A rich, heartwarming and charming debut novel that reminds us that sometimes you find love in the most unexpected places. Dan Hollis lives a happy, solitary life carving exquisite Celtic harps in his barn in the countryside of the English moors. Here he can be himself, away from social situations that he doesn’t always get right or completely understand. On the anniversary of her beloved father’s death, Ellie Jacobs takes a walk in the woods and comes across Dan’s barn. She is enchanted by his collection. Dan gives her a harp made of cherrywood to match her cherry socks. He stores it for her, ready for whenever she’d like to take lessons. Ellie begins visiting Dan almost daily and quickly learns that he isn’t like other people. He makes her sandwiches precisely cut into triangles and repeatedly counts the (seventeen) steps of the wooden staircase to the upstairs practice room. Ellie soon realizes Dan isn’t just different; in many ways, his world is better, and he gives her a fresh perspective on her own life.

Meet Ellie. She's perfectly happy living a quiet life with her husband, Clive. (Well, she does sometimes wonder about the way he talks to her, and about all the things she hasn't achieved yet. But, she's happy enough.) Meet Dan. He's definitely content - content with his predictable, ordered existence, making harps in his isolated barn on Exmoor. Content being on his own, far away from other people and - crucially - far away from any risk of surprises. What Ellie and Dan don't know yet, is that a chance encounter is about to change all of this.

Start off a new year of reading discoveries with substantial excerpts from 44 Buzz Books due to be published in the months ahead. Be among the first to get a taste of new fiction from bestselling authors including Cecelia Ahern, with a feminist story collection; Liv Constantine, the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine; Costa Award-winner Sadie Jones, who has written a psychological thriller; and J. Ryan Stradal’s follow up to his popular Kitchens of the Great Midwest. Karl Marlantes, author of bestselling nonfiction is represented by a novel about the Vietnam War, while Sarah Blake, Lauren Denton, Tracey Garvis Graves, and Katherine Reay will make their fans happy with new titles. Literary buffs will be delighted to read new work by T.C. Boyle, Madeline ffitch, and Nell Zink. The new Buzz Books includes a record number of exciting debuts. Critically acclaimed poet Ocean Vuong’s first novel bridges Vietnam and America. Melanie Golding’s mystery, Little Darlings, already has been optioned for film, while Kira Jane Buxton’s Hollow Kingdom, has been sold to AMC for its first animated TV series. Our always fascinating nonfiction section is memoir heavy this time around. Obama insider Valerie Jarrett shares her experience in the White House, while musician Moby has written a second autobiographical volume. For still more great previews, check out our separate Buzz Books 2019: Young Adult Spring/Summer. For complete download links, lists and more, visit buzz.publishersmarketplace.com.

A curmudgeonly but charming old woman, her estranged grandson, and a colony of penguins proves it's never too late to be the person you want to be in this rich, heartwarming story from the acclaimed author of Ellie and the Harpmaker. Eighty-five-year-old Veronica McCreedy is estranged from her family and wants to find a worthwhile cause to leave her fortune to. When she sees a documentary about penguins being studied in Antarctica, she tells the scientists she’s coming to visit—and won’t take no for an answer. Shortly after arriving, she convinces the reluctant team to rescue an orphaned baby penguin. He becomes part of life at the base, and Veronica's closed heart starts to open. Her grandson, Patrick, comes to Antarctica to make one last attempt to get to know his grandmother. Together, Veronica, Patrick, and even the scientists learn what family, love, and connection are all about.

From the bestselling author of Richard & Judy's pick Away with the Penguins comes this 'otterly' delightful, heart-warming and feel-good story about the healing power of nature. 'A lovely holiday read . . . Packed full of humanity and otters!' Sally Page, bestselling author of The Keeper of Stories 'This book was just amazing. It made me laugh and cry!' ***** 'There is so much to love and treasure in this story' ***** 'This book was a delight from start to finish!' ***** 'Glorious dose of otter cuteness' ***** You loved Veronica McCreedy. Now meet Phoebe Featherstone . . . _____ Down by the river, Phoebe Featherstone is about to make a life-changing discovery . . . Clever, nosy Phoebe is unable to get out much, but she has a talent for uncovering her neighbours' secrets by examining the parcels delivered by her courier father, Al. When they discover an abandoned baby otter on the riverbank, Phoebe must step out of her comfort zone - and she experiences an unexpected sense of happiness that she has not felt in a very long time. But now, further secrets are coming to light. Phoebe soon realizes that something is amiss at the local otter sanctuary. She will need to overcome her own closely guarded issues and put all her sleuthing skills to good use if she wants to save the otters . . . and in the process, change her life for ever. _____ Praise for Hazel Prior: 'A lovely holiday read . . . Packed full of humanity and otters!' Sally Page 'Beautifully written by a born storyteller' Lorraine Kelly 'Uplifting, heartwarming and wonderful, an utterly charming story - I loved it!' Faith Hogan 'This gorgeous book has everything!' Clare Pooley 'Perfect fireside read' Trisha Ashley 'A glorious, life-affirming story. I read it in a day' Clare Mackintosh 'A story that readers will be sure to fall in love with. Otterly charming!' Freya Sampson 'Funny, bittersweet and wholly original' Daily Express