A place to land
Recommendations #17
Welcome to If In Doubt, Read an approachable book recommendation newsletter from someone who simply loves reading. Subscribe to make sure I land in your inbox 💌
And we roll into March, blinking into the sunlight ☀️ or at least one can hope. A brief blurb from me today; For a short month, February felt very long. It’s been grey, wet and rainy. Thank goodness for the Winter Olympic coverage - I’m still not sure why Curling needs to be 10 ends but yes, I did watch every single one. Oh and I’m simply excited for springtime. 🌷
You’re here for the book reccs anyway so, read on!
Currently reading: Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
This month we’re sticking with the female author theme (unintentionally, they are just the best) and a through line of love, in all its forms.
For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.
COSY & COMFORTING
A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.
Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
Published: Aug 2012
Summary: I feel like I have gushed about the Queen that is Marian Keyes in every single post so I was shocked to check that I’ve only recommended her once before. Now while this is the ‘Cosy’ section I should warn you that Rachel’s Holiday is about addiction (the ‘holiday’ is the rehab centre). However what is cosy about this book is that you are introduced to the whole Walsh gang. This is the start* of a 6 book series on the Walsh Sisters - Claire, Rachel, Maggie, Anna, and Helen - and their enigmatic Irish Mammy, Mammy Walsh. You should start this gorgeous series now so you can then watch The Walsh Sisters on BBC iPlayer.
*The official first book is Watermelon but this has been harder to come across historically.
LOVE & BEING HUMAN
Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
Published: Jan 2026
Summary: Think PS I Love You but instead of leaving notes Tilly’s deceased husband has left her a trail of books. One book per month to be picked up at her local bookstore. This set up sounds heart wrenching but somehow Libby Page approaches it with a grace that leaves you feeling inspired and uplifted. There is so much love, kindness and hope in amongst Tilly’s inevitable grief.
In Libby Page’s own words “This is wholeheartedly a bookish book”. It’s about finding yourself again, thanks to the stories, support, and friends found within the pages of a book. Plus, each chapter starts with four book recommendations as well as the one Tilly has been left - you TBR pile will inevitable double in size.
Here is a favourite quote from this stunner of a book:
I am the person I am because of the books I have read. My reading history is a map that shows the path of my life.
Yes yes yes! Please just read this stunning love note to books. I will likely read it again. (You can also stay up to date with all things Libby Page on Substack and read about my other fave Page book here.)
INTENSE & REWARDING
Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.
The Flamboya Tree by Clara Olink Kelly
Published: May 2003
Summary: Now this one really is heart wrenching and you will need tissues. It is autobiographical and written by Clara Olink Kelly who was four when WWII began. Her family is based in Java, Indonesia when the Japanese invades. They are captured, her father sent to work on the Burma railway whilst Clara, her mother and two younger brothers are sent to a ‘women’s camp’…
Read this for an untold side of the war, the brutality of the camp, the sheer strength and resilience of a mothers love and the formidable true story of Clara’s life.
I read it in April 2020 and it stays with me to this day.
PICK ‘N’ MIX
Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Published: Mar 2025
Summary: This book somehow encompasses a one-who-got-away love story and a who-done-it for two devastating deaths. It’s sweeping and entirely consuming. Beth isn’t the most likeable protagonist but she is faced with multiple impossible decisions. I don’t want to say any more in case I give it away.
TBR UPDATE
You & me and You & me and You & me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (not out yet)
And as always, let me know what you’re reading and loving 💌
Happy reading xo
Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:
Go on, try it | Trying to lean in | Lighter days ahead | Something to sit with
Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here
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