AJ Pearce grew up in Hampshire and studied at the University of Sussex. A chance discovery of a 1939 woman’s magazine became the inspiration for her ever-growing collection and her first novel Dear Mrs Bird. She now lives in the south of England.
Peck & Peck (2026) Bonnie Garmus "Bonnie Garmus has done it again. Peck & Peck is an absolute cracker. Funny, vivid and enormously compelling (with another serious contender for Best Dog in Fiction Ever), you almost wonder if Batter Gray's world isn't secretly real?"
The Kindness of Strangers (2026) Emma Garman "A beautifully woven novel full of escalating secrets and a found family of characters who tunnel their way into your heart. Hugely enjoyable, and with one of my favorite Epilogues ever, I've been recommending it to everyone."
Six Little Words (2026) Sally Page "Six Little Words is a lovely, life-affirming novel of friendship, community, and kindness. With a cast of characters who quickly feel like your friends, Sally Page has created a world that feels wonderfully real in the best possible way. I just wish I could meet Kate, Bardy, (and Noy in his jumper) in real life!"
Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread (2025) Lynn Knight "A joy of a read. A superbly researched story of post-WW1 female friendship chock-a-block with characters you'll cheer on to the very last page, I read it cover to cover in a day."
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers (2024) Samuel Burr "A real breath of fresh air, Samuel Burr's debut novel is one of those rare books that seems to arrive just when it's needed the most."
Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame (2024) Olivia Ford "Mrs Quinn's Rise to Fame is an absolute delight. A lovely novel full of warmth, courage and heart, Jenny Quinn is a heroine you'll cheer for every step of the way."
Small Miracles (2022) (Sisters of Saint Philomena, book 1) Anne Booth "Charming, witty and warm, Anne Booth's SMALL MIRACLES is a gentle gem of a novel, a cheery balm in troubling times."
The Christie Affair (2022) Nina de Gramont "Elegant, ingenious and hugely enjoyable, Nina de Gramont's The Christie Affair is both an infamous mystery wonderfully explored, and a compelling story of love, adversity, determination and hope."
Home (2021) Penny Parkes "Moving, hopeful and heartfelt... an ideal book group read."
The Mad Women's Ball (2021) Victoria Mas "A beautifully written debut...I have absolutely no doubt it will be one of my favourite novels of 2021."
The Yellow Bird Sings (2020) Jennifer Rosner "Desperately moving and exquisitely written. If you only read one book this year, make it The Yellow Bird Sings. A beautiful story with achingly memorable characters, for me Jennifer Rosner’s novel stands alongside The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Code Name Verity as one of those profoundly special World War Two novels you know you will never forget."
The 24-Hour Cafe (2020) Libby Page "Such a kind and lovely novel, The Lido has a heart that shines from every page."
The Doll Factory (2019) Elizabeth Macneal "I loved The Doll Factory from the very first page and couldn’t do anything else until I’d read right to the end. An exquisite novel of obsession, delusion, resilience and love, Elizabeth Macneal really is a breathtaking new talent."
Queenie (2019) (Queenie, book 1) Candice Carty-Williams "My favorite novel this year. Queenie is the sort of novel you just can’t stop talking about and want everyone you know to read. Snort your tea out funny one moment and utterly heart breaking the next, (and with the best cast of characters you’ll read all year), I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to read whatever Candice writes next. If there is anything right in the world, Candice Carty-Williams is going to be a literary superstar."
We Must Be Brave (2019) Frances Liardet "We Must Be Brave is a wonderful novel. A beautifully written story of love and loss, with thoughtfully crafted characters and so much to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. It is one of those novels you can talk about for hours – the perfect book club read."
The Two Lives of Louis & Louise (2019) Julie Cohen "Louis and Louise is Julie Cohen at her absolute best. So cleverly done and authentic, and you feel as if you live in the town with the characters and have been in the story with them."
A Vintage Wedding (2015) Katie Fforde "Thank goodness for Katie Fforde, the perfect author to bring comfort in difficult times. She really is the queen of uplifting, feel good romance."
