- Theme: Starting Over
The Love of my Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
I could barely put this book down, it's so good. Funny, sad, encouraging. This book has it all.
Merrit is an Afterlife coach with some scary ambitious traits. Delphie lands in her laundrette fresh from choking, unable to quite accept that this is her lot, she pleads to be sent back. She had 10 days to make it happen with a task that needs to be met. She signs the contract in the same way Ariel signs over her voice in The Little Mermaid.
She'd been a recluse, these 10 days show her what life could or maybe should have been.
From arrogant Cooper, Mr Yoon, Frida, Amy, Malcolm, Uncle Lester, her work colleagues at pharmacy to name but a few, she really has no choice but to engage and experience life. Will she make it in time, will her newly found zest for life and community spirit help her meet the requirements? It's such an awesome fun read on the way to finding out. Recommended as one of the funny and awesome romance comedies of 2024. It also gives off The Good Place Vibes in parts.
The Love of My Afterlife https://amzn.eu/d/be0wI2S
2. Theme: One Word Title
Pandora by Susan Stokes – Chapman
A pure pleasure of a novel set in Georgian London where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations and romance.
There is a fine line between coincidence and fate….
In London 1799, Dora Blake is an aspiring jewellery artist who lives with her uncle in what used to be her parents’ famed shop of antiquities. When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered, Dora is intrigued by her uncle’s suspicious behaviour and enlists the help of Edward Lawrence, a young man seeking acceptance into the Society of Antiquaries. Edward sees the ancient vase as key to unlocking his academic future. Dora sees it as her chance to restore her parents’ shop to its former glory and to escape her uncle.
But what Edward discovers about the vase has Dora questioning everything she has ever known, about her life, her family and the world as she knows it. As Dora uncovers the truth she starts to realise that some mysteries are buried and some boxes are locked, for a reason.
Gorgeously atmospheric and deliciously unpauseable, Pandora deals with themes of secrets and deception, love and fulfilment, fate and hope.
3. Theme: Weddings/ Marriage
The Wedding of the Year by Jill Mansell
The irresistible, romantic, heart-warming new novel from the beloved author of Promise Me. 14 million Jill Mansell books sold worldwide!
Love, friendship and secrets revealed as the sun beats down on dazzling blue Cornish seas . . .
It’s set to be the perfect wedding – till the chauffeur is asked to keep driving the bride round the church. This wedding is not going as planned.
Lottie is a guest at the wedding when she sees Max for the first time in fifteen years. No kiss since has matched their last kiss together. They were on the brink of a beautiful love story. Then something shocking happened that tore them apart. Now here he is, handsome as ever, teasing Lottie in the old way – and that tingling electric attraction is back. But Max is out of bounds.
Ruby has been the perfect vicar’s wife. But when she finds out the truth about her husband Peter, outrage and disbelief drive her to act impulsively, without a thought for the consequences. And nothing will ever be the same again.
There will be a wedding of the year – but maybe not yet. When love is in the air, anything can happen . . .
The gorgeous new romance from the beloved and bestselling Jill Mansell!
Praise for Jill’s novels
‘A real ray of sunshine and – exactly what’s needed right now – Jill’s books should be on prescription!’ Phillipa Ashley
‘The absolute definition of “reading for pleasure”, it will bring hours of happiness’ Veronica Henry
‘Jill Mansell’s brilliance shouts from every page’ Milly Johnson
4. A Debut:
Life Is Yours by Abigail Yardimci
Who can say what has brought Jess and Lindy together? Maybe it’s the beach, the stars and the warm Turkish night air. But they may as well get settled for the night because Jess has a story to tell and Lindy is ready to listen . . .
Jess had life sorted. A gang of great mates, an adoring fiancé and a thriving business – she couldn’t have asked for more. But the proverbial rug is whipped out from under her feet when the fiancé makes a sharp exit on New Year’s Eve. Therein follows the Week From Hell, eternally streaked mascara and Chardonnay-a-plenty.
But this is the story of a woman on a path. Sure, there are a number of trips and falls along the way but Jess is on a journey that will change her life. On a boring business course, she remembers what she really wants. Strange new friendships are made, new ideas grow; and a last-minute discount holiday to Turkey helps her heart wake up to a whole new rhythm. A rhythm that is just beginning to get going . . .
Life Is Yours is the first book in the uplifting and inspirational Life Is Yours Trilogy.
If you enjoy soulful stories about ordinary people facing emotional challenges with courage and creativity, then you’ll love this book in Abigail Yardimci’s page-turning trilogy
Buy Life Is Yours to see how Jess mends her broken heart today!
What readers are saying about Life Is Yours
“I read Life Is Yours in one night! And I really loved it. A lovely book – down to earth, emotionally honest and uplifting.”
Suzy K Quinn (#1 Bestselling author of the Bad Mother Series)
“Life Is Yours is a heartwarming story and so much more. There are powerful lessons in this gentle tale.”
Clare Nasir (Broadcaster & Author)
“Life Is Yours is an inspiring and uplifting story told in a unique way. I devoured it in one weekend and can’t wait for the next instalment.”
Hayley McLean (Award-winning UK Parenting & Lifestyle blogger at Sparkles and Stretchmarks)
“Life Is Yours is a beautifully embroidered story. If you’ve ever suffered from a broken heart, or simply lost your way, then read this book.”
Julie Spiller (Author of The Cornubian)
“Life Is Yours has a story that is magical, almost poetic, and yet it is full of fire and emotion. Life Is Yours is a rollercoaster of a thing , and it’s pretty damned brilliant.”
Anita Faulkner (Author & Blogger)
“This book will completely transport you – engaging and immersive.”
Sandy Barker (Bestselling author of the Holiday Romance series)
“Life Is Yours is a sweet novel about finding yourself, loving who you are and embracing life in a mindful, authentic way.”
Shelley Wilson (Author & Life Coach)
4. Trope: Enemies to Lovers
One Night on the Island by Josie Silver
ONE COTTAGE. TWO STRANGERS.
EVERY GREAT LOVE STORY STARTS SOMEWHERE . . .
‘No waiting for it to kick off and absolutely no filler’ READER *****
‘The most wonderful depiction of love that I have read. Maybe ever!’ READER *****
——————————–
FROM THE AUTHOR OF ONE DAY IN DECEMBER, COMES AN IRRESISTIBLE LOVE STORY
Cleo writes about love stories every day. She just isn’t living one of her own.
When the editor of her dating column asks her to marry herself on a remote Irish island – a sensational piece to mark Cleo’s thirtieth birthday – Cleo agrees. She’s alone but not lonely, right? She can handle a solo adventure.
Cleo arrives at her luxury cabin to find a tall, dark, stubborn American who insists it’s actually his. Mack refuses to leave, and Cleo won’t budge either. With a storm fast approaching, they reluctantly hunker down together. It’s just one night, after all . . .
But what if one night on the island is just the beginning?
5. A Book Everyone has Read
Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding
The multi-million copy number one bestseller.
Welcome to Bridget’s first diary: mercilessly funny, endlessly touching and utterly addictive.
A dazzlingly urban satire on modern relationships?
An ironic, tragic insight into the demise of the nuclear family?
Or the confused ramblings of a pissed thirty-something?
As Bridget documents her struggles through the social minefield of her thirties and tries to weigh up the eternal question (Daniel Cleaver or Mark Darcy?), she turns for support to four indispensable friends: Shazzer, Jude, Tom and a bottle of chardonnay.
Helen Fielding’s first Bridget Jones novel, Bridget Jones’s Diary, sparked a phenomenon that has seen four books, newspaper columns and the smash-hit film series Bridget Jones’s Diary, The Edge of Reason, Bridget Jones’s Baby and Mad About the Boy.
6. Theme: Coming of Age
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret – Judy Blume
Read the hilarious coming-of-age classic! Judy Blume’s Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is now a major film starring Rachel McAdams and Abby Ryder Fortson.
Meet Margaret. She’s going through all the same things most teenage girls have to face; fitting in, friendship and first bras.
Life isn’t easy for Margaret. She’s moved away from her childhood home, she’s starting a new school, finding new friends – and she’s convinced she’s not normal.
For a start she hasn’t got a clue whether she wants to be Jewish like her father or Christian like her mother. Everyone else seems really sure of who they are.
And, worst of all, she’s a ‘late developer’. She just knows that all her friends are going to need a bra before she does. It’s too embarrassing to talk to her parents about these things.
So she talks to God instead – and waits for an answer . . .
7. The Word ‘House’ In The Title
The Gingerbread House on Mistletoe Gardens by Jaimie Admans
The perfect cosy and uplifting romance to curl up with this winter!
In Mistletoe Gardens a legend exists: anyone who kisses underneath the mistletoe will be guaranteed another year of love…
When local baker Essie Browne discovers that Mistletoe Gardens is to be demolished in January, she’s determined to save the place she loves so much. So Essie proposes building a life size gingerbread house to bring in the crowds…just how hard can it be?
Well, quite hard actually. Essie can bake gingerbread blindfolded, but she hasn’t got a clue how to build an actual house with it! She needs help – and fast!
Enter local builder, Joss Hallissey. Essie is convinced that with Joss’s help they can pull this off. There’s just one tiny problem: Joss hates Christmas, gingerbread, and…well, just about everything else too.
Joss the Grinch makes it clear that her idea is ludicrous and pointless, but he reluctantly agrees to help with her plan.
Will the gingerbread house be enough to save Mistletoe Gardens? Or will Essie’s chance for a magical kiss under the mistletoe be lost forever?
Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Kat French and Caroline Roberts!
8. Set In The World Of Sport
Forward: A Memoir by Abby Wambach.
Abby Wambach has always pushed the limits of what is possible. Named by Time magazine as one of the most influential people of 2015, the iconic soccer player captured the nation’s heart when she led her team to its recent World Cup championship. Admired for her fearlessness and passion, Abby is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and equal opportunity, pushing to translate the success of her team to the real world. She has become a heavily requested speaker to a wide a range of audiences, from college students to executives at Fortune 500 companies.
In Forward, Abby recounts her own decisions, wins, and losses and the pivotal moments that helped her become the world-class athlete and leader she is today. Wambach’s book goes beyond the soccer field to reveal a soulful person grappling with universal questions about how we can live our best lives and become our truest selves. Written with honesty and heart, Forward is an inspiring blueprint for individual growth and a rousing call to action.
9. A Book With A Name In The Title
Grace – Victoria Scott
The gripping and heartbreaking second novel by the author of BA Book of the Month and LoveReading Debut of the Month Patience.
She gave you her baby. Now she wants her back.
When nineteen-year-old Michelle gets pregnant she’s convinced she’ll be a terrible mother. Having grown up in care, she cannot subject her child to the same fate. Instead, she puts her up for adoption.
Amelia has always dreamed of being a mum, but gave up hope after a devastating loss. When she’s offered the chance to adopt baby Grace, it feels like all her dreams have come true.
But then Michelle decides she wants her daughter back, and it’s up to the courts to decide. What is better for Grace – a mother’s love, or a stable home?
Praise for Grace:
‘Beautiful… Heart-wrenching. A wonderful gem of a book’ Eve Ainsworth, author of Duckling
‘Warm and real and heart-breaking all at the same time. I loved it’ Clare Swatman
10. Theme: Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose
n/a
11. A Classic 1980s Romantic Thriller
Lace – by Shirley Conran
WHICH ONE OF YOU BITCHES IS MY MOTHER?
1980. In Manhattan’s most exclusive hotel, four friends come face to face with a young, mega-watt film star. She has a question for them that has brought her from the streets of Paris to the playgrounds of the rich and famous – and it has almost destroyed her. . .
Kate, Maxine, Judy and Pagan have soared to the top in fashion, PR and interior design. Now they are forced to look back at their lives: their wicked behaviour at school, the building of careers and the breaking of hearts. These women have never questioned their friendship, but now they must answer to Lili.
Lace is the book that every mother kept hidden from her daughter. Originally published in 1982, it is the debut novel from the million-copy bestselling author of Superwoman.
Trope: Forbidden Love
The Wicked Lady – Elena Collins
‘Incredibly atmospheric, haunting and poignant.’ Nicola Cornick
1648 – Hertfordshire
Thirteen-year-old Katherine Ferrers is in despair at being betrothed to arch-Royalist Thomas Fanshawe whose family are hellbent on plundering her family’s fortune to champion the exiled Charles. As her unhappy marriage stretches before her, her only comfort is her beloved childhood home The Cell. But as the years pass and Kate grows restless, a new passion, a new love and a dangerous calling threaten to upend everything she’s ever known.
Present Day – Hertfordshire
Charlie Wolfe jumps at the chance to help his uncle renovate a tumbledown cottage overlooking Nomansland Common. Number One Constable’s Cottages was once the home of the man charged with ridding the common of the highwaymen who terrorised travellers. But it’s the story of The Wicked Lady, the notorious female highway robber, that captures Charlie’s imagination, and some long winters’ nights he’s sure he can the hoofbeats of her horse echoing across time.
What drove this mystery woman to risk everything for a life of crime, and why is she still restless, wandering the common in grief? It seems only Charlie can finally uncover the secret Katherine Ferrers has kept for hundreds of years; a secret of a terrible betrayal and a tragic love that was never meant to end this way…
USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this spellbinding and heartbreaking timeslip novel, uncovering the intriguing story of another brave woman that history forgot. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Nicola Cornick, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.
Praise for Elena Collins:
‘The emotionally powerful story of Katherine Ferrers really gripped me and the spooky sightings of her ghost were spine-tingling. Elena writes so beautifully and weaves the threads of the stories together so masterfully. Both heartbreaking and hopeful, it’s a brilliant read.’ Nicola Cornick
‘A wonderful book by a fabulous author. Very highly recommended.’ Louise Douglas
‘The Lady of The Loch held me spellbound from the first page to the last. With two storylines beautifully woven together to create a seamless tale of love, loss, betrayal and, above all, hope, it’s a must-read. Collins’s detailed knowledge of the period trickles through the tale wrapping the reader in a vivid shifting world as it moves between the 14th century and present day. Cleverly researched and exquisitely written, The Lady of The Loch is a timeless story of hope, family and love. I loved it.’ Alexandra Walsh
11. The First Book In A Series
A Midnight Kiss On Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans
A brand new and utterly enchanting series by bestselling author Jaimie Admans.
‘This is Jaimie at her warm and whimsical best, a magical story to sweep you off your feet!’ Bestselling author Tilly Tennant
‘This beautiful story is perfect for those who need a sprinkle of fairy dust in their lives. Heartwarming, joyful, with some true laugh out loud parts. I can’t wait for more in the series.’ Bestselling author, Rebecca Raisin
‘A sparkling and enchanting romance sprinkled with love, laughter and a little bit of magic.’ Bestselling author Holly Martin
A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street…
Will a kiss at midnight change her life forever?
Sadie Winters has spent her whole life doing as she’s told. But when her overbearing aunt forbids her from going to the farewell ball at the beloved local castle, Sadie has had enough!
One magical makeover, one midnight curfew, and wearing a dress of her own creation, Sadie is unrecognizable as Ever After Street’s shy seamstress.
Sadie might dream of meeting a handsome prince but the only person to cross her path is Witt – the slightly awkward estate agent intending to sell the castle and dash Sadie’s dreams forever.
As the clock strikes midnight, Sadie and Witt share a magical kiss and Sadie knows her heart is in serious danger. Surely Witt must feel the same way…? Sadie can’t hang around to find out.
But as reality dawns the next day, and fate brings Witt to Sadie’s door again, Sadie realises that her mystery estate agent prince has absolutely no idea who she is!
Sadie can’t forget their midnight kiss, but is she brave enough to change her life and find love along the way…?
Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Kat French and Caroline Roberts!
‘I just love Jaimie’s books – gorgeous, warm stories that draw you in and sprinkle a little magic in your world!’ Bestselling author, Jessica Redland
12. Romantasy
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
The beloved classic novel, the basis of the classic film starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock
As children, sisters Gillian and Sally were forever outsiders in their small New England town, teased, taunted and shunned for the air of magic that seems to sparkle in the air around them. All Gillian and Sally ever wanted was to get away.
And eventually they do – one marries, the other runs as far from home as she can manage.
Years later, however, tragedy will bring the sisters back together. And they’ll find that no matter what else may happen, they’ll always have each other. An enchanting tale of love, forgiveness and family, Practical Magic is beloved of readers of all ages.
Book 3 in the Practical Magic series.
*~*~*Readers love Practical Magic*~*~*
‘A real pleasure‘ Kate Atkinson
‘Simply brilliant‘ Daily Mail
Inspired by my PMDD 
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