By Your Side

The joyful and life-affirming new novel from the BAFTA-winning co-writer of Gavin and Stacey and the Sunday Times bestselling and Richard and Judy Book Club author of Love Untold.

**SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 RNA ROMANTIC COMEDY AWARD**

'A heartwarming and funny read from the brilliant Ruth Jones' Heat (Book of the Week)

'Filled with compassion and populated with wonderfully engaging characters' Observer

After thirty-three years helping strangers at the council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda is looking forward to early retirement.

But first, one last case: tracking down the relatives of the deceased Levi Norman, a Welshman who spent his final years on a remote Scottish island.

As Linda delves into Levi’s past, aided (and occasionally thwarted) by the residents of Storrich, she uncovers more than just his story.

Bursting with heart and humour, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding on to friendship, love and community – especially when life gets messy.

'Brilliantly told, you'll laugh, cry - and love it' Woman & Home

‘Ruth’s books are always a joy and full of gorgeous characters’ Prima

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Readers are loving By Your Side!

'Funny and heartbreaking and wonderful. Five huge flashing stars' ***** Reader Review

'A brilliant, life-affirming, feel-good book' ***** Reader Review

'Filled me with a great deal of joy' *****Reader Review

'It’s one to devour in one sitting and tell your friends about.' *****Reader Review

'I did not want this to end' *****Reader Review

'I loved Linda's job - working for the council as a sort of special detective... (Is this a real job, and can I do it?)' *****Reader Review

'My first book by the wonderful Ruth Jones and I'm kicking myself I haven't read any sooner.' *****Reader Review

Praise for Ruth Jones:

'Ruth Jones is excellent on human nature and why we make the mistakes we do' JOJO MOYES, bestselling author of Me Before You and Someone Else's Shoes

‘Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster ride. Beautifully written, with characters that I know will stay with me’ JO THOMAS, bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse

'Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can't help but fall in love with the characters she creates.'
JAMES CORDEN

'A cast of characters you'll lose your heart to.' ADELE PARKS, bestselling author of Just Between Us

'Beautifully warm and totally absorbing.' JANE FALLON, bestselling author of My Sweet Revenge and Strictly Between Us

'Heartfelt, joyful, brave, utterly compelling' RACHEL JOYCE, bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

'Ruth's characters will stay with me for a long time.' CATHY BRAMLEY, bestselling author of The Lemon Tree Café

**Cover may vary**