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...

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...

December is here, meaning there’s just a matter of weeks to go before Christmas arrives. The run-up to the big day is an exciting time for book lovers, with festive reads lining the shelves across bookshops all month.Whether you’re looking for something to help get you into the festive spirit, or something that reads just like your favourite romcom, there’s a festive book for everyone. Here are just some of the best new books for Christmas 2025. For more book news and recommendations, subscribe to The Bookish Drop, our free weekly newsletter on Substack.Chef’s Kiss at the Chalet by Sookie SnowWhen Elle lands a spot at London’s most prestigious culinary school, it finally feels like she might just achieve her dreams… if only she could raise the money needed for her tuition.Luckily a last...

Many fantastic books have been turned into films over the last few decades, but not all of them have been a success. However, that can’t be said about one Western book that inspired what some call “one of the greatest movies of all time”. The novel is set in 1878 and the story follows a 14-year-old girl who sets out to avenge her father’s death.She teams up with a tough US Marshal and a Texas Ranger to track down the man responsible. Decades later, she recalls the journey in her own words. The book is now seen by many as one of the best Western novels ever written, and readers have been full of praise. One person said: “Wow, what a book! It really takes you by the hand and when you notice, you finish it!”Another wrote: “Bloody great read. Masterful language and rich characters which get...

John Simm as Roy Grace in ITV adaptation of Peter James' bestselling crime novels (Image: ITV Studios)Roy Grace creator Peter James recently spent the day working as a concierge at the iconic Grand Hotel, Brighton. But having sold more than 23 million books, it wasn’t because he needed the cash. That said, he chuckles when he tells me: “I did get a fiver tip for carrying an elderly couple’s luggage out!”In fact, the prolific author was researching the as-yet-unfinished 22nd novel featuring his Brighton-based cop, much of whose action takes place in, you guessed it, a major (fictional) hotel on the seafront of the bohemian East Sussex city. It’s a very Peter James thing to do. Old school and exhaustive in his research, he famously seeks out people, and experiences, to help him make Grace...

A classic novel, written in the mid-19th century, has been hailed by fans, more than a century since its release. Fans have described the mystery tale as the "best book you'll ever read", pretty high praise.The Count of Monte Cristo is an adventure novel by the French writer Alexandre Dumas. It was serialised from 1844 to 1846, then published in book form in 1846, and it is one of his most popular works, along with The Three Musketeers (1844) and Man in the Iron Mask (1850). Like many of his novels, it was expanded from plot outlines suggested by his collaborating ghostwriter, Auguste Maquet. It is highly regarded as a classic work of French and world literature.The book's blurb reads: "In his rousing adventure story, Alexandre Dumas employs all the elements of compelling drama—suspense...

Louise Penny's new book, The Black Wolf, is an electrifying thriller with a scarily plausible plot (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster / Sunday Express)Bestselling author Louise Penny feared she had gone too far when writing about a plot to add Canada to the United States of America. This was 18 months before Donald Trump was elected for his second term as US President and sparked a trade war with America’s closest ally. In her prescient 20th Chief Inspector Armand Gamache thriller, The Black Wolf, which is out now, powerful forces on both sides of the border conspire to threaten Canada’s future as an independent nation.Louise says: “This was written 18 months ago, before Donald Trump was elected for a second time, but the issue is there are elements (in my book) that want Canada to become the ...