Lovereading.co.uk

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self What words of wisdom would you write to your sixteen year old self now, in your older wiser years? Here is a collection of letters from an array of personalities giving their younger selves advice and guidance for what lies … Download free opening extract
2		Kisses on a Postcard: A Tale of Wartime Childhood Terence Frisby This is an absolute joy to read. Terry and his brother Jack were evacuated during World War Two and sent off to an idyllic spot in Cornwall and taken in by a lovely couple.These are Terry’s remembrances of those days. … Download free opening extract
3		Jolly Wicked Actually: The Hundred Words That Make Us English Tony Thorne Another book on the English language but these are always so fascinating and interesting we can’t get enough of them! This one looks at the origins of words and phrases in English, how they help to make up our quirky … Download free opening extract
4		Wives V. Girlfriends Katie Agnew This will grip from the first, brilliant opening page. It’s not quite what you might be expecting and makes for a compelling page turner as you race through to find out what has happened and who it has happened to. … Download free opening extract
5		The Graveyard Book Neil Gaiman Winner of the prestigious Teenage Book of the Year Award 2009. Winner of Best Novel at the Hugo Awards 2009Winner of the 2009 prestigious Newbery Medal.Spooks galore in this brilliant and fantastic story of life in the graveyard. When Baby … Download free opening extract
6		Swallowing Darkness Laurell K Hamilton The seventh instalment in this fantastic series of erotica, from the author of the ‘Anita Blake’ novels.  We continue to follow the charismatic Merry through perils and adventures as she tries to become pregnant and attain the Unseelie throne.  At … Download free opening extract
7		Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger Another magical tale from Audrey Niffenegger that follows the story of twins who have been left the flat of a dead aunt they have never met. Niffenegger has produced another cast of fascinating characters and intriguing plotlines to draw the … Download free opening extract
8		Twilight – Twilight Saga Book 1 Stephenie Meyer Shortlisted for the 2009 Penguin Orange Readers’ Group Book of the Year. Deeply seductive and irresistibly compelling, this is an extraordinary love story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s the first in the Twilight series and is a … Download free opening extract
9		The Clouds Beneath the Sun Mackenzie Ford November 2009 Book of the Month. A mixture of love story and crime novel set against a beautifully evoked African backdrop. Mackenzie Ford is a talent to watch and this novel will keep you gripped from beginning to end. … Download free opening extract
10		Am I Alone in Thinking…? Unpublished Letters to the Editor Iain Hollingshead A perfect book for dipping in to and guaranteed to bring a smile to the face. This collection of letters to the Telegraph, that never made it in to the paper’s letters page are funny, observant and some are downright … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk TOP 10

1		FLIPS: Faraway Tree Stories (Nintendo DS) Enid Blyton The Enchanted Wood is one of Enid Blyton’s most memorable and truly imaginative stories, capturing a world where almost anything can happen if you just believe in the magic of nature and its creatures.  Three stories from the Enchanted Wood … Download free opening extract
2		1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up Julia Eccleshare & Quentin Blake Fall down the rabbit hole, take flight into Neverland, or follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City; we all remember what it was like to disappear into the imaginary worlds of the most magical and fantastic type of … Download free opening extract
3		FLIPS: Artemis Fowl (Nintendo DS) Eoin Colfer Eoin Colfer’s terrific series featuring the teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has been acclaimed as ‘Die Hard with fairies’!  Now that his father has disappeared Artemis must take charge and rebuild his family fortune. Full of lots of interactivity this … Download free opening extract
4		Grubtown Tales: Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky Philip Ardagh Winner of the 7 – 14 yr old category of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2009. You cannot fail to find the town of Grubtown and its inhabitants hysterically funny.  What goes on defies belief but if you’ve read books by … Download free opening extract
5		A Dinosaur Ate My Socks Eric Brown Space fantasy, dinosaurs and a trip back in time are the elements in this dramatic story about some homework that goes a bit wild. Millie and Mouse disagree about their homework on dinosaurs: Millie who loves them thinks it will … Download free opening extract
6		The Best of Times Michael Morpurgo Beautifully told and exquisitely illustrated, this is a gem of a book. Michael Morpurgo weaves a magical story about the unusual way a prince finds to make his princess happy and so to save her life. Emma Chichester Clark’s illustrations capture the subtle … Download free opening extract
7		The Tear Thief Carol Ann Duffy This is a warm, poignant and beautifully illustrated story set in a magical world where the tears of children arising from every emotion are of a different colour. An underlying thought-provoking message about emotions lies at its heart. The multi-coloured … Download free opening extract
8		A Perfect Ten Chris Higgins Winner of the Young Minds Book Prize 2009. Chris Higgins’ writing rivals the likes of Cathy Cassidy and Jacqueline Wilson.  She’s an author truly in tune with the teen psyche.  This is her fourth novel and she gets better and better with each … Download free opening extract
9		The Graveyard Book (illustrated by Chris Riddell) Neil Gaiman Winner of the prestigious Teenage Book of the Year Award 2009. Winner of Best Novel at the Hugo Awards 2009. 2009 winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Spooks galore in this brilliant and fantastic story of life in the graveyard. When Baby … Download free opening extract
10		FLIPS: Cathy Cassidy (Nintendo DS) Cathy Cassidy Friends and relationships are the hallmarks of Cathy’s stories as she portrays her characters and their friendships particularly well.  The plot lines are easy to get into and there’s often a subliminal message too within the story. They’re cracking, fast-paced … Download free opening extract

butchik :: Nov.30.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Belle de Jour is, or more correctly was, the nom de plume of a London call girl however after much press speculation, the author has finally revealed her true identity. Dr Brooke Magnanti, a 34-year-old research scientist decided that the time was now right to reveal all.

The Sky Book Show, with Mariella Frostrup, has managed to bag an exclusive interview with her – and if you didn’t get to see it  just click below to see the full revealing interview…..

Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 26 November 2009.

Peter C :: Nov.26.2009 :: General Book News :: 1 Comment »

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self What words of wisdom would you write to your sixteen year old self now, in your older wiser years? Here is a collection of letters from an array of personalities giving their younger selves advice and guidance for what lies … Download free opening extract
2		Kisses on a Postcard: A Tale of Wartime Childhood Terence Frisby This is an absolute joy to read. Terry and his brother Jack were evacuated during World War Two and sent off to an idyllic spot in Cornwall and taken in by a lovely couple.These are Terry’s remembrances of those days. … Download free opening extract
3		Thanks for Nothing Jack Dee Well if you ever wondered where the dry, grumpy, sarcastic attitude came from then read this book as all is revealed. Jack Dee has written an incredibly funny autobiography with an abundance of eye-watering anecdotes and stories of the jobs … Download free opening extract
4		Wives V. Girlfriends Katie Agnew This will grip from the first, brilliant opening page. It’s not quite what you might be expecting and makes for a compelling page turner as you race through to find out what has happened and who it has happened to. … Download free opening extract
5		Jolly Wicked Actually: The Hundred Words That Make Us English Tony Thorne Another book on the English language but these are always so fascinating and interesting we can’t get enough of them! This one looks at the origins of words and phrases in English, how they help to make up our quirky … Download free opening extract
6		The Dangerous Book for Middle-Aged Men: The Manual for Managing Mid-Life Crisis David Quantick You won’t be surprised to hear this is the author who brought us the Grumpy Old Men series. A humorous look at men of a certain age, we wonder if you’ll recognise your husband, father, self in these pages? … Download free opening extract
7		Swallowing Darkness Laurell K Hamilton The seventh instalment in this fantastic series of erotica, from the author of the ‘Anita Blake’ novels.  We continue to follow the charismatic Merry through perils and adventures as she tries to become pregnant and attain the Unseelie throne.  At … Download free opening extract
8		Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger Another magical tale from Audrey Niffenegger that follows the story of twins who have been left the flat of a dead aunt they have never met. Niffenegger has produced another cast of fascinating characters and intriguing plotlines to draw the … Download free opening extract
9		The Clouds Beneath the Sun Mackenzie Ford November 2009 Book of the Month. A mixture of love story and crime novel set against a beautifully evoked African backdrop. Mackenzie Ford is a talent to watch and this novel will keep you gripped from beginning to end. … Download free opening extract
10		Twilight – Twilight Saga Book 1 Stephenie Meyer Shortlisted for the 2009 Penguin Orange Readers’ Group Book of the Year. Deeply seductive and irresistibly compelling, this is an extraordinary love story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s the first in the Twilight series and is a … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Nov.23.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

A golden anniversary deserves a golden book – and that’s exactly what the Romantic Novelists’ Association has produced to honour 50 years of romantic fiction.

With a beautiful gold cover and equally golden words inside, Loves Me, Loves Me Not, is a collection of more than 40 short stories written by RNA members. Published by MIRA books, it’s the first event in a year of celebrations to mark the RNA’s 50th anniversary in 2010.

At a glittering party at the Cavalry and Guards Club, the Association thanked those members who had donated their time and their talent to the project.

Award-winning author and RNA Chair Katie Fforde was one of two RNA editors who worked on the book, which includes contributions from a host of best-selling writers, such as Joanna Trollope, Adele Parks, Carole Matthews, Jill Mansell and Judy Astley.

RNA authors at 50th anniversary party

‘It’s a real privilege and honour to have my name on the front of such a magnificent representation of the RNA’s talent,’ said Katie. ‘It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our 50th.’

Katie’s fellow editor was Sue Moorcroft, who found herself volunteering for the job before she’d contemplated what would be involved. ‘But it’s been a huge pleasure to work with so many talented writers and with the lovely people at Mira Books,’ said Sue. ‘I’m proud of the result.’

The RNA was formed in 1960 to enhance and promote the various types of romantic fiction and to encourage good writing. The original membership was 115 – led by popular and respected authors of the time, including Denise Robbins, Alex Stewart and Barbara Cartland. The RNA now represents 700 writers, both men and woman, as well as agents, editors and associates. In the past 50 years, members of the RNA have sold hundreds of millions of novels, had their work adapted for film and TV, and translated into many languages.

Throughout the 50th Anniversary year, the organisation will host a series of events – including the glittering Romantic Novel of the Year Award Ceremony, a major conference at University of Greenwich, and a second publication which takes a look through the RNA’s archive, from the bejewelled first awards dinner to up-to-the-minute ideas from today’s best sellers.

Peter C :: Nov.20.2009 :: General Book News :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk 10

1		Wives V. Girlfriends Katie Agnew This will grip from the first, brilliant opening page. It’s not quite what you might be expecting and makes for a compelling page turner as you race through to find out what has happened and who it has happened to. … Download free opening extract
2		The Clouds Beneath the Sun Mackenzie Ford November 2009 Book of the Month. A mixture of love story and crime novel set against a beautifully evoked African backdrop. Mackenzie Ford is a talent to watch and this novel will keep you gripped from beginning to end. … Download free opening extract
3		Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger Another magical tale from Audrey Niffenegger that follows the story of twins who have been left the flat of a dead aunt they have never met. Niffenegger has produced another cast of fascinating characters and intriguing plotlines to draw the … Download free opening extract
4		Breakneck Erica Spindler November 2009 Book of the Month. A very human crime novel which concentrates on the detective and her family as much as on the crime she’s solving.  It involves computer hacking and theft and sadly I guessed the culprit some five … Download free opening extract
5		The Day of the Jack Russell Bateman November 2009 Book of the Month. Since his first novel, Divorcing Jack, Bateman has delighted his readers with his quirky, dark and comical crime novels. The protagonist usually finds himself caught up in crazy situations through some unfortunate mishap and in … Download free opening extract
6		Luxury Jessica Ruston October 2009 Debut of the Month. If you want a blockbuster novel with plenty of sex, scandal, opulence and characters to love and hate then look no further than this marvellous debut novel from Jessica Ruston. She has hit the nail … Download free opening extract
7		Target Simon Kernick November 2009 Book of the Month. One of the best London-based, gritty crime novelists around who shot to fame with Relentless which was a Richard and Judy pick.  Well, there are lots before that and lots after it, all as good … Download free opening extract
8		Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2009. The subject of Henry VIII will always provide a rich source of historical, political and scandalous fodder and here Hilary Mantel concentrates on one of the most interesting times in his reign – the … Download free opening extract
9		A Mile of River Judith Allnatt A story of farming folk in the 1970s fighting for their living.  A brute of a father dominates his eight-year old son and treats his 17-year old daughter like a skivvy.  The mother walked out seven years earlier.  How, why … Download free opening extract
10		The Book of Tomorrow Cecelia Ahern We have come to expect a magical aspect to Cecelia Ahern’s novels and The Book of Tomorrow is no different. Tamara Goodwin finds herself staying with her aunt and uncle after the death of her father but all is not … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Nov.16.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

This November HarperCollins and Skype have created an innovative world first event – ‘Cecelia Ahern’s Virtual World Tour’ to promote the publication of her latest novels, The Book of Tomorrow and The Gift across the globe. Cecelia, one of the UK’s best selling authors who wrote PS: I Love You which was made into a highly successful Hollywood movie will join events around the world via Skype video.

Unable to embark on her regular worldwide promotional tours this year due the arrival of her first baby this autumn, HarperCollins and Skype are bringing Cecelia together with her fans through real-time Skype video. Cecelia will join events live from her home in Dublin and will appear on screens at selected retailers in central city locations. Events will range from celebrity-hosted evenings to invite-only retailer events. Fans will be able to speak to Cecelia and buy pre-signed copies of her new books. The tour kicks off with an event at the new Liverpool Waterstones store on Friday 13th November with further events scheduled in Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Sydney and Singapore.

CLICK HERE if you would like to book a ticket to attend the Liverpool event that takes place this Friday 13th November at 6pm.

To celebrate the first date we are running a special offer for Love Reading members only, when you book your tickets quote ‘lovereading’ and you will be able to pick up a FREE signed copy of The Gift* on the night. Also as if that wasn’t enough every ticketholder will be put in a draw to receive £100 Waterstones voucher which could come in very handy just before Christmas.

To book tickets CLICK HERE

For further information on all other dates visit www.cecelia-ahern.com/skype

Peter C :: Nov.10.2009 :: General Book News :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		Wives V. Girlfriends Katie Agnew This will grip from the first, brilliant opening page. It’s not quite what you might be expecting and makes for a compelling page turner as you race through to find out what has happened and who it has happened to. … Download free opening extract
2		The Clouds Beneath the Sun Mackenzie Ford November 2009 Book of the Month. A mixture of love story and crime novel set against a beautifully evoked African backdrop. Mackenzie Ford is a talent to watch and this novel will keep you gripped from beginning to end. … Download free opening extract
3		The Secret to Teen Power Paul Harrington November 2009 Book of the Month. ‘The Secret’ is an international phenomenon that has inspired millions of people to live extraordinary lives. The Secret to Teen Power makes that material accessible and relevant for today’s over programmed, stressed-out teens in this … Download free opening extract
4		Luxury Jessica Ruston October 2009 Debut of the Month. If you want a blockbuster novel with plenty of sex, scandal, opulence and characters to love and hate then look no further than this marvellous debut novel from Jessica Ruston. She has hit the nail … Download free opening extract
5		The Day of the Jack Russell Bateman November 2009 Book of the Month. Since his first novel, Divorcing Jack, Bateman has delighted his readers with his quirky, dark and comical crime novels. The protagonist usually finds himself caught up in crazy situations through some unfortunate mishap and in … Download free opening extract
6		Mma Ramotswe’s Cookbook Stuart Brown Sumptuous and delicious recipes from the books of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Stews, cakes, spices and traditions from Botswana make this a delicious cookbook which has been illustrated with tantalising photos. Yum! … Download free opening extract
7		Target Simon Kernick November 2009 Book of the Month. One of the best London-based, gritty crime novelists around who shot to fame with Relentless which was a Richard and Judy pick.  Well, there are lots before that and lots after it, all as good … Download free opening extract
8		The Book of Tomorrow Cecelia Ahern We have come to expect a magical aspect to Cecelia Ahern’s novels and The Book of Tomorrow is no different. Tamara Goodwin finds herself staying with her aunt and uncle after the death of her father but all is not … Download free opening extract
9		Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2009. The subject of Henry VIII will always provide a rich source of historical, political and scandalous fodder and here Hilary Mantel concentrates on one of the most interesting times in his reign – the … Download free opening extract
10		The Third Angel Alice Hoffman She is one of my favourite authors with a large back catalogue that fluctuates between tales with a magical or fey slant and stories of American life.  This is the first one she has set in London.  It centres around … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Nov.09.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk  Top 10

1		Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2009. The subject of Henry VIII will always provide a rich source of historical, political and scandalous fodder and here Hilary Mantel concentrates on one of the most interesting times in his reign – the … Download free opening extract
2		Luxury Jessica Ruston If you want a blockbuster novel with plenty of sex, scandal, opulence and characters to love and hate then look no further than this marvellous debut novel from Jessica Ruston. She has hit the nail … Download free opening extract
3		The Book of Tomorrow Cecelia Ahern We have come to expect a magical aspect to Cecelia Ahern’s novels and The Book of Tomorrow is no different. Tamara Goodwin finds herself staying with her aunt and uncle after the death of her father but all is not … Download free opening extract
4		Shiver Maggie Stiefvater Julia Eccleshare’s view… A touching and chilling love story with a difference, set in a small town that is haunted and terrified after a boy is killed by a pack of wolves. But Grace is drawn to the … Download free opening extract
5		The Winter Ghosts Kate Mosse This is quite different from Mosse’s previous books Labyrinth and Sepulchre. It started out as a short story for the 2009 Quick Reads but the author felt she wanted to expand it and the result is a beautiful and haunting … Download free opening extract
6		Dead Until Dark: A True Blood Novel Charlaine Harris This is the first in a delightful new supernatural series. Sookie Stackhouse is a fantastic heroine who finds herself caught up in a world of vampires and werewolves where luckily for her her telepathic skills make her more use alive … Download free opening extract
7		Her Fearful Symmetry – Large Print Edition Audrey Niffenegger Another magical tale from Audrey Niffenegger that follows the story of twins who have been left the flat of a dead aunt they have never met. Niffenegger has produced another cast of fascinating characters and intriguing plotlines to draw the … Download free opening extract
8		The Gates John Connolly John Connolly is a mega-bestselling author of thrillers but recently his mind and his imagination wandered into an altogether different dimension and The Gates is the result.  A very strange novel but powerfully compelling and … Download free opening extract
9		As Darkness Falls Bronwyn Parry A debut crime novel that we think will be the beginning of a great new series. A police procedural with a good dollop of romance too, it’s definitely a page turner. We couldn’t put it … Download free opening extract
10		Upside Down Georgina Carr There can be few braver people than the author of this book, who decided one day to quit her job, sell her house and then fly alone to the other side of the world, to … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Nov.02.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »