***Out now: Clare Chambers's new novel Shy Creatures***

LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION
A BBC 2 'BETWEEN THE COVERS' BOOK CLUB PICK

Wonderful RICHARD OSMAN

Perfect INDIA KNIGHT

Beautiful JESSIE BURTON

Witty and sharp DAVID NICHOLLS

1957, the suburbs of south east London. Jean Swinney is a journalist on a local paper, trapped in a life of duty and disappointment from which there is no likelihood of escape. When a young woman, Gretchen Tilbury, contacts the paper to claim that her daughter is the result of a virgin birth, it is down to Jean to discover whether she is a miracle or a fraud. As the investigation turns her quiet life inside out, Jean is suddenly given an unexpected chance at friendship, love and - possibly - happiness.

Gorgeous . . . I could not recommend it more PANDORA SYKES

Remarkable . . . Small Pleasures is no small pleasure THE TIMES

Irresistible . . . wry, perceptive and quietly devastating MAIL ON SUNDAY