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The Night Bus: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26One book. Two strangers. An unforgettable journey as they rewrite the ending.
Daisy Douglas has spent her life behind the at work, in her relationships, and now, in planning a wedding she isn’t sure she even wants. As an entertainment journalist, she can spot the start of a story a mile away. So when her routine 4 a.m. bus ride to the newsroom takes a surprising turn, she notices.
For months, the same man has boarded at the same stop, reading the same tattered copy of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando over and over as if his life depends on it. When a broken-down bus and a shared walk through the quiet early-morning London streets finally throws them together, Tom reveals the heartbreaking truth as to why he can’t be without his novel.
Determined to help him find the answer to the riddle hidden in its pages, Daisy joins Tom on his strange literary quest—one that leads them to places neither of them ever expected. But as their friendship deepens, she starts to wonder if what they’re both looking for might not be in the book after all.
Daisy Douglas has spent her life behind the at work, in her relationships, and now, in planning a wedding she isn’t sure she even wants. As an entertainment journalist, she can spot the start of a story a mile away. So when her routine 4 a.m. bus ride to the newsroom takes a surprising turn, she notices.
For months, the same man has boarded at the same stop, reading the same tattered copy of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando over and over as if his life depends on it. When a broken-down bus and a shared walk through the quiet early-morning London streets finally throws them together, Tom reveals the heartbreaking truth as to why he can’t be without his novel.
Determined to help him find the answer to the riddle hidden in its pages, Daisy joins Tom on his strange literary quest—one that leads them to places neither of them ever expected. But as their friendship deepens, she starts to wonder if what they’re both looking for might not be in the book after all.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 19, 2026
203 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bickers
3 books309 followersTessa Bickers studied journalism at Bournemouth university, and went on to co-present a breakfast radio show in the South West.
Moving into celebrity news, she's interviewed some of the biggest names in show business, including Leonardo DiCaprio and the cast of Sex and the City. Tess started her creative career as a singer-songwriter and after a few failed X Factor auditions she went on to perform at Glastonbury Festival, and Secret Garden Party with her band Tess and the Tellers.
These days she's replaced her guitar with a keyboard, and songs for books. THE BOOK SWAP is her debut novel, publishing in 2024.
Moving into celebrity news, she's interviewed some of the biggest names in show business, including Leonardo DiCaprio and the cast of Sex and the City. Tess started her creative career as a singer-songwriter and after a few failed X Factor auditions she went on to perform at Glastonbury Festival, and Secret Garden Party with her band Tess and the Tellers.
These days she's replaced her guitar with a keyboard, and songs for books. THE BOOK SWAP is her debut novel, publishing in 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Night Bus was one of those rare books that I started and didn’t put down until I finished. Warm, thought provoking, and utterly engaging, I found myself falling in love right alongside Daisy and Tom.
As much as I loved Tom, it was Daisy’s journey of self discovery and growth that grabbed me just a tiny bit more. I could see what everyone else could and I wanted her to see it too!! Her entire journey was so beautiful.
I love a novel that can live so richly with just two characters. There were secondary characters who were thoughtfully drawn and felt real but it felt like this magical glimpse into a special world just for Daisy and Tom.
If this is my last 5 star read for 2025, I am ending the year on a wildly high note!!
Thank you to HTP Hive for the ARC.
As much as I loved Tom, it was Daisy’s journey of self discovery and growth that grabbed me just a tiny bit more. I could see what everyone else could and I wanted her to see it too!! Her entire journey was so beautiful.
I love a novel that can live so richly with just two characters. There were secondary characters who were thoughtfully drawn and felt real but it felt like this magical glimpse into a special world just for Daisy and Tom.
If this is my last 5 star read for 2025, I am ending the year on a wildly high note!!
Thank you to HTP Hive for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
What a lovely romance. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-mail in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-mail in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
4.5 stars. I loved this one!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews