Welcome to a jam-packed, jessant, juggernaut July at Lovereading. There's a lorry-load of life-affirming literature to share with you this month, as well as some great ideas for your Summer Reading. And the holiday theme continues with a chance to win a delectable, Devonian, luxury cottage staycation for you and up to 5 other people!

Take Your Pick – July's Books of the Month

Whether winding down at the end of the day, grabbing some peace and quiet in a favourite park or making the commute a little more palatable, reading is a very personal pleasure. We've selected the pick of the bunch this month for readers of all tastes and in whatever format takes your fancy. Don't miss our MEGA Book of the Month: We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler – And we are! This is impressive writing, gripping, heart-wrenching, with a gut-punching twist that will make you gasp aloud on the train.

Food for Thought …. Or Thoughts on Food

We've got three mouth-wateringly succulent Book of the Month treats for food fans to savour:

Cook Now, Eat Later Mary Berry Practical advice for an easier life, from the head-girl of British cooking.

Scottish Baking Sue Lawrence So much more than shortbread. This is an absolute 'stoater' for home bakers.

The Art of Eating Well Jasmine Hemsley, Melissa Hemsley Two cooks on a mission to wean us off gluten, grain and sugar.

First Class – July Debuts of the Month

We've gathered some of the UK's top debutants into one place for you to discover some great new authors. Did you know that nearly half of Lovereading's top 50 titles last year were debuts so you, our members and browsers must love them?  Check out our July favourite:

The Spring of Kasper Meier by Ben Fergusson a compassionate mystery set in the desolate darkness of post-war Berlin. Perfect for fans of Restless by William Boyd. Our Reader Reviewers loved this stunning debut describing it as "gripping", "surreal" and "vivid".

Oh You Like That, Huh? – Try This!

We're pretty proud of our If You Like, You'll Love section. You tell us what you've just read and loved and we (our Lovereading experts) match you with your next great read. It's like your best friend sending you on a blind date – rather than a computer algorithm on an internet dating site. Some of this month's new connections are...

If you like Sarah Dunant or Sarah Waters you'll love Ace, King, Knave by Maria McCann

If you like The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce you'll love A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

If you like C .J. Sansom you'll love Friend & Foe: A Hew Cullan Mystery by Shirley McKay

More Lit Festival news

Curious for a Literary Festival this summer which will appeal to ALL the family? Look no further than the Curious Arts Festival (18-20 July), set in the splendid surroundings of Pylewell Park in the New Forest.

This debut festival promises a glittering celebration of talent from the worlds of literature, music, film and the visual arts - with camping, glamping and delicious food on offer it's set to be a weekend to remember!  Lovereading members can book tickets with a special 25% discount, click here for more information and the booking page.

And London based booklovers can add some sparkle to September with literary gems Stephen Fry, Antonia Fraser and many more appearing at the Soho Literary Festival in London (24 - 28 Sept).

Book before 22 July and enjoy Lovereading's special early bird discount of £7 per ticket - click here to find out more.

P.S. We're championing this month and next (he's agreed to be our Guest editor of the Month in August), none other than 'master of the spy thriller' Gerald Seymour.

Catch a sneak exclusive extract of his new book Vagabond which shows him writing at the top of his powers and returning to the territory of some of his greatest bestsellers, Harry's Game, Field of Blood and The Journeyman Tailor.

Read on to see lots more hand-picked selections of books in the genres you have told us you are interested in.