The Beach Party

Nikki Smith

The tunes are loud when a group of friends arrives in Mallorca for a post-graduation holiday of decadence and debauchery at a luxury villa. A beach party marks the pinnacle of their fun, until it isn’t fun any longer. Because amidst the wild partying, sand flying from dancing feet and revellers leaping from yachts, an accident happens. Suddenly, the night of a lifetime becomes a living nightmare. Brilliant.

One Perfect Couple

Ruth Ware

The first book I’ve read in one day in a long time, it was that good! Lyla is stuck in a rut and things aren’t going great with boyfriend, Nico. When he is offered a part on a reality TV show she reluctantly signs up with him. After all, what could be better than a couple of weeks on a sun drenched beach? But after a disastrous storm on their first night that cuts them off from everything, they soon realise they are in battle just to survive.

The Donor

Clare Mackintosh

When Lizzie’s daughter Meg is given a life-saving heart transplant, Lizzie feels hugely grateful to the nameless donor. Then she receives a letter from the donor’s mother, Karen, asking to meet, and it seems like the least she can do. But as soon as Karen is welcomed into their lives, Lizzie feels something isn’t right. And before long, she can’t help but worry that by inviting Karen in, she might have put Meg in danger. A Quick Read – I devoured this in about two hours!

This Family

Kate Sawyer

Mary has raised a family in this house. Today she is getting married in this house. The wedding celebrations have brought fractured family together for the first time in years: there’s Phoebe and her husband Michael, the young and sensitive Rosie, with her new partner and Irene, Mary’s ex-mother-in-law. Even Emma, Mary’s eldest, is back for the wedding – despite being at odds with everyone else. A beautiful book about family relationships.

My Favourite Mistake

Marian Keyes

I always cite Marian Keyes as the author who got me back into reading for pleasure after I left university. I have loved all of her books and have particularly enjoyed her ones about the Walsh Family. This one centres on Anna Walsh. It was good, it was funny, there’s a lot of talk of menopause and it felt very much aimed at me, but it wasn’t my favourite. Did I still enjoy it and will I rush to get her next book? Absolutely!

Every Move You Make

C L Taylor

Alexandra, Lucy, Bridget, River and Natalie. Five friends who wish they’d never met. Because the one thing they have in common is the worst thing in their lives: they are all being stalked. When one of their group is murdered, days after their stalker is released from prison, time stands still for them all. They know their lives could end just as brutally at any moment. The only way to make themselves safe is to become stalkers themselves. Terrifying and gripping.

The Guest

B A Paris

Iris and Gabriel return from a well-needed holiday to find their good friend, Laure, staying in their house. Laure has walked out on her husband, and their good friend, Pierre, after his admission of an affair. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive but Laure’s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic. There are twists galore, none of which I saw coming! The last part of the book blew my mind. Very good and very readable.

The Last Resort

T J Emerson

Pure Heart Community is a spiritual wellness centre, a former hotel on the island of Cyprus. Sofia left the retreat as a twelve year old after one terrible night when she lost her mother. Ten years later she is back to confront her past. Initially the collection of residents are excited to see Sofia and welcome her back with open arms. However, Sofia is back with an agenda. To find out what really happened to her mother

The Love of my Afterlife

Kirsty Greenwood

Recently deceased Delphie Bookham has just met The One in the afterlife, but is devastated when a mix-up means he is immediately sent back to Earth. Delphie is given a second chance and accepts a deal in which she can return to her previous life in London and reconnect with the mysterious stranger she’s sure is her soulmate. The challenge? She only has ten days to find him. Ten days to make him fall for her. Oh, and he has no recollection of them ever having met

Every Smile you Fake

Dorothy Koomson

Profiler and therapist, Kes, is shocked to find a baby on the back seat of her car, accompanied by a note saying, “Please take care of my baby. But don’t try to find me. You’ll put him in danger”. Kes thinks she knows who the baby belongs to. A young social media star, Brandee, with a troubled background. Should she do as the note suggests or try and find her, putting Brandee’s life and her own family’s at risk?

The New Wife

J P Delaney

When Finn and Jess learn of their fathers passing neither feel the loss too hard. Ownership of Jimmy’s dilapidated farmhouse in Majorca has now passed to the siblings, however Jimmy’s new wife, Ruensa, is still living there. They decide Finn should go over and tactfully explore her plans. However, when he arrives he is shocked to find the house has been beautifully renovated by Ruensa and her daughter and the police are asking awkward questions about Jimmy’s death.

Return to Half Moon Farm

Holly Hepburn

When Daisy’s mother falls ill she is forced to return home. With her twin sons in tow, she moves back to Half Moon Farm, her family’s ancient hop farm. But a new life in the Kent countryside isn’t necessarily as idyllic as it might seem. Daisy’s relationship with her mother is complicated and the tumbledown farm isn’t the only thing that needs rebuilding. Daisy and her sons must adjust to life with estranged family, a leaking roof, and no WiFi.

Anna O

Matthew Blake

After discovering that the average person spends thirty-three years of their life asleep, Matthew Blake felt the pull of a story. He began extensive research into sleep-related crimes and into the mystery illness known as resignation syndrome. Research that sparked the question, if someone commits murder while sleepwalking, are they innocent or guilty? And so his novel Anna O was born. Thought provoking

Frank & Red

Matt Coyne

Frank is a miserable old man living as a recluse, his only company the ghost of his dead wife. Red is also sad. A six year old boy who is dealing with his parents separation, a new house, a new school and a school bully. But from the moment they meet the seeds are sown for the unlikeliest of friendships. Such a beautifully told story with so many moments of warmth and humour.

The Search Party

Hannah Richell

Max and Annie have left the rat race of London to set up their glamping business with their son. Ready for a dry run before opening to the public they invite their friends for a weekend of glamping on the Cornish coast. Festivities go awry early on when issues between the children and subsequently their parents cause tension. Then when a storm comes in cutting the group off and a child goes missing, the group reach breaking point.

Funny Story

Emily Henry

Daphne used to love how fiancé Peter told the story of their first meeting but now Peter’s decided that actually he loves his childhood best friend, Petra, instead. Now Daphne has somehow found herself living in the spare room of her ex-fiancé’s, new fiancée’s, ex and she’s in desperate need of a new story. Miles is really not her type and neither are looking for new love but there’s no harm in a little bit of fun to wind their exes up right?

The Wrong Sister

Claire Douglas

Claire Douglas never writes a bad book, but this is her best yet in my opinion. When Tasha’s older sister Alice offers to come and look after Tasha’s twins for a week with husband Kyle and let Tasha and Aaron use their apartment in Venice, Tasha jumps at the chance of a much needed break. Just two days into their trip though Alice is attacked and Kyle murdered in their home in an apparent break in. Totally gripping.

The Woman Who Lied

Claire Douglas

Best-selling crime author, Emilia, lives in a quiet London suburb with her husband and two children. When an incident that appears to be straight out of one of her books occurs locally she passes it off as an unsettling coincidence, until someone she knows dies in the exact manner of the book she is still writing. How is someone reading her work and are she and her family in danger. Unputdownable thriller

Foster

Claire Keenan

An unnamed young girl is sent to live with unknown family on a small farm in Ireland, despite her siblings staying at home and her mother is pregnant with another child. In her new home she finds a love and warmth she has not encountered before from a childless couple hiding their own pain. At only 89 pages long this was a very quick, but nonetheless moving and powerful read.

The Love of My Life

Rosie Walsh

Emma loves her husband Leo and their young daughter Ruby. But almost everything she’s told them about herself is a lie. However, Leo is an obituary writer and Emma a well-known marine biologist. So, when she suffers a serious illness, Leo copes by doing what he knows best: reading and writing about her life. But as he starts to unravel her past, he discovers the woman he loves doesn’t really exist. As brilliant as her first novel.

Someone Else’s Shoes

JoJo Moyes

One of my favourite books this year. What happens when two very different women accidentally swap bags in the gym? Sam and Nisha’s paths should never have crossed but after a series of mix-ups they become intertwined as both of their lives spiral out of control. Each blames the other for their misfortunes but when they finally meet and start to collaborate they find that together they can take back everything that is theirs.

The Wedding of the Year

Jill Mansell

It’s set to be a perfect day – until the chauffeur is asked to keep driving the bride around the church. Lottie is a guest at the wedding when she sees Max. No kiss has ever matched the last one they shared fifteen years ago. Freya owes Cameron everything. But she doesn’t love him. Which is a shame, because they’re about to be married. Ruby has been the perfect wife. When she discovers the truth about her husband, her response is reckless. But after that, nothing will ever be the same again.

Sisterhood

Cathy Kelly

Lou is at a crossroads. For the first time ever, just giving up seems like an option. In just one night, at her own 50th birthday, her world has imploded. Her mother has kept a secret hidden all her life. And it changes everything. Before Lou can take another step, she needs to get to the bottom of the shocking truth that alters who she really is. Along with her sister, who is facing her own crisis, they set out on a life-altering journey.

A Winter in New York

Josie Silver

Isla’s vibrant childhood was filled with bands, noise and travel, thanks to her mum Vivien being an ‘80s music icon. Now Isla is escaping her various heartbreaks to the one place that has always felt like home, New York. She finds a job, a flat, a friend. Whilst still grieving her loss, she finds her mother’s past is entwined with her own future. A cosy, seasonal love story perfect for this time of year.

Oversharing

Jane Fallon

Iris used to have it all. The husband, the job, the home. Now she’s divorced and renting out her spare room. And it’s all influencer Maddy’s fault. Maddy whose brand is perfect, happy families. Iris doesn’t believe a word of it and she’ll stop at nothing to get her revenge and bring Maddy down. A great storyline with the sharp and witty writing that we’ve come to expect from Jane Fallon.

The Burnout

Sophie Kinsella

Sasha is well and truly over it all. Work, friendships, love-life. She needs a break so armed with good intentions to drink kale smoothies and become a yogi she heads to the Devon resort of her childhood. Except it’s out of season, the hotel is falling apart and she’s sharing the beach with an equally stressed grump called Finn. As always from Sophie Kinsella this is laugh out loud funny.

I Wanted You to Know

Laura Pearson

Jess never imagined she’d be navigating single motherhood, let alone while facing breast cancer. A life that should be just beginning is interrupted by heavy conversations, and the possibility of leaving her daughter to grow up without her. Propelled by a ticking clock, Jess knows what she has to do: tell her daughter everything. How to love, how to lose, how to forgive, and, most importantly, how to live when you never know how long you have.

Order Out of Chaos

Scott Walker

Local author, Scott, is one of the world’s most experienced kidnap-for-ransom negotiators, having successfully resolved hundreds of life or death crises around the world. Order out of Chaos explores how we can be master negotiators in our own lives, using the tried and tested techniques Scott uses in the most difficult of situations. A really well written, clear and concise book with fascinating real-life stories to demonstrate the messages within.

Just One Thing

Dr Michael Mosley

On the back of the hugely popular BBC podcast of the same name, Just One Thing encourages readers to find something small they can introduce to their daily lives that can enhance their physical and/or mental well-being. I really enjoy learning about the science behind the advice. I love the podcast and the book and have introduced so many of these tips into my life over the last couple of years. Highly recommend.

Zero Days

Ruth Ware

Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband, Gabe, are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. To add to her horror, the police are closing in on their suspect—her. A Roller coaster of a ride!

Yellowface

Rebecca F Kuang

Athena Liu is the darling of the publishing world. Juno Hayward is her less successful best friend from their Yale days. When Juno witnesses Athena’s untimely death in a freak accident she acts on the spur of the moment and steals her just finished manuscript, editing it herself and submits it under her own name. As a book nut I really enjoyed this insight into the publishing industry.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Gabrielle Zevin

Sam and Sadie met as children and bonded over their love of video games. Fast forward a few years and they bump into each other again. Now passionate about gaming and creating their own worlds they collaborate and create a game that catapults them into gaming superstardom. This is a beautiful story of the bond between two friends with a shared passion. Don’t be put off by the ‘gaming’ theme if you’re more reader than gamer like me!

Lottie Brooks Totally Disastrous School Trip

Katie Kirby

After a summer of meeting handsome French boys and getting a tiny bit sunburnt. OK, fine – a lot sunburnt, Lottie’s heading off on a week-long residential school trip. A whole week away from embarrassing parents and Toby’s tasty air biscuits! But the trip soon turns into a total disaster! I don’t know quite how Katie Kirby does it but this series of books are the only books my daughter will read

Verity

Colleen Hoover

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series, which  his injured wife is unable to finish. Honestly up there with one of my favourite books ever. Relentlessly gripping and twists galore.

The Prisoner

B A Paris

Amelie has always been a survivor, from losing her parents as a child in Paris to making it on her own in London. As she builds a life for herself, she is swept up into a glamorous lifestyle where she married the handsome billionaire Ned Hawthorne. But then, Amelie wakes up in a pitch-black room, not knowing where she is or why she is there. Who are her captors? And why does she soon feel safer here, imprisoned, than she had begun to feel with her husband Ned? Brilliant again from B A Paris.

Eden Unbound

Beverley Harvey

Eden Unbound is the third and final book in a trilogy from former Kings Hill resident, Beverley Harvey. Set once again in the fictional town of Eden Hill (the descriptions of which bare more than a passing resemblance to Kings Hill!) the story follows a group of characters going about their daily lives. Previous favourites Lisa and Ben and Martin and Jan are back amongst others with the added glamour of new residents, disgraced former soap star Brie and her daughter, Olivia. Brie is trying to start over after a stupid mistake cost her, her job and her home. Martin and Jan are trying to juggle the joy of being grandparents with an unexpected and upsetting diagnosis and Lisa and Ben are trying to juggle their own lives with supporting their best friends who are going through tough times of their own. Definitely my favourite of the series. Beverley’s writing and story-telling develops with every book. A must for the beach this summer!

Talking at Night

Claire Daverley

This is the story of Will and Rosie. Bad boy meets good girl in every way. They fall for each other as teenagers, listening to nineties music and talking late into the night. They seem destined to be together until tragedy stikes which puts paid to any chance of them being together. Except they find their way back to each other time and time again. A truly beautiful book. I loved it.

Happy Place

Emily Henry

Harriet and Wyn are the perfect couple. Every year they go on holiday with their friends to the same idyllic place that holds memories for all of them. But this year they’re lying through their teeth as they actually broke up six months ago. Can they get through a week pretending to still be in love in front of the people who know them best? Fantastic story for the beach this summer.

Just Another Missing Person

Gillian McAllister

Gillian McAllister catapulted herself into author superstardom last year with Wrong Place, Wrong Time but I think I preferred this one. Olivia, a 22 year old with no history of running away has disappeared. She was last seen on CCTV heading down a dead end alley. DCI Julia Day has been tasked with finding her but when she is told she mustn’t find her or her darkest secret will be revealed she is torn between her job and her family.

None of This is True

Lisa Jewell

I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell and she really is getting better with every novel. This one completely blew me away. None of This is True is a psychological thriller about two women who discover they’re ‘birthday twins’ by chance. When Josie convinces successful podcaster Alix that she’d be a great subject for a series, the women start spending more time together and Josie slowly integrates herself into Alix’s life. Dark, tense and thrilling.

Between Us

Mhairi Macfarlane

When Joe and Roisin join their group of friends for a weekend at a country house, it’s a triple celebration – a birthday, an engagement and the launch of Joe’s shiny new crime drama on TV. For Roisin, it’s a chance to connect with the group of friends she made a decade before, working at Waterstones. But for Joe, it’s a distraction as his writing career soars. As the weekend progresses tensions begin to rise. Brilliant.

Seven Exes

Lucy Vine

Esther is nearing 30, single and living with her two best friends when she happens upon an article in an old magazine about Seven Exes, Seven Missed Chances. Who was the one who got away. Tired of being single she decides to go back through her exes, facing up to her previous mistakes, to see if one of them was the one who got away. Light hearted and funny.

The Book Lovers Retreat

Heidi Swan

Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart. That’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when they get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime. Six weeks feels like the perfect amount of time to reassess the direction their lives are taking but a couple of last minute changes means the summer isn’t shaping up quite as they thought.

Amy Gets Eaten

Adam Kay & Henry Paker

Former doctor Adam Kay brings his unique brand of bedside humour to his first picture book with illustrator Henry Paker. Amy is a piece of sweetcorn who is eaten by Noah. Follow Amy’s journey through Noah’s digestive system in a hilarious (my 7 year old son giggled like mad!), but also very educational story about how the human body works.

Preloved

Lauren Bravo

Gwen is heading to her late thirties, perpetually single and lonely. When she spots a ‘help wanted’ sign in a local charity shop after losing her job she decides to start volunteering in the one place where everything and everyone deserves a second chance. Gwen’s story is interspersed with the stories of how the items for sale came to be in the shop. A really lovely feel-good novel.

The Good Daughter

Laure Van Rensburg

Abigail has lived within the New America Baptist Church community for as long as she can remember. She is a good daughter and a good girl and she knows no different. When a house fire claims the lives of her mother and father Abigail finds herself under increasing scrutiny in the community and when she meets podcaster, Summer, who is investigating the cult she starts to question the environment in which she is living. A gripping psychological thriller.

I’ll Never Tell

Phillipa East

Stay at home dad, Paul, and lawyer, Julia’s, ‘perfect world’ is shattered when their talented 16 year old daughter, Chrissie, disappears at the end of a prestigious music competition. As this psychological thriller delves further into her disappearance it uncovers more and more secrets within the family that Paul and Julia have been keeping from their daughter and each other.

This Could be Everything

Eva Rice

If recording the Top 40 on your cassette player and reading Smash Hits was your era, you’re going to love this book! It’s 1990, February Kingdom is 19 and struggling. Her parents died two years ago in the Kings Cross fire and her sister died in a car crash six months ago. This gloriously nostalgic novel encompasses overcoming grief and the bliss of first love.

Notes on an Execution

Danya Kakafka

This has been on my ‘to be read’ pile for way too long. I had enormously high expectations and it did not disappoint. Ansel is on death row, 12 hours away from execution, the same fate he enforced on those girls all those years ago. Ansel doesn’t want to die, he wants to be understood. Told from his perspective and from that of all the women whose lives he affected this is a powerful, emotional and simply brilliant book.

The Wilderness Retreat

Jennifer Moore

Bella is devastated dropping son, Asher, at university. It’s been just the two of them since he was born. Thankfully she has a relaxing retreat in Sweden to look forward to courtesy of her sister. On arrival the stunning scenery out in the wilderness appears to be the antidote to her stresses but very quickly she starts to feel cut off without her confiscated phone and uneasy. Is everyone who they say they are?

The Ugly Truth

L.C. North

Melanie Lange has disappeared. Her father, Sir Peter Lange, says she has been admitted to a private mental health clinic. Her best friend, Nell, says she’s been kidnapped and is being held against her will. An intriguing and thought provoking portrayal of fame, publicity, the media, social media and mental health told from multiple angles and points of view. Highly recommend.

It Ends With Us

Colleen Hoover

Suddenly this US author is everywhere in the UK and having finally picked up one of her novels it’s clear why. Lilly hasn’t always had it easy but it’s never stopped her working hard to achieve her dreams. When she begins a relationship with gorgeous neurosurgeon, Ryle, life looks pretty perfect. However, a chance encounter with first love, Atlas, throws everything she has with Ryle into question. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the sequel.

The Garnett Girls

Georgina Moore

Margo and Richard’s love was legendary. Passionate, forbidden, all-encompassing and ultimately doomed. When Richard walked out on her, Margo cut herself off from the world leaving her three young daughters to raise themselves. Now adults the three girls still feel the effects of their childhood and Margo refuses to talk of their father. A wonderful book full of family secrets and sibling rivalry.

The Back-Up Man

Phoebe Luckhurst

Shortly after her 29th birthday Anya finds herself single, jobless and homeless. After settling for moving in with her weird cousin and her weirder boyfriend and taking a childming job she doesn’t want, Anya stumbles across the teenage pact she made with her first love, Euan, declaring they’d marry if they were single at 30. Could this be the answer to her problems. A laugh out loud, easy to read story.

The Only Suspect

Louise Candlish

Alex lives a comfortable life with his wife Beth in the leafy suburb of Silver Vale. He’s not the most outgoing guy on the street, but he’s a good husband and an easy-going neighbour.

My (Extra) Ordinary Life

Rebecca Ryan

When watching a documentary on the average human experience, Emily realises she’s the epitome of the typical woman. Her name, her height, her occupation, even her blood group. The only thing unusual about her is that she’s a twin. But her twin died when they were only 8 and Emily can’t help but think maybe her sister was meant to live instead of her. So Emily sets out to be more interesting. Hilarious and relatable.

Amazing Grace Adams

Fran Littlewood

One hot summer day, stuck in traffic on her way to pick up the cake for her daughter’s sixteenth birthday party, Grace Adams snaps. She doesn’t scream or break something or cry or curl into a ball. She simply abandons her car and walks away. Not away from her life but towards it. Towards the daughter who won’t live with her anymore and the husband who’s divorcing her. A simply brilliant read.

The Ugly Truth

L C North

Melanie Lange has disappeared. Her father, Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic. Her ex-husband, Finn, and best friend, Nell, say she has been kidnapped. The media will say whichever gets them the most views and is a hive of misinformation. A brilliant story about mental health and the impact of social media fame.

The Reason

Catherine Benetto

Brooke’s life has derailed. Her daughter is being bullied at school, she spends every weekend at her parents and her social life is non-existent. None of this is a surprise though since she lost her husband 18 months previously. Brooke has a secret though. Her husband’s death made her unbelievably rich. A wonderfully feel good novel.

The Reunion

Polly Phillips

Emily has done her best to forget the awful events that forced her to leave university. She’s done her best to forget the trauma and the people involved. But some things can’t be forgotten, so when an invite for reunion arrives Emily decides if she can’t forget, she must get revenge. Fast paced and gripping.

How to Kill Your Family

Bella Mackie

This shouldn’t be funny…but it really is. Twenty-eight year old Grace is currently serving time in prison for a murder she didn’t commit. She did, however, kill six members of her family. A truly brilliant and at times gruesome story about family, class, love and murder. One of my favourite books of the year.

A Christmas Celebration

Heidi Swain

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a warm and cosy offering from Heidi Swain, and this year is no exception. Paige arrives at Wynthorpe Hall after leaving her job under a cloud. Despite only planning to stay for a short time she is quickly drawn into local life. With a cast of colourful characters this is feel good fiction at its best.

Bunny’s First Christmas

Enid Blyton

Bunny is very miserable when his friend the sailor doll is sold. Then he too, is bought and given to an unkind boy called Peter for Christmas. But when Bunny arrives at Peter’s house he finds a nice surprise waiting. An adorable Christmas picture book about friendship from a storyteller loved by many generations.

Brrrr!

Kes Gray & Nick East

From the author of the best-selling Oi Frog, comes this festive delight about the hidden knitting talents of dinosaurs. Brrrr! The Ice Age is coming and the dinosaurs are freezing! Find out what really happened to them in this fabulous adventure that takes them all the way to outer space!

People Need People

Benjamin Zephaniah & Nila Aye

From the creators of Nature Trail comes an uplifting picture book about the power of people, and the importance of connecting with others. This timely poem reminds us all to be kind to one another. Written by legendary poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, one of The Times’ top 50 British post-war writers. Beautifully illustrated by Nila Aye.

The Twelve Dinosaurs of Christmas

Evie Day & Liam Darcy

On the first day of Christmas, my grandpa gave to me . . .A Santasaurus and her dino baby! A dinosaur twist on the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ carol. Count and sing along as the collection of dinosaurs grow. This hilarious festive picture book is the perfect gift for dinosaur fans of all ages.

You Don’t Know What War is

Yeva Skalietska

This is a fascinating and heart-breaking insight into what it was really like to be a 12 year old girl, living in Ukraine in February 2022, when war broke out. Through her diary entries, text messages with her school friends and extracts from her friends themselves we really get a sense of the human cost of war.

The Ringles – A Super Six Adventure

Evan Baldock (local author)

Holly and Abbie live in Kings Hill House in one corner of a field which contains Kings Hill Ring, a ring of trees in the centre. They spend their holidays playing in the ring with their cousins who all live in different parts of the field, making up adventures. Until one day they happen upon a truly magical, real adventure. An absolute must for fans of Enid Blyton

Carrie Soto is Back

Taylor Jenkins Reid

This author can do no wrong in my eyes. Since I read Daisy Jones and The Six last year I’ve been racing through her back catalogue. There hasn’t been a book I haven’t loved and this is no exception. Set in the fiercely competitive world of championship tennis Carrie Soto is coming out of retirement to try and win one more Grand Slam title and maintain her status as the greatest female tennis player of all time.

My Darling Daughter

J P Delaney

J P Delaney is another author whose new releases I always seek out now. This story had me gripped from the outset. Out of the blue Susie Jukes is contacted by the 15 year old daughter she gave up for adoption as a baby. Initially delighted, Susie throws herself into making amends for her past but it’s not long before cracks begin to show in their relationship.

The Family Remains

Lisa Jewell

The Family Upstairs was a massive hit a couple of years back. Whilst I enjoyed it, it wasn’t my favourite by this author so I was slightly apprehensive at a sequel. I shouldn’t have been. I think I enjoyed this more than the original. Read The Family Upstairs first or read this as a standalone, I think both would work. A fabulously gripping story about dysfunctional families and relationships.

Lessons in Chemistry

Bonnie Gamus

I was attracted to this book straight away by the gorgeous cover. One edition even has periodic table sprayed edges! Elizabeth Zott is a chemist at the Hastings Research Institute where her all male colleagues continually undermine her extraordinary intelligence simply because she’s a woman. With the exception of the brilliant Nobel-Prize nominated Calvin Evans with whom she finds true chemistry. An extraordinary and brilliant book.

The Girls who Disappeared

Claire Douglas

Twenty years ago driving her friends home from a night out Olivia Rutherford crashes her car on a dangerous strip of road known locally as Devil’s Corridor. When she regains consciousness she discovers her three friends have disappeared without trace. Now twenty years on journalist, Jenna, has arrived in town to make a podcast about the events but someone doesn’t want her digging around. Brilliant and gripping.

All the Broken Places

John Boyne

I was quite a latecomer to The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and only read it and watched the film earlier this year. Despite the traumatic content I thought it was excellent so when I heard there was to be a sequel I was delighted. This story is told from the perspective of Bruno’s older sister, Gretel, now 91, as she looks back on how her life was shaped by the loss of her brother. I enjoyed it even more than The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Brilliant.

The IT Girl

Ruth Ware

April was the first person Hannah met at Oxford University. From the outset April drew her into her exclusive circle of friends and they all enjoyed the perfect first term. By the end of the second April was dead. Ten years on Hannah is expecting her first child and the man convicted of killing April has died in prison. When Hannah is led to believe the man may have been wrongly convicted she is drawn to look back at what really happened that fateful night.

Just Got Real

Jane Fallon

Joni never thought she’d try a dating app but with the encouragement of her grown-up daughter she signs up and quickly meets the charming and charismatic Ant. However, a few weeks into their relationship she discovers she might not be the only person he’s dating through the app. Joni contacts the other women and the three ladies quickly bond and unite to bring Ant and his philandering ways down. Laugh out loud hilarious!

The Girls Are Good

Ilaria Bernadini

The Girls are Good is about a group of Italian gymnasts and their experience of one week of competition in Romania to try and qualify for the upcoming Olympics. Totally brutal from the outset about the way these girls have been pushed to the absolute limit by the adults around them who should be the ones protecting them. Sexual abuse, eating disorders, mental health, murder and bullying are all themes of this story. It is not an easy read but it is was certainly compelling.

Summer Fever

Kate Riordan

Much like last years fabulous offering from Kate Riordan, this too is a perfect summer beach thriller. Nick and Laura have bought their dream Italian villa to renovate and rent to holidaymakers looking for a slice of Italian paradise. American’s Madison and Bastian are their first guests and at first they all seem to connect brilliantly but no-one is quite who they seem and everyone is hiding something. Atmospheric and gripping.

Deep Water

Emma Bamford

After pouring their savings into buying a boat, Virginie and Jake are restoring her when they are told of a mysterious, must visit, paradise island. Whilst not the direction they originally planned to head they are drawn to visit. On arrival, after two weeks sailing they are surprised to find a handful of others already there. Whilst they all initially get on well their idyllic adventure turns into a terrifying nightmare with dire consequences.

We All Have Our Secrets

Jane Corry

Emily has made a mistake at work, a mistake that a midwife can’t afford to make. Whilst being investigated she runs away to her visit her 93 year old dad, Harold, in Devon who is growing increasingly ill with dementia. On arrival she discovers he has hired a young girl, Francoise, to help him. Emily doesn’t trust Francoise’s motives and Francoise doesn’t like Emily. A really intense story told from the perspective of both girls in the present day and Harold in 1945.

Meredith Alone

Claire Alexander

Meredith hasn’t left her home for 1,214 days. She has visitors, her friend Sadie and the Tesco delivery man. She has her cat Fred for company and her online community of friends. She just can’t quite bring herself to leave the house. However Meredith is about to discover if she has the courage to overcome what’s kept her inside all this time. A wonderful story. I suspect Meredith will become a literary hero this summer!

Afterwards

Charlotte Leonard

When Emma gets home from work one evening and calls out to husband Jay he doesn’t answer. Confused, she wanders upstairs to discover Jay has taken his own life. As she struggles to come to terms with what he has done she discovers 5 photographs on his camera, unlike his normal work. Searching for answers in the photos takes Emma to Cornwall where a small community helps her heal. A beautifully written book.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

Gillian McAllister

Jen experiences every parent’s worst nightmare when she looks out her window late at night and witnesses her son committing a terrible crime. But when she wakes it’s the day before and the next day, the day before that. The premise is simple, can you stop a crime by going back in time. It sounds confusing but it’s actually brilliant. A totally unique thriller that will blow your mind.

Shape of A Boy

Kate Vickers

‘Have kids, will travel’ is the mantra of veteran travel journalist, Kate Vickers. Written during lockdown when the world was grounded at home this book is a stunning memoir of one family’s travels to the far flung corners of the world. The family did not shy away from more challenging destinations with very young children making for a really fascinating and often

Nobody But Us

Laura Van Rensburg

When Ellie and boyfriend Stephen take the first trip away to a stunning house in the middle of nowhere you could be lured into thinking this would be a romance novel. This couldn’t be further from the truth. College professor Stephen isn’t quite the sort of man he says he is but then student Ellie isn’t who she says she is either. Not everyone will survive the weekend. A fast paced and totally gripping thriller.

The Hearts Invisible Furies

John Boyne

This is not a recently published novel like most I review but recommended to me by a friend. I listened on Audible and it was one of the best stories I’ve come across in a long time and the best Audible performance I’ve ever known. The story follows the life of Cyril Avery, almost from his conception to his impending death growing up as a gay man in Ireland. Heart-breaking, gripping and hilarious it will stay with me for a very long time.

The Patient

Jane Shemilt

Rachel is a local GP, Luc her patient. On their first meeting Rachel is astonished by the instant attraction. Her relationship with her husband and grown-up daughter has hit the rocks and Luc provides a welcome but dangerous distraction. The location of Salisbury, around the cathedral provides a brilliantly atmospheric and tense setting. This is a taut, intelligent and unputdownable thriller.

The Paris Apartment

Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley is a writer who is just getting better with every novel. If you’ve enjoyed her previous books you’ll love this. Jess is skint and alone. She’s left her job in the UK under dubious circumstances and headed to France to stay with half-brother Ben, who didn’t sound all that happy at the prospect. But when she arrives at the luxurious apartment block where he has been living Ben is nowhere to be seen. So tense from the outset.

This Might Hurt

Stephanie Wrobel

Natalie and sister Kit haven’t spoken for six months since their mother died and Kit headed off to a remote island off Maine in search of something better. Guests sign up for a minimum six month stay where they must leave behind all contact with the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Natalie receives an email threatening to disclose a secret that Natalie has been keeping from her sister. Whilst I found differentiating between characters confusing initially this was still a gripping thriller.

Again, Rachel

Marian Keyes

Reading Rachel’s Holiday the summer after I finished my degree was 100% what reignited my childhood love for reading after years of educational texts. Part of a collection of books about sisters in the same family I devoured them all and fell in love with the Walsh family and Marian’s hilarious but also sensitive and compassionate style of writing that never shys away from the big topics. Bringing the family back twenty years on felt like a risk but it’s one that has absolutely paid off. I laughed and cried all the way through.

Little Sister

Gytha Lodge

This book grabs you right from the outset. Detective Jonah Sheens is enjoying a quiet drink in a local pub garden when a girl emerges from the woods bedraggled and covered in blood. She insists she’s fine and it’s her sister, who disappeared from the same children’s home as her a week ago, that he needs to worry about. Full of twists and turns this is another brilliant novel in the Detective Sheens series but perfectly readable as a standalone too.

The Girl with the Louding Voice

Abi Daré

This is quite simply the best book I’ve read in a long time. Adunni, is a 14 year old Nigerian girl who is sold to her much older husband, by her father. Adunni expeiences a torrid time at the hands of her husband and one of his two other wives before escaping to Lagos where she works for the cruel Big Madam. Adunni dreams of an education and her detemination to realise her dreams ensures she is a character who will stay with you for a long time after you’ve finished the book.

True Crime Story

Joseph Knox

Wow! This book blew my mind. So, so clever though I’m not going to lie I found the style confusing to start with. I would definitely recommend listening to on audible rather than reading. In the early hours 19 year old Zoe Nolan walked out of a party in her student accommodation never to be seen again. Seven years later struggling writer Evelyn Mitchell starts investigating her story. Told through interviews with Zoe’s friends and family it’s a brilliant story that really had me gripped.

Breathless

Amy McCulloch

When struggling journalist Cecily Wong is invited to join an expedition to climb one of the world’s tallest mountains, it seems like the chance of a lifetime. She doesn’t realise how deadly the climb will be. As their small team starts to climb, things start to go wrong. There’s a theft. Then an accident. Then a murder. The higher they get, the more difficult the climb and the higher the stakes. Brilliantly written by someone who clearly has a lot of experience of mountain climbing.

The Herd

Emily Edwards

I expected to feel irritated and manipulated by this story but oh this book is an absolute triumph! Few topics evoke as much passion and opinion as vaccination. Thankfully we’re not talking covid for once but children’s vaccinations. I am totally secure in my stance on the subject yet often found myself ‘siding’ with the other side during this story. Both sides of the story were conveyed so well. So thought provoking and emotive. Will be a Book Club hit for 2022.

Unfaithful

J L Butler

Rachel Reeves has it all. The perfect family, a rich husband, and a gorgeous home. But when her only child flies the nest, Rachel feels lost – and succumbs to a mind-blowing one-night stand. Instantly regretting her infidelity, Rachel cuts ties with Chris. But he won’t let her go that easily. She erases him from her life – until a text changes everything. Gripping, compulsive and thrilling.

It Must Be Love

Caroline Khoury

When Oz and Abbie met they were young, idealistic students with an incredible connection. Then Oz returned to his home in Istanbul and their lives moved on apart. Fate, however, had something different in mind and with Abbie on the cusp of marrying the man she thinks she wants to spend the rest of her life with, a chance meeting brings them back together. A beautiful love story that transcends fifteen years.

One Night on the Island

Josie Silver

I loved this. Reading the blurb it would be easy to dismiss as typical Rom-Com (nothing wrong with Rom-Com just not generally my bag) but it was just so beautiful. What made it work so well for me was the descriptions. I know exactly what Otter’s Lodge looks like in my head, I can picture most parts of the Island, the boulder and the views and even the village hall for the knitting group…and I have a very firm idea of what Mack looks like! It is just a perfect warm hug of a book.

The Party Crasher

Sophie Kinsella

I love Sophie Kinsella’s books but when I read the premise of this one I wasn’t that enthused. Effie breaks into own home to rescue her beloved Russian Dolls before her childhood home is sold after falling out with her dad when her parents announced their divorce two years previously. I’m glad to report I was totally wrong and it was hilarious, clever and touching from the outset! I loved it.

Watching Neighbours Twice a Day

Josh Widdecombe

Since the original lockdown I have become a huge fan of the Parenting Hell podcast with Josh Widdecombe so was keen to read his book which is discussed a lot! It is a genius look back at TV through the 90’s covering classics such as Men Behaving Badly, Gladiators, The X-Files, Alan Partridge and even the coverage of the death of Princess Diana. Has brought back some great memories and had me in stitches at times.

Together

Jamie Oliver

Being with loved ones has never felt so important and great food is the perfect excuse to get together. Jamie Oliver is back with a collection of simple recipes, from seasonal feasts to curry nights to bring everyone together. And with achievable menus that can mostly be prepared ahead of time you’ll spend more time with your family and friends and less in the kitchen.

Kay’s Marvellous Medicine

Adam Kay

In my mind Adam Kay is a genius at getting reluctant readers to sit down for hours on end giggling at medical facts. Following the success of the brilliant Kay’s anatomy last year this book looks more at the history of medicine and illness. This book is so funny, creative, interesting and accessible to children of all ages. Having loved his previous book my 11 year old had run off with this before I even had a chance to look through it.

A Manual for Being Human

Dr Sophie Mort

‘Dr Soph’ has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a masters in neuroscience and a doctorate in clinical psychology. After watching the recent decline in patients mental health she left her traditional NHS role to set up her own private practice. This book is an incredible insight into how we work as humans and how we can help ourselves break destructive cycles. A real gold mine of exercises and coping mechanisms to help us through life. Highly recommend.

Under the Christmas Tree

Heidi Swain

Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. It’s where the locals get their trees each year and where the spirit of Christmas begins. But Liza Wynter doesn’t want anything to do with it. It was her father’s pride and joy but since he’s gone she just wants to pop back and hand over the reins to the son of his business partner and move on. A gloriously festive feast to curl up with this winter

The Unheard

Nicci French

Tess and ex Jason have managed an amicable separation since splitting up, putting the needs of their 3 year old daughter Poppy first but when Poppy comes home from her dads with a disturbing drawing she has done and starts behaving strangely, using terrible language and wetting the bed Tess feels she must investigate. What has Poppy seen or heard to cause so much distress?

Ghosts

Dolly Alderton

Nina Dean has arrived in her early thirties with a great job as a food writer, with loving friends and family and she has recently met new boyfriend, Max, on dating app Linx Online. What follows in the next year is a well written, contemporary insight into the world of dating in your thirties, both amusing and utterly depressing!

Apples Never Fall

Liane Moriarty

I’ve always loved Liane Moriarty’s novels but her last one really disappointed me. This however, is back to her best. The four Delaney children are aghast when mum Joy disappears under mysterious circumstances. Superstar tennis coach dad has no ideas as to what’s happened to his wife of 50 years. This is a brilliantly written and often hilarious look at the complicated dynamics of family life. Highly recommend.

The Therapist

B A Paris

Alice and Leo are thrilled to move into their first house together in the exclusive, gated development The Circle in London. However, Alice quickly discovers that all is not what it seems in relation to her new home and her new neighbours. When she discovers a devastating fact about therapist Nina, who lived in the house before her, she becomes increasingly obsessed with finding out what happened to her.

The Catch

T M Logan

Abby’s new boyfriend is a catch. Everyone thinks so. He’s smart, intelligent and handsome and even plays guitar to the sick in the local hospice. But Abby’s dad isn’t so sure. He’s sure he’s spotted something not quite right under all that perfection and he’s determined to make sure his daughter isn’t making a mistake. Are his instincts correct or is he being over-protective? Utterly gripping from the outset.

My Best Friend’s Murder

Polly Phillips

Bec and Izzy have been best friends their whole lives. From the death of Bec’s mother to the birth of Izzy’s daughter they’ve been through it all together. So when Izzy’s body is found at the bottom of the stairs why does Bec worry that she will be the prime suspect? There’s a darker side to their friendship than meets the eye. A gripping, page turning thriller about toxic relationships.

The Couple at No 9

Claire Douglas

Twist after twist after twist in this utterly compelling new book from Claire Douglas. I have absolutely loved her last couple of books. When pregnant Saffy and boyfriend Tom move into their new home and start renovating they do not expect to find two bodies in the back garden. Nothing for Saffy to worry about until police launch a murder investigation and want to interview her grandmother, the former owner of the cottage.

Where the Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens

For years, rumours of the ‘Marsh Girl’, haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet fishing village. Kya Clark is barefoot and wild, unfit for society. So in late 1969, when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead, locals immediately suspect her. But they have her wrong. Kya was abandoned by her family at a young age and had to bring herself up alone. I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait for the Netflix adaptation coming next year.

The Lock-In

Phoebe Lockhurst

Flatmates Ellen, Alexa and Jack along with Ben, Alexa’s date from the night before, wake on Saturday morning with the hangovers from hell. Worse, they discover the kitchen is flooding. In an ill-advised attempt to find a stopcock they head into the attic only for the door handle to fall off locking them all inside. Hilarious look at flat sharing, friendships and dating in your twenties.

The First Day of Spring

Nancy Tucker

“I killed a little boy today,” is an opening sentence that is guaranteed to grab your attention. What’s more the protagonist is 8 years old. Chrissie is the product of an absent father, a dreadfully inadequate mother and a failed social system. This is not an easy read by any stretch but a terrifyingly insightful one and for that reason I really enjoyed it.

The Chateau

Catherine Cooper

Anna and Nick have bought a rundown chateau in France to renovate and start their lives afresh. It’s clear something happened in England that they need to escape from but what exactly isn’t immediately obvious. This was a brilliantly intriguing, twisty story that kept me gripped and guessing until the very end. Highly recommend,

The Serial Killers Wife

Alice Hunter

Beth’s life is turned upside down when instead of her husband coming home late from work, the police arrive instead and inform her he has been arrested for murder. Beth is determined to find out the truth whilst also protecting their young daughter, Poppy, but does she know more than she’s letting on. Gripping from the start and a very unexpected ending.

The Night She Disappeared

Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell has become a firm favourite author in the last few years but I was a little disappointed by her last book. Rest assured she is back on form with this one! In 2017 young mum Tallulah goes on a date night with her boyfriend, leaving her one year old son home with her mum, Kim. The next day Kim discovers she never returned home. I don’t want to give too much away but trust me it’s good!

The Heights

Louise Candlish

When Ellen Saints spots Kieran Watts through a window in a high rise building she is gobsmacked because she knows he has been dead for two years. She knows this because it was her who killed him. The plot unfolds in chapters alternating between the past and the present. A pacy, psychological thriller about a grieving mother hell bent on avenging her son’s death.

American Dirt

Jeannine Cummins

Having never thought I could get into listening to books in the same way I enjoy reading them, this book has changed that forever! American Dirt is the story of a Mexican mother who flees Acapulco with her 8 year old son, Luca, after their whole family is murdered by a Mexican drug cartel. The story follows mum, Lydia, as she crosses Mexico to reach the safety of the USA. Genuinely one of the best stories I’ve ever come across. I can’t stop recommending it to people!

Daisy Jones and The Six

Taylor Jenkins-Reid

And…if American Dirt was one of the best stories I’ve ever heard, Daisy Jones and the Six comes pretty close behind. Brilliantly performed, the story follows fictional iconic 70’s band The Six and their rise to fame. The writing style is unusual – the band members and their family and friends look back at their success in a retrospective, interview style – and that’s what made it for me. It was hard to believe it wasn’t a true story. Highly recommend listening to on Audible as the performances are sensational.

That Night

Gillian McAllister

The night Frannie accidentally kills a man on holiday, the first thing she does is call on siblings Joe and Cathy to help. As close as siblings can be, working and holidaying together and living next door to each other, they rush to her aid. Returning home though they become increasingly fraught with living with their lies. Another fantastic story of family dynamics and dilemma that I’ve now come to expect from McAllister.

The Wife who got a Life

Tracy Bloom

Cathy is a mum to two typical teenagers and a husband who never considers what she might want. When said husband takes it upon himself to change their lives dramatically with no consultation Cathy decides she’s had enough. She’s going to take back her life and put herself first for a change. Easy to read and laugh out loud funny. A perfect tonic of a read.

When They Find Her

Lia Middleton

When They Find Her is one of those compelling stories that will have you up past midnight. Naomi had always wanted to be a mum but one day three years ago her husband left taking their daughter with him. Now she is coming to stay for a night for the first time nad Naomi can’t wait to start rebuilding her family. However, the night ends in a dreadful accident and Naomi tells a terrible lie she can never take back.

Falling

TJ Newman

Another read that kept me up. You have just boarded a flight with 143 other passengers in New York. What you don’t know is the pilot was told just before take-off that his wife and children have been kidnapped and he must crash the plane or his family will die. My heart was in my mouth as I raced through this read – the terror of the dilemma felt so real. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

The Lucky Escape

Laura Jane Williams

Annie has been looking forward to marrying Alexander for so long – what she doesn’t expect is to be left at the altar. As she comes to terms with the most humiliating and devastating experience of her life she decides that from now on she will embrace life – starting by heading to Australia on her honeymoon. This is the perfect summery beach read. I loved it.

Worst. Idea. Ever

Jane Fallon

I’ve enjoyed many of Jane Fallon’s books in the past but this is hands down her best for me. Georgia and Lydia have been through so much together they’re more than best friends – they’re like sisters. So when Lydia is struggling to get her new business off the ground Georgia has an idea to help her. What she doesn’t expect is to discover that she might not know Lydia as well as she thought. Absolutely gripping from start to finish.

The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend

Claire Russell

Sohal worries about a lot of things. So one night he tries drawing his worries to make himself feel better – and somehow they look a lot less worrying once they’re scribbled down. But then imagine Sohal’s surprise when he wakes up the next morning to find his worries have come to life, in the guise of some little, furry friends that want to come to school with him! Can he keep his worries under control? Perfect for Years 1-6 to explore their anxieties.

The World Between Us

Sarah-Ann Juckes

Alice is a 16 year old, chronically ill, bed bound teen. She spends her days watching other people’s lives through Streamcast. But when one of the streamers she watches is killed she doesn’t know where to turn until she is introduced to new streamer, Rowan. Rowan sees the beauty in everything and becomes a lifeline for Alice. A truly stunning, thought provoking and heart-wrenching book.

The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks

Katie Kirby

Lottie Brooks is 11 ¾ and her life is officially over. Not only is she about to start high school without any glamourous friends or long, swooshy hair, she’s just discovered she is too flat chested to wear a bra! I passed this

The End of Men

Christina Sweeney-Laird

Written in 2019 this is a story about a pandemic that races across the world affecting mainly men. Unbelievably prescient given our current situation, it was quite astonishing to read. That aside, it was brilliantly written; short chapters and great characters meant it was easy to gallop through at pace.

Her Last Holiday

C L Taylor

Two years ago Fran’s sister, Jenna, disappeared on a wellness retreat on Gozo. Two people died on that same retreat and Soul Shrink’s founder, Tom, has just been released from prison after serving a sentence for their deaths. Still desperate to discover what happened to Jenna, Fran books herself onto his first retreat since his release. Creepy and atmospheric, I didn’t expect the ending.

Greenwich Park

Katherine Faulkner

Helen is expecting her first child with husband Daniel after years of trying. Even better, her sister in law and brother are expecting at the same time. Enter Rachel, who Helen meets at her first antenatal class. She is expecting her first baby alone and latches onto Helen from day one. Soon Rachel is appearing everywhere and her story doesn’t quite add up. I read this book in three days and was totally gripped. Just brilliant.

Close My Eyes

Beverley Harvey

Former Kings Hill resident Beverley Harvey publishes her 4th novel this month. Out with her sister Laura one night the sight of two men triggers something deeply uncomfortable in Beth but she can’t work out why she feels so scared. Gemma seems to have it all – the perfect family but you never know what goes on behind closed doors. A twisting and turning tale that really gathers pace towards its shocking ending.

The Wild Girls

Phoebe Morgan

When three estranged friends are invited on an all expenses paid trip to celebrate the 30th birthday of a fourth at a luxury resort in Botswana, it sounds like the perfect opportunity to put past issues behind them and get their friendship back on track. On arrival though a sense of foreboding is quick to emerge. I sped through this in just 24 hours and it’s the best book I’ve read this year!

Until Next Weekend

Rachel Marks

Noah and Kate were meant to be together forever. But marriage is tough and Kate leaves Noah taking their two young boys with her. Now Noah is a weekend dad. He’s missing the boys and it’s breaking his heart. Despite making mistake after mistake he decides he needs to win Kate back. The problem? She’s marrying someone else in six weeks.

Missing Pieces

Tim Weaver

Rebekah Murphy knows too much. She knows she has been abandoned on a deserted island and left for dead by the men who tried to kill her. She knows that in order to see her children again she must survive and get off the island. What she doesn’t know is who tried to kill her or why. Completely gripping from start to finish.

The Play Hooray Handbook

Claire Russell

The Play Hooray Handbook has been a godsend of a book during lockdown, full of genius ideas for entertaining small children. So many of the ideas in this book are so simple and utilise things that you are likely to have in the house already. For example, for someone just getting up on their feet try sticking post it notes to the patio door, make a robot using boxes and tin foil or a basketball board with a piece of cardboard.

Away with the Penguins

Hazel Prior

Veronica Creedy is coming up to her 86th birthday. She is extremely wealthy, loves penguins, a cup of Darjeeling tea and a nice ruby red lipstick. She has no family to speak of and spends her days watching wildlife documentaries and collecting litter from the beach. She has no idea who she will leave her vast fortune to until she makes a spur of the moment big decision. This is such a lovely book and if you like penguins you’ll enjoy it all the more.

Lie Beside Me

Gytha Lodge

Gytha’s third book and definitely my favourite so far. I was completely gripped just by the blurb and it didn’t disappoint. Louise wakes up in hangover hell, rolls over towards her husband, only to discover the man lying next to her is not her husband…and he’s dead. Whilst she tries to piece the night before back together Detective Sheens fears she is not the only person with something to hide.

This Time Next Year

Sophie Cousens

When Minnie and Quinn meet at a NYE party it’s clear they have nothing in common except the bizarre coincidence of having being born on the same day, at the same time in the same place. So why do they keep bumping into each other? It’s classic frothy, fun rom-com with a few more serious issues thrown in. I really enjoyed it and it’s a lovely read to curl up with on these dark, cold nights.

The Shadow Man

Helen Fields

Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier are locked in a flat. They don’t know where they are, and they don’t know why they’re there. They only know that the shadow man has taken them, and he won’t let them go. There are no ransom notes for his victims. He just wants to keep them in his home. I found this slow to begin with but actually the way it draws you in was so clever and I’m so glad I perservered.

The Burning Girls

C J Tudor

Reverend Jack Brooks and her daughter Flo are relocated to the small village parish of Chapel Croft after an incident drives them away from their home in Nottingham. Chapel Croft is a village haunted by death and disappearance both in its past and present. It is impossible to do justice to this book with such a small space to review but if you are a fan of psychological thriller, horror, the supernatural and the macabre you won’t be disappointed.

Why Mummy’s Sloshed

Gill Sims

This is the fourth book in the “Why Mummy” series and is back to being as good as the first. The kids are getting bigger and therefore so are the issues, so it only follows that mummy’s drinks are getting larger too! Mummy has been a wife and mother for so long now that she’s getting a little bit lost. Amid the chaos of A-Levels and driving tests she is doing her best to keep them afloat even if they are hell bent on heading in different directions.

The Push

Ashley Audrain

The arrival of baby Violet was meant to be the happiest day of my life. But as soon as I held her in my arms I knew something wasn’t right. I had always known that the women in my family aren’t meant to be mothers.” Whilst beautifully written I still found this a difficult book to read, but a brilliantly well tackled novel exploring motherhood when it doesn’t live up to the highest expectation.

The Chalet

Catherine Cooper

Four guests. One luxury getaway. One Perfect Murder. Twenty years ago two men skied into a blizzard but only one returned. Now in 2020 four people come together in the same resort. Someone knows what happened 20 years ago and someone wants to make sure they don’t forget. Brilliantly plotted, this was an absolute page turner and I loved all the descriptions of the ski resort and chalet. A perfect winters read.

The Babysitter

Phoebe A Morgan

Caroline Harvey is found brutally murdered, her body left draped over the cot of the baby she was looking after who is now missing. Callum Dillon is arrested on suspicion of murder on a luxurious family holiday in the South of France. I was gripped, baffled, confused and distraught throughout – everything I’m after from a psychological thriller. Fans of B A Paris and Cara Hunter will love.

The Vow

Debbie Howells

Amy and Matt have the perfect relationship, or so it seems. They are just two weeks away from their wedding and looking forward to their future together. Then Matt disappears. Then another woman reports her boyfriend missing too and it appears to be Amy’s Matt. As the police dig further two totally compelling but also conflicting stories emerge. Full of breath taking twists it’s one of my favourite books this year.

Because Of You

Dawn French

The old millennium turns into the new. In a London hospital two very different women give birth to daughters. But in a tragic turn of events only one goes home with a baby. I had only read one of Dawn French’s novels before and wasn’t a huge fan but this was extraordinary. A true example of how deep a mothers love runs. Don’t consider starting it without a massive box of tissues by your side.

Nadiya Bakes

Nadiya Hussain

Since winning The Great British Bake off in 2015 Nadiya’s career has gone from strength to strength with multiple TV shows and book deals and even a commission to bake The Queen’s 90th birthday cake. This beautiful book is packed full of amazingly decadent recipes including ginger and almond Florentines, honey cake with salted hazelnuts and incredibly indulgent brownies.

Tomorrow Will be a Good Day

Captain Tom Moore

It has been quite a year for Captain Moore. His hope and determination to raise a few pounds for the NHS resulted in a phenomenon which raised almost 33 million pounds! Not only that but he inspired many others to do the same including our very own local hero, Tony Hudgell. This is an easy to read and fascinating insight into his life including most bizarrely an appearance with Ruth Madoc on Blankety Blank in 1983!

Love Your Life

Sophie Kinsella

Ava meets Matt on a romantic writing retreat in Italy where for one week everyone is asked to assume different names and not ask personal questions of each other. Ava and Matt are instantly attracted to each other and fall head over heels in love without even knowing each other’s real names. However, can their relationship stand up in the real world with awkward families, friends and pets. Typically hilarious from Sophie Kinsella.

Life in Pieces

Dawn O’Porter

I swore that I would never want to read anything about 2020 or lockdown as reading is my relaxation, my escape from reality but this book really is hilarious. Full of incredibly moving and touching accounts of how she coped with sudden grief (her good friend was Caroline Flack) and also utterly crazy and hilarious stories of trying to work with young children at home during lockdown. An incredibly funny, honest and relatable look back at 2020!

Atomic Love

Jennie Fields

Rosalind helped to build the atomic bomb that stopped a war. Then the scientist she loved ended their affair and her career. Five years later the FBI claim he’s selling secrets to the Russians and they want her to find out the truth. But can she betray the man she once loved? A fascinating combination of an espionage thriller and a love story with a strong female protagonist.

Marie Curious – Girl Genius

Chris Edison

Science crazy young inventor, Marie, can’t believe her luck at spending her summer at camp with other super clever campers. They get to experiment every day, build super cool robots and test out awesome gadgets. But someone is sabotaging their robots. Can Marie and her friends get to the bottom of it before global disaster ensues? A great story for science mad kids (suitable for age 7-10).

The Heatwave

Kate Riordan

Sylvie hasn’t returned to her family home in France for ten years, since the death of her eldest daughter, Elodie. Now it is time to return and unwanted memories are in every corner. I loved this book. The writing is so evocative, so atmospheric. I was transported to a sun drenched South of France every time I picked it up. The story whilst not easy to read certainly gave me a lot to think about as a mother.

The Shelf

Helly Acton

When long term boyfriend Ben announces a surprise holiday for Amy she’s convinced he’s about to pop the question. Instead she is dumped on national TV and left competing with six other newly dumped women not to be left on ‘the shelf’. This book was everything I loved about reality TV when it first started. ‘Normal’ people interacting (rather than contestants doing anything for fame). It was so original, fresh and very funny!

Beach Read

Emily Henry

January is a hopeless romantic who narrates her life like she’s the lead in a blockbuster movie. Gus is a serious literary type who thinks true love is a fairy-tale. But January and Gus have more in common than you’d think. They’re both broke. They’ve got crippling writer’s block. And they need to write bestsellers before summer ends. Touching, heartfelt and really very funny which I wasn’t expecting – a really great read.

Watching from the Dark

Helly Acton

I was so looking forward to this as I loved Gytha’s debut novel and it didn’t disappoint. Aiden Poole logs onto his laptop one night to skype girlfriend Zoe but to his horror realises she is not alone. Out of shot he can hear sounds of a struggle and then silence. Whilst he’s desperate to know she’s ok, he’s reluctant to call the police. I raced through this book in a couple of days and never saw the end coming!

Avocado Asks

Momoko Abe

Avocado is having a crisis of confidence and self-identity after a young girl asks her mum in the supermarket whether an avocado is a fruit or a vegetable. Avocado sets off on a hilarious journey of self-discovery. A beautifully illustrated book about learning to be comfortable in your own skin.

Rabbit Bright

Viola Wang

When night falls, Rabbit Bright sets off to explore the darkness. But as she soon discovers, there is light everywhere if you know where to look. Gorgeous, super-bright colours and beautiful illustrations make this a perfect book to share at bedtime and scare off any night time worries.

The Family Holiday

Elizabeth Noble

Charlie and Daphne spent many happy years together bringing up their three children but now Daphne has died, the three children have grown up and apart and Charlie is about to celebrate his 80^th birthday. He decides to book a family holiday for him, his children and their families and bring everyone back together again. This is a beautiful multi-generational story about a family torn apart by the complexities of life and them finding their way back to each other. I think everyone will find a part that resonates with them.

The Girl You Forgot

Giselle Green

When Will is diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour his only hope of survival is an operation which will erase his recent memory. Girlfriend Ava begs him to have the operation, knowing he will forget their whole life together. However, one big secret that Will would love to forget looks like coming back to haunt them. Can Ava carry the burden alone? This is a really enjoyable and thought-provoking story by a local author!

How to Disappear

Gillian McAllister

This book is totally breath-taking from the start. Zara, 17, has witnessed a murder and due to her highly developed sense of justice she puts herself in danger during her time on the witness stand forcing her and her family into witness protection. Witness protection has long been a source of fascination for me. How do you give up everything and everyone you have ever known and become a new person entirely. My favourite McAllister book to date – the ending will blow your mind!

Just like the Other Girls

Claire Douglas

Una is mourning the death of her beloved mum when she takes a live in job caring for a very wealthy elderly lady, Elspeth McKenzie. But Una soon realises all is not as it seems. Whilst she is building a relationship with Elspeth she realises all was not what it seemed with her predecessors and her cold fish of a daughter clearly resents her being around. What happened to the other girls and why will the McKenzie’s not talk about them? Totally gripping from start to finish. Highly recommend.

The Heatwave

Katerina Diamond

In the wake of a crime that rocked her community, Felicity fled, knowing more than she let on. But sixteen years later, her new life is shattered by the news that a second girl has gone missing in her hometown. Now Felicity must go back, to face the truth about what happened all those years ago. Dark and constantly twisting it kept me guessing right up until the last pages. A must read for crime lovers!

Greta Thunberg

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara

When Greta was eight years old she learned that human activity was causing the planet to become hotter causing a global crisis. She was so sad about the situation that she stopped talking. She was diagnosed with selective mutism and Asperger’s syndrome. When she was 15 she stopped going to school to protest. Soon, all over the world, children were joining her to fight for the next generation. This book, for children age 6 and up, tells her story in a lovely age appropriate way.

Queen Bee

Jane Fallon

When Laura’s marriage falls apart she needs to find a new home fast. Welcome to The Close, a street of beautiful mansions. Stella is the undisputable Queen Bee of the close who takes an instant dislike to Laura. But when Laura unearths an awful secret that Stella’s fiancé is hiding from her the two women are inadvertently brought together. An easy to read story with real insight into how the other half live!

The Silent House

Nell Pattison

The Hunter family are deaf, their house is in darkness and there’s a killer inside. The police call on interpreter Paige to help them. Paige finds the family in shock but she senses they’re hiding something. One by one people from Paige’s community start to fall under suspicion but who would kill a little girl. Was it an intruder or someone much closer to home?

The Glass House

Eve Chase

In 1971 the Harrington family find a baby girl abandoned in the woods surrounding their home, Foxcote Manor. Grieving their own tragedy they take her in and fall in love with her in a blissful summer where normal rules seem no longer to apply. But then a body is discovered in the grounds of the house. Years later the truth about that summer will have to come out. A beautifully written and compelling story.

Strangers

C L Taylor

Three strangers stand around a dead body. They had to do it but why? I have enjoyed previous novels by C L Taylor but this one far exceeds them. Three totally separate stories which all come together at the end. The three strangers all live and work close together but had no former connection. They all have fascinating and complicated stories and the plot is so cleverly woven together to bring them all to the same place at the end. I read it in two days.

The Highland Falcon Thief

M G Leonard & Sam Sedgman

Adventures on Trains is a new mystery series for children and The Highland Falcon Thief is the first one. Harrison Beck is reluctantly heading off on on a trip with his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. But he is unprepared for how exciting the journey will become when a priceless brooch goes missing. As Harrison starts to investigate he uncovers plenty of surprises! An atmospheric and entertaining read for children.

Animal Olympics

Carron Brown

Originally timed to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics this fascinating book is worth it’s weight in Olympic gold anytime. This book compares the incredible abilities of animals from around the world. Gold medals are awarded for their skills in events such as diving, gymnastics, long jump and weightlifting. It’s a brilliantly fun book for children aged 5+ to learn about different animals and their amazing skills!

Woman in the Water

Katerina Diamond

Woman in the Water was the first book I read in 2020 and what a cracker it was. Devoured in less than 48 hours I was gripped from the outset. A woman is discovered barely alive in shallow water but she won’t tell police her name or how she came to be there, even when a second body is discovered. And then she disappears from her hospital bed. Gasp out loud twists come thick and fast towards the end.

Little Friends

Jane Shemilt

Three wildly different couples become friends when their children are tutored together by one of the mums. A long summer follows with a holiday to Greece and plenty of booze fuelled BBQ’s. When an affair begins the adults are too busy to notice what their children are doing and it’s not long before tragedy strikes. This story is totally compelling but taps into your darkest fears.

The Other People

C J Tudor

C J Tudor is getting better and better with every book. Gabe is driving home one night on the motorway when he spots his 5 year old daughter mouthing help from the back of a car. He gives chase only to lose the car and receive a call from the police to say his wife and daughter are dead. What follows is a suspense filled thriller and a 4 year search for the daughter he is convinced is still alive.

The Recovery of Rose Gold

Stephanie Wrobel

It’s unusual to find a genuinely original premise in this genre but The Recovery of Rose Gold really is that. Rose Gold genuinely believed she was sick, that she needed the feeding tubes, the wheelchair etc. Turns out her mother was just a really good liar. Two incredibly complex women and a mother/daughter relationship like no other I’ve read about before. Cancel all plans when you start this because you won’t be putting it down until the end.

The Guest List

Lucy Foley

Yet another occasion where I have enjoyed the author’s first book and then the next is on a different level. Dark, twisty and atmospheric you will be gripped from the first chapter. Lucy Foley is so unusual in her writing in that whilst you don’t know who the murderer is, you also don’t know who has been murdered until the end! The story is centred around the wedding of a minor celebrity couple, their secrets and those of their guests.

Last Lesson

James Goodhand

Last year, Ollie was a star pupil, popular and a gifted musician. Then, after the accident, everything changed. Now he’s an outcast, his life made a living hell by school bullies. Today, the last day of the school year, he’s brought those bullies a gift. A homemade pipe bomb. What has driven a model student to plan an unspeakable revenge? One of the most beautifully written and thought provoking books I’ve read for a long time.

A Friend Called Alfie

Rachel Wells

This is the 6th book in the popular Alfie series and like the others it doesn’t disappoint. Alfie and his kitten George have always known that a human is for life and not just for Christmas, so when one of the residents of Edgar Street is taken into hospital he realises it’s up to him to support them. A heart-warming tale of friendship and community.

Mummy Needs A Break

Susan Edmunds

With a devilish toddler and baby number two on the way, Rachel’s big dream is to one day go to the toilet on her own. So, she’s surprised to discover that her husband has found the time to have an exciting affair while she’s been busy bringing up their family. Laugh out loud funny and very relatable for fans of The Unmumsy Mum and Why Mummy Drinks.

Hidden Planet: An Illustrators Love Letter to Planet Earth

Ben Rothery

This beautiful, large format book is suitable for children and adults alike. It feels like a children’s book but when I started to read there was so much detailed information in there that I found it really educational too. Ben’s hand drawn illustrations are stunning throughout and his passion for our planet and all who live on it shines through.

The Hunting Party

Lucy Foley

A group of ex Oxford University students gather for their annual New Years Eve party at an eerily remote house in the Scottish Highlands. Despite being friends for years there are clearly many secrets and harboured resentments amongst the group. When a night of merriment ends in tragedy, those relationships come under more scrutiny than ever. Fast paced and gripping.

Grown Ups

Marian Keyes

“Living’s such hard work, these days. Every moment has to be Instagram worthy.” Grown Ups centres around the Casey family, three brothers, their wives and children and the difficulties which we all face every day being ‘grown ups’. I have long been a fan of Marian Keyes so was thrilled to get a review copy of this. Not quite as laugh out loud funny as some of her stories, this one deals with some really serious issues but none the less a fabulous read.

Snowdrops on Rosemary Lane

Ellen Berry

Lucy fell in love with Rosemary Cottage as a child so when the opportunity to buy it arises thirty years on it feels like fate. She’ll turn it into a B&B and live there with her husband and children. One year on and life hasn’t gone to plan. Juggling it alone with two children Lucy is on the verge of having to leave when a face from her past resurfaces. A really moving story with wonderful characters, perfect to curl up with on a wintry weekend.