If you are looking for a heart-warming little novel then I would definitely suggest reading The Housekeeper and the Professor. Translated from Japanese by Stephen Snyder. It revolves around the relationship between a brilliant but memory-impaired mathematics professor, his housekeeper, and her son. Despite the professor’s memory lasting only 80 minutes due to a brain injury, their bond deepens through shared moments and mathematical revelations. As they navigate life’s complexities, they discover the beauty of human connection and the enduring power of memory, even in its most fleeting form.

Another popular book by Yoko Ogawa is Revenge which is also translated by Stephen Snyder (I have not read this one).

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a book I’d call immersive. When you read it you are thrown into the glamorous life of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn recounts her seven marriages, each intertwined with fame, ambition, and secrets, to a young journalist named Monique. It is one of the best LGBT romances I have read.

The other book of hers I have read is Daisy Jones and the Six, which is now a TV series on Amazon Prime. It was another great book with a unique writing style and an engaging plot.

She has many other very popular books (many of which are on my TBR) including Malibu Rising, Carrie Soto Is Back and
One True Loves

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This is probably an author you’ve never heard of before. I hadn’t either before I read Where the Forest Meets the Stars. It’s a beautiful debut novel about a mysterious child who teaches two strangers how to love and trust again. Even the cover is stunning!

Since her debut novel, she has released two more books; The Light Through the Leaves and The Oceanography of the Moon. Both of which I will be adding to the top of my TBR! Even the titles are gorgeous!!

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I wouldn’t have picked up this book if it hadn’t been gifted to me by a friend, but holey moley I am so glad I did. The Rose Code is set during World War II, focusing on the lives of three female codebreakers at Bletchley Park: Osla, Mab, and Beth. As they work together to crack the German Enigma code, they form a deep bond while facing personal challenges and secrets. Years later, they reunite to uncover a betrayal that threatens their friendship and the security of the Allied forces. The novel intricately weaves together themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of female resilience in wartime England. It is heart-breaking and beautiful and it is also the perfect book to pick up during Women’s History Month.

Other much loved books also written by Kate Quinn include The Alice Network, The Huntress and The Diamond Eye. All of which were nominated for Goodreads Best Historical Fiction Award across different years which is an incredible achievement.

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Another great book to pick up during Women’s History Month is Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. It’s inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th-century-China. I learnt so much while reading this book, things like the resilience that women show in every day life, and the astonishing horrors women went through during this time period. The book was amazing.

Lisa See’s other highly rated books are; Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Island of Sea Women and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.

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I am not usually one for this genre but by golly, The Song of Achilles is one of my all time favorite books. It is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ beloved companion. Through Patroclus’ eyes, the novel explores their deep and complex relationship, from their childhood bond to their roles in the legendary conflict. It covers themes of love, friendship, honor, and fate and is honestly just beautiful.

Circe is another one of Madeline Miller’s books which I have loved. And it follows the theme of International Women’s Day since the book is all about empowerment and identity. It is a mythological reimagining centered on the character Circe from Homer’s “Odyssey.” The novel follows Circe, a powerful but misunderstood nymph with the ability to wield magic. Exiled to the island of Aiaia, she discovers her own strength and transforms into a formidable sorceress.

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If you love fantasy, then Leigh Bardugo’s books are a must. Kaz Brekker from the Six of Crow’s Duology is one of my absolute favorite characters. If you want the best introduction to the Grishaverse then start with the Shadow and Bone Trilogy. They are a little more YA than the rest of the books but the stories are still great. Then read Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. This Duology is INCREDIBLE. The characters are impeccable and the plot is insane. It’s then followed by the King of Scars Duology which I haven’t read yet since it follows different characters, but I am still excited for delve in.

Her other popular books (which I haven’t read) include Ninth House, followed by the second in the series; Hell Bent.

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The Night Circus is a beautifully written, fantastical tale of a mysterious circus that arrives without warning, open only at night. It serves as the stage for a competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, bound by a rivalry they don’t fully understand. As their magical duels unfold, a deep and forbidden love blossoms between them, threatening the very existence of the circus itself. This writing is this book is truly enchanting and very easy to get lost in.

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If you are seeing any book related content on any social platform then I am sure you know of Colleen Hoover. I was anxious to read her books because of all the hype. And I can confirm these books are gripping, thrilling, quick reads.

My favorite of her books is Verity. It’s a psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted secrets of a bestselling author, Verity Crawford, who is incapacitated after an accident. Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is hired to complete Verity’s series and uncovers Verity’s hidden manuscript, revealing chilling truths about her past. The novel is filled with suspense, manipulation, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

November 9 and Ugly Love are two more of her books which I raced through and would recommend for anyone looking for romance with some drama.

She has many books I am looking forward to reading soon, the highest rated ones include: Reminders of Him, Hopeless, Heart Bones and It Ends With Us.

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An unusual mix of children’s stories and horror… If that’s your thing then these books are for you.

Lost Boy is a retelling of Peter Pan. But a dark retelling. It’s gripping the whole way through. It’s about Peter’s first and favorite Lost Boy, Jamie, as he starts to see the true, manipulative nature of Peter, and how Jamie turned into Peter’s greatest enemy. Its creative and just brilliant.

Another Christina Henry’s books I need to mention is Alice. It’s the first book in a trilogy, the retellings of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It was my first horror retelling and I couldn’t put it down. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea (with a Goodreads rating of 3.85) but I would definitely recommend checking it out if this genre is your thing.

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