Lucy Atkins Books

Roaming through Oxford's secret passages and hidden graveyards, Magpie Lane explores the true meaning of family - and what it is to be denied one.

In days gone by, people understood that a knock to your health takes its toll on your emotions, your relationships, your morale, your 'spirit'. But these days, we think that if the doctor has waved you off, then you are 'better'. We neglect what scientific studies show is a vital element of recovery: the emotional side of getting better. As a result, many of us struggle with hidden issues such as depression, stress and anxiety long after a health crisis. This new book, from the authors of 'The cancer survivor's companion' (highly commended by the BMA and winner of the Guild of Health Writers' Best Health Book 2012) centres on the crucial, research-based (but widely overlooked) truth that 'getting better' is not just about the body - emotions play a huge part. Often, a person's emotional state is the one thing stopping them from achieving a full recovery. Contents include: why getting better takes time; why relaxation and exercise are both vital; how to build your confidence and tackle low mood and depression; how to eat for recovery; how to deal with medical advice and communicate well with your doctor; how to keep family life and relationships on track and much more. There are also case histories to inspire readers as well as fascinating snippets from times gone by which help to make this an entertaining as well as a highly practical and inspiring read

Split between Sussex and Scotland, Windmill Hill is the sharply witty new novel from the bestselling author of Magpie Lane - perfect for fans of Joanna Cannon and Claire Fuller.

Anticipating the questions and concerns of all new mothers—Why does my baby cry so much? Will I ever lose all this weight? Am I a bad parent because . . .?—this guide provides practical advice and level-headed reassurance for new parents. Subjects include the lowdown on the equipment you really need (as opposed to what the department store tells you), advice on how to cope with the first few hours, and secrets to surviving the first few days. A section on crying covers why your baby cries, what to do about it, and why you'll want to cry, too, while the section on eating covers breastfeeding, supplemental feeding, moving to solids, and nutrition. The stages of a baby's physical and mental development are outlined, as are ideas for play that are actually fun. Information on single parenting, and on adopted, multiple, and special needs babies is also included.

Professor Olivia Sweetman has worked hard to achieve the life she loves, with a high-flying career as a TV presenter and historian, three children and a talented husband. But as she stands before a crowd at the launch of her new bestseller she can barely pretend to smile. Her life has spiralled into deceit and if the truth comes out, she will lose everything.Only one person knows what Olivia has done. Vivian Tester is the socially awkward sixty-year-old housekeeper of a Sussex manor who found the Victorian diary on which Olivia's book is based. She has now become Olivia's unofficial research assistant. And Vivian has secrets of her own.As events move between London, Sussex and the idyllic South of France, the relationship between these two women grows more entangled and complex. Then a bizarre act of violence changes everything.The Night Visitor is a compelling exploration of ambition, morality and deception that asks the question: how far would you go to save your reputation?

„Ich habe heute an dich gedacht“ - 35 Postkarten aus 35 Jahren, alle von einer Susannah Gillespie, alle am gleichen Tag abgestempelt. Kal findet sie, als sie das Atelier ihrer Mutter nach deren Tod ausräumt. Sie hatten immer ein schwieriges Verhältnis, stets hat Kal an der Gefühlskälte ihrer Mutter gelitten. Liegt der Grund ihrer Probleme in Elenas so lange verschwiegenen Vergangenheit? Kurz entschlossen reist Kal mit ihrem kleinen Sohn Finn an die sturmumtoste Küste Kanadas, an den Ort, an dem Susannah ihre Galerie betreibt. Sie ahnt nicht, in welch gefährliche Gewässer sie sich begibt ...

Als Tess den erfolgreichen Kinderherzchirurgen Greg kennenlernt, ist es bei beiden Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Schon bald wird Tess schwanger, und ohne zu zögern folgt sie Greg von London in die USA, wo er einen wichtigen Posten annimmt. Doch für Tess fühlt sich ab dem ersten Moment alles falsch an: Der stille Vorort wirkt feindselig, das Haus viel zu groß, die Nachbarn abweisend - und Tess wird das Gefühl nicht los, dass jemand sie verfolgt. Das Schlimmste ist jedoch, dass Greg sich völlig verändert und ihr plötzlich wie ein Fremder erscheint. Dann trifft der erste Drohbrief ein. Und Tess muss sich fragen, wer es auf sie abgesehen hat - und warum Greg von alldem nichts wissen will ...