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After quite a frantic July, August was a delightful breath of fresh air, it literally felt like the Sunday of summer 🌼 And thanks to the persistent heat in the UK I feel ~just about~ ready to lean into autumn and the cosy season (to be clear, I’m not ready for winter, I’m never ready for winter!).

Plus it’s been a great year of reading so far!

Currently reading: The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

Onto the recommendations! This month; there are plenty new releases in the mix. One is perfect if you’re still holding onto summer and two that will keep you cosy this autumn. Plus the non-fiction book I’ve been seeing everywhere that really piqued my interest.

For those that are new here (hi! welcome! thanks for reading!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and try to include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely - although this month there’s so many good ones newly released it’s mostly new! Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson

Published: July 2026
Summary: This book entirely surprised me. I thought it was going to be a whimsical New England romance to finish off my summer reading, but I was totally wrong. Instead it included;
~ an exploration into tight knit friendship groups and the secrets they hold,
~ a peek into what happens behind closed doors of seemingly idyllic partnerships,
~ the feeling of being swallowed whole by parenting,
~ prioritising your children with an ex-partner over the love of a new relationship,
~ trying to live up to your own parents expectations…
And everything else life throws at you whilst trying to survive your 30s.
This was all handled so delicately that it doesn’t bog you down, instead it allowed you to feel seen, included and understood. Jackson took so much care of this collection of characters that you really feel like you knew them, warts and all.
I honestly couldn’t put it down!
Plus I personally didn’t love Jacksons first novel Pineapple Street so if you didn’t either, don’t let that put you off this magical number.
Disclaimer: It maybe isn’t as cosy and comforting as this section suggests so I’ve added some other suggestions below!*
PS. I believe the eBook is 99p at the moment.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason

Published: 28th Aug 2026 [TODAY!]
Summary: Mason is an auto-buy and favourite author for me so when I saw they were giving away copies of her latest book at the Women’s Prize I jumped at the opportunity! Reading this before public opinion has been wild, I am desperate to discuss it with people. (Please read it asap.)
Sophie, Standing There is much more Sorrow and Bliss than You be Mother (which is my personal fave). Like Sorrow and Bliss it is confronting. In Sophie, Standing There Mason addresses the mental health impact of loneliness. It follows a parasocial relationship which makes you realise (a) how commonplace these types of relationships are nowadays, (b) how they are a comfort to people without immediate community (but can also be a reason for them not to seek IRL relationships) and (c) how easy it is to assume a huge amount about someone without actually knowing anything about them.
I’m once again astounded by Mason’s ability to write about human afflictions in such a 360 degree way - all her characters are flawed and make dubious decisions and I can’t stop reading about them once I start.
I am going to see Meg Mason AND Ann Prachett talk on the 2nd September, I cannot wait. I may never recover from being in the same room as these two women!

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe

Published: Apr 2026
Summary: What a wild ride this book is. Fair warning: it is dense. However, if you’re wanting to be scooped up by Keefe’s detailed research into what seems like a straightforward suicide attempt and instead takes you to the true underbelly of global crime and corruption, this is for you.
I listened to this with my husband via audio-book which meant I wasn’t able to gobble it up as quickly as I’d liked. I would highly recommend listening to it though, although you do have to pay full attention as one minute you’re with a Russian crime family, the next you’re in LA trying to support a music label, then you’re in despair about the lack of funding and efficiency of the Met Police, before being thrust back to the South of France hiding from Interpol. There was a lot of restarting of chapters but worth it to fully understand this crazy (and true!) story.
Talk about pulling on a thread and unravelling a beast.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

Claws Out by Bella Mackie

Published: 27th Aug 2026 [YESTERDAY!]
Summary: This was another proof I was lucky enough to get my hands on at the Women’s Prize Live.
Bella writes about the upper class of North London in a way only someone who has lived it can. Her nuanced observations are perfect and the tidbits are delicious; The main character Diana Leyland wants to been seen to run a charity but doesn’t actually want to deal with running an actual charity i.e. one that actually help humans less privileged than her, so she starts one for animals called Furry Tears…
Diana also has three dead husbands - but that’s just a coincidence, right?
Like How To Kill Your Family and What A Way To Go , Claws Out! has plenty twists that did keep me guessing… I’m just not sure the ending nailed it for me but it’s definitely one I’ll remember. I’m intrigued to know what you think!

AOB

This quiz has been doing the rounds on Substack and I actually enjoyed doing it:

• You can find out what type of ‘colour’ reader you are here.

• I am a Yellow reader with an “Immersive Yellow” subtype… My full results are here and eerily I have read all ten of the “books you’ll probably love” list they provide 👀 (I did in fact love them).

• Oh and you don’t have to sign up for anything by completing this, just click “I just want to see my results”.

*If you do feel cheated out of a Cosy & Comforting suggestion this month here is the full list of the cosy books I have previously recommended:

NB! I will be on maternity leave from the start of September but I didn’t want to leave you without any recommendations for that long, so for the September, October and November emails I have recruited two wonderful pals and my mum to give you their top reccs. I’ll be back with a Christmas round up and will pepper some other recommendations throughout in the meantime.

And as always, let me know if you’ve read any of the above or what you’re currently reading, the comments are open 💌
Happy reading xo

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Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:

Beautiful ordinary moments | Cool enough to read | Feels like summer | A sprinkle of magic

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

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Cancer season plus mercury being in retrograde has been a riot, it has required slowing down and surrendering to the chaos. I’ve been trying to make the most of simply being - which is always a poetic notion and in fact impossible to enact 99% of the time. Reading helps! Reading always helps - onto the recommendations! 🌼

Currently reading: Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley [Release date 22nd Sept 2026]

This month; were back with all female authors and an eclectic mix of genres so hopefully there really is something for everyone. And crucially they are all out in paperback so can be thrown into a suitcase for your summer hols.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

Published: May 2026
Summary: This was my first Monaghan but from what I’ve seen she has quite the following. I loved Dolly All the Time so I doubt it will be my last of hers either.
Dolly is 40 years old and is a single mum with a 13 year old - this is all refreshing in itself and definitely makes a difference from a ditsy doesn’t-know-she’s-pretty 20-something in a lot of female romantic fiction. The meet-cute is a fun one and even though you know how it’s going to end (yes there is a 3rd act break up etc.) Dolly and Stewart really draw you into their love story! It’s very Pretty Woman in parts (wealthy unsatisfied male meets hard working single mum with 3 jobs) but again it didn’t cause me to roll my eyes - I enjoyed it as palate cleanser and think you will too! Plus the Rhode Island setting is the perfect book location for this time of year.
If you truly want a nothing-bad-happens but I am engrossed book Pandora Sykes has a post about three ‘charm’ novels that really are totally harmless.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

Love & Virtue by Diana Reid

Published: July 2023
Summary: I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to recommend this author; heralded as the Dolly Alderton/ Sally Rooney of Australia and with Meg Mason doing cover quotes surely I don’t need to say anything more?
Love & Virtue deftly covers privilege, class, consent and the nuances of female friendship during the formative years of university. Friendships that are made more complex by a freshers week secret/ tragedy and an underlying rivalry - Michaela and Eve are from different words and quite literally collide.
The topics covered are not light (suspected rape, death, and an inappropriate professor and student dynamic) but Reid does it with a such a skill that you can’t believe it’s her debut novel. A gritty one but really powerful and best read in the summer.

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

Published: June 2020
Summary: The cover of this book put me off reading it for so long, it’s dreadful and doesn’t do this should-be-modern-classic of a novel justice. I finally got over myself (and the cover) and read it last week as I am going to the actual Bletchley Park this weekend!
I don’t know where to start but to say if you are even remotely interested in what the women did at BP to support the cracking of the enigma code you must read it. It is over 600 pages long but deservedly so. It covers the duration of WWII, includes characters closely based on real people (including Philip Mountbatten and his girlfriend prior to Lilibet aka the Queen).
Here are two astounding tidbits (that don’t ruin the book):

• The men that worked at BP were spat on and heckled in the streets as they weren’t in uniform so were seen as not fighting for their country. Even though they were doing a hugely important, arguably war winning job. And even if they wanted to, they could go to war as they ‘knew too much’ if they were captured and tortured.

• There plenty of stories about couples who met after the war and lived together for years before finding out that they both worked at BP!

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

Published: Jan 2015
Summary: I’m hoping a lot of you have read this book. It’s one of those books that truly stays with you, I read it in Jan 2016 and can still picture the houses; the house Nella lives in and the actual dollhouse.
Set in 17th Century Amsterdam - stick with me - 18 year old Nella is betrothed to an older man and moves in with him and his sister. To placate and entertain Nella he gifts her a dollhouse… the plot isn’t a straightforward one so I don’t want to divulge any more, you just have to fall into this mad world and roll with it. It’s different, a bit cooky and spooky but it’s tale incomparable.
For those of you who have watched the TV show, is it any good?

Here’s to a steadier August 🌼

Also! I will be on maternity leave from the start of September but I didn’t want to leave you without any recommendations for that long, so for the September, October and November emails I have recruited two wonderful pals and my mum to give you their top reccs.

And as always, let me know if you’ve read any of the above or what you’re currently reading 💌
Happy reading xo

Subscribe now

Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:

Cool enough to read | Feels like summer | A sprinkle of magic | Season roulette

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

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A stunning summer month, if you ignore soaring temperatures and potential climate doom here in the UK*. It has just about been cool enough to read, but that is all my brain has been capable of! I had two standout events; the Women’s Prize Live and Dermot Kennedy at the O2. Both blew me away! Oh and I saw Maggie O’Farrell be interviewed too. Although I’m undecided if I will actually read Land…

*if you are experiencing climate doom, I highly recommend reading this substack by Venetia La Manna: The weather is hot, climate doomism is not

Currently reading: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (as we are visiting Bletchley Park next month!)

This month; four books and, in a shocking turn of events, three are written by men. I did try and get four out of four to be male but men are too hardy to write a ‘cosy & comforting’ read, god forbid they get defined as a ‘chick lit’ author. I am being glib (not all men etc.) see Nicholas Sparks and David Nicholls for example.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

Published: June 2021
Summary: Is there anywhere better than Cape Cod at summer? If you can’t physically be there this year, The Paper Palace is the perfect brain passport. Spend the day with 50 year old Elle who is torn - she is deciding between her loving stable relationship vs. her soulmate and first love. This book is so much more than a relationship dilemma though, Heller really does transport you to Cape Cod, I can see the house, know the family and crave to dive into their lake.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

I Want You to Be Happy by Jem Calder

Published: May 2026
Summary: The marketing for this book seems to have solely relied on this single quote from Sally Rooney: “I couldn't stop reading.”
And… It worked for me! This endorsement makes absolute sense. If you enjoy reading about the intricacies of two imperfect people as they embark on a relationship, read it. It is very Sally Rooney and Dolly Alderton coded. The twist here is that this was written by a (gasp) man so it does give a different angle and approach to relationships - spoiler, there is less overthinking!

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

Kala by Colin Walsh

Published: July 2023
Summary: If you want something grittier this summer Kala is the one for you:
Small town Ireland.
A friendship group torn apart by tragedy is reunited.
Flashbacks to the summer it all happened.
And the magnetic Kala at the heart of it all.
If you loved My Friends by Fredrick Backman this is a similar vibe.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

Diana by R.F. Delderfield

Published: March 1980
Summary: A charming love story set in The Roaring Twenties think e.g. Camomile Lawn. It’s entirely engrossing and written chronologically spanning over 20 years. You meet John and Diane in 1927 when they are just 15 years old and follow their tumultuous and engrossing love story before leaving them as the war ends in 1945.
If you are a leisurely reader and want a companion for summer this will see you through.

A brief one this month! Happy July and here’s to a more tempered summer ☀️

And as always, let me know if you’ve read any of the above or what you’re currently reading 💌
Happy reading xo

PS: Reading is always COOL 🧊

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Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:

Feels like summer | A sprinkle of magic | Season roulette | Go on, try it

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

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Apologies for an un-original subject line but my brain has melted. I’m starting to write this after being outside for 30 minutes in the 32+ degree London heat, taking a cold shower, plonking myself directly in front of the fan and hiding in a darkened room, so it only felt right to make this the summer book edition. (Although I am sure we’ll be back to grey 20 degree days next week).

I highly recommend doing a ‘best of London bookshop crawl’ with your mum! We had lunch at the infamous (and bookish) Sam’s Cafe in Primrose Hill, strolled to the stacked Primrose Hill Books. Wandered through Regents park to hit up Daunt Books in Marylebone before busing through the chaos of Oxford St to the OG Hatchards in Piccadilly. (We didn’t make it to Cecil Court or Words on Water as we sat chatting for too long and it was a Sunday but, next time!).

Fredrick Backman is everything you want him to be/ think he is. A man who appears to be a burly surly nordic man but is in-fact a deeply feeling introverted softie of a human. It’s no surprise to anyone who has read his books (if you haven’t, go and do so now), that he physically feels what he writes on the page which is why he makes you, the reader, also feel everything he writes so deeply. He is a thin skinned, open hearted gem of a human.

Currently reading: I Want You to Be Happy by Jem Calder

This month; four books (plus a bonus one I’ve recommended before but now really is the right time to read it) all with “summer” in the title to ensure we are definitely bang on the theme.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

Summer at the Lake by Erica James

Published: June 2024
Summary: If you love an old protagonist storyline plus a 20-something romance this book is for you. After a near-accident, Adam (property developer), Floriana (Oxford tour guide) and Esme (an old, witty and sharp neighbour) strike up an unlikely friendship. This friendship somehow takes them on a weeks holiday to Lake Como where pasts are faced and love is ignited as well as rekindled. It may seem unlikely and far fetched here but it really is a beautiful story.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Published: May 2022
Summary: This is Fortune’s fist and most prolific book; it nearly has 1m ratings on Goodreads and a 4+ star review PLUS it’s being made into a Prime 8-episode series due to land on 10th June aka just enough time to read it! (Trailer here)
For good, solid, summer based, romantic stories that have fully formed characters and some grit I can’t recommend Carley Fortune highly enough -

• Every Summer After Barry’s Bay #1(2022)

• Meet Me at the Lake (2023)

• This Summer Will Be Different (2024) (I wrote about this one here)

• One Golden Summer Barry’s Bay #2 (2025)

• Our Perfect Storm (2026)

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

Published: Oct 2000
Summary: Yes I have recommended Barbara before, and no I won’t apologise as I will highly likely recommend her again. If you want to be fully captivated and immersed this summer, this is the book for you. Like all Kingsolver books, it’s sweeping and while not every page is action filled, every description will be so vivid you will find yourself transported to the humid summer of the fictional Zebulon County of southern Appalachia (Virginia). A masterpiece of subtle storytelling, Prodigal Summer beautifully explores how humanity and the natural world are entirely entwined.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Published: May 2020
Summary: I loved this book, it’s different but it does it all. If you’re not wanting a sickly sweet summer read, Big Summer features; body shaming, toxic friendships, parasocial relationships, online bullying all whilst also being a murder mystery! It’s set at a should-be idyllic wedding in Cape Cod which will provide the summer elements.

BONUS

☀️ The Summer Book by Tove Jansson just read it, you will treasure it (or if you need another nudge this was my initial review).

Stay cool out there ❄️

And as always, let me know if you’ve read any of the above or what you’re currently reading 💌
Happy reading xo

Subscribe now

Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:

Season roulette | Go on, try it | Trying to lean in | Lighter days ahead

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

Subscribe now

When the sun does appear, it really does feel like a sprinkle of magic. April has consisted of various peaceful moments of respite, a few trips (Northern Ireland and Scotland) and lots of tea drunk in any pocket of sunshine available.

I was also lucky enough to go to TWO book events this month -
📚 One where Daisy Buchanan interviewed Beth O’Leary AND Bolu Babalola about their new books The Name Game and Sweet Heat (respectively). I will be reading them both. Fascinatingly, neither author works with a book structure, just an idea and they roll with the vibe.
📚 I also watched Monica Heisey and Lena Dunham have a chat in bed (on stage) at the Hackney Empire. There is plenty of discourse on Dunham’s new memoir ‘Famesick’ (I’m yet to read it) but watching her on stage you have to admit there is a reason we’re all obsessed with her, she’s a star and perpetually enigmatic - even if you don’t agree with everything she says and does.

If Lena Dunham is enigmatic, Olivia Dean is enrapturing. You simply can’t look away. Talk about someone who is sprinkled with magic. The Art of Loving was a masterpiece and I want to watch it all again. Fave songs from the night were “I’ve seen it” and “Dive”. ✨

Currently reading: The Name Game by Beth O’Leary

This month there is no theme whatsoever except they are (once again) all brilliant female authors. There is a bit of everything, including a sprinkle of magic. Enjoy!

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

One Star Romance by Laura Hankin

Published: June 2024
Summary: A harmless best man and an uptight maid of honour are the stars of this will-they-won’t-they. It’s a troupe that’s been done before but this one does have some bite. It spans the course of a decade and you do end up rooting for Natalie and Rob.
And, just to flag, even though this is in this ‘cosy’ section this book does feature covid (momentarily, please don’t let that put you off) and has a health scare too.
It really is impossible to find a book that truly is void of any trigger warnings and still has a solid story. I am very open to suggestions on this front.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

One & Only by Maureen Goo

Published: Feb 2026
Summary: This is a gorgeous love story featuring Cassia Park who is faced with choosing between her ‘fated’ love (more on that below) and a should-be fling. Cassia is 40 years old and has her life together which is refreshing to read compared to the messy 20 somethings that tend to be at the heart of romance stories.
So, Cassia is a magical matchmaker. Stay with me. She is a face-reader which is a mythical Korean skill that is passed down through the matriarchal line. The Park ladies read your face, can see into your past lives and find your fated love in this life for you. I was sceptical of this crucial part of the plot but this is me telling you, you don’t need to be dubious, roll with it and lean in.

INTENSE & REWARDING (maybe)

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Published: April 2026
Summary: This book has already been lauded by many as the “book of the year” and the rights to the movie were purchased by Anne Hathaway before the book was even released so you’ve probably seen/ heard about it.
If you haven’t, it’s about a trad-wife influencer with a million followers portraying the perfect life of returning to the land with her Christian views and 6 children, when she gets flung back to the 1800’s and actually has to return to the land to survive.
I inhaled it in a 48-hour period so am still very much collecting my thoughts. I’m sure if you search ‘Yesteryear’ in Substack, you’ll get a thousand more eloquent takes but here goes… It was harrowing, brilliant, bewildering, icky, mesmerising, somehow totally unbelievable whilst also managing to hit too close to home. The commentary on motherhood and the expectations put on mothers was expertly done and painful to read. Just over half way through I was worried that there was no way Burke could land the ending sufficiently but it was expertly handled and I should never have doubted her. I need to discuss this book with actual people (not just read about it in cleverly formulated essays), please read it.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

Lyrebird by Cecelia Ahern

Published: Jan 2017
Summary: You’ll know Cecelia Ahern’s name from PS I Love You and Love, Rosie (if you haven’t read either of those, do) but Ahern has written over 20+ books. Her sleeper hit for me is Lyrebird.
Laura Button has the uncanny ability to mimic any sound. Laura is (sadly) discovered by a film crew who pull her out of her tranquil life in the mountains, drag her to a bustling Dublin city and thrust her into the spotlight.
In a similar vein to Yesteryear, this book explores the noise of modern life versus quiet of living amongst nature. Featuring the pitfalls of fame and also a fun love triangle.
I’ll admit, it’s quite a random pick and not a fast-paced book by any means but I really enjoyed it and found it to be a comforting read.

That’s all this month!

And as always, let me know if you’ve read any of the above or what you’re currently reading 💌
Happy reading xo

Subscribe now

Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:

Season roulette | Go on, try it | Trying to lean in | Lighter days ahead

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

Subscribe now

Happy Spring and nearly Easter 🐣 We’ve had every single weather front imaginable this month in the UK; umbrellas, wooly hats, caps, sunglasses and every single layer are very much needed. I spent some more time skiing in the mountains, this time in Austria. You just can’t beat mountain air.
This quote from the book I’m currently reading has summed March up perfectly:

It is the seam between winter and spring - though seam suggests an even hem, and March is more like a rough line of stitches sewn by an unsteady hand, swinging wildly between January gusts and June greens. You don’t know what you’ll find until you step outside. - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Don’t you love it when the book you’re reading aligns with the season you’re currently in. 🧚🏻‍♀️

Currently reading: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E Schwab

This month the clear theme for the recommendations is family sagas. Four different families with four very different vibes! Pick your poison.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

Love Story by Lindsey Kelk

Published: July 2024
Summary: Now this is less family saga and more “enemies”-to-lovers romance. But! You do meet the whole family and they have a big impact on the will-they-wont-they aspect.
Sophie is a primary school teacher who has written the smash hit book of the decade, but under a different name. She decided to hide her identity due to the level of smut in the book and the fact that her parents are both literary pillars of the publishing industry who do not respect the romance genre. Somehow a very hot Joe Walsh gets involved and there’s a big 60th birthday party for her dad where it all comes to a head.
It’s very predictable and exactly as this category suggests; cosy and harmless.
This book is not to be confused with the most heart-wrenching film of all time with the same name (Love Story) or the current Disney TV series (loosely) based on JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’s story (also with the same name) .

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

Published: Feb 2026
Summary: A 5* read! The most outrageous family saga.
The Flynn family are in total turmoil since Catherine and Bud (the parents) opened up their marriage. The eldest, Abigail, is dating an ex soldier named War Crime Wes. Louise is being groomed by an online terrorist. And Harper, the youngest at 13, is too clever for her own good and is convinced the citizens of the town are being watched.
Laying out the characters like this makes it sound fairly unreal and insufferable but I promise it is somehow charming and light and incredibly witty. The writing is magic and whilst the issues sound heavy, they are dealt with such ridiculous ease that you can’t help but root for the whole family.
Don’t just take my word for it Pandora Sykes and Ochuko Akpovbovbo have written a fantastic and rave review in Books + Bits (there are no spoilers):

Books + Bits

2 Girls 1 Book: Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

Welcome back to 2 Girls 1 Book, a monthly cross-post where Ochuko Akpovbovbo and Pandora Sykes chat about a book via Google Docs…

Read more

6 months ago · 158 likes · 46 comments · Pandora Sykes and Ochuko Akpovbovbo

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

Published: May 2006
Summary: An eye opening non-fiction family saga.
Jeanette Walls grows up in total poverty running (“doing the skedaddle”) from the police, debt collectors and hospital bills every few months. Her dad is a drunk and a gambler and her mum is in his trance. Showing incredible courage, grit and determination Jeanette and her three siblings somehow escape to NYC (nearly unscathed) but their journey is anything but smooth.
It’s not an easy read but a worthwhile one.
This book has been made into a film with Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts. As always, watch it after reading.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

Published: May 2024
Summary: I did warn you there was a theme and this is, yes, another fully fledged family saga. It’s a meaty book with over 600 pages but if you’re looking to get your teeth stuck into a story, this is it.
The Bee Sting has been described as a “tragicomic” read which I suppose is similar to dark comedy but more tragic?? Essentially it’s not light but there is some humour throughout.
You meet Dickie and his glam wife Imelda alongside their teenage Cass and young son PJ. In a similar vein to The Lost Lambs gang they are all going through individual battles and turmoil (just a tad more realistic in this one). Each family member has their own dedicated chapters which could all individually read like a book in themselves.
Oh and somehow there is an actual really important life altering bee sting! It’s a goodie.

AOB (Any Other Books/ Business)

A new section that may or may not feature every month but a few other bits and pieces from the month:

(a) Nerds Gummy Clusters - I can’t stop talking about (or eating) these. Fruit Riot has apparently landed in the UK but I am yet to get my hands on any so these Nerds Clusters are keeping that sour-crunchy-chewy craving at bay.
(b) Comfort in One Cookbook - Not normally a cookbook household but after being in serious need of inspiration I saw this and have been so impressed. Simple, nutritious and, most importantly, delicious.
(c) I learnt a new word: Bildungsroman! - A second shoutout for Pandora’s Substack but I was blown away by this word and was convinced it was a spelling error. Nono, would she ever. It’s a word that means “a novel dealing with one person’s formative years or spiritual education”. Love!

That’s all this week! Happy Spring 🌷 (Northern Hemisphere peeps)

And as always, let me know if you’ve read any of the above or what you’re currently reading 💌
Happy reading xo

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Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:

Go on, try it | Trying to lean in | Lighter days ahead | Something to sit with

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here

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PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

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And we roll into March, blinking into the sunlight ☀️ or at least one can hope. A brief blurb from me today; For a short month, February felt very long. It’s been grey, wet and rainy. Thank goodness for the Winter Olympic coverage - I’m still not sure why Curling needs to be 10 ends but yes, I did watch every single one. Oh and I’m simply excited for springtime. 🌷

You’re here for the book reccs anyway so, read on!

Currently reading: Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

This month we’re sticking with the female author theme (unintentionally, they are just the best) and a through line of love, in all its forms.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes

Published: Aug 2012
Summary: I feel like I have gushed about the Queen that is Marian Keyes in every single post so I was shocked to check that I’ve only recommended her once before. Now while this is the ‘Cosy’ section I should warn you that Rachel’s Holiday is about addiction (the ‘holiday’ is the rehab centre). However what is cosy about this book is that you are introduced to the whole Walsh gang. This is the start* of a 6 book series on the Walsh Sisters - Claire, Rachel, Maggie, Anna, and Helen - and their enigmatic Irish Mammy, Mammy Walsh. You should start this gorgeous series now so you can then watch The Walsh Sisters on BBC iPlayer.
*The official first book is Watermelon but this has been harder to come across historically.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

Published: Jan 2026
Summary: Think PS I Love You but instead of leaving notes Tilly’s deceased husband has left her a trail of books. One book per month to be picked up at her local bookstore. This set up sounds heart wrenching but somehow Libby Page approaches it with a grace that leaves you feeling inspired and uplifted. There is so much love, kindness and hope in amongst Tilly’s inevitable grief.
In ’s own words “This is wholeheartedly a bookish book”. It’s about finding yourself again, thanks to the stories, support, and friends found within the pages of a book. Plus, each chapter starts with four book recommendations as well as the one Tilly has been left - you TBR pile will inevitable double in size.
Here is a favourite quote from this stunner of a book:

I am the person I am because of the books I have read. My reading history is a map that shows the path of my life.

Yes yes yes! Please just read this stunning love note to books. I will likely read it again. (You can also stay up to date with all things Libby Page on Substack and read about my other fave Page book here.)

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

The Flamboya Tree by Clara Olink Kelly

Published: May 2003
Summary: Now this one really is heart wrenching and you will need tissues. It is autobiographical and written by Clara Olink Kelly who was four when WWII began. Her family is based in Java, Indonesia when the Japanese invades. They are captured, her father sent to work on the Burma railway whilst Clara, her mother and two younger brothers are sent to a ‘women’s camp’…
Read this for an untold side of the war, the brutality of the camp, the sheer strength and resilience of a mothers love and the formidable true story of Clara’s life.
I read it in April 2020 and it stays with me to this day.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Published: Mar 2025
Summary: This book somehow encompasses a one-who-got-away love story and a who-done-it for two devastating deaths. It’s sweeping and entirely consuming. Beth isn’t the most likeable protagonist but she is faced with multiple impossible decisions. I don’t want to say any more in case I give it away.

TBR UPDATE

• The Interestings by Meg Wolizer

• One Star Romance by Laura Hankin

• Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino

• You & me and You & me and You & me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees

• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (not out yet)

And as always, let me know what you’re reading and loving 💌
Happy reading xo

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Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:

Go on, try it | Trying to lean in | Lighter days ahead | Something to sit with

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

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We’ve nearly made it to the end of Jan ✨ It is always the longest slog but the next thing we know it will be October. I’ve managed to squeeze two ski trips which has (unsurprisingly) made it significantly easier to trudge through January. I worked for the majority of the first one and so I am really looking forward to shutting my laptop for down for this second one.
Otherwise, Jan was made up of hibernating, catching the odd 3pm(!) sunset and braving the outside world to watch Hamnet (I’m still recovering!).

Post title thanks to Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners album which has been on repeat this month.

Currently reading: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (finally!)

On to the recommendations! As ever it is a diverse bunch this month but the theme seems to be strong female protagonists written by female authors ✊

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

Published: Mar 2021
Summary: Jenny Colgan is the ultimate cosy writer and one I reach for whenever I just need a brain massage. In the Bookshop on the Corner a recently unemployed librarian moves to the highlands of Scotland where she may or may not start a bookshop based in a van. Yes of course there is a rugged, handsome and grumpy farmer who happens to be her landlord…
The book title is misleading as the bookshop is in a van so not on a corner but Colgan explains this (a bit) in the sequel (The Bookshop by the Shore).

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman

Published: Sept 2023
Summary: This isn’t necessarily a book recommendation but more of an author recommendation. We All Want Impossible things is Newman’s debut and it blew me away, the humanness, messy unfiltered emotions, complicated friendships and familial relationships all exquisitely portrayed with humour peppered throughout. This book is about her best friend dying, so how Newman weaves humour in is beyond me. It’s one of my top ten books.
Since then Newman has written Sandwich and its sequel Wreck in which you follow the mum of a grown family. There is more of the same; the beauty and joy of life amongst all the raw, sticky, anxious inducing and tender bits (aka illness, grief, trust and beyond) all - somehow - explored with lightness and humour. I will read anything she writes and strongly suggest you do the same.

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Published: Nov 2025
Summary: This one is best read under a weighted blanket with a hot chocolate in hand. It is bleak but totally absorbing. A remote island south of Tasmania but not quite Antartica. A dad and his three kids (of which he has a fractured relationship with each of them). A women who has quite literally been washed up. A plan to abandon the island in 6 weeks time due to rising sea levels… They just need to pack up and salvage what they can… what could go wrong…
Incredibly gripping until the very last page.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

Published: Feb 2003
Summary: Another apt winter read. Crow Lake is based in northern Canada and is set in a remote town originally founded by four families - and not populated by many more to this day. The book opens with the Morrison kids experiening the unthinkable tragedy of losing both their parents. All four of them cope in different ways but Kate, the only one who manages to leave Crow Lake and gain a PHD, struggles to move past the complete unfairness of this event. Eighteen years later she returns with her ‘city’ partner and finally confronts the past.
This is my second Lawson book and I’m thoroughly obsessed. They perfectly fill the ‘what should I read next’ hole - not too dramatic or emotional but enough to scratch an itch.

TBR UPDATE

• The Correspondent by Virgina Evans (I think I’m the only person on Substack who hasn’t read this)

• Chosen Family by Madeline Gray (I loved Green Dot so am excited to read more of Gray)

• This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (Excited and terrified by this concept. Think PS I love you but her late partner has left her a trail of books… tissues at the ready)

• PRE ORDERED: Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason (I adore Mason - especially You Be Mother - and cannot wait to read this later this year).

I finished the last letter with a note/ poem I had enjoyed and thought I’d do the same today -

Let Goddess this month ✨

And as always, let me know what you’re reading and loving 💌
Happy reading xo

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I keep a spreadsheet of every single post and book recommendation. It now has 98 books in it and you can filter it by category (or author!):

Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:

Take what you need | A grazing board of books | Take one, pass the rest along | A pocket of peace | A sip of comfort | A mixed bag | Strength and beauty | Steady rhythm, joy | Here comes the sun | The illusive beast | A soft exhale | Floating through change | Go on, try it | Trying to lean in | Lighter days ahead

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

Subscribe now

Happy I’m-not-sure-what-day-it-is time of year. What we do know is that days are getting longer and lighter from here 🎊.
December is full of contradictions for me; the urge to rest vs. a calendar full of events, the magic vs. the mayhem, presence vs. presents, the twinkly Christmas lights vs. the never ending dark nights. You get it.
I hope you get whatever you’re craving in the next few weeks. And, crucially, I hope you have the right book to accompany you.
See you in 2026 👀

Currently reading: All Adults Here by Emma Straub

What I’ve read this year -

On to the recommendations! A real mix this month (it’s a month of contradictions after all), a few inspirational women, a gorgeous set of friends and a love story for the ages.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Translated by: Ginny Tapley Takemori
Published: Jun 2018
Summary: It was Foyles book of the year in 2018 so this is by no means *new* but if you missed it all those years ago, or you had every intention to pick it up and totally forgot it existed, this is your sign.
Follow Keiko, a woman living her own life in a society where there are strict expectations and pressure to conform to the norm. Keiko tries to fit in but quite honestly she is very happy working in the shop she has worked in for half her life.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Published: Jun 2025
Summary: 🥁 MY BOOK OF THE YEAR 🥁 One of the two five star books I’ve read this year. You will laugh, cry and ultimately feel hope in humanity (and want to hug all your friends close).
Two story lines converge. In one you follow Louisa a lonely grieving orphan who meets an artist aka her idol (and his meek best friend). In the other meet Joar, Ted, Ali and the Artist as they form a formidable friendship despite the rough hand life has thrown them. There is tragedy throughout but Backman deals with it with his usual grace and (sometimes black) comedy.
I will treasure this book.

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

Educated by Tara Westover

Published: Nov 2018
Summary: This memoir will knock your socks off. If you want to feel inspired and empowered going into 2026 you must read this.
Westover’s life story would be too outrageous for a fiction book. She grew up in the rural mountains of Idaho with her *extremely* religious family. No, she didn’t go to school… she didn’t even have a birth certificate. If you can think of the extreme opposite of that experience, that is (somehow!) where Tara ends up. She is a true hero in my eyes (and my mums!).
I don’t want to say any more and spoil your reading experience. Read it.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Published: Apr 1977
Summary: Talk about a love story of the ages! If you haven’t read the book or watched the mini-series, I implore you to start the book tomorrow.
Think Pride & Prejudice if it was set in the outback of Australia in the 1900s… Trust me, the comparison works. A forbidden love, a bitter twisted rich aunt and the OG Hot Priest. This book is so all encompassing it will be the perfect escape in the days between Christmas and New Year. Maggie and Father Ralph de Bricassart’s love is one for this history books.

The other 5* book I read was Wellness by Nathan Smith (I wrote about that here).

Sending Christmas kindness and love to you all over the next few weeks. Thank you for being here this year and I’m excited to do it all again in 2026!

As always, please let me know what you’re reading and loving 💌
Happy reading xo

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PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

If you’d like to read more of my book recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:

Take what you need | A grazing board of books | Take one, pass the rest along | A pocket of peace | A sip of comfort | A mixed bag | Strength and beauty | Steady rhythm, joy | Here comes the sun | The illusive beast | A soft exhale | Floating through change | Go on, try it | Trying to lean in |

Alternatively, you can see a summary of all the titles I have recommended so far here

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

This is a special Christmas Bonus Edition

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CHRISTMAS BOOK CRITERIA

Last year I declared that -

Christmas books stand up to a different criteria than rest-of-the-year-books. I care very little about character development or plot in a Christmas book. I’m simply there for *the vibes*.

And form the eclectic selection below, it seems like I still very much stand up to this. I also stated that they must include an hot person which I am forced to edit to be “hot person OR hot ghost” thanks to one book below…

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CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR 2025

Christmas At The Beach Hut by Veronica Henry
Lizzy, a working mum with two teenage kids and an under appreciative husband, has had enough of doing it ALL and runs away to a beach hut a few days before Christmas. The beach hut isn’t necessarily the solace she was hoping for and her family are up in arms when they realise she is gone. A really wonderful book I’d read at any time of year! Highly recommend.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
This is the third book in the Dream Harbour series and as it says on the first page - it’s like a hallmark movie, just smuttier. I’m fully bought in on this whole series but even if you aren’t this book works on it’s own.
A grumpy newcomer buys the Christmas Tree farm and insists on making it alone but (literally) stumbles into Ben and his gorgeous three dogs…

The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
Introducing, a tight knit friend group with a strict holiday tradition that is slowly starting to unravel. This is perfect if you're in your 20s/ 30s and everything seems to be changing; friends are moving out of the city, starting their own families and you just want everything to remain as it was.
I was pulled right in to Hannah and Finn’s complicated and adoring friendship.

Good Spirits by B. K. Borison
This is a ‘substack made me read it’ novel - it’s been in everywhere! It came out this year and has +12k ratings with over 4.26 stars on goodreads. The concept is ridiculous and you have to use all your Santa-Is-Real imagination to roll with it but it’s a fun ride once you lean in.
Nolan is a Ghost of Christmas Past and the human he is meant to haunt this season is Harriet York. However, Nolan is a sexy ghost (of course he is) and Harriet is whimsical…

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
Polly owns a crumbling down lighthouse and a remote bakery on a remote Cornish island (you can only get to when the tide is out). Her best friend has a secret, and an incredibly wealthy fiancé (who comes in handy when the plot seems like it won’t work).
The characters are all larger than life and Polly is the perfect protagonist. It really is all the cosy-christmas-tropes wrapped into a lovely book.
Note: This is part of a wider 4-part series (this is number three), I haven’t read all of the others so it’s doable as a standalone.

MORE??

Okay! Here are the other Christmas themed books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed (I actually haven’t found one I haven’t enjoyed yet). The full write up of these 6 books are is in my Christmas Book Special 2024.

• One Day in December by Josie Silver

• One Christmas Night by Hayley Webster

• The Cornish Cream Tea Christmas by Cressida McLaughlin

• Twelve Days to Save Christmas by Elizabeth Neep

• Just for December by Laura Jane Williams

• The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

For ease, all the books mentioned are listed in my Christmas Bookshelf on my Bookshop.org store.

Well, that should absolutely keep us all busy until 25th December!

As ever, let me know what you decide to read in the comments.
Happy reading, xoxo

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If you’d like to read more of my recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:

Take what you need | A grazing board of books | Take one, pass the rest along | A pocket of peace | A sip of comfort | A mixed bag | Strength and beauty | Steady rhythm, joy | Here comes the sun | The illusive beast | A soft exhale | Floating through change | Go on, try it |

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

Hello darkness… you know the rest. It’s here. Winter. I now refer to anything past 3.30pm as the EVENING and anything past 6pm as NIGHT TIME.
Trying to achieve everything in daylight hours (aka between 10am and 3.30pm) is a challenge but how does one function when it’s dark? Scandis I need solutions! And yes I have ordered an LED SAD therapy light, anything else??

Currently reading: This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub (and I’m not sure if I’m loving it?)

Books I’ve read this month:

A super fun event:

The Buffy’s book swap event was an utter delight. I implore you to arrange one of these with your pals. I know we all talk about doing a book club but I’ve found the actual logistics of it prove quite tricky (at least for my group of friends) - you have to (a) agree on a book in the first place, (b) sync up and read it at roughly the same time and then (c) find an evening to all be free and discuss it! All too much at this phase of life. BUT a book swap night requires no homework. Simply bring your favourite book along, write a note as to why it is your fave, pop it on a table and pick up another one. VERY doable and conversation provoking. That’s what blew me away at the Buffy’s event; the chat! The enthusiasm of the book recommendations “you MUST read xyz” on repeat, the energy in the room was incredible. Thanks again to Buffy’s and Lizzy for putting it on 🧡

On to the recommendations! Two are somewhat fantastical (time slips and reliving the past) and two are very real wintry reads (I’m trying to embrace this season, can you tell…) so I’ve included some light relief at the bottom. Take your pick!

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

Impossible by Sarah Lotz

Published: Mar 2022
Summary: I loved this book! And I can’t summarise it in too much detail as I don’t want to give the concept away. Bee and Nick are destined for each other but there is something stopping them from being together… and it doesn’t seem that even love can over come this obstacle.
With books that have clever twists I always worry that the ending is going to be disappointing but Lotz definitely landed this plane. Read it, please?

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

Snow Country by Sebastian Faulks

Published: Sept 2021
Summary: If there was ever a time to recommend Snow Country now seems appropriate. So if you want to get your teeth stuck into something this winter, this historical novel will keep you company. It spans 1906 to 1933 and is set across Vienna/ Austria and Schloss Seeblick (a sanatorium). The writing is incredibly descriptive and there are a lot of characters to keep up with but, as with all Faulks novels, you are more than rewarded by the beautiful ending.
Note: This is a prequel to Human Traces but they can both be read as standalone books (or so I am told as I have not read Human Traces).

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

Published: Feb 2021
Summary: A rather sinister theme is emerging! But while The Sanatorium is set in a similar location to Snow Country this is much less historical novel and much more mysterious-who-done-it. Again, the perfect book for the impending winter.
The setting: an extremely remote fancy hotel that has been converted from an old sanatorium (creepy? very!). The occasion: An engagement party just as a storm rolls in. The guest list: A reluctant guest who happens to be a detective. And, of course, a missing bride-to-be.
If you’ve read any Lucy Foley, you’ll love this.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Geoffrey Trousselot (Translator)

Published: Dec 2015
Summary: If you could visit someone from your past, would you? I’m sure you’ve seen this series, it’s been translated into over 30 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide (and probably broken a similar number of hearts). The concept is simple and the stories are beautiful.
The customers of cafe Funiculi Funicula may travel back in time, to any time they like, for any reason they may have. However, they must return before their cup of coffee is cold.
Top Tip: This would make a glorious Christmas gift.

Christmas Reads

Let’s face it, the only thing about a Northern Hemisphere winter is Christmas and I realise this months recommendations all err on the side of intense, so if you’re looking for something lighter below is my Christmas Book Special 2024 (and my 2025 edition is coming out this week).
Spoiler, One Day in December by Josie Silver is still my top cosy read at this time of year.

As always, please let me know what you’re reading and loving 💌
Happy reading xo

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:

Take what you need | A grazing board of books | Take one, pass the rest along | A pocket of peace | A sip of comfort | A mixed bag | Strength and beauty | Steady rhythm, joy | Here comes the sun | The illusive beast | A soft exhale | Floating through change | Go on, try it |

Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

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The clocks have gone back and the temperature has dropped. People are discussing what soups they are making and how they had to “get their big coat out this morning”… there is no denying it, winter is winning. So thank goodness for British TV at a time like this:
📺 Celebrity Traitors
📺 The Great British Bake Off
📺 Taskmaster
📺 Nobody Wants This
I saw a petition to swap the dates of Christmas and Valentine’s Day* and I am a solid YES.

Currently reading: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (as I am going to Buffy’s bookclub event this week. I cannot wait to debrief 👀)

Books I’ve read this month:

On to the recommendations. This month is a selection of books I originally didn't fancy reading but I am so glad I did.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

Paradise Lodge by Nina Stibbe

Published: April 2007
Summary: “Hilarity and pure escapism from a true British wit” - I can’t describe it much better than the Bookshop.org summary (but I’ll try)… Imagine if the Thursday Murder Club was narrated by a 15 year old girl who was working at the old peoples’ home and you get Paradise Lodge (but it is set in Leicestershire in 1970s and the home itself is more shabby and on the brink of closing).
One of the things I love witnessing (and being apart of) is intergenerational relationships and this book is stacked full of them. As an aside, I think we need more intergenerational relationships in 2025!
Nina Stibbe is a delight and this book is a balm for the soul.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

Published: Mar 2025
Summary: I avoided this book when it first came out because the concept is totally barmy and sounds utterly ridiculous. But then it started getting rave reviews and my interest peaked.
The Concept: Lauren’s attic produces a stream of husbands. Every time one goes up, another one comes down. (I told you.. it’s barmy).
The Outcome: It is frivolous and fun and yet delivers a deep insight into modern day relationships. What people are willing to put up with and what others aren’t.
Hats off to Gramazio, I’m not sure how she made this work but she really did!

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

Circe by Madeline Miller

Published: Apr 2019
Summary: I’m sure you have seen this around. If you have and are yet to read it, this is your sign to pick it up immediately. It’s perfect immersive escapism. I’m not normally one for Greek mythology but I’m so glad I gave this a shot. Follow Circe through her awkward upbringing that ultimately ends in exile and banishment to a remote island. Watch her figure out her strengths, how to be a woman in a world run by men and choose where she belongs … it doesn’t sound all that mythological now does it?

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

Notes to Self by Emilie Pine

Published: June 2019
Summary: I’m not normally a short stories person but this collection of essays stopped me in my tracks. I devoured it in one sitting and had tears in my eyes throughout. It covers the full spectrum of being a woman. The incredible highs and the extraordinary lows. Grief, addiction, fertility and abuse, in amongst joy, companionship and humility - and somehow, all without any self-pity. The sections on the female body are devastating and relatable and I wish we weren’t still here in the 2020s but I’m glad we have Pine depicting them this eloquently.
Its most famous quote still takes my breath away -

“I am afraid of being the disruptive woman. And of not being disruptive enough. I am afraid, but I’m doing it anyway.”

TBR Update

I have taken to requesting books at my library instead of just adding them to my goodreads and then forgetting about them. In theory, this should work well. In practice, it’s made me realise how many books I 'like the look of’ and request which means I’m slightly too backed up (in books and library fines!).

• The Rest of Our Lives by Benjamin Markovits

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

• Little Weirds by Jenny Slate

• Heart the Lover by Lily King

Any other suggestions? What is a book you originally didn’t fancy but ended up loving?

*Here is the link to the instagram justifying the Christmas Day & Valentine’s Day swap (I didn’t want to lose you to the scroll right at the top).

Please let me know what you’re reading and loving 💌
Happy reading xo

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PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:

Take what you need | A grazing board of books | Take one, pass the rest along | A pocket of peace | A sip of comfort | A mixed bag | Strength and beauty | Steady rhythm, joy | Here comes the sun | The illusive beast | A soft exhale | Floating through change

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

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September. Back to school. Back to routine. Back to our London flat. AND Eclipse season 🌚🌝
I've really felt like I’ve been through the washing machine this month. Lots of opportunities, lots of change and lots of uncertainty. I’ve started teaching yoga (find out where and when I’m teaching on insta). I’ve joined Mood Ldn so I’m meditating at least 3x a week (I can’t recommend Mood highly enough, you can find Lauren on Substack too). And I’ve had a lot of work-based-change that is slowly turning into inspiration.
I’m off to Italy this week (for my brother’s wedding!) and I’m excited to have some time away to allow the dust to settle (or the spin cycle to stop, if we want to continue with the washing machine metaphor).

Books I’ve read recently (I always read more when I’m going through uncertainty):

Currently reading: One of Us by Elizabeth Day

I’m also FINALLY reading Wintering by Katherine May as a companion to this winter. The book can be read at any time but it is broken into monthly chapters (September through to March). I’m hoping it gives me some resilience during the impending northern hemisphere winter.

On to the recommendations.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely (which means a bit of everything this month as we navigate the change of seasons). Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

Published: Aug 2023
Summary: You’ve probably seen this book around and, spoiler, the authors name is really Melissa McTernan but where’s the cosy romance in that! The books I recommend in this section are normally harmless but this really is Harmless. It’s that gorgeous warm bath at the end of the day when you’ve been pulled from pillar to post. There is a series - 6 books so far! - that I will keep in my back pocket for when I really need them (with names like The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, The Christmas Tree Farm and The Daisy Chain Flower Shop I imagine the same plot, just different characters, bliss).

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Published: May 2015
Summary: This is THE book. The book I push into everyone’s hands. I can only apologise for the fact it’s taken me a whole year to recommend it to you. I think it’s because I assume everyone has read it. You’ve read it, right? Right??* If not, I implore you to stop all plans and do so immediately.
It’s a perfect book. Full of heartbreak, grief, sincerity, flawed humans but ultimately hope and the generosity of the human spirit. You will cry but you will view humanity with a renewed optimism - and at the moment, with war, genoc*de and censorship seeping into daily (hourly!) news cycles, optimism feels revolutionary in itself!
*as ever, watching the movie doesn’t count. (They changed his name to Otto?! But I will concede it is good, so you can watch it AFTER you’ve read the book)

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

Published: Feb 2007
Summary: If you’re ready to lean into winter, this book will transport you to the bleak wilderness of Northern Canada in the 1860s. A murder followed by a missing boy propels the community of Dove River to start a search party during the most treacherous time of year. The searchers all have different motives and unfounded accusations are thrown around. This atmospheric who-done-it touches on greed, power, loneliness, isolation and temptation. It’s not a quick read as the writing is so immersive but it will envelop you into this small rural community and you will become fanatic about *needing* to know how it ends.
If you read God of the Woods, (recommendation here) this is definitely adjacent, but probably slightly darker.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

The Names by Florence Knapp

Published: May 2025
Summary: An excellent debut novel with an incredible concept! The name of Cora’s child will define who he is as a person. In a sliding doors/ the versions of us vein you follow the same person, but with three different names for the next 35 years. Impeccable.
TW: Domestic abuse.

TBR Update

I leant into cosy and comforting reads this month and grabbed more Jenny Colgan than I was planning to so my TBR is backing up again.

• Spoilt Creatures by Amy Twigg

• My Friends by Fredrik Backman

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

• These Precious Days by Ann Prachett

• Mongrel by Hanako Footman

• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

• Albion by Anna Hope *read my review/ recommendation of Anna’s debut here.

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Any other suggestions? What are you planning on reading next?

Happy reading xo

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PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:

Take what you need | A grazing board of books | Take one, pass the rest along | A pocket of peace | A sip of comfort | A mixed bag | Strength and beauty | Steady rhythm, joy | Here comes the sun | The illusive beast | A soft exhale

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

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Thanks for all the love on my summary post featuring all my reccs last week! If you missed it you can read it here.

Last month I alluded to wanting to take August off, alas, this didn’t happen. But I did try to honour it as ‘the Sunday of Summer’ and slow down as much as I could -

Most excitingly, I qualified as a yoga teacher 🤸‍♀️

I also unintentionally boosted Barbara Kingsolver’s income by purchasing/ borrowing her book FOUR times…

1. I borrowed it from the library (what could go wrong).

2. I couldn’t extend my loan time and I was going away, so I purchased a second hand copy (and paid for next day delivery). But really, it turns out, I could extend it. So, I kept my library loan and gave the second-hand purchase to my lovely mum.

3. I then left the library book on the plane(!!). No, they couldn’t find it. (No, they didn’t try.) I only had 30 pages left and had to finish it immediately so I purchased it on my kindle.

4. My fine at the library is re-buying the book for them. (They won’t accept my mums second hand copy or my kindle version sadly).

The book was Prodigal Summer and I adored it so this adventure was worth it (just about).

Currently reading: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

On to the recommendations.

For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely (which means a settling into September with family sagas and a psychological thriller). Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

We All Live Here by JoJo Moyes

Published: Feb 2025
Summary: A great back-to-school book! It’s a non-conventional family saga (although non-conventional families are now more conventional than conventional families so this may be a moot description). Lila Kennedy is going through a divorce, raising two kids and trying to drum up an income when her estranged biological dad AND her stepdad both move in with her. You really feel like Lila is your neighbour/pal by the end of it and I wanted to wrap her in a big hug!
I actually went to a talk where Moyes was discussing this book and she had originally imagined that the mums would be the nuisances but, rightly, she realised that mums get a lot of bad press so instead its the dads that are causing the ruckus in this novel.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human.

Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

Published: April 2021
Summary: McFarlane should get the press and accolades that Emily Henry gets IMO. I’m sure you’ve come across her but if you haven’t you must dive in! It sounds lazy to say “She’s a younger Marian Keyes” as she happens to also be Irish but, nationality aside, she really is! They both write heartfelt and deeply human books.
In Last Night there is; four best friends, unrequited love and a tragedy that leaves Eve confronting decade old secrets whilst navigating grief. It’s not light but it’s somehow navigated in a comforting and reassuring way with McFarlane’s magical touch.

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

None of This is True by Lisa Jewel

Published: Feb 2024
Summary: I would categorise this as a ‘light psychological thriller’ and I don’t read many psycho thrillers (as I like to sleep at night), but this book was everywhere last year and the concept seemed harmless enough (meaning, it shouldn’t affect my snooze time). And when I say harmless, I mean a bit ridiculous.
Essentially, two women celebrate their 45th birthday at the same restaurant. Alex is a glam podcast host and Josie is a drab mum with a missing daughter. Josie manages to get Alex to interview her on the podcast and the shenanigans ensue. I loved it! Riveting and unpredictable. It also reminded me of The New Girl by Harriet Walker.
It feels meta to recommend a podcast about a book that is about a podcast but there is Shameless Bookclub podcast review of this book if that tickles your fancy after reading it.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Published: Apr 2020
Summary: The Dutch House was my introduction to Ann Patchett (and it should be yours if you’re not already in the fandom). I’ve since read Tom Lake (five stars!) and am eager to read Bel Canto and This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.
But I digress, back to this recommendation; Siblings Danny and Maeve grow up at The Dutch House with an abundance of wealth before being exiled by their stepmother. They go on to face a life of hardship but the Dutch House remains ever present and becomes the anchor for this sprawling five-decade long family saga. It’s not psychological thriller, there are no jump scares, it’s a magical sweeping tale that wraps you up and pulls you in. You won’t want it to end.

I can’t believe we’ve got this far and I haven’t mentioned The Summer I Turned Pretty OR Taylor Swift (New Heights AND an engagement)!! August has really been an EXCELLENT month for content. My comments and inbox are open to discuss both in great detail.

Happy reading (and watching TSITP 👀) xo

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PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:

1. Take what you need

2. A grazing board of books

3. Take one, pass the rest along

4. A pocket of peace

5. A sip of comfort

6. A mixed bag

7. Strength and beauty

8. Steady rhythm, joy

9. Here comes the sun

10. The illusive beast

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

I usually try to keep these notes seasonal, but as usual, the weather in the UK can’t seem to make up its mind. Just last week my fingers were stained deep purple from grazing on juicy cherries in the sunshine. Yesterday I was tucked under my weighted blanket in cosy socks, and today I’m writing outside with a jumper on, watching the clouds turn candy floss pink. ☁️

A slightly different update this week: it’s been a whole year of writing this blog/substack/joyful excuse to chat about books! Before diving into a new post, I thought it would be nice to pause and look back. Since some of you joined along the way, this felt like the perfect moment to gather all my recommendations in one place. I’m happy to report I still stand by every single one (and have even chosen some favourites below).

I will send a regular cosy-love-intense recommendation post next week 🫶🏻

RECOMMENDATIONS ROUND UP

COSY & COMFORTING

• Dear Mrs Bird by A.J.Pearce

• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

• The Visitors by Sally Beauman

• The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe by Mary Simses

• One Day In December by Josie Silver

• Modern Love by Daniel Jones

• You Are Here by David Nicholls

• Close Knit by Jenny Colgan

• Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum

• The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

• The Little Flower Shop by the Sea by Ali McNamara

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

• The Vintage Shop of Second Chances by Libby Page

• Expectation by Anna Hope

• How Do You Like Me Now? by Holly Bourne

• You Be Mother by Meg Mason

• Olive by Emma Gannon

• They Were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple

• The City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulks

• Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley

• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

• This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

INTENSE & REWARDING

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

• Great Circle by Maggie Shepard

• The Women by Kristin Hannah

• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

• Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

• My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

• Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

• So Thrilled for You by Holly Bourne

• The Spy & The Traitor by Ben Macintyre

• Wellness by Nathan Hill

• Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

PICK ‘N’ MIX

• The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

• I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

• The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne

• Everybody Died So I Got A Dog by Emily Henry

• The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

• The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

• The Mad Women's Ball by Victoria Mas

• All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton

• A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

• The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher

Did you read any of them?

If I had to choose to re-read one in each section, I would currently say:

~ The Summer Book by Tove Jansson ~ Expectation by Anna Hope ~ Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver ~ The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune ~

Hopefully having this list all in one place can help you if you’re ever stuck in a “what should I read next” rut.

See you next week!

Happy reading xo

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:

1. Take what you need

2. A grazing board of books

3. Take one, pass the rest along

4. A pocket of peace

5. A sip of comfort

6. A mixed bag

7. Strength and beauty

8. Steady rhythm, joy

9. Here comes the sun

10. The illusive beast

    
    🔗 Bookshop.org here

    🔗 Goodreads here

Subscribe now

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Summer is, as ever, the illusive uncontrollable beast. The desire to *do everything* and *be everywhere* and *make the most of it* is relentless and yet I also am desperate to stop and soak it up -

There’s one picture that breaks my heart as soon as I take it, because it’s late July, and summer is fleeting. I want to press pause on today, on this month, on these people. Capture it not just on film. - One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

A gorgeous trip to Paris -

And a delightful UK time -

This all makes for a very full, but quite overwhelmed, heart! So I’d like to start a formal petition for everyone to take the month of August off. We deserve it. Who is in? (And crucially how does one start a petition?)

Currently reading: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

On to the recommendations. For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely (which means summer related this month). Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

The Little Flower Shop by the Sea by Ali McNamara

Published: July 2015
Summary: Join Poppy in Cornwall this summer as she reluctantly takes over the family flower shop after her Nan passes away. And meet Jake, a good looking but grumpy flower grower who rubs Poppy up the wrong way… obviously.
Now, yes, this this might be your typical set up but it is also a hug in a book. The host of characters in St Felix really bring the book to life and make it the easiest most gentle read, whilst not being totally predictable.
Perfect if you need a re-introduction to reading and/or need a perfect beach read.

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

Published: May 2024
Summary: Carley Fortune has released a book every year since 2022 and I have gobbled each one up. They are all delightful, steamy and pacey romance novels with messy, loveable and scrappy characters. I recommend reading them all, especially as she revisits a character from her first book (Every Summer After) in her most recent release (One Golden Summer).
However, for the purpose of this blog, my top recc is This Summer Will Be Different. I was so invested in this relationship and felt physically transported to Prince Edward Island during the process of reading it. Think lobster shacks, crisp vinho verde, fresh oysters and long coastal walks. The utterly idyllic setting makes this book a perfect read if you aren’t able to get away this summer, allow this book to whisk you away.

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published: Apr 1934
Summary: If you are after the antithesis of a cosy romance, Tender Is the Night is for you. It is set in the French Riviera during the 1920s and features all the glitz and the glamour of being incredibly wealthy at this time. Dick and Nicole present as the perfect couple and are living (what seems to be) the high life when young and gorgeous Rosemary turns up…
It’s not an easy read (content wise) but it is utterly compelling.
I’d go so far to say it’s the perfect cross between The Great Gatsby and The Bell Jar!

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher

Published: Dec 1987
Summary: If you’ve ever imagined what would happen if you suddenly came into wealth, this is for you. It’s an epic family saga with Penelope (aged 60+) at the heart of it. Penelope has had quite the life from a bohemian upbringing in London, moving down to Cornwall, living through the war (and finding true love during it) before raising three children in an unhappy marriage. She has finally found independence and stasis when she finds out her Father’s painting is worth a small fortune…
Think; tumbledown Cornwall cottage, lovely local gardener, flashbacks to a simpler time and parenting grown up children (who think they know better)!
I can only hope I’m half the woman Penelope is by the time I’m 60+.
Plus, it has the rare +4 stars on Goodreads with over 118k ratings.
If you haven’t read a Pilcher novel because you think they are for people older than you, you’re wrong, start here (and you won’t want to stop).

BONUS READS

As the summer can be a time where people read more, I thought I’d add a couple of more reccs into the mix this month!

• Sandwich by Catherine Newman - set across a week in Cape Cod this is a beautiful exploration of family holidays (and the dynamics involved!) and motherhood as your children become adults and your parents become elderly.

• Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors - three sisters grapple with the death of their fourth. It sounds deep and dark but is raw and real and utterly un-put-downable.

• Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune * - arguably the most intense love story of her four books; Fern and Will spend the perfect day together, just at the wrong time. But will things be different when they meet 9 years later…

That’s all for this month!
Enjoy holding on to the remains of the summer, I will be clinging on for dear life.

Happy reading xo

Subscribe now

PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

*I promise not to mention Carley Fortune again after throwing all four of her books at you. At least not until her next release anyway.

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:

1. Take what you need

2. A grazing board of books

3. Take one, pass the rest along

4. A pocket of peace

5. A sip of comfort

6. A mixed bag

7. Strength and beauty

8. Steady rhythm, joy

9. Here comes the sun

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

June, in the Northern Hemisphere, is summertime. June holds all the promise of summer - the plans, the festivals, the hope! - which allows you to actually enjoy it. In July there is a pressure to ‘make the most of it!’. And by August we are faced with the melancholy of it all slipping away again, until next year.

All that to say, I am LOVING this May/ June time but wow has it been busy. Two weddings, a holiday to Greece (where I read, a lot), weekends in the countryside, trips to the coast, live music, sea swims, yoga, days in the park with pals…

Oh and a trip to Glasgow that featured a burger who’s bun was actually two glazed donuts:

Currently reading: Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors early days but I think I’m enjoying it!

On to the recommendations. For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book reccs into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.

COSY & COMFORTING

A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

Published: 1972
Summary: Beloved author Tove Jansson (1914-2001) was the creator of the Moomins* but she also wrote adult books. In The Summer Book, follow a grandmother and her 6 year old granddaughter whilst they spend a summer together in a ramshackle shack on a remote island in the gulf of Finland (they are literally the only ones there). The writing and their relationship is brusque, to the point and yet so full of love. Sophia (the granddaughter) and the unnamed Grandmother each have their own idiosyncrasies and foibles but fall into a natural rhythm together as the summer passes. (It’s worth noting, Sophia is mourning the death of her mother and this is handled so gently). Do read it this summer.
I have just been alerted that it’s being made into a film featuring Glenn Close. Count me in! (You’re only allowed to watch the trailer after reading the book).

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Published: June 2022
Summary: I’ve obviously been waiting until June to recommend this. Seven Days In June follows Eva and Shane for, yep, seven days in June. But they’ve been here before, 15 years prior and Shane left Eva broken hearted. It’s a sweaty, steamy and humid week in Brooklyn for these two and just an excellent, fast paced romp of a read.
Oprah agrees as it was her bookclub pick in 2022, plus, it has 200k+ reviews.

INTENSE & REWARDING

Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.

Wellness by Nathan Hill

Published: Sept 2024
Summary: It is impossible to sum this book up. It is a 600 page tome of a book that achieves so much. Whilst following Elizabeth and Jack’s relationship from college to the ennui of early parenthood, it somehow manages to touch on the invention of condensed milk AND the detailed progress of the Facebook algorithm! It’s baffling, quite tenuous at times but also really compelling. I didn’t like any characters but was riveted by the ‘wellness’ portion that ran throughout the book on the ‘science’ of the placebo.
If you’re not necessarily a speedy reader and want one book to keep you company this summer, this is it! Speedy readers should read it too. I’m almost compelled to have this on my shelf as a potential re-read.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

Published: 1950
Summary: I am shocked that only 60k people have rated this on Goodreads. I expected it to be up there with the modern classics of Birdsong with 1m+ reviews. Thankfully, it has made it onto the BBC Top 100 Books You Need To Read Before You Die** list.
Written in a similar way to Gatsby with a slightly arbitrary first-person narration and following a undeterrable woman character à la Kristin Hannah, it is really unputdownable.
Follow Jean Pagent as a POW during the Japanese invasion of Malaya. The Japanese had no where for women and children to go so they were marched, for miles, for months on end, from place to place. Jean is resilient in the face of this torture and along the route she is helped out by Joe whom she tracks down after the war is over.
Set in Malaysia and then the outback of Australia this book can only be read in the summer to truly experience the heat and depth of this story.

TBR

It’s been a while since I’ve done a TBR update. It’s a real mishmash of old and new books and it’s starting to get a bit unwieldily (help):

• Slags by Emma Jane Unsworth (physically sitting on my bedside table)

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (waiting for me on my kindle - early reviews for this have been amazing)

• Klara and The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (waiting for me at the library)

• Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico (ALSO waiting for me at the library)

• The Shell House Detectives by Emylia Hall (YEP waiting for me at the library, with a deadline to pick it up by tomorrow)

• Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley (I’ve seen mixed reviews - I’m 5th in the queue at the library)

• Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (physically sitting on my bedside table, I might abandon all hope of ever getting to this one)

• One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (sitting on my kindle - psst. it’s currently 99p)

• Love at First Sight by Laura Jane Williams (pre ordered and due out next week)

• Brideshead Revisted by (re-added to this list after reading the top 100 books to read before you die**, and remembering I have it on my bookcase!)

• And a couple by Mary Lawson (also sitting on my kindle due to having kindle library sharing with my Mum, thanks Mum!).

• It looks like I probably don’t need to re-read Wellness again then. I think I have enough to keep me busy.

If you have any opinions on which of the above I should read next, please let me know. As you can see, I am quite literally drowning in a sea of books of my own making.

*Please tell me the Moomin stories were as integral to your childhood as they were mine? Magical, quite creepy but also really comforting. If so, can we please discuss.

** Full BBC Top 100 Books You Need To Read Before You Die list here, I’ve read 24! Which I’m pretty happy with.

All historical books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).

And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!

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Happy reading xo

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations see my previous Substack posts here:

1. Take what you need

2. A grazing board of books

3. Take one, pass the rest along

4. A pocket of peace

5. A sip of comfort

6. A mixed bag

7. Strength and beauty

8. Steady rhythm, joy

🔗 Goodreads here
🔗 Bookshop.org here

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I’m not normally captured by songs but Innocence and Sadness by Dermot Kennedy helps me with any mood - I promise this won’t turn into a music blog (maybe I have been affected by Deep Cuts more than I realised, see below!). All this to say, I think the lyrics to this song are some of the most beautifully written words, hence todays title “steady rhythm, joy”*. A mantra that reflects springtime perfectly.

I was at an event last night where our Queen, the Patron Saint of Millennial Women, Dolly Alderton interviewed Emma Jane Unsworth for the release of her latest novel Slags. I went into the evening intrigued by the book and left super excited to read it! Slags flips between a 15 year old Sarah and a 41 year old Sarah which sounds like a fabulous set up to me.
I adored Animals and Adults by Unsworth - if you like reading about the ever-changing nature of female friendships when navigating different life choices, you will too! - so I can’t wait to dive into Slags.

Currently reading: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry**

COSY & COMFORTING

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (Author) Shanna Tan (Translator)

Published: Feb 2024
Summary: This book lives out a real life fantasy, the quit your job and buy a bookshop one. It envelops you into Yeongju’s life and you root for her success the way you would an old friend. Yeongju not only quit her job but also divorced her husband so she is *really going through it* but not in a panicked “what the F have I done?!” way but in more “that was tough but I know I’m on the right path” way. This book is gentle, earnest and wholesome. Plus, who doesn’t love reading about the comings and goings of a bookshop!

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley

Published: Mar 2025
Summary: Right, this book has just been released and (1) already has a cast of incredible actors attached to it, namely Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler, (2) is being heralded as “The biggest new literary debut of 2025” and (3) is being defined as a cross between Normal People, Daisy Jones & The Six and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow! Talk about hype.
I was pumped going into it and even though (as stated above) I am not a music connoisseur, I wasn’t put off by all the music chat and I did really enjoy it. But, and I’m going to whisper this, I don’t think I liked Percy at all. And I don’t think I bought their chemistry. Now, I don’t ever want to be like my one friend who told me Bridesmaids (arguably the most wonderful, hilarious film) is “actually really sad because Annie is clearly depressed and everyone is being mean to her” and ruin this for you, so maybe just approach it as another good book and ignore everyone screaming “IT’S GOING TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE”… Please read it asap so we can talk about it. Thanks!

INTENSE & REWARDING

The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre

Published: Sept 2018
Summary: A non-fiction recc! As a dabbler in the non-fiction world the books I do read really have to grip me and boy did this book have been by the horns.
Follow Gordievsky, a double agent who was a senior KGB officer working for MI5 from 1974-1985 (during the cold war). “No spy had done more to damage the KGB.” It’s told like a crime thriller not a text book, so you are on the edge of you seat at every hand over and breathe a sign of relief at each safe house and then you remember THIS REALLY HAPPENED. Huge kudos to Ben Macintryre’s research, what a feat! Plus Gordievsky only died last month at the age of 86… RIP and thank you for your service.
I stand by every single 5 star review it gets on goodreads (there are 50,000 of them!). Yours will be next.

PICK ‘N’ MIX

All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton

Published: Sept 2020
Summary: This book almost defies description. Trent Dalton is a hugely famous Aussie author who’s Boy Swallows Universe blew up on Netflix (at least it did in Australia). I haven’t read any of his other work as I feel like a year between each book is needed to really let it land. It’s funky. Like nothing I’ve read before. Totally encapsulating. Riveting. Mesmerising. And a bit witchy.
Join Molly on her quest (it’s way more than an adventure) to remove a curse from her family. This makes it sound like sci-fi/ distopian novel and it’s not. Molly is a child who genuinely believes there is a curse on her family and will do anything to remove it. It is set in 1942 Darwin (the middle top of Australia). It’s hot and a bit trippy, but very very good. You really just have to dive in and roll with it.

As ever, happy reading xo

* Other stand out lyrics include“working on the karma but it takes time” and “lost inside the forest by it feels fine”.
** Emily Henry is an enigma to me.

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations see my previous posts here:

1. Take what you need

2. A grazing board of books

3. Take one, pass the rest along

4. A pocket of peace

5. A sip of comfort

6. A mixed bag

7. Strength and beauty

Or if you want to see a full overview of all the books I’ve recommended see this full list here.

And, if you’re still here, do like/ subscribe etc.

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

I’m writing this on the way back from a weekend away where I 💥forgot to pack my book and my kindle💥 [stunned silence]. Without the comfort blanket of a book I have been utterly bereft - and yes I have got the kindle app on my phone, but no, it is not the same (and sadly neither is Substack).
So, seeing as I can’t read and I’m on a two hour train journey, I shall write about reading!

Currently reading: We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

INTENSE & REWARDING

So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne

Published: Jan 2025
Summary: [buckle up] As I have previously mentioned I adore Holly Bourne, she is an auto-buy author for me and she writes about female friendship in the most raw, honest and revealing way. All this to say, I was excited for her latest release. HOWEVER, if you are (a) kid-curious (b) have recently had a child or (c) are actively having/ adopting a baby DO NOT read this book. It’s too much.
I spoke to a dear friend about it and we concluded that whilst we are *so happy* the narrative around motherhood is moving away from ‘motherhood-is-a-miracle’, does it really need to swing to ‘motherhood-is-torture’. Like with all things, I understand that the extremes hold the most compelling stories but surely we need some nuance. This book is harrowing and has single handedly locked my womb for the foreseeable.
Rating: I’m not sure if this is a recommendation, maybe more of a warning - proceed with caution.

COSY & COMFORTING

Close Knit by Jenny Colgan

Published: Aug 2024
Summary: To combat the intensity of the above I wanted to included the cosiest and scrummiest easy-read where, crucially, nothing bad happens!
In Close Knit you visit a remote island in the most Northern part of Scotland. Gertie is 30 (I think she acts more like she’s 24 so approach the book as if she is) and starting to feel trapped. Whilst she loves her mothers eccentric female-only knitting circle and her job at the store, she’s pretty sure there is more out there but she doesn’t know if she’s brave enough to find out what.
If you like lovely comforting books and you haven’t come across Colgan yet, start immediately. This is the sequel to The Summer Skies so if you want to line up a couple of snuggly books maybe start with there.
Rating: 6

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulks

Published: April 2023
Summary: Whilst Sebastian Faulks is most commonly recognised for Birdsong, he has written a plethora of 5* books and I actually think Charlotte Gray is my favourite (of the ones I’ve read).
As a spy for the British Government in occupied France you are expected to lie to everyone you meet. You aren’t expected to lie to the British Government. And no, Charlotte isn’t a double agent, she just wants to find the man she loves - an English Airman who has been MIA. Whilst this is ultimately a love story it is also a raw and human depiction of war. In a similar vein to Birdsong, Faulks creates a delicate vividness that transports you to the small town of Lavaurette and makes you feel part of the war effort of the time. An excellent read (and the film is pretty great too!).
Rating: 10

PICK ‘N’ MIX

The Mad Women's Ball by Victoria Mas

Published: Feb 2020
Summary: After questioning the progress we’ve made around the topic of motherhood (above) I can confidently say 2025 is a dream for women compared to 1885 (and let’s not mention the witch trials in 1692)… Being a woman is, and has always been, a ride!
In 1885 ‘wilful women’ were simply sent to asylums for being an inconvenience to men. Eugénie and Geneviève find themselves at the Salpêtrière asylum. Geneviève is the senior nurse and Eugénie is an infuriated ‘patient’. The annual Mad Women’s Ball may be the high point in the Parisian Elites calendar (so they can gawk at these Mad Women) but for Eugénie and Geneviève it could mean redemption…
This book is also fairly short so a good one if you’re in a bit of a reading slump.
Rating: 8

An unintentional female themed line up this week which links back to the title - women hold so much strength and so much beauty 🫶🏼

As ever, happy reading xo

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations see my previous posts here:

1. Take what you need

2. A grazing board of books

3. Take one, pass the rest along

4. A pocket of peace

5. A sip of comfort

6. A mixed bag

Or if you want to see a full overview of all the books I’ve recommended see this full list here.

And, if you’re still here, do like/ subscribe etc.

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

And winter slowly becomes spring. Blossoming, bright and hopeful. 🌷
As for February, it seemed to be over before it had started. I emerged from hibernation (aka January) and my weekends became more social and active, I went to a few book events (below) and even started my yoga teacher training with a trip to the Andalusian mountains in Spain!
Another highly rated collection of reccs for you this month 💎

Currently reading: Welcome to Glorious Tuga by Francesca Segal

Seeing Marian Keyes and JoJo Moyes in the space of 5 days was similar to seeing Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in the same week in the early 00’s, for me anyway.
Marian (we’re on first name terms now) was as joyful and full of life as her novels are. Her story telling ability is unparalleled, whether it’s IRL or on the page. I’ve said it before but read everything she writes (including her Substack). I simply adore her.
Where Marian is outrageous and bubbly, JoJo was wise and inspiring. JoJo is known and (understandably) lauded for Me Before You (😭) but if you haven’t read any of her other books, do! The breadth and depth of her back catalog is staggering, from The Girl You Left Behind (France, 1916), The Ship of Brides (Australia, 1946) and The Last Letter from Your Lover (which is also an excellent film). My personal fave is The Giver of Stars (my review here). Plus Me Before You has two excellent follow up books so you can reunite with Lou in After You and Still Me. Essentially, again, read everything she writes (including her Substack).

COSY & COMFORTING

You Are Here by David Nicholls

Published: April 2024
Summary: This slow and gentle love story between two imperfect humans is glorious. Marnie and Michael meet on a walking holiday in the English Countryside. It has the same poetic pace as One Day but without either of them dying and less 20’s angst.
Rating: 9

LOVE & BEING HUMAN

The City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

Published: June 2019
Summary: A story of rebellious wild women. Specifically show girls in New York in 1940s. There is glamour, debauchery and messiness but all in the aid of trying to find where they belong in the world. Even though I read this book in 2019 I can still picture the Lily Playhouse and the vivid characters within it.
Rating: 9

INTENSE & REWARDING

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Published: Oct 2016
Summary: Jodi Picoult doing what Jodi Picoult does best. Follow a lawsuit on an incident where a baby dies at the hands of a nurse who had been instructed to not treat the child… This novel covers race, inequality, prejudice, death, despair and blame and yet leaves you with hope. Now more than ever this book holds a mirror up to a world that seems to be continually at war (at a community level and a global scale) and encourages us to continue to make a difference by doing Small Great Things. Plus it’s been made into a film with Viola Davis and Julia Roberts!
Rating: 10

PICK ‘N’ MIX

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Published: March 2020
Summary: This concept is barmy but the delivery is impeccable. Welcome to a world where magical beings and humans live alongside each other. However, in the typical human fashion, humans try to control what they don’t understand (as opposed to trying to actually understand it!). Meet Linus, a cog in the government wheel who gets put on a ‘secret’ mission, and fall in love with the characters he meets along the way.
Rating: 9

If you’d like to read more of my recommendations see my previous posts here:

1. Take what you need

2. A grazing board of books

3. Take one, pass the rest along

4. A pocket of peace

5. A sip of comfort

Or if you want to see a full overview of all the books I’ve recommended see this full list here.

And, if you’re still here, do like/ subscribe etc.

Subscribe now

Happy reading xo