Lovereading.co.uk

Lovereading.co.uk 10

1		The Golden Pig Mark Penny, Jonathan Penny   This is one of those titles we love to discover on Lovereading and pass the word on about. A brilliantly funny detective novel from two new authors -The Penny Brothers. They have written each part … Download free opening extract
2		Crossed Wires Rosy Thornton When Peter phones his car insurance company to report an accident he gets put through to Mina and there starts a delightful, old fashioned love story. We follow their separate lives  which, although have vast differences also, have great parallels … Download free opening extract
3		Vision in White Nora Roberts The first of a new quartet from Nora Roberts (the Bride Quartet). Four female friends have formed a successful wedding planning business but, unfortunately, their own love lives do not run as smoothly as the wedding planning business. Nora Roberts … Download free opening extract
4		The Best of Times Penny Vincenzi A split second in time can change so many lives. A car crash sets the scene for the fantastic new Penny Vincenzi novel with fate changing the course of the lives of all those involved but is it for the … Download free opening extract
5		The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher Kate Summerscale    Winner of the Galaxy Book of the Year and Popular Non-Fiction awards 2009.   Reviewed on Richard & Judy’s Book Club 2009 on Wednesday 28 January.   Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 4 December 2008.   This reads like a first rate … Download free opening extract
6		Broken Daniel Clay   April 2009 Debut of the Month.   It is always difficult to write about a book you’ve so enjoyed without going over the top with superlatives, but this is a first novel that deserves all the praise you can think of.  Seen … Download free opening extract
7		A Simple Act of Violence R J Ellory    April 2009 Book of the Month.   This is a big book by an author with a big future.  He is one of my favourites and has now become one of the nation’s favourites too since his A Quiet Belief in Angels … Download free opening extract
8		The Last Child John Hart With the success of Down River expectation for John Hart’s new novel is high so take the opportunity to read the first chapter of The Last Child and you will not be disappointed. We are pleased to say he has … Download free opening extract
9		Child 44 Tom Rob Smith   Winner of the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger 2008.   Winner of the Galaxy New Writer of the Year 2009.   Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award 2008.Costa Book Awards 2008 Judges’ comment: “This gripping, unputdownable thriller is … Download free opening extract
10		The Opposite of Love Julie Buxbaum An intelligent piece of female fiction about what happens when you say no.  It’s a book that balances work against a relationship and gets it all horribly wrong.  Clever, astute, moving and at times funny, it is a very assured … Download free opening extract

KIDS SITE TOP 10

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		The Ask and the Answer Patrick Ness Tense, shocking and deeply moving, The Ask and the Answer is a terrifying novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. The sequel to the highly acclaimed and prize-winning The Knife of Never Letting Go, the author who is also … Download free opening extract
3		Gone Michael Grant Gripping from the first moment on, this is a scary, an unputdownable and a brilliantly plotted fantasy. One minute all the adults are there – next they’re gone! Only the children remain and they are trapped, cut off from the … Download free opening extract
4		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
5		The Stepsisters’ Story Kaye Umansky A romping comedy of catastrophes, this version of the Cinderella story comes straight from the mouths of the step sisters. They make no apology for their terrible behaviour as they greedily pursue their own ends while doing down their step … Download free opening extract
6		Fever Crumb Philip Reeve This is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of 2009 and here at Lovereading we’re lucky enough to have a chapter taster for you pre-publication.  So why not check it out now.     Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines quartet of a post-apocalyptic … Download free opening extract
7		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract
8		Beautiful Dead: Jonas Eden Maguire This is the first of a proposed series of 4 books in the increasingly popular area of paranormal romance.  Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series will love the intrigue, the excellent writing style, compelling characters coupled with a powerful mystery.  … Download free opening extract
9		The Knife of Never Letting Go Patrick Ness 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 growing up by award-winning fiction writer Patrick Ness. A word … Download free opening extract
10		Creature of the Night Kate Thompson Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009 and shortlisted for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award. From multi-award winning author Kate Thompson comes another absorbing read, blazing an enthralling path between the stark realities of modern-day society and the fantasy for … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Apr.27.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk 10

1		The Golden Pig Mark Penny, Jonathan Penny   This is one of those titles we love to discover on Lovereading and pass the word on about. A brilliantly funny detective novel from two new authors -The Penny Brothers. They have written each part …Download free opening extract
2		Vision in White Nora Roberts The first of a new quartet from Nora Roberts (the Bride Quartet). Four female friends have formed a successful wedding planning business but, unfortunately, their own love lives do not run as smoothly as the wedding planning business. Nora Roberts … Download free opening extract
3		A Simple Act of Violence R J Ellory    April 2009 Book of the Month. This is a big book by an author with a big future.  He is one of my favourites and has now become one of the nation’s favourites too since his A Quiet Belief in Angels … Download free opening extract
4		The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher Kate Summerscale   Winner of the Galaxy Book of the Year and Popular Non-Fiction awards 2009.   Reviewed on Richard & Judy’s Book Club 2009 on Wednesday 28 January. Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 4 December 2008.  This reads like a first rate … Download free opening extract
5		Broken Daniel Clay   April 2009 Debut of the Month.   It is always difficult to write about a book you’ve so enjoyed without going over the top with superlatives, but this is a first novel that deserves all the praise you can think of.  Seen … Download free opening extract
6		Crossed Wires Rosy Thornton When Peter phones his car insurance company to report an accident he gets put through to Mina and there starts a delightful, old fashioned love story. We follow their separate lives  which, although have vast differences also, have great parallels … Download free opening extract
7		The Best of Times Penny Vincenzi A split second in time can change so many lives. A car crash sets the scene for the fantastic new Penny Vincenzi novel with fate changing the course of the lives of all those involved but is it for the … Download free opening extract
8		Child 44 Tom Rob Smith  Winner of the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger 2008.   Winner of the Galaxy New Writer of the Year 2009.   Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award 2008.Costa Book Awards 2008 Judges’ comment: “This gripping, unputdownable thriller is … Download free opening extract
9		The Dare Rachael Treasure   April 2009 Book of the Month.   A major seller in her native Australia, this author has only recently been introduced over here.  This is her second book to be published in the UK.  They are tremendous reads.  Wild, brave girls live … Download free opening extract
10		The Last Child John Hart With the success of Down River expectation for John Hart’s new novel is high so take the opportunity to read the first chapter of The Last Child and you will not be disappointed. We are pleased to say he has … Download free opening extract

KIDS SITE TOP 10

1		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
2		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
3		Gone Michael Grant  STOP PRESS – Read the whole book here online now  (book is available free from 8 – 22 April) or just click the download extract button above to get a cliff-hanger taster from the first two chapters.   Gripping from the first … Download free opening extract
4		Beautiful Dead: Jonas Eden Maguire This is the first of a proposed series of 4 books in the increasingly popular area of paranormal romance.  Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series will love the intrigue, the excellent writing style, compelling characters coupled with a powerful mystery.  … Download free opening extract
5		Falling Sharon Dogar Falling is a dark and dangerous multi-layered love story between an Asian girl and a white boy, in which the past and present collide. It’s the gripping second teenage novel from Sharon Dogar, the critically acclaimed author of Waves.  Intensely … Download free opening extract
6		Girl Meets Cake Susie Day A darkly comic romance about love, friendship, lies and gingerbread men! Heidi’s mad online life collides hysterically with her real one in a laugh-out-loud, über-cool teen novel.  Georgia Nicolson fans will adore this hilarious headlong teen-blog. … Download free opening extract
7		Barefoot Book of Earth Tales Dawn Casey This stunning collection of stories from around the world, which celebrate the importance of the world we live in, is supported by inspiring hands-on activities to encourage all to protect and preserve our world as much as we are able. … Download free opening extract
8		Tumtum and Nutmeg: Pirates’ Treasure Emily Bearn The enchanting and delightful mice Tumtum and Nutmeg are back for a third adventure. This time the two home lovers are off on a camping trip but soon things begin to go very wrong as they get swept down the … Download free opening extract
9		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract
10		Ribblestrop Andrew Mulligan In this quirky and original debut there’s never a dull moment.  Even before the student’s turn up to the school, you can tell is no ordinary place. The building is semi-ruined (some dormitories don’t even have a roof ), the … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Apr.20.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Credit crunch woes continue to bother us all but, in the office, we took heart last week from a recent bit of news that shows people are reading more! We know you know that books are the best value entertainment on offer – but it’s good to be ahead of the crowd.

Read on for lots more Books of The Month, Debuts of the Month and reams of special features including 3 exclusive Pre-Publication Opening Extracts.

But first a new feature that lets you see which books other Lovereading members are looking at. It’s called our Top 10 and it updates every night with the ten most popular books on the site in the last week. Why not check it out on a regular basis to ensure you’re not missing some gems that other readers have discovered on the site?

Get your teenagers excited about reading

With the many diversions that teens have these days reading can fall by the wayside – and it’s such a shame as books and the stories in them can really help teenagers understand the world they are growing up in. So, about a year ago, we created a special category on Lovereading to make finding books for teens a doddle. It’s called ‘newgen’ and we won’t be surprised if you start reading more of this quality, sometimes provocative, edgy fiction. This month we have some books we think are spot on – hence the special mention. Find out more at ‘newgen’

Start reading books before they are published

Have you tried some of our exclusive free Pre Publication Opening Extracts? – This month we have 3 more to tempt you.

John Hart’s first novel Down River set him apart from your ‘run of the mill’ crime novelist and his second The Last Child does not disappoint with a suspenseful, gripping thriller.

Best of Times by bestselling author Penny Vincenzi is another finely crafted page-turner. After an horrendous motorway pile-up, the back stories of survivors unfold as they await help. Vincenzi masterfully shows how the consequences of one small action can change the fates of many lives.

Vision in White is the first of a new quartet from Nora Roberts. Four female friends have formed a successful wedding planning business but, unfortunately, their own love lives do not run as smoothly as the wedding planning business.

New Lovereading Category – Guest Editor

Don’t miss our new Guest Editor category. This month it features Sophie King and you can not only find out about her new books but also have a fascinating insight into the authors that have influenced her writing over the years.

Happy reading ….

Peter C :: Apr.17.2009 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 10

1		The Golden Pig Mark Penny, Jonathan Penny     This is one of those titles we love to discover on Lovereading and pass the word on about. A brilliantly funny detective novel from two new authors -The Penny Brothers. They have written each part …Download free opening extract
2		Crossed Wires Rosy Thornton When Peter phones his car insurance company to report an accident he gets put through to Mina and there starts a delightful, old fashioned love story. We follow their separate lives  which, although have vast differences also, have great parallels … Download free opening extract
3		Darwin’s Island Steve Jones      This is an absolutely riveting account of Darwin’s discoveries in the Garden of England. On the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth this is an excellent way of finding out … Download free opening extract
4		Broken Daniel Clay   April 2009 Debut of the Month.   It is always difficult to write about a book you’ve so enjoyed without going over the top with superlatives, but this is a first novel that deserves all the praise you can think of.  Seen … Download free opening extract
5		The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher Kate Summerscale      Winner of the Galaxy Book of the Year and Popular Non-Fiction awards 2009.   Reviewed on Richard & Judy’s Book Club 2009 on Wednesday 28 January.   Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 4 December 2008.   This reads like a first rate … Download free opening extract
6		A Simple Act of Violence R J Ellory   April 2009 Book of the Month.   This is a big book by an author with a big future.  He is one of my favourites and has now become one of the nation’s favourites too since his A Quiet Belief in Angels … Download free opening extract
7		The Dare Rachael Treasure      April 2009 Book of the Month.   A major seller in her native Australia, this author has only recently been introduced over here.  This is her second book to be published in the UK.  They are tremendous reads.  Wild, brave girls live … Download free opening extract
8		The Third Angel Alice Hoffman This is an utterly beautiful book about three women across the generations who make bad choices.  Over three different periods in three sections we follow their heartache.  All hangs around a corridor in a hotel in Knightsbridge that is reputed … Download free opening extract
9		The Sleepyhead’s Bedside Companion Sean Coughlan Everything you ever wanted to know about sleep or things to do with bedtime. Some fascinating facts and revelations. Just don’t get in to bed with this or you won’t want to go to sleep, …Download free opening extract
10		Child 44 Tom Rob Smith   February 2009 Book of the Month.   Winner of the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger 2008.   Winner of the Galaxy New Writer of the Year 2009.   Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award 2008.Costa Book Awards 2008 Judges’ comment: “This gripping, unputdownable thriller is … Download free opening extract

KIDS SITE TOP 10

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		Gone Michael GrantSTOP PRESS – Read the whole book here online now  (book is available free from 8 – 22 April) or just click the download extract button above to get a cliff-hanger taster from the first two chapters.     Gripping from the first … Download free opening extract
3		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
4		Tumtum and Nutmeg: Pirates’ Treasure Emily Bearn The enchanting and delightful mice Tumtum and Nutmeg are back for a third adventure. This time the two home lovers are off on a camping trip but soon things begin to go very wrong as they get swept down the … Download free opening extract
5		Barefoot Book of Earth Tales Dawn Casey This stunning collection of stories from around the world, which celebrate the importance of the world we live in, is supported by inspiring hands-on activities to encourage all to protect and preserve our world as much as we are able. … Download free opening extract
6		Girl Meets Cake Susie Day A darkly comic romance about love, friendship, lies and gingerbread men! Heidi’s mad online life collides hysterically with her real one in a laugh-out-loud, über-cool teen novel.  Georgia Nicolson fans will adore this hilarious headlong teen-blog. … Download free opening extract
7		Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones Derek Landy Prize winning Skulduggery Pleasant is back for a third thrilling adventure. Along with his side-kick Stephanie, Skulduggery, the skeleton detective, must stand up to the Faceless Ones in a typically dramatic, dangerous and funny new adventure. The world of Skulduggery … Download free opening extract
8		Beautiful Dead: Jonas Eden Maguire This is the first of a proposed series of 4 books in the increasingly popular area of paranormal romance.  Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series will love the intrigue, the excellent writing style, compelling characters coupled with a powerful mystery.  … Download free opening extract
9		The Well Between the Worlds Sam Llewellyn From the pen of a very talented author whose writing is of the highest quality comes a book that is full of magic and intrigue, myth and environmentalism in a land that was once green and pleasant but whose land … Download free opening extract
10		Daydream Dan Sarah Garson This is a debut picture book from an exciting new talent.  A delightful book that both parent and child will warm to as the plotline is something that both will relate to.  That dreaded ‘I’m not day dreaming’ as your child is quite … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Apr.14.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

If you like Catherine Alliott or Patricia Scanlan then you’ll love Sophie King’s novels – and she is our first Guest Editor!

In this new section you’ll find Sophie telling us about the books and authors that have influenced her on her writing journey, including Fay Weldon and Jilly Cooper to name but two. You can download free Opening Extracts of all of them, and discover Sophie’s own new books about chaotic family life, The Supper Club and The Wedding Party.

Peter C :: Apr.03.2009 :: General Book News :: No Comments »

Spring is sprung, life is starting to blossom and bloom, and it feels fantastic to be alive again. But it’s not only the birds in the trees who are tweeting! If you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow Lovereading.co.uk and receive up-to-the-minute Tweets about books we love.

Featured Author – Brian McGilloway

This month’s featured author is Brian McGilloway, whose deft unassuming style lets his readers get on with enjoying his incredible stories. His latest crime novel, Bleed a River Deep, is a deceptively simple tale following Devlin, a hero who might just go on to rival Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe.

April Books of the Month, all great reads:

The Dare – Rachael Treasure A tremendous read evoking the wide open spaces of her native Australia, and the tragedy and violence of life in male-dominated rural communities. Six Seconds – Ric Mofina A mother’s search for her abducted son, and a detective’s investigation into a reporter’s strange death, lead them together to uncover a terrible assassination plot… Bright Shiny Morning – James Frey A compulsive read from. Set in Los Angeles, this rollercoaster ride of a book follows a myriad of characters – rich, poor, damaged, ambitious and secretive. Simple Act of Violence – R J Ellory Ellory’s sixth novel is an awesome thriller; an intriguing account of a serial murder investigation in Washington DC.

Combine Literature and Travel with City-Lit Guides

The Paris City-Lit guide is the first in a fabulous series from Oxygen Books. These are a must for any armchair traveller, collecting some of the best literature ever written about European cities and transporting you there through the power of words. Take a look at our new City-Lit section where we’ve selected some of our favourites from the Paris guide.

New Lovereading Category – Guest Editor

If you like Catherine Alliott or Patricia Scanlan then you’ll love Sophie King’s novels – and she is our first Guest Editor! In this section you’ll find Sophie telling us about the books and authors that have influenced her on her writing journey, including Fay Weldon and Jilly Cooper to name but two. You can download free Opening Extracts of all of them, and discover Sophie’s own new books about chaotic family life, The Supper Club and The Wedding Party.

Want to read something fresher than a fresh Spring day?

Try one of our brand new Debuts of the Month, new books by new authors with very bright futures.

Broken – Daniel Clay A powerful, brutal tale about a young man who has a breakdown and locks himself away like a terrified animal after being beaten up by his neighbour.		The Sewerside Chronicles – Tim Lay A funny and sharp book about fashion, raves, politics, and people who refuse to conform to a society intent on ‘blanding them down’.

Shadow of the Wind – special Limited Edition

In anticipation of the new novel by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, The Angels Game, Orion have published a limited edition of his number one bestseller, The Shadow of the Wind. This very special edition features an extract from the forthcoming novel, out in June, so snap up a copy before they sell out and give yourself a literary treat.

So why not pick one or two of these newly bloomed beauties, and let your reading world be as full of colour and life as your garden? You can download free Opening Extracts of every book on Lovereading, and take advantage of our flat rate 25% discount to buy the book. Or check out our price comparison service to see whether you can buy cheaper by clicking through to one of our affiliates, including the likes of Waterstone’s and Amazon!

Peter C :: Apr.02.2009 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »