Something to Live For

 

MEET ANDREW

Everybody likes Andrew. But they don’t really know him.

They know what he’s told them – that he’s happily married with two kids. Living the kind of life that’s either so boring it’s true, or so perfect it’s a lie . . .

ENTER PEGGY

Peggy arrives in Andrew’s life in a burst of kindness and possibility. For the first time in ages, Andrew feels alive again. So now that he has everything to lose, can he risk it all and tell Peggy the truth?

A big-hearted story about love, loneliness, and the importance of taking a chance when we feel we have the most to lose.

‘A perfect, quirky summer page-turner. A life-affirming debut’ – The Sunday Times

‘The story Roper tells is a charming, humorous and life-affirming tale about human kindness that strikes a chord in a world where loneliness is a growing problem.’ – BBC NEWS ONLINE, Best Fiction of 2019

‘I loved this novel with my whole heart’ – The New York Times

‘A heart-warming, funny yet poignant debut novel.’ – Daily Express

‘A magnificent read. Tender, funny, compelling’ – Lucy Foley, bestselling author of The Hunting Party

‘Warmed my heart, broke it a little, then put it back together’ – Beth O’Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare

‘Funny, moving and uplifting…I loved it’ – Libby Page

‘Heart-breaking. Hilarious. Life-affirming’ – Holly Bourne

‘Funny, moving and thought-provoking – I loved this’ – Clare Mackintosh

‘It pulls you in, makes you laugh and breaks your heart. What an extraordinary debut’ – Gill Hornby

‘A life-affirming novel that simultaneously tweaks your funny-bone and tugs at your heartstrings. Brilliant!’ – Matt Dunn

‘This is a story that gets under your skin – and a must read.’ – The Sun

‘A wonderful debut that’s heartbreaking, uplifting and laugh-out-loud funny… an inspiring, life-affirming read.’ – Woman’s Weekly

‘[A] brilliant new read…We completely fell in love with this funny, uplifting debut.’ – Fabulous Magazine

‘Off-beat and winning…Gives resiliency and the triumph of the human spirit a good name.’ – Wall Street Journal

When We Were Young

 

A tender and funny story about wanting to go back – when you know it’s time to move on.

Theo has been living in his parents’ shed, nursing a broken heart and a wounded ego, convinced life can’t get any worse. Then he gets evicted on his 30th birthday. Theo thinks he’s done with the real world – until it shows up on his doorstep…

Joel is a successful TV scriptwriter, still in love with his teenage sweetheart. A proper grown-up – and yet he’s falling apart at the seams. He’s headed home to reconnect with best friend Theo – except they haven’t spoken since the summer they turned 16.

One of them is keeping a secret, and the other is living a lie. But can the promise they once made to walk all 184 miles of the Thames Path help them find their way back to the truth – and to their friendship?

“Richard Roper writes with wit, soul, and beautiful prose.” –Good Morning America

“When We Were Young is such a warm, uplifting read. It’s a celebration of the bond we have with our oldest friends, and it’s so funny, without ever losing its poignancy—Richard Roper writes humour so brilliantly.” –Beth O’ Leary, author of The Flatshare and The Switch

“This delightful, endearing outing becomes a heartfelt meditation on male companionship, forgiveness, and navigating life’s ups and downs. Roper’s story shimmers.” –Publishers Weekly

“Writing with both great humor and heart, Roper has a light touch that keeps the reader laughing even while he gently pulls on the heartstrings…A funny and poignant portrait of friendship.” –Kirkus

“Bittersweet and full of heart, this book will appeal to fans of Jonathan Tropper and Matthew Norman.” –Booklist

“Roper possesses a wry and formidable wit. But his real gift is the ability to infuse that humor with such immense heart that it becomes the path for an uplifting and redemptive journey. I loved this book.” —Steven Rowley, author of Lily and the Octopus

“Delightfully life-affirming and funny, a moving exploration of friendship and finding the path to redemption. Fans of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will love it!”—Bianca Marais, author of Hum If You Don’t Know the Words

“A beautifully bittersweet tale about the enduring power of friendship, reminding us how sometimes the best way to face life’s biggest challenges is to take them one step at a time with your best friend by your side.” —Oliver Sands, author of Breeda Looney Steps Forth