Freya Sampson works in TV and was the creator and executive producer of Channel 4's Four in a Bed and Gogglesprogs. She studied History at Cambridge University and in 2018 was shortlisted for the Exeter Novel Prize. She lives in London with her husband, two young children and an antisocial cat.
I Did Something Bad (2024) Pyae Moe Thet War "I Did Something Bad is an action-packed, whip-smart, deliciously funny romance which will have readers laughing, crying and rooting for the characters from the first page to the last. Pyae Moe Thet War has brilliantly combined the high stakes drama of a thriller with all the banter and chemistry of a romance, with a perfect little side order of social commentary. I adored this gem of a book and I'm sure readers will too."
The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society (2024) C M Waggoner "Imagine if Jessica Fletcher worked in a village library and found herself fighting a demonic murderer with an ironic sense of humour, and you have a sense of how original, funny and fantastical this book is. I laughed my way through this smart, warm-hearted cozy mystery and I know readers will too."
Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame (2024) Olivia Ford "Mrs Quinn's Rise to Fame is a delightful story full of warmth, kindness and cake. Author Olivia Ford shows us that it's never too late to take chances and step out of our comfort zone, and readers will be inspired and moved by Mrs Quinn's charming coming-of-age tale. So sit back with a cup of tea and a slice of cake while you devour this deliciously feel-good story."
Last Call at the Local (2024) Sarah Grunder Ruiz "Heart-warming, hilarious and brimming with hope, Last Call at the Local is a deeply poignant romance about learning to love yourself. Sarah Grunder Ruiz writes with a superb lightness of touch but is never afraid to cover darker topics, and her characters are vividly-drawn and lovably messy. This rich and uplifting story, its atmospheric setting and gloriously colourful cast made my heart ache in the best possible way."
Life and Otter Miracles (2023) Hazel Prior "Life and Otter Miracles is a warm-hearted and uplifting story which celebrates the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. With a cast of beautifully-drawn characters and a delightful small-town mystery as its heart, this is a story that readers will be sure to fall in love with. Otterly charming!"
One Puzzling Afternoon (2023) Emily Critchley "An uplifting, bittersweet story with a page-turning mystery at its heart . . . I was drawn in to Edie's world from the very first page. Beautifully atmospheric and endearing."
Better than Fiction (2022) Alexa Martin "Better Than Fiction is a charming, heartfelt rom-com, filled with great characters, laugh-out-loud banter and some very cheeky seniors."
The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks (2022) Shauna Robinson "The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks is a charming romcom about finding your own path and never being scared to break the rules. It's also an uplifting celebration of the power of books to change people's lives. Visit your favorite bookstore, curl up in a comfy chair and savor every word!"
The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie (2022) Rachel Linden "The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie is a charming, heart-warming story about 'what ifs' and second chances. Readers will fall in love with the cast of delightful characters, and I defy anyone to read this book and not want to immediately eat lemon meringue pie. A beautiful, life-affirming read."
All The Single Ladies (2022) Ronali Collings "Love & Other Dramas is a beautifully written, warm and insightful novel about three women, each dealing with the secrets of their past and the challenges of their present. I loved each of these wonderful, flawed characters and was hugely captivated by the twists and turns of their lives. This story is fresh, frank and funny. I loved it."
The Measure (2022) Nikki Erlick "The Measure is an utterly original and hugely compelling story, which drew me in from the very first page with its beautiful writing. Weeks after reading it, I'm still thinking about this smart, uplifting novel and its wonderful characters."
Young Women (2022) Jessica Moor "An extraordinary, powerful, shocking novel. I am in awe of Jessica's beautiful, raw writing, and the vivid characters she's created. I know I'm going to be thinking - and talking- about this book for a long time to come. Compelling and urgent ... It deserves to be huge!"
Single Bald Female (2022) Laura Price "A smart, funny, uplifting story about friendship, love and the unexpected twists life can take. Laura Price writes about difficult subjects with the lightest of touches, and managed to make me laugh and sob in the same sentence. This is a beautiful novel you'll want to talk to all your friends about."
If You Ask Me (2022) Libby Hubscher "A funny, feminist, feel-good novel about making mistakes, asking for advice, and writing your own happy ending. I laughed and I cried--this novel is an absolute joy!"
Beth Morrey "A beautiful, uplifting and deeply moving story of found family and second chances, which I devoured in one sitting. I fell hard for Delphine and Em, and I know that readers will too!"
Is This It? (2021) Hannah Tovey "Funny, flawed and achingly relatable, Ivy Edwards is the thirty-something heroine we all need. Tovey's writing is exquisite and I laughed till I cried."
The Couple (2021) Helly Acton "I inhaled the book in less than twenty-four hours. Helly has absolutely smashed it once again. The Couple is funny, smart and thought-provoking, and so clever in the way it turns so many of our assumptions about love and relationships on their head."
