6 April 2017

Must Have. The 8 Books That Should Be On Your Reading List

I'm a massive bookworm. To the point where if I hop into bed at night with nothing to read I'll struggle to go to sleep. Seriously, it's a thing. Getting lost in the story of a novel is one of my favourite pastimes, which I have my parents to thank for encouraging this wonderful habit.

Generally, my tastes are quite varied. Period novels set during the world wars in Europe are a big favourite of mine, I also love a romantic comedy, a criminal mystery, a dystopian future or a real-life fashion tale.


So, I figured if you were all readers like me, there would be a good chance you're looking for a new book. This list is full of titles I've read over the last 5 years or so. We all know the big names like Girl On The Train, so I thought I'd share a few lesser-known gems I know you'll love...

Belle Trilogy - Lesley Pearse
If someone were to ask me my favourite book or author, this would be it. The Belle triology holds adventure at every turn, following the life of a young, courageous heroine set in London and the USA in the early 1900s. Lesley Pearse has written 24 books in total, all of which I find magic. I suggest you dig in...

Cents & Sensibility - Maggie Alderson
This is an old favourite of mine that I read back during my uni days. It's heart-warming, funny, romantic and bold. If you're having a bad day, consider this book chicken soup for the soul. It's got guaranteed smiles and giggles aplenty.

Dark Places - Gillian Flynn
Written by the author of Gone Girl, Darker Places is the lesser-known but [dare I say it] better book! I enjoyed this tale far more than GG. It's more intricately woven, with characters you form a greater attachment to, yet it's still equally suspenseful and intense. Great for a stormy afternoon on the couch.

In My Shoes - Tamara Mellon
There's nothing I love more than a peek inside the world of high fashion. Tamara is the co-founder of Jimmy Choo and here she spills her life secrets - from partying in London to the crazy, ladder-climbing world of designer shoes. It's addictively good.

Those Girls - Chevy Stevens
Get set for an emotional rollercoaster with this tale of three sisters who are kidnapped. It's eye-wateringly intense with emotion at every turn. The kind of book where you'll nestle in to read one chapter and suddenly wonder how it got to be 3am.

Nights Of Rain & Stars - Maeve Binchy
No one loves Greece like I do. OK maybe that's an exaggeration because I know we all adore it, but whether you've had the chance to visit or not, this book will have you booking a ticket. Set in a village on a small Greek island, this tale follows the story of 4 foreigners as they meet and bond in unlikely circumstances.

The Thirty List - Eva Woods
This heart-warming novel explores the pressure 29-year-old Rachel feels as she approaches the big 3-0. Jobless, broke and getting a divorce, things aren't exactly going to plan, but as she works through her hilarious list, things start to fall into place.

Wool Trilogy - Hugh Howey
Somewhat reminiscent of The Hunger Games, Wool is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where civilisation lives 144 stories below ground. As you can imagine there is much mystery, conflict and rebellion. Strap in for the ride, I think you'll love it.


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