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...

AS HEARD ON THE BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB'This year's Eleanor Oliphant . . . Funny, bittersweet and wholly original.' Daily Express'I love this gorgeous book. Unflinching, stubborn, funny and moving, Veronica is an unlikely heroine who will sneak in and capture your heart.' Trisha AshleyVeronica McCreedy is about to have the journey of a lifetime . . .Veronica McCreedy lives in a mansion by the sea. She loves a nice cup of Darjeeling tea whilst watching a good wildlife documentary. And she's never seen without her ruby-red lipstick.Although these days Veronica is rarely seen by anyone because, at 85, her days are spent mostly at home, alone.She can be found either collecting litter from the beach ('people who litter the countryside should be shot'), trying to locate her glasses ('someone must have moved them') or shouting instructions to her assistant, Eileen ('Eileen, door!').Veronica doesn't have family or...

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,...

From the No.1 bestselling author of Away with the Penguins comes the heart-warming and charming final chapter of Veronica McCreedy's story. Readers have fallen in love with Gone with the Penguins'Like a warm hug I didn't know I needed''A truly life affirming, beautiful read . . . I loved it!''A charming, wonderful romp of a book, chock full of quirky plot and characters'——————————————————"Emperor penguins defy the odds, and I shall too."Still fiery and feisty at eighty-seven, Veronica McCreedy, the very first Penguin Ambassador, is determined to prove that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.Eileen, Veronica's ever-patient assistant, is content taking care of other people. But when a new adventure calls, it makes her question everything...Ten-year-old,...

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.