Quick Reads 2014

I'm thrilled to be part of Quick Reads 2014, sponsored by Galaxy

What are Quick Reads?

1 in 6 adults of working age in the UK find reading difficult and may never pick up a book.  People’s reasons for not reading are varied but are often based in fear. Some people say they find books scary and intimidating, thinking they are ‘not for them’ or that books are difficult or boring.

Quick Reads sets out to challenge these beliefs and to show that books and reading can be for everyone. Each year we commission big name authors to write short books that are specifically designed to be easy to read.  They are the same as mainstream books in every respect but are simply shorter and easier to tackle for adults who are less confident in their reading skills. The books are then sold through major retailers, online booksellers and are loaned from libraries.

Quick Reads is making real, lasting changes to people’s lives.  Since 2006 we have distributed over 4.5 million books, registered 3 million library loans and through the outreach work hundreds of thousands of new readers each year, often in some of the hardest to reach communities, are introduced to the joys and benefits of reading. Quick Reads is a unique collaboration and we are very grateful for the support of everyone involved.

Quick Reads 2014 Evaluation Report

Once again, the 2014 Quick Reads Evaluation demonstrates they continue to have a positive impact on engaging and supporting adults with literacy and reading.   As one tutor put it, "I have noticed a confidence in students, who otherwise didn't read books. Many of them have realised how enjoyable it is to read. Most had tried, but failed because the books they had chosen were either to long or had complicated language. Once they started reading the Quick Reads they came back for more. I like to think the Quick Reads turn non-readers into readers."

Read the full report http://www.niace.org.uk/current-work/area/reading-for-pleasure

Quick Reads presents 'An Open Book', a short film that celebrates the power of reading. 'An Open Book' features a host of celebrities and authors, including Lily Cole, Myleene Klass and Andy McNab, who talk openly and passionately about their relationship with reading -- both good and bad.

The Quick Reads 2014 titles, which will officially launch today - 7 February, are:

• Four Warned by Jeffrey Archer (Pan Books)
• Blackout by Emily Barr (Headline Review)
• A Cruel Fate by Lindsey Davis (Hodder and Stoughton)
• Rules for Dating a Romantic Hero by Harriet Evans (HarperColllins)
• The Escape by Lynda La Plante (Simon & Schuster)
• Hidden by Barbara Taylor Bradford (HarperColllins)

I intend to read the whole series, so far I've read Rules For Dating a Romantic Hero by Harriet Evans, which was a fabulous read.  I also enjoyed Cruel Fate by Lindsey Davis which is a historical story, based on fact.

Rules for Dating a Romantic Hero by Harriet Evans

Do you believe in happy endings?

Laura Foster used to be a hopeless romantic.  She was obsessed with meeting her own Prince Charming until she grew up and realised real life doesn’t work like that.

Then she met Nick. A romantic hero straight from a fairytale, with a grand country estate and a family tree to match.

They’ve been together four years now and Laura knows that what really matters is the two of them, not everything else around them. She can’t imagine ever loving anyone the way she loves Nick.

Now, though, people are openly asking when they’ll hear wedding bells, and Nick is keeping secrets from Laura. She’s starting to feel she might not be ‘good enough’ for his family.

Can an ordinary girl like Laura make it work with one of the most eligible men in the country?

About the Author

Harriet Evans is the author of seven previous novels: Going Home, A Hopeless Romantic, The Love of Her Life, I Remember You, Love Always, Happily Ever After and Not Without You. She lives in London with her family.

For more information about Harriet Evans, visit her website www.harriet-evans.com, follow her on Twitter @HarrietEvans

A Cruel Fate by Lindsey Davis

As long as war exists, this story will matter.

Martin Watts, a bookseller, is captured by the king’s men. Jane Afton's brother Nat is taken too. They both suffer horrible treatment as prisoners-of-war.

In Oxford Castle jailer William Smith tortures, beats, starves and deprives his helpless victims. Can Jane rescue her sick brother before he dies of neglect? Will Martin dare to escape?

Based on real events in the English Civil War, Lindsey Davis retells the grim tale of Captain Smith's abuse of power in Oxford prison – where many died in misery though a lucky few survived.

About the Author

Lindsey Davis is best known for her twenty volume mystery series about Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco, and her new series about his adopted daughter, Flavia Albia.

She has also written Rebels and Traitors, an epic novel set during the same time as A Cruel Fate.

For more information about Lindsey Davis, visit her website www.lindseydavis.co.uk

Lots more information can be found on the Quick Reads website www.quickreads.org.uk, or follow the Twitter feed at @Quick_Reads