As we come to the end of the Summer we've seen masses of success in the Tokyo 2020ne Olympic Games and we have high hopes for the same success in the Paralympics. While Team GB have been adding up their medals we've been enjoying some of the latest fiction and non-fiction releases and awarding accolades of our own. Take a look and see which books made it in to our top recommendations this month.

Fiction Books of the Month

Our August Books of the Month deliver action, tension, mystery and heart. Read a snippet of the Expert Review below or click here to see our list of past and present Book of the Month recommendations.

56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard - 56 Days is entertaining and fast paced - Brief Encounter with a rampant virus and decomposing body.

Looking for the Durrells by Melanie Hewitt - In this glittering, pellucid jewel of a story, Melanie Hewitt evokes Corfu of the 1930’s, the Durrell family and the present day island with such profound love and affection, you’ll need tissues aplenty.

Spirited by Julie Cohen - A bold and thought-provoking relationship tale set in Victorian society, this multifaceted story really is a gem of a read.

Savage Road by Chris Hauty - A full on the throttle riotous ride awaits in this action-packed and smart political thriller.

Non-Fiction Books of the Month

Our Non-Fiction highlights this month offer comfort and insight into the wider world we live in and civilisations past. Click here to read on and explore more non-fiction recommendations.

The Book of Trespass by Nick Hayes - The Book of Trespass reads like a call to arms - a bold challenge to the embedded rule that land ownership underpins everything.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig - A beautifully packaged, beautifully comforting hug in a book and an antidote to today’s busy lifestyles, medicine for our crazy lives.

Love and Care by Shaun Deeney - An eye-opening – and at times jaw-dropping – account of a son’s care for his mother with Parkinson’s dementia that will make you weep with its tenderness and compassion.

Old Testament Warriors by Simon Elliott - A superb introduction to the history of warfare, told through the militaristic developments of Old Testament peoples and cultures, from the Sumerians and Akkadians to the Babylonians.

Debuts of the Month

We love discovering new books to share with you and better yet, when we discover brilliant new authors, we know there's so much more to look forward to. This month's selection contains a tolkienesque adventure, powerful historical fiction and utterly absorbing family stories. To find more recommended debuts, click here.

The Silence of Scheherazade by Defne Suman - At once breathtakingly sweeping and textured with alluringly fine detail, this beautifully written story set in the Aegean city of Smyrna in the lead up to WWI is a sumptuous tour de force.

Patience by Victoria Scott - Absorbing, poignant story of a family’s emotional rollercoaster in the aftermath of participating in a risky medical trial.

There's a Hole in my Bucket by Royd Tolkien - A challenging journey for J.R.R. Tolkien’s adventurous great-grandson.

eBooks of the Month

Tremendous new additions to your digital library, this month's eBooks of the Month selection brings something for everyone. Take a look at more eBook recommendations here.

Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So - Teeming with life, unforgettable characters and formidable ideas, this short story collection is an absolute joy.

The Great Silence by Doug Johnstone - Fans of the thrilling Skelfs series are reunited with familiar faces and plots as dark and twisty as Edinburgh itself.

No Honour by Awais Khan - A spirit of resilience reels through this powerful story of a young woman’s battles with misogynistic attitudes and practices in Pakistan.

Her Heart for a Compass by Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York - This lively historical novel from the Duchess of York tells a romantic story inspired by her great-great-aunt - a free-spirited Lady who found herself at odds with Victorian norms when she followed her heart.

The Pavilion in the Clouds by Alexander McCall Smith - Focused on a Scottish family in 1930s Sri Lanka, this utterly engaging standalone novel shimmers with atmosphere and family tension.

The Great North Road by Steve Silk - The Great North Road is Britain's Route 66 - we've just forgotten how to sing its praises.

Unbury Our Dead with Song by Mukoma Wa Ngugi - Part road-trip, part journey of the soul, this sublimely lyrical story revolving around a soulful form of lyrical Ethiopian music is an absolute work of art.

Liz's Picks of the Month

Our Expert Reviewer, Liz Robinson, has knocked it out of the park again this month with her August picks of the month. All entertaining, through-provoking reads, see why she picked each title below or click here to see more recommendations.

Three's A Crowd by Simon Booker - A wonderfully entertaining romantic comedy with a fabulous blend of sweet and sharp notes.

The Origins of Iris by Beth Lewis - Coming face to face with herself leaves Iris examining her very essence in this wonderfully unique and thought-provoking novel.

On the Bright Side by Nell Carter - A feel-good relationship story with an emotional and thought-provoking edge.

The Silver Collar by Antonia Hodgson - Slavery and the very nature of evil is explored in this superbly plotted and thought-provoking novel.

All My Mothers by Joanna Glen - A truly gorgeous, poignant yet joyful read that explores the meaning of motherhood while growing up with the captivating and enchanting Eva.

Dead Ground by M. W. Craven - This must-read hugely entertaining crime novel should go straight to the top of your ‘to be read’ pile. 

Star Books

Our Star Books, the cream of the crop of our selections each month. These books have all stood out from the crowd for us and required an additional spotlight. Click here to explore our full list of Star Books, they really aren't to be mssed.

If you enjoyed this, click here to read more Book Chat blogs or here to read the latest book news articles.