Here is my year in books. Some I have reviewed, some I haven’t, most I loved but a few I didn’t but this is what I read throughout the year. Click here to read My Year in Books 2024

By Sasha Peyton Smith, hardback £16.99, young adult fiction (reviewed by Polly) This fantasy romance book is not only beautiful looking but also beautifully written. It captures a slight sense of dark romance mixed with bewitching settings and characters so easy to fall head over heels for. Without feeling too overwhelming or too out of reach from reality you are taken to a debutante’s ball, a life at a palace and interactions with two devilishly handsome princes all the while being watched over and evaluated by a intimidating and scheming fairy queen. But obtaining anything you wish for comes at a price and this book makes you wonder if giving something up is worth it to obtain something you’ve longed for and if losing a part of yourself is worth the power you were promised in exchange. The unexpected twist this book’s plot reveals will leave you reaching for the sequel as soon as you can lay your hands on it and trust me when I say after reading this you will be fantasising about fairy tale balls and secret romances for months.

By Jon Klassen, board book £7.99, 1-5 years (reviewed by Polly) When I say that although this book is aimed at a younger audience it will entertain any age with ease I sincerely mean it. The gorgeous illustrations portray so much charisma and charm through simple facial expressions and endearing characters that they alone will bring a smile to your face. However, when paired with the simple but witty text that’s when this book really comes into its own and when the laughter begins. This book is the perfect length to keep a younger audience engaged and also for a quick read before bed. It is also a book that never gets old no matter how many times you may read it. All one bear really wants is his dear beloved hat back.

By Nadia Aguiar, paperback £7.99, 8-12 fiction (reviewed by Emily) The first in a trilogy, I adored this book from start to finish. Tamarind is a place that will instantly capture your imagination, a magical world reminiscent of Narnia or Wonderland. Set in the Caribbean, the story follows three siblings: Maya who longs for more than a life at sea working on the red coral project with her family, Simon with his ability to make friends with absolutely anyone, and Penny, the newest addition to their family. When fate intervenes on Maya’s behalf the siblings are washed up on the mystical shores of Tamarind. With the help of new friend Helix and startling questions about the project their parents dedicated their life to, the siblings must fight to reunite their family. The cloud-forest tribe, performing giants and mermaids, and pirate-controlled Port town are a few of the many things they discover on their journey but there is darker magic on the island and the siblings may be exactly what Tamarind needs to save the jungle.

By Annaliese Avery, paperback £9.99, teen fiction (reviewed by Emily) This book is the perfect mix of swoon-worthy balls, heart pounding mysteries and forbidden romance. Having cursed magic means Aurelia Wycherley has no hope of finding her perfect match to tether to by the end of this season. Matters are only made worse when witches start dying, all seemingly connected to the death of her father years before. When an unlikely alliance is forged (through bribery and extortion of course) between herself and Jules Nightly, her family’s sworn enemy, the pair find themselves in a race to not only save Aurelias magic, but to protect all the magic in the kingdom. A regency style romance with a twist of magical mystery, this is best read over Halloween to make the most of this witchy story. Either way, this book should absolutely be on your reading list!

By M.G. Leonard, paperback £7.99, 8-12 fiction (reviewed by Antony) Twitch follows 12-year-old Corvus “Twitch” Featherstone, a shy bird enthusiast who cares for pigeons, chickens, and swallows nesting in his bedroom. During the summer holidays, his birdwatching haven, Aves Wood, is disrupted by the presence of police searching for an escaped convict suspected of hiding stolen loot there. Armed with his deep knowledge of birds and tenacious observational skills, Twitch transforms into an impromptu detective. He soon crosses paths with Jack—his school bully—and together they embark on a high-stakes adventure involving friendship, trust, and nature.

By Ben Miller, hardback £12.99, 7-12 fiction (reviewed by Antony) Diary of a Big Bad Wolf is an energetic reinvention of a beloved character. Full of wit, empathy, and surprise it turns the “villain’s” tale on its head and invites readers to root for Lawrence, the wolf, even as his plans hilariously unravel. With bold illustrations and swift chapters, it’s a perfect bedtime read.

By Stanley Tucci, paperback £10.99, adult non-fiction (reviewed by Clare) Food, family, film stars: a glimpse into Stanley’s kitchen complete with the sort of delicious daily detail that delights anyone who’s even slightly nosy about other people’s lives (and what they eat for their tea). Featuring Harry Styles and Robert Downey Jr dropping round for dinner, tempting descriptions of feasts, snacks, film set catering and what’s in Stanley and his wife Felicity’s big shop to cater for a family weekend in Cornwall. Fans of Stanley’s Instagram will be reassured to know that cocktail hour figures prominently. Written in diary form, this is a gossipy joy to dip into and the next best thing to securing a dinner invite chez Tucci.

By Neil Ridley, hardback £12.99, adult non-fiction (reviewed by Clare) One of those genius ideas that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it before. Meticulously researched (with very specific brand suggestions), this creates flavour sensations by pairing drinks, both alcoholic and non, with the perfect crisp to bring out the best in both with surprisingly delicious results. A stylish friend of mine used it as the basis for a smart drinks party. Monster Munch Pickled Onion with your gin cocktail? Prawn Cocktail Skips with your sparkling rosé? Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Lots of fun, it also makes the perfect host/ess present together with a (perfectly paired) bottle and a bag of crisps.

By Gracie Page, paperback £9.99, teen fiction (reviewed by Octavia) As a lover of Cornwall and of course independent bookshops, this was the perfect teen romance. A really sweet story set in a sleepy seaside town. London girl meets surfer boy and some other lovely local characters, whilst helping to save her aunt’s eccentric, yet idyllic bookshop.

By Sue Prideaux, paperback £12.99, adult non-fiction (reviewed by Octavia) Paul Gauguin has always been my favourite artist. I loved studying him as part of my degree. Even though I mainly read fiction, I really enjoyed ‘Wild Thing’. Here he is bought to life once more but this time using new material and family archives to challenge some preconceived ideas about him, his lifestyle and thus artistic influences.  

By Cecile Tlili, paperback £12.99, adult fiction (reviewed by Octavia) ‘Just a Little Dinner’ is a really elegant read. A dinner party in a Parisian Apartment, one very hot summers evening, where its guest’s desires and downfalls, feelings and fears are so vividly portrayed with such accomplished writing. It is also a beautifully produced little book.