This month we've said goodbye to Summer, and slowly turned our minds towards Autumn, discovering plenty of new books along the way. As the buzzing activity of Summer dies down and we get ready to curl up with cozy clothes and a good book, take a look back at the books we've enjoyed this month.

Fiction Books of the Month

There's been some fantastic new ficiton released this month. From a beautifully illutrated poetry anthology to a delightful addition to the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series plus a brutal, beautiful, terrifying tale of post-natal depression. Read more about our Ficiton books of the month here

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman - The third Thursday Murder Club Mystery is just as fabulously readable as the first two, and comes as highly recommended by our team.

Full Immersion by Gemma Amor - A brutally beautiful, terrifying tale of post-natal depression and identity struggles unfolds when a traumatised woman discovers her own dead body.

A Happy Poem to End Every Day by Jane McMorland Hunter - This beautifully illustrated poetry anthology keeps on giving the gift of pre-slumber happiness throughout the year.

At the Breakfast Table by Defne SumanSet in Turkey, this multi-voiced, multi-layered masterwork is a bedazzlement of family secrets, hidden histories, and a breadth of fundamental human experiences.

A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith - A delightful addition to one of the most endearing and readable series in the world of fiction.

The Gifts by Liz Hyder - An otherworldly utterly fantastical feminist tale of female empowerment. What a joy it is.

Sometimes People Die by Simon Stephenson - This crime novel will keep armchair sleuths guessing while a medical professional kills on the wards of a hospital in the late 1990’s.

Non-Fiction Books of the Month

Instead of heading off into the realm of fiction, these non-ficiton books explore more about the world we live in and the lives we lead. The real story that inspired the character Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect, elegant and engaging offering for women who are about to enter or who are already in the second half of life and an emotional journey dealing with trauma and grief. Find out more about these Non-Fiction Books of the Month here

The Path to Healing is a Spiral by Anna McKerrow - One woman's emotional journey to heal her heart, and deal with trauma from grief. This book is full of hope and practical advice for readers.

Hagitude by Sharon Blackie - An eloquent and engaging offering of a world of hope and possibilities to all the women about to enter or who are already in, the second half of life.

The Real Prime Suspect by Jackie Malton, Hélène MulhollandJackie has spent her life working in crime. Now she's ready to share her story.

Debuts of the Month

This month, some compelling debuts have passed through our hands. From heatwarming and uplifting novels, heart-tearing, character-driven page turners, a fascinating combination of history, fantasy and Irish myth and more. Click here to have a look at the full Debuts of the Month section.

All That's Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien - Prepare for your heart to ache in this compelling crime drama as it walks alongside a family after their beloved son and brother is murdered.

Ledge by Stacey McEwanAbandon all thoughts of this world and live on The Ledge, a trapped village containing an intrepid heroine seeking revenge.

Where the Light Gets In by Zoe Coyle - A heart-tearing, character-driven page-turner about a troubled family, losing and finding one’s way, and the cycle of life.

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless - The best of three worlds as history, fantasy, and Irish myth are blended into the most stimulating and fascinating tale set in 981AD.

Every Shade of Happy by Phyllida ShrimptonExperience life in all its emotional glory with Algernon and Anna in this beautifully heartwarming and uplifting novel.

The Book Eaters by Sunyi DeanSitting on the edge of horror this beautifully fantastical tale focuses on a mother desperately trying to protect her mind-eating child.

Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month

Liz Robinson's Picks for September are perfect if you're looking for smart, funny and uplifting reads to a wondrous exploration of another world from Stephen King. Read on to find out more about Liz's picks for this month or click here to explore all of her highlights

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman - It’s a smart, witty, and joyous murder mystery that shouldn’t be missed.

All That's Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien - Powerful writing ensures emotions are kept leaning out over a cliff edge in this shockingly intimate story that is simply impossible to put down. 

Fairy Tale by Stephen King - A wondrous exploration of another world just below our own awaits in an utterly bewitching tale of good versus evil.

Sometimes People Die by Simon Stephenson - If you enjoy a dry, whip-smart delivery along with the darkest of plots, then I wholeheartedly recommend this book to you. 

Separation for Beginners by Joe Portman - Accompany Pete through the difficulties of life after divorce in this smart, funny and uplifting read.

Wish You Were Here by Jodi PicoultWe declare this a must-read. Striking, eloquent, and thought-provoking, this story charts a relationship during the early months of the pandemic.

Star Books

For all of the books we read there's some that are a shining light on our bookshelf. These books are at the very top of our recommendations. Books that we want to push into people's hands and shout "read this!". These are our Star Books and our Books of the Year, a list of recommendations that is steadily growing. Click to explore the full list of recommendations