The Way Back To You

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

The new novel from the author of The Flip Side!


Three friends. Two summers. One chance to find the way back to you . . .

When Simon Brown reconnects on Facebook with his first love Sylvie - the French pen pal he never actually met - he is determined that this time things will be different.

However, life isn't so straight-forward at sixty as it was at sixteen. His daughter's getting married, he's got difficult guests staying at his B&B, and his larger-than-life school friend, Ian, has abruptly waltzed back into his life.

Adamant that he can't let this second chance pass by, Simon sets off on a bike ride from Bristol to Bordeaux with Ian in tow, on the very same route they covered as teenagers in pursuit of love.

But although they now have better bikes, more acceptable haircuts, and Google Maps, some things never change, and it soon becomes clear that this trip will have even more bumps in the road than the first.

Is it ever too late to make up for past mistakes?

How far can one friendship be pushed?

And will Simon finally meet Sylvie?


Praise for THE FLIP SIDE!

'Takes the usual rom com formula and turns it on its head . . . refreshing, funny and heartwarming, we could not get enough of this' HEAT
'Utterly adorable and romantic. I feel uplifted!' GIOVANNA FLETCHER
'Utterly charming, funny and very relatable!' JOSIE SILVER
'A wonderful, feel-good gem of a book' THE SUN
'A funny, sparky read that feels fresh and modern . . . this book is fab' SOPHIE COUSENS
'Really sweet, warm hearted story with some very funny moments . . . Thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a lovely way to start the new year' CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER
'The ultimate rom-com' INDEPENDENT

© James Bailey 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Critics Review

  • The Way Back To You had the ability to make me feel all warm and fuzzy but at the same time I literally couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the sense of intrigue around missed connections and impending weddings and the characters were complex and beautifully written. Please could we have a sequel so that I can find out where they all are in five years’ time?! A tale of pen pals, pretty French towns and sweet friendships – I loved it!

    Lorraine Brown

  • A joyful gem of a book that will have you cheering on its protagonist. Bonus points for the 70’s nostalgia in the flashback chapters

    Culturefly

  • A charming story filled with wit and romance. I loved it

    Olivia Beirne

  • A delightful read, full of warmth and humour

    Caroline Khoury, author of It Must Be Love

  • Chances are you will fall in love with this rom-com packed with wit, long lost love and second chances

    Cosmopolitan

  • Praise for James Bailey

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