We're halfway through the year and wow what a year it;s been in the book world, with some truly exceptional novels published, including exciting debuts and new books from some of our favourite authors. Here are my picks of 2025...
The Book Of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey
This chilling novel’s shocking plot turns will make you gasp. Identical triplets Vincent, William and Lawrence have lived in a Sycamore Scheme home since birth, cared for by their Morning, Afternoon and Night Mothers. When allowed into the world for the first time, they begin to question everything they’ve been told.
Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley
Set against the backdrop of an eventful decade in British politics, this smart, joyful literary love story takes an intimate look at the intricacies of a long-term relationship, with characters so real they live beyond the pages.
The Names by Florence Knapp
This amazing novel, which reminded me of Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, is so raw and beautiful it was hard to read at times. When Cora’s son is born, she must choose a name for him: Julian, as she wishes; Bear, her daughter’s choice; or Gordon, as his abusive father wants. Here the story splits into three parallel timelines: in each, he has a different name and with it, a greatly different future.
Show Me Where It Hurts by Claire Gleeson
I had to stop and pause at times as I read this raw and tender novel about forgiveness and grief. Although the story of Rachel, a mother learning to live again after the death of her children at her husband’s hands, is a tough read, it’s ultimately one of love and hope.
The Death Of Us by Abigail Dean
The latest book from the Girl A author is an exquisitely written look at the impact of a horrific crime on the disintegration of a marriage. Dean cleverly weaves backwards and forwards in time to create a powerful, unsettling story.
The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce
Joyce is best known for The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry and while her new novel has a different tone, it has the same warmth. Four siblings arrive at the Italian holiday home of their recently deceased father, where they discover a whole host of secrets, including the truth about their much younger stepmother
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
Moyes never disappoints, and this story about a woman on the brink of a breakdown is possibly her best novel yet. To say Lila’s life is messy is an understatement: she lives in a ramshackle house with her two stroppy daughters and stepdad while trying to keep her career as a writer on track. Then appears her real dad, who she hasn’t seen in 35 years…
Three Days In June by Anne Tyler
A new novel from Tyler is always a treat, and all the sweeter for the fact that she’s reportedly said she may not write any more. The latest begins on the eve of a wedding, with the mother of the bride in crisis when her ex turns up on her doorstep. As always, it’s sublimely written and beautifully observed.
The Artist by Lucy Steeds
Provence, 1920. This enthralling story follows Edouard Tartuffe, a (fictional) reclusive painter, as he and his niece Ettie are joined by Joseph, a young aspiring journalist, for the summer. The descriptions of the landscape, the meals the trio eat and the art that’s created are so rich and evocative, it’s as if you’re there.
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
This novel about a woman who accepts a UN job in Iraq rehabilitating ISIS brides is one of the funniest I’ve read for ages. Alongside the hilarious observations, Fundamentally is a thought-provoking, sensitive book about race, religion and womanhood.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This is the first novel in 10 years from the author of Half Of A Yellow Sun and Americanah, so there was much excitement around its announcement. Set between Nigeria and the US, it tells the story of four women linked through family and friendship.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
This beautiful book has already been optioned by Reese Witherspoon’s film company, and with good reason. Farmer’s wife Beth is mourning the death of her son when her first love returns, with his young child in tow. So moving on the subject of how a tiny decision can have cataclysmic consequences.
So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne
This adult debut from the well-known YA author is absolutely addictive. Set during an incendiary (in several senses of the word!) baby shower, it’s a clever, funny and frighteningly relatable look at female friendship and the highs and lows of motherhood. Everyone’s going to be talking about this, so read it now.
Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell
I was biting my nails all the way through this emotional, tense novel about a woman on the run with her two young daughters after leaving her abusive husband. A heart-rending but ultimately hopeful read.
The Eights by Joanna Miller
It’s 1920 in Oxford and women have been admitted to the university for the first time. Enter Beatrice, Dora, Marianne and Otto, who all arrive from very different places but whose lives become deeply entwined. I wholeheartedly recommend this joyful read about the power of female friendship.
Tilt by Emma Pattee
My heart was in my mouth pretty much all the way through this claustrophobic story about a heavily pregnant woman searching for her husband in the aftermath of an earthquake. There’s humour and heartbreak on every page – Pattee is a massive talent to watch.
