May's weather has been grotty to say the least, and there's been plenty of time to curl up indoors with a good book. This month we've also seen an easing of restrictions, another milestone towards getting back to some normality and a perfect opportunity to in eBooks and audiobooks, so you can take you own personal library with you if you are ready to venture out. 

Books of the Month

Boy oh boy, has there been some brilliant new books released this month! Our Book of the Month section this month is positively crammed full of recommendations with fiction and non-fiction titles that we think are true highlights. Click here to explore our Fiction Book of the Month section. You can also now see our Non-fiction Books of the Month here too

Sunny Days and Sea Breezes by Carole Matthews - A gorgeous relationship tale that encourages a lovely bond to form with the leading character and allows a proper escape to the Isle of Wight.

The Bread The Devil Knead by Lisa Allen-Agostini - An extraordinary Trinidad-set story of abuse and the seeds of survival voiced by an unforgettable woman whose experiences and endurance sear the soul.

Crossing The Line by John Sutherland - A fascinating and inspiring invitation to walk with a retired, highly respected senior police officer, and witness the scenes behind the blue and white cordon tape.

Chasing Smoke by Sarit Packer, Itamar Srulovich of Honey & Co. - Suffused in flavour, fire and a fabulous feel-good vibe, this mouth-watering guide to Middle Eastern flame-cooked cuisine will spice-up boring BBQ routines.

Where Did I Go Right? How the Left Lost Me by Geoff Norcott - Funny, thought-provoking account of how a working-class lad raised on a council estate wound up voting Tory

The Nothing Man Catherine Ryan Howard - Two books sit inside one with this thrilling and well-crafted blast of pure reading entertainment. Chosen as a LoveReading Star Book.

Of Stone and Sky by Merryn Glover - A richly evocative yet sharply emotional novel detailing a Highland family searching for answers after shepherd Colvin Munro goes missing.

We Run the Tides by Vendela Vida - Suspenseful and wryly funny, this San Francisco-set coming-of-age timebomb tells a tense tale of tangled female friendship.

Empire of Ants by Olaf Fritsche, Susanne Foitzik - An intensely satisfying and entertaining read that opens up the amazing world of ants, you may never look at them in the same way again.

The Wife Who Got a Life by Tracy Bloom - A LoveReading Star Book, this fabulously witty and uplifting novel also deals with the tough times in life with love and empathy.

Beauty in Letters by John Wilson - A stunning display of truly beautiful artwork and a dip into social history awaits in this fascinating book.

21 Breaths by Oliver James - 21 Breaths by Oliver James is excellent quality, inside and out, showing how different breathing techniques may help you feel better, both physically and mentally.

World Travel by Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever - Inimitable round-the-world guide by an inimitable chef, travel writer, documentarian and all-round rock-n-roll raconteur.

Daylight Come by Diana McCaulay - This compelling Caribbean-set masterwork of speculative fiction explores climate change, survival, self-sacrifice and maternal love with prescient power.

Debuts of the Month

If you're looking for something new from someone new, take a look at our Debut of the Month category. New authors and first books, catch these authors at the very start of their journey. You might find a new favourite author too! We highly recommend you take a look, and explore our Debuts section too.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman - Four septuagenarians from a retirement village set out to solve a murder in this wonderfully entertaining, warm, and amusing mystery.

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake - This absolutely fascinating LoveReading Star Book about the wonder of fungi is quite simply an eye-opening must-read.

How to Kidnap the Rich by Rahul Raina - An exhilarating and hugely entertaining crime caper debut, this LoveReading Star Book is simply fabulous.

The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird - Written before the current pandemic, this is a powerful, thought-provoking blast of speculative fiction, where a virus that only kills men hits the world.

The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson - An absolute delight of a debut, 12 year old Norman Foreman is a joyfully unforgettable character.

Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty - A diary which highlights our essential connection with the natural world, the landscape and our history embedded within it - but more importantly, it is also about our futures

eBooks of the Month

eBooks are perfect for bookworms who want to hold a whole library in the palm of their hands. Our eBooks of the Month are brilliant reads to keep with you for whenever you have a spare moment to enjoy a chapter or two, on the go or at home. These books are brilliant recommendations whatever the format, read to find out more about them and add them to your digital bookshelf. Browse our full eBook section by clicking here.

The Assistant by Kjell Ola Dahl - A standalone thrilling and chilling private investigator tale set during the interwar period in Norway.

Your Mental Health Workout by Zoë Aston - Your Mental Health Workout is the mental health equivalent of a five-week gym membership. Fun, informative, practical and friendly.

The Witness by Nicola Tallant - The shocking and powerful true story of a young man, groomed from childhood, who gave evidence against notorious gangland bosses and was placed in Witness Protection.

Mosaic: Life in Pieces by Chris Aslan - Set in a first-century Middle Eastern mountain community, this accomplished novel is suffused in spirituality and atmosphere.

Facets of Death by Michael Stanley - Atmospheric, intriguing, and enthralling, this prequel to an established crime series is the perfect introduction to Detective Kubo from Botswana.

Summer's Out at Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes - A thoughtfully readable, compassionate, and welcoming tale set in the heart of a community.

Exodus of Spies by Brian Landers - Tank battles in Angola, murder in the Caribbean, devastating decisions - the Dylan MI6 agents have their work cut out in this fourth thrilling book in the series.

Burnt Out by Selina Barker - Burnout by Selina Barker is an encouraging read for anyone who is at burnout, or close to it, and needs to get their energy back. The comforting companion you need at a tough time.

Coincidence of Spies by Brian Landers - Crumbling Communism in Poland, missing American agents, and the long-lost crown of a medieval King - this atmospheric espionage thriller is a tantalisingly twisty whodunit.

Liz's Picks of the Month

Our Reviews Editor Liz Robinson has done it again and introduced us to another fantastic selection of new releases. These are the books that lept out at her amongst the mountains of titles she reads. See what it is about these books that appealed so much and click here to explore her other selections from throughout the year.

Where We Belong by Anstey Harris - Emotionally intelligent writing, breathtaking secrets, and eloquent storytelling can be found in this gorgeous LoveReading Star Book.

Crossing the Line by John Sutherland - A fascinating and inspiring invitation to walk with a retired, highly respected senior police officer, and witness the scenes behind the blue and white cordon tape.

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake - This absolutely fascinating LoveReading Star Book about the wonder of fungi is quite simply an eye-opening must-read.

Brixton Hill by Lottie Moggach - Sharp, clever, and intimate, this is a beautifully written novel about a prisoner due for release from an open prison in Brixton.

Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen- Hugely entertaining and funny, this is must-read comedic crime novel for anyone needing a hit of escapism.

How to Kidnap the Rich by Rahul Raina - An exhilarating and hugely entertaining crime caper debut, this LoveReading Star Book is simply fabulous.

An Act of Love by Carol Drinkwater - Full of drama and emotion, this compelling and intimate relationship tale takes place during the Second World War.

I Belong Here by Anita Sethi - A beautiful, important, and inspiring exploration of our natural world and the author’s sense of belonging within her own country.

Living Our Best Lives Cannon Hall Farm by Nicholson Family - A wonderfully uplifting and joyous celebration of Cannon Hall Farm in Yorkshire and the family that lives and works there.

Star Books

This Month has seen an influx on Star Books. All serious contenders to be your next favourite read. If you're only going to read a few book this year, we highly recommend starting with any of our Star Books. Click here to visit our Star Books Page. 

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