Sofia Khan might not be doing things the way people think she should, but she's doing it her way. She's divorced again, living with her mum and stepfather and trying to climb over the many hurdles to adopt her foster daughter Millie.
She's trying to do her best, but when the past starts to creep into the present, she has a choice that could either leave her heart broken, or fill it with more love than she ever knew possible.
Based on Maliks beloved character, this is a beautiful story with authentic truths about motherhood and family, along with the expectations we find along with them. Each character was genuine and loveable, and I was left smiling after reading this shining story about love and acceptance.
Three years ago, Helens sister came for a short visit … and still hasn't left. Helen is just trying to enjoy a quiet, peaceful retirement without any unwanted drama.
But when she sees a man struggling alone in the sea, she realises something very wrong is happening right at the end of her garden ... and despite her wish for peace, she just can't leave it alone.
One of the shortest this year, The Swimmer still manages to create an oddly captivating mystery in so few pages - complete with a vivid scene so descriptive you can smell the sea and feel the wind, and easily rounded characters full of personality.
"How does a government steal a child and imprison him? How does it keep it a secret? This story is how. This story is true."
A strikingly authentic true story of one of the many invisible children trying to grow up in a care system that was created to protect them, but instead creates barriers and cruelty in a cycle of abuse and failure that is hidden in plain sight. This abridged memoir is told though Lemns own thoughts and recollections, punctuated with snippets from his own care records that capture in undeniable clarity the racism, neglect and prejudice that plagued the care systems and still do. This story was, despite its painful content, so easy to read due to Lemns personal and conversational writing style.
May, 1706. Ana lives with her family in a small Spanish town in the shadow of the Black Mountain, a dormant volcano, that towers sleepily above them. The town had always felt safe until that day - the day Ana felt something in her bones, in the earth around her and knew the mountain was getting ready to wake up. But can she make anyone believe her? And even if they do, what can she even do?
Evocative, descriptive and richly atmospheric - Mosse knows how to set an unforgettable scene even in a short story. The main story is full of wonder and awe, and the individual conflicts between characters still managed to be fleshed out. Mosse still manages to retain her usual unique style in so few pages.
Robert has a charmed life- a stunning wife, three loving sons, a successful business and a big house in London full of happy days and cosy nights. But his family isn't complete - eighteen years ago, a brief and meaningless romance resulted in a beautiful daughter who he's never known - Madison. Madison always knew her stepdad wasn't her real father, but she finally knows the name of him and reaches out - but to really know him, Robert must finally own up to the mistakes of his past and embrace real change.
A beautiful story about love and family, and how different this looks for everyone. So easy to fly through, it was truly heartwarming watching Madison grow relationships with her new and old family, and possibly even find a different kind of love. One of the storylines I found quite uncomfortable and awkward, but I'm happy the story still had room for changing and progressing - this is definitely one to take to the beach.
Edie, her husband Jake and best friend Ryan have been inseparable since childhood - their friendship was a bond like no other, they thought it was unbreakable. Until Jake is brutally murdered, and Ryan is accused of the murder leaving Edie lost and alone in the house once full of life. But someone from the past has been waiting out of sight for their lives to fall apart - so they can finally have their turn.
As you'd expect from Hawkins, this was a tense, twisty, stomach-punch of a story. Creating an eerie atmosphere and rich backstory with so few words, and still leaving me mystified and waiting for the truth. A chilling read from a master of misdirection.
Cornell knows that you don't disrespect the Sinclairs, not if you want to stay safe. So when Ryan Sinclair asks him to help teach a boy who flirted with his girlfriend a lesson, he knows he can't say no. But then the unthinkable happens, and now he has a choice between doing the right thing, or protecting the people loves.
A short, startlingly timely story that is gripping and full of brutal honesty and emotion. Delving into the terror of street violence and power, and figuring out how love and family fit into the world.
Washington Poe has seen the posters about the Pale Man, the bloody contract killer all over London. But it wasn't exactly part of the plan to be hung up from a hook in a gangs packing plant, waiting for him to turn up. To an outsider, it might look like there's no way out for Poe, but he knows a few things the Pale Man and this gang don't - and he isn't going to make this easy.
Drawing from the already popular Washington Poe series, this gritty thriller about a rogue detective is full of vivid horror and gore, getting into the depths of depravity in the criminal underworld. Wickedly clever and fast paced, this electrifying story will make you look over your shoulder.
1 in 6 adults struggle with reading and 1 in 3 adults do not feel able to read recreationally. The Quick Reads programme is organised by the Reading Agency and works with over 30 publishers to put out new titles every year - they've published 135 since 2006 and are still going. Every book is in accessible font, in a range of genres to suit everyone and affordable - and every time you buy one they give another one away for free. They offer free reading material to libraries, prisons, hospitals, colleges and anywhere they feel reading has been made difficult to access.
Please note: I am not sponsored or affiliated with the Reading Agency or the Quick Reads Project.
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