essential research for her writing). Her books reflect her love of music and a tendency not to take life too seriously.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£20

169

Brian Frederick

Title: Siggy The Soccer Dog Genre: Children's Books - Complex Picture books Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://brianfrederickauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianFredAuthor Book Blurb: Siggy looks so cute as he twitches and turns in his sleep. But as they watch him, little do the family know that in his dream he is “Siggy Sosidj” the star player for Manchester United. It’s up to Siggy to rescue his team in the biggest game of his life. But can he do it? Join Siggy and a multi-national cast of doggie players to find out - in a fast-paced, beautifully illustrated tale about overcoming the odds, staying true to your purpose and being kind... Author Bio:About Brian Frederick Children’s book author Brian Frederick knew he wanted to be a writer at a young age, having won praise and awards for his early stories. When he writes, he finds himself entering a bubble of creativity, allowing his mind to wander into an imaginary world. Whether the story is about embracing enthusiasm and good cheer, or finding gratitude in the little things, Brian’s characters are blessed with good fortune. In Brian’s picture book, Siggy Loves Sausages, the magical little dog Siggy is rewarded for his positivity—with a sausage, of course! Brian’s background includes being a “bit of a lawyer,” but prefers writing stories rather than writing writs. His philosophy is that a great book is one that shares the beauty in everyday life. His relatability to children is evident, even if it involves fairies, as is in Siggy and The Phlower Phairies. Brian’s hope is that his stories provide happiness and enjoyment to his young readers. When he isn’t writing imaginative life lessons for children—whilst listening to loud indie rock music on headphones—Brian enjoys following Manchester United Football Club and walking with his wife, Havinder. Together they live in a small nature reserve, where their house is alive with birdsong and woodland critters run around the trees like a fairytale forest. A perfect haven for storytelling.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

170

Angela Kecojevic

Title: Scare Ground Genre: Middle Grade - Spooky Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajkecojevic Book Blurb: Roll up, roll up, the Scareground is in town… The infamous Tombola fair has not been back to Greenwich since tragedy struck it years ago, but everything changes when black balloons float into town announcing the return of the Scareground. The whole town is abuzz with excitement and anticipation but Mr and Mrs Crumpet, the bakers, forbid their adopted daughter Nancy from going. Nancy is certain the fair holds the answers to the disappearance of her birth parents, and with her best friend Arthur Green by her side, they meet the peculiar Skelter Tombola and uncover a world full of magic, mystery and the macabre. But behind such wonders hides a darkness Nancy never expected, a place where she must confront her greatest fears. Not least that someone might find out her hidden talent/curse, just one more thing that makes her different and must be kept secret… Author Bio: Angela is a children’s author and creative writing tutor. She has written several books for the Oxford Reading Tree programme and is the author behind the multi-award-winning adventure park Hobbledown. She is a member of the Climate Writers Fiction League, a group of international authors who use climate issues in their work. Scareground is a spooky adventure book for children 8+ Angela lives in the city of Oxford with her family.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£18

171

Stuart Gibbon

Title 1: Catching a Killer Genre: True Crime Format: Paperback Title 2: Being a Detective (Revised Edition) Genre: True Crime Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted = UK Only Website: http://gibconsultancy.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/gibconsultancy Book 1 Blurb: Catching a Killer is an essential research companion for crime writers and true crime fans. A former detective and a crime historian examine the investigation of murder in the UK, from an historical and contemporary perspective Book 2 Blurb: Being a Detective is a Readers' and Writers' guide to UK detective work past and present. Written in an A-Z format, a former detective and a crime historian tell you everything you always wanted to know about the British detective, from an historical and contemporary perspective. Author Bio: Stuart Gibbon is a former UK detective who now works as a consultant, advising authors on police procedures.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

172

Kaye Umansky

Title: Dick The Delightful Duck’ Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.kayeumansky.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/KayeUmansky Book Blurb: Even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day . . . What’s the matter with Dick the Duck? He’s usually so kind and friendly! But today Dick got out on The Wrong Side of Bed. He feels humpy and grumpy, cranky and cross. Can anyone help cheer him up? Luckily Dick’s friends rally round and shower him with kindness, and Dick is soon back to his usual delightful self! This magnificently funny rhyming story shows that even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day. (And that’s totally okay!) Author Bio: Kaye Umansky originally trained as a teacher, only beginning to write children’s novels and picture books when her daughter was born. She is the much-loved author of the Pongwiffy series and Pass the Jam, Jim, and she has a particular gift for voice and comedy. She lives in North London where she writes in an office with stars on the ceiling.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£18

173

Heleen Kist

Title: Killer Bodies Genre: Locked room mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packing: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://heleenkist.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/hkist Book Blurb: In a prestigious Edinburgh apartment building, gym receptionist Evie whiles away long hours doodling the deaths of residents who’ve annoyed her. On her birthday of all days, a man slumps off the exercise bike — dead. She tries to get help, but someone has locked the doors and the phones are out of reach. When another resident collapses inexplicably, Evie realises the deaths resemble those she drew … and her sketchbook is missing. Was she framed... ... or is she next? Author Bio: Heleen Kist is a Dutch, formerly globetrotting career woman who fell in love with a Scotsman and his country, and now writes about its (sometimes scary) people from her garden office in Glasgow. 'Killer Bodies' is her fourth novel, inspired by her hatred of exercise. She was chosen as an up-and-coming new author at Bloody Scotland 2018. Her novels have been finalists in a variety of awards, both in the UK and USA

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£14

174

Dr Victoria L. Humphreys

Title: Not the Work of an Ordinary Boy Genre: Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtorhumphreys Book Blurb: 'Injured Ethelred the Unready is one of only three elite carrier pigeons trained to undertake two-way flights. Konstantin von Essen is the traumatized 14-year-old son of Generalfeldmarschall Dieter von Essen, the Commander for Operations in the North Zone of Occupied France. Eleven-year-old Dottie Latymer is evacuated from London to Surrey where her Anglo-American identity, together with her affected American accent, makes her a target for bullies. Rose Clarke, Dottie's only friend, has a violent father and a mother struggling with mental ill-health. Together, they must overcome their personal obstacles to supply MI5 with game-changing intelligence.' Author Bio: 'Victoria L. Humphreys was born in Surrey, but now lives in Dorset. She has a PhD in creative writing from the University of Southampton, and has also studied at the University of Ulster, the University of Surrey, and the Moscow State Institute for International Relations. Not the Work of an Ordinary Boy was inspired by a newspaper article about the skeletal remains of a World War Two carrier pigeon found in a chimney. Attached to the pigeon's leg bone was a canister containing a coded message. Since then, she has been fascinated by the war-time flights of these intelligent creatures and the secret messages they once delivered.'

Winning Bidder

Ann Cobb

Bids

2

£13

175

Eve Smith

Title: ONE Genre: Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://evesmithauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/evecsmith Book Blurb: One law. One child. Seven million crimes… A catastrophic climate emergency has spawned a one-child policy in the UK, ruthlessly enforced by a totalitarian regime. Compulsory abortion of ‘excess’ pregnancies and mandatory contraceptive implants are now the norm, and families must adhere to strict consumption quotas as the world descends into chaos. Kai is a 25-year-old ‘baby reaper’, working for the Ministry of Population and Family Planning. If any of her assigned families attempt to exceed their child quota, she ensures they pay the price. Until, one morning, she discovers that an illegal sibling on her Ministry hit-list is hers. To protect her parents from severe penalties, she must secretly investigate before anyone else finds out. Kai’s hunt for her forbidden sister unearths much more than a dark family secret. As she stumbles across a series of heinous crimes perpetrated by the people she trusted most, she makes a devastating discovery that could bring down the government … and tear her family apart. Author Bio: Eve Smith writes speculative thrillers, mainly about the things that scare her. She attributes her love of all things dark and dystopian to a childhood watching Tales of the Unexpected and Edgar Allen Poe double bills. Longlisted for the Not the Booker Prize and described by Waterstones as "an exciting new voice in crime fiction", Eve’s debut novel, The Waiting Rooms, set in the aftermath of an antibiotic resistance crisis, was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize First Novel Award and was selected as a Guardian Book of the Month. It was followed by Off-Target, about a world where genetic engineering of children is routine, which was a Book of the Month in The Times. Her latest thriller, ONE, is set in a near-future Britain where a One-Child policy is ruthlessly enforced by a totalitarian regime. Eve’s previous job at an environmental charity took her to research projects across Asia, Africa and the Americas, and she has an ongoing passion for wild creatures, wild science and far-flung places.

Winning Bidder

Barry Lea

Bids

4

£14

176

Trevor Wood

Title: You Can Run Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://trevorwoodauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrevorWoodWrite Book Blurb: It takes a village to save a child in this pulse-pounding standalone thriller from the acclaimed author of The Man on the Street. It wasn't her dad they were after. It was her. Ruby Winter is surprised when her reclusive father invites a stranger into their house. She eavesdrops on their conversation and is alarmed when she hears a fight break out. She dashes into the kitchen to save her dad but the stranger's the one lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Her dad urges her to pack a bag. They must quit their Northumbrian cottage and run. There isn't time to explain why. But as they try to flee her dad is captured. The only people who can help her are the villagers she has shunned her whole life. But, desperate to find her father and to work out who took him and why, she must seek their help. But what if learning the truth means discovering the life she once knew was a lie? Author Bio: Trevor Wood has lived in Newcastle for 30 years and considers himself an adopted Geordie, though he still can’t speak the language. He's a successful playwright who has also worked as a journalist and spin-doctor for the City Council. Prior to that he served in the Royal Navy for 16 years joining, presciently, as a Writer. Trevor holds an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) from UEA. His first novel, The Man on the Street, won the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger, the Crimefest Specsavers Best Crime Debut Award and was shortlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. He is represented by Oli Munson at AM Heath. Trevor is a founder member of the Northern Crime Syndicate and a volunteer cook at the People's Kitchen in Newcastle, which feeds more than 200 members of the homeless community every day.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£28

177

Barbara Henderson

Title: The Chessmen Thief Genre: Children - Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/BarbaraHenderson Twitter: https://twitter.com/scattyscribbler Book Blurb: Young Kylan was abducted from the Isle of Lewis in a Viking raid and now works in a carving workshop in Trondheim. The new Archbishop, however, has commissioned some chess sets as gifts for his trip to the Hebrides, and Kylan is determined to join the chess pieces on their perilous journey and find his freedom. It’s a deadly game. But he has made his move and there is no going back. Author Bio: Barbara Henderson is an award winning author of historical fiction for children. The Chessmen Thief is the 2022 winner of the Historical Association 's Young Quills Award and is widely studied in schools.

Winning Bidder

Kim Howard

Bids

3

£16

178

Alison Brown

Title: Everything is Possible Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.aliscribble.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliscribble Book Blurb: A joyful and inclusive lullaby about love, acceptance and following your heart . . . Strong and bold, or quiet and kind, every child is unique and their future filled with possibilities. Based on Fred Small’s iconic folk song that became an anthem for generations, and marking its 40th anniversary, Everything Possible celebrates love and friendship, gently encouraging children to dream their own dream and choose their own path, wherever it may take them. An inspiring and uplifting picture book for children everywhere. With a brand-new free ‘Stories Aloud’ audio recording and revised lyrics – scan the QR code at the end of the story to hear the song. Illustrator Bio: I grew up in Bangor, Northern Ireland and studied art at Manchester Metropolitan and Liverpool John Moores Universities and Goldsmiths College, London. I did a lot of formal studying, and learned a huge amount during that time, but I think my path towards a career in picture books began with my love of comics and cartoons, particularly "Peanuts", the creation of my hero, the great Charles M. Schulz. Before I became a full-time illustrator and writer, I did many other jobs including teaching English, working in a bookshop and designing Christmas and Halloween point-of-sale for Asda! I work with publishers in the UK and around the world including Bloomsbury, Farshore, Little Tiger Press, Oxford University Press, Simon & Schuster USA and Hinkler. My books have been published in Spanish (Castillian and Catalan), German, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, French, Finnish, Romanian, Afrikaans, Portuguese, Italian, Hebrew and this year, for the first time, in Scots Gaelic and Welsh! I am represented by The Plum Agency

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

179

Ruth Ware

Title: Zero Days Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://ruthware.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/RuthWareWriter Book Blurb: HOW CAN YOU HIDE WHEN THE ENEMY IS EVERYWHERE? Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband Gabe are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. To add to her horror, the police are closing in on their only suspect – her. On the run and out of options, Jack must decide who she can trust and how far she’s prepared to go. Can she figure out the truth, before her pursuers find her? International bestseller Ruth Ware returns with this adrenaline-fueled thriller about a woman in a race against time to clear her name and find her husband’s killer. Author Bio: Ruth Ware is an international number one bestseller. Her thrillers In a Dark, Dark Wood, The Woman in Cabin 10, The Lying Game, The Death of Mrs Westaway, The Turn of the Key, One by One and The It Girl have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including the Sunday Times and New York Times. Her books have been optioned for both film and TV, and she is published in more than 40 languages. Ruth lives near Brighton with her family.

Winning Bidder

Chloe Slim

Bids

7

£21

180

Rachel Hore

Title: The HIdden Years Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://rachelhore.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rachelhore Book Blurb: Told across two timelines, this story links a young woman who works as a matron at a Cornish school during the Second World War, and a student who drops out and follows her folk musician boyfriend to a commune in the 1960s. Author Bio: Rachel Hore is the Sunday Times bestselling author of fourteen novels, including the Richard & Judy Book Club choices A Place of Secrets, Last Letter Home and A Beautiful Spy. She lives in Norwich.

Winning Bidder

Deb Harrison

Bids

7

£27

181

Carrie Sellon

Title: Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions Genre: Middle Grade children’s novel (age 7-10) Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.carriesellon.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/carrie_sellon Book Blurb: Pete has made a promise - NEVER to leave home again. He loves living about the pizza shop with his dad. But when a new restaurant steals all their customers, Pete and his friend Anna must come up with an INGENIOUS plan to sell more pizzas, otherwise he’ll be forced to move. Throw in a briefcase of magical potions, a fire-breathing dog and an exploding headteacher, and Pete’s life soon ramps up from Margherita to Spicy Pepperoni! During the month of June 'Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions' was selected as the Times Children’s Book of the Week. Author Bio: Carrie Sellon was born in Bristol and now lives in Hampshire with her husband, three children, dog friend (Mabel), tortoise friend (Sid), chicken friends (Bluebell and Snowy) and thirty thousand bee friends (Andy, Pamela, Ellie, Mark…you get the idea). She used to travel the world making wildlife films for the BBC, but now, much like Pete, prefers hanging out at home, eating too much pizza. Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions is her first book - the first of a trilogy.

Winning Bidder

Nicola Pettitt

Bids

5

£15

182

Hazel Gaynor

Title: The Last Lifeboat Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://hazelgaynor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/HazelGaynor Book Blurb: 'Heart-wrenching . . . a story that needs to be remembered' FERN BRITTON 'Enthrallingly told . . . it's extraordinary how despite everything hope for the future shines out' RACHEL HORE Liverpool 1940. Alice King stands on the deck of SS Carlisle, waiting to escort a group of children to Canada as overseas evacuees. She is finally doing her bit for the war. In London, as the Blitz bombs rain down and the threat of German invasion looms, Lily Nicholls anxiously counts the days for news of her son and daughter's safe arrival. But when disaster strikes in the Atlantic, Alice and Lily - one at sea, the other on land - will quickly become one another's very best hope. The events of one night, and the eight unimaginable days that follow, will bind the two women together in unforgettable ways. Inspired by a remarkable true story, The Last Lifeboat is a gripping and triumphant tale of love, courage and hope against the odds. Author Bio: Hazel Gaynor is the New York Times, USA Today, and Irish Times bestselling author of ten novels, including The Bird in the Bamboo Cage and The Girl Who Came Home. Known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century, Hazel is a previous winner of the RNA Historical Novel Award, and is an HWA Gold Crown and Irish Book Awards shortlisted author. Her novels are translated into 20 languages. Originally from Yorkshire, she lives in Ireland with her family.

Winning Bidder

Jimmy Milligan

Bids

4

£27

183

Sital Gorasia Chapman

Title: The Maths Adventurers Build a Friendship Genre: Children Format: Hardback Picturebook Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://sitalgorasiachapman.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SGorasiaChapman Book Blurb: A fun and engaging introduction to shapes for children aged 5-7. Beep the robot would love nothing more than to have her own pet, like her friends do. One morning, she gets a surprise delivery - a parcel containing circles, squares, triangles, and pentagons for her to make her own robot cat! Beep realises that she can't make a pet pal from flat, two-dimensional shapes, so, with a flash of magic, the shapes become three-dimensional spheres, cubes, and pyramids. Join Beep as she tries different ways of putting shapes together to build her robot cat and make a best friend forever. Author Bio: Sital Gorasia Chapman writes fiction and non-fiction for children. She worked in finance before becoming a children’s author and is passionate about bringing maths to life for kids.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£12

184

Patricia M Osborne

Title: The Oath Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://whitewingsbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PMOsborneWriter Book Blurb: The Oath takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster with its captivating story set in the late Victorian era. Although heartbreaking, it is also uplifting, both of which may cause the reader to shed a tear or two. Marry the baronet, or vulnerable parents face la prison des pauvres France 1895 - Seventeen-year-old Françoise abandons her carefree life and sails for England to marry distant cousin Charles Dubois. On arrival she finds her groom aloof and evasive. 'Playtime is over. Seventeen is old enough to wed and bear a child.’ Draped in expensive silk brocade, she yearns for her homeland and comfortable gowns, and when she discovers the baronet’s clandestine visits, it is her cheery maid she turns to, her new confidante and friend. BETRAYAL – HEARTBREAK – FRIENDSHIP The Oath: A coming of age, historical fiction saga from the author of House of Grace family saga trilogy. Author Bio: Patricia M Osborne is married with grown-up children and grandchildren. In 2019 she graduated with an MA in Creative Writing. She is a published novelist, poet and short fiction writer with five poetry pamphlets published by The Hedgehog Poetry Press, and numerous poems and short stories appearing in various literary magazines and anthologies. Her debut poetry pamphlet, Taxus Baccata, was nominated for the Michael Marks Pamphlet Award. Patricia has a successful blog at http://Whitewingsbooks.com featuring other writers. When Patricia isn’t working on her own writing, she enjoys sharing her knowledge, acting as a mentor to fellow writers.

Winning Bidder

Mark Davidson

Bids

1

£50

185

Laura Noakes

Title: Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star Genre: Middle Grade Historical Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://lauranoakes.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauranoakes Book Blurb: Cosima Unfortunate has spent all her life at the Home for Unfortunate Girls – a school where any disabled children, or children deemed different, are sent, whether their families want it or not. It is there that she meets her friends – Pearl, Mary and Diya – and they start to practise mini heists involving the theft of cakes, biscuits and other sweet goodies. But when Cos finds out that Lord Francis Fitzroy, the explorer behind the Empire Exhibition, is planning to adopt them, she and her friends plot the biggest heist of their life. Instead of fondant fancies, they’re going to steal Fitzroy’s prized tiara, containing the legendary Star Diamond of India! But, as they start preparing for the day, Cosima finds herself drawing ever closer to discovering the one secret she’s always wanted to know – the truth about her parents… Author Bio: Laura Noakes grew up in Bedfordshire in a home full of books. She loved books so much she went to three universities after school, and graduated with a PhD in Legal History in 2021. Writing stories is her first love. She has Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, a disability that she shares with her main character, Cosima. Laura now lives in beautiful Cumbria with her husband, Connor, and their two mischievous cats, Scout & Sunny. Her debut book, Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star, was published by Harper Collins on May 25th 2023.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£21

186

Liz Hyder

Title: The Illusions Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Bonus - Liz will be adding a bookmark, postcard, and along with a dedication and signature will be adding a stamp to her book* LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/LizHyder Twitter: https://twitter.com/LondonBessie Book Blurb: At a time of extraordinary change, two women must harness their talents to take control of their own destiny. Bristol, 1896. Used to scraping a living as the young assistant to an ageing con artist, Cecily Marsden's life is turned upside down when her master suddenly dies. Believing herself to blame, could young Cec somehow have powers she little understands? Meanwhile Eadie Carleton, a pioneering early film-maker, struggles for her talent to be taken seriously in a male-dominated world, and a brilliant young magician, George Perris, begins to see the potential in moving pictures. George believes that if he can harness this new technology, it will revolutionise the world of magic forever - but in order to achieve his dreams, he must first win over Miss Carleton. As a group of illusionists prepare for a grand spectacle, Cec, Eadie and George's worlds collide. But as Cec falls in love with the bustling realm of theatre and magic, she faces the fight of her life to save the performance from sabotage and harness the element of real magic held deep within her. The Illusions is the captivating new novel from the much-lauded author of The Gifts. Inspired by real-life illusionists and early film pioneers, this astonishing story of women and talent, magic and power, sweeps you into a world where anything is possible and nothing is quite as it seems... Author Bio: LIZ HYDER has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. Bearmouth, her debut young adult novel, won a Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Branford Boase Award and was chosen as the Children’s Book of the Year by The Times. The Gifts, her acclaimed debut adult novel was published in 2022 and was shortlisted for the McKitterick Prize and selected as a Waterstones paperback of the year. She has a BA in drama from the University of Bristol and was, once upon a time, a member of the National Youth Theatre. Originally from London, she has lived in Shropshire for over a decade. The Illusions is her second adult novel.

Winning Bidder

Kate Dummett

Bids

5

£18

187

Isabella May

Two Book Special! Title: Spin the Bottle Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Title 2: Christmas at the Keanu Kindness Cafe Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK & Europe Only Website: https://isabellamayauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/IsabellaMayBks Book 1 Blurb: CELESTE thought she had long forgotten the sweet, citrusy kiss she shared with TRAVIS during a game of spin the bottle. Splitting her time between her accounts office in super Instagrammable Notting Hill, and her tiny apartment in quirky Exmouth Market, modern-day life is simply too busy for men. Besides, whenever she tries to find The One, it always ends in disaster. From Tinder tragedies to trampolining tribulations, Celeste is starting to think that she's cursed. But then Travis begins to pop up wherever she goes, and Celeste knows with stomach-sinking clarity that fate has finally caught up with them. Inspired by the idea of fake dating, Celeste is convinced the only way out of this mess is to call the curse's bluff. But will Travis agree to it? And how can she manage not to fall in love? Book 2 Blurb: When career burnout brings EVIE and JOE together in Glastonbury, random acts of festive kindness are the last thing on their minds. One year ago to the day, Joe mysteriously disappeared on Evie at their mutual friend’s Yuletide bierkeller bash in London, just as they were getting very well acquainted… an act that has sworn her off men for life. Both fellow city-dwellers are determined to spend their December sabbatical in the quirky town alone, and as planned, focusing on their make-or-break New Year’s resolutions… whilst one of them is stubbornly ignoring the fact they fancy the Christmas jumpers off one another. But nobody walks through the twinkly-lit doors of the mistletoe-decked Keanu Kindness Café without the selfless magic of the Hollywood star rubbing off on them! Especially when calamity strikes on Christmas Eve, ensuring Evie and Joe lock their reindeer antlers at last… Author Bio: Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up in Somerset on Glastonbury's ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories. After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento! All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her romcoms. Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

Winning Bidder

Daisy James

Bids

10

£25

188

Wenyan Lu

Title: The Funeral Cryer Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Humour Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Linktree: https://linktr.ee/wenyanlu Twitter: https://twitter.com/wenyan_lu Book Blurb: An Yu's Braised Pork meets Flaubert's Madame Bovary in this unforgettable, tragi-comic tale of one woman's mid-life re-awakening in contemporary rural China. The Funeral Cryer long ago accepted the mundane realities of her life: avoided by fellow villagers because of the stigma attached to her job as a professional mourner and under-appreciated by The Husband, whose fecklessness has pushed the couple close to the brink of break-up. But just when things couldn't be bleaker, The Funeral Cryer takes a leap of faith - and in so doing things start to take a surprising turn for the better . . . Dark, moving and wry, The Funeral Cryer is both an illuminating depiction of a 'left behind' society - and proof that it's never too late to change your life. Author Bio: Originally from Shanghai, China, Wenyan Lu is the winner of the SI Leeds Literary Prize 2020. Wenyan holds a Master of Studies in Creative Writing as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge. Her unpublished historical novel The Martyr's Hymn was also longlisted for SI Leeds Literary Prize 2018 and Bridport First Novel Prize 2019.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£36

189

JJ Arcanjo

Title: Crookhaven: The School for Thieves Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://jjarcanjo.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Joelarcanjo Book Blurb: 13-year-old Gabriel is a brilliant pickpocket, a skill which he uses to keep his often empty belly not quite so empty. And then one day, he's caught. But instead of being arrested, he is invited by the mysterious Caspian Crook to attend Crookhaven - a school for thieves. At Crookhaven, students are trained in lock-picking, forgery and 'crim-nastics', all with the intention of doing good out in the world, by conning the bad and giving back to the innocent. But ... can you ever really trust a thief? Author Bio: JJ Arcanjo is a half-Portuguese, half-English writer who grew up between the Algarve and Devon. He has a degree in Criminology and Psychology from Aberystwyth University and a Masters in Creative Writing and Publishing from City University, London. He’s published two crime novels for adults. His debut middle-grade book, CROOKHAVEN: THE SCHOOL FOR THIEVES, was published by Hachette in March 2023. The sequel, THE FORBIDDEN MAZE, was in August 2023.

Winning Bidder

Sabrina Accalai

Bids

2

£12

190

Ann Dix

Title: Little Mouse Finds a Safe Place Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://littlemousetraining.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/readanndix Book Blurb: Little-Mouse Finds a Safe Place is a children's storybook designed to help professionals support children who have experienced and witnessed domestic violence and abuse, and also contains guidelines on the key issues and how to use the story with individuals and groups. Author Bio: Ann isa writer, dramatherapist, supervisor and trainer. She works with children and families, as well as training on mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Winning Bidder

Jade Heron

Bids

1

£11

191

Katie Munnik

Title: The Heart Beats in Secret. Genre: Literary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://katiemunnik.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/messy_table Book Blurb: A powerful story of three generations of women, the stories that define them and a wild goose that stalks the kitchen. Spanning war-time Scotland, rural Quebec in the 1960s, and contemporary Ottawa, this story explores the wilderness of the heart and the secrets concealed with every beat. Author Bio: Katie Munnik is a Canadian writer and storyteller living in Cardiff, UK. In 2017, she won the Borough Press Open Submission, and her debut novel The Heart Beats in Secret was a USA Today Bestseller. Her prose, poetry, and creative non-fiction have been published in magazines, journals and newspapers in the UK, the USA, and Canada. Her second novel The Aerialists was published in April 2022 by the Borough Press UK.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

192

Katie Munnik

Book Title: The Aerialists Genre: Literary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://katiemunnik.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/messy_table Book Blurb: *WATERSTONES WELSH BOOK OF THE MONTH* Paris, 1891. Laura is living on the streets, far from the American Prairies where she was born. When rescued by the entrancing aerialists, Ena and Auguste Gaudron, she soon finds herself ensconced in the family hot air balloon business, and offered the chance to learn how to fly. Cardiff, 1896. The Gaudrons accept an invitation to be part of the Cardiff Fine Art, Industrial and Maritime Exhibition, presenting a daring show of balloon ascents and parachute descents. Then late one night, a young girl, Grace, knocks on the Gaudrons’ door. She is desperate to fly, whatever the cost. As Grace’s dreams begin to take wing, can Laura be the one to keep her grounded? Or will both girls risk it all for one dazzling moment of flight? Author Bio: Katie Munnik is a Canadian writer and storyteller living in Cardiff, UK. In 2017, she won the Borough Press Open Submission, and her debut novel The Heart Beats in Secret was a USA Today Bestseller. Her prose, poetry, and creative non-fiction have been published in magazines, journals and newspapers in the UK, the USA, and Canada. Her second novel The Aerialists was published in April 2022 by the Borough Press UK.

Winning Bidder

Andrew Harnett

Bids

2

£20

193

Francesca Capaldi

Four Book Series! Title 1: Heartbreak in the Valleys Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Title 2: War in the Valleys Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Title 3: Hope in the Valleys Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Title 4: Trouble in the Valleys Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.francesca-capaldi.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCapaldiBurgess Book 1 Blurb: Heartbreak in the Valleys: November 1914: For housemaid, Anwen Rhys, life is hard in the Welsh mining village of Dorcalon in World War 1. When her fiancé is invalided out of the army, he returns a changed man, quickly breaking off their engagement. When tragedy again strikes, will Anwen ever find the happiness she deserves? Book 2 Blurb: War in the Valleys: July 1916: The life of young mother, Violet Jones, caring for two young children, becomes harder as the Great War take its toll on the small mining community. Violet takes in a relative to help make ends meet. But far from easing her burden, it might turn out to be the worst decision she’s ever made… Book 3 Blurb: Hope in the Valleys: August 1917: As the Great War continues, Elizabeth Meredith, daughter of the mine manager, longs to break free of society’s expectations. Falling in love with a miner forces her to choose between love and her family duty. Will her love become another casualty of war? Book 4 Blurb: Trouble in the Valleys: Spring 1919: The war is over, but Polly Smith is still trying to survive her own battle at home. After her abusive husband is jailed, Polly, now a single mother, becomes the subject of cruel gossip. A job offer throws her a lifeline, but dark secrets from her previous life emerge. Will her past mistakes ruin her future? Author Bio: Francesca was born and brought up in Sussex and has enjoyed writing since she was a child, encouraged by a Welsh mother who loved story telling. The War in the Valley series, set in Wales in World War 1, was inspired by the discovery of the war record of her great grandfather, a miner in South Wales. Her latest series, The Beach Hotel, is set in her own childhood town, where her Italian father had a café by the riverside. They are published by Hera Books. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists. Francesca currently lives on the North Downs in Kent with her family and a cat called Lando Calrission. Author Bio::

Winning Bidder

Carolyn Robertshaw

Bids

5

£18

194

Eliza Morton

Title: The Orpans From Liverpool Lane Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.elizamorton.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiverpoolGirl72 Book Blurb: All she want is to go home . . . 1944, Liverpool. Marcia is only twelve years old the first time she is sent to the orphanage with her older sister, Cynthia. With their father in a POW camp in Singapore, her mother is struggling to cope and hands them over to the nuns to be 'orphans of the living' - a harsh term for those children with living parents, whose families have abandoned them. Things look up when their father finally returns and the girls are allowed home but it's clear the years in the camp have taken their toll on the sweet man Marcia barely remembers and the family disintegrates. Cynthia finds an escape with an aunt and via her ambitions to be a dancer but Marcia is sent back to the orphanage. And while she finds friends among her fellow 'orphans', it's no substitute for the family she so desperately craves . . . Author Bio: I was an actress before I became a writer and trained at The Guildhall School of Drama. My father’s family was from Liverpool which was where I was brought up. He was one of ten, his mother was widowed before the war and the children for a short time were placed in an orphanage, which meant that they would have been what were known as ‘orphans of the living’. I am fortunate to have been brought up hearing a wealth of stories about their lives in Liverpool during the war and after, tales of the docks, the city rebuilding, the challenges and triumphs, loves and tragedies, and always the humour and resilience. I am part of an acting family (I am married to Peter Davison, an ex Doctor Who and the step mother-in-law of another Doctor Who). I sometimes wonder if one of the reasons I was so driven to write my Liverpool sagas was to get away from all the sci-fi in the house. My version of time travel! After working as an actress (I had two small boys and wanted to work from home) I went to the Royal Court Young Writers Group. I then began writing scripts. I have written for C4 Films, BBC Films, the soap opera Doctors and received a bursary from ITV spending time in the story conference room on Coronation Street. I have also written for Brief Lives Radio 4 drama series. I am an award winning short story writer. I have won prizes in Margery Allingham Short Story Crime award, Bath Short Story award, London Writer’s Competition, and several others, but my journey to published author took off when I was runner up in the Trisha Ashley short story competition. Trisha recommended me to my agent Judith Murdoch. My first two books are published by Penguin, and I have three books out by PanMacmillan, two more commissioned in my Eliza Morton Orphans trilogy. I hope to continue writing my books for as long as I have breath in me. I can’t imagine running out of ideas. Liverpool has so many stories to tell and I feel happy and proud to be part of retelling them through my books.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£14

195

Elizabeth McGinty

Title: The Italian Connection Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Large Print Soft Cover Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pen_Paper_Write Book Blurb: Junior writer Megan fears she has taken on too much when she accepts a magazine travel assignment in Italy. Yet as she copes with setback and shares her experiences with her new online followers, her confidence grows-along with her love for the beautiful country, and her feelings for brooding farmer Giovanni. But will her jealous, spiteful colleague Anna ruin everything? Author Bio: Elizabeth McGinty, lives in Scotland, where she studied creative writing. She writes short stories, pocket novels and occasional poems for popular women’s magazines. Three of her novels have also been published in large print by Ulverscroft.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£60

196

Serena Molloy

Title: Wider Than The Sea Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://serenamolloy.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/happy_scribbler Book Blurb: The powerful tale of a girl who feels broken, and the dolphin who makes her whole. A story of friendship, hope and self-discovery, perfect for readers aged 9+, and beautifully illustrated in black and white by George Ermos. Ró finds school impossible. She knows people think she's shy - and stupid. But when she goes to the bay each afternoon to watch the dolphin leap through the water, she finds the strength to keep going. Then the dolphin disappears, and everything starts falling apart. Can Ró overcome her fears to find him? I watch each rise and dip of wave know Sunny must be out there somewhere wonder if he's missing me. I remember that moment when I touched his skin and know that finding him is the only thing that can make the aching stop make me feel not broken. Author Bio: Serena Molloy was born in Wexford, Ireland and has worked as an English teacher in many schools in the UK and Ireland. She settled in Galway with her family where she can see the sea every day. As a mum of four her house is always noisy but never, ever dull. Having struggled with dyslexia as a child, her novels are a celebration of neurodiversity, empathy and the power to change.

Winning Bidder

Lucy Albrighton

Bids

4

£14

197

Jennifer Page

Title: The Little Board Game Café Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://jenniferpage.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenpagewrites Book Blurb: When Emily loses her job, house and boyfriend all within a matter of days, she's determined to turn a negative into a positive and follow her dream of running a small cafe in the gorgeous Yorkshire village of Essendale. But she quickly finds she's bitten off more than she can chew when the 'popular' cafe she takes over turns out to secretly be a failing business. Emily desperately needs a way to turn things around, and help comes from the unlikeliest of places when she meets local board game-obsessed GP Ludek. But when a major chain coffee shop opens on the high street, Emily is forced to question if she'll ever be able to compete. Has she risked everything on something destined to fail? Or can a playful twist, a homely welcome, and a sprinkle of love make Emily's cafe the destination she's always dreamed of? Author Bio: Jennifer Page wrote her first novel - a book about ponies - when she was eight. These days she prefers to write romance. The Little Board Game Café is her debut novel, and when she isn't writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games. She has worked as a television producer, a music teacher and has even run a children's opera company. She now lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband and his large collection of games.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£32

198

Sinéad O'Hart

Title: The Silver Road Genre: Children's fiction (8+) Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage and Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Global Website: https://sjohart.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJOHart Book blurb: The Old Magic isn't remembered like it once was. Its power is fading... When Rosaleen Darke is entrusted with a powerful stone by an ice-giant, it leads her to discover a world of magic hiding beneath her feet. Magic that runs through the land: the Silver Road. But the Silver Road is in danger and, in the wrong hands, the stone that Rose guards could destroy its magic forever. Together with a mysterious not-quite-cat and a few drops of courage, Rose must face one-eyed gods, fearsome fire-witches and unearthly warriors to keep the magic alive... Author bio: Sinéad O'Hart is a children's author, a children's literature podcaster (she co-hosts Storyshaped, available on all podcasting platforms), and a parent, all of which keeps her busy (but not too bust to read). She's the author of The Eye of the North, The Star-Spun Web, Skyborn, The Time Tider and The Silver Road, and sometimes she can't quite believe she's lucky enough to do what she loves most (putting fictional people into frankly dangerous situations) as a job!

Winning Bidder

Ruth Paterson

Bids

1

£12

199

James Holland

Title: The Savage Storm: The Battle for Italy 1943 Genre: History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.griffonmerlin.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/James1940 Book Blurb: From the bestselling author of Brothers in Arms comes the story of the most pivotal Allies campaign of World War II. With the invasion of France the following year taking shape, and hot on the heels of victory in Sicily, the Allies crossed into Southern Italy in September 1943. They expected to drive the Axis forces north and be in Rome by Christmas. And although Italy surrendered, the German forces resisted fiercely and the swift hoped-for victory descended into one of the most brutal battles of the war. Even though shipping and materiel were already being safeguarded for the D-Day landings, there were still huge expectations on the progress of the invading armies, but those shortages were to slow the advance with tragic consequences. As the weather closed in, the critical months leading up to Monte Cassino would inflict a heavy price for every bloody, hard fought mile the Allied troops covered. Chronicling those dark, dramatic months in unflinching and insightful detail, The Savage Storm is unlike any campaign history yet written. James Holland has always recounted the Second World War at ground level, but this version telling brings the story vividly to life like never before. Weaving together a wealth of letters, diaries, and other incredible documents, Holland traces the battles as they were fought - across plains, over mountains, through shattered villages and cities, in intense heat and, towards the end, frigid cold and relentless rain - putting readers at the heart of the action to create an entirely fresh and revealing telling of this most pivotal phase of the war. Author Bio: James Holland is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. The author of the best-selling historical novels, he has also written nine works of historical fiction. He regularly appears on television and radio, and has written and presented the BAFTA-shortlisted documentaries. Co-founder and Programme Director of the Chalke Valley History Festival, he has his own collection at the Imperial War Museum, and is Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£35

200

Alison Stockham

Title: The Cuckoo Sister Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Bonus: Alison is adding a silver coloured metal feather bookmark & a chocolate bar to her lot for her successful bidder. Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlisonStockham Book Blurb: You want your sister to have all her heart desires. But - what if she wants your children? Maggie has everything her sister Rose always wanted. A handsome husband and two adorable children, Emily and Elliot. But what Rose doesn’t see is that Maggie is struggling. Every day is a fog of sleep loss and mess made by two tiny children. Left alone in her distress by husband Stephen, Maggie drifts ever closer to the edge. When Maggie finally cracks, walking out one day and not returning, Rose is right there to step into the breach . . . You trust your sister to look after your children. But should you? Author Bio: Alison Stockham’s debut novel The Cuckoo Sister was a top 10 bestseller and also longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize. Having worked in TV documentary production for the BBC and Channel 4, Alison is now the Events Coordinator for the Cambridge Literary Festival.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

2

£12

201

Elizabeth Buchan

Three Book Special Title 1: Consider the Lily Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Title 2: Two Women in Rome Genre: Historical Fiction - Romance Format: Paperback Title 3: Light of the Moon Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://elizabethbuchan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/elizabethbuchan Book 1 Blurb: When a choice must be made between love and duty, solace comes in unexpected forms… Summer, 1929. The Hinton Dysart estate is dying from lack of money, and Kit Dysart, the heir, sees no way out. Then, at his sister’s wedding, he meets the vibrant Daisy Chudleigh and her cousin, the heiress Matty Verrall. In love with Daisy but troubled by his family’s decline, Kit chooses to marry Matty, though neither Kit nor Daisy is able to forget the other. When Matty, growing increasingly unhappy in her troubled, empty marriage, decides to re-create the estate’s garden, she discovers solace and a gift of which she never dreamed. A haunting, passionate story played out between three people, Consider the Lily is also a poignant and beautiful novel of England between the wars that propels the reader into its own rich and nostalgic world. Book 2 Blurb: In the Eternal City, no secret stays hidden forever… Lottie Archer arrives in Rome excited to begin her new job as an archivist. When she discovers a valuable fifteenth-century painting, she is drawn to find out more about the woman who left it behind, Nina Lawrence. Nina seems to have led a rewarding and useful life, restoring Italian gardens to their full glory following the destruction of World War Two. So why did no one attend her funeral in 1978? In exploring Nina’s past, Lottie unravels a tragic love story beset by the political turmoil of post-war Italy. And as she edges closer to understanding Nina, she begins to confront the losses in her own life. Book 3 Blurb: I thought loving someone was simple. It isn’t. Glorious, yes. Painful, yes. Unforgettable, yes. Simple, no. It took me the war to find out… Evelyn St. John has been parachuted into France to link up with the Resistance and to work undercover. Paul von Hoch’s brief, as a member of German Intelligence, is to track down enemy spies. When Evelyn and Paul meet and fall in love, their feelings for one another are fierce, but can never be uncomplicated. And when the battle lines shift, and patriotism gives way to deeper truths, they will both face the gravest of challenges. Author Bio: Elizabeth Buchan began her career as a blurb writer at Penguin Books after graduating from the University of Kent with a double degree in English and History. She moved on to become a fiction editor at Random House before leaving to write full-time. Her novels include the award-winning Consider the Lily and the international bestseller, Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman. Other novels include The New Mrs Clifton and The Museum of Broken Promises. Elizabeth Buchan’s short stories are broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and published in magazines. She has reviewed for The Times, the Sunday Times and the Daily Mail, and has chaired the Betty Trask and Desmond Elliot literary prizes. She has been a judge for the Whitbread First Novel Award and for the 2014 Costa Novel Award. She is a patron of the Guildford Book Festival and co-founder of the Clapham Book Festival.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£26

202

Ann Bloxwich

*Ann will name a character in her next book after the winner, or after someone they nominate Two Book Special Title 1: What Goes Around Title 2: Goodnight, God Bless Genre: Crime Thrillers Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://annbloxwichauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnBloxwich Book 1 Blurb: What Goes Around Vicky Wilson is dating Ray Diamond, legendary stripper and renowned bad boy. On a night out with friends, she goes backstage with Ray during the show and disappears... When a woman’s body is discovered following a ladies’ night at a local club, Detective Inspector Alex Peachey is called back from leave to investigate. With a house move imminent and issues with his disabled son; it’s the last thing Alex needs but he has no choice when his colleague is taken ill. Ray claims he’s being framed when all evidence points to him, but is he telling the truth or is he simply arrogant enough to think he can get away with murder? Book 2 Blurb: Goodnight, God Bless Goodnight, God Bless. (Alex Peachey book two). DI Alex Peachey is drawn into a bizarre case. The mutilated body of a man is found in a disused aircraft hangar, and the killer has left a calling card. At the same time, abuse survivor Jean Harrison receives a card through the post, bearing the words ‘Goodnight, God Bless’. Alison Munroe runs a therapy group helping women who were abused as children to work through their experiences and fears. When former member Jean comes to her for support, Alison finds herself caught up in the middle of a murder inquiry when she realises that the killer is targeting the former abusers of her group members, murdering them in ways that are specific to each of the women’s experiences - experiences that have only ever been disclosed in the group’s sessions. Alex and his team have to tread carefully to find out not only who is torturing and killing the paedophiles, but also to protect the anonymity of the group. How is the killer getting their information? When one of Alex’s colleagues is implicated, Alex questions whether or not he knows his team as well as he should. Is the killer someone from the group’s past or does the answer lie closer to home? Author Bio: I'm a lifelong fan of crime fiction, and started writing after attending my first ever crime writing festival in Harrogate. I'd wanted to write for a long time, but meeting so many wonderful authors gave me the push to do it. Having a disabled child myself, and having also worked at one time as a promoter for a bunch of male strippers, I figured that these things would make an interesting backdrop for a crime novel, and so DI Alex Peachey was born. Many of the things that Alex has to deal with are issues I've experienced myself - they say write what you know! Shortly after that festival I attended an excellent crime writing workshop called 'Crime & Publishment' in Gretna Green, run by author and hotelier Graham Smith. We've produced two anthologies, 'Happily Never After' and 'Wish You Weren't Here', the proceeds of which went to two different charities. The support I got from the people on this course prompted me to uproot the family and move from the West Midlands to Scotland. However, I decided to keep my books set in the West Midlands because I know it so well. As well as reading, I also love rock music, cats and tea. When I'm not writing, I can usually be found wherever there is a book festival.

Winning Bidder

Mike Dinsdale

Bids

3

£50

203

SJ Wills

Title: BITE RISK Genre: Thriller (age 11+) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophsWills Book Blurb: When everyone's a vicious beast, it's hard to spot the monsters . . . The first book in S. J. Wills' blockbuster teen horror series, perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Fear Street and Skulduggery Pleasant. Sel Archer lives in a normal town with normal residents, except for one night a month . . . When the full moon comes out, almost all of the adults turn into werewolves, and it's up to the young people to protect themselves from danger. But, as this quiet life begins to unravel, and the Turned start to escape, can Sel and his friends uncover exactly who – or what – is watching their every move, before it's too late? Welcome, to the TOWN OF THE TURNED Author: S.J. Wills grew up in Chelmsford, Essex, where her parents let her choose any books she wanted from the library. She has worked as a freelance copyeditor since 2003, alongside rediscovering her childhood love: writing her own stories. She lives in Kent with her writer husband, two sons, and a large, bouncing poodle.

Winning Bidder

Adam David Searle

Bids

3

£16

204

Jon Richter

Title: Jon Richter's Dark Fiction Genre: Horror (anthology of short stories) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://jon-richter.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/richterwrites Book Blurb: Jon Richter returns to horror with a new collection of short, chilling tales, splicing together his best previously published works with a batch of nerve-shredding new fiction. Encompassing science fiction and fantasy as well as gothic horror and outright weirdness, the anthology is brought twitching and wriggling to life by the brilliant illustrations of David T Wilby. Dark Fiction will slake the thirst of anyone who craves original, fiendishly crafted stories with twist endings that cling to you long after you've finished reading... Author Bio: Jon Richter writes dark fiction, and is the author of four crime thrillers (Chains, Rabbit Hole, Never Rest and Deadly Burial) as well as three collections of short horror fiction (Jon Richter's Disturbing Works: Volumes One and Two, and his latest release DARK FICTION), cyberpunk thriller Auxiliary, and psychological techno-thriller The Warden. Jon lives in London and loves immersing himself in all things dark and sinister, whether they're books, films, video games or even board games – any way to tell a great story! If you want to chat to him about this, or about anything at all, you can find him on Twitter @RichterWrites or Instagram @jonrichterwrites; he’d also love it if you would check out his website at http://jon-richter.com. Jon also co-hosts two podcasts: the dark fiction podcast, Dark Natter, and the cyberpunk podcast, Hosts In The Shell, which you can find wherever you get your podcast fix.

Winning Bidder

Chloe Elizabeth

Bids

3

£13

205

Anita Frank

Title: The Good Liars Genre: Psychological Historical Thrillers Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ajes74 Book Blurb: From the author of stunning historical fiction books comes a new story of crime, deceit, and murder, set in the early 1920s… In the summer of 1914 a boy vanishes, never to be seen again. Now, in 1920, the once esteemed Stilwell family of Darkacre Hall find themselves struggling with the legacy of the First World War. Leonard bears the physical scars, while his brother Maurice has endured more than his mind can take. Maurice’s wife Ida yearns for the lost days of privilege and pleasure and family friend Victor seems unwilling to move on. But their lives are thrown into further disarray when the missing boy’s case is reopened – and this time they themselves are under police scrutiny. As the dead return to haunt the living, old resentments resurface and loyalties are tested, while secrets risk being unearthed that could destroy them all. Author Bio: A farmer’s daughter from Shropshire, Anita studied English and American History at the University of East Anglia before moving to London to work in media analysis and communications. She left paid employment to become a stay-at-home mum when she had the first of her three children. Sadly, Anita‘s youngest child developed a rare form of epilepsy in infancy which has left him severely mentally disabled and she is now his full-time-carer, but she has begun snatching what time she can to pursue her lifelong ambition of writing historical fiction. Anita now lives in Berkshire with her husband, her two lovely girls and her gorgeous boy, a fluffy cat with an attitude, and a bonkers Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Winning Bidder

STUART CORNES

Bids

9

£30

206

Michelle Kidd

Title: Missing Boy. Genre: Crime Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://michellekiddauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKidd Book Blurb: A missing child. A killer on the loose. A past that refuses to die. Six year old Lucas Jackson disappears at a local fair - every parent’s worst nightmare. And the case is too close to home for Detective Inspector Nicki Hardcastle. It’s clear the Jackson family are keeping secrets, and Nicki and her team face a race against time to find the missing boy. But as the case evolves, it becomes clear the past Nicki thought was buried forever is about to catch up with her. Author Bio: Michelle Kidd is the author of the DI Jack MacIntosh and DI Nicki Hardcastle books published by Joffe Books, With a background in criminal and civil litigation, Michelle now works full time for the NHS.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

207

Luisa A. Jones

Title: The Gilded Cage Genre: Historical fiction Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://luisaajones.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Taffy_lulu Book Blurb: 1897. Rosamund bows her head and steps slowly down the aisle. The satin of her gown whispers against the stone floor and a single tear falls into the bunch of yellow roses twisted in her trembling hands. Despite rumours of his cruelty, Rosamund has no choice but to become this man’s second wife. After her wedding, Rosamund finds herself trapped in Sir Lucien Fitznorton’s lonely country estate. As she wanders the chilly halls, made shadowy by drapes of heavy velvet, she longs for the lost comforts of her childhood home, where she was the beloved only daughter to a doting father, now buried miles away. As a young woman with no fortune of her own, only death can release her from this misery. Until she meets Joseph, her husband’s gruffly handsome new chauffeur. With his mop of salt-and-pepper hair and lilting accent, Joseph is from another world. One of clambering children and tea at scrubbed kitchen tables, the hollow scratch of hunger and long hours of hard work. Despite their differences, they find themselves increasingly drawn to one other. But Sir Lucien is not only cruel, he’s devious too, and soon Rosamund finds herself caught in a dangerous web of secrets and lies. Is Rosamund’s fragile marriage nothing but a golden cage, trapping her between two men who desire her… and to what end? One holds her captive and the other offers a hope of escape… but who really holds the key to Rosamund’s gilded prison? A gripping and emotional historical novel, fans of Lucinda Riley and Tracy Rees won’t be able to put this book down. Author Bio: Luisa A Jones lives in South Wales, and takes inspiration from the Welsh countryside, towns, history, and of course its people. Her writing explores the dynamics within relationships, the pressures that mental health issues can exert on people, and how these can be overcome. Luisa studied Classical Studies at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, University of London. Her previous jobs have included tour guide in an historic house; teacher in both primary and secondary schools; careers adviser; and corporate trainer/assessor. Luisa loves using her creativity for crafting and baking, as well as writing historical and contemporary fiction with romantic elements. She and her husband are the proud owners of Gwynnie, a Volkswagen camper van built in 1974, which inspired the story behind Luisa's first book, Goes Without Saying. They have three children, a dog, and two cats. Becoming an author fulfilled a lifelong ambition.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£16

208

Sam Blake

Title: Something Terrible Happened Last Night Genre: YA - Mystery/Crime/Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.samblakebooks.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samblakebooks Book Blurb: It’s Katie’s 17th birthday – the dancefloor is packed, the drink is flowing and Rave-fess, the Raven’s Hill School confession site, is alight with gossip. Then a huge fight breaks out, sending guests fleeing. When Frankie, Jess and Sorcha go back to help Katie clear up her wrecked house before her parents get home, they find more than broken bottles … There’s a body on the living room floor. The gripping teen thriller that will keep everyone guessing. Author Bio: Sam Blake a multiple No 1 bestselling crime writer, who has been shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year three times. Her 7th bestseller, The Mystery of Four, and her recently published YA debut, Something Terrible Happened Last Night, are both in shops now. Follow her on social @samblakebooks and find out more at www.samblakebooks.com, where you can join her Reader's Club and get a free book. Sam is the founder of Ireland's International Crime Writing Festival, Murder One, and is the coordinator for National Crime Reading Month in the UK and Ireland (June 2023). She is a board member of the Society of Authors and the Crime Writers Association.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

4

£16

209

Joanne Clague

Title: The Ragged Valley Genre: Historical fiction Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packing: FREE Bids accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonewsiom Book Blurb: A farm boy seeking his fortune, a governess resigned to her role, and the engineer who has just completed the crowning glory of his career - the Dale Dyke dam. When the dam bursts one stormy night, their fates entwine. A thrilling saga inspired by the real events of the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864, The Ragged Valley is the first novel in the Sheffield Sagas trilogy. Author Bio: Born and raised in Sheffield, Joanne lives in the coastal village of Laxey in the Isle of Man with her husband, children, dogs and other assorted wildlife. She has worked in print, radio and broadcast journalism in the north west for the past three decades and is now a full-time writer of historical fiction set in nineteenth century Sheffield.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

210

Erica Laine

Book Series: Isabella Trilogy Book1: Isabella of Angoulême: The Tangled Queen Part 1 Genre: Historical Fiction Paperback Book2: Isabella of Angoulême: The Tangled Queen Part 2 Genre: Historical Fiction Paperback Book3: Isabella of Angoulême: The Tangled Queen Part 3 Genre: Historical Fiction Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://ericalainewriter.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaineEleslaine The Book: Isabella of Angoulême Set in the thirteenth century, the kingdoms of England and France are struggling over territory as the powerful Angevins threaten the French king. In regions far from Paris local fiefdoms disregard all authority. The Tangled Queen is the story of the little known and very young Isabella of Angoulême who was abducted by King John in 1200. She became his second wife and queen consort, aged 12. He was the most reviled king in English history and his lust for her led to the loss of Normandy and the destruction of the Plantagenet Empire, which then brought about the Magna Carta. Isabella came of age in England, but was denied her place in court. Her story is full of thwarted ambition, passion, pride and cruelty. She longed for power of her own and returned to France after the death of John to live a life of treachery and intrigue… The Book: Isabella of Angoulême: The Tangled Queen Part 2 Set in the thirteenth century, the kingdoms of England and France continue to struggle over territory. King John’s widow, Isabella of Angoulême, Queen of England is ignored and unwanted by the English court. She moves back to France to claim her inheritance. The English councillors expect her to be biddable to them and to guard these lands for King Henry III, her nine-year-old son. But in the Poitou, a region far from Paris and London, local fiefdoms ignore all forms of authority. The Tangled Queen is the story of Isabella’s determination to forge her own powerful domain. She has to face forceful men who would stop her at every turn. She intrigues and plots to make her dream a reality and she learns to play all sides against each other. Isabella’s second controversial marriage is one full of passion, pride and politics. Treachery becomes second nature as her ambitions soar. She must be unassailable. The Book: Isabella of Angoulême: The Tangled Queen Part 3 The thirteenth century is a chaotic time of struggle for the mastery of France and England. A very young king on each throne. Precarious power for each one. Isabella of Angoulême, Queen of England, Countess of Angoulême, Countess of la Marche, the widow of King John and the new wife of the powerful Hugh Lusignan, is as ambitious, proud and as wilful as ever. In England her son Henry III, looks longingly to the lands in France that his father lost. Can he reclaim them? Will his mother help him? Her plans and schemes never cease as she builds alliances to bring her new family power and territory. 'The Tangled Queen Part 3' is the final story of her determination to claim her place in France at last, to be seen as a queen at all times. Who will stop her? Who can stop her? She will not be thwarted. The Author: Erica Lainé was born in Southampton and originally studied for the theatre at the Arts Educational School in Tring. After working in London and training as a speech and drama teacher she moved to Hong Kong with her family. Here she worked for the British Council for 20 years as a teacher and educational projects manager. Since 1997 she has lived in south west France where she became interested in all sorts of historical research and writing as President of the Aquitaine Historical Society. This led to a focus on Isabella of Angoulême and her life and times. The Aquitaine region is rich in English and French history and Isabella was woven into both. Author of the trilogy 'Isabella of Angoulême: The Tangled Queen', Erica continues to be fascinated by and to write about 13th century France and England.

Winning Bidder

Janet Beauchamp

Bids

2

£20

211

Sarah Watts

Title: What Happened to Evie Del Rio? Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://cahilldavispublishing.co.uk/authors/sarah-watts Twitter: https://twitter.com/SKWattsWrites Book Blurb: Evie Del Rio was the one, as far as Ed Nash was concerned. Their teenage love was the inspiration for his song ‘Used to Be’ and helped Ed's indie band, The Mountaineers, to international fame. But when Evie and her family suddenly up sticks and leave their London home without a forwarding address, she leaves a heartbroken Ed behind too. Over thirty years later washed up rocker Ed is suddenly back in the limelight when Evie's love song is used as the theme tune for a new TV drama. Once the song is later featured on TV documentary ‘Musical Muses: The Girl in the Song’ it’s suddenly not just Ed who’s asking… What happened to Evie Del Rio? Author Bio: I've always enjoyed the written word and I have a great passion for music so I decided to put the two together and the result is my debut novel 'What Happened to Evie Del Rio?' I like to think I'm enjoying my 'middle youth' rather than my 'middle age'. I'm married and Mum to two sons and owned by a black rescue cat called Hector who often features on my Instagram account. I enjoy going to gigs and discovering new music. I also love reading women's fiction but I do have a bit of a penchant for crime and psychological thrillers! If I'm not on social media, reading or listening to music then you will probably find me on a football pitch cheering on my youngest son and his team.

Winning Bidder

Ashley Penny

Bids

5

£15

212

Liz Nugent

Title: Strange Sally Diamond Genre: Crime Thriller - Domestic Noir Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.liznugent.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizzienugent The Book: Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died. Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and worried police, but also a sinister voice from a past she has no memory of. As she begins to discover the horrors of her childhood, recluse Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, finding independence, and learning that people don't always mean what they say. But when messages start arriving from a stranger who knows far more about her past than she knows herself, Sally's life will be thrown into chaos once again . . . 'What a terrific storyteller Liz Nugent is! Brilliantly structured, fluently told, rich in unsettling incident and pulsing with dark, tumultuous energy' Irish Times The Author: Title: Strange Sally Diamond Genre: Crime Thriller - Domestic Noir Format: Rare Editor's Proof Dedication is Available Postage: Free Globally Website: https://www.liznugent.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizzienugent The Book: Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died. Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and worried police, but also a sinister voice from a past she has no memory of. As she begins to discover the horrors of her childhood, recluse Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, finding independence, and learning that people don't always mean what they say. But when messages start arriving from a stranger who knows far more about her past than she knows herself, Sally's life will be thrown into chaos once again . . . 'What a terrific storyteller Liz Nugent is! Brilliantly structured, fluently told, rich in unsettling incident and pulsing with dark, tumultuous energy' Irish Times The Author: Liz Nugent worked as a stage manager in theatres in Ireland and toured internationally before writing extensively for radio and television drama. Unravelling Oliver was published in 2014, hit the number 1 spot for several weeks and won Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards. Lying in Wait, published in 2016, went straight to number 1 and was chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club. It won the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listeners Choice Award at the Irish Book Awards. In October 2017, Liz won the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award in Literature. Skin Deep was published in 2018. It also went straight to number 1 in the bestsellers charts and scooped two awards at the An Post Irish Book Awards in Nov '18: Crime Novel of the Year AND the Radio 1 Ryan Tubridy Listener's Choice Award. Little Cruelties (Our Little Cruelties) was published in 2020. Another number 1 bestseller, it topped the charts for fifteen weeks, was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, long listed for a CWA award at Theakston Crime Festival at Harrogate. It was listed as one of the most recommended thrillers of the Year by the New York Times. Liz was presented with the James Joyce Medal for Literature (via Zoom!) in February 21 and was a Guest of Honour at Iceland Noir in November 21. Liz’s “wickedly dark, twisted and brilliantly observed” fifth novel, Strange Sally Diamond, was published in the UK & Ireland by Penguin Sandycove in March 2023, and went straight to number one in Ireland. It was published in Canada & the US on July 18th 2023.

Winning Bidder

Fiona McCormick

Bids

5

£40

213

Beth Walker

Title: Olly Brown, God of Hamsters Genre: Middle Grade (children's), funny Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://bethanywalkerwriter.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bethanywwriter Book Blurb: Olly Brown is hamster obsessed. But his dad won't allow any pets, so Olly never gets to take the Year 6 class hamster home. Then the most AMAZING thing happens: a hamster shows up at Olly's house anyway! And it seems smart. Like, really smart. Olly soon learns it's one of many: there's a whole civilisation of super-advanced intelligent hamsters who seem to be ... worshipping Olly as a god? This is so awesome! But how is this possible? Author Bio: Bethany lives in Lincolnshire with her husband and two children and no hamsters. Olly Brown, God of Hamsters is Bethany's fourth book.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

214

Kathleen McGurl

Book Title: The Storm Girl Genre: Historical/dual timeline Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://kathleenmcgurl.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathMcGurl Book Blurb: A heartbreaking choice. A secret kept for centuries. 1784. When Esther Harris’s father hurts his back, she takes over his role helping smugglers hide contraband in the secret cellar in their pub. But when the free traders’ ships are trapped in the harbour, a battle between the smugglers and the revenue officers leads to murder and betrayal – and Esther is forced to choose between the love of her life and protecting her family… Present day. Fresh from her divorce, Millie Galton moves into a former inn overlooking the harbour in Mudeford and plans to create her dream home. When a chance discovery behind an old fireplace reveals the house’s secret history as a haven for smugglers and the devastating story of its former residents, could the mystery of a disappearance from centuries ago finally be solved? Author Bio: Kathleen McGurl lives near the coast in Christchurch, England. She writes dual timeline novels in which a historical mystery is uncovered and resolved in the present day. She is married to an Irishman and has two adult sons. She enjoys travelling, especially in her motorhome around Europe but home is Mudeford, where this novel is set.

Winning Bidder

Michelle Fraser

Bids

1

£11

215

Gill Thompson

Title: The Orphans on the Train Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.wordkindling.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/wordkindling Book Blurb:: A gripping, moving story of loss, friendship, the need to belong, inspired by real events, of two orphaned girls and the woman who becomes a surrogate mother to them, only to be separated in the most heart-wrenching way. 1939. A girl with auburn hair looks anxiously out of the train window, watching the mountains of Europe pass by. War is on the horizon at home, and Kirsty finds herself heading to neutral Hungary to help in a school for Jewish children. Little does she know that in leaving everything behind, she is about to find the most precious gift of all - a true friend in school pupil Anna. 1943. When the Nazis invade Budapest, Kirsty and Anna are on their own, and Kirsty worries desperately for her Jewish friend. What lengths must they go to in order to survive, and, when they are separated, can the guiding light of friendship bring them back to each other? Inspired by true events and perfect for readers of The Nightingale and The Midwife of Auschwitz, from the author of The Child on Platform One and The Lighthouse Sisters. Author Bio: Gill Thompson began her working life as a teacher and spent over forty years at the chalk face before becoming an author, gaining an M.A in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. Gill’s debut novel The Oceans Between Us, about a mother and son separated by war and by continents, was published by Headline in March 2019 and The Child on Platform One, about a little girl on the Kindertransport, came out in December 2019. Both books were digital number ones and The Child on Platform One was a USA Today and Wall Street Journal best seller., translated into nine European languages. The Lighthouse Sisters, about a wartime family on Channel Island Jersey, came out in ebook on 4thFebruary 2022 and in paperback on 1st September 2022. Her new novel, The Orphans on the Train, about two girls in Nazi-occupied Hungary comes out in November this year. Gill has just been appointed a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund.

Winning Bidder

Carolyn Robertshaw

Bids

4

£16

216

Tracy Curran

Book title: Pumpkin's Fairytale, Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterCornish Book Blurb: You may know one side of the tale in this book, but a new story's sprouted. Come in! Take a look! A character's growing, he's full of ambition. Come and meet Pumpkin, he's off on a mission... Author bio: Tracy Curran writes picture books, chapter books and middle-grade novels by the sea in Cornwall. Pumpkin's Fairytale is her debut picture book.

Winning Bidder

Donna Richards

Bids

1

£15

217

Nina Kaye

Title: Just Like That Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.ninakaye.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/NinaKayeAuthor Book Blurb: Is fur-ever on the cards for these enemies-at-first-sight? Jess is smashing her Edinburgh events management job right now. Her boss is talking about a promotion, her clients love her and other companies want her. But all of that comes to an abrupt halt when her brother has a sudden stroke. Jess doesn’t think twice about stepping in as his carer, but her boss is not so understanding. Demoted to managing low-end events, Jess is less than thrilled to be assigned to a small animal park in need of raising funds. She’s even less happy when she clashes with arrogant head keeper, Nick. He's frustrated with her squeamishness; she thinks he’s a lech. Nick wants a baggage-free life; Jess has so much drama going on, even the Kardashians can’t keep up. But maybe saving the animals of East Lothian Wildlife Park will help these op-paw-sites find some common ground… Author Bio: Nina Kaye is a contemporary romance author who writes warm, witty and uplifting reads with a deeper edge. Nina started writing her first novel when she was seventeen (and locked in her room, supposedly studying for her future). It was a short-lived experience that ended as soon as Nina’s exams did, but the dream of writing never left her. Nina lives in Edinburgh with her husband and much adored side-kick, James. In addition to writing, Nina enjoys swimming, gin and karaoke (preferably all enjoyed together in a sunny, seaside destination)

Winning Bidder

Linda Corbett

Bids

3

£13

218

Hazel Prior

Title: LIFE AND OTTER MIRACLES Genre: Contemporary fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://hazelprior.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/HazelPriorBooks Book Blurb: Down by the river, not everything is as it seems. Clever, nosey Phoebe Featherstone is unable to get out much but she has a talent for deducing other people's secrets by examining the parcels delivered by her courier father. The discovery of an abandoned baby otter leads to further revelations, and she soon realises something is amiss at the local otter sanctuary. She will need to overcome her own closely-guarded issues and use all her sleuthing skills to save the otters. From the Number One bestselling author of Away with the Penguins comes this 'otterly' delightful, warm-hearted and uplifting story about the healing power of nature. Author Bio: Hazel Prior is the author of bestselling novels Away With The Penguins, Call Of The Penguins and Ellie And The Harp Maker. Life And Otter Miracles, due to be published this September, is her fourth book. Published by Penguin Random House, all her books are quirky, character-led stories with beautiful settings and strong wildlife themes. Away With The Penguins was chosen by Richard & Judy for their prestigious Book Club as well as for BBC Radio 2’s Book Club. It was the number one bestseller in both ebook and audiobook. Hazel’s books have so far been translated into 18 foreign languages. Hazel is also a self-taught freelance Celtic harpist. At book events she has a habit of bringing her harp along too, to accompany readings. When she isn’t writing she is often singing with friends or walking in the countryside. She lives in the wilds of Exmoor, where she and her husband are slaves to a huge ginger cat.

Winning Bidder

Victoria Baxter

Bids

13

£30

219

Helen Cooper

Title: Pumpkin Soup Genre: Children Format: Paperback (Special 25 year edition) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://helencooperbooks.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenCooperbook Book Blurb: Look what’s cooking in the old white cabin. Pumpkin Soup, the best you ever tasted, made by the Cat, the Squirrel and the Duck, who scoops up a pipkin of salt and tips in just enough. The first in this series – Pumpkin Soup – was published in 1998, won the Kate Greenaway medal and went on to be a bestseller worldwide. It was followed in 2004 by A Pipkin of Pepper and then by Delicious! in 2006, all to great critical acclaim. Author Bio: Helen Cooper is an author and illustrator whose work includes classic titles such as The Bear Under the Stairs, Pumpkin Soup, The Baby Who Wouldn’t Go to Bed and Tatty Ratty. Her books have been translated into 30 languages and won many awards including the Library Association Kate Greenaway Medal – twice. More recently she has been writing and illustrating children’s novels. Her first was The Hippo at the end of the Hall. There will more soon. She has also collaborated with the illustrator Gill Smith in a new picture book: Saving the Butterfly.

Winning Bidder

Donna Richards

Bids

3

£20

220

Rebecca F. John

Title: The Shadow Order Genre: Children's / Middle Grade Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://rebeccafjohn.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rebecca_Writer Book Blurb:: One year on from the day the shadows shifted and began to show, not people’s shapes but their real selves, best friends Teddy, Betsy and Effie plan to risk all and watch the winter sun rise over Copperwell, in defiance of the Shadow Order. But from their hidden vantage point the three shocked friends witness a mysterious woman shout a dire warning, before being arrested, beaten and dragged away in handcuffs. The event leads them on an extraordinary series of dangerous adventures as they discover more about the disturbance in the natural world surrounding Copperwell, battle to save their city and start to recognise their truest selves. Author Bio:: Rebecca F. John grew up on the south Wales coast. She is the author of five novels for adults and one for children. Her short stories have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 4Extra. In 2015, her short story 'The Glove Maker's Numbers' was shortlisted for the Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award. She is the winner of the PEN International New Voices Award 2015. In 2017, she was named on Hay Festival's 'The Hay 30' list. She is currently shortlisted for the Wales Book of the Year. Her first novel, The Haunting of Henry Twist, was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award. Rebecca lives in Swansea with her partner, their son, and their dogs.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

221

Emma Hornby

Title: The Chimney Sweep's Sister Genre: Historical Fiction - Victorian Family Saga Format: Successful bidder can select Hardback or Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.emmahornby.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmmaHornbyBooks Book Blurb: Orphaned Jenny and her chimney sweep brother Noah eke out life in a cellar dwelling in the heart of the slums. Noah is the main breadwinner, but he is treated horribly by his master. Worried for her brother's safety and health, Jenny resolves to put her talent for singing to good use and begins trawling the low inns and taverns at night entertaining the punters. When she catches the attention of a music hall manager and is offered a spot on the stage, it seems like a dream come true. But her newfound success can't include her brother. Will Jenny choose Noah over the bright lights of the theatre? And will he want her to? Author Bio: Emma Hornby was born and raised on a tight-knit, working-class estate in Bolton, England. She is a mother of three fantastic children, servant to a demanding cat, and fiancée to one very patient man. History has always been Emma's passion and she grew up with her nose buried in sagas. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She later wrote short stories and non-fiction pieces for the internet, print and stage, and also worked as a freelance poet. Emma's books are gritty historicals set in Victorian and WWII Bolton and Manchester, which she began writing after researching her family history. The colourful folk she unearthed gave her plenty of inspiration; like the characters in her novels, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums. Her first book, A Shilling for a Wife, was the bestselling debut saga novel of 2017. Her debut WWII book, Her Wartime Secret, was shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Saga Award in 2022. Emma's other titles regularly appear in the official bestsellers' charts. Her new saga, The Chimney Sweep's Sister, was released July 2023. She is currently writing her eleventh.

Winning Bidder

Michelle Fraser

Bids

1

£11

222

Justyn Edwards

Title: The Great Fox Heist Genre: Fast-paced Mystery Adventure Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://justynedwards.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/justynedwards Book Blurb:: The stakes are high in this fast-paced mystery adventure starring young magician Flick Lions. The second book in the Great Fox series. How well do you really know someone...? Flick is a magician who needs answers. Her father is still missing, and top illusionist the Great Fox doesn't seem interested in finding him, despite his promises. Meanwhile, she and her friend Charlie must represent the Great Fox in a new competition in the Swiss town of Linth. The Global Order of Magic is electing a new chancellor, and the Fox insists that if he wins, it will help – but Flick isn't so sure. Determined to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance and of The Bell System, his greatest and most mysterious magic trick, Flick must pull off an impossible diamond heist to win. But danger lurks around every corner, and nothing is what it seems. Author Bio:: Author Bio:: Justyn Edwards is not very good at nuclear physics or DIY. In fact, some of his worst moments have involved combining these interests. Thankfully, when he writes books people seem to enjoy reading them, and this is how he spends most of his time. His 2022 debut The Great Fox Illusion was Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Month, listed by Waterstones as one of their Best Children’s Books of the Month, a Toppsta Best Book of the Month, and listed for the Adrien Prize, the Phoenix Book Award, the Children’s Literature Festivals Book Awards, the Kernow Youth Book Award, and the Dudley Children’s Book Award. It is already being published in several languages, and there is more exciting news in the pipeline. Justyn is currently editing the third book in the Great Fox series and, after a strong cup of coffee, is about to start on a new project. Please keep him away from DIY by purchasing his books. Future generations are counting on you to act without delay.

Winning Bidder

Christopher White

Bids

2

£16

223

Tamsin Winter

Title: Bad Influence Genre: Young Adults Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.tamsinwinter.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamsinWrites Book Blurb: Amelia Bright wants to be the best at everything. But when it comes to popularity, she is dead last. No matter what she tries, she can't shake her reputation as a maggoty nobody. When she meets cute new boy Evan, Amelia wonders if he can help her lose her loser status. And in a moment of hope, she agrees to something she quickly regrets - something that goes viral at school. Now she's not just called "maggot", she's a "bad influence" - and worse. But Amelia's determined not to let one mistake define her...she's so much more than the image everyone sees online. A powerfully real and funny new story from the rising queen of teen, about first kisses, learning to be true to yourself and how one click can last for ever. Author Bio: Tamsin Winter is a multi-award-winning author who writes fresh, funny and heartfelt fiction for readers aged 10+. Tamsin grew up in a Northamptonshire village where she spent her childhood reading books and writing stories. She studied English literature and creative writing at university, and worked as an English teacher for many years. Tamsin's debut novel Being Miss Nobody won multiple awards including the Awesome Book Award, the Brilliant Book Award, and the Leicester Teen Fiction Book of the Year. Tamsin's second novel, Jemima Small Versus the Universe was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Tamsin is "fast becoming a favourite for young teens" (The Observer). Her eagerly-anticipated fourth novel, Bad Influence, was released on 8th June 2023. Tamsin lives in Leicestershire with her son and is currently working on her next novel.

Winning Bidder

TANYA EFTHYMIOU

Bids

2

£12

224

Shrabani Basu

Title: The Mystery of the Parsee Lawyer. Genre: History - Social & Cultural Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.shrabanibasu.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/shrabanibasu_ Book Blurb: Basu's account of how Arthur Conan Doyle set about trying to get a pardon for Edalji is in itself a fine piece of detective work.' The Times 'Compulsive reading.' A.N. Wilson 'Nails the nastiness of a peculiarly English scandal.' The Spectator 'A potent mix of racial injustice, Sherlockian mystery and Shrabani's signature storytelling.' Lucy Worsley In the village of Great Wyrley near Birmingham, someone is mutilating horses. Someone is also sending threatening letters to the vicarage, where the vicar, Shahpur Edalji, is a Parsi convert to Christianity and the first Indian to have a parish in England. His son George - quiet, socially awkward and the only boy at school with distinctly Indian features - grows up into a successful barrister, till he is improbably linked to and then prosecuted for the above crimes in a case that leaves many convinced that justice hasn't been served. When he is released early, his conviction still hangs over him. Having lost faith in the police and the legal system, George Edalji turns to the one man he believes can clear his name - the one whose novels he spent his time reading in prison, the creator of the world's greatest detective. When he writes to Arthur Conan Doyle asking him to meet, Conan Doyle agrees. From the author of Victoria and Abdul comes an eye-opening look at race and an unexpected friendship in the early days of the twentieth century, and the perils of being foreign in a country built on empire. Author Bio: Shrabani Basu is an author and a journalist. She was born in Kolkata and grew up in Dhaka, Kathmandu and Delhi. Her books include Victoria & Abdul: The Extraordinary True Story of the Queen's Closest Confidant, now a major motion picture, Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan and For King and Another Country: Indian Soldiers on the Western Front, 1914-18. In 2010, she set up the Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust and campaigned for a memorial for the Second World War heroine, which was unveiled by Princess Anne in London in November 2012.

Winning Bidder

Lorraine O'Mahoney

Bids

5

£30

225

Kate Galley

Title: The Second Chance Holiday Club Genre: Uplit Humour Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateGalley1 Book Blurb: Evelyn Pringle isn't the sort to make rash decisions. Or any decisions, really – she's always left that sort of thing up to her husband. But he's been found dead, wearing his best suit, with a diamond ring in his pocket that doesn't fit her. When Evelyn finds a letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight, she decides to deliver it. By hand. So begins a very unusual holiday, and an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends, and a little effort on her part, Evelyn discovers that it's never too late to have a second chance at life and forge friendships that are well-worth living for. Author Bio: Kate Galley writes UpLit and Bookclub fiction full of heart and humour. She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works as a mobile hairdresser in the surrounding Chiltern villages. Kate is the author of The Second Chance Holiday Club and The Golden Girls' Road Trip.

Winning Bidder

Helen Smith

Bids

4

£25

226

Janet Dean Knight

\Title: The Peacemaker Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://jdeanknight.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdeanknight The Book: As the war to end all wars is about to be followed by another, a young woman finds her life taking the same tragic course as her mother's. One night in the summer of 1938 Violet Lowther’s mother Peggy is dying, her father Ellis is drunk in the pub, and Violet’s life is being ruined behind a dance hall in Barnsfield by a young miner who doesn’t look like Clark Gable after all. By September, the British Prime Minister is flying to Munich to try to make peace with Hitler, and in the same week, Violet travels to the remote moorland of Thorndale to visit relatives, escaping her own war with her father. But when Violet learns the truth about Ellis’ love for Peggy, will she finally be able to make her peace with him? The Peacemaker is a story of buried family secrets and the search for understanding from one generation to the next, and between men and women. Set at a pivotal moment in history it exposes how, in hiding our darkest experiences, the same human tragedies occur over and over again. 'A deftly handled historical novel with a modern twist.' Carole Bromley, author of The Stonegate Devil The Author: Janet Dean Knight explores contemporary themes through historical fiction. Her debut novel, The Peacemaker is a moving story of a young woman’s struggle to make peace with her father on the eve of the Second World War. Born and raised in a coalmining village, Janet draws on her experience and family history to tell compelling stories about the past that resonate with current issues, particularly in the lives of women and working class communities. Janet writes strong characters and engaging plots about the past which help her readers to think more deeply about what matters now. Her writing is challenging yet respectful, passionate and accessible. Sorry Emily, pressed enter too soon! these are the details that were on the website last year. I'll send a couple of pics too:

Winning Bidder

Wendy Janes

Bids

1

£11

227

Richard Pickard

Two Book Package Title 1: The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy Genre: Y/A Format: Paperback Title 1: Son of the Sea Genre: Y/A Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.richard-pickard.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardpickard Book 1 Blurb: Marina lives in Merlington, a fish-obsessed seaside town. Unfortunately, she doesn't care for fish; she loves telling stories. Marina finds her best story yet when she explores the ruined, haunted pier: a boy called William with a head of tentacles and crab claws for hands. He has lived on the pier all his life, cared for by a fisherman who has since disappeared and who warned him always to remain hidden. Together, the pair resolve to unravel the mystery of his past – but danger isn't far away ... The debut novel by Richard Pickard, a fresh new voice in children's fiction and winner of the Times/Chicken House Chairman's Choice Award 2019. A funny, dark, core middle-grade story touching on themes of lies, storytelling, secrets, acceptance and, of course, fish! Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and Edward Scissorhands! Book 2 Blurb: HIS FEET WERE THE FIRST CLUE ... Casper dreams of swimming the Channel. Surely, he was born to use his webbed toes ... Instead, he's strictly forbidden to go near water. When his parents have an unlucky accident, Casper is sent to stay with a grandmother he's never met - where he discovers his special tie to the sea ... From the acclaimed author of The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy – winner of the Times/Chicken House Competition Chairman's Choice Award Packed full of magical realism, humour, LGBTQ+ representation and a message of acceptance Perfect for readers aged 9 and up Author Bio: Richard's debut novel, The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy, won the inaugural Times/Chicken House Chairman's Choice Award in 2019 and was longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2022. His love of storytelling started at a young age, through a passion for literature but also for cinema. Two of his greatest childhood influences were Roald Dahl and Tim Burton, who both possess a wickedly dark sense of humour.

Winning Bidder

Patrick Rowland

Bids

6

£19

228

Helen Edwards

Title: 12 Things About Puppies Genre: Children's non-fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://helen-edwards.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/helibedw Book blurb: "Treat your dog with kindness and respect and he’ll be your most loyal and faithful friend for the rest of his life." Are you thinking about getting a puppy or a dog, or have you just brought your new furry friend home? Do you want to show your children how to treat the newest member of the family? This book will help you to do that. In simple terms it explains what puppies need and how they should be handled. Written by a dog parent. This book is aimed at children aged between 5 and 10 years. It's also suitable for parents to read with their younger children. Author Bio: Originally from North Wales, Helen currently lives in Shropshire with her husband and their Zuchon, Archie. Helen worked for many years in the public sector and has an administrative background. She writes both fiction and non-fiction. As well as being an indie author, Helen is a self-publishing consultant, offering editorial, self-publishing, and writing services. Helen can more often than not be found daydreaming, or with her head stuck in a book. She loves the Scottish Highlands, crisps, pizza, taking photographs, and anything sparkly.

Winning Bidder

Paul Heron

Bids

1

£11

229

Kate Gray

Title: The Honeymoon Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Bids for UK Only Website: http://kategrayauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateGrayAuthor Instagram: http://instagram.com/kategrayauthor Book Blurb: Two happy couples. One dead body. A whole load of secrets. Married life wasn't meant to start like this.On honeymoon in Bali, you hit it off with another newlywed couple and celebrate your last night at a fancy cliff-side http://restaurant.No one predicted the evening would end with a dead body. But it was an accident, right? A tragic accident.The honeymoon may be over but it soon becomes clear that there's another side to this story . . . and your life depends on uncovering it.Many marriages can survive anything – but when it starts on a lie is it really 'til death do us part? Author Bio: Kate Gray is a psychological thriller author. Her debut, ‘The Honeymoon’ will be published in hardback, ebook and audiobook in July 2023 with Welbeck. She has also written commercial women’s fiction as Katy Colins, her previous six novels have been translated into several languages and been published internationally. Kate Gray has a degree in Journalism and has previously worked in public relations. Kate lives in Yorkshire, England and juggles her love of writing around her two young children.

Winning Bidder

Jo Price

Bids

3

£15

230

Katie Ginger

Title: The Little Library on Cherry Lane Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.keginger.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatieGAuthor Book Blurb: Elsie Martin may lead a quiet life, but working in her beloved local library is enough to make her happy. After all, books have always been her armour against the world. So when the library is threatened with closure to make way for a new housing development, Elsie knows it has to be saved – and that, despite being painfully shy, she needs to lead the campaign to save it. Jacob Yardley thinks he’s doing the right thing by building a new affordable housing development. Why shouldn’t local people be able to buy a house in the place they grew up? Having to leave his own small hometown broke his heart. Plus, people don’t really use libraries anymore, do they? As Elsie and Jacob clash over the future of the library, sparks begin to fly. Jacob is falling back in love with books and libraries – could he possibly be falling for her too? And will Elsie be able to save the library that means so much to her? Author Bio: I'm Katie, a bestselling author of romantic fiction for HarperCollins. If you love funny, feel-good fiction then do check out The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse or my Swallowtail Bay series. I've also written the Seafront series (The Little Theatre on the Seafront, and Summer Season on the Seafront) and Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage. I live in Kent with my hubby, two kids, and two dogs! Our King Charles Spaniel, Wotsit and a three-legged rescue named Skips

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£22

231

Serina Hartwell

Title: Hidden Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://serinahartwell.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SerinaHartwell Book Blurb:: After standing up to a school bully, Bronte Hughes’s life shatters… along with her reality. A single act leads to a near-fatal accident, which sets closely guarded wheels in motion, leading her to fall for her best friend, Riley. But when he leaves her, she realises her world isn’t flawless. With everything unravelling around her, the cracks begin to appear. Added to this are the powers she cannot control; wild magic she is not sure she wants in her life. She is an outcast, torn between her need to reconnect with Riley and the overwhelming desire to hide from the world. Join Bronte’s journey of self-discovery, where she learns a dark secret, her family has worked so hard to conceal from her. Will it save her life... or destroy it forever? Author Bio:: Did you ever have an itch you couldn’t scratch, a feeling that you’re supposed to be doing something else, something bigger with your life? Something that would touch the souls of the rest of mankind and justify your place amongst them, but you just couldn’t put your finger on what? I spent the best part of 40 years looking for the answer and low and behold, I finished up back where I started - writing. I sometimes question why I didn’t just turn in the opposite direction, I would have got there straight away, but my path led me away from writing when I was just a teenager, because I lacked the confidence to pursue the dream. Reminiscing one day, the thought occurred to me that if I had found writing back then, I wouldn’t have taken the journeys that led me to write The Hidden Saga. My name is Serina Hartwell. I’m the mother of two wonderful children, who grew up so quickly. I come from an average size town in West Yorkshire, England. The same place where the Bronte sisters were born, and I am from the village in the mill town I write about. Growing up in an industrial town, and coming from a working-class background, I was surrounded by the mills that were once the life’s blood of the community. Decrepit and falling into disrepair, they still overshadow the place where I lived as a child, serving as a stark reminder that our town once thrived. I watched as one by one, the mills went out of business and closed, serving to inspire my story, while changing the landscape around me. It was only recently that I found my way back to writing. In August 2010, I had the most intense urge to write. It came from nowhere, so I did the only thing I could, I borrowed my daughter’s laptop. I didn’t even know at the time if I could write. The last creative thing I wrote was at school. I didn’t know if I could connect with the page, let alone complete a book, but one thing is for sure, I haven’t stopped writing since, nor do I intend to. So, allow me to introduce you to my work. May I begin by introducing Bronte Hughes in The Hidden Saga? I hope you enjoy Hidden and the many more to come. Serina Hartwell – Author of The Hidden Saga

Winning Bidder

Chris Huxley

Bids

1

£11

232

Julie Haworth

Title: Always By Your Side Genre: Fiction - Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication available: Yes Bids accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/jhaworthauthor Book blurb: When school teacher Rose loses her dream job at a London primary school, her self-confidence takes a knock. Worse still, her stockbroker fiancé, Ollie, sees it as the perfect opportunity for her to join his firm, which only adds to the feelings Rose has that their relationship might be coming to an end. An unexpected phone call, and an elderly aunt who’s taken a fall, means Rose must drop everything – including Ollie - and return to Blossom Heath, the Sussex village she grew up in. With no job to rush home to, Rose decides to stay in Blossom Heath for the Summer, trading London for the idyllic countryside. Here Rose finds herself reconnecting to the village life of her childhood in more ways than one, including falling head-over-heels for local farmer, Jake. So when her London life comes calling, Rose is faced with an impossible choice … to return to the high-pressure life of her past, or embrace the joy of a new life in the country. Author bio: With a degree in English and American Literature, Julie Haworth worked as an English teacher for a number of years, specialising in working with learners with literacy difficulties, before launching her own copywriting business. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and her debut novel, Always By Your Side won the Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award in 2023.

Winning Bidder

Karen Whittard

Bids

1

£11

233

Andrea Carter

Book Title: Death Writes Genre: Crime Fiction Format: Trade Paperback (large) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK and Ireland only Website: andreacarterbooks.com Twitter: https://andreacarterbooks.com Book Blurb: A reclusive Booker prize winner is murdered at a literary festival in this sixth book in the Inishowen Mysteries series. Early summer in Glendara and the town's literary festival, Glenfest, is about to begin with Phyllis Kettle, the bookshop owner, at the helm. The big news is that Gavin Featherstone, the peninsula's best selling but reclusive writer, has been persuaded to take part. An eager crowd awaits his first public appearance in ten years. Unexpectedly charming, he is about to read from his new memoir when he collapses and dies on stage. Ben discovers that she holds Featherstone's will at the office, drafted by her predecessor. But just as it is confirmed that the author's death was murder, his assistant appears in Ben's office, brandishing a very different will. Ben and Molloy are thrown into an investigation where they are pitted against a killer who has nothing left to lose. And although working together, there are secrets Ben is keeping from Molloy. But does he have secrets of his own? Author Bio: Andrea Carter is the author of The Inishowen Mysteries. She grew up in Ballyfin, Co. Laois, and graduated in Law from Trinity College, Dublin, before qualifying as a solicitor and moving to the Inishowen peninsula. Having practised law for nearly twenty years, more recently as a barrister, she now writes full time. Her books are in development for television and her short story The Lamb was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2019. Death Writes is her sixth novel. The Sunday Times said ‘Carter excels in re-creating the cloistered, gossipy confines of a small Irish village…the Inishowen peninsula community where everybody knows everybody else’s business is a fine stand-in for the mannered drawing-room society of a Christie mystery.’

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

234

Emma-Claire Wilson

Title: This Child of Mine Genre: Contemporary: Commercial Women's Fiction / Emotional Family Drama Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://emmaclairewilson.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ECWilsonWriter Book Blurb: ‘Beautiful, emotional and hopeful, but have tissues to hand.’ Liz Fenwick When Stephanie is told she’s pregnant and that she is sick on the same day, she faces an impossible choice… After trying for a baby for so long, finding out I was pregnant was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. But in the same breath as the news I had been waiting years to hear, the doctor told me I was seriously ill. If I carry my baby to term, I will almost certainly die. If I proceed with treatment, my baby will not live. My husband – the father of this child – is telling me to save myself. But with all the secrets I know he is keeping from me, I can’t trust him anymore. What would you do? An emotional yet uplifting tear-jerker that will have you reaching for the tissues – perfect for fans of EMMA ROBINSON and JODI PICOULT. Author Bio: Emma-Claire Wilson is an author of emotional commercial and book club fiction. She writes ‘to make sense of the world’, and loves nothing more than tackling tough subjects and issues that affect her readers on a daily basis. When she is not writing fiction, she enjoys exercising her brain muscles with freelance copywriting, coaching other writers or writing articles for The Glass House Online Magazine. Her debut, This Child of Mine, although not autobiographical, was based on personal experiences and resulted in a highly emotional piece of fiction that secured her representation with Kate Nash Literary Agency. After almost 20 years living on the continent, she returned to the UK with her husband, two daughters and rescue dog, Pip. Now, trying hard to acclimatise to the UK weather, you will mostly find her snuggled under a blanket; sometimes dreaming of her next holiday in the sun but mostly reading stories that affect her or writing books she hopes will affect others.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

235

Stacey Thomas

Title: The Revels Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/Staceyv_Thomas Book blurb: The stage is set and the witch-hunt is about to begin… ‘I am no witch. I have not sold my soul to the devil for powers. What I am has never openly been whispered of, yet it is enough that people would hang for it.’ England, 1645. After his half-brother dies, aspiring playwright Nicholas Pearce is apprenticed to Judge William Percival, an infamous former witch-hunter who is under pressure to resume his old profession. In a country torn apart by civil war, with escalating tensions between Catholics and Protestants, Royalists and Roundheads, and rumours of witchcraft, Nicholas hides a secret: the dead sing. He hears their secrets, but will he find the courage to speak up to save innocent lives, even if it means putting himself in great danger? A spellbinding debut novel perfect for fans of Stacey Halls, Laura Purcell and Bridget Collins. Author bio: Stacey Thomas is a contributor to Bad Form Review. She is an alumna of the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course. In 2021, she was announced as one of the three winners of HarperCollins’s inaugural Killing It Competition for Undiscovered Writers. The Revels is her debut novel.

Winning Bidder

Valerie Niblett

Bids

6

£19

236

Katherine Dyson

Title: EVA MALLORY’S HUSBAND HUNT Genre: Women's Fiction - Humour Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/_katherinedyson Book Blurb: Will finding love break the family curse? Fact 1: Eva Mallory is the unluckiest woman in the world. Fact 2: Her misfortune is down to the curse of the family name. Fact 3: Her sister Hanna’s luck has completely changed since her wedding day. Fact 4: Eva’s only solution is to find a husband, and fast. As Eva sets out on her journey to find a husband and rid herself of the Mallory misfortune, she meets the gorgeous and charming Luke. He seems to be perfect and she soon forgets about the dreaded curse. But unfortunately, the curse has not forgotten about her… Author Bio: Katherine Dyson studied Creative Writing at the University of Leeds and worked as a marketing copywriter and a greeting card verse writer for over fifteen years before finding her way back to fiction. These days she works as a teaching assistant in a reception class by day, and by night she writes uplifting stories about love, everyday heartbreak, and the common joys and fragilities which make us human. Katherine lives on the outskirts of Barnsley with her husband, two children and two belligerent cats. When she's not writing you'll find her merrily eating cake, swearing at her sewing machine or taking eight million photos of a really good sky out of her bathroom window.

Winning Bidder

R Young

Bids

3

£16

237

Eloise Williams

Title: Honesty and Lies. Genre: Children's Fiction. Middle Grade. Format: Paperback. Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: UK Only Website: http://eloisewilliams.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eloisejwilliams Book Blurb: London, 1601. Honesty, a storyteller seeking fame and fortune, befriends Alice, a maid to Queen Elizabeth I. But can Alice be trusted? A tale of intrigue, scheming and plots, set in the spellbinding world of the Elizabethan court, leads to a thrilling adventure where nothing is as it seems. Author Bio: Eloise Williams grew up opposite a library in Llantrisant in south Wales. Her books have won the Wales Arts Review Young People’s Book of the Year, the Wolverhampton Children’s Book Award, the YBB Book Award, and have been shortlisted for the Tir na nOg, the NE Book Awards and Wales Book of the Year. She has an MA in Creative Writing with Distinction from Swansea University and was the inaugural Children’s Laureate Wales 2019-2021. Eloise lives in Pembrokeshire, very close to the sea, where she swims, collects sea glass and ghost stories, and walks on the beach with her dog, Watson Jones.

Winning Bidder

Tina Howe Williams

Bids

2

£20

238

M.J. Fahy

Title: The Magpie King Genre: Children Middle Grade Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/MJFahy2 Book Blurb: A beautiful middle grade magical adventure. In the large and frightening world of the Bigguns, Tatty Moon, a faerie child, must rid her village of thieving magpies and rampaging Gnomes, all under the spell of the Queen's merciless nephew. With the help of a group of friends who include a gypsy, an elf, a wood sprite, an elderly rat, and a hawk-sized dragonfly, Tatty journeys far to try and defeat him. Author Bio: M.J. Fahy grew up in Hampshire, England. She spent, and continues to spend, the majority of her time daydreaming, staring out of windows at nothing in particular. She's very, very, good at it. She is married with two adult children, two dogs, and a deaf cat. Middle Grade (8 - 13 years) is the age range for her stories. THE MAGPIE KING, and HAGCAT are her works to date, with two more books underway.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

239

Alice Bell

Title: Grave Expectations Genre: Crime Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK and Ireland only Website: http://alicebellauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ABeeWords Book Blurb: A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK 'Fast, funny and furious, this book has bags of humour, bags of heart and a proper murder mystery at its core' Janice Hallett Claire and Sophie aren't your typical murder investigators . . . When 30-something freelance medium Claire Hendricks is invited to an old university friend's country pile to provide entertainment for a family party, her best friend Sophie tags along. In fact, Sophie rarely leaves Claire's side, because she's been haunting her ever since she was murdered at the age of seventeen. On arrival at The Cloisters it quickly becomes clear that this family is hiding more than just the good china, as Claire learns someone has recently met an untimely end at the house. Teaming up with the least unbearable members of the Wellington-Forge family - depressive ex-cop Basher and teenage radical Alex - Claire and Sophie determine to figure out not just whodunnit, but who they killed, why and when. Together they must race against incompetence to find the murderer - before the murderer finds them... in this funny, modern, media-literate mystery for the My Favourite Murder generation. Author Bio:: Alice Bell grew up in South West England, in the sort of middle-of-nowhere where teenagers spend their weekends drinking Smirnoff Ice in a field that also has at least one horse in it. She has previously worked in shops selling boat shoes and polo shirts to people who don’t own boats or play polo, but since 2016 she has worked full time as a video games journalist. In 2018 she became the deputy editor of Rock Paper Shotgun, a popular PC gaming website, where you can find the many excellent reviews and serious articles about hot vampires that she has written. In 2019 she was named one of the 100 most influential women in the UK games industry. After spending several years in London, Alice now lives in Cork in Ireland, where she watches giant ships, makes crochet animals, and plays video games where you can set things on fire and make elves kiss. She has probably read more detective fiction and watched more episodes of Midsomer Murders than you.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£25

240

Nikki Marmery

Title: LILITH Genre: MYTHOLOGICAL RETELLING Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://nikkimarmery.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikkimarmery Book Blurb: Lilith and Adam are equal and happy in the Garden of Eden. But when Adam decides Lilith should submit to his will and lie beneath him, she refuses – and is banished forever from Paradise. Demonised and sidelined, Lilith watches in fury as God creates Eve, the woman who accepts her submission. But Lilith has a secret: she has already tasted the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Endowed with Wisdom, she knows why Asherah – God’s wife and equal, the Queen of Heaven – is missing. Lilith has a plan: she will rescue Eve, find Asherah, restore balance to the world and regain her rightful place in Paradise. Lilith is the heroine women have waited six thousand years for. Author Bio: In a former life Nikki worked as a financial journalist. She now writes fiction from a small village near Amersham, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her first novel, On Wilder Seas, was shortlisted for the Historical Novel Society’s New Novel Award and selected for the Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation’s #AdventureSociety book club.

Winning Bidder

Daniel Bayfield

Bids

4

£100

241

Neil Hegarty

Book Title: The Jewel Genre: Literary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Global Website: http://neilhegarty.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/nphegarty Book Blurb: A surprising and electrifying work of fiction centred on the art world, featuring an artist who has become an art thief, an obsessive curator, and a specialist in major art thefts. These three lives intersect with the story of a neglected Victorian woman artist - and of 'The Jewel', her final and now world-famous work. Author Bio: Neil Hegarty grew up in Derry. The Jewel was published to a chorus of acclaim: 'dazzling, raw and moving' noted the Irish Times; and the Observer added that 'Neil Hegarty proves again that he is one to watch.'

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

242

Jo Browning Wroe

Title: A Terrible Kindness Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoBrowningWroe Book Blurb: Nineteen-year-old William’s decision to volunteer at the tragic scene of the 1966 Aberfan Disaster transforms his life forever in this moving story of sacrifice and compassion. It’s only wanting me to send one pic, so I’ll send author shot separately. Author Bio: Jo Browning Wroe grew up in a crematorium in Birmingham. She has an MA in creative writing from UEA and teaches at the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education. Her debut, A Terrible Kindness was a Sunday Times Bestseller, shortlisted for the Bridport Peggy Chapman-Andrews award, the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and longlisted for the Prix du Roman Fnac.

Winning Bidder

Helen Rees

Bids

3

£15

243

Clare Helen Welsh

Title: Never Ever Ever Ask A Pirate to A Party Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://clarehelenwelsh.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareHelenWelsh Book Blurb: Get ready for a fantastical birthday party adventure featuring a dinosaur, dragon, unicorn, pirate . . . and a spaceship full of aliens! If you want the perfect party, never, ever, ever invite this crowd of chaotic guests! The unicorn will demand sparkles and bubbles, the dragon will set fire to your decorations and the fizzy drinks will send the aliens wild! But . . . never, ever, EVER send your guests home! Because a party's only a party if you share it with your friends! Featuring hilarious, colourful scenes with plenty to spot, as well as a simple message about sharing good times with friends, little ones will want to go right back to the beginning and read the book again (and again)! Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free "Stories Aloud" audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along! Author Bio: Clare is a former primary school teacher turned writing tutor and children’s author, living in South West England with her husband and two children. Clare does her best writing by the sea (or on the sofa with a dog on her lap!), which is lucky because she lives close to many beautiful beaches and the salty sea air (and has a dog called Hope!) When Clare isn’t writing stories, she is inspiring children to write their own. She loves visiting schools, libraries, bookshops and festivals in her authormobile, giving her an outlet for her BIG ideas. Once she helped a class make a giant rice crispy cake that was so wide it wouldn’t fit through the door! But her best idea yet has been putting pen to paper. Clare loves writing whacky, funny books but is also passionate about writing stories that help children deal with big feelings and difficult issues, including dementia, divorce and serious heath issues. She has recently started writing books that are a mix of fact and fiction, interweaving non-fiction with brilliant storytelling. Clare is the founder of Books That Help – an initiative that aims to celebrate picture books and how they can be used therapeutically to navigate life’s up and downs..

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

244

Hannah Durkan

Title: Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King? Genre: Children - Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.hannahdurkan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DurkanHannah Book Blurb: The thrilling sequel to ZEINA STARBORN AND THE SKY WHALE, perfect for 9+ fans of BRIGHTSTORM and ORPHANS OF THE TIDE. After months of being on the run, Zeina is thrilled when the Smog Rats are invited by ice bears to an infamous festival featuring horned sky whales. But, from an ice palace with crumbling ice structures to the strange behaviour of the new Emerald King, something doesn't seem quite right . . . Zeina and Jackson find themselves going up against both new enemies and familiar foes in order to halt the invention of an advanced, cruel technology. Author Bio: Hannah Durkan spent her childhood in Warwickshire reading, snail collecting, car-picnicking, story writing, overthinking and covering her parent’s carpet in paint. She moved to Yorkshire for university in 2004 and never left. After studying medicine and gaining a PGCE from the University of Leeds, Hannah now lives in Leeds with her husband and two young children, who have finally given her a legitimate excuse for her enormous collection of children’s books. When she’s not working in a local primary school, she can be found drinking coffee, writing stories, drawing sky whales and making dens. Hannah is a passionate believer in the power of writing to support mental health. Hannah’s debut novel was longlisted for both The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition and The Bath Children’s Novel Award in 2019, before winning the Hachette Children’s Novel Award in 2020.

Winning Bidder

Nicki Cleveland

Bids

4

£15

245

Anita Chapman

Title: The Venice Secret Genre: Historical Fiction/Dual timeline Format: Paperback Dedication available: Yes Postage and Packing: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://anitachapman.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/neetschapman Book Blurb: One hidden painting. Two women born centuries apart. A secret uncovered. Rachel is stuck in a rut when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother's loft along with a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. With help from Jake at the local art gallery, Rachel endeavours to find out if the painting is an original and uncovers a secret from the past. In 1780, governess at Chipford Hall, Philippa is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. She escapes to Venice as companion to bluestocking, Lady Cordelia who reveals a secret that changes both their lives. They do their best to keep the secret from Lady Cordelia's social circle, but their nemesis is determined to reveal all and ruin them. Author Bio: Anita likes to read journals and diaries from the past, and one of her favourite pastimes is visiting art galleries and country houses. Her first published novel, The Venice Secret is inspired by her mother taking her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child. Since 2015, Anita has worked as a social media manager, training authors on social media, and helping to promote their books.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£16

246

Anna Wilson

Title: Grandpa and the Kingfisher Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://acwilsonwriter.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/acwilsonwriter Book Blurb: Life-affirming and lyrical, this beautiful picture book celebrates the awesome power of nature, while gently introducing young children to the concept of life and death. Over the course of a year, a young child and their dog watch kingfishers by the river with Grandpa. As spring turns to summer and autumn to winter, the kingfishers raise a family, while Grandpa teaches his grandchild about the power of nature and the circle of life. Written in memory of her father, whose favourite bird was the kingfisher, Anna Wilson takes readers on a lyrical journey though a year in the life of a kingfisher family. Stunning illustrations by Sarah Massini bring the riverbank to life in all its glory, while the powerful intergenerational bond between grandparent and grandchild shows that just as spring always follows winter, hope will always return if you know where to look for it. A positive story about life, death, and being a part of the natural world. Author Bio: I am a published writer. I write for children and adults. My latest book for children is Shine Like the Stars, published by Andersen Press and illustrated by Harry Woodgate. It is a picture book for bedtime that has been described as 'reads like a lullaby' and 'a comforting cuddle of a book'. My book for adults is A Place for Everything - a memoir about my mother's late diagnosis of autism at the age of 72. It is published by HQ Stories. Other books for children include The Wide, Wide Sea, a picture book about our relationship with the natural world, illustrated by Jenny Løvlie; Nature Month-by-Month - a children's almanac, illustrated by Elly Jahnz; the Vlad the World's Worst Vampire series and Paddington 2 - the Story of the Movie. I have many more books in the pipeline for 2023 and beyond! Also blogging about ASD and grief at https://wordpress.com/view/goodgriefsiteblog.wordpress.com rep'd by Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown and Hilary Delamere at The Agency. http://www.annawilson.co.uk @acwilsonwriter

Winning Bidder

Andrew Hussey

Bids

2

£12

247

R. Tregoning & S. Murphy

Title: Out of the Blue Genre: Children Format: Hardback Picture Book Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website Robert: http://roberttregoning.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/bobtregoning Website: Stef http://stefmurphy.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/StefMurphyArt Book Blurb: ONLY BLUE ALLOWED, by Blue government demand. Anything that isn't blue, by colour law, is banned. In a very blue house on a very blue street, sits a little boy who feels as blue as the world around him. For this little boy has a BIG secret: he loves the colour yellow. In a world where only one colour is allowed, will he be brave enough to tell his dad? And will they be able to defy the rules and create a world where EVERY colour is welcome? One boy and his dad are about to come OUT OF THE BLUE and into life in technicolour! Author Bio: Robert studied at the Glasgow School of Art before leaping in to a career on the West End stage. He has appeared in shows including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Academy Award Winner Sam Mendes and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda the Musical, directed by Matthew Warchus. As an LGBTQ+ writer, Robert hopes to help children and adults alike to accept and celebrate all that makes us uniquely ourselves. The stories Robert writes are stories he wishes he could have read as a child. He hopes they provide a voice of recognition, validation and kindness to those who need it. Illustrator: Stef Murphy is a freelance illustrator and storyteller living in London. She loves drawing animals and making up stories, and she has illustrated books including The Fire Fox by Alexandra Page. Out of the Blue is her first book for Bloomsbury.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

248

Andrew Sanders

Title: I Have an Orange Juicy Drink Genre: Children Format: Hardback Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://shortandsmiley.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/shortandsmiley Book Blurb: If you try and take an orange Juicy drink you may get squished by a large, heavy object. But if you ask nicely, who knows what might happen? This hilarious, left-field story is full of humour and repetition, making it perfect for children as young as two. Boys as old as year 3 who struggle with reading have also loved this surreal, madcap tale. Author Bio: Andrew Sanders is an award-winning, internationally published author from Beverley East Yorkshire. He has two ears, one nose, quite a good bellybutton and when he isn't writing crazy stories, he can usually be found staring at a typewriter or eating copious amounts of bourbon creams.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

249

Pari Thomson

Title: Greenwild: The World Behind the Door Format: Hardback Dedication available: Yes Bids accepted: UK only Twitter: https://twitter.com/PariThomson Book Blurb: Open the door to a spellbinding world where the wilderness is alive and a deep magic rises from the earth itself. Daisy Thistledown has escaped from boarding school and has a mystery to solve. Her search for her missing mother will lead her across London and through a hidden doorway to another world, filled with plants and bursting with magic: the Greenwild. But all is not well in this astonishing land. Before long Daisy finds herself confronting a dangerous presence that threatens green magic on both sides of the door. Daisy must band together with a botanical genius, a boy who can talk to animals, and a cat with an attitude, to channel the power that can revive the Greenwild and find her missing mother - and save her own world too. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Greenwild, beautifully illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. Author Bio: Pari Thomson is Editorial Director for picture books at Bloomsbury Children’s Books. Half Persian, half English, she lived in many places while she was growing up, including India, Pakistan, the USA, the UK and Belgium. She studied at Oxford University and now lives near the river in London, not far from Kew Gardens. Greenwild: The World Behind the Door is her debut novel.

Winning Bidder

Christopher White

Bids

6

£27

250

Rhian Tracey

Book Title: I, Spy: a Bletchley Park Mystery Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Historical Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://bonnierbooks.co.uk/imprints/piccadilly-press/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RhianTracey Book Blurb: A thrilling mystery adventure set in Bletchley Park at the start of World War II, based on true historical events. Author Bio: Rhian Tracey was born in Swansea and grew up on the Welsh borders. She went to secondary school and college in Cirencester. She got her first publishing deal at 26. Rhian teaches several days a week in a SEN department, working with students who have dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADD and other additional learning needs. She also volunteers with Medical Detection Dogs, helping to train puppies who will go on to be assistance dogs. Rhian lives in Northamptonshire with her children and dog.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£27

251

Mary Wood

The Jam Factory Girl's Trilogy Title 1: The Jam Factory Girls Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Title 2: Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Title 3: The Jam Factory Girls Fight Back Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Authormary Book 1 Blurb: The Jam Factory Girls is an uplifting and emotional novel of friendship set in the heart of pre-WWI London from bestselling author, Mary Wood. Life for Elsie is difficult as she struggles to cope with her alcoholic mother. Caring for her siblings and working long hours at Swift's Jam factory in London’s Bermondsey is exhausting. Thankfully her lifelong friendship with Dot helps to smooth over life’s rough edges. When Elsie and Dot meet Millie Swift, they are nervous to be in the presence of the bosses’ daughter. Over time, they are surprised to feel so drawn to her, but should two East End girls be socializing in such circles? When disaster strikes, it binds the women in ways they could never imagine. Long-held secrets are revealed that could change all their lives . . . Book 2 Blurb: Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls is a moving saga novel of friendship set in the heart of pre-WWI London from bestselling author, Mary Wood. Elsie’s worked her way up at Swift’s Jam Factory from the shop floor to the top, and now it’s her time to shine. But when she’s involved in an incident involving her half-sister Millie’s new husband, she is forced to keep it secret – the truth could threaten their sisterly bond. Dot is dogged by fear, coming to terms with her mother’s rejection of her. She should be enjoying the happiness she craves with her beloved Cess; instead, she’s trapped in an asylum, haunted by the horrifying cries of inmates. All she wants is to get married, but what chance is there for her if she’s locked away? Millie is trying to build a life with her new husband. But the man she loves is not all he seems . . . Can the Jam Factory girls create the future they all deserve? Book 3 Blurb: The Jam Factory Girls Fight Back is a moving historical novel of friendship set in the heart of pre-WWI London from bestselling author, Mary Wood. Can they claim what is rightfully theirs? From the moment Len came into their lives, everything changed for Millie and Elsie. Both fell in love with him, but he chose Millie, because of her attractive legacy – the Jam Factory. Millie’s expecting Len’s baby and it should be the happiest time, but her husband’s true colours have come to the fore – and Millie is forced to leave the marriage. Now Millie is desperate to save her child from Len’s clutches. Will Len ever allow her to find happiness? Elsie’s fallen in love with dependable Jim – but Len is threatening their happiness too. Elsie and Millie are determined to overthrow Len and reclaim the Jam Factory as their own. Will they succeed, and can they rebuild their lives after the devastation Len has caused? Author Bio: Born the thirteenth child of fifteen to a middle-class mother and an East End barrow boy, Mary Wood's childhood was a mixture of love and poverty. Throughout her life Mary has held various posts in office roles, working in the Probation services and bringing up her four children and numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid reader, she first put pen to paper in 1989 whilst nursing her mother through her last months, but didn't become successful until she began self-publishing her novels in 2011

Winning Bidder

Cathy Ball

Bids

6

£25

252

Matthew Wainwright

Book Title: Out of the Smoke Genre: YA Historical Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://matthewwainwright.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattwauthor Book Blurb: Plunged into the criminal underworld of Victorian London, Billy the chimney sweep knows he must fight - or die. But with notorious gang leader Archie Miller closing in on him, every turn he takes only leads to more trouble. When the 'Poor Man's Earl' offers Billy a chance to exchange his gangland life for an education, Billy must decide if his pride is too high a price to pay, and whether turning on Archie will mean freedom - or certain death. A thrilling story of faith and survival, based on the work of the Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury. Author Bio: Matthew Wainwright is an author of historical fiction for young people. His first book, 'Out of the Smoke', is set in Victorian London and highlights the philanthropic work of Lord Shaftesbury, particularly with child chimney sweeps and gang members. His second book, 'Through Water and Fire', is due for release in the Autumn, and will take readers to Tudor England at the dawn of the Reformation. Matthew is an active member of the Time Tunnellers, a collective of historical children's authors who release weekly videos and blogs for children and teachers. He is also a member of CWISL, raising awareness of the benefits of stories and illustrations on children's literacy in London and the South East. He loves visiting old places, and imaging the people who might have lived there and the adventures that might have happened. He lives in Greenwich, London.

Winning Bidder

Natalie Freeman

Bids

1

£12

253

M W Arnold

Four Audiobook Bundle! Title: Broken Wings Audiobooks 1-4 Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Audiobooks on cd Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://facebook.com/MWArnoldAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/mick859 Book 1 Blurb: A Wing and a Prayer When Betty Palmer's sister dies under suspicious circumstances whilst landing her Tiger Moth, Betty and three other women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary in WWII England unite to discover who killed her and why. Estranged from her family, Penny Blake wants simply to belong. American Doris Winter, running from a personal tragedy, yearns for a new start. Naturally shy Mary Whitworth-Baines struggles to fit in. Together though, they are a force to be reckoned with as they face the mystery that confronts them. Against the backdrop of war, when ties of friendship are exceptionally strong, they strive to unravel the puzzle's complex threads, risking their lives as they seek justice for Betty's sister. Book 2 Blurb: Wild Blue Yonder Air Transport Auxiliary pilot Doris Winter is accused of stealing a valuable item from a famous Hollywood movie star, now a captain in the US Army Air Corps, after a dance at the air base in England where he's stationed. Gathering her close friends together, she's determined to clear her name. Ruth's POW son suffers a life-changing injury just as her own cottage takes damage in an air raid and Penny's estranged little sister unexpectedly turns up, having run away from school. Together with the ongoing thefts of items of clothing and surprise personal revelations, these all threaten to hamper their investigation. In spite of the worsening war situation, they must band together to rise above their troubles and prove love and friendship is worth fighting for. Book 3 Blurb: I'll Be Home for Christmas A mysterious key left by her murdered sister takes Air Transport Auxiliary pilot Betty Palmer on a journey of discovery and danger. Her estranged parents force themselves back into her life, motivated purely by greed and self-preservation. Penny's life is unexpectedly turned upside down by a potentially life-changing situation that causes her wounded husband to question their marriage. No one seems safe in the turmoil of the middle years of the war, and some relationships face a breaking point whilst others become stronger. Kidnap, crashes, and dogfights—the women of the Air Transport Auxiliary Mystery Club have never faced such dangers before. To survive may not be enough. They must find the strength to rise above their most trying times yet. Book 4 Blurb: In February 1944, the girls of the Air Transport Auxiliary Mystery Club face the devastating personal loss of one of their own in a tragic crash. At the same time, another member is blackmailed, whilst honeymoon plans of a third are threatened by a puzzling mystery. As they share each other’s joys and troubles, the friends find the comfort and strength to go on with their vital work and dangerous investigations in wartime England, even when few situations are what they seem to be. Can a marriage broken by harsh words be saved, and will injuries suffered in the line of duty heal? These courageous women do battle on multiple fronts whilst maintaining dignity and friendship. Author Bio: I grew up outside Bournemouth on the south coast of Dorset and at just shy of 18, I entered the Royal Air Force. For the next 16 years, I traversed the world having a great time! There came a point, however, where I decided it was time to set down some roots. At about this time, I started to dabble in writing again. In 2013, I joined the Romantic Novelists Association and had my first novel, a romantic drama, 'The Season for Love', published in December 2017; then took a time out. 'A Wing and a Prayer', book 1 in the 'Broken Wings' series, is my first Historical Saga. With my longstanding love of history, this seemed a genre ready made for myself.

Winning Bidder

Don Ke

Bids

6

£22

254

Cassie Oakman

Title: Brightly Shines the Darkness Genre: Historical Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://cassieoakman.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassieOakman Book Blurb: Who is in the best position to guide and protect the village: the elders, who know how wicked men can be, or the priests, who have the ear of the gods? Dhoban and his sister Serin had expected to have several more years’ training before becoming priests, but when their mentors are killed, far from home, by religious zealots, they do their best to take their places. It troubles the village elders that the spiritual leadership of the community is left in such inexperienced hands, but they hesitate to intervene, for fear of angering the spirits and losing their protection. When they hear that the fanatics are growing stronger and sweeping closer, the elders realise that they must act: but how can they do that without losing the goodwill of the spirits? And is it, in any case, too late? Author Bio: Cassie Oakman was born in Sussex, and after living and studying in Paris, Oxford and various other places, she is now settled in a peaceful village only a few miles from where she grew up. She divides her working life between writing and teaching, and spends her leisure time with her family. The Skywatchers series is a sequence of novels set in a world where fanatics are using aggression and terror to impose their own religious beliefs. The peaceful moonfollowers and sunservers tread a precarious path between dying for their faiths and betraying their principles. Although there is no way to return to the gentle life that has been swept away from them, an unlikely group of people, from a politician to a dancing slave girl, from a merchant to a retired bard, are summoned together to try to defeat the bigots and bring about a newly tolerant world. Although set in an imaginary land, far from ours in both space and time, the need to overcome intolerance and create a world order based on something more enlightened than the use or abuse of power, weaves a metaphor that resonates with our own age.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

255

Jane Lythell

Title: The Exes Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/janelythell Book Blurb: Holly Hilborne unexpectedly inherits a large and derelict house from her aunt. Daunted by the challenge the house represents she recruits her three ex-lovers a builder, an artist and an osteopath, to move in and help her renovate the house. What could possibly go wrong? Author Bio: I grew up in a small seaside town in Norfolk; went to university in London and lived there for over three decades. I now live in Brighton. I write psychological suspense because I'm fascinated by what drives people to do extreme things. My new novel THE EXES has just been published by Bloodhound Books. THE LIE OF YOU and AFTER THE STORM explore obsessive thoughts and were USA Today bestsellers. THE LIE OF YOU is now a film, A WORKING MOM'S NIGHTMARE, starring Tuppence Middleton and Rupert Graves, screening on Lifetime Movies in the USA. Before writing full-time I worked as a TV producer, was Deputy Director of the British Film Institute and then Chief Executive of BAFTA, followed by seven years at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. My third novel, WOMAN OF THE HOUR, reveals life at the TV front-line through the eyes of producer Liz Lyon. It came out in 2016 and the follow-up, BEHIND HER BACK, was published in 2018, both from Head of Zeus. The Exes is Jane Lythell's fifth novel and was published in March 2023.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£14

256

Louise Gooding

Book Title: Wonderfully Wired Brains Genre: Children’s non fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://louisegooding.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/OnceUponaLouise Book Blurb: An informative and inclusive children's guide to neurodiversity. Our brains are unique in the way they function, work, and think. Neurodiversity is still a relatively 'new' concept that can be tricky to understand, but this book is here to help! This book written by neurodiverse author Louise Gooding challenges misconceptions and shows how neurodivergent brains work a little differently. The font and colours used have been selected to accommodate a range of neurodiverse readers. Combining neurodiverse experiences with science, history, and brain-bursting facts, Wonderfully Wired Brains has something for everyone! Whether your child is neurodiverse or not, this book will inspire inquisitive young readers and show them that no two brains function in the same way and that everyone's differences should be celebrated. There really is no other book like it. Author Bio: Norfolk based children’s author Louise Gooding has a keen interest in sharing stories that feature characters that stand out, are different and who have something to say. Inspired by stories from her own experiences and within her family, she took up writing to find a way to authentically discuss neurodiversity and disabilities, and to explore other sensitive topics within children’s books.

Winning Bidder

Maureen Chapter

Bids

5

£30

257

Judith Barrow

Book Title: Sisters Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://judithbarrowblog.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/judithbarrow77 Book Blurb: A moving study of the deep feelings - jealousy, love, anger, and revenge - that can break a family apart. … Sisters is another absorbing, emotional and thought-provoking creation from the wonderful Judith Barrow.Janet LaugharneTwo sisters torn apart by a terrible http://lie.In shock after an unbearable accident. Angie lets her sister Mandy take the blame, thinking she's too young to get into trouble. But she's wrong. Mandy is hounded, bullied and finally sent to live with their aunt, where she changes her name to Lisa and builds a new life, never wanting to see her sister again. Angie's guilt sends her spiralling into danger. Thirteen years later, they meet again at their mother's funeral. Lisa starts to suspect something is wrong. Angie seems terrified of her husband, and their father is hiding something too.What does Lisa owe to the family that betrayed her? Author Bio: Judith Barrow,originally from Saddleworth, a group of villages on the edge of the Pennines, has lived in Pembrokeshire, Wales, for over forty years. She has an MA in Creative Writing with the University of Wales Trinity St David's College, Carmarthen. BA (Hons) in Literature with the Open University, a Diploma in Drama from Swansea University. She is a Creative Writing tutor and holds workshops on all genres

Winning Bidder

Madalyn Morgan

Bids

2

£12

258

Tia Fisher

Title: Crossing the Line Genre: Teen verse novel Format: Paperback Dedication Available: A personal message will be written to the wonderful winner. Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://tiafisher.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiafisher_ Book Blurb: 'Do you feel safe?' A powerful novel exploring how teenagers can be swept up into county lines. For fans of PUNCHING THE AIR and SPLINTERS OF SUNSHINE. Erik's life has been falling apart ever since his dad died. Homework and being good at school stop feeling important when you're the new man of the house. When Erik's bad behaviour attracts the wrong crowd, he's sucked into a terrifying new world of drug dealing, trap houses and violence. Making money feels good but Erik soon learns that a small favour can become a huge debt. And when his sisters' lives are threatened, Erik will have to cross one more line to save them. Written in stunning verse, this is a poignant story about seeking safety and asking for help in times of crisis. Tackling the mounting issue of county lines drug gang exploitation of children, and brilliantly readable, Crossing the Line has been described as a 'must have' for every school library. *Crossing the Line has been nominated for The Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 Author Bio: Crossing the Line is Tia's debut novel. She works in a busy children's library in South London and is currently part-time at Bath Spa University, taking her master’s in Writing for Young People. She has published poems in The Rialto, and a YA novel was long-listed for the Mslexia Children’s Novel Award. Tia believes in second chances.

Winning Bidder

Catherine Donald

Bids

1

£12

259

Joanne Hutchinson

Title: Hettie the Talking Yeti Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only. Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X69NF8sz0A Website: https://www.joannehutchinson.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/johutchauthor Book Blurb; From the creators of OG and Hagwitch and the Cauldron of Colour and from best selling and award winner Joanne Hutchinson, comes the hilarious rhyming story of Hettie The Talking Yeti. Discover what happens, when an unexpected guest arrives and does not stop talking. With a loveable main character, this book is packed full of beautiful illustrations and parents and children will adore the jibber-jabber journey with a hilarious twist at the end. What would you do with Hettie The Talking Yeti? Author Bio: Joanne is a children's author based in Cambridgeshire, UK. Renowned for writing acclaimed and best selling children's books, Jo is fast becoming recognised for her creative rhyming flair and has already achieved significant recognition for her outstanding work, with appearances on BBC radio, Talkradio, Littleradio and features in national press. She creates vibrant, colourful rhyming stories for children to take you and your child on a magical journey to a new world that has been created specifically for children, called Mythical Land. This land is full of unique, wonderful characters who all live together creating a magical experience for everyone that visits. Each story introduces new characters and their own powers and enchanting personalities. Her stories are fun, beautifully illustrated and help teach children the true value of kindness and friendship.

Winning Bidder

Joanna Rollings

Bids

1

£11

260

Gareth Rubin

Title: The Turnglass Genre: Historical Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.garethrubin.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GarethRubin Book Blurb: 1880s England. On the bleak island of Ray, off the Essex coast, an idealistic young doctor, Simeon Lee, is called from London to treat his cousin, Parson Oliver Hawes, who is dying. Parson Hawes, who lives in the only house on the island – Turnglass House – believes he is being poisoned. And he points the finger at his sister-in-law, Florence. Florence was declared insane after killing Oliver’s brother in a jealous rage and is now kept in a glass-walled apartment in Oliver’s library. And the secret to how she came to be there is found in Oliver’s tête-bêche journal, where one side tells a very different story from the other. 1930s California. Celebrated author Oliver Tooke, the son of the state governor, is found dead in his writing hut off the coast of the family residence, Turnglass House. His friend Ken Kourian doesn’t believe that Oliver would take his own life. His investigations lead him to the mysterious kidnapping of Oliver’s brother when they were children, and the subsequent secret incarceration of his mother, Florence, in an asylum. But to discover the truth, Ken must decipher clues hidden in Oliver’s final book, a tête-bêche novel – which is about a young doctor called Simeon Lee . . . Author Bio: Gareth Rubin writes about social affairs, travel and the arts for British newspapers. In 2013 he directed a documentary about therapeutic art at the Bethlem Royal Hospital in London ('Bedlam'). His books include Liberation Square, set in Soviet-occupied London; The Winter Agent, about British agents in Paris on the eve of D-Day and The Turnglass, two entwined mysteries that take place in Essex in 1881 and Los Angeles in 1939. He read English literature at the University of St Andrews and trained at East 15 Acting School. Gareth writes for 'The Observer'

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£22

261

Lazza Ogden

Title: The Resurrection of Dutch Courage Genre: Humour Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorLazza Book Blurb: Twenty years on from the disastrous European tour that concluded with the loss of band vocalist ‘Bosco’ at sea, hapless indie rock band DUTCH COURAGE reform thanks to a chance encounter. Now armed with top level management and enthusiastic new members, originals John Leonard and Martin McCarthy begin to at long last make headway in the music business. TV shows, dream gigs at renown music festivals and a tour of the USA beckon for our rock heroes. Has the curse of Dutch Courage finally been lifted? But there are of course downsides with the trappings of fame. Problems with drink and drugs raise their heads once again in all amusing manners and the band acquire a crazed stalker who makes life difficult for all the group members. You’ve seen the pub gig and got the T-shirt. This time you’re going to need a visa for that plane ride as Dutch Courage rocket jet pants over the pond to traverse the American East and West coasts for a tour like no other. Will everyone survive this time? Author Bio: Born a Libran in England's sporting capital city. "The Curse of Dutch Courage" is my first book. Lazza (Me) enjoys listening to most cutting edge music like Mod, Punk, Ska, Indie, Glam & Oi. The house i share with my wife and 2 cats resembles a record shop and there is even a check out till in the kitchen next to the toaster which is manned daily for authenticity (Closed Sundays). My place is just full of CDs, books and vinyl. After drinking a strong Latte and doing the Rubiks cube of a morning, Lazza (Me) can be found watching WWE wrestling, darts or speedway on the box or if going out can be spotted on the streets, though that's probably why i'm going to the doctors. He (Me) is a big football and cricket fan and is a regular on the terraces of Coalville Town FC. Many of the tales that make my book are TRUE. Many happened on some mad weekends away with various punk bands in the late nineties (Terrorist kidnap, nautical disaster) & many other stories didn't make the cut as i don't think you'd believe them. The difficult 2nd book is now upon us. More (mostly) true things that happened this time in America. Welcome "The Resurrection of Dutch Courage"

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

262

Cara Hunter

Title: Murder in the Family Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaraHunterBooks Book Blurb: From the Sunday Times Bestselling author of CLOSE TO HOME comes a brilliant standalone thriller you’ll never forget. IT WAS A CASE THAT GRIPPED THE NATION LUKE RYDER’S MURDER HAS NEVER BEEN SOLVED In December 2003, Luke Ryder was found dead in the garden of the family home in London, leaving behind a wealthy older widow and three stepchildren. Nobody saw anything. Now, secrets will be revealed – live on camera. Years later a group of experts re-examine the evidence on Infamous, a true-crime show – with shocking results. Does the team know more than they’ve been letting on? Or does the truth lie closer to home? Can you solve the case before they do? The truth will blow your mind. Author Bio: Cara Hunter is a British Sunday Times bestselling author of mystery, thriller and crime fiction novels. Close to Home (2018), a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, was shortlisted for Crime Book of the Year at the 2019 British Book Awards, while No Way Out (2019) was picked by the Sunday Times as among the 100 best crime novels since 1945. Her books have sold more than a million copies across the globe, with the TV rights to her DI Adam Fawley Series acquired by the Fremantle group. Cara, who currently lives in an Oxford neighbourhood not very different from the ones in her novels, holds a degree and PhD in English literature from Oxford University.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£20

263

Tracy Darnton

Title: My Brother is an Avocado Genre: Children Format: Picture Book (Hardback or Paperback) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://tracydarntonauthor.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracyDarnton Book Blurb: A warm and funny stage-by-stage tour through all the sizes of a growing baby – from teeny-tiny poppy seed to giant watermelon – from an exciting new picture book partnership! It’s hard to wait for a new baby to join the family, especially when it’s still growing inside Mum’s tummy. But when Dad describes the size of the baby at each stage, one little girl imagines, while she waits, all the fun she can have with her baby brother as a teeny-tiny poppy seed, then a grape, then a lemon . . . But she’s not quite sure how she feels about having an avocado for a brother. Or an onion. Or – gulp – a watermelon! This joyful picture book playfully explores the loooong waiting game for a much-anticipated new sibling – with an adorable twist at the end . . . Author Bio: Tracy Darnton is a writer for children and young adults. My Brother is an Avocado is a picture book out in May 2023 with Simon & Schuster with a playful twist on the excitement and anxieties for siblings when a new baby is on the way. It's a departure from her usual dark YA thrillers - but they all have twisty endings! In her latest YA thriller, Ready or Not, a girl goes missing during a late-night game of hide-and-seek. Three families have holidayed together at Creek House since forever but lately friendships have been under strain. The remaining teens head back to Creek House, one year later, and secrets begin to be revealed. Is everyone playing games? It's a coming of age story about privilege, obsession and friendship. The Rules is about a girl on the run from her prepper dad and his extreme rules. It delves into the world of preppers preparing for disaster and was longlisted for the UKLA Book Award 2022. Her first novel - The Truth About Lies - was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2019 and was a World Book Night 2020 title. She has a special interest in the nature of memory and mnemonic techniques and so it was inevitable that her first novel would be a memory thriller. She chose Dartmoor - one of her favourite places in the UK - as its setting. The Truth About Lies was reprinted with a new cover in 2023. She won the Stripes/The Bookseller YA Short Story Prize in 2016. Her short story The Letter was published in I'll Be Home for Christmas and is now the basis of the novel The Rules. She lives near Bath in the South West of England where she buys far too many books.

Winning Bidder

Sam Edgar

Bids

2

£18

264

Susie Williamson

Title: Blood Gift Chronicles (Book 1 & Book 2) Genre: Fantasy, YA Format: Paperbacks Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only. Website: https://susiewilliamson.blog Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJW_writer Book Blurb: Blood Gift Chronicles begins with Return of the Mantra, and The Warder. Both titles won Firebird Book Awards in 2021. Return of the Mantra – Suni has always known she is different. She and her mother make their living weaving baskets, and selling herbs they harvest secretly at night. Her father abandoned them to work in the tyrannical king’s crystal mines. Mata follows the old ways of the Mantra, which the king has outlawed. He demands people worship him and the power of the crystals. Mata and Suni keep their beliefs to themselves. Tragedy strikes, and with no warning, Suni is cut adrift. She sets off to find her father. Will she also find the destiny Mata wanted for her? The Warder – The King is defeated, the spirit of the Mantra has been restored, Suni is reunited with her father and yet: all is not quite right. Wanda and his cousin Luna live in the valley beyond the mountains: Luna dreams of dragons while Wanda, gifted with the ability to communicate with animals, struggles with his own shadow. Ntombi blames Wanda for Luna’s condition. Meanwhile, in the town by the sea, Suni fears for her dear friends, and watches over them with her own gift. Many, including Suni’s father, suffer from a strange affliction. The townspeople blame the Mantra. Then strangers arrive from the sea, bringing hope: but in this land of gifts and curses, is anything what it seems to be? Author Bio: Susie Williamson is an award-winning author, artist and poet. She grew up in the village of Scholes, Holmfirth, in West Yorkshire. She studied at the University of Sheffield and graduated with a BSc Honours in Chemistry, and a PGCE in Secondary School Science. In 1999 she travelled to the Sudan, where she taught English as a Foreign Language in the cities of Omdurman and Khartoum. From there she moved to South Africa, where she taught Adult Basic Education and Training, primarily in a township in Kwazulu Natal. On her return to the UK, she moved to Devon, where her childhood passion for creative writing was reignited. Among a collection of varied support work roles, she increasingly prioritised her time to write. Her series, Blood Gift Chronicles, encompasses issues that she is passionate about, including wildlife and the environment, community and connectivity, social justice and marginalisation. Inspired by authors such as Ursula Le Guin, Susie reflects society while transporting us from the mundane to the fantastical, through inventive landscapes filled with colour, magic, animism and dragons. Susie is currently working on the third instalment of her series. She also writes poetry and is a regular face on the Exeter poetry scene. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring the Devon surrounds, travelling, lazy bike rides by the river, and painting canvases to steadily fill the white-washed walls of home.

Winning Bidder

Janet McNeill

Bids

1

£11

265

Imogen Edwards-Jones

Two Book Special! Title 1: Have You Got Anything Stronger Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Humour Format: Paperback Title 2: The Witches of St. Petersburg Genre: Historical Fiction - Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://imogenedwardsjones.com Book 1 Blurb: Have You Got Anything Stronger Have You Got Anything Stronger? is a sharp and furiously funny novel about being married with two children and having a husband whose tits are bigger than yours. We follow a year in the life of four best friends as they navigate careers, friendship, love, sex, money, children, and question their harassed realities. Why did they get married? Do they like their children? Does lemon in your vodka and tonic count as one of your five a day? Does life ever, you know, slow down? Between running late, meetings, pick-ups and drop- offs, it's clear the hamster wheel never really stops turning and the question eventually must be asked . . . Is this it? For fans of Why Mummy Drinks, this next-generation Bridget Jones's Diary will resonate with women who, between running late for playdates, meetings and Ocado deliveries, have realised that the hamster wheel never stops turning, and it may be too late to crash out. Book 2 Blurb: Starving men and women stalk the streets of St. Petersburg. Revolution is brewing. Yet in the Imperial court of Nicholas II and the lavish palaces of the aristocracy, there is unimaginable luxury and extravagance. Into this world of stifling splendour come two sisters. Princesses Anastasia and Militza from Montenegro are famed for their wild beauty and mystical powers. They befriend the isolated Tsarina Alexandra and use their psychic gifts to help in her increasingly desperate quest to produce a male heir. In one doomed last throw of the dice, the princesses introduce Rasputin to the Russian court. Forgotten by history, these extraordinary sisters played a frustrating role in the fate of the Romanov family - a true story of love, lust, power and betrayal. Author Bio: Imogen Edwards-Jones is the bestselling author of Hotel Babylon, Air Babylon and Fashion Babylon, as well as novels such as My Canape Hell and Shagpile. She lives in west London with her husband and their two children

Winning Bidder

Amanda Giles

Bids

2

£13

266

Gregory Alexander Sharp

Book Title: Il Lupo Genre: Supernatural Thriller; Horry (lite horror); Suspense; Adventure Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage and Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://il-lupo-book.blogspot.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SempaiGreg Book Blurb: Il Lupo is a supernatural thriller set against a backdrop of the stresses of modern life and the human condition. When Nick Frobisher's father reveals he is dying, Nick reconnects with his old friend Charlie Mortimer. Now wracked with grief, Nick invites Charlie to join him on a trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. When they arrive, it becomes clear that Charlie is suffering with anxiety and panic attacks, yet a self-medicating Frobisher steers them into harm's way. Bar fights, a night in the cells, drunken behaviour, and Charlie's anxiety only increases. Just when it seems things can't go much worse, they do, as Nick and Charlie find themselves confronting a man who is believed to be a werewolf. This man's name is Telemaco Russo, and wherever he goes, trouble follows. Now, with the full moon approaching, Charlie must find a way to protect those he loves, and save his own soul - but first, he must take on Telemaco, and somehow survive the experience. Il Lupo takes us to some of the most breathtaking locations imaginable, from the extraordinary beauty of the Amalfi Coast, to the rugged Highlands of Scotland, and the incredible ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of the brooding Mount Vesuvius. Follow in the footsteps of Charlie and Frobisher as they face up to the stresses of modern life and a curse as ancient as the hills. Author Bio: Gregory Alexander Sharp is a professional services executive who has worked for some of the world's best known tech and consulting companies. He's always been something of a storyteller, and a huge fan of the supernatural tales that made his spine tingle as a boy. Il Lupo, his first published novel, draws on Greg's love for the classic Hollywood horror movies (think Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jnr, and of course, Boris Karloff), but also on his own personal experiences with loss, and grief, and anxiety. Woven together with a real sense of pace, building tension and jeopardy, and with a smattering of Greg's sense of humour, Il Lupo is the first book he has always wanted to write. Book two, Kill and Cure - Il Lupo 2.0, coming Autumn 2023.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

267

Lynn Johnson

Title: A New Day at Paradise Pottery Genre: Historical Saga Format: Paperback Dedication available: Yes Postage & Packaging : Free] Bids accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/lynnjohnsonjots Book Blurb: In the darkness of the Great War, can she create a brighter future? Martha Owen has not had an easy life and easy start in life. Her abusive father dominates the family and she has lost her only friend after a painful falling out. Her father's reliance on the bottle and his increasingly violent temper, brings turmoil for Martha and her three siblings and with World War I causing more strain on the homefront, her prospects look bleak. With no money or qualifications to speak of, starting a job at the bottom in the potteries feels like a lifeline, but Martha finds herself wanting more than the production line job she works on. Her one talent is her artistic flair, but will this be enough to help her rise through the ranks at Paradise pottery and make a future for herself? And can she ever escape her father's dark shadow over her. An uplifting and moving saga from the author of the best–selling Wartime with the Tram Girls. Author Bio: Lynn Johnson left school with no qualifications. With determination and hard work, she ended her career as a Human Resources Manager with a large county council. She studied in her own time and achieved an Open University degree and a postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies. Writing short stories became part of her life and she joined the wonderful Romantic Novelists Association graduating from their fantastic New Writers Scheme. She writes The Potteries Girls series of books and is now working on her fifth book. Born and raised in Stoke-onTrent, she now lives in Orkney with her husband and six cats.-

Winning Bidder

Kathryn Goddard

Bids

1

£11

268

Sarah Lonsdale

Title: Rebel women between the wars: Fearless writers and adventurers Genre: History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Linked-in: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lonsdale-67b4151b Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahJLonsdale The Book: What did it mean to be a 'rebel woman' in the interwar years? Taking the form of a multiple biography, this book traces the struggles, passions and achievements of a set of 'recklessly determined' women who stopped at nothing to make their mark in the traditionally masculine spheres of mountaineering, politics, engineering and journalism. From the motorist Claudia Parsons to the 'star' reporter Margaret Lane, the mountaineer Dorothy Pilley and the journalist Shiela Grant Duff, the women charted in this book challenged the status quo in all walks of life, alongside writing vivid, eye-witness accounts of their adventures. Recovering their voices across a range of texts including novels, poems, journalism and diaries, Rebel women between the wars reveals their inch by inch gains won through courageous and sometimes controversial and dangerous actions. The Author: Dr Sarah Lonsdale has been a journalist for twenty five years, training on the Reading Chronicle before joining the Observer newspaper in 1990 as a general reporter. During her time on the Observer she specialised in stories concerning social justice. She is now freelance and has written for a wide variety of publications including: Observer, Financial Times, Evening Standard, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Independent on Sunday, Country Homes and Interiors Magazine, Observer Food Monthly, National Geographic Green and the Sunday Times. She was a weekly columnist for the Sunday Telegraph 2006 - 2015 writing about environmental issues, particularly the threat of climate change. Dr Lonsdale holds a BA (Hons) and MA from the University of Cambridge in Modern and Medieval Languages (French and Italian). She recently completed her PhD, 'The Representation of Journalists and the Newspaper Press in British Literature 1900 - 1939' at the University of Kent. She holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE). She joined City University London in 2013 after six years as a lecturer at the University of Kent, teaching at the School of English and the Centre for Journalism there.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£21

269

Paul Finch

Title: Usurper Genre: Historical adventure Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://paulfinch-writer.blogspot.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulfinchauthor Book Blurb: The throne of England is under threat, but one lad’s battle is much closer to home. Storm clouds gathering at England’s shores… Autumn, 1066. Saxon England, a realm at peace for fifty years, unknowingly enjoys its last peaceful harvest. For a Viking horde, led by the dreaded Harald Hardraada, circles off the north-eastern coast, while William of Normandy, a wolf in human guise, waits in the south, greedily sizing up the wealthy kingdom. …will change a young man’s future… Seventeen-year-old Cerdic, as second in line to the earldom of Ripon in northern England, is being trained for a future in the Church. But croziers and catechism do not fire Cerdic’s soul. He longs instead to be a warrior, like his brother Unferth, and ride to battle in defence of his lands. …and unseat his whole world But as the invasion fleets sail, Cerdic finds himself caught in a maelstrom that will utterly reshape the life he used to know. A catastrophic war is coming to England, and Cerdic’s wish for battle looks set to come true… Author Bio: Paul Finch is a former cop and journalist, now full-time writer. Having originally written for the television series THE BILL plus children's animation and DOCTOR WHO audio dramas, he went on to write horror, but is now best known for his crime / thriller fiction. He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers. Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.

Winning Bidder

Don Ke

Bids

1

£11

270

Caroline Montague

Title: A Paris Secret Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.carolinemontague.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/CMontagueAuthor Book Blurb: A powerful promise. A terrible sacrifice. A second chance... 1952. In the fragile atmosphere of post-war Paris, Sophie Bernot is training as a heart surgeon. A young woman in a man's world, Sophie is determined to bury her past and forge her medical career, whatever the costs. Across the channel, Sebastian Ogilvie is burning with ambition for his first architectural project. As his schemes lead him to France, and to a chance encounter with Sophie, his future seems full of promise. But when Sophie and Sebastian find themselves entangled in a brief, passionate affair, they each face a choice that will change their lives irrevocably, and a secret that will take years to be uncovered... Author Bio: From early childhood a poem, executed by my own hand was a compulsory requirement for my father’s birthday. To the reluctant five year old this was considered a trial, but by the age of seven writing poetry had become my passion. At ten I won my first national poetry competition and from that moment I dreamt of being a writer. This particular dream took rather longer than I had hoped because reading law, marriage at nineteen, children, a career as an interior designer – something always got in the way. When I moved with my second husband, three children and four step children to Burnt Norton twenty years ago, and I happened upon the empty pools made famous by TS Eliot in the first of his Four Quartets, I knew that one day the dream would become a reality. In 2018 after first writing a historical novel set at Burnt Norton I changed agents to William Morris Endeavour and it was here that I felt truly at home. Within a fairly short time, Matilda Forbes Watson had procured a two book deal with Orion for ‘An Italian Affair’ and ‘A Paris Secret’. Caroline is currently writing a novel set just after the Great War in the Staffordshire potteries and in a great English country house.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£20

271

Melanie Hewitt

Title: Looking for the Durrells Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieHewitt61 Book Blurb: After a year that has seen a broken-off engagement and the death of her beloved father, Penny is desperate to get away. Fulfilling a childhood dream, she sets off on a month-long pilgrimage to Corfu - an island idyll she knows only through the pages of Gerald Durrell’s ‘My Family and Other Animals’ On the Island, as she searches for the places the Durrells knew, Penny finds herself drawn into the lives of a tight-knit circle of strangers .. and as strangers start to become friends, lives past and present become intertwined in ways none of them could have predicted. Author Bio: Looking for the Durrells is Melanie’s debut novel. A former journalist she now works for the XP School Trust in Yorkshire. Loves to help people and partnerships - and meet at places with good cake and coffee. Hope this ok Paddy!!

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

4

£16

272

Gina Kirkham

*Bonus: Gina will be naming a character in her next book after her successful bidder Title: MURDERS AT THE ROOKERY GRANGE RETREAT Genre : Cosy/Crime/Murder/Mystery/Humour Format: Paperback Dedicated: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://ginakirkham.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GinaGeeJay Book Blurb: ‘Christmas Eve, 1989. A couple is found slumped in front of their twinkling Christmas tree in an apparent murder-suicide . . . Today. Librarian Pru Pearce is preparing for her wedding to police detective Andy Barnes. But after one of her Women’s Institute friends suffers a suspicious accident at Rookery Grange, a home for the elderly and infirm, Pru and the other ladies are on alert. And when one of the residents is asphyxiated with a pillow, no one can rest easy . . . With her wedding taking a disastrous turn and a killer on the loose, the part-time detective makes another vow: to investigate and solve the mystery. Will she unravel generations of murderous secrets and find the culprit?’ Author Bio: Gina was born in the late 1950’s to a mum who frequently abandoned her in a pram outside Woolworths and a dad who after two pints of beer could play a mean Boogie Woogie on the piano in the front room of their 3-bed semi on the Wirral. Being the less adventurous of three children, she remains there to this day - apart from a long weekend in Bognor Regis in 1982. Her teenage years were filled with angst, a CSE in Arithmetic, raging pimples and Barry White. Marriage and motherhood ensued, followed by divorce in her early thirties and a desperate need for a career and some form of financial support for herself and her young daughter. Trundling a three-wheeled trike along a leafy path one wintry day, memories of her favourite author Enid Blyton, ginger beer and solving mysteries along with her lifelong passion to be a police officer, excitedly gave way to an epiphany. And thus began an enjoyable and fulfilling career with Merseyside Police. On reaching an age most women lie about, she quickly adapted to retirement by utilising her policing skills to chase after two granddaughters, two dogs and one previously used, but still in excellent condition, husband. Having said goodbye to what had been a huge part of her life, she suddenly had another epiphany. This time it was to put pen to paper to write a book based on her experiences as a police officer. This led to her signing first with Urbane Publications and more recently, Bloodhound Books for her second series of cosy murder mystery books following the Winterbottom Women’s Institute ladies

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£115

273

Lottie Cardew

Title: Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Linktree: https://linktr.ee/LottieCardew Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsLottieCardew Book Blurb: An enchanting, standalone, modern rom-com inspired by Jane Austen’s EMMA, about a matchmaking young woman whose heart may be in the right place… some of the time. Emmeline – Em to her friends – has very little to vex her, except that she hasn’t left her beloved home, Midwynter Hall, in over two years. But her isolation doesn’t stop her interfering in the lives of others, particularly when it comes to love. As a romance writer, Emmeline obviously knows what she’s doing, increasingly plotting real-life matches rather than fictional ones. When best friend Polly gets mixed up with the wrong sort of man, Emmeline has no choice but to swoop to the rescue. And when old family friend Jordi seeks solace after women and work troubles, Emmeline has the perfect solution. You see, everything she’s written lately – pairing up lovelorn locals – has somehow (maybe magically) come true. So, if she pens a tale about Polly and Jordi despite their many protests, they’ll thank her eventually, once they’re blissfully happy together. But no one is more surprised than Emmeline when she finds she wants to write herself into the story. Because as it turns out, believing you’ve never been in love, doesn’t mean you’ve never (unknowingly) given your heart away… Author Bio: Lottie Cardew writes uplifting, witty(ish), heartstring-tugging romantic fiction. She lives in North Wales, UK, subdues the other members of Novelistas Ink if they misbehave – including the popular authors Trisha Ashley and Sophie Claire – and is an advocate for diversity in fiction. Lottie is diagnosed autistic with suspected ADHD. Her home is overrun by husband, not-very-small children, and a ball of fluff masquerading as a Pomeranian, so Lottie frequently takes refuge at her desk.

Winning Bidder

Ruth Paterson

Bids

7

£21

274

Dee Benson

Title: Glow Up, Lara Bloom Genre: Teen RomCom Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://deebenson.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeeBensonauthor Book Blurb: Meet Lara Bloom - the best friend you never knew you needed. This is her diary . . . When Lara meets super-cute new boy Caiden, she begins to think that the way to his heart is to give herself a glow up. But her friends are not impressed. You should never glow up for a boy, only for yourself! As Lara and her friends embark on their project of empowerment and self-love, Lara shares her innermost thoughts with her online journal. How can she keep her hair under control when she's playing football? Why is she so fast on the pitch yet so uncoordinated off it? And how will she ever convince Caiden to take an interest in her? With her worries safely locked in her top-secret journal, Lara is on track to unlock the glow-up of her dreams. Surely nothing could possibly go wrong . . .?! A heart-warming story of friendship, crushes and learning to love yourself. Perfect for fans of GEEK GIRL, Louise Rennison and Alesha Dixon. Author Bio: Dee Benson is a YA author based in Liverpool, UK. At university, she studied Molecular Biology with Genetics and only survived it by writing fiction during lectures. When she isn’t writing, Dee enjoys long walks, good food, and music that makes her wish she could sing. She lives with her husband and two daughters.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

275

Amy Patricia Meade

Title: Cold Turkey Genre: Mystery Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: United States Only Website: https://amypatriciameade.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/amypmeade Book Blurb: Tish Tarragon is catering for Hobson Glen’s annual Turkey Trot, and soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly race to the finish line... Literary caterer Tish Tarragon is looking forward to opening her new Cookin’ the Books café the day after Thanksgiving, but before then she has the small matter of catering for the Thirty-First Annual Colonial Springs Turkey Trot, a highlight in the Hobson Glen community calendar. With her food stall ready to go, Tish, the spectators and participating ‘trotters’ are eagerly awaiting the starter’s pistol when they are confronted with the sound of rifle shots from the woods. Deputy Mayor Behrens is dead. But was he really the intended target, or was it Tish’s ex, Mayor Schuyler Thompson? As Tish investigates with her beau, Sheriff Clemson Reade, it seems there are no shortage of residents with an axe to grind against the town council and their controversial policies. Can Tish finish first in her race against the killer? Author Bio: Author of the critically acclaimed Marjorie McClelland Mysteries, Vermont Country Living Mysteries, and Tish Tarragon Mysteries, Amy Patricia Meade is a native of Long Island, NY, where she cut her teeth on classic films and books featuring Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown. After serving as a technical writer for a management coaching firm and composing catalog copy for the Vermont Country Store, Amy relocated to southwest England, where she was a featured author at Agatha Christie’s Annual Greenway Literary Festival. Amy now resides in Upstate New York with her musician husband and her two cats and serves as Vice President of the Upper Hudson Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

Winning Bidder

Maura Meade

Bids

1

£11

276

M Rondino & A Pucci

Title: Toofs Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Europe Only Website: https://ginamc.blogspot.com/2016/08/illustrators-monica-rondino-and-andrea.html Twitter: https://twitter.com/Theartofpuro Book Blurb: Beware! Biting Baby! Just how do you cope? Here is a story to give you some home. A humorous tale with rhyming element, including tried and true strategies, from professional childcare practice, for dealing with biting behaviour in babies and small children. The authors wrote Toofs to fill a perceived gap in the market for books dealing with biting babies. None were available that included professional childcare approved coping strategies. Review:"A gorgeous tale full of the trials and tribulations of one of baby's first milestones. This book is just as enjoyable for parents who can reminisce about this memorable time." Adrienne T. O'Connell, teacher, B.A., Grad. Dip. Ed., taught children from outback indigenous classrooms to multicultural big city classrooms. Italian illustrators and book designers, Monica Rondino and Andrea Pucci, and Australian authors, J.R.Poulter and E.A. Poulter have proven a big ocean full of Big toothed bities is no barrier to collaborating on a fun book! Illustrators' Bios: Monica and her boyfriend, Andrea, make up Theartofpuro. They have worked several years in 2D animation and now they are freelance illustrators and comics artists. They are Members of SCBWI International. Monica Rondino and Andrea Pucci and J.R.Poulter have been working together for the last few of years on a couple of fun picture book projects for children. The Art of Puro team both illustrates and designs the books, creating a perfectly cohesive and beautifully presented book in every case. It is a joy to collaborate with these two very, very creative people! They see the humour and drama in situations and skilfully capture it in their images!

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

277

Anne Allen

Title: Echoes of Time Genre: Dual-time Historical Paperback Dedication Available YES Website: https://anneallen.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneAllen21 Book Blurb: Betrayal, injustice and revenge echo down the years… 1940. Olive marries farmer Bill Falla. The Germans occupy Guernsey. All too soon Olive realises she has made a mistake. Her life changes when she meets Wolfgang, a German officer-however there’s a price to pay. . . 2010. Natalie Ogier returns to Guernsey to escape an abusive relationship – only to be plagued by odd happenings in her beautiful cottage on the site of a derelict and secluded farm. Disturbing dreams, disembodied voices and uncanny visions from the past. She becomes increasingly ill at ease as someone else’s past catches up with her own… Her only immediate neighbour, Stuart, is the grandson of the original owners, Bill and Olive. Thrown together in a bid to find out what happened to Olive, can they each survive the repercussions of the past and move on? Author Bio: Anne Allen lives in Devon, by her beloved sea. She has three children and her daughter and two grandchildren live nearby. She was born in Rugby, to an English mother and Welsh father. As a result she spent many summers with her Welsh grandparents in Anglesey and learnt to love the sea. Her restless spirit has meant a number of moves which included Spain for a couple of years. The longest stay was in Guernsey for nearly fourteen years after falling in love with the island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns. By profession Anne was a psychotherapist but has long had creative ‘itches’, learning to mosaic, paint furniture, interior design and sculpt. At the back of her mind the itch to write was always present but seemed too time-consuming for a single mum with a need to earn a living. Now retired from the 'day job', there’s more time to write and Anne has now published seven books in The Guernsey Novels series as at April 2019.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

278

Lissa Morgan

Title 1: An Alliance with his Enemy Princess Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback (US copy) Title 2: The Warrior's Reluctant Wife Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback (US copy) Dedications Available: YES Postage: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lissamorgan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LissaMorganAuth The Book 1: An Alliance with his Enemy Princess A royal decree that will change their lives… Norman knight Rolant Guyarde has come to conquer a Welsh fortress bu when its mistress takes him hostage instead, he discovers she’s the sword-wielding 'warrior' he fought en route! Despite their being enemies, Rolant finds himself intrigued by the brave and beautiful Princess Gwennan. When they are forced into an uneasy alliance, he helps her petition King William Rufus for her parents’ release from prison. But in exchange for their freedom, the King demands a price neither Rolant nor Gwennan expect! The Book 2: The Warrior's Reluctant Wife An arranged marriage, an unexpected love…? Recently widowed, Rhianon hopes never to find herself bound to a man again, after being raised by a violent father and married to an unpredictable husband. But to seal a strategic alliance she’s forced to marry Peredur ab Eilyr—a warrior lord with a formidable reputation! Rhianon might be a reluctant wife but her new husband is revealing a passionate side that she is anything but reluctant to explore! The Author: Lissa Morgan hails from Wales but has travelled far and wide over the years, usually in pursuit of the next new job. A history graduate and former archivist, she currently works in freelance website design and lives between the mountains and the sea in rugged north-west Wales, surrounded by medieval castles that provide the perfect inspiration for her writing.

Winning Bidder

Amanda Giles

Bids

1

£11

279

Cherry Cobb

Two Book Special Title 1: Becky Bloomfield Genre: Children Middle Grade - Comedy Format: Paperback Title 2: Will's War Genre: Children Middle Grade - Action Adventure - Time Travel Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://cherrycobb.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/cherryvcobb Book 1 Blurb: Becky Bloomfield Ever since Mum died life has been hard for eleven-year-old Becky Bloomsfield, but everything gets turned upside down when Dad brings home his new girlfriend, Posh Penny! Not only does Becky feel like her mum is being replaced, but Dad no longer seems to have time for her either! Everything becomes so much harder when she is accused of stealing and falls out with her best friend Cassie. Will Becky get her dad and her best friend back? Or has life, as Becky knew it, changed forever? Book 2 Blurb: Will's War Will is an ordinary boy who likes to build Lego models and play with his dog, Rollo. But after a stupid row with his mum, he ends up at his grandad's house, where he discovers an old air raid shelter. Will steps inside to investigate, but when he comes out he is not in his grandad's garden, but in Second World War London. How will he get back? Author Bio: Cherry Cobb is a children's author living in Somerset. When not writing, Cherry enjoys walks in the countryside and learning to Zentangle.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

1

£11

280

H S Norup

Title: Into The Faerie Hill Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication available: Yes Postage & Packaging: Free Bids accepted: Global Website: http://hsnorup.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/HSNorup Book blurb: The moment Alfred arrives at his granny’s cottage, he feels like he’s being watched. The surrounding forests teem with unfamiliar life—even odd little faerie creatures only Alfred can see. It’s only when free-spirited Saga bursts into his life that he learns to appreciate the strange beauty around him. But this special world is under threat: Alfred’s dad is working on a project to dig a giant motorway tunnel through the landscape. As he joins Saga in the protests against this project, Alfred draws ever closer to the perilous world of the faerie creatures, following a thread that will lead him deep into mysteries from his family’s past. Author bio: H. S. Norup is the award-winning author of Into The Faerie Hill, The Hungry Ghost and The Missing Barbegazi—a Sunday Times Book of the Year in 2018. She grew up in Denmark, where she devoured fairy tales and escaped into books. After living in six different countries, she now resides in Switzerland and writes stories inspired by her travels, set in the borderlands between the real and imaginary worlds. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends her time outdoors either skiing, hiking, swimming or taking photos.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

281

Shauna Lawless

Title: Children of Gods and Fighting Men Genre: Historical Fiction - Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://shaunalawless.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaunaLwrites Book Blurb: They think they’ve killed the last of us… 981 AD. The Viking King of Dublin is dead. His young widow, Gormflaith, has ambitions for her son – and herself – but Ireland is a dangerous place and kings tend not to stay kings for long. Gormflaith also has a secret. She is one of the Fomorians, an immortal race who can do fire-magic. She has kept her powers hidden at all costs, for there are other immortals in this world – like the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of warriors who are sworn to kill Fomorians. Fódla is one of the Tuatha Dé Danann with the gift of healing. Her kind dwell hidden in a fortress, forbidden to live amongst the mortals. Fódla agrees to help her kin by going to spy on Brian Boru, a powerful man who aims to be High King of Ireland. She finds a land on the brink of war – a war she is desperate to stop. However, preventing the loss of mortal lives is not easy with Ireland in turmoil and the Fomorians now on the rise… Author Bio: Shauna Lawless is an avid reader of Irish mythology and folklore. As an Irish woman, she loves that Irish mythology has inspired so many stories over the years, however, she wanted to explore the history and mythology of Ireland in a more authentic way. She lives in Northern Ireland with her family.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£30

282

Anna Brooke

Title 1: Monster Bogey Genre: Children Format: Paperback Title 2: Monster Stink Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/AE_Brooke Book 1 Blurb: Dear Nose-Pickers, are you well? Good. Then come closer. For I'm about to tell you a right slimer of a tale ... In it, there's a bogey monster, two best friends, four daredevil slugs, a neighbour so wicked she'll give you the willy-willy-woo-woos and a castle with secret chambers. Will it end happily? No ... Yes ... Sorry, I don't know! You'd better ask the cabaret-singing spider ... Book 2 Blurb: The stinkingly brilliant sequel to Anna Brooke’s hit debut, Monster Bogey! When the mysterious Stink appears, there’s a fart pandemic in the village – plus, Bogey has morphed into a dangerous, dripping sixty-foot goo monster, attracting the attention of Snotland Yard. Can Frank, Tiffany and the Snozzlers save the day? Author Bio: Anna’s writing career started in journalism as a film critic for Time Out Paris and the author of seven travel guidebooks for Frommer’s. She has written for multiple publications, including the Financial Times, The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, where she was the long-standing Paris expert. Her debut novel, Monster Bogey, was a SCBWI Undiscovered Voices winner and longlisted for the Bath Children’s Novel Award. When not writing, she has been an actress, a cabaret singer and an electro-pop artist, performing on stage and composing songs for films and commercials. Raised in Birmingham and Yorkshire, she now lives in Paris with her French-Canadian husband and son.

Winning Bidder

Andrew Gerencser

Bids

4

£50

283

Claire Huston

Title: Art and Soul Genre: Romcom/contemporary romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://clairehuston.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaraVal Book Blurb: There’s no problem Becky Watson can’t fix. Except her own love life… Struggling single mother Becky Watson longs to revive her career as a life-fixer, working miracles to solve her clients’ problems, no matter how big or small. Since the birth of her two-year-old son she has been stuck preventing wedding fiascos for the richest and rudest residents of the Comptons, a charming, leafy area of southern England known for its artistic heritage. So when semi-reclusive local artist Charlie Handren reluctantly hires Becky to fix his six-year creative slump, she’s delighted to set him up with a come-back exhibition and Rachel Stone, the woman of his dreams. Though they get off to a rocky start, Becky and Charlie soon become close. But as the beautiful Rachel becomes Charlie’s muse, Becky is forced to wonder: will giving Charlie everything he wants mean giving up her own happily ever after? Author Bio: Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire, UK, with her husband and two children. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but sometimes need a little help to realise it. A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for all the cakes mentioned in Art and Soul at http://clairehuston.co.uk along with over 150 other recipes. This is also where she talks about and reviews books. As well as her website, you can find her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Goodreads: http://linktr.ee/clairehuston_author

Winning Bidder

Karen Whittard

Bids

1

£11

284

Claire Huston

Title: Clues to You Genre: Romcom/contemporary romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://clairehuston.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaraVal Book Blurb: One murder mystery weekend. Two rival sleuths. They’re looking for answers. But will they find love? Kate Brannon is delighted to be attending her first murder mystery weekend in a movie-worthy Victorian manor house. Still getting over being dumped, cracking the case would be a welcome boost to her flagging confidence. And the prize money wouldn’t hurt either. But Kate’s dreams of victory become a nightmare with the arrival of Max Ravenscroft. Smart, enigmatic and annoyingly handsome, Max is Kate’s sleuthing nemesis. When she and Max are forced to work together, Kate despairs. But, as the investigation brings them closer, she finds being his partner in solving crime isn’t all bad. With growing suspicions that the game is rigged against them, can Kate and Max beat the odds to find the killer? And, as their partnership deepens, can they find romance too? A sweet romantic comedy with a cosy mystery at its heart. This rivals-to-lovers romance is a standalone romcom and part of the Love in the Comptons collection.

Winning Bidder

Amanda Giles

Bids

2

£12

285

Charles Spicer

Title: Coffee with Hitler: The British amateurs who tried to civilise the Nazis Genre: History Format: Hardback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlesSpicer Book Blurb: TELEGRAPH and SPECTATOR HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR How the British might have handled Hitler differently remains one of history’s greatest ‘what ifs’. Coffee with Hitler tells the astounding and poignant story, for the first time, of a handful of amateur British intelligence agents who wined, dined and befriended the leading National Socialists between the wars. With support from royalty, aristocracy, politicians and businessmen, they hoped to use the much mythologised Anglo-German Fellowship as a vehicle to civilise the Nazis. A pacifist Welsh historian, a Great War flying ace, and a butterfly-collecting businessman offered the British government better intelligence on the horrifying rise of the Nazis than anyone else. Charles Spicer draws on newly discovered primary sources, shedding light on the early career of Kim Philby, Winston Churchill’s approach to appeasement, the US entry into the war and the Rudolf Hess affair. Author Bio: Charles Spicer is a debut author who has an MA from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from the University of London. He lives in London and Suffolk.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£25

286

Carrie Dunn

Title: Woman Up - Pitches, Pay and Periods: The Progress and Potential of Women's Footbal Genre: Sport - Women in History Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.carriedunn.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/carriesparkle Book Blurb: From the author of Unsuitable for Females, shortlisted for The Sunday Times Football Book of the Year 2023 With the triumph of England’s Lionesses at Euro 2022, the women’s game has been in the spotlight like never before, enjoying unprecedented media attention. But this is the result of decades of struggle to get women’s football – banned by the English FA for fifty years – on a more equal footing to its male counterpart. And while the current professional players are starting to reap the rewards of their success on the pitch, their personal journeys have often involved fighting against the odds, and they are still at a disadvantage in many areas, including access to medical treatment, playing facilities and salaries. So that a new generation of girls getting involved in football all over the world don't face the same obstacles as their predecessors, football journalist Carrie Dunn shines a light on the evolution of women’s football and the gender gaps that still persist – on issues such as injuries, sportswear, period taboos and diversity. Packed with practical advice and first-hand accounts from leading female players, Woman Up is an inspirational, informative and entertaining account of women’s football’s painful past and its exciting future. Author Bio: Carrie Dunn is a writer. Her recent books include The Pride of the Lionesses (Pitch, 2019), nominated as Football Book of the Year in 2020, and a sequel to The Roar of the Lionesses: Women's Football in England (Pitch, 2016), one of the Guardian's best sport books of 2016. Her most recent book Unsuitable for Females (Arena, 2022) tells the stories of the people who have kept women's football blazing a trail over the last century. She has covered the last three Women's World Cups for the Times and Eurosport, and is a regular voice on BBC radio as well as The Athletic's Women's Football Podcast. She has a PhD in sport sociology, and her particular research specialism is in women’s experience of sport. Her own footballing career began - and ended - with the Junior Hatters' supporters' club in her hometown of Luton. She lives in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park with her actor husband and their rescue lurcher, Spring.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£21

287

Cath Staincliffe

Title: Running out of Road Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.cathstaincliffe.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/CathStaincliffe Book Blurb: A missing schoolgirl, a middle-aged recluse, an exploited teenager. Lives thrown into chaos and set on collision course. Eleven-year-old Scarlet is abducted by her estranged father and driven up into the hills with the police in hot pursuit. It’s a race against time played out in the brooding wilderness, the limestone gorges and gritstone edges of the Derbyshire Peaks. Author Bio: Cath Staincliffe is a best-selling, award-winning novelist, radio playwright and creator of ITV’s hit series Blue Murder. Cath has been shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger and three times for the Dagger in the Library. She won the Short Story Dagger in 2012 and the WGGB Best Radio Drama Award in 2019. Running out of Road was short-listed for the CrimeFest eDunnit Award best novel 2022. Cath’s debut series, the Sal Kilkenny mysteries, launched single-parent PI Sal onto Manchester’s mean streets. Cath’s standalone titles examine the human impact of crime on ordinary families, giving a voice to victims, the bereaved, survivors and witnesses.

Winning Bidder

Fiona McCormick

Bids

2

£18

288

Kevin Ansbro

Title: In the Shadow of Time Genre: Magical realism, sci-fi, time travel Format: Paperback Dedication Available: The book will be signed and personalised by the author Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://kevinansbro.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevinansbro Book Blurb: “I was in Mexico City for three months, and yet returned to England on the same day that I left…” Through her time-travel research, physicist Dr Sofia Ustinova has attracted the interest of higher beings from a distant galaxy… Luna, a porcelain-skinned teenager, lives alone in a Danish forest where she guards an astonishing secret… Pablo, an optimistic shoeshine boy, struggles to earn a living on the sweltering streets of Mexico City… Meanwhile, Hugo Wilde, a British secret agent, embarks on a mission to kill a Russian assassin, unaware that his life is about to change in ways he could never have imagined… Author Bio: I write in the magical realism genre, meshing otherworldliness into the harshness of our real world. I also like to handcuff humour and tragedy to the same radiator. I'm married (to Julie) and currently live in Norwich, England. Stuff about me: I'm a foodie and an avid reader who values good manners, love and friendship above all else. I am constantly putting my foot in it, am reputed to have a wicked sense of humour and love to laugh, but sometimes do that 'snorty pig' noise when I do. I'm also easy-going and extremely friendly. So, come on over for a chat — I'll put the kettle on!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£18

289

Eibhlís Carcione

Title: Welcome to Dead Town Raven McKay Genre: Children - Middle Grade Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://eibhliscarcione.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/eibhliscarcione Book Blurb: When her parents disappear, 12 -year-old Raven McKay is put into foster care with Kitty Stromsoe in the town of Grave’s Pass. It’s not an ordinary town. It’s a town where the living and the dead live side by side, but few wear their identity on their sleeves. All her parents have left Raven is a battered beige suitcase with a faded black butterfly sticker and a note saying not to open the suitcase until the right time. But can she resist? And who among the living and the dead are her friends? Grave’s Pass has two mayors: one for the living and one for the dead — an arrangement that implies that the two know how to live comfortably side by side. But beneath the surface lurk dark desires, old mistrusts and vivid jealousies Author Bio: Eibhlís Carcione is a children’s author and teacher. She is also a bilingual poet who writes poems in Irish and English. She has published three poetry books in Irish and has won many prestigious prizes. She has written hundreds of poems, often about the power of nature, mermaids, myths, magic, and the occasional ghost. She lives in Cork city with her husband, daughter, and two faithful canine companions. Welcome to Dead Town Raven McKay is her debut novel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£28

290

Sinead Moriarty

Title: The Way We Were Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Family Drama Format: Large Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.sineadmoriarty.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/sinead_moriarty Book Blurb: When Alice's husband Ben dies suddenly, her world falls apart. They shared twenty years and two daughters and life without him is unimaginable. Having lost her parents while young, Alice understands her girls' pain. At fifteen, Jools is at that awkward age and only Ben could get through to her. And eleven-year-old Holly looks for the answer to everything in books but this time she's drawing a blank. Alice realizes that for their sakes she must summon up superhuman reserves of strength. Somehow all three of them come through the dark days. In time, it's even possible for Alice to consider marrying again, with the girls' blessing. So when Ben turns up after three years, her world is again turned upside-down. The girls assume that their family can go back to the way they were. Alice is not so sure. Once more Alice has to find the strength to be the mother her daughters need her to be. But this time what that means is far from clear ... Author Bio: Sinead Moriarty is an Irish author that writes contemporary novels about the struggles of family life. Sinead Moriarty was born in 1971 in Dublin. Her parents were Aidan and Mary Moriarty. The author went to Trinity College in Dublin where she studied French and Spanish, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Moriarty left Ireland afterward. She spent some time in Paris and London. She was working as a journalist at the time. It was during her time in London that the author wrote her first novel and piqued the interest of Penguin Books. Moriarty has since made a home for herself in Dublin with her husband and three children. The author has won the Irish Independent Popular Fiction Award. It could be argued that Sinead Moriarty couldn’t have been anything other than a writer. After all, her mother was also an author. She specialized in children’s books and, as a child, Moriarty was fascinated by her mother’s career.

Winning Bidder

Ann Cobb

Bids

2

£12

291

Lucy Atkins

Title: Windmill Hill Genre: General/Book group Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://Lucyatkins.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lucyatkins Book Blurb: 'Rich in charm and surprises' GUARDIAN 'A triumph. Funny, mysterious, moving and ingenious - a Shakespearian knot of happiness all round' PHILIP PULLMAN One night in a remote hunting lodge with a Hollywood director causes an international scandal that wrecks Astrid's glittering stage career, and her marriage. Her ex-husband, the charismatic Scottish actor Magnus Fellowes, goes on to find global fame, while Astrid retreats to a disintegrating Sussex windmill. Now 82, she lives there still, with a troupe of dachshunds and her long-suffering friend, Mrs Baker, who came to clean twenty years ago and never left. But the past is catching up with them. There has been an 'Awful Incident' at the windmill; the women are in shock. Then Astrid hears that Magnus, now on his death bed, is writing a tell-all memoir. Outraged, she sets off for Scotland, determined to stop him. Windmill Hill is the story of two very different women, both with painful pasts, and their eccentric friendship - deep, enduring, and loyal to the last. Author Bio: Lucy Atkins is an award-winning British author and journalist. Her 2020 novel, MAGPIE LANE, was a Book of the Year for BBC Radio 4's Open Book, the GUARDIAN, the TELEGRAPH and GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MAGAZINE. Her 2017 novel THE NIGHT VISITOR has been optioned for television. Lucy is a book critic for The Sunday Times & the Guardian, and also teaches creative writing at the University of Oxford.

Winning Bidder

Catherine Price

Bids

2

£18

292

Mo O'Hara

Title: Agent Moose - For Your Spies Only Genre: Children - Graphic Novel Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://moohara.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mo_OHara Book Blurb: Three amazing full-colour Agent Moose adventures in one bumper book! Previously published as individual books: Agent Moose, Moose on a Mission and Operation Owl Meet Agent Moose: the best (worst) secret agent in the Big Forest. Author bio: Mo O’Hara is the New York Times bestselling author of the My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish series. She writes picture books like More People to Love Me and Romeosaurus and Juliet Rex and also writes the graphic novel series Agent Moose with Jess Bradley as illustrator. Mo is currently writing a new series, Honey’s Hive, for Anderson Press. She lives in London with her husband, two cats and two nearly grown-up kids. She loves travelling around the country (and around the world) telling stories, leading writing workshops, and talking about books with kids.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£15

293

Keri Beevis

Title: The Summer House Genre: Psychological thriller Format: Paperback Dedication available: Yes Postage & Packing: Free Bids accepted: UK only Website: http://keribeevis.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/keribeevis Book Blurb: Mead House was once our childhood home. Despite my fears, I always knew we would have to return to face the demons of our past. Back to the place where it happened, to where, as carefree teenagers, we lost our elder sister in the most brutal of circumstances. As executors of our grandmother’s will, my twin brother, Ollie, and I needed to empty the house for resale. What I didn’t expect to discover was my sister’s secret journal that contained her most private thoughts and shocking dark secrets. Now I am questioning everything that I saw that night. Did I get it wrong, who I saw? Did my evidence send an innocent man, my then boyfriend's brother, to jail for the last 17 years? I know I have no choice. If I want to find answers, I will have to go back to that fateful night my sister died. When she made her last visit to the summer house. Author Bio: Keri Beevis is the bestselling author of Dying To Tell, Deep Dark Secrets, The Sleepover and The Summer House. Her other titles include Trust No One, Every Little Breath and The People Next Door. She lives in Norfolk, England, with her two naughty kitties, Ellie and Lola, and a plentiful supply of red wine (her writing fuel). In 2022, Keri signed with Boldwood Books. Her first release with them, The Sleepover, was a top 10 bestseller in the UK. The Summer House was a top 20 bestseller in both the UK and US. Her brand new thriller, The Boat House, is out later this year.

Winning Bidder

Tina Stapylton

Bids

2

£15

294

Glynis Peters

Title: The Orphan's Letters Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.glynispetersauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://www.glynispetersauthor.co.uk Book Blurb: Absence makes the heart grow fonder, but does nothing to heal the pain of spending every minute waiting to hear the worst… As the Second World War rages on, nurse Kitty Pattison’s life takes a nomadic turn as her work with the Red Cross sees her traversing the country, moving from post to post. With her best friends Jo and Trixie also scattered across the UK, and her soldier sweetheart Michael off on the continent undertaking medical missions he can’t discuss, the war takes its toll and long days are followed by sleepless nights interrupted only by nightmares of what she’s seen on the wards. Now, Kitty’s hopes rise and fall with the arrival of the post – the only thing that keeps her connected to her aunt and uncle, her dear friends, and her Michael – and every moment spent with those she loves is held dear, because each one could be the last… Author Bio: Glynis Peters is a British author and writes historical WWII novels with a mystery / suspense / romantic twist. She lives by the sea in Essex with her husband of forty-plus years, they have three adult children, and Glynis is a retired NHS nurse. When not writing she enjoys fishing with her husband, cross-stitch, and playing with her granddaughters who live nearby. Her son lives with his family in Vancouver, Canada, hence the Canadian heroes in her books.

Winning Bidder

Jill Paterson

Bids

1

£12

295

Judith Eagle

Four Book Bundle! Title 1: The Secret Starling Genre: Middle Grade Mystery Format: Paperback Title 2: The Stolen Songbird Genre: Middle Grade Mystery Format: Paperback Title 3: The Pear Affair Genre: Middle Grade Mystery Format: Paperback Title 4: The Accidental Stowaway Genre: Middle Grade Mystery Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/EagleJudith Book 1 Blurb: The Secret Starling Abandoned children running wild on the moors, evil child catchers, cunning cats and mysterious ballet shoes abound in this incredible first novel. Clara has lived a life of solitude, home schooled under her mean uncle's strict regime . . . until now! The day that Uncle abandons Clara, leaving her with nothing but a wedge of 'guilt money' and a half empty, crumbling manor house, she is determined to do things her way for a change. And when streetwise Peter turns up, with his rescue cat and a surprising array of knowledge, she is sure that between them they have everything they need to survive. But the house is to be sold . . . and Uncle has lied to Clara . . . and nothing, NOTHING is as it seems. Book 2 Blurb: The Stolen Songbird It's 1950s London and Caro Monday and her friends have become embroiled in a dangerous art heist! When Caro Monday's mother disappears on one of her jaunts, she has no choice but to go and stay with a miserable woman that she's never met. Not only that but she's told that her beloved rabbit, His Nibs, is not allowed to go with her. Luckily, Caro's not one for following rules. With her rabbit in hiding, and her wild behaviour getting her into trouble as soon as she walks through the door, Caro is only going to find herself in deeper water. In the lining of her suitcase is a small but extraordinary painting of a thrush . . . a painting that some dangerous art thieves are hunting down! Can Caro and her friends solve the mystery of the stolen songbird and find its owners before it's too late? Here ensues an exciting dash across London, with twists and turns as plentiful as the cobbled streets which Caro and her friends must navigate! Book 3 Blurb: The Pear Affair When Penelope Magnificent's awful parents tell her they're taking a trip to Paris, she surprises them by begging to go along. Nell is usually content to avoid her money-obsessed father and her fashion-focussed mother, but Paris holds something very dear to her . . . her old au pair Perrine - Pear - lives there. Pear used to write to Nell every week promising to come to her rescue but recently the letters have stopped . . . Arriving at her parent's posh hotel, Nell is determined to find Pear . . . but no one has seen her at her last known address, and no one seems to want to tell her anything about Pear's whereabouts. Luckily she befriends the hotel bellboy who introduces her to the world of tunnels underneath the city, and together they set out to find Pear, whilst uncovering an extraordinary mystery of their own . . . Gorgeous black and white illustrations by Kim Geyer bring this story to life. Book 4 Blurb: The Accidental Stowaway Liverpool, 1910 When Patch runs up the gangway of steamship, RMS Glorious, she isn't planning to hang around. But if she leaves her hiding place the constable might catch her: sitting tight is worth the risk. Too late, she realises the ship is setting sail! Patch has become an accidental stowaway. Luckily, Patch's unconventional past has made her pretty fearless when it comes to fending for herself, and besides there are friends in high and low places to be made onboard. But hiding away becomes less and less easy: her new friends urgently need her help and there's a mystery that needs solving, all before they reach New York . . . With gorgeous chapter head illustrations by Kim Geyer. Author Bio: Judith Eagle lives in South London with her husband and cat Stockwell. She spends her mornings writing and her afternoons working in a school library. In her spare time she is learning (slowly) to tap dance.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

11

£40

296

Kate Sawyer

Two Book Special Title 1: The Family Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Hardback Title 2: The Stranding Genre: Science Fiction Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.mskatesawyer.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateSawyer Book 1 Blurb: Mary has raised her daughters in this house. Watched them play and fight and grow up in this house. Today it is the house where she will get married. The wedding celebrations have brought the fractured family together for the first time in years: There is Phoebe and her husband Michael, children in tow. The young and sensitive Rosie, with her new partner. Irene, Mary's ex-mother-in-law. And Emma. There, despite all that has gone before. Set over the course of an English summer's day and punctuated with memories from the past forty years of love and betrayal, hope and joy, heartbreak and grief, this is the story of a family. Told by a chorus of characters, it is an exploration of the intimacies and transgressions that bring us to where we are, the changes that are brought about by time, and what, despite everything, stays the same. Book 2 Blurb: EVERY ENDING IS A NEW BEGINNING. Ruth is ignoring the news. Like most people, she has relationship problems, job stress, friends and family who need her. Ruth has a life. But the news is about to catch up with Ruth, and her problems are going to be swept away...along with the rest of the world. Only when the comforts and complications of her old existence are gone, does Ruth finally realise how she might be able to live to the fullest. Author Bio: Kate was born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK where she grew up in the countryside as the eldest of four siblings, after briefly living with her parents in Qatar and the Netherlands. Kate Sawyer worked as an actor and producer before turning her hand to fiction. She has previously written for theatre and short-film. Having lived in South London for the best part of two decades with brief stints in the Australia and the USA she has returned to East Anglia

Winning Bidder

Stacey Woods

Bids

7

£20

297

Mahi Cheshire

Title: Deadly Cure Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: Free Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/285502/mahi-cheshire.html Twitter: https://twitter.com/MahiCheshire The Book: THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH: FIRST, DO NO HARM... Dr Rea Dharmasena is devastated when she loses out on her dream research job to her med-school rival and best friend, Dr Julia Stone. To add insult to injury, Julia used Rea's own cutting-edge research to get it. But just as Rea finds it in her to forgive the betrayal, Julia, after a life-changing medical discovery, is found murdered. Now Rea has the dream job she's always wanted. But at what cost? The Author: Mahi Cheshire was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in London. She works as a GP and has a degree in Psychology. She loves travelling, kundalini yoga and boxing, all of which provide inspiration for her writing. She lives in London with her husband and daughter.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£20

298

Carol McGrath

Title: The Stolen Crown Genre: Medieval Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Po & P; FREE (N.B. Carol will be unable to post her book out until December) Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://carolcmcgrath.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolmcgrath Book Blurb: When Empress Matilda is eighteen years old, tragedy strikes the royal family, and she becomes the only child of the king of England - the de facto heir to the throne. As her dying father persuades the barons to pledge allegiance to her, Matilda returns to England - but the lords and clergy do not like an independent woman. And Matilda is nothing if not headstrong . . . When the old king dies, the country is plunged into instant chaos. So begins a fierce battle between cousins that will go down in history as a time called 'The Anarchy'. And Matilda must race across England, evading capture until she can demand the crown . . . 'The story of Matilda is strikingly brought to life with this beautiful written novel. A must for any fan of medieval history' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Author Bio: Carol McGrath is the author of the acclaimed She-Wolves Trilogy, which began with the hugely successful The Silken Rose and continues with the brand new The Damask Rose. Born in Northern Ireland, she fell in love with historical fiction at a young age, when exploring local castles, such as Carrickfergus, and nearby archeological digs- and discovering some ancient bones herself. While completing a degree in History, she became fascinated by the strong women who were silenced in record. Her first novel, The Handfasted Wife, was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Awards, and Mistress Cromwell was widely praised as a timely feminist retelling of Tudor court life. Her novels are known for their intricacy, depth of research and powerful stories.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£20

299

Shelley Read

Title: Go As A River Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.shelleyread.com Book Blurb: 'A sweeping story of survival and becoming' Women's Prize for Fiction 'Spellbinding' The Times 'Beautiful' Daily Mail 1940s Colorado: Teenage Victoria Nash is the sole surviving woman in a family of troubled men. She spends her days running the household on her family's peach farm. Wilson Moon is a young drifter with a mysterious past. Displaced from his tribal land, he wants to believe one place is just like another. When Victoria and Wil meet on a street corner, their unexpected connection ignites both passion and danger, revelations and secrets. But when tragedy strikes, Victoria is propelled away from the only home she has ever known and towards a reckoning with loss, hope, and her own untapped strength. Gathering all the pieces of her small and extraordinary existence, she will arrive at a single rocky decision that will change her life for ever. Go as a River is a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story and a drama of enthralling power. Author Bio: Shelley Read is a fifth generation Coloradoan who lives with her family in the Elk Mountains of the Western Slope. She was a Senior Lecturer at Western Colorado University for nearly three decades, where she taught writing, literature, environmental studies, and Honors, and was a founder of the Environment & Sustainability major and a support program for first-generation and at-risk students. Shelley holds degrees in writing and literary studies from the University of Denver and Temple University's Graduate Program in Creative Writing. She is a regular contributor to Crested Butte Magazine and Gunnison Valley Journal, and has written for the Denver Post and a variety of publications.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

300

Caroline James

Title: The Cruise Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolineJames12 Book Blurb: Three women. One widowed. One unmarried. One almost divorced. All aged 63, but not ready to give up on life! Leaving behind the heartache, guilt and disappointment of their real lives, three friends decide that now they’re in their sixties, it’s time they finally did something for themselves! Swapping Christmas turkeys and BBC reruns for crystal waters, white sandy beaches and smooth golden rum, Anne, Jane and Kath throw caution (and tradition) to the wind as they set sail on a luxury two-week Christmas cruise around the Caribbean. Will the three friends find the comfort and joy they seek aboard the Diamond Star? Author Bio: Caroline James always wanted to write, but instead of taking a literary route, followed a career in the hospitality industry, which included owning a pub and a beautiful country house hotel. She was also a media agent representing celebrity chefs. When she finally glued her rear to a chair and began to write, the words flowed, and several novels later, she gained many bestseller badges for her books. Her latest bestseller, The Cruise, is described as: ‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ Caroline’s hilarious novels include The Spa Break and The Best Boomerville Hotel, depicted as ‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel’. She likes to write in Venus, her holiday home on wheels and in her spare time, walks with Fred, her Westie, or swims in a local lake. Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the SOA and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists and writes short stories and articles, contributing to many publications.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

301

Ronali Collings

Title: Love And Other Dramas Genre: Women’s/Book club fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk/mm-authors/ronali-collings Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonaliCollings The Book: THREE WOMEN. TWO CULTURES. ONE SECOND CHANCE. West London. Tania Samarasena (recently divorced), her mother Helen (recently widowed), and her best friend Priya (recently nearly sacked following The Outburst) are three women at a crossroads in their lives. As they make plans to reinvent themselves, a series of shocks, old secrets and surprises plays havoc with their relationships, as well as their futures. A warm, witty and wonderful debut about second chances, Love & Other Dramas tells the story of three women dealing with the drama of life, love, family, friendship and keeping people out of your business in a culture where Aunty knows best. The Author: Ronali Collings was born and bred in Middlesex, has a degree in English Literature from King’s College London, studied law and worked in international tax for 16 years. After several years as a stay-at-home mother and decades of vicarious living through books, she rediscovered her passion for writing and graduated with a MA in Creative Writing from Brunel University under the supervision of Bernardine Evaristo.

Winning Bidder

Angela Eustice

Bids

3

£15

302

Gillian Cross

Title: Ollie Spark and the Exploding Popcorn Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.gillian-cross.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/gilliancross Book Blurb:: Machines, mysteries and mayhem - this must be a case for OLLIE SPARK! Ollie Spark has his biggest adventure yet, when he travels to a fancy food festival on a far-flung island! There are tasty treats galore - but the festival's guest of honour, a grand Duchess, is acting very suspiciously. What is she hiding? Ollie embarks on an undercover mission involving spying, secret recipes and lots of noodles . . . It's up to Ollie and his lovable dog Gasket to uncover the truth, and save the island before disaster strikes! Author Bio: Gillian Cross has been a successful author for many years. She has won the Carnegie medal, for 'Wolf'; the Smarties Prize and the Whitbread Children's Novel award, for 'The Great Elephant Chase' and her 'Demon Headmaster' books have been made into a successful television series. Gillian Cross is a great supporter of libraries and has served on several national committees and working parties in support ot these institutions. She lives in Warwickshire with her husband and family.

Winning Bidder

Donna Gibbs

Bids

6

£20

303

Roisin Meaney

Two Book Bundle! Title 1: Life Before Us Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Title 2: The Book Club Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://roisinmeaney.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/roisinmeaney Book 1 Blurb: Three facts about George: His daughter Suzi is the best thing in his life. He thinks it might finally be time to get over Suzi’s mum. He’s never tried online dating, but there’s a first time for everything. Three facts about Alice: She’s about to find out that her boyfriend is lying to her. She never expected to return to her hometown, particularly not without a job or a place to live. Even though her heart has been trampled on, she’s still holding out for love. One fact about love: It’s out there for George and Alice. All that needs to happen is for them to meet… Book 2 Blurb: A tragic accident leaves the tight-knit book club in the small seaside town of Fairweather reeling. Then stranger Tom McLysaght arrives in the community, and the members of the club find their lives changing in ways they never could have imagined. None of them realise that Tom is hiding a secret. On the surface, his move to Fairweather was to escape his highflying life in London and to put some much-needed distance between him and his ex-fiancée – but deep down Tom knows that there are some things he cannot run from. As the months pass with book club gatherings, secrets are shared and hurts begin to heal. New friendships might be the last thing on their minds but the members of the book club are about to discover that opening themselves up to other people might be the only thing that will help them all to live, and to love, again. Author Bio: In 1977 Roisin Meaney finished a sentence and won a car. The sentence was 'I would like to win a Ford Fiesta because my father won't let me drive his.' Over the years that followed she wrote a lot more sentences and won a lot more prizes. In 2001 she finally decided to keep writing sentences until she filled a book, and in 2008, with three published novels under her belt, she gave up her teaching job to become a fulltime writer. Since 2001 she's written twenty adult novels and three children's books. Her work has been translated into German, Spanish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Polish and Slovenian. Two of her books have also been published in the US: Semi-Sweet (Irish title Love in the Making) and Life Drawing for Beginners (Irish title The Things We Do for Love), and several books have been published in Australia and New Zealand by Hachette Australia. All of Roisin's novels have made it into the Irish bestseller list. Four of them, One Summer (2012), After the Wedding (2014), I'll Be Home for Christmas (2015) and The Birthday Party (2019) form a series; all are set on Roone, a small make-believe island (but strongly inspired by the very real Valentia Island) located off the west coast of Ireland. Roisin was shortlisted in the 2022 Irish Book Awards in the Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year category. She is currently working on a new novel that's earmarked for Christmas 2023 publication.

Winning Bidder

Barb Kates

Bids

3

£35

304

Sarah Mallory

Title:The Night She Met the Duke (UK edition); Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage &Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted; UK & Europe only. Website http://sarahmallory.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMRomance Book Blurb: Hearing herself described as a lady as dull as her name is the final straw in Prudence Clifford's disastrous Season, so she decides to stay with her aunt in Bath. But Pru's new life is anything but dull when one night she finds an uninvited, devastatingly handsome duke at her kitchen table! Pru knows she will never forget the emotional connection they shared. But it's their unexpected reunion three months later which will prove truly unforgettable... Author Bio: - Sarah Mallory is an award-winning author who has published more than 30 historical romances with Harlequin Mills & Boon. She loves history, especially the Georgian and Regency. She won the prestigious RoNA Rose Award from the Romantic Novelists Association in 2012 and 2013 and was nominated in 2022. Sarah also writes romantic historical adventures as Melinda Hammond. Sarah lived for many years on the Yorkshire Pennines, taking inspiration from the wild and rugged moors. Then in 2018 she fell in love with Scotland and ran away to live on the rugged North West Coast, which is proving even more inspiring!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£15

305

Bex Hogan

Title: BLACK HEAT Genre: YA Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage and Packing: Free Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://bexhogan.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/bexhogan Book Blurb: Exile. Rebel. Healer. Three underestimated women, destined to be brought together by revenge in this dark and thrilling new YA fantasy. Marzal - an exiled daughter with a plan for her return. Rayn - a rebel blacksmith with a blade of blood. Elena - a gentle midwife with a fiercely protected secret. Each young woman wants peace for their country, but in times of war, not everyone fights by the same rules. As their countries burn around them, and the stakes of victory rise, each woman will have to decide how far she is willing to go for peace. But the desire for revenge also burns deep. Author Bio: Raised on a healthy diet of fantasy and fairy tales, Bex Hogan has spent much of her life lost in daydreams. Writing her stories down was a natural progression and now she enjoys sharing her time between living in the real world and escaping to her imagination. A Cornish girl at heart, Bex now lives in Cambridgeshire with her beautiful family. She is the author of BLACK HEAT, a standalone YA fantasy, and the ISLES OF STORM AND SORROW trilogy, which are YA fantasy adventures set on the high seas (all out now with Hachette Children's Group). Her first fantasy middle grade series, BRONTE TEMPESTRA, is out Feb 2024 with Piccadilly Press.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£18

306

Deborah Carr

Book Title: The Poppy Sisters Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://deborahcarr.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebsCarr Book Blurb: Divided by war. Reunited by courage. Two sisters, divided by war, face daily battles to save the lives of the wounded soldiers in their care Phoebe is a VAD at a Base Hospital in Étaples, France, treating men who’ve served at the Front. Their courage and resilience inspires her, and though she’s meant to keep her distance, Captain Archie Bailey soon captivates her heart. Her younger sister Celia is a nurse at a POW camp on the island of Jersey. These men fight for the forces that bombed her brother and parents, but long hours spent healing them shows her they aren’t the monsters she expected. But despite the differences in their situations, both Celia and Phoebe come to see the commonality in their experiences – the sense of community and friendship, the unexpected moments of love and laughter, and a bond so strong that even war can’t break it… Author Bio: Deborah Carr is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical fiction for HarperCollins One More Chapter. She lives near the beach on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands with her husband and three rescue dogs and begins each day with a walk down by the sea. Two years ago she swapped her dilapidated shed for a shiny new studio where she spends most days plotting and writing her books.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

307

Jane Bettany

Book Title: Murder in Merrywell Genre: Cosy Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://janebettany.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneBettany Book Blurb: Ex-journalist Violet Brewster is keen to make a good first impression in her new community, having just moved to the small village of Merrywell. When Violet hears about the mystery of Helen Slingsby, who disappeared from the village forty years earlier, she decides to help uncover what happened. But despite Violet’s best efforts, she can find no trace of the missing woman. As Violet talks to the other residents, it becomes apparent that something sinister is lurking beneath the village’s idyllic exterior. When a villager is found dead in their home, Violet becomes convinced that the murder is connected to Helen. Did Helen ever really leave Merrywell? Who in the village is hiding something? And can Violet finally solve this forty-year-old mystery before someone else gets hurt? Author Bio: Jane Bettany is the author of the DI Isabel Blood crime novels, set in the fictional Derbyshire town of Bainbridge, and the cosy crime series featuring amateur sleuth Violet Brewster, which is also set in Derbyshire. Jane's debut novel - In Cold Blood - won the 2019 Gransnet and HQ writing competition, which was for women writers over the age of 40 who had written a novel with a protagonist in the same age range. Before turning to novel writing, Jane had been writing short stories and non-fiction articles for over twenty years, many of which have appeared in women’s magazines, literary magazines, newspapers and online. Jane lives in Derby.

Winning Bidder

Hilary Syddall

Bids

8

£21

308

Kirsty Ferry

Title: Bea's Magical Summer Garden Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.rosethornpress.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/kirsty_ferry Book Blurb: Lilac-haired Bea Appleton can’t wait to create a buzz about the honey festival at her fantastic garden. The only thorn in her side is her awful next-door neighbour. Ever since he moved in, he and his poisonous assistant Carla have been complaining about Bea’s beautiful climbing plants ruining the ‘clean lines’ of his garden. The ongoing feud has Bea worried. Will her horrible neighbours pose problems for her festival? Enter handsome TV presenter Marcus Rainton. He’s the polar opposite of her horrible neighbour. He’s entranced by both Bea and her beautiful garden, not to mention the buzzing bees and a certain black cat. Marcus is only meant to be here visiting his cousin, but he certainly seems determined to stick around. Is Bea the attraction? But is all as it seems? Nothing is ever straightforward in Bea’s Garden . . . Author Bio: Kirsty is from the North East of England and won the English Heritage/Belsay Hall National Creative Writing competition in 2009 with the ghostly tale 'Enchantment'. Her timeslip novel, 'Some Veil Did Fall', a paranormal romance set in Whitby, was published by Choc Lit in Autumn 2014, and her books are now published by Joffe Books, winners of the IPG Trade Publisher of the Year in 2023. The experience of signing 'Some Veil Did Fall' in a quirky bookshop in the midst of Goth Weekend in Whitby, dressed as a recently undead person was one of the highlights of her writing career so far! Kirsty's first timeslip novel 'The Memory of Snow', was commended in the Northern Writers' Awards, and she also writes Gothic Fiction under the pen name Cathryn Ramsay. Kirsty has had articles and short stories published in various magazines and graduated from Northumbria University in December 2016, having achieved a Masters with Distinction in Creative Writing.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

309

Audrey Burges

Title: The Minuscule Mansion of Myra Malone Genre: Magical Realism Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES; Bids Accepted: USA Only Website: https://audreyburges.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Audrey_Burges Book Blurb: From her attic in the Arizona mountains, thirty-four-year-old Myra Malone blogs about a dollhouse mansion that captivates thousands of readers worldwide. Myra's stories have created legions of fans who breathlessly await every blog post, trade photographs of Mansion-modeled rooms, and swap theories about the enigmatic and reclusive author. Myra herself is tethered to the Mansion by mysteries she can't understand--rooms that appear and disappear overnight, music that plays in its corridors. Across the country, Alex Rakes, the scion of a custom furniture business, encounters two Mansion fans trying to recreate a room. The pair show him the Minuscule Mansion, and Alex is shocked to recognize a reflection of his own life mirrored back to him in minute scale. The room is his own bedroom, and the Mansion is his family's home, handed down from the grandmother who disappeared mysteriously when Alex was a child. Searching for answers, Alex begins corresponding with Myra. Together, the two unwind the lonely paths of their twin worlds--big and small--and trace the stories that entwine them, setting the stage for a meeting rooted in loss, but defined by love. Bio: Audrey Burges writes novels, humor, short fiction, and essays in Richmond, Virginia. Her presence is tolerated by her two rambunctious children and very patient husband, all of whom have become practiced at making supportive faces when she shouts, "listen to this sentence!" She is a frequent contributor to numerous humor outlets, including McSweeney's, and her stories and essays have appeared in Pithead Chapel, Cease, Cows, and lengthy diatribes in the Notes app on her phone. Audrey was born and raised in Arizona by her linguist parents, which is a lot like being raised by wolves, but with better grammar. She moved to Virginia as an adult but still carries mountains and canyons in her heart, and sometimes, when she closes her eyes, she can still smell ponderosa pines in the sun.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£25

310

Kate Wiseman

Title: The Grinning Throat (Mudlark Mysteries #1) Genre: Historical adventure for middle grade, teens and young adults. Format: Paperback Dedication available? YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Bonus: Katie will be adding a mudlarked goody bag for her successful bidder Website: http://katewiseman.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateWiseman Book Blurb: 'My first thought is that it’s a pig that someone has lost to the river. Perhaps it fell off one of the barges that choke up the Thames. They’re a constant feature, toiling up and down, day and night, giving off black smoke that clings to the water.' Joe (15) and Edie (13) are orphans living in Victorian London. Forever worried that they will be sent to the dreaded workhouse, they scratch out a living the best way they can by mudlarking on the foreshore of the River Thames and selling their finds to the nortorious Hempson. One day they discover something macabre, and it will change their lives forever. The Grinning Throat is the first in the trilogy of The Mudlark Mysteries. Written by award winnng author, Kate Wiseman, it is historical fiction at its best. Suitable for readers from age 9 and upwards Author Bio: The Grinning Throat is the first book in the Mudlark Mysteries series by award winning author, Kate Wiseman. Kate is a licensed and dedicated mudlark. Her other books include the Gangster School series, and YA fantasy, Icarus and Velvet.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

4

£32

311

Lilac Mills

Three Book Series! Title 1: The Tanglewood Tea Shop Genre: Uplifting Contemporary Romance Format: paperback Title 2: The Tanglewood Flower Shop Genre: Uplifting Contemporary Romance Format: paperback Title 3: The Tanglewood Wedding Shop Genre: Uplifting Contemporary Romance Format: paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lilacmills.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilacmills Book 1 Blurb: The Tanglewood Tea Shop What happens after your dreams come true? Patisserie-Chef Stevie is stuck in a rut. Her beloved Great Aunt Peggy has passed away and she’s lost both her job and the love of her life. Then she gets the call from the solicitor's office about Peggy’s will, and everything changes. When Stevie sees a quirky tea shop up for sale in the beautiful village of Tanglewood, she decides to take Peggy’s advice and turn her life around. But the village isn't as idyllic as it may at first have seemed, and when the gorgeous but grouchy local stable-owner, Nick, shows up he seems like just another fly in the pastry batter… Book 2 Blurb: The Tanglewood Flower Shop Love can be a thorny business. When Tanglewood flower shop owner Leanne enters Budding Stars – a floristry TV competition – she’s shocked to make it through to the televised stages where the pressure grows to prove herself a success. Luckily for Leanne, new Tanglewood park ranger, Rex, is a rose among the thorns as he provides support and friendship that could blossom into something more… But Rex’s ex-girlfriend appears with some shocking news, and between busy schedules and the occasional mountain rescue, Leanne can’t see how romance could possibly bloom. And with a new job opportunity suddenly sprouting up, will she need to uproot her life and leave Tanglewood entirely? Book 3 Blurb: The Tanglewood Wedding Shop Something old, something new, something borrowed, something untrue… Edie has enough on her plate keeping her tyrannical boss happy at Moira’s Wedding Shop. So when society bride Tia begs Edie to design her wedding dress – and keep it a secret from the domineering mother-in-law to be – Edie reluctantly says ‘I will’ to making Tia’s dream come true. If her deception is found out, though, it would mean losing her job… Meanwhile best man James has his eye on Edie and he’s proving ever harder for her to resist. James is upper-crust and Edie’s one unexpected bill away from the breadline – they’re from completely different worlds and there’s no way it can ever work between them… right? Author Bio: Lilac Mills lives on a Welsh mountain with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually). She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet. She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind. She is a member of The Society of Authors and The Romantic Novelists’ Association, where is also a reader for their New Writers’ Scheme.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

18

£35

312

Pernille Hughes

Title: Ten Years Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Insta: https://instagram.com/pernillehughes Website: https://pernillehughes.com (Free Short Story Here) Twitter: https://twitter.com/pernillehughes Linktree: http://linktr.ee/PernilleHughes The Book: Becca and Charlie have known each other since university. Becca and Charlies have also hated each other since university. Until now. Until Ally’s bucket list. The death of their loved one should mean they can go their separate ways and not look back. But completing the list is something neither of them can walk away from. And sometimes, those who bring out the worst in you, also bring out the very best… Over the course of ten years, Becca and Charlie’s paths collide as they deal with grief, love and life after Ally. Not since Emma and Dex in One Day and Will and Lou in Me Before You will you root for a couple as much. The Author: Before she moved to writing full-time, Pernille Hughes studied Film & Literature at university. After she graduated she went on to market Natural History films before working in Children’s television, which meant living in actual Teletubbyland for a while! From 2011–2015, she was a regular contributor for The Sunday Times column ‘Confessions of a Tourist’. She's had three novels published - Ten Years, Probably the Best Kiss in the World and Punch-Drunk Love (previously Sweatpants At Tiffanie's). Pernille lives in Buckinghamshire, with her husband and four kids, scoffing cake and writing stories to maintain a shred of sanity.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£14

313

Nicola May

Title: The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://nicolamay.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicolamay1 Book Blurb: Rosa Larkin is down on her luck in London, so when she inherits a near-derelict corner shop in a quaint Devon village, her first thought is to sell it for cash and sort out her life. But nothing is straightforward about this legacy. While the identity of her benefactor remains a mystery, he - or she - has left one important legal proviso: that the shop cannot be sold, only passed on to somebody who really deserves it. Rosa makes up her mind to give it a go: to put everything she has into getting the shop up and running again in the small seaside community of Cockleberry Bay. But can she do it all on her own? And if not, who will help her succeed - and who among the following will work secretly to see her fail? There is a handsome rugby player, a sexy plumber, a charlatan reporter and a selection of meddling locals. Add in a hit and run incident and the disappearance of a valuable engraved necklace – and what you get is a journey of self-discovery and unpredictable events. With surprising and heartfelt results, Rosa, accompanied at all times by her little sausage dog Hot, will slowly unravel the shadowy secrets of the inheritance, and also bring her own, long-hidden heritage into the light. Author Bio: Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of sixteen romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year. It spawned three sequels, followed by the hit Ferry Lane Market trilogy.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£25

314

Lynne Shelby

Title: The Summer of Taking Chances Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://lynneshelby.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LynneShelby5 Book Blurb:: Ten years ago, when Jake left their seaside village, he took Emma's dreams with him. Now a famous actor, he's returned to South Quay for the summer, and Emma's feelings for him quickly come flooding back. There's clearly a connection between them, but Jake has damaged her heart once already - will Emma ever be able to give her first love a second chance? Author Bio: Lynne Shelby writes contemporary women's fiction and romance. Her debut novel, French Kissing, now re-launched in ebook as Meet Me In Paris, won the Accent Press and Woman magazine Writing Competition. When not writing or reading, Lynne can usually be found at the theatre or exploring a foreign city with her writer's notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband and has three adult children who live nearby.

Winning Bidder

Victoria Baxter

Bids

5

£16

315

Salma Zaman

Title: Florence and her Fantastic Farts Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://salmasbollywoodacademy.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SalmasBAcademy Book Blurb: Author Bio: Yorkshire Women of Achievement Award Winner - Salma has appeared on Coronation Street, BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, TV1, Channel 4, B4U, ZEE, appeared on Donny Osmond’s show & performed for Bollywood Stars. Salma prides herself in more than 20 years of experience in the performing arts & the entertainment industry. The author of Bollywood Princess, HELP! I Can't Dance Without My Bhangra Pants, Greedy Gertie and Sally and her Super Snot and Florence and her Fantastic Farts. Salma has worked in many schools, educational institutions, establishments and high profile events. She leads interactive dance and story telling sessions in all settings and she has been an active volunteer for many community and charity events.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£13

316

Elizabeth Fremantle

Title: Disobedient Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lizfremantle Website: http://www.elizabethfremantle.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizFremantle Book Blurb: Rome 1611. A jewel-bright place of change, with sumptuous new palaces and lavish wealth on display. A city where women are seen but not heard. Artemisia Gentileschi dreams of becoming a great artist. Motherless, she grows up among a family of painters - men and boys. She knows she is more talented than her brothers, but she cannot choose her own future. She wants to experience the world, but she belongs to her father and will belong to a husband. As Artemisia patiently goes from lesson to lesson, perfecting her craft, she also paints in private, recreating the women who inspire her, away from her father's eyes. Until a mysterious tutor enters her life. Tassi is a dashing figure, handsome and worldly, and for a moment he represents everything that a life of freedom might offer. But then the unthinkable happens. In the eyes of her family, Artemisia should accept her fate. In the eyes of the law, she is the villain. But Artemisia is a survivor. And this is her story to tell. Author Bio: LIZABETH FREMANTLE is the critically acclaimed author of four Tudor historical novels: Queen's Gambit (soon to be the feature film, FIREBRAND), Sisters of Treason, Watch the Lady and The Girl in the Glass Tower. As E.C. Fremantle she has written two gripping historical thrillers: The Poison Bed and The Honey and the Sting. Her novel, Disobedient, about the artist Artemisia Gentileschi, was published in July 2023. She lives in London.

Winning Bidder

Jerome Fagan

Bids

3

£50

317

Laura Shepperson

Title: The Heroines Genre: Mythological retelling/Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/laurashepperson Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraShepperson Book Blurb: *** THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER *** ‘A deft and clever retelling full of intrigue, rage and pathos’ JENNIFER SAINT, author of Ariadne ‘An intelligent, highly crafted and necessary book’ CLAIRE NORTH, author of Ithaca ‘Urgent and furious’ ROSIE ANDREWS, author of The Leviathan ___________________ In Athens, crowds flock to witness the most shocking trial of the ancient world. The royal family is mired in scandal. Phaedra, young bride of King Theseus, has accused her stepson, Hippolytus of rape. He’s a prince, a talented horseman, a promising noble with his whole life ahead of him. She’s a young and neglected wife, the youngest in a long line of Cretan women with less than savoury reputations. The men of Athens must determine the truth. Who is guilty, and who is innocent? But the women know truth is a slippery thing. After all, this is the age of heroes and the age of monsters. There are two sides to every story, and theirs has gone unheard. Until now. Author Bio: Laura Shepperson has been fascinated by myths and myth retellings since studying Classical Studies at university, and her most recent novel updates the story of Phaedra, sister of the Minotaur. In 2017 she was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Prize for Fiction. Laura holds a Master of Studies in Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge. She is trying to learn Ancient Greek. Laura lives outside London with her husband and children. Bio Pic by Sally Masson Photography

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£50

318

Sophie Neville

Title: The Making of Swallows and Amazons (1974) Genre: TV & Film Biography Format: Paperback (First Edition) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only. Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chXkQ8m8tKM Website: https://sophieneville.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sophie_Neville The Book; In 1973 Sophie Neville was cast as Titty alongside Virginia McKenna, Ronald Fraser and Suzanna Hamilton in the film Swallows & Amazons. Made before the advent of digital technology, the child stars lived out Arthur Ransome's epic adventure in the great outdoors without ever seeing a script. Encouraged by her mother, Sophie Neville kept a diary about her time filming on location in the lakes and mountains of Cumbria. Bouncy and effervescent, extracts from her childhood diary are interspersed among her memories of the cast and crew as well as photographs, maps and newspaper articles, offering a child's eye view of the making of the film from development to premiere - and the aftermath. The Author: Award-winning author Sophie Neville became inadvertently well known as a child when she starred as Titty in the 1974 feature film of Arthur Ransome's book Swallows and Amazons. After that sunshiny time she went on to work for the BBC behind the camera on television programmes such as Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals, Doctor Who and Eastenders. Having produced her own Inset series for BBC2 she was busy directing her second drama serial for children when disaster struck in the form of a mystery illness. Fully recovered, Sophie now lives on the south coast of England with her husband. Every year she disappears for a while to ride in different parts of the world and has also been known to go sailing, but only when the sun shines.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

11

£140

319

Andy Shepherd

Title: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Dragons Genre: Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication: Yes Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://andyshepherdwriter.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjshepherd Book Blurb: Tomas, the boy who grew dragons, is officially the Grand High Dragon Master. He's lived with his dragons - Flicker and Zing - and grown dozens more. He's an expert at caring for the dragonfruit tree. He knows all the tricks for training dragons, nurturing dragonfruit seedlings and defusing dragon poo. So - he has this brilliant idea. He and his friends have got to get all their dragon expertise down, in one easy-to-read place, for them, and anyone else who might find themselves growing dragons! The only problem is - Tomas's friends Ted, Kat, Kai, Liam and Aura are currently scattered all around the world, from Suffolk to Mexico to China. Perhaps, though, if they can get their heads together, they can figure this all out together, and create the most brilliant ULTIMATE GUIDE ever, together? Of course, what they don't realise is they still have a lot to learn about dragons! Author Bio: Andy Shepherd lives near Cambridge with her husband, her two sons and an absurd number of tiny dragons, and spends her spare time trying to figure out how to move this beautiful city closer to the sea. Disclaimer: Please note, all dragon-growing is undertaken entirely at the grower’s own risk and Andy cannot be held responsible for any damage your dragon may cause.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£17

320

Janice Hallett

Title: The Appeal Genre: Cosy Crime Mystery Format: Rare US First Edition Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.sheilland.com/janice-hallett Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaniceHallett The Book: ONE MURDER. FIFTEEN SUSPECTS. CAN YOU UNCOVER THE TRUTH? There is a mystery to solve in the sleepy town of Lower Lockwood. It starts with the arrival of two secretive newcomers, and ends with a tragic death. Roderick Tanner QC has assigned law students Charlotte and Femi to the case. Someone has already been sent to prison for murder, but he suspects that they are innocent. And that far darker secrets have yet to be revealed... Throughout the amateur dramatics society's disastrous staging of All My Sons and the shady charity appeal for a little girl's medical treatment, the murderer hid in plain sight. The evidence is all there, waiting to be found. But will Charlotte and Femi solve the case? Will you? 'Agatha Christie for the 21st century' THE TIMES 'Witty, clever and completely addictive' MAIL ON SUNDAY The Author: Janice Hallett is a former magazine editor, award-winning journalist, and government communications writer. She wrote articles and speeches for, among others, the Cabinet Office, Home Office, and Department for International Development. Her enthusiasm for travel has taken her around the world several times, from Madagascar to the Galapagos, Guatemala to Zimbabwe, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. A playwright and screenwriter, she penned the feminist Shakespearean stage comedy NetherBard and cowrote the feature film Retreat. The Appeal is her first novel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£50

321

Stephen Aryan

Title: The Judas Blossom Genre: Historical fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging : FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.stephen-aryan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveAryan Book Blurb: 1260s Persia: Hulagu Khan will use any means to fulfil the dreams of his grandfather, Genghis Khan, and create an empire that covers the world. Temujin, his youngest son, is given a final chance to prove his worth as a warrior. But there is something dangerous rippling under the surface that makes him far more useful. Kokochin is the last of her tribe. Abandoned in a foreign land after being married off to Hulagu, she is determined to find a purpose, no matter the cost. Kaivon despises the Mongols for the massacre of his people. But when offered a chance to serve Hulagu he takes it, giving him an opportunity to destroy the Mongols from within. Family and war collide in this thrilling and bloody reimagining of the Mongol Empire’s invasion of Persia. Author Bio: Stephen's first fantasy novel, Battlemage, was published in 2015 and was a finalist for the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for best debut fantasy novel. Battlemage went on to win the inaugural Hellfest Inferno Award in France after a public vote. The sequels, Bloodmage, and Chaosmage were both published in 2016, completing the Age of Darkness trilogy. In 2017 he published Mageborn, the first in a new trilogy, the Age of Dread, with Orbit books. The sequels, Magefall and Magebane were published in 2018 and 2019 respectively, wrapping up his second trilogy. In 2018 he also published Of Gods and Men with Orbit, a digital and audio novella which served as a prequel to Battlemage. In 2020 Stephen was picked up for a new duology by Angry Robot Books. The story is set in a brand new world. The first novel, The Coward, was published in June 2021 and it received a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly. The sequel, The Warrior, was published in August 2022. In 2022, Angry Robot signed The Judas Blossom, the first instalment in a Persian inspired fantasy trilogy, from Stephen. The first book will be published on 11th July 2023. The Judas Blossom has been described as an “imaginative and sprawling reimagining of the Mongol Empire’s invasion of Persia” following the lives of four characters at the centre of the war. It is an examination of Persian culture, family and war in a stunning, immersive world. Stephen lives in the West Midlands with his partner and two cats. When he’s not writing novels or podcasting, he can be found drinking real ale, reading books or watching TV.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£30

322

Laura Kemp

Title: Love Betty Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laurajanekemp Book Blurb: One chance encounter might just change everything... On the day that Betty meets Guy, her life is changed forever. She never thought she'd see him again, but a few months later, realizes she has something of his that needs returning... So, she writes him a letter. It's the perfect solution for Betty - it means she doesn't need to tell Guy about what really happened that day, and the secret she's been hiding. For Guy, Betty's letter arrives at his repair shop at the perfect time. His whole world has come crashing down around him and for the first time in a long time, he starts to feel hopeful. But can you really begin to fall in love with someone you've only met once...? Author Bio: Laura Kemp started writing to get out of doing a real job. A journalist for 15 years, she turned freelance after having a baby because she couldn’t get out of the house, washed and dressed, until lunchtime at the earliest. A columnist and contributor, she regularly writes for national newspapers and magazines, such as The Daily Mail, The Sun and Grazia, and spends too much time on Twitter (@laurajanekemp). Married with a son and a neurotic cat, Laura lives in the provinces, where she goes about her business ignorant of what’s on-trend until it reaches her town, by which time it’s out of fashion. Laura’s first novel Mums Like Us was published by Arrow in February 2013 and Mums on Strike was published in January 2014. The Late Blossoming of Frankie Green was published by Head of Zeus in June 2016, The Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness was published by Orion in February 2018, Bring Me Sunshine was published in June 2019 and Under A Starry Sky was published in paperback in July 2020. Her latest novel, Love, Betty, was published by Orion on the 9th June 2022

Winning Bidder

Karen Whittard

Bids

1

£11

323

Anthony Ryan

Title: The Traitor Genre: Fantasy Format: Hardcover Dedication available: Yes Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Global Website: http://anthonyryan.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/writer_anthony Book Blurb: The Traitor concludes the ruthless and gripping epic fantasy series from New York Times bestseller Anthony Ryan, whose books have sold more than a million copies worldwide. It's been a long journey for Alwyn Scribe. Born a bastard and raised an outlaw, he's now a knight and the most trusted advisor to Lady Evadine Courlain. Together they've won countless battles and helped to bring order to a fractured kingdom. Yet Evadine is not the woman Alwyn once knew. As puritanical fury increasingly replaces her benevolent faith, Alwyn begins to question what her true motives really are. As the kingdom braces itself for one final battle, Alwyn's conscience fights its own war with his heart. Now, more than ever, he must decide whose side he's really on. Author Bio: Anthony Ryan is the New York Times best selling author of the Raven's Shadow epic fantasy novels. He was born in Scotland in 1970 but spent much of his adult life living and working in London. After a long career in the British Civil Service he took up writing full time after the success of his first novel Blood Song, Book One of the Raven's Shadow trilogy. He is also the author of the Draconis Memoria trilogy, the Raven’s Blade duology, the Seven Swords novella series, and his current series the Covenant of Steel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£50

324

Rachel Burton

Title: The Last Party at Silverton Hall Genre: Historical Fiction - Timeslip Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/RachelBWriter Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelBWriter Book Blurb: Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night... 1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears... 2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping? Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth? Author Bio: Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order) and lives with her husband and two cats in Yorkshire. A Bookshop Christmas was a finalist in the RNA Romantic Novel Awards 2022.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£27

325

Lisa Jewell

Title: None Of This Is True Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisajewelluk Book Blurb: Celebrating her 45th birthday at her local pub, podcaster Alix Summer crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie is also celebrating her 45th. A few days later, they bump into each other again, this time outside Alix's children's school. Josie says she thinks she would be an interesting subject for Alix's podcast. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life. Alix agrees to a trial interview and indeed, Josie's life appears to be strange and complicated. Aix finds her unsettling but can't quite resist the temptation to keep digging. Slowly Alix starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it Josie has cajoled her way into Alix's life - and into her home. Soon Alix begins to wonder who is Josie Fair really? And what has she done? Author Bio: British author Lisa Jewell's first book, Ralph's Party, came out in 1998. Since then, she's gone on to write a range of fiction including her so-called 'curry and flatmates' novels of the nineties and noughties such as: Thirtynothing, A Friend of the Family and Vince & Joy, as well as challenging contemporary fiction and thrillers including: After The Party, The Making of Us, The Third Wife, The Girls, I Found You, Before I Met You, Then She Was Gone and Watching You.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£23

326

Kate Ryder

Title: The Forgotten Promise Genre: Timeslip Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://kateryder.me Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateRyder_Books Book Blurb: Irish lass, Maddie O'Brien, enjoys an independent, carefree life in London. She loves her work with a film production company but, as the years slip by, she's increasingly aware of a nagging insistence for change. During a film shoot in Dorset she is inexplicably drawn to a 17th Century cottage for sale and although in a semi-serious relationship with Dan, Maddie takes the plunge and exchanges city life for country living. But all is not what it seems at the cottage and immediately after moving in she experiences visions and happenings which would have most people booking into the nearest hotel. Not so Maddie; she feels she has 'come home'. Embracing her new life she soon meets Nick, a local wood sculptor, and despite both being in relationships they are immediately attracted to each other. But who is Nick and what is it that draws them together? And what is her connection with The Olde Smithy? Little by little the cottage reveals its deepest secrets taking Maddie on a journey of self-discovery back to the dangerous days of the English Civil War, visiting the ghosts of her past. Slowly her destiny is revealed and it would seem there is more than one restless spirit to appease . . . Author Bio: Kate Ryder is an international bestselling author of romantic suspense and timeslip. Her writing incorporates nature and history with a hint of the otherworldly/supernatural. Originally from the South East of England, today Kate lives on the 'jam-first' Cornish side of the beautiful Tamar Valley with her husband and a rehomed Bengal-cross cat. When not writing she gravitates towards the coast, theatre, music and art, although the latter always makes her yearn to pick up a paintbrush. But - as there are only so many hours in a day - instead, she paints pictures with words!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£15

327

Jill Steeples

Title: Maybe This Christmas? Genre: Contemporary Romance - Christmas Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/jillesteeples Book Blurb: When Beth Brown loses her job and her boyfriend in the space of twenty-four hours, she thinks life can’t get any worse. That’s until she finds herself in the depths of the English countryside working for chef, Rocco di Castri. Not only does she have to deal with his legendary moods, but she’s also expected to get his chaotic schedule and workload in check, all while she’s nursing a broken heart. It’s not long before Rocco’s idyllic home starts to work its magic and soon she sees a softer side to her boss too. And as the festive season approaches, Beth dares to look forward to everything the perfect country Christmas has to offer – and perhaps some romance of her own. Until news of an unexpected proposal threatens to put pay to all Beth’s plans. Will Beth get her happily-ever-after? Maybe, this Christmas... Author Bio: Jill Steeples lives in a market town in Bedfordshire with her family, and faithful hound, Amber, an English Pointer. From an early age she fell in love with the fabulously funny romances of Jilly Cooper, and vowed, one day, she would have a go at writing one of her own. Her short stories have appeared in popular women’s magazines around the world and in a number of charity anthologies too. Now, Jill writes feel-good fiction set in the English countryside for Boldwood Books and her series include the Dog and Duck books, and the Primrose Wood stories. When she’s not writing, she loves exploring the beautiful countryside that she writes about, and spending time with family and friends.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£21

328

Phaedra Patrick

Title The Little Italian Hotel Genre Uplifting fiction Format Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website http://phaedra-patrick.com Twitter https://twitter.com/phaedrapatrick Book blurb Escape to Italy this summer with The Little Italian Hotel, the uplifting new book from Phaedra Patrick, the bestselling author of The Library of Lost and Found. Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and relationship expert, prides herself on knowing what’s best for others. So, she’s sure her husband, Adrian, will love the special trip to Italy she’s planned for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift, he surprises her with his own very different plan: a divorce. Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively goes live on air to invite four heartbroken listeners to join her instead. From hiking the hills of Bologna to sharing a gondola in Venice and dancing until dawn, Ginny and her guests embark on a holiday of full of fun, hope and healing. Sunny, tender and brimming with charm, The Little Italian Hotel explores love, the importance of friendship, and reclaiming the present moment – even if it means leaving the past behind. Author bio Phaedra studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained-glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. Her books have been translated into twenty-six languages worldwide and four of her novels have been USA TODAY bestsellers. Her second novel, Rise and Shine Benedict Stone, was made into a Hallmark movie. Phaedra lives with her family in Saddleworth, UK, where she writes full time.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£25

329

A.Y. Chao

Title: Shanghai Immortal Genre: Fantasy Format: Hard Cover Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://Aychao.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ay_chao Book Blurb: Set in 1930s China, Lady Jing is half-fox spirit half vampire and all sasshole. When she overhears her fox spirit elders planning to steal a priceless dragon pearl from the King of Hell, she’s all in to expose the two-faced vixens for the bitches they are. But when the King tasks her with babysitting a visiting mortal, the mortal’s unexpected friendship puts her at a crossroads and she must decide what matters more: honour and vengeance or friendship and joy? Author Bio: Alice is a Canadian fantasy writer based in the UK. She’s fascinated by the spaces where identity and belonging intersect and explores these in her writing. A recovering lawyer and xiaolongbao enthusiast, she knits to soothe anxiety and has a deep abiding love for Hobonichi planners and kawaii planner stickers. She lives in London with her historical geo-enthusiast hubby, chatterbox daughter, and sweet rescue pup. She’s grateful for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts. Her debut novel SHANGHAI IMMORTAL is out now from Hodderscape. Find her online at http://aychao.com and on Twitter and Instagram at @ay_chao .

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£22

330

Derek Birks

Three Books: The Last of the Romans Trilogy Title 1: The Last of the Romans Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Title 2: Britannia World's End Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Title 3: Land of Fire Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Bids Accepted: UK only. Website: https://www.derekbirks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Feud_writer Book 1: The Last of the Romans 454 AD. Northern Italy. Dux Ambrosius Aurelianus has served the Roman Empire with distinction. His bucellarii, a small band of irregular soldiers, have helped to bring a fragile peace to the beleaguered empire in the west. But, with the empire now at peace, his master, Flavius Aetius, decides to chain up his dogs of war. Ambrosius and his men are left to idle away their days in a rural backwater, but Ambrosius’ boredom is brutally swept aside when old rivals seize the opportunity to destroy him. Pursued as a traitor by the imperial guard, Ambrosius takes his loyal band, along with other dissident soldiers and a Saxon girl, Inga, into the mountains. Since nowhere is safe, Ambrosius travels north, across the crumbling ruins of the empire, to his estranged family in Gaul. But there too, he finds nothing but conflict, for his home town is now besieged by a small army of rebellious Franks. Freedom and peace seem a world away. Whatever course the soldier takes, Ambrosius and his bucellarii will need to muster all their strength and skill to survive. At the twilight of the empire, they may be the Last of the Romans… Book 2: Britannia World's End Even after years of Roman rule, Britannia is a conflicted and largely untamed land. Disgraced Imperial Officer, Dux Ambrosius Aurelianus, flees to its shores seeking sanctuary in the land of his deceased mother. His years of loyal service to the emperor count for nothing now. He must carve out a new life beyond the empire. Accompanying Ambrosius is a disparate group of fellow refugees: Inga, a freed Saxon slave, his bucellarii – warriors sworn to him - and the surviving members of his estranged family. The burden of command weighs heavy on his shoulders, for when he lands in the country, winter is fast approaching. But the weather is not the only thing inhospitable towards the newcomers. Plagued by troubles, Ambrosius faces opponents among both the native Britons and Saxon settlers. He discovers that no-one in Britannia - least of all, the High King, Vortigern - still fears the soldiers of the decaying empire. When those he loves are savagely abducted and betrayal divides his company, Ambrosius is left with only a handful of his bucellarii. Though heavily outnumbered and unfamiliar with the land, Ambrosius remains undaunted. Pitted against powerful opponents, the Roman will need new allies if he is to free the hostages and make Britannia his home. There will be blood. Book 3: Land of Fire Late Spring, 455 AD. After a brutal winter struggle against the High King Vortigern, outcast imperial officer Ambrosius Aurelianus has led his weary followers to south-west Britannia in search of his mother's kinfolk. But Vortigern, thirsting for revenge is already forging a dangerous alliance against him. Taking refuge in a ruined Roman fort near the decaying town of Vindocladia, Ambrosius finds an ally in Lurotriga, the widowed queen of the Durotriges. Though still sworn to his Saxon lady Inga, he is soon beguiled by the British noblewoman. Between Inga and her new rival there can be no compromise and their enmity threatens to cause a rift between the Britons and Saxons of Ambrosius’ company. If Vortigern attacks before the fort is repaired Ambrosius fears the outcome. He must find allies fast but, in a land of squabbling rival tribes the Roman encounters more enemies than friends. A treaty with neighbouring Dumnonia offers Ambrosius some hope, but commits him to defend the south coast against Scotti raiders. Ambrosius’ forces are stretched perilously thin putting the lives of Lurotriga and others at risk. As Ambrosius prepares to pursue Vortigern for a final reckoning, his quest to discover his mother's kin suddenly delivers a startling revelation, but will it help him to defeat the High King? Heavily outnumbered in the thick forests and steep valleys of Vortigern's homeland, Ambrosius must rely upon the fighting spirit of his small force of bucellarii and raw recruits. But sometimes courage alone is not enough. The Author: I was born in Hampshire in England but spent my teenage years in Auckland, New Zealand where I still have strong family ties. I came back to England and read History at Reading University. For many years I taught history in a secondary school in Berkshire but took early retirement several years ago to concentrate on my writing. My debut book, Feud, is set in the Wars of the Roses and is fast paced historical fiction. It is the first of the series, Rebels & Brothers including: A Traitor's Fate, Kingdom of Rebels the final book in the series, The Last Shroud. Kingdom of Rebels was selected as an Editor's Choice and was longlisted for the 2017 HNS Award.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£35

331

Freya Berry

Title: The Birdcage Library Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Bids Accepted: UK only Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreyaBBooks Blurb: 1932. Emily Blackwood, adventuress and plant hunter, travels north for a curious new commission. A gentleman has written to request she catalogue his vast collection of taxidermied creatures before sale. On arrival, Emily finds a ruined castle, its owner haunted by a woman who vanished five decades before. And when she discovers the ripped pages of a diary, crammed into the walls, she realises dark secrets lie here, waiting to entrap her too... 'Irresistible' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 'Wonderfully gothic and immersive' THE i 'Claustrophobic and clever storytelling' JANE SHEMILT 'Deliciously creepy and very clever... keeps you glued until the final twist' WOMAN & HOME 'Compulsive. A twisty, atmospheric tale of dark secrets and hidden clues' KATE HAMER 'Gothic, gorgeous, atmospheric; an immersive page-turner to be swept up in' ELLERY LLOYD 'Irresistible. Perfect for lovers of lush, creepy tales, this is gothic historical fiction at its best' ANIKA SCOTT Author bio: Freya Berry studied English Literature from Cambridge. She graduated with a double first and worked as a financial and political journalist at Reuters and the Daily Mail in London and New York. Her debut novel The Dictator's Wife was inspired by the close observation of the wives of some of the world's most powerful leaders. It was featured on the BBC's Between the Covers and was The New European's novel of the year. Freya lives in London.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£19

332

Victoria Williamson

Title: The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams Genre: Folklore - Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://strangelymagical.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/strangelymagic Book Blurb: In a strange little village called Witchetty Hollow, eleven-year-old Florizel is the first to run into the curious visitors who’ve come to open a brand-new Daydream Delicatessen and sack-baby factory. At first, the poor folk of the Hollow are delighted – after all, who has the money to rent a real child from Storkhouse Services these days? But soon the daydreams turn sour. The Delicatessen’s products are expensive, and villagers trading their worldly goods in the newly-opened Pawnshop begin to disappear. With no money for rent payments, the real children of Witchetty Hollow are being reclaimed by Storkhouse Services at an alarming rate. Can Florizel and sack-boy Burble stop the daydream thieves’ evil business before it’s too late to save the Hollow? Author Bio: I grew up in Kirkintilloch, north Glasgow, surrounded by hills and books, and started writing adventure stories at an early age, with plots and characters mostly stolen from my favourite novels and TV shows! These days my stories are all my own, featuring the voices of some of the many children I’ve met over the years on my real-life adventures around the world. I’ve been a teacher for many years, working in all sorts of exciting places from Cameroon, Malawi and China to the UK. I have lots of educational resources available to go with my books, and am very happy to visit schools to talk to students about reading, writing and the issues raised in my books.

Winning Bidder

Claire Hope-Arnold

Bids

2

£16

333

Chris Lloyd

Title: Paris Requiem Genre: Historical Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: UK Only Website: https://chrislloydauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrislloydbcn Book blurb: Paris, 1940. As the city adjusts to life under Nazi occupation, Detective Eddie Giral struggles to reconcile his job as a policeman with his new role enforcing a regime he cannot believe in but must work under. He's sacrificed so much in order to survive in this new world, but the past is not so easily forgotten. When an old friend and an old flame reappear, begging for his help, Eddie must decide how far he will go to help those he loves. He can remain a good man and do nothing, or risk it all in a desperate act of resistance... Author Bio: Straight after graduating in Spanish and French, Chris Lloyd hopped on a bus from Cardiff to Catalonia and stayed there for over twenty years. He has also lived in Grenoble – researching the French Resistance movement – as well as in the Basque Country and Madrid, where he taught English and worked in educational publishing and as a travel writer. More recently, he worked as a Catalan and Spanish translator. He writes the Occupation series, featuring Eddie Giral, a French police detective in Paris under Nazi rule. The first book in the series, The Unwanted Dead, won the HWA Gold Crown Award for best historical novel of the year and was shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger Award for the best historical crime fiction. It was chosen as Waterstones Welsh Book of the Month. The second book in the series, Paris Requiem, sees Eddie trying to solve the riddle of prisoners disappearing from prison. He has also written a trilogy set in present-day Girona, in Catalonia, featuring Elisenda Domènech, a police officer in the devolved Catalan police force.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£15

334

Charlie Cochrane

Title: The Best Corpse for the Job Genre: Romantic Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://charliecochrane.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliecochrane Book Blurb: Tea and sympathy have never been so deadly. Schoolteacher Adam Matthews just wants to help select a new headteacher and go home. The governors at Lindenshaw St Crispin’s have already failed miserably at finding the right candidate, so it’s make or break this second time round. But when one of the applicants is found strangled in the school, what should have been a straightforward decision turns tempestuous as a flash flood in their small English village. Inspector Robin Bright isn’t thrilled to be back at St. Crispin’s. Memories of his days there are foul enough without tossing in a complicated murder case. And that handsome young teacher has him reminding himself not to fraternize with a witness. But it’s not long before Robin is relying on Adam for more than just his testimony. As secrets amongst the governors emerge and a second person turns up dead, Robin needs to focus less on Adam and more on his investigation. But there are too many suspects, too many lies, and too many loose ends. Before they know it, Robin and Adam are fighting for their lives and their hearts. Author Bio: Because Charlie Cochrane couldn't be trusted to do anything grown up, she writes mysteries. These include the Edwardian era Cambridge Fellows series, the contemporary Lindenshaw Mysteries and her 1950s Alasdair and Toby series where two actors play Holmes and Watson both onscreen and off. Multi-published, she has titles with Carina, Riptide, Lume, and Williams and Whiting, among others. Charlie is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, and has regularly appeared at literary festivals, reader conventions and author conferences. In 2023, she was short listed for the CWA’s Marjorie Allingham short story prize.

Winning Bidder

Hilary Syddall

Bids

2

£20

335

Shari Low

Title: ONE CHRISTMAS EVE Genre: Contemporary - Christmas Format: HARDBACK Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.sharilow.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharilow Book Blurb: Three women, three decades, three Christmas Eve moments that change their lives forever... On Christmas Eve, 1968, Cathy McLean receives a surprise visit from the lost love of her life and is forced to choose between the one that got away and the one that stayed. On Christmas Eve, 1993, Cathy’s daughter Helena is overjoyed to hear that her boyfriend is about to propose, until a devastating encounter threatens to bring her heartbreak instead of diamonds. On Christmas Eve 2023, a shocking discovery rocks Eve Quinn’s world. The only gift Eve wants this year is the truth. But will it take a Christmas miracle to unravel generations of secrets? Unwrap this festive tale of complicated families, impossible choices, and an unforgettable love that lasts three lifetimes. Author Bio: *#1 Best Selling Author* In January 2001, Shari Low's Low's first novel, What If? was published. Since then, Shari has published over 35 books, and sold over two million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. In 2023, she had two consecutive #1 best sellers - One Day With You and One Moment in Time. In late 2020, her first novel, What If?, was updated and re-published, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers. Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King. In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband and a labradoodle. Her children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes. For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at http://sharilow.com

Winning Bidder

Grace Power

Bids

7

£31

336

Rachel Coverdale

Two Books Title: The Boy Who Couldn't Title: The Boy Who Dared Genre: Children - Action - Thriller Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://rachelcoverdale.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/RLCoverdale Book 1 Blurb: The school bully is the only one who can save them. James’ life has been turned upside down and now the local bully has made him a target. So why would his mother insist he should invite him over? Especially when they’re hiding a secret badger clan at the bottom of the garden. Now the badgers are under threat from a gang with fighting dogs and the badgers aren’t the only ones in peril. Danger is approaching and it will make the most unlikely of heroes. A story about becoming the person you can be, not the person you are expected to be. Book 2 Blurb: Action adventure story, suitable for 8-12 year-olds The boys are back for another adventure. This time the stakes are higher. Much higher. Can they reunite in time to stop a merciless gang from carrying out a cruel crime against innocent puppies? It would seem danger follows Greg wherever he goes… The Author: Rachel Coverdale was born and bred in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside in North East England. Raised with copious amounts of animals but without the distraction of a modern TV set, she turned to books and her own imagination for entertainment. Animals were and still are a huge part of her life and inevitably they made their way into her stories. Believing strongly in fresh air, nature and outdoor play to give children a sense of fun and freedom, Rachel uses her books to encourage children to connect with nature and venture into the countryside. Having taught as an English teacher for many years and now settled happily into the role of school librarian, Rachel ensures all her books are not only creative, imaginative and exciting, but also of great educational benefit. Teaching resources and a scheme of work are available for "The Boy Who Couldn't". Rachel regularly travels her native North East England paying visits to Primary and Secondary schools, giving talks on her books and about the importance of nature and the environment they live in.

Winning Bidder

Dave Wilkinson

Bids

1

£11

337

Matthew Fox

Title: The Lovely Dark Genre: Middle Grade Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://matthewfox.se Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattfoxwriter Book Blurb: The Lovely Dark is a post-pandemic story, set partly in London and partly in Hades, the land of the dead. When 12 year old Ellie Newton dies in an accident, she finds herself transported to a strangely familiar version of the Underworld. But something isn’t quite right – and Ellie needs her best friend Justin’s help to unlock the secrets of her life and death... Author Bio: I grew up in Wiltshire in the UK and now live in Sweden with my partner and our kids, Kay and Harry. My first novel, The Sky Over Rebecca, won the Bath Children's Novel award.

Winning Bidder

Nicci Rosengarten

Bids

2

£17

338

Catherine Munro

Title: The Ponies at the Edge of the World Genre: Factual - Animals Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://catherinemmunro.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/CatherineMMunro Book Blurb: I had drifted, gotten lost, strayed from the paths and places I love. I felt Shetland calling me, and in this moment, I began my slow, imperfect journey towards finding home. Catherine Munro transforms her life when she moves to Shetland to study the hardy ponies who call this archipelago home. Over the course of her first year, she is welcomed into the rhythms and routines that characterise life at the edge of the world. When faced with personal loss, Catherine finds comfort and connection in the shared lives of the people, animals and wild landscapes of Shetland. The Ponies at the Edge of the World is a heartfelt love letter to the beauty and resilience of these magical ponies and their native land. This is a stunning book on community, hope and finding home. Author Bio: Catherine Munro is an anthropologist in human-animal relationships, with a special interest in the people and ponies of Shetland. Catherine lives in Shetland with her young family and loves exploring the landscapes and sharing her experiences through her writing and work as a tour guide. The Ponies at the Edge of the World is her first book.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

339

Joanna Hickson

Title: The Queen's Lady Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/joannahickson Book Blurb: Raven-haired and fiercely independent, Joan Guildford has always remained true to herself. As lady-in-waiting and confidante to Queen Elizabeth, wife of Henry VII, Joan understands royal patronage is vital if she and her husband, Sir Richard, are to thrive in the volatile atmosphere of court life. But Tudor England is in mourning following the death of the Prince of Wales, and within a year, the queen herself. With Prince Henry now heir to the throne, the court murmurs with the sound of conspiracy. Is the entire Tudor project now at stake or can young Henry secure the dynasty? Drawn into the heart of the crisis, Joan's own life is in turmoil, and her future far from secure. She faces a stark choice - be true to her heart and risk everything, or play the dutiful servant and watch her dreams wither and die. For Joan, and for Henry's Kingdom, everything is at stake... Author Bio: Joanna Hickson became fascinated with history when she studied Shakespeare's history plays at school. However, having taken a degree in Politics and English she took up a career in broadcast journalism with the BBC, presenting and producing news, current affairs and arts programmes on both television and radio. Now she writes full time and has a contract with Harper Collins for three historical novels. The Agincourt Bride is the first. She lives in Scotland in a 200 year old farmhouse and is married with a large extended family and a wayward Irish terrier.

Winning Bidder

Chloe Slim

Bids

5

£15

340

Helen Rappaport

Title: After the Romanovs Genre: History Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://helenrappaport.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenRappaport The Book: An immersive dive into the Belle Epoque Paris that became a refuge for Russian emigres after the 1917 revolution, Rappaport's meticulously researched volume is packed full of artists and intellectuals, activists and double agents. The scintillating story of the Russian aristocrats, artists, and intellectuals who sought refuge in interwar Paris. The fall of the Romanov dynasty in 1917 forced thousands of Russians to flee their homeland with only the clothes on their backs. Many came to France's glittering capital, Paris. Former princes drove taxicabs, while their wives found work in the fashion houses. Intellectuals, artists, poets, philosophers, and writers eked out a living at menial jobs; some found success until the economic downturn of the 1930s hit. In exile, White Russians sought to overthrow the Bolshevik regime from afar, and double agents plotted from both sides. Many Russians became trapped in a cycle of poverty and their all-consuming homesickness. This is their story. The Author: Helen Rappaport is a historian specializing in the Victorian period, with a particular interest in Queen Victoria and the Jamaican healer and caregiver, Mary Seacole. She also has written extensively on late Imperial Russia, the 1917 Revolution and the Romanov family. Her love of all things Victorian springs from her childhood growing up near the River Medway where Charles Dickens lived and worked. Her passion for Russian came from a Russian Special Studies BA degree course at Leeds University. In 2017 she was awarded an honorary D.Litt by Leeds for her services to history. She is also a member of the Royal Historical Society, the Genealogical Society, the Society of Authors and the Victorian Society. She lives in the West Country, and has an enduring love of the English countryside and the Jurassic Coast, but her ancestral roots are in the Orkneys and Shetlands from where she is descended on her father's side. She likes to think she has Viking blood.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£16

341

B.A. Paris

Title: The Prisoner Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/baparisauthor Book Blurb: With Behind Closed Doors, New York Times bestselling author B. A. Paris took the psychological thriller to shocking new heights. Now she’ll hold you captive with THE PRISONER—a stunning new thriller about one woman wed into a family with deadly intentions. A USA Today Bestseller! Amelie has always been a survivor, from losing her parents as a child in Paris to making it on her own in London. As she builds a life for herself, she is swept up into a glamorous lifestyle where she married the handsome billionaire Ned Hawthorne. But then, Amelie wakes up in a pitch-black room, not knowing where she is. Why has she been taken? Who are her mysterious captors? And why does she soon feel safer here, imprisoned, than she had begun to feel with her husband Ned? In the vein of Behind Closed Doors and The Therapist, multimillion-copy bestseller B. A. Paris is back with a gripping new suspense novel. Author Bio: B A Paris is the internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, Bring Me Back, The Dilemma, The Therapist and The Prisoner. Having sold over 5 million copies worldwide, she is a New York Times bestseller as well as a Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into 41 languages. Having lived in France for many years, she now lives in the UK. Her seventh novel, THE GUEST, is due January 2024.

Winning Bidder

Fiona McCormick

Bids

11

£35

342

A M Howell

Title: Mysteries at Sea: Peril on the Atlantic Genre: Middle Grade (age 9-12) Historical Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://amhowell.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMHowellwrites Bonuses: 6 pin badges : bookmark : signed postcard Book Blurb: Alice can't wait for the summer of adventure that lies ahead. She's excited to explore the huge ship, with its shops, animals and even celebrities on board. As Alice's sailor father focuses on winning a prestigious race, she witnesses a shocking attack. Alice and her new friend Sonny start to uncover a dark sabotage plot, and as they investigate gold bars, anonymous notes and lost silk gloves, secrets in their own lives come to the surface. While fog threatens the boat's journey, and dangerous enemies show themselves, Alice and Sonny are in their own race to solve all the mysteries unfolding. But what they discover might change both their lives forever... Author Bio: In 2015 I was one of 15 writers selected to take part in a Curtis Brown Creative Writing for Children course tutored by Catherine Johnson. My books have been nominated for a number of awards and The House of One Hundred Clocks won The Mal Peet Children's Award and The East Anglian Book of the Year 2020. Mystery of the Night Watchers was selected as Blackwell's children's book of the month for July 2021. The first book in my new historical series, Mysteries at Sea: Peril on the Atlantic, was published by Usborne in August 2023 and was selected as Waterstones Children's Book of the Month. I live in Suffolk with my husband and two almost grown up children and when I'm not writing I love nothing more than curling up with a good book. My favourite children's authors include Katherine Rundell, Katherine Woodfine, Lesley Parr and Lucy Strange. I also love long walks in the countryside, swimming and drinking lots of tea!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£25

343

Liz Davies

Title: Emily Oak’s Little Black Book Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://elizabethdaviesauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizDaviesAuthor Book Blurb: When Emily Oak discovers her boyfriend cheating on her, she hightails it back to the family farm in Glynafon on the beautiful Welsh Coast. Wondering what to do with her life, she is shocked and delighted to learn that a little black book bequeathed to her by her godmother could be worth a fortune. However, there is one small problem - the book is currently in her cheating ex's attic! Scared to ask him for it in case he realises how much the book is worth, Emily hatches a plan to retrieve it. And when a guy she once had an enormous crush on offers to help, she eagerly accepts. However, Macsen is far too handsome for his own good and he also has a reputation for playing the field. To her dismay, her old feelings for him soon begin to resurface. Will Emily's fragile newly-mended heart be able to resist his charms, or will she become yet another number in his own little black book of romantic conquests? Author Bio: Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour and a great deal of love. To date she has written 14 novels. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Society of Authors, and she lives with her family in Wales.

Winning Bidder

Victoria Baxter

Bids

2

£12

344

Nicola Tallis

Title: Crown of Blood Genre: History - Biography Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://nicolatallis.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicolaTallis Book Blurb: ”Good people, I am come hither to die, and by a law I am condemned to the same”. These were the words uttered by the seventeen-year-old Lady Jane Grey as she stood on the scaffold awaiting death on a cold February morning in 1554. Forced on to the throne by the great power players at court, Queen Jane reigned for just thirteen tumultuous days before being imprisoned in the Tower, condemned for high treason and executed. In this dramatic retelling of an often-misread tale, historian and researcher Nicola Tallis explores a range of evidence that has never before been used in a biography to sweep away the many myths and reveal the moving, human story of an extraordinarily intelligent, independent and courageous young woman’. Author Bio: Dr Nicola Tallis has a first class BA (Hons) in History from Bath Spa University, and an MA in Public History from Royal Holloway College, University of London. Her PhD thesis investigated the jewellery collections of the queens of England between 1445 and 1548. Nicola has been passionate about English history all of her life, and has worked as a lecturer and historical researcher. She also worked as the Curator at Sudeley Castle, and featured prominently on BBC’s Countryfile in April 2013, guiding at Sudeley. She is currently the resident historian for Alison Weir Tours. Nicola’s debut, Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey, was published in November 2016, and is the result of five years of research on the Grey family. Her followup, Elizabeth’s Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester, was published in November 2017, and her third book is Uncrowned Queen: The Tumultuous Life of Margaret Beaufort, Tudor Rebel, published in November 2019.

Winning Bidder

Christine Finegan

Bids

6

£23

345

Roderick O’Grady

Title: Bigfoot Island Genre: Adventure in nature Format: Paperback Dedication: YES Postage FREE Bids: UK Only Website: http://roderickogrady.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoderickOGrady1 Book Blurb: When Minnie spots a boat bringing strangers to her beloved cove she fears the hard-won peace of her tiny community at the foot of Bigfoot Mountain will be shattered. Sasquatch Kaayii too has to deal with an intruder on the mountain and injured, needs to reach his family across the water. The two inhabit separate worlds but must find a way to work together to avoid disaster and protect the people and places they hold dear. Author Bio: Roderick O’Grady returned to an acting career after his children flew the nest. Whilst ‘resting’ between jobs he fell down the rabbit hole of Bigfoot/Sasquatch research. A belief that the more children understand about nature the more they will care for it combined with a fascination for the increasing evidence in the creatures’ existence resulted in his debut novel Bigfoot Mountain.

Winning Bidder

Wendy Albrighton

Bids

1

£11

346

Sophie Cleverly

Title: Scarlet and Ivy - The Lost Twin Genre: Children's mystery 8-12 Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://sophiecleverly.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hapfairy Book Blurb:: This is the story of how I became my sister… A spine-tingling mystery set in a creepily atmospheric boarding school. Ivy must uncover the secrets behind her twin sister Scarlet’s disappearance before it’s too late. When troublesome Scarlet mysteriously disappears from Rookwood School, terrifying Miss Fox invites her quiet twin sister Ivy to ‘take her place’. Ivy reluctantly agrees in the hopes of finding out what happened to her missing sister. For only at Rookwood will Ivy be able to unlock the secrets of Scarlet’s disappearance, through a scattered trail of diary pages carefully hidden all over the school. Can Ivy solve the mystery before Miss Fox suspects? Or before an even greater danger presents itself? Author Bio:: Sophie Cleverly was born in Bath in 1989. She studied for a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in Writing For Young People. Her book series Scarlet and Ivy and The Violet Veil Mysteries are published by HarperCollins worldwide, as well as being translated into 8 different languages so far. Aside from writing, she can often be found listening to symphonic metal, watching fantastical TV and struggling to find her way out of her ever-increasing pile of books.

Winning Bidder

Rachid Otsmane

Bids

3

£15

347

Sarah Hagger-Holt

Title: Just Like Everyone Else Genre: Children - LGBTQ Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.sarahhaggerholt.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahHaggerHolt Book Blurb: Thirteen-year-old Aidan can't breathe in his crowded family home. Running is his only respite from four loud sisters and involved, touchy-feely parents. Then his mum makes an announcement: she's having another baby. Only, this time it's not for her; she will be a surrogate for gay couple Justin and Atif. Aidan is incensed. As if his family wasn't embarrassing - or big - enough already. But he's also scared. Aidan thinks he might be gay, and he's really struggling to accept this possibility. He's definitely not ready to come out, but what if being around Justin and Atif exposes him as gay? If only he was just like everyone else. Author Bio: Sarah Hagger-Holt is the award-winning author of Carnegie-nominated middle-grade novels, 'Nothing Ever Happens Here' (2020) and 'Proud Of Me' (2021), ideal for 9-12 year olds, as well as writing and researching non-fiction for adults on LGBTQ+ experience. Her next middle-grade novel 'Just Like Everyone Else' was released in June 2023. 'Nothing Ever Happens Here' was described by The Book Trust as "a timely, gentle and honest story that will inspire conversations and encourage empathy", by The Guardian as "filled with warm, nuanced characterisation" and by Waterstones' book blog as "fresh and vibrant [...] with refreshing humour". It was one of the Book Trust's 100 Great Reads for 2020, as well as being nominated for the Carnegie Award, shortlisted for the Warwickshire Secondary Book Award and for the James Reckitt Hull Children's Book Award and longlisted for the Bristol Teen Book Award and the Diverse Books Award.

Winning Bidder

Angela Eustice

Bids

4

£15

348

Amanda James

Title: Wish Upon a Cornish Moon Genre: Women's Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandajames61 Facebook mandy.james.33 Book Blurb: 1938 - One midnight in June, 15-year-old Lamorna Williams throws a message in a bottle into the Atlantic at Magic Cove, hoping to meet her one true love – and someone writes back. 1997 On the other side of the world, Lamorna tells her story to her 16-year-old great nephew Ethan inspiring him to do the same. But this time, his message isn’t found for over twenty years… Present day Single mum, Merrin Pascoe, is told of the legend of Magic Cove. In a moment of madness, Merrin wishes on the moon, and next day she finds a bottle in the sea. Will the cove cast its spell once again… Author Bio: Amanda James/A.K. James has written since she was a child, and as an eight-year-old, she asked her parents for a typewriter for Christmas. She never imagined her words would ever be published however. Then in 2010, after many twists and turns, the dream of becoming a writer came true when she had her first short story published for a Born Free anthology. She left teaching in 2013 to pursue her dream full-time. Originally from Sheffield, Amanda now lives in Cornwall and is inspired every day by the wild and beautiful coastline near her home. She loves writing uplifting books with a twist of magic, as she thinks the world needs more joy in it right now. Amanda can usually be found playing on the beach with her family, or walking the cliff paths planning her next book.

Winning Bidder

Helena Connelly

Bids

3

£13

349

Clare Swatman

Clare has donated all 7 of her published books Title 1: Before You Go (2017) Genre: Romance Title 2: The Mother's Secret (2018) Genre: Contemporary Fiction Title 3: Dear Grace (2021) Genre: Romance Title 4: Before We Grow Old (2022) Genre: Romance Title 5: The Night We First Met (2022) Genre: Romance Title 6: A Love to Last a Lifetime (2023) Genre: Romance Title 7:The World Outside My Window (2023) Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://clareswatmanauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/clareswatman Book 1 Blurb: Before You Go When Zoe's husband, Ed, dies, her world caves in. But what if Zoe can get Ed back? You find your soul mate.... Some people stare love in the face for years before they find it. Zoe and Ed fumbled their way into adulthood, both on different paths - but always in the same direction. Years later, having navigated dead-end jobs and chaotic house shares, romance finally blossoms. Their future together looks set.... Then the unthinkable happens. One morning, on his way to work, Ed is knocked off his bike and dies. Now Zoe must find a way to survive. But she's not ready to let go of the memories. How can she forget all of the happy times, their first kiss, everything they built together? Zoe decides she has to tell Ed all the things she never said. Now it's too late. Or is it? Book 2 Blurb: The Mother's Secret The Mother's Secret is a powerful story about family, secrets and devastating lies. Love keeps us together Sisters Kate and Georgie are best friends. While Kate travelled the world, Georgie stayed at home to care for her mother. Now Georgie has her own family, she's decided it's her time to start discovering - there's a world out there for her to explore. Love can tear us apart Their mother, Jan, loves her daughters with all her heart. So what if she kept Kate and Georgie indoors when they were young? She just cared so much for them. What if your life was based on a lie? Maybe there was another reason Jan wanted to keep her girls close. If the girls ventured too far afield, it might destroy the facade of the world Jan created. The family's about to discover that while lies can cause pain, the truth could destroy them all. Book 3 Blurb: Dear Grace The most unlikely friendship. The most unexpected consequences. When Anna’s husband cheats on her, she’s sure she’ll never be happy again. But then she meets 94-year-old Grace. Despite an age gap of more than fifty years, the pair set out together on a life-changing journey halfway across the country in search of some answers. Sometimes the only way to move on is to revisit the past. But will Anna and Grace be prepared for what they find? A story about love, female friendship, heartbreak and learning to forgive. Book 4 Blurb: Before We Grow Old When seven-year-old Fran first met Will they knew instantly that they were made for each other. For eleven years they were inseparable, but then, at the age of eighteen, Will just upped and disappeared. Twenty-five years later Will is back. Is fate trying to give them a second chance? Still nursing the heart break from all those years ago, Fran is reluctant to give Will the time of day. The price Will must pay is to tell the truth – the truth about why he left, the truth about why he’s back… And Fran has her own secrets to hide. The time has come to decide what Fran and Will really want from life – before it’s too late. Book 5 Blurb: The Night We First Met One night in December, twenty-two year old Ted Green makes his way to Waterloo Bridge determined to end his life. Lonely and despairing, it seems the only choice. That same night, Marianne Cooper is running away from a party. Having found her boyfriend in a passionate clinch with someone else, Marianne can’t get away fast enough. But as she makes her way along London’s South Bank, a figure catches her eye on top of the bridge. Then she sees him, a man ready to jump. When Marianne saves Ted’s life, this night in December becomes one they’ll never forget, and what should be the start of a love story to last them a lifetime. But as Ted watches Marianne leave in a black taxi, all he can think is he should have asked her name. In a story spanning twenty years, join Ted and Marianne as they navigate life’s twists and turns, joys and heartbreaks, while all the time wondering - will fate ever bring them together again, and will true love save them both in the end… Book 6 Blurb: A Love to Last a Lifetime The one that she wants... Adam Bowers; handsome, funny and with the charm of a rock star, from the moment she laid eyes on him, teenage Erin was smitten. But first loves don’t always last, and after a whirlwind romance, Erin and Adam go their separate ways. Yet, Erin never lets go of the feeling that Adam may have been her soul mate... The one that she needs... Greg fell in love with Erin in their first week at university. Solid, trustworthy and hopelessly devoted to Erin, he knows he's better for her than the feckless Adam, who is forever leaving Erin broken-hearted, before winning her back with his charm. As far as Greg is concerned, it’s easy to promise the world, but it’s harder to love someone for a lifetime. The one that got away... Years later Greg and Erin are married, and although life hasn’t always been easy, Greg’s love for Erin has never dimmed. But when Adam comes back, in desperate need of Erin's help, everything changes. Erin starts to wonder whether fate is trying to tell her something… Will Erin risk it all for the man she had thought was ‘The One’? From the author of the bestselling Before We Grow Old, Clare Swatman. A Love to Last a Lifetime is for anyone who had a first love, a lost love or a love that lasted forever. Book 7 Blurb: The World Outside My Window Laura is watching the world go by without her. Unable to leave her house since suffering a trauma, Laura is stuck gazing out of her window at Willow Crescent, relying on husband Jim and best friend Debbie for help. Then one day, Jim doesn’t come home. A day becomes two, days become a week, and still no sign of Jim. And with the police half-hearted in their efforts to look for him, Laura is forced into a decision. She’s going to have to face the world outside and find her husband herself. But what Laura hasn’t realised is that Willow Crescent is a community, eager to help. From Arthur and Carol next door ready to rally the neighbours, to Marjorie and her daughter Faye at number nine looking for their own reasons to engage with the world. From Sonja at number seven who thinks she may have seen Jim in London, to widower Ben at number four who understands all about being lonely. Laura has a world ready to embrace her if she can just find the nerve. And when it slowly dawns on them all, that the Jim they thought they knew, may have been hiding some unfathomable secrets, Laura has a choice – retreat back behind her window, or start living the life that was waiting for her all along. Author Bio: Clare Swatman is the author of seven women's fiction novels. Her latest, The World Outside My Window, is a story about the power of friendships and the importance of community. Before writing books, Clare spent 20 years writing for women's magazines in the UK. Her next book will be out in early 2024. Clare lives in Hertfordshire in the UK with her husband and two boys. Even the cat is male, which means she's destined to be outnumbered forever.

Winning Bidder

Lucy Sturgess

Bids

7

£40

350

Anne Fletcher

Title: Widows of the Ice: The Women that Scott’s Antarctic Expedition Left Behind Genre: History - Exploration Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://linktr.ee/annefletcher Twitter: https://twitter.com/Annecfletcher Book Blurb: As Captain Scott lay freezing and starving to death on his return journey from the South Pole, he wrote with a stub of pencil his final words: ‘For God’s sake look after our people.’ Uppermost in his mind were the three women who would now be widows: Kathleen, his own bohemian artist wife; Oriana, the devout wife of the expedition’s chief scientist, Ted Wilson; and Lois, the Welsh working-class wife of Petty Officer Edgar Evans. When the news came that the men were dead, they became heroes, their story filling column inches in newspapers across the world. Their widows were thrust into the limelight, forced to grieve in public view, keeping a stiff upper lip while the world praised their husbands’ sacrifice. These three women had little in common except that their husbands had died together, but this shared experience was to shape the rest of their lives. Each experienced their loss differently, their treatment by the press and the public influenced by their class and contemporary notions of both manliness and womanly behaviour. Each had to rebuild their life, fiercely and loyally defending their husbands’ legacies and protecting their fatherless children in the face of financial hardship, public criticism and intense press scrutiny. Widows of the Ice is not the story of famous women but of forgotten wives, whose love and support helped to shape one of the most iconic moments in British history. They have drifted to the outer edges of the Antarctic narrative, and bringing them back gives a new perspective to a story we thought we already knew. It is a story of imperialistic dreams, misogyny and classism, but also of enormous courage, high ideals, duty – and, above all, love. Author Bio: Anne Fletcher read history at Oxford University. She has a successful career in heritage and has worked at some of the most exciting historic sites in the country including Hampton Court Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Bletchley Park and Tower Bridge. Her most recent book is Widows of the Ice, the true story of the women widowed bt Scott's fatal Antarctic expedition. Anne is the great-great-great niece of Joseph Hobson Jagger, ‘the man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo’ and the subject of her first book From the Mill to Monte Carlo. Her search for his story started with only a photograph, a newspaper article and the lyrics of the famous song.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£50

351

Lindsay Galvin

Title: Call of the Titanic Genre: Historical Fiction - Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lindsaygalvin.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindsayGalvin Book Blurb: Young cabin steward, Sid, is proud to be working on the Titanic, the greatest stream liner ever built. Clara dreams of adventure at sea, and discovers it the hard way as a stowaway on a much smaller ship, the Carpathia. Here, she meets a giant bear of a dog: Rigel, who has a reputation for mischief. What none of them can foresee is how they'll need each other on the night Titanic collides with an iceberg. Or that an even more extraordinary creature might also answer their call ... Author Bio: Lindsay was lucky enough to be raised in a house of stories, music, and love of the sea. She left part of her heart underwater after living and working in Thailand where she spent hundreds of blissful hours scuba diving. Forced now to surface for breath, she lives in sight of the chillier Sussex sea with her husband and two sons. When she is not writing, she can be found reading, swimming or practicing yoga. She has a degree in English Language and Literature, is fascinated by psychology and the natural world, and teaches Science. Lindsay hadn’t written creatively since childhood until the idea for her debut novel The Secret Deep splashed into her mind, and now she’s hooked.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

352

Liz Fielding

Title 1: Murder Among The Roses Genre: Cosy Crime - Murder Mystery Format: Paperback Title 2: Little Book of Writing Romance Genre: Educational Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizfielding Book 1 Blurb: MEET ABBY FINCH. SHE’S THE BUSY MUM OF THREE, AN EXPERT GARDENER AND THE STAR OF YOUR NEW FAVOURITE COZY MURDER MYSTERY. In the peaceful Cotswolds village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two. Abby is horrified to discover the bones of a baby buried under a rose bush. It’s in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband Howard’s family home. She immediately calls the police. But she can’t get hold of Howard. He’s off on a jolly with the woman he’s got pregnant. And then, just two days later, Abby finds Howard himself. Lying dead in the very same rose garden. Throat slashed with her own garden spade. Now Abby is the prime suspect . . . Fans of Faith Martin, Jane Adams, Frances Evesham, M.C. Beaton, Clare Chase or Jeanne M. Dams will love this addictive cozy mystery! MEET THE DETECTIVE Brilliant gardener and the busy mum of three, Abby Finch’s dreams of winning gold at Chelsea Flower Show were put on hold by an unplanned pregnancy and marriage. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. These days she’s kept on her toes looking by her beloved family, running her own business and dealing with her imminent divorce. In an effort to keep things cordial, she’s allowed her ex to bully her into restoring the garden of his family home. Thankfully she’s surrounded herself with a great group of friends to lean on. THE SETTING Pretty Maybridge is a charming village set in the sheep-dotted Cotswolds hills, with a long history stretching back to Tudor times. It’s the type of place where everyone knows each other, but there's a wonderful bookshop on the corner of the bridge, a popular riverside café and a bustling market at Christmastime. And with Bristol nearby and a big supermarket round the corner. Book 2 Blurb: Is it your ambition to write Bestselling Romance? Are you looking for a useful, no nonsense guide to writing sizzling, bestselling romantic fiction? Or are you a published author wanting to improve your writing skills? No matter where you are in your writing journey, multi-award winning romance author Liz Fielding’s straight-forward, no jargon guide to writing Bestselling Romance shows you what it takes to get there. She does not confuse with the science of writing, but shows clearly, using examples, how to use the first line to grab your reader, how to write great dialogue, how to create characters that readers will care about. Liz Fielding’s Little Book of Writing Romance is laid out in ten,easy-to-understand chapters covering all the main points on the craft of romance writing, including how to— Grab the Reader on the First Page Create Great Characters Use Conflict Write Deep Emotion Use Sexual Tension Write Crisp Dialogue Use Viewpoint Construct a Four-Dimensional World Author Bio: Liz Fielding worked as a secretary in Africa and the Middle East and was co-ordinator of the Brecon Jazz Festival before writing full time. Her books are published worldwide in multiple languages, she is two times winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award and recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award from the Romantic Novelists' Association. Liz lives in West Sussex,.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£25

353

Jenni Fletcher

Title: HOW TO LOSE AN EARL IN TEN WEEKS Genre: YA Historical Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://jennifletcher.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniAuthor Book Blurb: Miss Essie Craven has been engaged since birth to a man she has only met once. The haughty, black-haired man with the intense blue eyes: Aidan Ravell, Earl of Denholm. The most coveted man in all of the Ton. The day of their marriage is set. The only problem is, spirited Essie dreams of more than being a Countess. She soon finds out that Aidan has his own reasons for not wishing to marry, but is compelled to proceed due to his sense of honour and the financial baggage his father has left him. So, Aidan and Essie strike up a deal. Essie will find him a more suitable match, and in the meantime they will keep up appearances. But soon what is real and what is fake begins to converge. Suddenly, what seemed to be a simple agreement is no longer quite that straightforward . . . Author Bio: Jenni Fletcher is a Historical Romance & YA author for Penguin and Mills & Boon and has been nominated for 5 Romantic Novel Awards, winning the Libertà Books Shorter Romantic Novel Award in 2020. She grew up in Scotland and Somerset, has a PhD on some deeply unromantic aspects of Edwardian literature, and now lives in Yorkshire with her family and one extremely hairy dog."

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

354

Gill Paul

Two Book Special Title 1: A Beautiful Rival Title 2: The Manhattan Girls Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://gillpaul.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GillPaulAUTHOR Book 1 Blurb: In this stunning new novel, bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the infamous rivalry of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. They could have been allies: two self-made millionaires who invented a global industry, in an era when wife and mother were supposed to be any woman’s highest goal. Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein each founded empires built on grit and determination…and yet they became locked in a feud spanning three continents, two world wars, and the Great Depression. Brought up in poverty, Canadian-born Arden changed popular opinion about make up—persuading women from all walks of life to buy skincare products promising them youth and beauty. Rubinstein left her native Poland, launching her own company with scientific claims about miracle creams and anti-aging herbs. And when it came to business, nothing was off-limits: poaching employees, copying products, planting spies, hiring ex-husbands, and one-upping each other every chance they had. This was a rivalry from which there was no surrender! And through it all, were two women, bold, brazen, and determined to succeed—no matter the personal cost. Book 2 Blurb: The Manhattan Girls NEW YORK CITY, 1921 An impossible dream. The war is over, the twenties are roaring, but in the depths of the city that never sleeps, Dorothy Parker is struggling to make her mark in a man’s world. A broken woman. She’s penniless, she’s unemployed and her marriage is on the rocks when she starts a bridge group with three extraordinary women – but will they be able to save her from herself? A fight for survival. When tragedy strikes, and everything Dorothy holds dear is threatened, it’s up to Peggy, Winifred and Jane to help her confront the truth before it’s too late. Because the stakes may be life or death… A novel from the internationally bestselling author, Sex and the City meets the 1920s in this sweeping tale of love, loss and the everlasting bonds of friendship. Author Bio: Gill Paul is the bestselling author of twelve historical novels, many of them about real women from the past whom she thinks have been marginalized or misjudged by historians. Her novels have reached the top of the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Toronto Globe & Mail charts, and have been translated into twenty-two languages. Gill also writes historical non-fiction, including A History of Medicine in 50 Objects and series of Love Stories. Published around the world, this series includes Royal Love Stories, World War I Love Stories and Titanic Love Stories. Gill was born in Scotland and grew up there, apart from an eventful year at school in the US when she was ten. She studied Medicine at Glasgow University, then English Literature and History (she was a student for a long time), before moving to London to work in publishing. Her first novel was written at weekends, but she has now given up the ‘day job’ to write fiction full-time. She also writes short stories for magazines and speaks at libraries and literary festivals about subjects ranging from Dorothy Parker to the Romanovs, and about writing itself. Gill swims daily, year-round in a wild pond and loves vintage clothes, old movies, and poking around in bookshops.

Winning Bidder

Fiona williams

Bids

2

£30

355

Marie Basting

TWO BOOK BUNDLE! Title 1: My Family and Other Romans Genre: Funny, historical, adventure. Format: Paperback Title: Princess BMX Genre: Fantasy adventure /alternative fairytale Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://mariebasting.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/riewriting Book 1 Blurb: A rip-roaring Roman adventure from the acclaimed author of Princess BMX, Marie Basting Livi just wants to fit in. So, being catapulted back to Ancient Rome and finding out her mum is a warrior goddess is not part of the plan. As for the rest of the family – her sister is a cyclops, her uncle is building an army, and her role-play, LARP-obsessed dad is now a lava soldier. The fate of the world resting on her shoulders, can Livi embrace her differences and sort this mess out? • A laugh-out-loud funny family caper full of excitement and heart: perfect for fans of Loki, Horrible Histories and Who Let the Gods Out? Book 2 Blurb: A funny, action-packed tale of friendship and bikes, that brings the fairytale bang up to date. Trust me, the fairy tales have it so wrong. Dingy towers and wicked step-mums are the least of my worries: it’s the boredom that will kill me. Honestly, apart from the endless supply of cupcakes, being a princess is pretty rubbish. I used to think about locking myself in a tower and throwing away the key. Thank the good goblin I discovered BMX. If it wasn’t for BMX, nothing would have changed … Author Bio: When Marie Basting was fifteen, she was told by a careers advisor that girls like her don’t become writers. For a long time, she believed this. But then something magical happened and Marie finally came to realise that girls like her can do anything they want. Her critically-acclaimed debut novel, Princess BMX, published in 2019. Marie lives in Manchester with her husband, son and a giant, hairy woo-dog called Polly. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her supporting other girls and boys to follow their writing dreams.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

3

£13

356

Pam Lecky

Title: The Last Letter from London Genre - Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/pamlecky Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamlecky Book Blurb: Sarah Gillespie is back! The third gripping and emotional WWII historical fiction novel from Pam Lecky is available for pre-order now!⭐ Her letters can save the country. But can she be trusted? A double agent. As World War Two rages, MI5 agent Sarah Gillespie is faced with her toughest challenge yet: handling Adeline Vernier, a mysterious double agent from Paris. A dangerous mission. Adeline’s coded letters could help the Allies defeat the Germans – but, in return, she demands that her boyfriend is rescued from Nazi-occupied France. Adeline is not above threatening to double-cross MI5 to get what she wants, leaving Sarah fearful for the millions of lives at stake. Letters that could change their lives forever. As they embark on a secret operation through Lisbon, they must tread carefully to avoid the clutches of the Nazis. But will they make it out alive, together? Or is the enemy closer than they realise? Author Bio: Pam is an Irish historical fiction author with Avon Books UK/Harper Collins. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, The Crime Writers' Association, and the Society of Authors. She is represented by Thérèse Coen, at Susanna Lea Associates, London. Pam has a particular love of the late Victorian era/early 20th Century. Pam’s WW2 espionage series, featuring Sarah Gillespie, an Irish young woman working for MI5 on the Homefront, consists of three books. Her Secret War and Her Last Betrayal, both became US Kindle No. 1 bestsellers. The third book in the series, The Last Letter from London, will be published on 17th August 2023. 2024 will see the publication of a standalone Blitz murder mystery. Her debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was awarded the B.R.A.G Medallion; shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; and longlisted for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award. Her short stories are available in an anthology, entitled Past Imperfect, which was published in April 2018. June 2019, saw the release of the first book in the popular Lucy Lawrence Mystery series, No Stone Unturned - a fast-paced Victorian murder mystery set in London and Yorkshire which was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. The sequels, Footprints in the Sand, set in Egypt, and The Art of Deception, have proved popular and the fourth book in the series, A Pocketful of Diamonds, set in Italy, will be published in 2023.

Winning Bidder

Carolyn Robertshaw

Bids

5

£18

357

Barbara Avon

Title: Sultry Is the Night Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://barbaraavon.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/barb_avon Book Blurb: The year is 1982. This town has a distinct border, the good side and the shady side, where the townspeople battle rats for scraps of food. Mario used to live among the rich, but he now resides on the wrong side of the tracks thanks to the father who left him behind. Worst of all, he’s mourning his mother’s death and what he thinks is the loss of his lifelong dream, becoming a chef. After meeting Dito who owns "Dean's Pizzeria", things are finally changing for Mario. Until Tess enters his life – the beautiful, mysterious stranger who lives in a luxury high rise. But there’s something off, something she’s hiding, something dark. Some borders aren’t meant to be crossed. "Sultry, Is the Night", is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't belong. Author Bio: I am a wife, sister, daughter, an aunt, and a friend. I am a lover of words and a firm believer that if you "lose your dreams, you might lose your mind." (The Rolling Stones). Barbara Avon was born in Switzerland and immigrated to Canada when she was two years old. She grew up Italian in the Niagara Region and attended Notre Dame High School, and then Brock University. She moved to Ottawa, Ontario, in 1999 to pursue work. She has worked for two major Ottawa area magazines and is a published poet. In 2018, she won SpillWords Author of the Month, as well as FACES Magazine “Favourite Female Author”. Her work appears in various anthologies including Steering 23 Publications, Storytime for Grownups, and Beyond the Levee. In October of 2022, “Revived” was chosen as “Horror Book of the Year” by the “Feed My Reads” community. When she's not writing, she's experimenting in the kitchen, reading, watching 1980s movies, or engaging with her peers on Twitter. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband Danny, their tarantula Betsy, and their houseplant, “Romeo”.

Winning Bidder

Carole Wilson

Bids

1

£12

358

Sophie Kirtley

Title: The Way to Impossible Island Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.sophiekirtley.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirtleySophie Book Blurb: Born with a serious heart condition, Dara has been waiting for his Big Operation forever, and this summer it's finally going to happen. The moment his heart is fixed he'll row out to the island in the bay all by himself just like he's always dreamed. But when his op is postponed, Dara snaps. When will he get to live his real life? Maybe the adventures he dreams of are just silly fantasies. And then he finds a girl hiding in the boat shed. She wears animal skins. She has a real live pet wolf. She is, simply, impossible. Could Mothgirl really be from the Stone Age? And what is she seeking on Lathrin Island? As Dara and Mothgirl set out on a wild, windswept sea journey Dara begins to realise that when you stop worrying about what's impossible, you can do anything. A brave, life-affirming middle-grade timeslip adventure about finding your family and finding yourself, from the author of The Wild Way Home. Author Bio: Sophie Kirtley is a prize-winning poet and children’s author. Her best-selling debut novel, The Wild Way Home, was published by Bloomsbury in 2020; it was Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month and has been shortlisted for numerous awards. Her second book, The Way to Impossible Island, was selected as one of the Best Children’s Paperbacks of 2021 by Waterstones and several national newspapers. Her poetry for children and for adults has ben published in various journals and anthologies. Sophie grew up in Northern Ireland where she spent her childhood climbing on hay bales, rolling down sand dunes and leaping the raw Atlantic waves. Nowadays she lives in Wiltshire with her husband, three children and their mini-menagerie of pets and wild things. Sophie loves reading, writing and inspiring others to be creative too.

Winning Bidder

David Roca-Mas

Bids

1

£11

359

Gill Lewis

Title: A Street Dog Named Pup Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.gilllewis.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/gill__lewis Book Blurb: Pup and his boy are inseparable. But both their lives change forever when Pup is cruelly taken away and abandoned. Can the bond between them be enough to bring them back together? Author Bio: Gill Lewis is a multi-award winning children's author who writes stories about our connection with animals and the wild world.

Winning Bidder

Carole Donaldson

Bids

1

£11

360

Mari Hannah

Title: Black Fell Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: marihannah@me.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariwriter Book Blurb: The truth can be hidden . . . but secrets always surface. The peace of Kielder Water is shattered when tourists open a barrel they found floating in the reservoir at dawn. Detectives Stone and Oliver are called to examine the skeletal remains inside. The tourists are eliminated from the investigation, but that same day a second body is discovered - this one has skin. Have the police let the killer leave the scene? While Stone investigates the remains, Oliver travels to Iceland to gather evidence and track down the tourists who have fled. Someone will do anything to protect the secrets of the past... Author Bio: Mari is a multi-award-winning author and screenwriter who lives in rural Northumberland with her partner, an ex-murder detective. She writes across three crime series: DCI Kate Daniels (in development for TV); Stone & Oliver and Ryan & O’Neil. Mari is a former programming chair of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. Among her awards is a CWA Dagger in the Library for her body of work, and in 2020 Capital Crime’s Crime Book of the Year for Without A Trace. * Author Bio Pic by Ian Wylie*

Winning Bidder

Elaine Bateman

Bids

4

£30

361

Rachel Edwards

Title: LUCKY Genre: Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://racheledwards.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelDEdwards Book Blurb: Etta needs to win big. She joined a gambling site to save money for marriage and was good at it… until she wasn’t. Lucky she has an online friend who has hit the jackpot. But who is watching her and why does she feel so afraid, as she is so lucky? Author Bio: Rachel Edwards was born and raised in the UK by her Jamaican mother and Nigerian father and relishes having been ‘born on three continents at once’. She has written for numerous publications including The Guardian and, during summer 2020, the Sunday Times Magazine for which she wrote a popular weekly column.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

362

Alex Marchant

Title: Order of the White Boar (Books 1 & 2) Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://alexmarchantblog.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexMarchant84 The Book: How well do you know the story of the real King Richard III? Perhaps not as well as Matthew Wansford...Two bestselling books in one – 'The Order of the White Boar' and 'The King’s Man'Twelve-year-old Matthew Wansford has always longed to be a knight. His chance comes in the golden summer of 1482 at Middleham Castle, home of his new master, Richard, Duke of Gloucester – valiant warrior, loving father, loyal brother to King Edward IV.With new-found friends Alys, Roger and Edward, the Duke’s only son, he forges a secret knightly fellowship, the Order of the White Boar. They swear an oath of lifelong loyalty – to each other and to their good lord, Duke Richard.But these are not times to play at war. Soon Matt and his friends will be plunged into the deadly games of the Wars of the Roses. Will their loyalty be tested as the storm looms on the horizon?For readers of all ages from 10 to adult, books 1 and 2 of the ‘Order of the White Boar’ sequence together for the first time, chronicling the crucial years in the life of King Richard III, through the Year of the Three Kings – and beyond … The Author: Born and raised in the rolling Surrey downs, and following stints as an archaeologist and in publishing in London and Gloucester, I now live surrounded by moors in King Richard III’s northern heartland, working as a freelance copyeditor, proofreader and, more recently, independent author of books for children aged 10+. My first novel, Time out of Time (forthcoming), won the 2012 Chapter One Children’s Book Award, and my second was put on the backburner in 2013 at the announcement of the discovery of King Richard’s grave in a car park in Leicester. As a Ricardian since my teens, that momentous announcement prompted me to write about the real Richard III for older children (there being no such book available), and so The Order of the White Boar and its recently released sequel The King’s Man were born. The Order of the White Boar has been described by the Bulletin of the Richard III Society as ‘a wonderful work of historical fiction for both children and adults’ and The King’s Man as ‘a brilliant, gripping, heart-wrenching sequel’

Winning Bidder

Valerie Niblett

Bids

1

£11

363

Alex Marchant

Title: King in Waiting Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://alexmarchantblog.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexMarchant84 The Book: What really happened to the 'Princes in the Tower'? Does Matthew Wansford know the answer? 1486 These are dangerous days for the Order of the White Boar King Richard III has been betrayed and killed Victorious Henry Tudor sits uneasily on the throne of England Richard’s loyal friend, Francis Lovell, plots revenge Alys Langdown, ward of the Queen, awaits an unknown fate And ever-loyal Matthew Wansford serves his new master, Edward Plantagenet, true King of England – who now must seek his own road … From exile in Flanders to an uncertain welcome over the sea – what challenges lie ahead for the Order and for the King in Waiting? Follow Matthew and his friends’ adventures in Book 3 of The Order of the White Boar ‘Evocative and intriguing… brings the uncertain and dangerous times after the Battle of Bosworth to life’ – Wendy Johnson, member of the Looking for Richard Project ‘A wonderful work of historical fiction for both children and adults’ – Ricardian Bulletin of the Richard III Society 'A cracking good read ... Alex's vision of what happened to the sons of Edward IV after Bosworth is perfectly plausible' - GoodReads reviewer The Author: Born and raised in the rolling Surrey downs, and following stints as an archaeologist and in publishing in London and Gloucester, I now live surrounded by moors in King Richard III’s northern heartland, working as a freelance copyeditor, proofreader and, more recently, independent author of books for children aged 10+. My first novel, Time out of Time (forthcoming), won the 2012 Chapter One Children’s Book Award, and my second was put on the backburner in 2013 at the announcement of the discovery of King Richard’s grave in a car park in Leicester. As a Ricardian since my teens, that momentous announcement prompted me to write about the real Richard III for older children (there being no such book available), and so The Order of the White Boar and its recently released sequel The King’s Man were born. The Order of the White Boar has been described by the Bulletin of the Richard III Society as ‘a wonderful work of historical fiction for both children and adults’ and The King’s Man as ‘a brilliant, gripping, heart-wrenching sequel’

Winning Bidder

Valerie Niblett

Bids

1

£11

364

Katie Bishop

Title: The Girls of Summer Genre: Commercial fiction/suspense Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://katiebishopwrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatKatieBWrote Book Blurb: A sun-soaked island. An all-consuming romance. The best summer of your life... but what if everything you remember was a lie? ********** Rachel has loved Alistair since she was seventeen. Even though she hasn't seen him for sixteen years and she's now married to someone else. Even though she was a teenager when they met. Even though he is almost twenty years older than her. Now in her thirties, Rachel has never been able to forget their golden summer together on a remote, sun-trapped Greek island. But as dark and deeply suppressed memories rise to the surface, Rachel begins to understand that Alistair - and the enigmatic, wealthy man he worked for - controlled much more than she ever realized. Rachel has never once considered herself a victim - until now. ********** For fans of GIRL A, MY DARK VANESSA and LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE, The Girls of Summer is a compulsive exploration of sex, power and consent, and what happens when we revisit the past with rose-tinted glasses. Author Bio: Katie Bishop is a writer and journalist based in the UK. She grew up in the Midlands before moving to Oxford to work in publishing in her early twenties. Whilst working as an assistant editor she started writing articles in her spare time, going on to be published in the New York Times, Guardian, Independent and Vogue. Katie started writing The Girls of Summer during the first UK COVID lockdown, after becoming increasingly interested in stories emerging from the #MeToo movement. The novel is inspired by her own experiences of backpacking, and by her interest in how our personal narratives can be reshaped and understood in light of cultural and social changes. In 2020, Katie moved back to the Midlands, and now lives in Birmingham with her partner. She is a full-time writer.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£12

365

Hafiza Hakim

Title: Earmuffs to the Moon. Genre: Children's Nonfiction on Disabilities Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.hafizaissa.online Twitter: https://twitter.com/HafizaIssa Book Blurb: ‘Earmuffs to the Moon’ is a story of bravery, self-discovery, wonder and awe. It is a celebration of our majestic Universe as seen through the eyes of Sara, an autistic girl who has dreams of shooting into space. The playful rhymes take the reader on an exhilarating journey with Sara. They are invited into her vision, her interpretation, her imagination and her delight in the glorious world around her. Sara learns to overcome the barrier of labels. She is a girl who refuses to sit inside the box that society places her in. Instead, she embraces what the world would call her ‘differences,’ for these differences are indeed her superpowers. She is a girl who marks her own path; a path that takes her to a magical place amongst the stars! Author Bio: Hafiza Hakim is a busy wife and mummy of three young children. She is a Dispensing Optician by profession. She decided to take a break from her optical career, so she could focus on her children. In her spare time, (there's not much of it!), she likes to write and perform poems about her family, politics and life experiences that everyone can relate to, published on Instagram. Recently, one of her poems have been included in a Manchester based poetry anthology. She has also qualified as a Masseuse and training to be an Aromatherapist in a bid to help people destress in a holistic way. She is passionate about raising awareness of Autism, educating and inspiring people to achieve their goals and being positive. Her hobbies include playing Netball, Running and Charity work.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£13

366

Peter Moore

Book Title: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Britain and the American Dream Genre: History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://peter-moore.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/petermoore Book Blurb: 'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness' is the best-known phrase from the Declaration of Independence, one of the most important documents of the eighteenth century and the whole Enlightenment Age. Written by Thomas Jefferson, it is frequently evoked today as a shorthand for that idea we call the 'American Dream'. But this is a line with a surprising history. Rather than being uniquely American, the vision it encapsulates - of a free and happy world - owes a great deal to British thinkers too. Centred on the life of Benjamin Franklin, featuring figures like the cultural giant Samuel Johnson, the ground-breaking historian Catharine Macaulay, the firebrand politician John Wilkes and revolutionary activist Thomas Paine, this book looks at the generation that preceded the Declaration in 1776. It takes us back to a vital moment in the foundation of the West, a time full of intent, confidence and ideas. It tells a whole new story about the birth of the United States of America - and some of the key principles by which we live to this very day. Author Bio: Peter Moore is a writer, journalist and lecturer. He teaches creative writing at the University of Oxford. His debut, Damn His Blood, reconstructed a rural murder in 1806. His second, The Weather Experiment, a New York Times 'Notable Book of the Year', traced early efforts to forecast the weather. His latest book, Endeavour, was a multiple book of the year and a Sunday Times bestseller. He presents a history podcast called Travels Through Time.

Winning Bidder

Phil Burke

Bids

3

£25

367

Justin Davies

Title: Haarville Genre: Children's fiction (10-14) Format: Paperback Dedication: Yes Website: https://justindaviesauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/flyingscribbler Book Blurb: Welcome to Haarville. If you've arrived, you've survived. In the murky, misty seaside town of Haarville, something smells fishy, and it isn't the seafood... Manx Fearty is about to lose his family's perpetual device shop to some sinister newcomers. Can Manx and his friends untangle secrets and seaweed to save the Fearty legacy and the town? Author Bio: After years spent flying around the world as cabin crew, Justin finally hung up his wings to focus on writing books that children can lose themselves in. His first book, Help! I Smell a Monster (Orchard) won the Fantastic Book Awards in 2021; his new middle grade novel, Haarville, was published by Floris/Kelpies in February 2023. As well as writing, Justin loves visiting schools to share his books, which he says is one of the best things about being a children’s author. When not lost in his own imagination, Justin continues his lifelong quest to bake the perfect scone. It’s an important endeavour, and one he takes very seriously. Justin lives with his husband Andrew, and Sally the rescue greyhound, in the shadow of the Forth Bridge in Fife.

Winning Bidder

James Simpson

Bids

2

£15

368

Lizzie Chantree

Title: The little ice cream shop by the sea Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/lizzie_chantree Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree Book Blurb: A gorgeous seaside romance, full of humour, family life and second chances at love. Heart-broken, Genie, has lost everything, including her confidence. Living in a tiny corner of paradise and running a pretty little ice cream shop has been her life for as long as she can remember, but suddenly her mother wants to sell to developers and leave their shared history behind. Determined to buy the café, Genie finds the courage to accept an unconventional investment offer from customer, Ada, who has a mysterious past and a gorgeous but distracting grandson. Ada feels that Genie and her grandson, Cal, will work well together, but sparks fly and tempers are lost. Working in a seafront business with its fiery owner, is the only way Cal can think of to keep his ex-Hollywood glamour-puss gran from harm. Cal wants to protect his grandmother from Genie, but soon realises that living in a picturesque seaside town and away from the paparazzi in Hollywood can actually give him time to heal and could even offer him his own happily ever after. Learning to love herself and find success on her own is Genie’s first step. But when long-lost dreams are reignited, will she be able to trust someone new with her heart? Author Bio: International bestselling author and award-winning inventor, Lizzie Chantree, discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now writes books full of friendship and laughter, that are about women who are far stronger than they realise. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex.

Winning Bidder

Alexander Cosgrove

Bids

7

£20

369

Amanda Reynolds

Title: The Assistant Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.amandareynoldsauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandareynoldsj Book Blurb: I know many things about Larissa. I know what she eats, which must-have brands she applies to her face, and the price of each carefully selected ‘piece’ in her multi-million-pound home in Belgravia. Because Ris, as she is known to her many followers, likes to share. And now I’m here, in her home, watching her every move. Entrusted with her secrets and running her diary from the bijou basement flat, I’m on hand to fulfil Ris’ every need. Her right-hand woman. But what she doesn’t know is why I’m really here. I’ve put a lot on the line to get this job, and now my plan can begin. I’ve waited long enough. From the bestselling author of Close to Me, now a major TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston Author Bio: Amanda Reynolds is the best selling author of psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, Close To Me, published in 2017 by Headline, was adapted by NENT Studios UK as a major six-part TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston. The series aired in 2021, on Channel 4 in the UK and on Sundance AMC in the US, as well as many other countries worldwide. She is the author of three further psychological suspense novels, Lying To You and The Hidden Wife with Headline, and The Assistant, publishing with Boldwood Books in 2023 and further psychological thrillers to follow. Amanda Reynolds lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and their dog.

Winning Bidder

Karen Whittard

Bids

1

£11

370

David Moody

The London Trilogy Title 1: Autumn : Dawn Title 2: Autumn : Inferno Title 3: Autumn : Exodus Genre: Horror Format: Paperbacks Genre: Horror Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.davidmoody.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidjmoody Book Blurb: WELCOME TO LONDON Population seven million • 99.9% of them dead • the survival of the rest balanced on a knife-edge THE WORLD IS DEAD Two months ago, billions of people were killed by a deadly germ. Days later, they rose up again in massive numbers. Since then, cities worldwide have become corpse-filled, rat-infested, germ-choked hellholes. A group of people are trapped in central London, hopelessly outnumbered by the dead. They hear rumours of a safe haven in the north – a self-sufficient community where people from across the country have gathered to try and rebuild their lives. But the decaying ruins of the capital are vast and sprawling, and they’re going to need an army to get away from this place. There are other people here, waiting in the shadows to be found. Can enough of them band together to make a difference, or has the country – maybe even the entire world – already been lost to the dead? Author Bio: David Moody sold the film rights to his novel HATER to Mark Johnson (producer, Breaking Bad) and Guillermo Del Toro (director, The Shape of Water, Pan's Labyrinth). His seminal zombie novel AUTUMN was made into a movie starring Dexter Fletcher and David Carradine. Moody has an unhealthy fascination with the end of the world and likes to write books about ordinary folks going through absolute hell. Find out more about his work at http://davidmoody.net and http://infectedbooks.co.uk. Join Moody's mailing list to keep up with new releases: https://davidmoody.net/signup/

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£15

371

Katja Hoyer

Title: Beyond the Wall Genre: History Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/katja-hoyer Twitter: https://twitter.com/hoyer_kat Book Blurb: 'Utterly brilliant . . . Authoritative, lively and profoundly human, it is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand post-World War II Europe' Julia Boyd 'One of the best young historians writing in English today. . . Well-researched, well-written and profoundly insightful, Beyond the Wall explodes many of the lazy Western cliches about East Germany' Andrew Roberts In 1990, a country disappeared. When the Iron Curtain fell, East Germany simply ceased to be. For over forty years, from the ruin of the Second World War to the cusp of a new millennium, the GDR presented a radically different German identity to anything that had come before, and anything that exists today. Socialist solidarity, secret police, central planning, barbed wire: this was a Germany forged on the fault lines of ideology and geopolitics. In Beyond the Wall, acclaimed historian Katja Hoyer offers a kaleidoscopic new vision of this vanished country. Beginning with the bitter experience of German Marxists exiled by Hitler, she traces the arc of the state they would go on to create, first under the watchful eye of Stalin, and then in an increasingly distinctive German fashion. From the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961, to the relative prosperity of the 1970s, and on to the creaking foundations of socialism in the mid-1980s, Hoyer argues that amid oppression and frequent hardship, East Germany was yet home to a rich political, social and cultural landscape, a place far more dynamic than the Cold War caricature often painted in the West. Powerfully told, and drawing on a vast array of never-before-seen interviews, letters and records, this is the definitive history of the other Germany, the one beyond the Wall. Author Bio: Katja Hoyer is a German-British historian and journalist. She is a Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Katja is a Global Opinions columnist for the Washington Post and also writes for The Spectator, The Daily Telegraph, Die Welt and other newspapers on current political affairs in Germany and Europe. Her historical essays have featured in History Today and BBC History Extra. She hosts the podcast The New Germany together with The Times' Berlin correspondent Oliver Moody. Her debut book 'Blood and Iron' has been well-received by critics and academics alike. She was born in (East) Germany and read history at the Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena. Katja is now based in Sussex, UK.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

21

£90

372

Celia Anderson

Title: Coming Home to Mistletoe Cottage Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Christmas Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/CeliaAnderson1 Book Blurb: Could a sprinkling of magic save Christmas this year? Amid the salt marshes and rolling fields of Periwinkle Bay, Magda Conway is enjoying her retirement in ivy-clad Mistletoe Cottage. Yet with three weeks to go until Christmas, as the fairy lights twinkle and the trees go up around the village, her peace is disrupted when she’s left in sole charge of her two mischievous grandchildren. Before long, she’s at her wit’s end – but high on a kitchen shelf lies her mother’s handwritten recipe book. And as she turns to it for advice, she finds more than just recipes between its tattered covers: there’s a pinch of magic too, and maybe even a sprinkling of love... Author Bio: Previously a teacher and assistant head, Celia Anderson now writes full time and is an enthusiastic member of the Romantic Novelists Association, having graduated from their wonderful New Writers' Scheme. She writes stories with a strong flavour of magical realism and her fourth such novel with Harper Collins, Coming Home to Mistletoe Cottage, was be published in October 2022. Celia loves flower arranging but tries to avoid gardening, plays the piano very badly and is a jigsaw addict. She is a doting grandma to Ida and Levi and has tried several times to learn to knit them jumpers without much success (or joy). Some hobbies are probably best left alone. Celia has always dreamt of living by the sea, and to her joy, that dream has now become a reality. She loves walking, reading, having large bubbly baths, eating, and drinking wine. Over the years, she has found that all of these activities bar the first may be done simultaneously, although this can be messy...

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£29

373

Anne Sebba

Title: Ethel Rosenberg : A Cold War tragedy Genre: History - Biography Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://annesebba.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/annesebba The Book; Ethel Rosenberg's story has been called America's Dreyfus Affair: a catastrophic failure of humanity and justice that continues to haunt the national conscience, and is still being played out with different actors in the lead roles today. On 19th June 1953 Ethel Rosenberg became the first woman in the US to be executed for a crime other than murder. She was thirty-seven years old and the mother of two small children. Yet even today, at a time when the Cold War seems all too resonant, Ethel's conviction for conspiracy to commit espionage on behalf of the Soviet Union makes her story still controversial. This is an important moment to recount not simply what FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover called the 'trial of the century', but also a timeless human story of a supportive wife, loving mother and courageous idealist who grew up during the Depression with aspirations to become an opera singer. Instead, she found herself battling the social mores of the 1950s and had her life barbarically cut short on the basis of tainted evidence for a crime she almost certainly did not commit. Anne Sebba's masterly biography makes full use of the dramatic prison letters Ethel exchanged with her husband, lawyer and psychotherapist over a three-year period. Sebba has also interviewed Ethel's two sons and others who knew her, including a fellow prisoner. Ethel's tragic story lays bare a nation deeply divided and reveals what happens when a government motivated by fear tramples on the rights of its citizens. The Author: ANNE SEBBA is a prize-winning biographer, lecturer, and former Reuters foreign correspondent who has written several books, including That Woman and Les Parisiennes. A former chair of Britain’s Society of Authors and now on the Council, Anne is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Historical Research. She lives in London.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

9

£25

374

Nicky Moxey

Title: Henry Baker Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://nickymoxey.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/moxeyns The Book: When Henry Baker finds a small, super-shiny black pencil on his way to school, his life is changed forever... This nine-story compendium provides a gently stretching read for 7 to 9 year olds, or perfectly paced bedtime stories for younger children. The wide-ranging subject matter - from a friendship dilemma to helping a passing Viking; picking up the pieces from a karate disaster to finding a lost voice - will amuse your youngsters whilst quietly encouraging them to think. Nicky is an amateur archaeologist and an author of adult historical fiction, as well as a karateka and the chair of the village Neighbourhood Plan committee - many of the stories are drawn from her research or every day life, giving them a depth of detail! The Author: I live in the middle of rural Suffolk, UK, and am currently owned by a slinky black cat who's far too clever for her own good. In my spare time, I'm an amateur historian/archaeologist, and in dry daylight hours am usually out on a field somewhere with a metal detector and/or a trowel. I've added quite a few things to the Heritage England Record and the Portable Antiquities Scheme; but what really fascinates me is the stories behind the artefacts. I love writing a series of short stories about Henry Baker, a boy who finds a magic pencil on the way to school - and who has lots of adventures as the pencil makes anything he draws, become real! He draws some historical artefacts, as well as things to get him out of the sort of trouble any 9 year old boy can find.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

375

Rick Thompson

Title: A River Avon Year Genre: Education - Botany - Environmental Conservation Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://t-media.org.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/rickattmedia Book Blurb: This is a book about a river; its wildlife, history and folklore, and the remarkable people who have lived in the communities that have grown up on its banks. The river is the Warwickshire Avon, known as Shakespeare's Avon, that runs 88 miles from its source in Naseby to Tewkesbury where it joins the Severn. The river flows like an artery through the heart of England, and in days gone by its waters have often run red with blood as vicious battles for the crown have played out on its banks, key moments in British history often dramatised by the Bard of Stratford. The author follows a waymarked path along the Avon valley - The Shakespeare Avon Way - describing a short section each month, with the landscape and nature changing with the months. Along the way there are ruined abbeys, castles, medieval bridges, nature reserves, fossil remains and a host of human stories from the towns and villages that have flourished at ancient crossing points. The writer sets himself an ambitious target for the number of different birds he can identify during the year, and reflects on the various threats to our natural environment, not least the growing impacts of climate change. The physical and mental benefits of walking in a natural setting, particularly by a river, are now well established, and were particularly valuable during the worst period of the pandemic. Research shows that a walk in the countryside cheers you up; this book will certainly cheer the reader as it takes you on a delightful English journey, with keen observation, a wealth of information, and a host of fascinating stories. Author Bio: Rick worked for BBC News for many years, as a TV reporter and producer, then as a senior editor in the regional, national and international BBC services. He then formed his own training and consultancy network, ‘T-Media’, helping the development of public service broadcasting across Europe. Now he is a writer on natural history in the English Midlands, and is a moderator of international conferences on environmental themes. Rick also helps to research the eleven hundred year history of his home town, Warwick, and writes dramatic reconstructions on court cases heard there in former centuries. He is a member of the Town Council’s volunteers who organise community events.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£18

376

Jeff Young

Title: Ghost Town Genre: British History - Paranormal Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://jeffyoung26.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffyoungwriter The Book: LONG-LISTED FOR THE 2022 PORTICO PRIZE Jeff Young takes us on a journey through haunted places of memory and loss, summoning the ghosts of loved ones and long-departed heroes who somehow still occupy the disappearing nooks and ruins of the city. Walking through the last remnants of the places he remembers from his childhood, walking through grief, we are accompanied by a Liverpool of revenants, where Malcolm Lowry drinks in derelict saloons, Thomas De Quincey still roams the Everton hills, Bob Dylan sits in a doorway on Dublin Street, and where visionary architects, poets, punks and dreamers act out a bittersweet shadowplay of longing and loss. Ghost Town is a deeply personal book of remembering and forgetting, yet when we cross its threshold we also discover the labyrinth of a master storyteller, whose unforgettable characters gather in our thoughts like moths around lamplight. This new paperback edition contains 16 full colour pages from Jeff’s notebooks The Author: Jeff Young is a Liverpool based scriptwriter, poet and lecturer who has written many scripts for theatre, radio and TV. He also works as a writer and performer in collaboration with other artists and musicians to make installations, site specific events and sound art. Recent work includes ‘Bright Phoenix’ for the Liverpool Everyman; City of Lights’, a large-scale sound and light installation for Liverpool Lantern Company; ‘Kaleidoscope of Muses’ for BBC Radio 3. His memoir, ‘Ghost Town, a Liverpool Shadowplay’ was published in March 2020 by Little Toller.

Winning Bidder

Claire Billington

Bids

3

£30

377

Christina Courtenay

Title: Promises of the Ruins Genre: Historical Romance - Viking Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.christinacourtenay.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PiaCCourtenay Book Blurb: He travelled through time to capture her heart. Ivar Thoresson is desperate for adventure. As an archaeologist specialising in Viking times, he wants nothing more than to travel back to the ninth century as his loved ones have done, to learn everything he can about the era which fascinates him. And whilst his adopted family have always made him feel loved, the chance to meet a true ancestor, the warrior Thorald, is a temptation he cannot resist. But while Ivar is preparing to go, he uncovers an amulet which shows him a vision of an arresting woman with red-gold hair. Clearly in distress, she is pleading for help. Convinced of the power of the charm and its message, Ivar's journey takes on a new purpose. He steps back in time determined to follow his destiny - and find the woman who has called to his heart. Author Bio: Christina Courtenay lives in Herefordshire in the UK and is married with two children. Although born in England she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden. In her teens, the family moved to Japan where she had the opportunity to travel extensively in the Far East. Christina is a Vice President and former chairman and of the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA). She won their Elizabeth Goudge Trophy for a historical short story in 2001 and the Katie Fforde Bursary for a promising new writer in 2006. Her novels have been shortlisted for and won several awards - 'Trade Winds' (Sept 2010) was short listed in 2011 for the RNA's Award for Best Historical Fiction, 'The Scarlet Kimono' won the Big Red Reads Best Historical Fiction Award the same year, 'Highland Storms' won the Best Historical Romantic Novel of the year award (RoNA) in 2012, 'The Silent Touch of Shadows' was shortlisted for the 2013 RoNAs (Historical) and won the Festival of Romance Award for Best Historical. 'The Gilded Fan' won the RoNA for Best Historical 2014. Echoes of the Runes won the RNA Fantasy Romantic Novel of the year 2021 and Hidden in the Mists was shortlisted for the same prize in 2022. Christina also writes contemporary YA and 'New England Rocks' was shortlisted for the RNA's awards in 2014. The other three books in the series were published under a different name - Pia Fenton. When she's not writing, she spends her time tracking down elusive ancestors for her family tree, and her other hobbies include archaeology (the armchair variety), listening to loud rock music and collecting things.

Winning Bidder

Deb Harrison

Bids

8

£22

378

M.T. Khan

Book Title: Nura and the Immortal Palace Genre: Children MG - Contemporary Fantasy Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://mtkhan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/maeedakhan Book Blurb: Nura longs to wear a beautiful red dupatta or to bite into a sweet gulab. But with her mom hard at work in a run-down sweatshop and three younger siblings to feed, Nura must spend her days earning money by mica mining. But it’s not just the extra rupees Nura is after. Local rumor says there’s buried treasure in the mine, and Nura knows that finding it could change the course of her family’s life forever. Her plan backfires when the mines collapse and four kids, including her best friend, Faisal, are claimed dead. Nura shovels her way through the dirt hoping to find him. Instead, she finds herself at the entrance to a strange world of purple skies and pink seas—a portal to the opulent realm of jinn, inhabited by the trickster creatures from her mother’s cautionary tales. Yet they aren’t nearly as treacherous as her mother made them out to be, because Nura is invited to a luxury jinn hotel, where she’s given everything she could ever imagine. But there’s a dark truth lurking beneath all that glitter and gold, and when Nura crosses the owner’s son and is banished to the working quarters, she realizes she isn’t the only human who’s ended up in the hotel’s clutches. Faisal and the other missing children are there, too, and if Nura can’t find a way to help them all escape, they’ll be bound to work for the hotel forever. Author Bio: M.T. Khan is a speculative fiction author with a penchant for all things myth, science, and philosophy. She focuses on stories that combine all three, dreaming of evocative worlds and dark possibilities. When she's not writing, M.T. Khan can be found travelling the world or cracking physics equations as she graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada, with a hyperactive cat and an ever-increasing selection of tea.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£13

379

Rachel Griffiths/Cathy Lake

Two Book Special Title: The Wedding Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Title: The Country Village Allotment Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorRG https://twitter.com/LakeAuthor Book 1 Blurb: You never forget your first love… When teacher Chloe Redgrave receives a text message out of the blue from her childhood best friend, she’s plunged into turmoil. Willow Treharne is getting married in the Cornish village where they grew up and she wants Chloe to be her bridesmaid. The catch? They haven’t seen each other in years. Willow hopes she’s done the right thing inviting Chloe to her wedding but after what happened more than a decade ago, she can’t be sure. However, she has a reason for wanting Chloe to be there and that overrides her doubts and concerns. Surfer Theo Treharne is happy for his sister but also anxious about seeing Chloe. After all, they didn’t exactly part on good terms. Will he be able to stay calm when he sees the woman who broke his heart again? As family and friends gather in the beautiful Cornish village for the romantic clifftop wedding, will there be smiles and laughter, or will the past prove to be too difficult to forget? Book 2 Blurb: At eighty-two years old Zelda Grey is tired. Tired of how much slower she is physically and mentally. Tired of technology. Tired of being alone since her beloved cat, Flint, died just before Christmas. And tired of life. The only thing that brings Zelda joy these days is her allotment in the gorgeous village of Little Bramble, where she has lived her whole life, and her three cranky goats. Widow Mia Holmes always loved visiting Little Bramble Allotment with her husband, Gideon. But since his death she can't motivate herself. Despite putting on a brave face for her three sons and four grandchildren, she's reached breaking point, and isn't sure she can carry on. And history teacher Liz Carter thought she had it all. The perfect job, perfect boyfriend in Rhodri and the perfect wedding to plan. Until she found Rhodri in bed with the neighbour. Holed up in her sister's box room she wonders how it all went so wrong. As she wallows in her misery, her sister takes her in hand and drags her to Little Bramble Allotment and suddenly she discovers the wonders of planting, growing and getting her hands dirty. In an increasingly lonely world, these three women strike up an unlikely friendship and find that community, female friendship and the wonders of nature can truly be powerful healers. Author Bio: Rachel Griffiths is a women's fiction writer who lives with her family and three dogs in beautiful South Wales. She writes uplifting stories about strong women, family, friendship, love, community and overcoming obstacles. Cathy Lake is a pen-name of Rachel Griffiths.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£12

380

Susan Harvey

Two Book Nurture Gnomes' Series Title 1: Tinker Snickels and the Nurture Gnomes Title 1: Tinker Snickels and the Nurture Gnomes Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.nurturegnomes.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/NurtureGnomes Book Blurb: The first story follows Tinker Snickels, who struggles to talk about how he is feeling. When he runs away he stumbles across an elderly lady who he opens up to and she sends him home with a gift. However, Tinker Snickels loses the gift ... or does he? An uplifting story that gently highlights the importance of talking about feelings (along with a dash of magic)! 20% proceeds go to Young Minds Charity. The second book follows on from the first and is about Tinker's friend Halfpint, who realises he has different thoughts and feelings to his friends. He struggles with crowds, loud noises and concentrating in school. After a particularly bad day he opens up to his Mother and she helps him to understand that it’s ok to be different. A story with some magical mystery, friendship, kindness and accepting differences. Author Bio: I am a wife and proud mum to two now adult sons (the youngest of whom is autistic), a children's author and art teacher. When my children began school (all those years ago)! I supported a young, autistic child in nursery and enjoyed it so much that this started my passion of working with children with additional needs (working in Early Years for 13 years). I have worked in SEND education now for over 23 years, during which time I have also studied and attained several Diplomas which include Advanced SEND Teaching, Advanced Counselling, Psychology, Psychiatric Studies, Art Therapy and a recent course in Children and Young People's Mental Health. During a short break from teaching, I co-facilitated an autism parenting course for a charity and worked on developing a school transition booklet for them, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I returned to the post 16 college to teach until it unfortunately closed due to funding. Currently I am a parent support volunteer with our local autism group and continue to support families with autistic children. AWARDS: Small Business Award from Theo Paphitis, Dragon's Den. Finalist in the Rising Star category and Highly Commended Award from We are the City (women in business). Female in Business Award from the Female Business Network.

Winning Bidder

Deborah George

Bids

1

£20

381

Nicola Gill

Book Title: Swimming For Beginners Genre: Contemporary fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & packaging: FREE Bids accepted: UK only Website: https://nicolagill.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nicola_J_Gill Book blurb: Funny, heart-breaking and life-affirming, Swimming for Beginners will show you how a child can open your heart even if you aren't a mother. Loretta has life under control. She's good at avoiding things that make her uncomfortable, she's chasing a big promotion at work, and she's marrying a man whose five-year plan aligns perfectly with her own. Children do not come into the mix. This all changes, however, when a stranger in an airport asks Loretta to keep an eye on her sleeping six-year-old, Phoebe. The stranger never comes back. Loretta knows that Phoebe's life will change forever from that moment. But so will hers. This strange little person in fairy wings will turn Loretta's world upside down and cause her to question everything she knows about herself. Author bio: Nicola Gill lives in London with her husband and two sons. At the age of five, when all the other little girls wanted to be ballet dancers, she decided she wanted to be an author. Her ballet teacher was very relieved.

Winning Bidder

Nicola Peters

Bids

9

£35

382

Nikki Saunders

Title: Eddie's Colourful Feelings Genre: Children - Education Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/nikkisaunders Twitter: https://twitter.com/NRSaundersbooks Book Blurb: A sweet book to help empower children and to highlight just how brilliant they are for being themselves! Eddie shows that we are all different, unique, have many strengths, talents and reminds children they are loved and valued. Eddie says, be proud of who you are, aiming for every child to feel a little ‘lift’ from this book! Eddie is autistic, he shares how he navigates his environments and teaches his readers in a cheerful way! Ages 3-7. Eddie helps all children learn about autism, what it is like for Eddie and how “we are all different and that’s wonderful!’ Whether your child receives their diagnosis at toddler age or much later, this wonderful tool suits all children, aiming for autistic children to see themselves and others to learn what it can be like for their autistic friend. This book can be used anytime before or after diagnosis to celebrate neurodiversity. It can also be an overwhelming time for parents and carers to know when to start to explain to their child, about their autism diagnosis. During this time parents, carers and therapists look for the best way to deliver understanding along with love, supporting needs and reassurance. At the same time, this can be a huge relief for the child to understand that they are truly wonderful as they are, and do not need to adapt to anything that does not suit their needs. This sweet little book anticipates to act as a communication opener between the child and the parents/caregivers. It helps to open up the subject in a gentle and nurturing way, to revisit at any time the child is ready and build upon their experiences with you! The colourful, eye catching illustrations are carefully designed in simple 2D characters, sensory colours with simple contrast and clear short sentences allowing space to process in the child’s own time. A beautiful beginning as this book was first made for my son, then blossomed to help children and families globally and is recommended by professionals. This book states 'autistic person' rather than 'with autism' as preferred by the autsitic community, however it is most important to ask each individual their wishes regarding what they would prefer. Author Bio: The Eddie books began when Nikki wrote My Awesome Autism for her son, who is autistic and wanted to learn about autism and relate to a character. From this there are more in the series, for siblings and classmates, starting school, learning about mistakes, idioms, the sensory experience around Christmas time and exploring our feelings and emotions! There is a new TV show out on Sky Kids in Oct ‘23 called Ready Eddie Go, based on these beautiful books.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£13

383

Carmel Harrington

Two Book Special Title 1: A Mother's Heart Title 2: The Girl From Donegal Genre: Romance Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappyMrsH Book 1 Blurb: A Mother's Heart Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand While Rachel Butler likes her life in a pretty Dublin coastal village, her heart lies in Hawke’s Bay, where she grew up. Visiting for the first time since tragedy tore her family apart, she and her stepchildren fall for its beauty and outdoor lifestyle. Malahide, Ireland As Rachel picks up the threads of her life as a single parent, she can’t shake off the memories of her loving family in New Zealand – and her dream house, the villa on the bay. But it’s time to move forwards with their life in Ireland, close to the children’s grandparents, amid the familiar surroundings they all know well. Until the children’s grandmother, still grieving, starts to interfere, questioning Rachel's position as stepmother. Until Rachel’s attempts to strengthen the family she loves so dearly backfires, pitting everyone against each other. And until her late husband’s parents mend the rift that has existed as long as she’s been married – bringing with them an explosive secret . . . Book2 Blurb: Can you ever forget your first love? Donegal, Ireland, 1939 As the world teeters on the brink of WWII, Eliza Lavery is alone in the world after her fiancé, Davey, was lost following the Irish War of Independence. But a fateful meeting on the wild beauty of Ballymastocker Bay could change everything. Hamilton, Bermuda, 2022 Eight decades later, troubled by her future, Saoirse O’Donnell walks on the pink sands of Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay. When she uncovers a connection to Eliza, all those years before, she hears a story that promises to influence her own heart and her own choice – but that also reveals a long-buried secret. Two women must each make a choice between their past and their present in this sweeping, epic love story spanning two continents, three generations, and joy and tragedy over nearly a century. Author Bio: Carmel’s books are translated into nine languages. Her debut novel was awarded Kindle Book of the Year and Romantic Novel of the Year, and since then, several books have been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards, Popular Fiction Book of the Year. She is also a regular on Irish TV screens as a panellist on shows including Midday and Elaine. Carmel has been a guest speaker at Literary events in Ireland, UK and USA. Carmel lives in Co. Wexford with her husband, Roger, children Amelia and Nate and their rescue dog, George Bailey.

Winning Bidder

Daphne Hollamby

Bids

2

£35

384

Rachel Lynch

Title: Silent Bones Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/r_lynchcrime Book Blurb: Thirlmere hides a deadly secret… Drought hits the Lake District, uncovering a skeleton at the bottom of Thirlmere reservoir. The case quickly becomes personal for DI Kelly Porter when she discovers it’s the remains of an old classmate, missing for over twenty years. Then a day later, another body is found in a caravan park, its head broken and bloody. Kelly suspects these two crimes are linked. But if she’s right, that means there’s a ruthless killer somewhere in her community – someone who will do anything to keep the truth buried… Author Bio: Rachel Lynch grew up in Cumbria and the lakes and fells are never far away from her. London pulled her away to teach History and marry an Army Officer, whom she followed around the globe for thirteen years. A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£22

385

Anna Waterworth

Title: The Girl Who Grew Wings Genre: Y/A Fantasy Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://annadaybooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/annamwaterworth Book Blurb:: A triumph' ANN SEI LIN 'This book has it all' ALEXANDRA CHRISTO In the citadel of Appollis, the Gods bestow single gifts on a chosen few. Icari has always known she's a Healer, while her twin sister, Sephie, is cast as an Embalmer, despite showing early promise as an Alchemist - a secret the sisters keep to themselves for possessing two skills is punishable by death. While Sephie learns how to wrap the dead, Icari eases the suffering of others, including a charismatic enemy prisoner called Caszeil. And it's to Caszeil that Icari turns when demons rise up from the Underworld and kidnap her sister. With his help, perhaps she can rescue Sephie. Even if this means growing wings - and flying in the face of the devil himself . . . Author Bio: Anna grew up and still lives in the North East of England with her partner, 3 kids and 2 cats. She works as a Clinical Psychologist specialising in physical health. She has several pen names including Anna Day and Anna Rainbow, and has been published in 24 countries and long-listed/short-listed for several awards.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£18

386

Beverly Clarke

Two Book Series Title 1: The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip- Smart City Title 2: The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip - Self Driving Car Genre: Children - Education Format: Picture Books Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://avachipbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvaChipBooks Book Blurb: Technology books for children are here! The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip is a children’s book series introducing young readers to the world of technology. Through a series of adventures with their mum, Ava and Chip explore the world around them, learn the impact of technology and develop greater technology literacy. Author Bio: Beverly Clarke is a TechWomen100 award winner. Born in Guyana, South America, she did not see a computer until she was twelve, but once she did, she embraced computing and technology and has always been fascinated by the impact that tech has on society. As a child she was an avid reader, enjoying adventure stories such as Asterix, Tintin, Nancy Drew, Hardy boys, Enid Blyton and many more stories! She is an education consultant, working in computing education, coach and mentor. Additionally, Beverly is also a former teacher. Beverly regularly writes for adults on different aspects of computing education. The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip is her childrens book series with the aim of helping to “make kids smarter” through developing technological literacy, in understanding how technology is impacting upon their lives in an easy-to-understand way. Beverly feels books on technology are must haves for every home book-shelf and every school reading list, and that through an understanding of our fast-changing world we will all have brighter futures. The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip, are part of #TheSueAtkinsBookClub run by top TV parenting expert Sue Atkins and are also Small Business Sunday Winners #SBS, a leading business network created by former Dragons Den entrepreneur – Theo Paphitis.

Winning Bidder

Nicola Taylor

Bids

1

£11

387

Linda Newbery

Title: This Book is Cruelty Free: Animals and Us Genre: Education - Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lindanewbery.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindanewbery Book Blurb: If you've ever wondered how you can make your diet cruelty-free, whether it's ethical to own a pet, or if insects are actually important – this book is for you. Learn how to make the right choices to live a cruelty-free life and demystify the morals and ethics around animals and wildlife. How do the everyday choices you make affect animals and the environment? This book looks at all the things you can do to live cruelty free. It's a guide for older children and teenagers concerned about animals, wildlife and the planet we live on. Packed with information on how to live a cruelty-free life, it includes sections on: Using your spending power. The choices we make – what to eat, what to buy, what to wear – and how these affect animals. Asking questions and reading labels. Cruelty-free fashion and beauty. What's on your plate? Being vegetarian or vegan, or just eating less meat? What impact can your diet have on cruelty and on the environment? Should you have a pet? If so, would your pet choose you as its owner? Points to consider before bringing an animal into your home. Animals on show. Do zoos and animal parks look after animals or exploit them? Good zoos and their important conservation work. Watching wild animals. Watching and learning about wildlife – building an appreciation of nature and helping your mental wellbeing. Love those bugs! Many people are squeamish about insects, but these creatures are vital to ecosystems. Don’t throw it away – there is no away. Simple things everyone can do to avoid waste: recycling, re-using, choosing plastic-free. Resist the throwaway culture. Where do you draw your line? What can you realistically achieve? Some of the difficulties, especially if family / friends don’t agree with you. What are the best (and worst) ways of influencing others? How to feel confident with your decisions. How to handle everyday situations and counter arguments. Campaigning – anti-cruelty organisations to support. The power of protest. This book will help you to live as cruelty-free as possible and to examine all of the areas in your life where you can help animals and the environment. Author Bio: I wanted to be a writer from the age of eight. The first book I can remember reading by myself was Black Beauty (an abridged, illustrated edition); I read and re-read it until I almost knew it by heart, and can still remember the illustrations. From then on, I was a secret writer – filling exercise books with stories which I hid in my wardrobe. Eventually it occurred to me that if I was ever to achieve my dream of being a published writer, I’d better do something about it. So I set myself the challenge of completing a novel and submitting it to publishers. My first novel, Run with the Hare, was for young adults and was about a sixth-form girl who becomes involved with an Animal Rights group. (I've been vegetarian since my early twenties, and animal welfare is a subject I am passionate about). Run with the Hare became the first of several young adult novels, including the Some Other War trilogy set in the First World War, Flightsend and The Damage Done.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

388

Kate Lord Brown

Book Title: THE HOUSE OF DREAMS Genre: HISTORICAL FICTION Format: PAPERBACK Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: GLOBAL Added Bonus: THE CHANCE TO HAVE A CHARACTER NAMED AFTER YOU IN A FUTURE NOVEL Website: http://KATELORDBROWN.COM Twitter: https://twitter.com/katelordbrown Book Blurb: In 2000, Gabriel Lambert is a celebrated painter who hides a dark secret. Sophie Cass, a journalist struggling to begin her career and with a family connection to Lambert, is determined to find the truth about his past and the little known story of the real Casablanca. In 1940, an international group of rescue workers, refugee intellectuals, and artists gather in the beautiful old Villa Air Bel just outside Marseilles. American journalist Varian Fry and his remarkable team at the American Relief Center are working to help them escape France, but "the greatest man-trap in history" is closing in on them. Despite their peril, true camaraderie and creativity flourishes - while love affairs spring up and secrets are hidden. At the House of Dreams, young refugee artist Gabriel Lambert changed the course of his life - and now, sixty years later at his home in the Hamptons, the truth is finally catching up with him. Author Bio: Kate grew up in the wild and beautiful Devon countryside. After studying philosophy at Durham University and art history at the Courtauld Institute of Art, Kate gained a MA in Creative Writing. Her latest book is Silent Music/Die Schritte zu Deinem Hertzen.

Winning Bidder

Kim Williams

Bids

9

£26

389

John Sutherland

Title: The Fallen Genre: Crime Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://policecommander.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/policecommander Book Blurb: RE YOU READY TO SAVE A LIFE? WHY HER? Becca Palmer has just lost her job as assistant to Simon Jones MP - the highly-regarded Policing Minister, tipped as a future Prime Minister. But Becca claims that Simon was more than her boss, that she is in love with him. WHY HERE? When a heartbroken Becca leaves the Home Office, she heads to Westminster Bridge, intending to take her own life. Which is where hostage negotiator Alex Lewis meets her for the first time. It is his job to try to talk her back from the edge. WHY NOW? In the negotiation that follows, Becca suggests that she may know something about the Policing Minister that she shouldn't. Something that could prompt a serious fall from grace were it to come out. But can Alex save Becca - and get to the bottom of an alleged conspiracy that goes deep inside the highest levels of government - before it's too late? Author Bio: John Sutherland served as an officer in the Metropolitan Police for more than 25 years. Having started out as a uniformed PC, he rose through the ranks to become a highly respected Chief Superintendent. His last operational posting was as Borough Commander for Southwark. He is an experienced Hostage and Crisis Negotiator. John’s first book,'Blue: A Memoir’, was a Sunday Times bestseller and his second, ‘Crossing the Line’, was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. His first novel,‘The Siege’ , was published by Orion Fiction in June 2022 - followed by ‘The Fallen’ in June 2023.

Winning Bidder

Paul Cannon

Bids

2

£20

390

Margaret Rooke

Two Book Package Title 1: Dyslexia is My Superpower (Most of the Time!) Title 2: You Can Change The World Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult - Education Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://margaretrooke.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargsRooke Book 1 Blurb: In more than 100 interviews, children and young adults reveal their personal tips and tactics for honing the creative benefits of dyslexia, enabling them to thrive in school and beyond. Strategies include ways to develop confidence and self-belief. The contributors have outlined specific approaches they feel have helped them, and others that haven't. The book contains stunning illustrations by 8-18 year olds with dyslexia. The first-hand accounts are inspiring in the way they normalise dyslexia and reveal the many success stories. There is an additional section for professionals who work in education or special learning environments, with advice given by school students themselves. Book 2 Blurb: **Joint Gold Winner of the Moonbeam Multicultural Non-Fiction Award 2019** This inspirational book tells the stories of more than 50 of today's teenagers who've dared to change the world they live in. It's been written to show other teens they can do the same. Bestselling author Margaret Rooke asks teens about their experiences of being volunteers, social entrepreneurs and campaigners, online and beyond. They explain how they have survived in a world often obsessed by celebrity, social media and appearance, by refusing to conform to other's expectations. If you want to achieve against the odds and create genuine impact, this book may be the encouragement you need. The interviews cover race, sexuality, violence, grief, neurodiversity, bullying and other issues central to life today. Read about teens from around the world including - Trisha, 18, who has invented a way of preventing bullying online - Dillon, 18, who takes damaged and donated clothing and upcycles it for the homeless - Guro, 13, who persuaded a pop band to portray women differently in its video - 'Happy D', 19, who learned to read at 14 and found ways to build his confidence - Heraa, 19, who fights Islamophobia online. - Ruben, 18, bullied because of Down's Syndrome, now a successful actor - Lucy who, at 14, walked into Tesco head office and persuaded them not to sell eggs from caged hens. - Cameron, 17, who has cerebral palsy and was side-lined by soccer teams who set up his own team 'Adversity United' - Alex, 18, who broke his back on his 15th birthday and says his injury has taught him to care for others - Amika, 18, who fights 'Period Poverty' - Jesse, 15, who's seven feet tall and embraces his stature - Billy, 18, who wore full make up every day at high school Author Bio: I am an author and writer with decades of experience in books, magazines, newspapers and writing for charities. My latest book You can Change the World! Everyday Teen Heroes Making a Difference Everywhere, was written to inspire teenagers to make the changes they want to see in their own lives and in the world around them . The book won a Gold Medal for Multicultural Nonfiction in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in the USA. It has just been chosen as a book to support young people with their mental health for the Reading Well Scheme in the UK. My previous books, Dyslexia is my Superpower (Most of the Time) and Creative, Successful, Dyslexic, were written to show people with dyslexia that, no matter what label they are given, with the right support, focus and hard work they don’t need to let anything hold them back.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£12

391

Cailean Steed

Details for website: Title - Home Genre - Thriller Format - Hardback Dedication available - YES Postage -FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website - https://caileansteed.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/CaileanSteed Book blurb: Someone has broken into Zoe's flat. A man she thought she'd never have to see again. They call him the Hand of God. He knows about her job in the cafe, her life in Dublin, her ex-girlfriend, even the knife she's hidden under the mattress. She thought she'd left him far behind, along with the cult of the Children and their isolated compound Home – but now he's found her, and she knows she must go back to rescue the sister who helped her escape all those years before. But returning to Home means going back to the enforced worship and strict gender roles Zoe has long since moved beyond; back to the abuse and indoctrination she's fought desperately to overcome. Going back will make her question everything she believed about her past – but could also risk her hard-won freedom. Can she break free a second time? Author Bio: Cailean Steed is a writer, teacher and aspiring dog owner. Cailean lives near Glasgow with their husband and son. They have also resided in Aberdeen and Dublin, and hope one day to live somewhere with less rain. Cailean’s work has been published by New Writing Scotland, Boudicca Press and Barren Magazine. Their mother would like them to write something more cheerful.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

2

£12

392

Kate Foster

Four Book Special! Title 1: PAWS Title 2:The Bravest Word Title 3: Harriet Hound Title 4: The Unlikely Heroes Club Genre: Contemporary/Superhero Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Package: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://kfosterbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/kfosterauthor Book 1 Blurb: PAWS At home, Alex’s best friend is Kevin the cockapoo, although what he wants most of all is a friend at school. But that is harder than he ever expected. A touching story about learning that friendship isn’t one size fits all and is often found where you least expect it. Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So, he’s devised a plan – impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin. This should be a walk in the park . . . right? Book 2 Blurb: The Bravest Word Do you hear that? You’re Cliff now, and your life is going to get better, I promise. When eleven-year-old Matt finds Cliff, a hurt, neglected dog abandoned in the bush, he knows the brave little pup needs saving. He wants to help. But can he? Lately, Matt has had way more bad days than good days. The pieces of his life just don’t seem to fit together any more and he doesn’t understand why. He's finding it impossible to concentrate at school and has lost interest in the activities he used to love. Plus, he’s tired all the time. Matt's too afraid to share what's really going on in his own head with anyone. His friends and family will never understand . . . maybe it's not only Cliff who needs saving. Book 3 Blurb: Harriet Hound The world's happiest and most dog-friendly superhero is here! A brand new adventure for junior readers from Kate Foster. Meet Harriet Hound. She's eight years old and loves dogs! But Harriet has something else that makes her super ... the power to summon the dogs from her family's rescue shelter every time there’s trouble afoot. Whether it's a carnival catastrophe, a sudden storm, or vanishing vegetables, Harriet and her best dog friends use their super special talents and problem-solving skills to save the day! Book 4 Blurb: The Unlikely Heroes Club A fun, frolicking adventure about five kids with a mystery to solve! Eleven-year-old Oli is spending his school holidays at Heroes Club, where kids can build friendships and learn about their emotions, but Oli just wants to be home … where it's familiar, not-so-boring and he can play his favourite game. But when Oli and the other kids at the club see a stray dog who keeps disappearing into a soon-to-be-demolished building across the street, Oli and his four fellow heroes hatch a daring rescue plan to save the dog before it's too late. It's going to take bravery, some seriously smart teamwork … and a few broken rules. Author Bio: Kate Foster is a children’s author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the south east of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via positive approach and representation.

Winning Bidder

Marianne Doherty

Bids

6

£22

393

Jenny O'Brien

Title: Silent Cry Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://linktr.ee/Jennyobrien Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScribblerJB Book Blurb: When Izzy Grant’s newborn daughter Alys disappears, her world shatters around her. Despite an extensive search the police find no trace of the missing girl, but Izzy refuses to give up hope that her daughter will be found. Then a note is pushed through her letterbox, warning her off. For Izzy it’s a ray of hope, another lead for the police to follow. For DC Gaby Darin it’s another piece of the puzzle that just won’t fit. But as a long-lost friend returns to Izzy’s life with a shocking secret, Gaby realises the truth of who took Izzy’s daughter from her might lie in the past – and far closer to home than anyone could have imagined… Author Bio: Born in Dublin, Jenny O'Brien moved to Wales and then Guernsey, where she tries to find time to write in between working as a nurse and ferrying around 3 teenagers. In her spare time she can be found frowning at her wonky cakes and even wonkier breads. You'll be pleased to note she won't be entering Bake-Off. She's also an all-year-round sea swimmer. Jenny is represented by Nicola Barr of The Bent Agency and published by Storm Publishing and HQ Digital (Harper Collins).

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

394

Wiz Wharton

Two Book Special: Both UK and USA editions Book Title: Ghost Girl Genre: Literary/Commercial/Historical Fiction Format: Hardback x 2 Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chomsky1 Book Blurb: A GRAZIA BOOK CLUB PICK, Ghost Girl, Banana is a powerful debut novel about the family secrets unearthed by a surprise inheritance. Set between Hong Kong in the 1960s and London in the 1990s, and revealing the hidden life of a mother to her daughter, it asks questions of identity, race and belonging. 1966: Sook-Yin is exiled from Kowloon to London with orders to restore honour to her family. As she strives to fit into a world that does not understand her, she realizes that survival will mean carving out a destiny of her own. 1997: Sook-Yin's daughter Lily can barely remember the mother she lost as a small child. But when she is unexpectedly named in the will of a powerful Chinese stranger, she embarks on a secret pilgrimage to Hong Kong to discover the lost side of her identity and claim the reward. But she soon learns that the secrecy around her heritage has deep roots, and good fortune comes at a price. 'A real nail-biter ... so winningly chronicled by Wharton' NEW YORK TIMES 'Ambitious ... readers won't be disappointed as Wharton ultimately resolves many mysteries in the book' GUARDIAN 'An astounding debut ... written with emotion and astuteness, this deserves to be on book prize lists' PRIMA Author Bio: Wiz Wharton was born in London of Chinese-European heritage. She is a prize-winning graduate of the National Film and Television school, where she studied screenwriting under the filmmakers Mike Leigh, Stephen Frears and Kenith Trodd. Ghost Girl, Banana is her debut novel, published by Hodder & Stoughton in the UK, Harper Via in the US with foreign translations to follow. Adaptation rights to the book have also been optioned by a leading UK production company with Wharton adapting for the screen. She lives in the Scottish Highlands.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£20

395

Ruth Hogan

Title: Madame Burova Genre: Paranormal Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://ruthhogan.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthmariehogan Madame Burova - Tarot Reader, Palmist and Clairvoyant is retiring and leaving her booth on the Brighton seafront after fifty years. Imelda Burova has spent a lifetime keeping other people's secrets and her silence has come at a price. She has seen the lovers and the liars, the angels and the devils, the dreamers and the fools. Her cards had unmasked them all and her cards never lied. But Madame Burova is weary of other people's lives and other people's secrets, she needs rest and a little piece of life for herself. Before that, however, she has to fulfill a promise made a long time ago. She holds two brown envelopes in her hand, and she has to deliver 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 she discovers something that leaves her very identity in question. Determined to find answers, she must follow a trail which might just lead right to Madame Burova's door. The Author: I was born in the house where my parents still live in Bedford: my sister was so pleased to have a sibling that she threw a thrupenny bit at me. As a child I read everything I could lay my hands on: The Moomintrolls, A Hundred Million Francs, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the back of cereal packets and gravestones. I was mad about dogs and horses, but didn't like daddy-long-legs or sugar in my tea. I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College which was brilliant, but then I came home and got a 'proper' job. I worked for ten years in a senior local government position (I was definitely a square peg in a round hole, but it paid the bills and mortgage) before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and convinced me to start writing seriously. It was going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was The Keeper of Lost Things. I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering partner (who has very recently become my husband - so I can't be that bad!) I am a magpie, always collecting treasures, and a huge John Betjeman fan. My favourite word is 'antimacassar' and I still like reading gravestones

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

396

Ben Hoare

Title: Weird and Wonderful Nature: Tales of More Than 100 Unique Animals, Plants, and Phenomena - DK Treasures Genre: Children - Natural History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.benhoare.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/benhoarewild Book Blurb: Enjoy more than 100 extraordinary stories of unusual species, behaviours, and objects all told by author Ben Hoare. Why do Mexican jumping beans jump? How do sea cucumbers defend themselves? What causes the northern lights? This book is filled with facts about the most surprising and curious plants, animals, rocks, and phenomena in nature. Children aged 7-9 can read stories of more than one hundred unique animals, plants and phenomena and learn about the weird and wonderful side of the natural world. Weird and Wonderful Nature is the third installment of the DK Treasure's series, exploring the many bizarre animals and plants that are uniquely adapted to their way of life. This fascinating nature book for kids offers: - Facts from a range of topics, from animals to plants and rocks to natural phenomena, that are guaranteed to wow adults and children alike. - Large photographs that show each species or item in incredible detail, with diagrams help to support understanding. - A gold foil cover and beautiful illustrations, making this book an ideal gift for young nature lovers. In Weird and Wonderful Nature, Ben Hoare's friendly, informative explanations are paired with photographs and charming illustrations to make sure every page captivates the imagination, while a glossary and index help to navigate the chapters. The third title by best selling author Ben Hoare, after Nature's Treasures and The Secret World of Plants, this is the ideal gift book series that will be treasured for years to come. Author Bio: am super proud to be a nature nerd. I have always been obsessed by animals, plants and other living things. Since graduating from university in 1996, I have written and edited enough natural-history books and magazines to fill our bookshelves to overflowing. I’m very lucky to earn a living by sharing my passion for nature. Home is a sleepy village in the Quantock Hills of Somerset, where I live with my wife, two daughters, a Labrador and a flock of unruly chickens. My two girls call me the word policeman!

Winning Bidder

Patrick Rowland

Bids

7

£26

397

Father Alex Frost

Title: Our Daily Bread Genre: Biography - Lifestyle Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: Free Bids Accepted UK Only Website: http://fralexfrost.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexdjfrost The Book: ‘No one cares, that’s the real pandemic’ A warmly funny, intensely moving and startlingly personal account of the lives of an urban parish priest and his parishioners. Father Alex Frost was not always a man of the cloth. He found his calling while running an Argos store in his native Burnley, moonlighting as a stand-up comedian and die-hard fan of The Clarets and Depeche Mode. But having achieved his profession, Fr Alex quickly recognised the 17,000 inhabitants of his new parish were in dire need of help. Burnley is typical of many towns across Britain: a place of run-down council estates, severe poverty litter, crime and drugs, but also a place where the sacred sits alongside the secular in an intimate and personal way. And so it was that he found himself running a food bank from a car park, helping the desperate amid his flock as the pandemic raged. Fr Alex’s down-to-earth style of ministry struck a chord with people of all faiths, cultures and class at a time when the divide between rich and poor is widening cataclysmically. But amid the tragedy, addiction, appalling loss, illness and neglect, there also lies hope, joy and moments of comedy. Our Daily Bread is as much the story of the rich cast of characters that cross the threshold of any church as it is our vicar’s. Through them it shows the continued relevance of the church for those in peril: the poor and the marginalised. This heartfelt and moving book seeks to give a voice to the voiceless, charting the tragedy and pain, humour and hope which are ever-present in his community. It is ultimately about modern poverty – and how we all can, and should, espouse Christian virtues of love, kindness, tolerance. The Author: Fr Alex Frost is the vicar of St Matthew’s the Apostle, Burnley, where he grew up. He describes himself as the ‘fundamentally unemployable’ host of The God Cast, a podcast devoted to issues of faith and spirituality, which has featured celebrities such as Eamonn Holmes, Alastair Campbell, Edwina Currie, Dom Joly, George Galloway, Anthea Turner and football legend Lou Macari. Ordained in 2012 after a mixed career working as a football referee, manager at Argos and a stand-up comic, Fr Alex was recently appointed to the General Synod for Blackburn Diocese. He is married and has three children. Fr Alex made headlines when he featured in a 2021 BBC documentary The Cost of Covid – One Year On, which has been viewed over 12 million times since it was aired. Running a food bank from a car park in Burnley, helping the desperate amid his flock as the pandemic raged, Fr Alex’s down-to-earth style of ministry struck a chord with people of all faiths, cultures and classes across the UK in a time when the divide between rich and poor widens cataclysmically. The Church of England priest, who sports tattoos of his favourite band Depeche Mode, has become the last bastion of support for many in the aftermath of austerity measures, Government cuts and Covid 19 upon a community already ravaged by poverty, addiction and neglect. ‘No-one cares, that is the real pandemic,’ Fr Alex says about his 17,000 parishioners whose souls he has care of at St Matthew’s, yards from the estates which have been abandoned and forgotten.

Winning Bidder

Richard Atkinson

Bids

6

£22

398

Carole Hailey

Title: The Silence Project Genre: Dystopian Political Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Post & Packaging: FREE Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaroleAHailey Book Blurb: A 2023 BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick. On Emilia Morris's thirteenth birthday, her mother Rachel moves into a tent at the bottom of their garden. From that day on, she never says another word. Inspired by Rachel's example, other women join her and together they build the Community. Eight years later, Rachel and thousands of her followers shock the world as they silence themselves forever. In the aftermath of what comes to be known as the Event, the Community's global influence quickly grows. As a result, the whole world has an opinion about Rachel - whether they see her as a callous monster or a heroic martyr - but Emilia has never voiced hers publicly. Until now. Author Bio: Carole Hailey completed the six-month Guardian/UEA novel-writing course taught by Bernardine Evaristo, who imbued Carole with such a love for writing fiction that she abandoned her career in law to undertake an MA in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths, followed by a PhD in Creative Writing at Swansea University. Carole was a London Library Emerging Writer 2020/21. The Silence Project is her first published novel and was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award 2020.

Winning Bidder

Jade Rice

Bids

2

£25

399

Jenny Pearson

Title: The Boy Who Made Monsters Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://jennypearsonauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/J_C_Pearson Book Blurb: There are a lot of different types of monster. Some live at the bottom of lochs, some are found far out at sea and some swim about in the depths of your mind and these can be the scariest monsters of all - if you let them. Benji McLaughlin is a visionary. He believes in things that other people think are impossible, like that he and his brother Stanley will be happy in their new home in Scotland, and that the Loch Lochy monster exists, and that his parents will come home safely one day, even though they've been missing for months. When he finds out that his Uncle Hamish's Loch Lochy tourist business is struggling, and it looks like Benji and Stanley might lose another home, Benji's not worried. He has a plan. If he can show everyone that the Loch Lochy monster exists, people will flock to come and see it, and the business will flourish again. Together with his new friend Murdy and Mr Dog, the best dog in the world, Benji sets off to capture evidence of the monster, even if he has to get a little creative. But Benji might end up confronting more monsters than he expects. Author Bio: Jenny Pearson has been awarded six mugs, one fridge magnet, one wall plaque and numerous cards for her role as Best Teacher in the World. Her debut novel, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award and the Waterstones Children's prize and was the winner of the Lollies. The Incredible Record Smashers & Grandpa Frank's Great Big Bucket List were Times Books of The Week. She also co-writes the Tuchus and Topps Series with Sam Copeland.

Winning Bidder

David Roca-Mas

Bids

3

£13

400

Phoenicia Rogerson

Title: Herc Genre: Historical Fiction - Erotic Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://phoeniciarogerson.com Twitter: http://http/s://twitter.com/thatphoenicia Book Blurb: This should be the story of Hercules: his twelve labours, his endless adventures…everyone’s favourite hero, right? Well, it’s not. This is the story of everyone else: Alcmene: Herc’s mother (She has knives everywhere) Hylas: Herc’s first friend (They were more than friends) Megara: Herc’s wife (She’ll tell you about their marriage) Eurystheus: Oversaw Herc’s labours (He never asked for the job) His friends, his enemies, his wives, his children, his lovers, his rivals, his gods, his victims. It’s time to hear their stories. Told with humour and heart, Herc gives voice to the silenced characters, in this feminist, queer (and sometimes shocking) retelling of classic Hercules myth. Author Bio: Phoenicia Rogerson is altogether mortal with a rather less chequered past than Hercules. After a decade of not being able to find his complete story on bookshelves, she decided to pull her socks up and write it herself. She lives and works in London.

Winning Bidder

Rachael Hammond

Bids

5

£16

401

Felicity Cloake

Title: Red Sauce Brown Sauce: A British Breakfast Odyssey Genre: Food and travel writing Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://felicitycloake.comlicitycloake Twitter: https://twitter.com/FelicityCloake Book Blurb: If there’s one thing that truly unites Britain, from Aberdeen to Aberystwyth, St Ives to St Pancras, it’s an obsession with breakfast. We all have an opinion on the merits of brown sauce versus ketchup on our morning bacon sarnie. In this eagerly awaited follow-up to One More Croissant for the Road, the nation’s favourite taster-in-chief Felicity Cloake sets off on a cycle trip of condimental proportions to investigate and celebrate the legendary Great British Breakfast. Travelling the length and breadth of the UK to establish once and for all what makes a perfect fry-up, she rates them on criteria from the crispness of the bacon to how long they keep her pedalling. But a woman cannot live by All Day Breakfast alone, so as well as recipes for the Savoy’s Omelette Arnold Bennett and proper Scottish porridge, she lavishes her attention on the regional specialities she encounters along the way, from a desi breakfast in Birmingham to a Greggs Geordie stottie cake. This is a freewheeling gastronomical tour like no other. Eaten with as much relish in The Wolseley on Piccadilly as in Glasgow’s University Cafe, Britain loves nothing more than a good breakfast. The only question is: what do you have with yours? Author Bio: Felicity Cloake is the award-winning author of seven books, including Red Sauce, Brown Sauce, recently named Fortnum and Mason food book of the year, and the Sunday Times bestselling, and former Radio Four book of the week, One More Croissant for the Road. Her similarly award-winning recipe column How to Make the Perfect... has been a fixture in the Guardian since 2011, and she's also written for everyone from the FT to the Cairn Terrier Rescue Fund's annual newsletter. She lives in London with her dog Wilf.

Winning Bidder

Lucy Sturgess

Bids

2

£18

402

Jennifer Killick

Title: Flock Horror Genre: Children (Middle-Grade) Spooky Humour Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.jenniferkillick.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferKillick The Book: Angelo and his friends know that together they can handle any pretty much anything - including giant mutant spiders or snake-like parasites that burrow into your brain. But when a terrifying new enemy attacks from above it seems they have met their ultimate match . . . how can they defeat giant vampire birds that are after blood? With summer term in full force - and sports day and prom night on the horizon - the whole school is in danger. The gang need a plan to bring safety to the skies! The Author: Jennifer Killick has always wanted to be a writer, but really started when she applied for a Creative Writing MA at Brunel University, which is where she first got the idea for Alex Sparrow and the Really Big Stink. She lives in Uxbridge, in a house full of children, animals and Lego. When she isn’t busy mothering or step-mothering (which isn’t often) she loves to read, write and run, as fast as she can. Jennifer’s favourite things are books, trees and fluffy slippers, and her favourite place in the world is her home, where she can sit in her pyjamas with tea and cake, coming up with story ideas.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£25

403

Kate S. Martin

Title: Are You Okay Elliot Hart Genre: Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.katemartinauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/katemartin100 Book Blurb: Fifteen-year-old Elliot ‘Matchstick’ Hart spends his days caring for his mum and hiding from the school bully. Fifteen-year-old Josh McBride spends his days tormenting Elliot and avoiding his abusive stepdad. Inspired by a picture in an old newspaper, Elliot embarks on an adventure to the city. Little does he know that Josh has decided to join him. On their journey, strangers and surprises force them to look at each other in a different light. As secrets are uncovered, can the boys bury their differences or will it tear them further apart? Author Bio: Kate grew up in a small town in Lancashire, England with her mum, dad and two older brothers. As a young child, she loved nothing more than going out for adventures with her brothers, as long as she was back before dark. She studied English at Reading University and gained a teaching qualification at Manchester. Nowadays, Kate spends her days teaching English at a local high school in Cheshire and her evenings are spent writing stories close to her heart. She believes teenage years can be particularly difficult and wants to create stories that show empathy and hope for her readers. She lives with her husband, two children and Jessie, the miniature schnauzer.

Winning Bidder

Victoria Redfern

Bids

2

£12

404

Debbie Johnson

Title: Falling For You. Genre: Women's fiction/romance Format: paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://facebook.com/debbiejohnsonauthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/debbiemjohnson Blurb: The latest heartwarming and gorgeously uplifting novel from bestselling author Debbie Johnson! Sometimes it takes life falling apart... ... to piece yourself back together! Single mum Jenny's life is turned upside-down (quite literally) when her beloved cottage on the Norfolk coast falls off a cliff. And so, with the storm raging on, Jenny and her eighteen-year-old son Charlie are forced to take refuge in her neighbour, Luke's, cosy campervan. It's a tight squeeze for the three of them - and Luke's adorable dachshund, Betty - but somehow they make it work. And when far-too-handsome Luke suggests a spontaneous road trip around England, it ignites a desire for adventure in Jenny she thought long extinguished! And soon she begins to wonder whether losing everything might just have been the best thing that ever happened to her... Author Bio: Debbie Johnson is an award-winning author who lives and works in Liverpool, where she divides her time between writing, caring for a small tribe of children and animals, and not doing the housework. She writes feel-good emotional women's fiction, and has sold more than 1 million books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV. Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series,The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Forever Yours, and the Starshine Cove series.

Winning Bidder

Kat Robson

Bids

3

£20

405

Guy Morpuss

Title: Black Lake Manor Genre: Speculative Crime Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://guymorpuss.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/guymorpuss Blurb: A locked room, a brutal murder, and a killer who can unwind time. Part-time constable Ella Manning must solve the murder of her ex-fiancé, Lincoln Shan, found dead in a locked room in his mansion above the remote town of Black Lake, on Vancouver Island. Each time she thinks that she has identified the murderer, someone unwinds time by six hours, and she must start her investigation again, with no memory of what she discovered before. Can she find the killer before they strike again? Author Bio: Guy writes speculative crime fiction: twisting one aspect of the real world, adding a dead body, and playing with the consequences. His first novel, FIVE MINDS, is about five people sharing one body, one of whom is trying to murder the others. It was a Financial Times Book of the Year and a Kindle Number 1 Bestseller in Technothrillers and Post-Apocalyptic SF. Translation rights have been sold in eight territories. His second novel, BLACK LAKE MANOR, is a locked room murder mystery set on Vancouver Island, with a killer who can unwind time – which makes it difficult for the detective trying (repeatedly) to solve the murder. It was a Financial Times SF Book of the Month and a Waterstones Best Crime Book of 2022. Before taking up full-time writing Guy practised as a QC in London, dealing with cases featuring drug-taking cyclists, dead Formula 1 champions and aspiring cemetery owners. When not writing he can usually be found walking or running in the Surrey Hills.

Winning Bidder

Deb Day

Bids

4

£21

406

Rachel Brimble

Title: A Very Modern Marriage Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://rachelbrimble.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelBrimble Blurb: He needs a wife... Manchester industrialist William Rose was a poor lad from the slums who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, but in order to achieve his greatest ambitions he must become the epitome of Victorian respectability: a family man. She has a plan... But the only woman who's caught his eye is sophisticated beauty Octavia Marshall, one of the notorious ladies of Carson Street. Though she was once born to great wealth and privilege, she's hardly respectable, but she's determined to invest her hard-earned fortune in Mr Rose's mills and forge a new life as an entirely proper businesswoman. They strike a deal that promises them both what they desire the most, but William's a fool if he thinks Octavia will be a conventional married woman, and she's very much mistaken if she thinks the lives they once led won't follow them wherever they go. Author Bio: Rachel lives in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of 29 novels including the Ladies of Carson Street trilogy, the Shop Girl series (Aria Fiction) and the Templeton Cove Stories (Harlequin). Her latest novel, Victoria & Violet was released 17th October 2022. Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association as well as the Society of Authors and has thousands of social media followers all over the world.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

407

Claire Heywood

Book Title: THE SHADOW OF PERSEUS Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://claireheywood.info Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaireEHeywood Book Blurb: Author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, bringing to life the voices of three women who are sidelined in the traditional version, and whose stories reveal a man who might not, in fact, be a hero at all. HIS MOTHER Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone. Forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she’s ever done. HIS TROPHY As a member of a reclusive band of women who live deep in the woods, known as the Gorgons, Medusa has eschewed all contact with the outside world. That is, until the day she finds an injured boy named Perseus in the forest. HIS WIFE When a harsh sandstorm threatens to destroy her nomadic desert tribe’s way of life, Andromeda knows that a sacrifice will be required to appease the gods and end the storm. But when a forceful young Perseus interferes, Andromeda’s life is set on an entirely new path. As Perseus becomes increasingly obsessed with the promise of his own destiny, his heroic journey casts a shadow of violence and destruction across all three women’s lives. But even as he tries to silence them, the women may find that reclaiming their voices is their only hope for lifting themselves into a better future. Author Bio: Claire Heywood is a scholar of the ancient world, having gained a 1st Class BA in Classical Civilisation and an MA with Distinction in Ancient Visual and Material Culture, along with two academic prizes, from the University of Warwick. Her writing is inspired by her love of Greek mythology, her knowledge of ancient cultures, and her fascination with women’s forgotten voices. Her first novel, Daughters of Sparta, was a USA national bestseller, and is a vivid retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of two key female characters, Helen of Troy and her sister Klytemnestra. Her second novel, The Shadow of Perseus, reimagines the heroic legend of Perseus through the eyes of his mother, Danae, his trophy, Medusa, and his wife, Andromeda. Originally from Coventry, she now lives and writes in Bristol.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

20

£40

408

S R Masters

Title: The Trial Genre: Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://sr-masters.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SRMastersAuthor Book Blurb:: Would you sign up to a medical trial if you didn’t know the possible side effects? 18-40? PAID CLINICAL TRIAL IN THE CANARY ISLANDS – UP TO £20,000 TAX FREE It seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. An all-inclusive luxury trip abroad, all you need to do is take a pill every day and keep a diary. Except you don’t know anything about the drug or what its side effects might be. The headaches start, a dull ache at first. Every day worse than the last. Then a body is found. Everyone is a suspect. Anyone could be a killer. Even you . . . Author Bio:: S R Masters grew up around Birmingham in the UK. After studying Philosophy at Cambridge University, he worked in public health. He currently lives in Oxford with his wife and children. His short fiction and novels have been published internationally. Labelled as "a writer to watch" by Publishers Weekly, his books include THE KILLER YOU KNOW (Sphere) and the THE TRIAL (Harper Collins).

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

409

Helen Pollard

Title: Christmas at Fox Farm Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/helenpollard147 Book Blurb: Artist Daisy is preparing to spend her first Christmas in the only place she’s ever felt at home: beautiful Fox Farm, with its cosy cafe and art and craft gallery. But when tragedy strikes, she will need all her festive cheer to keep Christmas from being cancelled… And she has to rope in Alex – the owner Jean’s handsome nephew – to help her. From the get-go Daisy and Alex cannot agree on anything, butting heads through decorating disasters and tripping over each other at the holiday barn dance. Can Daisy melt Alex’s icy exterior and prove to him just how magical Christmas can be? Even with Fox Farm's whole future suddenly in jeopardy? And might this Christmas be the beginning of something special? Grab a mug of hot chocolate and lose yourself in this utterly charming and romantic holiday tale that proves home is where the heart is. Author Bio: As a child, Helen had a vivid imagination fuelled by her love of reading so she started to create her own stories in a notebook. Now a bestselling author of contemporary romance, she believes that good characterisation is the key to a successful book and loves infusing her writing with humour and heart.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£29

410

Emma Finlayson-Palmer

Autumn Moonbeam Duology Title 1: Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic Title 2: Autumn Moonbeam: Spooky Sleepover (with bookmark and badges.) Genre: Children's Fantasy Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://finlaysonpalmer.wixsite.com/emmafinlayson-palmerlmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/FinlaysonPalmer Book Blurb: AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! Autumn Moonbeam loves gymnastics and dance, so when Sparkledale Dance Academy have tryouts for their competitive dance team, Black Cats, she thinks it’s the most broom-tastic opportunity ever! Just one problem: Autumn is nervous and worries she won’t make it onto the team. And then she discovers that her nasty neighbor Severina Bloodworth, who is always throwing unpleasant comments her way, is trying out, too. But with her best friend Batty by her side, can Autumn overcome her shyness, lack of confidence and magical mishaps to be chosen to join Sparkledale Dance Academy? Enchanting, fun, and full of heart, this is a story about growing into yourself, following your dreams, and making new friends along the way. With added stunts and magic, of course! Book 2 Blurb: AUTUMN MOONBEAM: SPOOKY SLEEPOVER! It’s Autumn’s first day at Sparkledale Dance Academy. She loves dance and gymnastics so being an official member is a dream come true! With lots of magical mishaps at the team bonding sleepover, can working together help Autumn and her friends find out who is behind the strange goings on at Sparkledale? Author Bio: Emma Finlayson-Palmer is an autistic, working class writer who lives in the West Midlands with her husband and a multitude of children, cats, and chickens. Author of the Autumn Moonbeam series, including Dance Magic and Spooky Sleepover, published by UCLan in 2022. Emma runs #ukteenchat, a writing-themed chat on Twitter, and edits, mentors and reads competition entries for #WriteMentor and also reads flash fiction entries for Retreat West. She’s also one half of Word Witches, as a children’s fiction editor.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

4

£14

411

Lorraine Gregory

Title: Interdimensional Explorers Genre: Sci-Fi Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lorrainegregoryauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorontheedge Book Blurb: Nothing exciting ever happens on twelve-year-old Danny’s estate. That is until he falls through a locker in his grandad’s workshop and finds himself in an Interdimensional Lost Property Office! And – even weirder – his new boss is a giant purple squid on a segway! Now Danny, best mate Modge and annoying cousin Inaaya find themselves in charge of returning alien items to all corners of the universe. But someone – or something – is determined to stop them. And there’s NOTHING these evil aliens won’t stop at to achieve complete multi-dimensional domination . . . even trapping Danny and his friends on a planet a million light years away from Earth. If the fate of the entire multiverse was in your hands, what would YOU do? Author Bio: I'm the daughter of an Indian father and an Austrian mother raised on an East London Council Estate. The local library was my source of all books growing up and I never stopped reading if I could help it. All that reading led to me writing my own stories throughout my childhood and teens while I dreamed of being a proper author one day. I now live in the countryside surrounded by nature, my family and two very fluffy cats and write fantastical stories for children.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£16

412

Holly Seddon

Book Title: The Short Straw Genre: Mystery thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK & Ireland Website: http://hollyseddon.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/hollyseddon Book Blurb: Leaving isn't safe... But staying would be deadly. 'An addictive read. . . Patricia Highsmith meets Shirley Jackson' - GILLIAN MCALLISTER 'The Short Straw practically pulses with foreboding and menace. Get ready to stay up all night! Fans of Shirley Jackson and Ruth Ware will love this. No one writes of family dynamics quite like Holly Seddon.' - JACK JORDAN Three sisters find themselves lost in a storm at night, and seek safety at Moirthwaite Manor, where their mother once worked. They are shocked to find the isolated mansion that loomed so large through their troubled childhoods has long been abandoned. Drawing straws to decide who should get help, one sister heads back into the darkness. With the siblings separated, the deadly secrets hidden in the house finally make themselves known and we learn the unspeakable secret that binds the family together. Author Bio: Holly Seddon is the international bestselling author of TRY NOT TO BREATHE, DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES, LOVE WILL TEAR US APART, THE HIT LIST and THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE. After growing up in the English countryside obsessed with music and books, Holly worked in London as a journalist and editor. She now lives in Kent with her family and writes full time. Alongside fellow author Gillian McAllister, Holly co-hosts the popular Honest Authors Podcast. You can find her on Twitter @hollyseddon , Instagram and Facebook @hollyseddonauthor.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

5

£19

413

Jacqueline Ward

Book Title: The Replacement Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://jacquelineward.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquiAnnC Book Blurb: Your husband had an affair. What would you do if the woman who destroyed your marriage asked for your help? When Lauren gets a message from Jem, asking for help, she suspects it’s a stunt by the woman she caught in bed with her husband. However, when Jem’s car is found abandoned on a bridge, the police become involved . . . Lauren knows she’s been a bit erratic. She’s acted in fits of jealousy at times. But she hasn’t harmed Jem. With DS Bekah Bradley closing in, Lauren must make a desperate attempt to find out what happened to Jem—before she becomes a missing person herself . . . Will she help the woman who ruined her marriage in order to prove her innocence? Author Bio: Jacqueline is a psychologist and writer from the North West of the UK. Jacqueline's novel The Replacement was published 3rd April 2023, and is followed by The Agreement on 4th September 2023. Jacqueline Is the author of Perfect Ten and How to Play Dead. Jacqueline's DS Jan Pearce Crime series is published by Bloodhound Books on 25th May 2023.

Winning Bidder

Karen Whittard

Bids

1

£11

414

Joanna P.A. Moore

Title: Love is the Gift Genre: Children - Bereavement Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.joannapamoore.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoannaPAMOORE1 Book Blurb: Alana, a young mermaid, is struggling to accept that her loving grandmother will soon die. At first, she's confused by what's happening and overwhelmed by her feelings. But with the help of her family, she finds a way to come to terms with her emotions. When facing her grandmother's death, Alana experiences many conflicting emotions: confusion, anger, sadness, and even guilt. She's not really sure what death means and needs some guidance on how to sort through, process, and reflect on how she's feeling. Alana's journey is told in verse and accompanied by beautiful illustrations. Parents and guardians can use this book as a tool to support their child and create a safe space for them to talk about their feelings. Love is the Gift is a heartfelt, poetic, and well-illustrated story aimed to help children aged 6 to 11 understand and cope with bereavement. Author Bio: Joanna P.A Moore is a British author, BACP practicing therapeutic counsellor since 2007 and has over 18 years of youth work and program management experience, supporting young people age 8 to 21 in inner city areas. Developing young peoples confidence and self-esteem through life skills and informal learning. Joanna was inspired to write 'Love is the Gift' after the death of a very significant and influential person in her life in 2017. Also living with a rare life-threatening autoimmune condition 'Addison's Disease' and having two small children at the time, Joanna felt that there was not enough literature out there to support her own children through the difficult feelings surrounding death. Wanting to create a tool that could help her own children and others, she embarked on creating the beautiful and poetical story about Elana the mermaid.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£30

415

Alice Castle

Book Title: The Murder Mystery Genre: Cozy Crime. Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://alicecastleauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliceMCastle Book Blurb: Meet Beth Haldane: a historian with a taste for gardening, snug coffee shops… and solving mysteries? It’s a crisp spring day in Dulwich Village when Beth arrives at Wyatt’s School for her new job, keen to impress and show off her research skills. Her boss Alan Jenkins seems a little shifty as he runs off for a mysterious appointment… but Beth puts it out of her mind until lunchtime when, strolling the five-hundred-year-old grounds, she is shocked to stumble over Alan’s dead body: spots of blood on his mustard-yellow tweed jacket, his face covered with a carefully-placed handkerchief. Beth can’t resist joining the hunt for the killer and soon discovers Alan rubbed his fellow teachers up the wrong way… was it the handsome headmaster who’d planned a secret meeting? The gossiping receptionist who knows everything? Or the wily groundskeeper with a grudge? When Beth returns from her sleuthing to find Alan’s wife rifling through the archives, it’s clear someone at this school had a deadly secret … But with parents and teachers panicking that the respectable reputation of Wyatt’s is under threat, will Beth find herself in the murderer’s sights before the school bell rings? Wander down the cobbled streets of Dulwich, where nothing is as perfect as it seems! Fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club and Faith Martin won’t be able to put down this deliciously gripping mystery. Author Bio: Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a national newspaper journalist. When she couldn’t find a crime series about her beloved south London, she decided to write her own – and single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane was born. Her ninth book, The Murder Affair, has just come out. Alice also writes twisty psychological thrillers as A.M. Castle. https://alicecastleauthor.com

Winning Bidder

Hilary Syddall

Bids

4

£20

416

Georgia Hill

The Great Summer Street Party Three Book Series! Title 1: Sunshine and Cider Cake Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Title 2: GIs and Ginger Beer Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Title 3: Blue Skies and Blackberry Pies Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.georgiahill.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgiawrites Book 1 Blurb: Sunshine and Cider Cake This year sees the seventy-fifth anniversary of D-Day. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those brave boys who went to fight on French beaches for our freedom. And now Berecombe is playing host to our American allies once more. All surviving soldiers who were billeted in the town have been invited for street parties, a D-Day parade, a black-tie ball at The Henville and much, much more. So, come along, get dressed up and join in the fun! Ashley Lyddon arrives in the quaint coastal community of Berecombe feeling more than a little lost. The former art teacher desperately needs a fresh start after a car accident that cost her everything. How is it that the town’s older residents seem to have more zest for life than she does? A certain American history lecturer, Eddie McQueen, has also blown into town, just like the GIs did seventy-five years previously. Then, as now, they shook things up, and left secrets trailing in their wake. Ashley knows all too well, like the D-Day soldiers, that laying the past to rest is easier said than done although her new community seems to believe that tea and cake – lots and lots of cake – solves most of life’s problems. And as Ashley is forced to admit, they are nearly always right… Book 2 Blurb: GIs and Ginger Beer A second chance…or a new romance? With summer having arrived in Berecombe with sunshiny gusto, and the D-Day anniversary celebrations on the horizon, there’s much to keep Ashley Lydden busy as she settles further into her new life by the seaside. So why can’t she stop thinking about Eddie McQueen? They came so close to having it all, but now Ashley isn’t sure where they stand. With flirty Cornish painter Jake Tremayne taking a shine to Ashley and asking her to sit for a portrait, things get even more complicated. It’s shaping up to be a summer of love…but which man will claim Ashley’s heart? Book 3 Blurb: Blue Skies and Blackberry Pies Berecombe’s year of commemoration may be coming to a close… but the rest of Ashley Lydden’s new life has only just begun! Ashley couldn’t have predicted that she’d find herself a whole new – much happier – life in the quiet, seaside town of Berecombe, but now she can’t imagine being anywhere else. She knows better than most though that life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it, so when things start going all kinds of wrong for Ashley and her handsome American, Eddie McQueen, she’s forced to lean on her new friends for support. Thankfully, the residents of Berecombe learned decades ago that there’s no problem that can’t be fixed with a little bit of bunting and a whole lot of love… Author Bio: Georgia Hill writes warm-hearted and uplifting contemporary and timeslip romances about love, the power and joy in being an eccentric oldie, and finding yourself and your community. There’s nearly always a dog. It’s usually a naughty spaniel of which, unfortunately, she has had much experience. She lives near the sea with her beloved dogs and husband (also beloved).

Winning Bidder

Michelle Fraser

Bids

6

£26

417

Louisa Treger

Three Book Bonanza Title 1: Madwoman Genre: Biographical Fiction Format: Hardback or Paperback: Successful bidder's choice Title 2: The Dragon Lady Genre: Historical Fiction - Thriller Format: Hardback or Paperback: Successful bidder's choice Title 3: The Lodger Genre: Historical Fiction - Romance Format: Hardback or Paperback: Successful bidder's choice Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://louisatreger.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/louisatreger Book 1 Blurb: Madwoman In 1887 young Nellie Bly sets out for New York and a career in journalism, determined to make her way as a serious reporter, whatever that may take. Down to her last dime and desperate to prove her worth, she comes up with a dangerous plan: to fake insanity and have herself committed to the asylum that looms on Blackwell’s Island. There, she will work undercover to document - and expose - the wretched conditions faced by the patients. But when the asylum door swings shut behind her, she finds herself in a place of horrors, governed by a harshness and cruelty she could never have imagined. She entered the asylum of her own free will - but will she ever get out? Book 2 Blurb: The Dragon Lady Opening with the shooting of Lady Virginia 'Ginie' Courtauld in her tranquil garden in 1950s Rhodesia, The Dragon Lady tells Ginie's extraordinary story, so called for the exotic tattoo snaking up her leg. From the glamorous Italian Riviera before the Great War to the Art Deco glory of Eltham Palace in the thirties, and from the secluded Scottish Highlands to segregated Rhodesia in the fifties, the narrative spans enormous cultural and social change. Lady Virginia Courtauld was a boundary-breaking, colourful and unconventional person who rejected the submissive role women were expected to play. Ostracised by society for being a foreign divorcée at the time of Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson, Ginie and her second husband, Stephen Courtauld, leave the confines of post-war Britain to forge a new life in Rhodesia, only to find that being progressive liberals during segregation proves mortally dangerous. Many people had reason to dislike Ginie, but who had reason enough to pull the trigger? Deeply evocative of time and place, The Dragon Lady subtly blends fact and fiction to paint the portrait of an extraordinary woman in an era of great social and cultural change. Book 3 Blurb: Dorothy Richardson is existing just above the poverty line, doing secretarial work at a dentist's office and living in a seedy boarding house in Bloomsbury, when she is invited to spend the weekend with a childhood friend, Jane. Jane has recently married a writer who is on the brink of fame. His name is H.G. Wells, or Bertie, as they call him. Bertie appears unremarkable at first. But then Dorothy notices his grey-blue eyes taking her in, openly signalling approval. He tells her he and Jane have an agreement which allows them the freedom to take lovers, although Dorothy can tell her friend would not be happy with that arrangement. Not wanting to betray Jane, yet unable to draw back Dorothy free-falls into an affair with Bertie. Then a new boarder arrives at the house- beautiful Veronica Leslie-Jones-and Dorothy finds herself caught between Veronica and Bertie. Amidst the personal dramas and wreckage of a militant suffragette march, Dorothy finds her voice as a writer. Author Bio: Louisa Treger is the author of three novels, The Lodger (2014), The Dragon Lady (2019) and Madwoman (2022), which was a historical fiction Book of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times, and a Book of the Month in the Independent. She has written for The Times, The Telegraph, Tatler, BBC History Magazine and English Heritage. Radio appearances include BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking Programme, and BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Treger has a First Class degree and a PhD in English Literature from UCL, and currently lives in London.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£60

418

Josette Reeves

Title: How Not To Get Eaten Genre: Children (non-fiction) Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Insta: https://www.instagram.com/josette.reeves Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosetteReeves Book Blurb: Packed with spectacular photographs and beautiful illustrations by Asia Orlando, this book takes you on a tour of the cunning, strange and often yucky ways animals and plants avoid being eaten by their enemies. Meet caterpillars who pretend to be scary snakes, geckos who lose their skin to stay alive, and trees that team up with ants to fight off elephants! The Author: Josette Reeves grew up in sunny Bolton and now lives in West Lancashire with her partner and rescue greyhound. Her first picture book, Got to Dance, was illustrated by Annabel Tempest and published by Storyhouse in 2021. How Not To Get Eaten, illustrated by Asia Orlando, was published by DK in May 2022. She has also written short stories and non-fiction articles for various children’s magazines, including Aquila, Storytime, Scoop and Eco Kids Planet.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

2

£12

419

Ally Sherrick

Title: Vita and the Gladiator Genre: Children's historical fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://allysherrick.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ally_sherrick Book Blurb: When high-born Vita’s father is murdered in Roman Londinium, Vita is forced to disguise herself as a slave at the gladiators' arena. Here she forges an unlikely bond with Brea, a native Briton gladiatrix. Together, they resolve to bring the killer to justice before Vita is discovered … A rip-roaring adventure set in Roman London from the rising queen of middle-grade historical fiction, Ally Sherrick – winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award. Author Bio: Ally is the award-winning author of stories full of history, mystery and adventure. BLACK POWDER, her debut novel about a boy caught up in the Gunpowder Plot, won the Historical Association’s Young Quills Award. Other titles include THE BURIED CROWN, a wartime tale with a whiff of Anglo-Saxon myth and magic and THE QUEEN’S FOOL, a story of treachery and treason set at the court of King Henry VIII. Ally’s latest book, published February 2023 with Chicken House Books, is VITA AND THE GLADIATOR, the story of a young girl’s fight for justice in the high-stakes world of London’s gladiatorial arena.

Winning Bidder

Kim Howard

Bids

1

£12

420

Paula Bowles

Book Title: Tiny Crab is a Tidy Crab Genre: Picture Book Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://paulabowles.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paula_Bowles Book Blurb: Tiny Crab is a tidy crab, and a crab who LOVES his beach. So, when he invites a few friends to come and join his favourite place, he knows they will look after it, too . . . won’t they? But what if they don’t? And, worse, what if LOTS of friends arrive then leave rubbish EVERYWHERE, which Tiny Crab is forced to tidy up. Maybe even the smallest voices need to make themselves heard. Author Bio: Paula is an award winning children's book illustrator based in Weston-super-Mare, UK. She has worked as an illustrator since she graduated from Falmouth University in 2007. Her publisher list includes Simon & Schuster, Nosy Crow, Welbeck, OUP, Little Tiger Press, Barrington Stoke and The National Trust. She is also the illustrator of the new ‘Mazy the Movie Star’ picture book series written by Hollywood star Isla Fisher. Her latest solo author/illustrator book, ‘Tiny Crab is a Tidy Crab’ published in 2022, is the winner of the Portsmouth Picture Book Award 2023. Paula is also the winner of the Lancashire School Library Service ‘Brilliant book Award 2023’ for young fiction book ‘Marv and the Mega Robot’ written by Alex Falase-Koya. She has been shortlisted for many more awards, including the Indie Book Awards 2023 and The Alligators Mouth Award 2023. Represented by The Plum Agency.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£13

421

Diane Jeffrey

Title: The Other Couple Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/dianefjeffrey Book Blurb: Two couples. A fatal accident. And a decision that changes everything… Kirsten and Nick are enjoying a weekend away until, on their drive home, they accidentally run over and kill a man. They should call for help – but they have too much to lose, and no one can know the real reason they’re here. Instead, they make a split-second decision to conceal the accident. Amy and Greg have just celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary. Amy is expecting a baby, and they couldn’t be happier. So when Greg fails to come home from a dog walk one weekend, Amy knows the police are wrong to believe he left of his own accord. Someone must be behind Greg’s disappearance, and Amy won’t give up until she gets justice – or revenge. If you had nothing left to lose, how far would you go to find the truth? THE COUPLE AT CAUSEWAY COTTAGE won the 2023 International Thriller Writers award for the best ebook original novel. Author Bio: Diane Jeffrey is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in North Devon and Northern Ireland. She now lives in Lyon, France, with her husband and their three children, Labrador and cat. Diane has written six psychological thrillers, all published by HQ / HarperCollins. THE GUILTY MOTHER, Diane's third book, was a USA Today bestseller and her fourth novel, THE SILENT FRIEND, was a Karin Slaughter Killer Reads pick for ASDA. Her fifth psychological thriller, THE COUPLE AT CAUSEWAY COTTAGE has been shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award. Diane is an English teacher. When she's not working or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays. Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

8

£18

422

Glenda Young

Title: The Sixpenny Orphan Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.glendayoungbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/flaming_nora Book Blurb; 'Please, sir, take us both. We only have each other. We don't know how to live apart.' After the death of their parents, sisters Poppy and Rose are taken in by widow Nellie Harper. But whilst they have a roof over their heads, the young orphans are unloved, unwanted, and always hungry, with only one pair of boots between them. Keen to make money, Nellie hatches a plan to sell the girls to the mysterious Mr Scurrfield. But when the day comes for them to leave, Scurrfield reveals he will take only one of the sisters - and he will decide which it will be on the turn of a sixpence. Ten years later, Poppy is married with three children. Not a day goes by when she doesn't think about Rose, but after many years of searching, Poppy has accepted that her sister is lost to her. That is until a letter suddenly arrives, revealing Rose's fate and breaking Poppy's heart. Determined to be reunited with her beloved sister, Poppy sets out to bring Rose home. Author Bio: My historical sagas are set in a British northeast mining village, where I grew up. My books feature feisty females and are wonderfully dramatic, written with a touch of humour. I also write fun, cosy crimes and these are set in modern-day Scarborough on the UK's Yorkshire coast. I’m a prize-winning short story writer too. My short fiction has appeared in magazines including Take a Break, My Weekly, The People's Friend and The People's Friend Fiction Special. And I am the author of the first ever weekly soap opera, Riverside, for The People's Friend magazine - the longest running women's magazine in the world. A life-long fan of the soap opera Coronation Street, I run two Coronation Street fan websites. The Coronation Street Blog is praised by the Manchester Evening News as 'Excellent' and 'Essential Reading for Street Fans'. The site was a finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2016 and 2018.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

423

Julie Shackman

First five titles in Scottish Escapes series Title 1: A Secret Scottish Escape Title 2: A Scottish Highland Surprise Title 3: The Cottage in the Highlands Title 4: A Scottish Country Escape Title 5: The Highland Lodge Getaway Genre: Feel Good Romance Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://julieshackman.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/G13Julie Book 1 Blurb: A Secret Scottish Escape Escape to the beautiful Scottish Highlands for the perfect heartwarming and feel good cosy romance! When Scotland’s sleepiest hamlet becomes the centre of hot gossip, Layla Devlin finds herself caught in a mystery… When Layla’s fiancé has an unexpected heart attack and dies – in another woman’s arms, no less – Layla is determined to pack up and leave Loch Harris, the village she’s always called home. But an unexpected inheritance and love for her quiet corner of Scotland send her down a new path. Now Layla finds herself facing a whole new kind of drama. Rumours swirl that a celebrity has moved into Coorie Cottage and Layla is determined to have him headline her opening night at local music venue The Conch Club. But the reclusive star is equally determined to thwart Layla’s efforts. Rafe Buchanan is in hiding for a reason, and soon his past comes to Loch Harris to haunt him… Book 2 Blurb: A Scottish Highland Surprise When wedding planner Sophie Harkness refuses to move a friend’s wedding to accommodate a spoilt bridezilla, she finds herself out of a job. That is until she discovers her late grandma has purchased a local shop for her in the pretty Scottish town of Briar Glen. Surprised and delighted, Sophie opens her own porcelain shop in honour of her grandmother. But when an unusual tea set is left with Sophie, along with a mysterious letter, she can’t help but be intrigued by the story behind the antique. And when the handsome but aloof art critic Xander North comes knocking on her door, Sophie is about to find out the true colourful past of her latest treasure. Book 3 Blurb: The Cottage in the Highlands 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? Book 4 Blurb: A Scottish Country Escape Determined to overcome a family tragedy, Elle Cassidy decides to reopen her late mother’s ailing newsagent as a stationery shop in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven. But when the arrogant yet handsome crime writer Dexter Grayling almost runs over Elle in his beast of a sports car, the town is thrown into a tailspin – especially when Dexter claims that local resident Linda Carlucci has put a curse on him and he is no longer able to write. Can Elle put aside her dislike for the self-absorbed writer and help Dexter uncover what is really going on with the Carlucci family? And in the process will Elle realise that there’s a lot more to her beloved Fir Haven than she first thought… Book 5 Blurb: The Highland Lodge Getaway Fall in love with the Christmas romance of the year, full of love and second chances! Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next. Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas! As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive. And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true? Author Bio: Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£40

424

Sarah Warburton

Title: Ten Delicious Teachers Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.sarahwarburtonillustrations.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahWarbie Book Blurb: Blissfully unaware of the gathering horde of monsters, a group of teachers make their way back through the forest in this wonderfully irreverent rhyming tale from the author of Space Tortoise. An irreverent and zany counting book that is gently thrilling and written in a deliciously infectious rhyme with witty and whimsical illustrations. Ten very foolish teachers have missed the last bus home. But LOOK - a shortcut through the forest! They'll be back in time for tea! Off they skip, unaware that in the woods a hungry horde of mischievous and hilariously goofy monsters is waiting... An irreverent and zany counting book that is gently thrilling with witty and whimsical illustrations. Illustrator Bio: Sarah in Bristol, UK - languishing at the bottom of an overgrown garden in a lovely studio with lots of biscuits and big mugs of tea. She is an illustrator, mother, owner of a border terrier and occasional socialite.

Winning Bidder

Pauline Thomson

Bids

2

£12

425

Sarah Warburton

Title: One Camel Called Doug Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.sarahwarburtonillustrations.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahWarbie Book Blurb: Doug the camel discovers that it's ok to have a little 'me time' in this warm and witty rhyming tale from the acclaimed author of The Littlest Yak and The Viking Who Liked Icing. A warmly reassuring rhyming story (with a fun counting element!) about how it's ok to need a little alone time, from the author of the award-winning The Littlest Yak. Doug the camel is all alone and sometimes he wonders whether one is enough (it makes playing hide and seek terribly tough...). So when at first one, then two, then three, then four more camels turn up (followed by a whole camel herd), Doug delights in the possibilities all these new friends bring. But when Doug is 'all camelled out' from all the excitement and it's time to count down to bedtime, he takes just as much pleasure from the peace of being alone once again. Illustrator Bio: Sarah in Bristol, UK - languishing at the bottom of an overgrown garden in a lovely studio with lots of biscuits and big mugs of tea. She is an illustrator, mother, owner of a border terrier and occasional socialite.

Winning Bidder

Kim Howard

Bids

4

£14

426

Gabrielle & Satish Shewhorak

Title: Rani Reports Genre: Children Middle Grade Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://gabriellekent.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabrielleKent Book Blurb: What do a priceless painting, a minotaur, a lighthouse and a glass eye have in common? They're all part of a treasure trail set by an eccentric millionaire. For 10-year-old aspiring journalist Rani it couldn't be more perfect. A chance for adventure and also a shot at getting the perfect scoop for a story competition in the local newspaper. Joining forces with her mischievous Nani who is visiting from Mauritius, she sets out to get to the bottom of the mystery. But solving the clues isn’t so simple…and neither is outwitting rival wannabe journalist Lexi. Can Rani and Nani crack the code and avoid the dangerous nemesis determined to take the prize at any cost? Author Bios: Gabrielle Shewhorak was born in the North East of England. Before turning full time writer, Gabrielle was a videogame developer and lecturer. Gabrielle also writes middle grade, including Knights and Bikes, and the Alfie Bloom series, under the name Gabrielle Kent. Satish Shewhorak was born in the North West and spent his summers in sunny Mauritius, the tropical paradise where his parents were born. Satish ran an animation studio before earning his doctorate in motion capture and becoming a games animation lecturer.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£50

427

Tess James-Mackey

Title: Someone Is Watching You Genre: Y/A Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/tessjamesmackey Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tess_JMack Book Blurb: An abandoned prison. A deadly game. How far would you go for a dare? Nia would do anything to win the approval of her boyfriend Scott and his friends, especially mean girl Olivia. When Olivia dares Nia to explore an abandoned prison, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to prove herself. Facing dark tunnels, distant noises and creepy mementoes left behind by incarcerated criminals will surely all be worth it. But it isn't long before Nia and her little sister, Kayla, find themselves trapped inside. And then Kayla vanishes. Suddenly, this feels like more than a game gone wrong. Someone is hellbent on making Nia and Kayla the prison's last inmates . . . Author Bio: After growing up in rural Shropshire, Tess set out to explore the world and find her place in it. She quickly rushed straight back to Shrewsbury when she realised she'd been where she belonged from the start. She now lives in a quiet suburb with a noisy partner and daughter, two extremely noisy cats, and a less noisy tortoise. She spent years mucking out and getting trampled on by horses, before finally deciding she might prefer a less precarious office job. Between analysing insurance risk, she writes teens into terrifying situations inspired by her lived experiences. When she's not allowing her mind to wander to dark and twisty places, she pursues more wholesome activities, like growing mediocre vegetables in her garden, camping with her daughter, and even riding the odd horse.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

428

Fleur Hitchcock

Title: Murder at Snowfall Genre: Children - Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://fleurhitchcock.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FleurHitchcock Book Blurb: A gripping thriller for readers who like danger and mystery and chills and spills from the comfort of their sofas… Unputdownable. The Times and Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week. “Much more Junior Line of Duty than Junior Miss Marple” – The Sunday Times “Just the right level of intrigue and jeopardy” – The Times When Lucas and Ruby find an abandoned trunk covered in snow, Lucas says there’s bound to be a body inside. Ruby laughs but what if he’s right? Nervously she starts to open it, and immediately wishes she hadn’t. From that moment on, they’re drawn into a thrilling mystery, one that they have to solve before the falling snow smothers all trace of wrongdoing… Author Bio: Born in Chobham and raised outside Winchester, Fleur Hitchcock grew up as the youngest child of three. She spent her smallest years reading Tintin and Batman, and searching for King Alfred’s treasure. She grew up a little, went away to school near Farnham, studied English in Wales, and, for the next twenty years, sold Applied Art in the city of Bath. When her younger child was seven, she embarked on the Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa and graduated with a distinction. Now living outside Bath, between parenting and writing, Fleur works with her husband, a toymaker, looks after other people’s gardens and tries to grow vegetables.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£20

429

Roz Watkins

Book Title: THE RED HOUSE Genre: Crime/thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://rozwatkins.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/RozWatkins Book Blurb: IT WAS THE CRIME THAT SHOCKED A NATION. The Flowers were the perfect family. Until the day fifteen-year-old Joseph shot dead his parents and baby brother whilst his younger sister Eve hid. The family home became known as ‘The Red House’, the place where the walls were covered in blood. No one knows why Joseph murdered his family: the following day he crashed his car and has been in a coma for two decades. Eve’s always known he did it; she saw the crime, after all. But how reliable a witness is a five-year-old? Now an adult, Eve is forced to re-examine her memories when disturbing new evidence about the case comes to light. Because if Joseph didn’t do it, then the killer’s still out there – and they’re coming back for the girl who escaped… ‘I wanted to immediately start reading again to check the very clever clues… A clever and engaging mystery with a resolution that will completely blow you away’ Susi Holliday, author of The Hike Author Bio: Roz Watkins is the author of the acclaimed DI Meg Dalton series. Her first book, The Devil’s Dice, was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger award and was The Times Crime Book of the Month. Her most recent novel, The Red House, is a standalone thriller with a twist that readers have described as 'jaw-dropping'. Roz moved to Falmouth last year, and is finding the Cornish countryside inspirational. She lives with two demanding cats, and likes to walk by the sea, scouting out good murder locations.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

7

£20

430

Rose Wilding

Title: Speak of the Devil Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rose_Wldng Book Blurb: All of us knew him. One of us killed him... Seven women stand in shock in a seedy hotel room; a man's severed head sits in the centre of the floor. Each of the women - the wife, the teenager, the ex, the journalist, the colleague, the friend, and the woman who raised him - has a very good reason to have done it, yet each swears she did not. In order to protect each other, they must figure out who is responsible, all while staying one step ahead of the police. Against the ticking clock of a murder investigation, each woman's secret is brought to light as the connections between them converge to reveal a killer. A dark and nuanced portrait of love, loyalty, and manipulation, Speak of the Devil explores the roles in which women are cast in the lives of terrible men... and the fallout when they refuse to stay silent for one moment longer. Author Bio: Rose Wilding is a queer, working-class writer from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. She has an MA in creative writing from The University of Manchester, where she was mentored by Jeanette Winterson. Speak of the Devil is her first novel

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

431

Gail Aldwin

Title: The Secret Life Of Carolyn Russell Genre: Psychological Suspense Format: Paperback Dedication: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://gailaldwin.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/gailaldwin Blurb: A true-crime podcaster investigates a decades-old suspected abduction, in this powerful psychological suspense novel. 1979 Sixteen-year-old Carolyn Russell grows increasingly infatuated with her school mathematics teacher who is also giving her private lessons. Then she disappears. 2014 Struggling journalist Stephanie Brett creates a true-crime podcast focused on the disappearance of Carolyn Russell. By digging deep into this mysterious cold case, her confidence and flagging career are boosted. But after she confronts the suspects—and talks to a potential witness—the leads dry up. However, Stephanie refuses to let the story rest . . . Can a small-time journalist with a shoestring podcast really hope to reconstruct the ultimate fate of Carolyn Russell after all these years, or are some secrets best left buried? ‘Takes hold of the head and the heart and simply does not let go’ Jacquelyn Mitchard, No.1 New York Times bestselling author of The Good Son ‘Captures the zeitgeist for each period with telling accuracy’ Suzanne Goldring, bestselling author of My Name is Eva ‘A rare and thrilling book that manages to be thoughtful and intelligent’ Joanna Barnard, author of Hush Little Baby Author Bio: Novelist, poet and scriptwriter, Gail Aldwin has been writing for over a decade. Her first two coming-of-age novels were runners-up in the Dorchester Literary Festival Writing Prize 2020 and 2022. Gail was awarded a creative writing PhD in 2018 and still laughs whenever she’s called Doctor. She has appeared at Bridport Literary Festival, Stockholm Writers Festival and the Mani Lit Fest in Greece. Her psychological suspense mystery The Secret Life of Carolyn Russell is published by Bloodhound Books. Gail splits her time between a tiny flat in South West London and a home overlooking water meadows in Dorset.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

432

Onjali Rauf

Title: Where Magic Grows: Unique Tales of Wonder and Enchantment Genre: Young Adults Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://onjaliqrauf.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/OnjaliRauf Book Blurb: From Onjali Q. Raúf, author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes a hardback collection of seven unique fables, filled with humour, heart and messages of hope. Beautifully illustrated by Katarzyna Doszla in full colour, with gorgeous details such as a ribbon marker and patterned endpapers, this is a book to be cherished for years to come. Have you heard the story about the bird that turned to stone? Did your parents warn you about the extra-specially-super-deliciously-fantastically naughty boy who got a frog stuck in his throat? No? Well, never fear: Onjali Q Raúf is here to entertain you with her sparkling collection of never-before-told fables for kids who want to make the world a better place. Written with Onjali's trademark heart and humour, this is the perfect gift that will entertain while also gently conveying messages of hope and the power of love and compassion, complete with beautiful full-colour illustrations by Katarzyna Doszla throughout. Stories include: The Bird That Turned to Stone, The Extra-Specially-Super-Deliciously-Fantastically Naughty Boy (& the Secret Frog in his Throat), Francesca's Feet and the Old Man's Shoes, The Axe that Married a Tree and others. Author Bio: Onjali Q. Raúf is the founder of Making Herstory, an organisation mobilising men, women and children from all walks of life to tackle the abuse and trafficking of women and girls in the UK and beyond. She is also the founder of O's Refugee Aid Team, which provides support for refugee families surviving in Calais and Dunkirk. She is an award-winning and best-selling author of books for children that tackle the issues of today. Her titles include The Boy at the Back of the Class, The Star Outside My Window, The Night Bus Hero, and The Lion Above the Door.

Winning Bidder

Christopher White

Bids

5

£32

433

Douglas Skelton

A Company of Rogues: Two Book Series Bonus: The chance to have your name used as a character in whatever Douglas writes for 2025. Title 1: An Honourable Thief Genre: Historical Fiction - Thriller Format: Hardback Title 2: A Thief's Justice Genre: Historical Fiction - Thriller Format: Hardback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.douglasskelton.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DouglasSkelton1 Book 1 Blurb: 1715. Jonas Flynt, ex-soldier and reluctant member of the Company of Rogues, a shady intelligence group run by ruthless spymaster Nathaniel Charters, is ordered to recover a missing document. Its contents could prove devastating in the wrong hands. On her deathbed, the late Queen Anne may have promised the nation to her half-brother James, the Old Pretender, rather than the new king, George I. But the will has been lost. It may decide the fate of the nation. The crown must recover it at all costs. The trail takes Jonas from the dark and dangerous streets of London to an Edinburgh in chaos. He soon realises there are others on the hunt, and becomes embroiled in a long overdue family reunion, a jail break and a brutal street riot. When secrets finally come to light, about the crown and about his own past, Jonas will learn that some truths, once discovered, can never be untold… Book 2 Blurb: The city is caught in the vice-like grip of a savage winter. Even the Thames has frozen over. But for Jonas Flynt – thief, gambler, killer – the chilling elements are the least of his worries… Justice Geoffrey Dumont has been found dead at the base of St Paul’s cathedral, and a young male sex-worker, Sam Yates, has been taken into custody for the murder. Yates denies all charges, claiming he had received a message to meet the judge at the exact time of death. The young man is a friend of courtesan Belle St Clair, and she asks Flynt to investigate. As Sam endures the horrors of Newgate prison, they must do everything in their power to uncover the truth and save an innocent life, before the bodies begin to pile up. But time is running out. And the gallows are beckoning... Author Bio: I’ve been a bank clerk, tax officer, taxi driver (for two days), wine waiter (for two hours), journalist and investigator. I’ve written 11 true crime and Scottish criminal history books but now I’m concentrating on fiction. Doesn’t mean I won’t, some day, come up with another factual piece – there are a couple of old cases I’d love to get into – but for now I’m making stuff up. I’ve been on the telly often, which is a scary experience but more so for the viewer.

Winning Bidder

Isla Coole

Bids

7

£180

434

Kristen Bailey

Title: Sex Ed Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.kristenbaileywrites.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrsbaileywrites Book Blurb: Ed is a virgin. I didn’t know those existed – not at our age anyway. Maybe he was so drunk that he forgot all the times he’s had sex. I wish I could get that drunk. Mia and Ed have been best friends ever since they began teaching at the same school. Ed bakes cake for the staff, Mia eats the cakes. Ed can’t control his students, Mia sorts them out. Mia can’t work the photocopier, Ed shows her how. Mia’s love life might be chaotic but she’s totally devoted to her super-tidy, cat-owning, geeky but not bad-looking best friend. So, when Mia discovers Ed is still a virgin at twenty-eight, she decides to take matters into her own hands and teach him the skills he needs to seduce the pretty new maths teacher, Caitlin. It’s an education that involves panic-buying sex toys and buddy-watching porn, and when Ed graduates with an A+ for effort – and begins dating the perfect-on-paper Caitlin – Mia knows her work is done. But is Caitlin as sweet as she seems? And could Mia’s feelings for Ed be stronger than she realised? Author Bio: Mother-of-four, rum-drinker, binge-watcher, receipt hoarder, enthusiastic but terrible cook. Kristen also writes. Apparently, she's also funny but her husband doesn't think so. Her first books were published in 2016, and since then she’s kept writing. Do her books have a genre? Who knows? It’s contemporary-women’s-humorous, sometimes romantic, often feel-good fiction for people who don’t mind a knob joke. She’s known for her Callaghan Sisters series, the first of which, HAS ANYONE SEEN MY SEX LIFE? was a Top Ten Kindle Bestseller. Her most recent book, GREAT SEXPECTATIONS, has been nominated for an RNA award. Kristen lives in Hampshire, UK. She also is a whizz at world capitals and thinks pineapple belongs on pizza. Don't fight her on this.

Winning Bidder

Lindsey Perry

Bids

5

£20

435

Tim Weaver

Title: The Blackbird Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.timweaverbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimWeaverBooks Book Blurb: David Raker is back with another heart-pounding and tense missing persons case. Ten seconds before the crash, Cate and Aiden Gascoigne are recorded on CCTV. The couple are laughing - happy, untroubled. Then their car plunges into a ninety-foot ravine. The impact should kill them. And if that doesn't, the fire will. Within seconds, the vehicle is an inferno - with the Gascoignes trapped inside. But when fire crews arrive at the scene, they find something impossible. The vehicle is empty. Cate and Aiden have vanished. Now only missing persons investigator David Raker can solve the mystery... Author Bio: Tim Weaver is a British crime novelist, best known for his thrillers featuring the missing persons investigator David Raker. Before the publication of his first novel Chasing the Dead in 2010, Weaver worked as a videogames journalist, also writing about films, sports and technology. He has published a further ten books in the David Raker series, as well as a short story collection Disconnection in 2013.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£21

436

Susan Brownrigg

Two Book Bundle! Title 1: Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest Title 2: Gracie Fairshaw and the Trouble at the Tower Genre: Historical mystery (8-12 years) Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage and Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://susanbrownrigg.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/suebmuseum Book 1 Blurb: Strange things are afoot at The Majestic... check yourself in for a mystery beside the seaside. Gracie Fairshaw and her family have barely moved into The Majestic, a Blackpool boarding house, when her Ma mysteriously vanishes. Gracie teams up with her younger brother George, siblings Violet and Tom, and maid Phyllis. They must work out which of the guests has made Ma disappear. Can they get her safely home as the clock ticks down to the 1935 Illuminations Switch-on? Book 2 Blurb: The stage is set for a thrilling mystery! Gracie Fairshaw is delighted to get a sneak preview of the Children's Ballet's Christmas spectacular. But when the curtain rises, things go horribly wrong for the young dancers. Accidents, pranks and a poison pen letter make Gracie wonder if someone is trying to spoil the show. Can Gracie and her friends stop the saboteur before their final act? Author Bio: Susan Brownrigg writes historical adventures for children aged 8 to 12. A Lancashire lass she is the author of the Gracie Fairshaw mystery series set in 30s Blackpool and Kintana and the Captain's Curse a treasure hunt adventure with lemurs set on Madagascar during the golden age of piracy. Susan is also a member of Time Tunnellers, a group of five historical children's book authors who produce a creative writing/history vlog and blog for schools.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

437

Susan Brownrigg

Title: Kintana and the Captain's Curse Genre: Historical mystery (8-12 years) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage and Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://susanbrownrigg.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/suebmuseum Book Blurb: Ahoy there! The Nine Sails is casting off for Madagascar, so all aboard for a treasure hunt you'll never forget! Kintana has grown up listening to stories of life at sea from her pa, an ex-pirate turned pet shop owner. So when a tall ship - The Nine Sails - berths at Pirate Island she eagerly joins the motley crew as a cabin boy - even though her main duty will be to look after the pirates' pets. Someone on board is determined to disrupt the voyage, could the dreaded Captain's Curse be to blame? Or is it the lure of buried treasure that will draw the ship back to the island? One thing is for sure, Kintana is about to discover that sometimes adventure is found closer to home. Author Bio: Susan Brownrigg writes historical adventures for children aged 8 to 12. A Lancashire lass she is the author of the Gracie Fairshaw mystery series set in 30s Blackpool and Kintana and the Captain's Curse a treasure hunt adventure with lemurs set on Madagascar during the golden age of piracy. Susan is also a member of Time Tunnellers, a group of five historical children's book authors who produce a creative writing/history vlog and blog for schools.

Winning Bidder

Claire Hope-Arnold

Bids

1

£11

438

Linda Green

Title: In Little Stars Genre: Contemporary fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://lindagreenauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindaGreenisms Book Blurb: Two families divided by hate. A love that will not die. Sylvie and Donna travel on the same train to work each day but have never spoken. Their families are on different sides of the bitter Brexit divide, although the tensions and arguments at home give them much in common. What they don't know is that their eldest children, Rachid and Jodie, are about to meet for the first time and fall in love. Aware that neither family will approve, the teenagers vow to keep their romance a secret. But as Sylvie's family feel increasingly unwelcome in England, a desire for a better life threatens Rachid and Jodie's relationship. Can their love unite their families - or will it end in tragedy? Author Bio: Linda Green is the bestselling author of eleven novels, which have sold 1.5million copies and been translated into 12 languages. Her previous novels have been selected for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club and the Richard and Judy Book Club. Linda, who lives in West Yorkshire, is a former journalist and has written for The Guardian, The Independent on Sunday, The Times Educational Supplement and The Big Issue.

Winning Bidder

Janice Terry

Bids

3

£20

439

Anne Griffin

Book title: Listening Still. Genre: General Fiction, Dedication available: Yes. Bids: Global. Website: http://annegriffinwriter.com, Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneGriffin_ Book Blurb: Jeanie Masterson has a gift: she can hear the recently dead and give voice to their final wishes and revelations. Inherited from her father, this gift has enabled the family undertakers to flourish in their small Irish town. Yet she has always been uneasy about censoring some of the dead’s last messages to the living. Unsure, too, about the choice she made when she left school seventeen years ago: to stay or leave for a new life in London with her charismatic teenage sweetheart. So when Jeanie’s parents unexpectedly announce their plan to retire, she is jolted out of her limbo. In this captivating successor to her bestselling debut, Anne Griffin portrays a young woman who is torn between duty, a comfortable marriage and a role she both loves and hates and her last chance to break free, unaware she has not been alone in softening the truth for a long while. Author Bio: Anne Griffin is the author of the bestselling novels The Island of Longing. Listening Still and When All Is Said. Anne received the Irish Book Awards Newcomer of the Year 2019. She has been longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award and shortlisted for the John McGahern Annual Book prize and the RSL Christopher Bland prize. Anne is published in twenty-five territories.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

440

Jo Leevers

Title: Tell Me How This Ends Genre: Contemporary fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage and Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website http://joleevers.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoLeevers Book Blurb: Haunted by the past, Henrietta throws herself into a new job transcribing other people’s life stories, vowing to stick to the facts and keep emotions at arm’s length. But when she meets the eccentric and terminally-ill Annie, she finds herself inextricably drawn in. And when Annie reveals that her sister drowned in unexplained circumstances in 1974, Henrietta’s methodical mind can’t help following the story’s loose ends… Annie wants to tell her story – but even she has limits when it comes to opening up. Ever since that terrible night when her sister left a pile of clothes beside the canal and vanished, Annie has been afraid to look too closely into the murky depths of her memories. When Annie’s attempts to gloss over the past come up against Henrietta’s determination to fill in the gaps, both women find themselves confronting truths they’d thought were buried forever. Could unlocking Annie’s story help Henrietta rewrite the most devastating passages in her own life? And, in return, can she offer Annie a final twist in the tale, before it’s too late? Tell Me How This Ends is a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick that explores the power of storytelling and the joy of unexpected friendships. It’s a twisty novel that confronts grief but is infused with hope and humour. Author Bio: Jo Leevers grew up in London and worked as an interiors magazine journalist before writing fiction. She has two grown-up children and lives with her husband and their wayward dog Lottie in Bristol.

Winning Bidder

Karen Whittard

Bids

1

£11

441

Gemma Rogers

Title: The Flatmate Genre: Domestic Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Posting & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter : https://twitter.com/GemmaRogers79 Book Blurb: It was surreal returning to work after a sabbatical following the suspicious death of my best friend Livvy. On my return to the company apartment, I was surprised to find Livvy’s replacement, Amanda Dowd firmly entrenched as my new flatmate. She’d seemingly appeared out of nowhere. But something didn’t feel right. I felt on edge. Everyone seemed to love Amanda, even my ex-Jayden was blinded by her outgoing personality and model-like looks.Yet her desperation to become friends felt unnatural. When I began to receive calls, photos and presents from Livvy, I became spooked. Someone was targeting me, watching me. With my job, home and life on the line, I had to find out who was doing this to me and why. I hadn’t caused Livvy’s death but still believed it was no accident. Someone else was guilty and I had to find out who before I was next. Author Bio: I was inspired to write my first novel Stalker from a traumatic experience over twenty years ago, so my books lean towards darker themes, but don’t let that put you off. I write gritty thrillers with female protagonists, clawing back control and seeking justice for the wrongs that have been done to them. Many of the characters I write about have been exploited in some way or are haunted by their past experiences. I have always been fascinated by how easily life can spiral out of control as a result of one snap decision or a bad judgement call. How extraordinary things can happen to ordinary people in the blink of an eye and the consequences that follow. All my books are standalone stories, written in first-person and set in the Surrey and Sussex areas.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£16

442

Holly Martin

Title: Sunshine and Secrets at Blackberry Beach Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://hollymartin.bigcartel.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/HollyMAuthor Book Blurb: Welcome to Apple Hill Bay, where the emerald sea sparkles, golden sands glitter and sunshine and romance sizzle. From the bestselling author of The Wisteria Tree Cottage comes this summer’s hottest love story. From the moment Fern Lucas arrived at its stunning shores, she knew Apple Hill Bay would forever be the place she calls home. Living in her little beach hut with her beloved dog Bones, and her artist business on the verge of taking off, life couldn’t be more perfect. Or so Fern thinks… When a competition for a mural commission at Blackberry Beach pits her against the gorgeous Fletcher Harrison, sparks fly instantly. Within days their electric chemistry has them tumbling deep into love. Within weeks they can’t imagine a future without each other. But Fletcher has a secret, a past he can’t escape, a past that he believes means he can’t give Fern the life they’ve dreamed of. And that past is about to catch up with him… Author Bio: Holly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves. Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

12

£22

443

Holly Martin

Title: The Midnight Village Genre: Paranormal Witches & Wizards Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://hollymartin.bigcartel.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/HollyMAuthor Book Blurb: This is the story of Star who makes special cakes; cakes that help you feel confident for that all important job interview or cakes that ease a broken heart. She has quite the following on social media but when a celebrity food critic nearly dies after eating one of Star's cakes, Star needs to escape from the ensuing press attention and the mysterious, private Midnight Village is the best place to do just that. But what she finds is a village full of witches, a thirty year old curse that somehow she is heavily linked to and the gorgeously sexy mayor who she finds herself mysteriously betrothed to. Add in a lot of nosy villagers, an interfering cat, a potions club and the preparations for the Winter Solstice celebration and you've got a gorgeously enchanting witchy romance that sparkles with magic and love. Author Bio: Holly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves. Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£30

444

Jo Thomas

Title: Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe Genre: Contemporary - Humour Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://jothomasauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jo_thomas01 Book Blurb: A dream home Beca Valentino is ready to escape the city. When she sees the perfect house for sale in her hometown, it seems like fate. Is this her chance to build the foster family she dreams of, on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast? A big mistake? Returning home isn’t as easy as she thought, however. Her family’s beloved ice cream café is gone – turned into a soulless wine bar by her hateful ex-boyfriend. Reconnecting with her oldest friend, fisherman Griff, isn’t straightforward either. And when, instead of the children she expected to take in, two wary teenage boys appear on her doorstep, Beca fears she’s made a terrible mistake. A recipe for change But an old family recipe book is just the inspiration she needs. Soon, with a little help from friends old and new, Beca is selling mouth-watering homemade gelato from a pop-up café on the beach. Then disaster strikes. Will the Valentino family legacy be lost forever? Or can Beca create a new recipe for happiness? Author Bio: I’m Jo Thomas and I write romantic fiction about food and love. I’m not a chef, a farmer or even an enthusiastic amateur foodie with fancy knives, whizzy kitchen equipment and complicated recipes. I just love plain, simple, good quality food, made with love. I love the way food connects us and brings us all around the same table. When I visit somewhere new, I’m fascinated how the food of an area can take me by the hand and lead me into the place’s history, its culture and introduce me to its people and customs. When I first visited Galway and sat in a small restaurant at the end terrace of a row of fisherman’s cottages, looking out of a small window, light by candlelight, the moon came out and shone silver streak across Galway bay. That night I sat there and ate a plate of oysters with shallot and red wine dressing and discovered more about the oyster beds and the oyster festivals of the area and realised I had discovered the life blood of the place, its DNA and that I had to write about it in The Oyster Catcher. Writing my second book The Olive Branch I visited one of my favourite restaurants. It’s set in the middle of a family-owned olive grove in Puglia in southern Italy, where everything is grown on the land and cooked on a big open fire: the forno. At the end of our meal the owner, Giuseppe, brought over a bottle of homemade limoncello and sat with us. He put down the bottle and poured us drinks. He asked me what kind of books I wrote. He didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Italian. I told him I wrote about food and love. He told me life for him was all about the food that he grew on the land, to cook in the kitchen, to put on the table, and he slapped his hand on the scrubbed wooden worn table, for the people we love and he held his hand over his heart in the middle of his chest. And that, I agreed, is what I write about, the stories I tell, from the land, to the table for the ones we love. I hope you enjoy looking around my scrapbook here and the photographs from my research trips. Then once you step into one of my books you’ll feel like you’ve joined me at the table: enjoy being well fed, some laughs and tears along the way and, when you finish, like you’ve had a great big hug at the end of a fabulous family feast.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£16

445

Dave Proudlove

Title: When the Circus Leaves Town: What Happens When Football Leaves Home Genre: None Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/fslconsult Book Blurb: When the Circus Leaves Town looks at what happens when clubs and supporters wave goodbye to their traditional homes. Dave Proudlove visits towns and cities across the country and talks to those involved with the uprooting of football clubs to complete the story of what happens when football leaves home. Author Bio: Dave Proudlove is the author of Ballad of the Streets, The Streets of My Hometown, and When the Circus Leaves Town: What Happens When Football Leaves Home. He writes a weekly column for the North Staffordshire daily newspaper The Sentinel and contributes to its sister publication The Way We Were. Dave is also a regular contributor to the Stoke City fanzine Duck, online magazine Football Bloody Hell, and regularly collaborates with artists and other writers, and is the editor of the Forgotten Football Clubs blog.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

446

Rachel Corsini

Book Title: Sushi and Sea Lions Genre: Women’s Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://rachelcorsini.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/madameraerae Book Blurb: When a career-ending injury and a messy breakup send prima ballerina Daniela Verdi back to Queens, New York, she fills her days with countless distractions: meaningless sex, pinot grigio, and video games. It takes a chance meeting with her brother's best friend, Vincent LaBate, for her to remember who she was before the stage lights and distractions of the Upper West Side. She's convinced that Vincent could never love a girl like her: broken, insecure, and stumbling her way through life. What Daniela didn’t count on is that Vincent is as scarred as she is after divorcing his cheating wife and going through an equally messy child custody fight. Soon enough, old vulnerabilities rear their ugly heads, opening a crack in Daniela’s perfectly imperfect romance. As Daniela and Vincent's relationship develops, will Daniela learn to accept that a dream life isn't all it's cracked up to be? Author Bio: After declaring herself a pretty pink princess during her first ballet class, Rachel dreamt of sugarplums and began pirouetting her way through life. While studying to become a ballerina, she compulsively read books under her covers by flashlight and scribbled in spiral-bound notebooks. The urge to tell stories culminated in her graduation from Columbia College Chicago with a B.F.A. in fiction writing. Never one to keep her feet on the ground, she traveled the world from Prague to Cape Town. Once settled back in Queens, she dabbled in journalism before working as an Editorial Assistant for a medical publisher. Seeking a more fulfilling career, she earned her MAT from Queens College and currently works as an English teacher in an alternative program in NYC. Rachel spends her time sipping coffee, trying to cook, and practicing her pirouettes. She currently resides in Freeport, Long Island.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

447

Maria Savva

Title: Far Away In Time Genre: Various -Short Stories Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.mariasavva.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Maria_Savva Book Blurb:: Our lives are a series of stories, and we are the characters with the starring roles. The memories, regrets, secrets, and struggles that fill these pages are at once unique and relatable. These stories belong to us all. Eight unforgettable tales reaching out to a place Far Away In Time... Author Bio: Maria Savva lives and works in London. She is a lawyer and senior tutor, specialising in Family Law. Her day job involves providing Clinical Legal Education to Law students and trainee solicitors. She has been writing fiction for over 25 years. Her novels and stories are often inspired by real life.

Winning Bidder

Jeanette Heron

Bids

2

£12

448

Will Black

Title: Psychopathic Cultures and Toxic Empires Genre: Non-Fiction Social Science Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://willblack-53220.medium.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillBlackWriter Book Blurb: Psychopathic Cultures and Toxic Empires draws on knowledge of and experience working within psychiatric services, and introduces an anthropological dimension to the study of psychopathy. This enables an exploration of how the 'qualities' of psychopaths can warp human cultures of all sizes, from families to toxic workplaces to political and religious movements. The book includes a focus on child abuse rings, politics, the media and economics, and well as recent neurological research into psychopaths. Author Bio: Will Black is an anthropologist, journalist and former clinician. He is the author of Beyond the End of the World, Veneer of Civilisation and Psychopathic Cultures, the first of which was based on postgraduate anthropological research into experimental religion, conspiracy theories and cult activity. Veneer of Civilisation and Psychopathic Cultures span politics, the mind and science

Winning Bidder

Christina Gabbitas

Bids

6

£45

449

Phyllida Shrimpton

Title: Every Shade of Happy Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Family Format: Hardback Dedication available: YES Post and Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/shrimpyshrimpy1 Instagram: https://Instagram.com/PhyllidaShrimptonAuthor Book Blurb: Algernon is at the end of his life. His granddaughter is at the start of hers. But they have more in common than they think... Every day of Algernon's 97 years has been broken up into an ordered routine. That's how it's been since the war, and he's not about to change now. Until his 15-year-old granddaughter arrives on his doorstep, turning Algernon's black-and-white life upside down. Everything from Anna's clothes to the way she sits glued to her phone is strange to Algernon, and he's not sure he likes it. But as the weeks pass, Algernon is surprised to discover they have something in common after all – Anna is lonely, just like him. Can Algernon change the habits of a lifetime to bring the colour back into Anna's world? Author Bio: Phyllida Shrimpton is an author who lives in Essex with her husband, her daughter, rescue cat, terrier cross, and a very large Saint Bernard called Ted. She achieved a Post Graduate Degree in Human Resource Management, but soon jumped ships to work with teenagers, including students with Asperger's syndrome on an Essex based agricultural college farm. After moving to live temporarily in the Netherlands and, later, the Cotswolds, she returned with her family to live on the Essex coast. Her interests are; anything to do with the water such as paddle boarding and swimming, producing fine detailed black and white ink artwork and, of course, writing books.

Winning Bidder

Hannah Walkt

Bids

2

£13

450

Gemma Lawrence

Title: Mistress Constancy Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/TudorTweep Book Blurb: Lady of the Tudor Court, servant of queens, courtier, wife, spy... and constant heart. This is the story of Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. In death she would become infamous, yet in life passed often unseen. Jane Parker, daughter of the scholar Lord Morley, leaves her home at a tender age, embarking on a career in the dangerous Tudor Court. From the halls of her father's house to the palaces of London, from England to Calais and the Field of the Cloth of Gold Jane will travel, seeing much of this world, and others. Promised in marriage to George Boleyn, Jane is drawn into the future of his family and their advancement... and as Anne Boleyn catches the eye of the King, Jane becomes part of the tempest about to be unleashed upon England. Mistress Constancy is Book One of The Armillary Sphere, Story of Lady Jane Rochford by G. Lawrence. Author Bio: I am an independently published author, and proud to be so. Living in a little cottage in Wales in the UK, I love where I live as much as I love to write. The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will centre on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle, paper and hard back, and soon to come, audio books! I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far... I can often be found on social media, sharing my books and any interesting historical site I have managed to find that week, so come find me if that’s what you like to see!

Winning Bidder

Carol Glasgow

Bids

2

£12

451

Annette Hannah

Title: Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe Genre: Romcom Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://annettehannah.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnetteHannah Book Blurb: Fall in love with this heartwarming and emotional romcom, perfect for fans of Rebecca Raisin and Victoria Walters! Here comes the bride... Lucy Woods has always dreamed of running her very own wedding venue. After moving her eight-year-old son to the countryside she's surprised to find the perfect location and her best friend, Abbie, eager to help make that dream a reality! Too bad Abbie's older brother Dominic isn't keen on Lucy or their big idea! As a divorce lawyer Dominic doesn't believe in love at first sight or wedding vows, he's seen them broken more times than he can count. But when Lucy arrives back in town, his hardened heart begins to crack. Making her dream come true is a huge undertaking, but Lucy knows that The Signal Box Café is her chance to finally make something of her life. If only the irritating (and oh-so-gorgeous) Dom didn't make her imagine wearing a white dress and walking down the aisle... Can Lucy and Dominic find a way to each other this summer or will the wedding bells chime for another couple? Author Bio: Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80’s and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown. She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side. As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her life long dream of writing a book. For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s new writers’ scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year. After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer. She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far flung places and spending time with her friends and family.

Winning Bidder

Wendy Albrighton

Bids

2

£12

452

Leonie Mack

Book Title: A Taste of Italian Sunshine Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://leoniemack.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeonieMAuthor Book Blurb: Jenn has always prided herself on being a city girl – she insists on easy access to good coffee, great food from around the globe, not to mention an easy commute. So, when her job takes her to one of the most famous Italian wine regions in search of the perfect Prosecco, travelling to meetings on a tractor is a bit of a culture shock. Tiziano hates the city. He was made for the mountains and vineyards of Veneto, and generations of his family have earned their living from the land. But times are changing even in the Italian countryside, and the arrival of Jenn at his grandmother’s B&B opens up a window on a different world. Jenn has two months to persuade the Prosecco producers to trust her with their business, and Tiziano has one summer to persuade Jenn that there’s more to life than the rat race. But can a city girl and a country boy ever find enough in common to see a future beyond one long summer of sun… Author Bio: Leonie Mack is an author of romantic comedies with great international locations and big feelings. She loves a happy ending and shares that love in every book she writes! Her titles take readers across Italy and as far as the Caribbean. Leonie is a journalism graduate, a language nut and loves to travel, particularly on foot, by bike and by train. After growing up in Australia and living most of her adult life in London, she now lives in Germany, among the vineyards on the Main river.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£20

453

Lynda Renham

Title: Remember Me Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.renham.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lyndarenham Book Blurb: A young mother befriends a new neighbour—but soon finds her an unwelcome presence, in this psychological thriller with a powerful twist. Sharni and her husband have just moved into 24 The Pines, and they appear to be ideal new neighbours to Clare and Chris. Sharni seems especially fond of Clare. She admires her and is always there to help, especially with childcare for Clare’s two-year-old son. But Clare is starting to wonder whether Sharni just wants to be a good neighbour—or wants something more. Like Clare’s husband. Or her child. Or her life. And her anxiety starts to build every time Sharni comes near. Is she just being overprotective, or are her worries justified? As Sharni’s influence touches everyone around her, Clare finds herself fighting for both her sanity and her family . . Author Bio: Lynda Renham is author to many popular romantic comedy and gripping psychological thriller novels. She lives in Oxford, UK. She has appeared on BBC radio discussion programs and is a prolific blogger. You can find her on Twitter and when not writing can usually be found wasting her time on Facebook. Lynda lives in Oxfordshire with her second husband and cat.

Winning Bidder

Christine Freeman

Bids

2

£15

454

Jane Jesmond

Book Title: HER Genre: Psychological Thriller Format : Paperback Dedication available : YES P&P FREE Bids accepted GLOBAL Website: https://jane-jesmond.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJJesmond Blurb : YOU THINK YOU’VE HEARD MY STORY BEFORE… At twenty-seven, I’m too young to be a widow. I’m trying my best to start over though: new city, new job running my own little shop. I try to fade into the background where I can, but the police won’t let me disappear completely. There are too many unanswered questions about the night my husband died. YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME… I even have a new lodger, Elizabeth. She’s friendly, but definitely not a friend. Beautiful, too – tall and slim with the sort of swishy blonde hair I’ve always coveted. She smiles at me when we pass on the stairs. It occurs to me then that I don’t know the first thing about her. …BUT YOU’RE SO, SO WRONG. If I were to tell you what happened to us next, you wouldn’t believe me. You might believe Elizabeth – she’s the type who people trust... until it’s too late. I guess you’ll have to find out for yourself. If you read one book this year, make it this one. A tense, gripping psychological thriller for anyone who raced through The Girl Before, Behind Her Eyes, or The Girl on the Train. Author Bio: Jane Jesmond writes psychological suspense, thrillers and mysteries Her debut novel, On The Edge, the first in a series featuring dynamic, daredevil protagonist Jen Shaw was a Sunday Times Crime Fiction best book. The second in the series, Cut Adrift, was The Times Thriller Book of the Month. Although she loves writing (and reading) thrillers and mysteries, her real life is very quiet and unexciting. Dead bodies and danger are not a feature! She lives by the sea in the northwest tip of France with a husband and a cat and enjoys coastal walks and village life.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£20

455

Naomi Kelsey

Title: The Burnings Genre: Historical fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/naomikelsey_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomikelseybooks Book Blurb: Nothing scares men like witchcraft… 1589. Scottish housemaid Geillis and Danish courtier Margareta lead opposite lives, but they both know one thing: when a man cries “witch”, no woman is safe. Yet when the marriage of King James VI and Princess Anna of Denmark brings Geillis and Margareta together, everything they supposed about good, evil, men, and women, is cast in a strange and brilliant new light. For the first time in history, could black magic – or rumours of it – be a very real tool for women’s political gain? As the North Berwick witch trials whip Scotland – and her king – into a frenzy of paranoia, the clock is ticking. Can Margareta and Geillis keep each other safe? And once the burnings are over, in whose hands will power truly lie? Inspired by the incredible true story that set 16th-century Scotland and Denmark alight, The Burnings is 2023’s most bewitching debut novel, by a multi-awardwinning new star of historical fiction. Author Bio: Naomi Kelsey is the winner of two Northern Writers’ Awards and of the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Competition 2021. Her fiction has been published in Mslexia magazine and shortlisted for several further awards including the Bridport Prize and the Bristol Prize. By day she is an English teacher in Newcastle, where she lives with her husband, their two children and their dog. The Burnings is her first novel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

13

£30

456

Frances Brody

Title: Death at the Seaside Genre: Cozy Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://frances-brody.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrancesBrody The Book: Kate looks forward to her holiday in Whitby and seeing her school friend Alma, who now works as a fortune teller. Alma's daughter Felicity has disappeared, leaving a cryptic note and a pawn ticket for their single item of value - a gold watch-guard. It falls to Kate, with help from Mrs Sugden and Jim Sykes, to find Felicity, and discover who murdered the pawn broker.. The Author: Frances Brody is the award-winning author of thirteen Kate Shackleton murder mysteries, three historical novels and two Nell Lewis prison governor novels.

Winning Bidder

Elspeth Donaldson

Bids

4

£15

457

Marion Todd

TITLE: Next in Line. GENRE: Scottish Crime Fiction. FORMAT: Paperback. DEDICATION: Yes. P&P: FREE. Bids accepted: UK ONLY. Website: http://mariontodd.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarionETodd Book Blurb: A murder victim with celebrity connections spells trouble for DI Clare Mackay... Gaby Fox is known to many due to her successful TV career, so when her brother and his pals hire the salubrious Lamond Lodge for his birthday celebrations, it is noted by the St Andrews locals. A ripple of shock goes round the town when Russell Fox is gunned down on the premises. DI Clare Mackay is attending a wedding when she sees Gabrielle receive a phone call then flee. Soon after, Clare learns why when the news of the shooting reaches her. Instead of trying to enjoy the day – not easy when the groom is her ex-boyfriend – Clare is preoccupied. Clare gets to work on uncovering the facts surrounding Russell Fox’s death. The guests at the lodge have secrets to hide, but even when Clare begins to unravel the deceit, it doesn’t bring the answers. The detective can’t help but wonder why no one who knew Russell seems capable of telling the truth, and whether there is more than one person with a reason to want him dead… A thrilling addition to the much-loved and bestselling detective fiction series from a rising star in Scottish crime fiction. Ideal for fans of Alex Gray, D. K. Hood and Rachel Amphlett. Author Bio: A native of Dundee, Marion studied music with the Open University and worked for many years as a piano teacher and jobbing accompanist. A spell as a hotel lounge pianist provided rich fodder for her writing and she began experimenting with a variety of genres. Early success saw her winning first prize in the Family Circle Magazine short story for children national competition and she followed this up by writing short stories and articles for her local newspaper. Life (and children) intervened and, for a few years, Marion’s writing was put on hold. During this time, she worked as a college lecturer, plantswoman and candle-maker. But, as a keen reader of crime fiction, the lure of the genre was strong, and she began writing her debut crime novel. Now a full-time writer, Marion lives in North-east Fife, overlooking the River Tay. She can often be found working out plots for her novels while tussling with her jungle-like garden and walking her daughter’s unruly but lovable dog.

Winning Bidder

Jackie Mitchell

Bids

2

£15

458

Lucy Strange & Pam Smy

Bonus: An original signed drawing for The Storm and the Minotaur from the illustrator Pam Smy. Title: The Storm and the Minotaur Genre: Y/A - Myths & Legends - Historical Romance Format: Paperback (This is a very special edition of the book signed by both Lucy Strange and illustrator Pam Smy at the launch party in August 2023) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lucystrange.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/theLucyStrange Website: https://www.pamsmy.com Book Blurb: Money is scarce in George’s family and so at the age of nine he has to join his father underground, hewing coal in the local mine. It’s far from the dreams George had of continuing his education, and it’s also a dangerous way to earn a living that has already claimed the life of his dad’s older brother. Not long after he starts work, a summer storm leads to flooding in the mine. Trapped down in the dark, George spots a shadowy figure that seems to be telling George to follow him. Can a ghost from the past lead him back to safety, or will George meet the same fate as his long-lost uncle? Superb… an eerie weaving of history and mythology, in the hollow, haunted world of not-so-long ago” Hilary McKay Author Bio: Lucy Strange is an award-winning children’s author who lives in the heart of the Kent countryside with her partner and their young son. Lucy’s books capture elements of classic children’s literature in a style that is engaging and accessible for today’s younger readers. Often inspired by folklore and fairy tales, Lucy combines historical settings with touches of magic and fantasy to create utterly convincing worlds in which anything might happen… Lucy won the 2014 Montegrappa First Fiction Prize, and has gone on to publish four novels with Chicken House in the UK. Her first novel, The Secret of Nightingale Wood, was published in October 2016 and was the Waterstones Book of the Month, described as ‘startlingly good’ by The Daily Telegraph who placed it at Number 10 in the Top 50 Books of 2016. The US edition was launched in New York at the end of 2017 and was immediately chosen for Amazon’s list of the Best Children’s Books of the Year. Her second novel, Our Castle by the Sea, was the Independent Booksellers’ Children’s Book of the Month, The Times Children’s Book of the Week, nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize 2020. Lucy’s books are published by Scholastic in the US and have been translated into many languages including French, German, Dutch, Hungarian, Croatian, Russian, Farsi and Mandarin. The Ghost of Gosswater was published in 2020 and was the Times Book of the Week and was chosen as one of The Times best children’s books of the year: “a classic gothic novel for beginners.” Lucy’s latest books for young readers are the folk-horror fairy tale Sisters of the Lost Marsh (2021), which was described by Hilary McKay as her “book of the year”, and The Mermaid in the Millpond (2022). This is a short, dyslexia-friendly novel about friendship and freedom, set during the Industrial Revolution and published by Barrington Stoke. Before becoming a professional writer, Lucy worked as an English teacher for fifteen years. Having also trained and worked as an actor, Lucy narrates her own audiobooks, winning the 2019 Audie Award for The Secret of Nightingale Wood. Illustrator Bio: Pam Smy has illustrated folktales, chapter books, nursery rhyme collections, picture books and novels. She has had 20 years of art school teaching and lecturing experience at Cambridge School of Art and, over this time, has developed an understanding of how to nurture creative process and work through ideas with illustrators. She has a passion for observational drawing and sketchbooks. Awards: Nominated for CILIP Greenaway Medal for Lob, written by Linda Newbery, published by David Fickling Books in 2015 for Lob Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Older Fiction Category, 2018 for Thornhill Shortlisted for the CILIP Greenaway Medal, 2018 for Thornhill Shortlisted for the Leeds Book Awards, 2018 for Thornhill Shortlisted for the Oxfordshire Book Award, 2018 for Thornhill. Awarded the PictureHooks Invisible Prize, 2020

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£50

459

Alan Dapre

Title: Grizzly Ben Genre: Children's Picture Book Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: UK Only Website: http://alandapre.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlanDapre Book Blurb: This gorgeously quirky tale of a grumpy and grizzly little boy will capture your heart. Alan Dapré's words and Alex Ayliffe's illustrations are full of energy and vitality, taking the reader on a familiar journey from tantrums to tucked up in bed. A story with relatable themes of friendship, frustration and family. Filled with lovely, read-out-loud language, Grizzly Ben offers plenty of opportunities for reader participation of the roaring, stomping kind. Author Bio: Alan Dapré is an experienced author of 61 books for children. His plays have been broadcast on BBC Radio & published for use in schools. A TV scriptwriter, whose work was BAFTA nominated, he now writes stories for young readers. Alan regularly appears at book festivals, libraries & schools. He delivers lively wordplay packed interactive events based on his fun-filled books.

Winning Bidder

kim Coulson

Bids

1

£11

460

Claire Cooper

Title: The Elevator Genre: Psychological thriller Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage and packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/CJCooper_author Book Blurb My whole body is shaking, my breath catches in my throat. I’m stuck here. Trapped. With the one person who will do anything to destroy me… When I step into the elevator that sweltering morning, I barely notice the woman standing next to me. She seems out of place, with her floaty linen clothes in a building full of suits. But that’s none of my business. A minute later, there’s a sudden jerk. The elevator stops. The lights go out. The other woman’s face is deathly pale. She’s breathing noisily, clearly panicking. As we sit slumped against the mirrored walls, we start talking to try and keep calm. I tell her I moved halfway round the world to start again where no one knew what I was hiding. I tell her my darkest secrets, because she seems to understand, and we’re never going to see each other again, right? But I’m wrong. We’re not strangers. None of this is an accident. And when the truth comes out, there’ll be nowhere to hide… Author Bio: Claire Cooper grew up in a small village in south Wales before moving to London as a student. She was a civil servant for 17 years, but hung up her bowler hat when she discovered she much preferred writing about psychotic killers to Ministerial speeches. She lives in London with her husband and a pond full of very cute newts, and she also writes as C. J. Cooper.

Winning Bidder

Fiona McCormick

Bids

2

£15

461

Sara Read

Title: The Midwife's Truth Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.sararead.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/saralread Book Blurb: Midwife Lucie Smith had expected to live a retired life of quiet contemplation, somewhere with a small garden to tend and room for a few hens. However, 1666 sees her with no option but to keep serving remedies in her late husband's shop at the sign of the Three Doves, since no new apothecary can be found for the town of Tupingham. Not only that, but Lucie's house gradually refills with people in need of shelter and care. Her son Simon comes home, seeking refuge from the Great Fire of London. Teenaged twins have been abandoned by their family following a solemn discovery in an outside privy. And refugees from the fire have started to flood into the town. Amidst all this, Lucie is confronted with painful memories of her unresolved losses from years gone by. In a vulnerable state, she succumbs to a winter sickness which almost kills her. With two men vying for her hand in marriage, and Simon attempting to steer her in a new direction, she must decide which path she should take and whose intentions she can trust. One thing is certain, Lucie will be the one to determine her own course. Author Bio: I’m a literary historian specialising in the cultural representations of the reproductive body in the early modern period – mainly the seventeenth century – and a novelist. My debut novel, The Gossips’ Choice was published in spring 2020, and its sequel The Midwife’s Truth came out in March 2023. I’m a senior lecturer in English at Loughborough University, in the Midlands. At Loughborough, I teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I also a contributing editor at the blog Early Modern Medicine alongside founding editor Dr Jennifer Evans. Our book from the blog was published in 2017. I am also serve on the committee of the Women’s Studies Group, 1558-1837, where I collate and distribute the monthly newsletter to members.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

462

Chard & Lux

Two Books: Title 1: Teacup Lives in the Phillipines Genre: Childrens Format: Paperback Title 2: Teacup goes to Guisi Beach Genre: Childrens Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeacupPh Book 1: Teacup Lives in the Phillipines This beautiful and bright children’s picture book brings the story of Teacup's life into your home. Teacup is a real Shih Tzu that lives in the Philippines. This and future books about him, are based on his true life adventures. He lives on the Island of Guimaras and the books give an insight into the lives of a typical Philippine family. The illustrations are fun and interesting and inspire imagination and learning for the reader. Book 2: Teacup goes to Guisi Beach This is the second in the series of Teacup's adventures. It tells the story of Teacup's day out with his family to Guisi Beach on Guimaras Island. It provides an insight to one of numerous beautiful locations in the Philippines and the many things you can do there. Teacup's family are typical of one in the Philippines and you can discover how much they can enjoy themselves. The bright and beautiful illustrations and Teacup's adventure give you a glimpse of real life in the Philippines. The Authors: Lux is a professional illustrator and has worked for major advertising and PR agencies for many years. Chard fell in love with the Philippines when he first went there and with the help of Lux has put Teacup's real life adventures onto paper. Chard and Lux are both dog lovers and spend a lot of time helping rescue dogs.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

463

S. A. Harris

Title: Seahurst Genre: Paranormal Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/salharris Twitter: https://twitter.com/salharris1 Book Blurb: There is something in the stones, something ancient and dark that will never let you go… Evie Meyer and her son Alfie flee from her abusive partner to spend New Year with her half-brother Luke at their late father’s summer home on the Suffolk Coast, only to find Seahurst abandoned and Luke missing. Evie searches for her brother, filled with a deepening dread that something is very wrong at Seahurst and their father’s death may not have been suicide after all. As Seahurst’s ancient and sinister secrets unfurl around her, Evie fears the souls of the dead will soon claim another terrible revenge. Author Bio: I live in an old house, mostly Georgian in style, although it was built a couple of years after Queen Victoria came to the throne. It has beautiful but draughty sash windows and floorboards that creak when I’m home alone. When doors click shut of their own accord, we put it down to the ill-fitting windows. That’s what we try to believe. Our home inspired my first novel, Haverscroft. The story centres around a family trying to stay together as the parents’ marriage struggles to survive infidelity. Life gets much more complicated once they move to a new home for a fresh start. No one told them Haverscroft House was haunted. Alongside the supernatural and psychological suspense, domestic noir threads run through my writing, fuelled by my many experiences as a family law solicitor. Dysfunctional family relationships and long-held dark secrets weave their way between the hauntings. My second novel, Seahurst, is set on the Suffolk coast. The area is famous for its folklore, tales of Black Shuck and towns lost beneath the North Sea — all fabulous inspiration alongside abandoned abbeys and castle ruins. I was born in the county and spent my childhood on the beaches, running along narrow, sandy paths that crisscross the heathlands and thread through the dunes. The vast empty skies, mudflats and whispering reed beds have inspired writers over centuries. What better setting could there be for a contemporary haunted house ghost story? Haverscroft was long-listed for Not The Booker Prize, was one of Den Of Geek’s best books of 2019, a semi-finalist in the Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award 2020, and a Halloween recommended read in Prima Magazine.

Winning Bidder

Simon Sleightholm

Bids

2

£25

464

Helen Fry

Book Title: Women in Intelligence: A Hidden History across Two World Wars Genre: Non fiction History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.helen-fry.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrHelenFry Book Blurb: A groundbreaking history of women in British intelligence, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the twentieth century From the twentieth century onward, women took on an extraordinary range of roles in intelligence, defying the conventions of their time. Across both world wars, far from being a small part of covert operations, women ran spy networks and escape lines, parachuted behind enemy lines, and interrogated prisoners. And, back in Bletchley and Whitehall, women’s vital administrative work in MI offices kept the British war engine running. In this major, panoramic history, Helen Fry looks at the rich and varied work women undertook as civilians and in uniform. From spies in the Belgian network “La Dame Blanche,” knitting coded messages into jumpers, to those who interpreted aerial images and even ran entire sections, Fry shows just how crucial women were in the intelligence mission. Filled with hitherto unknown stories, Women in Intelligence places new research on record for the first time and showcases the inspirational contributions of these remarkable women. Author Bio: Historian Helen Fry has written extensively on the Second World War with particular reference to the 10,000 Germans & Austrians who fought for Britain; and also intelligence and espionage. Helen's latest book "Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World Wars" is published in September 2023. MI9: A History of the Secret Service for Escape and Evasion in World War Two" has been widely covered in the national press. Her critically acclaimed book "The Walls Have Ears: The Greatest Intelligence Operation of WWII" featured in the Top 8 Books of the Year by the Daily Mail (2019). She is the leading expert on the 'secret listeners' at special eavesdropping sites by British intelligence in WWII. She has been at the forefront of widespread coverage and in-depth research of the greatest intelligence deception of the war: the bugging of Hitler’s generals at Trent Park, North London as well as Latimer House and Wilton Park in Buckinghamshire. Helen is recognised as the official biographer of MI6 spymaster, Colonel Thomas Joseph Kendrick. Her biography of Kendrick - "Spymaster: The Man who saved MI6" - has been highly acclaimed as one of Waterstones best biographies of the year 2021. Her published books include "The London Cage" about Britain's Secret WW2 Interrogation Centre, amongst a portfolio of books that include "Inside Nuremberg Prison"; "Denazification: Britain's Enemy Aliens, Nazi war Criminals & the Reconstruction of post-war Europe"; "Freuds' War" and "Churchill's German Army", "From Dachau to D-Day" and "German Schoolboy, British Commando". She appears frequently in TV documentaries, podcasts, and broadcasts as well live interviews on the BBC and BBC World News. She can be found on Twitter @DrHelenFry and Facebook. Helen is an ambassador for The Museum of Military Intelligence; an Honorary member of the Association of Jewish Refugees; and a Trustee of The Medmenham Collection. Helen was honoured as 'A Women of Achievement', alongside 400 women at the Women of the Year Lunch 2022.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£47

465

Lali A. Love

Title: Portals of Magic: Poetry and Activity Book Genre: Chidren Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://authorlalialove.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/laliaristo Book Blurb: Come join us for some unicorn fun, On a journey that’s second to none. Through portals of light, We'll take flight with might, Our adventure has only begun. What you will find inside the book: Part 1: A Unicorn’s Quest poetry in limerick format. Part 2: 40 black and white coloring pages and activities. • Designs with cute unicorns including an empowering message on each page. • A nice large format for small hands to enjoy. Part 3: You’re Portals of Magic acrostic poems to inspire your little star. The coloring and activity pages will help your child relax and express their creativity, self-regulate their mood and develop their imagination while reading the uplifting rhymes. Author Bio: Lali A. Love ™️ is an award-winning author and Amazon bestseller of dark fantasy, science fiction, paranormal thriller, and inspirational poetry. She has received the NYC Big Book Award in Poetry Anthology, a Global e-Book Gold Award, the Elite Choice Gold Award, the Book of Excellence Award, the Queer Indie Lit Youth Gold Awards, and the International Reader’s Favorite Gold and Bronze Awards for quality and powerful storytelling. Her mission is to empower, enlighten, and entertain her readers by bridging the concepts of metaphysics with gripping storytelling and inspiring poetry. Lali aspires to write stimulating, thought-provoking, and relevant character-based novels that relate to modern-day issues and invoke an emotional response in her readers. As an intuitive, alchemist, and energy healer, Lali intends to help elevate levels of consciousness by shining the light on sensitive subject matter to assist individuals in their healing journeys. She is an advocate for self-love, self-actualization, voicing authentic truths, equality, diversity, unity, women, and children.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

466

Natalie Denny

Title: Keisha Jones Takes on the World Genre: Children - Humour Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.nataliedenny.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/Natalie_Denny_ Book Blurb: Brimming with ideas and passion, Keisha’s determined to stamp down injustices and stand up for what she believes… When Grandpa Joe tells Keisha about Great Aunt Bee, who was a lawyer and an activist, Keisha is determined to follow in her footsteps. Forming the Bee Squad, she enlists her friends KD and Paisley to help put an end to inequality. Soon they have their first cause. Incensed by the fact that her local pet shop is selling male rabbits for more than female ones, Keisha lobbies the manager who explains that he’s overrun with female rabbits. The cheaper price is just a sales incentive. Uh-uh. It’s time to stand up for rabbits’ rights. But mixing up the bunnies has consequences far beyond those Keisha could have imagined! Author Bio: Natalie Denny is the award-winning force behind Skywriters Ltd, a creative education social enterprise. Her roles include writer, activist, tutor and EDI Consultant for Anthony Walker Foundation. Natalie was awarded the Merseyside Women of the Year Social Impact accolade in July 2022 and Skywriters Ltd won Merseyside Independent Business Award Best Start Up in October 2022. Natalie is also chair of The Period Project Merseyside , a voluntary led initiative providing women and people who have periods with menstrual items and campaigning to #endperiodpoverty and co-founder of The Goddess Projects , an organisation with the mission to empower, inspire and assist Black women and women of colour to develop and achieve in their communities. Natalie graduated from The Open University with an open degree which incorporated creative writing. Natalie was runner-up in Writing on the Wall’s ‘Pulp Idol’ 2019 competition and author of the children’s educational book ‘Her Hair: A Crown’, a resource developed in partnership with Manchester University, Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Centre, and Cedar Mount Girls group, to diversify the curriculum in Manchester Schools. Natalie is a tutor for Your Edge Training , supporting learners to achieve their youth and community work qualifications to support young people in their neighbourhoods. Natalie’s interests include reading, activism, travelling, writing poetry and prose, live entertainment and being ‘Auntie Nat’.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£16

467

Annaliese Avery

Title 1: THE NIGHTSILVER PROMISE Title 2: THE DOOMFIRE SECRET Genre: CHILDREN'S FANTASY ADVENTURE Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://annalieseavery.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnalieseAvery Book 1 Blurb: THE NIGHTSILVER PROMISE An epic adventure featuring danger, dragons and a fight against destiny. "A smart, original, fantasy adventure" Dominique Valente, author of Starfell "Richly imagined and unputdownable" Vashti Hardy, author of Brightstorm When Paisley Fitzwilliam is summoned to receive the track of stars that will determine her future, she is filled with hope for the future. But the fate she is dealt throws everything upside down. Then her mother goes missing and the closely guarded secret around her brother Dax is more at risk than ever before. It seems that the previous metal nightsilver might hold the key. . . Can Paisley defy her stars and change the course of history? A breath taking journey through the Floating Boroughs and the dark sewers of London, capital city of the Empire of Albion. A thrilling fantasy debut with immersive world-building and tons of action! Perfect for readers of Philip Pullman, Diana Wynne Jones and Cornelia Funke. The first book in a bold new trilogy, destined to be a future classic. Book 2 Blurb: THE DOOMFIRE SECRET The thrilling sequel to Annaliese Avery's epic debut THE NIGHTSILVER PROMISE. Featuring danger, dragons and a fight against destiny. When Paisley Fitzwilliam escapes the clutches of the Dark Dragon, she has just one thing on her mind - getting her brother Dax back from the icy Northern Realms, where he was whisked away by the fierce and mysterious dragon riders, the Krigare. It's clear that Paisley's track is unique, but with the Dark Dragon and the King's Guard now on her trail, she faces danger at every turn. To rescue her brother and keep the Heart Stone from the clutches of the Dark Dragon, Paisley must harness her power and seek new and dangerous alliances. . . The next instalment in a thrilling fantasy series with immersive world-building and tons of action! Author Bio: Annaliese Avery has spent most of her life surrounded by stories, both at work as a library manager and at home writing them. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and has worked as a children's book editor and creative writing workshop leader for both young writers and adults. In January 2020, Annaliese was shortlisted for the SCBWI Undiscovered Voices anthology.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

468

Annaliese Avery

Book Title: THE IMMORTAL GAMES Genre: YA ROMANTASY ADVENTURE Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://annalieseavery.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnalieseAveryBook Book Blurb: An explosive new romantasy YA, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Lore. Every Lunar Eclipse signifies the beginning of the Immortal Games: An epic set of games played by the Gods of Olympus, with randomly-selected humans as their Tokens. The stakes are high for the Gods who covet entertainment and glory above all else. For the Tokens, it's about survival. 17-year-old Ara seeks revenge. Revenge on the Gods for allowing her older sister to die in the Games. And now she is consumed with one ambition only - to find a weapon powerful enough to kill a God. But when Ara is plucked from the clutches of death by Hades, God of the Underworld, she realises that she has become a Token herself in the brutal games. Coached by the only God who has never won the games, the odds are stacked against her. Hades is the outcast of the Gods, who selects a Token who is already about to die to give them a second chance at life. But he soon realises that Ara does not fear death, just as she does not fear him. And when a wager offers Hades unimaginable power should his Token win, the games take on a new meaning. As the Games progress, Hades teaches Ara the value of life and living. Ara - still grieving the loss of her sister - teaches Hades compassion. And with Tokens slowly succumbing to the quests, Ara must put aside her rage if she is to survive! Author Bio: Annaliese Avery has spent most of her life surrounded by stories, both at work as a library manager and at home writing them. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and has worked as a children's book editor and creative writing workshop leader for both young writers and adults. In January 2020, Annaliese was shortlisted for the SCBWI Undiscovered Voices anthology. The Nightsilver Promise was her debut middle-grade novel, and the first in a thrilling, new fantasy trilogy. And The Immortal Games is her debut book for YA readers.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£26

469

Lisa Hall

Book Title: The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black Genre: Timeslip/Murder Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lisahallauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaHallAuthor Book Blurb: You know she has been murdered. Can you stop it happening twice? Two very different lives… It is 2019 and Lily Jones is living her dream in LA. Sort of. It hasn’t quite turned out as she planned and instead of working as a movie producer, she is cleaning at the prestigious Beverly Hills Hotel. At least she gets to work in the renowned Paul Williams suite, site of the brutal murder of Honey Black 70 years ago, shrouded in rumour and dark glamour. It is 1949 and Honey Black is about to hit the big time. She may have started out a country girl from Hicksville but now she is a star. And Hollywood had better watch out – nothing can stop her now! One Hollywood murder… After an accidental bump to the head, Lily finds herself in Hollywood, 1949. Like a dream come true, she is rubbing shoulders with the great and good of Tinseltown. Including Honey Black... Horrified, Lily realises that the actress has only two weeks left to live before she will be murdered. Could this be why she has found herself in 1949? To find the killer and stop them in their tracks? A glamorous, time-slip murder mystery set in the Golden Age of Hollywood – All About Eve meets Back to the Future. Don’t miss this unforgettable read from bestselling author Lisa Hall Author Bio: Lisa Hall is the bestselling author of six psychological thrillers and the Hotel Hollywood time-slip murder mystery series. Her debut novel Between You and Me was a Kindle UK number one bestseller, sitting in the top spot for over four weeks. Lisa has a First Class Honours degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. She lives in Kent with her husband and their three children.

Winning Bidder

FIONA BARCLAY

Bids

5

£22

470

Abby Davies

Title: Arrietty Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://abbydaviesauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Abby13Richards Book Blurb: Terrified… Arrietty wakes one morning to find her mother gone. Turning to her father for reassurance, she gets the terrifying sense that he - and others - are hiding a crime too dreadful to name. Trapped… Confined to the house on the cliff, Arrietty worries for the safety of her brother as her father becomes increasingly unstable and unpredictable. Truth… Arrietty’s hunt for answers plunges her into a nightmarish fight for survival that leads her to the most awful secret of all. Author Bio: I write suspenseful psychological thrillers with a hint of horror. My debut, Mother Loves Me, was shortlisted for the Mslexia Novel Competition in 2018. I have an MA in Creative Writing, and I also work as a Jericho Writers editor and an English teacher in a school for children with special learning needs. My debut, Mother Loves Me, was published in 2020. My second novel, The Cult, came out in 2021, and Arrietty is my third novel. Her No.1 Fan, will be published in October 2023. In my books, I like to explore the darker side to humanity and psychological instability alongside themes of obsession, hope and survival. I live in Wiltshire with my husband, daughter and two crazy cocker spaniels. I love dancing, reading, shopping, gorging on Netflix series and going on holiday somewhere hot and sunny!

Winning Bidder

Carrie-Anne Andrews

Bids

2

£12

471

P.R. Moffitt & T. A. Moffitt

Two Book Special Title 1: The Lady of Larnwick's Fable Title 2: The Winter Women Genre: Historical Fantasy and High Fantasy Format: Paperbacks/e,books Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://brokencrowns.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatriciaMoffit6 Book 1 Blurb: The Fable Begins... In a land where magic has slowly been ground into dust, elves and orcs still manage to dwell amongst men. Whilst Erosil is home to many kingdoms, Man’s Lands dominate all they see as foreign. Estron, Jacarcia, and the isle of Scarron are ruled by two siblings born of the most powerful human dynasty: the Whitehammers. The Whitehammer king in the west is dead and his troubled daughter is seen as unfit to rule his realm. Her brothers and their council of Jacarcian nobles worry about the allegiances she has made through her marriage. The Whitehammer queen in the east has problems of her own. Her oldest son is far from ready to take the throne, and she is rumoured to be planning to bypass him in favour of her more capable children. Bonds will be broken, intrigue will thrive, and the ones who love will love no more. The Lady of Larnwick's fable is told, and the ears of Erosil are drawn to its final recital. Book 2 Blurb The Fable Continues... The former Queen of Jacarcia has been handed over to her sister-in-law in retribution for her brother’s murder. Now her fate lies with the Winter Women of old. As she discovers the depths of her magical gifts, her kinsman embarks on a journey to find the last dragon eggs. The newly married King of Jacarcia finds love with a beautiful woman. Their dalliance sends shockwaves from The Pearl City to Broken Storm Harbour. The nomads of Jacarcia, however, soon pose a greater threat than any affair of the heart. The battles of the Kingmaker War have resolved nothing, and the Whitehammer siblings are more distant than ever. The crown of Estron has lost its prestige, and voices to the north and south call for greater independence from the new king’s rule. In a time of empires and thrones, where magic is real, and power and position are key, the shadows of the past haunt the future. A queen will rise, a king will fall, and the Winter Women will reign again! The King of Jacarcia knows my name, His shattered heart is full of blame; He whispers love to shelter woes, The cold and wind of Larnwick blows. The treble tide across the sea, The pain of birth he will not see; The island’s witch no longer waits, She chants and wails, her wretched hate. The spring of the Goddess will come; The summer of the Daughter will burn the sons; The harvest of the meek will shed their skins; The winter women will reign again. Author P.R. Moffitt Bio: I am an author and publisher, currently writing book six in The Broken Crown Series and studying for a BA in Creative Writing & Publishing. I have been writing since I was fourteen but did not publish my first book until thirty-five years later. All the books in the Broken Crown series are set in the fictional world of Erosil. Many creatures live in the world, including Men, Elves, Orcs and Dragons, as well as other creatures that you may not have heard of before. Author Thomas A Moffitt Bio: Thomas has been writing since he was seven and published his first book at the age of fifteen, The Erosion of Erosil (part one of The Burnt Throne). Seven years later, he has written three further books to add to The Burnt Throne Saga. This is all while working towards a Master's Degree in Classics.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

472

Anna Britton

Book Title: Shot in the Dark Genre: Crime thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://annabritton.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrittonBookGeek Book Blurb: A fatal chase. Dangerous secrets. No answers. Moonlight slants through the trees on the ancestral Dunlow estate, where a young woman runs for her life. Gunshots break the silence. The next morning, the body of seventeen-year-old student Melanie Pirt is found. DS Gabe Martin is more than ready to take the lead on her first murder case. Determined to prove herself to the cold and mysterious DI Juliet Stern, Gabe can’t afford any distractions – especially not ones that wake her in the night, reminding her of a past she’d rather forget. Because while Gabe and Juliet have few leads, there are plenty of suspects. And every one of them is lying… The first in a new detective series featuring an unforgettable female detective partnership, Author Bio: Shot in the Dark is Anna's debut crime novel - published on 26th October 2023. She lives on the Isle of Wight, where she enjoys rambling walks with her chronically clumsy labrador and exploring rivers in her kayak. She's an experienced freelance editor and loves mentoring other writers! When not writing, she's probably reading or hiding from her towering TBR pile.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£25

473

E V Radwinter

Title: Loves Lost and Found Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage and Packaging FREE Bids accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/e_v_radwinter Book Blurb: Brief book blurb: This is a heartfelt book of, and about, love. Fate has often conspired against Chloe. So, when an old flame, Ed, re-appears out of the blue, Chloe must decide whether she will succumb to the euphoric, addictive and giddy happiness of a rekindled romance, or close her heart to love in order to protect herself from the emptiness left by previous broken hearts Author Bio: E V Radwinter writes heartfelt books that are inspired by real life events, experiences and emotions. he has worked in Marketing and Communications for most of her career and has a passion for writing. Her inspiration to write comes from a love of reading, a visit to the library where Evelyn Anthony wrote her books, and the encouragement of her family. E V Radwinter was born in London and grew up in Essex. Over the years she has lived in some of the liveliest and most beautiful places across the country, including Nottingham, Norfolk, Devon and Surrey.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

474

Linn B. Halton

Title: Finding Happiness at Penvennan Cove Genre: Women’s contemporary fiction Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage and packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://linnbhalton.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LinnBHalton Book blurb: Kerra Shaw's happiness should be complete when the love of her life moves into her cottage. But there is trouble in her beloved Penvennan Cove and Kerra knows she won't be able to enjoy her new start with Ross until she's put things right. Two struggling businesses threaten to change the beach at Penvennan Cove forever. The Lark and Lantern, an inn at the heart of the community, is struggling and a corporate chain is trying to redevelop the site. Meanwhile, The Salvager's Yard nearby is becoming an eyesore that brings down the area. Kerra knows she can find the perfect solution, but with her eyes on the community, will Kerra miss the tensions in her own life? Can Kerra find her own happy ending, or could putting others first cost her what she deserves most? Author bio: Linn B. Halton is a #1 bestselling author of contemporary romantic fiction. In 2013 she won the UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction Award. Originally from Bristol, she now lives in the Welsh Valleys with her husband and Bengal cat, Ziggy. For Linn, life is all about family, friends and writing. She is a self-confessed hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist. When Linn is not writing, she spends time in the garden weeding or practising Tai Chi. And she is often found with a paintbrush in her hand indulging her passion for upcycling furniture. Her novels have been translated into Italian, Czech and Croatian. She also writes as Lucy Coleman.

Winning Bidder

Carolyn Robertshaw

Bids

3

£14

475

Rae Sargeant

Title: Her Deadly Friend Genre: Suspense/thriller/police procedural Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelSargeant3 Book Blurb: Her Deadly Friend – the closer she gets, the more people die When you shake off a bully… But she comes back into your life… It’s an absolute killer. Picked on by Steph throughout her school days, Amy has always felt like the victim. Decades-old resentment is never far away. Now Steph is a detective inspector on the trail of a serial killer and closer than ever. Murders rock the city. First one, then another. The body count reaches five and all Steph’s leads point to Amy. But are the women obsessed with a schoolgirl vendetta, or is Steph closing in on a deadly suspect? Book 1 of Gleveham Killers Suspense series Author Bio: Rachel Sargeant is a bestselling author of psychological thrillers and crime fiction. As Rae Sargeant, she writes the Gleveham Killers Suspense series, published by Hobeck Books. She is honoured to offer for auction a copy of Her Deadly Friend, the first in the series.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

476

Jean Gill

Title: Song at Dawn Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes, via a custom bookplate Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://jeangill.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/writerjeangill Book Blurb: Award-winning historical fiction. Like 'Game of Thrones' with real history. 'Believable, page-turning and memorable.' Lela Michael, S.P. Review 1150: Provence, where making love and making paper are crimes against the Church. Death on her heels, Estela runs towards a new identity. Her life depends on her golden voice and the patronage of Eleanor of Aquitaine but her heart cares more for the judgement of her tutor, Dragonetz, a cynical ex-crusader. Will their secrets kill them both? The troubadours, Dragonetz and Estela, are an explosive combination which their powerful enemies intend to blast into smithereens. Set in the period following the Second Crusade, Jean Gill’s spellbinding romantic thrillers evoke medieval France with breathtaking accuracy. The characters leap off the page and include amazing women like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Ermengarda of Narbonne, who shaped history in battles and in bedchambers. Global Ebooks Award for Best Historical Fiction Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Awards, the Kindle Book Awards and the Chaucer Awards Four Discovered Diamond Awards ‘One of the best historical novels I’ve read in a long time,’ Paul Trembling, Dragonslayer Author Bio Jean Gill is an award-winning Welsh writer and photographer living in the south of France with two scruffy dogs, a beehive named 'Endeavour', a Nikon D750 and a man. For many years, she taught English and was the first woman to be a secondary headteacher in Wales. She is mother or stepmother to five children so life was hectic. Join Jean's special readers' group at http://jeangill.com for private news and exclusive offers.

Winning Bidder

Claire Hamlisch

Bids

2

£50

477

Lindsay Duncan

Book Title: Marlo The Brave Genre: Children’s Picture Book Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://linktr.ee/authorlindsayduncan Twitter: https://twitter.com/Author_Lindsay Instagram: https://instagram.com/Lucid_Moment_In_Time Book Blurb: Marlo is a scared puppy, but when he needs to, he finds moments of courage to protect those he loves. Farmer Alan and Marlo talk to the reader to bring any hidden emotions to the surface. Everyone needs a best friend. Will Marlo be yours? 3 in 1 Bilingual Children’s Book - Paperback + Audio + Ebook with ASL Sign Language + French translation integrated. Contained within the book are QR codes linking to the Ebook, Audio and Animated version of the 6 x 9 Paperback book. Author Bio: Lindsay, who grew up in the Highlands of Scotland has always had a passion for writing, since she herself was a child. Every Christmas her mother would ask her what she wanted from Santa, her reply was always the same, a pen and paper to allow her to write, followed by the words ‘I am going to be a writer one day Mum.’ It was never in any doubt that one day Lindsay would write a book as far as her mother was concerned, only a matter of time before she put that pen to paper. Lindsay, now a mother herself enjoyed reading to her daughter. She hopes that the book will encourage young children to discuss feelings and emotions at an early age, alongside their new best friend Marlo.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£20

478

Kit Butler

Book Title: Magster and the Light of the Ladybird Genre: Children's fantasy adventure (7-11yrs) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://kitbutler.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMagsterChap Book Blurb: Magster the Cockapoo and her human daddy, Paul, go for a walk in the woods. A mysterious stranger recruit Magster as a special agent for the Mystic Council of Mages. Her first mission is to protect the “Light of the Ladybird” and so their adventures begin. After a nail-biting duel, Magster’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with is sealed; her work for the Mystic Council of Mages has only just begun. Author Bio: Kit Butler now lives in the Midlands. He has been an avid reader since childhood but his real passion for writing came later in life. Kit is the author of the middle grade children's book, “Magster and the Light of the Ladybird”, which is the first book in a series of adventures for Magster - the intrepid Cockapoo ,who has been recruited as a Special Agent for the Mystic Council of Mages, to help them in their continued fight against the forces of darkness. He spent some of his previous years as a professional session guitarist and published composer and then later, as a Commercial Director / Sales Consultant in the digital media arena, before he started writing in any professional capacity. His mantra is “Imagine a world without the love and magic of animals”

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£15

479

Camilla Chester

Book Title: Call Me Lion Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.Camilla http://chester.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/camillacauthor Book Blurb: Why can’t I talk just like everybody else? Leo’s selective mutism is putting his spot in the end of summer dance show on the line. And when chatty Richa moves in next door, he’s certain she’ll abandon him, like all his other friends. But when he learns her deepest secret, he realises that Richa might need him as much as he needs her… Author Bio: Camilla Chester is a dog walking, hybrid Children’s Author, with three self-published and one traditionally published novel, entitled Call Me Lion. She has been shortlisted twice in national competitions, writes on commission for the popular online school resource, Serial Mash, is an active SCBWI volunteer and is represented by Veronique Baxter at DHA. Camilla lives in Hertfordshire, England with her family and furry friends.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£18

480

Zoë Folbigg

Book Title: Fairytale Of New York Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://zoefolbigg.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/zoefolbigg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoefolbigg Book Blurb: New from the NUMBER ONE bestselling author of #TheNote Thirty-two-year-old Charlie Brown has a plane to catch. As Christmas approaches, she is New York bound, to be reunited with boyfriend Harry after work has kept them apart. But once she lands, Harry is nowhere to be found. There’s no hand-drawn sign with her name being brandished at the gate. No answer from Harry's phone. And all at once, Charlie’s worst fears come true. What has happened to Harry? And what should Charlie do now she’s an ocean away from home? As Charlie slowly comes to terms with her predicament, she makes a decision. She’s not leaving New York without finding out the truth, and with a little help from her handsome new friend Pete, there might still be a path to happily-ever-after… Bestseller Zoë Folbigg returns with a page-turning story of love, friendship and learning to believe in your own worth. Author Bio: Zoë Folbigg is the bestselling author of six novels including number-one bestseller The Note. She had a broad career in journalism, writing for magazines and newspapers from Cosmopolitan to The Guardian; Good Housekeeping to The i Paper, plus a weekly column in Fabulous magazine. She married Train Man (star of The Note) and lives with him and their two sons in Hertfordshire.

Winning Bidder

Jude Srivalsan

Bids

9

£34

481

Matthew Harffy

Title: A Day of Reckoning Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://matthewharffy.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewHarffy Book Blurb: Hunlaf battles peril and intrigue on a dangerous voyage to Muslim Spain. AD 796. Sailing in search of an object of great power, Hunlaf and his comrades are far from home when they are caught up in a violent skirmish against pirates. After the bloody onslaught, an encounter with ships from Islamic Spain soon sees them escorted under guard to the city of Qadis, one of the jewels of the Emirate of Al-Andalus and the true destination of their voyage. Hunlaf believes the Emir's lands hold the key to his search, but there are dangerous games at play. To achieve his goal, Hunlaf and his allies must walk a difficult path where friends and enemies alike are not always what they seem - and where a weapon deadlier than any yet seen could change the future of all the kingdoms in Europe. Author Bio: Matthew Harffy is the author of critically acclaimed, action-packed, historically accurate novels. He has published nine novels in the Bernicia Chronicles series, set in seventh century Britain. The Times called Matthew’s standalone novel, Wolf of Wessex, “a treat of a book”. His newest series, A Time for Swords, is set at the dawn of the Viking Age and follows the adventures of monk-turned-warrior, Hunlaf, who witnesses the first attack on the monastery of Lindisfarne and feels compelled to pick up a blade and organise the defence against the Norse raiders. As well as writing, Matthew also presents the popular podcast, Rock, Paper, Swords! with fellow author Steven A. McKay. Matthew lives in Wiltshire, with his wife, their two daughters and a slightly mad dog.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

14

£80

482

Hilary McKay

Title: Jodie Genre: Children - Ghost Story Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Uk Only Website: https://www.hilarymckay.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/hilary_mckay *Bonus: Hilary has added a beret knitted by the herself in matching colours to keep you warm while you read her book. Book Blurb: Jodie never wanted to come on the residential trip to the field centre. A loner at school, she’s forced into a dormitory with other girls from her class who don’t understand her and talk about her behind her back. Even though they’re not trying to be mean, Jodie feels excluded and miserable, and eventually escapes out onto the salt marshes in search of a little dog she can hear barking in the distance. But the salt marshes are dangerous and Jodie gets trapped by the incoming tide. Stuck in the sucking mud, will anyone even notice that she’s gone? And where is the little dog that keeps barking so mournfully …? Author Bio: Hilary McKay was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, as the eldest of four daughters. After reading Botany and Zoology at university, a stint as a biochemist and the birth of her two children, Hilary left her job to devote her time to writing. For her first novel, The Exiles, she won the 1992 Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. Hilary lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£41

483

Emma Stonex

Title: The Lamplighters Genre: Literary Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/StonexEmma Book Blurb: Cornwall, 1972. Three keepers vanish from a remote lighthouse, miles from the shore. The entrance door is locked from the inside. The clocks have stopped. The Principal Keeper’s weather log describes a mighty storm, but the skies have been clear all week. What happened to those three men, out on the tower? The heavy sea whispers their names. The tide shifts beneath the swell, drowning ghosts. Can their secrets ever be recovered from the waves? Author Bio: Emma Stonex was born in 1983 and grew up in Northamptonshire. Before becoming a writer, she worked as an editor in publishing. Ahead of THE LAMPLIGHTERS, she wrote several books under pseudonyms, but saved her real name for the story that had always been in her heart: the real-life mystery of three lighthouse keepers who vanished from their rock light in 1900 and to this day have never been found. She lives in Bristol with her husband and two young daughters.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£17

484

Gabriela Houston

The Wind Child Duology Title 1: The Wind Child Title 2: The Storm Child Genre: Upper MG Adventure Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://gabrielahouston.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabrielaHouston Book Blurb: Featuring a colourful Slavic cast of tempestuous gods and frightening monsters, this is a story about friendship, and how far you would go - and what you would sacrifice - to avoid saying goodbye to someone you love. No human has ever returned from Navia, the Slavic afterlife. But twelve-year-old Mara is not entirely human - she is the granddaughter of Stribog, the god of winter winds, and she’s determined to bring her beloved father back from the dead. So she and her best friend (and bear-shifter) Torniv set out on an epic journey to defy the gods and rescue her father. They will have to face forest lords, enchanted goddesses, the stormy seas, and the villainous Baba Latingorka. And little do they know of the terrible forces they have set in motion - for the world is full of darkness, and Mara will have to rely on her wits to survive. Author Bio: Gabriela Houston was born and raised in Poland, brought up on a diet of mythologies and fairy tales. She spent her summers exploring the woods, foraging and animal tracking with her family. At 19, Gabriela moved to London to study English Literature and obtained a Masters degree in literatures of modernity. She has worked for as an assistant editor and as a freelance writer. She writes family and community-centres novels for adults and children, drawing inspiration from Slavic folklore. Gabriela lives in London with her husband, children and two cats.

Winning Bidder

Thomas Taylor

Bids

4

£25

485

Gattaldo

Title: Fearless, The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia Genre: Children & Young Adults, Non-fiction, Journalism Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://fearlessdaphne.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gattaldo Book Blurb: For budding young activists, the true story of an intrepid Maltese woman who followed her calling to be an investigative journalist—and refused to back down. As a little girl, Daphne wanted to be a writer, to be brave and use words and pictures to share important stories about her country, Malta. Growing up, she always had her nose in books, which she said taught her never to let other people think for her. As she got older, when she saw bad things happening in her country, she believed she could change people’s lives through peaceful protest. She would ultimately follow her dream by working for a national newspaper, becoming an influential and courageous political journalist who took on criminals the only way she knew how—through her writing. In the end, despite increasingly dangerous—and ultimately fatal—efforts by her adversaries to silence her, Daphne made a difference and was an inspiration to all who believe in freedom of speech and the power of the press. In this compelling picture book, followed by a biographical note, author-illustrator Gattaldo explores the life and legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a fearless advocate for truth and justice. Author Bio: GATTALDO is an award-winning Creative Director and illustrator. He studied art in Florence and now lives and works with his partner in London. Fearless, The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia is Gattaldo's first children's picture book. He was inspired to create a book about the journalist when he saw how the story of her fearless journalism stirred the imagination of his young niece and nephew. Gattaldo wrote and illustrated ‘Fearless' for other children the world over to appreciate the importance of journalism.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£13

486

Theresa Howes

Title: The Secrets We Keep Genre: Historical Fiction - World War II Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.theresahowes.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/howes_theresa Book Blurb: A heartbreakingly beautiful novel which captures the endurance and strength of ordinary people in the darkest of times, and the courage of one woman who put her life on the line to join the resistance. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah. 1944, the Côte d’Azur Artist Marguerite Segal is recruited by British Intelligence into befriending Etienne Valade, a local priest. Her mission is to persuade him to pass on information from the high-ranking German officers who attend his church: evidence of their war crimes. Connected by a passion for art, Marguerite and Etienne soon fall in love, but their association increasingly puts her at danger of violent reprisals. With his church frequented by Nazis, Etienne is a suspected collaborator, and distrust is high. And Marguerite is keeping her own secret too. Like the Jews whose identity cards she forges to hide them from the Third Reich, she is hiding behind a false name, her true identity and past known only to her closest friend. Marguerite must get hold of the documents that will condemn the German officers but, in a world where everything is at stake, can she truly trust anyone – even the man she loves? Author Bio: Theresa Howes lives in London, and has a background as an actor. Her work has been long-listed for the Mslexia Novel Award, the Bath Novel Award, the Caledonia Novel Award and the Lucy Cavendish College Prize. The Secrets We Keep is her first novel.

Winning Bidder

Paul Brierton

Bids

1

£12

487

Julie Warren

Book Title: It’s All In The Mind: The Life and Legacy of Larry Stephens Genre: Biography Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/VathenaUK Twitter: https://twitter.com/lsggbg Bonus: Julie will also include an Order of Service from the Celebration of the Life of Eric Sykes in 2013; a programme from the 2014 Southend Film Festival at which ‘The Lost Films of Peter Sellers’ were premiered following their rescue from a skip; 5” x 6.5” print of a photograph of Larry Stephens taken by Graham Stark and a 7” x 5” print of Larry Stephens’ wedding day photograph at which Tony Hancock was one of the witnesses.*** Book Blurb: 2023 marks 100 years since Larry Stephens was born and British popular culture would have looked very different without the major contribution he made to it. We could now be living in a world without the Carry On films or Monty Python and we may never have heard of Tony Hancock, Peter Sellers or Spike Milligan. Using unrivalled access to Larry Stephens’ personal archive of letters, photographs and artwork, plus interviews with Stephens’ many notable friends, family members, comrades and colleagues, ‘It's All In The Mind: The Life And Legacy Of Larry Stephens’ tells the story of a boy from the Black Country whose short life had such an enduring impact. The book also contains a 'lost' script for the first episode of a proposed Tony Hancock sitcom, 'Vacant Lot' plus a 'Goonopedia' with information about all of the Goon Show episodes. Author Bio: Julie Warren is a virtual assistant specialising in research. Her first job was as a turkey-plucker. She lasted approximately 10 minutes in this role and earned 2½ pence. After realising a career removing feathers from poultry wasn’t her thing, she became the communications and community manager for a high street bank where she produced the staff magazine and won a Chairman’s Award for Community and Diversity. After realising a career in banking wasn’t her thing, she spent a number of years living in Greece and this means she is now able to both cook and pronounce kolokythokeftedes. She currently lives in Essex and pretends to channel Larry Stephens on Twitter.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

12

£40

488

Kate Weston

Book Title: Murder on a School Night Genre: YA comedy thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://katewestonauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/kateelizweston Book Blurb: Sex Education meets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder in this darkly hilarious YA murder mystery by Comedy Women in Print Prize and Carnegie Medal nominated author, Kate Weston. ‘Fiercely funny, feminist and FUN! I bloody loved it’ M.A. KUZNIAR There’s never a good time to find a dead body. But finding a dead body while you’re trying to kiss your crush? Dead awkward. All Kerry wants to do is stay at home with her rom-coms and strict retainer schedule. Instead, her BFF Annie has roped her into going to their first sixth-form party to investigate who’s cyberbullying Heather, the most popular girl in school. On the cusp of kissing her dreamy crush, Scott, Kerry discovers the body of Heather's second in command – suffocated with a menstrual cup. Within days, another student turns up dead, this time with a sanitary pad across the eyes. Now Annie and Kerry are officially on the case to stop the menstrual murderer . . . period. Author Bio: Kate Weston is an ex-stand up comedian and the author of the YA Comedy Murder Mystery: Murder On A School Night, as well as Diary of a Confused Feminist and Must Do Better. Diary of a Confused Feminist was long listed for the Comedy Women in Print Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

489

Caroline England

Title: The Stranger Beside Me Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://carolineenglandauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/CazEngland Book Blurb: A gripping twisty thriller which will leave you asking yourself: who can you trust? A new dark, twisty psychological suspense by bestselling author Caroline England, author of Betray Her and My Husband’s Lies. Katy Henry is lost and lonely. A single mother, plagued by fatigue and anxiety, she rarely has time for friends. But when she encounters Sibeal Matthews, all this changes. Sibeal is everything that Katy is not: assured, headstrong and charming. Katy soon finds herself pulled out of her isolation into a fierce friendship. But Sibeal is not all that she seems. Tragedy haunts her, and for all her feistiness, she is startlingly dependent on her brother, Gabriel. And when her life begins to spectacularly unravel, Katy is swept up in the storm. As Katy fights to protect herself and her son, it’s not just Sibeal who threatens to endanger them – Katy’s own past starts to rupture. Who can Katy trust? Can she even trust herself? Author Bio: Born in Sheffield, Caroline studied Law at the University of Manchester and stayed over the border. Caroline was a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer. She turned to writing when she deserted the law to bring up her three lovely daughters. Caroline has had short stories and poems published in a variety of literary publications and anthologies. Caroline writes domestic psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, BENEATH THE SKIN, known also as THE WIFE’S SECRET in eBook, was published by Avon HarperCollins in October 2017. Her second novel, MY HUSBAND’S LIES, followed in May 2018 and became a Kindle top ten bestseller. BETRAY HER, was published by Piatkus of Little, Brown Book Group, in July 2020. TRUTH GAMES followed in June 2021 and THE SINNER IN JUNE 2022. THE STRANGER BESIDE ME was released 3rd August 2023. Caroline also writes a gothic-tinged psychological thrillers under the pen name CE Rose. The first, THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN SECRETS, was published by Hera Books in April 2021, followed by THE HOUSE ON THE WATER’S EDGE in August 2021. THE SHADOWS OF RUTHERFORD HOUSE was published in November 2022 followed by THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE in March 2023. Caroline has two dark, twisty short story collections available on Amazon, both in eBook and paperback, WATCHING HORSEPATS FEED THE ROSES and HANGED BY THE NECK.

Winning Bidder

Kathryn Goddard

Bids

1

£11

490

Tom Moorhouse

Title: The Rising Genre: Children's Fiction (animal fantasy) Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://tom-moorhouse.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Authologist Book Blurb: When their uncle Sylvan pays an unexpected visit, bringing with him a terrible warning, young water voles Kale and Strife have no idea that their world is about to change for ever. Soon they'll be running for their lives as a new danger threatens to destroy everything and everyone they care about. Kale and Strife will need all their strength and courage to survive their journey into the unknown. But the shadows are full of enemies, and still more surprises lie in wait . . . will they ever make it back home again? This thrilling follow-up to the highly-acclaimed novel, The River Singers, will transport readers into a vivid world of riverbank creatures, where excitement and danger are never far away. Now available in a beautiful paperback edition, containing the original beautiful black and white illustrations by Simon Mendez. Author Bio: Tom Moorhouse is an author of children’s fiction and adult non-fiction. His debut novel The River Singers (2013) won the 2015 Quality Fiction NSTBA award, was nominated for the 2015 Carnegie Medal, longlisted for the 2015 UKLA and 2014 Branford Boase awards, and shortlisted for the 2016 Stockton Children's Book of the Year. Its sequel The Rising was published in 2014. Trickster (2016), nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal. He has also written four books for younger readers (the A Race for Toad Hall series). His adult books are Elegy for a River and Ghosts in the Hedgerow. His work has been translated into seven languages, with the French translation of The River Singers winning Le Prix LibbyLit for junior fiction in 2014.

Winning Bidder

Paddy Heron

Bids

2

£10

491

Mark Thompson

Title: Eternal City Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.markthompsonwrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkTwrites Book Blurb: From the BESTSELLING author of Dust Life can change in a split second, and so it does for twenty-eight-year-old photographer Finn Chambers. One careless decision at the Cimitero Acattolico in the eternal city of Rome, finds him falling head first onto Shelley's tomb, to his death. He awakes to a beautiful afterlife surrounded by long-dead poets, artists and thinkers, including Shelley, Keats, Gramsci, Sanchez and the delightful Lady Mary von Haas, and these luminaries test Finn's values and principles in a way they have never been tested before. Uncomfortable truths require honest assessment when the 21st century's lust for celebrity, drugs, and fifteen minutes of fame, is questioned by others from centuries past but his new life finds much in common with his previous life, with love, art, sex, music, humour and irreverence, all experienced on this different and fascinating plane. For Finn Chambers there is life after death - and it's a life worth living. Author Bio: Raised in Stockton-on-Tees, England, Mark Thompson is the internationally published author of Dust, published by RedDoor in the United Kingdom, translated into German and published in German as El Greco Und Ich by Mare Verlag, as El Greco Und Ich German audiobook by Parlando Verlag, and in Chinese as Dust by Donmei Publishing, Taiwan. The author spent many years living in London before moving to Andalucia in southern Spain. He has travelled extensively throughout the United States and several other countries over many years, harvesting material for writing both literature and songs. He plays guitar in a rock band, and now lives happily in York, England, with his partner Liz, two rabbits and a tortoise.

Winning Bidder

Victoria Redfern

Bids

1

£11

492

Mark Thompson

Title: Dust Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.markthompsonwrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkTwrites Book Blurb: "Early in life, my grandfather told me that only three things were certain: birth, death and time. And time only ticked one way; it went forward and never back. It came to be a recurring wish with me, the desire to turn back the clock, to undo what I had done. Always wishing for the impossible, my feet stuck firm in the molasses of the present, unable to shrug off decisions I had made and their unforeseen or disregarded consequences." J.J Walsh and Tony 'El Greco' Papadakis are inseparable. Smoking Kents out on an abandoned cannery dock, and watching gulls sway on rusting buoys in the sea, they dream of adventure...a time when they can act as adults. The day they'll see the mighty Pacific Ocean. Set in small-town New Jersey in the 1960s, against the backdrop of the Vietnam war, Dust follows the boys through the dry heat of a formative summer. They face religious piety and its murderous consequences, alcohol, girls, sex, loss, tragedy and ultimately the tiny things that combine to make life what it is for the two friends - a great adventure. But it's a road trip through the heart of southern America with J.J.'s father that truly reveals a darker side to life - the two halves of a divided nation, where wealth, poverty and racial bigotry collide. This beautifully written debut novel would not be out of place alongside the work of Steinbeck and Philipp Meyer's American Rust. At turns funny, and at others heart-achingly sad, their story unfolds around the honest and frequently irreverent observations of two young people trying to grow up fast in a world that is at times confusing, and at others seen with a clarity only the young may possess. Author Bio: Raised in Stockton-on-Tees, England, Mark Thompson is the internationally published author of Dust, published by RedDoor in the United Kingdom, translated into German and published in German as El Greco Und Ich by Mare Verlag, as El Greco Und Ich German audiobook by Parlando Verlag, and in Chinese as Dust by Donmei Publishing, Taiwan. The author spent many years living in London before moving to Andalucia in southern Spain. He has travelled extensively throughout the United States and several other countries over many years, harvesting material for writing both literature and songs. He plays guitar in a rock band, and now lives happily in York, England, with his partner Liz, two rabbits and a tortoise.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

493

Louise Doughty

Title: A Bird in Winter Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://louisedoughty.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoughtyLouise Book Blurb: 'Doughty is a brilliant storyteller who knows how to build suspense to breaking point.' The Times The latest from the writer of BBC smash hit drama Crossfire, and Number One Sunday Times Bestseller Louise Doughty Bird is a woman on the run. One minute, she's in a meeting in her office in Birmingham - the next, she's walking out on her job, her home, her life. It's a day she thought might come, and one she's prepared for - but nothing could prepare her for what will happen next. As she flees north using multiple disguises, Bird has to work out who exactly is on her trail, and who - if anyone - she can trust. Like many people, she has fantasised about escape for a long time, but now it's actually happening. Is her greatest fear that she will be hunted down, or that she will never be found? Author Bio: Louise Doughty is the author of ten novels including Platform Seven, recently filmed for ITV; Black Water, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year; the bestseller Apple Tree Yard, adapted for BBC One; and Whatever You Love, nominated for the Costa Novel Award and the Women’s Prize for fiction. She has been nominated for many other prizes including the Sunday Times Short Story Prize and the CWA Silver Dagger, along with creating and writing the hit BBC drama Crossfire. Her work has been translated into thirty languages. Her latest novel, A Bird in Winter, was published by Faber & Faber in August 2023.

Winning Bidder

Karen Lister

Bids

5

£35

494

Bea Fitzgerald

Title: Girl Goddess Queen Genre: Fantasy - Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/beafitzgerald Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bea_a_Bea Book Blurb: To hell with love, this goddess has other plans... Thousands of years ago, the gods told a lie: how Persephone was a pawn in the politics of other gods. How Hades kidnapped Persephone to be his bride. How her mother, Demeter, was so distraught she caused the Earth to start dying. The real story is much more interesting. Persephone wasn't taken to hell: she jumped. There was no way she was going to be married off to some smug god more in love with himself than her. Now all she has to do is convince the Underworld's annoyingly sexy, arrogant and frankly rude ruler, Hades, to fall in line with her plan. A plan that will shake Mount Olympus to its very core. But consequences can be deadly, especially when you're already in hell . . . Author Bio: Bea Fitzgerald is an author and content creator. She has worked in publishing for a number of years and has a degree in English Literature from the University of Reading, where she also studied several classes in Ancient History. Bea is passionate about stories and fascinated by the way they endure and resonate through centuries and generations. When she's not writing, she's entertaining her followers on TikTok and Instagram with her mythology-themed comedy account https://www.instagram.com/chaosonolympus/ . Girl, Goddess, Queen is her debut novel.

Winning Bidder

Jacqueline Hallgarten

Bids

8

£37

495

Kate Wells

Title: Murder on the Farm Genre: Cosy Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.katepoels.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/katepoels Book Blurb: Agatha Christie meets This Farming Life in a murder series that brings the excitement and clue-solving of a whodunnit together with the realities of the trials and joys of managing a contemporary sheep and arable farm. Set on a farm at the foot of the Malvern Hills, this series is about tenacity, family, gumption, farming and - of course - murder Author Bio: Kate grew up in Malvern on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border and still spends much of her time there. It is the muse for much of her writing including her cosy crime series The Malvern Farm Mysteries She began her adult life training as a nurse at Great Ormond St Hospital before re-training as a teacher. She has worked in several primary schools, both mainstream and special needs, and continues to spend lots of time in classrooms and school halls one way or another. When she took a break to have her two daughters she began writing and hasn't stopped! She has published several children's books as Kate Poels, and her debut crime story for adults - Murder on the Farm - was published in 2023 under the pen name Kate Wells, with books two and three in the series due in 2024. Having spent time living and working on farms she developed a love of the rural life and often dreamt of running a sheep farm, especially when she married the son of a farmer. It wasn't to be though, so instead, she lives her farming dreams through researching and writing her books. These days she's often found in a field talking to sheep, or out on the Malvern Hills walking her border collie cross.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£21

496

Steve Cavanagh

Title The Defense Genre : Crime / Thriller Format : Hardback US first edition Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging : FREE Website : http://stevecavanaghauthor.com Twitter : https://twitter.com/SteveCavanagh_ Blurb : Eddie Flynn used to be a con artist. Then he became a lawyer. Turned out the two weren't that different. It's been over a year since Eddie vowed never to set foot in a courtroom again. But now he doesn't have a choice. Olek Volchek, the infamous head of the Russian mafia in New York, has strapped a bomb to Eddie's back and kidnapped his ten-year-old daughter, Amy. Eddie only has forty-eight hours to defend Volchek in an impossible murder trial - and win - if he wants to save his daughter. Under the scrutiny of the media and the FBI, Eddie must use his razor-sharp wit and every con-artist trick in the book to defend his 'client' and ensure Amy's safety. With the timer on his back ticking away, can Eddie convince the jury of the impossible? Author Bio : Steve Cavanagh is a critically acclaimed, Sunday Times best-selling author of the Eddie Flynn series which has sold a million copies in the UK. His third novel, The Liar, won the CWA Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the year 2018. Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime novel of the year 2019. FIFTY FIFTY was a Richard and Judy Book club choice, and the BBC Between The Covers book club choice. All of his novels have been nominated for major awards. His last four novels have all been Sunday Times Bestsellers.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£46

497

Steve Cavanagh

Title The Plea Genre : Crime / Thriller Format: US first edition hardcover Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging : FREE Bids Accepted : Global Website : http://stevecavanaghauthor.com Twitter : https://twitter.com/SteveCavanagh_ Blurb : Billionaire David Child swears he didn’t murder his girlfriend, Clara. But the evidence overwhelmingly shows that David killed her: the security video showed no one else entering their apartment, the murder weapon was in his car, and he was covered in gunshot residue he can’t explain. The FBI believes David’s arrest and obvious guilt could help them take down a huge money laundering scheme―if they can get him to testify. Con-artist-turned-lawyer Eddie Flynn is given the job: persuade David to plead guilty and give the agents the evidence they need. If Eddie can’t get David to take a plea bargain, the FBI has incriminating files on Eddie’s wife―and will send her to jail. But David insists that he didn’t murder anyone. As the FBI pressures Eddie to secure the guilty plea, Eddie becomes increasingly convinced that David is telling the truth. With adversaries threatening, Eddie has to find a way to prove David’s innocence and find out if there’s any way he might have been framed. But the stakes are high: Eddie’s wife is in danger. And not just from the FBI… Author: Steve Cavanagh is a critically acclaimed, Sunday Times best-selling author of the Eddie Flynn series which has sold a million copies in the UK. His third novel, The Liar, won the CWA Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the year 2018. Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime novel of the year 2019. FIFTY FIFTY was a Richard and Judy Book club choice, and the BBC Between The Covers book club choice. All of his novels have been nominated for major awards. His last four novels have all been Sunday Times Bestsellers.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£36

498

Steve Cavanagh

Title: Thirteen Genre : Crime / Thriller Format : US hardcover first edition Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging : FREE Bids Accepted : Global Website : http://stevecavanaghauthor.com Twitter : https://twitter.com/SteveCavanagh_ Blurb : It’s the murder trial of the century―and Joshua Kane has killed to get the best seat in the house. He has done everything in his power to make sure the wrong man goes down for the crime. Because this time, the killer isn’t on trial. He’s on the jury. “A terrific hook…more twists than a tornado… A genuine, read-in-one-sitting page-turner.” ―The Guardian But there’s someone on his tail. Defense lawyer and former conman Eddie Flynn doesn’t believe that his movie-star client killed two people. He suspects that the real killer is closer than they think―but who would guess just how close? Author Bio: Steve Cavanagh is a critically acclaimed, Sunday Times best-selling author of the Eddie Flynn series which has sold a million copies in the UK. His third novel, The Liar, won the CWA Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the year 2018. Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime novel of the year 2019. FIFTY FIFTY was a Richard and Judy Book club choice, and the BBC Between The Covers book club choice. All of his novels have been nominated for major awards. His last four novels have all been Sunday Times Bestsellers.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£41

499

Steve Cavanagh

Title: The Devil’s Advocate Genre: Crime / Thriller Format : UK Hardcover Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging : FREE Bids Accepted : Global Website : http://stevecavanaghauthor.com Twitter : https://twitter.com/SteveCavanagh_ Book Blurb : They call him the King of Death Row. Randal Korn has sent more men to their deaths than any district attorney in the history of the United States. A TWISTED RITUALISTIC KILLING When a young woman, Skylar Edwards, is found murdered in Buckstown, Alabama, a corrupt sheriff arrests the last person to see her alive, Andy Dubois. It doesn't seem to matter to anyone that Andy is innocent. A SMALL TOWN BOILING WITH RAGE Everyone in Buckstown believes Andy is guilty. He has no hope of a fair trial. And the local defense attorney assigned to represent him has disappeared. A FORMER CON-ARTIST Hot shot New York lawyer Eddie Flynn travels south to fight fire with fire. He plans to destroy the prosecutors case, find the real killer and save Andy from the electric chair. But the murders are just beginning. Is Eddie Flynn next? Author Bio: Steve Cavanagh is a critically acclaimed, Sunday Times best-selling author of the Eddie Flynn series which has sold a million copies in the UK. His third novel, The Liar, won the CWA Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the year 2018. Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime novel of the year 2019. FIFTY FIFTY was a Richard and Judy Book club choice, and the BBC Between The Covers book club choice. All of his novels have been nominated for major awards. His last four novels have all been Sunday Times Bestsellers.

Winning Bidder

Mags Naylor

Bids

9

£28

500

Steve Cavanagh

Title : The Accomplice Genre : Crime/ Thriller Format UK Hardcover Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging : FREE Bids Accepted : Global Website : http://stevecavanaghauthor.com Twitter : https://twitter.com/SteveCavanagh_ Blurb : Daniel Miller murdered fourteen people before he vanished. His wife, Carrie, now faces trial as his accomplice. The FBI, the District Attorney, the media and everyone in America believe she knew and helped cover up her husband's crimes. Eddie Flynn won't take a case unless his client is innocent. Now, he has to prove to a jury, and the entire world, that Carrie Miller didn't know her husband's dark side. But so far, Eddie and his team are the only ones who believe that she had no part in the murders. With his wife on trial, Daniel Miller is forced to come out of hiding to save her from a life sentence. He will kill to protect her and everyone involved in the case is a target. Even Eddie Flynn... Author Bio: Steve Cavanagh is a critically acclaimed, Sunday Times best-selling author of the Eddie Flynn series which has sold a million copies in the UK. His third novel, The Liar, won the CWA Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the year 2018. Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime novel of the year 2019. FIFTY FIFTY was a Richard and Judy Book club choice, and the BBC Between The Covers book club choice. All of his novels have been nominated for major awards. His last four novels have all been Sunday Times Bestsellers.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£21

501

Rose Sgueglia

Title: The Real Coco Chanel Genre: Biography Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseSgueglia Book Blurb: Coco Chanel lived her own life as a romantic heroine. Fuelled by 19th century literature, she built a life which was partly myth and, partly, factual. She was the fashion designer everyone admired. The business woman whose fortune was impossible to track. She was also a performer, lover of many high profile intellectuals and, as believed by many, a nazi spy. Her life was, extraordinarily, affected by history (the nazi movement and World War II), symbolism and literature. This biography explores her life from her troubled and poor past to the opening of her first hat shop, passions and secrets; the biography also draws parallelisms between myths and facts and how, and if ever, they match at all. The biography also features chapters on the Chanel Maison and the creation of her iconic trademark as well as her little black dress' and Chanel No 5'. Finally, the biography ends with a reflection on how the myth of Coco Chanel is represented today in pop culture. Author Bio: Rose Sgueglia is a writer, journalist and marketing consultant based in Cardiff. She is the founder of Miss Squiggles, a digital magazine and content agency. Her work has been published in different publications including The i Paper, Stylist, Saga, GQ, La Repubblica, Yahoo and WI Life (a magazine for members of The Women’s Institute). She holds a BA in Journalism, Film and Media and a Post Graduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University. She is currently working on her PhD in Media Studies with a research project on transmedia branding in Chanel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£21

502

J Taylor

Two Book Bonanza Title 1: A Moment on the Lips Title 2: A Moment on the Lips at Christmas Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.jtaylorwrites.co.uk Social media links: @jtayauthor Book 1 Blurb: The funny, uplifting debut, that's soon to be a television adaptation!  Five unlikely friends and a year that’ll change everything.  ABOUT A MOMENT ON THE LIPS: ETTA has had enough. At 5 ft 3 and size 20, she is determined to make a change. A change for herself, her daughter, and to show her ex, Robert, that she is, in fact, not only good enough for him but, in fact, far too good.JENNA is being driven mad by her mother-in-law’s critical and overbearing personality. And with her wedding fast approaching, she’s determined to regain control of her body and the big day.VAL is feeling lost and in shock after her husband of thirty years has upped and left her. Why? Good question. Val has no idea, but she’s determined to find out.NICKY has been on a downward spiral since her divorce. Struggling to move on and lonely with only her cats for company, food has become her best friend.YANA has new life in England. Despite marital bliss being everything she’d hoped for, Yana misses her family back in Russia and has developed some new habits that even her new husband isn't unaware of.  Together they improve their lives and discover that it's never too late to strive towards the life you've always wanted. Book 2 Blurb: Gavin and Stacey meets National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation meets The Holiday A Moment on the Lips at Christmas Join Etta on a funny and feel-good festive getaway. Because an A Moment on the Lips Christmas may not be a perfect Christmas, but it's definitely one you don’t want to miss. Now I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I just have to say this: For. Fu*k. F**king. Sake. From: Pamela Wilson PamelaWilsonlovesCorgis@gmail.com To: Etta1991@icloud.com Date: 20 Dec 2021 13:43 Subject: Very exciting news! Prompt response required! Dear Family and Friends, We cordially invite you to join us at Midwinter Lodge from 27 December to 2 January, in the glorious wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, for a Christmas and New Year’s break to remember. Midwinter is an extremely luxurious hunting lodge that sleeps eighteen comfortably and is featured in April 2020 Your Home magazine. Facilities include open fires, Aga, private river access, and manicured grounds with a fire pit. Small dogs are allowed in the house. Outdoor shoes are not. This break is a gift from us to you. NO financial contribution is required. RSVP WITHIN 24 HOURS as we need the final numbers for the Ocado shop. Transport via executive coach included. We look forward to hosting you! Let’s make some memories! Festive love and peace, Pamela and Gillian Author Bio: J Taylor is the eleven times Amazon Select All-Stars award-winning author of the bestselling ‘A Moment on the Lips’ series. Jamie loves to find funny in the familiar. She writes the kind of books you reach for when you've had a bad day: Laugh-out-loud stories of friendship, strong, capable women, and love in all its forms. Her bestselling debut, ‘A Moment on the Lips’, is currently in development for television adaptation and continues to sell in high volume worldwide.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£50

503

Emma Carlisle

Book Title: What Do You See When You Look At a Tree? Genre: Children - Education - Environment Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://emmacarlisle.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/_emmacarlisle Book Blurb: What do you see when you look at a tree? Leaves and twigs and branches? Or do you see a real, living thing, That moves, and breathes and dances? Immerse yourself in this gentle picture book that encourages us to explore our connection with nature. This wonderful picture book explores themes of empathy, mindfulness and personal growth through the eyes of a child. Beautifully written and illustrated by the award-winning artist Emma Carlisle, What Do You See When You Look At a Tree? urges readers to reconnect with nature by asking questions that encourage critical thinking and reflection on their own development, as well as helping to establish a deeper appreciation for the environment and their place within it. Stunning watercolour and hand-finished artwork draws parallels to the bestselling The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, and evokes the classic nostalgia of E. H. Shephard's much-loved Winnie-the-Pooh.Mindfulness tips and information about trees are included at the back of the book for both adult and child to read together. Author Bio: Emma Carlisle is a highly acclaimed illustrator and artist, living in Exeter, UK. She graduated in 2011 from University of Plymouth with a First Class Hons in Illustration, and in 2014 from the Cambridge School of Art with an MA in Children's Book Illustration. She lectured in Children's Illustration at the University of Plymouth for 7 years before leaping into freelance illustration work in 2022. Emma has been Highly Commended for the Macmillan Book Prize as well as receiving nominations for the Kate Greenaway and the Klaus Flugge Prize. This year she was shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£19

504

Suzan Holder

Title: Rock 'N' Rose Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only *Bonus: Suzan will be adding her Elvis scarf purchased in Gracelands along with carrier bag that the scarf came in. Website: https://www.suzanholder.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/HolderSuzan Book Blurb: It’s now or never… In the summer of 1960, eighteen-year-old Rose Featherstone took a trip to Memphis that changed her life. Now, Rose confesses to her granddaughter, Daisy, that she returned home with more than just memories all those years ago – she was carrying Elvis Presley’s child! Daisy is sure the claim can’t be true, and yet, what if it is? When her grandmother passes away soon after her startling revelation and leaves Daisy with a ticket to Memphis, Tennessee, Daisy decides it’s time to discover the truth. She’s always struggled to fit in but this trip might just show her the benefits of being born to stand out. And especially when she meets Joe Cody, aka Officer Blue Eyes… Author Bio: Suzan trained as a newspaper journalist and worked on regional and national newspapers before moving into TV production at Central and Granada Television Studios. She worked on a variety of television news and lifestyle programmes and was Series Producer of ITV’s network daytime talk show Loose Women. Married to musician, actor and presenter Noddy Holder, Suzan has one son, two step-daughters and two step-grandchildren. She loves music, dancing, dirty martinis and clunky (rather than kinky) boots. Suzan has written for newspapers, television and theatre and is thrilled to have written two novels Shake It Up, Beverley and Rock n’ Rose for One More Chapter, HarperCollins; the first a romantic comedy about Beatles fan Bev and her internet dating adventures, the second about a young woman who travels to Memphis, Tennessee to solve a family mystery involving Elvis Presley. Suzan has spent the last year appearing at book shop events and speaking at literary lunches. In December 2022 she was guest speaker at the annual Birmingham Press Club Christmas Lunch and made an honorary life member of the prestigious club. She appears regularly on BBC Radio Manchester and is a regular newspaper reviewer/panelist on GB News and Channel 5’s The Jeremy Vine Show. Suzan writes a regular monthly column in Cheshire Life Magazine. She is also busy writing her third romantic comedy with a musical twist.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

21

£140

505

Darren Simpson

Book Title: Dedicated copy of Scavengers, The Memory Thieves or Furthermoor (winner's choice of the three), plus a virtual Q&A with the author Genre: Vivid fiction for older children and teens Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://darrensimpsonwrites.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarrenSimpson44 Book Blurb: SCAVENGERS Landfill has lived his whole life as a scavenger, running with wooflings, swimming with turtles and feasting on whatever he can catch. Old Babagoo has always looked after him, on one condition. Follow Babagoo's rules. And the most important rule of all is NEVER go beyond the wall. But Landfill longs to venture Outside. And some rules are made to be broken. Darren Simpson's exhilarating storytelling will make you think about the world differently in this urgent, compelling tale for our times. THE MEMORY THIEVES What you don't remember can't hurt you... Cyan has lived at the Elsewhere Sanctuary for as long as he can remember, freed by Dr Haven from dark memories of his past life. But when Cyan finds a mysterious warning carved into the bones of a whale skeleton, he starts to wonder what he had to forget to be so happy. New resident, Jonquil, begins to resist the sanctuary's treatment, preferring to hold on to her memories - even the bad ones. So when Dr Haven resorts to harsher measures, Cyan embarks on a secret mission to discover the truth about the sanctuary...and himself. FURTHERMOOR The real world is a hostile place for twelve-year-old Bren, his schooldays stalked by vicious bully, Shaun, and his family life fractured at home. Ever since his sister Evie died in an accident, Bren's only safe space is Furthermoor, an imagined world of mechanised trees and clockwork animals, where Evie is still alive. In Furthermoor, no one can hurt Bren...until the mysterious Featherly arrives. Now Bren is forced to confront his deepest fears and decide if his place in the real world is worth fighting for. Enter a world as vast and dark as your imagination, in this unforgettable coming-of-age story about courage, friendship and finding your voice. Author Bio: Darren Simpson writes vivid, unruly fiction for older children and teens. His debut novel, Scavengers, was a Guardian Best Book of the Year, and was selected for the national Summer Reading Challenge. The Memory Thieves was an Observer Book of the Month and a World Book Day Summer Read. His latest book, Furthermoor, was Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Month and a Waterstones Best Book of the Year. Darren’s stories have won awards and been translated into several languages. He’s been nominated twice for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. Darren lives in Nottingham, where he works with the Literacy Trust to promote reading for pleasure. He loves using unusual settings to explore bravery, self-discovery, and the strangeness of the everyday. If you'd like to find out more, visit http://darrensimpsonwrites.co.uk

Winning Bidder

Claire Darbourne

Bids

6

£25

506

Jenny McLachlan

Book Title: Stink Genre: Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes, and an illustration Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://jennymclachlan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennyMcLachlan1 Book Blurb: We all know fairies. They’re sweet and sparkly and lovely. Right? WRONG! Meet Stink. Stink is the rudest, naughtiest fairy there’s ever been. Instead of sparkles, Stink makes mess. Instead of being kind, Stink plays pranks. She also eats woodlice and rides on rats. From the moment Stink flies out of the fairy door and attaches herself to his hair, Danny knows that Stink is trouble. She needs his help to do a good deed and win her silver wings – and Danny will do anything to get Stink to go back to fairyland. But can Stink ever be good? A laugh out loud adventure featuring the world’s worst fairy, multiple multi-coloured foxes and loads of troll poo. Author Bio: I have always loved reading and I studied English at university just so that I could read a bit more. Next I found my way into secondary teaching and discovered that I loved it too: I got to read more books, show off and hang out with very funny teenagers. What a great job! Teaching English also encouraged me to write. Soon I had planned and started lots of different stories, but they were all abandoned and shoved to the back of a drawer. Then, one day, the plot for Flirty Dancing came together; Bea’s story was so alive it was like a film running in my head and I knew it was a story I would finish. Over the next few years, various exciting events distracted me from Flirty Dancing: I got married, travelled the world, was chased by an angry elephant (and a pack of dogs) and I had two babies. While I was sitting on trains, swimming in the Outback and raising two crazy girls, I kept thinking about Bea, and her friends, Betty, Kat and Pearl, until I realised I had planned three more books. In 2013, after attending the Winchester Writers’ Festival, I plucked up the courage to send Flirty Dancing to Julia Churchill, a brilliant children’s fiction agent at A.M. Heath. With dazzling speed I was then signed by Bloomsbury to write the four books in the series.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£22

507

David Litchfield

Book Title: Peace On Earth Genre: Children Format: Hardback Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://davidlitchfieldillustration.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/dc_litchfield Book Blurb: From the creators of Rain Before Rainbows comes a beautiful book that lights a path for all those who dare to dream of peace. A happy band of friends journey together, but dark clouds threaten their friendship and they lose their way in a story that starts in the safety of the happy and familiar, then goes on to explore the difficulty of discord and hurt; what it means to lose and find peace again; the bravery it takes to be a peace-maker; and the jubilance that peace ushers in. From smiles to small gestures, to natural beauty, we discover that while peace isn’t always easy to find, it makes love and friendship whole. Illustrator Bio: David Litchfield is a multi-award winning illustrator and author represented by The Bright Agency. David first started to draw when he was very young, creating Star Wars and Indiana Jones ‘mash up’ comics for his older brother and sister. Since then David’s work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and on T-shirts. He has also exhibited his illustrations in both solo and group shows in the U.K, Europe and America. David’s author/illustrator picture books ‘The Bear & The Piano’ ‘Grandad’s Secret Giant’ ‘The Bear, The Piano, The Dog & The Fiddle’ ‘Lights On Cotton Rock’ ‘The Bear, The Piano & Little Bear’s Concert’ and book ‘Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toyshop’ are out now. David has also illustrated a number of picture books and novels for authors such as Ross Montgomery, Gregory Maguire and Smritti Halls as well as book covers for David Almond, Kate Dicamillo, Neil Patrick Harris, Chloe Daykin and many more. David lives with his family in Bedford, England

Winning Bidder

Gordon Askew

Bids

7

£30

508

Alison D Stegert

Title: Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction/Action Adventure/Espionage Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Australian bidders only Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK & Australia Only Website: http://Ali-Stegert.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ali_Stegs Book Blurb: Plots, spies and inventors abound in an epic adventure set between London and Paris ... Mischief is afoot, and Queen Victoria is not amused. Her stalker must be stopped. Forget the cavalry - this is a job for Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies! The League's newest recruit is Winifred Weatherby, a feisty girl-genius and gadget-maker. Winnie's creations are remarkable, but is she clever enough to protect the Queen - and achieve her own dream of winning the top prize in Paris for young inventors . . . ? Author Bio: At age twelve, Alison read The Secret Garden, a book she credits with unleashing her desire to write, her urge to travel, and her fascination with the UK – all unusual interests for a country girl from small-town America. Ali now lives in Australia and has three daughters.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£20

509

Madalyn Morgan

Title: Foxden Acres Genre: Historical Fiction (WWII) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids: UK Only Website: https://madalynmorgan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActScribblerDJ Book Blurb: Foxden Acres A heart-wrenching and unforgettable World War 2 historical novel (Sisters of Wartime England Book 1) Gripping, epic and heartbreaking historical fiction, about one woman’s survival against all odds during the unbearable hardships of World War Two. 1939, England. Bess Dudley knows what it means to lose what you love. As daughter of a groom at historic Foxden Hall, she’s pushed herself to escape her humble background and train as a teacher, but she’s made huge sacrifices along the way. Just as Bess arrives in London to take up her first, hard-won post, the shadow of war sweeps over England. Bombs rip apart the city, and screeching air raids become a part of everyday life. London is thrown into chaos and schools close, taking Bess’s dreams with them. Then Bess learns that James, the handsome heir to Foxden Hall – who she’s loved since childhood – is engaged to Annabel Hadley. Annabel is everything Bess is not – a wealthy aristocrat – but James never seemed to care about those things before. It breaks Bess’s heart to see him with someone else. London is becoming more dangerous by the day and when Bess nearly dies in a terrifying air raid she knows it’s time to go home. Back at Foxden Acres, she becomes a Land Girl –– farming the estate for wartime rations. It’s back-breaking work and a far cry from the life she dreamed of – even here, the horror of war leaves no life untouched. Then the unthinkable happens, and Bess’s resilience and hope are tested to the ultimate limit. In a world torn apart by violence, she must choose between her heart and her duty… all while keeping a dark secret of her own. Author Bio: I was bought up in a busy pub in a market town called Lutterworth. For as long as I remember, I wanted to be an actress and writer. I was offered a television role when I was sixteen, but my mother wanted me to have a 'proper' job, so I did a hairdressing apprenticeship instead. Eight years later, aged twenty-four, I sold two successful businesses for a place at East 15 Drama College and a career as an actress, working in Repertory theatre, the West End, film and http://television.In 2000 I gave up acting, taught myself to touch type, completed a two-year college course and began writing articles and presenting radio. In 2010, after living in London for thirty-six years, I returned to Lutterworth, swapping two window boxes and a mortgage for a garden and the freedom to write - and I loved it. Since then, I have written a series of ten novels. The first four books, set in World War Two, introduce the Dudley sisters. Three post-war books follow, and then three mystery, crime and spy thrillers take the Dudley sisters to 1960. Each story stands alone but is interwoven with the other stories.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

510

Madalyn Morgan

Title : Confessions Historical Fiction (Spy Thriller) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids: UK Only Website: https://madalynmorgan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActScribblerDJ Book Blurb: Confessions Confessions: Utterly captivating historical fiction full of wartime secrets: 7 (Sisters of Wartime England) Ena Dudley's day takes a shocking turn when she glimpses a familiar face in the bustling aisles of Selfridges department store. A woman she had mourned as dead, Freida Voight, stands before her, locked in a passionate embrace with a mysterious man. Ena's mind races with questions, casting doubts on the reality she thought she knew. Desperate to share her discovery, Ena confides in her husband Henry, an MI5 agent. However, Henry dismisses her claims, reminding her that they attended Freida's funeral years ago. Yet Ena’s doubts persist and she embarks on a covert investigation. Was Freida’s funeral in fact a cover-up orchestrated by one of the intelligence agencies? Delving into MI5 archives and later the classified files of the German Nationals Department, Ena faces an unexpected twist when she discovers evidence of a mysterious imposter posing as her, who has been gathering sensitive information from government officials. Amidst the chaos, a body is discovered in shocking circumstances. With the odds stacked against her, Ena must confront the dangerous truths of her time in the war, what happened to Freida and its lasting repercussions. As secrets collide and loyalties are tested – Ena’s marriage, reputation and very life hang in the balance. A captivating tale of World War Two secrets that will leave readers breathless until the final, spine-tingling revelation Author Bio: I was bought up in a busy pub in a market town called Lutterworth. For as long as I remember, I wanted to be an actress and writer. I was offered a television role when I was sixteen, but my mother wanted me to have a 'proper' job, so I did a hairdressing apprenticeship instead. Eight years later, aged twenty-four, I sold two successful businesses for a place at East 15 Drama College and a career as an actress, working in Repertory theatre, the West End, film and http://television.In 2000 I gave up acting, taught myself to touch type, completed a two-year college course and began writing articles and presenting radio. In 2010, after living in London for thirty-six years, I returned to Lutterworth, swapping two window boxes and a mortgage for a garden and the freedom to write - and I loved it. Since then, I have written a series of ten novels. The first four books, set in World War Two, introduce the Dudley sisters. Three post-war books follow, and then three mystery, crime and spy thrillers take the Dudley sisters to 1960. Each story stands alone but is interwoven with the other stories.

Winning Bidder

Patricia Osborne

Bids

2

£15

511

Gareth Conway

Book title: Greg The Sausage Roll - Wish You Were Here. Genre: Children Format: Hardback Dedication Available : YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://thebrightagency.com/uk/childrens-illustration/artists/gareth-conway Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGarethConway Book Blurb: Sun's out, crumbs out - Greg the Sausage Roll is SO EXCITED to be jetting off on his first-ever holiday! He's ready to hop on a plane to paradise for some FUN IN THE SUN! Karaoke, splashing in the pool, ice cream - Greg's ready to try it all and have the BEST HOLIDAY EVER! But will he miss his sausage-roll sweetheart, Gloria, and all his friends back at the bakery? Illustrator Bio: Gareth Conway is an illustrator and character and background animation designer. He graduated from university with a degree in animation and has worked in children's television animation ever since. Gareth started working on illustration projects in 2007 and joined the Bright agency in 2014; in that time he has illustrated joke books, activity books, educational reading books and young fiction, poems, puzzles and most recently picture books.

Winning Bidder

Amanda Meehan

Bids

1

£12

512

Lauren Child

Two Book Special Title 1: I Will Not Ever NEVER Eat a Tomato Title 2: A Dog With Nice Ears Genre: Children Format: Paperbacks Both Books Signed Dedications Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids: UK Only Website: https://milkmonitor.me Book 1 Blurb: I Will Not Ever NEVER Eat a Tomato Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal. When I was on a train travelling through Denmark, I saw a little girl. She had very blonde hair and pointy eyes like an elf. She was colouring and sticking while she chatted non-stop. Although I couldn’t understand what she was saying, there was something about her that was mesmerizing – she had a cheekiness about her. When I got home from my trip I drew her as I remembered her, in a little dress with trousers underneath. Then I tried to think of a story that would work with her character. I was a very fussy eater as a child and didn’t like to eat anything if I didn’t know what it was; nothing with lumps or bits, nothing mixed together. So this became her story. I still have a picture of her in my mind and I sometimes think it is strange that there is this person walking about who has no idea that she inspired a series of books about a girl called Lola. Book 2 Blurb: A Dog With Nice Ears The inspiration for this story of the dog-rabbit came from Maisie, my friend’s daughter. When Maisie was three she was cast as an angel in her nursery’s nativity play. Her mother, who knew this, was surprised when Maisie announced that she was, “Mary.” Gently she explained that this was not so, but Maisie could not be convinced. “I am Mary,” she said. A few days later her mother asked, “What would make a good costume for an angel?” Maisie said, “Something blue because Mary wears blue.” My friend watched the nativity waiting for the truth to dawn and the disappointment to set in, but it never did. As far as Maisie was concerned she was Mary, no matter the tinsel wings and white tunic. I think Lola has this same strength of character and it is not a bad way to be. If you believe hard enough then a RABBIT truly can be a DOG with nice ears. Author Bio: he Children's Laureate Lauren Child burst on to the children’s books scene in 1999 and has since published many bestselling and awardwinning books, including those featuring the hugely popular Charlie and Lola, and the Clarice Bean series. She has won numerous awards including the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Smarties Gold Award. Her books have been made into an award-winning TV series and have sold in many languages with runaway success. In December 2008 she was named as a UNESCO Artist for Peace, and was awarded an MBE in 2009. Lauren Child is the 10th Waterstones Children's Laureate. Of the role she said, “I want to inspire children to believe in their own creative potential, to make their own stories and drawings and ignite in them the delight of reading for pleasure. In an increasingly fast paced world, children need the freedom to dream and imagine; to enjoy reading, drawing and telling their own stories without value judgement or restraint”.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£25

513

Cass Grafton

Bonus: Cass is a adding a Cornish Cookbook and a Cornish Coaster for her successful bidder Title: New Dreams at Polkerran Point Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://cassandragrafton.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassGrafton Book Blurb: A surprise inheritance will open the doors to her future, and also the past… When Aunt Meg leaves her cottage to Anna Redding in her will, Anna immediately packs up and heads to Polkerran, the Cornish fishing village where she was so happy as a child. With ambitions to turn the cottage into a B&B, a job working for the enigmatic historian, Oliver Seymour, and the return of her childhood crush, Alex Tremayne, it seems the stars have all aligned for Anna. But Aunt Meg left behind a mystery for her to solve, and a shock discovery reveals she may be living a dream that isn’t really hers to hold. Can Anna rescue the new life she’s made for herself? Who in Polkerran can she really count on in her time of need? Author Bio: Cass began her writing life in Regency England, enlisted Jane Austen’s help to time-travel between then and the present day and is now happily ensconced in 21st century Cornwall. Well, in her imagination and soul; her heart and physical presence reside in northern England with her ever-patient husband and Tig and Tag, their cute but exceptionally demanding moggies. A bit of a nomad, Cass has called three countries home, as well as six different English counties, but her aspiration is to one day reunite with her beloved West Country. In the meantime, she writes feel-good contemporary romances set in Cornwall and, in doing so, manages to live there vicariously through her characters and settings. An Ambassador for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, Cass is also a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Jane Austen Society UK and the Society of Authors.

Winning Bidder

Ruth Paterson

Bids

6

£26

514

Rebecca Netley

Two Book Special Title 1: The Black Feathers Genre: Supernatural Gothic Ghost Mystery Format: Hardback Title 1: The Whistling Genre: Supernatural Format: Paperback Dedicationa Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rebecca_Netley Book 1 Blurb: The Black Feathers Where ghosts tread, black feathers fall . . . When Annie marries widower Edward Stonehouse and arrives at Guardbridge, his estate on the Yorkshire moors, she thinks she has finally put darkness behind her. She is mistaken. Edward's sister, Iris, lives in the family home. Both a taxidermist and medium, she urges Annie to watch out for black feathers - claiming that they mark the spot where a spirit has visited. At first, Annie dismisses her warnings. But, before long, she begins to feel haunted. What exactly happened to Edward's first wife? Why is Iris so troubled? And should Annie really be watching for signs from the dead - or is she the one being watched? SET ON THE YORKSHIRE MOORS IN THE 1800S, THE BLACK FEATHERS IS A GHOSTLY TALE OF MAGIC AND WICKEDNESS. Book 2 Blurb: The Whistling Alone in the world, Elspeth Swansome has taken the position of nanny to a family on the remote Scottish island of Skelthsea. Her charge, Mary, is a troubled child. Distracted and secretive, she hasn't uttered a word since the sudden death of her twin, William - just days after their former nanny disappeared. With Mary defiantly silent, Elspeth turns to the islanders. But no one will speak of what happened to William. Just as no one can explain the hypnotic lullabies sung in empty corridors. Nor the strange dolls that appear in abandoned rooms. Nor the faint whistling that comes in the night . . . As winter draws in and passage to the mainland becomes impossible, Elspeth finds herself trapped. But is this house haunted by the ghosts of the past? OR THE SECRETS OF THE LIVING..? Author Bio: Rebecca Netley grew up as part of an eccentric family in a house full of books and music, and these things have fed her passions. Family and writing remain at the heart of Rebecca's life. She lives in Reading with her husband, sons and an over-enthusiastic dog, who gives her writing tips.

Winning Bidder

Paul Brierton

Bids

5

£30

515

Emma Read

Book Title: The Housetrap Genre: MG Horror/Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://emmareadauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmydee73 Book Blurb: The Housetrap is a spooky, Scooby Doo-esque adventure where four almost-friends find themselves trapped in a strange house in the woods. The house is set for an escape room style party but for some reason it doesn’t want to let the kids go … it has other plans for them. The team have to unravel multiple mysteries and at the same time attempt to solve the puzzles and riddles left by the architect of the house, in a desperate effort to escape. The only thing they have in their favour is that they are alone in there … Or are they? For readers 9+ who like mystery, puzzles, adventure, and the odd jump scare. In addition to the creepy words (by me) the illustrations on the cover and interior are by Coralie Author Bio: Emma Read is the author of The Housetrap, and the Milton series (Chicken House), including Milton the Mighty, one of The Times Best Children’s Books of 2019 and shortlisted for the Bath Children’s Novel Award. She loves all things spooky (and spidery!) and can often be found walking through her local graveyard … but only in daylight. Like Mark Gatiss, she doesn’t believe in ghosts, but is scared of them.

Winning Bidder

Christopher White

Bids

3

£17

516

Carolyn Ward

Book Title: Bella Bright and the Ghost Game Genre: Horror Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Viking_Ma Book Blurb: A spooky Sleepover to die for! It's Halloween in Castleton, and eleven-year-old Bella Bright has invited three girls from school to a sleepover party in Darkling Manor, the crumbling old house that her mum is renovating. Little does she know that Alice is there too, a ghost who died 150 years ago. When the girls start to play hide and seek, Alice joins in. Bella and her friends are soon drawn into a terrifying game. Can they solve the ghostly riddle Alice has set for them, and find on another before midnight, or will Alice trap them in the haunted house forever? Author Bio: Carolyn Ward studied for an English degree in Wolverhampton before moving to Manchester, where she rode horses around Manchester City's training ground and nearly fell in the river. Now settled in South Staffordshire and mum to three, she writes MG horror. In her spare time she enjoys shopping for haunted antiques and unusual tarot cards. Bella Bright is her debut novel.

Winning Bidder

Kathryn Scott

Bids

3

£20

517

Natalie Lewis

Book Title - DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE Genre - Contemporary = Commercial Women's Fiction Format - Paperback Dedication available - YES Bids accepted - UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/natalielewispr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalielewis13w Book Blurb: DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE The world of fashion is supposed to be glamorous... isn't it? Meet Frankie Marks: the world's least likely fashion PR. She got the job by fluke, she doesn't know the first thing about designers, she's always hungry, and she struggles to think before she speaks. When Frankie crash-lands in the prestigious GGC agency, her friends and family can't believe it - least of all her long-term (and long-suffering) boyfriend, James. Frankie quickly realises she needs to use everything she's got to survive life behind the scenes of this glamorous and chaotic industry - with its eccentric characters, towering expectations, and ridiculous requests. But first, she needs to learn the difference between velour and velvet... As the pressure builds and Frankie's personal life begins to take the hit, she starts to wonder if she'll ever manage to escape the strange world of fashion unscathed. And, quite frankly, does she even want to? Author Bio: Natalie Lewis has been a fashion pr for decades. Her agency, Brower Lewis PR, was one of the leading PR firms in London renowned for creating the launches and strategies for brands such as Net-a-Porter.com, Jimmy Choo, Matches and Matches.com, Diane von Furstenberg and Anya Hindmarch. In 2007 together with her business partner, she sold the agency and went freelance. Her high-profile clients included Bella Freud, Marie-Chantal of Greece, Amanda Wakeley, Robbie Williams, James Perse, Claudia Schiffer and latterly Victoria Beckham who she worked with as a consultant for twelve years from her very first show in 2008 up until June 2020. In 2020 after 29 years in the business Natalie took a sabbatical. She was exhausted. And she desperately wanted to write. For herself. Every press release, interview, website content and show note she had delivered over the years had never been in her own voice. Full of ideas and a wall display of post it notes she realised she needed to learn what a narrative arc was and went on the Curtis Brown three-month novel writing course. There she worked on the first novel she had started – Don’t Believe the Hype. Natalie is currently working on a number of projects with Francesca Amfitheatrof, Artistic Director of Jewellery and Watches at Louis Vuitton, and consulting for the Freddie Mercury auction at Sotheby’s, while also working on her second book.

Winning Bidder

Peter Ward

Bids

2

£50

518

Sheryl Webster

Title: One Little Bird Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://sherylwebsterauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SherylWebsters Book Blurb: When a man cuts down little bird Rosa's tree, she makes herself a new nest at the top of his house and refuses to budge. News of her protest sweeps through the animal kingdom and it inspires other animals to start moving into people's homes in protest too! A funny and heartwarming introduction to an important environmental issue and the power we all have when we work together. Author Bio: Sheryl is a children's author from Liverpool, where she lives, not far from the River Mersey, with her husband and four children. She writes books that are dynamic, witty and heartwarming, and that will empower, inspire and make a difference - by informing and creating awareness of important issues. Before becoming a children’s author, she gained a degree in Psychology and English, then taught in elementary/primary schools for several years. During a career break to have her first child, her first picture book was published. She now has over 30+ titles published and translated worldwide. A big highlight for her was having her picture book, 'Kindness Rocks,' featured on a billboard in Times Square, NYC. Now that her small brood of children are not so small, Sheryl writes full time, and is enjoying writing more than ever! She finds inspiration for her stories in lots of things, but especially through music, which she feels is the universal language of us all. Just like a good book, music can be a source of inspiration and expression!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£14

519

Thiago de Moraes

Title: Old Gods New Tricks Genre: Children (Middle Grade) - Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Canada Only/ UK Only Website: http://thiagodemoraes.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/tibolota Book Blurb: Trixie dos Santos is obsessed with trickster gods, so when the world is plunged into darkness, she knows who can bring back the light. Loki, Maui and the Monkey King join her on the hugest adventure, but can Trixie keep these maverick saviours in line? Shining a light on epic myths from cultures across the world, Old Gods New Tricks is at once a heart-racing and fascinating read. Full of heart and humour, it has the potential to spark a lifelong interest in folklore and legends. Thiago's distinctive artwork brings these tricksy gods to life, creating a truly unique and unforgettable package. Author Bio: Thiago de Moraes spends most of his time in a tiny shed at the bottom of his garden, writing and illustrating books, comics and bits of old cardboard boxes. He enjoys telling all sorts of stories, from novels to non-fiction. Many of his books are inspired by his passion for myths and folklore from cultures around the world. He has won the Sheffield Children’s Book Award, was longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize and twice nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal. His books have been translated into over 20 languages, with surprisingly few complaints so far. Thiago is 90% beard, dangerously fond of bacon and lives in England with his wife, kids and a pet tortoise called Nibbles.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

520

Kay Brelland

The Workhouse to War Trilogy Title 1: A Workhouse Christmas Title 2: Stray Angel Title 3: The Workhouse Sisters Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.kaybrellend.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/KayBrellend The Book 1: A Workhouse Christmas Discover the Workhouse to War trilogy by Kay Brellend: a new saga series set in the Whitechapel Union workhouse in East London, between 1904 and 1916. . . Christmas Eve, 1909. Eleven-year-old Lily Larkin is left to fend for herself in an East London workhouse after her dying mother is taken to an infirmary: her future looks bleak. Once she is separated from her twin brother, Davy, her childhood hopes seem to shatter. But Lily's fierce spirit - along with her beloved new friends - help her to endure the miserable drudgery of life at South Grove Workhouse and its cruel supervisor, Miss Fox. When a handsome, smartly-dressed gentleman shows up at the workhouse, claiming to be her cousin and with an offer of employment, Lily seizes her chance to escape. But her new job is far from perfect, and her reunion with her brother isn't what she thought it would be. Still, she relishes her freedom from the workhouse, and, finding herself on the cusp of womanhood, is determined to embrace her new life - until a shocking secret from her past is uncovered. As everything she'd ever believed about herself is thrown into confusion, will Lily ever be able to rise above her past? The Book 2: Stray Angel The perfect Christmas gift for fans of heart-warming saga 1915, Chrisp Street Market, East London. While the man she loves is in France fighting for his country, Lily Larkin wakes up at dawn to carry crates of apples to his market stall. Left in charge of Greg's warehouse, she has blossomed from a street urchin into a shrewd tradeswoman. But the market is a man's world and she soon starts attracting some unwanted visitors, including Greg's old rival Scully. Luckily, Lily recruits her old friends, Margie and Fannie, as helping hands. While the work is hard, it is nothing compared to the drudgery they endured as children of the workhouse, and they bear their burdens as cheerfully as their heavy barrows. But Lily has one trouble she must keep secret: before dying, her mother gave birth to a child who was spirited away under the cover of darkness. Searching every corner of the city to find her long-lost sister, Lily soon discovers there is a world of wickedness within London's poorest alleys. Will Lily finally be reunited with her sister, or will her dreams of a family be dashed forever? The Book 3: The Workhouse Sisters After escaping the grip of the workhouse, Lily has kept her fiancé's business afloat while he is away fighting on the Western Front. Still battling on, she's now doing her bit for her country as an auxiliary nurse - but one thing above all else continues to weigh heavily on her heart: her long-lost sister. Born just before her mother died, the scandal was hushed-up and the baby spirited away. But now, at last, there is hope Lily could find her little sister for she has a clue to go on: the name of the notorious baby farmer who bought the child all those years ago. Mrs Jolley. Using all her pluck, and with the help of her two friends Margie and Fanny, Lily will do anything in her power to find her little sister and save her from the dark streets of London. With Winter drawing in, and the war with no end in sight, will she be able to bring her family together? The Author: Kay Brellend, author of a series of five books set in Campbell Road, Islington AKA The Bunk, due to the proliferation of doss houses there. I never imagined I would become a writer, certainly not a writer of novels inspired by my own family. The Campbell Road series of books has been an absorbing journey for me. I have learned much about my ancestors and their toughness and resilience and I feel pride in my roots in the worst street in north London.

Winning Bidder

Sarah Leonard

Bids

6

£20

521

Alex Cotter

Title: The Mermaid Call Genre: Children - 9-12 years Middle Grade Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: Free Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.alexcotter.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexFCotter The Book: A gripping story of myth and mystery about a legendary mermaid and her dark power. When the truth comes out, will it bring freedom or a terrible retribution? Vivien’s never going to win the Mermaid Crown and she knows it. Does she care? Who wants to be rewarded just for being pretty anyway? So she joins Alice on her quest to find the mermaid of the lake instead. But as the legend starts to unravel, it reveals an ugly truth. And leads the girls into terrible, watery danger… The Author: Alex Cotter has worked hard all her life at daydreaming, while making a living from words: from bookselling at WHSmith and publicising The Booker Prize to copywriting and teaching creative writing. Raised in the North, Alex now lives near Bath with her family and one very chatty kitten. The Mermaid Call is her second children's novel. She has also published The House on the Edge with Nosy Crow

Winning Bidder

TANYA EFTHYMIOU

Bids

1

£11

522

Aislinn O’Loughlin

Title: Big Bad Me Genre: Young Adult Humour/Horror Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK & Ireland Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshiLockie Book Blurb: ‘None of this was true! People didn’t grow claws; their eyes didn’t glow. And Kate wouldn’t shoot me: she loved me.’ Evie Wilder just found out she's a werewolf. Now her mom's gone missing, she has to go into hiding, and there's not a single helpful vampire slayer to be found. With the help of Kevin, the dorky-hot manager of the guesthouse where she and her sister lie low, Evie starts to harness her wolfish side. But there's something weird about Kevin ... Meanwhile, animal attacks are increasing, local teens are going missing, and Evie is about to find herself at the centre of a supernatural showdown. Author Bio: Aislinn O'Loughlin grew up in Dublin on a diet of fairy tales and horror stories – often at the same time (her biggest fear was the Big Bad Wolf escaping his story to eat her). After writing several books in her teens, Aislinn worked as a storyteller and creative-writing teacher before moving to Toronto, where she sometimes took her kids to daycare in a sled (yes, really)! These days, she lives in Waterford with her scientist husband, three brilliant children and two evil genius cats. The Big Bad Wolf is welcome any time.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

523

Gilly Macmillan

Title: THE FALL Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication available: YES P&P: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://gillymacmillan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GillyMacmillan Book Blurb: Be careful what you wish for. . . Nicole and Tom's lives are changed overnight by a ten-million-pound lottery win. Before they know it they have moved into a state-of-the-art Glass Barn conversion in the stunning grounds of Lancaut Manor in Gloucestershire. But their dream quickly turns into a nightmare when Tom is found dead in the swimming pool, with a wound on his head. Someone close to home must be responsible. But other than the young couple who live in the Manor, and their housekeeper in the Coach House next door, there's no one around for miles. Who among them is capable of murder? Author Bio: Gilly Macmillan is the internationally bestselling author of seven novels including WHAT SHE KNEW, THE PERFECT GIRL, ODD CHILD OUT, I KNOW YOU KNOW and THE NANNY, TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH,and THE LONG WEEKEND. Her eighth novel, THE FALL, is out on 25 May, 2023 in the UK and November 7, 2023 in the US and Canada. A former art historian and photographer, Gilly studied at Bristol University and the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. She lives in Bristol, UK, with her husband and three children. Gilly’s novels have appeared on the New York Times, Sunday Times, Globe & Mail and Der Spiegel bestseller lists and have been translated into over 20 languages. She’s been described as ‘one heck of a good writer’ (Wall Street Journal) and her novels have been praised as ‘nuanced, completely addictive’ (People), ‘riveting’ (Publishers Weekly), and ‘visceral, emotionally charged…heart-wrenchingly well told’ (The Daily Mail).

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

524

Phillipa Ashley

Bonus: Phillipa is adding a selection of goodies for her successful bidder Title: The Christmas Holiday Genre: Romance - Christmas Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://phillipa-ashley.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipaAshley Book Blurb: She’s planned the perfect Christmas. But fate might have other ideas… Krystle didn’t have a normal childhood and longed for warm family Christmases with presents under the tree. Now she makes sure everyone else has the perfect Christmas she never had, bringing beautiful decorations to cheer as many people as possible. With her festive business booming, she decides to celebrate by renting a secluded house in the Lakes, with a plan to make this the ultimate yuletide getaway. But fate immediately throws a spanner in the works in the form of a broken-down car, a flooded river and Max; a man who despises Christmas. Krystle becomes determined to show Max the joys of the holiday. She won’t take no for an answer. Can she melt Max’s Grinch-like heart? And can he show her that life doesn’t need to go to plan to take you somewhere magical… Author Bio: Phillipa Ashley is a Sunday Times best selling author of uplifting romantic fiction. After studying English at Oxford University, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, Decent Exposure. It won the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers Award and was filmed as a Lifetime TV movie starring Kristin Chenoweth and Josh Hopkins. Her novels have sold over million copies and been translated into many languages. She is also an Audible number 1 best-seller. Phillipa lives in an English village with her husband, has a grown-up daughter and loves walking the Lakeland hills and swimming in Cornish coves.

Winning Bidder

Kim Williams

Bids

11

£50

525

Phillipa Ashley

Title: Four Weddings and a Christmas Genre: Romance - Christmas Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://phillipa-ashley.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipaAshley Book Blurb: Can the spirit of Christmas reignite an old flame? With her thriving business Cottage Angels, Freya Bolton prepares the Lake District’s holiday homes for Christmas visitors. It’s her job to think of everything, from cinnamon-scented candles to tasteful decorations and hampers of seasonal treats. If only her love life were such a success… After being burned by past relationships, she’s now determined to steer clear of love for good. So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect. But when her feelings for him begin to develop, is she on track for another romantic calamity? Or could this Christmas give her the gift of true love? This gorgeous Christmas romance from Sunday Times bestseller Phillipa Ashley will take you to the Lake District with a story of second chance love as heartwarming as a cup of mulled wine. Author Bio: Phillipa Ashley is a Sunday Times best selling author of uplifting romantic fiction. After studying English at Oxford University, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, Decent Exposure. It won the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers Award and was filmed as a Lifetime TV movie starring Kristin Chenoweth and Josh Hopkins. Her novels have sold over million copies and been translated into many languages. She is also an Audible number 1 best-seller. Phillipa lives in an English village with her husband, has a grown-up daughter and loves walking the Lakeland hills and swimming in Cornish coves.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

13

£30

526

Charlie Dean

Title: The Pumpkin Pact Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlieADean Book Blurb: Welcome to The Pumpkin Patch at Pickle Grove. Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet. When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever. Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever. With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together? Author Bio: I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well. Writing is a great passion of mine. I love creating stories and characters, they help me escape from the world for a while and I hope readers feel the same. I am a huge fan of All Creatures Great and Small, Call the Midwife and Bridgerton. I love history and romance. I also write for children as Lily Mae Walters.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£16

527

Lily Mae Walters

Josie James (2 book series) Title 1: Josie James and The Teardrops of Summer Title 2: Josie James and The Velvet Knight Genre: Children - Fantasy Format: Paperbacks Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids: UK Only Website: https://www.whisperingstories.com/writing-life-lily-mae-walters Twitter: https://twitter.com/LilyMaeWalters1 Book 1 Blurb: Josie James and The Teardrops of Summer Josie James is an ordinary 13 year old until something extraordinary happens during her summer holidays. Whilst staying at her great grandmother’s cottage in the country she finds herself swept into the cursed world of Suncroft where it is perpetual winter. Her new friends believe she could be the Chosen One who it is foretold will lift the curse, but there are more pressing matters. The Teardrops of Summer – magical crystals that render the owner immortal – have been stolen. Along with her telepathic husky-dog Protector Asher and her new friends, Josie must race to find the Teardrops and prevent catastrophe for their world. Book 2 Blurb: Josie James and The Velvet Knight “For you to find the Velvet Knight, you must solve the riddles thrice.” A mysterious hooded figure, known only as the Velvet Knight has appeared in the cursed village of Suncroft. No one knows who he is or what he wants but when he starts leaving riddles around the village, it is time for Josie to return to Suncroft for a second time. With Asher, her faithful husky Protector by her side, Filan, a half elf, and her great grandad, will they be able to solve the clues in time and discover his identity? The Velvet Knight is not the only one causing problems for Josie. Her rival for the position of the ‘Chosen One’ continues to grow stronger, and now he has a Protector of his own. What does all this mean for Josie? Is she destined to lift the wintery curse of Suncroft or will another take her place as the ‘Chosen One’? Author Bio: Lily Mae Walters chose her pen name in honor of her beloved Grandparents who also star in the Josie James series. She is married with two teenage children and two Huskies who are the inspiration behind Murphy and Asher in the books. Lily Mae lives in Nuneaton, England and finds herself using local places and even her old school in her stories. Family and friends mean the world to Lily Mae and many will find themselves popping up throughout the series. Lily Mae also writes for adults under the name of Florence Keeling.

Winning Bidder

Nancy Donnelly

Bids

1

£15

528

Florence Keeling

Title: A Little in Love Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeelingFlorence Book Blurb: The little village of Weddington is fast becoming THE place to get married. With its stately home, castle and two churches it has something for everyone, and now, famous after appearing in huge romcom movie hit A Little In Love, it’s hosting a monthly wedding fayre… Rose Pedal is the proud owner of Pedals & Prosecco, a brand new business serving ice-cold fizz from a vintage bicycle, and she’s excited to be attending her first wedding fayre. But, on the way to Weddington Hall she’s involved in a near miss crash involving dashingly handsome James from Blume’s Florist. Arriving at the beautiful stately home drenched and disheveled, Rose is horrified to find James is not only not sorry for nearly knocking her off her bike, but he’s gatecrashing her allocated spot on the lawn. His arrogance gets her back up and it’s definitely a case of hate at first sight. But as the wedding fayre season continues, James gently wins Rose over, and their relationship starts to bloom. Can being just 'a little in love' help Rose and James find their own happy-ending… Author Bio: I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well. Writing is a great passion of mine. I love creating stories and characters, they help me escape from the world for a while and I hope readers feel the same. I am a huge fan of All Creatures Great and Small, Call the Midwife and Bridgerton. I love history and romance. I also write for children as Lily Mae Walters.

Winning Bidder

Karen Whittard

Bids

1

£11

529

Thomas Taylor

Title: Mermedusa Genre: Fantasy - Magical, Mystery Adventure. Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Onky Website: https://www.thomastaylor-author.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThomasHTaylor Book Blurb: It’s Midwinter once again, and Eerie-on-Sea has been invaded by a famous podcast crew, determined to uncover all the secrets of Eerie, especially the famous legend of the fearsome Malamander. But Herbie and Violet are faced with a new mystery, one that threatens to shake the town to its very core. Is the Deepest Secret of Eerie-on-Sea about to be revealed? Author Bio: Author and Illustrator Thomas Taylor is best known for his Eerie-on-Sea mysteries. As an illustrator he created to cover art for the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. He lives on the south coast of England.

Winning Bidder

Christopher White

Bids

3

£26

530

Kate Kenzie

Title: A Blend of Magic Genre: Paranormal romance Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Post and Packing: FREE Bids accepted: UK only Website: https://katekenzie.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/kakenzie101 Book Blurb: A witch cannot exist on potions and tea alone. Hiding in the shadows, staunch singleton Willow Anderson is content running her successful business, The Enchanted Emporium. With Christmas days away, she’s eager to exchange selling bespoke tea blends and spells for extended bubble baths and binge-watching festive movies snuggled next to her Maine Coon, Vincent. Nate never usually runs away from his problems, but drunk and disorientated, he finds himself in a small fisherman’s cottage in the Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby. After discovering his girlfriend’s affair, he is in no rush to return to the City. His wish for time alone in a Christmas-free zone comes true until an uninvited feline guest arrives. Neither Nate nor Willow want company, especially from each other, but they have little choice when concussion means they must spend at least twenty-four hours together. Sparks fly and not just the romantic kind. When darkness from Willow’s past returns and threatens to destroy all she has worked for, pursuing a love affair is the last thing she needs. With meddling ghosts and a teenage apprentice with her own matchmaking agenda, love and change are in the air. But can Willow face her fears, and the past, to capture the happiness she deserves? Author Bio: Kate Kenzie may not be Yorkshire born and bred, but it’s where her heart is and why her fictional worlds are set in the Moors and her favourite haunt, Whitby. Creator of the Enchanted Emporium and its residents, she blogs book reviews and author interviews at The Enchanted Emporium Bookshelf. Part-time writer, and full-time dreamer, if she’s not reading from her over flowing TBR pile, she is writing or drinking tea. Like many, she always dreamed of being an author but notebooks of half-finished novels and children’s stories were pushed aside in adulthood until a random Facebook conversation rekindled her passion for world building. By receiving a bursary for the RNA New Writer’s Scheme, she found her tribe. Awarded the Katie Fforde bursary this year, she writes romantic and paranormal fiction, especially witch lit. Her short story, The Ghost Writer is available in an anthology, Byline Legacies by Cardigan Press.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£30

531

Stephanie Ward

Kidlit Book bundle! Title 1: Arabella and the Magic Pencil Title 2: Hello Shark Genre: Children Format: Hardback - Picture Book & Board Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://stephaniemward.com Book 1 Blurb: Arabella and the Magic Pencil Arabella loves her new baby brother, of course, but when he spoils her perfectly proper tea party, she erases him with her magic pencil. Oops! Now things just aren’t right without him. How can she get him back? Book 2 Blurb: Hello Shark! With a hilarious rhyming story to read aloud, cute kawaii-style illustrations and 3D googly eyes that shift with every page turn, there's lots to make young children smile in this story book about a playful shark. Author Bio: Stephanie Ward is the author of picture books (Arabella and the Magic Pencil, Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin) and board books (Hello Shark!, Don’t Laugh Giraffe! Clownfish Aren’t Funny!). After many years in marketing, Stephanie now spends her time writing sweet, silly and side-splitting stories for children. She currently lives in London, England with her husband and young son.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

1

£11

532

Elaine Spires

Title: A Village in the Country Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.elainespires.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElaineSWriter Book Blurb: Change is in the air. It’s November 1918 and the whole nation comes together to give thanks for the end of a bloody world war that has left few families unscathed. More than seven hundred thousand men have perished; those fortunate enough to return are mere shadows of the men who left. Women who have kept the country going by working in munitions factories and picking fruit and vegetables on farms and in market gardens are expected to give up their jobs to the men returning home. In the peaceful Essex village of Dagenham Milly Brightwell is among the women who are not happy at having to take a step back in peacetime as she dreams and makes plans of becoming her own boss. But just as life returns to post-war normal, the London County Council announces its plans to build more than twenty-five thousand Homes for Heroes on the farmland and countryside surrounding Dagenham. Within the space of ten years the population will rocket to a hundred thousand people and the quiet country village will morph into the largest housing estate in Europe. For the families in Dagenham Village looking forward to better times in the 1920s, life will never be the same again. Author Bio: Elaine Spires is a novelist, playwright and actress. Extensive travelling and a background in education and tourism perfected Elaine's keen eye for the quirky characteristics of people, captivating the humorous observations she now affectionately shares with the readers of her novels. Elaine’s latest book The Single Best Thing, is a fitting finale to the Singles’ Series, which has its roots in her background as a tour manager for a UK tour operator. Elaine is now working on The Banjo Book Two, which is set in Dagenham where she grew up and now resides. A banjo is a pedestrianised cul-de-sac and Dagenham has many! This book will be out in the autumn. Elaine also writes plays and her short film Only the Lonely was made by Dan Films and won the Groucho Club Best Short Film Award 2019 and two Silver Awards at WOFFF 2019. Elaine is waiting for a film-maker with vision to turn the Singles Series into films or TV dramas.

Winning Bidder

Kathryn Goddard

Bids

1

£11

533

Fiona Woodifield

Title: For The Love of Coffee Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://fionawoodifield.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/FionaWoodifield Book Blurb: Meet Romilly Greene, people pleaser extraordinaire, loving and dutiful wife, mother, sister and daughter, always putting everyone else’s needs before her own. But the truth is she feels trapped and unfulfilled. When the cracks in her marriage begin to show, she and her daughters Elise and Summer run away from it all to the picturesque village of Melstock, the place of her idyllic childhood holidays. They are soon welcomed into the heart of the community by a host of quirky characters, notably Mark Whittaker, the disturbingly attractive owner of the local country estate. Trouble is brewing quite literally however as the future of Melstock’s historic coffee factory comes under threat, Summer’s teacher, the cute and brooding Henry Barton seems to have taken her in violent dislike, Elise is bullied at secondary school and there appears to be no escape from Romilly’s husband and his hideous mother. Will Romilly ever manage to put herself first for once and rediscover her own identity, whilst juggling single parenting and attempting to recapture the lost tatters of her love life? Or will she settle for familiarity and security above all else? And can we ever really run away from it all? For the Love of Coffee is for those of us who dream of something better and are not quite sure what that might be. The story celebrates the joy of belonging to a community and the importance of those precious shiny small things in life such as the perfect freshly brewed cup of coffee. Author Bio: Fiona Woodifield is a romantic comedy writer. 'The Jane Austen Dating Agency' is her debut novel. As a child, Fiona spent many happy hours reading each and every book she could get hold of and has always wanted to write novels ever since. She has also written non-fiction articles for magazines on diverse subjects from Jane Austen to dogs! Fiona obviously loves writing, looking after her daughters (with the result she has begun to sympathise with Mrs Bennet), spending time with friends and family, walking her dogs, dancing, visiting stately homes (imagining she lives in them of course) and escaping into a book whilst consuming a worrying amount of chocolate.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£13

534

Fiona Woodifield

Two Book Special! Title 1: The Jane Austen Dating Agency Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Title 2: Wedding at the Jane Austen Dating Agency Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedications Available:YES Postage & Packaging: Free UK Only Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://fionawoodifield.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/FionaWoodifield The Book 1: The Jane Austen Dating Agency Sophie Johnson is young, intelligent and attractive. So, when she lands the dream position of Sales Executive at a leading fashion magazine, it appears she has it all. But in reality, she hates her job, is sick of her controlling mother and is a dating disaster. Then she discovers The Jane Austen Dating Agency, an exclusive club for ladies who want to meet real gentlemen and believes her luck has changed. And when Sophie meets Darcy Drummond, she thinks her dreams have come true. That is until she discovers he is arrogant and hard-headed. So, when Daniel Becks steps into her life, she thinks she’s found the one. But is he really all he seems? The Jane Austen Dating Agency is for anyone who has ever dreamed of romance and wondered if it really exists. The Book 2; Wedding at the Jane Austen Dating Agency Sophie Johnson appears to be living the perfect life. She has landed her dream job as Managing Director of The Jane Austen Dating Agency and is dating the world’s most desirable man, Darcy Drummond. But all is not as it seems. The relationship with Darcy is failing to live up to expectations and his awful mother is determined to cause trouble. To add to Sophie’s problems, the agency is struggling to attract enough eligible men, she has a Regency wedding to plan, and then there’s the amusing and disturbingly cute Henry Baxter who is making it hard for her to concentrate. The problem is Sophie wants it all, but in trying to manage everything, she’s in danger of losing what matters most. Can she keep the dating agency afloat and find her own happy ever after? Or is business and romance an impossible combination? The Author: Fiona Woodifield is a romantic comedy writer. 'The Jane Austen Dating Agency' is her debut novel. As a child, Fiona spent many happy hours reading each and every book she could get hold of and has always wanted to write novels ever since. She has also written non-fiction articles for magazines on diverse subjects from Jane Austen to dogs! Fiona obviously loves writing, looking after her daughters (with the result she has begun to sympathise with Mrs Bennet), spending time with friends and family, walking her dogs, dancing, visiting stately homes (imagining she lives in them of course) and escaping into a book whilst consuming a worrying amount of chocolate.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

4

£16

535

Clive Myrie

Title: Everything is Everything: A Memoir of Love, Hate & Hope Genre: Autobiography / Memoir Format: Hardback Dedications Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliveMyrieBBC Book Blurb: As a Bolton teenager with a paper round, Clive Myrie read all the newspapers he delivered from cover to cover and dreamed of becoming a journalist. In this deeply personal memoir, he tells how his family history has influenced his view of the world, introducing us to his Windrush generation parents, a great grandfather who helped build the Panama Canal, and a great uncle who fought in the First World War, later to become a prominent police detective in Jamaica. He reflects on how being black has affected his perspective on issues he's encountered in thirty years reporting some of the biggest stories of our time (most recently from Ukraine), showing us how those experiences gave him a better idea of what it means to be an outsider. He tells of his pride in his roots, but his determination not to be defined by his background in dealing with the challenges of race and class to succeed at the highest level. Moving, engaging, revealing, Everything is Everything is a story of love and hate - but also hope. Author Bio: Clive Augustus Myrie is an English journalist, newsreader and presenter who works for the BBC. Since August 2021 he has been the host of the long-running BBC quiz shows Mastermind and Celebrity Mastermind.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

15

£80

536

Anita and Simon Howell

Four Book Series Title 1: B is for Breast Cancer Title 2: H is for Haemodialysis Title 3: P is for Peritoneal Dialysis Title 4: K is for Kidney Transplant Genre: Children - Educational (Appropriate to read with children of any age; they have also been used in hospital and school settings.) Format: Picture Books Dedication is Available Postage: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeetLucy_Jack Book 1: B is for Breast Cancer Lucy and Jack have a Mum who has been diagnosed with primary breast cancer and needs to have chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. This book explores a little of the impact on the lives of the family, in a way designed to be helpful and non-threatening to children who may share a similar experience. An Oncology Consultant at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, described the book saying "Every parent with a diagnosis of cancer has the dilemma of how much to share with their children, while trying to protect them. This reassuring and loving book written from personal experience, involves children in the treatment plans and medical vocabulary of the new world the family has entered" Written by a nurse and doctor in order to help explain to their own children, this book will help families talk about some of the issues around primary breast cancer and its treatments. Book 2: H is for Haemodialysis Lucy and Jack have a very ill father who needs haemodialysis treatment. This book explores a little of the impact on the lives of the family, in a way designed to be helpful and non-threatening to children who may share a similar experience. The Chief of Surgery at renowned Guy's Hospital, London, described the book saying "This charming book provides clear, simple information for children, with lovely illustrations. It shows the impact that dialysis can have on everyday family life but, more importantly, how a loving, supporting environment can help overcome a chronic illness." Written by a nurse and doctor in order to help explain to their own children, this book will help families talk about some of the issues around renal dialysis. Book 3: P is for Peritoneal Dialysis Lucy and Jack have a very ill father who needs Peritoneal Dialysis treatment. This book explores a little of the impact on the lives of the family, in a way designed to be helpful and non-threatening to children who may share a similar experience. The Director of Nephrology at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia, described the book saying "I am sure you will find this book helpful when you talk about renal failure and its treatment with children, if it is something that you or your family have to cope with now or in the fiuture." Written by a nurse and doctor in order to help explain to their own children, this book will help families talk about some of the issues around renal dialysis. This edition also contains notes in the back of the book. These notes are aimed at helping adults explain and discuss the story with the child. They also contain practical examples of things that the authors have found helpful for their children. Book 4: K is for Kidney Transplant Lucy and Jack have a very ill father who needs a Kidney Transplant. This book explores a little of the impact on the lives of the family, in a way designed to be helpful and non-threatening to children who may share a similar experience. Lisa Burnapp, Lead Nurse Living Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant also Consultant Nurse, Living Donor Kidney Transplantation at Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, described the book saying "This is a delightful addition to the other books that Anita and Simon have written for children about living with kidney disease in the family. By combining simple narrative and beautiful illustrations, they have managed to explain difficult concepts about organ donation and kidney transplantation in a way that speaks to both adults and children. Their personal experiences and insights add a warmth and depth that cannot fail to resonate with anyone who is facing similar challenges. This is not only a book for children, it is a book for families everywhere who are learning to cope with the rigors of kidney disease and its treatments". Written by a nurse and doctor in order to help explain to their own children, this book will help families talk about some of the issues around renal dialysis and transplantation. The Authors: Simon Howell is a double kidney transplant recipient and a retired hospital doctor. Anita is his wife and is living with breast cancer. They noticed the need for fun and accurate literature about their own illnesses to share with their own young children. Together they have written these books for children about treatments for kidney disease and primary breast cancer, beautifully illustrated by Sue Roche.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£25

537

C.L. Miller

Title: The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Post and packing: FREE Bids accepted: Global Editor's Proof: The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder will be published February 2024 Website: http://clmillerauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/CLMillerAuthor Book Blurb: What antique would you kill for? Freya, it’s down to you to finish what I started. . . Freya Lockwood has avoided the quaint English village in which she grew up for the last 20 years. That is until news arrives that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and Freya’s estranged mentor, has died… and the circumstances seem suspicious. You will uncover an invitation, I implore you to attend. . . But when a letter from Arthur is delivered, sent just days before his death, and an ordinary pine chest concealing Arthur’s journals are revealed, Freya finds herself sucked back into a life she’d sworn to leave behind. But beware, trust no-one. Your life depends on it. . . Joining forces with her eccentric Aunt Carole, Arthur’s staunch best friend, Freya follows both clues and her instincts to an old manor house for an ‘antiques enthusiasts weekend’. But not is all as it seems; the antiques are bad reproductions and the guests all have something to hide. Can Freya and Carole solve the mystery and unearth the killer before they strike again? Author Bio: C. L. Miller started working life as an editorial assistant for her mother, Judith Miller, on The Miller’s Antique Price Guide and other antiquing guides. After she had children, she decided to follow her long-held dream of becoming an author and began concentrating on her writing full-time. She was an Undiscovered Voices 2022 and in the UV 2022 anthology. She lives in a medieval cottage in Dedham Vale, Suffolk, with her family.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£19

538

Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Two Book Special Title 1: Blood & Sugar Genre: Crime Thriller Title 2: Daughters of Night Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.laurashepherdrobinson.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraSRobinson Book 1 Blurb: Blood & Sugar Winner of the HWA Debut Crown Winner of the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award Blood & Sugar is the thrilling debut historical crime novel from Laura Shepherd-Robinson for fans of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor. June, 1781. An unidentified body hangs upon a hook at Deptford Dock, London – horribly tortured and branded with a slaver’s mark. Some days later, Captain Harry Corsham – a war hero embarking upon a promising parliamentary career – is visited by the sister of an old friend. Her brother, passionate abolitionist Tad Archer, had been about to expose a secret that he believed could cause irreparable damage to the British slaving industry. He’d said people were trying to kill him, and now he is missing . . . To discover what happened to Tad, Harry is forced to pick up the threads of his friend’s investigation, delving into the heart of the conspiracy Tad had unearthed. His investigation will threaten his political prospects, his family’s happiness, and force a reckoning with his past, risking the revelation of secrets that have the power to destroy him. And that is only if he can survive the mortal dangers awaiting him in Deptford . . . Book 2 Blurb: Daughters of Night 'The best historical crime novel I will read this year' – The Times From the pleasure palaces and gin-shops of Covent Garden to the elegant townhouses of Mayfair, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s Daughters of Night follows Caroline Corsham as she seeks justice for a murdered woman whom London society would rather forget . . . 'This is right up there with the best of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor' – Amanda Craig, author of The Golden Rule London, 1782. Desperate for her politician husband to return home from France, Caroline ‘Caro’ Corsham is already in a state of anxiety when she finds a well-dressed woman mortally wounded in the bowers of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The Bow Street constables are swift to act, until they discover that the deceased woman was a highly paid prostitute, at which point they cease to care entirely. But Caro has motives of her own for wanting to see justice done, and so sets out to solve the crime herself. Enlisting the help of thieftaker Peregrine Child, their inquiry delves into the hidden corners of Georgian society, a world of artifice, deception and secret lives. But with many gentlemen refusing to speak about their dealings with the dead woman, and Caro’s own reputation under threat, finding the killer will be harder, and more treacherous, than she can know . . . Author Bio: Laura Shepherd-Robinson was born in Bristol in 1976. She has a BSc in Politics from the University of Bristol and an MSc in Political Theory from the London School of Economics. Laura worked in politics for nearly twenty years before re-entering normal life to complete an MA in Creative Writing at City University. She lives in London with her husband, Adrian. Blood & Sugar, her first novel, won the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown and the Specsaver’s Debut Crime Novel award, was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, and a Guardian and Telegraph novel of the year. It was also shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger and the Sapere Historical Dagger; the Amazon Publishing/Capital Crime Best Debut Novel; and the Goldsboro Glass Bell; and longlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year. Her second novel, Daughters of Night, was been shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year, the Goldsboro Glass Bell, the Capital Crime Fingerprint Historical Novel Award and the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown, longlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger and was a Book of the Year in The Times, The i, and the Guardian. Her third novel, The Square of Sevens, is a Sunday Times bestseller and available from all good bookshops now.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£19

539

Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Title: The Square of Sevens Genre: Historical Fiction - Mystery Format: Hardback Dedications Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.laurashepherdrobinson.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraSRobinson Book Blurb: The Square of Sevens INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER “A big, satisfying, and clever read.” —The Times (London) An orphaned fortune teller in 18th-century England searches for answers about her long-dead mother and uncovers shocking secrets in this immersive and atmospheric saga perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and Sarah Perry. Cornwall, 1730: A young girl known only as Red travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient Cornish method of the Square of Sevens. Shortly before he dies, her father entrusts Red’s care to a gentleman scholar, along with a document containing the secret of the Square of Sevens technique. Raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendor of Bath, Red’s fortune-telling delights in high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul: who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him? The pursuit of these mysteries takes her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red’s quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads to grave danger. Laura Shepherd-Robinson, “the queen of modern Georgian literature” (Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora), has written a dazzling and Dickensian story of mystery and intrigue, with audacious twists and turns. Author Bio: Laura Shepherd-Robinson was born in Bristol in 1976. She has a BSc in Politics from the University of Bristol and an MSc in Political Theory from the London School of Economics. Laura worked in politics for nearly twenty years before re-entering normal life to complete an MA in Creative Writing at City University. She lives in London with her husband, Adrian. Blood & Sugar, her first novel, won the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown and the Specsaver’s Debut Crime Novel award, was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, and a Guardian and Telegraph novel of the year. It was also shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger and the Sapere Historical Dagger; the Amazon Publishing/Capital Crime Best Debut Novel; and the Goldsboro Glass Bell; and longlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year. Her second novel, Daughters of Night, was been shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year, the Goldsboro Glass Bell, the Capital Crime Fingerprint Historical Novel Award and the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown, longlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger and was a Book of the Year in The Times, The i, and the Guardian. Her third novel, The Square of Sevens, is a Sunday Times bestseller and available from all good bookshops now.

Winning Bidder

Jane Anderson

Bids

7

£30

540

Terrie Chilvers & Tim Budgen

Title: Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog Genre: Children (7 years +) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only * Book has also been signed by the illustrator Tim Budgen Website: https://www.terriechilvers.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/cowfishdreams Website: https://timbudgen.com Book Blurb: An inspirational sausage dog with a dream... Read the story of Michael, an extremely talented mind-reading sausage dog and his rise to fame. Along with bumbling assistant, Stanley Big Dog, follow Michael on his journey from unknown sausage pup to Hollywoof sensation. SPOILER: Becoming famous is no walkies in the park… Author Bio: I write funny middle grade fiction and non-fiction. When I’m not writing children’s books, I work freelance as a copywriter and social media consultant. I live in London, where I’m the doting aunt to two sausage dogs called Sedwig and Bucky. Illustrator Bio: Tim was born in Surrey in 1977, and is a freelance illustrator. For much of his life he has been scribbling down ideas and can usually be found with a pencil in one hand and a sketchbook in the other! Tim has a real passion for character design and storytelling. His illustration work has been described as ‘story telling with whimsical charm, warmth and humour’ and he’d like to think that is pretty true! Tim lives with his wife by the sea on Hayling Island with their pets Baxter and Alfie.

Winning Bidder

Keith Sanderson

Bids

4

£30

541

Imran Mahmood

Title: All I Said Was True Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/imranmahmood777 Book Blurb: From the author of You Don’t Know Me comes another ticking, against-the-clock thriller about obsession, betrayal and memory, as a murder suspect must convince the police of the existence of another suspect – a man she only ever knew by his first name. Longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2023 I didn't kill her. Trust me. When Amy Blahn died on a London rooftop, Layla Mahoney was there. Layla was holding her. But all she can say when she's arrested is that 'It was Michael. Find Michael and you'll find out everything you need to know.' The problem is, the police can't find him - they aren't even sure he exists. Layla knows she only has forty-eight hours to convince the police that bringing in the man she knows only as 'Michael' will clear her name and reveal a dangerous game affecting not just Amy and Layla, but her husband Russell and countless others. But as the detectives begin to uncover the whole truth about what happened to Amy, Layla will soon have to decide: how much of that truth can she really risk being exposed? Author Bio: Imran Mahmood is a practicing barrister with almost 30 years' experience fighting cases in court. He hails from Liverpool but now lives in London with his wife and daughters. His debut novel You Don't Know Me was chosen by Simon Mayo as a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Choice and longlisted for Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and for the CWA Gold Dagger, and has now been adapted into a four part drama series for the BBC. He is also the author of I Know What I Saw. When not in court or writing novels he can sometimes be found on the Red Hot Chilli Writers' podcast as one of the regular contributors. @imranmahmood777

Winning Bidder

Deb Day

Bids

4

£15

542

Ollie Ollerton

Title: All or Nothing Genre: Crime Thriller -Mystery Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://ollieollerton.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ollie_ollerton Book Blurb: THE NEW THRILLER FROM THE NUMBER 1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR Revenge is a game you can't afford to lose... He turns the groaning Abbott over, puts the barrel of the gun to the back of his head. 'We're doing him a favour,' he says. 'I know a guy with a death-wish when I see one.' He pulls the trigger. They say blood is thicker than water. They never mention alcohol. Ex-special forces soldier Alex Abbott has a lead on the killer of his dead brother, if only he can stay off the booze long enough to hunt it down. But the skeletons in Abbott's closet are mounting up faster than the bodies in their bags, and Abbott needs to get his focus back if he's going to get his revenge. His pursuit takes him to the North of England, where Abbott infiltrates a local gang, forced to carry out jobs to maintain his cover. As he gains their trust he ventures deeper into the organisation uncovering a long-established international network of rich, depraved thrill-seekers, with a sadistic side-hustle in child trafficking. Can Abbott stay ahead of his quarry and keep those who matter to him safe? The answer will take Abbott into Eastern Europe and a deadly game of cat and mouse, where he will face a terrible choice between his past and his future; it's winner takes all and Abbott has everything to lose. Author Bio: I am a former UK Special Forces Soldier and directing staff (DS) from Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins. This amazingly popular show brought the Special Forces into the public eye. It was the first time we all saw how mental strength and physical power could combine to incredible effect. In fact, I was one of the first former members of the UK Special Forces members to talk about my experiences and turn them into a positive force for good

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

2

£12

543

Jeffrey Archer

Two Book Bonanza Title 1: Hidden in Plain Sight Title 2: Turn a Blind Eye Genre: Crime Thrillers Format: Hardbacks Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.jeffreyarcher.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Archer Book 1 Blurb: Hidden in Plain Sight William Warwick has been promoted to Detective Sergeant, but his promotion means that he, along with the rest of his team, have been reassigned to the Drugs Squad. They are immediately tasked with apprehending Assem Rashidi, a notorious drug dealer known as The Viper, who operates his extensive network out of South London. As the investigation progresses, William runs into enemies old and new: Adrian Heath, from his school days, now a street dealer who he convinces to turn informer; and financier Miles Faulkner, who makes a mistake that could finally see him put behind bars. Meanwhile, William and his fiancée Beth enjoy making preparations for their upcoming wedding, though an unpleasant surprise awaits them at the altar. As William’s team closes the net around a criminal network like none they have ever faced before, he devises a trap they would never expect, one that is hidden in plain sight… With Jeffrey Archer’s trademark twists and turns Hidden in Plain Sight is the extraordinary sequel to Nothing Ventured, the first novel featuring Detective William Warwick. Book 2 Blurb: Turn a Blind Eye Newly promoted to Detective Inspector, William Warwick is tasked with a dangerous new line of work, to go undercover and expose crime of another kind: corruption at the heart of the Metropolitan Police Force. Along with detectives Rebecca Pankhurst and Nicky Bailey, his team is focused on following Detective Jerry Summers, a young officer whose lifestyle exceeds his income. But the investigation risks being compromised when Nicky falls for Summers. Meanwhile, notorious drug baron Assem Rashidi goes on trial, defended by Mr Booth Watson QC, while William’s father Sir Julian and sister Grace lead the prosecution case. And William’s wife Beth, now a new mother to twins, makes a surprising new friend in Christina Faulkner—the ex-wife of William’s former rival, criminal financier Miles – who has not only turned over a new leaf, but has also a new-found source of income when Faulkner dies suddenly of a heart attack and she stands to be sole inheritor of his estate. As the undercover officers start to draw the threads together, William realizes that the corruption may go deeper still, and more of his colleagues than he first thought might be willing to turn a blind eye. Turn A Blind Eye is the third novel in the best selling William Warwick series. Author Bio: Now published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, with more than 750,000 5* reviews, Jeffrey Archer is firmly established as one of the world’s bestselling authors, with international sales passing 275 million copies. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£25

544

Lydia Monks Julia Donaldson

Title: What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas Genre: Children Format: Hardback. Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only. Website: http://lydiamonks.com Website: http://gruffalo.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaMonks Book Blurb: Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len are going to steal the children’s presents! But they haven’t counted on the clever little ladybird! Author & Illustrator: Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks are the best-selling team behind well loved books like Sugarlump and the Unicorn and Princess Mirrorbelle. Their series, What the Ladybird Heard has sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

Winning Bidder

Carl Wrigley

Bids

14

£47

545

Lydia Monks

Title: The Rhyming Rabbit Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lydiamonks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaMonks Artwork 1 of 6 The Rhyming Rabbit was drawn by Lydia live on stage at the Edinburgh Festival 2023 specifically for The Children in Read auction. Author Bio: Lydia Monks is one of the most original picture book artists working today. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Smarties Prize. Her collaborations with Julia Donaldson include The Singing Mermaid, the Princess Mirror-belle books, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, and the phenomenally successful What the Ladybird Heard. Lydia lives in Sheffield.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£40

546

Lydia Monks

Title: The Singing Mermaid Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lydiamonks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaMonks Artwork 2 of 6 The Singing Mermaid was drawn by Lydia live on stage at the Edinburgh Festival 2023 specifically for The Children in Read auction. Author Bio: Lydia Monks is one of the most original picture book artists working today. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Smarties Prize. Her collaborations with Julia Donaldson include The Singing Mermaid, the Princess Mirror-belle books, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, and the phenomenally successful What the Ladybird Heard. Lydia lives in Sheffield.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£40

547

Lydia Monks

Title: What the Ladybird Heard Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lydiamonks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaMonks Artwork 3 of 6 What the Ladybird Heard was drawn by Lydia live on stage at the Edinburgh Festival 2023 specifically for The Children in Read auction. Author Bio: Lydia Monks is one of the most original picture book artists working today. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Smarties Prize. Her collaborations with Julia Donaldson include The Singing Mermaid, the Princess Mirror-belle books, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, and the phenomenally successful What the Ladybird Heard. Lydia lives in Sheffield.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

12

£43

548

Lydia Monks

Sugarlump and the Unicorn Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lydiamonks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaMonks Artwork 4 of 6 Sugarlump and the Unicorn was drawn by Lydia live on stage at the Edinburgh Festival 2023 specifically for The Children in Read auction. Author Bio: Lydia Monks is one of the most original picture book artists working today. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Smarties Prize. Her collaborations with Julia Donaldson include The Singing Mermaid, the Princess Mirror-belle books, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, and the phenomenally successful What the Ladybird Heard. Lydia lives in Sheffield.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£60

549

Lydia Monks

Sharing a Shell Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lydiamonks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaMonks Artwork 5 of 6 Sharing a Shell was drawn by Lydia live on stage at the Edinburgh Festival 2023 specifically for The Children in Read auction. Author Bio: Lydia Monks is one of the most original picture book artists working today. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Smarties Prize. Her collaborations with Julia Donaldson include The Singing Mermaid, the Princess Mirror-belle books, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, and the phenomenally successful What the Ladybird Heard. Lydia lives in Sheffield.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£40

550

Lydia Monks

Julia and Lydia say goodbye! Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lydiamonks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaMonks Artwork 6 of 6 Julia and Lydia say goodbye! was drawn by Lydia live on stage at the Edinburgh Festival 2023 specifically for The Children in Read auction. Author Bio: Lydia Monks is one of the most original picture book artists working today. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Smarties Prize. Her collaborations with Julia Donaldson include The Singing Mermaid, the Princess Mirror-belle books, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, and the phenomenally successful What the Ladybird Heard. Lydia lives in Sheffield.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£50

551

Helen Rolfe

Title: THE LITTLE CAFE AT THE END OF THE PIER Genre: RomCom / Romantic Fiction / Women's fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.helenjrolfe.com Twitter: @HJRolfe The Book: Searching for love? You'll find it at The Little Café at the End of the Pier... When Jo's beloved grandparents ask for her help in running their little café at the end of the pier in Salthaven-on-Sea she jumps at the chance. The café is a hub for many people: the single dad who brings his little boy in on a Saturday morning; the lady who sits alone and stares out to sea; the woman who pops in after her morning run. Jo soon realises that each of her customers is looking for love - and she knows just the way to find it for them. She goes about setting each of them up on blind dates - each date is held in the café, with a special menu she has designed for the occasion. But Jo has never found love herself. She always held her grandparents' marriage up as her ideal and she hasn't found anything close to that. But could it be that love is right under her nose...? The Author: Helen Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and relationships. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending. Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds. She also loves creating village settings or places with a small-town feel and a big sense of community. Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia where she eventually turned her attentions back to the career she'd dreamt of when she was fourteen. She studied writing and journalism and wrote articles for women's health and fitness magazines. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit... in fact she may just have found her dream job!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£25

552

Liz Harris

Title: SIMLA MIST Genre: Historical Romance/Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lizharrisauthor.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizharrisauthor The Book: From award-winning author, Liz Harris, comes an emotional tale of love and revenge set in Simla, the summer capital of the British Raj, which lies in the shadow of the Himalayas. Simla, 1932 Life-long friends, Lilian Hunt and Daisy Chatsworth, whose fathers work for the British government in India, have travelled north with their families from Delhi to Simla, eagerly anticipating a summer of parties, dances and, dare they hope, romance. Frederick, Lilian’s ambitious father, is determined that Lilian should marry Eric, the son of his superior, Cecil Stanford, as that is what Cecil wants. Eric, however, against his father’s clearly expressed wishes, is drawn to Daisy. But Cecil objects to Eric marrying a Chatsworth, though no one knows why. Lilian decides to take matters into her hands, and help her friend to win the man she loves. Unknown to Frederick, he has an enemy in Simla, and soon after his arrival, that enemy makes his presence felt. Feeling increasingly threatened, Frederick asks a new colleague, Jack Leighton, to stay close to Lilian and Daisy without them realising he’s there to protect them. Jack has taken an instant dislike to Lilian but, reluctantly, he agrees. But the enemy is watching… Simla Mist, an unforgettably powerful story of love and revenge, is perfect for readers of Santa Montefiore, Dinah Jefferies, Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy and Rosie Thomas. The Author: In the back of my mind, I think I’ve always known that I would be a writer one day, having loved writing essays at school, letters to friends, answering exam questions, but that’s exactly where it stayed for many years – at the back of my mind. After university, not wanting to practise Law – the subject of my first degree – I went to California, and lived there for six years, first in San Francisco and later in Los Angeles. While there, I met a wide variety of interesting people whom I felt would be great in a novel, but making new friends and having a brilliant time, going to fascinating places and doing a wide variety of jobs, was not conducive to settling down to write a novel, and my career as an author was still very much in the future. On my return to England, I studied for an English degree and then started teaching at a secondary school. Not long after that, I met the man who became my husband. Teaching a subject with a vast amount of preparation and marking, and with two lively sons a year apart in age, and a husband with a demanding job, meant that I couldn’t begin to think about writing a novel. Instead, I wrote voluminous letters. Looking back, I feel quite sorry for my friends, receiving my lengthy tomes in the middle of their busy days. And it was one of those long-suffering friends who suggested that instead of writing letters, I should write a novel. And that’s what I did! As I’ve learnt over the years that I’ve been writing novels, while writing is a solitary activity, it isn’t a lonely one! The writing community is the warmest, friendliest of communities, and one of my greatest pleasures is having a writerly lunch with author friends, sometimes in England, and sometimes on a writers’ retreat abroad. Unsurprisingly, my novels reflect my interests. I love travel and many of my novels are inspired by places I’ve visited. I’ve travelled extensively in Europe, particularly in France and Italy, and in the US. And in recent years, I’ve visited Australia, Canada, India and Vietnam.

Winning Bidder

Helena Connelly

Bids

2

£12

553

Peter Harrison

Title: The Spaghetti Yeti Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://typingwolf.wixsite.com/peterharrison Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pete_Hyena Book Blurb: Travel back to a time before the Trevi fountain and read the fable of a Yeti who lived on top of a mountain. This tale includes a Gladiator collage, a Wizard and even an Elf. You will also find out what kind of Yeti would want to eat lots of spaghetti. Its exciting conclusion happens on Christmas Eve when a new friendship is made. This is a perfect story to be read just before bedtime. Author Bio: My writing and illustrating career all started as an experiment back in December 2021. I wanted to see if I could create and publish a book using just my iPad. The end result was my first self-published picture book: The Spaghetti Yeti. After some great sales and feedback, I was inspired to continue, and I currently have three WIPs on the go. Two of these are new children's picture books but the third will be my first novel for young adults. As for my day-to-day, I currently work in higher education, optimising the digital experience for a whole range of audiences. I've worked in web design for the best part of 20 years and have always had a creative approach to my projects. It's writing digital user stories all these years that enabled me to move into the author's world. Oh, and my brain is wired a bit differently than most. Being neurodivergent is challenging, but it allows me to craft some pretty epic fables and tales.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

554

Anne Booth

Two Book Special Title 1: Small Miracles Genre: Contemporary - Humour Format: Paperback Title 2: Sweet Mercies Genre: Contemporary - Humour Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bridgeanne Book 1 Blurb: Small Miracles Small Miracles is a PB. Blurb is The 1990s are proving tough for the convent. The order of the Sisters of Saint Philomena is down to its three last nuns. The place that Sisters Margaret, Bridget and Cecilia call home is in dire need of repairs and, with no savings and no new recruits, they are facing the prospect of having to sell up and leave behind the friends and neighbours in the parish community that they love. That is, until ninety-year-old Cecilia decides to play the newly launched National Lottery and a series of small miracles begins to unfold... Small Miracles takes the reader on a joyful and uplifting journey as these three unforgettable nuns learn more about life, love and friendship than they could ever have imagined. Book 2 Blurb: Sweet Mercies Even saints need second chances... The new heartwarming Christmas adventure with the Sisters of Saint Philomena, about friendship, family and forgiveness, for fans of AJ Pearce, Katie Fforde and Call the Midwife. Everyone loves Sister Bridget. The cheerful Mother Superior of St Philomena's convent is friend to many in the town of Fairbridge and the irrepressible caller at the weekly Parish Bingo. There is nothing she can't sort out with a kind word, a cup of tea and a slice of her amazing chocolate cake. But is everything as rosy as she thinks? As the Christmas tree goes up and festive cheer rises, a visitor arrives at the convent who doesn't like Sister Bridget one bit. Good intentions don't always go to plan. Sister Bridget learns that secrets are bubbling to the surface back home in Ireland - especially for her younger sister Mary. She will need to face up to past deeds, however well-intended. With the help of her friends, and the power of love and forgiveness, maybe she can finally make things right. With warmth and grace, Sweet Mercies reminds us that none of us is perfect, and everybody deserves another chance at finding peace and happiness. Author Bio: Anne Booth has had all sorts of jobs, including washing up in a restaurant, working as a tour guide in a haunted almshouse, bookselling, teaching English in Italy, lecturing at university and being a long-term carer for her elderly parents. She has published 25 children's books and two novels for adults: 'Small Miracles' (pub Aug 22) and 'Sweet Mercies' (pub Oct 23). All her childhood and teenage years she wanted to be a nun, and although she has ended up happily married with four children, she still feels inspired by the many kind nuns and religious Sisters she has met.

Winning Bidder

Ann South

Bids

6

£31

555

Anne Booth

Title: I Need a Hug Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bridgeanne Book Blurb: I send You a Hug', which is in PB A lyrical, heart-warming message of love from someone far away When Big Bear and Little Bear have to say goodbye, Big Bear tells Little Bear about all the ways she'll send a hug from afar: I can change my hug into bird song early in the morning, or into the sea so I can wave at you when you are on the beach. Join Little Bear on his adventure to discover all the many different ways to feel a hug from a loved one, even when apart. A soothing and uplifting story for every child who is missing someone. Author Bio: Anne Booth has had all sorts of jobs, including washing up in a restaurant, working as a tour guide in a haunted almshouse, bookselling, teaching English in Italy, lecturing at university and being a long-term carer for her elderly parents. She has published 25 children's books and two novels for adults: 'Small Miracles' (pub Aug 22) and 'Sweet Mercies' (pub Oct 23). All her childhood and teenage years she wanted to be a nun, and although she has ended up happily married with four children, she still feels inspired by the many kind nuns and religious Sisters she has met.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£13

556

Bruna De Luca

Book Title: I’m Not Cute, I’m Dangerous Genre: Children Format: Paperback - Picturebook Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://brunadeluca.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/brudeluwrites Book Blurb: Fifi was born furry and incredibly cute - not the best characteristics for a crocodile. Teased by her sisters, Fifi sets out to prove she’s just as dangerous as her siblings, even if she is (whisper it) cute! A snappy story by Bruna De Luca & Benedetta Capriotti about not judging by appearances and embracing your quirks. Author Bio: Bruna is a fledgling children’s author, book blogger and Espresso-sized ‘Scotalian’ who loves writing children’s books as much as she loves reading them, but finds the latter much easier. Bruna was shortlisted for the 2023 Kelpies Prize for Writing and can be found in cafés dotted around the Scottish Borders, pen in one hand, pastry fork in the other.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

557

Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet

Book 1: Supertato : Three Epic Adventures Book 2: Supertato: Evil Pea & The Beanstalk Book 3: Supertato I Spy Island Book 4: Supertato: The Great Eggscape Book 5: Supertato: Night of the Living Veg Book 6: Supertato: Mean Green Time Machine Genre: Children Format: Paperback - Picture book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.supertatoandfriends.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/suehendra Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaulLinnet The Books: Meet Supertato! The caped potato superhero fighting to save the world from arch-villain - the Evil Pea. Can Supertato foil his nemesis’ many plots to wreak chaos in the supermarket? Whether it is the supermarket sports day, hide and seek in the aisles or Carnival time for the vegetable friends, Supertato is determined to save the day. When the chips are down, Supertato is there for you, but things can get hairy when veggies go bad… The Supertato books are hilarious and fun-filled adventure stories, packed with bright and bold illustrations. Children and adults alike adore the wacky Supertato characters. Kids love searching for the Evil Pea lurking in the supermarket aisles and the silly humour in the stories. Adults love the fact that children are introduced to new vegetables, not to mention the fact that the books are great fun to read aloud! Written and illustrated by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, the bestselling creators of Barry the Fish with Fingers , I Need a Wee and Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell , these books are firm family favourites up and down the country as shown by the many 5* reviews from Toppsta readers below. There was even a World Book Day Supertato story in both 2016 and 2020. The Author/Illustrator: Sue Hendra Sue Hendra grew up in Wimbledon and has always loved making up stories and drawing pictures. Her favourite book as a child was Mr Silly. She graduated from Brighton University in 1994 and has been creating picture books ever since. In 2006 she met Paul Linnet and could instantly see that she’d met a fellow nitwit who liked talking nonsense. They went on to create many bestselling books together, Sue loves swimming, and can swim up and down for a very long time. Her favourite book is still Mr Silly. The Author/Illustrator: Paul Linnet Paul Linnet was born in Brighton and grew up in the Midlands, reading Tintin and playing classic 80s video games, before becoming obsessed with scribbling, writing, guitars and motorcycles. He studied Graphic Design at Derby University, and later moved back to Brighton where he met Sue Hendra. They made up a story about a fish with fingers and then a slug with a doughnut for a shell, and now no one can stop them from writing more and more frankly ridiculous books. Paul still loves scribbling, writing, guitars and motorcycles.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£35

558

Charlotte Levin

Title: If I Let You Go Genre: Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.charlottelevin.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinycharlotte72 Book Blurb: Every morning Janet Brown goes to work cleaning offices. It calms her, cleanliness, neatness. All the things she’s unable to do with her soul can be achieved with a damp cloth and a splash of bleach. However, the guilt she still carries about a devastating loss that happened eleven years ago, cannot be erased. Then, Janet finds herself involved in a train crash and, recognizing the chance to do what she couldn’t all those years ago, she makes a decision. As news spreads of Janet’s actions, her story inspires everyone around her, and for the first time her life has purpose and the future is filled with hope. But Janet's story isn't quite what it seems, and as events spiral out of control, she soon discovers that coming clean isn't an option. Because if Janet washes away the lies, what long-buried truths will she finally have to face. If I Let You Go by Charlotte Levin is a deeply moving and compelling portrayal of a woman coming to terms with loss. Author Bio: Charlotte Levin is the author of IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU and IF I LET YOU GO. Charlotte lives in Manchester with her cat Opal Moon and kittens Leonard and Walter.

Winning Bidder

Steve Jones

Bids

1

£15

559

Susan Buchanan

Double Festive Special Title 1: The Christmas Spirit Title 2: Return of the Christmas Spirit Genre: Contemporary Fiction- Christmas Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://susanbuchananauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Susan_Buchanan Book 1 Blurb: The Christmas Spirit Natalie Hope takes over the reins of the Sugar and Spice bakery and café with the intention of injecting some Christmas spirit. Something her regulars badly need. Newly dumped Rebecca is stuck in a job with no prospects, has lost her home and is struggling to see a way forward. Pensioner Stanley is dreading his first Christmas alone without his beloved wife, who passed away earlier this year. How will he ever feel whole again? Graduate Jacob is still out of work despite making hundreds of applications. Will he be forced to go against his instincts and ask his unsympathetic parents for help? Spiky workaholic Meredith hates the jollity of family gatherings and would rather stay home with a box set and a posh ready meal. Will she finally realise what’s important in life? Natalie sprinkles a little magic to try to spread some festive cheer and restore Christmas spirit, but will she succeed? Book 2 Blurb: Return of the Christmas Spirit Christmas is just around the corner when the enigmatic Star begins working at Butterburn library, but not everyone is embracing the spirit of the season. Arianna is anxious about her mock exams. With her father living abroad and her mother working three jobs to keep them afloat, she doesn’t have much support at home. The bank is threatening to repossess Evan’s house, and he has no idea how he will get through Christmas with two children who are used to getting everything they want. After 23 years of marriage, Patricia’s husband announces he’s moving out of the family home, and moving in with his secretary. Patricia puts a brave face on things, but inside she’s devastated and lost. Stressed-out Daniel is doing the work of three people in his sales job, plus looking after his kids and his sick wife. Pulled in too many different directions, he hasn’t even had a chance to think about Christmas. Can Star, the library’s Good Samaritan, help set them on the path to happiness this Christmas? Author Bio: Susan Buchanan lives in South Lanarkshire, Scotland with her husband and their two children. She writes contemporary women's fiction and romantic comedies, Her books are: Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, Just One Day - Winter, Just One Day - Spring, Just One Day - Summer and Just One Day - Autumn.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

10

£36

560

Ella Cook

Title: Healing Hearts in the Little Village Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/EllaCookWrites Book Blurb: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved this . . . the characters and setting are a real delight!!’ Karen Mace ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A delightful romance that will leave readers with a warm and satisfied heart.’ Netgalley reviewer One broken-hearted city doctor. A countryside surgery in need of a new GP. The perfect love story bound to get your pulse racing . . . Dr Liv Emery is at her wits end. Her perfect life was within her grasp. Instead she’s dealing with the fallout of being dumped by her long-term boyfriend in the cruellest way possible. Then on top of everything else, a patient goes berserk on her. It’s the final straw, and there’s only one thing for it . . . A new start. So she jumps at the chance to cover her former professor’s GP surgery in the Cotswolds and waves goodbye to the city. And good-for-nothing men. Life in the village of Broclington is a far cry from London — and her cottage is a welcome change from her old shoebox flat. But her relief is short-lived after meeting her prickly boss Callum. But perhaps he has his reasons . . . It’s not easy juggling being a single parent to a fairy-obsessed six-year-old while staving off bosses breathing down his neck about funding cuts. The more Liv gets to know Callum and his daughter, the more she realizes she may be able to help them — and the village practice — more than she could have imagined. But will her time in Broclington be the healing experience she so desperately needs, or could she end up heartbroken once again? READERS ADORE ELLA COOK’S FEEL-GOOD ROMANCE: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A lovely feel-good book.’ Rosamond C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant characters and a great insight into village life.’ Gill K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A sweet story.’ Evangelia M. Author Bio: Ella is one of those people who is addicted to the written word. She's been obsessed with books since before she could walk, and has wanted to be a writer since she realised that was actually a job. She grew up in the outskirts of London, where fairies lived at the bottom of her grandma's garden, so it isn't surprising that she still looks for magic in everyday life - and often finds it. When she's not living in a fantasy world of her own creation, she writes bids and develops programmes for children's services, and lives in rural Warwickshire (where there are probably more fairies). She shares her house with her husband who continues to make her gallons of tea and read her books almost as fast as she writes them, and their small parrot who likes to chase her fingers as she types and has almost certainly been trained not to remove any more computer keys.

Winning Bidder

Kathryn Goddard

Bids

1

£11

561

Lin Anderson

Title: Blaze Dog Detective : The Magic Flag Mystery Genre: Children - Adventure Mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://lin-anderson.blogspot.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lin_Anderson The Book; When the famous fairy flag of the Clan MacLeod disappears from a locked room at Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, the police immediately call in Blaze Dog Detective. After all his scenting skills on the island are legendary. With his team of Rosa, Rory and wee brother Laoch, Blaze leads the chase to rescue this magical flag before it can be spirited away from the island forever. The Author: Lin Anderson is best known as the creator of the forensic scientist RhonaMacLeod series of crime thriller novels, and for her part in founding and being a Director of the ‘Bloody Scotland’ crime writing festival.

Winning Bidder

Madalyn Morgan

Bids

1

£11

562

Natalie Hibberd

Two Book Special Title 1: Inside Out Title 2: Family Ties Genre: Young Adult - Science Fiction Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.nataliehibberdauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieHibberd Book 1 Blurb: Inside Out In a divisive world of mistrust and murder, there's only one thing that matters growing up: you're either in The Inside or The Outside. While the Insiders appear pampered and privileged, the Outsiders know only harsh realities. Believing themselves to be needlessly deprived of everything the Insiders have, the younger generation channel their rage into a terrorist group called The Freedom Fighters, a group intent on overthrowing the Inside at any cost. Now the Insiders must watch as the world they love collapses around them while the government resort to increasingly desperate tactics to try and contain the Outside threat. When the latest initiative catapults one of the young into the heart of the war, everything is pushed to breaking point. Book 2 Blurb: Family Ties In a divisive world of mistrust and murder, there's only one thing that matters growing up: you're either in The Inside or The Outside. In a desperate attempt to regain control of a flailing society, the Inside government have deployed an unlikely spy, sixteen year old Layna, to work her way into the heart of Outside resistance group - the Freedom Fighters. Having ingratiated herself with the top-ranking soldiers, Layna is discovering that the hardest part of her job is only just beginning. Back on The Inside, the teenage residents are learning to juggle jealousy, heartache and potentially explosive secrets. Little do they know, the pangs of adolescence are about to be joined by far more adult concerns. Storm clouds are gathering on the horizons of this fractured world, and when lightning strikes, nothing will ever be the same. In the long-awaited sequel to the award-winning Inside Out the stakes have been raised and all those involved are about to learn that danger is closer to home than any of them can imagine. Author Bio: Natalie Hibberd has wanted to be an author since she was two years old and wrote the first draft of my debut novel - Inside Out - between the ages of twelve and fourteen. She achieved her dreams of publication in spite of both Cerebral Palsy and Depression. She lives in Hampshire with her mum, dad and right-hand dog Cleo.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£20

563

Jessica Redland

International million-copy bestselling author, Jessica Redland, is offering a signed paperback copy of her most recent release - Christmas at the Cat Café along with a cat coaster and a cat bookmark. Title: Christmas at the Cat Cafe Genre: Romance - Christmas Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Available: UK Only Website: https://jessicaredlandauthor.com X: https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland Book Blurb: It's the most wonderful time of the year on Castle Street, and there's a paw-some new business opening.... It had always been Tabby's dream to work with cats and an inheritance from her beloved nanna has finally made that a reality. Idyllic Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay couldn’t be a better place for pastry chef Tabby to open a cat café with her boyfriend, Leon. But when Leon leaves her in the lurch, the pressure mounts for Tabby. With Christmas fast approaching, she has to open the café on her own – a daunting prospect, especially when she's been hiding her health issues from the ones she loves. Faced with local resistance to the café – and somebody seemingly determined that she won’t succeed – Tabby will need her friends, family and cats more than ever to recover her broken Christmas spirit and pull together for a Christmas miracle. Will the cat café bring the festive joy to Castle Street as Tabby had hoped or will it be a cat-astrophe? And can the magic of Christmas on Castle Street mend Tabby's broken heart as well as her business? Escape with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland this Christmas for the purr-fect festive treat! The Author: I was born in Teesside but now live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast. My home inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where I set many of my books although the Hedgehog Hollow series takes readers to a gorgeous new countryside setting in the Yorkshire Wolds and my Escape to the Lakes series is set in the stunning Lake District. I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I'm a self-confessed stationery addict with a ridiculously large collection of notepads who loves chocolate (although it doesn't love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses. Other than a career detour into retail to set up and run my own teddy bear shop (the inspiration for novel Bear With Me), I've always worked in HR, specialising in resourcing, coaching and L&D. Writing always had to take a back seat to the day job until June 2020 when I left the world of HR to become a full-time author. I'm so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can't believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.

Winning Bidder

Pamela Smith

Bids

11

£50

564

Jessica Redland

A Zoom Meeting Genre: Educational Available Globally Website: https://jessicaredlandauthor.com X: https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland International million-copy bestselling author, Jessica Redland, is offering a one-hour Zoom conversation which may be of interest to an aspiring writer or a reader. Jessica writes contemporary women's fiction so an aspiring writer in this genre may be better suited than someone writing another genre, However, Jessica tutors workshops on settings and writing in a series and these learnings are transferrable across genres so please don't let a genre difference dissuade you. The Author: I was born in Teesside but now live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast. My home inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where I set many of my books although the Hedgehog Hollow series takes readers to a gorgeous new countryside setting in the Yorkshire Wolds and my Escape to the Lakes series is set in the stunning Lake District. I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I'm a self-confessed stationery addict with a ridiculously large collection of notepads who loves chocolate (although it doesn't love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses. Other than a career detour into retail to set up and run my own teddy bear shop (the inspiration for novel Bear With Me), I've always worked in HR, specialising in resourcing, coaching and L&D. Writing always had to take a back seat to the day job until June 2020 when I left the world of HR to become a full-time author. I'm so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can't believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£21

565

Christina Gabbitas

Two Book Special Title 1: No More Knives or County Lines Genre: Children (Age 10) + - Education Title 2: Trapped in County Lines Genre: Children (Age 12) + - Education Format: Paperbacks Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.christinagabbitas.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristiGabbitas Trapped in County Lines & No More Knives or County Lines Educating children and young people on the topic of county lines, exploitation and carrying knives. Christina has been working in partnership with North Yorkshire Police & Humberside Police ( who both commissioned the stories) funded by the North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioners Office & Humberside Police & Crime Commissioners Office. http://trappedincountylines.com http://nomoreknifecrime.co.uk Author Bio: Christina Gabbitas is a children’s author, poet, storyteller and voiceover artist, who always loved to read rhyming books and poetry in my early years. She penned some stories that she stored away in a box file twenty years ago, thinking that one day she would do something with them. Welcome to the World of Felicity Fly was born in 2012. The series has taken her into the final of the People's Book Prize 2014-2018, winning Best Achievement Award in May 2019. Born in Blackburn, Lancashire where she spent the first twenty two years of her life, before moving to various parts of Yorkshire, where she now lives. (passports for both) Christina is founder and trustee of Children's Literature Festivals charity, her patrons and ambassadors include musician Michael Bradley of The Undertones and Actress Jenny Agutter. As a child she loved to read anything that rhymed. One of her earliest recollections of fun poetry was Spike Milligan’s Granny and also On The Ning Nang Nong. She loves Spike Milligan’s book Silly Verse For Kids. She has always had a love of music and used to help the headmaster of her primary school tune the piano. She spent some of her teenage years playing saxophone and percussion with a band and supported a popular indie band at that time called The Chameleons. They played around venues in Lancashire and admits that she did look at little freaky!

Winning Bidder

James Stewart

Bids

5

£200

566

Christina Gabbitas

3 Books Bonanza Title 1: Roo & Sarge : To The Rescue Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Title 2: Save Us Genre: Children - Education - Enviroment Format: Picture Book Title 3: Mohna Lot Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.christinagabbitas.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristiGabbitas The Book 1: Roo & Sarge : To The Rescue Roo the Cockapoo and Sarge the German Shepherd who used to help his detective owner with his police work, live at Springfield Dogs Home. The inseparable friends dream that pne day someone will adopt and welcome them into their new home. Will their dream come true? A story about lasting friendships and overcoming challenges. The Book 2: Save Us Save Us' is a wonderful story about a Seal, Whale and Sea Turtle that addresses the problem of plastic causing problems to our sea creatures. The inspiration for writing this story is a result of watching the BBC Blue Planet 2 with David Attenborough. Plastic pollution is set to treble in a decade unless action is taken to deal with the problem. I feel that it is vitally important that we educate our children from a young age to help look after our Oceans and environment. The Book 3: Mohna Lot Monah's moans are a cry for help. A great way of helping children to learn how to express their feelings, show kindness and realise that we are all different. The Author: Christina Gabbitas is a children’s author, poet, storyteller and voiceover artist, who always loved to read rhyming books and poetry in my early years. She penned some stories that she stored away in a box file twenty years ago, thinking that one day she would do something with them. Welcome to the World of Felicity Fly was born in 2012. The series has taken her into the final of the People's Book Prize 2014-2018, winning Best Achievement Award in May 2019. Born in Blackburn, Lancashire where she spent the first twenty two years of her life, before moving to various parts of Yorkshire, where she now lives. (passports for both) Christina is founder and trustee of Children's Literature Festivals charity, her patrons and ambassadors include musician Michael Bradley of The Undertones and Actress Jenny Agutter. As a child she loved to read anything that rhymed. One of her earliest recollections of fun poetry was Spike Milligan’s Granny and also On The Ning Nang Nong. She loves Spike Milligan’s book Silly Verse For Kids. She has always had a love of music and used to help the headmaster of her primary school tune the piano. She spent some of her teenage years playing saxophone and percussion with a band and supported a popular indie band at that time called The Chameleons. They played around venues in Lancashire and admits that she did look at little freaky!

Winning Bidder

Alison Waterfield

Bids

7

£26

567

Phil Mews

Title: The Girl On The Red Carpet Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.philmews.com/defaultsite Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilMews Book Blurb: Life is good for Lizzie Button - as a producer on Britain's most popular breakfast television show, she breaks the celebrity news as it happens. That is, until Lizzie herself becomes the year's biggest celebrity story! On returning to London following her father's funeral, an encounter with Hollywood's biggest star at a glitzy film premiere changes Lizzie's life in an instant. As she comes to terms with her overnight fame, Lizzie is forced to confront her past, find the truth behind her father's secret life and unmask the mysterious stranger who stalks her in the crowd. Having worked in TV production for over twenty years, author Phil Mews gives the reader a backstage pass into the world of television and celebrity culture where egos clash and the biggest stories invariably happen behind the camera." Author Bio: Having worked in television production for over more than two decades across some of Britain’s most popular programmes, it is Phil's work in the world of entertainment that inspired him to write his first novel, The Girl On The Red Carpet. Phil says "People are curious about the world of television and celebrity culture and are always eager to find out what really goes on behind the scenes. After more than twenty-four years in TV, I know that the real drama and the best stories happen behind the camera, not necessarily in front". Phil has been writing for some years now and his first book Orphan Boys, a childhood memoir published in 2018, was written under the mentorship of his friend, the writer and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig. Orphan Boys went on to become an Amazon bestseller garnering over 400 five-star reviews and firmly established Phil's reputation as an author. In his TV work, Phil has worked alongside Graham Norton, Barbara Windsor, Liza Minnelli and, of course, Sandi Toksvig while on the red carpet, he has interviewed a host of stars including Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Ricky Gervais, Peter Kay and David Jason. He also writes the hugely popular Facebook series The Corned Beef Chronicles, the first book of which will be published in August 2023. Phil lives in County Durham with his husband and their Jack Russell terrier.

Winning Bidder

Ruth Paterson

Bids

1

£11

568

A.F. Steadman

Two Book Special Title 1: SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF Genre; Children - Middle Grade - Fantasy Format: Hardback ( First Edition ) Title 2: SKANDAR AND THE PHANTOM RIDER Genre; Children - Middle Grade - Fantasy Format: Hardback ( First Edition ) Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.rcwlitagency.com/authors/steadman-annabel Twitter: https://twitter.com/annabelwriter Book Blurb: Signed and dedicated first edition hardback copies of the first two books in the internationally bestselling Skandar series set in a world of elemental magic, unlikely heroes and bloodthirsty unicorns. Author Bio: A.F. Steadman grew up in the Kent countryside, getting lost in fantasy worlds and scribbling stories in notebooks. Before focusing on writing, she worked in law, until she realized that there wasn't nearly enough magic involved.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

12

£65

569

Jane Hissey

***Rare hardback first-edition of ‘Little Bear and the Silver Star' with gold lettering on cover. Can be signed and dedicated with wording of your choice.*** ***Original, signed, coloured-pencil illustration of 'Little Bear’ (image size approx 180mm x 240mm) Can be signed and dedicated with wording of your choice.*** Title: Little Bear and the Silver Star Genre: Children Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.janehissey.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/janehissey Book Blurb: Christmas won't be Christmas unless Little Bear can find the silver star. Celebrate with this magical holiday story in the bestselling Old Bear series, written by award-winning author/illustrator, Jane Hissey. It's nearly Christmas, and Old Bear and the other toys are putting the finishing touches on the tree. But something's missing: the shining silver star that always goes on top. And time is running out before Father Christmas arrives! Little Bear is so worried that he wakes up in the middle of the night and climbs into the attic to find it. Then an open window, a gust of wind, and the sight of newly fallen snow send him off on a wintry adventure . . . and he drops the star. It looks as if they won't have the most important decoration after all--until someone special saves the day. Author/Illustrator Bio: Jane has always loved writing and drawing. Throughout much of her childhood she lived in Norfolk and wandered the fields and lanes with pencil and sketchbook. She studied illustration and design in Brighton, where she met her husband, Ivan, who is also an illustrator. After college, they settled in Sussex and Jane taught art for a few years before leaving to have her first child, Owen. Since then she has had two more children; Alison and Ralph, and has written and illustrated over 20 picture books. She prepares a dummy book of rough sketches before she begins the finished drawings. For these she draws first in pencil then, using coloured pencils, she builds up layers of colour, adding details towards the end. Each drawing takes many, many hours and a whole book can take a year.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£400

570

Emma Styles

Emma is donating two copies, one regular paperback, one large print edition Title: No Country for Girls Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback & Large Print Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website https://emmastylesauthor.com, Twitter https://twitter.com/emstylesauthor Book Blurb: GOLD. THEFT. MURDER. A ROAD TRIP TO DIE FOR. Shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize Shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger Award Shortlisted for the Davitt Award for Best Adult Crime Novel Shortlisted for the ACWA Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction Longlisted for the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award Longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize A man is dead and now they are unwilling accomplices in his murder there's only one thing to do: hit the road in the victim's twin cab ute, with a bag of stolen gold stashed under the passenger seat. Suddenly outlaws, Nao and Charlie must make their way across Australia's remote outback using only their wits to survive. They'll do whatever it takes to evade capture and escape with their lives . . . Thelma & Louise for a new generation, No Country for Girls is a gritty, twisty road-trip thriller that follows two young women on the run across the harsh, unforgiving landscape of Australia. Author Bio: Emma Styles writes contemporary Australian noir about young women taking on the patriarchy. She grew up on Whadjuk Noongar Country in Perth, Western Australia and now lives in London where she was born. Emma loves a road trip and once sat out a cyclone on the north west coast of WA in a LandCruiser Troop Carrier. She spent her teens and twenties learning to ski, snowboard, ride horses and motorcycles, and fly small aeroplanes. She is less afraid of great white sharks than she should be, and hopeless at surfing. Emma has an MA in crime fiction from the University of East Anglia. Her debut novel, No Country for Girls, won the Little, Brown UEA Crime Fiction Award in 2020 and was chosen by Val McDermid to feature in her New Blood panel for outstanding debut novelists at the 2022 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£18

571

Ian Brown

Set of Six Albert the Tortoise Picturebooks Title 1: ALBERT UPSIDE DOWN Title 2: ALBERT AND THE WIND Title 3: ALBERT SUPERSIZE Title 4: ALBERT IN THE AIR, Title 5: ALBERT AND THE POND Title 6: ALBERT AND THE SHED Genre: Children Format: Paperback Picture Books Dedication: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Global Website: http://AlbertTortoise.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/IanBrownTV Twitter: https://twitter.com/alberttortoise Book Blurb: A set of six adventures featuring Albert the tortoise written by Ian Brown and illustrated by Eoin Clarke. Inspired by real Albert, Ian's family pet tortoise who is now more than 80 years old. Each story involves the power of teamwork, friendship and helping others. Albert's garden friends have to help get him back on his feet. They round up his food after it has blown away. Albert dreams of helping dinosaurs. He escapes the garden and goes flying in balloons. He makes a new friend in the garden pond. Escaping a storm, he gets locked in a shed sparking a chaotic rescue mission. Author Bio: Ian Brown is a former journalist, tv writer and producer. He has written or produced for shows like Top Gear, This Is Your Life, The South Bank Show and he has worked with dozens of household names. His dream of writing for children came true with publishers Graffeg when real Albert the tortoise flipped onto his shell. While putting him back on his feet, Ian came up with Albert Upside Down. Less than three years since that came out, there are now six Albert picturebooks, a Board Book series and Activity Book plus another series with illustrator Eoin Clarke, Hugg 'n' Bugg - about a messy yeti and a tidy flea. More adventures with Albert are in the works.

Winning Bidder

Gail Fullbrook

Bids

7

£40

572

Rebecca McDowall

Title: A Monster Tea At The Palace Genre: Children's Fiction Picture Books Format: Paperback Dedication available: YES Postage and packaging: FREE Bids accepted: Global Website https://instagram.com/rmcdowall_author Book Blurb: WINNER of The Golden Wizard Book Prize 2023! "Writing birthday telegrams - the Queen's favourite time of day. Bringing joy to all who opened them, both near and far away ... " But wait! Oh no! Queen Liz has missed her oldest friend Nessie's birthday! A royal invitation to come to the palace is quickly sent - and the chef needs help choosing the menu. But what does a queen give a monster for tea? And what astonishing secret has Nessie been hiding all this time? A 'wonderful, heartwarming' tale of the day the Loch Ness Monster met the Queen. Author Bio: Rebecca was born in Hertfordshire and grew up in the small market town of Tring. Here her love of reading was nurtured despite dyslexic challenges and much of her debut novel Regan Snatcher of Souls was written in the local bar, next to their fireplace. Rebecca studied a BA in Publishing Media in the historic city of Oxford, before moving to the North West of England in Merseyside with her fiancé, their two mini bookworms and a small library worth of books. Outside of writing books Rebecca is a keen blogger. She has previously won the Visibility Award for shedding light on invisible illnesses and advocating for awareness. Her other works include Regan Snatcher of Soul's, Daniel Eyes in the Ice, Cheeky Dragons, Staying Inside with the Dragons, Spooky Ambiguous, A Monster Tea at the Palace, and the charity poetry collection Freefall Dysfunctionally Me.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

573

Zoe Jasko

Two Book Special Title 1: Hope is Daffodil Bright Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Title 2: What the Wind Saw Genre: Short Stories Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.zoejasko.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/zoe_jasko Book 1 Blurb: Using exetensive research, Zoë Jasko's debut novel Hope is Daffodil Bright weaves the historical biograhy of Lady Alice Bragg, the leader of the WVS in Cambridge with the imagined story of Jean Barnet and her family and friends in the village of Grantchester on the outskirts of Cambridge. A moving novel set on the home front. Book 2 Blurb: What the Wind Saw is a collection of 25 short stories of the people, real and imagined, from a small tract of ancient land in the heart of Hertfordshire: Wheathampstead, The Ayots, Welwyn Garden City and St Albans. It is a journey through the landscape and through history. Author Bio:

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

574

Maggie Butt

Two Book Special Title 1: 'everlove' Title 2: Degrees of Twilight' Genre: Poetry Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.maggiebutt.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Maggie__Brookes Book 1 Blurb: everlove is Maggie's sixth collection, published by The London Magazine Editions in 2021. It opens with a sequence of ekphrastic poems about the refugee crisis, based on the art works of American painter Mary Behrens. 'Here is a profound act of poetic, elegaic empathy, a love song to us all and to the earth we love, share and ravage. Formally versatile, musical, always precise, Maggie Butt offers us the long view, shining a light on history's legacy and our common humanity. This is a mature, devastating and ultimately redemptive work, engaging with the best and worst of the human condition in poems both personal and universal.' Jacqueline Saphra. Book 2 Blurb: Degrees of Twilight was Maggie's fifth collection, published by The London Magazine in 2015. The passage of time is tangible in these poems which use history, memory, work and travel as lenses to examine the inevitable pains and sharp pleasures at the heart of our transient lives. 'These poems focus, with clarity and humour on the past's strength, the present's warmth and all our futures: tender and apprehensive, as briefly glimpsed as twilight.' Alison Brackenbury Author Bio: Maggie Butt is an ex-journalist, BBC TV producer and creative writing lecturer, now full-time novelist and poet. She has published six poetry collections, taught Creative Writing at Middlesex University for 30 years, completed a PhD in creative writing from Cardiff University, was chair of the National Association of Writers in Education and a Royal Literary Fund fellow at the University of Kent. Her first full collection, Lipstick was published in 2007 by Greenwich Exchange. Writing about nylon sheets, jumble sales, Himalayan villagers and prisoners of war, Maggie's poems spanned the world and established her themes of war, the resilience of women and love. Her historical novels, which pick up her principal themes of the courage and strength of women, The Prisoner's Wife and Acts of Love and War, were published under the name Maggie Brookes, by Penguin Random House in 2020 and 2022. She is married with two grown-up daughters and one beloved grand-daughter.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£25

575

Maggie Brookes

Two Book Special Two powerful novels about the strength and courage of women in the most terrible of circumstances. Book 1 Title: 'Acts of Love and War ' Book 2 Title: 'The Prisoner's Wife' Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.maggiebrookes.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Maggie__Brookes Book 1 Blurb: Acts of Love and War follows three young British volunteers into the Spanish Civil War. Lucy braves the horrors of a war zone to bring back the two men she loves, and ends up saving the lives of thousands of children. This story about love and friendship was inspired by a small handful of untrained volunteers who offered humanitarian aid to children displaced and orphaned by the brutal civil war. 'This amazing book has everything: love, war, history and relevance to today,' Russell Kane. 'A love story with a twist; a war story with a difference. A beautiful, compelling story of hope and humanity in war.' Nikki Marmery Book 2 Blurb: 'The Prisoner's Wife' is based on an extraordinary true story from the second world war of a Czech woman who spends the last six months of the war in a Nazi PoW camp, disguised as a British solider, in order to be with the man she loves. 'An absorbing and entertaining tale of wartime bravery and endurance. Bill and Izzy are such tenderly drawn characters... I loved it.' Rachel Hore Author Bio: Maggie Brookes is an ex-journalist and BBC TV producer turned novelist and poet. At the BBC she discovered the lure of historical stories and made a documentary about conscientious objectors for Forty Minutes as well as programmes for the big BBC2 series Now The War is Over and All Our Working Lives, and Time Watch. The true tale which became her first novel The Prisoner's Wife was told to her in a lift by an ex soldier who said, 'I bet I could tell you a story about the war which would make your hair stand on end.' Research for the novel took her to Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic in the depths of winter. The Prisoner's Wife came out in 2020 through Penguin Random House and other publishers around the world. Acts of Love and War followed in 2022, also published by Penguin. Under her married name, Maggie Butt, she has published six poetry collections, taught Creative Writing at Middlesex University for 30 years, completed a PhD in creative writing from Cardiff University, and become a Royal Literary Fund fellow at the University of Kent. She has two grown-up daughters and one beloved grand-daughter.

Winning Bidder

Barry Lea

Bids

2

£12

576

Heidi Swain

Title: The Christmas Celebration Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Christmas Romance Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only * Heidi is kindly donating two books; both will be signed . One for you and one for a present for a friend? * Website: https://heidiswain.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Heidi_Swain The Book: When Paige turns up unannounced at Wynthorpe Hall, she discovers the place she knew when she was growing up has changed beyond all recognition. She’s only planning to stay for a short time, but is quickly pulled into local life. One night while driving home after delivering library books and shopping to residents she stumbles across an isolated cottage and meets Albert, its elderly and rather grumpy owner. She quickly realises there’s more to Albert than meets the eye and the same can be said for the other man she can’t seem to help running into, handsome but brooding Brodie. All three of them have a secret and a desire to hide away from the world, but with Christmas on the horizon, is that really the best way to celebrate the season? The Author: Heidi Swain is a Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author who writes feel good fiction with heart for Simon and Schuster. She releases two books a year (early summer and winter) and the stories all have a strong sense of community, family and friendship. She is currently writing books set in three different locations - the Fenland town of Wynbridge, Nightingale Square in Norwich and Wynmouth on the Norfolk coast. Heidi lives in beautiful south Norfolk with her mischievous cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside, collecting vintage paraphernalia and reading. Her the pile is always out of control!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

16

£35

577

Lis McDermott

Title: He is not Worthy Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.lismcdermottauthor.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lismcdermott Book Blurb; Rhi Dobbs is head of the art department in a secondary school in Whittingbury, a small town on the south west coast of England. She has her dream job and lives in her own idyllic cottage by the sea with her cat Tibbs. Her life is more than she could ever hope for. Ben Brooks is a loner who cares for his mum, who always makes him feel worthless. He is obsessed with a red-headed girl who he met several years ago, just once, on what was the worst day of his life. He lives his life vicariously through hers, until she does the unspeakable... Tragic events and an inappropriate love affair mean that both of their lives will be changed forever. Author Bio: Lis McDermott spent thirty-four years working in music education, latterly as a schools adviser and OFSTED inspector, before leaving education in 2008 to set up her own photography business. She worked for twelve years, mainly as a people photographer, capturing weddings, families and business headshots. Now in her third career, having awoken another passion, she has now published an autobiography - a book of short stories and four poetry anthologies, and her debut novel ‘He is Not Worthy’. She also mentors others to write their books. Lis lives in Royal Wootton Bassett with her husband Conrad, with whom she shares a love of music and films.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

578

Graham Bartlett

Title: Bad for Good Genre: Crime- Police Procedural Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://policeadvisor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/gbpoliceadvisor Book Blurb: How far would you go? A city on the brink. A police force in tatters. A killing that shakes the community ... The murder of a promising footballer, son of Brighton’s highest-ranking police officer, means Detective Superintendent Jo Howe has a complicated and sensitive case on her hands. The situation becomes yet more desperate when her boss, father to the murdered teenager, receives devastating blackmail threats. Howe can trust no one as she tracks the brutal killer in a city balanced on a knife edge of vigilante action and a police force riven with corruption. Author Bio: Graham Bartlett was a police officer for thirty years and is now a bestselling writer. He rose to become chief superintendent and the divisional commander of Brighton and Hove police. He entered the Sunday Times Top Ten with his first non-fiction book, Death Comes Knocking, which he later followed with Babes in the Wood. Both these books he co-wrote with international bestseller, Peter James. His ‘Jo Howe’ crime fiction series started with Bad for Good which was an instant best seller and was shortlisted for the Specsavers Debut of the Year 2022 and was followed by Force of Hate with City on Fire to be published in March 2024. As well as writing, Bartlett is a police procedural and crime advisor helping scores of authors and TV writers achieve authenticity in their drama.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£24

579

Rosie Goodwin

Title: A Lesson Learned Genre: Historical Romance Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/RosieGoodwin Book Blurb: Nuneaton, 1850 Growing up on a canal boat has meant life for young Saffie Doyle has been hard. Her mother, Olivia, was cast out by her well-to-do family when she fell in love with Saffie's father, a lowly boatman named Reuben. But as the years have passed, Reuben has become a bitter and cruel drunk, forced to work for the local crook, Seth Black, to keep their family afloat. Saffie always dreamed of becoming a teacher, despite her father's insistence that she had no need to read and write. Keen to nurture her ambitions, Olivia hoped to introduce Saffie to a childhood friend - the kindly and wealthy Marcus - who runs a free school for the local children, but when Olivia falls ill, she's unable to. One night, Saffie's 17-year-old brother and her father go out on a job with Seth Black and never return home. Saffie is forced to place her dreams on hold as she steps up to look after her family. With her younger siblings relying on her, will Saffie ever be able to live the life she hopes for? Author Bio: Rosie Goodwin is the four-million-copy bestselling author of more than thirty-five novels. She is the first author in the world to be allowed to follow three of Catherine Cookson's trilogies with her own sequels. Having worked in the social services sector for many years, then fostered a number of children, she is now a full-time novelist. She is one of the top 50 most borrowed authors from UK libraries and has sold over four million copies across her career. Rosie lives in Nuneaton, the setting for many of her books, with her husband and their beloved dogs.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£20

580

Lucy Owen

Title: How Do I Know You Love Me? Genre: Children Format: Picture Book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Available: UK Only Website: https://www.lucyowenbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lucyowenwales Book Blurb: It's bedtime for Boodles the bear. As his mummy says good night and tells him she loves him, Boodles starts to wonder just what ‘I love you’ actually means! Boodles is taken on a journey, where he is reminded of all the special times they’ve shared together. The baby bear learns that love is in all the little things, just as much as in those three magic words, ‘I love you.’ Once Boodles understands, all the comforting thoughts and happy memories wrap around him like a warm, snuggly blanket, and he’s ready to go to sleep. Author Bio: Lucy Owen is one of the most experienced broadcasters in Wales. She presents BBC One Wales’ flagship news programme Wales Today, and BBC One Wales’ primetime consumer programme XRay, alongside her husband Rhodri Owen. Lucy is an Ambassador for Noah’s Ark Appeal, which raises money for the Children's Hospital for Wales. Lucy lives with her husband Rhodri and their son Gabriel in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Illustrator: Derek Bainton is an illustrator, senior lecturer and programme director of BA (Hons) Illustration at Swansea Metropolitan. Having originally studied at the Arts University College, Bournemouth, he went onto gain a MA Distinction in Visual Communication with the University of Wales. Derek has worked as a freelance illustrator and designer for a broad range of clients including the NHS, National Trust, RSPCA, Welsh Book Publishers, Companies House and Future Publishing. Derek is a founding member of Varoomlab and regular contributor to Varoom. He was convener of the Spatialising Illustration Symposium at Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013. His ongoing research interests include psychogeography within the context of illustration practice, which resulted in a recent project exploring latent and suppressed urban tensions employing the recurring motif of birds.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£27

581

Lucy Owen

Title 1: The Sea House Genre: Fantasy - Children Format: Paperback Title 2: Flower Girl Genre: Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedications are Available Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.lucyowenbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lucyowenwales The Book 1; The Sea House: One night grieving nine-year-old Coral cries so much, she fills her house with tears and wakes to find a magical underwater world packed with exciting sea creatures, right inside her own home! But there are some terrifying creatures who have come to the sea house too. Can Coral find the strength to overcome their darkness, with the help of her new friends? The Book 2: Flower Girl Flower Girl is a story about a girl called Cherry who is made by magic from the flowers of an enchanted blossom tree. With hair as pink as petals and a pet butterfly called Bud, she is a little bit different to everyone else! At school, she tries hard to fit in, but that’s when things start to go wrong. She has to learn to be kind, honest and strong, or she will vanish back into the blossom petals again. When she is put to the ultimate test, can Cherry find the courage to be herself, be a true friend and save losing everything she loves, forever? A modern day fairytale, inspiring a love towards nature, told in short, engaging chapters with beautiful illustrations by the talented Rebecca Harry. The Author: Lucy Owen is one of the most experienced broadcasters in Wales. She presents BBC One Wales’ flagship news programme Wales Today, and BBC One Wales’ primetime consumer programme XRay, alongside her husband Rhodri Owen. Lucy is an Ambassador for Noah’s Ark Appeal, which raises money for the Children's Hospital for Wales. Lucy lives with her husband Rhodri and their son Gabriel in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£30

582

Cressida Cowell

*Bonus has added a unique sketch for her successful bidder Title: WHICH WAY ROUND THE GALAXY Genre: Fantasy - Young Adult Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.cressidacowell.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/CressidaCowell Book Blurb: From the bestselling author of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON comes book 2 in an out-of-this-world new series packed with epic adventure, thrilling space travel and forbidden Magic. There is no Magic here on Earth. At least, that’s what you’ve been told… But in an ordinary-looking house in an ordinary-looking village, live a group of children who have just uncovered a secret. A tiny and helpless Magical Creature lost far from home leads the O’Hero-Smith children on another Starcrossing adventure through the Which Ways and across the galaxy. The children have a plan to get little Bug back to the fiery-ice planet where it belongs, and to prove to their parents that they can be trusted with Magic along the way… But a witch’s curse, venomous snowsnakes and a gang of fighter robots are waiting for them through the Which Ways. The fate of the galaxy is once again in their hands – they better not mess it up! A family with a Magical secret … A child with a powerful Gift … A story that is out of this world … WARNING: Contains Dangerous Space Travel and Very Illegal Magic Praise for Book 1: ‘Wild magic … fabulous’ Guardian ‘thrill-packed, highly imaginative’ The Times ‘secrets and lies, monsters and magic’ Daily Mail Author Bio: Cressida Cowell is the author and the illustrator of the bestselling How to Train Your Dragon book series. Her latest book The Wizards of Once is an international bestseller. Cressida is also the author of the Emily Brown picture books, illustrated by Neal Layton. How to Train Your Dragon has sold over 8 million books worldwide in 38 languages. It is also an award-winning DreamWorks film series, and a TV series shown on Netflix and CBBC. The first book in Cressida's new series, The Wizards of Once (also signed by DreamWorks), is a number one bestseller. Cressida is an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust and the Reading Agency and a founder patron of the Children's Media Foundation. She has won numerous prizes for her books, including the Gold Award in the Nestle Children's Book Prize, the Hay Festival Medal for Fiction, and Philosophy Now' magazine's 2015 Award for Contributions in the Fight Against Stupidity. She grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland and she now lives in Hammersmith with her husband, three children and a dog called Pigeon.

Winning Bidder

Alexandra Jones

Bids

8

£152

583

Cressida Cowell

*Bonus Cressida has added a unique sketch for her successful bidder Title: How to Train Your Dragon Genre: Children - Middle Grade Format: Hardback - 20 year anniversary edition Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.cressidacowell.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/CressidaCowell Book Blurb: 'The world will need a Hero, and it might as well be you ...' Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third is a smallish Viking with a longish name. The Hairy Hooligan tribe think he's totally useless, but Hiccup is about to face his destiny ... with one tiny dragon.Can he prove his worth and become a HERO or will he be banished from his tribe for ever? In celebration of 20 years of How to Train Your Dragon, this special commemorative edition features the original - now classic - How to Train Your Dragon story with exclusive content, including some rare Viking material (featuring Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III's birth certificate!) and a hilarious brand new adventure called How to Train Your Hogfly starring fan favourites as well as exciting new dragons. Fully illustrated with Cressida Cowell's artwork, this is a MUST HAVE for anyone who grew up reading and loving How to Train Your Dragon, as well as the perfect introduction for new readers to this beloved, classic series. Author Bio: Cressida Cowell is the author and the illustrator of the bestselling How to Train Your Dragon book series. Her latest book The Wizards of Once is an international bestseller. Cressida is also the author of the Emily Brown picture books, illustrated by Neal Layton. How to Train Your Dragon has sold over 8 million books worldwide in 38 languages. It is also an award-winning DreamWorks film series, and a TV series shown on Netflix and CBBC. The first book in Cressida's new series, The Wizards of Once (also signed by DreamWorks), is a number one bestseller. Cressida is an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust and the Reading Agency and a founder patron of the Children's Media Foundation. She has won numerous prizes for her books, including the Gold Award in the Nestle Children's Book Prize, the Hay Festival Medal for Fiction, and Philosophy Now' magazine's 2015 Award for Contributions in the Fight Against Stupidity. She grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland and she now lives in Hammersmith with her husband, three children and a dog called Pigeon.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

19

£441

584

Johanna Bell

Title: The Blitz Girls Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://tinyurl.com/22nvbmdd Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoBellAuthor Book Blurb: Their country needs them. They need each other. August 1940. The war is raging in Europe, but on the home front conflict still seems far away. Dot, living with her mother-in-law and dreading the day that her thuggish husband comes home on leave, is fighting her own battle to contribute to the war effort. Peggy has found confidence as an Air Raid Precaution Warden, despite the jeers of the men she works with - but beneath her pluck she fears for her close-knit family, scattered by the war. Vivian, the glamorous former debutante, is running away from her own heart and into danger as a volunteer ambulance driver. Then the bombs begin to fall over London, and all their lives are turned upside down. Thrown together into an unlikely friendship, can the Blitz Girls protect their country - and each other - in the darkest hour? 'Absolutely loved this book, if you enjoy WW2 stories then this is for you' 5* 'I devoured this, it's going to be a great series' 5* 'I LOVED this book, every single page from start to finish' 5* 'What a wonderful story' 5* 'Family saga at the best. I sat up most of the night to finish it' 5* 'The sense of strength, camaraderie and friendship was so strong in this' 5* Author Bio: Johanna Bell was born in London and grew up in Surrey. Her first job was as a children's party organiser and lifeguard at a local leisure centre. She made the switch to journalism after leaving school and training for her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. Johanna worked as a local and national journalist for more than 15 years before making the move to books following her daughter's birth. Her passion for history, and in particular the world wars, comes from listening to her Grandad's stories of life on the frontline during World War Two and her love for her cousin who died serving for the Royal Marines in Northern Ireland. Johanna lives in Suffolk with her husband, their two daughters and their scruffy dog. She loves to read thrillers and watch murder mysteries, as well as going for long walks and pub lunches with her family.

Winning Bidder

Michelle Fraser

Bids

3

£15

585

Jamie Barber

Book Title: Finney and the Secret Tunnel Genre: Middle Grade Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://jamie-barber.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBarberAuthor Book Blurb: Booby-trapped tunnels. Secret societies. Puzzles. A buried secret. Finney’s sixth-grade math teacher might hand out too many worksheets and have a weird hang-toothed smile, but there’s something sincere about her that nudges Finney to follow her trail when she goes missing. Making her way through secret tunnels beneath the school, Finney’s now wrapped up in a secret society rivalry. In a race to solve puzzles and dodge dangerous boobytraps, can Finney uncover a world-changing secret left by one of the world’s greatest geniuses? Author Bio: Jamie Lane Barber grew up in the southern California sun but enjoys her days now on the U.S. east coast in Virginia Beach. On top of writing and running a digital marketing agency, Jamie fills her time with shuttling her children between activities. Her kids and two crazy dogs help keep Jamie on her toes and always busy. Jamie enjoys karaoke nights, musical theatre, escape rooms, a tasty red wine, and, of course, reading.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

586

Virginia Crow

Title: The Year We Lived Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes - and optional story artwork/sketch Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: www.stompermcewan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaysDyingGlory Book Blurb: Winner of the 2022 Coffee Pot Book Club award for Supernatural Historical Fiction Shortlisted in the 2022 Rubery Book Prize and the Chanticleer Chaucer Award It is 1074, eight years after the Battle of Hastings changed the cultural and physical landscape of the country forever. But England is about to be shaped by another legacy: one which is truly immortal. Liebling of the Hall, Edith, knows the year will be cursed as soon as the yule block burns out prematurely. Nonetheless, when she meets a mysterious figure in the Fens who claims to be a changeling, she finds herself falling in love with him, ignoring the concern of her brother, Robert, and continuing to visit. But when her brother’s nemesis, Henry de Bois, kidnaps her on one of these visits, events are set in motion which will change England forever. A gripping historical fiction with an astonishing twist! Author Bio: Virginia Crow is an award-winning Scottish author who grew up in Orkney and now lives in Caithness. She comes from a large family of writers and readers, and has been surrounded by books her whole life. Her favourite genres to write are fantasy and historical fiction, sometimes mixing the two together. She enjoys swashbuckling stories, her favourite book being The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and she is still waiting for a screen adaption that lives up to it! Her academic passions are theology and history, her undergraduate degree in the former and her postgraduate degree in the latter, and aspects of these frequently appear within her writings. When not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of music, especially as a tool of inspiration, and music is often playing when she writes. Her life is governed by two spaniels, Orlando and Jess, and she enjoys exploring the Caithness countryside with these canine sidekicks. She loves cheese, music, and films, but hates mushrooms.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£20

587

Steve Day

Title: That Leopard Is So Rude Genre: Children Fantasy Rhyming Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bid accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveDay Insta: https://www.instagram.com/_steveday Book Blurb: The animals of Oasis Zoo are excited for a new arrival due! Who will it be?" the animals ask, as they they await to see the mystery unmasked. Hoping to welcome a friendly face, the grumpiest Leopard comes into their space. With vocal opinions it causes a feud, they persistently shout "THAT LEOPARD IS SO RUDE!" Impala is brave and she tries her best, to befriend the rude leopard, meeting her test Join the story of the leopard's healing it may help you or a stranger's feelings. Author Bio: I’m a motorcycle racing commentator, father and children’s author from Suffolk, UK. I wanted to create a story that gave children a way to understand the feelings some go through when challenged with loss and loneliness and what can be done by others to help, but in a fun and uplifting way. As a child, reading rhyming picture books really helped my development and to give something back is one of the most wholesome experiences of my life.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

588

Liz Martinson

The SolhavenThree Book Series Title 1: Love By Sunset Title 2: Love By Moonlight Title 3: Love By Sunrise Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperbacks Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lizmartinson.wixsite.com/author Book 1 Blurb: Emily is all business from the top of her well-groomed head to her painted toe-nails, until she sees sexy surfer Jake, with the wild hair and a body to die for. Their connection is immediate, and neither can deny the searing attraction that crackles between them. But Emily doesn’t do short-term flings, and Jake never commits to anything longer than a weekend. And what about the inconvenient fact his café is in the crosshairs of Emily’s business deal, the very reason that she’s in Solhaven? As the relationship progresses, Jake’s refusal to commit to long-term wavers, while Emily fears she’s fallen in love, and hurt is rapidly heading her way. Then there’s the fall-out from the terminated business transaction to deal with as well… Book 2 Blurb: Love By Moonlight A shocking betrayal by his ex-wife sends artist Daniel to Solhaven for some much-needed peace and solitude, and a place where he can paint without distractions. He’s done with love, done with relationships. Done with women. Claire, the new gardener at the hotel, isn’t looking for love, but when love finds her, she can’t let it go. Daniel might be surly, and rejects help at every turn, but she sees something different. She knows his pain is deeper than his anger and she wants to soothe it. Daniel might feel attracted to the sunny Claire, but can he ever learn to trust again? And can Claire give him the space he needs to heal? Or will each one’s headstrong determination crush the first tender buds of love? Book 3 Blurb: Unable to effect the changes he feels his country needs, Prince Maximilian leaves Mondorra to live the useful life he craves. But he cannot forget the haunted eyes of a ballerina he once met at a palace reception. Now working as a gardener at the Haven House Hotel, and calling himself Anton, he is astonished to see this very woman walking up the hotel’s stairs. Lizzie has also never forgotten her encounter with the “sad man,” as she’s always called him. She is struggling to reclaim her former glory as a principal dancer after leaving her abusive partner, and this outreach program in rural Wales seems the very way forward. But what is the sad man doing here? And why won’t he tell her who he is? The peaceful surroundings of the hotel lead them on the first tentative steps to love, but Anton’s secrets and the shadow of Lizzie’s former lover loom over them. When the truth is revealed, will Lizzie be able to make the leap, or will the swan princess refuse the crown of Mondorra forever? Author Bio: Liz Martinson is the award-winning author of seven novels, all of which have a romantic theme, but include tension, suspense and drama. Belonging, Ullandale, Counterpoint and Takeover are independently published through Amazon. Her three novellas, The Solhaven Series, are published by Romance Cafe Publishing, Ullandale has received a Chill With A Book Premier Readers Award, and Counterpoint and Takeover a Chill With A Book Readers Award. She uses research and her own experiences in travel, the countryside, hill-walking and kayaking to fuel her writing. In her spare time, Liz enjoys a wide range of activities, which include cycling, reading and taking photographs, as well as cooking and music. Having completed a Creative Writing course at the University of Lancaster, Liz finished with a Distinction, and in the past has also been a runner-up in the Good Housekeeping Short Story competition.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£13

589

Jeanette Taylor Ford

Title: Cold Murder Genre: Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage and Packing FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://samonafiction.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanetteford51 Book Blurb: A naked man has frozen to death in a field at the end of an elite cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Derby. It seems someone has been judge, jury and executioner, for the dead man has ‘guilty’ carved into his chest. Sassy Detective Sergeant Della Downs and her sidekick, Detective Constable Curran, wade through a mire of suspects – a whole cul-de-sac of them. And how does this murder connect to an old case, for which a man has been in prison for almost ten years? However, their prime suspect slips through their fingers, only to wind up dead in another town. Author Bio: I'm a multi-genre author who has allowed my fascination with old buildings colour my writing; which has produced a few ghostly tales with a difference. My Castell Glas Trilogy, inspired by the wonderful Gwrych Castle in North Wales ran into fantasy, with not only ghosts but witches too and so many other unexpected people, all mixed together to form a riveting tale. A four hundred year old house inspired my popular River View Series, which has been a joy to write, although I never intended to write crime! Set in my beloved Herefordshire, I've loved living there again in my mind and associating with my characters who reside in the village of Sutton-on-Wye, along my two detectives, D.I. Dan Cooke and D.S. Graham Grant. My Robin's Ring trilogy for children, although not reflected in reviews on Amazon, are loved by all children who have come into contact with them and I love visiting schools to interact with the pupils. My retirement from my job as a teaching assistant has given me the opportunity to indulge my love of writing and I ask for no more than to give pleasure to my readers, although I'm thrilled to be the recipient of four awards. When not writing, I'm making cards or doing other crafts, exploring my Family History and all sorts of other things. I am married to Tony, a retired teacher, and we have six children and eight grandchildren. We live near Nottingham, England.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£19

590

Kevin Crowe

Title: No Home In This World Genre: Contemporary Short Stories Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Bids accepted: Global Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/kevin.crowe.775 Book Blurb: "Kevin Crowe's utterly absorbing story [Texan Condoms] moves between the late seventies and today beginning with 'yet another World AIDS Day service'." - Jackie Kay, dramatist, novelist and poet and former Scottish Makar. "As a gay man of a certain age, Kevin Crowe knows a lot about the cruelties and injustices that have been and continue to be inflicted by this world. These cruelties and injustices are reflected in many of the stories. There's blatant intolerance in 'No Home In This World' (the aptly chosen title of the collection); abject despair in 'The Roots of Their Raising'; a terrible miscarriage of justice in 'No Smoke Without Fire?'; and overwhelming sadness in 'Texan Condoms'. There are no happy endings in these stories. But it's not all bleakness. We see the world redeeming itself in 'Moonlight Sonata' and having the last laugh in 'The Dinner'." Brendan Gisby, writer and founder of mcstorytellers.com Author Bio: Kevin was brought up on a council estate in Manchester and has worked in factories, behind bars and in social care until moving to the Scottish Highlands and opening a bookshop and restaurant with his husband in 1999. He is now retired and devotes his time to writing and voluntary work. He is editor of the Highland LGBT+ magazine "UnDividingLines" and for 14 years wrote book reviews for the Highland monthly magazine "Am Bratach". In recent years he has read his work at the Scottish Parliament, Glasgow's Aye Write Book Festival, Ullapool Book Festival, John O Groats Book Festival and Highland Pride.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

591

Jason Korsner

Title: A ZOO IN MY SHOE Genre: Children - Poetry - Humour Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://jasonkorsner.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonkbooks The Book: “Explore the wacky world of Jason Korsner and Max Low’s zoo in this hilarious, rhyming picture book. A Zoo in my Shoe presents young readers with a series of sensible sentences based on some of their favourite animals. These are then mixed up to make nonsense rhymes, sending children into fits of giggles.” This clever concept … [is] … very funny, and great for introducing wordplay and poetry to early readers. Phoebe’s Picks, Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Absolutely hilarious … This is the perfect children’s book for all schools to have ,,, I highly recommend parents to buy this book. Sue at book_read_2day Hilariously entertaining. The School Run This is such a brilliant and very funny picture book… kids and adults will enjoy laughing along to the funny words and the even funnier pictures… many will enjoy reading this book again and again. The Strawberry Post Hilariously silly… A splendidly funny read aloud that will quickly have young children in fits of laughter. Red Reading Hub Hilarious… nonsense rhymes that will send children into fits of giggles… I have to admit the book at me in stitches… I would certainly recommend this book to any parent looking for something fun to share with their little ones. ***** Micaela Burr, Stylish London Living Can’t stop laughing… Page after page of pure fun that entertains and brings nothing but smiles… Bright, happy, contemporary and endlessly silly. Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories The Author: Jason has recently started writing children’s books, in stark contrast to his twenty five year career as a news journalist. Until now, most of his creative output has been in the fields of film and photography. Jason started his professional life as a radio journalist for Chiltern Radio in 1994 and has been working in the field ever since. By the late-1990s, he was working full-time at the BBC, where he spent 10 years as a newsreader and presenter at 5Live and for the past 10 years has been a newsreader on Radio 2 and 6Music, as well as a producer on Radio 4 news bulletins. He has also worked for BBC Breakfast News and been a TV reporter for the BBC News Channel. With a special interest in film, he has also reported for Radio 2, Radio 4, 5live, 6Music and the BBC website from the Golden Globes, the Oscars and the Cannes Film Festival, as well as from Raindance and the LFF in London and the film festival in Edinburgh. But it was the arrival of children that turned him on to writing books, frustrated as he was at some of those he found himself reading to them. Following the mantra that “you can’t do something for one and not the other,” his first two books were written for his own children:

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

592

Chris Riddell

*Bonus: Chris is adding a hand drawn card and a hand drawn decorated paper bag for his successful bidder Title: Poems to Save the World With Genre: Poetry Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://chrisriddellblog.tumblr.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisriddell50 Book Blurb: Ignite your inner activist, receive comfort against adversity and be inspired by Poems to Save the World With, a selection of classic and modern poetry selected and beautifully illustrated by Chris Riddell. Poetry can galvanize, uplift and inspire us to affect change in our lives – and in the world. In this gorgeous anthology, Chris Riddell brings his trademark intricate, exquisite artwork to his own selection of poetry, speaking to hope, happiness, lockdown, hardship and rebellion. With poetry old and new – and a few surprises – classic verses sit alongside the modern to create a profound, compelling collection. Poets featured include Neil Gaiman, Nikita Gill, Maggie Smith, Brian Bilston, Raymond Antrobus, Fiona Benson, Lewis Carroll and many more . . . Author Bio: The Illustrator: Chris Riddell is an author, illustrator and the political cartoonist for the Observer. He was appointed the UK’s Waterstones Children’s Laureate in 2015. Alongside his other collaborative work with Paul, Neil Gaiman and others, Chris also writes and illustrates the Ottoline series and the Costa Award winning Goth Girl series. Chris has won many awards for his work, including the Nestlé Gold Award, the UNESCO Award for Something Else and two Kate Greenaway Medals.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

22

£141

593

Chris Riddell

*Bonus: Chris is adding a hand drawn card and a hand drawn decorated paper bag for his successful bidder Title: Poems To Live Your Life By Genre: Poetry Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://chrisriddellblog.tumblr.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisriddell50 Book Blurb: In Poems to Live Your Life By, Chris Riddell, former Children's Laureate and political cartoonist for the Observer, has selected his very favourite classic and modern poems about life, death and everything in between – accompanied by his original drawings. This gorgeously illustrated collection includes forty-six poems and is divided into sections covering: musings, youth, family, love, imaginings, nature, war and endings. Chris Riddell brings them to life with his exquisite, intricate artwork in this beautiful anthology. This perfect gift features famous poems, old and new, and a few surprises. Classic verses from William Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, W. B. Yeats and Christina Rossetti sit alongside poems from Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Carol Ann Duffy, Neil Gaiman and Roger McGough to create a truly enriching, wonderful collection. Author Bio: The Illustrator: Chris Riddell is an author, illustrator and the political cartoonist for the Observer. He was appointed the UK’s Waterstones Children’s Laureate in 2015. Alongside his other collaborative work with Paul, Neil Gaiman and others, Chris also writes and illustrates the Ottoline series and the Costa Award winning Goth Girl series. Chris has won many awards for his work, including the Nestlé Gold Award, the UNESCO Award for Something Else and two Kate Greenaway Medals.

Winning Bidder

Jessica Adams

Bids

9

£150

594

Chris Riddell

*Bonus: Chris is adding a hand drawn card and a hand drawn decorated paper bag for his successful bidder Title: Poems To Fall In Love With Genre: Poetry Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://chrisriddellblog.tumblr.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisriddell50 Book Blurb: In Poems to Fall in Love With Chris Riddell has selected and illustrated his very favourite classic and modern poems about love. This gorgeously illustrated collection celebrates love in all its guises, from silent admiration, passion and married bliss to tearful resignation. These poems speak of the universal experiences of the heart and are brought to life with Chris's exquisite, intricate artwork. This perfect gift features famous poems, old and new, and a few surprises. Classic verses sit alongside the modern to create the ultimate collection. Includes poems from Neil Gaiman, Nikita Gill, Carol Ann Duffy, E. E. Cummings, Shakespeare, Leonard Cohen, Derek Walcott, Hollie McNish, Kae Tempest, John Betjeman and Roger McGough and many more. The Illustrator: Chris Riddell is an author, illustrator and the political cartoonist for the Observer. He was appointed the UK’s Waterstones Children’s Laureate in 2015. Alongside his other collaborative work with Paul, Neil Gaiman and others, Chris also writes and illustrates the Ottoline series and the Costa Award winning Goth Girl series. Chris has won many awards for his work, including the Nestlé Gold Award, the UNESCO Award for Something Else and two Kate Greenaway Medals.

Winning Bidder

Robin Ashley

Bids

16

£111

595

Rachel Dove

Title: How to Resist Your Rival Genre: Contemporary Fiction - Medical Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.racheldovebooks.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterDove Book Blurb: Hypothesis: working with a hot doc will lead to temptation! Robotics scientist Harper dreams of helping prosthetics patients worldwide. The problem…? Infuriating neurosurgeon Dom. This man raises her temper—and her pulse! But, despite a series of heated clashes, the layers of his cold exterior are beginning to melt. Soon, cautious Harper finds resisting her rival an impossible task, as days—and nights!—in the lab blur the lines between professional and deeply personal… Author Bio: I am a writer and teacher, living in West Yorkshire with my husband, our two sons, and our furry pets. In July 2015, I won the Prima magazine and Mills & Boon Flirty Fiction Competition, with my entry, The Chic Boutique on Baker Street, out now in ebook and paperback. The Flower Shop on Foxley Street followed this in 2017 and both books hit the Amazon top 200. Chic Boutique got to #2 in the rural life humour chart. In 2020, The Second Chance Hotel got to #80 on the main Amazon chart. I have written 20 books to date, including many for the Mills & Boon Medical line. I signed with Boldwood Books in 2022, and my first release is the 2023 romance, Ten Dates. I am the winner of the Writers Bureau Writer of the Year Award in 2016 and I have had work published in the UK and overseas in various magazines and newspaper publications. I love to write romantic fiction, both rom-com and harder hitting women's fiction. I am also a qualified post 16 teacher and nursery nurse, Cert EYP Practitioner and I have an MA in Creative Writing at Teesside University. I am a passionate autism awareness advocate and support families wherever I can. My eldest son, Jayden Dove published his own picture book for children in 2020, called Autistic Alfie.

Winning Bidder

Vikkie Wakeham

Bids

1

£11

596

Rachel Dove

Title: Mr Right Next Door Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.racheldovebooks.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterDove Book Blurb: On her deathbed, Rory Gallant’s mother begs him to be a good man, and to not behave like his caddish father, Doug. Now all grown up, Rory is a good man, but loves seems to elude him. Maybe he does need to be a bit more of a cad after all? Deciding to follow the cad dating rules, and with a bit of help from lothario Doug, Rory decides to become the complete opposite of the man he really is…. Rory’s best friend and neighbour Sarah doesn’t understand why Rory thinks he needs to change to find love – he’s perfect just the way he is. She’s determined to show him that he doesn’t need to change in order to find love. That maybe it’s standing right under his nose…maybe even right next door? Author Bio: I am a writer and teacher, living in West Yorkshire with my husband, our two sons, and our furry pets. In July 2015, I won the Prima magazine and Mills & Boon Flirty Fiction Competition, with my entry, The Chic Boutique on Baker Street, out now in ebook and paperback. The Flower Shop on Foxley Street followed this in 2017 and both books hit the Amazon top 200. Chic Boutique got to #2 in the rural life humour chart. In 2020, The Second Chance Hotel got to #80 on the main Amazon chart. I have written 20 books to date, including many for the Mills & Boon Medical line. I signed with Boldwood Books in 2022, and my first release is the 2023 romance, Ten Dates. I am the winner of the Writers Bureau Writer of the Year Award in 2016 and I have had work published in the UK and overseas in various magazines and newspaper publications. I love to write romantic fiction, both rom-com and harder hitting women's fiction. I am also a qualified post 16 teacher and nursery nurse, Cert EYP Practitioner and I have an MA in Creative Writing at Teesside University. I am a passionate autism awareness advocate and support families wherever I can. My eldest son, Jayden Dove published his own picture book for children in 2020, called Autistic Alfie.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

597

Rachel Dove

Title: Summer Hates Christmas Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.racheldovebooks.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterDove Book Blurb: It’s the most wonderful time of the year…isn’t it? Summer Hastings HATES Christmas. She loves sunshine, the beach and running her travel agency, sending people off to their dream destinations – even if she doesn’t get to see the world for herself. For Summer, Christmas sucks! So, when handsome and charming Noel Pritchett moves his pop-up Christmas shop in to the store next to hers, Summer sees red. Noel loves Christmas…and he quite likes Summer too, if only he could break through the anti-Christmas armour she has surrounded herself with. Just why does Summer hate Christmas so much? And can Noel be the one to prove to her that it really is the most wonderful time of the year? An enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, rom com from bestselling author Rachel Dove. Please note: this is a re-issue of Summer Hates Christmas by Rachel Dove Author Bio: I am a writer and teacher, living in West Yorkshire with my husband, our two sons, and our furry pets. In July 2015, I won the Prima magazine and Mills & Boon Flirty Fiction Competition, with my entry, The Chic Boutique on Baker Street, out now in ebook and paperback. The Flower Shop on Foxley Street followed this in 2017 and both books hit the Amazon top 200. Chic Boutique got to #2 in the rural life humour chart. In 2020, The Second Chance Hotel got to #80 on the main Amazon chart. I have written 20 books to date, including many for the Mills & Boon Medical line. I signed with Boldwood Books in 2022, and my first release is the 2023 romance, Ten Dates. I am the winner of the Writers Bureau Writer of the Year Award in 2016 and I have had work published in the UK and overseas in various magazines and newspaper publications. I love to write romantic fiction, both rom-com and harder hitting women's fiction. I am also a qualified post 16 teacher and nursery nurse, Cert EYP Practitioner and I have an MA in Creative Writing at Teesside University. I am a passionate autism awareness advocate and support families wherever I can. My eldest son, Jayden Dove published his own picture book for children in 2020, called Autistic Alfie.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

598

Terry Tarbox

The Willigrews 3 Book Series Book1: The Willigrew Adventures Book2: The Willigrews 2 Book3: The Willigrews 3 Genre: Children Format: Paperbacks Postage & Packaging: FREE Dedications Available: The books have been signed by Terry; Terry's wife Lily is happy to add any dedications above his signatures. Bids Accepted: Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewilligrews Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewilligrews The Book: In the land of Willigrew, silliness rules! Long ago, in the distant future, in a place not far below the earth and not all that far above it, there lived a small tribe of creatures. Or should that be a tribe of small creatures? Anyway, the tribe was small and so were the creatures. They were called 'The Willigrews' which was strange because not one of them was called Willie, and they never grew, which was why they were so small . . . The Author: After bravely fighting illness for some time, Terry, sadly passed away in October 2022 Terry worked for many years in the retail furniture trade, but has also been a postman, a milkman, an ice-cream seller and manager of a pet cemetery (a job he soon decided was not for him). He loved gardening, reading and writing. He blamed Spike Milligan, The Goon Show and Monty Pythons Flying Circus for the level of humour in his tall tales. Terry was a strong supporter of Children in Read and will be sadly missed.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

5

£16

599

Terry Tarbox

Book: My Mate Joe and Other Rhymes Genre: Children Poetry Format: Paperbacks Dedication Available: The book has been signed by Terry; Terry's wife Lily is happy to add any dedication above his signature. Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewilligrews Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewilligrews The Book: A nursery rhyme is like singing without the music. Most of the rhymes we know and love, with certain exceptions, were written in the nineteenth century. They tell of kings and queens, of wonderful times and of tragic times. So what about now, what about the twenty-first century? This book consists of Terry's new and fresh nursery rhymes. The Author: After bravely fighting illness for some time, Terry, sadly passed away in October 2022 Terry worked for many years in the retail furniture trade, but has also been a postman, a milkman, an ice-cream seller and manager of a pet cemetery (a job he soon decided was not for him). He loved gardening, reading and writing. He blamed Spike Milligan, The Goon Show and Monty Pythons Flying Circus for the level of humour in his tall tales. Terry was a strong supporter of Children in Read and will be sadly missed.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

1

£11

600

Alice Roberts

Title: Wolf Road Genre: Children Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.alice-roberts.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/theAliceRoberts Book Blurb: 'Highly atmospheric, this impressive story asks questions about human fears across the ages.' Daily Mail Tuuli is a prehistoric girl, travelling with her tribe through the seasons – making camp, hunting for food and protecting themselves against the many hazards that the climate throws at them. Tuuli knows there’s a bigger world out there, and when she spots a strange boy lurking outside their camp, she realises that he might hold the adventure she is looking for. He is from another tribe, sent to find safer ground and as he and Tuuli strike up an unlikely friendship, they set out on a journey that will impact the rest of human history. A vast adventure with a very human heart, full of wild animals, huge scenery and heart-stopping danger and inspired by real anthropological discoveries. The stunning debut novel from Digging for Britain presenter, Professor Alice Roberts, for fans of His Dark Materials, Wolf Brother and The Last Bear. Author Bio: PROFESSOR ALICE ROBERTS is an academic, author and broadcaster, specialising in human anatomy, physiology, evolution, archaeology and history. In 2001, Alice made her television debut on Channel 4's Time Team, and went on to write and present The Incredible Human Journey, Origins of Us and Ice Age Giants on BBC Two. She is also the presenter of the popular TV series Digging for Britain. Alice has been a professor of Public Engagement with Science at the University of Birmingham since 2012. she is a bestselling author of non-fiction books for adults including Ancestors and Buried. Wolf Road is her debut children's novel.

Winning Bidder

Andrew Harnett

Bids

6

£82

601

Charlotte Duckworth

Book Title: THE WRONG MOTHER Genre: Psychological Thriller - Suspense Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://charlotteduckworth.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/charduck Book Blurb: One mother on the run. A safe place to hide. But you can't escape the past forever . . . Faye is 39 and single. She's terrified she may never have the one thing she always wanted: a child of her own. Then she discovers a co-parenting app: Acorns. For men and women who want to have a baby, but don't want to do it alone. When she meets Louis through it, it feels as though the fates have aligned. But just one year later, Faye is on the run from Louis, with baby Jake in tow. In desperate need of a new place to live, she contacts Rachel, who's renting out a room in her remote Norfolk cottage. It's all Faye can afford - and surely she'll be safe from Louis there? But is Rachel the benevolent landlady she pretends to be? Or does she have a secret of her own? Author Bio: Charlotte Duckworth is the USA Today bestselling author of The Rival, Unfollow Me, The Perfect Father and The Sanctuary. Her fifth psychological suspense, The Wrong Mother, was published by Quercus in early 2023. She started her career working as an interiors and lifestyle journalist, writing for a wide range of consumer magazines and websites. She also writes contemporary bookclub fiction under the pen name Charlotte Rixon. Charlotte lives in Surrey with her partner and their daughter.

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

3

£16

602

Francesca Catlow

Title: The Greek Secret Genre: Escapist Woman's Fiction - Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://francescacatlow.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrancescaCatlow Book Blurb: *Recently shortlisted for the Kindle Storyteller Award* What if you could never tell anyone how a relationship really ended? Then Ruby is starting to realise her boyfriend, Jonathan, is manipulating her every move. He’s the life and soul of a party, everyone loves him, but she’s starting to see him differently. She wants to make a change, but does she have the strength to let go of the life they have built? Now Ruby's life in England has hit an all-time low, so she agrees to spend the summer working for her aunt in Corfu. While there, she's mortified to feel an attraction to her step cousin, Yianni, who runs the family restaurant. However much she tries to avoid her feelings, she can’t avoid Yianni or the romantic setting of Corfu. But is there any point trying to get close to him when she harbours an all-consuming secret. Is Ruby able to tell him the truth about how her relationship with Jonathan really ended? A truth she has never told a soul? And if she can trust him enough to tell him, what will he think of Ruby’s shocking past? Author Bio: Francesca Catlow loves to travel. Born and raised in the heart of Suffolk, Catlow has travelled extensively in Europe with her French husband and, more recently, their two young children. Of all the places she's been it is the Greek islands that have captured her heart. She visits as often as family commitments allow. 'The Little Blue Door' Catlow's first novel was written during the lockdown of 2020 while feeding her baby in the early hours. She has previously written plays alongside being a lyricist and performer.

Winning Bidder

John Simpson

Bids

4

£25

603

B.C. Harris

Title: Conspiracy of Cats Genre: Paranormal - Mystery - Contemporary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCHarris64 Website: https://www.bcharrisauthor.com The Book: An apprehensive Jos Ferguson travels from Edinburgh to northern Tanzania to visit the house her Uncle Peter built before he died. But Peter isn't as dead as he should be... he was murdered, and he wants his niece to help him exact revenge upon his killer. With a little Maasai magic and a conspiracy of cats, Jos sets out to do exactly that. A beautiful house. A horrible death. A brilliant revenge. Who knew death could be so lively? The Author: B C Harris lives on the west coast of Scotland with her husband and their two dogs. Surrounded by hills, forests and beautiful beaches, she has plenty of space for walking and thinking about characters. Her first book, Conspiracy of Cats, was published in 2021 and received wonderful reader reviews. Making Sacrifices is her second book and she hopes readers will enjoy it every bit as much. Find out more about B C Harris online. Twitter : @BCHarris64 Instagram : @beverleycharrisauthor Facebook : @AuthorBCHarris

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

604

B.C. Harris

Title: Making Sacrifices Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCHarris64 Website: https://www.bcharrisauthor.com The Book: To the world she is Vida. To Isaac Saddler she epitomises only fear, willed into existence through art and writing. Transformed from victim to warrior, she became Queen of the Vidian Empire. But Vida doesn’t just exist between the pages of a book. High on Exmoor archaeologists think they’ve found ancient remains, but the body proves to be evidence of a modern murder. A facial reconstruction goes viral. Now Isaac must find out why the woman of his nightmares ended up in a bog pool close to his childhood home. A lifetime of secrets that threaten to undermine his entire existence. The Author: B C Harris lives on the west coast of Scotland with her husband and their two dogs. Surrounded by hills, forests and beautiful beaches, she has plenty of space for walking and thinking about characters. Her first book, Conspiracy of Cats, was published in 2021 and received wonderful reader reviews. Making Sacrifices is her second book and she hopes readers will enjoy it every bit as much. Find out more about B C Harris online. Twitter : @BCHarris64 Instagram : @beverleycharrisauthor Facebook : @AuthorBCHarris

Winning Bidder

Kym Clements

Bids

1

£30

605

Frederick Forsyth

Title: The Day of the Jackal Genre: Political Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/159606/frederick-forsyth The Book: **The 50th Anniversary Edition with a new introduction by Lee Child** 'As gripping now as it was 50 years ago' THE TIMES 'Masterful suspense . . . The Day of the Jackal changed the shape of popular fiction from the moment it was finished' BEN MACINTYRE ________________ One of the most celebrated thrillers ever written, The Day of the Jackal is the exhilarating story of the struggle to catch a killer before it's too late. 1963. An anonymous Englishman is hired by the Operations Chief of French terrorist organisation O.A.S. to murder the French president, General Charles de Gaulle. A failed attempt in the previous year means the target will be nearly impossible to reach. Only one man could do the job: an assassin of legendary talent known only as The Jackal. This remorseless and deadly killer must be stopped. But he is a man without a name, without an identity; a lethal spectre. How can you stop an assassin nobody can identify? The task falls to the best detective in France - and the price of failure is unthinkable . . . ________________ 'In a class by itself. Unputdownable' SUNDAY TIMES 'Very clever and immensely entertaining' DAILY TELEGRAPH The Author: Frederick Forsyth is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of seventeen novels, including The Day of the Jackal and The Odessa File, as well as short story collections and a memoir. A former Air Force pilot, and one-time print and television reporter for the BBC, he has had four movies and two television miniseries made from his works. He is the winner of three Edgar Awards, and in 2012 he won the Diamond Dagger Award from the Crime Writers' Association, a lifetime achievement award for sustained excellence. He lives in Hertfordshire, England.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

5

£23

606

Frederick Forsyth

Title: The Fox Genre: Political Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/159606/frederick-forsyth The Book: The #1 New York Times-bestselling master of international intrigue takes readers into the bleeding-edge world of technological espionage in a propulsive thriller that feels chillingly real. Former chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service Adrian Weston is awoken in the middle of the night by a phone call from the Prime Minister. Her news is shocking: the Pentagon, the NSA, and the CIA have been hacked simultaneously, their seemingly impenetrable firewalls breached by an unknown enemy known only as "The Fox." Even more surprisingly, the culprit is revealed to be a young British teenager, Luke Jennings. He has no agenda, no secrets, just a blisteringly brilliant mind. Extradition to the U.S. seems likely--until Weston has another idea: If Luke can do this to us, what can he do to our enemies? After conferring with both the American President and the Prime Minister, Weston is determined to use "The Fox" and his talents to the advantage of the two nations. But doing so places the boy on a geopolitical minefield. Adrian must stay one step ahead of multiple invisible enemies, all while finding a way to utilize the most powerful--and most unpredictable--weapon of all. With his trademark research and deep knowledge of the rules and practices of international intrigue, Forsyth takes on tomorrow's threats in this race-against-the-clock thriller. The Author: Frederick Forsyth is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of seventeen novels, including The Day of the Jackal and The Odessa File, as well as short story collections and a memoir. A former Air Force pilot, and one-time print and television reporter for the BBC, he has had four movies and two television miniseries made from his works. He is the winner of three Edgar Awards, and in 2012 he won the Diamond Dagger Award from the Crime Writers' Association, a lifetime achievement award for sustained excellence. He lives in Hertfordshire, England.

Winning Bidder

Paddy Heron

Bids

7

£20

607

Kate London

Title: The Misper Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/K8London LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/k8london The Book: There's more than one way to go missing... When Ryan Kennedy is imprisoned after killing a police officer, he knows what he has to do. Keep his mouth shut about who he was working for, keep his head down, and rely on his youth to keep his sentence short. When he gets out, he'll be looked after. Following the death in the line of duty of a fellow detective, DI Sarah Collins has left the capital for a quieter life in the countryside. But when a missing teenager turns up on her patch, she finds herself drawn into a much bigger investigation - one that leads her right back to London, back to the Met, and back to Ryan Kennedy, the kid who killed a cop. This powerful novel from a former Met detective explores the devastation that organized drug-running gangs can wreak on young lives. It asks who deserves to be saved - and whether saving them is even possible... The Author: Kate London graduated from Cambridge University and moved to Paris to train in theatre. She worked as an actor, writer and director before joining the Metropolitan Police Service. She finished her service working as a detective on the Met's homicide command, resigning in 2014 to dedicate herself to her writing. Her debut novel, Post Mortem, was published in 2015 and has now been adapted as a major ITV drama under the title The Tower.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£15

608

Kate London

Title: The Tower Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/K8London LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/k8london The Book: The Tower, previously published as Post Mortem, is now a major ITV drama. 'Draws you in and doesn't let you go. A must read.' Rosamund Lupton She could not escape the horror of it: falling unstoppably, irretrievably until the hard concrete reaches up. That last glimpse of them at the edge. A long-serving beat cop in the Met and a teenage girl fall to their deaths from a tower block in London's East End. Left alive on the roof are a five-year-old boy and rookie police officer, Lizzie Griffiths. Within hours, Griffiths has disappeared, and DS Sarah Collins sets out to uncover the truth around the grisly deaths, in an investigation which takes her into the dark heart of policing in London. 'Absorbing' Sunday TImes 'Thrilling' Weekend Sport 'Thought-provoking' Literary Review The Author: Kate London graduated from Cambridge University and moved to Paris to train in theatre. She worked as an actor, writer and director before joining the Metropolitan Police Service. She finished her service working as a detective on the Met's homicide command, resigning in 2014 to dedicate herself to her writing. Her debut novel, Post Mortem, was published in 2015 and has now been adapted as a major ITV drama under the title The Tower.

Winning Bidder

Madalyn Morgan

Bids

1

£11

609

C.L. Taylor

Title: The Island Genre: Crime Thriller - Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/callytaylor LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/CLTaylorAuthor The Book: WINNER OF THE PORTSMOUTH BOOK AWARD FOR LONGER NOVELS 2022 SHORTLISTED FOR THE CRIMEFEST AWARD FOR BEST CRIME NOVEL FOR YOUNG ADULTS 2021 WINNER OF THE WARWICKSHIRE YEAR 9 BOOK AWARDS 2021 SHORTLISTED FOR THE DUDLEY CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD 2021 *** Lost meets The Hunger Games in this thrilling young adult novel from C.L. Taylor, the Sunday Times and million-copy bestselling author. *** Welcome to The Island. Where your worst fears are about to come true… It was supposed to be the perfect holiday: a week-long trip for six teenage friends on a remote tropical island. But when their guide dies of a stroke leaving them stranded, the trip of a lifetime turns into a nightmare. Because someone on the island knows each of the group’s worst fears. And one by one, they’re becoming a reality. Seven days in paradise. A deadly secret. Who will make it off the island alive? The Author: C.L. Taylor is an award winning Sunday Times bestselling author of ten gripping psychological thrillers including THE GUILTY COUPLE, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for summer 2023 and SLEEP, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for autumn 2019. C.L. Taylor's books have sold over two million copies in the UK alone, hit number one on Amazon Kindle, Audible, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play, and have been translated into 25 languages and optioned for TV. Her books are not a series and can be read in any order:

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£20

610

James McDonald

Title: Whats The Worst Thing That Can Happen Genre: Autobiography/Memoir Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://jamesmcdonaldauthor.co.uk Twitter; https://twitter.com/AuthorJamesMcD Book Blurb: In 2006, I was told by a spirit guide that I would write a book. Yes, I see spirits. “That sounds good but what story had I to tell? Tell the story of how you came from the slums of Glasgow, pushed away your gifts of ‘sixth sense’ and rediscovered them as an adult.” Okay, from the slums of Glasgow to discovering that you’re a psychic in your late forties sounds good but the part in between might sound uninteresting. “Think about it,” I was told, “You will soon be given the opportunity to write.” My life was to follow two paths; communicating with spirit and learning to replace fear with love. My guidance came from two sources; spirit and dreams. My childhood had been a ‘lie’ and I came to realise that much of my adult life was a ‘lie’ also. I wasn’t quite the person that I thought I was. During my childhood I had been the victim of abuse from an adult who I trusted. Unfortunately, I continued with this habit as an adult and would have difficulty facing up to anything. I had two options: run, as I had been doing, or face the truth about myself. I opted for the latter. Today I do not acknowledge negativity. I learn from every experience and think positively. It does help somewhat when the guidance that I receive is ‘out of this world!’ Author Bio: James McDonald left school at 15 and spent most of his life working as a turner in engineering before returning to education and studying counselling. In 2010 he began working with vulnerable and often traumatised children. As well as his new-found knowledge the author used his experiences of his own childhood abuse to help guide children as well as adults. James does not acknowledge negativity but sees everything as a learning opportunity and passes this knowledge onto others at every opportunity. He believes strongly in the power of the mind and has the gift of clairvoyance as well as healing.

Winning Bidder

Lucy Sturgess

Bids

2

£13

611

Philippa Carey

Title: The Best Gift For Christmas Genre: Historical Fiction - Cosy Romance Format: Paperback (If a £15 bid is reached Phillipa will send a hardback book - If £20 is bid a Large - Print will be sent to the successful bidder.) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.pcarey.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/PCarey_author Book Blurb: It is almost Christmas 1813. Two small girls are lonely, bored, grumpy, and travelling to their grandmother's house for Christmas. Their father is a widower, barely able to walk after fighting Napoleon. Their nursemaid is not very bright. Their governess has no enthusiasm or imagination. What they really want for Christmas is...... Author Bio: Philippa Carey graduated from Cambridge University, UK, as a Software Engineer, later becoming an entrepreneur then a driver of heavy goods vehicles. Philippa is now semi-retired, writing and living near Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Winning Bidder

Amanda Giles

Bids

1

£11

612

Andrew Baker

Title: Cake: A Slice of British Life Genre: Food & Drink Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccAndrewBaker Book Blurb: From King Alfred’s oatcakes to The River Café’s revered Chocolate Nemesis, this is the crumb-spattered, buttercream-smeared story of the cakes that have claimed a place on British tables – and in our hearts. Author Bio: Andrew Baker is not a baker, he's a cake fan - and also a writer and editor for the Telegraph who has previously been on the staff of Vogue, The Independent and The Observer.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

10

£26

613

Amy McElroy

Title: Educating the Tudors Genre: History, nonfiction Format: Hardback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://amymcelroy.blog Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMc_Books Book Blurb: Education during the Tudor era was a privilege and took many forms including schools, colleges and apprenticeships. Those responsible for delivering education came from a variety of backgrounds from the humble parish priest to the most famed poet-laureates of the day. Curriculums varied according to wealth, gender and geography. The wealthy could afford the very best of tutors and could study as much or as little as they chose while the poorer members of society could only grasp at opportunities in the hopes of providing themselves with a better future. The Tudors were educated during a time when the Renaissance was sweeping across Europe and Henry VIII became known as a Renaissance Prince but what did his education consist of? Who were his tutors? How did his education differ to that of his elder brother, Prince Arthur and how did Henry’s education change upon the death of his brother? There is no doubt Henry was provided with an excellent education, particularly in comparison to his sisters, Margaret and Mary. Henry’s own education would go on to influence his decisions of tutors for his own children. Who had the privilege of teaching Henry’s children and did they dare to use corporal punishment? Educating the Tudors seeks to answer all of these questions, delving into the education of all classes, the subjects they studied, educational establishment and those who taught them. Author Bio: Amy was born and bred in Liverpool before moving to the Midlands to study Criminal Justice eventually becoming a civil servant. She has long been interested in history, reading as much and as often as she could. Her writing journey began with her blog, sharing thoughts on books she had read, before developing to writing reviews for Aspects of History magazine and culminating in her own book, Educating the Tudors. Amy's second book, Women's Lives in the Tudor Era is due to be published in February 2024.

Winning Bidder

Valerie Niblett

Bids

5

£21

614

Christina Hollis

Title: The Wishing Tree Genre: Cosy romance Format: Paperback: Pocket Novel Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://christinahollisbooks.online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristinaBooks Book Blurb: The Hermit of Hawthorn Ridge meets his match! Jake isn't happy when Emma moves in next door and opens a children's nursery. It takes an emergency to make them realise they work better together than alone. Emma discovers the heartbreak in Jake's past, and he finds out what an asset she is as a next-door-neighbour. Author Bio: Christina Hollis has been writing stories since she was knee-high to a pencil. She has written twenty-four novels and one non fiction book, with a second planned. She lives with her family and pets in a bluebell wood in Gloucestershire.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

615

Matthew Lewis

Book Title: Richard III: Loyalty Binds Me Genre: Non-fiction History Format: Hardback Dedication: Yes Bids: Global Website: http://mattlewisauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattLewisAuthor Book Blurb: King Richard III remains one of the most controversial figures in British history. Matthew Lewis’s new biography aims to become a definitive account by exploring what is known of his childhood and the impacts it had on his personality and view of the world. He would be cast into insecurity and exile only to become a royal prince before his tenth birthday. As Richard spends his teenage years under the watchful gaze of his older brother, Edward IV, he is eventually placed in the household of their cousin, the Earl of Warwick, remembered as the Kingmaker; but as the relationship between a king and his most influential magnate breaks down, Richard is compelled to make a choice when the House of York fractures. After another period in exile, Richard returns to become the most powerful nobleman in England. The work he involves himself in during the years that follow demonstrates a drive and commitment but also a dangerous naïveté. When crisis hits in 1483, it is to Richard that his older brother turns on his death bed. The events of 1483 remain contentious and hotly debated, but by understanding the Richard who began that year, it will become clearer what drove some of his actions and decisions. Returning to primary sources and considering the evidence available, this new life undoes the myths and presents a real man living in tumultuous times. Author Bio: Matt Lewis is an author and historian with a focus on the Wars of the Roses and Richard III. He is currently Chair of the Richard III Society, co-host of History Hit’s Gone Medieval podcast and senior presenter at History Hit.

Winning Bidder

Suzanne Calcagno

Bids

9

£100

616

Beverley Adams

Title: The Rebel Suffragette: The Life of Edith Rigby Genre: History - Biography Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://beverleysreads.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterBeverleyA Book Blurb: The suffragette movement swept the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Led by the Pankhursts, the focus of the movement was in London with demonstrations and rallies taking place across the capital. But this was a nationwide movement with a strong northern influence with Edith Rigby being an ardent supporter. Edith was a controversial figure, not only was she was the first woman to own and ride a bicycle in her home town but she was founder of a school for girls and young women. Edith followed the example of Emmeline Pankhurst and her supporters and founded the Preston branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union. She was found guilty of arson and an attempted bomb attack in Liverpool following which she was incarcerated and endured hunger strike forming part of the ‘Cat and Mouse’ system with the government. During a political rally with Winston Churchill Edith threw a black pudding at a MP. There are many tales to tell in the life of Edith Rigby, she was charismatic, passionate, ruthless and thoroughly unpredictable. She was someone who rejected the accepted notion of what a woman of her class should be the way she dressed and the way she ran her household but she was independent in mind and spirit and always had courage in her own convictions. As a suffragette, she was just as effective and brave as the Pankhurst women. This is the story of a life of a lesser known suffragette. This is Edith’s story. Author Bio: Writer and historian Beverley Adams holds a Masters Degree in English and has written several non-fiction titles for Pen and Sword Books, including The Rebel Suffragette: The Life of Edith Rigby. Her work focuses on bringing the lives of inspirational women back to life. She is passionate about local history and has contributed numerous articles for the local press. She lives in Preston, Lancashire.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£32

617

Andy Hussey

Title: There's No Deer Around Here Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.muddylittleboots.com Book Blurb: When a mysterious visitor eats all the plants in Granny’s garden one night, Jacob is left wondering what it could be. Together with his best friend, Archie-Dog, Jacob sets out on a mission – collecting clues along the way to prove to Granny that there really ARE deer around here! Author Bio: Andy is the founder of Muddy Little Boots. A graphic designer by trade, he decided to create Muddy Little Boots during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (2020) as a means of creating something positive from this distressing period. He has a passion for collaborating with like-minded creative individuals and a desire to promote exploration of open spaces and nature. He’s also a big believer in having fun - if its not fun, he’s not interested. In many respects he’s a big kid at heart!

Winning Bidder

Seth Heron

Bids

1

£11

618

Andy Hussey

Title: Any Trout About? - A Riverside Story Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.muddylittleboots.com Book Blurb: Every weekend Charlie and Dad watch excited families feeding the trout in the town stream. Today, it’s Charlie’s turn... but why are there no trout about?! Charlie and Dad embark on a riverside adventure to search for the elusive trout in the wild - and meet lots of animal friends along the way! Author Bio: Andy is the founder of Muddy Little Boots. A graphic designer by trade, he decided to create Muddy Little Boots during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (2020) as a means of creating something positive from this distressing period. He has a passion for collaborating with like-minded creative individuals and a desire to promote exploration of open spaces and nature. He’s also a big believer in having fun - if its not fun, he’s not interested. In many respects he’s a big kid at heart!

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

619

Amanda Lees

Title: The Midwife’s Child Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.amandalees.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandalees Book Blurb: ‘Save her,’ she begs, drawing her last, quavering breaths. ‘Save my baby. Find her father. And reunite them.’ Both of our tears fall on the tiny creature in my arms, only minutes old and already in terrible danger. There’s never any doubt – of course I’ll do all I can. But will it be enough? Auschwitz, January 1945: forced on a terrifying death march from the notorious concentration camp, midwife and former secret agent Maggie must find the strength to protect the tiny baby girl her dying friend left to her care. Only weeks old, little Leah is in terrible danger – from the Nazis, from the freezing weather, from starvation. So when a company of soldiers led by brave Captain Jamie Maclean rescues the marching women, Maggie’s relief knows no bounds. But it soon turns to astonishment when Jamie vows to help Maggie reunite Leah with her father – he has fallen in love with Maggie, and will do everything in his power to assist her. Maggie can’t yet trust her own, budding, feelings. But she accepts Jamie’s help, and slowly starts to dream of a life together. Until Maggie gets the news every survivor dreads. The most fearsome Nazi of all, Dr Mengele, the terror of Auschwitz, has escaped – and she may be the only person strong enough to track him down. Looking at baby Leah’s trusting eyes, Maggie’s heart is torn. But she has to find Mengele and bring him to justice. Can she succeed on the most terrifying mission of her life, when so many others have failed? And if she does, will she find her way back home to the ones she loves, or will the heartbreak of everything she has suffered destroy any chance of happiness, forever? A compelling and heart-breaking historical novel about sacrifices, determination and love that conquers all. Perfect for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and The Alice Network, this emotional read will leave you filled with hope. Author Bio: Amanda was born in Hong Kong and survived both a convent boarding school and a Jesuit boys’ school before being summarily ejected from the latter. She gets her thirst for adventure from her parents who met in the jungle in Borneo where her mother had set up a hospital and her father, a former Gurkha Intelligence officer and Oxford-educated spy, was probably up to no good. The Silence Before Dawn, the first in her bestselling WW2 thriller series was published in September 2022 and the second, Paris At First Light, in November 2022, both also to excellent reviews. The third book in the series, The Midwife’s Child, was published on 16th May 2023. All of these can be read as standalones and she is currently working on the fourth book in the series alongside other book projects. Amanda is also the author of the bestselling satirical novels Selling Out and Secret Admirer (published by Pan) which have both received critical acclaim and have been translated into several languages. Her major YA thriller trilogy, Kumari, Goddess of Gotham, was written as a tribute to her mum, who died a couple of months before. In creating Kumari, Amanda wanted to write books for young people that would reflect her own exotic childhood. Kumari was nominated for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize and the Doncaster Book Award. It featured as Redhouse Book Of The Month and Lovereading4kids Book Of The Month. Amanda has a degree in drama and her first telly job was as a member of the Communist Resistance in ’Allo ‘Allo. This involved running around with a dachshund tucked under one arm and deploying her best cod French accent. It has all been dramatically downhill since. A broadcaster as well as an actress and novelist, Amanda appears regularly on BBC radio and LBC and was a contracted writer to the hit series Weekending on Radio 4. She has written for, or contributed to, The Evening Standard, The Times, New Woman, US Cosmopolitan, Bulgaria’s Vagabond and Company Magazine as well as numerous online publications and has two non-fiction books published under a pen name. Her non-fiction book under her own name, From Aconite to the Zodiac Killer: The Dictionary of Crime, was published by Robinson/Little Brown in July 2020 to excellent reviews. It was published in the US by Ulysses Press in May 2021. As well as Eastern European Mafiosi and the ex-head of the KGB, Amanda numbers serving and retired Police Officers, FBI agents, members of the Special Forces and distinguished forensic scientists among her dubious but well-qualified contacts. Amanda has conducted a love coaching phone-in from the sofa of Richard & Judy and wooed the viewers on Channel 5 Live. She won an award at the Hungarian Gyor Film Festival for a short film she produced, a psychological thriller called Pros and Cons. She is currently working on a number of book, TV and film projects.

Winning Bidder

Elaine Inwood

Bids

2

£15

620

Caroline Dodds Pennock

Title: On Savage Shores: How Indigenous Americans Discovered Europe Genre: History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolinepennock Book Blurb: In this groundbreaking new history, Caroline Dodds Pennock recovers the long-marginalised stories of the Indigenous Americans who - as enslaved people, diplomats, explorers, servants and traders - left a profound impact on European civilisation in the 'Age of Discovery'. On Savage Shores is a sweeping account of power and influence in America and Europe - one which could forever change the way we understand our global history. Author Bio: Caroline Dodds Pennock is a Senior Lecturer in International History at the University of Sheffield and the UK's only Aztec historian. Her first book, BONDS OF BLOOD: GENDER, LIFECYCLE AND SACRIFICE IN AZTEC CULTURE (Palgrave Macmillan) won the Royal Historical Society's Gladstone Prize for 2008. She has appeared on TV programmes for broadcasters including the BBC, the Smithsonian Channel and Netflix, and has acted as a named historical consultant for several TV projects, as well as writing for popular publications including Scientific American, BBC History Magazine, BBC World Histories, BBC Knowledge Magazine and History Today.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

13

£65

621

Sara Downing

Two Book Special Title 1: I Let You Fall Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Paperback Title 2: A Head Over Heels Christmas Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Paperback Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.saradowningwriter.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarawritesbooks Book 1 Blurb: I Let You Fall A contemporary tale of tragedy, selflessness, love, and renewal. On a summer night in London, art teacher Eve Chapman finds herself in a hospital emergency room. She watches surgeons desperately operate on a young woman with a terrible head injury. But when the bandages are removed, Eve is horrified to find her own body on the operating table. Trapped in a coma, Eve struggles to cope with the fact that no matter how hard she tries, her family and friends cannot see or hear her. But then she meets Luca Diaz, a handsome and comatose lawyer who can see her. He takes Eve under his wing and teaches her how to use her new abilities to help the living. As the weeks pass, Eve struggles to find a way back to her body and to Nathan, the man she loves. But the more time she spends with Luca, the more she wonders if her old life is worth going back to at all. I Let You Fall lifts the spirits of fans of romantic dramas like The Time Traveler’s Wife, In Five Years, and Afterwards. Book 2 Blurb: A Head Over Heels Christmas Best friends Evie, Grace and Alex – plus their husbands and many offspring – descend on the romantic Italian city of Florence for a magical Christmas holiday. The three couples are excited for their winter break – and all for different reasons. Evie and James haven’t seen their eldest daughter, Immy, for months, and Evie hopes the trip will smooth relations between James and Immy’s French boyfriend, Pascal. Alex and Mark can’t wait to have their five children back together under the same roof for the first time in ages. And Grace and Tom are simply looking forward to their first overseas trip in years with their ten-year-old twins. The stage is set: a few days of sightseeing around the famous galleries and museums, exploring the backstreets of the Medieval city, cosy bistro lunches, and the pièce de résistance, Christmas dinner at a luxury hotel. It’s all going to be so perfect… But Evie and James’ world is about to be rocked. Immy has some news, which none of them could have seen coming. As the Christmas spirit flows and old friendships are renewed, can the friends help Evie and James come to terms with the changes to their family, or as the snow begins to fall, is it the end of life as they know it? This festive romantic comedy picks up with the characters from Head Over Heels, Hand On Heart – and Urban Venus – as they continue their adventures. But you don’t need to have read the other books to enjoy this standalone story! Author Bio: Sara Downing is an award-winning author of several genres, including romance and historical fiction. More recently she has become fascinated with the supernatural. Her first book in this genre, 'The Lost Boy', was followed up by 'I Let You Fall', which was the WINNER in the RNA Romantic Novel Awards 2023, Fantasy Romantic Novel category. Sara lives in rural Worcestershire with her husband, three almost grown-up children, a Labrador and a cat. Before children she was a Chartered Accountant, but always knew her dream career lay elsewhere. She started writing in 2009 and hasn't since yearned to return to the world of accountancy.

Winning Bidder

David Letchford

Bids

2

£30

622

Elizabeth Norton

Title: The Lives of Tudor Women Genre: History Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.elizabethnorton.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ENortonHistory Book Blurb: The turbulent Tudor age never fails to capture the imagination. But what was it actually like to be a woman during this period? This was a time when death in infancy or during childbirth was rife; when marriage was usually a legal contract, not a matter for love, and the education of women was minimal at best. Yet the Tudor century was also dominated by powerful and characterful women in a way that no era had been before. Author Bio: Dr Elizabeth Norton is a London-based historian specialising in the queens of England and the Tudor period. She has a double first class degree from the University of Cambridge, a Masters degree from the University of Oxford and a PhD from King’s College London. She has taught History at King’s College London and RADA. Her academic research has been published in several peer reviewed journals. Elizabeth’s most recent books are the critically acclaimed ‘The Lives of Tudor Women’ and ‘The Temptation of Elizabeth Tudor’. She is also the author of a biography of Margaret Beaufort and four of Henry VIII’s wives, amongst other titles. She regularly writes for magazines, including BBC History magazine, All About History, History Revealed and Who Do You Think You Are? magazine. Elizabeth frequently appears on television, including Danny Dyer’s Right Royal Family (BBC1), Digging up Britain’s Past (Channel 5), Secrets of Great British Castles (Channel 5), An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates (Smithsonian), Flog-It (BBC2), Bloody Tales of the Tower (National Geographic) and Queen Victoria in her own words (Channel 5). She also appears as an expert on BBC London News and on international television, radio and podcasts. She has live commentated events for television, including royal weddings and the Trooping of the Colour. In addition to these television appearances, Elizabeth has worked as a historical consultant on a number of non-fiction and fiction historical films and television. Elizabeth regularly gives talks. She also guides tours for the Telegraph Newspaper, Historical Trips, Andante and Travel Editions.

Winning Bidder

Danielle Horn

Bids

5

£28

623

Rebecca Batley

Title: Ann Walker: The Life and Death of Gentleman Jack's Wife Genre: Biography - History - Philosophy Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thetravellinghistorianclub Book Blurb: Lesbian. Lover. Lunatic. These are just some of the words usually used to describe Ann Walker, the oft overlooked wife of Anne Lister, better known by some as Gentleman Jack. Ann was one half of England’s first same-sex marriage and yet the rainbow plaque that marks their historic union on the wall of the Holy Trinity Church, York, features Ann’s name in a font only half the size of her wife’s. Her story has been long forgotten. Born into wealth and privilege Ann was one of the most eligible heiresses in 19th century Yorkshire and the question on everyone’s lips in 1830’s Halifax was why a respectable young heiress, with property, fortune and connection risked everything, even her freedom, to become entangled with the notorious Gentleman Jack? The answer to this question reveals a woman of immense courage, faith, and determination, but her voice has remained silent….until now. Within the depths of Ann’s diary - discovered by Diane Halford in 2020 - the answers to some of the above questions can be found, as can insight into Ann as an independent woman. The life of Ann is worthy of its own narrative and it is time for Ann to step out of the shadow of Gentleman Jack and tell her own story. Author Bio: Rebecca Batley is an archaeologist and historian, with a particular interest in women's history. Her work can be found in numerous publications including New Scientist, Gay and Lesbian Review and AHM. She regularly writes for Ancient Origins and has worked for, amongst others, MOLA and Wessex Archaeology.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£18

624

Annie Lyons

Title: The Air Raid Book Club Genre: Historical Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://annielyons.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/1AnnieLyons Book Blurb: As the bombs began to fall, the book club kept their hopes alive... London, 1938. Bookseller Gertie Bingham is facing difficult times, having just lost her beloved husband, Harry, and with a lingering sadness at never having been able to have a child of her own. Struggling to face running the bookshop she and Harry opened together, Gertie is preparing to sell up and move away when she is asked if she would be willing to take in a young Jewish refugee from Germany. Gertie is unsure and when sullen teenager Hedy Fischer arrives, Gertie fears she has nothing left to give the troubled girl. But when the German bombers come and the lights go out over London, Gertie and Hedy realise that joining forces will make them stronger, and that books have the power to bring young and old together and unite a community in need in its darkest hour... Author Bio: I am the author of seven novels and one novella. My first book, Not Quite Perfect was a Kindle number one bestseller and my most recent featuring octogenarian, Eudora Honeysett was a USA Today bestseller as well as being nominated for the RNA Contemporary Novel Award. My new book, The Air Raid Book Club is my first historical fiction novel and will be published on the 11th of July. I can’t wait for readers to meet Gertie and Hedy, who are thrown together by the events of the Second World War and who form a book club to support their community through these dark times. This book is particularly special to me as I’ve spent my life around books, from trips to the library with my Mum as a child to my early career as a bookseller on Charing Cross Road and then over ten years in publishing and now as a writer and creative writing teacher. My favourite thing about being an author is when readers contact me to let me know that a book has touched them, made them laugh or just served as a companion for a while. I recently received a card all the way from New York from eighty-four-year-old Rita in praise of the story of eighty-four-year-old Eudora and that was my week made

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£21

625

Penny Dale

*Bonus: Penny is including a giclee signed fine print for her successful bidder Title: Ten in the Bed Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedications Available. YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.pennydale.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennySDale Book Blurb: It’s now 35 years since first publication of Penny Dale's warm, funny and much-loved take on the bouncy bedtime rhyme of 'Ten in the Bed'. With ten in the bed, it's a bit of a squeeze! Roll over, roll over! But the little one gets cold all alone, and soon all ten are snuggled up and fast asleep. Children will love reading this famous rhyme and shouting out the crash, thud and bump noises – bedtime has never been such fun! To celebrate the anniversary and to support Children in Read, Penny has added a signed, giclee print of Ten in the Bed Fast Asleep to her lot. The Author: Penny Dale is an internationally known, best-selling children’s book artist and author and has sold more than 5 million books, with editions in over 20 languages. Her much-loved picture book Ten in the Bed has sold over two million copies worldwide. Her other titles have also met with great success: Bet You Can’t and Once There Were Giants were included in the UK SATS booklist for many years, and Once There Were Giants was chosen as one of the Guardian’s Best Children’s Books Ever. Rosie’s Babies (also written by Martin Waddell) won the Best Book for Babies award and was also shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1990. Penny is married, has one grown-up daughter and a grandson and lives in South Wales.

Winning Bidder

Greville Hunt

Bids

4

£30

626

Jenny Linford

Link To Jenny's Lot 632: The Kew Gardens Cookbook https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/detail/auction_id/childreninread2023?search=linford#buzz_expend_233951 Title: The Kew Gardens Christmas Book Genre: Food & Drink Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://jennylinford.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennylinford Book Blurb: 230 pages, 50 colour illustrations The Kew Gardens Christmas Book is a beautifully illustrated celebration of the plants and animals central to Christmas. Jenny Linford weaves together history, folklore, botany and stories about Kew, as well as a selection of delicious plant-based Christmas recipes. From the history of the Christmas tree to the intriguing story of frankincense, the book is filled with fascinating festive facts. In short, it’s the perfect Christmas present. Author Bio: Jenny is a freelance food writer, a member of the Guild of Food Writers and author of fifteen books, ranging from cookery books to ingredient guides. Over the years She has written for a variety of publications, including The Guardian, Time Out’s Eating Out guides and The Times. Her website work has included researching and writing for the British Library’s Food Stories website, a fascinating project using audio-clips from the Life Stories collection. Born in London, her interest in food stems from living as a child in Singapore and Italy, places where good food is important to the community, both taken for granted and relished as a great pleasure.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£32

627

Carrie Walker

Book Title: Escape to the Swiss Chalet Genre: Romcom Format: Paperback Dedication Available – YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/carriewauthor Book blurb: When your life goes off-piste how do you climb back up the mountain? Holly Roberts is well-known among family and friends for despising the cold, so no one is more surprised than her when she agrees to pack her bags and move to the Swiss Alps. But after getting her heart broken, spending the winter season working as a sous-chef for wealthy twins Genevieve and gorgeous Luca, is exactly what the doctor ordered. Verbier is home to millionaires and Holly has never felt more out of place in the snow-capped wooden chalet. Thankfully new friends, chalet girl Liv and chef Xavier are there to be her guide in this new world of après-ski and fondue, and to teach her how to get off chair lifts! And then there is Luca... rich, handsome, kind but what is the catch? She just wanted to escape her problems, but could she get her Happily Ever After after all? Author Bio: Carrie Walker is a Brummie born romcom lover with a lifelong passion for travel. She has lived in a ski resort, by a beach, in the country and the city, and travelled solo through Asia, South America and Europe. She is never happier than when boarding a plane and never far from a low-cost airline app, planning her next adventure. Her own love life was more com than rom until she met her husband, Rob, a few years ago and settled down with him and her dog Ziggy in a small pub-filled village in Essex. Longlisted for Helen Lederer’s comedy CWIP prize in 2021, writing has long been Carrie’s side hustle, penning columns and features for newspapers and magazines, while working in many other jobs. She has been the CEO of a not-for-profit, a board-level director of a brand agency, the editor of a newspaper in Spain, a radio presenter, a football mascot, dressed up as a carrot for the BBC and now she is writing books. Escape to the Swiss Chalet is her debut novel.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£16

628

Hannah Lynn

Title: Queens of Themiscyra Genre: Mythological Retelling Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://www.hannahlynnauthor.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HMLynnauthor Book Blurb; Sisterhood is worth fighting for… In ancient Themiscyra, Hippolyte rules as queen of the Amazons with her sister Penthesilea at her side. Feared throughout Greece, their skills on the battlefield are unrivalled. But when a ship lands on their shores, it brings something more dangerous than the threat of war: Theseus, the legendary king of Athens. Swept away by a love unlike any she’s ever known, Hippolyte leaves her people. In her stead, Penthesilea leads the Amazons with a ferocity that spreads terror across the Aegean. But not all men of myth are heroes, and, back in Athens, Hippolyte finds herself trapped in her new life. She’s a queen without her people, a warrior without her army, and a mother separated from her family. But she remains an Amazon, and she’s ready to fight. And across the sea, Penthesilea is ready to do the same… Author bio; Hannah Lynn is a multi award winning novelist. Publishing her first book, Amendments – a dark, dystopian speculative fiction novel, in 2015. Her second book, The Afterlife of Walter Augustus – a contemporary fiction novel with a supernatural twist – went on to win the 2018 Kindle Storyteller Award and the Independent Publishers Gold Medal for Best Adult Ebook. With over 20 publications spanning a number of genres and translated into half a dozen languages, Hannah has proven herself to be both an accomplished and prolific author. Now settled back in the UK with her husband, daughter and horde of cats, she spends her days writing romantic comedies and historical fiction. Her first historical fiction novel, Athena’s Child, was also a 2020 Gold Medalist at the Independent Publishers Awards.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

16

£41

629

Debbie Russell

Title: Crossing Fifty-One: Not Quite a Memoir Genre: Family History Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: U.S.A. Only Website: https://debbie-russell.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebbiesStories Book Blurb: Three Generations of Family Secrets and Midlife Crises All Set the Stage for One Dream to Come True. A week before Christmas 1951, Dr. Ralph Russell risked everything to voluntarily enter a locked federal drug-treatment facility known as a "narcotic farm." Sixty-five years later, Dr. Russell's granddaughter Debbie suffers a debilitating crisis of identity when her father (Dr. Russell's oldest son), always her biggest fan, is accepted into hospice. Debbie's investigation into her paternal lineage reveals family secrets and ignites her mother's volatile outbursts, propelling her into therapy. When therapy fails her, the grandfather Debbie never knew saves her, and she collaborates with her dying father one last time to make her biggest dream come true. Crossing Fifty-One pulls back the curtain on the internal struggles of midlife and provides a blueprint for redefining one's self beyond the constraints of addiction and dysfunctional family dynamics. Author: Debbie Russell is a lawyer turned writer. She spent twenty-five years as an Assistant County Attorney in Minneapolis, prosecuting numerous high-profile cases and fighting off several nervous breakdowns. At age fifty-five, Debbie took early retirement, giving up a full pension for the freedom of time. She now spends that precious time writing, restoring her property to native prairie and wetlands, and training her rambunctious retrievers. Debbie’s first published article appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune in 2001. After that small triumph, her writing focused primarily on legal briefs and memoranda, which were consigned to district court files. Debbie resumed creative writing in 2014 when she began her storytelling blog, sharing personal stories and professional experiences that have touched her life in a significant way. In 2021, Debbie completed her first full-length story entitled Crossing Fifty-One: Not Quite a Memoir, which will be released in June of 2023.

Winning Bidder

Kathryn Goddard

Bids

1

£12

630

I Ridly - A Hamilton - J Purdon

Three Book Special Title 1: Pantomime Hero Title 2: Blue was the Colour Title 3: The Homecoming Genre: Sport Format: Paperbacks Dedication Available: Ian Ridley YES All three books are signed by the authors Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Book 1 Blurb: Pantomime Hero Jimmy Armfield was one of the great figures of English football - England captain before Bobby Moore, member of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad, one-club man with Blackpool. In Pantomime Hero, Ian Ridley tells the remarkable story of when Armfield took over at Leeds and came up with a novel idea to restore the morale of a club in turmoil. Author: Ian Ridley Over a 40-year career in journalism, Ian was a sports writer for The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Observer and the Mail on Sunday, for whom he was Chief Football Writer. He was named Sports Journalist of the Year in the 2007 British Press Awards and nominated on two other occasions. Ian has also written for television, including more than 20 episodes of the Sky One drama series Dream Team, and has in development a film script on the life story of the world champion boxer Darren Barker, based on the autobiography on which the two collaborated, A Dazzling Darkness. Book 2 Blurb: Blue was the Colour Andy Hamilton grew up in the streets surrounding Stamford Bridge and fell in love with Chelsea and football as a six-year-old taken to his first match by his older brother. That love endured as an obsession - until the modern game’s money and machinations left him questioning its, and his, priorities. Told with the trademark wit, wisdom and charm of one of the country’s leading comedy writers, Blue was the Colour will have fans and readers laughing out loud and nodding in agreement at his trenchant observations. Author: Andy Hamilton Andy Hamilton is one of the country’s top comedy writers and stand-ups, who has also written two novels. His credits include such TV comedy classics as Not the Nine O’Clock News and Alas Smith & Jones and, with Guy Jenkin, Drop the Dead Donkey and Outnumbered. He also wrote the football comedy Eleven Men Against Eleven and regularly appears on the long-running hit BBC show Have I Got News for You. Book 3 Blurb: The Homecoming The Homecoming is Jane Purdon’s passionate, heartfelt account of the summer of 2022, when the Lionesses dazzled the nation and brought football home. It’s also Jane’s remarkable personal story as a fan, activist, administrator and leader in the beautiful game. Jane reflects on what’s happened to women’s football in the aftermath of the Lionesses’ historic victory and what needs to happen next. Author: Jane Purdon Jane Purdon has been a pioneering woman in football for over thirty years. After falling in love with the game as a child, she went on to work in football at the highest levels including at Sunderland AFC, the Premier League, and UK Sport. Jane is now a director of Women in Football and the chair of the Professional Game Academy Audit Company. She has given expert input into the UK government's review into the future of women's football. Jane was recently awarded a distinction for her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing by Manchester Metropolitan University.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

7

£40

631

Ian Ridley

Both books in the Jan Mason Series Title 1: OUTER CIRCLE Title 2: DON'T TALK Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/IanRidley1 Book 1 Blurb: OUTER CIRCLE It’s the morning after the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London. The city is relaxed as rarely before and all are delighted at how spectacularly a country newly at ease with itself has hosted the uplifting event. The capital, however, will be rudely and brutally awoken from its self-congratulation by a shocking atrocity committed upon innocent Muslims at the London Central Mosque in Regent’s Park. How could it happen? Why did it happen? Is this a terrorist attack? Is it political? Or is it personal? OUTER CIRCLE marks the first appearance of investigative journalist Jan Mason, one of five characters thrown together by this tragic event and the aftermath of anxiety and reprisal as the answers dramatically emerge. Book 2 Blurb: DON'T TALK WHEN CATCHING A KILLER MEANS BETRAYING A CODE WHEN investigative reporter Jan Mason discovers that a young woman found strangled to death in her Chelsea flat is the daughter of a prominent politician, she knows she has a big story on her hands. What she doesn't know yet is that a mystery man has just told a stunned Alcoholics Anonymous meeting nearby that he might have killed his partner in a drunken blackout. And that Jan's old flame, Jim Phillips, the Metropolitan Police's deputy head of counter terrorism and a recovering alcoholic himself, was in that meeting - bound by its confidentiality. Soon, a member of the AA meeting will also be found dead, strangled with the same scarf. Resourceful, well-connected, and always one step ahead of the police, Jan is willing to put herself in harm's way if it means catching a killer. And landing a front page exclusive. Author Bio: IAN RIDLEY is the author of 12 sports books, including the No.1 best selling Addicted, with the former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams, which was shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award. The follow-up book Sober was published in 2017, 20 years on. Three of his other books have also been nominated in the British Sports Book Awards. His latest is The Breath of Sadness: On love, grief and cricket, which is a poignant account of coping with the death of his wife Vikki Orvice, a trailblazing sports journalist.Over a 40-year career, Ian has been a sports writer for The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Observer and the Mail on Sunday, for whom he was Chief Football Writer. He was named Sports Journalist of the Year in the 2007 British Press Awards and nominated on two other occasions.Ian has also written for television, including more than 20 episodes of the Sky One drama series Dream Team, and currently has a film script optioned on the life story of the world champion boxer Darren Barker, based on the autobiography on which the two collaborated, A Dazzling Darkness.His first novel, The Outer Circle, was published in 2018 and reissued in 2022 as Outer Circle, the first in the series of Jan Mason investigative journalist books.

Winning Bidder

David Barber

Bids

3

£32

632

Jenny Linford

Link To Jenny's Lot 626: The Kew Gardens Christmas Book https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/detail/auction_id/childreninread2023? search=Jenny+Linford#buzz_expend_233766 Title: The Kew Gardens Cookbook Genre: Food & Drink Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://jennylinford.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennylinford Book Blurb: The Kew Gardens Cookbook is a collection of over 60 vegetarian recipes donated by leading chefs and food writers in support of Kew, among them Ken Hom, Rachel Roddy, Raymond Blanc, Diana Henry, Meera Sodha and Claudia Roden. Published by Kew Publishing, proceeds from the cookbook’s sales go to Kew to fund its vital work conserving and researching biodiversity. The book is full of wonderful ideas for how to cook with plants and fungi – From herbs and spices which add an intense burst of flavour, leaves used as edible wrappers, roots and grains added to cakes and tarts or flower petals used to add fragrance to a beautiful fruit-based jelly. Author Bio: Jenny is a freelance food writer, a member of the Guild of Food Writers and author of fifteen books, ranging from cookery books to ingredient guides. Over the years She has written for a variety of publications, including The Guardian, Time Out’s Eating Out guides and The Times. Her website work has included researching and writing for the British Library’s Food Stories website, a fascinating project using audio-clips from the Life Stories collection. Born in London, her interest in food stems from living as a child in Singapore and Italy, places where good food is important to the community, both taken for granted and relished as a great pleasure.

Winning Bidder

Christopher White

Bids

4

£26

633

Dr James Greenwood

Title: For the Love of Animals: Stories from my life as a vet Genre: Biography - Dog Care Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjgreenwood Book Blurb: Animals have been part of James' life for as long as he can remember, from pulling lambs on a hilltop farm as a child and having stick insects crawling out of his school uniform in class, to renting a flat behind a zoo in Jersey and finding himself treating a newborn baby elephant as a newly qualified vet. Written with his trademark warmth and humour, James offers a fascinating insight into the world of veterinary medicine with tales of treating cats and dogs, horses, pigs and cows, as well as delving deep into his relationship with his beloved and much-missed, one-eyed Labrador, Oliver. However, the path to realising his childhood ambition has not always been easy and at times he has questioned whether it truly is the best job in the world. Through all of the challenging lows and extraordinary highs, it has been the animals themselves that have spurred James on to want to continue vetting and helping him find his calling as a GP vet. Author Bio: Dr. James Greenwood BVSc MRCVS is a practicing small animal vet in Bristol. Originally from Yorkshire, James grew up with a passion for helping animals and this led into a career in veterinary medicine. He has been in practice for over ten years- treating everything from parrots to donkeys, dogs, horses and even a 2 day old baby elephant. James is a passionate advocate for the veterinary profession, animal welfare, conservation, mental health awareness and for LGBTQ equality. James started out in television as a contestant on the first series of ‘The Great Pottery Throwdown’ (Love productions) on BBC 2 where he gained popularity and went on to star in the BAFTA nominated children’s show ‘The Pets Factor’ (True North) on CBBC. This has led to further appearances across the CBBC brand including ‘Blue Peter’, ‘The Dengineers’ and ‘Top Class’ and in 2020 he became the resident Vet on BBC One’s ‘Morning Live’. He writes for various titles, has appeared at multiple festivals and worked on high profile media campaigns (eg the RSPCA ‘Adoptober’ month, MSD ‘Tick Awareness’ and the annual James Wellbeloved ‘Scruffts’ dog show, championing the nations cross bred and rescue dogs). He currently lives on a smallholding in North Somerset with his partner Mark and their rescue Labrador Dolly, plus hens, sheep and a couple of pigs. His first book, For the Love of Animals is out in July 2023.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£22

634

Helen Hawkins

Title: A Concert for Christmas Genre: Contemporary Romance - Christmas Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.helenhawkins-author.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/helenwritesit Book Blurb: Unwrap a story of festive song, good cheer and - just maybe – a sprinkling of love ... Schoolteacher Sophie Lawson has fled to the Cotswold countryside after a tragic break-up and is throwing herself into dating and organising Cranswell’s annual Christmas concert. The festive fun is marred by the arrival of a handsome but surly musical director, tricky pupils and concert preparations falling into disarray. Disaster strikes, but the show must go on. Will the concert bring Christmas harmony to Cranswell and will Sophie end the year on a high note? ----------- 'The perfect cosy Christmas romance.' - Jennifer Bibby, author of The Cornish Hideaway 'Full of the crescendos and cymbal crashes of a whole orchestra, A Concert for Christmas is a heart-warming Christmas novel that hits all the right notes!' - Rosie Hannigan, author of The Moonlight Gardening Club A Concert for Christmas has all the lovely sparkle you'd expect from a festive romance but real heart and emotion too. Author Bio: Helen is a writer, editor and English teacher. Her first attempt at novel writing was shortlisted for the Penguin Michael Joseph Christmas Love Story Competition and highly commended in last year's I AM In Print Romance Competition. When she is not writing, Helen can be found editing, singing and dancing with her local operatic society, or running around with her daughter and partner at their home in Oxfordshire.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£22

635

S.P. Dawes

Book Title: The Vine Cross Genre: Crime/mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Book Blurb: Destined to be something she never wanted. Stuck in a relationship that undermines her sense of self, she runs. Hiding however, comes at a price. A price she pays daily. Getting close to people isn't easy, and maintaining friendships is impossible when you have secrets to keep. But just as life begins to take shape, her past comes back to haunt her. Can she remain in the shadows when it's the very place the darkness resides? A newly promoted Detective Inspector with a lot to prove. With two cases causing him headaches, he decides to do a little undercover work to gather some new leads. Knowing he's taking a risk, he elicits the help of his brother to gain access to a dangerous group of people. Only his plans are thwarted when a girl needs help. Can they join forces and help each other, or have they just set off a chain of events neither can stop? As the two get closer, so do their adversaries. Can they each be what the other needs, or was there always going to be a sacrifice made? Author Bio; A mum to three wonderful children and happily married for 20 years. I have worked with hundreds of children while childminding for ten years as well as having been a chef, pottery assistant, sales assistant and currently qualifying to be a counsellor. I love reading, writing and catching up with friends. Writing had always been a childhood dream and finally I had the time and the story that helped make my dreams come true.

Winning Bidder

Kelly Burbanks- clarke

Bids

1

£12

636

Chris Hayward

BOOK TITLE : SIR LANKYLOT AND CLIP CLOP BILL GENRE: CHILDRENS FANTASY/ FAIRY TALE FORMAT : PAPERBACK DEDICATION AVAILABLE : YES POSTAGE AND PACKING : FREE BIDS ACCEPTED: GLOBAL WEBSITE : https://christopherhayward.co.uk/ Twitter/ x : https://twitter.com/ChildrenInRead BOOK BLURB : A LOVEABLE BUT CLUMSY KNIGHT, OUT RIDING ONE DAY ON HIS FAITHFUL STEED CLIP CLOP BILL, WHEN THEY HEAR A DISTANT CRY , SO SET OFF ON A QUEST TO FIND WHERE IT IS COMING FROM. AUTHOR BIO : HI MY NAMES CHRIS, AND I LEFT SCHOOL AGED FIFTEEN , THEN TOOK A FIVE YEAR JOINERY AND CARPENTER APPRENTICESHIP WITH A LOCAL COMPANY. EVENTUALLY AT THE AGE OF THIRTY FIVE I WENT SELF EMPLOYED UNTIL I RETIRED AT THE AGE OF SIXTY FOUR. I TOOK UP PAINTING AS A HOBBY AND THEN AT THE AGE OF SIXTY EIGHT I WROTE MY VERY FIRST RHYMING CHILDREN’S STORY , AND THEN GOT A FRIEND KELLY BARKER EVANS TO DO THE ILLUSTRATIONS AND WE PUBLISHED IT ON AMAZON IN THE SUMMER OF 2022.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

637

Elodie Harper

Title: The Temple of Fortuna Genre: Historical Fiction - Ancient World Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.elodieharper.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElodieITV Book Blurb: The final instalment in Elodie Harper's Sunday Times bestselling Wolf Den Trilogy A courtesan in Rome. Playing for power. Haunted by her past. Her name is Amara. How will her fortunes fall? Amara's journey has taken her far, from a lowly slave in Pompeii's brothel to a high-powered courtesan in Rome. She is now a freedwoman with wealth and influence, yet she is still drawn back to her past; to the streets that once claimed her, and the friends, lovers and rivals who helped shape her. For while she is caught up in the political scheming of the imperial palace, her daughter remains in Pompeii, raised by the only man Amara ever truly loved. Although she longs for her family, Amara knows they are safest while she is far away. Perhaps, with enough cunning and courage, she will manage to turn Fortuna's wheel in their favour. But the year is AD 79, and mighty Mount Vesuvius is preparing to make itself known. Author Bio: Elodie Harper is a journalist and author whose bestselling Wolf Den trilogy has won wide acclaim. The first book The Wolf Den, won the Glass Bell Award and was shortlisted for Page turner of the year at the British Book Awards. The second in the series, The House with the Golden Door, was a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller. The Wolf Den trilogy has sold into 20 territories worldwide and has been optioned for TV. The third and final instalment, The Temple of Fortuna, will be published in the UK and the US in November 2023. Elodie is currently a reporter at ITV News Anglia, and before that worked as a producer at Channel 4 News.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£24

638

Ben Rothery

Two Book Bundle Title 1: Weird & Wonderful Title 2: Deadly & Dangerous Genre: Children - Zoology Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.benrotheryillustrator.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/BRillustrations Book Blurb: The bundle is made up of Deadly & Dangerous and Ben's latest book Weird & Wonderful. Perfect for animal-lovers everywhere! These beautiful, crossover books are perfect for all ages. Facts and descriptions provide insight into a curated collection of birds and animals - some endangered and some less so - told from the perspective of a detail-obsessed illustrator. Fun to read together or independently, let the secrets of the animals on our planet come to life in vibrant detail. These books are my love letter to Planet Earth; a celebration of her hidden species, from the bold and the beautiful to the interesting but ugly. And while not a complete list, I hope that these few give a glimpse of the outstanding diversity of nature Author & Illustrator Bio: Ben Rothery is a detail-obsessed illustrator from Norwich, via Cape Town. He combines multiple processes to create intricate and delicate illustrations and repeating patterns, full of fine detail and vibrant colour. Much of Ben's work is inspired or informed by his love of nature - he grew up wanting variously to be a shark, dinosaur or David Attenborough crossed with Indiana Jones, but settled upon illustration as a compromise that allowed him to bring those fantasies to life on paper. In 2021 he won the prestigious Silver Pencil Award for Hidden Planet, and his work is published throughout the world. Ben works from a small but perfectly formed studio in London, which he shares with an unnecessarily large collection of very sharp pencils.

Winning Bidder

Patrick Rowland

Bids

6

£27

639

Kate Medina

Title: The Watcher Genre: Crime/Psychological Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateTMedina Book blurb: If you see him, it’s already too late… Some secrets can’t be hidden Some crimes can’t be forgotten Some killers can’t be stopped Some secrets can’t be hidden - The Fuller are the picture-perfect family, a wealthy couple with a grand home in the middle of remote woodland. But even they have something to hide and it will prove fatal. Some crimes can’t be forgotten - Psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn and Detective Inspector Marilyn Simmons arrive at the Fuller’s home to find a suburban nightmare. A crime scene more disturbing than anything they have ever encountered. Some killers can’t be stopped - Jessie knows that this is no random act of violence, and if she can’t unlock the motivation behind the crime and shine a light into this killers mind, the Fuller won’t be the only family to die . Author bio: Kate Medina has always been fascinated by the ‘whys’ of human behaviour an interest that drove her to study psychology at university and later to start a crime series, featuring clinical psychologist Dr Jesse Flynn. The Watcher is the fourth and final book in the series. Before turning to writing full time, Kate was a business lecturer at the London business School and the London School of Economics and also served with the army reserves. She lives in Sussex with her husband and three children .

Winning Bidder

David Maidstone

Bids

2

£15

640

Tim Peake

Title: Space: The Human Story Genre: History - Military - Science Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://timpeake.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/astro_timpeake Book Blurb: From the first moon walk to the future of space travel, the astronaut and author of Limitless delivers a fascinating and highly readable history of the remarkable individuals who have taken space exploration to where it is today, as well as shedding light on what's coming next. Only 650 people in human history have left Earth. This is their story. Join astronaut Tim Peake on a thrilling journey through the history of human space travel, and where we are headed to next. From Yuri Gagarin to Neil Armstrong, from Valentina Tereshkova to Peggy Whitson, Peake traces the lives of the men and women who have forged the way. Full of exclusive new stories, and astonishing detail only an astronaut would know, the book conveys what space exploration is really like: the wondrous view of Earth, the surreal weightlessness, the extraordinary danger, the surprising humdrum, the humour, the newfound perspective, the years of training, the psychological pressures, the gruelling physical toll, the thrill of launch and the trepidation of re-entry. The book also examines the surprising, shocking and often poignant stories of astronauts back on earth, whose lives are forever changed as they readjust to terra firma. Fifty years after an astronaut last walked on the moon, the journey is set to begin again. In 2025 the first woman will step on the lunar surface. What will separate these upcoming moonwalkers from the legendary Apollo crews? Does it still take a daring-do attitude, super-human fitness, intelligence, plus the 'Right-stuff' — a fabled grace under pressure? And how will astronauts travel even further — to Mars and beyond? Space: The Human Story reveals all. Author Bio; Tim Peake is a European Space Agency astronaut. He finished his 186-day Principia mission working on the International Space Station for Expedition 46/47 when he landed back on Earth 18 June 2016. He is also a test pilot and served in the British Army Air Corps. Tim is a Fellow of a number of UK science, aviation and space-based organisations. He is also a STEM ambassador. He is married with two sons.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

15

£85

641

Liz Pichon

Title: Five Star Stories (Hooray!) Genre: Children Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://lizpichon.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizPichon Book Blurb: Liz Pichon’s schoolboy hero returns in the uproarious tale of what happens when Tom Gates decides to create a five star-masterpiece for Oakfield School's story book. The top-of-the-class, extra special 21st book from multi-million copy selling author and illustrator Liz Pichon. A feel-good, laugh-out-loud, packed-with-pictures Tom Gates story! Q: Who wants their FIVE STAR funny story included in Oakfield School's story book? A: EVERYONE! But what will Tom write about? Inspiration strikes when he looks at his excellent collection of ODD OBJECTS and remembers the funny stories behind each one. Starting with Great Great Aunt Aggie's fake bird hat, the weird stone with a hole and his very special doodle pen. Marcus wants to write about Tom (which is annoying), Amy's got a funny poem and Norman's story is all about... cheese. But Mr Fullerman can only choose the FIVE STAR STORIES - will Tom get his work in on time? And will Granddad read Tom's story and find out what REALLY happened to Aunt Aggie's hat? (Spoiler alert - probably) Written in diary form Every page STUFFED full of laughs, stories, doodles and creative FUN! Author Bio: Liz Pichon studied graphic design and has worked as an art director in the music industry. Her freelance design work has appeared on a range of products and she has written and illustrated a number of picture books, including My Big Brother Boris. Liz is the author of the best selling TOM GATES series for 9+ readers, which has sold 5,000,000 books in the UK. Tom Gates has been translated into 44 languages and has sold over 11 million copies around the world. The first book in the series THE BRILLIANT WORLD OF TOM GATES won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, The Red House Book Award Best Book for Young Readers and the Waterstone¹s Best Fiction for 5-12 year olds Prize. The fourth book in the series TOM GATES: GENIUS IDEAS MOSTLY won the Blue Peter Award for Best Story. In 2013, Liz Pichon was a World Book Day author with TOM GATES: BEST BOOK DAY EVER (SO FAR). Liz is married with three children and lives in Brighton.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£24

642

Clare Flynn

Title: The Colour of Glass Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://clareflynn.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarefly Book Blurb: She's dutiful. He's defiant. Each knows what they want. Neither knows what they need. England, 1908. Alice Dalton bows to the will of her aristocrat parents and agrees to marry the elder son of a wealthy stockbroker to bolster the failing family finances. But on the morning of her engagement, Alice confronts a shocking betrayal by her fiancé that ends in a heartbreaking tragedy. His younger brother, Edmund, an up-and-coming stained glass artist is driven by passion for his art and love for a fellow student. His domineering father has other plans, demanding Edmund takes his brother's place and marries Alice. Alice, tired of being used as a pawn, turns to the women's suffrage movement. And Edmund, torn between duty and emotion, chooses to follow his heart. Can Alice and Edmund each find fulfilment in a world where duty, money and class jeopardise their dreams? A captivating novel set against the backdrop of the Arts & Crafts movement and the campaign for women's suffrage, from Clare Flynn, author of the award-winning The Pearl of Penang. Author Bio: Clare Flynn is the author of fourteen historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang and was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021. Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible. Flynn serves on the committee of The Romantic Novelists Association, is an active member of The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors.

Winning Bidder

Melissa Jordan

Bids

4

£18

643

Sarah J Hodder

Title: The Woodville Women: 100 Years of Plantagenet and Tudor History Genre: Historical non-fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://underthemedievaloak.wixsite.com/website Twitter: https://twitter.com/srhjyn8 Book Blurb: Elizabeth Woodville, queen to Edward IV and mother of the Princes in the Tower. Elizabeth of York, daughter of Elizabeth Woodville and the first Tudor queen of England. Elizabeth Grey, granddaughter of Elizabeth Woodville and Countess of Kildare, whose life both in England and across the Irish sea was closely entwined with the Tudor Court. This is the tale of three generations of women, linked by their name, Elizabeth, and by their family relationship. The story begins in the reign of the great Plantagenet Kings with the life of Elizabeth Woodville and ends in the reign of perhaps England’s most famous dynasty, that of the Tudor Kings and Queens. Through the life of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen and Elizabeth Grey, cousin to Henry VIII and friend of Mary Tudor, we explore the Tudor court and its dealings with the Earls of Kildare. From the birth of our first Elizabeth to the death of our last, these three women lived through wars and coronations, births and deaths, celebration and tragedy and between them they experienced some of the most exciting and troubled times in English history. Mother, daughter and granddaughter: individually they each have their own fascinating story to tell; together their combined stories take us on a journey through a century of English life. Author Bio: Sarah J Hodder began her career as a production manager for Shire Publications, a unique niche Publisher that introduced her to an eclectic mix of subjects and encouraged her already well-founded love of books. After leaving Shire to raise her daughter, she was able to explore and develop her passion for history, particularly medieval and Tudor. Her focus is very much on social history and family relationships and she writes mainly on the lives of women during this period. Sarah is the author of ‘The Queen’s Sisters’ (Chronos Books, 2020), ‘The York Princesses’ (Chronos Books, 2021), 'Cecily-Bonville-Grey, Marchioness of Dorset' (Chronos Books, 2022) and 'Sisters of Richard III: The Plantagenet Daughters of York' (Pen & Sword, due 2024) .

Winning Bidder

Christine Finegan

Bids

8

£21

644

Stephen Wolberius

Title: Night Demon Genre: Horror / Supernatural Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://wolberius.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wolberius Book Blurb: Lilian, a thirteen-year-old factory worker in an industrialising town plagued by a serial killer, can see an invisible affliction within other people. When her search for her missing best friend ends with a confrontation with a demon — and learning that the affliction turns humans into demons — another demon named Lucian saves her life and promises answers. Her first clue is that demons are responsible for the many murders. Unfortunately, Lilian’s new lead has problems of his own — Demon Hunters, who claim Lucian is the serial killer and who see Lilian as an accessory. Can her ability to communicate with these creatures be used to solve the crimes? Or will her connection to the Netherworld prove to be her own undoing… Author Bio: I write novels of the dark and terrifying kind: gaslamp fantasy, horror and dark fantasy with demons, ghosts and vampires. I like to throw ghostly folklore in there as well. My first foray into creative writing happened in 2008, when I participated in a text-based roleplay. I added fanfiction and short stories to that soon after. I took this hobby to the extreme, and by 2012 it occurred to me that I was writing novel-length stories. I had also developed several original characters and storylines by then. I wrote my first novel in 2018, an unpublished historical fiction. My real debut came in 2023 with Night Demon, a grimdark horror story combining gaslamp fantasy and dark fantasy. My other hobbies are history and languages. All my stories have a historical setting, and I love exploring earlier times in combination with fantasy (most often dark) elements. Language is another crucial factor that goes into my writing, and that goes beyond just the words on the page. I enjoyed creating a fully-fledged constructed language (conlang) called Elilim for Night Demon. What do I do when I'm not writing the next instalment of Night Demon or some other (gaslamp fantasy) story? I spend my days writing even more as a content writer! I currently live in the Netherlands, with plans to see more of the world soon.

Winning Bidder

Catherine Donald

Bids

1

£11

645

Julie Sykes

Two Book Bonanza Title 1: Princess Katie's Kittens : Pixie at the Palace Title 2: Woodland Magic : Operation Owl Genre: Children Format: Softback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.juliesykes.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliesykesbooks *Bonus: Julie will be adding a bookmark and a postcard for her successful bidder Book 1 Blurb: Princess Katie's greatest wish is to have a kitten of her own to care for. So when she discovers a litter of kittens in the forest, it's a dream come true! But back at the palace she realises that one of the kittens is missing . . . Can Katie and her best friend Becky find Pixie and bring her to safety?Short chapters, black and white illustrations and fabulous facts about kitten care make these the perfect choice for newly confident readers. Book 2 Blurb: An illustrated magical adventure series from the bestselling author of the Unicorn Academy, brimming with drama and an environmental theme. The Keepers are a secretive tribe of little people who live in the middle of Whispering Woods, caring for the countryside and rewilding it when humans (or Ruffins, as they know them) are careless with it. On their very first venture into the Big Outside as fully trained Keepers, Cora and Jax come across a barn owl caught in a tree by a discarded fishing line. Determined to help free it, Jax climbs on to the owl's back to loosen the line but the owl takes to the air - with Jax on board. Will Cora ever see him again? This breathtakingly exciting story is a superb addition to this magical series, perfect for 6-8 year olds combining animal rescue, nature conservation and exciting adventure. Author Bio: Julie Sykes was born in Kingston upon Thames and has also lived both in Australia and on a fish farm – where she shared her with 300,000 rainbow trout. Julie has worked in shops, bars, a glue factory and then as a teacher but now she writes full time. Julie is based in Cornwall and lives with her noisy family, a white wolf and two naughty puppies. When Julie’s not writing, or reading, she’s roaming the Cornish countryside, dreaming up new stories. Julie also write the Unicorn Academy series that's premiering as a movie and then series on Netflix

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£27

646

Hollie Hughes

Title: The Boy Who Brought the Snow Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://holliehughes.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/holliejhughes Book Blurb: A heartwarming story of winter magic from the bestselling author of The Girl and the Dinosaur. Here's a city hard at work, with a billion bustling feet - its spires and domes all stretching up from cobbled knobbled streets . . . In the heart of a great city lives a little boy without a home. But when Quinn finds a magical snow globe, everything begins to change . . . For when snow begins to fall, magic and kindness start to find their way out into the world. A beautiful, wintery story with a kernel of magic at its heart, this heartwarming tale is destined to become a new favourite at Christmas. With stunning illustrations by Anna Wilson, it's perfect for fans of The Snowflake by Benji Davies. Author Bio: Hollie Hughes is best known as the author of many much-loved picture books for young children, including the bestselling, award-winning The Girl and the Dinosaur, illustrated by Sarah Massini. When not scribbling away on picture book texts, she occasionally writes stories, poems and plays for older children and grown-ups too.

Winning Bidder

Arden Jones

Bids

1

£20

647

Sarah Morgan

Title: The Christmas Book Club Genre: Romantic Comedy - Christmas Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://sarahmorgan.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_ Book Blurb: A long-lasting friendship Every year, Erica, Claudia, and Anna reunite for their book club holiday. They’re bonded by years of friendship and a deep love of books, but there is still so much they keep from each other . . . A perfect Christmas escape At the cosy Maple Sugar Inn, Hattie specialises in making her guests’ dreams come true, but this Christmas all she wants is to survive the festive season. Between running the inn and being a single mother, Hattie is close to breaking point. The start of a brand-new story…? Over the course of an eventful week, Hattie sees that the friends are each carrying around unspoken truths, but nothing prepares her for how deeply her story will become entwined in theirs. Will this Christmas be the end of the book club’s story or the start of a whole new chapter? Author Bio: Sarah Morgan is a Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She has sold over 21 million copies of her books, and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Her books have been translated into 28 languages and have earned her starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Library Journal. Sarah lives near London, and when she isn’t reading or writing she loves spending time outdoors, walking or riding her mountain bike. She frequently stops to take photographs, much to the annoyance of her family.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

13

£47

648

Tom Hindle

Book Title: The Murder Game Genre: Crime / Murder Mystery Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/TomHindle3 Book Blurb: One house. Nine guests. Endless motives for murder... In the seaside town of Hamlet Wick, nine guests assemble for a New Year's Eve party to remember. The owner of Hamlet Hall has organised a murder mystery evening with a 1920s twist, and everyone has their own part to play. But the game has barely begun when one guest is found dead - killed by a fatal injury to the head. With no phone signal and no way out of the house, the others are trapped with a killer in their midst. Someone is playing by their own rules. And in a close-knit community, old rivalries run deep... Author Bio: Originally hailing from Leeds, Tom Hindle now spends his days in Oxfordshire, where he lives with his wife and two surprisingly cunning tortoises. Inspired by masters of the crime genre, from Agatha Christie to Anthony Horowitz, his third whodunit, MURDER ON LAKE GARDA, will be published in January 2024.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£20

649

Heather Fitt

Three Book Bonanza Title 1: Open Your Eyes Title 2: The Flight Title 3: The Boat Trip Genre: Psychological -Suspense-Murder Mystery Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherJFitt Blurb; Open Your Eyes A Scottish journalist enters a dark online world in this unsettling novel about resentment and rage . . . Edinburgh reporter Frankie has finally been assigned a high-profile crime story about a series of sexual assaults, and she relishes her big break. Her article focuses on the issue of women’s safety and looks at why conditions haven’t improved since the era of the Yorkshire Ripper. Frankie begins to face a torrent of abuse online, attracting the attention of a group of men who want to prevent her from covering the story. But she won’t back down. What she doesn’t realise is that in this murky online world, one man is plotting a spectacular and shocking attack. Can Frankie continue to investigate and walk away unharmed? Blurb: The Flight A young mother is trapped with a killer thirty thousand feet up, in this gripping midair murder mystery by the author of Open Your Eyes. On a plane to Barbados, nurse Melissa sits with her young son, Theo. On the same flight, up in first class, are a bride- and groom-to-be, heading for their tropical wedding destination, accompanied by family and friends. When two members of the wedding party die in mysterious circumstances, it becomes clear that a killer is on board. Trapped in the cabin thousands of feet above the Atlantic, tensions mount as accusations fly—and when little Theo seems to vanish into thin air, this bizarre flight becomes even more turbulent . . . Will Melissa be able to use her medical knowledge to find her son and bring a cold-blooded killer to justice before it’s too late? Blurb: The Boat Trip In a brand-new murder mystery by the author of The Flight, a yacht crosses the North Atlantic while a perfect storm of suspicion and vengeance develops onboard . . . Duchess is about to set sail from Scotland to St. Lucia. But before she even leaves port an argument erupts. It’s only the first in a series of unsettling events that will beset Helen, the skipper, her best friend, and the remaining crew. During a port of call in the Canary Islands, tensions mount further when an unexpected guest joins the crew. Then, a near-fatal allergic reaction raises the pressure level—and finally, during a fierce storm, someone goes overboard… Is this a run of bad luck or is one person at the heart of the turmoil and violence? And if so, can the culprit be identified before they reach the Caribbean? Author Bio: Heather was born in Scotland and after moving around Europe with her parents and sister, settled in Hampshire where she met her husband, Stuart. After leaving the rat-race in 2018, Heather re-trained as an editor and proof-reader and entered the world of publishing. These days she works as a part-time freelancer and a part-time Commissioning Advisor for Bloodhound. Heather was inspired to start writing her novel by the authors who have become her closest friends. Now the ideas are flowing she has plans to write several more over the coming years. When she isn’t reading, Heather enjoys spending her time watching sport –¬ especially her beloved rugby – and exploring the British countryside with Stuart.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

10

£32

650

Heather Critchlow

Book Title: Unsolved Genre: Crime Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://heathercritchlow.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/h_critchlow Book Blurb: Shortlisted for Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year 2023 ‘A remarkable suspense debut… exciting and unsettling.’ A. J. Finn, author of The Woman in the Window He won’t rest until he finds out the truth… Cal Lovett is obsessed with finding justice for the families of missing people. His true crime podcast is his way of helping others, even if he can’t help himself. His sister, Margot, disappeared when he was a child. Only one man seems to know something. But he’s behind bars and can’t be trusted. So when the family of a missing Scottish woman begs for his help, he heads to Aberdeenshire in search of the truth. Does Cal have what it takes to unearth the secrets hiding in the hills? And what if he finds something that leads him back to the heart of his own family’s past? Author Bio: Heather Critchlow grew up in rural Aberdeenshire and trained as a business journalist after studying history and social science at Cambridge university. Her debut novel Unsolved is the first in a series about true crime podcaster Cal Lovett, and was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize. The second Cal Lovett book, Unburied, will be published in January 2024. Heather’s short stories have appeared in crime fiction anthologies Afraid of the Light, Afraid of the Christmas Lights and Afraid of the Shadows.

Winning Bidder

Emma Styles

Bids

1

£15

651

Stuart White

Title: Ghosts of Mars Genre: SciFi - Children(Middle Grade) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://stuartwhiteauthor.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartWhiteWM Book Blurb: How would you feel if you were born on Mars, were the most famous person in the Solar System, but could never leave the Red Planet? Mars. 2045. My name's Eva, and I’m a Martian. Well, technically the first Martianborn human - I’m not, like, green or anything. So listen, we’re in trouble here; I need to steal a rover to rescue Dad, who’s stuck in a mining vent, in a planet-wide dust-storm, far from our base, or he'll die. He may even be already dead. Oh, and I’m Type 1 Diabetic with no insulin. Wish me luck. With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn't sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK. Author Bio: Stuart is a writer and secondary school teacher, who has undeterred passion for helping people, whether it’s his students at school, or the writers who have joined the WriteMentor community. He has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and founded, and now runs, WriteMentor. In 2020 and 2022 he was placed on the SCWBI Undiscovered Voices longlist and named as an Hononary Mention for his novels ‘Ghosts of Mars’ and ‘Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time’. Stuart’s ethos focuses on making writing more accessible and affordable, something that is at the heart of everything he does and motivates him to make WriteMentor help as many people as possible. He makes sure WriteMentor is always open, warm and welcoming and, as a writer himself, he understands what you need to help pick you up as well as improve to take that next step in your career. Stuart was included in The Bookseller’s 2021 list of Rising Stars in the publishing industry.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

8

£22

652

Ross Montgomery

Three Book Bonanza Book title 1: THE MIDNIGHT GUARDIANS Book Title 2: THE CHIME SEEKERS Book Title 3: SPELLSTONE Genre: kids fantasy, 8+ Format: Paperback Dedication: YES P&P: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://rossmontgomery.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/mossmontmomery Book 1 Blurb: THE MIDNIGHT GUARDIANS Sometimes at the darkest hour, Hope shines the brightest… When Col’s childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians – a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight – Col must travel to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister. But there are darker forces at work, even than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything… Book 2 Blurb: THE CHIME SEEKERS Step into a world of faery tricks and hidden danger… When an evil faerie steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a Changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back. For faeries delight in tricks and rescuing her won’t be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant Changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way. Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own, if he’s to outwit the faerie and save his sister… Book 3 Blurb: SPELLSTONE The greatest magic is hidden in plain sight... Evie is used to not being noticed. But when she meets the mysterious Wainwright, she discovers that going unnoticed might just be what makes her unique. Recruited into a secret magical organization, Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient and magical battle. Evil is returning to the land, and Evie is the only person who can stop it. But how can she defeat the most dangerous magician in the world, when she doesn’t even know her own powers? Author Bio: Ross Montgomery has worked as a pig farmer, a postman and a primary school teacher, so writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, from Jacqueline Wilson to Beano annuals, and it taught him pretty much everything that's worth knowing. He has now written over twenty books for children, including THE MIDNIGHT GUARDIANS, which was shortlisted for the Costa Book Award 2021 and selected as one of The Guardian’s Children’s Books of the Year. He lives in London with his wife, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£50

653

Chris Frost

* Chris is also offering a named character in his next book for his successful bidder Title: The Killer’s Christmas List Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.chrismcdonald.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmacwritescrime Book Blurb: In the picturesque village of Kibblesworth, DI Tom Stonem is dreaming of a quiet Christmas alone. But in the shadow of the Angel of the North, a body lies waiting. The dead man is posed with a child’s Christmas list in his pocket, and the first mysterious item – 1. No angel – is crossed off. When a second body is found – a woman, stabbed in the abdomen after her work Christmas do – Stonem is convinced there’s a grim connection between the crime scenes and the seemingly innocent list. 2. Red partee dress. Could this be a murderer’s twisted code? As a blizzard rages in the Tyne & Wear countryside, the body count is snowballing. Can Stonem stop the killer before they get everyone on their Christmas list? An anti-cosy Christmas crime novel for fans of The Killer in the Snow and One by One. Author Bio: Christopher Frost became obsessed with horror and the supernatural at a very young age. He found an abandoned cabin in the woods behind his home in the woods. He was terrified that it was haunted and yet was still compelled to visit it when he could sneak off with his dog. He won a Young Author's Award in the second grade after the first story he turned in was deemed inappropriate, unhappy with the second story that won, he was proud of himself for persevering. Throughout school Christopher often had to hide his work as it was considered too graphic. Once at the University of New Hampshire he found professors that finally accepted his work and encouraged him to pursue publication. He would publish numerous short stories in 'The Ethereal Gazette' and 'Down in the Dirt' magazine as well as online magazine's in England. Currently he is working on his latest novel and is the author of the novel 'The Oath', 'The Lost Ones' and his most current novel '396' about a haunted house he and his wife almost purchased. In addition to his three novels he has published the novella's 'Last Exit' and 'The Door at the Top of the Stairs', as well as the serial novellas 'Beyond Dead'. He lives with his wife and three daughters in New Hampshire.

Winning Bidder

David Nesbitt

Bids

6

£53

654

Zoe Allison

Title: The Ex-Mas Holidays Genre: Romantic Comedy - Christmas (18+) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.zoeallison.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/zoeallisonauth1 Book Blurb: It’s hard to escape your ex when you’re working together over Christmas in the Scottish Highlands, but being stuck together might be the best possible present in this sparkling new contemporary romance. Maya Bashir is dreading her drive home for Christmas and having to explain that she's just left her high-paying job and a long-term relationship, so a brief detour to her friend’s festive party doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Until Maya walks in to find the last person she wants to see. Sam, the boy who broke her heart eight years ago. And he’s serving drinks. Naked. Sam Holland is working an extra job on the sly to help his friend get by. But little did he expect Maya Bashir to come barrelling back into his life, learning about his secret side-hustle and taking back her old job alongside him at his daytime role as a ski instructor on the slopes of the Scottish Highlands. As both Sam and Maya realize that their reason for heartbreak so many years ago wasn’t entirely as it seemed, they must learn to stand up for what they want the most…or else miss their second chance at love. Author Bio: Growing up, Zoe Allison loved stories about falling in love. But rather than being rescued by a knight in shining armour, she imagined herself fighting dragons alongside him, battling supervillains as heroic allies, or teaming up to dive into perilous waters in order to save a loved one from drowning. Once Zoe did grow up, she became a doctor. But as time went on, she craved a creative outlet to counter the soul sapping burnout that her career inflicted upon her, and also to achieve those happy endings that were so often lacking in the real world. She wanted heroes who truly love and value women, who find their true love inspiring, are fascinated by her, want to connect with her as a soulmate and fully open themselves to her on an emotional level. And so, Zoe began to write her romances.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£22

655

Callum McSorley

Title: Squeaky Clean Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://callummcsorley.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/CallumMcSorley Book Blurb: Half the Glasgow copshop think DI Alison McCoist is bent. The other half just think she's a fuck-up. No one thinks very much at all about carwash employee Davey Burnet, until one day he takes the wrong customer's motor for a ride. One kidnapping later, he and the carwash are officially part of Glasgow's criminal underworld, working for a psychopath who enjoys playing games like 'Keep Yer Kneecaps' with any poor bastard who crosses him. Can Davey escape from the gang's clutches with his kneecaps and life intact? Perhaps this polis Ally McCoist who keeps nosing around the carwash could help. If she doesn't get herself killed first. Author Bio: Callum McSorley is an author based in Glasgow. His short stories have appeared in Gutter, Shoreline of Infinity, and New Writing Scotland. His debut novel SQUEAKY CLEAN was published in March 2023 by Pushkin Vertigo and won The McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2023.

Winning Bidder

Steve Weisl

Bids

2

£100

656

Erica James

Title: An Ideal Husband Genre: Romance Format: Very Rare Proof Copy Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.ericajames.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheEricaJames Book Blurb: Another uplifting, wryly humorous family drama from Sunday Times bestselling author Erica James… After 30 years of marriage, and a wonderful family Christmas, Louisa is stunned when husband Kip asks for a divorce on Boxing Day. He’d never seemed unhappy – and they’ve raised three children together. For months, Kip has been secretly seeing a younger woman – and if that wasn’t bad enough – it’s the woman who broke their youngest son’s heart. Now Kip is moving out and embarking on a new life with Zoe, and Louisa is left to pick up the pieces. Their beloved family home, Charity Cottage, is up for sale, and tensions are running high. Yet, despite the betrayal and anger, when Louisa lays eyes on what might be a unique and welcoming new home, she feels a first glimmer of hope that life might be taking a turn for the better. And while Louisa is making exciting plans, Kip finds himself facing challenges of his own and begins to learn that living the dream may not be as simple as he thought… Sunday Times bestseller Erica James returns with a sparkling tale of new starts and second chances. Author Bio: I grew up on the south coast of England with never a thought in my head as a child that I would one day be an author. But somehow, I’m now the author of twenty-four bestselling novels, with recent Sunday Times Top Ten bestsellers including Swallowtail Summer, Coming Home to Island House, Letters from the Past, and Mothers and Daughters. With sales of over five million around the world, including a No. 1 in Norway, I’m told that my books are loved by readers looking for beautifully drawn relationships, emotionally powerful storylines and evocative settings. In 2006 my novel Gardens of Delight won the Romantic Novel of the Year award and in 2020 I received the Nielsen Silver Award for sales of over a quarter of a million copies for both Love and Devotion and Tell it to the Skies. I live in Suffolk and travel as often as time permits to see my eldest son and his family in the US and my youngest son in Japan.

Winning Bidder

Sarah Kafala

Bids

8

£50

657

G.D. Abson

Title: Black Wolf Genre: Crime Thriller Format: Hardback Dedication: Available Postage: Free UK only. Website: https://www.gdabson.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/garry_abson The Book: FROM THE AUTHOR OF SUNDAY TIMES CRIME CLUB STAR PICK MOTHERLAND. A young woman is found dead on the outskirts of St Petersburg on a freezing January morning. She has no injuries, and heavy snowfall has buried all trace of an attacker. Government security services immediately shut down the case, and Natalya suspects the authorities have something to hide. When the dead woman is revealed to be an anti-Putin activist, Natalya has to go undercover to expose the truth. But with her career at stake and her own family in danger, how far is she prepared to go? A captivating, pacy thriller that plunges right into the beating heart of Putin’s Russia. The Author: G.D. Abson is the author of Motherland, the first in his Senior Investigator Natalya Ivanova series set in Vladimir Putin's Russia. Motherland is a Times/ Sunday Times Crime Club Star Pick and has been shortlisted for a Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger. G.D. (alias Garry David) was born in County Durham, England, and brought up on army bases in Germany and Singapore before returning to the UK. He developed a lifelong obsession with Russia after studying the revolution at school and Russian politics at university as the Soviet Union collapsed.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£12

658

Amita Murray

Two Book Bonanza Title 1: Unladylike Lessons in Love Title 2: Unladylike Rules of Attraction Genre: Romance - Regency Mystery - Historical Fiction Format: Paperbacks ( Unladylike Rules of Attraction is a rare proof) Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://amitamurray.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmitaMurray Book 1 Blurb: Not every Regency lady is looking for a husband… As the daughter of an English earl and his Indian mistress, impulsive Lila Marleigh has already broken the rules of society into tiny pieces. When a face she never thought she would see again appears and begs for help, Lila must court notoriety once more and pit her wits against the annoyingly handsome aristocrat, Ivor Tristram. But does she risk opening her heart to the one person who can break it…? Book 2 Blurb: Lila is an independent young woman. She doesn’t play by Regency society’s rules, but then as her friend Kenneth always says why be only a tiny little bit outrageous when you can go all out? As the daughter of an English earl and his Indian mistress, Lila will never be fully accepted by the ton. She will always remain an outsider. She knows this and uses it to her advantage. Author Bio: Amita is a writer, based in London. She first discovered her love for Georgette Heyer’s sparkling banter and runaway horses when she found one of Heyer’s romantic adventures in a second-hand bookstall as a teenager. There was no looking back - as in, it took another few decades to realise that Heyer was more than just a delicious obsession. Amita’s first Regency, Unladylike Lessons in Love, comes out in 2023 and takes readers on a ride through a diverse 19th century London landscape like you’ve never seen it before. Amita’s Arya Winters series of mysteries is published with Agora.

Winning Bidder

Monica Germana

Bids

3

£19

659

Natali Simmonds

* Book is not released until 28th Dec, Successful bidder will receive an advanced copy early December Title: Good Girls Die Last Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/NataliSimmonds Twitter: https://twitter.com/NJSimmondsbooks Book Blurb: Today, nothing is going right for Em. And it's about to get much worse. Heartbroken by a recent split, with her 30th birthday looming, she loses her job and her home in the same morning because of two swaggering, dishonest men - the boss who sexually harassed her and the flatmate sleeping with her behind his fiancée's back. But all Em can think about is catching a flight to attend her sister's wedding and see her dying mother. With a record-breaking heatwave, and a serial killer making the streets unsafe, London is completely gridlocked. Em's life has always been full of men getting their own way, and today the scorched city teems with them standing between her and home. As Em's troubled past returns to haunt her, she refuses to let them win. Her defiance leads to shocking consequences that soon spiral wildly out of control. In a world where men don't listen, and girls have no voice, one woman can change everything. Today, no one will be staying silent. Author Bio: Natali Simmonds began her career in glossy magazines, then went on to manage marketing campaigns for big brands. She's now a creative brand consultant, freelance writer, and fiction author, writing gritty and unflinching stories full of complex women and page-turning suspense (and sometimes a little magic). Simmonds’ dark, feminist thriller debut, Good Girls Die Last, has been optioned for a television series by STV. As N J Simmonds, Natali penned the fantasy trilogy The Path Keeper and Son of Secrets, and in 2022 was shortlisted for the RNA Fantasy Award for the last book in the series, Children of Shadows. She’s one half of paranormal romance author duo, Caedis Knight, and has also written for manga. When she’s not writing or consulting, she's a columnist for Kings College London’s 'Inspire The Mind' magazine, and lectures for Raindance Film School. Originally from London, Natali now divides her time between Spain, the UK, and the Netherlands where she can be found drawing, reading in her hammock, or complaining about cycling in the rain.

Winning Bidder

chloe pace

Bids

7

£35

660

Jennifer Saint

Title: Atalanta Genre: Myths & Fairy Tales Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.jennifersaint.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennysaint Book Blurb: The bestselling author of Ariadne and Elektra brings the formidable Atalanta and her adventures amidst the Argonauts to vivid life in another sweeping re-imagining of Greek myth. When a daughter is born to the King of Arcadia, she brings only disappointment. Left exposed on a mountainside, the defenceless infant Atalanta, is left to the mercy of a passing mother bear and raised alongside the cubs under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis. Swearing that she will prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece, Atalanta leaves her forest to join Jason's band of Argonauts. But can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men? Author Bio: Jennifer Saint grew up reading Greek mythology and was always drawn to the untold stories hidden within the myths. After thirteen years as a high school English teacher, she wrote ARIADNE which tells the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur from the perspective of Ariadne - the woman who made it happen. Jennifer Saint is now a full-time author, living in Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two children

Winning Bidder

Farah Ghuznavi

Bids

7

£25

661

Phil Hickes

Title: The Haunting of Aveline Jones Genre: Children Middle Grade Horror/Ghost Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hickesy Book Blurb: Aveline Jones loves reading ghost stories, so a dreary half-term becomes much more exciting when she discovers a spooky old book. Not only are the stories spine-tingling, but it once belonged to Primrose Penberthy, who vanished mysteriously, never to be seen again. Intrigued, Aveline decides to investigate Primrose's disappearance. Now someone... or something, is stirring. And it is looking for Aveline. Author Bio: Hello, my name’s Phil Hickes and I’m the author of The Haunting of Aveline Jones, which will be published by Usborne in September. I was born in Oldham, near Manchester, and grew up in a house that overlooked a graveyard. It explains a lot, I think, because ever since I’ve been fascinated by ghostly stuff. It was all I ever wanted to read, watch – and later write – about. The other part of my childhood was spent near Bristol. I’ve been lucky enough to live in Wales, Ireland, New Zealand and the USA, which is where I live today – in the Pacific Northwest. It’s misty, rainy and smells of pine and sometimes you hear coyotes howling at night. But I miss the UK a lot and hope to come back someday. I like reading, watching films, being outdoors, being indoors, playing the guitar and eating pizza.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

662

Jack Meggitt-Phillips

Book Title: The Beast and the Bethany (4-past series, with Children in Read exclusive short story) Genre: Children’s Book Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeggittPhillips Book Blurb: A book series about a young 500-year-old, a hungry beast, and a rebellious prankster who’s about to be eaten. Also includes a Children in Read exclusive short story named ‘Ebenezer Tweezer’s Night at the Frost Fair’ Author Bio: Jack Meggitt-Phillips is the author of The Beast and the Bethany, Revenge of the Beast and Battle of the Beast – a children’s series about a young 500-year-old, a hungry beast, and a rebellious prankster who’s about to be eaten. The series has been translated into over 30 languages, and has had a major film deal announced with Harry Potter producer, Heyday Films. The series has also won the West Sussex Children’s Book Award, the Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Award, the Stockport Children’s Book Award, the Fantastic Book Award, the Awesome Book Award, and the Channel Island Children’s Book Award.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

20

£48

663

Claire Daverley

Title: Talking at Night Genre: Contemporary - Romance Format: Hardback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.clairedaverley.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaireDaverley Book Blurb: Secret walks and late-night phone calls. An undeniable chemistry. A tragedy that haunts them both. But that tragedy - and their history - is what will connect them forever. This is the story of Will and Rosie. The two are opposites in every way and yet they fall for each other as teenagers; nineties music, sideways glances, sunsets and bonfires and talking late into the night. It’s palpable, inevitable: they’re on the precipice of starting something wonderful. Until one day, tragedy strikes, and any possibility of being together seems to shatter. But time and again, Rosie and Will find their way back to one another. Though the years pass, they cannot quite let go of what might have been. Talking at Night tells a story of sudden connections, missed opportunities, the many loves we have a over a lifetime - and the one that keeps us coming back, again and again, for more. Author Bio: Claire Daverley was born in 1991 and has been writing stories ever since she was six years old. After graduating with a degree in Fine Art from The University of Oxford, she began a career in publishing, writing about books by day, but penning her own by night, on trains and in the light of the early mornings. She has spent most of her life in Hertfordshire, but now lives in Scotland by the sea with her husband and spaniel. Her debut novel, Talking at Night, has sold in twenty-four countries to date.

Winning Bidder

Sarah Watts

Bids

2

£12

664

Alison Belsham

Title: The Girls on Chalk Hill Genre: Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://alisonbelsham.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlisonBelsham Book Blurb: They lie on the hillside, wearing matching white dresses, tiaras in their blonde hair. Each of them clutches a red rose. They could be sleeping, but frost shines on the lashes of their wide blue eyes, frozen open forever… On a green hill outside Canterbury, where a crown has been cut into the chalk, two girls are lying dead, left for Detective Lexi Bennett to find on her morning run. The victims are quickly identified as sisters Lucy and Eden Carter. But they are triplets… and the third sister, Paige, is still missing. The news makes Lexi’s blood run cold. She was a triplet too. And years ago, she and her sisters were abducted. Two of them escaped. One was lost forever. Has the man who took her returned to send her a message? Will she be able to use her past to find answers? Or is she walking into a trap designed just for her… A completely compelling serial killer thriller that will make your pulse race. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Angela Marsons and J M Dalgliesh will love The Girls on Chalk Hill. Author Bio: In 2016, I entered and won Bloody Scotland’s Pitch Perfect competition. This secured me an agent and a three-book publishing deal with Orion for my police procedural series set in the world of tattoos and tattooing. My first novel, The Tattoo Thief, was translated into 15 languages, was a No 1 bestseller in Italy and is the first instalment of the internationally acclaimed Tattoo Thief trilogy. I also write in collaboration with my brother Nick Higgins – Canelo has published our action thriller series set in Afghanistan, Death In Kabul and Death in Helmand. Now I’m embarking on a fresh crime series with Bookouture. It's set in Canterbury, featuring DI Lexi Bennett, newly appointed to lead the Major Incident Team after a spell working with the FBI’s specialist serial killer unit.

Winning Bidder

Jeanette Ford

Bids

1

£11

665

Mel Darbon

Title: World Doesn't See Genre: Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarbonMel Book Blurb: Maudie and Jake's family is falling to pieces - their mum's been struggling with her grief since they lost Dad and one night she vanishes. When Jake is put into care, Maudie can't take it any more. She comes up with a wild plan to pull their family back together - by kidnapping Jake. On the run in Cornwall, Jake and Maudie each find something they hadn't expected - freedom and love. But can they find Mum and a way to heal together? A powerful and insightful novel about grief, disability and first love; a story about getting lost and finding yourself. Author Bio: Mel Darbon spent a large part of her childhood inventing stories to keep her brother, who had learning disabilities, happy on car journeys. Having worked as a theatre designer and freelance artist, as well as teaching young adults with learning disabilities and running creative workshops for teenage mums, young offenders and toddlers, Mel now writes young adult novels. She is a graduate of Bath Spa's MA in Writing For Young People, where she found a channel to give voice to young people who otherwise might not be heard. Her first book, Rosie Loves Jack, was a World Book Night and Empathy Lab selection. Rosie won a Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature, was a YA book of the year for the Sunday Times, Shortlisted forThe Best Book for Young People in the Netherlands, nominated for The IBBY and Carnegie

Winning Bidder

TANYA EFTHYMIOU

Bids

2

£12

666

Jan Dunning

Book Title: Mirror Me Genre: Teen/Young Adult Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanDunning1 Book Blurb: Mirror Mirror, on the wall, who’s the FIERCEST of them all? Teen Freya's quiet life is turned upside down by Bella, the glamorous former supermodel who's about to marry her dad. But how does Bella look so impossibly perfect, and could she be using Freya's family for her own sinister purposes? As the hype around Bella's new 'Nightshade' label reaches fever-pitch, Freya goes undercover into the intimidating world of high fashion, determined to smash Bella's ruthless plans along with her own self-doubt. Author Bio: Jan Dunning studied English and Art at university, where she set her heart on a career with words and pictures. The plot took an unexpected twist, however, when she was scouted at Glastonbury festival and became an international fashion model instead. Jan spent the next decade striding down the runway, flying around the world on photo shoots and startling her friends and family on billboards for Gucci, Garnier and Gap. Finally realising she had more to say behind the camera, Jan trained as a photographer and art teacher and began writing fiction. She now lives with her family in Bath, dreaming up ideas in the studio at the bottom of her garden, with help from Misty, her cat.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£15

667

Sophie Kinsella

Title: The Burnout Genre: Romantic Comedy Format: Hardback US Edition Dedication Available: No - Signed Bookplate Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.sophiekinsella.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/KinsellaSophie Book Blurb: Sophie’s introduction Let me tell you a bit about my forthcoming book, THE BURNOUT. Having experienced burnout myself in the past and seeing it around me everywhere, I was keen to write about it. It’s a serious subject, and I hope I’ve done it justice, but – you know me – I have to see the funny and ridiculous side of any situation. So this is very much a comedy – a romantic comedy. Sasha hits a wall, quite literally and ends up going to recuperate from burnout at the Devon beach resort she loved as a child. However, the formerly grand hotel is a now a dilapidated shambles with comically bad staff (I loved writing them!) and the February weather is brutal. But even so, she’s in blissful solitude on the deserted, windswept beach, getting her thoughts together; getting her strength back; trying to figure stuff out. Until, guess what? I’m sure you can… A handsome, obnoxious guy turns up with his own issues – and to her annoyance she has to share the beach with him. At first, their relationship switches from completely ignoring each other to sparring with each other, but then a series of mysterious messages left on the beach draws them together, and…. I won’t give away any more right now.

Winning Bidder

Ronny Manor

Bids

10

£23

668

Natalie Marlow

Book Title: Needless Alley Genre: Historical Crime Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes (Personalised) Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Global Website: https://www.hachette.co.uk/contributor/natalie-marlow Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieMarlow2 Book Blurb: BIRMINGHAM, 1933. Private enquiry agent William Garrett facilitates divorces for the city’s male elite. With the help of his best friend – charming, out-of-work actor Ronnie Edgerton – William sets up honey traps. But photographing unsuspecting women in flagrante plagues his conscience and William heaves up his guts with remorse after every job. William’s life changes when he meets the beautiful Clara Morton and falls in love. Little does he know she is the wife of a client – a leading fascist with a dangerous obsession. Soon, what should have been another straightforward job turns into something far more deadly. Drenched in evocative period atmosphere and starring an unforgettable cast of characters, Needless Alley takes the reader from seedy canal-side pubs, to crumbling Warwickshire manor houses, and into the hidden spaces of Birmingham’s Queer, bohemian society. Author Bio: Natalie Marlow is an historical novelist with a fascination for the people and landscapes of the Midlands. Much of her writing takes inspiration from the stories her grandparents told. Her first novel, Needless Alley was a Val McDermid New Blood pick for 2023 and a Financial Times Thriller of the Summer. She holds an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Writing) from the University of East Anglia. She lives in Warwickshire with her family.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£18

669

Susan Stokes-Chapman

Book Title: PANDORA Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://susanstokeschapman.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SStokesChapman Book Blurb: London, 1799. Dora Blake is an aspiring jewellery artist who lives with her uncle in what used to be her parents' famed shop of antiquities. When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered, Dora is intrigued by her uncle's suspicious behaviour and enlists the help of Edward Lawrence, a young antiquarian scholar. Edward sees the ancient vase as key to unlocking his academic future. Dora sees it as a chance to restore the shop to its former glory, and to escape her nefarious uncle. But what Edward discovers about the vase has Dora questioning everything she has believed about her life, her family, and the world as she knows it. As Dora uncovers the truth she starts to realise that some mysteries are buried, and some doors are locked, for a reason. Author Bio: Susan Stokes-Chapman was born in 1985 and grew up in the historic Georgian city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. She studied for four years at Aberystwyth University, graduating with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. Her debut novel Pandora was published in the UK in January 2022 and became an instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller. A loose reinterpretation of the Greek myth Pandora's Box set in Georgian London, it tells the story of aspiring jewellery artist Dora Blake and her encounter with an ancient vase that her tyrannical uncle is desperately keen to keep a secret. Her second novel The Shadow Key – a Gothic tale set against the mysterious Welsh landscape of 1783 - will be released in April 2024. Susan currently lives in North West Wales, endlessly pestered by three very beautiful (and very naughty) British Shorthair cats named Byron, Brontë and Dinah while she works on her third novel.

Winning Bidder

Edward Brooke-Hitching

Bids

2

£30

670

Michael Ball

* Limited Edition Cover* Title: Different Aspects Genre: Autobiography - Memoir Format: Hardback Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://www.michaelball.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrmichaelball Book Blurb: UNLOCK THE MAGIC OF THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS - GO BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH WEST END LEGEND, MICHAEL BALL IN HIS FIRST MEMOIR 'Love, laughter and tears abound in this warm, entertaining read' Woman and Home 'Glittering' Daily Mail 'Wonderful' The Sun In 1989, a young Michael Ball landed the lead role in the musical Aspects of Love. It was a moment that changed his life forever. It was the first time he worked with legends of the stage like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn; the show featured his smash hit song,Love Changes Everything, which rode high in the charts for 15 weeks; it was then, also, that he first met his long-term partner Cathy McGowan and battled back against the stage fright that had threatened his career. Over three decades later, Michael returned to a new production of the same show where he made his name, and with a lifetime's worth of stories to tell. InDifferent Aspects, Michael takes us backstage inside the making of a West End hit, while also diving back into his memories to share untold anecdotes and explore a glittering career that has made him a household name - from his first stage experiences in Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, to delighting and shocking his audiences in equal measure in Hairspray and Sweeney Todd, as well as his chart-topping musical success (and some howlers too!). Exploring Michael's life, career and relationships alongside the pitfalls and pratfalls of modern theatre, Different Aspects is the story of a life lived on the stage. There will be laughter, tears and an abundance of heart. There's even some Roger Moore, though, famously, not quite enough. Take your seats ladies and gentlemen, the lights are dimming, the performance is about to start. Author Bio: Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor, presenter and now author. He's been a star of musical theatre for over three decades, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice, he's also won two BRIT awards and been nominated for a Grammy. Michael regularly sells out both his solo tours and his Ball & Boe shows with Alfie Boe and has multiple platinum albums.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

9

£60

671

Anna Stuart

Two Book Bonanza Title 1: The Midwife of Auschwitz Title 2: The Midwife of Berlin Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperbacks Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.annastuartbooks.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/annastuartbooks Book 1 Blurb: The Midwife of Auschwitz Auschwitz, 1943: As I held the tiny baby in my arms, my fingers traced the black tattoo etched across her little thigh. And I prayed that one day this set of numbers, identical to her mother’s, would have the power to reunite a family torn apart by war… Inspired by an incredible true story, this poignant novel tells of one woman’s fight for love, life and hope during a time of unimaginable darkness. Ana Kaminski is pushed through the iron gates of Auschwitz beside her frightened young friend Ester Pasternak. As they reach the front of the line, Ana steps forward and quietly declares herself a midwife – and Ester her assistant. Their arms are tattooed and they’re ordered to the maternity hut. Holding an innocent new-born baby, Ana knows the fate of so many are in her hands, and vows to do everything she can to save them. When two guards in their chilling SS uniforms march in and snatch a blond-haired baby from its mother it’s almost too much for Ana to bear. Consoling the distraught woman, Ana realises amidst the terrible heartache there is a glimmer of hope. The guards are taking the healthiest babies and placing them with German families, so they will survive. And there are whispers the war is nearly over… Ana and Ester begin to secretly tattoo little ones with their mother’s numbers, praying one day they might be reunited. Then, early one morning, Ana notices the small bump under Ester’s thin striped clothing… Book 2 Blurb: The Midwife of Berlin Auschwitz, 1943: I stroke my beautiful baby’s hair. It’s a miracle it’s blonde because it will keep her alive, it will keep her safe. Soon they will come and take Pippa out of Auschwitz-Birkenau – and out of my arms. But while there’s life, there’s hope I might find my daughter again… 1945, Berlin: Ester Pasternak walked out of the gates of Auschwitz barely alive. She survived against devastating odds, but her heartbreaking journey is only just beginning. In the camp, Ester gave birth to a tiny fair-haired infant, only for her precious baby to be snatched from her and taken to a German family. Now the war is over, Ester is desperate to find her little girl. But Europe is in chaos, Jewish families have been torn apart and everyone is urgently looking for their loved ones. In every orphanage and hospital she visits, Ester searches the faces of tear-stained toddlers; each mop of blonde hair and pair of blue eyes she sees sets her heart racing. Will Ester ever be able to find the child whose tattoo matches her own? Or is she already too late… A completely gripping WW2 story of one woman’s courage and determination to hold onto hope in a world ripped apart by war and reunite her family in the aftermath of surviving Auschwitz. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Nightingale. Author Bio: I’m a Derbyshire based historical novelist, writing WW2 fiction as Anna Stuart and medieval fiction as Joanna Courtney. I’m passionate about bringing lesser known, female-led subjects to readers. I also write medieval fiction as Joanna Courtney."

Winning Bidder

Kim Williams

Bids

3

£16

672

Marcela Ferreira

Title: The Queen Next Door Genre: Children's Format: Hardback Dedication available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids accepted: UK only website: https://www.marcelafwrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcelafwrites Instagram: @marcelafwrites Book Blurb: In a faraway land, a happy queen rules over the happiest of kingdoms. But when a new queen moves in next door and starts showing off her ginormous, brand-new, super-duper throne, the happy queen can't help feeling a little jealous and decides she MUST have a throne of her own . . . no matter the cost. Can she learn that what makes a true queen is not what she has, but how she treats others? Filled with humour and heart, this beautiful picture book encourages everyone to be grateful for what we have and who we have to share it with. Author: Marcela was born in Rio de Janeiro but moved to London as a teenager. She loves writing about friendship, growth and being yourself – or anything that makes her laugh! Her first two picture books, The Queen Next Door and The Treasure were published in 2023, and two more - Bear Vs Dragon and I Could be Eaten by a Shark! - will soon follow.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

673

Charlotte Marsh

Title: Susie Sloth and her Secret Superpower Genre: Children Format: Paperback- Picturebook Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.benefitsofbetterbreathing.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/better_breathin/status Book Blurb: A fun and interactive way to introduce your child to Pilates and Breathwork Join Susie Sloth on her adventure as she makes new friends and discovers their special skills. What is Susie's secret superpower? Is it her ability to control her breath? Find out in this sweet tale with easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful illustrations. With a cheerful ending about being unique and breathwork practices to develop emotional wellbeing, Author Bio: Charlotte Marsh lives in Derbyshire with her husband and two daughters. As a Pilates Teacher and Buteyko Breathwork coach, she has enjoyed teaching “Petit Pilates”. She enjoys being in the Pilates studio and walks in the Derbyshire Dales. In summer, she will be out in the sunshine picking flowers. In winter, she’ll most likely be indoors baking a gluten free cake and daydreaming about a trip to Paris!

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

674

Jon Roberts

Book titles: 1st book: "Lilly & Myles: the Torch"; 2nd book: "Through The Eys Of Me"; 3rd book: "Through The Eyes Of Us"; 4th book "See What I Can Do"; Genre: Children's books about Autism Format: Paperbacks Dedications Available: Yes Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://graffeg.com/collections/jon-roberts-series Social media links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonroberts24/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/StrawberryAsd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrawberryASD24 Book details: Details in general: A range of gently-told but immensely informative picture books by Jon Roberts and Hannah Rounding that tell the stories of a number of children with a variety of disabilities inspired by the real-life experiences of Kya, Jon's daughter who is on the autistic spectrum, and some of her friends. Lilly & Myles: The Torch Accompanied by Myles, her assistance dog, Lily sets off from Granny’s house to explore. First she walks through the garden, then she visits the seashore. But when she comes to the big cave at the end of the beach her acute hearing means she is scared of the loud noise when she drops her torch. And what’s that creature she can hear coming towards her? Through the Eyes of Me Through the Eyes of Me is a beautiful, colourful, illustrated book for children that allows a glimpse into the world of a child with autism. Readers will meet 4-year-old Kya who loves to run, read, look at … and rip up … stickers. Discover why Kya does certain things, doesn’t like some things, and really, really loves other things. See What I Can Do Every child is different. Some are loud, they love talking and showing off. Others are quiet and like to be on their own. Some have disabilities that you can see, while others have disabilities that may not be so obvious. We are all unique. We all have our own lives, our own dreams, and our own talents. Let’s see what we can do. Author bio: I am Jon Roberts, a children's author driven by the profound inspiration drawn from my remarkable 11-year-old daughter, Kya, who happens to have autism. Her extraordinary outlook on the world has become the catalyst fuelling my fervour for crafting stories that impart understanding and empathy regarding autism and disability. The heart of my literary endeavours lies in books that revolve around autism and disability, seeking to cultivate understanding, empathy, and inclusivity. Through the art of storytelling and vivid illustrations, I've delved into diverse facets of autism, presenting the distinctive perspectives, strengths, challenges, and talents of the characters within my books.

Winning Bidder

Faye Talbott

Bids

1

£11

675

Millie Hardy-Sims

Book Title: The Chronicles of Álfara: The Lights of the North Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only/Global Website: www.milliehardysims.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milliehardysimsauthor Book Blurb: The world of Heimur has been calm for centuries. The darkness was once banished and the races created by the gods live in harmony. That is, until Álfara begins to dream of mysterious lights in the northern skies that seem to be calling her name. That, and her unusual friendship with a Banvaenn boy - a mortal - who may just be the destiny everyone has been searching for. Alfara is a Ljosalfar, a light elf. She is part of a long line of Ljosalfar descending from the great Einar, who once banished darkness from the world. Now the darkness is rising again, and Alfara must do all she can to stop it. With help of her human friend Nikkel and a few other magical companions, she journeys North to ask the ancient guardians for guidance. "And so our story truly begins, with a Ljósálfar child who had been raised on the Legend of Kollungr and Einar, told the story as just that, and raised to not ask further questions. Or so her parents wished. Álfara, however, was not the type of Ljósálfar child to let stories simply be stories." An epic fantasy dive into how Father Christmas came to be, and why he works with elves. Author Bio: Born in Lincoln, UK, and moved to the Lake District in 2004, Millie has been writing stories her whole life. Whether it was short stories about television programmes, or creating stageplays, Millie has always been one with words. As of 2022, Millie became a published author with her debut novel: The Chronicles of Álfara, Book 1, The Lights of the North, which takes inspiration from her Danish family members and Scandinavian mythology. Fantasy is her favourite genre, having grown up reading almost exclusively fantasy and all of the escapism with which it comes. Amongst her favourites, she credits The Lord of the Rings; The Chronicles of Prydain; and The Guardians of Childhood as her biggest influences when writing. In her spare time, Millie teaches budding young writers the basics of putting together a novel in the hopes that one day they will be able to achieve their dreams, too.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

676

Malcolm Alexander

Book title: Close to where the heart gives out. Genre: Biography : Memoir Format: Paper back Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: Beechwoodlife.com Social media links: Insta: malcolm_ontheisland Book details: A description of the book - CLOSE TO WHERE THE HEART GIVES OUT: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF AN ORKNEY DOCTOR - Michael O'Mara - 2019 As a young boy, Malcolm Alexander knew exactly what, and who, he wanted to be. He dreamed of becoming a doctor; he was mesmerized by the process of illness and obsessed with preventing it. He wanted to help others. In his thirties, Malcolm gave up his job in suburban Glasgow when a persistent seed that had been growing inside him started to bloom, disrupting the foundations of his life. When he saw the job advert, 'urgent: island doctor needed', he applied immediately. What he didn't anticipate was how much Orkney would affect his family, for better or worse. In stories that range from the humorous to the deeply moving, Malcolm describes what it's like adjusting to life without modern conveniences and to the extreme - and constantly changing - weather; and what it means to be providing the best medical care to the local population with limited resources. Which often includes the wildlife as well. Malcolm's journey evokes the awe that the Orkney landscape can inspire, as well as the challenges of island life and the demons that the dark, cold winter months can give birth to. Gripping and beautifully written, Close to Where the Heart Gives Out reminds us of the importance of listening to our heart, as well as to the rhythms of the landscape Author bio: A bit about yourself Dr Malcolm Alexander graduated from Edinburgh University in 1980 with the single thought of becoming a General Practitioner in a rural setting and nothing more. Life had other plans and in time he became Clinical Director and then Medical Director for Orkney Health Board, before working as Director of Strategy for the Scottish Executive Remote and Rural Initiative. He finished his career working for 11 years as Associate Medical Director for the Scottish National Telephone Triage service, NHS 24, before finally returning to face to face practice as a locum in his local GP practice on one of the Scottish islands. His medical interests are widespread and include training in homeopathy, medical hypnosis, pre-hospital care as well as his expertise in clinical algorithm and computer systems development, a field where words and their use is critical to success. During his time in Orkney he also trained as a Reader in the Church of Scotland and lead worship in several congregations across the islands. He has always been deeply interested in people and in the relationship between their whole well-being and the physical illnesses. An acute observer of people and places he blends all his training and experience together when working as a GP. When not actively being a doctor he likes to try out many creative and outdoor pursuits. He is an able singer, knitter, fisherman and spends a lot of time ripping out and repairing his old Victorian home where he lives with his wife and eight children, six of his own and his nephew and niece.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£18

677

Sue Reed

Title: The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn Genre: Young Adult age 13+ Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.suereedwrites.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/suereedwrites Book Blurb: It’s spring 2020 and fifteen-year-old Molly McFlynn is uprooted from town life by her mam to live with her bohemian grandparents in rural Northumberland. Molly is furious – her friends abandon her, the food is inedible and her grandmother is doing strange things in the garden at night. Life takes a new direction when she meets a girl in the woods who appears to be on the run. Martha is from the seventeenth century, and a life lived on the edge of society. She is fleeing from the witchfinder and the men who have hurled her mother, Ann Watson, into the dungeons in Newcastle. As Molly’s friendship with Martha grows, Molly reconciles with her true self, develops a love of nature and moves away from her consumerist lifestyle. However, as Covid strikes and a local witch hunt takes place, Martha’s is not the only life that is in danger. Molly must stand up for what is right, help heal family rifts and come to the rescue in a moment of peril. Author Bio: Sue Reed lives in rural Northumberland with her husband where a love of nature, growing food and sustainability inform her writing. She has three grown-up children and two grandchildren and her family is everything to her. Sue had a career in teaching, writing sensory dramas for children with severe learning difficulties before running her own business as The Woolly Pedlar, upcycling waste wool knitwear before going to Newcastle University as a mature student to do an MA in Creative Writing. When not writing, she can be found playing with her grandchildren and down the garden growing veg and tending her herb garden.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£15

678

Hannah Hendy

4 Book Bundle - The Dinner Lady Detectives Series Title 1: The Dinner Lady Detectives Title 2: An Unfortunate Christmas Murder Title 3: A Terrible Village Poisoning Title 4: A Frightfully Fatal Affair Genre: Cosy Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://hannahhendywrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/hendyhannah Book Blurb1: The Dinner Lady Detectives Margery and Clementine are enjoying a peaceful middle-age together in the small, idyllic town of Dewstow, and eagerly awaiting retirement from their work on the front line serving meals to the students at Summerview secondary school. Their calm life is shattered when their kitchen manager is found dead in the school’s walk-in freezer. The police are adamant that it’s an open-and-shut case of accidental death. Margery and Clementine are convinced there’s something far more nefarious going on, and they take it upon themselves to investigate. As they inch closer to the truth, it becomes clear that someone will stop at nothing to keep the pair quiet. Will the perpetrator get their just-desserts before their time runs out? Book Blurb 2: An Unfortunate Christmas Murder It's winter in the small town of Dewstow, and Margery is preparing for her first Christmas as Summerview school's kitchen manager. She's supported by her wife, Clementine, and is trying to stay focused on the task at hand. The pair are determined to stay out of the way of the Christmas concert planning that has gripped the rest of the staff. However, they are caught in the crossfire when the stage lights collapse at the first practice, killing Mrs Large, the music teacher. Mrs Smith, the Head of Drama, is the prime suspect and is desperate for the Dinner Lady Detectives to clear her name. Mrs Smith is convinced that it's sabotage by her rival, Mrs Blossom, the drama teacher at Ittonvale Secondary, but there's evidence that points to her own misdeeds. Can Margery and Clementine trust their friend? And when things start to heat up in the kitchen, will they make it out in time? Book Blurb 3: A Terrible Village Poisoning With school out for the summer, Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are taking advantage of the break to go on holiday. They plan to explore the village of St-Martins-on-the-Water and rest before the chaos of Mrs Smith's impending hen do. By the end of their first night, the local mayor lies dead on the floor of the hotel restaurant, having been poisoned by his meal. The villagers are convinced: The Poisoner is back! As the residents turn on the duo with suspicion and begin to freeze them out, Margery and Clementine are left with more questions than answers. Everyone is convinced that the pair – and Clementine in particular – are bad news, but why? And as more people in the village start to become unwell, the question remains, is The Poisoner back, or is this the work of a new killer? And will they strike again? Book Blurb 4: A Frightfully Fatal Affair Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are coming to the end of another busy half term as dinner ladies at Summerview Secondary school. The school is abuzz with chatter about the upcoming break, the local harvest festival, and the fact that maths teacher, Mr Weaver, hasn't turned up to work in days. When the pair embark on an evening walk in the woods and discover Mr Weaver's body, with a mysterious symbol painted above him, something suspicious is clearly afoot. As the nights grow darker and the mysterious symbols continue to appear around Dewstow, the Dinner Lady Detectives are pulled deeper into the case. Can they solve the mystery as deceit and chaos reigns, or will their killer pull off another deadly trick? Author Bio: Hannah Hendy lives in a small town in South Wales with her long-suffering wife and two spoilt cats. A professional chef by trade, she started writing to fill the time between shifts. She now writes full time, a dream job! She is the author of the bestselling cosy crime series, The Dinner Lady Detectives, published by Canelo Crime and Canelo US. Hannah is represented by Francesca Riccardi at Kate Nash Literary Agency.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

13

£26

679

Laura Carter

Title 1: The Law Of Attraction Genre: Rom Com Format: Paperback Title 2: Girlfriends Genre: Women's Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.lauracarterauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LCarterAuthor IG: @lauracarterauthor Book Blurb1: The Law Of Attraction A Hotshot Manhattan Attorney. Drew Harrington knows exactly who he is—a legal shark with a love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude that works just fine in his cutthroat world. He’s on the cusp of being named a partner in his firm, but only if he can prove to his colleagues that he has a more human side. A Sweetheart of a British Patisserie Chef. Becky Fletcher is running from her past, so the last thing she’s looking for is love. What she does want is a friendly face in a cold city. Her sunny outlook is the perfect opposite to Drew’s hard exterior, but can she afford to let down her guard? One fateful meeting at a bagel cart. They sound like a match made in heaven—or is it a car crash? Book Blurb 2: Girlfriends Is their friendship holding them together – or holding them back? After years of putting work first, Andrea’s love life is a mess. She’s in a relationship that she knows is wrong yet can’t turn to her best friends. If she told Hannah and Rosalie her lover’s identity it would tear their friendship apart. But keeping secrets takes its toll, and between Hannah’s demanding family life and Rosalie’s preoccupation with her own troubles, the cracks begin to show. Suddenly their differences – once a strength – are pushing them apart. Andrea, Hannah and Rosalie have been there for each other through thick and thin. Will that be enough to rely on when everything comes to a head? Author Bio: Laura Carter writes romance and women's fiction with a romantic slant. Exploring everyday relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is her passion. She takes inspiration from everything she overhears in cafés, so be wary of that strange woman 'listening' to music next time you're chatting over coffee. Laura lives with her family in Jersey, Channel Islands.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£13

680

Kara Rees

Title: ASD and Me Genre: Early Years/Children Format: Hard copy Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK and Global Website: http://www.asdandme.co.uk Book Blurb: A rhyming book for children to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the behaviors that may be present. Author Bio: "My name is Kara and I work as a Play Worker with children with additional and profound needs. I have written this children's book to promote awareness and understanding of ASD in Early Years."

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£12

681

Helen Kelly

Title: A Special Place Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://www.helenkellyauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/happy_eeyore IG: https://www.instagram.com/helenkellyauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067061884825 Book Blurb: Lacy Since the age of eight I have been told there was something wrong with me. There must be because I have no friends except James who has always looked out for me although I don’t know why. There is something special about James, being around him makes me feel at home if only things were different! James I have admired Lacy for years she has an inner strength that she doesn’t realise that she has and one day I am determined to ask her out… I know that when I ask her out, she will question and second guess everything but one day we will be a couple. Author Bio: Helen is a mother of two grown up daughters living in the North Yorkshire. History and research has always been something she has loved and has three master’s degrees in History which she did later in life. She has always wanted to write but due to being diagnosed as being dyslexic later in life she always thought it was something she couldn’t do but she is proving herself wrong. Along with reading Helen loves visiting many different places in the United Kingdom especially if they have canals or waterfalls.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

682

Arlene Pearson

Title: Secrets of the Monument Author: Arlene Pearson Genre: Romance/mystery Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packing: Free Bids Accepted: UK Only Email: arlene.pearson@sky.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/pearson_arlene Book Blurb: Two sets of lovers, one age-old monument… forever connected... In this intriguing dual-time story, two very different love stories prevail - 2015 - Verity and Jeremy are idyllically happy in their new home, a country cottage at the foot of an old Greek temple on a green hill. He has promised her there will be no more surprises – until his chaotic music producer nephew turns up to stay and causes havoc. 1946 - Amelia and Ed. Torn apart in distressing circumstances, is the romance between the daughter of the Lord of the Manor and the son of a pitman over before it ever really began? When Verity’s Grandad Ed asks her to find his first love after sixty-seven years, to reveal a life changing secret, she embarks upon a journey which takes her to different shores. When worlds which are generations apart collide, will the mystery of the monument be revealed? Also, will Verity finally be able to shake off the turbulence of her own past and find a deeper love and understanding wins the day? Author Bio: A writer of fiction, Arlene lives in the North East village of Penshaw with her family plus a crazy cockatiel who can whistle the Blaydon Races and The Great Escape. She gained an MA in Creative Writing at Northumbria University, after which she began writing articles and blogs for local publications, as well as an online column for a Sunday newspaper entitled '2.4 Children' which morphed into '2.5 Teenagers' as her sons grew older. A graduate of Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne's Playwrighting Course, some of her plays have been performed script in hand by a local theatre company. 'Where the Four Streams Meet' was her first full length romantic novel. She writes with a view of Penshaw Monument, a Greek temple on a green hill which is said to be based upon the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, Turkey. Her writing is greatly inspired by the stunning North East countryside. Her latest novel, 'Secrets of the Monument' is now available in the Kindle Store. Arlene also writes a blog entitled Two Point Four Children - and Beyond, which can be found at: https://twopoint4teenagersandbeyond.wordpress.com/

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£26

683

Ruth Loten

Book Title: Unforgettable Genre: Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: www.reloten.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lotenauthor Book Blurb: There are first loves and there are last loves. But what happens when they overlap? Tom Blythe falls in love quickly. He fell for Olivia the first time they met. The same thing happens when he meets Grace. The problem is: Tom is still in love with Olivia. Pulled in two different directions, Tom has a choice to make. He knows he’s unhappy, but is that enough for him to forget the vows he made? Both women have difficult pasts and Tom is desperate to help them, but at what cost? Can he let Olivia go and commit his future to Grace? Or will the pull of the past prove too strong? Author Bio: Ruth’s first writing memory is for her writer’s badge in Brownies but her MA in Creative Writing probably trumps that. Ruth has been Writer In Residence at Brightlingsea Lido since November 2021. She has been published in various anthologies, helping to edit many of them as well and in 2022, she published her first book, ‘Unforgettable’ and this was followed in 2023 by ‘Folly’. Ruth’s next book ’The Mermaid' is due to be published by Castle Priory Press in January 2024.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

684

Henriette Edwards

Title: The Reign of the Winter King Genre: Middle Grade adventure (10-14) Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES P&P: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: http://www.reloten.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/lotenauthor Book Blurb: Everyone knows the stories of Robin Hood and King Arthur. Everyone knows they’re just legends. But what if everyone is wrong? While Sam, Henry and Arthur think they’re going to spend their summer holiday with Uncle Alan, their adventurous relative has other plans. The Silver Arrow has gone missing, and Robin has been kidnapped. The race is on to find the arrow and rescue Robin, before others beat them to it. Who can be trusted? One wrong move and disaster is sure to follow! Author Bio: A former teacher, Henrietta has always been passionate about children reading has run a number of writing workshops for children, encouraging them to develop their creative writing skills. She is also fascinated by the legends of the British Isles. So, when her son asked her to write a story about him having an adventure with Robin Hood, she was delighted. The book was published in 2022 and the sequel is coming in May 2024. Henrietta has also worked with Lucy Weaver to create the children’s picture books, ‘Max, The Brightlingsea Cat’ and ‘Lilibet The Lobster’.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

685

Danielle Devlin

Title: Burnt Offerings Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication available: Yes Postage and Packing: Free Bids accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/snoochems Book Blurb: How far would you go to save yourself when the truth can’t set you free? Scotland, 1589. Besse Craw is a young mother whose husband has mysteriously vanished. And in a time when women were powerless, she is accused of witchcraft, abused by her employer, and destined to lose her daughter, her freedom and her life. Set during the infamous North Berwick Witch Trials, that saw many persecuted, tortured and killed, Besse uncovers long-held secrets as she fights for justice and truth in a world of suspicion and lies. Author Bio: Danielle Devlin grew up around stories. She lives in County Durham with her daughter and a host of four-legged family members.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£20

686

Francis H Powell

Title: The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts Genre: Children Format: Picture book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://francishpowellauthor.weebly.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dreamheadz Book Blurb: Two fish tales in one! The Fish King is lonely and wishes he has a wife to keep him company. So when his chance of happiness is dashed by Princess Chipolata, after she is caught by the two wise ghosts stealing the crown jewels and is sent to prison, the king is still left feeling miserable. The Fish King has many suiters but it is Princess Alice’s sister, Lilly, who finally wins his heart! However, there’s only one problem...he must introduce her to the two ghosts that reside in his palace and who like to play jokes on people! A grand wedding takes place at the palace and soon after the king and queen produce a royal heir – Prince Erik. The young prince grows to love the two wise ghosts as much as his father does and, as soon as he is old enough, he leaves the palace to embark on a magical adventure with his ghost friends; until at last it is time to go home and share his many stories with his parents and Aunt Alice. Author Bio: Born in 1961, in Reading, England Francis H Powell attended Art Schools, receiving a degree in painting and an MA in printmaking. In 1995, Francis H Powell moved to Austria, teaching English as a foreign language while pursuing his varied artistic interests adding music and writing. He currently lives in Moret sur Loing, France writing both prose and poetry. Francis H Powell has published short stories in the magazine, “Rat Mort” and other works on the internet site "Multi-dimensions." He has had three books published and has also compiled a book of short stories, poems and illustrations, featuring other writers and poets. The book is called “Together Behind Four Walls” and is a book of lockdown stories and poems. The book has raised money for Marie Curie nurses. His most recent book published “The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts” is a children's book.He has had poems published in anthologies, for both adults and children. He has done poetry readings for Paris Lit up as well as other events. He also does poetry workshops.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

687

Karen Swan

Title: It's Christmas By Candlelight Genre: Commercial Fiction Dedication Available: NO Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Insta @swannywrites Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenSwan1 , Book Blurb: It's a few days before Christmas and the snow is softly falling as Libby Pugh and her new boyfriend Max, on their way back from a wedding , stop in at a university reunion dinner in the Yorkshire Moors. Held at the grand estate of the aristocratic Archie Templeton, she reconnects with her old friends. But when it is time to leave, the road is impassable and Libby and Max must stay the night. The next day, as they await the farmer to clear the lane, the high spirits persist. But then the power goes out... Author Bio: Karen Swan is the Sunday Times bestselling author of 26 novels. She writes two books a year- for summer and Christmas - and lives in Sussex with her family.

Winning Bidder

Clare Boret

Bids

3

£50

688

Diana Anyakwo

Title : My Life As A Chameleon Genre: Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnyakwoDiana Book Blurb: Lily is a sixteen-year-old living in Manchester. It is nearly five years since her father's death, and she is soon to return to her birthplace in Nigeria to reunite with her mother and siblings for the anniversary. As cold rain thunders on the streets of Moss Side she looks back over her young life and wonders . . . how did she get here? As a young girl in Lagos, Lily is the baby of her large family. The daughter of a Nigerian father and Irish mother, she lives in a dual reality: one where moments of bright colour and tenderness exist alongside a sense of danger just beneath the surface of her apparently idyllic life. This is a tension that nobody dares speak out loud and it teaches Lily an early lesson: always blend in, always play the right part. But the truth cannot stay hidden forever. Things in Lagos itself, and within her family, soon reach breaking point. As her city and her family implode into chaos around her, and at school her skin colour marks her out from the crowd, Lily struggles to know how to blend in. And when her mother sends her away to school in England, Lily's sense of identity is challenged in even more painful ways. My Life as a Chameleon is a powerful story of resilience and belonging, about family secrets and how they can destroy even the deepest bonds. It is a story about finding your place in the world and realising you deserve to be there. Author Bio: DIANA ANYAKWO grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. She is of mixed Irish and Nigerian heritage. She moved to the UK when she was a teenager and later graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in Molecular Biology and a Masters in Bioreactor Systems. She spent three years in Athens, Greece where she taught English and worked as an editor at an educational publisher.She currently lives and works in Manchester as a freelance writer and editor of English Language teaching materials. She loves reading, writing and binge-watching TV series. She also loves going for long walks to help get inspiration for her writing.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£21

689

Katie Daysh

Title: Leeward Genre: Historical fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.katiedaysh.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/KDayshAuthor IG: @KDayshAuthor Book Blurb: Captain Hiram Nightingale is a veteran of the wars which have raged throughout Europe and the Americas. But a grand victory at the Battle of the Nile in 1798 comes at a devastating cost. Plagued by wounds both physical and mental, he attempts to recover by accepting command of HMS Scylla. His task is to hunt down a mutinous ship and bring the crew to justice. However, it soon becomes clear that the mission is just one danger in an immense web. Nightingale finds himself in the middle of a network of secrets that will affect everyone onboard the Scylla. He has to battle against the perils of the war-torn seas, a crew who he fears does not accept him, and meddling, powerful figures from his past. And in the centre of all this, his new lieutenant, the popular Arthur Courtney, stirs up long repressed feelings. On his journey, Nightingale must confront his own demons. For it seems, during his dangerous adventure, his greatest enemy might just be himself. Author Bio: Katie Daysh is an author from the Isle of Wight who loves to explore unheard voices in fiction. In her main genre, historical fiction, she enjoys placing queer characters at the heart of the narrative. Her stories are often set on the sea and illuminate themes of friendship, loyalty and mental health issues. Her debut novel, the queer Age of Sail adventure, Leeward, is published through Canelo in 2023, followed by two other stories in the trilogy. In her regular life, she works in retail.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£18

690

Eleanor Dixon

Title 1: Tally and the Angel Book One, India Title 2: Tally and the Angel Book Two, Canada Genre: Middle-grade fantasy Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://www.eleanordixon.com Twitter: https://www.@eleanor19999119 IG: https://www.instagram.com/theburrowinthefield Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theburreau Book Blurb1 & 2: Can a 12-year-old girl and an unpredictable angel turn the tides of destruction in India? After her mother's funeral, Tally cannot imagine ever being happy again. She has no friends and even her dad is talking about going on a long journey without her. But Mum has left her a special gift, a pendant which is home to an angel, Jophiel. He is quirky, wise and often humorous and Tally knows that life is about to change forever. Throughout the series, Tally, and Jophiel encounter thrilling adventures with unexpected twists, while also addressing sensitive topics, such as the loss of Tally’s mother in the first book. Author Bio: Eleanor, originally a professional ballet dancer, was born, and now lives, in England. But she spent two decades living in Greece where she ran a successful ballet school. Her extensive travels, first as a dancer and later with her travel-crazy husband, influence her second middle-grade series, "Tally and the Angel." Each book is set in a different country, and the author's vivid descriptions provide readers with a deep sense of immersion. Eleanor now writes full time at her home in Shropshire, surrounded by her dogs, a cat, sheep, hens and an abundance of wildlife.

Winning Bidder

Bids

0

£10

691

C. F. Dunn

Title 1: Wheel of Fortune Genre: Medieval Historical Romance Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.cfdunn.co.uk Book Blurb: Wheel of Fortune is the gripping first book in C.F. Dunn’s major new Wars of the Roses series, The Tarnished Crown. ‘The best Wars of the Roses novel I have ever read. A magnificent book I didn’t want to end. All the characters were so well drawn that they performed the alchemy of stepping out of the book and into the room.’ - Elizabeth Chadwick ‘Dunn’s world is utterly believable, the research meticulous, the characters deep and rich, and the sights and smells disguise the devastation that lurks at every turn.’ - Matthew Lewis 1469. England is in turmoil. For almost ten years, the attractive and charismatic Edward IV has ruled with the Earl of Warwick’s support, but now rebellion threatens the fragile peace. Strong-willed and single-minded, heiress Isobel Fenton is determined that nothing will separate her from her beloved manor of Beaumancote even if she does have to marry to stay there. But as unseen witness to a summary execution, she is propelled into the world of personal feud and national politics, and her life will never be the same. Left in the protection of the formidable Earl, Isobel soon discovers that she is much more than the daughter of his loyal retainer, but holds the key to the power base in a troubled region. And she is about to marry Thomas Lacey – heir of the Earl’s enemy for whose peremptory execution he had been responsible. The Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Clarence foment rebellion. With the Midlands in uproar, King Edward wants peace in the shires and the last thing he needs is potential trouble in the form of an unwed heiress. Isolated and alone, Isobel turns to the Earl’s younger brother, Robert Langton - newly sworn to Richard, Duke of Gloucester - and as unrest boils into war, she is drawn into the very heart of the conflict. Facing extremes of courage and moral ambiguity, Isobel has to predict the motivations of those who decide her own and England’s fate. Caught between two men and a lie, and with nothing left to lose, which way will she turn? Author Bio: CF Dunn is an award-winning novelist of history, mystery and suspense. Studying medieval history at university, CF Dunn has always been acutely aware of the impact of the past. Vibrant characters and meticulous research seamlessly weave threads of history to bring an authenticity to her richly-hued, suspenseful stories of intense love, loyalty and treachery. Now living in the South West of England, she is ambivalent about the correct order in which scones should be applied to cream. Her love of history is equalled only by her delight in the natural world and the unruly sea by which she lives with her husband, daughters, parents and pets in suitably rambling historic surroundings.

Winning Bidder

Christine Finegan

Bids

4

£14

692

Rachel Chivers Khoo

Title 1: The Wishkeeper's Apprentice Genre: Children Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://rachelchiverskhoo.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rach_Khoo Book Blurb: Wanted! A wishkeeper's apprentice. When Felix makes a very special wish, he doesn't expect to be offered a job as an apprentice to wishkeeper Rupus Beewinkle. Now Felix must save the town's wishes from the wishsnatcher, who wants to destroy hopes and dreams everywhere. Beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Rachel Sanson. PRAISE FOR THE WISHKEEPER'S APPRENTICE “Full of wonder and magic.” Abi Elphinstone Author Bio: I was born in 1990 in Belfast. Growing up, my greatest wish was to become a published children’s author. Now that wish has come true, I’m planning on making more wishes… possibly involving a puppy or a lifetime’s supply of cinnamon buns. I studied English Literature at Trinity College, Oxford and have a Masters in Creative Writing from Queen’s University, Belfast. I previously worked in book publishing, and wrote my debut, The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice, during maternity leave. I live in London with my husband, two young sons and far too many books.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

2

£15

693

Jill Johnson

Title: Devil’s Breath Genre: Crime, mystery, thriller Format: Hardback Dedication available: No but the but the book will have a signed bookplate. Postage & Packaging: Free Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://jilljohnsonwrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/writerJJohnson Book Blurb: I've always been better with plants than people . . . Eustacia Rose is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who lives alone in London with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company. She tends to her garden with meticulous care. Her life is quiet. Her schedule never changes. Until the day she hears a scream and the temptation to investigate proves irresistible. Through her telescope, Professor Rose is drawn into the life of an extraordinarily beautiful neighbour, Simone, and nicknames the men who visit her after poisonous plants according to the toxic effect they have on Simone. But who are these four men? And why does Eustacia Rose recognize one of them? Just as she preserves her secret garden, she feels inexplicably compelled to protect her neighbour. But when her precious garden is vandalized and someone close to Simone is murdered with a toxin derived from a rare poisonous plant, Eustacia finds herself implicated in the crime and decides to take matters into her own hands . . . Author Bio: Jill is a Māori writer based in the UK, having lived in south-east Asia, Europe and New Zealand. She moved to London when she was 18 and the following year opened Gosh! Comics. Alongside this, she and her partner launched a graphic novel publishing company and an editorial cartoon gallery. While running her businesses and raising her three children, Jill obtained a BA Hons degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Design. In 2013, she submitted her writing to Faber and Faber, and was accepted into the Faber Academy. Her first novel The Time Before the Time to Come was published by OWN IT! in 2018. She now lives in Brighton.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

3

£15

694

Irina Georgescu

Title: ‘Tava, Eastern European Baking and Desserts’ Genre: Food & Drink Format: Hardback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global Website: http://irinageorgescu.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgescu_r Book Blurb: “I am such a huge admirer of Irina Georgescu in general, and of this extraordinarily impressive and important book in particular. A must-have, not just for enquiring bakers but, crucially, for all those interested in the context and evolution of culinary culture.” – Nigella Lawson Author Bio: Irina Georgescu is a UK food writer and author from Romania whose work draws on her Eastern European heritage. Her writing and recipes are a love letter to Romania, a country explored very little from the culinary point of view.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

4

£20

695

Victoria Dowd

Title 1: Murder Most Cold Genre: Cosy Crime Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://victoriadowd.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/victoria_dowd Book Blurb: DISCOVER THE FIENDISHLY TWISTY, UTTERLY ADDICTIVE CRIME FICTION OF VICTORIA DOWD. **FROM THE WINNER OF THE PEOPLE’S BOOK PRIZE FOR FICTION 2021 AND SHORTLISTEE OF THE CWA DAGGER AWARD 2023** A winter wedding. A mysterious disappearance. A body under the ice. Handsome Spear proposes marriage and Ursula Smart suddenly has a glimpse of the sort of happy life she had never imagined for herself. Beginning with a small winter wedding, on the edge of a secluded, frozen lake, away from it all. But trouble is never far from the Smart women, especially when the atmosphere is already so frosty. Tensions start rising as soon as they arrive and it’s not just Ursula’s mother Pandora getting cabin fever. Poisoning. Stabbing. A mysterious disappearance. Who’s targeting the wedding party? Then on a midnight jaunt, Ursula sees a face trapped under the ice, eyes staring in frozen horror. And her happy future begins to fall apart. Weddings should be joyous occasions. But there’s a murderer at this one. A GOLDEN AGE MURDER MYSTERY BROUGHT BANG UP TO DATE. Author Bio: Victoria’s was short listed for the CWA Dagger in 2023. She is an award winning crime writer, winning The People’s Book Prize 2020/2021 for her debut novel, The Smart Woman’s Guide to Murder. It was also named Classic Mystery’s Book of the Year 2020. The Smart woman’s mystery series is a dark, humorous crime series that is a modern take on the classic whodunnit. She is an award winning short story writer, winning the Gothic Fiction prize for short fiction 2019 and has been short listed for many awards. Her short fiction is widely published in literary journals and anthologies. She is co convenor of the London Chapter of the Crime Writers’ Association and recently spoke at the International Agatha Christie Festival, Malice Domestic (the Agathas) in Washington, Crimefest and many other literary festivals. Victoria is originally from Yorkshire and, after studying at Cambridge, went on to be a criminal law barrister appearing at the Old Bailey for many years.

Winning Bidder

Chloe Slim

Bids

1

£11

696

Hannah Gold

Two Book Bonanza Title 1: Finding Bear Title 2: The Last Bear Genre: Children - Illustrated Adventure Format: Hardbacks Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Website: Twitter: IG: https: Both Hardback Written by me, illustrated by Levi Pinfold Genre - illustrated children’s adventure fiction Yes to dedication U.K. only to bids Book Blurb: Author Bio:

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

6

£100

697

Natashia Hastings

Title 1: The Miraculous Sweetmakers and The Frost Fair Genre: Children - Young Adult Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/tashajhastings Book Blurb: The Great Frost of 1683 has London in its icy grip. Thomasina and her best friend Anne sell sweets on the frozen Thames, amid rumours of the magical Frost Fair that awakens there at night. They say if you can find the fair, Father Winter himself will grant you any wish. And Thomasina has an impossible wish: the return of her twin brother, Arthur. But once they discover Father Winter’s kingdom, Thomasina and Anne quickly realize the Frost Fair is not what it seems – and that some wishes never come for free. Author Bio: Natasha Hastings can usually be found with her head in a book or over a cooking pot. She wrote most of THE MIRACULOUS SWEETMAKERS & THE FROST FAIR on the bus to and from work, which would pass by the River Thames every day and leave her spellbound. In her spare time, she loves trying out new recipes, planning adventures, and attempting to make friends with any cat she meets. THE MIRACULOUS SWEETMAKERS & THE FROST FAIR is her first novel.

Winning Bidder

Kim Williams

Bids

1

£11

698

Georgina Day

Title 1: Honey & Sugar Get Adopted Genre: Children's Book Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: https://www.georginadayauthor.co.uk IG: @georgina_day_author Book Blurb: Polly’s house has felt empty for months but today is the day that all changes. Her mum is taking her to a rescue centre to adopt two rabbits for them to take home. Polly isn’t sure what ‘adopt’ means until she sees how many rabbits there are that have been lost or given away. They need our help! Honey & Sugar Get Adopted is a lovely children's story that emphasises our need to rescue animals instead of buying them from a pet store. Thousands of animals a day are currently being brought into rescue centres needing a home. Follow Polly's story and learn as she learns the true meaning of family and how to respect our animal's differences! Author Bio: Although Georgina Day works full time in business, she spends every spare moment contributing what she can to animal welfare and sharing this with the younger generation through her writing. When she's not being an 'animal mum' to rescue animals and a pony, she also volunteers as a Veterinary Auxiliary for animal charities. She lives in Surrey, England with her (very understanding) partner and their menagerie!

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£11

699

Charlotte Olsen

Title: Suzie's Christmas Time Genre: Children Format: Picture book Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: Website: https://www.suziebooks.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/suziebooks Book Blurb: It is nearly Christmas and Suzie is beginning to get excited. But there is lot’s to do before Santa arrives and Christmas day is upon them. Suzie needs to write her letter to Santa, go out with Daddy and buy a Christmas tree and much, much more. Do you love Christmas as much as Suzie? Well if so, why not snuggle down, keep warm and enjoy reading all about Suzie and her family as they prepare for Christmas day. Author Bio: Suzie came to life during my college days when I (Charlotte) trained as a Nursery Nurse doing my NNEB. After giving up my job last year as a Teaching Assistant, I thought I would get back into writing and share Suzie with other children and parents and carers. Some of her adventures are based on my own experiences and hurdles that we have overcome with my own children. The idea is that the stories can be of a learning and discussion aid to help other children cope with new situations found in most families. Also they are simply fun; parents and carers can relate to them too. I do hope that you enjoy reading them as much as I have enjoyed writing them and Suzie becomes part of your family too!

Winning Bidder

Paul Heron

Bids

1

£11

700

Eva Jordan

Title 1: Only You Genre: Literary Saga/Romance Literary Fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK only Website: https://www.EvaJordanWriter.com Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/evajordanwriter IG: @evajordanwriter Book Blurb: Can true love survive betrayal? Once upon a time, Ben and Leora fell in love and dreamt of a bright future together. But after he committed an unforgivable act, she was left heartbroken. Decades later he still had no memory of that fateful night . . . Now, their worlds are about to collide in a way they never imagined. Drawn together again by an unforeseen tragedy, in a world that has drastically changed since they first met, Ben and Leora are about to discover whether true love really can endure. But will the couple’s reunion be more of a nightmare than a fairytale? Only You is a powerful novel about passion, friendship and betrayal. Author Bio: Eva, who has BA Hons in English and History, describes herself as a lover of words, books, travel, and chocolate. She was born in Kent, has close family ties to London’s East End but lives in Cambridgeshire. She describes her novels, 183 Times A Year, All The Colours In Between, Time Will Tell and A Gift Called Hope as family-based dramas that take a humorous but sometimes tragic and poignant look at contemporary family life. Her fifth novel, Only You, a love story come psychological thriller, has just been released. Like her previous novels, Only You, which was inspired by a well-known and much respected celebrity, does not shy away from difficult subject matters. However, Eva always makes it her goal to leave her readers feeling uplifted and hopeful because she believes, despite the hardships of life, we can never have enough love or hope. As well as writing novels, Eva also writes short stories and is a columnist and book reviewer for a local lifestyle magazine.

Winning Bidder

Chloe Slim

Bids

1

£11

701

Michelle Robinson

Book Title: 'When Cookie Crumbled' Genre: Children's Picture Book Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: Global, kindly note this book will be posted from Canada Website: http://michellerobinson.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheRobinson Book Blurb: A fun and sweet celebration of being true to yourself, from the brilliant duo behind The Day the Banana Went Bad. Author Bio: Michelle Robinson's many picture books include bestsellers, ‘The World Made a Rainbow’ and the ‘Goodnight Tractor’ series. Her books are popular in homes and classrooms all over the world, and include ‘Ten Fat Sausages’, winner of the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards, and 'There's a Lion in my Cornflakes', winner of the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award.

Winning Bidder

Aysha Waterfield

Bids

1

£11

702

Tracey Waples

Book Title: The Little Sister Genre: Psychological Thriller Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage & Packaging; FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Website: http://traceywaples.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Traceywaples Book Blurb: TWO SISTERS WHO COULDN’T BE MORE DIFFERENT. A PERFECT HOLIDAY WITH A DEADLY OUTCOME. Helen is the older one. The good girl. A devoted doctor trying to cope with the sudden loss of her husband. Mia is the little sister. The wild one. Married to a wealthy businessman, she lives the high life on his money. Mia says she wants to cheer Helen up. She’s booked a week in enchanting Ibiza — just the two of them. Helen is reluctant to go. She knows first-hand just how difficult Mia can be, but she needs a break. What could go wrong? Helen wakes up with a splitting headache. The worst she can remember. The pain so intense across the bridge of her nose and behind her eyes that it feels as though her skull will crack. Something bad has happened. Something that can’t be changed. Something that could ruin all their lives. How far would you go to protect your sister? Author Bio: TRACEY WAPLES is a journalist, author and Pilates teacher. She loves writing - when it’s going well – and does some Pilates, gardening or walking when it’s not. She does her best writing on dark November days when it’s better to be inside than out, but gets much of her inspiration when she’s out walking in the sunshine. Tracey lives in the country most of the time but has to get her regular London fix (she’s a Gemini). She’s married with two sons.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

5

£40

703

Natalie Johnson

Book title: When You Least Expect It Genre: romance/ women’s fiction Format: Paperback Dedication Available: YES Postage & Packaging: FREE Bids Accepted: UK Only Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieJAuthor Book details: Carrie Kingston knows how her life is panning out. She's settled, she's happy and she's about to marry her high school sweetheart Luke, surrounded by their loved ones, with her two best friends at her side. So when she uncovers a devastating secret on her wedding day, a secret that throws everything she knows into disarray, suddenly it doesn't all seem so simple. Left questioning everything around her, she finds herself taking flight to a Caribbean island to figure out her next move. Carrie needs space to think, but doesn't bank on meeting the magnetic Jake Holden, as charming as he is gorgeous and a very hard man to say no to. All at once, after having her life so well mapped out in front of her, Carrie has absolutely no idea what to expect... Author bio: Natalie Johnson is the author of page turning, feel-good books that bring sunshine to even the greyest day. She lives in the UK and can be found writing, eating biscuits and daydreaming of sunny holidays, where she finds lots of her inspiration. When You Least Expect It is her debut novel.

Winning Bidder

Sarah Brand

Bids

1

£11

704

Kathryn Freeman

Title: Nobody Puts Romcoms in the Corner Genre: Romcom Format: Paperback Dedication Available: Yes Postage and Packaging: Free Bids Accepted: Global Website: https://kathrynfreeman.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1 Instagram: Kathryn.freeman_author Book details: Sally is a classic romantic and Harry is a classic cynic, but when a drunken bet leads the new flatmates to (badly) recreate ‘the lift’ from Dirty Dancing, the video goes viral (#EpicRomcomReenactmentFailure), and they both realise there’s potential financial benefit in blundering their way through the romcom lexicon for their suddenly vast social media following. Author Bio: A former pharmacist, I now write romantic comedies; books that hopefully bring a smile to the face, but also a lump to the throat. Winner of the RNA Award for Romantic Comedy in 2022.

Winning Bidder

Anonymous

Bids

1

£50