Trending: Up-Lit

Let’s be honest…turning on the news can be a depressing state of affairs at the moment. So we’re turning to some of our favourite books that are guaranteed to lift our spirits…because books will never let us down right?

The Songs of Us, Emma Cooper

This book will have you laughing, crying and reaching for a box of tissues by the end. When Melody slips and bangs her head she’s left with a condition that means she will always sing when nervous – this includes belting out ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’ at her son’s assembly. As Katie Fforde put it ‘This book will break your heart, but put it back together again’

The Unlikely Heroics of Samuel Holloway, Rhys Thomas

Three nights a week, Sam dons his superhero costume and patrols the streets. It makes him feel invincible – but his unlikely heroics are getting him into some sticky situations.Then a girl comes along and starts to shatter the walls Sam has built around himself. Now, he needs to decide if he’s brave enough to take off the mask, and to confront the grief he’s been avoiding for so long. This is such a wonderfully charming, quirky book…what could be better than a undercover superhero to lift your spirits?

The Man I Think I Know, Mike Gayle

A book that is currently making us feel ALL the emotions is The Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle. This is a powerful, bittersweet story of an unexpected male friendship (an issue so rarely explored) and an unlikely love story, which touches upon issues that affect us all. A perfect read if you fancy something packed full of heart-warming laughs – or if you’re in the mood for a cathartic cry!

A Winter Retreat at the Paris Cheese Shop, Victoria Brownlee

Heartbroken and on the cusp of turning 30, Ella moves to Paris and embarks on a personal challenge to be more adventurous. She’s friendless, she can’t speak the language, and she feels alone, so she tackles this challenge in exactly the way you’d expect a heartbroken woman in Paris to: with cheese. Part 1 of this feel-good read is only 99p and will more than satisfy your appetite for an uplifting read (and maybe make you hungry for cheese… and a trip to Paris).

Relight My Fire, Joanna Bolouri

Our heroine Phoebe is an ordinary woman with an ordinary life – she’s got a husband, a five year old daughter, and a busy job. But she and Oliver have lost their spark. In true Bolouri fashion, there is an obvious way to chase away their relationship rut… a sexy wishlist. This naughty new rom com will have you snorting into your coffee cup in no time!

Go Ask Fannie Farmer, Elisabeth Hyde

Another book we’re dipping into is Go Ask Fannie Farmer – a bright, fun and incredibly moving story about three bickering adult siblings rebuilding their family in the wake of tragedy. Heartbreaking and heart-warming all at once, this book will have you calling up your own siblings the second you finish it for a long-overdue catch-up!

Currently available in eBook; pre-order in hardback now.