When the weather’s gloomy outside, I like to find a dose of sunshine in the pages of the books I read. Books act like a time-travel machine, transporting us to different times and places from our own. From sun-soaked fiction set in 1920s Provence to a woman’s tale of adventure on a faraway Norwegian island, these novels will take you on a journey away from the here and now. Bon voyage!
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.
PENGUIN BOOKS LTD The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
The Island Of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, meet as teenagers and fall in love. Thirty years later, Kostas returns to look for his first love. The Cyprus setting is stunningly described in this spellbinding story about identity, love and loss.
Welcome To Glorious Tuga by Francesca Segal
A slice of sunshine in book form! Newly qualified London vet Charlotte takes up a fellowship on a tiny South Atlantic island to study endangered tortoises – but she’s also there to try to track down her dad. The descriptions of the island and its community are particularly gorgeous.
Under The Same Stars by Alexandra Heminsley
This moving fiction debut about a woman named Clara, who finds out she has a half-sister after her dad dies suddenly, really got to me. In order to get to know her big sister, Clara heads to the remote Norwegian island where she lives – but their meeting does not go smoothly. A gorgeous, insightful tale about grief, loneliness and sisterhood.
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Taking place over 24 hours, Elle Bishop looks back on her life as she decides whether to stay with her husband or pursue a relationship with her childhood sweetheart. The descriptions of the Cape Cod coast, with its sticky beaches and cool backwater swimming ponds are mesmerising. A promising debut from a talent to watch.
The Trip by Rebecca Ley
Six old friends plan a blissful weekend in Marrakech. But two of them have been hiding a dark secret for 20 years and this unfinished business hangs heavily over the group. The beautiful and insightful writing makes this perfect for fans of smart drama.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
Set on Prince Edward Island (there are some lovely references in the book to Anne Of Green Gables, which also takes place there), this is a sizzling story of forbidden love. When Lucy goes to visit her friend Bridget’s family home, she makes a promise not to fall in love with Bridget’s brother Felix – but can she keep away from him?
Minor Disturbances At Grand Life Apartments by Hema Sukumar
This charming debut is an absolute joy. When developers threaten to demolish their apartment block in the Indian coastal town of Chennai, neighbours Kamala, Reva and British expat Jason band together to fight for their beloved home.
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
This entertaining read, set on New York State’s exclusive Fire Island, is perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty. Alongside the barbecues and tennis lessons, there’s a hefty dose of backstabbing and betrayal – and then a body is found under the boardwalk…
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
If you love TV reality shows such as The Traitors, you’ll enjoy this pacy page-turner. Scientist Lyla has been talked into appearing on the One Perfect Couple TV show by her actor boyfriend – but within days, she’s stranded on a paradise island with the other contestants, one of whom will do anything to win.
The Garnett Girls by Georgina Moore
Sisters Rachel, Imogen and Sasha are all trying to escape the long shadow cast by their parents’ tumultuous marriage. As their mother approaches her 60th birthday, family secrets threaten to come out that will devastate them all. Read this terrific debut for the compelling characters and the gorgeous descriptions of the Isle of Wight.
Still Life by Sarah Winman
I love that there’s always something a bit magical about Winman’s books (she’s best known for When God Was A Rabbit). Set in Italy in the years after the Second World War, this joyful book about love in all its forms tells the story of Ulysses and how a chance encounter with a woman named Evelyn changes the course of his life. The cast of characters are unforgettable and the gorgeous descriptions of the sun-baked Tuscan landscape and food will warm your soul.
