A second look at the "in-tray", and there's lots more variety to look forward to.
From Vanessa Hannam comes A Rose in Winter, a sumptuous historical novel set in seventeenth century England. Privileged, pampered Mary Boynton is preparing for her eagerly awaited wedding day when the plague arrives in London. The Boyntons flee to their Norfolk estate, but Mary then finds herself at Court as a member of Queen Catherine's entourage. Love affairs, intrigue, the Great Fire of London - lots to enjoy there!
Next, to India, and Radhika Jha's Lanterns on their Horns, "the ironic tale of the young idealist who believes he has found the solution to Indian rural poverty". The book's themes are the Westernisation and modernisation of traditional society, and man's relationship with animals, but all handled with humour, insight and a light touch.
Lastly, a first novel. Jane Rusbridge's The Devil's Music is the story of a family, beginning in 1958. Although only just out it has already attracted a lot of praise (have a look here), and its mixture of "secrets and betrayal, involving knots, Harry Houdini and the shifting landscape of memory" sounds intriguing and promising.
