Sue Moorcroft’s romantic summer novel JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS shortlisted for the 2018 Romantic Novel Awards!

JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Sue Moorcroft’s dazzling summer story, is shortlisted for the RoNA Romantic Novel Awards 2018. There are seven award categories identifying the best in romantic fiction, and JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS is nominated for best Contemporary Romantic Novel.

The winners of each category will be announced on Monday 5th March 2018 at an Award Ceremony held at Gladstone Library. The overall winner will be awarded the Goldsboro Books Romantic Novel of the Year and a prize of £5,000.

In JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS, what should be a glorious, peaceful stint under the French sun turns into the holiday from hell. From teenagers and divorce to unexpected pregnancies and misplaced attachments, everything about Leah Beaumont’s holiday spells disaster. Leah is struggling to keep her sister’s family together, which is difficult under normal circumstances, but it’s even more difficult when there’s Ronan, the engaging helicopter pilot next door. He’s handsome. And he’s got all this baggage, and Leah’s scared of commitment. And yet, Leah can’t help but get involved...

My Weekly praised the book saying, ‘Sue’s gift for description and characters and a well-paced, funny yet tender plot makes this the ideal holiday read.’ In 2016, her festive novel THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE was a Kindle No.1 bestseller and her most recent release, THE LITTLE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS, reached No.6 in the Sunday Times bestseller charts.

You can follow Sue on Twitter here.

Or visit her website here.

Praise for JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS

‘A must read.’ – Saturday Magazine

‘A zesty-paced contemporary page-turner that sparkles with compelling family drama, heart-warming pathos and delightful humour, JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a breezy summer read that is absolutely perfect for losing yourself into. Full of characters that leap off the pages with ease, gripping twists and turns and poignant romance, if you only take one book with you on holiday this summer, then make sure it’s Sue Moorcroft’s fabulous JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS!’ — Julie B, Bookish Jottings

‘Sue Moorcroft’s novel provides easy-going pleasures for your own holiday reading.’ — France Magazine

'A perfect page-turner when soaking up the sun' — Asda Magazine

MASTER OF WAR: SCOURGE OF WOLVES OUT IN HARDBACK TOMORROW

Thomas Blackstone’s story continues in SCOURGE OF WOLVES, the compelling fifth novel in David Gilman’s acclaimed MASTER OF WAR series, published on 8 February in hardback by Head of Zeus, with audiobook by W.F. Howes Lamplight. The fast-paced historical fiction series has gone from strength to strength since the first instalment was published in 2013. The series has been praised by the Historical Novel Society as a ‘stunning work’… ‘historical fiction at its best’. The Daily Mail described its realistic depictions of medieval warfare as ‘gritty…sparing nothing’ and the fourth title in the series, VIPER’S BLOOD, has just been published in Germany by Rowohlt, hitting Number 6 in the German paperback bestseller list.

It is in the winter of 1361. After two decades of conflict, Edward III has finally agreed to a treaty with the captive French King, John II. In return for his freedom, John has ceded vast tracts of territory to the English. But for five long years mercenary bands and belligerent lords have fought over the carcass of his kingdom. They will not give up their hard-won spoils to honour a defeated king's promises.

If the English want their prize, they'll have to fight for it.

As he battles to enforce Edward's claim, Thomas Blackstone will see his name blackened, his men slaughtered, his family hunted. He will be betrayed and, once again, he'll face the might of the French army on the field. But this time there will be no English army at his back. He'll face the French alone.

The MASTER OF WAR series has sold in Germany, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Spain and Hungary. David’s riveting standalone novel THE LAST HORSEMAN, set during the Boer War, was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2017.

David Gilman has had many careers, including firefighter, soldier and photographer, before turning to writing full time. He is an award-winning author and screenwriter.

Visit David’s website.

Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

Praise for the MASTER OF WAR series:

‘A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty.’ — Robert Fabbri, author of the Vespasian series.'

‘I'm totally bedazzled. I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell when it came to dramatizing battles, but David is giving him a real run for his money. The battle scenes are so realistic it is almost like time-traveling, though definitely not for the faint of heart. Thomas is an incredibly appealing and sympathetic character. And the level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level, for it is impossible for a reader to predict what will be coming next' — Sharon Penman.

‘His words strike like a bodkin point straight to the torso, the clangour of battle and the suspense of intrigue immersive and visceral, and all wrapped up in some of the most evocative prose that you will ever discover.’ — Ruadh Butler, author of the Invader series

‘Move over Bernard Cornwell!…Historical fiction at its best.’ — Historical Novel Society

‘Historical fiction has been made all the richer by Sir Thomas, his people and their adventures. Do please treat yourself if you haven't read MASTER OF WAR by David Gilman or any of the series that came afterwards.’ — Ani Johnson, The Bookbag

‘The bone-crunching intensity of this series shows no signs of abating.... an excellent series.’ — Parmenion Books

‘The author has clearly carried out extensive research on the period, and his detailed knowledge of weapons, military strategy and the dismal living conditions of the English army makes for gripping reading. I can thoroughly recommend to both individual readers and book groups with an interest in history, as well as fans of Bernard Cornwell. A superb read.’ — Ruth Ginarlis, Nudge Book

THE MISSING WIFE by Sheila O’Flanagan published by Grand Central today

Imogen Naughton’s sudden disappearance shocks those closest to her in Sheila O’Flanagan’s THE MISSING WIFE, published by Grand Central today. The novel is now available in ebook, audiobook and trade paperback in the US.

Booklist described the novel as 'haunting… full of charming, fully realized characters and well-written dialogue set against the picturesque French seaside. If you’ve ever wondered what GONE GIRL would have been like as a domestic drama instead of a thriller, this is the book for you.' American readers can enter a giveaway to win a copy here, featuring an interview with the author.

THE MISSING WIFE captured the imagination of UK readers following its publication by Headline. In its first full week of sales, it shot to the #1 bestseller position in Ireland and #4 in the Sunday Times Paperback Fiction Bestseller list. It remained in the charts three months after its publication, breaking Sheila’s record for consecutive weeks in the bestseller charts. In June it hit #1 on the Kindle list and ended the year on a high by reaching #6 in Amazon’s bestselling ebooks of 2017.

When Imogen Naughton vanishes, everyone who knows her is shocked. She has a perfect marriage. Her handsome husband treats her like a princess. She’s always said how lucky she is. So why has she left? And how will she survive without Vince?

What goes on behind closed doors is often a surprise, and Imogen surprises herself by taking the leap she knows she must. But as she begins her journey to find the woman she once was, Imogen’s past is right behind her…

Rights for THE MISSING WIFE have already sold in several markets including Czech Republic, Russia, Estonia and Germany. The second novel in Sheila’s Young Adult CRYSTAL RUN series, SHIELD OF LIES, will be published in March in the UK by Hodder and the paperback of WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT will be published on 22nd February by Headline.

Sheila was awarded the prestigious Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award in 2003 and currently lives in Dublin with her husband. Her books have sold over 7.5 million copies.

See more on Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on Twitter

Praise for THE MISSING WIFE:

‘A smart and twisty yarn’ – Heat

‘O'Flanagan is one of our best-known, best-loved and most prolific women's fiction authors... THE MISSING WIFE is a thoroughly satisfying, well-paced plot from a sure and experienced pen.’ – Independent

‘This GONE GIRL-esque novel will have you gripped until the very end’ – Look

‘Must-have’ – Sunday Express

‘Another first class bestseller. I read the book in one sitting as it was so enjoyable, full of romance and kept you riveted until the last page. A must for all [Sheila's] fans’ – Woman's Way

‘Insightful, witty and full of fun... This is touching, tense and clever writing.’ – Irish Independent

‘A lovely book that will keep you guessing right up until the end.’ – Bella

‘Must-read’ – Express

MUSIC, COMICS AND PEER PRESSURE: MINE BY SALLY PARTRIDGE PUBLISHED TODAY

The #MeToo movement has raised important questions about our attitudes to sexual relationships, the issues surrounding consent and how damaging those attitudes can be. In MINE, Sally Partridge adds her voice to the discussion.

Published in South Africa today by NB publishers, Sally’s fifth Young Adult novel explores what happens when a young girl’s vulnerability is taken advantage of by peers.

On stage, Fin is Thor. Angry and invincible. Yet for all his potential, people always leave him. Kayla is the only girl he's ever met who’s worth loving. The only one he's ever wanted to be worth something for. Kayla knows she's weird and unlovable. But she wants to believe there is no reason to be sad anymore. In each other Fin and Kayla find the only place they've ever belonged. Until the ghosts from the past come to break them apart.

In an interview with Books Live, Sally discussed the role of music in MINE and the importance of speaking about the pressures teenage girls face. She said, ‘This is important because it’s the type of topic we’re only starting to explore now that #MeToo is gaining momentum. Girls often find themselves in situations where they say ‘yes’ when they should be saying ‘no’ because they confuse persuasion and pressure with affection, or they think the repercussions will be different. We’re letting girls down by not talking about it.’

Cape Town novelist Sally Partridge is a three-time winner of the M. E. R. Prize for Best Youth Novel and has been honoured by IBBY International for her young adult fiction. In 2011, she was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, awarded annually to notable South Africans under the age of 35. MINE is Partridge’s fifth novel for young adults.

Visit Sally’s website or follow her on Twitter

Praise for SHARP EDGES:

‘It’s a taut, smart thriller, beautifully and cleanly written. Partridge gets into her young characters’ heads and makes them three dimensional – for me, they rose off the pages and reminded me of people I knew, loved, loathed and admired from afar when I was a teenager.’ – Natasha Joseph, City Press

‘Partridge specialises in dark, and this one is dark indeed. But it is a compulsive read.’ – Pat Shwartz, Mail & Guardian

‘In her latest novel, Partridge delivers her signature brand of hard-hitting young adult fiction. A harrowing story of teenage tragedy, told from the perspective of six characters. Insightful, frightening and ultimately sad.’ – Cape Times

WINTER STORM: the final instalment in Andy Briggs' Inventory series published today

WINTER STORM, the fourth and final instalment in Andy Briggs’ THE INVENTORY series - perfect for lovers of Alex Ryder and Artemis Fowl - is published today in paperback by Scholastic. In the climactic young adult novel, the secrets that have kept readers hooked will finally be revealed as Dev and his friends battle against the deadly technology that threatens the world.

Having learned a troubling truth about himself in the Black Zone of the Inventory, Dev is called back into action to defend the world’s greatest store of futuristic tech, and he’ll need all the help he can get from his friends. Someone has stolen Winter Storm, a swarm of powerful biobots, and is using them to infect and control people! Who can be trusted now?

Although THE INVENTORY series is coming to a close, fans of Andy’s writing won’t have long to wait. His exciting new standalone novel DRONE RACER is coming soon.

Andy Briggs is a screenwriter & novelist who has worked on TV projects for Syfy, Netflix, ITV and Amazon and is working extensively between the UK, US and China. He collaborated with the Edgar Rice Burroughs Estate to reboot Tarzan, creating an action-packed middle-grade trilogy based on the beloved character’s adventures. Andy is the author of a number of books for young readers including the HERO.COM and VILLAIN.NET series which reinvent the superhero genre for an audience growing up within a digital age. Andy has also written several comics and graphic novels for Markosia.

Visit Andy’s website or follow him on Twitter

Praise for Andy Briggs:

'Andy Briggs vision of a world with super-hero's and super-villain's is a very original one and has been very well realised. These books are superbly written, the story sets off at a high pace and never once slows down...I have been well and truly hooked on this novel from start to finish, it is so close to being a super-villain film in book form, I personally cannot wait till the next volume and highly recommend this book.' – Antony, ScienceFictionandfantasy.co.uk

‘Tweens and younger teens who have wished for super powers will be drawn to this interesting concept, and there will be plenty of action to keep them reading.’ –Booklist

‘Every now and again, as a writer, I come across a book that is so simple, yet powerful, in its concept, that I consider it to be genius…and the latest is the twin series of HERO.COM and VILLIAN.NET…Having now read the first in the Hero.com series, I’ll be picking up the first VILLIAN.NET book as soon as I can. I suggest you do the same.’ – Tommy Donavan