Showroom Sample Contemporary Fiction & Romance Bargain Book Box SP2488

Showroom Sample Contemporary Fiction & Romance Bargain Book Box

This collection features twenty-one engaging narratives ranging from heartwarming rural escapes to poignant historical dramas and modern relationship studies. These volumes were previously used as showroom samples and feature price stickers on the covers, but otherwise provide a high-quality reading experience across a variety of popular sub-genres. Readers will find a selection of bestselling works from celebrated authors like Danielle Steel, Matt Haig, and Santa Montefiore. Each book is a showroom sample and may show signs of wear.

1. Summer at Skylark Farm by Heidi Swain Amber leaves the city behind to help her friend on a beautiful farm in the heart of the countryside. As she settles into the rhythm of rural life, she discovers a sense of community and the possibility of new beginnings. The story follows her journey of self-discovery amidst the challenges of maintaining a working farm during the busy summer months. It is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and the unexpected paths that lead us toward a place to call home.

2. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver Lydia and Freddie have been together for more than a decade, but their future is shattered when Freddie dies in a tragic accident. In her grief, Lydia discovers a way to travel back to a parallel world where Freddie is still alive and their life is perfect. She must navigate the emotional toll of living two lives, one filled with sorrow and the other with a fleeting, bittersweet happiness. This moving narrative explores the nature of love, the weight of loss, and the difficult process of moving forward.

3. Instructions for Bringing Up Scarlett by Annie Sanders A group of friends finds their lives intertwined when they are tasked with looking after a spirited young girl named Scarlett. Each adult brings their own personal baggage and life lessons to the challenge, leading to both humorous and deeply touching moments. As they navigate the complexities of childcare, they are forced to confront their own pasts and the choices that shaped them. The novel is a vibrant exploration of modern family dynamics, unconventional bonds, and the joy found in unexpected responsibility.

4. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley Author Carrie McClelland travels to the ruins of Slains Castle in Scotland to research her next historical novel about the Jacobite uprising. She soon finds that her writing is taking on a life of its own, as she starts to experience memories that are not her own. The narrative weaves between Carrie’s modern investigation and the 1708 story of Sophia Paterson, a woman caught in a dangerous political plot. This evocative tale blends historical mystery with a haunting romance that transcends the boundaries of time and memory.

5. Lyrebird by Cecelia Ahern A documentary film crew discovers a mysterious young woman named Laura living in isolation in the mountains of West Cork, Ireland. Laura possesses an extraordinary ability to mimic any sound she hears, from the birds in the forest to the mechanical noises of the city. As the crew brings her into the modern world, she becomes a media sensation, forcing her to navigate fame and human connection. The story is a lyrical exploration of identity, the power of voice, and the search for belonging in a loud world.

6. A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy Chicky Starr decides to transform a crumbling old house on the Atlantic coast of Ireland into a welcoming guesthouse called Stone House. Over the course of a single week, a diverse group of guests arrives, each seeking a respite from their own personal struggles and secrets. Through shared meals and quiet conversations, the visitors find solace and a renewed sense of purpose in the tranquil seaside setting. It is a gentle and uplifting narrative that celebrates the restorative power of community and the beauty of simple kindness.

7. Child's Play by Danielle Steel Kate Madison has spent years building a successful career while raising her four grown children as a devoted single mother. When her children begin making life choices that she finds questionable or even dangerous, Kate must learn to let go of her control. From a risky legal career to a whirlwind marriage, she watches her children navigate their own paths toward adulthood and happiness. The novel examines the evolving bond between parents and adult children and the resilience required to support those you love.

8. Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella After ten years of marriage, Sylvie and Dan are told by a doctor that they could live for another sixty-eight years together. Panicked by the thought of becoming bored with one another, they decide to launch a series of "surprises" to keep their relationship fresh. However, their well-intentioned plan leads to a series of comedic mishaps and the unearthing of a significant family secret. The story is a humorous yet insightful look at the realities of long-term commitment and the importance of honesty.

9. The Secret Hours by Santa Montefiore Arethusa Clayton is a woman who kept her past a closely guarded secret, even from her children, until her death. Her daughter travels to a remote village in Ireland to fulfill her mother's final wish and uncover the truth of her early life. There, she discovers a story of forbidden love and a tragic event that forced Arethusa to flee her home and start anew. This sweeping historical romance explores the weight of secrets and the enduring power of a love that was never forgotten.

10. The Wedding Dress by Danielle Steel A beautiful silk wedding dress, first worn in 1920, becomes a cherished heirloom that connects four generations of women within a single family. As the dress is passed down, it witnesses the changing social landscapes and the unique personal triumphs and tragedies of each bride. From the glamorous jazz age to the challenges of the modern era, the garment symbolizes the enduring strength of familial bonds. The narrative is a graceful tribute to the traditions that unite us and the legacy of love through the decades.

11. Home by Penny Parkes Anna Wilson has spent her life traveling and avoiding the permanence of a traditional home, preferring the freedom of the open road. When she is called back to the small town of her youth to care for her aging godmother, she is forced to reconsider her lifestyle. As she reintegrates into the community, she begins to understand the value of deep roots and the comfort found in steady relationships. The novel is a charming exploration of the meaning of home and the courage it takes to finally stay in one place.

12. Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones In 1980s Atlanta, James Witherspoon leads a double life with two separate families—one public and legitimate, the other hidden and unofficial. His two daughters, Dana and Chaurisse, grow up in the same city but with vastly different social standing and personal expectations. When the girls eventually cross paths, the delicate balance of James's deception begins to crumble, leading to profound emotional consequences for everyone. This powerful story examines the complexities of sisterhood, the pain of betrayal, and the lasting impact of parental choices.

13. The Black Dress by Deborah Moggach Recently widowed Pru is struggling to navigate her new life alone when she decides to attend a stranger's funeral in a stylish black dress. She discovers that funerals provide a unique opportunity to meet new people and feel a sense of belonging without the pressure of a traditional social scene. Her unconventional hobby leads to a series of unexpected encounters and a second chance at finding companionship and joy in her later years. The novel is a witty and poignant look at aging, grief, and the surprising ways we reinvent ourselves.

14. And Now You're Back by Jill Mansell Didi and Shay were childhood sweethearts whose relationship ended abruptly when Shay left town under a cloud of mystery and local gossip. Thirteen years later, Shay returns to the village to care for his father, forcing Didi to confront the feelings she thought were long buried. As they navigate their past and the meddling of well-meaning friends, they must decide if their connection is worth a second chance. This delightful romance features a vibrant cast of characters and explores the theme of timing in matters of the heart.

15. In You by Roni Loren A woman struggling with her past returns to her hometown, hoping to find a sense of peace and a way to move forward with her life. She reconnects with a man who was once a significant part of her world, and their shared history reignites a complex and intense bond. Together, they must navigate the scars of their previous experiences and the challenges of building a future based on trust. The narrative is a deeply emotional study of intimacy, healing, and the transformative power of vulnerability and love.

16. Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street by Craig Revel Horwood Set in a vibrant community, the story follows a group of aspiring performers as they chase their dreams of success in the world of dance. The characters navigate the intense pressures of competition, the joy of artistic expression, and the complexities of their personal relationships. Amidst the glitter and hard work, they discover the importance of friendship and the resilience needed to overcome professional setbacks. It is a spirited and colorful narrative that celebrates the dedication and passion required to excel in the performing arts.

17. Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan Flora is a woman who has always valued her independence, but her life changes when she enters a relationship with a man who has two daughters. She must learn to navigate the delicate role of a stepmother while dealing with the girls' grief over the loss of their own mother. A summer trip to the rugged New York coast provides the family with an opportunity to bond and confront their individual fears. The novel is a heartwarming exploration of modern families and the slow process of building trust and love.

18. Suspects by Danielle Steel A high-profile kidnapping case involving a prominent family sends shockwaves through the elite social circles of New York and Paris. The investigation uncovers a web of hidden motives, personal vendettas, and the dark side of extreme wealth and public influence. As the search for the victim intensifies, the characters are forced to confront the vulnerabilities behind their carefully constructed public personas. The story is a gripping blend of suspense and social drama that examines the price of fame and the limits of loyalty.

19. The Garden of Forgotten Wishes by Trish Ashley Marnie moves to a picturesque village to start a new life as a garden designer, hoping to find peace after a difficult personal period. She is tasked with restoring a neglected historical garden, which leads her to uncover local legends and long-forgotten stories of the residents. Along the way, she establishes new friendships and finds herself drawn into the lives of the eccentric and charming villagers. The novel is a cozy and uplifting tale that celebrates the healing power of nature and the magic of new beginnings.

20. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Nora Seed finds herself in a mystical library between life and death, where each book represents a different life she could have lived. Guided by her old school librarian, she is given the chance to "test drive" various versions of herself to see if she would have been happier. From being a rock star to a glaciologist, Nora explores the infinite possibilities of her existence and the weight of her regrets. This philosophical narrative is a profound meditation on the choices we make and the true meaning of a life well-lived.

21. Forever Home by Graham Norton Carol is a woman who has finally found stability and happiness in a new relationship, only to have it threatened by a series of family complications. When her partner’s ex-wife returns and secrets from the past begin to emerge, Carol must fight to protect the life she has built. The narrative balances dark humor with a keen observation of small-town dynamics and the intricacies of long-term human relationships. It is a compelling and suspenseful story about the search for security and the lengths we go to for those we love.