Right now, there's over 50% off our editor's favourite books on Amazon - It's Book Lovers Day everyone

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, it's hard to find a bad word about Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead. 'Daring, entertaining and highly readable', was the quote from The Times. And the over 100,000 reviews on Amazon read similar.

w&h's content director Lucy Searle highly recommends it: "I'm a fan of dystopian novels, so this admittedly hard read was perfect for me. It tells the story of Demon Copperhead, a boy born to a single teenage mother and a recently-dead father in a trailer in the mountains of southern Appalachia.

"Kingsolver sets Demon's heart-breaking childhood of foster care and deprivation against the background of a community beset by unemployment and the opioid epidemic. Sounds depressing? Strangely, it's a hopeful tale that I found incredibly uplifting ultimately, and the writing by Kingsolver is simply masterful."

An international bestseller, Tayari Jones' An American Marriage won the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2019 and was Oprah's Book Club selection in 2018. A highly thought-provoking character study about a marriage on the brink, w&h content director Lucy Searle thinks it's a must-read:

"An American Marriage follows newlyweds Celestial and Roy as they pursue the American Dream in the New South. Roy works as a sales executive; Celestial is a promising artist, but a chance encounter one night sees Roy accused of a crime he didn't commit and the future they'd planned together become something entirely different. Like my other choices, it involves characters who are suffering, yet it is so brilliantly portrayed and written by Tayari Jones that by the end I felt bereft that I was leaving people I knew behind me.'

"The Escape Artist is another difficult but worthwhile - and breath-taking - read," Lucy says. "It's based on the true story of Rudolf Vrba, one of the only escapees from Auschwitz to not only survive, but to tell the tale while the death camps were still in operation and much of the world, including his own community, was oblivious. 

"Author Jonathan Freedland writes, devastatingly, that the Nazis' plan could only be successful on the basis of 'one cardinal principle: that the people who came to Auschwitz did not know where they were going or for what purpose' because 'it’s much easier to slaughter lambs than it is to hunt deer'.

Rudolf's mission once he had escaped - a terrifying few chapters of the book - would be to 'sound the alarm'. His awareness campaign, it turns out, was not going to be easy but he is determined to foil the Nazis' plan to eliminate the Jews of Hungary, and the reader follows him on this gripping mission and beyond. Unmissable.'

I don't want to tell you what you can and can't read, but I'll tell you what you have to. This book, from the multi-million copy best-selling author is a Richard & Judy pick,  but it's also the pick of TikTok. There's nothing quite like a psychological thriller.

"William Wooler is a family man, on the surface. But he's been having an affair, an affair that ended horribly this afternoon at a motel up the road. So, when he returns to his house, devastated and angry, to find his difficult nine-year-old daughter Avery unexpectedly home from school, William loses his temper.

Hours later, Avery's family declares her missing. Suddenly Stanhope doesn't feel so safe. And William isn't the only one on his street who's hiding a lie. As witnesses come forward with information that may or may not be true, Avery's neighbours become increasingly unhinged. Who took Avery Wooler?"

If you want to spice up your summer with a book that boasts an impressive plot, with some raunchy details scattered in, this is one that you'll devour. It's another TikTok sensation and it doesn't take a genius to work out why. The best part is, there's a sequel.

"Piper Bellinger is fashionable, and influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party lands Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough. So he cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar in Washington.

Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. So what if Piper can’t do math, and the idea of sleeping in a shabby apartment with bunk beds gives her hives. How bad could it really be? She’s determined to show her stepfather—and the hot, grumpy local—that she’s more than a pretty face."

If you like a book that makes you laugh, you're in great company. When I say laugh, I mean more than just a bigger breath through your nose, I mean ugly-stop-reading laughing. It's rare, but it's true.

"If you can’t have the perfect life, why should she? Social influencer Maddy’s life is picture-perfect. Wholesome videos of her husband and twin girls project the happiest of families. And court the fame she so clearly craves.

Iris knows Maddy as the woman who broke up her marriage.
Her whole world was turned upside down and she can’t bear the hypocrisy. But there's one thing that might bring back Iris's happiness. Taking away Maddy's.

Revenge, however, is best served up close and personal.
Iris needs to get know to Maddy. Which is when things get very messy indeed. "

Just the name Jojo Moyes is enough for us to trust that the book will be a hilarious and heart-warming story. However, in the case of Someone Else's Shoes, we got a double recommendation because this is from  Zoe Ball's Book Club List. Our verdict? Nobody writes about women and female friendship quite like Jojo Moyes. It's a summer must.

The story follows two women Sam and Nisha. The two strangers are opposites, but their paths collide, causing chaos and conflict. Eventually, they realise that there's only one way to resolution, but they'll either have to walk alone or stand together. It's a tough choice and one that many of us face.

Marian Keyes is another name I put full trust in, knowing she'll deliver happy tears, laughter, and love in one neat storyline. As a hardback, this costs a little more than the paperbacks on the list, but it's half-price, which balances everything out. I bought it at full price and still think it's worth it.

The story follows Anna, who has it all, but hates it all too. She ditches her dream life in New York for a more rustic one in a small Irish town. Even in places small and far away, there's conflict, violence, ugliness, and old flames (of course).

If you like psychological thrillers and detective novels, you really won't find a better book. I read it when it was first published and I've lost count of the number of copies that I've bought for friends. It's packed with question marks and the twist that nobody could possibly see coming.

The tale is set in Durham (somewhere I've not looked at the same since), following a Detective Inspector who is called to investigate the murder of a first-year student. As she digs deeper into the story, she finds jealousy, obsession, and secrets. There's only one person who's willing to help and that's her ever-faithful friend Daniel. But does he really know who she was?

Elizabeth Day's Magpie is a Sunday Times bestseller, and one which renowned author Marian Keyes described as 'terrifyingly brilliant'. And one reviewer of the over 12,000 on Amazon said they 'couldn't turn the pages fast enough'. 

The book tells the story of children's book illustrator Marisa and her fiance Jake, who are having difficulties trying for a baby. Things get worse when publicist Kate moves in as their new lodger, and quickly unsettles Marisa (and the reader) with her lack of boundaries - like placing her toothbrush beside the couple's in their master bathroom. Marisa knows something isn't quite right, but what, and how far will she go to find the answer?

woman&home Digital Beauty Editor Aleesha Badkar says: "Twisty, tense and honestly so thrilling, this psychological drama is the definition of a page-turner and has a gripping main plot line that will make you want to read it in one whole sitting. It also deals with some of the real-life issues that come with pursuing long-term relationships and starting a family, as well as exploring the impact that mental health struggles. Carve out some dedicated time to read this one!"

Karin Slaughter's Blindsighted is the first book in her Grant County series, and the one that got w&h editor Kerrie Hughes hooked on this extraordinary author.

"Crime novels are my go-to, and Karin Slaughter is a master of them. Blindsighted is the first in her Grant County series, where you first meet its main characters, paediatrician and medical examiner Sara Linton, and her ex-husband police chief Jeffrey Tolliver. Both of whom are trying to track down the person responsible for the brutal murder of a woman in a local diner.

"Sara and Jeffrey's relationship is complex, messy and as true-to-life as they comes, making them instantly relatable. You quickly become invested in their relationship - routing for it to work - but Karin Slaughter's brilliant writing leaves you hanging in the most wonderful, yearning for more.

"This series, however, is not for the faint hearted – often the crimes committed are brutal and very explicit in detail."

The new novel from the author of Netflix sensation One Day, You are Here by David Nicholls is a love story about first encounters and second chances. 'Nicholl's best book ever', said Caitlin Moran.

It's two main characters are Marnie, who feels isolated and is stuck in a rut, and Michael, who, left devastated by his wife's departure, becomes more and more withdrawn. When the paid meet, the story unfolds, but what kind of relationship is in store for the pair? And where will it take them?

Digital Fashion Editor Caroline Parr says: "There's something about David Nicholls' books that just feels like coming home. This one is being released fresh from the success of the Netflix series One Day, so carries a lot of expectation, and I don't think fans will be disappointed."

Moran has more than proven that she can write wittily and incisively about what it feels like to be a woman. As a famed feminist, her latest question 'what about men?' came as a surprise to some and a relief to many. I've shared this book with my dad, my mum, my partner, and my best friend. It's a classic Caitlin read.

She's answered a good bulk of the questions women had about the problems of feminism and is ready to tackle men's. Over the  course of the book, she asks "why do men only go to the doctor if we make them?  Why do they never discuss their penises with each other - but make endless jokes about their balls? What is porn doing for young men? Is their fondness for super-skinny jeans leading to an epidemic of bad mental health? Are men allowed to be sad? Are men allowed to lose? Have Men's Rights Activists confused 'power' with 'empowerment'? And is Jordan B Peterson just your mum - but with some mad theory about a lobster?"

Moran's other book More than A Woman is also reduced in the Prime Day sales. 

It’s hard to find the words to do justice to a book like this. Inspired by conversations with her daughter, Oxford professor, Jenni Nutall, decided to write a book about the history of our language, and how it is connected to women (as well as how it has become increasingly disconnected from us too). 

She eloquently takes us from Old English through to the present day, accounting for every spinster, menopause, mother, and child on the way. It’s academically flawless, sharply funny, and wonderfully shareable. As a history nut, linguistic nerd, and former student of Jenni's I can attest to how incredible this book is.

Jack The Ripper’s history is a well-worn one, but Hallie Rubenhold wants to set the record straight about his victims. For centuries, we’ve written them off as unfortunate prostitutes, but most of them weren’t involved in the sex trade at all. 

Armed with her colourful writing and detailed research, Rubenhold retells the stories of each woman, how they fell on unfortunate times, and why they ended up where they did. It’s a fascinating read for all feminists, history enthusiasts, and anyone visiting London too.

If you like this kind of book, you'll love Covent Garden Ladies by Hallie Rubenhold (also in the Amazon Sales).

Even if you don't follow world events, you'll want to read Prisoners of Geography. It explains how all leaders have been constrained by the Geography of the country in which they live, whether its your neighbours, your landscape, or the shape of your country, if you don't know that geography drives the way people, ideas, and movement rise and fall, you'll never have the full picture.

"If you've ever wondered why Putin is so obsessed with Crimea, why the USA was destined to become a global superpower, or why China's power base continues to expand ever outwards, the answers are all here.

In ten chapters and ten maps, Prisoners of Geography looks at the past, present and future to offer an essential insight into one of the major factors that determines world history."

I won't stop talking about this book because it's been such an eye-opener. We all know that the food industry, labels, and packaging could be clearer, but how much do we understand it? And how do you take steps towards a healthier version of yourself?

This best-seller explains the science, economics, and history behind ultra-processed food. Van Tulleken explains "it's not you, it's the food. We are in an age of eating, where almost all our calories come from an entirely novel set of substances called Ultra-Processed Food, food which is industrially processed and designed and marketed to be addictive. But do we really know what it's doing to our bodies?"

Chris made himself the subject of an experiment to find out why exercise and willpower can't actually save us unless we have the right knowlege.

If you didn't pick this up when it launched a few years ago, now is the time to do it. The hardback edition is reduced by £10 in the sales and - really - this is the kind of book you need as a hardback. You'll keep it for life, rereading it again and again.

"In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her -- from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it -- in her own words and on her own terms.

Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations -- and whose story inspires us to do the same."

If you've seen any of Emily's posts online, you'll know that she makes nutrition look good. Kitted out with the latest research and information, Emily offers recipes that'll make your mouth water and your skin glow. Her 'Best Every Caesar Salad' is exactly what the name suggests. You won't beat it (especially not with 40% off the price).

Jo Wicks is a friendly face, offering attainable ways to make healthy swaps. I’m a big fan of all of his books, but this one is especially battered, because it’s my bible for quick, easy cooking. The loaded sweet potatoes are a family favourite, requested by any guest, all year round. Wicks this some lifestyle tips into this too, so if you’re too busy for a workout, he’s got ways to get your heart pumping. 

Following the immense success of Taste, Tucci has invited us into his kitchen again to see the recipes that his family cook and eat together (I hope they clean-up together too!) Each dish comes with a special anecdote and many blend his wife's English heritage with his Italian roots. The potato and leek soup with fried parsley is incredible. I even throw kale into mine for some extra hardiness.

If you’ve got a loved one going gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, flexitarian, or anything-else-itarian, this is a must have. Packed with delicious and unique ideas for meals, snacks, and healthy swaps, this is the cookbook each member of my family has bought to keep on their shelves. The salads are perfect for summer. 

Inspired by the Mediterranean diet, Si and Dave have managed to pull together a delicious collection of recipes that are delicious and healthy. They take a whole-food approach which is quick and easy to prep. I love their Red Pepper salad almost as much as their blueberry cheesecake (the secret ingredient is granola). See? It's brimming with guilt-free treats.

Ottolenghi has a lot of beautiful books, but this is my favourite. If I’ve got the whole family coming round for a barbecue and I need some salad inspiration, this is bursting with ideas. There are also neat pages to help you build your own Ottolenghi-style meals.

I was actually working at Penguin Random House when they published this and it caused a sensation amongst us all. As you can imagine, publishers are hard to make an impression upon, but this was the talk of the water cooler. If you liked The Bell Jar, I always consider this the 21st-century equivalent. It’s a story about a young, beautiful Columbia graduate who takes a year under sedation to hide away from the world. It's a razor-sharp satire that's been a total sensation.

If you want to indulge in some classic literature, Henry James’ earlier books are the place to start. He garnered a reputation for exquisitely detailed 'scenes' within his books and I think it really and truly started here. The book is a tender love story that’s very much set in the Bridgerton-time, but the themes are still relevant. I’ve re-read this about ten times and I think I’ll be on number eleven after being reminded of it now. 

The beauty of this book is that it is simultaneously a classic and it’s still (relatively) contemporary. You don’t have to wade through any old words to get to the beauty of Wilde’s writing. Even his introduction to Dorian Gray deserves a whole week to just bask in. You’ll probably know the story of the perpetually young and beautiful man who looks in a mirror to see his increasingly ugly aging self, but the beauty of Wilde is always in the telling.

This is the best book I have ever read and I don’t say that lightly. It’s so moving I actually have a quote from it framed on my wall. It’s a tale of five young men, growing up, and finding who they are as people within the categories that society puts on them. It’s got love, lust, heartbreak, heartache, and tragedy. I’ve never cried so much in a book, but I’ve also never felt so much either. You’ll need to be feeling mentally strong.

This is easily one of the best books of all time. The Bell Jar follows Esther on her path of self-discovery as she grows from a young girl into a woman. It’s said to be partially autobiographical, so all Plath fans and historians will love this as much as fiction readers. Either way, it's a deeply moving, beautifully written, sad tale that explores femininity and identity. Have the tissues ready (and make sure you know about a few trigger warnings).

Whilst we’re on the subject of what publishers like, this book was recommended to me by the former M.D. of Harper Collins (a person who is very hard to please). According to them, this is ‘the best book of all time’, so it’s really a must read, for all book enthusiasts who love a modern classic. 

This is Amazon's most gifted book in the Travel Photography section. WIth 25% off the price, it's only fair that you gift it to yourself. This curation of award-winning photographs from the photographer Finn Beales is 'pure visual escapism'. If you can't get a break, you can get lost in these images.

I'm keeping a close eye on Assouline's travel books, because they're the best coffee table books out there. They're bold and beautiful, with a treasure trove of photographs inside. Even though Ibiza Bohemia is her most famous, this is my favourite (and not just because the bolt of blue is stunning). Don't forget to keep an eye on the Capri Dolce Vita notebook for cheaper, but still striking orange.

I couldn't resist adding this to our list, because it runs the whole range of brilliant female painters out there, from Carrington to Kahlo to O'Keefe and back again. If you love the concept but want a brighter colour and more of a range, take a look at Great Women Artists.

If you want your coffee table book to make a bold statement in the room, you'll love this. The book explores James Turrell's light installations, which makes for great reading. The colours stay as bright the whole way through. It's gorgeous.

If you're a gardener or a fan of all things outdoors, Botanicum is the one for you. It's as informative as it is beautiful, with detailed illustrations the whole way though, You even get to see cross-sections of the plant life on our planet.

If you aspire to The White Company's interior style, you'll love the glossy pages of this book. It's page after page of chic, aspirational interior design that it's surprisingly easy to take small aspects of for your own home.