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Best Summer Reads 2024
Summer is on its way, and could be better than relaxing in the sunshine with a good book?
Readers, I’ve got your back.
In this post I will take you through this summer’s hottest new releases, as well as the backlist titles that are worth picking up.
Books to Read Like Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Legends & Lattes was the book that I never knew I needed, and my introduction to the world of cosy fantasy books.
The novel features Viv, an orc who decides to retire from mercenary work and open a coffee shop. It’s very wholesome and features some minor peril, romance, and lots of delicious baked goods.
Here are some of the other fantastic cosy fantasies that I enjoyed and recommend, plus a few from my TBR. You’re welcome!
10 Books for Fans of Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt
First published in 2017, Adam Kay’s legendary memoir, This is Going to Hurt, captured hearts and tickled feathers of those around the nation. Now something of a national treasure, Kay’s first book has sold more than 1 million copies and spent many weeks at the top of the Sunday Times bestseller chart. His Christmas themed follow up, aptly titled T’was the Nightshift Before Christmas, went down similarly well, and his new memoir is set to be released in Autumn of 2022
Michael Morpurgo Book Recommendations
One of Britain’s most beloved children’s authors, Michael Morpurgo has been a staple in school libraries for decades. He’s written around 130 books, with the first being published in 1974, and held the title of Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005. One thing that many people don’t know is that Michael discovered his love for writing later in life, initially joining the army and training at the prestigious Sandhurst College, before settling into teaching.
Jacqueline Wilson Book Recommendations
Jacqueline Wilson is one of the UK’s most prolific children’s authors. With more than 100 books to her name, Jackie is a former children’s laureate and a childhood favourite for several generations of kids. She’s truly a national treasure and, while her books are brilliant for children, I’ve really enjoyed revisiting them as an adult. Here are 15 of the best Jacqueline Wilson books that you should read, regardless of your age.
6 Books to Read about Depression
Here’s the truth: 1 in 4 people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, yet for some reason there’s still a huge stigma attached to suffering from a mental health problem. Slowly but surely we’re starting to talk, to our friends and family, online and in the media, but there’s still a long way to go until mental health is viewed as seriously as physical health. Until treatment is readily available to those who are ill, and until shame and secrecy don’t come attached to the diagnosis of a mental illness.
7 Fiction Books for University Students
I don’t know about you, but I really feel like there’s a complete lack of stories that are set at university. In fact, there seems to be a total lack of books for people who have grown older than the characters in YA, but don’t quite see themselves represented in general fiction. I’d love to see more books for people in their late teens and early twenties, but for now, here are seven great books I’ve read that are set at university. I hope that you love them!
Welcome to the Viking Skaga - one of Viking Cruises’ noble river ships. She takes her name from an ancient Norse myth, where the Valkyrie Skaga rode into battle and escorted the dead to Valhalla, before preparing them to fight in the epic battle of Ragnarok.
A relatively new ship, the Viking Skaga only entered the fleet in 2020. At just 410 feet and carrying 168 guests and 48 crew, she was built specifically to sail down the Seine in France, although the specific itinerary will vary depending on the time of year. I was fortunate enough to join the ship for her week long Christmas on the Seine cruise, which starts and ends in Paris, calling at Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Honflour (via an excursion) and Les Andelys along the way.