There’s nothing like immersing yourself in a good book to take your mind off unhealthy thought patterns or anything negative that might be niggling in your head. Just like a good yoga session, reading has the power to soothe, calm and give us new perspectives on things we might not have previously thought about.
So, what should you be reading? The answer is: anything really! From fashion to scandals, to mindfulness or historical novels, it’s time to widen your breadth of literature and perhaps try something new for 2020.
Here are a few titles that are certainly worth a read, to get you started and don’t forget – support your local, independent book stores – there’s nothing nicer than going into an ‘actual’ bookstore and walking out with a crisp new book!
FOR A THRILL
Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton (Released 9th Jan)
This is the latest novel by Sunday Times bestselling author, Rosamund Lupton. As the title suggests, the story is set over three highly-tense hours, while a rural Somerset school is under attack. The book documents the attack from the viewpoint of several characters who are in the heart of the action. It covers all sides of the human nature – from friendship to fear to courage and redemption and will have you gripping onto the edge of your seat until the bitter end!
FOR SOME MOTHERHOOD ADVICE
Mindfulness for Mums by Izzy Judd (Released 9th Jan)
This is the second book from Izzy Judd, who in her first, titled Dare to Dream, she shared her personal struggle with fertility issues, miscarriage and IVF. Now a mother of two, Judd’s second book offers a fantastic array of simple activities and easy exercises for mums to find their happy place and create a haven of family serenity in the midst of today’s modern madness. Very hand’s on, practical and inspiring!
FOR GOOD EATING IDEAS
Eat Green by Melissa Hemsley (Released 9th Jan)
None of us can ignore the facts about how our eating habits are impacting both the environment and our health simultaneously. Here, Melissa Hemsley (one half of sister duo Hemsley + Hemsley) shows us how we can eat local, natural, more plant-based in a way that is fun, yummy, affordable and simple. The veggie-packed recipes include advice on how to batch cook and stock in the freezer, replace unhealthy ingredients with handy swaps and create family-friendly midweek meals with a healthy spin.
FOR POSITIVE MOTIVATION
Jog on Journal: A Practical Guide to Getting Up and Running by Bella Mackie (Released 14 Nov 2019)
A follow-on from her bestselling book, Jog On, this is more of a practical guide on getting on top of mental health issues through exercise. Using her informal, ‘sweary’ and quirky approach, Bella gives new perspectives on anxiety and depression as well as help with coping with the side effects that come with these mental health issues. There are calming strategies, breathing exercises and checklist to set-up an achievable running schedule with realistic targets.
FOR A NEW DOSE OF MARIAN KEYES
Grown Ups by Marian Keyes (Pre-order for 6th Feb)
Okay, so this one isn’t actually out until early Feb, but you can pre-order it now, so the January excitement is still real! It feels like such a treat to anticipate the new arrival from Marian Keyes – the genius who has given us The Break, Sushi for Beginners and The Woman who Stole my Life. This time she is back with a book about families that appear to have it all on the surface, but who have murky secrets hiding from the inside! We can’t wait to get our hands on this one to find out more!!!