{"title":"Season's Readings","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePour yourself a glass of something lovely and settle in for a little festive escapism. From Christmas mysteries with a murderous twist to cosy romances guaranteed to warm even the coldest winter evenings, we’ve handpicked a selection of seasonal reads best enjoyed by the fire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"death-on-holly-island","title":"Death on Holly Island","description":"A crime festival on a remote Scottish island. A crumbling Victorian hotel.   Eight authors . . . and a ruthless killer.   'Great fun... packed with Flic's wintry wit, twisty word-play and feuding authors trapped on a freezing island with a psychopath. If Traitors were rewritten by Richard Osman, Simon Brett and Agatha Christie they might have come up with this.' Amanda CraigWelcome to Holly Island, where the annual Christmas crime-writing festival is about to begin.   Eight writers are already in residence at the island’s solitary hotel. But before the audience can arrive by boat, the island is cut off by blizzards – and a famous author is found murdered.   With the killer still among them, podcaster Jenna is forced to turn detective. Can she track down the murderer before it’s too late – or will she become the next chapter in this deadly tale?_____________________PRAISE FOR F. L. EVERETT . . .   ‘With echoes of the golden age of crime fiction … very entertainingly done’ The Times‘Brilliant …A perfect contemporary whodunnit.' Ian Moore, bestselling author of Death and Croissants'Brilliantly festive and utterly gripping . . . A whodunnit that’s perfect for armchair detectives.' Yours Magazine'This yule-fuelled mystery is the perfect read with a glass of mulled wine in front of a roaring fire.' Candis Magazine'Agatha Christie for a new generation' The Herald'Murder in a snowed-in country hotel - and a killer with a grudge against the season of goodwill. What could be better?' Faith Martin, bestselling author of The Last Word is Death'A festive mystery to read by the fire with a glass of mulled wine... brilliantly inventive... will keep you turning the pages well into the night. Loved it.' Catherine Cooper, bestselling author of The Chalet‘A contemporary locked in whodunnit that pairs well with mulled wine and candlelight.' Woman \u0026amp; Home'I loved it... a perfect festive read.' Andreina Cordani, author of Murder at the Christmas Emporium'The perfect whodunnit.' Scottish Field‘Gripping and atmospheric . . . A killer Christmas read.' Psychologies","brand":"Cornerstone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61124706566478,"sku":"9781804959541","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781804959541.jpg?v=1791468143"},{"product_id":"the-gift","title":"The Gift","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA gripping, Christmas-themed thriller short story from #1 \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author Freida McFadden, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Housemaid\u003c\/i\u003e!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat would you sacrifice for the perfect gift?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite working two jobs, she can’t even afford a present for her husband on their first Christmas together. It was supposed to be a magical holiday, but instead it’s a reminder of how much she can’t provide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThen a mysterious pawn shop owner offers Stella an intriguing trade. She wants more than anything to buy her husband the perfect gift. But there’s a catch, and it may come at a terrible price…\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInspired by O. Henry’s beloved classic \u003ci\u003eThe Gift of the Magi\u003c\/i\u003e, #1 \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers the perfect stocking filler—a chilling holiday short story where love, desperation, and deadly consequences collide.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso by Freida McFadden:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Witch\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBrain Damage\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Housemaid\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Divorce\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eDear Debbie\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Tenant\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sourcebooks, Inc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61566454038862,"sku":"9781628863925","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781628863925.jpg?v=1793956881"},{"product_id":"the-advent-of-death","title":"The Advent of Death","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe new clever Christmas crime mystery from the ‘Queen of Christmas Crime’ Alexandra Benedict. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649068982606,"sku":"9781398532250","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781398532250.jpg?v=1794499219"},{"product_id":"the-little-shop-of-merry-and-bright","title":"The Little Shop of Merry and Bright","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA contemporary spin on \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eA Christmas Carol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e by the \"Christmas book queen\" (\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePEOPLE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e) Jenny Bayliss.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThree years ago, Casey declined her then-boyfriend’s marriage proposal . . . and it went viral. After years of dealing with the backlash online, Casey now leads a quiet life, working as a stock replenisher for a family-owned department store. No risk of public humiliation, no stress, no possibility of a boyfriend.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUntil she meets the Spirit of Christmas Present, Margo, who has chosen to sit this holiday out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMargo offers Casey a bargain: She will use her powers to erase the video that made Casey notorious. There’s just one catch. Casey must witness five of her alternate realities, and if after all five she still wants it wiped, Margo will grant her wish. While glimpses into other Caseys are fun and interesting, the question remains: What if everything Casey wants is waiting for her in the life she already has?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649069015374,"sku":"9781405991544","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781405991544.jpg?v=1794499219"},{"product_id":"they-know-if-youve-been-bad-or-good","title":"They Know If You've Been Bad or Good","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis limited deluxe edition paperback will feature festive stenciled edges and glow-in-the-dark cover effects – available on the first printing only, so pre-order now!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere’s no escaping the holiday spirit in this dark, forced-proximity, why choose, Christmas stalker romance, the sequel to Alta Hensley’s \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling \u003ci\u003eHe Knows When You’re Awake\u003c\/i\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eStalkin’ around the Christmas tree…\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHailey Parker thought she had outrun her past. As the assistant to a successful jewelry designer, she’s started a new life in New York City, and may even have a new boyfriend to cozy up with this holiday. Her boss’s security guard, Knox, is a man of few words, but his obvious obsession calls to the darkest parts of Hailey’s imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThen, her ex-boyfriend—and ex-partner-in-crime—shows up outside Hailey’s Brooklyn apartment. Liam explains that their past has caught up with them: the mobster they robbed five years ago has tracked them down. If they hope to escape with their lives, they must return to the remote Canadian wilderness where Hailey hid the priceless stolen diamond.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut a very different fate is awaiting them in the frigid landscape. Someone else entirely is pulling the strings, an unhinged billionaire who has a dark fascination with Hailey and Liam—and with the protective, ex-military boyfriend who has tracked Hailey all the way to the Northwest Territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImprisoned together in a luxurious cabin and with a lethal ticking time bomb, Hailey, Liam, and Knox have no choice but to work together to outwit their captor. As a winter storm approaches—and simmering tensions between them reach a breaking point—escape starts to seem impossible…but what if everything they need is right there in the cabin?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTropes:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristmas romance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy choose\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilitary romance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStalking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne last job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForced proximity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eM\/M\/F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecond chance romance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one bed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins Publishers Inc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649069080910,"sku":"9780063569621","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9780063569621.jpg?v=1794499220"},{"product_id":"the-murders-of-christmas-past","title":"The Murders of Christmas Past","description":"\u0026lt;p\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;The brand-new festive murder mystery for beloved miser Ebenezer Scrooge to solve, featuring fan-favourite characters Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit, set in Victorian London.\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;Ebenezer Scrooge, reformed miser and businessman, has a difficult relationship with Christmas. First, three spirits warned him to change his ways, then he was haunted by a murdered woman. This year, he cannot escape the spectre of a burned man, a silent, malevolent creature with a violent past.\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;Then when one of his old business rivals is murdered, Scrooge discovers that a killer is targeting Christmas-hating misers. Soon the whole of London is looking for the mysterious Jack Holly, and Scrooge has an unlikely prime suspect: the Spirit of Christmas Present himself.\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;With the resourceful Tiny Tim and the incomparable Widow Tassell by his side, Scrooge's investigation will lead to the darkest parts of the city as he is forced to reckon with his own sins of Christmas past.\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;u\u0026gt;PRAISE FOR THE EBENEZER SCROOGE MYSTERIES:\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/u\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;'A completely compelling Christmas read' JONATHAN WHITELAW\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;'A wonderfully atmospheric tale to savour by the fire this festive season' \u0026lt;i\u0026gt;MY WEEKLY\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/i\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;'Fun twist on the story of everyone's favourite reformed miser' \u0026lt;i\u0026gt;YOURS \u0026lt;\/i\u0026gt;MAGAZINE\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;'Entertaining . . . a compelling Christmas read to curl up by the fire with' \u0026lt;i\u0026gt;GOOD HOUSEKEEPING\u0026lt;\/i\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/p\u0026gt;","brand":"Bonnier Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649072259406,"sku":"9781785126369","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781785126369.jpg?v=1794499221"},{"product_id":"merry-spooky-love","title":"Merry Spooky Love","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrom the bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eOne Day in December \u003c\/i\u003ecomes the third novel in an irresistibly romantic series, full of supernatural charm.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e--------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMelody Bittersweet’s Christmases are more haunted than holly jolly, and this year may be her most complicated yet.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen the death of its owner leaves beloved department store Libertines facing closure, Melody – who inconveniently sees ghosts – is called in to help save it. Teaming up with the heir determined to protect her family’s legacy and one very persistent ghost, Melody throws herself into the case.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut the job also reunites her with Fletcher Gunn: her sceptical, infuriating, still-very-tempting ex. Fletcher doesn’t believe in ghosts, but as sparks fly once again, Melody must untangle family secrets, restless spirits, and the feelings she thought she’d buried long ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCan she save Libertines before Christmas \u003c\/b\u003e–\u003cb\u003e and risk her heart one more time?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cornerstone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649072554318,"sku":"9781911746188","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781911746188.jpg?v=1794499221"},{"product_id":"the-christmas-cracker-killer","title":"The Christmas Cracker Killer","description":"\u003cb\u003eJanice Hallett meets Agatha Christie in this deliciously dark and puzzle-packed festive murder mystery, perfect for fans of clever crime fiction.\u003c\/b\u003e","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649074159950,"sku":"9781398532243","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781398532243.jpg?v=1794499221"},{"product_id":"the-body-in-the-bath","title":"The Body in the Bath","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePRE-ORDER THE NEXT GRIPPING MYSTERY FROM 'NEXT-GEN NORDIC STAR' (LA TIMES) AND SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, RAGNAR JONASSON\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'ONE OF THE FINEST CRIME WRITERS IN THE WORLD TODAY' DAILY MAIL\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Jónasson is an automatic must-read for me . . . possibly the best Scandi writer working today’ \u003cb\u003eLEE CHILD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘A master of the Icelandic thriller’ \u003cb\u003eNEW YORK POST\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs snow blankets Reykjavík and Christmas approaches, young detective Helgi is looking forward to a quiet holiday - until those plans are torn away in a flash.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne month after his girlfriend Aníta is killed in a car accident, he returns to work, haunted by loss and rage. The driver - Helgi's ex-girlfriend Bergþóra, a violent alcoholic whose abuse he kept secret - insists Aníta's death was an accident and walks free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo escape his mounting despair, Helgi throws himself into the unsolved disappearance of his predecessor, Hulda, a retired officer long presumed dead. But as he follows the traces she left behind, the lines between her past and his present begin to blur . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen Bergþóra is later found lifeless in her bath, suspicion falls squarely on Helgi. With his own colleagues turning against him, can he uncover the truth and clear his name before his time runs out?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649075077454,"sku":"9780241786383","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9780241786383.jpg?v=1794499222"},{"product_id":"the-christmas-cookie-bookshop","title":"The Christmas Cookie Bookshop","description":"‘A perfect festive romance!’ Heidi Swain","brand":"HarperCollins Publishers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649075175758,"sku":"9780008828288","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9780008828288.jpg?v=1794499223"},{"product_id":"the-christmas-magpie","title":"The Christmas Magpie","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA chilling standalone winter thriller, set in the world of the million-copy bestselling \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Magpies \u003c\/i\u003e- pre-order the paperback now as the perfect Christmas gift, or a deliciously dark treat for the holidays.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Dark, twisted, chilling and utterly unputdownable' CLAIRE DOUGLAS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect - lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirst, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThen they are sure someone is watching them...\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eREADER REVIEWS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Mark Edwards is a joy to read. I flew through this book and couldn't put it down.' ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'If you want a quick, cosy mystery, then this is the book for you.' ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Fast paced with lots of twists and turns, eeriness thrown into the mix - what a great thriller this is.' ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'This is a five star read along with all his others!' ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I absolutely loved this!' ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I absolutely loved this book \u0026amp; would highly recommend.' ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'This was such a great, fun but creepy, festive read. Perfect for curling up with on a cold December evening!' **** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'If you’re after a quick, gripping read with a festive backdrop and a clever, chilling twist, I’d highly recommend this one.' ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A chilling but festive treat and a must-read for all Mark Edwards fans.' ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003ci\u003eThe Christmas Magpies\u003c\/i\u003e will make an excellent stocking filler!'  ***** READER REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003ePRAISE FOR MARK EDWARDS\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I loved this brilliant, edgy, character driven thriller with a passion.' LISA JEWELL\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A fast-paced thriller, full of twists upon twists and tension you could cut with a knife. Hugely enjoyable.' ALEX MICHAELIDES\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Gripped doesn't even come close!' MARIAN KEYES  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I kept wanting to tear my eyes away but had to keep reading' IAN RANKIN\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Twisting and terrifying, the kind of haunting, pacy, spine-chiller that Mark Edwards is the absolute master of.' CHRIS WHITAKER  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I was hooked by this clever, fast paced and addictive thriller... I loved it' CLAIRE DOUGLAS\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Fast-paced and twisted: it’s another Mark Edwards sensation' CLARE MACKINTOSH\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649076748622,"sku":"9781405983013","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781405983013.jpg?v=1794499223"},{"product_id":"the-winter-guest-1","title":"The Winter Guest","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe brand-new, escapist novel to curl up with this winter about love, scandal and family secrets, from the \u003c\/i\u003eSunday Times\u003ci\u003e bestselling author - perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Santa Montefiore!\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Swan is sublime!'\u003c\/b\u003e Veronica Henry, \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestseller of \u003ci\u003eThe Invitation\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eOne of our most talented writers\u003c\/b\u003e' Santa Montefiore, number one bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eSecrets of the Starlit Sea\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn a grand villa on the shores of Lake Geneva, Dulcie’s grandmother nears the end of her glamourous and eventful life. The days pass quietly to the reassuring tick of the Swiss clock – until a visitor comes to their door…\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1961\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eIn the streets of Paris, Lise Erlach is in love. Twenty-two years old, the beautiful young Ambassador’s wife enjoys the very best the city has to offer: glittering receptions, a magnificent residence and an address book filled with the numbers of the Parisian elite. She is wanted at every party…and by one man above all. Their affair dazzles them both but in a distant sea, a crisis is brewing that will change their paths forever.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePresent day\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs snow falls upon the Alps, Dulcie sits by her grandmother’s bed, undisturbed until the visitor arrives. He says he must tell her grandmother something urgently - something that will make Dulcie realise the beloved old woman before her is a complete stranger... With deep family secrets unlocked, can she get the answers she needs before time runs out?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cu\u003eReaders LOVE \u003ci\u003eThe Winter Guest\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eKaren Swan never disappoints \u003c\/b\u003e... This was \u003cb\u003eanother winner, I loved every minute of it \u003c\/b\u003eexcept having to finish it' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Exactly the kind of historical fiction I love - \u003cb\u003eatmospheric, richly researched, emotionally compelling and filled with mysteries\u003c\/b\u003e that make you desperate to keep turning the pages' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I promise you this is your next 5 star read! \u003cb\u003eKaren Swan is exceptional\u003c\/b\u003e' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Such \u003cb\u003ea mesmerising page-turner\u003c\/b\u003e' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'If you love dual-timeline chaos, glamorous women making terrible decisions in exquisite vintage coats, and \u003cb\u003emystery plot twists that hit harder than a fresh snowfall\u003c\/b\u003e—\u003cb\u003eput this at the top of your TBR\u003c\/b\u003e' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'[This] is \u003cb\u003eeverything that a Swan fan could want\u003c\/b\u003e: two beautifully written love stories and a mysterious thread that connects them' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eCaptivating \u003c\/b\u003efrom beginning to end' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'With exciting backstories and interesting characters, this, for me, is \u003cb\u003eKaren Swan at her best\u003c\/b\u003e' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Transworld Publishers Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649077207374,"sku":"9781804996805","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781804996805.jpg?v=1794499223"},{"product_id":"snowflakes-or-surf-breaks","title":"Snowflakes or Surf Breaks?","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA cosy, swoony Christmas romance where one big decision leads to two different versions of love -  for fans of \u003ci\u003eThe Pumpkin Spice Cafe\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eGilmore Girls\u003c\/i\u003e, and readers of Jenny Han.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne choice. One season. Two different versions of falling in love . . .\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCassie lives in Oak Falls, where the holiday season is about ice skating in the snow, browsing the Christmas market, and curling up in front a log fire with a hot chocolate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCassie's been feeling left behind since her friends went away to college, and is counting down the days until they - and her on\/off boyfriend - come home for Christmas break. She's been hoping for a romantic reunion with Tom under the mistletoe, so she's crushed when he announces he's met someone new at college. Then Cassie's dad offers to buy her last-minute flights to visit him in Australia and she's faced with a decision. It's a \u003ci\u003eSliding Doors\u003c\/i\u003e moment . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn alternating chapters see Cassie live both versions of her choice - and two different versions of falling in love . . .\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCassie could stay at home and try to win Tom back - or even get to know her cute new friend Jack the Christmas tree seller a little better. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOr she could spend the holidays in Australia, enjoying barbecues on the beach and learning to surf. If only Lucas, the son of her dad's friends, would stop acting so superior, maybe she'd even have a chance of a holiday romance. . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRead all your favourite Christmas Romance tropes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSmall Town Romance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrumpy x Sunshine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFriends to Lovers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFind Love in Oak Falls in every season:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary or Lattes?\u003c\/i\u003e - August 2026\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSunflowers or Sandy Beaches?\u003c\/i\u003e - Summer 2027\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Walker Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649079042382,"sku":"9781529537963","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781529537963.jpg?v=1794499224"},{"product_id":"a-scrooge-mystery","title":"A Scrooge Mystery","description":"\u0026lt;p\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;When everyone's favourite reformed miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, errs from the path of goodness, he starts seeing spirits again - this time of a girl, whose murder he must solve if he is to avoid the dreaded vision of The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;'A WONDERFULLY ATMOSPHERIC TALE TO SAVOUR BY THE FIRE THIS FESTIVE SEASON' \u0026lt;i\u0026gt;My Weekly\u0026lt;\/i\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;Last Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge was visited by three festive spirits, and the bleak vision of his future has haunted him ever since. He wants to be a good man, and he never wants to see another ghost as long as he lives.\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;But changing your ways for a day is easy. Changing your ways for ever is a little trickier. Almost a year on, Scrooge is slipping back into bad habits.\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;When a lucrative business opportunity comes his way, he jumps at the chance to make some quick money . . . to give to the poor, obviously . . .\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;But then Scrooge sees her. Another ghost, silent and terrifying. Then Bob Cratchit is arrested for the woman's murder, and Scrooge sees only one way to save both his loyal employee and himself: he must solve this crime.\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;Scrooge's investigation takes him from the heights of business on the Royal Exchange to the depths of London's criminal underworld alongside the formidable Widow Tassell, boot-boy Jem and Tiny Tim. And as Christmas draws closer, Scrooge begins to realise there's more at stake than his own soul.\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;'A COMPLETELY COMPELLING CHRISTMAS READ' Jonathan Whitelaw\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;br\u0026gt;\u0026lt;b\u0026gt;'AN ABSOLUTE CHRISTMAS CRACKER' Fiona Leitch\u0026lt;\/b\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/p\u0026gt;","brand":"Bonnier Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649079599438,"sku":"9781785126352","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781785126352.jpg?v=1794499224"},{"product_id":"the-case-of-the-christmas-card","title":"The Case of the Christmas Card","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA FESTIVE MURDER MYSTERY NOVELLA FEATURING ALI DAWSON\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e'Most writers of popular fiction would love to invoke the spirit of Dickens at Christmas but Elly Griffiths does this like literally no one else'\u003c\/b\u003e Rev. Richard Coles\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e'Mulled Wine Crime - warming and intoxicating'\u003c\/b\u003e Ian Moore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e'Dickens and Dawson make a great sleuthing combination'\u003c\/b\u003e Lucinda Hawksley\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e No-one is more surprised than time-travelling detective Ali Dawson when Charles Dickens suddenly turns up on her doorstep a few days before Christmas. The Great Writer is as baffled as she is as to how he got there. Ali takes him in, despite being preoccupied with a new cold case around the murdered artist Sylvester Strong.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dickens is a rather demanding house guest. However, as a detective, he shows distinct promise and together they embark on finding the truth behind the appearance of new paintings by the deceased artist. On top of that Nell, the daughter of Ali's best friend Meg, has vanished without a trace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As the whole of London is in full festive swing and preparing for the most special day of the year, Ali and Dickens are exploring the town, desperate to solve not just one but two crime cases. Will they succeed before Christmas Day arrives and more importantly, will Charles find a way back home?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eA TIMELESS DETECTIVE. THE COLDEST CASES.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eMEET ALI DAWSON.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003ePRAISE FOR THE ALI DAWSON MYSTERIES\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 'Warm and engaging characters and a wildly brilliant story wittily told' \u003cb\u003eAnn Cleeves\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 'Ali Dawson is a delight - a detective you'll want to spend more time with' \u003cb\u003eJP Delaney\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 'Elly Griffiths has done it again. Warm, witty and outrageously believable. I loved it' \u003cb\u003eSarah Hilary\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 'Here's a paradox: a thriller that is full of zest and joy' \u003cb\u003eNicci French\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 'Ali Dawson could be the most fun time-travelling detective since Dirk Gently' \u003cb\u003eChris Brookmyre\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Quercus Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649081794894,"sku":"9781529449570","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781529449570.jpg?v=1794499225"},{"product_id":"christmas-at-the-ritz","title":"Christmas at The Ritz","description":"Some Christmas surprises come gift wrapped. Others are six foot three, impossibly arrogant and standing in the lobby of the best hotel in London…","brand":"HarperCollins Publishers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649082155342,"sku":"9780008827915","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9780008827915.jpg?v=1794499225"},{"product_id":"f-k-it-it-s-christmas","title":"F##k It, It’s Christmas","description":"A hilarious and relatable festive read for every woman who knows that an imperfect Christmas is the only kind worth having . . . the perfect stocking filler for fans of\u003ci\u003e Amandaland, The F##k It List\u003c\/i\u003e and\u003ci\u003e Why Mummy Drinks\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e.\u003c\/b\u003e","brand":"Pan Macmillan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649082286414,"sku":"9781037405402","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781037405402.jpg?v=1794499227"},{"product_id":"the-twelve-loves-of-christmas","title":"The Twelve Loves of Christmas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCount down to Christmas with twelve sealed festive love stories from various romance authors. The perfect treat for yourself or a gift for friends, partners, family and romance fans looking for a little extra love and magic this Christmas.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Twelve Loves of Christmas\u003c\/i\u003e is a swoon-worthy, novelty advent-style short story collection – some sweet, some spicy – about finding love during the most magical time of the year. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis festive bundle includes:\u003cbr\u003eA playful forced proximity romance featuring a woman and her older brother’s grinchy (yet unexpectedly endearing) best friend.\u003cbr\u003eA tender love story of two neighbours who decide to skip Christmas together. \u003cbr\u003eA second-chance spark reignited between exes stranded at the airport.\u003cbr\u003eAnd with many more festive love stories like rivals-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers and fake dating, there's a little something naughty and nice for every romance reader.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOpen one sealed story at a time in the lead-up to Christmas to unwrap a season full of love, warmth and happily ever afters.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiscover the festive love stories these beloved romance authors have waiting for you in twelve irresistible novellas: \u003c\/b\u003eAlexandria Bellefleur, Elise Bryant, Olivia Dade, Alexis Dara, Sarah Hogle, Zakiya N. Jamal, Rebecca Jenshak, Jessica Joyce, Susan Lee, Joss Richard, M.A. Wardell, Rebekah Weatherspoon\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649083236686,"sku":"9781398567061","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781398567061.jpg?v=1794499227"},{"product_id":"have-yourself-a-messy-little-christmas","title":"Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas","description":"When Theo Grey goes to stay with her estranged sister Juliet in the city, she is excited to reconnect, and to live her best bisexual life. She wants to go out and kiss as many girls as she can. If only she could get the beautiful, funny, kind, and fellow bisexual, Otis out of her head...","brand":"Little Tiger Press Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61649083269454,"sku":"9781788958455","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/5795\/6174\/files\/9781788958455.jpg?v=1794499228"}],"url":"https:\/\/thebookmongerbearsden.co.uk\/collections\/seasons-readings-1.oembed","provider":"The Bookmonger","version":"1.0","type":"link"}