A sprinkle of magic
Recommendations #19
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When the sun does appear, it really does feel like a sprinkle of magic. April has consisted of various peaceful moments of respite, a few trips (Northern Ireland and Scotland) and lots of tea drunk in any pocket of sunshine available.
I was also lucky enough to go to TWO book events this month -
📚 One where Daisy Buchanan interviewed Beth O’Leary AND Bolu Babalola about their new books The Name Game and Sweet Heat (respectively). I will be reading them both. Fascinatingly, neither author works with a book structure, just an idea and they roll with the vibe.
📚 I also watched Monica Heisey and Lena Dunham have a chat in bed (on stage) at the Hackney Empire. There is plenty of discourse on Dunham’s new memoir ‘Famesick’ (I’m yet to read it) but watching her on stage you have to admit there is a reason we’re all obsessed with her, she’s a star and perpetually enigmatic - even if you don’t agree with everything she says and does.
If Lena Dunham is enigmatic, Olivia Dean is enrapturing. You simply can’t look away. Talk about someone who is sprinkled with magic. The Art of Loving was a masterpiece and I want to watch it all again. Fave songs from the night were “I’ve seen it” and “Dive”. ✨
Currently reading: The Name Game by Beth O’Leary
This month there is no theme whatsoever except they are (once again) all brilliant female authors. There is a bit of everything, including a sprinkle of magic. Enjoy!
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.
One Star Romance by Laura Hankin
Published: June 2024
Summary: A harmless best man and an uptight maid of honour are the stars of this will-they-won’t-they. It’s a troupe that’s been done before but this one does have some bite. It spans the course of a decade and you do end up rooting for Natalie and Rob.
And, just to flag, even though this is in this ‘cosy’ section this book does feature covid (momentarily, please don’t let that put you off) and has a health scare too.
It really is impossible to find a book that truly is void of any trigger warnings and still has a solid story. I am very open to suggestions on this front.
LOVE & BEING HUMAN
Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..
One & Only by Maureen Goo
Published: Feb 2026
Summary: This is a gorgeous love story featuring Cassia Park who is faced with choosing between her ‘fated’ love (more on that below) and a should-be fling. Cassia is 40 years old and has her life together which is refreshing to read compared to the messy 20 somethings that tend to be at the heart of romance stories.
So, Cassia is a magical matchmaker. Stay with me. She is a face-reader which is a mythical Korean skill that is passed down through the matriarchal line. The Park ladies read your face, can see into your past lives and find your fated love in this life for you. I was sceptical of this crucial part of the plot but this is me telling you, you don’t need to be dubious, roll with it and lean in.
INTENSE & REWARDING (maybe)
Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Published: April 2026
Summary: This book has already been lauded by many as the “book of the year” and the rights to the movie were purchased by Anne Hathaway before the book was even released so you’ve probably seen/ heard about it.
If you haven’t, it’s about a trad-wife influencer with a million followers portraying the perfect life of returning to the land with her Christian views and 6 children, when she gets flung back to the 1800’s and actually has to return to the land to survive.
I inhaled it in a 48-hour period so am still very much collecting my thoughts. I’m sure if you search ‘Yesteryear’ in Substack, you’ll get a thousand more eloquent takes but here goes… It was harrowing, brilliant, bewildering, icky, mesmerising, somehow totally unbelievable whilst also managing to hit too close to home. The commentary on motherhood and the expectations put on mothers was expertly done and painful to read. Just over half way through I was worried that there was no way Burke could land the ending sufficiently but it was expertly handled and I should never have doubted her. I need to discuss this book with actual people (not just read about it in cleverly formulated essays), please read it.
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.
Lyrebird by Cecelia Ahern
Published: Jan 2017
Summary: You’ll know Cecelia Ahern’s name from PS I Love You and Love, Rosie (if you haven’t read either of those, do) but Ahern has written over 20+ books. Her sleeper hit for me is Lyrebird.
Laura Button has the uncanny ability to mimic any sound. Laura is (sadly) discovered by a film crew who pull her out of her tranquil life in the mountains, drag her to a bustling Dublin city and thrust her into the spotlight.
In a similar vein to Yesteryear, this book explores the noise of modern life versus quiet of living amongst nature. Featuring the pitfalls of fame and also a fun love triangle.
I’ll admit, it’s quite a random pick and not a fast-paced book by any means but I really enjoyed it and found it to be a comforting read.
That’s all this month!
And as always, let me know if you’ve read any of the above or what you’re currently reading 💌
Happy reading xo
Or if you’d like to read more of my book recommendations on Substack, see my previous posts here:
Season roulette | Go on, try it | Trying to lean in | Lighter days ahead
Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
🔗 Goodreads here 🔗 Bookshop.org here
I read Yesteryear a week ago and am still grappling with my thoughts on it! Clever is one