The nights have well and truly drawn in, with Halloween and the clocks going back this weekend. But before the flurry of events and festivities of the next couple of months get underway, take the time to relax with our highlights from October. 

Fiction Books of the Month

October's Fiction Books of the Month include a variety of titles. From brand new illustrated version of a chilldhood classic, to profound exploration of family and relationships as well as a profoundly funny look at the trials and tribulations of life. Click to look at all of our Book of the Month recommendations.

Gulliver's Travels A Robert Ingpen Illustrated Classic by Jonathan Swift - Written almost 300 years ago when very little was known about the wider world, Jonathan Swift’s great adventure story about Gulliver provided readers with a wonderfully imaginative way of exploring uncharted lands

Memorial by Bryan WashingtonA dazzlingly profound and un-put-down-able exploration of family, memory and love centred around the unexpected transformations of two gay young men.

A Woman Made of Snow by Elisabeth Gifford - An enthralling mystery of an unknown bride, tragic love, absorbing period atmosphere, and stirring style - this captivating novel is a page-turning delight.

The Final Twist by Jeffery Deaver - An all-consuming read awaits in this wonderfully crafted, fast and sharp thriller.

Ghosts by Dolly Alderton - Fabulously funny, this is a brilliant observation of life and love in your thirties and Alderton shows what a cracking commentator she is on the highs and lows and trials and tribulations whilst Nina George Dean's biological click is ticking.

Non-Fiction Books of the Month

This month's Non-fiction Books of the Month offer variety and insight. With a deliciously sweet cookbook, secrets from an unprecedented time, an insight to modern witchcraft and a straighforward handbook for raising socially conscious globally minded young citezens. Click to explore more of our Non-Fiction recommendations. 

Sugar, I Love You by Ravneet GillCovering everything from buttery biscuits to to-die-for ice creams, this is a perky pick-me-up in cook book form.

Lockdown Secrets by Eleanor Tattersfield -  By turns confessional, funny and moving, this anthology of secrets collected during lockdown is an endlessly entertaining and fascinating document of those strange, strange times.

The Wheel by Jennifer Lane - A wonderfully inclusive and inviting read, detailing a year in the life of a woman who found herself disconnected in her office based environment.

How to Raise a Global Citizen by by Anna Davidson, Marvyn Harrison, Dr Annabelle Humanes, Dr Melernie Meheux - How to Raise a Global Citizen is a practical, straightforward handbook for raising emotionally intelligent, socially conscious, and globally minded citizens of a better world.

The Gloriumptious Worlds of Roald Dahl by Stella Caldwell & Quentin Blake - For all those who are already fans of Roald’s Dahl’s awesome stories and for newcomers to them, this is a splendid introduction to some of the favourite characters and the most dramatic, hilarious, spinechilling and adventuresome stories that are his storytelling legacy.

Debuts of the Month

Our Debuts of the Month selection are perfect for trying something new and discovering brilliant brand new authors. There's special discoveries to be found in this section and if your looking for more debut author inspiration, click this link to expore our previous recommendations. 

In Every Mirror She's Black by Lola Akinmade Akerstrom - Incisive, thought-provoking and un-put-down-able, this powerful, prescient page-turner explores race and tokenism through the lives and struggles of three Black women living in Sweden.

Lemon by Kwon Yeo-sun - This fascinating, psychologically astute vignette about grief, blame and searching for the truth delivers piercing emotional depth in unique and elegant style.

Four Dervishes by Hammad Rind - Four Dervishes is as rich and rewarding a tale as you will read all year. Truly. It's magnificent.

Girl A by Abigail Dean - Girl A is challenging, thought-provoking and above all a beautifully compelling read.

eBooks of the Month

Read on the go or keep your cookbooks stored digitally, our October eBooks of the Month are recommended by us in whatever format you'd prefer and are brilliant additions to you additional libraries. Click to explore our eBook recommendations.

Gennaro's Limoni by Gennaro Contaldo - This zesty cookbook celebrating the aromatic Amalfi lemon is a must-have for foodies with a taste for Italian cuisine.

Are We Having Fun Yet? by Lucy ManganA whip-smart, uplifting, and outrageously funny novel charting a year in the life of a woman as she navigates life in all its glory.

Over My Dead Body by Jeffrey Archer - "A rollicking good adventure featuring William Warwick in fine fettle. A new Jeffrey Archer that will entertain you from the first to the last page." Elize Ferner, A LoveReading Consumer Reviewer

Girl A by Abigail Dean - This LoveReading Star Book is a beautifully compelling, thought-provoking debut about a woman who confronts her harrowing past.

The Piano Room by Clio Velentza - A gloriously gothic, atmospheric reimagining of Faust set in Hungary.

The Reading List by Sara Nisha AdamsIf you’re ready to fall in love with a heart-warming and emotionally intelligent novel that highlights the joys of reading, friendship and community, then stop right here.

The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown Guardian: "A clever debut, with a slow burn of horror, sees the 17th-century witch-hunter Matthew Hopkins confronted by his fictional sister"

Liz's Picks of the Month

Editorial Expert, Liz Robinson, has yet again delivered some brilliant books that she thinks needs an extra spotlight. Only selected if they really stood out to the crowd, Liz's Picks of the Month for October offers a wide variety of uplifting, insightful, inviting reads. To find out more about Liz Robinson's Picks, click the link.

Are We Having Fun Yet? by Lucy Mangan - A whip-smart, uplifting, and outrageously funny novel charting a year in the life of a woman as she navigates life in all its glory.

The Library by Arthur der Weduwen, Andrew Pettegree - A seriously detailed, intricate, and thorough history of the library.

The Wheel by Jennifer Lane - A wonderfully inclusive and inviting read, detailing a year in the life of a woman who found herself disconnected in her office based environment.

The Nesting by C.J. Cooke - A spine-chilling, atmospheric, gothic thriller of a read set in the Norwegian wilderness.

Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber - If you adore romantic fantasy, then this bewitching tale for young adults (and adults) comes as highly recommended.

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward - A beautifully startling read involving murder, abduction, and revenge, but that is just a part of what you will explore. It’s simply a stunner.

Star Books

We get through a LOT of books each month, but our Star Books are the ones that really stand out from the crowd. If you're looking at coming out of a reading rut. If you're wanting to try something completely new but aren't sure where to start, take a look at this category. Click to find out more about all of our Star Books.

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