Welcome to our mid-May round-up packed with new book recommendations, pre-publication ‘coming soon’ exclusives, a free prize draw and lots more, including the world’s biggest collection of eBooks in Kindle, iBook and Google formats all in one place..

Exclusive to Lovereading – get a free Jane Borodale eBook worth £8.99

During May and June we have teamed up with the publisher HarperCollins to offer a free eBook exclusively to Lovereading members. It’s a collection of short stories called The Visitor, from an exciting novelist, Jane Borodale. Her debut novel, The Book of Fires, was shortlisted for the Orange New Writers’ Award and her latest, The Knot, is an extraordinarily evocative story of obsession, love and secrets. Find out more and download your free eBook today – which can be used on all eReaders.

Coming soon –  Pre-Publication Exclusives

As usual, just for you, we have a few carefully selected pre-publication beauties for you to read before the rest of the madding crowd!

Clever, charming, funny and impossible to put down… Woody Allen, Raymond Chandler and Agatha Christie all rolled into one.	More small-town, sensual brilliance from the author of Chocolat, who has also agreed to be our Guest Editor in June!
This riveting page-turning debut, in the tradition of John Grisham’s The Firm, has been described as a phenomenal, kick-ass thriller.

Personal views on very different worlds

Our biography section is always full of some of the best and most interesting life stories but this month there are two extra special gems we don’t want you to miss. In Arab Spring Dreams you will find a fascinating look at the wishes, dreams, hopes and prayers of those in the Arab world struggling for the most basic of human rights. And in Dear Zari: Hidden Stories from Women of Afghanistan you’ll read the tragic stories of women broken and downtrodden by such a deeply traditional and conservative culture. Both, we think, are harrowing but essential reading.

A deservedly delicious winner

We have just received some award news that we couldn’t wait to share with you about the Romantic Novel of the Year. It has deservedly been won by the lovely, and aptly named, Jane Lovering for her fun racy novel Please Don’t Stop the Music. Lovereading’s Sarah Broadhurst, one of the judges, said about Jane’s book ‘it’s a fresh and compulsive page-turner with an interestingly different hero’. This is her second novel so do please take a few moments to download and read the free Opening Extracts. We have also heard back from the winning publisher Choc Lit who, as well as being excited about the win, love all the positive feedback you have given us about their books, so do keep emailing us with any views you have.

Never Say Never Again – Bond Re-released!

With the sad news that the movie Bond now drinks lager and not Martini, we are delighted that Orion Publishing is re-issuing the official and original James Bond novels written by John Gardner in stunning, highly collectable editions. Between 1981 and 1996, Gardner was asked to revive Ian Fleming’s James Bond series of novels and he wrote fourteen featuring 007, as well as the novelisations of two Bond films.  Why not discover or re-discover them here.  All 14 novels will be out over the next few months.

Eat This! – Food and Drink Section

Our popular Food and Drink section has had a revamp this month. Special mention goes to Virgin to Veteran – How to Get Cooking with Confidence, a non-patronising, all-encompassing ‘how-to’ from kitchen wunderkind, Sam Stern.

A real treat in store for Teens

The phenomenal international bestseller Philippa Gregory (The Other Boleyn Girl, The Cousins’ War series) has turned her hand to Young Adult fiction to create an epic medieval series full of dark myths, secrets, adventure, intrigue and a touch of romance, called Changeling. We have heard there are going to be four books in the series called ‘Order of Darkness’ and we are very excited! Find out more today.

And while you’re at it … Watch out for these!

British Sports Book Awards

Sports fans among you will be excited to know that the winners of the British Sports Book Awards are announced on 21^st May. We will have the best of the winners in our Sports section. Great books to give as gifts on Father’s Day in June!

That’s all for May – see you in June.

P.S. – don’t miss your chance to win a weekend away at a luxury hotel in South Devon! Click here to find out more.

P.P.S. if you need help and advice on the challenges of everyday life then visit our new 21st century self-help section, The School of Life.

admin :: May.18.2012 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		Bring Up the Bodies Hilary Mantel May 2012 MEGA Book of the Month. With her dazzling, utterly absorbing style of writing Bring Up the Bodies focuses on the downfall and destruction of the charismatic Anne Boleyn. This is the sequel to the 2009 Man Booker-winning Wolf Hall  … Download free opening extract
2		A Rural Affair Catherine Alliott May 2012 Book of the Month. Catherine Alliott is at her sparkling and brilliant best in this her latest feel-good read.  Full of her trademark wit and characters you feel instantly drawn to. Perfect to curl up with in that ‘me’ … Download free opening extract
3		The Last Summer Judith Kinghorn May 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month. An enchanting, sweeping debut of big storytelling, of social and political change spanning the First World War and beyond, perfect for reading groups and fans of Kate Morton and Downton Abbey. It’s a glorious … Download free opening extract
4		15 Seconds Andrew Gross May 2012 Book of the Month. If you love fast-paced, topical thrillers that you simply can’t put down, then Andrew Gross and especially 15 Seconds is a great place to go. Pulled over by a traffic cop who is then shot … Download free opening extract
5		The Chaperone Laura Moriarty May 2012 Book of the Month. I am reminded of the 20′s musical number “Anything Goes” here, for in “The Chaperone” it certainly does.  This is 20′s New York, the girl being chaperoned is the young Louise Brooks (the silent filmstar) … Download free opening extract
6		Women of a Dangerous Age Fanny Blake May 2012 Book of the Month. Publisher turned author Fanny Blake has written another insightful, funny, addictive read that women will totally understand and men would do well to read in order to learn more about real women today. On holiday, … Download free opening extract
7		The Light Between Oceans M. L. Stedman May 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month. What a brilliant and memorable debut. Superb characters, heart-rending plot and, set on an island 100 miles from Australia, a uniquely beautiful setting. After the horrors of WW1 Tom finds first solace as a … Download free opening extract
8		Dead Scared S. J. Bolton May 2012 Book of the Month. Good grief! – talk about tense (practically unbearable towards the end of this book). S.J. Bolton has again delivered a cracking, addictive thriller. This one is set in the rarefied atmosphere of Cambridge University where … Download free opening extract
9		Dare Me Megan Abbott May 2012 Book of the Month. Following on from her Richard and Judy selected title, The End of Everything, is this dark dangerous coming of age story set among a fiercely competitive cheerleading squad who are driven to win at any … Download free opening extract
10		The Playdate Louise Millar May 2012 Debut of the Month. This gripping contemporary thriller will have you turning the pages, and re-evaluating people you call friends. How do you know whether it’s dangerous to leave your children alone with them? For a debut it’s very … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk Top 10

1		White Dolphin Gill Lewis May 2012 Book of the Month. Bestselling Gill Lewis’s new story tells of the amazing, life-affirming powers of dolphins.  Kara’s life is in a mess; her mum has disappeared, she is in trouble at school and her father is about to … Download free opening extract
2		The Sleeping Army Francesca Simon May 2012 Book of the Month. Freya is an ordinary girl living in modern Britain, but with a twist: people still worship the Viking gods. One evening, stuck with her dad on his night shift at the British Museum, she … Download free opening extract
3		A Dog Called Homeless Sarah Lean May 2012 Debut of the Month. This is an outstandingly assured debut novel from a sparkling new talent.  When Cally Fisher sees her dead mother, real as anything, no one believes her. So Cally stops talking – what’s the point … Download free opening extract
4		Twelve Minutes to Midnight Christopher Edge April 2012 Book of the Month. A thriller with a fast-paced cinematic style, Twelve Minutes to Midnight is an electrifying story from an exciting new author featuring a feisty 13 year old heroine. It is the first book in a must-read … Download free opening extract
5		Eeek! The Runaway Alien Karen Inglis April 2012 Book of the Month. A boy, an alien and football – without any shadow of doubt it’s a match made in heaven for boys in particular and if you have a reluctant reader in the house aged from 6-9 … Download free opening extract
6		Dotty Inventions And Some Real Ones Too Roger Mcgough May 2012 Book of the Month.  Best-selling poet Roger McGough hits some real Eureka! moments in this cheerfully wacky picture book full of fabulously ingenious inventions. Professor Dotty Dabble is a great inventor so is sure she’ll win the National … Download free opening extract
7		Homecoming Michael Morpurgo Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate and the award-winning author of War Horse, has written a beautifully evocative story which celebrates the beauty of a place and the pain it creates when that beauty is under threat. Michael always liked to … Download free opening extract
8		HM Queen Elizabeth II: Diamond Jubilee This is a very special Ladybird souvenir edition to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. … Download free opening extract
9		Me, the Queen and Christopher Giles Andreae, Tony Ross A touching and funny story about a 7 year-old girl’s adventure having tea with the Queen. Told with Giles Andreae’s trademark warmth and humour, but with an added poignancy when the Queen meets Christopher, Freya’s brother, this is a perfect … Download free opening extract
10		The Perfect Pet Shop (Early Reader) Vivian French A delightful animal story, perfect for early readers. There’s nearly a pet shop disaster when a noisy puppy won’t stay quiet at night time. How will the other animals ever get to sleep? Maybe telling stories will do the trick? … Download free opening extract

admin :: May.17.2012 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Many of us have been book lovers since before we can remember. Our relationship with reading is a strong one, one that over the years only seems to get stronger. Like any relationship, things change and often for the better! The most recent shift in my love affair with reading is the coming of age of eBook readers.

Now, I love my paperbacks. I enjoy the smell, the feel, and the routine of flicking through page after page. I even like it when the glue melts and the pages fall out on holiday! However my new toy, although not purchased to replace my much-loved books, has added a great deal to my favourite pastime. Admittedly, a few years ago I was skeptical about the electronic alternative, as you can see from the piece I did for the BBC back in 2008 (link to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7613392.stm) but then I had an epiphany (of sorts). I realised ultimately, I am a lover of reading, not books. Therefore there are plenty of reasons to love eBooks too. If you haven’t considered eBooks before, then have a read of the things that I think digital readers are good for.

Firstly, the accessibility it gives me is unbeatable. No bookstore in the world can compete with the Internet. With a digital reader, you have instant access to an enormous range of literature. This also eliminates any time between reads. Another bonus, which I did not expect, is the research you are able to do on them. I am able to hunt for books, read reviews and find out the next item in a series, all on a single page (well you can on Lovereading.co.uk). And they are the same price as on Amazon or Apple so there is no need to jump around between websites. I also love the fact that PDF extracts of books can be downloaded and read on my eReader so I can see if I like the book enough to buy it.

Another great feature of eReaders is the level of privacy they give you. I must admit, after a long day at work, sitting on the tube, I sometimes prefer not to engage in the most literary works. Reading on a Kindle or the like, eliminates any embarrassment you might feel about your reading material.

Finally, the portability of an eReader is a saving grace, for my back if nothing else. I love the fact that I always have a book with me. Now if my train is delayed or my lunch date’s running late, I always have a book with me and best off all, if I finish it, I always have a back up – or with wifi connections get one pretty quickly!

I am not trying to say eBooks are better than print books. Nor am I really trying to compare them to one another at all. I discovered that a love of reading is not the same as a love of books. You can love them both! If it’s reading you enjoy then eBooks might just be for you. Find out more at Lovereading’s special eBook section where you can get all the most popular formats, Kindle, iBooks, ePub and Google eBooks.

Peter

Peter C :: May.11.2012 :: Special Features :: No Comments »

With the downpours of April hopefully behind us, maybe May may be more summery? Maybe. Maybe not! Either way, we’re here to brighten your month with some fabulous reads in all categories, outdoors and in, carefully selected by the Lovereading team. And for you eReaders, don’t forget we are the only place in the world where you’ll find the best eBooks, selected by us, to download in all the popular formats (Kindle, iBook, ePub & Google). Read on for more…

May Books of the Month

A full bloom of Spring titles awaits you on our burgeoning bookshelf this month. But we especially love:

Mega Book of the Month Anne Boleyn brought to life. Sequel to the Booker winning Wolf Hall.

A witty, feel-good and quirky country romance, full of characters you will feel instantly drawn to.

Sizzling, life- changing adventure in 1920s New York during the Prohibition.

And … Fashionably Late – We loved this!

Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 by Sonnet Stanfill and Oriole Cullen. Coinciding with an exhibition at the V&A in London, this innovative book presents iconic British ballgowns of the last 60 years, by Alexander McQueen, Bellville Sassoon, Stella McCartney, Zandra Rhodes and more.

See our other May Books of the Month below.

Buckle up for this month’s Author of the Month, Andrew Gross

Drawing on many events from his own life, thriller maestro and May Author of the Month Andrew Gross has ‘literarily’ frightened the life out of millions of people. His latest white knuckle ride, 15 Seconds, is no exception. You’ll want to read it with all the lights on, the doors open and a friend in the room. What you won’t want to do is put it down. It’s the story of how one short event can tear a life to shreds. This and Andrew’s other novels can be found in his special section.

Win a weekend break in South Devon

The county of Devon has featured in many novels, from Agatha Christie plots to one of our featured books this month, An Inventory of Heaven by Jane Feaver. We have teamed up with Visit South Devon to offer you the chance to win a wonderful weekend away with tickets to The Contemporary Craft Festival (15 – 17 June 2012) and staying at the beautiful Ilsington Country House Hotel in South Devon. Visit our Prize Draws section to find out more and enter. Good Luck.

The First Word – Debuts of the Month

Many of you were hugely taken by the debut Secrets of the Tides earlier this year. Well,
The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson is the second debut of the year that the Lovereading editorial team has selected as being massively special. It’s a captivating, beautifully written story of modern motherhood that sparked a publishing bidding war. Don’t just take our word for it; see what the Lovereading reader reviewers thought of it.

In addition to The Underside of Joy we’ve unearthed over 10 hot new writers.

All are stunning, but our personal favourites are:

Mega Debut of the Month The Last Summer Judith Kinghorn A beautiful, sweeping and haunting story of lost innocence and enduring love spanning WWI and beyond.	Mega Debut of the Month The Light Between Oceans M. L. Stedman Superb characters, a heart-rending plot, a unique setting and one devastating decision ….
All That I Am Anna Funder Love, betrayal, danger and honour in a story that you’ll pick up once and not put down.	Seating Arrangements Maggie Shipstead Darkly comic tale of family feuds, patriarchal meltdown and social obligations.

Crime and Creation – eBooks of the Month

As mentioned above, we have more e-titles available…in more formats…in one place than any other site. This month we recommend:

Closer than Blood

by Gregg Olsen

Eerie, dark, disturbingly psychological, edge-of-your-seat crime thriller with more dark twists than a maze at midnight.

Mr g

by Alan Lightman

Playful and profound account of The Creation by the big ‘G’ himself.

2012 CrimeFest – The Pen is Mightier than the Sword!

Featuring bestselling authors, readings and gala events, CrimeFest (24 -27 May) has been the most popular event in the crime writing calendar since its inauguration in 2008. This year, hundreds of talented writers are taking part, including: powerhouse of an author, Frederick Forsyth; award-winning Borge Hellstrom and our very own Lovereading guru, Maxim Jakubowski. You can still get tickets here…and whet your appetite with our crime section where you can see Maxim’s personal recommendations.

Exciting New Young Adult Fiction

Publishers are really going to town at the moment on releasing teen and YA fiction but how can you pick what’s best? We’re here to help you do just that so we’ve selected our favourites – for your eyes only. You’ll find them all in our ‘newgen’ category. It was, of course, the Twilight books that really kick-started this genre but it has quickly developed (like teenagers) to cover a wide range of compelling storytelling, some of supernatural and some not. Our teen bookshelf below is teeming with great reads. Also don’t forget to check out our Dystopian Fiction category for even more choice.

New and Noteworthy

District Nurse by Patricia Jordan – first published in 1977…If you loved Call the Midwife, the huge non-fiction bestseller and now massive TV series featuring Miranda among others, then don’t miss these charming memoirs of an Irish district nurse in the troubled 1950s.

Self-Help, but Not as We Know it! – School of Life

Ridiculed by some, but ever more popular, the self-help book has been around for over 2,000 years. The School of Life has launched a ground-breaking series of intelligent, rigorous, well-written self-help and lifestyle changing books, put together by some of the leading minds in the field, including Alain de Botton. Help yourself!

More Books, Ma’am? – The Queen’s Jubilee

2012 is a non-stop celebration, it seems, so to kick off the festivities we have a small section specifically to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It’s a glittering bookshelf of Jubilee related page-turners…

…and that just about fills up our little pot of guidance from Lovereading.co.uk this month. Scroll down for lots more selections in the categories you have told us you would like to be kept up to date with. Next month we’re lifting the lid on some great new titles for your Summer reading!

P.S. Just announced, the winner of the 2012 Arthur C. Clarke Science Fiction Award, which this year went to The Testament of Jessie Lamb by Jane Rogers. Jessie Lamb is an ordinary girl living in extraordinary times. If the human race is to survive, it’s up to her. But is Jessie a hero?

admin :: May.04.2012 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		Women of a Dangerous Age Fanny Blake Publisher turned author Fanny Blake has written another insightful, funny, addictive read that women will totally understand and men would do well to read in order to learn more about real women today. On holiday, soon to be divorced Lou … Download free opening extract
2		Dead Scared S. J. Bolton Good grief! – talk about tense (practically unbearable towards the end of this book). S.J. Bolton has again delivered a cracking, addictive thriller. This one is set in the rarefied atmosphere of Cambridge University where far too many female undergraduates … Download free opening extract
3		The Playdate Louise Millar This gripping contemporary thriller will have you turning the pages, and re-evaluating people you call friends. How do you know whether it’s dangerous to leave your children alone with them? For a debut it’s very confidently written and using multiple … Download free opening extract
4		The Light Between Oceans M. L. Stedman April 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month. What a brilliant and memorable debut. Superb characters, heart-rending plot and, set on a island 100 miles from Australia, a uniquely beautiful setting. After the horrors of WW1 Tom finds first solace as a … Download free opening extract
5		Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops Jen Campbell April 2012 Non-Fiction Book of the Month. Having been a bookseller, one of my weirdest moments was being asked for a pound of sausages. We tracked that down to the shop having been a butcher in a previous incarnation but really, … Download free opening extract
6		The Last Summer Judith Kinghorn An enchanting sweeping debut of big storytelling, of social and political change spanning the First World War and beyond, perfect for reading groups and fans of Kate Morton and Downton Abbey. It’s a glorious read, highly recommended. … Download free opening extract
7		The Chill of Night James Hayman April 2012 Book of the Month. Hayman’s first novel, ‘The Cutting’, introduced us to detective Michael McCabe, recently moved to Portland, Maine, with his young daughter.  It was a good read but very much a first novel. Now Hayman hones his … Download free opening extract
8		Amber Scott is Starting Over Ruth Saberton April 2012 Book of the Month. This funny, entertaining easy read is perfect escapism for any working girl with dreams of giving up city life and taking up ‘the good life’ in the country. Amber Scott’s fiancé gets a dream job … Download free opening extract
9		The Underside of Joy Seré Prince Halverson STOP PRESS: For a limited period in the lead up to publication in early May of the paperback edition, the ebook of The Underside of Joy is available at just £1.99.  Just click on the correct edition in the … Download free opening extract
10		Secrets of the Tides Hannah Richell April 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month. A sensitive, convincing and beautifully written novel. Full of descriptive power, it defines the beginnings and consequences of a family tragedy – from love and guilt to the difference between choices and accidents. With … Download free opening extract

admin :: Apr.30.2012 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Visit South Devon have teamed up with Lovereading.co.uk to offer you the opportunity to win a wonderful weekend in South Devon at The Contemporary Craft Festival, (15 – 17 June 2012) staying at the beautiful Ilsington Country House Hotel in South Devon.

For your chance to win just click here

The Contemporary Craft Festival was founded in 2003 and has become one of the most prestigious and highly acclaimed craft events in the UK. Set in idyllic surroundings at the edge of Dartmoor, the festival brims with opportunities to meet Craftspeople from across Devon and the whole of the UK who have got together for a celebration of craft and making. 

After marveling at the crafts at the Fair, Ilsington Country House is the perfect place to retreat & relax. This family-run country house hotel on Dartmoor is bursting with traditional character and friendly service from people ready to make you feel at home. Few Dartmoor hotels in Devon can possess such a perfect setting as this one.

For your chance to win, click here

Situated amid the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, with its heather clad rolling hills, ancient woodland and stone tors, this family friendly Dartmoor hotel offers more than just a place to stay.
It boasts an irresistible combination of country charm; award-winning food inspired by fresh Devon produce, friendly service and outstanding countryside views.

The Festival runs from 15-17 June and the prize will consist of a weekend ticket for two (valid for the three days) to the Festival and a Deluxe room for the Friday and Saturday night for 2 people inclusive of breakfast at the Ilsington Country House Hotel, Ilsington, South Devon.

For your chance to win, click here

admin :: Apr.26.2012 :: Special Features :: 1 Comment »

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		Women of a Dangerous Age Fanny Blake Publisher turned author Fanny Blake has written another insightful, funny, addictive read that women will totally understand and men would do well to read in order to learn more about real women today. On holiday, soon to be divorced Lou … Download free opening extract
2		Dead Scared S. J. Bolton Good grief! – talk about tense (practically unbearable towards the end of this book). S.J. Bolton has again delivered a cracking, addictive thriller. This one is set in the rarefied atmosphere of Cambridge University where far too many female undergraduates … Download free opening extract
3		The Playdate Louise Millar This gripping contemporary thriller will have you turning the pages, and re-evaluating people you call friends. How do you know whether it’s dangerous to leave your children alone with them? For a debut it’s very confidently written and using multiple … Download free opening extract
4		The Light Between Oceans M. L. Stedman April 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month. What a brilliant and memorable debut. Superb characters, heart-rending plot and, set on a island 100 miles from Australia, a uniquely beautiful setting. After the horrors of WW1 Tom finds first solace as a … Download free opening extract
5		Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops Jen Campbell April 2012 Non-Fiction Book of the Month. Having been a bookseller, one of my weirdest moments was being asked for a pound of sausages. We tracked that down to the shop having been a butcher in a previous incarnation but really, … Download free opening extract
6		The Last Summer Judith Kinghorn An enchanting sweeping debut of big storytelling, of social and political change spanning the First World War and beyond, perfect for reading groups and fans of Kate Morton and Downton Abbey. It’s a glorious read, highly recommended. … Download free opening extract
7		Secrets of the Tides Hannah Richell April 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month. A sensitive, convincing and beautifully written novel. Full of descriptive power, it defines the beginnings and consequences of a family tragedy – from love and guilt to the difference between choices and accidents. With … Download free opening extract
8		The Chill of Night James Hayman April 2012 Book of the Month. Hayman’s first novel, ‘The Cutting’, introduced us to detective Michael McCabe, recently moved to Portland, Maine, with his young daughter.  It was a good read but very much a first novel. Now Hayman hones his … Download free opening extract
9		The Underside of Joy Seré Prince Halverson Captivating, beautifully written with a real sense of location this is a heart wrenching story of modern motherhood that is a real emotional roller-coaster.  A “Piece of Passion” from the publisher… Dear Reader: The first time I read Underside of Joy I … Download free opening extract
10		Amber Scott is Starting Over Ruth Saberton April 2012 Book of the Month. This funny, entertaining easy read is perfect escapism for any working girl with dreams of giving up city life and taking up ‘the good life’ in the country. Amber Scott’s fiancé gets a dream job … Download free opening extract

admin :: Apr.23.2012 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

The Lovereading office is a constant hive of industry, striving to find your next great book. Tastes are so varied, it certainly keeps us busy! And we definitely don’t just take the big bestsellers -anyone can do that by reading the billboards. No, we get much more of a thrill unearthing the hidden gems and involving you in the discovery, so that you can read the stars of tomorrow, today.

More book news for April below – and don’t forget it is World Book Night on 23 April. Click here to find out how to get involved.

April Pre-Publication Exclusives

We love introducing you to new writing before it’s hot! The Underside of Joy by Seré Prince Halverson sparked a bidding war and is set to be a sensation. We think it’s a captivating, beautifully written, emotional roller-coaster. You can read our special reader reviews and download an extract here – and find 4 other ones to watch.

Women of a Dangerous Age Fanny Blake Insightful, funny, addictive read that women will totally understand and men would do well to read too!	Dead Scared S. J. Bolton Good grief! – talk about tense (practically unbearable towards the end of this book). This is a cracking, addictive thriller.
The Last Summer Judith Kinghorn An enchanting, sweeping debut of big storytelling and social and political change spanning the First World War and beyond.	The Playdate Louise Millar This gripping contemporary thriller will have you turning the pages and re-evaluating people you call friends.

We also have a late Month MEGA Debut, The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. What a brilliant and memorable debut. Superb characters, heart-rending plot and, set on an island 100 miles from Australia, a uniquely beautiful setting. We featured this as a pre-publication exclusive and it’s due for release on 26 April.

At Last! Read the book – Win the series

This month sees the paperback release of the 5th and concluding part of the award-winning Melrose Series, a bleak satire about privileged people – At Last by Edward St Aubyn.

The debut Never Mind (1992) won a Betty Trask Award. The whole series has been re-released with beautiful new covers and we have 4 sets you can win – just visit our Twitter post to find out more.

Different Worlds – Dystopian Fiction Section

Also new this month is our section devoted to dark and troubled imagined futures. From classic novelists to contemporary ones, from post-apocalyptic thrillers to futuristic horror stories, there is something here for everyone who enjoys a real adventure into the darker side of “What if?”.

History – Revisited

For History book lovers, we wanted to draw your attention to our recently revised History category with selections from our resident expert, Sue Baker.

This month she is especially keen on Foundation: The History of England by Peter Ackroyd and Blitz Kids: The Children’s War Against Hitler by Sean Longden but there’s much more besides.

Plus

Orange Prize Shortlist – ‘the’ prize for writing by women announced its 2012 shortlist on 17 April. Visit our special section where you can read reviews and extracts and choose your favourite.

And speaking of the Orange Prize and a book not to miss, we have The Invisible Circus, the debut novel by Jennifer Egan. She was longlisted for the Orange in 2011 and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize with her dark and witty novel that is practically impossible to pigeon-hole, A Visit from the Goon Squad.

Calling all chicken lovers – Alice Walker is probably best known for her sensational debut – The Color Purple – but chicken lovers in particular will love her down-to-earth memoir, The Chicken Chronicles.

More award news sees the release of the shortlist for the prestigious and, this year, controversial Arthur C. Clarke Science Fiction novel of the year. Our favourite is the breathtaking Embassytown from China Miéville. The winner is announced on 2 May 2012.

World Book Night, 23 April. As a book lover don’t miss the chance to get involved with the biggest book night of the year. Visit the World Book Night site to find an event near you and go along to get a FREE BOOK! And, if you happen to be in London or Somerset then why not come along to one of the two Lovereading events we’re hosting – click here for more details of those events.

Enjoy the rest of April and expect an email from us in early May with lots more reading treats.

P.S. – Don’t miss our Food and Drink section with its fresh and tasty selection of new titles. Two of the additions, both stunningly beautiful books, have a definite travel theme about them there’s one which takes you on a delicious journey around Asian food called Lemongrass and Ginger one which takes you on a journey Around the World in 80 Dishes.

P.P.S. – ‘Something about bookshops seems to attract weirdness and it helps to alleviate a dull day for the long suffering bookseller’. Find out some of the bizarre happenings collected together in our Non-Fiction Book of the Month, Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell – ALL book lovers are in for a treat!

P.P.P.S. Definitely the last one – don’t miss the film of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen which opens on 20 April.

Happy Reading.

admin :: Apr.19.2012 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 10 books

1		Secrets of the Tides Hannah Richell April 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month. A sensitive, convincing and beautifully written novel. Full of descriptive power, it defines the beginnings and consequences of a family tragedy – from love and guilt to the difference between choices and accidents. With … Download free opening extract
2		The Weird Sisters Eleanor Brown April 2012 Debut of the Month. A trenchantly observant novel about the often warring emotions between sisters that threaten to pull apart but sometimes even draw together familial ties.  It’s at once hilarious, thought-provoking and poignant, this sparkling and devourable debut … Download free opening extract
3		Signs of Life Anna Raverat April 2012 Debut of the Month. This edgy, seductive, tense and sinister debut, perfect for reading groups, will have you, like us, engrossed; but can you really trust the memory and recollections of the narrator Rachel? If you enjoyed Notes on … Download free opening extract
4		Amber Scott is Starting Over Ruth Saberton April 2012 Book of the Month. This funny, entertaining easy read is perfect escapism for any working girl with dreams of giving up city life and taking up ‘the good life’ in the country. Amber Scott’s fiancé gets a dream job … Download free opening extract
5		Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops Jen Campbell April 2012 Non-Fiction Book of the Month. Having been a bookseller, one of my weirdest moments was being asked for a pound of sausages. We tracked that down to the shop having been a butcher in a previous incarnation but really, … Download free opening extract
6		The Invisible Circus Jennifer Egan April 2012 Book of the Month. This is the stunning, emotional debut novel, first published in 1995, from the unclassifiable but excellent author Jennifer Egan. She gained fame after winning the Pulitzer Prize in 2011 for her spellbinding A Visit from … Download free opening extract
7		A Foreign Country Charles Cumming April 2012 Book of the Month. This is another first-rate crime novel, perfect for fans of John le Carre, from an author who is establishing himself as the pre-eminent writer of the modern spy thriller. The soon to be … Download free opening extract
8		Seasons of My Life Hannah Hauxwell April 2012 Non-Fiction Book of the Month. The classic and much-loved memoir by Hannah Hauxwell about life in remote Yorkshire in the 1970s. Seasons of My Life is an enduring and affectionate look at rural life in a world where everything … Download free opening extract
9		Think More, Eat Less: Use Your Mind to Change Your Body Janet Thomson A call to drop the never-ending cycle of diets and calorie counting and to try instead reprogramming how you think. This is a step-by-step guide to achieving physical and mental change by taking charge of your inner self to get … Download free opening extract
10		The Chill of Night James Hayman April 2012 Book of the Month. Hayman’s first novel, ‘The Cutting’, introduced us to detective Michael McCabe, recently moved to Portland, Maine, with his young daughter.  It was a good read but very much a first novel. Now Hayman hones his … Download free opening extract

admin :: Apr.16.2012 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Dystopia
the opposite of Utopia.

ORIGIN late 18th cent.: from dys-‘bad’ + Utopia. An imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.

Commonly extrapolating elements of current society dystopian fiction explores the darker side of possible worlds. In recent years a new crop of authors have emerged. Discover them and some of our favourites in this special category.

image copyright Dylan Glynn

H.G. Wells was the first popular dystopian writer with the Time Machine (1895) in which the future doesn’t bring continuous improvements in human kind, rather its demise to the baser darker side of our nature. Through Metamorphosis (1915) by Franz Kafka, Brave New World (1932) by Aldous Huxley Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) by George Orwell and on to The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) by Margaret Atwood dystopian fiction continues to probe the darker areas of the human condition.

Perhaps all the end of world prophecies have fueled the demand, never the less the contemporary dystopian offerings are proving popular reading – especially among a younger audience. One of the most popular, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins has been made into a movie taking over $500 Million at the box office.

Here are a selection of books you’ll find, we hope you enjoy them.

The Passage  Justin Cronin One of our Great Reads you may have missed in 2011. It’s the end of the world, but not as we know it. The rise of a zombie plague, and life in the aftermath, but a real cut above the usual… Format: Paperback – Released: 12/05/2011

The Road  Cormac Mccarthy January 2012 Guest Editor Simon Lelic selects The Road… Technically and philosophically, this is probably not McCarthy’s best book. His masterpiece, probably, is Blood Meridian – although I also love Child of God. And Outer Dark. And… Format: Paperback – Released: 01/06/2007

The Knife of Never Letting Go  Patrick Ness Shortlisted for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award. Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009. Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008 and Booktrust Teenage Prize 2008. The electrifying and unflinching young adult debut novel about the impossible choices of… Format: Paperback – Released: 14/10/2008

Legend  Marie Lu Los Angeles, California Republic of America. He is Day. The boy who walks in the light. She is June. The girl who seeks her brother’s killer. On the run and undercover, they meet by chance. Irresistably drawn together, neither knows… Format: Paperback – Released: 02/02/2012

Momentum  Saci Lloyd One of the 8 titles longlisted for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize 2011. Momentum is an action-packed thriller with a warm heart but a disturbing message of what can happen in a broken society. The setting is a disintegrating London in… Format: Paperback – Released: 02/06/2011

The Declaration  Gemma Malley A powerful, gripping and tense futuristic novel about a world which has gone mad, a world where life is forever except for the likes of Peter and Anna (who shouldn’t be there at all according to the declaration) who are… Format: Paperback – Released: 05/05/2008

admin :: Apr.13.2012 :: Special Features :: No Comments »