A Town Called Solace, Mary Lawson“A few years back the Canadian author Mary Lawson was recommended to me by the owner of a bookstore. She’s written four books, A Town Called Solace, Crow Lake, Road Ends and The Other Side of the Bridge, which are all centred around the lives and relationships within families in small-town communities. It’s impossible to pick my favourite; if you love one, you’ll love them all.” – Mandy, Hush Founder

The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt“I suffer with a serious case of book amnesia. I can tell you the stories I’ve loved, and where and when I read them, but for the life of me I cannot tell you the plot. ‘It’s just so good,’ I will say with a dismissive wave of a hand. After reading Donna Tart’s The Goldfinch, about a boy who steals a Dutch masterpiece from The Met, it became my top rec to anyone who’d listen. By the time I’d loaned my love-worn copy a fourth time, I realised I had forgotten what even happens in it (and wasn’t willing to watch the canned film adaptation to find out). Of course, the re-read did not disappoint: it is just so good.” – Olivia, Senior Editor

The Time Traveler's Wife, Audrey Niffenegger“This book was my dad’s absolute favourite, and I first read it shortly after we lost him in the pandemic. I think what I connected with most initially was the sense of escapism and the blurring of past, present and future – especially during such an unprecedentedly weird time. It’s a beautiful, encapsulating read, and it brought me immense peace knowing that the future is more often than not hopeful and laid in front of you. I come back to it every year or so and find it a great comfort.” – Emma, CRM Executive
 

I Feel Bad About My Neck, Nora Ephron“I didn’t expect to see myself so clearly in a book about necks, purses, and the ridiculous rituals of staying presentable – but Nora Ephron makes you feel seen. Sometimes even against your own will. I read it in a day. Then again the following year (concurrently googling ‘best eye cream for men who are definitely fine with getting older’). It’s brilliant, biting, honest, and funny in that rare way where you laugh and wince at the same time.” – Hynam, Head of Editorial

The Dreamers, Gilbert Adair“When I was younger I was obsessed with the 60s and philosophy, and The Dreamers gives me my fix of both. It’s set in Paris against a backdrop of political uncertainty, chronicling the close friendship of three students. There’s love, sex and so many great film references from old French and Hollywood cinema. It’s beautifully written and densely packed, but still an easy read (or re-read, in my case). I first borrowed it from my local library but I just had to buy my own copy – I loved it that much.” – Sam, Senior Designer

Me vs Brain, Hayley Morris“Me vs Brain is an airport pick-up that made me feel sane, about feeling insane! The book is full of all the thoughts and stories you’d tell your no-judgement best friend: it reassures you of all your quirks, and makes you belly laugh and cry within the same chapter. Not being a keen reader, it's hard for me to find books that I will pick up and struggle to put down, but I flew through this in almost a day and didn't want it to end. Now I reach for it when I need a little pick-me-up, or to remind myself that I'm not the only overthinker on the planet!” – Claire, Creative Project Manager

Mania, Lionel ShriverThe latest from the author of We Need To Talk About Kevin (remember the hype?) is a not-so-far-fetched dystopia about a world gripped by mental health obsession and conformity. Witty, thought-provoking, and pacy enough to devour between poolside drinks.

Birding, Rose RuaneSet in a ramshackle seaside resort, Birding is an offbeat exploration of grief and identity, sparked by the colliding worlds of two middle-aged women whose pasts couldn’t be more different. Perfect for slow mornings, long afternoons, and losing track of time on vacation.

So Thrilled For You, Holly BourneEver smiled through gritted teeth at someone else’s good news? (Be honest.) This one’s for you. Holly Bourne’s bitingly funny and painfully relatable novel follows three thirty-something women at a baby shower that goes up in flames – literally. You’ll be blazing through it before you’ve even touched down.

Fundamentally, Nussaibah YounisWe love a buzzy debut, and Nussaibah Younis delivers. Exploring faith, love and the lines between personal freedom and cultural expectation, this timely and emotionally charged story is hard to put down, even when the beach is calling you.