Two pregnancies, two babies, two troubled teens. Two psychologists hunting down the leader of a deadly cult. When Libby takes a stand against her abusive parents, Josh and George readily make her a part of their family. However, her parents may have been involved in something altogether more sinister, and now The Circle must draw together to protect both Libby and her friend Adam. Meanwhile, two unexpected guests seek sanctuary in Shaunna and Andy’s new home, but that’s only a part of it, and they soon realise something is very wrong. Someone is watching them… All this and more in Two By Two: Season Six of Hiding Behind The Couch. * * * * * This instalment follows chronologically from the Christmas novellas A Midnight Clear and Red Hot Christmas. The story continues in Those Jeffries Boys. * * * * * WARNING: this story includes themes of child abuse, ritual child abuse, domestic violence, drug dependency, suicide, suicide ideation, dissociative PTSD and an instance of animal abuse. While these are not gratuitously depicted, some scenes include moderately graphic detail.
When Izzy Barlow passes her driving test, her mum buys her a Fiat 126 that's intent on returning to 1990. But it's not the car; it's the rather uncool accessories it came with - a pair of fluffy dice that are a little bit different. "A typical YA sci-fi adventure quickly turns into an intricately woven journey." What they said about NO DICE (the 'accidental' prequel): "A quirky but entertaining tale." "Recommended for anyone looking for something a bit unusual and mysterious with a slight sci-fi touch." "A great story, with a sneaky history lesson thrown in.
Journey back to childhood, where the buds of friendship blossom; take a peek into the lives of the primary schoolchildren who would become...The Circle. A prequel to the Hiding Behind The Couch books. As the title suggests, this short story focuses on the early school days, long before the birth of the full 'Circle' - a series of sectors, if you will. Contains no real spoilers, so can be read independently of the rest of the series and in any order. "A very sweet short story of blossoming friendships and childhood traumas." "...a wonderful, engaging story that made me feel good inside.... Highly recommended for readers who love richly written characters and clever dialogue." * * * * * WARNING: this story deals with themes of child sexual abuse, sudden infant death, and parents' marriage breakdown due to infidelity. All issues are written about sensitively and in a way that is intended to be accessible for children aged ten and above.
When greed, fear and obsession rule the senses, danger is never more than a heartbeat away. A night of celebration affords the perfect opportunity for an unlikely band of criminals to make their move, but as details emerge, it soon becomes clear the crime is far more sophisticated than the police first thought. And that's only the beginning. * * * * * Reunions is Season Seven in the Hiding Behind The Couch series. This instalment follows chronologically from Two By Two (Season Six) and Those Jeffries Boys. * * * * * WARNING: this story touches on themes of suicide ideation, sudden infant death, cancer, dementia, drug dependency and dissociative PTSD. These are not graphically or gratuitously depicted, but may, nonetheless, cause distress to some readers. The story also includes a few brief scenes of an intimate (non-explicit) nature.
Mysterious happenings are mounting up for Josh, Sean and their estranged alumni. Josh Sandison-Morley was born a sceptic. Why else would he insist there’s no such thing as ghosts when he’s eliminated every plausible explanation for the noises in his former therapy rooms? Sean Tierney’s having some ‘performance issues’. His GP says there’s no physical reason: his blood pressure is under control, and he’s stayed off the booze, ergo it’s all in his head. In the circumstances, being a palliative clinical psychologist isn’t proving (self-)helpful. Despite two decades of friendship and their grand plans to open a private psychotherapy centre, neither man confides in the other. That is, until news reaches them both, via different avenues, that their experiences are but part of a bizarre cluster of unexplained phenomena, for which there is only one common denominator. Whether real or the product of overwrought imaginations, Josh, Sean and their alumni must lay to rest the spectre of a once-beloved friend…or admit defeat and crawl back under the safe, weighty stones of the jobs and relationships they’ve left behind.
Sometimes a murder mystery is the least of life's challenges...When James is arrested, the ripples are felt across The Circle. While Josh and Dan fight to clear James's name, Andy is planning his big comeback, with high hopes he'll be home for Christmas. The perfect time to make new friends, make amends...and solve a murder.
Huddled in a doorway, unseen by the men passing on great horses, Meredith watched from within the hood of her cloak. The pain of the cold, wet morning impaled her, rooting her in place, even as the cat rubbed against her shins with a force that should have felled her. She shooed him away. Go home. But he would not. She wished she had died that night. She wished she had died, for to live like this was not to live at all. * * * When Richie Moorcroft takes a housekeeping position to finance his studies, it means moving back to his childhood home: an ancient, almost-derelict cottage locals claim is haunted. But he never believed those stories; he knows where they came from, and in any case, he has a job to do: keeping nineteen-year-old Julian Denby on the straight and narrow without Julian realising his wealthy parents are paying Richie to do so. Luckily, Julian’s not very astute, although the same can’t be said for their newest housemates: Richie’s bestie, Anneke, and Julian’s older sister, Tamara. Add in George, the cat who appeared from nowhere and is in no hurry to leave, and that makes five…about to uncover the sinister history of their new home.
This is a very short, fun interlude in the Hiding Behind The Couch series. Unlike the rest of the series, which is written in third-person (semi-omniscient) past tense, this short story is written in first-person present tense. It has no real bearing on anything else that happens in the series. It is what it is: an Easter Egg. It is entirely self-indulgent, for which I make no apologies. ~ Deb ~ * * * * * NOTE: this story should be read after Reunions (Season Seven).
“You must learn to look beyond the evidence. It shows only what you wish to believe is real, not what you really wish to believe.” Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love… (Hamlet, Shakespeare) The Circle is in flux. It’s been a hectic six months, and as the friends head into the heat of summer, more trials await that will truly test the bonds of friendship. For whilst a circle may contract and may even at times constrict, it can also expand, accommodate, embrace. And it is always whole. Eternal. Set over a period of six months (July–December), In The Stars Part II continues to explore the day-to-day lives of The Circle—nine friends from high school, now in their late thirties—following them through a year of celebration, loss, illness and life-changing decisions. In The Stars Part II is Season Five in the Hiding Behind The Couch Series. This book is also available as six separate episodes. The story follows chronologically from In The Stars Part I (Season Four) and Breaking Waves (Novella). It continues in A Midnight Clear (Novella), Red Hot Christmas (Novella) and Two By Two (Season Six). For those readers unfamiliar with the series, In The Stars Part I re-introduces the main characters, so you could pick it up from there and perhaps catch up with the previous books later. * * * * * WARNING: this story contains intimate (moderately explicit) scenes between consenting opposite sex (F/M) adults. * * * * * What readers say about the Hiding Behind The Couch Series: “The remarkable characterisation in these novels is what makes them for me.” “This story reminds me of my favorite movies about friendship and relationships.” “Few authors have explored the depths of longtime friends within a group, or ‘circle’ the way Debbie McGowan has!” “The way the author deals with the complexities and issues in these books is delicate and compassionate, but with a matter-of fact-grit that smacks of reality.”
The Circle.Nine friends from high school.Nine friends for life. They had been in their final years of school when it happened. There was a party. Shaunna didn't know who he was; she could only vaguely remember where she'd been and what she'd been up to, and tried to let the memory slip away with the hangover. Four weeks later, she was certain that night was going to be with her forever. Josh Sandison has spent his lifetime trying to keep his friends together, never forgiving himself for being the one to push George away. Now in their thirties, they reunite in a bid to help Shaunna's daughter establish her father's identity. But there are secrets and lies that have been lived too long, with the power to destroy friendships for good. * * * * * Season One in the Hiding Behind The Couch series. There are two prequels—Beginnings and Ruminations—which can be read at any point during the series. The story continues in No Time Like The Present (Season Two).
Gray Fisher is settling well into life after the police and addiction recovery. But all it takes is one visit from former colleague, Rob Simpson-Stone...Now Gray's hooked again-on the industrial espionage trail-and it looks like the ex-banker/animal rights activist, Will Richards, is involved. Which is a shame. Gray was starting to like him.
Seventeen-year-old Josh Sandison has been waiting his whole life to go to university. Gifted—and bullied for being different—he hopes moving away to study will mean a change for the better. Instead, he encounters the unexpected, when strange things start happening in his room—the blinds falling down by themselves and notes from an illiterate prankster. Add to this the myth of the haunted third floor, and cynical Josh has had just about enough when Sean Tierney arrives, three days late and with not a penny to his name. The two strike up an unlikely friendship, bonded by their passion for learning and compassion for others. But will their intellectual prowess be enough to solve, once and for all, the mystery of the third floor? * * * * * Ruminations is a stand-alone prequel (novel) to Hiding Behind The Couch. This story follows chronologically from Beginnings (Prequel Novella) and is continued in Hiding Behind The Couch (Season One).
A fatal plane crash in Kathmandu. A fateful high school reunion. The wedding of the year and a honeymoon that eight best friends will never forget. Emotions run riot in Debbie McGowan’s most recent addition to the highly acclaimed Hiding Behind The Couch series. Delve deeper into the lives, lies and loves of your favourite characters in this touching tale where twists and turns abound. Whilst Dan battles for his life in Kathmandu, back home preparations for Eleanor’s wedding are interrupted by events that exhume painful memories from the past, forcing Josh to finally come clean about his true feelings. * * * * * “A novel that sparkles and comes to life in your imagination unlike any other.” “The strangest honeymoon ever, in which a hot tub and a Labrador play a leading role…” “I can’t recommend this highly enough—there is no way you could fail to fall in love with these characters and be sucked into their lives.” * * * * * The Harder They Fall is season three in the Hiding Behind The Couch series. The story follows chronologically from No Time Like The Present (Season Two). The story continues in Crying in the Rain (Novel – runs parallel with the second half of The Harder They Fall), First Christmas (Novella) and In The Stars Part I (Season Four). * * * * * WARNING: this story deals with themes of depression and suicide ideation.
Shaunna has a complicated Christmas ahead of her. For more than twenty years, she and Kris were a couple. Together, they bought a house and turned it into a wonderful family home in which to raise Shaunna’s daughter, Krissi. Now Krissi is all grown up, and Shaunna and Kris are separated; Kris has Ade: his boyfriend of more than a year who adores him. And Andy—Krissi’s dad—is in love with Shaunna… She knows what she wants for Christmas. She’s had a long time to think about it. But is the ribbon binding these fabulous relationships strong enough to protect them? Or will turning on the lights reveal the true fragility of these precious ornaments? Either way, Shaunna knows she’s set for a Christmas that might just be too hot to handle. * * * * * Red Hot Christmas is a novella-length character special. Part of Hiding Behind The Couch series. This story follows chronologically from In The Stars Part II (Season Five) and runs parallel to A Midnight Clear (Novella). The story continues in Two By Two (Season Six). * * * * * WARNING: this story contains intimate (moderately explicit) scenes between consenting opposite sex (F/M) adults.
Some things are just meant to be, or sometimes it seems that way. Like old uni pals inexplicably moving to your hometown, or realising that your childhood best friend is the love of your life, or landing a star role in a hit TV series that could well be your autobiography. Fate, karma, written in the stars, or just bizarre quirks of coincidence? For better or worse, the events of the next six months will push the friends to the limits. For The Circle can expand and contract, but it is always whole; eternal. Set over a period of six months (January–June), In The Stars Part I explores the day-to-day lives of The Circle—nine friends from high school, now in their late thirties—following them through a year of celebration, loss, illness and life-changing decisions. In The Stars Part I is Season Four in the Hiding Behind The Couch Series. This book is also available as six separate episodes. The story follows chronologically from The Harder They Fall (Season Three), Crying in the Rain (Novel) and First Christmas (Novella). It continues in Breaking Waves (Novella) and In The Stars Part II (Season Five). For those readers unfamiliar with the series, In The Stars re-introduces the main characters, so you could pick it up from here and perhaps catch up with the previous books later. * * * * * What readers say about the Hiding Behind The Couch Series: “The remarkable characterisation in these novels is what makes them for me.” “This story reminds me of my favorite movies about friendship and relationships.” “Few authors have explored the depths of longtime friends within a group, or ‘circle’ the way Debbie McGowan has!” “I have a love-hate relationship with Debbie McGowan’s Hiding Behind the Couch Series. I love to read them, I HATE it when they’re over.”
Jack Davies led an unremarkable life, serving fast food in a nondescript seaside town by day and playing computer games by night. Unremarkable, that is, until Professor Jericho ordered a sausage and a cup of tea.
Saorla Tierney’s sons are conspiring against her, and at their age, they should know better. After all, she’s nearly seventy-one herself, and, quite frankly, whether she still ‘has needs’ is none of their business. OK, so, maybe she was a bit harsh with Sean when all he did was ask if she and Aileen wanted a double hotel room. And of course she feels bad for biting Finn’s head off when he was only having a wee joke. Between her grandson’s unconventional baptism and the decades-long feud between her sons, even with Aileen at her side it’s not as easy a decision as they seem to think. Or maybe it is. Saorla doesn’t know anymore, and until she’s sure… * * * * * To Be Sure is a stand-alone, novella-length character special in the Hiding Behind The Couch series. Chronologically, it comes a couple of months after the end of Reunions (Season Seven) and coincides with the ending of Reverberations.
The one where Notes from Boston’s Amelia Roberts takes a much-needed vacation to England and runs into Shaunna Hennessy from Hiding Behind The Couch—a fortuitous meeting for both. A short story by A.M. Leibowitz and Debbie McGowan.
A weekend in an ancient castle and a murder-mystery game that becomes all too real. It's safe to say Josh's plans for a romantic anniversary with George are not turning out the way he'd hoped. In spite of his cynicism, and his promise not to embark on any more life-threatening pursuits for answers, when one of the guests turns up dead, Josh can't help but put his talents to use to solve the murder. The Advent of Reason is a (more or less) stand-alone novella-length character special in the Hiding Behind The Couch series.
Mysterious happenings are mounting up for Josh, Sean and their estranged alumni. Despite two decades of friendship and their grand plans to open a private psychotherapy centre, neither man confides in the other. That is, until news reaches them both, via different avenues, that their experiences are but part of a bizarre cluster of unexplained phenomena, for which there is only one common denominator. Whether real or the product of overwrought imaginations, they must lay to rest the spectre of a once-beloved friend…or admit defeat and crawl back under the safe, weighty stones of the jobs and relationships they’ve left behind. PLEASE NOTE: Alumni: Resolutions is part two of a two-part story; the first part (which should be read first) is Alumni: Reverberations. Also available in one volume under the title Reverberations.
So Long, Little Black Diamonds p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px} A short and glorious true tale of friendship, and a dog on wheels. NOTE: what you will read here is not embellished in any way. These are real events, and they may cause some readers distress. Thus, whilst I’ve tried to capture the character, sense of humour and generosity of spirit of my much-missed friends, both human and canine, it is only right to forewarn you that this ‘story’ deals with the terminal conditions of cancer of the fallopian tube and canine degenerative disorder.
Never Too Late is a collection of nine stories featuring characters over the age of fifty – stories of travel, finding your purpose, of friendships past and present, and of love. Never Too Late brings you to a world where gender sees no borders, where the only way you’re identified is by the goodness of your heart. STORIES: Trapped by Ofelia Gränd Ashes and Alms by A.M. Leibowitz The Palette – A Lifetime by Caraway Carter Clara by Hans M Hirschi To Be Sure by Debbie McGowan Nectar by Laura Susan Johnson Moving by J P Walker Cue The Music by Alexis Woods Ocean of Tears by Phetra H. Novak
London: December, 1981. A White Christmas is on the cards, but as the temperature drops, the pressure on Arty mounts. He’s got far too much planned in the coming days to have it all buried under a mountain of snow. Between his retirement surprise for Jim and the Christmas party at the dance school, Arty might need to curtail his daydreaming a little to ensure everything comes together. Still, if all else fails, at least he and Jim have each other to keep them warm through the impending blizzard. Note: this story follows on from When Skies Have Fallen and as such contains spoilers for anyone who has not read the novel.
Christmas at the Davenports has never been a relaxing affair, so when the opportunity for a little alone time with a beautiful, available woman comes Charlie Davenport’s way, she takes it, breaking several family traditions and risking the wrath of her siblings. But it’ll be worth it, right? And she can always make it up to them later…or next Christmas. * * * * * For readers of the Hiding Behind The Couch series, Not My Christmas comes several months after Reunions (Season Seven) and immediately after The Advent of Reason.
Love follows no rules. Like sun in winter and rain in summer, love can blossom in the most unexpected places. This richly diverse collection of stories proves that love is as universal and as varied as the seasons. THE STORIES: Tourist Season - Deven Balsam Machete Betty and the Office Sharks - Neptune Flowers Once Around Seven - Ofelia Gränd Winter Blossoms - Paul Iasevoli Year of the Guilty Soul - A.M. Leibowitz The Great Village Bun Fight - Debbie McGowan A Springful of Winters - Dawn Sister Out of Season - Bob Stone Seashell Voices - Alexis Woods Courting Light - A. Zukowski
Three brothers: doting dads, dealing with the everyday challenges of fatherhood. Following the imprisonment of his ex-girlfriend, Mike Jeffries has one priority: his six-month-old daughter, Bethan. Between caring for her and being a self-employed painter and decorator, he's already got enough on his plate, without his sisters-in-law insisting he's ready to date again. Now Bethan's grandmother intends to fight him for custody, and Mike's not sure he can rise to it. Always up for an adventure, Andy Jeffries has finally found the perfect challenge: keeping the woman he loves satisfied and raising their twin daughters, Rosie and Sorsha. The problem is everyone else thinks he needs more, and dealing with his brothers' trials and tribulations means he's getting it, whether he wants it or not. Dan Jeffries is about to become a father for the second time, and he's terrified, not that he's the kind of man to admit it. But after the premature birth of his daughter, Shu, he's taking no chances until his son is safely delivered into this world, which means putting a hold on his hunt for the perfect family home. However, the house he wants comes with a very big price tag, and not of the monetary kind. * * * * * Those Jeffries Boys is a novel-length character special. Part of Hiding Behind The Couch series. This story follows chronologically from Two By Two (Season Six) and continues in Reunions (Season Seven).
Mysterious happenings are mounting up for Josh, Sean and their estranged alumni. Despite two decades of friendship and their grand plans to open a private psychotherapy centre, neither man confides in the other. That is, until news reaches them both, via different avenues, that their experiences are but part of a bizarre cluster of unexplained phenomena, for which there is only one common denominator. Whether real or the product of overwrought imaginations, they must lay to rest the spectre of a once-beloved friend…or admit defeat and crawl back under the safe, weighty stones of the jobs and relationships they’ve left behind. PLEASE NOTE: Alumni: Reverberations is part one of a two-part story; the second part, released simultaneously, is Alumni: Resolutions. Also available in one volume under the title Reverberations.
A year has passed since Rob Simpson-Stone received a photo of his nieces enjoying a night out, unaware their photographer was one Anders Folden: a psychopathic hitman Rob helped to put away while working undercover for the Met Police Special Investigations Unit. Only Gray Fisher—Rob's former boss, now his business partner—is taking Rob seriously. The powers-that-be insist Rob and Gray are being paranoid: there’s no proof the photo came from Folden, who’s stayed off the authorities’ radar long enough to have assumed a new identity and fled overseas. It takes a significant threat to Rob’s son’s life for anyone to question that assertion, but police protection is worth nothing when the target has friends in high places to bend and break the law to his will. Folden won’t stop until he’s completed his mission: to fulfil a contract or end a personal vendetta, Rob and Gray are no longer sure which. What they do know is they need to find him before he finds them—with or without help from the authorities. The final instalment in the Gray Fisher trilogy.
Black hair and band hoodies had a lot to answer for. Eleven years ago, when Gothboy mooched into their business studies class for the very first time, Krissi had taken one look at him and thought, What a freak. He’s so cool! Now in their mid-twenties, Krissi Johansson and Jay Meyer are successful businesspeople and still best friends. But while one is moving forward with their life, the other is sliding ever backwards…revisiting the past and wallowing in regret. Between career commitments, unresolved family matters and friends springing unwelcome surprises, Krissi and Jay have more than enough drama to contend with, and not all of their own making. On top of all that, it’s Christmas. Yay. * * * * * This is a stand-alone story—the first in Front of House—featuring ‘the next generation’ of Hiding Behind The Couch characters. For those reading the main series, this story follows (more or less) chronologically from Reunions (Season Seven).
In The Stars Part I is Book Four in the Hiding Behind The Couch Series. Some things are just meant to be, or sometimes it seems that way. Like old uni pals inexplicably moving to your hometown, or realising that your childhood best friend is the love of your life, or landing a star role in a hit TV series that could well be your autobiography. Fate, karma, written in the stars, or just bizarre quirks of coincidence? For better or worse, the events of the next six months will push the friends to the limits. For The Circle can expand and contract, but it is always whole; eternal. Set over the first six months of a year of The Circle, In The Stars Part I explores the day-to-day lives of nine friends from high school who are now it their late thirties, following them through celebration, loss, illness and life-changing decisions. What readers say about the Hiding Behind The Couch Series: "The remarkable characterisation in these novels is what makes them for me." "This story reminds me of my favorite movies about friendship and relationships." "Few authors have explored the depths of longtime friends within a group, or 'circle' the way Debbie McGowan has!" "I have a love-hate relationship with Debbie McGowan's Hiding Behind the Couch Series. I love to read them, I HATE it when they're over.
All’s fair in love and war. But not in baking. Do what you do best. So said Henry’s grandad as he handed Henry a small, red-foil-wrapped box that gave a metallic rattle when he shook it. Inside: a large bunch of mismatched keys held together by a ring the size of a bangle. The keys to the bakery. Henry’s bakery. A humorous story about baking and village life (as you might expect). Also includes a rockin’ reverend, cakes and bunting. Part of Seasons of Love Anthology.
Iris and Pauline are on their holidays! It's only a fortnight's house-sitting, but it'll do. The sun's cracking the flags, there's not a whisper of wind. And who needs fancy seaside resorts, anyhow? * * * * * Written for a Sparkly Badgers' Friday #flashfiction challenge. Part of the Hiding Behind The Couch series. What A Scorcher! is a stand-alone story with no real spoilers, but for those who like to know these things, it takes place in the summer after Reunions (Season Seven) and To Be Sure.
Dear Dad, God, how to start? I'm not really a girl. I know I look like one, but it's all a horrible mistake. Every day I try to hide it, but I'm so tired. I don't want to hide it. I don't think I can much longer. So what I want, Dad, is a sex change. They won't let me have one until I go to counselling, but that's okay. I don't mind that. I've got nothing to lose. Dad, I've got a girlfriend. 'Cause I'm a boy. Only, she doesn't know. But, Dad. If I have the operation, she need never know. Dad, I love her. So much. * * * Content Warning: contains sexual swear words and sexual intimacy.
Three years after his partner's death, Detective Chief Inspector Gray Fisher has finally made the break from the police. With a new place to live, a new job and his PhD underway, Gray welcomes the friendship of Will Richards, an investment banker with hidden depths and a farmhouse menagerie of rescue animals. Gray's not looking for love, and he's certainly not interested in becoming involved in police work again...until former colleague Rob Simpson-Stone tracks him down to ask for his help with a case. So begins Gray and Rob's new business partnership. For Rob Simpson-Stone, the career change may have come too late to rescue his marriage, but his relationship with his son is back on track. Rob's grown-up nieces might be a taller order, but he's prepared to do whatever it takes to prove they no longer need to worry that one day he won't come home. As events unfold, Gray's past recklessness catches up with him and Rob both, putting those they hold close in danger and forcing them to forge reluctant alliances in a bid to take down one Anders Folden-a psychopathic hitman Rob put away while working undercover. Folden won't stop until he's completed his mission-to fulfil a contract or end a personal vendetta? Either way, Gray and Rob need to find him before he finds them.
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