Books

With the festive period over and 2026 officially underway, keen readers will already be planning what they'll be reading this year. If romance is one of your preferred genres, you're in luck, as bestselling author Kate Dramis has shared some of her top recommendations. Known for The Curse of Saints trilogy, Kate's next book, The Odds of You, is a contemporary romance that's like 'if The Holiday met Notting Hill'. Publishing on January 6, it follows Sage, an author with a second book to write, and Theo, a newly world-famous breakout actor. After a not-so-meet-cute on the plane on the way to New York Comic Con, they find each other again on the Isle of Skye - and maybe even fall in love in the process.Without further ado, here is Kate Dramis’ list of the top five romance books you need to...

The new year is finally here, and with it brings the release of a number of books that people can’t wait to get their hands on.There are many highly anticipated novels coming in 2026 – from thrillers that will get your blood pumping on even the coldest winter nights, to the best fiction to take to the beach with you.However, as someone who is constantly reading, there are three novels that I especially look forward to. Here are my top three books to read in 2026.Before I Knew I Loved You is Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s sixth in the ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’ series.I read the original earlier this year, which takes us back to the magical Funiculi Funicula café.It teaches you to make the most out of every situation, but not to have any regrets, and to try and be content with the path that yo...

Readers have been voting for the book they deem to be the greatest of all time. It will come as no surprise to learn that Jane Austen has come out on top with her beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. The novel was originally published in 1813, more than 200 years ago. Since then, the book has seen many TV and film adaptations as well as a reworked novel.Now, Goodreads fans have voted for the book to come out on top, deeming it "timeless" and "enchanting".The book's synopsis reads: "Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, follows the story of the Bennet sisters in 19th-century England, focusing on the relationship between the intelligent and independent Elizabeth Bennet and the wealthy, proud Mr. Darcy. The novel explores themes of love, social class, and reputation, as Elizabeth and Darcy m...

2026 is officially here, marking the beginning of a fresh set of New Year’s resolutions. Reducing screentime, getting fit and eating healthily are some of the most common resolutions set each year.Reading more is another common goal, with many people taking to Goodreads to set their reading goals for the coming year. But where should you start? From fantasy and romance to crime and literary fiction, here are 10 of the best books coming out this month to help you get ahead of your New Year’s resolution. And for more book recommendations, reviews and news, you can subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. 1. Dear Debbie by Freida McFaddenDebbie Mullen is losing it. For years, she's given advice to the wives of New England, hearing from countless women who fee...

My first job was at a local independent bookshop (Image: Julien McRoberts via Getty Images)My first job was at a local independent bookshop. At the age of 16, I wasn't initially thrilled about spending my Saturday mornings organising books and serving customers, but I quickly grew fond of it. In retrospect, it's one of the best jobs I've ever had. It broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to genres and styles I wouldn't have otherwise explored, and fuelled my love for reading, reports the Express.During my time there, I witnessed people purchasing a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, crime thrillers, romance, autobiography, non-fiction and memoirs. However, certain titles consistently made their way into customers' hands over the years, despite some having been ...

If there’s one thing I love almost as much as reading, it’s talking about the books I’ve read. And having read a grand total of 185 books in 2025, it’s fair to say I’ve got lots of thoughts to share.I tend to read pretty broadly, with my top 10 list featuring picks across the fantasy, literary fiction, romance and sci-fi genres. Here are the books I just can’t stop recommending, including several that kept me up late into the night. For more book news, reviews and recommendations, you can also subscribe to The Bookish Drop, our free weekly newsletter on Substack.1. King Sorrow by Joe HillSix friends make a deadly deal with a dragon in King Sorrow, Joe Hill’s first novel in almost 10 years. We follow Arthur, Gwen, Colin, Donna, Van and Allie over the course of four decades as they’re for...

2026 is shaping up to be a good year for book lovers (Image: Getty) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more With just a couple of days to go before the end of the year, avid readers will be looking back at everything they’ve read this year, before planning their reading list for 2026. Luckily, book lovers will be spoiled for choice in 2026, with many exciting new releases on the way.Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, crime, literary fiction or romance, here are 10 books to look out for in 2026, with picks from both established and debut authors alike. And for more book news and reviews, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. Read more: I tried the subscription box people queue months...

Romantic novelist Anne Hampson at work behind her typewriter. (Image: ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS COPYRIGHT)Ladies, if you’re looking for a dark and brooding man, the strong, silent type, to sweep you off your feet and wrap you in his muscular arms, be still your beating hearts. For yes, such a man really does exist, albeit in the pages of Anne Hampson’s bestselling romantic novels.The late author wrote more than 125 novels for romantic fiction publishers Mills & Boon in a career spanning four decades, but her own rags-to-riches tale could have been taken straight from the pages of her books.She was one of the brand’s most popular authors from 1969 to 1998 – also writing for their more racy and slightly more sexually explicit Silhouette and Harlequin ranges.From humble beginnings as a se...

One of the most prominent figures in modern horror Stephen King has built a career on more than sixty novels, hundreds of short stories, and countless characters. But there is one story that he no longer wants anyone to read.A novel he released under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, Rage was first published in 1977. It’s a psychological thriller like many others, centred on a teenager who walks into school to shoot a teacher and keep fellow students hostage.For decades, it went unnoticed and blended with King’s earlier experimental works. It was only in the late 1980s and early 1990s that it began to take on a new life.A pattern began to emerge in which multiple school shooters in the United States were found to own copies of Rage, kept in their bedrooms or school lockers. Others openly c...

Many famous book series and crime novels have been adapted, discussed and rediscovered over the years. But only a handful of stories continue to attract new readers decades later. This is often because they offer something completely different to modern thrillers. And one British mystery novel fits that description perfectly, and readers say it remains one of the best things ever written in its genre.It is a post-war story about suspicion, public opinion and a small community caught up in a case that quickly gets out of hand. The book has built a loyal following, and many people say it is one of the most gripping mysteries they have ever read. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 stars from more than 3,000 reviews, which shows how popular it still is today.The novel in question is The Fran...